Out-of-Towners

Coronado

I love playing hostess to people from out of town; not only do you get to spend time with people you love who you don’t see often, but it’s such a refreshing way to fall in love with your city all over again. Last week my lovely parents came for a visit – here’s a peek of what we did. :)

We walked along the Harbor, enjoying all the beautiful, historic boats (which my dad LOVES). Below is the Star of India, the world’s oldest active ship. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Star-of-India

We strolled on the beach in Coronado, and sipped drinks and people watched at the Hotel del.

Hotel-del-Coronado

We even did a city tour, half of which was enjoyed in the water (I highly recommend doing a tour of your own city, if it’s available – I learned so much history and little known facts that were so interesting).

Sea-lions

San-Diego-harbor-tour   San-Diego-skyline-tour

We ate good food at some our favorite places (like here and here), and enjoyed the breathtaking view from C Level restaurant.

San-Diego-skyline

My mom even found the time to completely revamp our backyard (more photos of that to come!). She is a gardening genius, and works her magic in the dirt every time she comes to visit. I love spending that time with her making things beautiful.

potting-table

Since I can’t enjoy regular, everyday time with my family, these visits are so precious. It was such a special time with my favorite people, and of rediscovering this beautiful city the Mr and I call home. I highly recommend coming to San Diego for a visit! :)

Unbelievable Places

Lake-Retba-Senegal

Can you believe these places exist? Neither can I. Which ones would you visit if you could?

Salar-de-Uyuni-salt-flat-mirror

Tunnel-of-Love-Ukraine

Lavender-fields

Naica-Mine-Mexico

Lake Retba, Senegal / Salar de Uyuni Salt Flat Mirrors, Bolivia / Tunnel of Love, Ukraine / Lavender Fields, UK / Naica Mine, Mexico

I sometimes look into the endless heavens, the cosmos of which we can’t find the edge, and ask God what it means. Did You really do all of this to dazzle us? Do You really keep it shifting, rolling round the pinions to stave off boredom? God forbid Your glory would be our distraction. And God forbid we would ignore Your glory. – Donald Miller, Through Painted Deserts

ps – more unbelievable places.

Anniversary Getaway

Rancho-Valencia-courtyard

Last weekend, the Mr and I were gifted a one-night stay here, to celebrate our four-year anniversary. Here are a few pics of our mini getaway just a short drive from home, if you’d like to see!

Rancho-Valencia-poolside

The weather could not have been more perfect. We sat by the pool for hours and read books (his + mine).

Rancho-Valencia-villa

Rancho-Valencia-fireside

We enjoyed a lovely dinner and cocktails, and cozied up by the fireplace every chance we got.

Rancho-Valencia-OJJPG

The next morning, fresh orange juice was delivered with a morning paper (isn’t that such a great idea?). We ordered room service for breakfast, and enjoyed coffee by the fire.

It was such a lovely time of reminiscing about all our sweet memories of falling in love, traveling, figuring each other out, and just enjoying life together. It was hard to come back from such a beautiful and brief trip, but we both came home so relaxed and recharged.

Thanks for taking a peek! xo

Dream Destinations

Croatia

Greece

Browsing through these photos has made me day-dreamy for an exotic vacation. I gravitate toward more tropical destinations, so Greece, Croatia, and Bora-Bora are top on my list of must-see-before-I-die places.

Wouldn’t it be heavenly to stay in an over-the-water bungalow, swim in the Blue Caves, or dine in a cliff-side restaurant?

What destinations are you dreaming about?

China

Bora-Bora

Seychelles