on show and tell..

Today I am showing off my rad t-shirt that was gifted to me by my step-mom. My family and I took a trip to Friday Harbor, one of the San Juan Island in Washington. It was a nice leisure trip. I loved the view as we drive up to the ferry. There is nothing like the air in Washington, so fresh and crisp. It sounds corny to say but it's just something I always notice. 

The drive towards Friday Harbor we passed Swinomish and that's when I spotted the cutest little Native American shop. We ended up stopping on our way back from Friday Harbor. That's where I picked up the shirt of my dreams. Wolves have been my favorite animal since forever so this shirt was love at first sight. The shop was filled with fun Native American goodies and trinkets. Stores like that make me squeal with glee. I can go wild and crazy and my need to buy everything gets a little extreme. Of course, the t-shirt wasn't the only thing I left with, come on, you know me I just couldn't leave without a dream catcher. 

My sister and I always had dream catchers growing up. We both always loved the idea that they took away a sleeping person's nightmares. They helped us feel save in our beds when we were little. It's one of those things that has stuck with me for a really long time. For me the dream catcher represents protection, strength and unity. The dream catcher is my dad. This trip home I just really needed to take something like that back with me. 

xoxo. 

on Seattle in photos...

Well, I'm back in Philadelphia after a nice week in Seattle. It was hard to come back, no offense to Philadelphia but Seattle will always be my home. It just feels right. The week was a busy one and I already shared the first half of it and I wanted to show off some photos I took of the second half. 

After my fun day with my girls, I spend the rest of the afternoon with my family. In the evening I had a little surprise for Bobby since it was his birthday. We heading downtown to the Hard Rock Cafe were we met some friends. Bobby knew I was taking him out but didn't know details. I was conspiring against him for a month and even got in contact with one of his friends, Matt who lives in Seattle. I was able to get him to come out and hang with us. We had some good food, great drinks and much needed conversation with some of my favorite people. It was a really great night. Not to forget that my guy got a little bit spoiled :)  

Sunday we had a fabulous BBQ at Julee's house with a really great bunch of people. I headed to Julee's early spend some time helping Julee and Glen prep for the day while Sebastian and my little sister Michelle kept each other company. Bobby went out with his friend Matt who took him up flying in his small plane. They even flew close to Julee's house! Julee and Glen live in such a nice house with such a beautiful view so it's always a treat to be there. I got to see a lot my favorite people and just have a relaxing day. Not to forget that my dad and step-mom come along which make me feel all warm and fuzzy. 

Even though our trip has even it's nice to know that in about six months we are heading back for good to start our next adventure. I think it was a much needed trip out to get excited for everything this is going to come our way once we move out to Seattle. Big hug and kiss to Julee and Glen who make this trip happen! 

xoxo.

on a girls date...

Leave it to my girls to take me out for a crazy eventful and fun filled day. I swear they always know how to show me a good time. Saturday morning Julee, Tanya and Brie picked me up from my dad's and we headed to downtown to spend the morning learning how to make delicious pizza at Serious Pie. So much fun people! First of all the place was totally charming. I about died when stepping foot into this pizza shop. It was fun to learn about how the chiefs go about making their unique pizza. The cool thing about Serious Pie pizza is not just all the neat toppings they put on their pies but also how they make their dough and how they bake them. Their pies are oval, never round and are baked in a 600° stone-incased apple wood oven. The pizza comes out with crispy blistered crust with a fluffy texture. I recommend that everyone go enjoy this very light and fun class. Plus, you get to eat what you make and enjoy it with a glass a wine. Can't beat that man! Here are some photos of the day. 

 After having some serious pizza we went on foot to take a ride on the new Big Wheel on pier 60. What a view! I snapped a few photos. 

 xoxo.

on a surprise trip to seattle...

We're in SEATTLE! I know. Sneaky Sneaky. My little family and I were gifted tickets to Seattle from two very amazing people, so here we are. It was a surprise because my father had no idea that we were coming. Yesterday we arrived into Seattle at 8:30pm and heading straight to my dads. Thanks Tanya for picking us up :) Needless to say, my dad was extremely surprise and totally caught off guard. Here are a few picture of our first day in Seattle. We plan on making the most out of this visit!

This morning my dad took my sister and I on a coffee date. Of course, we headed to a Starbucks just down the street. I hope to slowly but surly open my families eye up to all the other coffee shops. Small business all the way!! 

It's been a very emotional day but in the end we all have to stay strong and be there for the ones we love. So glad that I get to be here to spend some quality time with my family and friends

xoxo. 

on who I am...

I am...

...distracted. Julee wrote a great post on how powerful silence can be, I agree with everything she points out. However, silence on my blog means I've been distracted and or busy. Sometimes the days go by so quickly that I have a hard time catching up with them. Lately, I've been caught up in some really good books and so my little space here has been brushed to the side. Not only that but I've been excitedly working on a new project. An idea that I've always known I would make happen. Something that I just happened to start on because of an unexpected burst of inspiration. Hoping I can share what I'm up to soon but as of right now it's much to early. Only a select few have been involved, one being my husband, who is pretty cool with listening to me go on and on for hours about it. 

...discouraged by this heat wave we have here in Philadelphia. Sweet Mercy! It's in the 90s and I can't deal. It's much too hot and as much as I am happy that the weather is finally looking bright and sunny it's just too hot to do anything but sit in an air conditioned house. Philadelphia summers are not my favorite mostly because of the humidity we get here and if it weren't for my in laws who have a pool we would most likely never leave the house. That being said, can't wait for Sebastian first time in the pool this season, he is looking forward to it.

...giddy about ordering a new Epiphanie camera bag, one that I've been eyeing up for quite some time. I took the plunge. I already have a different camera bag that I've kind of grown out of so I thought it was time to change things up. It will be great to use when traveling which will come in handy in the near future plus it's super cute! Win! Also totally and utterly in love with my new prescription sunglasses that I purchased from Bon Look. Great stylish prescription eye wear at a ridiculously affordable price. 

...finding that whenever I get stressed or overwhelmed all I have to do is remember how blessed I am and then it all just goes away. Perspective is the best medicine I could ever ask for lately! 

...feeling lucky to have such a kick ass husband. I know it sounds corny but needless to say he is just what I need. I never would have ever thought I could find someone that fits as well as he does. We are nowhere near perfect, we bicker like we've been married for a trillion years, and he squirms around way too much in bed which keeps me up at night but he's sweet and gentle were as I am rough and matter-of-fact. He eats whatever I cook for him without a side-eye in sight and listens to me talk about all my crazy far fetched hopes, dreams and ideas of everything that I want in this life. He simply tells me to reach for them and never give up. That's why I love him.

...currently obsessed with low-high shirts and high-waisted shorts, which I can never wear because COME ON, just look at me! Hold me.  

...shamelessly overly depressed about all my television shows being over for now. All these season finales KILL ME. However, I'm eager for all them to start back up as well as all these fabulous new shows starting this Fall. But that's a post on it's own. So there's that. 

I am happy. 

on a celebration in NYC...

Yesterday, Bobby and I celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary! Okay, so it feels way longer than 2 year because, well, we've been together way longer and have accomplished even more but it's still a fun thing to celebrate. We took a bus up to NYC for the day and walked around Times Square and Central Park. It was a whopping 80 degrees with a slight breeze but you know it always feels so much hotter when walking on blacktop. 

We had a nice relaxing walk, hand in hand, around Central Park and just sat around enjoying the day. I don't know how long it's been since we had a day like this, just us of two being together. Nothing else. Boy, was it good for the soul. 

After walking a bit more with some site seeing and window shopping we had a nice late lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. Bobby was totally into it with all the instruments and music/music videos that were playing the whole time we ate. It was fun to hear such a wide variety of music in one place. Super cool! 

All in all, it was a great day. Love my husband and excited for the next two years :) 

on bits & pieces...

Today we went on a road trip! Sometimes all the soul needs is a day away so that's just what we did. I woke up early this morning to get my hair done, which by the way feels so good! Something about getting your hair done that makes your heart sing. By 11am we were on the road heading to Cape May, New Jersey to the Cape May Zoo. The Cape May Zoo is such a wonderful zoo. All they ask for is a donation when you enter and of course we always give whatever we can and then the zoo is at your disposal. They give you a map and your on your own to adventure. It's not a very big zoo and it doesn't have a lot animals like some zoos do but we always enjoy it. It's super family friendly with lots of picnic tables out front along with a playground for the kids. So really you can make a whole day out of it. The weather was perfect in the upper 60s with clouds. The forecast said there was a chance of rain but it held out until the drive home. Couldn't of asked for a better day!

Our road trip is never complete unless we stop at our favorite place Custard Castle! Best custard, hands down. I'm not a huge fan of ice cream or custard but this I crave every time we are close. Growing up Bobby and his family always made it a tradition to stop and get treats so I love being able to do the same now! Oh, and of course Sebastian passed out on the way home :) What have you been up to so far this weekend? 

Happy Saturday!