Fall Break

Have you ever heard of Fall Break? About three years ago our school district added a week off in October calling it "Fall Break", at first I thought, oh geez another week to figure out what to do with the kids, but now I'm so grateful for this week of fun! For the second year, we decided to take the time off work and head South. Our choice of relaxation was beautiful La Costa Resort, with the weather still  warm in sunny So Cal. we get to enjoy some family fun pool time. This year we were joined by some special friends, my college roomy and her beautiful baby boy and hubby! We enjoyed every moment with them and look forward to doing it all over again next year!

Let the fun begin!

What kid wouldn't have a blast here?

Even the adults can get in on the fun!

My view! 

These cuties love their special time with Baby Drew!

Later in the week we headed back North to the happiest scary place on earth, Disnyland. Thinking it was in middle of the week it wouldn't be crowded - WRONG! I guess Fall Break exisits for many elemenry school kids or a lot of people just played hooky! We made the most of our two days there and had a blast! Thank goodness for Fast Passes, because I wasn't about to wait 2 hours for Radiator Springs in Cars Land! We'll be headed back soon now that we have yearly passes!!!

Working Girl

I have to share some exciting news, I went back to work and I am LOVING it!! I forgot how great it felt to actually feel like you are accomplishing something and having a paycheck doesn't hurt! I LOVE my new job, and feel so blessed! Wanted to share a few new "office" items I recently purchased. No more flip-flops and cut-off shorts for me, at least not during the week!

 

 

1. Banana Republic | 2. Shopbop | 3. Gorjana Griffin |4. Nordstrom | 5. Zara

Happy Friday!

Sunny Arizona

We just got back from our annual family getaway to hot, but beautiful Arizona! This is a trip we have been doing for the last 5 years and enjoy every moment! We can't get enough of the Four Seasons Scottsdale hotel! The Four Seasons is hands-down one of the best hotel's out there! As soon as you pull up, you feel right at home! They go out of their way to greet you and make you feel welcomed! Of course, there is a price tag with that attention, but in July it's a bargain!

The main reason for this awaited getaway is the sun, pooooool and relaxation! It really is a place we unwind, enjoy each other and eat! The kids also, always look forward to Kids Club, which is included in your stay!

We got to celebrate our birthdays there this year. Sophia, turned 9 and I turned, well I'll keep that to myself! 

We ventured out and tried some amazing restaurants this year! We always like trying different places and will for sure keep a few of these on our list for next year!

Here is a review of 3 of our favorites:

Oregano's - A staple in Arizona, and to think this was our first time there makes me wonder why. Salads, pasta, pizza need I say more! The food was sooooo good, a little overwhelming. I swear, it looked like I had not even touched my food!! The prices for the amount of food you get is VERY reasonable. Our favorite dish - dessert! It kind of reminded me of a Pizzokie from BJ's, but so much better! I would highly recommend stopping by any of their 13 locations! We will keep Oregano's on our list for next year!

Pinnacle Peak Patio - Such a great atmosphere, the kids really enjoyed it! As soon as you pull up to the dirt parking lot you feel like your in the Wild Wild West! You walk up to this western looking entry and as you walk in all you see is cowboy hats, cowboy boots and country music playing! My country girl Sophia, couldn't get enough! There are half cut-off ties that cover the entire ceiling! The joke is, if you walk into this place with a tie, expect that it will be cut-off! NO TIES ALLOWED! Just cowboy boots! Needless-to-say, the food consists of good old BBQ dishes! I had the ribs, which were very tasty. Lawrence had the rib-eye and devoured every bite! The kids had your basic kids menu, mac & cheese, chicken fingers, grilled cheese, etc. Be warned, if you order your meat well-done they bring out a cowboy boot on a dish for you! So don't bring up the WD word! Great place, full of fun memories!

Spotted Donkey Cantina - Of course, being in the Southwest we couldn't not go to a Southwest Mexican cuisine restaurant. I am such a fan of Mexican food (my favorite) so I enjoyed this restaurant very much! We started with the Guacamole, at $11.00 it better have been great, and it was! My food of choice was the chicken enchiladas and yum, highly recommended! Unfortunately, I didn't have room left for dessert, because I ate everything on my plate! It was delicious! The food portions were made for Hulk Hogan! The Margarita's were a perfect way to end my day of lounging at the pool! 

Let's not forget Last Chance! This is something I look forward to every year!!  My hubby and kids could do without it, but it's a HUGE/BIG/ENORMOUS to-do on my list! If you are not familiar with Last Chance, let me fill you in on a little secret! It's where all the stuff you return to Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack goes to! I actually lucked out this year because they were having their Christmas in July sale! I got UGG boots for myself and Sophia at $35 each!!! CRAZYYYYYY!! I found some amazing things, and look forward to walking in all of them! Be warned, you need lots of patience and time when you walk through those doors!

This sums up yet another amazing trip to sunny Scottsdale! Looking forward to next year!

We had a nice birthday cupcake waiting for us when we arrived to our hotel! Got to LOVE the Four Seasons!

Home for the next 5 days!

Birthday girls!

This is what our days consisted of.

The kids love Kids Club, so do Mom and Dad!

The Four Seasons casitas!

Got to spend some time with Tia Luz!

Need a tie?

Julian, smile! This is what I get!

We went through 5 bottles of sunblock and still look extra crispy!

A must I didn't mention, The Good Egg breakfast spot!

Bye-Bye, until next year!

My American Girl

Schools out! Hence, the reason my blogging had been put on hold!
But, I do have to share Sophia's pre-birthday bash celebration! Took advantage that my future 9 year-old still enjoys and loves playing with her dolls, especially her American Girl doll, Zoey!

Sophia got to enjoy a birthday lunch celebration with her favorite friends! Here a few pictures that captured the special day!

Thanks to Marissa, Jules, Bella, Kayla and her rumbustious brother, Julian, for joining Sophia on her American Girl day!

Friends!!

The birthday girl and her Grandmothers!

The Mommies!

Strawberry picking & playing in LA

I have lived my whole life in Southern California and the thought of strawberry picking never crossed my mind until we had friends visiting from the windy city, Chicago! The first thing on their agenda was strawberry picking!!! Who knew!

So my search for strawberry fields was on. To my surprise there are many locations in Southern Cali where one can pick and purchase your own strawberries. We ended up at McGarth Family Farms, in Camarillo. Sophia and Julian had a blast!!! After an hour of picking delicious, sweet strawberries, we ended our day with some sand in our toes with a trip to one of our favorite beaches in Ventura!

Our weekend continued with a trip to Universal Studios on Sunday! I have not been there since the day I quit my job in the park 16 years ago (it was one of the funnest jobs EVER).  We all got to spend quality time together and I got to re-connect with my childhood friend and his beautiful family!

I love hosting friends out of town! Not only do I get to spend time with the people I love and miss, but I get to appreciate and see the great city we live in. There is no where else like home!

Strawberry fields

Let the picking begin!

Next time, I'll make sure they wear sneakers!

LOVE my boys!