Visiting Kingsmill Resort

Thought I'd share a photo collage from a recent trip to Kingmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia. We spent the weekend here with Mark's parents, two of my favorite people. We went sailing on a schooner (think pirate ship!), took a beautiful bike ride around the entire resort, played golf and even had time to shop at the outlets. Kingmill is about 2.5 - 3 hours from Washington, D.C. and the drive was beautiful because all the leaves are just starting to change. During our next trip, we will have to tour historic Colonial Williamsburg. This time was mostly reserved for just enjoying each other's company.

We're engaged!

Six days ago my boyfriend took me to the rooftop of the W Hotel, overlooking all of Washington, D.C., and asked me to marry him. It was completely heart stopping! Even though we’ve been a couple and have lived under the same roof for many years, something feels different. I don’t think I have ever been this happy. I get to marry a man who I truly could not be more in love with.

California Pit Stops

Below is really just a mod podge of photos. We've been taking full advantage of our time in California and have discovered some great spots, like El Pescado Fish Market and Karl Strauss Brewery - both in La Jolla. We also made a quick trip to visit friends in Los Angeles this weekend, one of which who lives in a 100-year old house in Los Feliz. Outside he had lemon, grapefruit and avocado trees! It's rare to find this in L.A. In fact, his house is the only one left on a street now filled with apartments. 

During our visit, we also saw a friend perform in "The Late Henry Moss" at Theater 68. The play runs until early August so be sure to check it out and support local artists. A final quick note to pet owners traveling to L.A. Stay at Hotel Palomar! We were completely blown away by how wonderful they are to dogs. Upon checking in, we were even given a doggie gift basket with food and treats...for free!  Little did we know that all Kimpton Hotels are pet-friendly and don't charge extra. Must admit, they won me over as soon as I saw the sign out front welcoming Rusty, and all the other cats & dogs. Just goes to show it's the little things that make all the difference...we're now Kimpton fans for life. 

Fish Tacos at El Pescado

Enjoy a beer at the Karl Strauss Brewery

At Hotel Palomar in L.A. - the best dog friendly hotel

Home grown avocados

100-year old Los Feliz house with character 

$1 Oyster Happy Hour in La Jolla

It's Friday, finally! This week just felt off with July 4th smack dab in the middle. It's a good thing America's birthday doesn't fall on a Wednesday for another eight or so years.

Photo: La Jolla Blue Book

If you're looking for a place to unwind with some friends, order a strong cocktail or two and shuck oysters, I highly suggest heading to Herringbone in La Jolla for Happy Hour. We were there last Tuesday and had a great time. The floor-to-ceiling windows, indoor-outdoor layout, and 100-year old olive trees scattered throughout give this eatery a really cool, unique vibe.  In addition to the $1 oysters, I also opted for the "Vodka Something," one of their snake oil cocktails made with carbonated water and vodka infused seasonal berries. No complaints here.

Happy Hour also includes discounts on wine and beer, and is Monday - Friday from 4pm to 6pm. Cheers!

Photo: San Diego Food Finds

Del Mar Dog Beach

We went looking for surf yesterday but ended up at the Del Mar dog beach since the waves were pretty flat. It was high tide and we found a group of pups diving for tennis balls. They didn't seem to mind when the waves came crashing down. Rusty on the other hand pretty much stayed on shore sniffing the rocks and seaweed, but every once in a while he would feel brave and try to keep up with the big guys. It was dog paradise and the perfect way for us to end a long week. We stayed for an hour or so just enjoying the scenery, making friends with the other dog owners, and talking about one day owning a house with the beach as our backyard.

Livin' the California Life

About a week or so ago, I hopped a plane from Miami to San Diego with two suitcases filled with clothes and of course, my pup Rusty. You see, one of the benefits of working remotely and having a boyfriend in business school, is that I get to go on adventures like this one. For the next two and a half months, we’ve made San Diego our new home and so far, so good. I told my mom the other day that when you’re outside here, it feels like the AC is on. No humidity, just cool and crisp.  Life is good, no complaints here. I’m just really looking forward to exploring our new city and meeting some new friends along the way. 

Exploring DC

Sunday was a gorgeous day and I really didn't have much to do except for a few errands. I decided to take advantage of the time and go exploring around town by bike. Let me just say that joining Capital Bike Share was a brilliant decision and I highly recommend to anyone living in DC without a car. And yes, I am that dork with a bright pink helmet! 

My first stop was the National Sculpture Garden. I brought a book along and sat by the fountain sunning myself. It must be tourist season here because the National Mall was packed with people and graduates in cap and gown, and the double decker tour buses were out in full force clogging up traffic. 

Next was a quick trip to the National Archives Museum on my way to grab a bike home. Said hello to the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Ya know, just an average Sunday. 

I felt a little guilty knowing Rusty was inside all day and not getting to enjoy the beautiful weather. I picked up the poodle and we spent an hour or so lounging at Meridian Hill Park. 

You never know what you're going to see when you come to this park. Tightrope walkers, hula hoppers, yogis and you may even catch a few arrests! Yup, saw some dude getting hauled away in a cop car for what I assume was selling or possessing illegal drugs...but that's just my speculation. Nonetheless, we had a good time and met some new friends. 

The day ended with dinner at Lauriol Plaza but of course the restaurant had a ridiculously long hour and a half wait so we walked across the street to find $2.50 sake and Kirin Light. Not a bad day at all!