La dolce far niente

Any other Eat, Pray, Love fans out there? 

I just love that book. And of course, the movie. 

Ah, and let’s not forget about the soundtrack. 

So, so good! 

The scenes from Italy, where she’s doing nothing but indulging in those luscious carbs? 

Makes me salivate just thinking about it. 

But it’s an amazing message, no? 

“La dolce far niente….The sweetness of doing nothing.” 

It really stuck with me this past weekend… 

Not because I sat around the house and did absolutely nothing. 

Actually, quite contrary – I did A LOT over the past few days. 

But none of it was forced, it all flowed so naturally, and it was all so enjoyable. 

Between a visit to the spa, cooking dinner for our friends, and a blissful day spent in Coronado, 

this weekend was close to perfect.

How was your weekend?

Weekend Diary

Where on earth does the time go? 

Another weekend came and went,

and although it flew by really quickly,

we still took advantage of every minute.

This weekend I:

-Celebrated Friday with a yummy seafood feast at Oceanaire. 

The Oyster bar is one of the best in San Diego (mental note to come back for happy hour soon),

and the ahi salad pictured below was super fresh and delicious. 

-After dinner on Friday, my bestie and I walked over a block (in the rain!) to Fluxx for a little dirty dancing. 

Can't tell you much about that night, because I honestly don't remember.. 

All I know is that we had a fabulous time.

-On Saturday Erik and I went up north to celebrate my mother in-law's birthday and to play in the SNOW. 

How beautiful is this? 

Love getting away for a little R&R, even if only for a day. 

-Sunday was definitely a fun day!

The mister and I teamed up with our best friends to participate in the San Diego Challenge,

an Amazing Race type of event that had us chasing down clues all around downtown. 

If you ever have a chance to participate in an event like this, do it!

Just think of it as a giant scavenger hunt. 

-And although we didn't even come close to winning,

the four of us decided that we should still reward ourselves for our efforts with an extravagant meal. 

It just so happened that one of my favorite restaurants, Gabardine, was hosting a special four-course dinner with wine pairings from Laird Family Estate that night, so we decided to go for it. 

It was such a phenomenal experience!

Brian Malarkey's young chef proteges prepared a feast from some of my favorite foods, 

that went along pefectly with the wine. 

Fresh oysters, tender lamb, decadent blue cheese strata... yum!

I'm drooling just thinking about it. 

The amount of wine we consumed was definitely too indulgent for a Sunday night,

especially when we had to lose an hour of sleep the next morning before work (side eye time-change deciders). 

So worth it though!

How was your weekend?!

Weekend Diary

After a jam-packed month of traveling, it was really nice to spend a few days in my beautiful city. 

This weekend I:

-Attended two different art shows in one night with my bestie. 

The first event, The World of Caleb Aero: An Exploration of Aerosol Art got us a little high off the fumes, 

while the artist demonstrated his technique at the beautiful Andaz Hotel. 

It was all in good fun of course. 

It's always impressive to watch artists at work.. their passion is contagious. 

Before heading to Vin De Syrah for the next show, Underground Art Walk,

we decided to stop by the Pussycat Dollhouse for some little pick-me-up cocktails. 

The show itself was just as good as I thought it would be,

filled with a showcase of pieces by various artists and live music. 

The remainder of the weekend was filled with mellow dinners at our friends' houses,

family time, and housework. 

The mister and I decided to reward ourselves on Sunday, with brunch at one of my favorite San Diego restaurants, Herringbone,

and some time at the beach. 

The weather this weekend was unbelievably perfect.

Who can complain about 80 degrees on the coast in February?!

My niece and nephew at Mission Beach. Picture perfect. 

All in all, this weekend was absolutely perfect!

How was yours??

Catch Up

Feels like it's been a hot minute since I've told you about what I've been up to lately,

so here are a few random shots. 

Up above, are me and my girls at the one year anniversary party for The Wine Lover,

a cute little wine bar in the heart of Hillcrest. 

Make sure to stop by and check out some Sunday Lovin, their open acoustic night. 

Wine and live music on a Sunday afternoon? 

Sounds spectacular. 

The husband and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary at Greystone.

My, how time flies!

If you're a meat lover, I highly recommend this place. 

Smack in the middle of the Gaslamp,

this place served up the best lamb chops I've had in YEARS. 

Erik ordered the elk chop, and was equally pleased. 

Like I said, if you're looking to impress on your next date night,

ch-ch-ch-check it out!

My friend and I took in some serious eye candy at the latest Art and Fashion Collide event at Andaz San Diego.

We started the night off at the Ivy Wine Bar, 

where we perused a display of contemporary abstract art from featured artist Heidi Thompson.

 A little while later we headed downstairs for the Maceoo fashion show,

where we had the pleasure of viewing the male model eye candy, front and center. 

Can we talk about the shirts though?

I seriously want to invest in a few for the huz. 

I mean, if Scott Disick wears them, they must be legit. 

Right?

And finally,

in the spirit of Halloween,

we decided to get dressed up and hit the town water, 

to celebrate this awesome holiday with a Boos Cruise. 

I was My Little Pony. <points to headband> Duh!

(Boy, I hope everyone gets the Mean Girls reference here.)

Weekend Diary

The huzband and I got back from our vacation last week,

and immediately plunged ourselves back into our busy social schedule. 

#YOLO

One of my besties flew in from Chicago,

which was perfect timing because we all got to celebrate another bestie's birthday together. 

Marg Classic Pie. Amazing.
We also tried it in Mash. Equally delectable.

Tequila birthday treats are better than birthday desserts.
Yeah, I said it. 

On Friday night a bunch of us got together for amazing pizza at Bar Basic. 

After seeing the pie picture above,

do you really need any more convincing to go there immediately?

Didn't think so. 

After we stuffed ourselves silly,

we decided to put our.. ahem.. lovely voices to the test,

with some karaoke at the Lamplighter.

If you're ever seeking a super chill bar to sing, dance and watch the game at,

this is your place! 

So lucky to call these beauties my friends!

We kept the party going through the weekend.

Ladies night at Fluxx is always a good time.

Who needs Vegas when you can be naughty in your own backyard?

What have you all been up to lately?

Missed you!

Weekend Diary

This weekend I:

-Hiked Cowles Mountain again.

The weather was perfect.

I'm SO in love with San Diego.

-Took in more sun rays on my patio,

while eating fresh basil pasta and re-reading The Great Gatsby before the movie comes out. 

How excited is everyone for Leo's comeback by the way?

I've missed that man.

-Caught up with some of my besties over 2001 wine that one of them brought from her honeymoon in Greece. 

-Cured a hangover with some delish Korean food at Friend's House. 

-I may, or may not have ombre'd my hair...

-Had my girlfriends over for dinner. 

Home made shrimp enchiladas via this recipe with coronas on the side, was a perfect way to wrap up the weekend!

Weekend Diary

sunset view from my house

I suppose I don't plan on blogging regularly until,

oh,

late September. 

Not because I don't want to,

but because I simply don't have time. 

I don't know how some people do it... 

Anyway,

this weekend I:

-spent quality time with family,

and had the pleasure of consuming an amazing Italian feast cooked by my sister's bf, in my own home.

Mussels, clams, oysters, scallops, grilled veggies... oh my!

-partook in an indulgent happy hour with some of my favorite people from work. 

You have to love the people you work with - makes those 40 hours you spend in the office every week SO much more bearable.

-sang along to "Hold On" at the Wilson Phillips concert with my besties. 

Believe it. 

All my 90's dreams came true. So fun!

-attended a baby shower for one goooorgeous mama to be.

-laid out by the pool and just enjoyed summer. 

-I've also been cooking up a storm lately. 

Thinking that it won't hurt if I share some recipes with ya'll soon. 

Stay tuned.