Sunday, May 29, 2016

More Monterey Wildflowers

I took these on a nice walk with my littlest last night. This beach had so many beautiful wildflowers...which I don't know the names of. So if you know, enlighten me please ;)
These ones look like Indian Paintbrush, which is probably why I like them so much:
These dainty pink flowers are growing everywhere! Especially on the sides of the freeway--it's so pretty but hard to get pictures of since I can't just stop on the freeway to take pictures. 
It's so pretty this time of year! Happy Sunday. 

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Cottage Bedroom Crafting

Am I the only one who puts their bedroom on the back burner to other rooms in the house (decoration wise)? I mean, no one else really sees that room, and while I still want it to be a nice space, I don't really do much else with it. I have a couple little decorating projects I have done for my bedroom, and this is one I FINALLY did after years of saying I would. 

My humble sand collection from places in the world we have been. It's crazy how just these little jars of sand all lined up bring back great memories that we have collected. Also it's the cheapest souvenir ever! And the jars are from the hundred yen store, of course. I bought them so long ago, so it's good I finally put them to use. 
^^you can't tell, but the Dominican Republic sand is pink.  I love it^^
^^they look kind of like spice jars from far away. Also, I am looking for suggestions on how to "craft" that piece of rope from the Naha tug of war. I don't know what to do with it!^^

Now I love this little space in my room. I guess my goal for my room is to decorate in a way that is a happy space all about me! (and Victor--it's his room too haha). Hopefully more little projects coming soon. 

I can't resist the "then and now" photos.

Yes, I'm a sucker to take these kind of photos, but the changes of time in these two pictures is crazy to see. I'm not talking about my being pregnant then not pregnant, although it is crazy how time goes. Just 7 months ago I had a baby in me and now I have an almost 6 month old. 

Anyway, I'm talking about the seasons for this rock formation. That it can be just that one season--not a drop of water...
To this!!
A roaring waterfall that caused a nice gust of mist as soon as we came in its path. This log was all wet now, and yet it was still so easy to just climb on up compared to last time.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed this edition of then/now photos!

Monday, May 16, 2016

"The Mountains are Calling, and I Must Go"

I saw this quote at Yosemite this weekend by John Muir and I thought it was very fitting for our own camping adventure this weekend. A few weeks ago I was reading about Yosemite and how its peak waterfall time is now. If you recall, our last trip to Yosemite was beautiful, but very very dry. So, I told Victor we MUST go, and he indulged me, despite having to write a paper the whole drive and first night there.

IT WAS WORTH IT.

All those majestic, powerfully scary waterfalls. It was awe inspiring.

Picture overload!

Tunnel View: with Bridalveil Falls clearly more than the trickle it was in October!
Bridalveil Falls up close and getting wet from the mist! This was J's favorite thing ever.
Ribbon Fall:
 Illilouette Falls:
 Spectacular Vernal Fall. If you recall, I was 7.5 months pregnant last time, so we didn't do any hiking. This time we hiked the Mist Trail up to Vernal Falls and it sure was worth it! It was pretty hard though, incline wise. We gained 1500 feet in just one mile. While we were hiking I was questioning why I enjoy hiking so much when it was not an enjoyable moment. I was short of breath and feeling so out of shape. But as we climbed the stairs along these huge falls that are spraying in our face, I knew that was why. That feeling of accomplishment and the natural high it brings!


 He got sick of being in there ha.
 The mighty river headed down.
 We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the valley floor and the spectacular Yosemite Falls.
 ^^The one time he willingly wanted to pose!^^

As soon as we approached the base of Yosemite Falls, we started getting misted on, and J was grinning ear to ear about it! Poor Dom was sleeping and was upset that that's how he got woken up. 
 Upper and Lower Yosemite:
 Here's some pictures of our little campsite. The first night was rough. But the next night wasn't so bad and even had me thinking we would do it again. Tip: if you go camping with a toddler or baby, you must bring this little clampy high chair thing! Life saver.
I made tin foil dinners on my pink party ball grill I bought in Okinawa!

Anyway, back to the majesty of Yosemite. This was the drive in. Glorious!
 Trying to get a good family photo.
 And one last stop at Valley View, possibly one of my favorite spots because it just photographs so well every time!
^^Right before he tried to drink the water oh man. ^^

The love affair I have with Yosemite has grown so much deeper after this weekend. It truly is an inspiring place that overflows with displays of God's greatness. I can't wait to return. After this trip, I want to return every single May to see these incredible waterfalls at their peak. Whoever wants to join me is welcome :)

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Things I'm Loving Lately

I enjoyed doing this post before so I decided to do it again! What little things have been making you happy lately?? Here are a few for me:

Ranunculus. I have bought these several weeks in a row from the farmers market because they have been making me so happy. Each individual bloom is so unique that I get why people frequently arrange them to only one or two in a vase.  
Big Sur River Inn. I have been wanting to check this place out for a long time and now that I have I'm addicted! Especially since during the month of May they do live jazz every Sunday afternoon. I went down last Sunday with my sister Melanie and Dom, and talk about a gorgeous Sunday. They set up their adirondack chairs in the river and it is so enjoyable to sit and soak your feet. I can't wait to take J and let him play in the river. It is a very steady stream so I think he would be ok.
Cold pressed Watermelon Juice. My new addiction from Costco! I drink it when I'm craving Dr. Pepper. It tastes like summer :)
Poke. Have you ever heard of poke?? (pronounced po-kay). Apparently it's big in Hawaii, but it's like a sushi bowl. A place here in Monterey just opened called the Poke Lab and it is DELISH. So yummy and not-heavy. It fills my sushi/japanese food craving. Typing about it is making me want it again!
Snapchat filters. What's not to love?? Man, they are entertaining. It's what J and I do for fun. And if you don't have snapchat you should. I like it. Follow me if you do. Speaking of snapchat, my favorite singer Ingrid Michaelson (who is addicted to snapchat filters also) just released her new single and it's great, but her new video is just her singing with snapchat filters. Check it:

And last but not least, Justin Bieber. Oh Justin, I can't quit you. You seem like such a punk sometimes, you know, like prank posing with my dad and posting on instagram and such haha. But I still love his music! I know his album came out like 6 months ago, but I didn't buy it so when new songs come on the radio, I'm all "oh this is good, who sings this??" and it usually turns out to be Justin...or One Direction. I've had this song in my head lots. It's just so catchy

So that's it for now. Tell me what you have been loving lately!
 
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