10 on 10: Bright & Cheerful Edition

Finding ten beautiful moments in one ordinary day.

Le Creuset.

Always. 

Curls.

Errands. 

Happiness.

Help.

Refreshment. 

BLT....A. 

Blooms.

Grandpa's.

Linking up this extra-ordinary colorful day with Rebekah.

Mylie's Guest Post

Mylie and I teamed up for a little guest post over at my sweet friend April's blog today. 

She's off gallivanting on her honeymoon, and I'm only slightly jealous.

Head on over to The Striped Flamingo to read about one of our recent adventures!!!

Weekendlies: Red & Gold

My computer is in the shop. It's a bit of a sensitive subject. One of these days I'll get it back and be able to blog about Christmas and such. For now a quick phone blog, of the latest weekending...

1. Lunch with these ladies, strolling on a warm January day. It was quick, but it was grand.

2. I've been trying to get on the worship team for years, this one invented an imaginary violin and boom, she's in.

3. Feeling spirited.

4. Pup tent. Bringing team spirit to a front yard near you.

5. Baby Kaep. All she needs are some Beats.

6. Monday holidays are great for sleeping in and snuggling. 

7. Mylie may be younger by 4 years but she's the protector.

8. It was a beautiful 71* day in my neighborhood.

9. Wine school. It's a thing. A really fun thing.

The Break.

 The last two weeks were twelve glorious work free days.
This year, I didn't embark on any crazy out of town adventures.
Just a lot of hanging out at home, doing the things I never get to do, or hardly have time for.
Working on a few projects, and did a little exploring in my extended backyard.
It was amazing.


I had my third annual "off the grid baking day".
Where I lock myself in my house and bake until the cows come home.
Or I run out of ingredients.
Whatever happens first.

Like these Snowballs.

 

And put together some treat boxes for a few friends.
Including my favorite Spumoni Cookies - several people asked for them this year. Which makes me so happy!

  
Enjoyed being at home.
In the daytime.
With Mylie by my side.

Checked out a new restaurant in town with some friends.
And went to Walgreens afterward. Because, Walgreens. 

 Practiced being a reindeer

Made my dad come over and help hang my Christmas present. 

Isn't it gorgeous.
I can't stop staring at it.

Watched hours of cheesy Lifetime Christmas movies with my mom.
Yes, that is Whoopi Goldberg as Santa. Including white Santa dreads.

 

Finally opened my Christmas gift from last year, an enamel pot and made my Grandma's award winning (really!) Beef Burgundy recipe. 

 And invited a couple friends over to try it.
Wine & cheese included.

Worked on a house project that I have been planning in my head.

It only took me 4 years to actually get started.  

 Cleaned.
Everything.

 Made breakfast.
Like actually made it.

 And enjoyed whipped cream.
Probably a bit too much.

 

Did a little clearance shopping at Target.

I think Smiles is pretty happy about it.

 Went into the City and had a nice lunch w/ my mom at the Beach Chalet.
And caught this incredible ring around the sun.

 And took in a view of the love of my life.

Enjoyed a sky party from the comfort of my living room.
With one snoring Schnoodle by my side.

Had some friends over for tea & cookies.
And puffs.

 Good, longtime friends.

 Exchanged the exact same gift with the bestie.

 Made a lot of damn good coffee.

Adopted a sister for the day and headed to Monterey with the fam.

Where a really nice lady walked up to us and handed us free tickets to the aquarium!

Even the octopus was in a great mood and came out to show off twice!

Checked in on the sunfish. They are my favorite fish.

Brought a #notfoodpoisoning care package to a friend who was the plague's latest victim.

Ramped up for 2014.

Spread a little Baked Brie joy.

Ubered. In costume.

 Went on a boat.
(But not really).

And finally, FINALLY, ordered cable. Got a new TV. And AppleTV.
Just in time to go back to work and not have any time to sit at home and watch it.

And it was all good. Just so, so good.
Grateful that I had this chance to just hang around and be for almost two weeks.
Just what I needed.

Happy New Year, friends!

10 on 10: December 2013

The day started as any regular day.

I used my favorite holiday mug, and my new Eggnog Latte Creamer. 

And fancied it all up with some whipped cream.

Packed up some goodies for the ladies ornament exchange at church. 

My favorite event of the year. 

Made some hot tea at work.

Followed by a special delivery. 

And then a lunch break, visit to my parents.

Where I used two models to practice christmas tree bokeh photos.

And this is where things started to go south.
I headed back to work, and sadly had to leave suddenly due to an unknown stomach bug or food poisoning.
It wasn't cute, in any kind of way.
And I had to miss the ornament exchange.
And I weakly snapped this last shot as I tried to go to sleep.

Ginger Ale. Tic Tacs. Gatorade. 

So, this 10 on 10 ends with just 7 pics.
Thankfully, I'm resting up at home, and after a long night, I woke up feeling much better.
There is a lot more Christmas fun in the next few days, and I desperately want to feel better so I don't have to miss out on anymore!

Linking up with Rebekah!