Down By The Bay

Mission Bay never fails me. There's something about the quiet water, the palm trees, and the people riding past on their beach cruisers that reminds me to slow down. I am so thankful to live so close to such a beautiful place.

Last weekend, Farra and her sweet family met up with Nadav and me for a little walk around the bay.

Nadav and our other nephew Brendan enjoying the views 

Kinda sorta love these sandals. Yup.

Oh you know, just another example as to why I will never be a fashion blogger. #AwkwardFingers =P

Love, love, love here it comes....

(What you didn't know The Beatles are my very favorite band ever? Well now you know)

I Believe...

I Believe...
- In solitude. In taking the time to be alone each day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Time without a cell phone, a computer, or even a book. Time to just sit within one's own thoughts.

- That a little window shopping can really turn an otherwise frustrating day into a much better day. (And on that note, I really wish I had not seen these polka dot shorts at Madewell because I just had to try them on now, and now.... I want them. #NotOkay)

- That there are few things sweeter than love, especially that comfortable, familiar kind of love.

- That the sound of an ice cream truck's music will always remind of long summer days spent rollerblading down my parents drive way and playing hide-and-seek with the neighborhood kids.

- In accepting that everyone will not always like and "get" you, and eventually realizing that it's okay to stop trying.

- In the excitement that comes with an approaching San Diego summer. A summer filled with trips, bonfires, friends, bike rides, and lots of long days at the beach

- That hot chocolate is always a good idea

- That no matter how old I get, I always look to my parents' for advice, love, and that feeling of being home.

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Sending prayers to all those affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma.

Scenes From A Lazy Saturday

Some weekends are meant for lingering, cuddles on the couch, lots of chocolate, and little to no plans.

Oh and spicy shrimp burritos. Lazy weekends should always involve spicy shrimp burritos

This weekend I also had the chance to try out my new Snugg ipad3 case. I like that it's sturdy yet slim and easily fits in my purse. It also keeps my ipad upright on our soft couch or on a table. The Snugg ipad cases come in lots of colors, and this pastel blue is perfect for me. :) If you're looking for a low cost ipad case check out the Snugg. You won't regret it. 

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Wishing you a happy happy weekend

This is a sponsored product review for The Snugg. All opinions are 100% my own

Brooklyn Girl.

On Olivia's birthday we...

+ Enjoyed the yummiest dinner at Brooklyn Girl Eatery.

+ Discussed girly things and weddings and tried not to stare to hard at the PDA-ing couple sitting next to us, awkwarddd.

+ Laughed heartily after Cara-Mia broke our dessert. (No but really)

+ Watched Breakfast At Tiffany's under the stars. Okay I fell asleep, but in my defense my lawn chair was really comfortable and falling asleep during movies happens frequently in my life. =P

+ Were all in bed by 11:30pm.... because that's how we do.

The margherita classico pizza, a shrimp from ze shrimp cocktail, and wild salmon salad

Olivia and her bread pudding birthday dessert

Our dessert... before Cara-Mia put a big hole in the glass with her spoon. Apparently she was really excited to dig down and get that brownie ;) (xoxo Cara-Mia)

Oh and that dessert? It's the affogato with the Brooklyn Bomb Shell Brownie and it's insane

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Happy Happy Freaking Friday.

For reals. 

I needed it be Friday on Monday so I'm feeling pretty great about this whole weekend business.

Confessions.

The best hot chocolate from Cafe Chloe in Downtown San Diego

Confessions.
1. You know those people (cough everyone I went to school with besides me) in college who could pull all nighters and ace a test? Well I would really try to stay up, I mean reallllly try except I would end up face planting into my book and passing out by 11pm. Eventually I had to come to terms with my inability to stay up all night and study... and wake up at 4am to cram before a 9am final.
2. Speaking of sleep. I need sleep, and a lot of it... or I turn into a dramatic, sick-like mess. It's a problem. This also poses a problem when I'm out with friends at night and get tired around 10pm. #EmbarrassingIKnow
3. About a month ago I started taking Israeli folk dance classes, and I am obsessed. Seriously, those classes are the highlight of my week.
4. I like to cook and I love to have people over, but the combination of the two gives me slight anxiety. Yes I am forcing myself to get over this because I like people, a lot. ;) #MessHotMess hehe
5. Nadav and I are having a destination wedding! That's all the details I'll share for now. =P

Hope you have a great day!

Jake's Del Mar

Saturday morning my parents came down to San Diego for a little early Mother's Day celebrating, and a little wedding dress shopping. Well my mom and I went wedding dress shopping and my dad and Nadav stayed back and  watched basketball on TV and talked about ways we could fix up our house did boy things (boringgg). I won't share any photos from wedding dress shopping today, a girls gotta keep some stuff to herself, right? ;) However I will say that I LOVED my experience at Bliss Bride in Del Mar. If you're in the San Diego area and looking for a relaxed, personal, stress free bridal boutique experience make sure you check out Bliss Bride. Oh, and they have incredible dresses there.  :)

Anyway, after shopping my mom and I met up with the men at Jake's Del Mar for lunch. Jake's Del Mar is literally right on the beach, and has really really great food. Jake's Del Mar also makes for a romantical place for dinner with an ocean view, but I will admit that the dinner can get pricey. :)

The view from the outdoor bar seating. Gorgeous, right? 

My dad had the citrus scented seabass

 Nadav's bistro burger (which was SO GOOD)

My mom's beachside veggie sandwich

My grilled tuna salad was delishhh

And dessert...a Bailey's pot de creme. Sooo worth the calories

Oh, and this is the view when you step outside of the restaurant. Seriously.

I forced my parents to take a photo, this is what ensued hehe.

I love them.

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Wishing you a wonderful week :)

San Diego Italian Film Festival + Giveaway

Italian food, Italian culture, and well... especially even Italian clothing.
I love it all.
Nadav and I are even going on our dream Italian vacation this summer and I am so so excited about the entire thing.

For all of these reasons, I was so excited when I was contacted by representatives of the San Diego Italian Film Festival. The San Diego Italian Film Festival is held in September but until then, the festival holds monthly film screenings at the Museum of Photographic Arts (which just happens to be a really cool place!) at Balboa Park. This Thursday evening, they are showing Sentrie l'Aria (Feel the Air in English). Nadav and I will most definitely be attending, and the best part?

I get to giveaway a set of tickets to the screening and the cutest little gift basket to one of you.

Seriously, how cool is this basket?! Venissimo cheese, La Birba wine, and the yummiest homemade pizelle.

Enter to win tickets to Thursday night's movie screening and the Italian gift basket below. :)

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to Southern California residents.