It's Oh So Quiet...

It feels as though Spring is right around the corner. You can feel it in the air, the morning light, the bright colors, the beautiful butterflies and bees that seem to be everywhere lately. It feels like confetti, sandals from the 60's, and music festival dresses that make you want to dance. After those dull days, eccentricity and a little avantgarde is what I'm welcoming into my world again. It is the courage to distinctly be yourself that I admire most in people, which naturally causes you to stand out. It is a beautiful feeling to surround yourself with good people who know exactly who they are. People that leave you feeling uplifted, light, like your soul is shining when they are around. It's funny how when you get older, these friends become your heart. They are fewer and far between, and when you need them, these friends are there in an instant. They let you dream of all the things you can create, all the dances you will dance, remember all the late nights and all the early mornings with you, and laugh with you about all the memories you have made together. What a wonderful life.


Spring is for a fresh start. I love the thought of recreating yourself, and letting go to move forward to be the best person you can be. I've been thinking a lot lately about simplifying, but haven't put it into action. Now is the time. It's so refreshing to realize how modestly happy you can be on simple pleasures. Braided hair, long necklaces, sunshine, and a good man by your side. Throw in a happy little bunny and you've got it made. Nothing whispers Spring more than that. Here is to always exploring the world around you, and being true to yourself.

"She was no longer a slow dreamer watching the flowers grow. She was a warrior now. Warriors need something to fight for, besides their lives, because otherwise their lives would not be worth it." - Francesca Lia Block

Two year old kisses and new beginnings...

Hi friends! Wow, this year is off to a beautiful start! After getting to start the year in Chicago, it has been busy and the type of month that inspires goal making, lists, new jobs, and being inspired! I usually feel the post-holiday blues in January, but this month has felt so jam packed there hasn't been any time for any of that. That, and the sun has been shining almost every day this month. I've been feeling full of hope and optimism lately and I know 2013 is going to be an incredible year!



Dan and I have my nephew Dylan for the weekend, and the Smith/Bruckart house has been full of laughs. Dylan absolutely adores Dan. Seeing the two of them together fills my heart with so much love!

It has been Restaurant Week here in San Diego, and it when it extends to two weeks it is bliss! I love getting to try new restaurants and experience all the fun that comes with dining out with the people closest to you. I have been lucky to enough to try quite a few new restaurants the past two weeks, and every single one of them were delicious!

Nat and I enjoying Prep Kitchen in Little Italy

Mister A's with my parents

Mr. A's

1500 Ocean at The Del

The weather last weekend was gorgeous! Sunny and warm and we spent the whole weekend outdoors! Beach days, runs along the bay, and spending the morning at an outdoor farmers market with D made my weekend pretty special. It was nearly impossible to have anything but a completely splendid two days. Just one of the many perks of San Diego in the Winter.


Lately I've been thankful for quiet nights at home with D with chats about getting a puppy. For quality time with my mom and dad in Coronado. For my new job and the opportunity to do work that I love. For simplifying and creating a zen environment in our home. For sunny beach days in January. For making fun plans with friends and lazy afternoons with naps.  The joyful exuberance of Funny Bunny every morning. The first cup of coffee with vanilla creamer at 6am. And most of all, for a man that takes me on the best dates, just because he loves me.What have you been grateful for lately? Here's to being thankful and how life always works out to be just plentiful.

Sweet morning in OB

Hillcrest Farmers Market

Chicago

Last week, I had the opportunity to go to Chicago for work. I hadn't ever been and it was at the TOP of my list, so I had to go! What an enchanting little city! I loved all the architecture so much. The brick, the buildings, the history- I couldn't get enough. Just walking around in the freezing cold, (which it turns out, I really enjoyed!) stopping in warm coffee shops, cute boutiques, and eating at restaurants that all had fireplaces made for a pretty special week!  I feel as though I was able to see a lot of neighborhoods, and since my boss grew up in Chicago, she took me to all the spots off the beaten path. My favorite neighborhood is called Wicker Park. It is east of downtown Chicago and is absolutely adorable with all of it's shops, restaurants, and bars on every corner. I can't wait to get back to the city with Dan. We want to try to go in the Summer so we can catch a Cubs game, take a boat ride along the river, and enjoy walks along the lake. Some pics from my trip:

Such a sweet romantic little restaurant!

Old Town 

View from the Shedd Aquarium across the lake

Old Esquire Theater- Gold Coast

We took a scenic drive along Lake Shore Drive- Northwestern University

Wicker Park

This is Sophia. She loves shopping. I have taught her well.

All smiles in the city!

Bundled up!

We had some great weather. 

Great little shop with delicious sandwiches and all my favorite wines for sale!

Wandering around Old Town. Wells St.

Baha'i Temple in Evanstan

Spice shop in Old Town

Sophia and me at lunch-Northside

A beautiful view across the lake!

Beautiful Birthday

The weekend was spent celebrating. Best friends flew in, there was pizza and wine and sweet morning talks with Nat. There was laughter with Britt and Cody. There were friends gathered at my place to play. Soul sisters came over and made me feel so blessed with love. Gifts were given that mean so much to me because my friends know exactly who I am. Mimosas, brunch, and a beautiful walk by the bay with my handsome man and my very best friends. A Giants win, cheering and love filled my whole house. The next day, my family on a little island at the beach all together for more celebrations. Just when I thought my heart was completely full, my family showed me how special I am to them and we laughed until we cried playing Apples to Apples and eating delicious food. The day ended with chocolate pie, trucks with Dylan, and lots of hugs from my sister, mom, dad, and Dizz. Thank you to all my precious friends and family for a beautiful birthday weekend...

 

 

 

 

Autumn Spirit

Wanted to share some pics from our day in Julian yesterday. Had a great time spending time with D since we have been so busy the past few weeks. I love Fall so much. Between pumpkins, scary movies, and chilly days and nights is makes me so happy. I love that Dan will go along on all the little adventures I want to do for every little holiday in existence. My birthday is in less than a week and couldn't be more excited to have friends over for a bbq on our deck and enjoy quality time with all of them. Life is beautiful.