in Newport- take 2

December 2013- luxury, quaint, harbor

Ranked as one of the top 10 holiday happenings in the country by the New York Times, Newport's Annual Boat Parade was on my "to-do" list. So, since we were staying in LA for Christmas it was a must. We stayed at the Balboa Bay Club, which is part members-only. They have a great viewing deck & outdoor restaurant which is perfect for boat watching: http://balboabayclub.com/

http://www.christmasboatparade.com/

in Lake Tahoe-take 2

July 2013- sunny, pristine, fresh

We LOVE lake Tahoe especially in the summer and when Keteyian told us they were hosting a big 60th birthday bash for her dad we had to go. 

And because I'm obsessed with ice cream and chocolate we had to make a stop at the Ghirardelli Factory Outlet...looks like someone else loved it too...

in Ventura

July 2013- quick getaway, beach side town, lazy fun

We found ourselves in town for July 4th & decided to head up North to Ventura County for a little beach side fun. Our generous friends let us crash at their home while they were in Hawaii. The 4th of July parade was a great time & cute!

 Then we ventured up to the gorgeous Ojai Resort for a yummy dinner: http://www.ojairesort.com/

in Carlsbad- take 2

June 2013- Good friends, Good Weather, Gorgeous Resort, Pregnant and Did NOT Know It!

We LOVE La Costa Resort & make it our home base whenever we get the chance to venture South. Brad & his buddies had a golf tournament to play in, so the ladies & babes tagged along, because why should the boys only have fun?! Plus, it was Father's Day weekend, so lots of father son bonding, aka surfing! 

 Last round of heavy cocktails before finding out I was prego with baby G!

Pool Boyz!

in Arrowhead

January 2013- cozy, quaint, quiet

I can't think of a better way to start off a new year than with good friends, yummy food and a cozy cabin in the woods. Not to mention we figured we were overdue for another group trip! So over the river and thru the woods we went, up the mountain and only an hour and a half from LA. Between cocktails, a hot-tub, movies, lake walks, ice cream, fondue and even a carousel, the trip was a success. 

in San Fran

November 2012- Sunny, Hilly, Fascinating

Over the years I've heard a lot of people complain about the weather in San Fran. I've heard it's foggy, it's rainy, it's windy...well, they're all either lying or I'm just lucky, because EVERY single I go, it's GORGEOUS. Not to hot, not too cold, not foggy, not windy, purely perfect! 

This particular trip, was a first for John Paxton. Brad has a business trip and we tagged along. We packed up the stroller, and my favorite walking boots and off we went. My FAVORITE thing to do in this city is walk...miles...so while Brad worked, Pax and I took off around the city. 

Here was our first stop...recognize it?

It's a shame Paxton will never really know just how amazing "Full House" really was...

Due to all the business conferences in town, we ended up in Japan Town for our hotel, it was very authentic...Hotel Kabuki, it's connected to some pretty good sushi restaurants> http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/california/san-francisco-hotels/hotel-kabuki

Plus there's a Japanese dollar store down the street that has awesome finds, totally worth popping in! 

Also, a great dinner spot which is not Japanese, but in walking distance is Woodhouse Fish Co. they have awesome mussels, oysters, fish, anything from the sea, it's cute, quaint, cozy and their online website doesn't do it justice. http://www.woodhousefish.com/WFC%20Fillmore%20Menu%202010.pdf

While I didn't have a ton of time to hit up all of favorite spots in San Fran, here are some more places I love and highly recommend:

The Slanted Door Restaurant near the Ferry Building = AMAZING! 

http://www.slanteddoor.com/drink#tea

Also, a walk thru China town to find the fortune cookie factory, it's nearly hidden in a side alley, but where you're close you'll know it, just follow the scent...and bring some quarters if you want to take an photos (they charge you, haha)
http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/attractions/ggfortunecookie.html

in Portland

July- Lush, green, crunchy, clean.

Portland has always been on my "to-do" list. I don't know what I imagined exactly, but I'm quite sure it ended up exceeding my expectations. We've been looking for an excuse to go so when Brad's close HS buddy got married and pregnant, a celebration BBQ was the perfect reason!

Mt. Tabor Park is an awesome outdoors area, perfect for a picnic, great views and playground for kiddos! 

Reunited! 

For a delicious dinner in downtown Portland, we celebrated at Andina- http://www.andinarestaurant.com/private-dining/

The next day we were off for some local adventures for beautiful nature and of course what's a trip without a pit-stop for cheese;

Really mom?!?

A stop at Tillamook is a MUST, & the ice cream is BEYOND...

Did I mention they have a cheese sampling buffet?

Cheese Please...

For Dinner...a cozy dish of Fish and Chips in a nearby harbor...

All in all it was a great trip, and I finally understand what all the hype is about!