I played hookie (hooky?) today...

... at least for a couple hours

I decided that after being on my computer all weekend it was time for a little sun in the valley... Santa Ynez. If you haven't noticed it's my favorite place to go escape for just a little bit.

So I was off in my newly washed car (and if you know me well you know what a miracle that is) . . . with the windows down, wind blowing, 90 degree weather . . and country music blaring... I'm a seasonal country listener... when it's sunny and I'm driving into the country its perfect. . . there is a time and place for everything!!

This jaunt into the valley was meant to be for jam making. . .yup . . .what better to do on a ranch than attempt to make homemade jam with two of your best girlfriends... granted I was just around for the picking of the berries. . . my computer called long before the jarring began.

Hey girls. .. I still expect to get some of that jam!!!

May you all find time for those needed breaks from reality to just sit back relax. . . and pick berries!!

Love,
A

It's the little things... Marisa & Nic (part 1)

For now I just have to quickly mention the one thing I noticed and love most about Marisa & Nic this weekend . . . and as long as we've been friends...

If you ever spend time with these two love birds... you don't see them next to each other the whole time, you don't see them with their arms all over each other... you don't see the obvious signs of a couple... if you take the time to stop and watch you see something even better... you see the signs of love that fly across a room high above the world . . . be it a glimmer in the eye ... a flash of a grin like they are the only two in the room... or a soft touch on a shoulder as they pass ... and what gets me every time ... (right up to the rehearsal dinner Friday night and even down the aisle)... is the way Nic will gently touch, not Marisa's hand and hold on tightly .. but be it a for a moment or an hour... he lightly lifts her ring finger...



I love you two soo much... Friday and Saturday were amazing. Thank you for being such a support and inspiration not only to me, but your family, friends and each other... You are pillars of strength yet soft in your support.

Love,
A

What a day in the Valley!!

I must say after traveling just a short 30 minutes from home for one night, I feel like I've been in another world, another time, another paradise!!

I spent last night in the Santa Ynez Valley... a sunny land of ranches and wine, olive oil and art, . . and even miniature donkeys if you can believe it.

My mom is here for just one more day and so we traveled . .north or east . . .heck I don't know . . over the hills for a relaxing getaway. It was AMAZING. My only request for the day, to not have to look at my watch.

So as we took our time driving through the gorgeous twists and turns of the 154. Mom said to me . . hey by the way I used up all your olive oil . . well, good thing I had heard of this great little spot in Los Olivos (Global Gardens) that does olive oil tastings. Our whole day was like that ... unplanned from start to... well,almost finish . . .(I ALWAYS make a reservation for dinner). From there it was off to a sculpture garden and studio (where artist Blake Rankin tears away at chunks of stone to create beautiful pieces of art). Then is was time for a little "Sol" by the pool and relaxation around the ranch just before dinner . . . (my only planned event of the day) at my favorite favorite Italian restaurant Trattoria Grappolo (where you are always met with a smiling Italian and a kiss on each cheek).

Oh . . the donkeys you ask . . . just another one of the adorable charming parts that make up ranch land. . . take a look

I hope you all find mini adventures and relaxing paradises in your backyards!!

Love,
A