Lake Tahoe III

It's been a while, hasn't it?  The weeks seem to escape me, and while I don't regret putting this little internet world on pause for a while, I do wish it wasn't because I've been so consumed in the j-o-b.  You know what that means though? I think I am at the point where I need a vacation, not just want. They are so healthy for the soul, mind, body. 

Would you like to know where we're going?  Here's a little tease..

Well, I'm sure the title of this post sort of gave it away :-) Next month, we'll be heading to San Francisco, Napa Valley, Loomis (near Sacramento) and Lake Tahoe, California (p.s. blogged about here and here).  Brian's aunt/uncle have a cabin in North Lake Tahoe where we'll be spending about 7 days.  The other locations are shorter trips.  

Anyone have recommendations of restaurants in San Francisco, or wineries in Napa?  I've researched a bit, but with the mass amount of information on the net, it's not so easy to know what is truly great. 

I'm hoping that our trip isn't one of indulging in bad food, and lazing around (at least not the whole time ;). If I want to return refreshed, and renewed, I think I need to shift my mindset of a vacation.  Since I've been getting into yoga while I travel, I thought what better place to practice than in Tahoe? There's a class that meets at Sprouts Café (natural foods deliciousness) then runs to the beach for a vinyasa flow session.  A little bit of that added with Brian's planned hikes and I think we're set!!

via pinterest

Quick Check In

Before I slip out of the wonderful memories of this weekend, I thought I should document.. We spent Friday night and Saturday with some great friends of ours.  If you're living in the Midwest, you probably know the horrendous storms (and heat/humidity) that blew through these two days.  Yes, we still went camping.  Brian and I brought a tent while our 4 other friends had a camper.  It hadn't really rained by the time we went to bed, but at about 2:00 in the morning, both Brian and I wake up to a terrible storm, including thunder and lightening that occurred simultaneously.  I look over to Brian and ask if we're safe then nod off in sleep for a few minutes.  About 20 minutes later after he had been on his phone probably googling - 'are we safe to sleep in a tent in a thunderstorm', he looks over and says 'no we're not safe'.  Awesome.  haha. So we skiddadled out of the tent into the camper to sleep a few more hours.  Not going to lie - it was some of the worst sleep I've ever had.  But, it was completely worth it because the next day the rain had brought with it somewhat cooler weather, and less humidity and our times with friends was awesome. 

Some of the highlights were: the boys cooking and cleaning most of the weekend (sorry guys, but it was glorious), tossing frisbee, laying out and swimming in the lake/pond, making hobo pies, shmores (with peanut butter), great girl time, and Charlie having his first outdoor extravaganza. 

Glamping

This weekend we're going camping with some friends of ours. I'm mighty excited as I haven't been camping in a really long time.  I love being outdoors (but not going to lie - I love the AC too).  While we're not quite glamping (glamorous camping), we'll have electrical hookups, our cars nearby, and our friends will have their camper.. so it's not quite roughin' it. 

Here's what I really mean by glamping:

Images via Pinterest

Alright, I can't take myself seriously after that last picture.  Have a great weekend friends :-)

Cultivating Inspiration

The photo below inspires me.  Can I be honest friends? I haven't felt incredibly inspired lately.  I'm not talking about the blog/design/etc. it's more regarding life in general.  I believe God has been sifting through my heart lately, helping me find contentment in where I am currently, and moving my focus from the future back to the present.  It's such an incredibly difficult task for me.  I'm always looking for what's next to come - for my job, my family, my 'outer circle of influence'.  But, right now I'm just looking to be inspired by my current surroundings, and at peace with God's guidance, hand and will for my future..

via Pink Wallpaper



Should I be embarrassed?

That this is what we spend our Saturday afternoon doing? Documenting then and now pictures of our, wait for it, DOG.  Our Charlie bear had a good ol' tick in his ear this morning :-( and we felt like the worst parents, ever.  He's back from the vet now with a sweet collar that's supposed to prevent them in the future and a recent vaccination for Lime disease.. poor guy.  Just goes to show how much someone/thing can rely on you for almost everything.  love him :-)

 

Oh Florence, why do you captivate me so?

I can't leave you for the weekend without linking up this song for your enjoyment.  Some friends of mine, including ME are sort of addicted to it right now. It's a summer anthem in my book.  I turn the music up reaaal loud in the car and shout.  Not a pretty sight, but it's entertaining on my end.

Also, it's probably something that was popular a year ago, but hey I don't really listen to the radio.  Check it out.  Your welcome ; ) (oh well actually sorry if there's a commercial and her general oddness, but seriously listen. It's good.) 

via Pinterest

Happy Friday lovelies.  Hope you all have fun, or at least relaxing, plans this weekend.  We don't have much going on, so hopefully we will be enjoying a few quiet days.  Sunday is the Taste of Tremont for all you near Cleveland.  I would highly recommend it if you're available.