California Dreamin'

First off....this is a long post and I apologize...but we did so much I couldn't leave anything out!

Mom and I had a fabulous time in the Wine Country and San Francisco! When she arrived on Monday, we drove from Oakland to Napa. Our first stop was at Sutter Home for a tasting before we headed to our hotel. Day two was a busy day in Napa. Our two main events included Round Pond, an olive oil mill, and Domaine Chandon. While the olive oil mill was great....I absolutely loved Domaine Chandon. The tour was great and the tasting was even better! We opted for the "cocktail" tasting. This included learning how to make three different champagne cocktails....then of course, drinking them!! Since one of the guides loved us so much (I mean how could he not), he even treated us to a second tasting for a few more champagnes and still wines. I'll admit that we wrote some pretty funny postcards from the car while we waited on the bubbles to clear our minds! :)

We headed towards San Francisco on day 3 (Wednesday). The drive was beautiful....I swear, it was ridiculous how many grapevines there were as we drove through Sonoma. We stopped off in Sausalito first for some breakfast and shopping. We found some cute little stores...and even came home with a few things. Driving into San Francisco was an experience. I'd say I was probably 3 steps away from a panic attack. The narrow streets, the one-way streets and the hills almost did me in....oh, and let's not forget the fact that we weren't really sure where we were going!!! However, my fearless mother got us safely to the hotel! That night I had surprised Mom with tickets to one of her plays, South Pacific. I remember watching the movie in her Music Appreciation class, so it was a lot of fun to know all of the songs and tap my foot along to the music.

To say that Thursday (day 4) was packed would be an understatement. We took a bus tour around the city (I highly recommend it if you ever get the opportunity) and also went to Fisherman's Wharf and my favorite, Alcatraz (also a must do if you are ever there). We ate crab at the Wharf, saw the sea lions, and also chowed down on the most fantastic hot fudge sundae ever at Ghiradelli. We also walked for miles up some of the steepest streets I've ever seen.....and let's not forget walking down those streets. That's the hardest part. We saw Lombard Street in all it's twisty glory and took our first San Francisco trolley ride. I felt like I stepped straight out of a Rice-a-Roni commerical! :)

So this is just a total overview of all we saw and did.....it would take me days to tell you everything we did and how much fun we had together. It was truly a trip I'll never forget. Before I start crying, I'll shut up and show you pictures! Love you Mom!!!

Getting ready for the show to begin.

Best sundae EVER!!!

This is a plate I'll ALWAYS clean!

I almost forgot to mention Irish coffee at the Buena Vista Cafe on our last morning.

Early start....

I'm determined to get an early start on my Christmas shopping this year. My problem with early shopping is that I get so excited about whatever it is that I bought that I either end up telling the person what I bought them, or I just give it to them. I should admit that this problem generally revolves around two main people, my husband and my mother. My mom's birthday is in December, so she often times receives her "real" Christmas present on her birthday because I just can't stand it! Clay just brings out the worst in me when it comes to gifts....sometimes I get so excited that I give him clues and he figures out the gift. ALL THAT STOPS THIS YEAR! I'm hiding gifts from them and myself so that I'll forget and not want to tell them! :)

So why do I mention all that? Because I found some Christmas presents this morning....check out my friend Leah's new adventure, http://www.stelladot.com/sites/llindsey. I will definitely be giving (and hopefully receiving) some of these beautiful pieces! If you see something you like, let me know....I'm hoping to have a party, and if so I'll be sure to include you so you too can experience the wonderful world of accessories! These are a few of my favorites.....

Emily's purchase of the week!

Hello hello....I'm back from Cali and have swamped at work, hence the lack of blogging about the trip. Hoping to get that done this weekend....complete with pictures!

Just wanted to tell you all about my fabulous purchase last night! My friend Alison has a stationary line called The English Pea, and I've been wanting to purchase something for myself and also a few gifts but just haven't had time to sit down and make it happen. Well, last night I finally did. Check out her cute line of holiday stationary (that's what I purchased for myself and a few other folks). I guess the recipient will just have to wait and see! I remember when I was little I would always get stationary for Christmas, my birthday, etc. so that I could right Thank You notes....I wish Alison had been making this cute stuff when I was little!

Happy Saturday and War Eagle!!