Tag Archives: I want to go to there

J’adore Paris

I am dreaming, wishing and hoping that around this time in 2 years, we will be getting ready to leave for our trip to Paris. My friends Mia & Parisienne just arrived in Paris today and boy, do I wish I was there with them. I have been working meticulously on our itinerary, adding new sights and shops to our already full days and over tight budget. My biggest indulgence is somehow squeezing in something within my price range from the Chanel store in Place Vendôme. Last time we were in Paris, Aimee went shopping there for her sisters while Antz & I sat in the lounge drinking wine feeling like royalty in our flip flops and shorts. This time around, I’d like to present myself in more of a Parisian style and possibly make a purchase that I could pass down to Olivia as an heirloom *there’s no way I could afford a bag, but maybe a scarf or a pen?*

Aimee & Me looking trendy in 2003

I also have some shopping to do at Bonton for Olivia *my jaw hit the floor when I saw how adorable the kids clothes are, also expensive* and Merci for our house. Sounds awesome in theory but with my overly-ambitious itinerary and pricey hotels, I’ll be lucky if I can afford a postcard from any shops. I am hoping to find treasure *as well as bargains* at the flea market but I hear shipping furniture to the US costs a fortune and you have to be the first costumer of the day to score a great deal. I will have my eye out for some artwork, table linens, French albums and vintage jewelry…Maybe I’ll find a rad Cameroon Juju hat!

So darn cute

There’s so much on my things to do, eat and buy list, it’s overwhelming. Since I came to my senses and realized we can’t afford to stay at the W Paris Opera for 3 nights, I have found a perfect hotel alternative which is affordable yet magnificent. The Hotel Gabriel is where Bri & Jen stayed last month and reading this post pretty much convinced me to book it for 3 nights and when we return from our Helsinki day trip with Aura, we’ll spend one night at the W *so I can cross it off my list* and it’s works out better financially, win-win!

So here’s the story behind the dancing ladies: The Gabriel is the first hotel in the world to offer the NightCove sleep companion in some rooms, which was developed in collaboration with designer Patrick Jouin and Professor Damien Léger, an expert in sleep problems. Guests benefit from sleep and wake-up programmes, or nap programmes, consisting of ambient music and lighting.
Love this loo
Fun Glowing room
A Wonderful Room at W Paris – Opera
The lounge at the W
So worth the 1 night stay!!

I’m still not having any luck finding the perfect flight from CDG to Helsinki, Finland. Lufthansa so far is the cheapest but the layover in Munich is no bueno and the late arrival at 11:15 pm isn’t working for us either. Air France has a nonstop flight earlier arriving at 9pm but $1600?! Are they smoking crack, oh wait, yes they are! I’m sure I’ll figure it out. I was bummed that we can’t just take a train there but 23 hours and 3 ferries doesn’t sound so fun. Now that I’m researching more about Helsinki, I am finding it such a sin to be so close to St. Petersburg and not check it out but I’ll have to save it for another trip. I have a feeling that I’m cramming too much into this trip and we’ll end up napping in the hotel all day *my favorite thing to do on vacation* Did I mention we are going to the Cirque d’hiver de Paris?

Mesmerizing and simultaneously creepy!

Bon Nuit!

Dreaming of Hawai’i

As it seems, the entire world has been to the lovely islands except us. Outside of us renting a kayak and paddling there, I don’t see us going this year. I have been scouring Living Social deals, Groupon, Travel Zoo and Orbitz with no luck. Sure I find great deals everyday like this one, but I have yet to find in all-inclusive package that includes airfare and a decent hotel for the dates we want to go. Yes, it’s still early for August but with Olivia starting school in September, we need to prioritize.

I suppose I should stop dreaming and figure out a more economic approach for 10 year anniversary date. Going out of town just doesn’t seem like an option at the moment.

Ten YEARS??!! Holy shit, that is a long time. I cannot believe how lucky am I to have married this wonderful guy. Sometimes, I don’t think I deserve him. He is so devoted to Olivia and me. He has been a part of my half-brain schemes for 16 years. We were babies when we met *he was just turning 21 and I was 19* We have been through the good, the bad and the ugly. I can count on 2 hands the number of times we broke up. Destiny or insanity kept bringing us back together. I cannot even imagine my life without him. Aimee has listened to me cry about silly arguments, and played referee for us countless times. I can think back to us unofficially living together in my Mom’s tiny apartment both working menial jobs, with no real bills to pay, always broke. Happiness to us was simply going to the movies and eating at gross Denny’s every Friday. It was a happy time but we have matured and done a complete 360 in our lives.

I think this was taken in 2001
One month before our wedding in 2002

Sigh, we were so young.

Well, I’ve found this awesome option for the weekend of our anniversary. Gourmet dinner in a beautiful field in Santa Barbara…but at $220 per person, I’m not yet completely sold.

Outstanding in the Field

Santa Barbara is so lovely but I don’t think we could take Olivia and I don’t want to exclude her. I’ll keep thinking.

I’m up to my ears in Birthdays!!

Not only is my b-day extravaganza in a few weeks, but I have just 3 months before Olivia turns 2. How crazy is that?

Just kidding, Antz did this one on his phone
She’s 21 months going on 21 YEARS!!

2 Years old! An official toddler *even though she began toddling at 11 months* so I was planning a weekend vacation in my old stomping grounds of Palm Springs at the lovely Ace hotel. Now we’re going for a day trip to PS to ride the ariel tram

Antz & I went before we were married and it is a scary ride but breathtaking views

We will hike *in 100 degree weather, fun!* and go to dinner. So Antz & I decided to not spend too much in an effort to somehow try to get our asses to Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary in August. I mean, you only have one 10 year anniversary *most couples don’t make it that long, in Hollywood anyways* so it’s cause for celebration. I honestly feel like the last person on the planet who hasn’t been to Hawaii. It’s right there…in the US. What’s my problem? I will fly a paper airplane to get there *I really wouldn’t, I am very particular about airlines I fly* I guess I could explore other options than the Aulani Resort *an ocean view standard room is $1700 for 4 nights* but anywhere else that is 4 stars will be just as expensive. I am by no means a Disney lover, I just figure this is Liv’s vacation too so why not stay at a child friendly resort with amenities she will enjoy too. There is a lagoon, a kids clubhouse, and of course photos with Mick & the gang. I like that it’s new and gorgeous.

I am not trying to be a snob *yes I am* but I’m over my days of staying at the Motel 6. Budget travel is not my idea of a vacation *ever since we got scabies* I need room service, a spa and a bathroom that I never want to leave. I even thought of just going for 3 days to save costs but our anniversary is on Saturday so of course a Friday through Sunday stay is still pricey. I dunno, its still to far from August to find any deals on airfare. I wish they didn’t close the W Honolulu, that really blows.

However on the positive side, the W Paris opened on February 29th

 

 

I am able to check rates for April, they are offering 30% off rooms for Starwood members so that rocks. The bad news is I am having terrible luck finding flights from Paris to Helsinki *to visit my lovely Aura* The fares are almost $700 and the flights all return close to midnight. I want to get a good night’s rest so we can go to Disneyland Paris the following day. Maybe I’ll move the itinerary around so that we visit Aura and then fly home from Helsinki but that may put us on Lufthansa and I want to get the low airfare with British Airways. Sheesh, I feel like a travel agent. I need to get dressed for my date with Aimee. She is having her bathroom renovated and now she has her eye on an upstairs apartment that I need to see.

New Discovery

I just found something that has me all giddy. I have now accepted that my tiny Missoni for Target suitcase is better equiped for a weekend in San Francisco or Palm Springs. However, for our 8 days in Paris, no good. I am not even sure Antz Swiss Army suitcase would be sufficient. Then I found this guy

Cooperative Rolling Trunk Luggage

Cooperative Rolling Trunk Luggage

This bag is so fly, and it’s on sale $49 marked down from $149, BUUUUT…it has mixed reviews *as UO often has* and folks are warning about cheap quality, flimsy buckle closure and plastic wheels. Athough I prefer not to, I will have to check my bag so I don’t want my wardrobe to explode in the cargo hold *I worked for an airline, it happens* I also worry I won’t fit the 5 pairs of shoes I plan to bring. I might have to borrow a bag from my Mom *who has traveled around the world* and has more sensible luggage.

I am super bummed the backpack sold out before I could nab it *as I knew it would* yet items come back in stock all the time and I do have 2 years to find an alternative. I’ve been using Jordan’s Paris guide at Oh Happy Day! for invaluable insight on places to see off the beaten track, yummy food and this awesome article about traveling with kids

Jordan looks like she’s lived in Paris her entire life *she’s from SF* I am not a huge fan of macarons but I am dying over how gorge the boxes are. I will definitely grab a few boxes for gifts to bring home.

Oh Happy Day!

I have been perfecting putting together our itinerary for a year now *yep, crazy lady, right here* I may be trying to squeeze in too much everyday. I have my must-dos and then my like-to-dos but I have 3 things working against me. I have to keep in mind we are traveling with a *will be* 4 year old, so I’ll have to find more things that will hold her attention *maybe a playground or toy shop* and make more time for naps *which are more for us than her*. Then there’s transportation, I intend to buy the Metro pass yet when I look at the daily maps, we are zigzagging all over the city. I hope we will be able to rent bikes via Velib yet they don’t have any child seats. Would it be possible to strap a close to 50 lb Liv on Antz back with our BabyHawk while we bike ride through the city? He doesn’t think so *and we would have to find a bike helmet for her* I am hoping our hotel has a helium tank so we can fill our Geronimo balloon for the photo shoot at Jardin d’Acclimatation. I don’t want to spend all morning searching for a party store before the photo shoot. I’ll have to put their Whenever/Whatever philosophy to the test.

Which leads me to my third biggest conundrum, I still don’t know when to take the trip. Airfare is dirt cheap before April *both Air France & British Airways are under $3k*. Yet, it’s fricken cold during March. It snowed there last night. With so many things I want to do *outdoors* and so many photo opps, I want nice, sunny weather. BUT, there’s a price for the sun in Europe, it’s more crowded *particularly the touristy spots I want to visit* and hotels rates and airfare rise. I’m not talking the matter of hundreds but thousands. I am stretching the budget as far as I can now. So I’m still looking at the last week of March. I’ll have to layer and pray the clouds beat it for our week. Anyone traveled to Paris in March? Any tips for this California girl are welcome.

That’s me with my childhood “big sister” Ada *loving her beads* our Moms were BFFs

Oh, the Places We’ll Go!

Every time I read this book to Olivia *in short intervals as she doesn’t sit still these days* I get inspired to travel. Back in our old days of youth, Antz and I would spontaneously book a trip and I wouldn’t care about itineraries or putting together a tight budget. We’d charge it or eat ramen noodles for a month *we went to Venice, Italy with $200* in the name of travel and adventure. Now-a-days with upcoming preschool tuition, kitchen remodeling plans and trying to break free from the plastic chains, it’s much more complicated to plan a trip. We just spent 2 days *disappointingly in town* but it was nice to ring in the New Year at the W *and cross it off my List*. So now I am thinking of what travel deals can I snag for the rest of the year? I’m considering San Francisco or Palm Springs for Liv’s birthday but it sucks that I rarely find airline or hotel deals for that weekend since it’s the first weekend of June *which is the peak season for travel destinations* Then I’m crazy dreaming of spending our 10 year anniversary in Hawaii in August. I’m also thinking of how lovely it would be to visit our niece and nephew, Evelyn & Dion, while they are in Paraguay with the Peace Corps. The flight lands in Peru so we could meet up and go to Manchu Picchu *how amazing!* However, how likely is this with a soon to be 2 year old? My biggest issue with traveling to Paraguay is how long would I survive without Target or Jamba Juice? On top of all these crazy travel wishlists, I would LOVE to see Björk live and she has confirmed 5 shows this year in Spain, Portugal, Poland & Russia.

Biophila album cover

I saw an incredible Travel channel show about Lisbon so now I’m dying to go to Portugal and Spain.

 

So quaint and off the beaten track

If we lived in New York our flights would be 30% less. Another roadblock I encounter is, I’m very preferential to certain airlines. Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue are my top choices. I have flown the full spectrum from the cheapest *and ghetto* Air Trans flight to New York *they lost my luggage and we had a 4 hour delay in Chicago cause something broke on the plane, NOT GOOD!* Then I was fortunate enough to get bumped up on Virgin Atlantic into first class. After flying in coach for so many years, it’s hard to consider going back. Antz has flown the most luxurious business class on Singapore Air *3 times*

His first flight to Singapore, this is the only time in our 15 year history I’ve seen him beardless

So I’m constantly at odds with traveling Luxe *less often* or on a budget and go more places.

Here’s my 2012 wishlist:

March 20th *for my 35th birthday*

 

 

June 2nd *for Liv’s 2nd*

 

 

June 9th   *Björk show*

Porto, Portugal. Primavera Sound Porto

*Bonus: Beach House, Wilco & the XX*

It looks like Venice

August 18th *our 10 year wedding anniversary*

Hawaii

 

December 25th *Christmas vacay*

 

Montreal ...in 36 hours

 

That’s not asking too much, right? I’ll be happy if we make it to just two of these locations.

New Year’s Resolutions 2012

Ah, it’s that time again. I feel like I just wrote my list of last year’s resolutions. Before I delve into my new list, I would like to look back on how well I did in the ’11.

NYE in Vegas 2005

Diet & Exercise *the one everyone says they’ll do yet give up by February*

I can’t say I’m where I want to be weight-wise or nutrition but I am improving. I am surprised by how many new foods I gave a chance this year. I am still a food brat but at least I’ve changed my status from food snob. Antz and I will be spending more time outdoors and eating less junk but don’t expect to see me in a gym anytime soon.

Save like my life is depending on it

This one is tricky, we are saving in a solid way…buuuut, most of it is for Liv’s pre-school tuition so it will be dwindling once we pay in March. I did manage to save by paying off some plastic *see below* but Antz car repairs took a bite out of it. Good news is, we have a whole $80 from Etsy profits in savings for our trip to Paris! Let me quote my wise Mum “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”

Get off the Plastic *Credit Card Debt*

We started off in a major way, paid off $10k in cold, hard cash from our tax refund but then we hit a bump in the late summer when we had an unexpected plumbing emergency. Then my Dell had a fatal heart attack and I had to get my Mac Air so I can’t say we have a $0 balance like I wanted *Boo* Although, I did pay off our Lowes card and closed the account. I also paid off another card but I’m keeping that guy open since it’s our oldest card and I don’t want our Fico score to drop *learned that from Suze Orman* so we’re definitely looking better than last year. I know I can do it with some discipline.



Stop Procrastinating *yeah, right*

I think this is the biggest improvement I made in the past year. I stepped up my get-shit-done-ness in a major way. I crossed off a few things on my Life List and believe it or not, on Christmas day Antz, Aimee and I were at Starbucks drive-thru and I paid for the car behind mine *YAY* I learned how to sew like a BOSS

I became a Martha Stewart protégé, craftin’ and bakin’! I wasn’t late to appointments that often and I gave thoughtful gifts from the heart with wrapping paper I could feel proud of.

Made from the lovely paper and Lucky cat stamp from the FABulous Yard Sale

Home Improvement Projects

Another gold star for Lizzie! We have done more to the house in the last 2 years than in the entire 5 years we’ve owned this place. Replaced our *100 year old* water heater, remodeled the bathroom and soon we’ll reveal our bedroom makeover. We are planning on installing a brand new Ikea kitchen in 2013 but we have to get our plumbing updated first. If we keep this up, we might actually acquire some equity in this joint.

Learn French

Merde, I cannot seem to learn this language. I took a Conversational French class with 2 of my friends over the summer and although I did enjoy learning how to say my name and which day it was but I didn’t pick up enough to carry a decent conversation. I mentioned in my previous post that I bought some new software and here is it.

It’s not the Rosetta Stone I wanted but this is an affordable version and I can use it on my ipad. I must practice more often and attempt to speak French on a daily basis. Wish me Bonne Chance!
So on to my New Year’s Resolutions 2012 *just in case the Mayans are wrong*

I’m pretty much keeping last year’s list for obvious reasons but I would like to add one important item that has been grossly overlooked for the past 9 years.
TRAVEL/Go to more Shows

I’m not talking about a road trip to San Diego or a few days in Vegas. I would LOVE to go to Hawaii for our 10 year anniversary *of course you know this cause I won’t stop talking about it* I want to use my passport and take a plane ride *our last trip on a plane was in 2008 for Antz nephew’s wedding in Sacramento* I also want to work on my list of bands I want need to see. I definitely missed out on some great shows last year *Robyn at the Hollywood Bowl, Jon Brion & Fiona Apple at the Largo* I need to step my shows game up next year. I have a strong case of Wanderlust yet I have so many other goals to achieve so it’s difficult to just book a trip willy, nilly. I am trying to find balance with paying off debt, saving, and wanting to improve this house all while wanting to travel. I suppose I can patiently wait until 2014 for Paris.

Bands to See in 2012

Björk *this is a given as soon as she announces her tour dates but I want to see her somewhere I haven’t been before*

Coachella Music Festival *this is killing 2 birds with 1 stone, so many incredible bands I would be able to see here*

Tom Waits *Oh it would be heaven to see him at Coachella!!!*

Belle & Sebastian

Blonde Redhead

Portishead

Daft Punk

April March *this is tricky, she hasn’t toured in awhile*

CSS

Brazilian Girls

Devendra Banhart

Cornelius

Beach House

Cat Power

Arcade Fire

Oh Land

Pomplamoose

Well, one more day until I share my surprise. I am so looking forward to it! Anyone else working on their resolutions?

Auld Lang Syne y’all!

Netflix Night

We invited Mia, Adam, Kaia & Coleridge over for a screening of Midnight in Paris *my review is below* and snacks galore. Mia made a scrumptious gingerbread rice crispy cake.

All kinds of yum!
I made grilled cheese hearts, berries, hummus & chips

These girls were ridiculously cute
Olivia made sure to feed her guest

Mommies in Jammies

The film was visually beautiful. Holy shit do I love Paris. 

The movie almost felt like a distraction. I just wanted to stare at the lovely Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde, Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Notre Dame and Versailles. The puces *flea market* scenes were gorge. I was thinking to myself, how did we visit Paris and not go to Montmartre or take a cruise on the Seine at dusk? I want to go tomorrow!! Well, this was the first Woody Allen film I’ve seen without him starring in it. Owen Wilson tried his best to manifest Woody’s neurotisism but he wasn’t strong enough as the male lead for me. Marion Cotillard was stunning as always. 
 The concept was interesting, being able to travel to a period of time in history with the knowledge you have now. I would definitely head to London during the Swingin’ 60s yet Antz brought up a good point; every period of history had it’s troubles.

Tonight was fun but I am super tired. I would love to stay up late and pore over Bri Emery’s Design Love Fest 

Rue – design loft fest from Son of Shark Pig on Vimeo.

I am girl crushing on Bri, hard! It inspires me to finish our damn bedroom!!

Yet, I am ready to cuddle with my lovelies.
 Nighty Nights

Enchanted by Paris

I had a serious case of insomnia last night but I happily passed the time putting together my dream itinerary for our Paris holiday in 3 years. Wishful thinking, I know but I love having something to look forward to. As it stands, unless we win the lottery, we’ll be spending our 10 year anniversary next August right here in sunny California. Hawaii sounds wonderful but it’s expensive! I do prefer Europe to tropical locations, not that the beach isn’t amazing but Antz isn’t a strong swimmer and Liv will be too small for so many beach activities. Besides, it would ROCK if we can take Olivia to Paris before she begins her French school *wouldn’t hurt her enrollment application either*. Paris is the most beautiful, loveliest city on Earth. I am tearing my hair out  trying to condense so much in only 4 and a half days. When we went in 2003, we had crappy old cameras and didn’t hardly take any pictures. My dream is to hire this ah-mazing French photographer Paulina Darley for a photo shoot with this incredible balloon.

*Geronimo Balloon Troopers*
 

Do you understand the immense cuteness of these balloons? Want to hear something else ridiculous? They cost $95 – $125 EACH! Yeah, that part blows. I also need to come up with a strategy for how I will find a place in Paris to fill this massive balloon with helium *it’s not like they have a Party City on every block* If I can find where they sell these large latex balloons, I know we can make our own but Geronimo balloon troopers are truly amazing!

Then there’s booking Pauline, firstly I have no idea if she even speaks English. Now when I mentioned that I wanted a professional photo shoot in Paris to Antz he said with a completely straight face “So do you want to fly Sarah to Paris with us?” In my deranged mind I was like Hells Yeah! But she has 3 kiddies and a hubby so I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t happen *like I could afford to send her anyway, I can barely scrape our vacation together* I found a photographer who lives in Paris and I have been a fan of her work for a while now. You may not remember how I was fawning out how gorge this model is on my birthday.

*Pauline Darley*

I first saw her on Black Eiffel and then again she popped up on Pinterest. I had to find out more about this photographer…well I didn’t get very far. Her site is completely in French, Drats! I sent an email over to Rachel from Black Eiffel since she had a shoot with Pauline when she was in Paris

*Black Eiffel*

This is exactly what I want, more of a photojournalistic approach rather than a traditional shoot. I want her to observe us on our vacation. Paris is the ultimate backdrop, we could go anywhere and make an incredible shoot but I’m torn between 2 locations. Of course the Eiffel Tower is my top choice. Last time we were in Paris this is the only photo I have of us at the Eiffel Tower and let’s just say I am not pleased with the outcome

You would never know we were standing at the top of the tower if I didn’t tell you. I am still kicking myself for not thinking to take the iconic picture of leaning on the tower. D’oh! I also want to know how I missed the fantastic carousel?

 
*Oh Happy Day*
 Last night I discovered this amusement park Jardin d’acclimatation that has the old world charm only Paris has. I mean look
*Yahoo Images*
I cannot wait to take Olivia here, so dreamy. So I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to book Pauline *and afford her rates* which leads me to my next dilemma. There is a W hotel opening in Paris next year. I really, really want to stay there BUT…it’s really expensive *the Euro exchange rate isn’t helping either* and Antz logic is sinking in. Why spend a third of our vacation budget on a hotel when you can find a cheaper place and spend that money on souvenirs and having fun. It’s true the first time we took budget travel to an entirely new level. Our hotel cost use $500 for 5 days total, which we split with Aimee. Now the W Paris is $535 Euro PER NIGHT!! I was working for JetBlue so I was able to get our airline tickets for $50 each! That is what’s killing me the most, how pricey airfare has become. We are used to Antz job paying for our flight and hotel so having to shovel out almost $3500 to sit in coach stings my heart. The real burn is when we last went we were bumped up to business class on Virgin Atlantic so I swore then I would never, ever fly coach internationally again. *sadface* I just may be eating my words because last I checked Virgin’s business class flights to London Heathrow *they don’t have flights to CDG* happens to be $5,000…EACH! I don’t have a clue how these folks just one day decide to move to a foreign country. I know if the opportunity presented itself I would jump DIVE down it’s throat.
So now I need to save more aggressively, yet stay focused on saving for our Dream House…on top of saving for Olivia’s tuition. Holy Cow! I am going to lose my mind. I felt so much easier when I was in my twenties to travel on a whelm. We didn’t have a mortgage or had to pay $250 every month for plumbing *yeah the same pipe we repaired this summer broke, again*
FUCKING TERRIFIC!
Now I must be off, we sold 2 chalkboard signs last night so I need to get to the post office before it closes.
Can you believe this kid is 16 months old?? I can’t!!
Au Revoir Beau!!

Nerd City here I come!

Muno will be there!

Tomorrow we are driving to San Diego for ComicCon. Antz has been a million times for work but this is my first year. As someone who has only read Archie comics *I am sure you will hear of a movie version of this soon, nothing is sacred* growing up, I’m sure I’m in for a rude awakening. Here’s the problem, I despise action figures *Yeah, that means you Batman, Spiderman and Iron Man too* Gross, I find those movies predictable, poorly written and trite. *Avoids the cans being thrown and the booing and hissing* Okay I’ll admit, Watchmen was pretty good but who doesn’t enjoy a blue wang? I even know a thing or two about those Star Wars, Meesa likes them only when I’m in the mood. I try my best to avoid being dragged to LAME Transformers movies. Seriously, I am going for the TOYS! I will turn anything into a shopping trip. We are bringing our nephew Justin who life is devoted to all things comic books. He is a walking encyclopedia of superhero info. We are both hoping he will parlay that knowledge into a successful film or animation career. I tried to book the W so we could spend the night tonight and I’ll have a place to take Liv for a nap or feeding but sadly everything was booking in February for this week. The closest hotel was in La Jolla and at $499 a night, we decided to just drive in tomorrow. Now the question is bring the stroller which has ample storage room for my shopping spree but have a hard time navigating the crowds or carry her in the babyhawk which will obscure her wings? Knowing us, we’ll probably bring both.

So yesterday I returned a toy we bought Liv that she broke and I got her this as an exchange!!

It’s pretty awesome. She enjoys throwing the balls out of the tent but she goes in and out and it’s really entertaining for her. I also got this but we have to figure out where we will set it up.
I am thinking on the front porch but Antz has to secure it.
So all this talk of Carmaggedan and typical LA, not as much drama as expected presented itself. We drove to Hollywood with usual traffic and the city even finished work earlier than scheduled. Here’s a cute video of the shutting down of the lamest, most annoying freeway in LA.
Oh, reason #1,354,899 I need my own ipad…Antz just downloaded the new Björk app and it is beyond rad.
There are songs from her new album and it is super awesome. No fair! *pouts and folds arms* I cannot wait until her album is out. She has already announced tour dates this fall in Iceland. How fucking amazing would it be to see her in Reykjavík??

POTTY TIME, EXCELLENT….groan!!

Yep, that was a Wayne’s World reference…I’m sure this movie made it’s debut when most of you lovelies were in nappies but it’s pretty iconic film in this old lady’s life *they filmed it right around the corner from my house*

So today I got a buzz from Mr UPS and I got my amazon order *finally, right?*

 

It came just in time, today when my Mom was leaving Olivia decided was a perfect moment to er…ummm….poop with a vengeance is the best way to describe it. Let’s just say, she ended up in the bathtub and her diaper was obliterated. Antz and I are going to casually introduce Monsieur Potty to her. Nothing formal or any pressure to preform on cue.
Just as I was researching our summer road trip ideas I find out that Antz will be taking an overnight business trip to San Francisco this week. Drats! I’ll have to miss my French class tomorrow. I was considering driving up there for our anniversary in August and staying at the W. Well, I suppose we can still go but Antz is over SF and he’d prefer going somewhere we haven’t been before. Only problem is anything within a day’s drive, I’ve been. Except Yosemite, but I’m not equipped for camping and really need a 5 star hotel *with a lovely pool* fix.

 

We’ve been to SF like 20 times and have never stopped to get a shot of the GG Bridge.
Speaking of nine blissful years of marriage gift ideas…I really, really want this 2 finger ring!!
So RAD!!  OH! and I am totally geeking out that the Renegade Craft Fair is this weekend. I know I’m going to spend soo much money *MERDE!! Save your money, dummy!!*
Love, Lizzie