Best Beach Chair!

Ohhh! I want this CHAIR! Ok...it's a tad dorky but who cares -- no more neck pain from reading on your tummy or trying to block the blinding sun with your little book while laying on your back!

The chair lets you relax in almost any position and allows you to read comfortably while tanning your back. Features include extra wide hardwood arms, a carrying handle, a cup holder, metal is rust free, and the fabric is quick to dry and easy to clean. I'll take it!

Surfboard Bike Rack!

Check out this sweet surfboard bike rack! Danny (my lovely hunk-a-man fiancé) has been selling these like hotcakes! It's the perfect gift for your surfing pops (dad's day is just around the corner) or for any of your ocean loving kids or friends or...yourself.

Summer is almost here!

P.S. I'm so proud of you Dan -- way to go for running with something you love.

Side Surfboard Bike Rack

Will hold long and shortboards.

Danny surfing in Costa Rica.

Bonfire

Danny and I went to a beach bonfire the other night -- One of our friends was celebrating his acceptance into grad school and the thumbs up for his thesis proposal. Too cool Nathan. We are so proud of you.

P.S. This picture was not photoshopped...the sunset was actually this fabulous!

Huntington Beach, California

Jalama Trip

Here are some pictures from our trip to Jalama Beach. It was a fun weekend. We were glad to get away for just a few short days; to take a break from work and wedding planning. It's nice to clear your head once in awhile. Funny thing though... we hit a huge rain storm and 40mph winds! We spent most of the time inside the Winnebago with our friends, but any time spent with friends is time well spent! The weather wasn't on our side, but the waves sure were!

Dany T. and I did some water painting

Here is a picture of our camp, during a spot of sunshine...the poles we used to hold up the awning were bent in half by morning time (the wind was that STRONG). How exciting!

David and Danny Z.

Dany T. (one of my lovely bridesmaids) and I were the only ladies on the trip. Making dinner for a bunch of hungry guys is quite a task. They've got it too good.

Chicken kebabs.

The Beach

 The Boyz

Adorable Bikinis!

Oh! I want one for summer! These cute bikinis are handmade by Eva Elz of Amourouse -- an adorable shop specializing in creating fun, feminine bikinis and intimate apparel that is based in Holland. Aren't they the the cutest? Summer here I come!

A note from Eva,

I've been sewing for a little while now (my mother, is very experienced with sewing and fabric, she is the also a seamstress for our business) and I am very happy with what we do -- creating feminine and fun clothing for beachwear and intimate apparel. Our bow bandeau design is an original pattern; custom fit and fabric choices are unique to Amourouse Boutique. My inspiration often comes from my own imagination wishing to create something that's very handmade with artful, quality fabrics. And then there's little things that inspire me, like whales, colors, the snow, and music.
Much love, Eva

So Cute!

Pictures:Amourouse

A Pat Surprise and Jump Rock

Our friend Patrick flew down from Oregon on Friday night just to come to our neighborhood Halloween party on Saturday! What a surprise! Danny and I wanted to show him around before he took-off Sunday morning. We thought it would be fun to take him for a boat ride and swim out to Jump Rock. Here are some pictures from Saturday morning. Fun stuff!

Shanny on the dock.

Boyzzz. Aaahummm... I mean MEN.

Danny and Pat.

I'm diggin the suspenders Patty! 

The gang.

We had to fill-up the boat before we made our way to Jump Rock

Shanny and I hopped off the dock and got some fruit for the ride. I love this little stand -- so cute. Danny and I walk past it when we take evening strolls around Balboa Island.

We made it to Jump Rock and dropped the anchor about 300 feet away. The swim was the only hard part...it's a bit cold in October and we "trunked it" in Daniel's terms (meaning, without a wetsuit). Pat didn't bring trunks so he decided to swim in his jeans and suspenders. Ha-ha he's hilarious! What a good sport. Once we reached the rock, we climbed up the back side and jumped off!

It's such a rush! I love it!

You can only climb the back side on calm days, otherwise the waves will smash you against the barnacle rocks. Some people prefer to climb the front of the cliff if they are swimming from the beach.

Here are some great videos put together by fellow jumpers. If you're ever in town, you've got to try it! The rock is about 25-30 feet high. It's surrounded by kelp beds and beautiful Garibaldi fish. Just make sure you bring someone that knows the area and can show you how to jump safely. 

So much FUN! 

Sunset Picnic

Dan and I had a sunset picnic in Corona Del Mar. Yay for chicken and dumplings and Grandpa’s ceviche! What a treat!

Life is gooooooood. I love you babycakes.

Fabulous Weekend -- Laguna and Newport Beach

Danny and I had a wonderful weekend. On Saturday we moseyed around and spent the evening having dinner with our friends Monica and Evan. It was so nice to sit down, eat some great food and laugh with good people. By the way, Monica -- you are a fabulous cook! The steak, potatoes, and berries with homemade whipped cream were phen-o-men-al!  You spoil us!

On Sunday we spent our morning at 1,000 Step Beach in Laguna. It was such a wonderful day! Perfect weather for sun bathing and swimming!

1,000 Step Beach is a beautiful little cove; not easy to find with an untrained eye. You can access the beach on 9^th street. There is no specified parking lot, so find a spot along PCH or in the neighborhood close by. The entrance is a little gate at the end of the crosswalk on 9^th street on PCH. The gate opens to a long staircase that will lead you to the beach. Trees and flower bushes have grown over the stairs, creating a green tunnel or as Danny likes to call them - urban barrels, ha-ha. Down at the far end of the beach there is a cave that you can explore during low tide.

After Laguna, we drove back home to meet-up with Evan and Monica. They had invited us to join them for sailing in Newport’s harbor. Evan and our friend Taylor bought their boat for $300 at a boat auction a few weeks earlier and Dan and Ev had been working on it here and there to make sure it was sea worthy. Holy cow...a boat for $300! Sign me up! We may be planing to sail the boat to Catalina sometime this summer or fall. I think I’ll need a few more lessons before we embark on a 6 hour trip!

After our fantastic evening sail. Danny and I walked over to David's (who happens to live right next to the public dock -- how convenient). David, Dan and I got some yum scrum pizza from Pizza Peat's and watched an episode of our latest obsession, Breaking Bad. We finished our night with a stroll to the end of the Newport pier to watch the late night fishermen and the full moon.

Here are some pictures from Laguna’s 1,000 Step beach and sailing in Newport. What a glorious weekend! I’m so thankful for the wonderful people in my life.

Gate to 1,000 Step

Urban Barrel

Cool little trolley designed to carry people from the main house to the beach house

Exploring the next cove

Driving back to Newport

Here they come!

Monica and Evan <3

The ferry and Fun Zone.

Monica, Me, Evan and Eddie.

Danny, Eddie and Thomas

Evan, Danny, Eddie and Taylor

On our way to get some Pizza Peat's