Leave a [Happy] Note

Ironically, the same day I posted about happy thoughts, Camille Styles posted these adorable notes from Tokketok! I would get me some if they weren't sold out!

Happy Thoughts

Lately it's been tough to keep my happiness up. I came across this today on the Lululemon Facebook page. It's a great reminder to channel my thoughts in the right direction.
The other day I stuck a post-it on my desk. It simply says, Be Positive :)
I can't help but smile when I look at it.

National Champagne Day!

Yesterday was National Champagne Day and the girls and I celebrated here, poolside at Francis Ford Coppola's Winery in Geyserville.
Fittingly, the champagne above is made by Coppola, and is named after his daughter Sofia!

 It was a great day with the girls! Thank you Jeanine, Kari and Shayda! Let's go back soon!

Ironicaly, yesterday was also the wedding anniversary of two of my favorite Champagne's: Maggie & Gary! {33 years!} Congrats you two!
And to boot, I got the top photo from Taylor Sterling's site months ago, and yesterday was her wedding day! Congrats Taylor! 

Top photo courtesy of Sterling Style

Chocolate Muffins

I had every intention of making these healthy muffins this evening. Then I didn't have any of the healthy ingredients. So instead I'm making these, by Nigella Lawson. I'm pretty sure she's fourth in line for unhealthiness, behind Paula Deen, Ina Garten, and Semi-Homemade Sandra Lee. But that's OK- I love them all.

Photo courtesy of Dashing Dish

Zippin' in Santa Cruz

 I highly recommend a visit to Mt. Hermon Redwood Canopy Tours near Santa Cruz. Jeanine, Colin and I had a blast, thanks to the beautiful redwood forest, the thrill of the zip lines, and our energetic yet chill tour guides, Jim and ... I forget the other guys name, but he was great! He took the great photo of us above by trying out lots of different angles. It was a photo shoot amongst the redwoods.

 Here I am zippin'. Colin really perfected the "leisurely zip."

 After all that exertion, we treated ourselves to a delicious slice at Pizza My Heart on Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz. Delish!

 Then for dessert, with much anticipation on my part, we hit up The Penny Ice Creamery! I read about Penny a year or so ago, perhaps in Sunset magazine, and have been waiting to try it ever since! The Bitter Caramel (the special of the day) certainly lived up to Penny's hype!

Colin got the special topping of the day: Toasted Marshmallow Fluff!

All in all it was a great day!

Babies, Brides and Bundts

It's been a busy week+ prepping for my presentation at work, but now it's over and I can get back to blogging!
There is lots to catch up on! I did tons of gluten-free baking over Father's Day weekend, and attended a beautiful bridal shower for a dear friend. One week ago my lovely cousin Liesl gave birth to an adorble little baby girl. Gary and I attended a swanky event supporting the American Cancer Society on Friday night. And then this past weekend Jeanine (Gary's cousin) and I started our summer of adventure by zip-lining with Colin in Mt. Hermon, near Sana Cruz. It was great fun!
Other summer adventures to come:
-Paddleboard Yoga
-Aerial Fitness Class
-Hike Half Dome!
-White water rafting and camping
-Intense 4th of July baking

 BABY, BUNDT CAKE, and the BRIDE-TO-BE

Party Prep

I have big plans for the Fourth of July. I want to make a pretty dessert table complete with red, white and blue bunting, a flag cake, sprinkle-spangled cookies, and some gluten free options such a red velvet cupcakes or cake pops. Maybe even homemade popsicles. Oh and fruit skewers. There are so many ideas out there! I compiled a bunch of them on pinterest, of course.


Photos via Hostess with the Mostest and HGTV Blog