Journal

Welcoming River Sky West

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River Sky West was born December 13, 2017 by cesarean because she was breached for over 3 months! Little lady didn't want to budge but we are happy that she is healthy and loved so dearly.

The Butchers Daughter + Cafe Gratitude

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Life has been interesting to say the least! We're living the good life in OC and I've been doing a lot more design work lately. We visited some friends in Santa Monica recently and realized how much I missed Los Angeles! We made a pit stop at The Springs in the Arts District of DT (a favorite spot for veggie and vegan lovers). 

I really enjoyed the food and atmosphere at the places we ate, a few favs are - The Butchers Daughter and Cafe Gratitude. 

The Neon Museum - Las Vegas

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If you enjoy art and history and find loosing your money for free drinks at the casino overrated, then visit The Neon Museum, also know as the "Neon Graveyard". It is now a non-profit with sold out guided tours where you can see vintage and retro signs dating back to the Prohibition Era.

If you're not into the detailing of what it takes to make an oversized neon sign, the picturesque scenery will convince you  to visit otherwise.

Best Places To Visit In France

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Paris is just as beautiful in person as it is in photographs. Each area has it’s own uniqueness. I really feel in love with the liveliness of Mabillon (in Saint Germain). It is blessed with youthful energy, interesting streets and lots of live music. We spent 3 days and 3 nights staying at two airbnb locations which is more feasible than the high cost of Parisian hotels.

We visited the Louvre and was able to locate the restaurant where Amelie was filmed! Paris seems pretty large on a map but we were able to walk many of the districts in one day (if you’re up for it). It’s fun exploring and seeing all the beautiful scenery.

Photographed with Canon Elan 7, portra 400 film.

Rome + Florence - Italy

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Rome and Florence are beautiful. The history and structure built by hand teaches us to the appreciation of art formed years back. We only spent one night in Florence but well worth the stay. The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flower is spectacular. Would actually say it was the most beautiful structure I’ve ever seen. The film photos don’t do it justice.

I couldn’t believe something so ancient could be standing so beautifully. If you get the chance to stay longer you can also see Michaelangelo’s “David” and spend time in Italy’s Tuscany Region.

Photographed with Canon Elan 7, Portra 400 film

Lauterbrunnen - Switzerland

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The benefit of traveling off season is the great fall weather and the drop in cost of tourism. We made our way up the Schilthorn mountain to the top of Piz Gloria where 007 was filmed. It was beautiful and breathtaking, just like a scene from The Sound of Music (except not in Austria). The cost is still a bit steep but nothing compared to the summer time.

We spent a few cozy nights in Camping Jungfrau in Lauterbrunnen in a motorhome packed with water, power, full kitchen and our own, clean, private restroom. Heaven in a motor home we liked to call it. We made friends with locals and enjoyed two nights in Lauterbrunnen before heading to Florence.

Photographed with Canon Elan 7, Portra 400 film.

Amsterdam - Netherlands

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My husband was pleasantly surprised by this city. The homes, the coffee & tea, the people, picturesque canals…all worth visiting the lovely city of Amsterdam. We were told by our wonderfulairbnb guest that each family is only allowed one car which is why many people bike. Plus the city is small enough to get around by foot, bike or their easy public transportation.

What is also great is that many natives speak Dutch and English, making it easy to communication with friendly locals. Their coffee and tea was the best I’ve had in a long time. Not to mention their mouth watering morning staple to go with their coffee or tea – Stroopwafel.

We also randomly ran into Weird Al who was walking the streets of the City Centre, later realizing he was playing a show there. Talk about weird encounters (you don’t have to laugh at that).

Photographed with Canon Elan 7 Film camera & Portra 400 film

Honeymoon Traveling Through Big Sur

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Last year we spent our honeymoon traveling from Seattle, back to Southern California. Northern parts of California are nothing like Southern California. The air, the greenery, the vast amount of space. It was a realistic dream to big in Big Sur; even with the rain in September, it made for beautiful scenery.

Photographed with Canon Mark II



Maui - Road to Hana

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It was a blessing being able to tak my mom (or as most people like to say, my sister) to Maui, Hawaii for her 50th birthday. We had a great time experiencing the warm water and our first helicopter ride with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and our guided tour of Road to Hana.

I figured my fear of heights would cripple the ability to have fun but it was actually a worth-while experience! I didn’t even get motion sickness (for those who know me). Besides the gnarly, oversized and scary bug bites I got, it was one for the books!

Jackass Meadows - Florence Lake

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A couple years ago we stumbled upon Jackass Meadows and continue to go back to this secluded area near Florence Lake, CA. It's a rocky, unbeaten path but I promise it's worth the trip! Just keep in mind, trailers are no good for one way mountain edges.

We also stumbled upon Mono Hot Springs and climbed our way to a friendly springs known by locals (or really good "googlers"). Definite great place for wondrous hikes, and bear and snake encounters.

Downtown Claremont

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Current downtown vibes: Downtown Claremont.

If you're a coffee vixen, make sure to check out Augie's Coffee House in the Packing House for some rich dripped coffee and if you're looking for some vegan goodness, visit Loving Hut and order their quinoa rolls! Did I mention my second occupation is a professional eater?