new sport - urban extreme walking

Please forgive me for my extreme laziness upon returning from vacation. I think I've managed about 2 posts in my post-vacation haze. Somehow the saying, "need a vacation from my vacation" keeps ringing through my ears. Which is strange because our vacation was extremely restful and not too over-packed with activity. I guess my main issue was readjusting to the fact that I actually had to do stuff for myself again. No waiters, no steward, no love. Hahah. Truly though, it is an adjustment to be launched from vacation mode to work mode with no happy medium :)

So, in our adventures in Miami prior to boarding the boat, we invented a new extreme sport. Urban walking.
We were told we could each bring one bottle of wine or champagne on board and we certainly weren't going to pass up the opportunity to pick out some bubbles or vino. Trusty smartphone in hand, Carl searched for grocery stores and found that there were several not too far from the hotel. Armed with a strong sense of adventure and a thirst for some bubbles, off we set.

Came across some cool graffiti

We were enjoying our little stroll around the self-proclaimed historic district, although not finding anything but hole in the wall liquor stores where the "groceries" were supposed to be.

After a particularly sketchy little store (along with some neighbors very interested in our happenings there) we decided we better high-tail it out of there. Pronto. Sure enough, that's always when you turn the corner and its a dark walkway under a freeway. Nice. And that's when a very nice individual on a bicycle rode by and tried to sell us a snazzy gold necklace. Our walking pace increased. Ten-fold.

We did manage to finally find an awesome little store with a guy who suggested a great bottle of wine. And we got some pretty awesome exercise.

After completing our new sporting event (we placed first!!), it was time to hustle over to the Port and board the behemoth that was our home on water for the next 4 days. 

I'd never been on a cruise ship before and the whole thing was just surreal to me. The lobby for checking in to the boat, getting your picture taken as you board, and then entering the actual ship was pretty overwhelming. In a good way.

Our little window to the world. Being on the first floor of staterooms turned out to be a good thing when the seas got rough and the boat got to rocking. Some friends up on the 7th floor looked pretty green once that business started.

Our extreme sport from earlier in the day and the shuffle of getting on-board had us pretty wiped out. While everyone else was hitting the deck, giant margaritas in hand. We took a nap. Awesomeness achieved.

back to reality with two things time

Getting back to the swing of things after vacation has definitely been a challenge for me! Just keeping my eyelids open past 9 proved to be quite difficult. My amazing weekend and Mother's Day breathed new life into me though and I'm happy to be back on schedule.

And I'm super excited to join in Kassi's two things Tuesday, yet again. If you haven't joined up - you definitely should. Kassi's blog is super cute and seeing everyone's two things always makes my day! Besides, its always good to show the things around your home a little love. Consider it their moment in the spotlight, their 15 minutes.

Things getting the star treatment today at my home:

Another awesome item that my super-stylish, late Uncle had. I think my dad has held onto this for quite a while, but somehow it made it to my house. I'm pretty sure he threatened to repo it last time he came over, so I better get all the lovin' of this one in pronto!

This super cool tea box has great handmade details that I love. I am especially enthralled with the antique key and mother of pearl adornments. The papered interior of each tea box is particularly cool also.

Also feeling some love today, my Andy Warhol Marilyn glasses. I have always been a huge Marilyn Monroe fan and I absolutely love pop art. Put the two together and I'm pretty smitten. Can't afford fancy, expensive Pop Art? Get the glasses.

I bought these babes when I had my first "real" place back in Santa Barbara. They've seen their fair share of libations and I never get tired of the colorful addition they provide. We keep them in a glass cabinet in the living room. They're just too fun to put away in a dark cabinet!

What two things are you loving today? Leave me a comment of link up below! Can't wait to check out what you are lovin' today. 

XO,

Chelsea

Best.Day.Ever

There is something amazing about being served breakfast in bed, complete with Swedish lullaby (at least I think it was a lullaby...), fresh squeezed orange juice mimosa, smoothie, kanelbullar, some apple tart, handpicked flowers, and sweet little cards by my sweet little family. Sutter had made me several cards and strewn them about the house but he was too excited and instead told me where they were or went and retrieved them for me.

And how could I forgot my awesome card, drawn by Sutter, promising me a new pair of shoes from my two little ones. Apparently it was all their idea, Carl is just the financial sponsor. They certainly know what their mama likes.

After my amazing breakfast, I even got to fall back asleep and get some extra beauty rest. A picnic lunch at the beach, some visiting time with my mom and then some relaxed alone time with my honey made for a perfect day.

I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful little clan to take care of me and remind me of how awesome it is to be a mom.

I hope all you mommy's out there had a wonderful day, felt lots of love, and took some time to revel in how amazing you are for being a mom.

XO,

Chelsea

Welcome to Miami

Its good to be back! I had no idea that I would miss blogging so much and now I feel like I have lots of catching up to do. Bear with me while I inundate you with photos from our amazing cruise adventure!!

Vacation is always good, and I think its even better when its full of trying out new things. I'd never spent much time in Miami and I'd never been on a cruise, so I was super excited this adventure! Our schedule worked out great because we wound up with 24 hours in Miami before we were set to board the ship. It left plenty of time for exploration, something we both love. There's definitely a thrill in setting out in a new city with no itinerary, no idea where you're headed and someone to share the experience with. Armed with very little assistance from the hotel staff, an eye on getting some delicious food and a monorail to board, we were set for discovery!

Miami is definitely colorful! 

The hotels and high-rise apartment buildings in Downtown Miami were full of bright and saturated hues.

Integrating with the art

Jaywalking the bay

And finally, after a good amount of wandering and wondering where all the restaurants were, we happened upon a great little Italian cafe. It was a perfectly balmy evening for enjoying a sidewalk meal.

Riding the monorail back to the hotel and prepping for a night in South Beach!

We figured out pretty quickly that even though our hotel was conveniently located near the Port for the next day's departure, if we wanted to experience Miami nightlife, we'd have to head to South Beach. So that's precisely what we did...its an interesting place to say the least.

More Miami and cruisin adventures to come this week!

Happy Wardrobe Wednesday everyone!!

XO,

Chelsea

feeling the love - two things around my home

Do you find it hard to sleep when you are super excited about something? I am one of those people that gets so amped up about doing something that I have a hard time sitting still, sleeping or even having focused conversations! I squealed with glee last night as we climbed in bed after spending the evening packing. I am counting the hours until vacation time and I'm having a hard time even typing because I am so anxious!

The countdown clock on my toolbar says 18 hours 27 minutes and 50 seconds until I am on a plane to relaxation and fun with my honey!

I'm hoping to stay away from the computer and guessing that I probably won't have any access to the Internetz anyway, so I promise to take lots of pics and go post-happy upon my return!

Today, I'm once again joining Kassi in her lovin' of two things around the home. She has been settling into her awesome new house and its so fun to once again see what she's loving around her place! That candle of hers looks just as gorgeous as it smells! I have yet to buy any nice candles since we've moved, but I love the way that scents can transport you to somewhere else. Thanks for sharing Kassi!

Right now I am totally in love with my light-up globe.

I'd been wanting a globe for quite a while and when I found this one that lights up at one of my local thrifts, I was beyond thrilled! I hemmed and hawed about actually buying it because I wasn't sure I wanted to pay what they were asking. After setting it down and picking it up about 5 times, I finally just dropped the dough and brought it home. I'm glad I did because it is in really perfect condition and everyone has just loved it around the house so far. 

I'm in love with the glow it gives off. 

Its right outside our bedroom and serves as a sort of nightlight.

It makes me dream of exotic destinations yet to discover...

I'm also totally loving my old, weathered adirondacks.

The longer, warmer days have been giving us lots of excuses to linger outside. I can't wait for more bbq's, more gardening, more evenings watching the sun set on the American Riviera. A cushy, exotic-print pillow, a good book and a glass of wine - I'm set for lounging. 

What are you loving around your home today? 

Please share in the comments or link up to Kassi's blog and leave me a comment letting me know so I can check it out!

XO,

Chelsea

fancy friday - inspirational stalking

This was a week that couldn't end fast enough. I'm lacking inspiration and perhaps I've already mentally packed and left for next week's vacation. Its times like these that I'm incredibly thrilled to know that any needed inspirational boost can be achieved just by peeking into my Google Reader.

Here's what I fancied this week:

Finding this gorgeous blog full of beautiful photos and this pretty lady: http://songoftheexile.blogspot.com/

This fun, springy project to brighten up my sandals: http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2010/4/22/whits-knits-fishnet-anklets.html

More obsessing over pretty macarons: http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/2010/04/cherry-blossom-macarons-for-martha.html

Staying on the lookout for fallen trees so I can make these: http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/entertaining/speakers-made-from-a-fallen-tree-113922

I'm hoping this weekend's jam-packed celebrating will bring me even more inspiration. 

I'm looking forward to:

1) a very merry un-Birthday for one little girl turning 3 1/2

2) a private little celebration of "us"

3) laughing, a whole lot. It is, after all, the best medicine

4) some private time crafting, creating, re-making, re-using

5) writing a short letter to the weather in the hopes that it will cooperate for our vacation plans next week

This time next week, I plan to be gazing at this:

(image found at flickr)

What are you looking forward to this weekend? 

XO,

Chelsea

i HEART Thursdays - Earth

Happy Thursday and Happy Earth Day to everyone!

Today's HEART roundup theme was a pretty obvious choice. Our Earth is pretty awesome and it wasn't hard to find some great images out there that not only showcase how beautiful Earth is, but also how many talented people are in this world we live in. Is it any wonder that HEART and EARTH have the same letters??

Without getting too soapbox-y, I just want to say that I am amazed and horrified by all the anti climate change propaganda out there floating around. Trying to deny that climate change is happening just seems crazy to me. Working in Renewable Energy I read tons of articles day in and day out about the people that are behind all these scare campaigns and its heartbreaking to think that they are denying the scientific evidence just to continue making billions. I'm far from perfect when it comes to saving the Earth but I know that if I make small adjustments, it does make a difference.

There. That's my rant. Now go enjoy some pretty pictures.

What are you doing to show the Earth some love today?

XO,

Chelsea