Remembering: a tribute to Nana

I remember being a little girl and always wanting to visit my nana in Sonora, Ca. I loved the smell when driving to the mother load country, her white picket fence, her 1940's phone, her voice in the morning, the day we went to Zonca's Apple Ranch, her company and her smile. I think for everyone, losing someone is one of the hardest things to grapple with, but even though she is physically gone her memories will always be with me and with those she loved, tomorrow, today and always I will be remembering Nana!! 

Sweet Things in Summer

I can feel that summer is just around the corner and have thought of several sweet things I will do this summer. Do you have a summer list of adventures, travels and sweet things you want to do? Summer is a great time to pick up a new hobby, go somewhere new or just relish in the things you love. Here is my list!

Signed up for 6 weeks of French :)

Going to Forks Washington, Maui and on my first three day surf trip

Picking up my dusty guitar and actually going to play it

Having a Swap Party to encourage my friends that we have more than enough

Spin Class with my husband

Painting my living room

Walking to the Grocery Store instead of driving

Kayaking

Spending a night under the Stars

Reading the Classics

and enjoying good company!!!

Start writing a book ( I have an idea now just have to put pen to paper)

Make a list and see what sweet things you're able to do, life is amazing when filled with sweet things, look around you I am sure you can find sweetness!!!

Barrels of Fun

This picture depicts my weekend completely, barrels of fun. I took a road trip with my family, my Abuelita, mom, brother, husband and cousin. We rented a van and headed to San Diego for my sister's graduation. If you have yet to take a road trip with your family, I would encourage everyone to take one at least once!! Three days is the perfect amount of time; enough to appreciate each other and consider taking another trip.... in a year or so!!!! 

* picture taken by Blair 

FROOOOMAGGEE

I woke up this morning craving a cappuccino, a fresh baguette and some fabulous Fromage (french, for cheese) and not any old cheese but cheese from France. Don't get me wrong there are definitely times when I want a good ole smoke house cheddar but for today and most of the time, I crave french cheese aka FROMAGE!!!

Fresh

One of my favorite things to pick up at the market are fresh flowers. I think flowers add so much life to a room and instantly put me in a good mood. More importantly, pick them up for yourself, you deserve it!!!! Here are some tulips I bought on Sunday! I could not resist the color of these fresh beauties.

Squash and Smiles

One of my favorite Farmer's Markets is in Davis, Ca. When I lived there a short time, I would always visit on Saturdays and pick up an array of delightful treats. My favorites are: dried apricots, fresh flowers, salmon spread, and almonds. On Saturday, I revisited the Farmer's Market with my husband and nostalgia hit. I made a comment that I didn't see any of the local farmers smiling, but my husband was quick to point out two gentleman who could do nothing but smile. These two gentleman brought back my memories of the Farmer's Market and it's nice to know that the good things haven't changed. If you are in Davis on any given Saturday I would suggest to dabble in the produce, almonds and flowers and discover what Davis has to offer, ..... Squash and Smiles!!

Feeling the Wind

Sometimes you have to feel the wind and take risks to really live. Here is one of my favorite pictures; I am in the French Alps and truly feeling the wind!! 

Spin your Spokes

I just wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow is Ride Your Bike to Work Day!!! That being said, if you can't manage to ride your bike to work, dust off your bike and go for a ride before, after or during your lunch break. I love the feeling of riding a bike, it's liberating, free and a great way to slow down!!

LIVING

Are you living life? I know that these two women are and I am lucky to say they are family. This goes to show that you can be a traveler, adventurer or foodie at any age, as long as you are living LIFE!!!

Vines and Moats

It seems odd to stumble upon a castle in the Napa Valley, however, it happened to me this weekend.  Driving back from Calistoga I saw an enticing entrance to a winery that I had to follow. Once entering, I was taken to a very surreal setting, a castle perched high over looking the Napa Valley, Castello Di Amorosa. This is definitely a place for all to come. The Castle offers tastings starting at 15 dollars, tours for the kiddies and incredibly tasteful reds that will please your palette. Check out this link and discover the castle yourself, you will truly be whisked away to a far off land, a land of adventure. 

http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/

LIFE

I thought this picture was quite fitting for this weekend: Mother's Day! My good friend Blair captured this photo and I loved how delicate the flower looks sitting in these strong pair of hands. Happy Mother's Day, and I hope your adventures are merry, your travels delightful and your food plentiful!!

Bouchon Bakery

Last weekend I went to Bouchon Bakery in Yountville, Ca. Bouchon Bakery is like a little slice of France in the Napa Valley. The croissants, baguettes and pastries are baked daily, while the spreads such as the Pate and salmon spread are delightful. I tried the almond chocolate croissant and every bite was like the first, wonderful! I enjoyed the bakery so much, I am taking my mom here this weekend. We plan to stock up on fresh baguettes and yummy goodness for our Mother's Day picnic. Enjoy the photos and I will definitely be writing more about this tasteful place!

Enjoying the small things

It seems that no matter what age people are in France, they all understand one thing: take the time to enjoy the small things!!

oui

If you are lucky enough to have lived in (or visited) Paris. . . it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast.

Ernest Hemingway

What is the Adventure You Fancy?

An Adventure can be anything you choose; a walk in the park, reading a good book, having a conversation with a friend, rock climbing or buying a loaf of bread. You the adventurer get to decide what type of adventure tickles your fancy. I am curious to know what types of adventures you will get into this weekend?