Where I relax...

Even though this room is just off the "heart" of the house (the kitchen), it tends to be the most peaceful place here. The soft leather, the cool teal/blues/greens warmed up with a hint of gold just make this room come alive! The view...well you just have to stop by and see for yourself.

I can do all kinds of *Mommy Managing* from here, the girls usually are outside or playing in the family room, but close enough for me to yell, "Girls, can you get mommy something from the kitchen!" or "Girls, I can hear you are not playing nicely. Don't make me get up!" (I think they secretly know I won't)

I'll be here most of the weekend catching up on some reading and having a glass or two of wine!

Happy Friday!

Hanging with Nana!

I had the pleasure of my Mum's company for the past 4 days...something I probably won't have for a little while. When I dropped her off at the airport we were a little short on time (late)... so we didn't have time for all the "dramatic goodbyes" just curbside *hugs & kisses*.

On Friday she flew the girls out here for us, I think that was mainly for her own sense of relief of knowing where we were "living"...it's a "mom" thing, that I totally get!

After laboring over boxes and furniture placement, we cruised around The OC doing a little exploring! I took her into downtown to my new found Mexican place... Nana loves a good Mexican meal! lol :) We chatted and sipped on Sangria while enjoying a little Mummy/Daughter time!

While we were out exploring Dad took the Momos with his sister to the baseball game. The A's vs the O's...how fitting!!! :)

The next day Nana and I took to Costa Mesa & Newport Beach! Our first stop was IKEA, I swear this place was bigger than the one at home, it went on FOREVER. Glad we stopped by the cafe and fueled up before we got started! I'm not sure what all the hype is about, but IKEA food...doesn't really float my boat!

With their belly's full and the promise of ice cream at the end... the girls enjoyed their IKEA experience!

Yup they got comfortable... jumping on carpets with no shoes!

Since they were so determined to kick of their crocs we took to the beach!

We weren't fully prepared for "beaching" but we did get to dig our toes in the sand and let the water splash our legs. NOTE---WEST COAST WATER IS COLD!!!!!!! I'm not sure even if we were properly dressed we would have gotten in!!! *BRRRRRR*

Thanks for visiting us Nana! We'll see you again REAL SOON!!!

XOXOXO

WEST COAST FAMILY!

I'm not sure everyone is as lucky as me to have a wicked great family on EACH COAST! Yesterday was perfect at reminding myself that I am fully supported wherever I go!

I LOVE entertaining, so having my West Coast Family over for a midday snack was the perfect way for me to "break in" my new digs, "break out" my serving wear and a West Coast batch of Sangria!!!

It was lovely to catch up with my cousins, aunties and kiddies! The Momos had a ball playing with their cousins too!

Here are a few flicks from the day! I'm one lucky gal!!! All this love in one place!

My Aunt gave me a lovely housewarming gift  this Orchid....

...those who know me, know my thumb is FAR from GREEN, I am saying a little prayer now for this plant/flower in hopes that it makes it through our California stay! They say, just water/spritz it once a week. I'll keep you posted on "Jackie O's" status (yes I named the flower!)

The Moments before the wheels went up!

(written July 1st)

For the past 24 hours there has been a pit in my stomach. I didn’t want to look anyone in the eye in fear that I may burst into tears…

Saturday, I hosted my final BGR! Run with my Baltimore crew… we had an amazing turn out. Shameless plug...if you haven't joined the movement yet... what are you waiting for? BLACK GIRLS RUN!

I super love these ladies and their desire for fitness!  I have a friend who shall remain nameless but  surprised me by showing up to run with us this morning. I heart you for joining in! LOVE YOU TC :)

The day was full of moments that made my heart smile… A last minute snuggle with my Irish twin, a surprise visit from Philly,  a Yummy cake, tears from a pregnant lady and a beautiful toast from my Brooklyn loves!  OH wait… they also serenaded us with “It’s so hard to say goodbye” ....yeah…I had to look away… I can’t let them see me cry! 


I was so glad that the twins got to hang out with one of their BFF'S!

This morning when I woke up (although I’m sure I never slept),  it felt like we were getting ready for a “vacation”. The last minute checking, packing, organizing. The only difference was that we were leaving nothing behind. (well the girls, but that is just for a few day).

I looked around my mother’s house (dark & hot)…still no power after the storm, and wondered when the next time would be that I would sit on her couch, hear the floors creak or bustle out her front door???

At that moment I realized this is not a vacation…

…Mum took us to the airport… MIL met us there also. It was nice to have both of our Moms to send us off with their eyes overly glazed.

After the long squeezes and I love you’s… we went through security…I knew if I looked back I would cry… so I just kept focused on the little boy ahead of me in his redskins hat, and thought I am so glad we ordered Direct TV football ticket in Cali…  how else would the hubby get to enjoy another heartbreaking seasons of the ‘Skins?

Comfortably seated in a spacious exit row… I looked out the window and the tears flowed… when would I see BWI again?

 California Love - Really we are here now!

How To Move to Cali in less than 30 days...

...The Sands Formula....

Step 1. Interview May 25th 2012

Step 2. Offer May 31st 2012

Step 3. Agonize, debate, weigh out Pro's and Con's for 1 week

Step 4. Accept offer June 8 2012

Step 5. OMG! What have we done!!!!?? 

Step 6. Cry with your family and friends

Step 7. More agonizing

Step 8. Find a house in Cali...VIRTUALLY -- Sign lease June 18, 2012

Step 9. Thin out your 3.5 level home to fit into a 2 level home

Step 10. Packers come - Pack and Load June 25th & 26th

Step 11. Hug everyone a little tighter... make each moment count.... 

Somewhere between the agony, the crying and the packing we were fortunate enough to have some of our family and friends toast us with a lovely BBQ! Here we are pictured from the bbq... all smiles... lets hope these last!!

So here we go (I guess this should of been the intro) but we like to do things a little unconventional! 

Welcome to our Journey... Yes... this is truly a journey for us! We don't know how long we'll be in Cali, here in referred to as "THE OC", but you can keep up with our shenanigans right here!!!

-California Love --well not yet...but soon!