Weekend Update

This was a pretty relaxed weekend. 

I think we're both kinda prepping for me to start the new job. 

Friday

I met Mike for lunch at a stellar little Mexican Place. 

Then, I came home and cleaned some more 

(Operation Deep Clean before The Job), 

and then made an insane dinner. 

Then we hung around playing games and talking, 

while the animals gave themselves baths.  

Saturday

Mike and I headed to Mountain View, 

to watch the NCSU vs UNC game with Teresa. 

(A fellow Fourpler and NCSSMer) 

Then we all hung around for a little bit, for a West Coast NCSSM reunion. 

We got to chat with some of our favorite people, and meet the new chancellor. 

Much better than Bore-man. Ugh. 

Sunday

We started a favorite new tradition on Sunday. 

Coffee and chats and watching Shiva play. 

Then we made a big batch of smoothies. 

After facetiming with our Raleigh peeps, 

we settled into watch the Oscars. 

Olive was a HUGE Avengers fan. 

Then to celebrate the best picture Argo. 

and made a delicious galette! 

(recipe to follow)

Then, Mike and I watched a very adult educational movie. 

We're super. Thanks for asking. 

Weekend Update

This weekend was definitely fantastic. 

After such a good Valentine's day,

 it had a tall order to fill, 

but, it did. 

Oh, it did. 

Saturday

Mike flew in late Friday night, 

so Saturday afternoon we were thrilled to head to our first

San Francisco Beer Fest event. 

It was really close, so we cabbed it out, 

in BEAUTIFUL 70* weather. 

I also found this..it's a beer, 

that is brewed like a sparkling wine. 

Quite tasty. 

Sunday

We dropped Shiva off at the boarder and headed north. 

We stopped in Calistoga at Hans Fahden for a little tasting and tour. 

(Beautiful grounds)

Then, we headed to Chateau Montelena. 

If you've seen the movie "Bottle Shock" -this- is the vineyard. 

If you haven't seen the movie. Go do it.

They had beautiful grounds (I sense a theme here..)

and fantastic wine. There was also a nice hallway full of the winery's history.  

Our last stop was out to Paradise Ridge. 

The owners had purchased a large amount of Burning Man art, 

that was located on the grounds

And again, the views and wines were terrific.  

After we checked into our hotel, we found ourselves at risibisi for dinner. 

FANTASTIC risotto with shredded beef. 

Monday

Although the weather was less cooperative, 

we started out at Cline Cellars. 

If you go there, ask for Gayle in the tasting room.
She's FANTASTIC, and really makes everyone feel special. 

We then went across the street to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. 

They also have an olive oil press, which is very cool. 

Can you guess how the wines were? 

I loved the look of this place, old world Italian architecture and wines. 

For lunch, we went up to Viansa,  

then back down to Gloria Ferrar to see the grounds and 

check our their award winning sparkling wines. 

Eventually, it was time to leave.
We stopped on the way home for sushi, 

at our new favorite sushi place, 

then headed home to open a bottle of wine to celebrate 

-my new job!-. 

(Yes, we opened more wine..don't judge)

It was actually a bottle we picked up in Kansas during our road trip in November. 

So, it was a little sweet to feel the circle come all the way around  

One final shot, 

my tulips started to bloom! 

Another excellent weekend, 

and another set of venues to look at. 

Certainly can't complain about life right now :)

The Best DAY ever

This -is- a recap of my Valentine's Day, but DON'T click away just yet!

 Big news down below. 

The day started out fine.

My Mom and dad got me a snazzy snuggie,

and a super pretty necklace. 

 I painted my nails for the holiday. 

Then, the awesome started. 

I got this text, which made me cry. 

My awesome Vday present is PERFECT. 

Then Mike surprised me with beautiful tulips. 

Then, I got a phone call from the company I interviewed for. 

I GOT THE JOB!

My parents, Mike and I skyped and cheers-ed with wine to celebrate. 

Long after the East Coast went to sleep,

THIS happened. 

vDAY by teeller featuring crew neck sweatshirts

Shiva and I curled our happy little selves up, 

 with some wine and panda express (for me), 

toys and bones (for her), 

and watched movies til late in the night. 

Ok, she slept. 

and slept some more..

But, Mike comes home tonight, and we have an AWESOME weekend planned. 

Yesterday was pretty spectacular. 

Come to think of it, my life is pretty spectacular. 

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentines Day.

Today should really be a day to celebrate all kinds of love.

The "I have the best fiance in the world" kinda love. 

The "My Parents are the most spectacular people ever" kinda love. 

And the "My friends are pretty awesome" kinda love.  

I hope your day is filled with lots of love. 

If it isn't, you can watch the JibJab I made for Mike below. 

It's filled with love and awesome. 

Jibjab!

State of Our Union, Bonus Edition

In honor of the actual State of the Union, 

last night. 

Let me show you a little something.

Our engagement announcements. 

I love a good monogram, and the simplicity of the clinking glasses, 

plus the green and gold go beautifully with the bridesmaid earrings from 

April's Wedding. 

As soon as I opened them

 I knew I'd be squirreling them away to use for my own color inspiration, 

The State of Our Union

On Saturday, 

during GORGEOUS weather, 

we went to our first potential

WEDDING VENUE. 

Seriously though, this place was pretty stellar. 

I. Love. It. 

My only wish,

 is that I could get a guarantee on the weather. 

The Weekend, Briefly

Instead of the normal, 

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 

I'll just give you a few shots of the weekend. 

Shiva's new favorite toy

Fan.Tas.Tic. Steak House

End of Week celebrations

Morning Juice

Reading with Shiva

Hearts with my Heart

Thumbs up for Video Games

Dinner

Dog Park Fun

Mike's Brunch Treat

It was a pretty nice weekend. 

Productive, 

tasty, 

and even a bit of relaxation.