A Lake Tahoe Thanksgiving

This year we did something different for Thanksgiving. We loaded up the car (three cars to be exact) and hit the road to South Lake Tahoe. 

This was my first time to spend Thanksgiving in Tahoe. My husband has spent many Thanksgiving holidays there but this was our first time together and as a family. This was also my first time travelling to Tahoe in the winter. If you've ever been to South Lake Tahoe or even Tahoe in general then you understand the tortuous road that it takes to get there. You climb to a grueling 7,382 feet at Echo Summit to then fall down into the basin of Tahoe. Oh, did I mention there's no guard rails at some points along the road? All that keeps you from falling to your death is white knuckles on the steering wheel and 2 feet of dirt on the side of the road.

With all that said, that's the main reason why I had actually never ventured over to Tahoe in the winter. However, a few months ago, my husband's cousin and I had the brilliant idea to plan a Thanksgiving out of town and dreamed of loading up 9 adults and 2 toddlers to make the trek for a winter trip at Thanksgiving. What we didn't know when we planned it months ago, was that it was going to become a winter storm advisory with whiteout conditions only hours before we were set to hit the freeway. 



This live camera feed of Echo Summit saved us all because I religiously checked it. We got chains for the cars and loaded them down with all the bear necessities. When it came time to pull out of the driveway we headed into the snow and grueling pace of 20 mph with one lane of traffic moving through chain control and what is usually a 2 hour drive turning into almost 4 hours of being in the car. But hey... we didn't go off the mountain so that worked for me!

When we arrived in South Lake we were greeted with a winter wonderland. It was like living in a snow globe with never ending snow flakes, freezing temps and bears galloping in the background on people's house steps. We not only saw one bear but two along with it opening our unlocked car door to get a piece of gum. At least he left our cash.

We went to Heavenly and the beach which was covered in snow and ice all the way down to the water's edge. 

Presley got to play with his cousin, we all enjoyed the view and company and we made some winter memories in the snow. It was a great time. I think we will do the same thing next year but hey... you never know where life can take you. Also, the place that we rented was great with a wonderful view above the lake. You can see it here if you are interested where we stayed. It was close to the shops and Heavenly and it was pretty easy to get in and out of considering the weather. 

Happy Valentines Day

From our Presley Bear! Sharing some of his Valentines Day Photos!

Valentines Day Lux List

Valentine's Day is right around the corner! While I'll be fine with receiving a card with a nice note in it, I thought I'd share some luxury gift ideas. Granted, I would love to receive any of these gifts but with the baby on the way any day, I think we probably won't splurge that much this time around.

The first gift idea... a trip to Oahu to stay at the Royal Hawaiian. While we've been to Hawaii, we went to the big island. I have never been to Oahu and I would love to stay at the Royal Hawaiian. This is where they filmed Gidget Goes Hawaiian and I have loved that movie since growing up. The hotel is the scene of the entire movie and it was actually filmed there.

I mean really... who would turn down a gift of a trip to paradise?

The next luxury gift most people wouldn't snub their nose at... a Louis Vuitton handbag. This particular bag is the Siena PM. It's got a removable cross body strap so you pick how you want to carry it. Sling it over your body or carry it by the handles. Personally, this is my favorite LV print.



La Fleur Bouquets- The Petite Square

Have you seen these flower arrangements? They come in some pretty wild colors. They also last an entire year! These are real flowers! I love the idea of a mixed box of baby blue and white roses. Everyone who ever gets these always raves about how amazing they are and that they actually last an entire year. Granted, you can't remove them from the box if you want them to live!

Quality workout gear. These Adidas Alpha Bounce EM Running Sneaker and the Nike Sportswear Rally Fleece Pants. Both of these can be worn year round and will keep you looking stylish while getting your sweat on.



An extra long weekend in Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg Tennessee because duh... it's my favorite place!

It's been awhile since I've been there any other month besides May, June or November. Trust me, I'll take a trip a trip there anytime someone wants to give me one. I love that area and one day we will retire there.

These are just a few of the luxury gifts, that any girl could want.

Happy Mother's Day!

Take a moment today to say, Happy Mother's Day to all those moms you know! I want to say, Happy Mother's Day to my mother in laws and of course my mom!

I love you mom! I miss you everyday and can't wait to see you! 

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

 

Sending lots of love on this Valentine's Day!

I love you boo!

I love you mom!

 

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Can you believe Valentines Day is just around the corner? 2017 is already moving and grooving. Just as I did with Christmas, I mentioned a few things that I'd love to have for the holiday. Since Valentine's day isn't the same level of Christmas, I kept my list short with just a few options in each category. Now before you think I'm all about stuff just remember I will fine with only getting a card. Who doesn't love a cute card from their husband and mom? With that being said here's a few things on my wish list for the year.

1. Books.

 

Found here, here and here

I love books. I could just read and read. I've been wanting this Mars fiction book for awhile (I love anything with going to Mars). I've recently discovered the classic series: The Dana Girls Mysteries and I'm loving how cute they are. Then of course Harry Bosch books.

2. Movies.

 

 

 

Found here, here and here

I am a sucker for a good Hallmark movie! I especially love their Christmas movies but they also have some other really good ones!

3. Weekend Getaway.

 

I've been wanting to go to Portland which is close to us so that could be a weekend. I've also been wanting to go to Wyoming which is a little further away but hey... Portland is close so is Seattle which I really liked! I can always make Pigeon Forge a weekend :) I keep hearing about all the updates to the Graceland area in Memphis. I'd love to see all of the changes!

4. A New Scarf.

 

 

Found here, here and here

 

I love wearing a scarf in the winter when it's cold. I usually wear it all day at my desk too. I only have a few so it's tricky to incorporate them into my wardrobe. I'd like to add a new one or two or three.

5. Christmas Village Pieces.

 

 

Found here, here, here and here.

I put my first Christmas village up this past year and I loved it! I want to add more pieces to it in 2017 and to do that I'll need to acquire more houses, accessories and lighted buildings. I saw this little set when I was with my mom in Pigeon Forge and thought it was so cute!

Happy Thanksgiving

Memorial Day

 

To all of the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice we remember them today.

 

Thank you for allowing me to live the life that I live.

 

 

Happy Easter: Muir Woods

Easter 2016 is in the books. I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter weekend. We spent the day enjoying each others company and the gifts that the Easter Bunny stopped by and dropped off. The house was even a little decorated for the holiday. We decided to get out of the house and head over to the Muir Woods.

We had never made the two hour drive over so we decided to go on Easter Sunday. We thought it would be less crowded with people doing Easter activities but we were outsmarted because it was packed! We had a really great time though and did one of the three mile paths.

Muir Woods is filled with giant and ancient redwood trees. It's a haven for wildlife deep inside the national park and the trails are perfect for novice of advanced hikers. We had a really great time and enjoyed the leisure trail.

The trees are literally so tall that a majority of the sunlight doesn't touch the ground so moss and green plants grow.

 

 

 

We saw this giant spider web and the spider hanging out in the middle of his web.

We also saw these green plants every where. I have no idea what they are but we thought they looked very Willy Wonka and Tim Burton.

 

 

It was a great first Easter holiday married. If you get the chance to visit Muir Woods don't pass it up!