café au lait + honey

i have the coolest sister.

2012-01-29T18:51:00.000-08:00

so this clutch that i've been drooling over for over a year now?

the clare vivier with the hot pink streak?

my sister made me one.

it's really kind of crazy how awesome she is. i'm still trying to wrap my mind around it.

also, i've reached a personal milestone... i haven't purchased any new clothing this month.

not even from target.

not even sweat pants, which, strangely, is one of my favorite things to purchase.

shopping my closet has got me rediscovering and repurposing my wardrobe... made even easier when i'm gifted beautiful accessories!

(thanks, lauren! you are my favorite. also, i think you need to start a DIY blog).

jacket // j.crew. dress // tart c/o ruelala. watch // michael kors. wedges // aldo.

happy chinese new year!

2012-01-24T20:44:00.000-08:00

take-out from p.f. chang's is awesome.

winston thought so, too.

i'm pretty sure he snuck away a rib bone & hid it under the bed.

we had cupcakes from sprinkles for dessert.

the two made a great combo for celebrating the chinese new year.

even though we never received one of those supposed red envelopes

with a coupon inside.

the s'more cupcake made up for it.

i was in heaven.

maybe i'll get one every day from now until feb 2.

the spences.

2012-01-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

it was so much fun getting a chance to take some pics of karli, nick, and lola for their christmas card! they are such a beautiful family, inside and out. i'm so excited to get to spend more time with them this year... starting with a triple date planned for sunday and a book club meeting with the girls the week after!

we only had about 5 feet of space to move around in, but we still managed to find some little nooks to shoot in. the favorites:

sunday style, inaugural post.

2012-01-22T20:08:00.000-08:00

sunday is probably the only day that i wear clothes that aren't pulled from a pile of half-folded laundry at 5am. and the only day that i'm actually outdoors when there still light out. and today was actually my first day wearing a hat as part of an outfit, so why not commemorate it? i'm an accessory minimalist, so i actually ended up taking it off in the car on the way to LA, but it was fun while it lasted!

hat // anthropologie. lipstick // nars schiap. // charm // anthropologie. watch // michael kors. necklace // junghwa. bag // b.makowsky via tjmaxx. shirt // j.crew. jeans // paige flares c/o madewell. over-the-knee boots // nordstrom. nail polish // essie.

our town.

2012-01-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

this past saturday, dave and i had the chance to see one of my absolute favorite plays, our town. it's a play about life and moments, and without fail, i think about anything thornton wilder writes for days afterwards. helen hunt was great, of course. her voice has so much presence, and all the actors were right there. and, probably because santa monica in general is just so wonderful this way, the concession food was good. as in, i actually enjoyed the sandwich that i bought five minutes before the play.
afterwards, we stopped at the 3rd street promenade, because i have missed it so much.
our first official date night of 2012 was complete with strawberry nutella crepes from cafe crepe and a stop at LUSH to pick up some bath bombs.
nights like this one make me even more thrilled about this new year. i really think it will be full of special moments.

a monday night.

2012-01-18T21:22:00.000-08:00

monday was awesome. monday was a day of relaxing in the morning at my parents' house, baking chocolate chip cookies in the afternoon, and a home-cooked dinner date (bruschetta + spaghetti & meatballs + warm cookies & mint steamed milk) with family in the evening.

i vote for three day weekends every weekend.

reading & writing...

2012-01-11T17:29:00.000-08:00

... just two of the things i'll be doing more of this year. and i have a book club and snazzy, new journal to help things along!

it's 2012!

2012-01-10T19:51:00.000-08:00

the first week of 2012 has come and gone! we're feeling so blessed over here because already, our january days have been filled with good food, quality time with each other and close friends, and fun, new things.

pictured: a gift of homemade (!!!) from my sweet coworker. my very first hockey game (ducks v. sharks. a yummy vegetarian meal. a sleepy puppy ball + lululemon (of course, i'm addicted). a little something from anthropologie. a meal and an almond twist to go at pain du monde (the best bakery in orange county).

happy 2012!

2012-01-02T20:15:00.000-08:00

the new year is always filled with such hope and anticipation for me. it makes me so happy to know that in the continuum of time, there is that small change that signifies a fresh start.

my intention this year is to make every moment count, to be present, to savor, learn, absorb. to spend more time being immersed in whatever it is that i am choosing to do. and reminding myself that there is a choice.

mindfulness over multi-tasking. peace over production. minimalism over materialism.

time is a gift.

[iphone photos from our today's lovely sunset adventure in corona del mar with the sweetest family i could ever ask for. no better way to start the new year].

a reminder for the new year.

2011-12-27T14:26:00.002-08:00

i've been thinking about the upcoming new year. i've broken out my new planner, made a few lists, but in the end, i'm a visual person, so photos win. i made this mini-inspiration board to remind myself of the little joys that i want next year to be filled with:

home-cooked meals

champagne with appetizers & wine with dinner

book club meetings

long conversations

journaling. lots of it.

reading in bed

the peace & simplicity of being home

scented candles

beauty. beauty. beauty.

rest

intellectual challenges

hard work

photographs

husband. winston. family.

this next year, i'm choosing to be more grounded. to look around me at what i already have. to practice contentment and simplicity. to really take the time to enjoy a meal, a conversation, a book, a project. i'm choosing to make art, to give my full attention to things that matter to me, to read more, learn more. i'm choosing to appreciate beauty in small doses: a vase of fresh flowers, a campfire-scented candle, a stack of unread books. i'm choosing to spend less: less time, less money, less energy... on things that just aren't as important. i'm giving myself permission to decide when to hibernate, work, play. i'm giving myself permission to do my own thing. i'm choosing to value my time, my money, my energy, my resources. i'm choosing to make 2012 the best year yet.

[font]

merry christmas!

2011-12-24T14:32:00.000-08:00

we're so happy to be celebrating our Savior's birth with family and friends. wishing you all the peace, joy and beauty that surrounds this season.

love,

david, ruth, and winston

[holiday card from minted]

the hoffmans.

2011-12-15T19:29:00.000-08:00

we love the hoffmans. they're one of the coolest couples we know. steph & zach introduced us to bananagrams and cafe rio, and they are always game for hanging out, even when the activity is watching one of dave's notoriously and unintentionally awkward movie picks.

so when it came time to take christmas card pictures, we made a double date out of it. we took our cameras to a little place off the 133 and took turns taking pictures for each other. these are a few of my favorite snaps from the sesh.

this grateful heart.

2011-11-25T09:37:00.001-08:00

In the all-day cooking fest that was Thanksgiving, I didn’t spend time reflecting on what I am thankful for. So here’s my list:
dishwashers – and pretty much any other automated cleaning device. my puppy, who takes every chance he get he can get to jump in my lap. my full bookshelf – and for literacy and it’s importance in society. my new iPhone – because I don’t have to constantly “borrow” Dave’s camera anymore. this wave of contentment at that God has blessed me with, especially after some of my previous waves of consumerism and materialism. our tiny apartment, dirty carpet and all – so much love has happened here. family – for being in my face, challenging me constantly, and showing me just how powerful love is. for homemade cinnamon rolls – because they are life-changing, and I will never go back to those canned imitations. for girlfriends and book clubs and joint birthday parties – those make the world go ‘round. and Smartypigs – for making saving so easy. for the most patient husband there could ever be. Chinese classes – for reminding me that sometimes goals are just about working hard. for work, but also days off of work, when I can relax, study, eat breakfast, read a book, and think about so many of the things that I’m thankful for.

happy halloweeeeen!

2011-10-31T22:08:00.000-07:00

Last night, Laur and I hosted our very first Halloween party! Hubs and I dressed up as a web and black widow, with the little guy as a cocoon. We sipped on signature cocktails with lychees and branded cherries, and we ate swamp chili, devils on horseback (addicting!), deviled eggs, chocolate “pate,” and so many other delicious things. The best part, though, was spending quality time with our friends. That just doesn’t happen enough.

a day in malibu.

2011-10-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

from start…

[brunch at Taste in the Palisades followed by a tour at the Getty Villa]

to finish…

[a stop for seafood, of course]

These pics are from a while back, which just goes to show how bad I am at blogging, but better late than never, right? And it’s just fun to look back on how adventures are different in each season.

bon iver.

2011-09-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

last monday, we saw bon iver live at the shrine auditorium. CRAZY GOOD. the instrumentals were so rich, and the mood was just magical. their new album is fantastic, but my favorite part of the night was the last song before the encore, for emma. they had the whole audience standing up, feeling the music, swaying and singing. such a brilliant night.

one year ago today…

2011-09-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

we adopted this little munchkin.

and now we can’t imagine life without him.

happy autumn.

2011-09-25T21:02:00.001-07:00

I love every season, I really do. I love the changes that mark each season and all the little things that make each season special. Longer nights mean more game nights with friends, fireside scented candles, home-cooked meals. Colder days mean printed scarfs, polka dot blouses, weathered leather bags, chunky sweaters, jeans tucked into boots, and morning lattes. I love that fall brings a fresh start, a new school year, a new syllabus of my own (coming up this week!).

This fall, I’m trying out new things. Daily 7:15 a.m. workouts, a Chinese language class with UCLA extension, regular hot yoga classes, more happy hours and restaurant favorites on the agenda [pictured: R + D kitchen, the Library Alehouse], and more nights that involve reading books in bed.

I’m hoping for slower days, more cuddle time and afternoon naps. This fall for me is going to be about making lots of personal and lifestyle changes (inspired by this month’s Whole Living mag). I want this season of my life to be more contemplative, more deliberate. Less about being busy, and more about being productive. Less multitasking, more quality time.

I’m embracing this new season.

it’s august, and we’re camping.

2011-08-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

We bought our very first tent (yes, cute was a factor) and tagged along on a family camping trip to Malibu Creek State Park. The temperature was scorching inland at the campsite, so we headed to Zuma Beach for a glorious afternoon of sunshine and sea breezes. Hubs helped cook dinner, and my cousin made blackberry Mountain Dew cobbler in a dutch oven with coals (makes me wish I could have been a boy scout). We ended the weekend with a trip to Malibu Seafood and an evening showing of Guillermo Del Toro’s latest, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark. Even though our getaway was just a little over 24 hours, it felt like so much longer, as all getaways should.

Can’t wait to get some campsites booked up for next summer! Sleeping under the stars on summer nights is a dream.

our bay area vacation in iphone photos [part one]

2011-08-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

This past week, we house/dog-sitted for a great couple I’ve known from middle school. Winston got a few lessons in puppy social skills, and we had some time to relax in the cutest little bungalow. Of course I took way too many iPhone pics. Highlights (there were lows too, like um, visits from an unfriendly neighbor, but vacations are about focusing on the fun) from the first part of the week :

mango & sticky rice (world’s best dessert) in downtown Walnut Creek
homemade happy hour with brie and muscato
homecooked dinners
early evening walks with the pack (Lucy, Ellie, and our little guy)
cookie-sized macarons from Bouchon
reunions with old friends
smoked tri-tip lunches and leisurely drives
a HUGE scoop of ice cream from San Francisco Creamery
studying for the GRE outdoors in the sunshine
glasses of wine in the evening (from Cupcake Vineyards, of course)
randomly finding a cafe and realizing it was Tartine (their bread pudding was the best I’ve ever had, and the Mexican wedding cookies were delicious)
ordering in pizza and quality time with our little guy (and his new doggie friends)

Not pictured:

Stonehouse olive oil and endless food discoveries in the Ferry building
cinnamon rolls for breakfast on multiple mornings
morning strolls downtown
afternoon naps in a bed v. afternoon naps sitting upright in a van in traffic on the 405
quality time with my sweet parents

Crazy how days just fly by. More photos to come.

bittersweet.

2011-08-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

Last night, husband sold the car that has been a part of his life since high school: a 1966 Dodge Coronet with plates that came practically customized for him. He rebuilt the car with his dad, took it to prom, and to college. That car transported us (and subsequently broke down on the side of the 405) on our first Valentine’s day. We rode in it on our first date to the Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade. The first time I drove to Irvine with David was in that car, with the windows rolled down and the music blaring. And just over two years ago, we waved goodbye to our best friends and family amidst a cloud of bubbles and drove away in it to our first night as newlyweds and the beginning of our marriage.

so thanks for all the memories, Blue Bomber!

you will be missed.

[all photos by Raya Carlisle]

my baby munchkin turned one!

2011-08-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

My puppy baby turned a year old this past Sunday! I can’t believe that how fast the little guy has grown… he didn’t even weigh two pounds when we got him. He makes us so happy every day with his furry cuddles and nuzzles and endless puppy kisses. We can’t imagine life without this precious fur ball as a part of our little family.

happy birthday, Winston!!!

we needed a break from the city, so we went to palm springs.

2011-07-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

We had a bucket of beers waiting for us when we arrived. And with the poolside hammocks, outdoor fireplaces, and amazing brunch options, we were the happiest of campers. Even the little guy was loving the cool, comfy, bedouin-style room. Aren’t spontaneous getaways the best kind?

[adventuring at the Ace Hotel, Palm Springs]

gray on gray.

2011-07-28T20:42:00.001-07:00

today it took me 2 1/2 hours (!!!) to get home from work today. INSANITY.

so to redeem the night, we went out for margs. I wore gray, lots of it.

top / target. clutch / cynthia rowley. sandals / sam edelman.

I just love commitment-free weekends.

2011-07-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

mostly because we can do spontaneous things like this.

and I can now check ‘kayaking in the Back Bay’ off my 101 in 1,001 list.

win. win.

mcflurry monday.

2011-07-11T21:11:00.001-07:00

who even knew there was a McDonald’s in South Coast?!

top / urban outfitters. skirt / j.crew. bag / cynthia rowley. sandals / sam edelman.

let’s just stay here.

2011-06-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

After a few weeks of apartment hunting in L.A., a couple applications to apartments we thought we would love but didn’t (no parking? no thank you), and a lengthy moving pro/con list, Irvine won. Today, we renewed the lease to the place that we’ve made a home.

During this time of hypothetical move planning, I’ve thought about a few things…

1. Timing deserves a mention in any pro/con list.

The first apartment we applied to was a place off Santa Monica Blvd, near the Century City Mall. It had wood floors and a BBQ patio and a tiny kitchen. I thought it was a sign that I found a place so quickly after I started looking. Then was informed after I had spent 2 hours driving to see the place, that our application was second in line, and the first application was already in the process of being finalized with the owner. The second apartment we applied for was one in Bel-Air. It had hardwood floors, huge windows, and, as it turned out absolutely no parking. We’d also have to move in 3 weeks before our lease in Irvine ended, which basically meant paying more than double the rent for the month. Currently, our lease here will end just in time for our international adventures to begin.

2. Don’t get too comfortable.

Our current apartment has a garage. A garage that has been a blessing and a crutch. A garage that has allowed us to stockpile stuff like it was built to be a bomb shelter and not just a place to park the car. But all this talk about moving was a reminder that storing stuff is just not worth it. In about a year, we’ll (God-willing) be moving to China, and we’ll have to sell everything anyway.

4. There is no place in the world where life is perfect.

One thing I learned as an Econ major: there are trade-offs to everything. More time, less space. More greenery, fewer restaurants. A shorter commute on the 405, more time on the bus.

I love Orange County for how laid-back it is, for how close we are to beaches and camping and free yoga and running trails. But I haven’t turned into a runner. And I haven’t developed an appreciation for chain restaurants. Moving to L.A. wouldn’t make me a hipper person. Or even a happier one. It would be different, and that’s all.

6. Creating the life that you want takes action.

Stepping foot into an empty apartment, I imagine myself living there. I imagine where I will make my coffee, where Winston will go on walks, whether there is a window I can read by or a patio for grilling. It’s my imaginary life. In real life, I don’t always read by the window or go to the farmer’s market. I like having options, but the truth is that I don’t always take advantage of those options. Creating real life can be done anywhere. It doesn’t take a perfect apartment or easy transportation. It takes effort. And action.

7. Love where you live.

It’s a cheesy line that comes on the Irvine Co. keychain of our current apartment’s keys. But it’s so true. We have loved every minute of living in our little Irvine apartment. We love that we have a washer and dryer on our very own patio. We love that on our patio, we have chairs, a table, and even a cool, turquoise drink cooler on wheels. We love that we have a dishwasher and granite countertops and drawers that slide right open. We love that our good friends live right next door, that we have three (!) accent walls, and that our apartment leads directly out to a biking/running trail to the beach. We love the green belts in our complex and the palm-tree lined jacuzzi that we’ve escaped to many a (California) winter’s night. We love that right across the street is the grocery store, a Z Pizza, and a Coffee Bean. We love that we actually have sidewalks and that there is a park down the street with fire pits for marshmellow-roasting. Mostly, we love that it feels like home.

We’ve learned that nostalgia sometimes has a way of holding you back rather than pushing you ahead, but other times, it has a way of tugging at your heart strings and reminding you to go with your gut. To remember the good times, learn from the rest, and take the time to create the experiences you’ll want to hold onto.

There really is no place like home.

happy first day of summer!

2011-06-21T22:13:00.001-07:00

[photos taken at the Ace Hotel Palm Springs]

june.

2011-06-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

oh, hey June. you really snuck up on me, but i'm excited for you nonetheless.

you're like my personal progress marker, reminding me that whatever else i want to accomplish this year, i have 6 more months to do it.

and that i also have 6 more months until i turn 25.

i'm feeling pretty good about everything these last months have brought, but i have a feeling there are more good things in store.

and even though you are mild and somewhat gloomy, you can't trick me out of knowing that summer has arrived.

these longer days are rocking my world.

i especially like how the run rises over my 5:30 a.m. commute and stays up long enough for me to make dinner and do yoga before bed.

you're also the bearer of fun things like my BFF's wedding.

and glad things like my grandpa's trip into heaven.

i'm thankful for the reminder there's a lot to love/do/be in such a short amount of time.

so June, i'm glad you're here. i'll enjoy you while you last.

[image via aubreyrd from femme run]

happy tuesday!

2011-05-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

cheersing in this short week with smiles, a café au lait & a maxi skirt worn as a dress.

[skirt/dress / katwalk]

p.s. a thank you from the bottom of our hearts to those who help make this country what it is.

my life as a gyllenhammer [a.k.a. the good life].

2011-05-28T19:44:00.001-07:00

hi guys, it’s me, winston! life’s been pretty good over here in the villa. my favorites: daddy. mommy. pugly. pink dog [my girlfriend]. nights when I sleep with my head on the pillow, and mommy cuddles me. leftover corn chowder. bowls that ice cream was in. walks. air head popsicles. my safe place under the bed [crates are for fatties]. CHICKEN. I LOVE CHICKEN. chewing the drawstring of mom’s favorite sweatshirt. puppy naps. pooping on persian rugs at garage sales [mom said they were expensive, so you know, I had to give it a try]. fuzz [especially from the dryer, but also the dust balls I find on the patio… I don’t discriminate].

that’s all for now. more later,

winston gyllenhammer

let’s find some beautiful place and get lost.

2011-05-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

happy long memorial day weekend!

I’m hoping this weekend is relaxing and rejuvenating, with lots of quality family time. Commuting to L.A. every day is exhausting [is there anything worse than the 405 during rush hour?], and weekends are pretty much the only time I have to catch up sleep and my to-do list that tends to roll over into the next week… and the next week… and the week after that. In my dream weekend, I would cross off major items like ‘deep-clean the apartment’ and ‘finalize wedding pictures for album’ [I'm pretty sure waiting almost 2 years makes me a really, really bad… and annoying?.. person]. But in my dream weekend, I would also do things like, make raspberry coconut popsicles, from-scratch corn chowder, and homemade pop tarts. We would spend some time in the Palisades and watch endless episodes of Friday Night Lights. We would get the campaign dressers we bought to look like this and finally sell D’s 1966 Dodge Coronet. I would study for the GRE, get some amazing shots for my Photo 101 class and maybe even play around with some Fuji 400 film with my g-saled Holga. We would go kayaking in the Newport back bay and do some early morning yoga at Lululemon. And maybe, maybe, we would even find some beautiful place and get lost.

[explore] beach date at the cove.

2011-05-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe I’ve lived in Orange County for almost two years and haven’t been down to The Beachcomber or even down to this part of Crystal Cove! D and I had made plans to head up to the Getty Villa, but a little bit of car trouble (blessing in disguise?) led us on this spontaneous adventure instead.

If you’ve never been, Crystal Cove is a great beach to go to because it’s a little more tucked away. We parked across PCH and headed down this sweet, little foot path down to the coast. We lunched at The Beachcomber, taking photos while we waited for our table. I’m such a planner, but this spontaneous day was a breath of fresh air. With the gorgeous weather being forecasted, we’re looking forward to many more days like this in the near future!

the beach with the teal house.

2011-05-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

a preview of our little weekend date...

beige + poppy

2011-05-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

I’m loving the neutral with a splash of color trend… perfect for the spring/summer transition! My ombre hair: completely unintentional. That’s the byproduct of desperately needing to go get my hair did.

An outfit for brunch and the beach: sweater / the gap. shorts / zara. sandals / aldo. bag / cynthia rowley. nail polish / essie tangerine. Inspiration found here and here.

[zach + elise] our friends got married!

2011-05-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

Our sweet friends (who just happen to be our next door neighbors) got married last weekend! Zach and Elise got married at Red Horse Barn, which was a gorgeous venue that I had somehow overlooked in my own wedding location search. And their photographer, Levi Christiansen was actually the second photographer at our own wedding. Zach worked with husband, and we met Elise at one of their work events. It’s been pretty fab having them right next door for impromptu double dates and game nights… with many more to come.

Best wishes, Zach & Elise!

We love you, guys.

We were so honored (and of course, ecstatic) to be a part of this beautiful wedding celebration. A confession: I cried… many happy tears. And wedding season is just beginning.

little mister winston.

2011-05-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

The little guy is getting featured in the student news feed of my Photo 101 class. Yippee!

sister shoot.

2011-05-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

part one:

part two:

= this.

stay tuned.

[dresses from J.Crew].

you want somma this?

2011-05-09T21:27:00.001-07:00

“Mom likes to call me ‘the little guy.’ So I’m here on the blog to set things straight. I may be little, and yes, I do hide under pillows on the bed when dad decides to vacuum (have you heard that thing? it’s scary!!), but I’m a big kid now. One time, I barked at my cousin Clyde so ferociously that I propelled myself backwards. That was a rookie mistake. I’ve learned to take more initiative with my bark and hold my ground. I now bark at big dogs, little dogs, and ducks (just in case). My motto: no fear. And if that doesn’t work, I’ve perfected this face. I think it says, ‘Don’t mess.’ Talk to my toy turtle if you think I’m kidding… he doesn’t have any stuffing left, and I’m still not done with him.

Well, that’s all for now. I’ll be back later.

Winston Gyllenhammer (p.s. Grandpa thinks it’s funny that I have a last name, but I’m practically a person, so it’s ok).”

[eats] the counter.

2011-05-08T18:44:00.001-07:00

The first time Dave and I went to The Counter was Valentine’s Day, 2007, when drove to Santa Monica with a couple of my roommates in D’s 1966 Dodge Coronet. The most memorable part of the night was on the way back when the Coronet’s throttle cable snapped and we ended up on a very narrow shoulder of the 405, one exit away from home, precariously getting picked in a minivan up by his brother & sister-in-law (thank you!) while cars whizzed past us.

We’re pretty thankful that subsequent visits to The Counter have been far less dramatic. Now that one has opened in Irvine, it’s become one of our favorite places to grab a burger. We love the options. And the sweet potato fries. And if their special shake of the month is ever banana split, absolutely order it.

This month, I highly recommend the beef on a multigrain bun with grilled onions, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, sprouts, market selection cheese, and tzatziki sauce. And I really have got to stop staring at the picture I took because I’m a split second away from heading over there right now.

mother’s day.

2011-05-08T12:11:00.001-07:00

To all the beautiful mothers out there,

happy mother’s day.

we love you so, so much. words cannot even begin to describe what you mean to us.

[photo by Raya of Raya Carlisle Photography]

p.s. according to husband, puppy mommas count, too.

introducing… the OC Surfer.

2011-05-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

While at Roman Cucina the other night, I ordered an Italian Surfer martini (Malibu, Amaretto, pineapple juice, cranberry juice).

Aaaand, it was delicious.

[in case you couldn’t tell from my facial expression]

Husband decided to recreate the drink with the supplies we had on hand last night . Malibu, check. Amaretto, check. Juice of the required form, ummm no. Brilliant man that he is, he substituted the pineapple/cranberry juices with the homemade strawberry lemonade we had in the fridge.

results: amazing.

[we drank half before we even thought to take a picture. whoopsies!]

the mix:

1 part Malibu

1 part Amaretto

2 parts Strawberry Lemonade

Southern California love from our cocktail shaker to yours.

doesn’t husband make a good model?

2011-05-04T17:42:00.001-07:00

what a stud.

I sure do love him.

we ate. we adventured. we napped.

2011-05-03T18:04:00.001-07:00

it was glorious.

Brunch / Tustin Ranch Golf Club. Lunch / Alta Coffee Warehouse & Roasting Co.

[eats] Yen Sushi.

2011-05-03T17:46:00.001-07:00

We’ve typically headed to chain-type restaurants for our sushi, but not too long ago, our friends/next-door neighbors introduced us to this well-priced neighborhood gem.

We really like it.

Perk of sitting at the bar: getting to marvel at the slabs of raw fish.

Husband loves his edamame. [I do, too. It’s addicting].

Aren’t rainbow rolls just so, pretty? And those oranges.

happy friday!

2011-04-28T22:55:00.001-07:00

hope your weekend is all sorts of wonderful!

I’m pretty excited about this.

this week has flown by.

2011-04-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

wasn’t it just Easter?

on Sunday, we celebrated Jesus’ resurrection & the life we have because of it.

[photo by David Sunrock via Oh Hello Friend]

we ate some juicy strawberries.

I’m pretty thrilled these are in season.

we loved on this little guy.

he goes into mini beast mode whenever food is involved.

he only looks docile here. you should have seen him when there was still chicken in that bowl.

and I channeled the 70s.

I’m really liking the trend of long, pleated skirts and camel-colored platforms.

just so much to be thankful for!

dinner talk.

2011-04-28T22:09:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, we get pizza & froyo and have conversations that go like this:

R: I really like the jewelry that you’ve been buying for me these days.

D: That’s because you picked them out.

[It’s true.]

I really like this bangle. and this ring. I wear them every day.

p.s. have you tried watermelon with the honeycomb yogurt? It’s my new favorite.

[their favorites] ali + elliot

2011-04-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Ali & I went to school together back in the day, and it has been so sweet keeping up with each other through our blogs. I thought it might be fun to get a glimpse into the adventures & favorites of other couples. Thanks so much for sharing, Ali!

Hi everyone! Ali from The Gem State here. I feel so honored that Ruth asked me to write a guest post for her! Today I get to share with you all some of mine and husband's favorites! I hope you get a small glimpse into who we are as a couple and also glean a bit of inspiration for your own relationship!

their favorite date:

Elliot and I would answer this question differently, I think. My favorite date is one that involves Thai take out and any movie by Wes Anderson. Elliot would likely say his favorite date is when we do something active together, like mountain biking or skiing. Also, we both really like taking scenic drives with iced coffees and our camera in tow!

their favorite double date:

Elliot and I are fortunate to live in the Idaho Building in the heart of Downtown Boise. One of the greatest things about our location is that the farmer's market literally sets up right outside our front door every Saturday! Lately, Elliot and I have loved having friends over for brunch and then walking around the farmers market with them.

their favorite restaurant/coffee shop:

By far, our favorite restaurant in Boise is Fork. They're new in town, but their dessert menu includes warm sugar doughnuts that are divine! Our favorite coffee shop is The Library, mostly because they have a whole wall of books you can take home, read, and bring back! Plus, you can see practically see the butter in their cinnamon rolls ;)

their favorite holiday tradition:

We've only shared two Christmases as a married couple, but I would say our favorite tradition has become making good use of our vintage board game collection. Sadly, I'm not too much of a board games kind of gal, but there's just something about Christmas that gets me in the mood to play vintage Clue. I've meaning to get an Advent Calendar since we got married, so I'm hoping we can start making that a tradition this coming year.

their favorite random adventure:

Our favorite adventure would definitely have to be one of the weekend trips we've taken. Elliot and I love living in Idaho and have made it a point to really see what our state has to offer. A few weekends ago we packed up for Sun Valley and discovered why everyone is in love with the Saw Tooth Mountains!

their favorite memory together:

Hm, this is a tough one! I think our honeymoon probably wins out here, though ;)

their favorite thing to look forward to/dream about:

Our summer travel plans! We love warm weather and have really enjoyed planning how to use our vacation time. On our agenda thus far: a trip to Utah to do a photo session with Matt Clayton, an anniversary getaway (location TBD), a possible "boys only" mountain biking trip to Colorado, and a quick excursion to California for a wedding!

their favorite things about each other:

My favorite things about Elliot are: his love for the Lord and his sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit, the way he lives out his role as the spiritual leader of our family, his patience, and the way he takes care of his body. Elliot is very aware of the importance of nutrition and keeping his body strong. I feel blessed to have a husband that takes the time to take care of himself, which frees me to do the same!

When I asked Elliot this question, his response was pretty straight-forward and true to male form: "your body." Hah!

Ali's favorites:

Recently, I've been really into Starbuck's Via Iced Coffees, any possible excuse to have brunch, rustic-modern decor, J Crew's new spring collection, Kevin Murphy hair products, and kick boxing. In no particular order ;)

Elliot's favorites:

I've noticed that lately Elliot's really been into Jim Bean's cherry whiskey, brunch (yay!), sleeping backwards (i.e. with his head at the foot of the bed - yeah, i don't get it, either), and trying new sunglasses. Seriously, I think he wants a new style of sunglasses every week. Thank goodness Urban Outfitters carries a whole heap of them on the cheap!

[on the menu] a night at the barre.

2011-04-20T18:02:00.001-07:00

when you’ve stood on your tippy-toes for an hour at the barre, you can’t be bothered with meals that take an hour to cook. that’s when panini presses (or, you know, Foreman grills) come in handy.

the menu:

grilled lemon herb chicken breasts. sautéed spinach with roasted garlic & butter sauce. [leftover] oven-roasted beets drizzled with honey. Breyer’s peach ice cream.

the menu [if I hadn’t been ravenous from working out my weight in sweat]:

popsicles. and frosted flakes.

30 years.

2011-04-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

[photo by Raya of Raya Carlisle Photography]

happy anniversary to the sweetest parents I could ever ask for.

Your love inspires us.

I Corinthians 13:7

to the man who bought our espresso machine.

2011-04-16T15:34:00.001-07:00

It’s a Delonghi dual coffee and espresso maker for $30. We think that’s a pretty good deal.

When you came, we thought it was completely fine that you asked if we had coffee beans and a grinder, so you could try out the machine and make yourself a cup of espresso. But then you didn’t actually know how to use the machine and took half an hour trying to learn how.

Meanwhile, you asked if we were selling anything else. Yes, we said, a French press. “What is it made of?” Glass. Husband pulls it out of the cabinet. “Oh no, you can’t put that it the microwave.” One doesn’t typically put a French press in the microwave…

You finally made the espresso and then asked for milk because you couldn’t drink the espresso by itself. Um, wasn’t this just to see if the machine worked?

And then you asked for a to-go cup. To which husband replied, “No, we don’t have to-go cups. We’re not a restaurant.”

So we gave you a mug. You asked for a bigger mug.

You filled the cup with milk, poured in the espresso, and said “I guess this tastes like coffee.” Sir, what else is it supposed to taste like? And then you added, “It tastes like a regular drip.” Well, that may be because you made the espresso “light” and then proceeded to drown it with milk.

You asked for a lower price. We said no. Then you took all the parts and wrapped them up individually in bags before you left.

So to the man who bought our espresso machine, we would really, really like it if you or anyone like you, never purchased anything from us ever again. You had husband believing the whole time that we were being punked.

Thank you, Craigslist, for yet another wonderful gem of an experience.

our little kitchen helper.

2011-04-15T13:53:00.001-07:00

Who needs to rinse the dishes when you’ve got this little guy?

He does such a good job getting every dish spotless. And he always comes back to make sure they are clean. It’s the least he can do when we’re paying off his puppy credit card, he says.

p.s. the best medicine? kisses & cuddles from my favorite pup when husband is at work. so thankful.

boudin.

2011-04-14T23:10:00.001-07:00

guess who’s sick & trying not to be bitter about it? when I feel the bug coming on, I harness all of my preventative power in the form of cold-eeze, defense drops, orange juice, chicken noodle soup. and when that doesn’t work, I wallow in the epitome of comfort, food.

so when D suggested that we use our coups (we love coups) for our own neighborhood Boudin, I hurried through my Chinese quiz, packed a box of tissues for my sniffles, and jumped in the car for some grilled cheese on sourdough and tomato soup. and girl at the counter must have felt sorry for me, because she threw in a couple of doosies, the technical term for icing sandwiched in between two chocolate chip cookies.

we’ll be back, Boudin. maybe next time for the pot roast in a bread bowl. YUM.

over & out. xoxo.

r & d.

2011-04-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

R:UCLA alum [international development studies & economics]. California girl. loves husband, Winston, breve mistos, food adventures,taking pictures, and travel.

D: Soon-to-be Merage School grad [wealth management & entrepreneurship]. banker, fellow adventurer, possibly the most interesting man in the world.

We met in college, became the best friends, and got married on July 3, 2009 against a backdrop of Southern California sunshine and rolling hills, surrounded by our wonderful family and friends. After moving to Orange County (though R spends half of her time in Westwood) and settling into our new apartment, we fell in love with a little tibetan spaniel named Winston and made him ours.

café au lait + honey is a blog [nickname by husband to describe our little family: R & D make up the misto, with Winston as the honey] about our adventures in life, food & travel.

Hope you enjoy reading, and if you care to, get in touch with me at ruth.g.gyllenh[at]gmail[dot]com.