One of our favorite places is Malibu! While it is just about 45 minutes away from home, it is just far enough for a mini get away. Every year they have an awesome Art Festival and Garrett and I stumbled upon it last year — we have been patiently waiting for it to come along this year!

I’m sure we are not alone when life gets busy and often times we realize that we haven’t been on a real “date” for over a month — that is, besides the occasional movie or dinner out which isn’t always date material. So needless to say this was one of those times were we were due for a good time just the two of us. We drove out late in the morning and had lunch at The Reel Inn before heading to the festival — Clam Chowder, Shrimp n Chips and some fresh Fish Tacos. Have I ever mentioned that we LOVE food?!

To start off, here are some of the gorgeous orchids that were displayed in one of my favorite booths. They have all kinds of orchids and I could stroll back and forth in this booth for the entire day!

Next up, one of our favorite artists that we ran into last time (forgot his name but will add it later!). He is so sweet and we just love the color and texture of his work. I have a feeling that next year we will be coming home with one of his pieces — I had to drag Garrett away from this booth because he was eye balling a piece that another young couple had already chosen and I was afraid he might pounce!

Each year there are always several artists out creating a replica of a photo or piece of art in chalk! It is pretty amazing to watch. The man below was doing a portrait of the Beatles. He had just started but you could just tell it was going to be amazing!

Again, did I mention we love food? Particularly ice cream! We both agreed that we couldn’t leave Malibu without stopping at the Ice Cream shop!

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…It is true!

Yellow is so bright and beautiful! I have been searching for some beautiful yellow items to add to my life and thought I would share some of my faves (with links below)! Have a beautifully bright Monday!

*Click to view the full image*

L I N K S

1. Distressed Photo Frame
2. Ruffle Pillow
3. Bright Chalkboard
4. Decorative Wall Hooks
5. Tri-Fold Wallet
6. Honey Yellow Ruffle Top (from Windsor)
7. Cute Owl Shea Butter Soap Bar
8. Pear Ear Rings
9. Bird Chain Necklace (this one I actually purchased, so far!)

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This year I would be entirely okay with skipping Halloween and jumping straight into Thanksgiving and Christmas. Since I can’t exactly do that, just for a quick moment, I am going to do a little hop,  jump and skip over to some Christmas inspiration that I wanted to share.

First of all, you have to check out the FREE digital copy of the 2009 Holiday CARDS magazine — http://ow.ly/2Y7AX

That is exactly where I found these beauties by Tamara Jensen (Instructions on pg. 76)!

Aren’t these so gorgeous?! I just have to make a couple for my home this Christmas! I am more of a traditional girl when it comes to Christmas colors, so I will have to search for some fun ribbon to use that will match our decor and our Christmas tree! Check back soon for the finished product!

Happy Weekend!

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Hi World!

I am still around… it has been two weeks (or more) since I have blogged but it is all for good reason. Mostly because my husband and I are working on being less wasteful of our time. Not that blogging is wasteful, but computer/internet time can get that way if you let it! We got rid of television last week (now watching just a few select t.v. shows on Hulu.com) and I have been reading! Yay!

Just wanted to check in to the blogging world and share a few of the awesome things going on in my life right now. First, 100 CALORIE CUPCAKES! from Chef Curtis Stone. He appeared on this last week’s Biggest Loser to show them that baking can be healthy. The recipe is below.

Second, I have been reading two books. It has been tough because they both are so amazing and thought provoking — it is hard to decide which I will read first each day! Both are HIGHLY recommend to you all.

Radical by David Platt

I am a Christian. I have been for a long time, but what I want to know is that I am truly following Christ. So many people say they believe in God or that they are Christians, but the Bible says that we need to test our faith. This book brings about thought provoking points using Scriptures that help you understand why God created us and chose us. FOR HIS GLORY. Not because he loves us (and he does) but because he deserves glory in this world. Do I live this out in my daily life? No. God’s message through David Platt digs deep and if you desire to live out Truth in faith and have confidence that we are truly living for God, this is a must read. Highly recommend for all who “believe in God.”

The Aquariums of Pyongyang by Kang Chol-Hwan

I think many would steer away from a book like this, yes, it is detailed but not too vivid. As a matter of fact, I think it is good for us to remind ourselves of what is happening (currently) in our world. My husband and I recently started supporting LINK (Liberty in North Korea) financially. LINK is an organization that helps escapees of North Korea start their new life in South Korea or the United States. This isn’t easy because many times they are unwelcome and don’t know what to do. Also, many of them escape into China and if they are found they will be returned back to North Korea (and punishment could be death). After Hitler, we said we would never let this happen again… this IS happening and has been happening — it is worse, many more have suffered and died in North Korea.

100 CALORIE VANILLA RASPBERRY CUPCAKES

Vanilla Cupcakes

Makes about 14 cupcakes

Ingredients

• 5 organic egg whites
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Raspberry frosting

• 1 cup nonfat cream cheese, at room temp
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• Fresh raspberries to garnish

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 325F.
2. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and using a handheld mixer whip the whites on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes or until the whites begin to lighten up and hold their shape.
3. Increase speed to high and whip in the salt and honey until the whites hold a soft peak, then add the vanilla extract.
4. Fold in the yogurt.
5. In a separate medium mixing bowl combine the flour and baking powder and mix well.
6. Sift the dry ingredients into the egg whites a little at a time, gently folding them in with a rubber spatula.
7. Once fully incorporated, scoop the batter into cupcake tins lined with cupcake papers.
8. Bake the cupcakes for 15 to 20 minutes or until they have colored and gently spring back when pushed with a finger.
9. Remove from the oven and cool the cupcakes at room temp.
10. While the cupcakes are baking, puree the raspberries in a blender until smooth.
11. Pass through a fine mesh strainer into a small saucepot and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes or until the puree reduces slightly.
12. Cool completely.
13. Place the cream cheese into a medium mixing bowl and fold the puree into the cream cheese until fully mixed.
14. Once cupcakes are cool, spread a little of the berry frosting over the cupcakes, garnish each with one raspberry and serve.

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WOW.

That really is the only word I could find to describe the World of Color show at California Adventure. I had heard good things but never expected it to be so special and so moving. Everything was so beautiful and brought back some amazing feelings of being that little girl again; dreaming of which Disney princess I wanted to be when I grow up!

A few of you have asked for tips and suggestions for when you go to check out the show and so I thought a post would be more beneficial than an email. I hope that you find all of the information useful and if you have any other questions feel free to comment on this post and I can try to answer them!

TIPS:

• Fast Pass: You MUST get a Fast Pass in order to have a good view of the show. While you can attend the show without a Fast Pass, I don’t suggest it. I saw where the people without passes were taken and it was off to the side where I am sure they had an off view. The Fast Pass can be picked up using your park ticket right next to the entrance of the Grizzly Rapids ride; One person will be allowed to retrieve the passes for your whole group, so group your tickets together and designate someone for that – there may be a line. We got our Fast Passes at 10:45ish and the first showing (9pm) was already full; so we went for the 10:15pm showing.
• Sections: Your Fast Pass will give you the sections color that you will be able to stand in for the show. This is not something you can choose so there is not much to say about this. All of the spots are pretty good; we got the Blue Section that was facing directly at the center of the show and was pretty much in the center. We were pretty happy with our spot. To find your section simply search for the area with that color of lights all around. All lights surrounding will be your section color and you will know you are in the right spot. You will want to stand at a railing to be sure that no one is standing in front of you (helpful tip from my sis, Holly!) – or next best thing, stand behind people who are shorter than you!
• Lining Up: The Fast Pass will tell you when to return to California Adventure in order to line up for the show (for the 10:15pm showing, it was between 9:15-9:45 and we got there at 9:30). Getting there a bit early does help because you will have first pick of where in your section that you stand. The line will start near the Winery section of the park, so when you enter the park, just walk straight up the park toward the Roller Coaster, just after the ANTS ride.
• Splash Zone! Standing at the very edge of the water front is considered the Splash Zone, though I am not sure how wet you might get. If you want good photos, this would be a good spot though. I had a bit of a hard time getting good photos because I had to zoom and I couldn’t take good photos without flash by holding it up over everyone’s heads. I think the edge of the water would be an amazing spot because the colors start under the water and you would be able to grasp the whole view of the water show!
• The show was about 30 minutes long (though I didn’t officially time it or anything) and it was wonderful! Absolutely worth getting home and into bed at 1am before a day of work! :)
• Things to keep in mind: You do stand for the entire show; children would probably need to be held or up on your shoulders. Go to the restroom before you get in line… it gets packed and you are there for awhile!

I think that is about it! Most of this was learned from my experience last night and from my sis, Holly, who has been to the show multiple times. Here are a few photos that I got; many of my photos didn’t turn out but that is okay because the experience was so amazing! I also took some video that I hope turns out as well and will add that for those of you interested in that. I really hope you all can make it to this show sometime! And if you do, ENJOY!

VIDEO: UNDER THE SEA

VIDEO: WORLD OF COLOR FINALE

**For perspective: Note that the big Mickey face is a huge ferris wheel! The water shoots up to amazing heights!

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