Blondies and Pinks ...

Because nothing says have a great weekend better than chocolate chunk blondies and pink pretzels. Hard to believe this weekend marks the end of July and the beginning of August already! Hopefully August will bring its good friend summer to visit us this month. At this point I think we're going to have a late summer, therefore a heat wave of a Christmas. It's going to be interesting practically decorating the tree in our swimsuits. Oooh, I think I just got an idea for our Christmas card;) Hope everyone has a great weekend! Group hug:)

Photos: Dirty Pretty Things

Weekend In Review ...

1. WTFun?! was my first reaction when I saw the bronzed surfer statue in Cardiff (aka the "Cardiff Kook") had been swallowed by a giant paper maché shark! How funny is that? What's even better was that earlier in the week there was a giant shark fin across the street that would appear closer and closer to the statue as if circling its prey. And then Saturday morning there it was, the giant shark swallowing the statue. I love this mysterious, interactive art and the fact that authorities have not taken it down yet. Apparently no charges will be pressed because there was no damage to the statue. Very cool for everyone.

2. Ahh, the premiere of Mad Men. I have to admit, having viewed all prior seasons via Netflix, it was tough watching with interruption last night–took a tiny bit of the allure away. However, was a pretty good episode, not my fave. Although I think Roger is slowly becoming my favorite character with his one liners. Who else could say "wet fart" with such demure sophistication?

3. Saturday I went with Bianca and her little on a trek down to Coronado for the Oh Joy! yard sale. It was the cutest idea and one that I think everyone should adopt. I scored on some fun jewelry pieces and Bianca scored some awesome fabrics that I swear were just sitting there waiting for her. Super fun day!

4. Remember my funny, talented uncle? Well, I spoke with him on Sunday and the chat did not disappoint. He told me he had been asked to speak at a friends funeral recently and I of course started to feel awful . But in true form, he reassured me that it went well and it was "a hit." Wha? He explained how he re-enacted a skit from a movie and even programmed his phone to ring during his eulogy so that he could answer and have a fake, but typical comedic conversation with his friend who had just passed. Apparently he had everyone laughing and the family loved him for turning the environment from a somber one into a fun, reflective one. Leave it to my uncle to know how to jazz up a funeral. (RIP Floyd:)

Photos: Happenstance

Draper Photo

Weekend In Review ...

1. Had the best time Friday night at a photo shoot for Kendall K.! We danced, laughed, ate and drank Guinness ... repeat. But most importantly the line is amazing! It was a lot of fun and a great pleasure being a part of Kendall K. history:)

2. Finally got caught up on my August issues. I can't even tell you how much the photos of Jon Hamm from the August W look like my friend Matt. I'm talking serious doppelganger. Hopefully Matt will let me do a side by side post so you can see what I'm talking about.

3. I got my hair did! The funny thing is you wouldn't even be able to tell the difference, but I can. My hair has been so straw-like since having K. And it's now finally starting to feel normal and strong again. Yay! BTW ... you can kind of see my Rikshaw tuxedo kurta at my shoulder there. I love it! It is so comfortable and cozy I want to sleep in it. Not kidding.

4. Went to some good friends of ours BBQ on Sunday that was a great capper to the weekend. It was really fun to watch the kids run around with wild abandon. Totally reminded us of when we were kids. But I'm not gonna lie, one of the best parts was this cake called "22 minute chocolate cake"–it was amazing! And the chips and salsa of course. The salsa was from Trader Joe's and is called the "Garlic Chipotle Salsa." Try it at your next gathering, it will not disappoint!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Photos: Happenstance

Fun In The Sun ...

Even though this is clearly a water park something tells me the beaches will be looking similar this weekend. As they should really. We've been begging for the sun here in So. California and it's here in full effect. It was already almost 80° this morning at 9am! Woo hoo!
You have to admit though, there's something sort of fun about floating in this lazy river. Just try not to think of it as taking a bath with perfect strangers and you'll be good.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Group hug:)

Photos: Yosigo

Brainfreeze Day! ...

Aka 7-Eleven Day! Which means you can pretend you're 12 again and go get your free Slurpee today! I would rush down there if I didn't feel like I might need mittens to hold my Slurpee–yes, it's still cool 'round these parts. But Slurpee's with mittens is better than no Slurpee at all, right?! Hope you're having a good weekend, see you tomorrow!

Photo: Flickr

PUBLIC Love ...

Not only did I love the bike, but the basket on the back too.

You can fill it with your goods ...

And just carry it right on into your house. Love that.

So I was flipping through the new Vanity Fair (you know what I'm talking about;) and I came across this awesome orange bike from a company called PUBLIC. I love it when I run into a company that I end up enjoying well beyond just their product. Although, they don't consider themselves a "company" since they don't care to make bikes faster or fancier, but rather they "design bikes to help make city life a little simpler and a little more fun." Don't you love that? Then it got more interesting as I read that the founder of PUBLIC is also the founder of DWR, Rob Forbes–who knew?! PUBLIC definitely passes the unofficial Happenstance "M.A.V." (Message, Aesthetic, Vibe) test. They even tell you to stop by their offices if you're in the SF area. Who does that anymore?

Star Quality ...

You know that feeling you get when you meet with a group of friends and realize that quality time was just had? That happened on Saturday morning. I met Brandi, Taryn, Heather and Shelby for coffee and it ended up being a three hour meet and chat! It was so great to know and meet (I had never met Brandi and Shelby before) girls with great character, a sense of humor and depth. I think we talked about everything from photography, Sarah Silverman, fashion, religion & philosophy, to inspirational books, life experiences, what makes us tick and well, why we blog. We also found that we have so much in common including that three of us had uncles who either were drafted by Major League Baseball or played professionally. What are the odds?!

When I started this blog I did it for a much needed creative outlet. I never considered the people it might put me in contact with and eventually meet along the way. They say technology can separate people, but in this case it's brought us together. Funny how that works.

Photo: Here

Happy Weekend! ...

No real reason for posting this photo other than I love that Kirsten Dunst looks cute and is being silly in it. I've always liked her casual style, it always manages to look so effortless. Who knew the little permed vampire who kissed Brad Pitt would turn out to be so cool and stylish?

Speaking of cool and stylish, if all goes well I will be meeting up with a few cool and stylish blogger friends from the San Diego area tomorrow–some of whom I've never met! I'm really looking forward to it! But my weekend starts tonight really as I watch my beloved Lakers try and eliminate OKC in this first round NBA playoff series. Go Lakers!!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Group hug:)

Photo: Here

Sky Hammock ...

I thought this looked really fun but then reality set in. I pictured myself getting dizzy and getting shortness of breath. Then I saw the steps. Never mind, I'd never even make it to the sky hammock. I guess I draw the line when it comes to fun. I never realized that.

Photo: Here

iRad or iFad? ...

I imagined thousands and thousands of people like this over the weekend just lying around and tinkering endlessly with their new iPad's. Did you get one? Know anyone who did? It seems the general consensus is that it's fun and works great (although not very easy to type on, but I'm sure it just takes some getting used to), but do you really need it? Is that what you're hearing?

BTW ... if you want to see your fabulous blog through the eyes of an iPad owner go here (found via swissmiss).

Photo: Here

Happy Easter Weekend ...

I'm hoping I will be breaking into one of these this Easter weekend. The only time of year I do. Man, they're just so luxuriously rich aren't they? They should come packaged with milk as a chaser. Any Easter plans? We're keeping it mellow this weekend with family in town–which will be fun. I'm going to put together Easter baskets for the kids which I'm excited about. At some point we will most likely be headed to one of our favorite breakfast spots The Pancake House. I hope everyone has a great weekend and with that I leave you with these ...

... a serious set of arms with which to give a serious group hug. Happy Easter weekend everyone!

Photos:Here & Here

Joy List Club ...

Things that make me jump for joy ...

• The perfect cup of coffee with the right amount of half & half and raw sugar
• Sunlight through the shutters in the morning
• Making the fam "power juice" (spinach, kale, carrots, beets, celery & apple for taste)
• We haven't had a microwave in 5.5 years and we don't miss it a bit!
• The fact that I made it to yoga 3 times this week (yeah!)
• When Eric gets half day Fridays (like today:)
• Mexican hot chocolate from Pannikin (had one Wednesday)
• This blog, my readers, comment leavers and Happenstance followers (they are the best in the world after all)

What puts joy in your jump?

Photo: Here

I'm Not Sure, But I Like It ...

Don't you? Plus I figured since it is a day of tomfoolery, why not? It's random and silly. Kind of like when my 3 year old and I broke out a dance party at Target last week. Her favorite Taylor Swift song came on their video screen and she quickly broke into dance mode on cue and I couldn't help but follow suit. She calls it the "t-shirt" song but really it's the "You Belong With Me" song. Isn't that the best? She also casually refers to the Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" as the "Sombodeeya" song.

I know, too much cuteness for one day.

Image: Here

Tomfoolery Day ...

Driving me up the wall.

First day of school!

Um, I think we're missing something.

Just a couple of super cute sisters engaging in tomfoolery (I like that word). Try not to fall for anything today;)

P.S. If you want to see more of these amazing pictures check out Jason's blog. He specializes in wedding and engagement photos.

Photos: Here

Tetris Fever ...

Oh man, this one's near and dear to my heart. My brother and I used to play Tetris for hours on end. It was the only time I ever really got into a video game. Once Tetris fever broke that was it, I never got into any other ones. Isn't that strange? Eric on the other hand LOVES his games. So when there's a small chance to play he's all over it. He says his all-time game is the original Tony Hawk Pro Skater. Surprise! Were you entranced by any video games growing up?

Photo: Here

Morning Sunshine ...

I would plant myself right in that sun patch and either read a book with the perfect cup of coffee in hand, or take a nap. Sunlight spilling through the house is one of my favorite things ever.

Photo: Here

happy* Weekend ...

Great sign isn't it? In the bottom, left hand corner it says ...

*happy

emotion experienced

when in a state of well-being

What puts you in a state of well-being? Is it when you exercise? See a movie? Eat well? Eat a cupcake? I'd have to say going to yoga puts me in a well-being state–I feel super invigorated afterwards. Definitely laughing. Oh, the sun too! It can really feel like a warm, energizing hug. It's the best, right?

Hope everyone is in a state of well-being this weekend! Any fun plans?

Photo: Here

Helvetica Cookies ...

Cookies for font lovers! I fell in love when I saw these. How much fun would these be for a kids party? They could spell their name and decorate each letter with colored frostings. Lightbulb!

Photos: Here (via)

Visions Of Summertime ...

Always time for ferris wheels and roller coasters. You can almost almost feel the warm air in these images. When was the last time you were on either one of these? It's been too long for me. Perhaps this summer.

Photos: Here

Style Tunes ...

Great, classic toy.

Great, thoughtful design.

Great, eye-catching packaging.

A hand crank music box with the following music options: Are You Lonesome Tonight, La Vie en Rose, Valser d'Amelie, and My Way. How cool is that? Available here to creatively and stylishly enhance kids minds.

(via)