I was terrified to put myself on ski's so I opted for the bunny babe route, grabbed a cozy spot by the fire with a vanilla latte + a Jax Taylor sighting, (Bravo!) and dove into a book called the Year of Less.  Because I am terrible at finishing pages, I still have some chapters to go but it's fascinating.  Look at everything in your life that weighs you down, both physically and mentally, figure out what's important and focus on it.  The rest becomes insignificant when you realize the things that matter.  Easier said than done.  It was then, I felt so relaxed which for those of you who know me is rare but I'm always trying to stop my mind from racing a mile a minute.  I can't slow down but the pace of a still snowy vacay taught me I need just that.  A moment to escape, surround myself with amazing company and be still.  The escape work version of Tay has a mission:  find more meaningful distractions.    

And Truckee gave me the nudge to do just that, let go.  The downtown was adorable and I felt like I was in a time warp.  Historic buildings and an easy way of living.  Sign me up and I'm not even outdoorsy in the slightest.  After a snuggled work from home day, it was time for a vino outing.  By far, my favorite night was by the fire pit.  A few cocktails in, it was the perfect setting to kick off the weekend.  I love me an Adirondack chair and when the color coordinates with my wine, it's #heaven.  Girlie chats fireside on life, relationships and goals are good for the soul.  We played hooky that Friday, snooped around the shops, grabbed ourselves a giant, impossible puzzle and enjoyed a night in.  And for this granny TC, it was bliss.  I put in about a good 3 hours but gave up after #4.  DC was amazing and took the project to the finish line.  She deserved a medal and a whole lot of red wine.  The puzzle I donated to the Snowpeak Retreat was much more simple... the kiddie version.   

Driving out of the mountains that Sunday afternoon, I was so sad.  It's been awhile since I've felt bummed to leave a getaway.  Normally, I am ready to jump back into the office and pile on more work.  There's a lot to be said when you connect with a place, are with a gal who just gets you and experience a few days that leave you wanting more.  You realize it's just what you needed.  Truckee, I'm coming back for you and maybe next time, I'll be brave enough to hit the bunny hills... in fur, of course.

Lately, I'm all about themes so I'll hit you with one tonight.  You make me feel good.  A catchy song by the Satin Jackets with just those five words... simple right?  I recently added it to my playlist after a weekend away visiting a trend-setting girlfriend of mine in La La Land.  A chance to reconnect and explore, of course, with pretty drinks.  Those tasty treats deserve their own posts as one involved an adult snow cone (thanks Gracias Madre).  Even better, it came with a striped paper straw. Still a mix of a 5 and 85 year old inside, don't you worry.

​I know I've mentioned this before but it's worth repeating.  There is something really powerful around the friends I have been fortunate to cultivate throughout my life.  I use the phrase #GirlBoss at nauseam so until I decide what my own take on that is, I've come to find it's common throughout each of the gals in my gang.  They are a boss and at different but complementary things.  Put us all together and I'm convinced, we could run the world.  When I am having a day where I am feeling insecure, they see the things in me I don't and give me a nudge to make me believe I can do it, wear it or say it. They'll take you to two Zara's to help you search for a bird duster that's basically as tall as you just because.  As you're driving through West Hollywood to get to Griffith, they'll scream "pink house!!!" because they know it's your thing and cruise by slowly enough for you to get an image.

Let's face it.  An observatory is probably not the first place you would find me on a Friday afternoon. Visiting Griffith, however, I was all about it and one step away from starting for my search for Ryan Gosling and putting on my dancing shoes.  Funny stuff aside, this place is a beauty with a capital B.  It's my love of the Palace of Fine Arts tucked away in LA.  Sure, I saw a few telescopes, I recognized a few scientists' names but most of all and more importantly, I was inspired.  There's something calming about the scalloped Griffith.  I loved the lines and immediately had a moment where I was hoping a La La Land flashmob would break out.  I tried swinging around this lamp post and witnesses could tell you it was a total disaster, so I'll spare you.  Needless to say, I have an opportunity to let loose and not take myself so seriously in a cheeky, candid photo and in life.  Big time.

​Aside from a few captures donning my all noir ensemble featuring Celine sunnies, Alexander Wang and Old Navy Sandals, my favorite florals, birds of a feather (I know that's the wrong name but I prefer mine!) were sprinkled throughout as you made your way to the top of the G.  Of course, they remind me of my gold birds and I'm convinced if you look away for one second, they'll come to life. Ironically, the photo on the right was the only one I took at that angle as we made our way round.  An effortless click of my phone and I have to admit, I am pretty pleased with the result when you don't try so hard.

On this stormy Monday night, bringing it back to the theme of you make me feel good, I'll leave you with a few of my favorite La La Land quotes.

"A little chance encounter could be the one you’ve waited for."

"Somewhere, there’s a place where I find who I’m gonna be.  Somewhere, that’s just waiting to be found."

“She captured a feeling, sky with no ceiling, the sunset inside of a frame."

Fun colored themed content coming to you.  Cacti, cocktails and pink houses.  Inspiration gang's all here.

It doesn't take much to make my heart go pitter-patter... palm print, parrots and pink walls to name a few cheeky things.  Recently in San Diego, I checked off a few must see places admittedly for the decor, photo ops and of course, good company.  It's invigorating to be surrounded by creative spaces that let you escape.  Even better with sweet bevs and treats.  

​First stop on the Northpark tour, Holy Matcha.  I still am not quite certain what Matcha is (insert an LOL here) but I was sold on this place the second I came across a photo of their wallpaper.  I had to snag one of their millennial pink business cards and loved cuddling up to a table adorned with succulents in chubby pink vases.  

The pink tour was not complete without stopping by Pigment, an adorable mecca of succulents, party decor and office supplies.  Naturally, I stocked up on pens... positivity pens to be exact.  With words of encouragement like "Hello Beautiful" and "Great Idea," you are sure to have a kick-ass start to your morning.  

​Outside of Pigment is #thatpinkwall, the dear cousin of #thatpinkdoor you all know I am obsessed with.  Although the heat was making me a teeny bit cranky, my rouge jelly bag and off the shoulder maxi were the perfect duo for this balmy San Diego afternoon.

My favorite snap of the day is from our first stop but a place that deserves it's very own blog post.  Communal Coffee, a corner stop where coffee meets flowers and there's a sign to tell you all about it.  As you venture through the shop with your cold brew and say hi to the cactus at the front, you come across a cozy seating area where you are encouraged to leave a path to the pink door. 

More to come from my latest travel inspirations as well as a major photo op weekend ahead with the countdown to my sister's wedding. Succulents, aperol spritz's and prints are a few things that will make an appearance.