California Road Trip Part II

When we rented a car while staying in La Jolla, I knew that we would want to drive up and down the coast visiting other areas. But, I have to say, one of the best parts of the trip was an early morning near Shell Beach (still in La Jolla). The color, the other worldly beauty! It honestly felt like I was back in Ireland.

Yes, so much beauty.

Another drive we took was to the Cabrillo National Monument. There are two sections of the area, and the back side was very remote. With views for miles, it felt like we had found the ends of the earth! Breathtaking, really.

The Cabrillo National Monument is part of the US Parks. You can still view/tour the lighthouse that is there. I love history and anything that is considered a "step back in time", so definitely right up my ally. Not to mention, you can get an amazing view of San Diego from that vantage point.

Also, getting to travel alone gives me a little time rekindle my love for photography. I forget how much I enjoy until I take my camera out again!

Pin for reference!

Today

Today, did NOT go as planned.

We were parked downtown when a large work truck ran into our back door while Josh was putting Ella into her car seat. I have to say that was five seconds of...well, you know. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. But, I'm a mom and a wife, and all I could see was my husband and baby girl just a few inches away from what could have been a horrific disaster.

Two Words: Angel Guardians.

I was okay until we got home, and then I had a good cry in the bathroom. Then I went back outside to give the girls popsicles. They were okay. They were happy to be home. I was happy to be home.

I know I try to post positive stuff, but, sometimes, life happens, and you just need to vent.

So ,that's my vent for the day. I'm ready for some R&R for the rest of the weekend!

How To Make Money as A Stay At Home Mom

One of my favorite things about being a work at home mom is that I'm able to create a balanced schedule. I taught myself how to earn an income by working at home long before the kiddos came along.

My goal was a) I wanted to know how to generate income so that I COULD stay home, and b) I knew that my personality would need a creative outlet.

It has been a huge blessing to my family, and for that I am thankful.

How Do I Work From Home?

The first few years that I started working from home I focused on freelance writing. There were ample opportunities through various web sites and it gave me the most flexibility. 

What I Used: Freelancer.com & Textbroker

You can check out these web sites and see if it's a good fit! There are tons of options out there. Pinterest is also a great place to learn about other freelance writing gigs.

Other Ways to Earn Cash at Home

However, my favorite way to earn additional cash isn't so much a job as it is a hobby: consignment sales! I feel like this is such an untapped resource for moms...especially new moms! Very few of my friends take part in this, so I thought I would share a few of the benefits.

Every year, I participate in 2-3 consignment sales. I clean out kids clothes, shoes, toys, books, movies, games, outdoor items, etc. I price according to the sales guidelines. The money I make from each sale then can be used for the next season of clothes, date nights, etc. I earn money and clear out clutter: what's not to love?

I have also used sites like Ebay & ThredUp to earn extra money from time to time, too. 

Have you participated in any of these outlets? If so, I'd love to hear!

The Royal Wedding...Did you watch?

I had fun watching snippets of the royal wedding via YouTube an Instagram...a few things to note...

I thought her dress was very simple, yet elegant.

The veil was stunning!

I was surprised at how small the bouquet was, yet it was gorgeous!

Overall, everything seemed understated than other royal weddings.

It was fun to watch! I think the girls will enjoy watching playbacks with me throughout the week. I'm tempted to watch Kate & William's wedding again, too. I think their's will always be my favorite. ;)

Five Things Friday

Drinking: This week, I've been sipping on Iced Thai Tea. It's a smooth, fruity drink, and I enjoy it with a splash of cream. It's the perfect afternoon treat!! I'm also obsessed with flavored sparkling waters. 

Reading: I just picked up Louis Lowry's latest republished novel, and read it in a matter of two days. It's a mix of coming of age, learning about life type novel. It was pretty good, but had more "stuff" in it than I would have imagined. 

Watching: Honestly? Unless it's Hawaii-Five-O we haven't watched much TV. We've been outside for HOURS every day this week. It's been fantastic. ;) However, we are hoping to see the latest Avenger's at the theater ASAP.

Listening: The Greatest Showman Soundtrack. Haha. On constant repeat. I need some new summer tunes! Care to share what you've been listening to?

Cooking: This week I made a new taco recipe, and they turned out super yummy. Recipe coming soon!

Happy Friday!!!

Your Guide to La Jolla California

For our anniversary, we wanted a relaxing, extra long weekend. While looking up places to visit in California, I stumbled on the web site for La Jolla, California, and I was sold. We also wanted to rent a convertible. When we arrived in San Diego, we headed to the Payless Car Rental desk, and the young man on duty was extremely helpful. He spent several minutes working out details so we could get the car that we wanted, printed off maps for us, gave us personal recommendations (which ended up being one of our favorite stops!). I wish I had taken time to write the young man's name down, because I was very impressed. In a world where customer service appears to be fading, you REALLY notice companies who go above and beyond. We are new fans to Payless!

We stayed at the La Jolla Cove which was directly across the street from the ocean (stunning views from our balcony). While it was an older hotel, it had been remodeled in a chick beach theme, and the lobby was STUNNING. Besides the fact it smelled like heaven (seriously, I should have asked about the candles they were burning), they had snacks, drinks, a sitting area, and a beautiful fountain. What really sold me on staying there, however, was the fact they offered complimentary breakfast on the roof! So every morning, we sat on the roof taking in views, and enjoying the breakfast. I fell in love with the Mango juice, and yogurt parfaits. Best granola EVER.

Another reason we chose La Jolla is the wildlife that is located directly across the street from the hotel. You can walk right up to the Sea Lions, Seals, and tons of tropical birds. I knew Josh would love it, and I was right! They also have gorgeous cliffs, walkways and beaches to enjoy.

The views were absolutely stunning.

My favorite thing in the whole world is taking walks along the beach, coffee in hand. There's  nothing quite like it, and honestly, it's such a simple tribute to the beauty of God's handiwork.

We took time to visit the SALK institute in La Jolla. My husband works in architecture, so we generally look up cool buildings to see. Oddly enough, I think I was more excited than Josh to see it. It's extremely modern, but very unique. It's worth stopping by for a photo op!

The town is very charming...it's full of boutique stores, art, architecture, coffee shops, and the best Gelato shop we've ever visited. It was also home to one of the best meals, ever! I'll be doing a separate post all on that, too.

We can't wait to visit again, but next time, I think we are gong to make it a family getaway!

Travel Love: SoCal Anniversary Style

Josh and I booked a trip to California via Southwest Vacations. It was my first to book through southwest, and honestly, it was SO easy, and very affordable. I love that you can research everything on your own, plug in your destination then fine tune the trip to fit your budget and vacation needs.

Also, I am always impressed with Southwest Customer Service. I've flown pretty much every airline within the US, and nothing compares to their friendliness and ease. Basically, they are the Chic-Fil-A of Airlines. Ha!

I visited California with my parents when I was a teenager, and I still vividly remember all the things that I fell in love with then. They are still my favorite things now as an adult. The weather, the coast, the small boutique beach towns. Everything feels tropical right down to the food. We arrived late afternoon and hit the ground running. First stop was visiting the Sea Lions & Seals located just steps from our hotel.

We tackled In & Out Burger on our second night. Josh grew up eating there regularly (he's from California), and I've heard about it a LOT from his family. It didn't disappoint. The person in front of us ordered extra sauce, so I copied them and did the same. Wise. ;) My only regret was not ordering a shake. I've heard rave reviews on their ice cream, but I'll be sure and try them again next time. ;)

Another foodie location that I was dying to try was Salt & Straw. I had heard about their ice cream via another blogger, and ya'll...it was LIFE CHANGING. There are simply no words. Okay, I have lots of words, but without further ado, my favorite flavor was Peanut Butter Stout Ice Cream. Part of me wants to cry that this ice cream is only available via West Coast...

Last, but not least, we rented a Camaro convertible for the trip. I had no idea I was a Camaro girl until now...oh me oh my...want a FUN car to drive. I think we could have drove the entire time and I would have been happy.

What's Up Wednesday!

I am slow moving this week...we just returned from a wonderful vacation (which we booked through Southwest...I'll have to share more on that later!). Anyway, I've got the proverbial post vacation blues. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be home! BUT, man, it's always nice to try new foods, see new things, and reside in a tropical paradise for a few days. ;)

The girls got to visit the lake yesterday, and they attempted to build a sandcastle with their daddy. But, sand castle plans were set aside in favor of jumping in the water. Of course. ;)

Today, I'm trying to buckle down and get caught up with unpacking, laundry, and deep cleaning the house. Always fun, especially with a giant coffee in hand.

Happy Wednesday!

A Mother's Heart

I love watching her grow up. She is full of creativity, and her imagination amazes me.

Actually, I think the whole of motherhood amazes me.

Our hearts get turned inside out on a daily basis as we watch our children grow.

We see those tender moments, we see them make choices: both good and bad. We see their happy moments and sad.

We watch them become the person God created them to be...and I think it may be one of the sweetest gifts of all.