Traditions, a Very Personal Post

One unique thing about me is my devotion to traditions. I think it comes from growing up in a very close family that values traditions. I could write an entire book about my family’s traditions so I’m just going to write about the traditions that Jeff and I have developed over the years. I think that it is important to have traditions because they can be the glue that keeps families together. And even though we don’t have children yet, it is very important to cultivate traditions just for us. It keep us close. Of course I’ve taken many of them straight from my family. And let’s not talk about Christmas traditions now because I could write a whole book about that too. I’ll wait until December to bore everyone with that!

Our Traditions:

Everyday when Jeff gets home from work we ask each other what we ate that day

Dinner together, at the table, pretty much every night

Going to every LA Kings game together, wearing something that is Kings colors, getting there early, and rooting for our team

Saying grace before dinner

During dinner we ask each other what the best and worst parts of the day were

A big breakfast on Saturday



Going to the zoo

Date night once a week

Fondue at home on Valentine’s Day

Anniversary dinners at Pane e Vino, where we had our first date

Backpacking trips with our two dogs

Naps, often

Visiting a national park that we have never been to every year

Praying before road trips



Jeff buying bagels and muffins on Saturday mornings

Visiting a water park once a year, staying until closing time, running around to the rides that stay open the latest, and begging to be the last person in line for our favorite rides

Whenever Jeff plays a late night hockey game, we get McDonald’s on the way home

Pizza Party Friday

Chips and dip while playing board games

Falling asleep to The Golden Girls

The funny part about this post is that when I was making a list of our traditions I asked Jeff to help. I brought it up while we were eating McDonald’s late one night after his hockey game. I’m not sure if that influenced his answer but his thoughts were, “guacamole and chips, hot dogs and burgers, and avocado salad!” I was like, “what about those things are traditions?” Jeff said, “We eat those a lot, and they’re delicious!”

What are some of your traditions with your spouse or significant other?

Taco Tuesday!

Picking up Valerie for Taco Tuesday. Doesn't she look so cute in that outfit? I have the exact same top but I dont look like that in it.


Valerie loves Cabo Cantina. Can you see how excited she is?


Lauren and her drinks, she didn't realize you get two for one on Taco Tuesday. And what a classy joint, they bring them both out at once! Woo hoo!


Me and Val. I swear my hair had the Kardashian thing going on before I left the house.


Anyhow, my friend Valerie introduced me to this Cabo Cantina at the beach in Marina. We have Cabos here in Hollywood but this one is much better. Happy Hour is always better at the beach! In the winter when it is chilly we try to sit upstairs near the fire. Valerie and Cabo remind me of a Friends reference. It is from the episode where Monica and Rachel lose their apartment to Chandler and Joey in a bet during a trivia game contest.

Ross: Rachel claims this is her favorite movie.
Chandler: Dangerous Liaisons.
Ross: Correct. Her actual favorite movie is?
Joey: Weekend at Bernie's.

The same could be said of Valerie and Cabo. If you ask Valerie what her favorite drinks spot is, she'll probably name a posh place in Santa Monica. The truth is, it is actually Cabo Cantina! And who could blame her? It is so much fun. About a month ago we tried to go wine tasting with some out of town friends and the wine tasting place was closed:( So we drove down the PCH and stopped at every bar, Duke's, Moonshadows, they were all dead. So we drove back south and ended up at Cabo, which was totally full of people! We had the best time too!

Sprinkles

Mmmmmmm. We really have it good here in LA. Lau also saw Nicky Hilton outside of Sprinkles so the trip was a double success. My favorite cupcakes are still red velvet from Toast but what do I know? Everyone in town agrees Sprinkles cupcakes are the best!

Happy Birthday Lau!

Bonjour Paris!

Lau and I's favorite place in Vegas is definitely the Paris hotel. Not for the stay, but for the food! The crepe place, the breakfast buffet, the French sandwich shop, Mon Ami Gabi, and the huge cocktails in an Eiffel Tower shape! What's not to love? We got to hang out there all day and watched the US Canada hockey gold medal game. I was bummed the US lost but I was consoled by my huge daiquiri. What a fun day!

Vegas: Night One

Lauren, Jenn, Kristina, Jessica and myself. This is really like my bachelorette party, the sequel (minus my BFF Sheri). We didn't have time to take outfit photos before we went out that night. But... I will say my outfit was not as flattering as I had hoped it would be, especially in photos. We had a great time though at XS at the Encore.

Vegas Nights

Barlow Ponte Dress $249

Dolce Vita Manny Sling Back Pumps $180

tuleste market Macaroni Cuff $110

Zambos & Siega Python Peggy Clutch $132

All items from shopbop.com

Welcome to Vegas!

Vegas trip with the girls! Staying at the Encore. It is so gorgeous. Let the good times roll...

Dreams Do Come True

My friend Jess spoiled us the other day. She is the most amazing esthetician/makeup artist. Years and years ago when she was first starting out she took a part time job at an insurance office. One day, Ole Henriksen came in to get insurance and Jessica met him and told him it was her dream to work for him. I guess dreams do come true because that is exactly where she works now! So proud of you Jess! Lau and I were lucky enough to be indulged at her spa, Ole Henriksen on Sunset Plaza. Thanks so much honey!

Olvera Street

Olvera Street with Lauren! Lau comes to visit me very regularly but this was her first time on Olvera Street in Downtown. Olvera Street is an area that is designed to resemble a Mexican Plaza. And while it is touristy you'll also find locals enjoying good food, shops, and culture here.

The highlight for Lauren was getting to visit the churro shop that she read about in http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/.

While Olvera Street celebrates LA's Mexican history, you can also find other Latin American products. I snagged a tiny woven crossbody pouch from my parents' native Ecuador. I love things from Ecuador and I'm sad that I didn't have the foresight to buy several of them as gifts.