California Dreaming

I got to join Roehl's family last weekend for a good old fashioned road trip to San Diego. I'm so lucky to be marrying into such an amazing family whom I love so much. :)

We only had a couple days, so we maximized our time by visiting some popular local haunts like Old Town, Little Italy, and Pacific Beach. It was such a wonderful breezy & dreamy weekend!

Roehl's sister Jen even came all the way from Florida! Sibling love :)

We didn't get a chance to eat tacos el gordo, but we did indulge in some delish Mexican-style shrimp and lobster in Old Town...yummy food was everywhere!

Of course, I have to post a zillion photos of this little guy!

I got caught up trying to capture all the funky logos throughout Little Italy!

While some people might find Old Town to be cliche and corny, I can't get enough of it! I feel like I'm in another world whenever I'm lucky enough to visit.

                           

an Instagram shot of my Old Town goodies! @californiapearl

I had such a fabulous time, and I was blessed to come home with a ton of family memories I'll cherish for the rest of my life. 

Portraits of a dear friend

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of taking some portraits of my dear friend Ali (I swear this blog is looking more and more like an ode to her each day LOL!) She's graduating from San Francisco State in a few short weeks, and she wanted some classy pictures for her invitation. I've been cooped up in the house sick for the past week, so of course I was up for the challenge! Take a look at some of my favorites:

We shot 3 outfits in 3 different locations on her gorgeous property, where I always love to photograph. We had a delish sushi dinner after at one of my favorite spots. It was such a lovely relaxing afternoon spent helping out a dear friend. I'm so proud of you, pearl!  

Let me tell you bout my best friend

...and what a blast I had visiting her in the city of sin! After all these long hours at work lately, it felt so amazing to take a quick trip and just relax eat, drink, and shop for more hours straight than I'd care to admit. I can't believe how infrequently I see her; that's why we have to make the most out of each visit we get!

She's gonna kill me for posting this but it was too hilarious to pass up...we stopped at a casino off the strip for a $3.99 steak & egg breakfast at 4am. She just slumped over and passed. the hell. out. Not even steak & eggs could wake her. I wish I could post my video of messing with her to try to wake her up...priceless!

And did we sleep all day after our long nights? Heck no. Thank God it was still warm enough for a pool party!

Our friend (and her roomie,) Roya :)

It was such an amazing weekend with my bestie boo! Only 4 more weeks until I see her again. This time it's her turn to visit me :)

100th Post! Catch me on the 3six5.

Hi lovelies! Cheers to my one hundredth post! Check out my post on The 3six5 from earlier this week. It's a great project that showcases a different writer for each day of the year. It was such an honor to participate; enjoy!

xo

D

Breakfast at Ali's

Now that autumn is officially here, there's been an immediate shift in weather.  Highs reached the nineties earlier this week, but today was overcast and noticeably cooler. This was particularly evident when I spent a lovely morning at my friend Ali's hilltop estate. I absolutely love spending time here, and I secretly fantasize about living here when I make the drive up the hill. It's unbelievably serene, with breathtaking views for miles and miles...paired with great company, delicious food, and some bubbly of course, it made for an unforgettable Sunday.

{A great shot by my friend Alex}

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend!