The Road Less Travelled

One year ago, we were on the adventure of a lifetime. A roadtrip across the US, seeing wonderful sights, eating amazing food, and headed to a dear friends wedding in Minnesota. Enjoying the ride...

Fast Forward one year...



Well, it's certainly not what Jon and I anticipated or planned; but that's the beauty of God's plan. It's always better than what you guess.

(And the winner...congrats to Sarah! It's not a trip to Disneyland, but hey, it's still nice!)

Friday Favorites: Handless Mugs

That's right,you heard me. Handless mugs. They're great. There's just a good vibe to them, ya' know? I'd much rather drink out of a mug without a handle, than one with one. A wierd quirk perhaps, but a fact. Now, I know this favorite probably doesn't help you much...but just wait. I'll get there.


I bought these little lovelies in Taiwan. Small, in the style of most Asian tea cups, but wonderful.


I bought this awesome cup at the thrift store and I love it. I used to use it all the time, and still use it often, but, well...here's the deal.


DOUBLE.BARRELED.HANDLESS.MUGS. Reason #53 why I love Starbucks. Ingeniuos really. Now, you can hold the mug, and the hot liquid doesn't get the cup hot and burn your hand. Pointless, I suppose, if you're enjoying a hot drink to warm your hands, but wonderful besides that. These cups are really great. And, they come in a variety of colors, and don't cost too much.

So to all you faithful readers, a prize! Okay, not to ALL you faithful readers, just one lucky one. Leave a comment, and one random winner will get a wonderful Starbucks Double Barreled Handless Mug. I'm off to San Fran for the weekend with my honey and my baby, so Tuesday or Wednesday I'll pick a winner. I wish all ya'll a good Memorial Day. Make it memorable.

Accomplishments

I just feel like I need to read a book. Do you guys ever feel that way? Like, I need to accomplish something, so if I read a book it fulfills my goal, broadens my horizons, and helps me fill my time with something enjoyable. These are the best times to just bust out a kids book and haul through it in a day or so. I mean, I could clean my ever messy bedroom (why do my clothes always avoid the closet and dressers, choosing to lounge on my floor, bed, oh, anywhere really...), sew something in the hopes of one day actually STARTING that Etsy shop I always talk about, bake some bread for a healthy and nutrious breakfast item...I mean honestly, there's tons I COULD do. But, yes, I think a book is in order for today.

And yes, it will be one that I own. (Although I really want to start that Royal Diaries Series...thanks a lot Ruth.)

Sorry, for no Friday post last week, I was out of town enjoying the San Diego sunshine and family. Friday Favorites post coming tomorrow with *gasp!* a give-a-way! Tune in then. Ciao.

Friday Favorites: Lonely Planet California Trips

Welcome to a new weekly series on my blog. Friday Favorites. Every Friday I'll show you something that I'm a huge fan of, in hopes that it's something you may find useful, and also, as a way to encourage others to blog about their favorite things. Because honestly, if Amy hadn't told me about the Chocolate Croissants at Trader Joes, where would I be?

This week, we start off with a book. Surprise, surprise. Even more of a shocker? It's a book about travel.



Introducing Lonely Planet's California Trips. It's been at our Costco for awhile now, and Jon and I decided to finally take the plunge and spend the whole $12.47 to check it out. Oh, and we are so glad we did. At first, I laughed. A travel book for just California? Then my brain kicked in and I realized that CA is bigger than most European countries. Heck, most countries for that. A guide to help us navigate it is certainly in order.

This book is wonderfully organized. It's filled with 68 roadtrips, designed around themes. And I tell you, whatever it is you like, CA's got it. My favorite trips I've read about so far? A Burrito Odyssey, It's a Small World: Ethnic Food Tour, Pick It Yourself Tour (Can you guys tell I like to eat?), The Mission Trail, Apples & Antiques in Sebastopol...oh, there's so many more. And it's wonderfully well organized. Each trip gives you a time guideline, total miles, ideal time to go, and then it links you up with other trips that visit the same areas. Honestly, it's genius.

So, I've done my research for when we head to Kirst's graduation next week (Hooray Kirst, we're so proud of you!) in San Diego. I know where the best burrito shop is, and a 50's diner that serves a marshmallow, peanut butter and banana Elvis Milk Shake.

The best $12.47 I've spent in a long while.

Top Five...

Jon and I often play the 'Top 5' game. Top 5 movies, books, famous people you want to meet, favorite big cities, foods...anything really. However, the other day I came up with a top 5 question we had never discussed, and honestly, it baffled me.

If you could only go five places in your life, what would they be? I have thought over this time and time again and I can't decide. I mean, I could name a zillion places I want to go, but what would the non-negotiables be? Days later, I only have 2 decided on, with the other 3 changing hourly. What's made the list so far?


Israel. No doubt about it, I have to see the Holy Land. This is certainly #1 on the list.


Peru. The main point of this is really Machu Picchu, but the country itself seems to have a lot to offer. I just want to see this place, hike it, walk through it, live it.

But beyond that...I'm lost. I name 3, but then I think of one that suddenly seems more important. I CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT.

So, question time. What are you top 5?

(Photos courtesy of National Geographic)