A Belated 22nd Birthday

I have a summer birthday, so this isn't really a celebration but is more of a chance to share some photos of home. My birthday was quite mellow this past summer - I spent the day eating and drinking for the most part. My best friend Tiff took me to The Beachcomber in Crystal Cove for lunch and drinks. It was overcast but sticky warm, a fine summer day. We then adventured into Newport Harbor's back bay where I sampled s.u.p. for the first time and it was so fun! I want to try and find a reasonably priced rental place here in Germany this summer.

The stand up paddling was followed by an unhealthy portion of Sprinkles red velvet cupcake ice cream. Hello diabetes. That evening I went to Las Brisas in Laguna with Kara, Phoebe and my dad. The food was phenomenal; a delicious combination of my favorites, seafood and Mexican. Plus white wine, my vice (and chocolate of course). I was blessed with the most spectacular orangey pink sunset from the overcast humidity of the day. 

I usually have low expectations for my birthday, but this one in particular just oozed everything I love about life, summer and Southern California. 

Things I Will Miss in 2014

I am presently in Prague falling in love with its cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, romantic bridges and Neo-Gothic churches (also it's scrumptious beer that is way cheaper than in Germany, huzzah!). I've lined up some posts to keep myself on my blogging game while I'm traveling though. 

With Christmas time away from family and most of my friends, I really got to thinking about people, views and foods I miss from home. I wish I could be with these people every day and still be living this life of a lush abroad! I suppose it's too perfect to be able to have them all here with me. Instead, I went through my pictures from 2013 of what I'm the happiest about. I cherish these people and memories and experiences and I am beyond thankful that I have had such a marvelous life in Southern California and San Francisco that I have this many things to be missing. :)

 ^^^these babies, Sammy and Alexa, they've stuck by me always. no matter the distance or workload. and look how adorable they are.^^^

 ^^^sisters. by blood and by choice. gosh I miss these characters.^^^

 ^^^brothers and sons. neither by blood, but I love them both as if they were. hey boys, come visit?^^^

 ^^^spending time with these sissys doing absolutely anything.^^^

 ^^^this girl and her happy dance. Kara really is the most loyal of friends.^^^

 ^^^this sassy sloth and her steadfast protection of those she loves, Sarah also has a brilliant sense of humor.^^^

 ^^^this city! I'm head over heels with Europe, but San Francisco is my first love.^^^

 ^^^golden spoon. I want it every day. more than that though, just anything with Reese's, America's greatest luxury.^^^

 ^^^this ray of Californian sunshine. Hopefully we join one another as beach neighbors Tiffy.^^^

 ^^^San O. and daily surfing. ugh this picture brings the most nostalgia.^^^

 ^^^naps with my Roo nugget. sigh.^^^

 ^^^walks with my daddo and the pups along Dana Point harbor.^^^

 ^^^seriously I really miss my dog.^^^

 ^^^beach days with Phoebe and our hot dog legs.^^^

 ^^^sailing. I really just miss the Pacific Ocean in all capacities.^^^

 ^^^salsa. eating salsa, making my own fresh salsa, buying delicious salsa. just all things salsa.^^^

^^^river trips with Kara. she loves me, honestly.^^^

There are so many people missing from this post that I miss dearly. More of these to come and they'll be featured as well. 2013 has been a year of exciting changes and new frontiers, I know for a fact that 2014 can only be better. Happy New Years everyone, I wish you all good luck and happiness for 2014!

Christmas at Starnberger See

After Christmas Eve at our house in Munich, we ventured down to Lake Starnberg for a few days to celebrate Weihnachten with a Christmas goose (wow goose is crispy and delicious). The dinner and festivities went well into the night and next morning, since it's my host Grandmother's birthday the next day. We drank cognac and champagne after the kids were asleep and talked next to the fireplace and Christmas tree - so romantic. 

The following day was filled with semmel breakfast, playing hide and seek outside of Oma's house with the kids and a long walk along the lake. Starnberger See is incredibly breathtaking. I now understand why so many artists in Bavaria came around to paint it before it was really populated. I learned a fair amount of Starnberg's art scene and its development at the Lenbachhaus museum last week (post on that visit coming soon!)

It's days like this that keep me conscious of how fortunate I am to be living and playing in such a picturesque part of the world. I'm off to Prague for New Years and some exploring with Marcella and her parents - stay tuned for pictures of that adventure!