leaving the coast

Coming back home we took the coast and I was perpetually delighted at all the forestry and beauty. All I could do was just dream and take a few photos from inside the car. I also had some time to finish re-reading Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince before the movie is released.

We made a stop in Big Sur for a bit and I think we all were just in love with all the surroundings.

A couple of hours later we made another stop for a bit to eat. Afterwards we stretched out our legs a bit behind the restaurant and took in all the beauty. I picked up a few black, jagged rocks and Natalie went exploring a bit.

Hopefully we will back again very soon....

monterey take two...

Our second day at Monterey we returned to the aquarium but decided to park in a residential area not too far away from it. I wish I had more time in the town because there are so many houses and buildings that I just fell so hard for! Beautiful!

Once again in the aquarium, snapping up photos of wonders that lie beneath the salty waters..

On Cannery Row, a nice stone bench for a little rest.

Oh the breeze!
Returning to the street we were parked, we decided to take a peek into two consignment stores there. Once we left we also passed a Goodwill where we absolutely had to go to! While I was looking at the dresses my dad picked out this coat for me and he was so thrilled!! He said, look at it, it's all you and only 16 dollars and he was right! What a perfect fit and in such great condition! You will see my sporting this come fall and winter :)

Natalie also picked out a top for herself, channeling her inner boho spirit it seems!

And two more of my finds: this fabulous scarf for three dollars and change and these flats for five dollars and twenty five cents!

Yay for thrifting and yay for Monterey!

the first day of monterey...

I never thought I would take pictures of weeds but now that I am beginning to learn different things about plants, herbs and such, I have a newfound interest. This was right outside our room.
She couldn't wait to begin the day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

I've forgotten the name of these jellies. Something like Tiger striped.

Ah, moon jellies!
And the amazing sea nettles!

Lots of little moon jellies too!

Cuttlefish are so cute...

and so is this little gal! ;)
We walked the street a bit for lunch and had to take this photo of Nat with this huge otter! Rick loves otters so this one is for him. The t-shirts next to it were all 'Hairy Otter' shirts!

Speaking of things Rick loves, John Steinback is onw of his most favorite authors, so this one was also for him...

home again and a winner

Back home from a nice respite up the coast of California. I miss the ocean, the breeze, the mountains and the trees already but it's always nice to be home too. I have photos to share and other things too but I did want to announce the winner of the White Owl feather earrings giveaway today like I promised. I used random.org to help me find my number and the winner is Kristen Spickard/One lonely Apricot! Congrats Kristen and please email me (hellosparrow at gmail) with your address so I can send out your little giftie, or just leave your email and I will respond back :)

little girl in black and tiny happy

Visiting the thrift store with your daughter means that she comes home with more goodies than you do. :) Nat came home with this very unique (and Puritanical, as my husband called it) black dress along with a sleeveless black dress with red flowers; a pink, red, and yellow child poncho and a nick jr. magazine along with a very cool knitted shawl blanket which we 'share'. I skimmed off what I had and came home with a white long mexican dress for three dollars (though i need it hemmed) and a pair of rugged brown, strapped but closed toe sandal/shoes. I love thrifting!









She really likes her black dress!





Also, today I received a most lovely little package, a trade in fact that I did with the awesome Melissa of Tiny Happy. I was (and am still!) amazed and delighted by her craftmanship.

I feel so blessed. Her chamomile and feather embroidery is absolutely exquisite and it was wrapped with this little white handkerchief. I can't forget the sweet little purse/pouch that I fell in love with instantly! It is so me! I think I might have to change my wallet contents (which, I never use a wallet but always a small little purse, kisslock or other cute thing) and use this wonderful creation instead. So talented! Thank you again Melissa, I adore it all!!