coronado + old town

A couple weeks ago, we decided we needed a day of exploration so we took an entire day (and night) to ourselves to better know this southern coast in all it's beauty.

Our first stop was Coronado Island to walk through it's famed main street and Hotel del Cornonado.

How cool is it that there are islands all along the coast of Cali? This one sure is gorg.

After G had a quick nap at the beach, we wanted to get something to eat before leaving. I was craving Mexican (like usual) so we drove until we found this cute little place with outdoor seating.

G is so gracious. He is not a huge fan of Mexican food, but being in Cali. we've been getting some pretty often and he's always a trooper. Thankfully too, because these were the some of the best shrimp enchiladas I've ever had! Now if I could just remember the name of this place please.

And 20 minutes later, we were in Old Town. The cutest tiny "Mexican" city there was.

With Cinco de Mayo not too far away, I'm thinking we'll have to go back to this place to celebrate!

building our home

Lately I've been feeling like the constant thinking going on in my brain revolves around furniture/interior design, like always. And it's driving me crazy! lol Seriously though...when we first moved into our place over a month ago now we were both looking forward to furnishing and decorating it from scratch. In Chicago, everything we had was furnished by Moody which was a major blessing for us because what newly weds without jobs and in a new city have the money for that! We certainly did not! So for our first 3.5 years of marriage I didn't even think about what style I liked or didn't when it came to couches, tables, throw pillows...

Now, it's ALL I think about and everything is a headache. Yes, even deciding on pillows is hard! (sounds pathetic I know lol) But it's to the point where I'm stressing myself out because I want everything to look so darn perfect. But common, nothing is perfect right? You'd think knowing that would help but it hasn't, and I've let myself be consumed with the desire for the perfect stuff.  Poor G, I can get cranky and take it out on him especially. Lately, it seems like were constantly butting heads and it dawned on me today that this is why. Focusing too much on how things look on the outside has caused me to neglect the things unseen like thoughtfulness, a loving touch, grace. On the outside, even if our home looks amazing what good is it if the process it took to get there was disgusting?

Well, I'm done with disgusting. Every disgusting attitude, harsh word and frustrating nag. I'm done because our home will be build on and in love. Together, in the mess and fun. So here's to a new mindset focused on love. Because even if every DIY isn't all I dreamed it would be, the nourishing of our souls in the daily process of authentic, purposeful living matters so much more.

And here's some of the crazy:
I'll make sure to update you on those throw pillows too, whenever we decide on some. :)

The skies this week looked like this every day.

And most dates = trips to Lowes & Target. Venti required, and it was free ;)

Our first DIY is currently in progress! Attempting to create a mid century modern styled dresser. Updates to come on this pretty thang.

Sleepy babe.

Pray for us. The work continues...

SD with the Brito's

For the past two weeks we've been able to enjoy the company of Angie, Jon and NATHAN here in Sam Diego! This was our first time meeting little Nathan in person since he was born in December, so we were very excited to hold him and get to know this new little babe in our life. It's funny how time goes by so quickly the older you get, so we're soaking it all in and trying our best to enjoy this ever changing life we have. And big things are happening soon! G and I can't wait to be *neighbors* with Ang and Jon this Summer!  Especially after living far from everyone we've grown up with for so long. it's amazing having people around who you know and love dearly. So I'd like think of the post as a short preview of more sweet memories to come.

I'm pretty proud to say that Nathan's first time in a pool happened in our pool! He wasn't too sure what he thought of it though. haha

It was so fun being able to welcome our first official guests into our new home! Still slowly coming together, it definitely felt more like our place by having friends over to enjoy this space with.

Baby dazing....

MT SOLEDAD

This memorial sure was beautiful. It's the only place you can get a 365 degree view of San Diego, and it sure was lovely.

BALBOA PARK

Everyone wants some baby Brito lovin!

Yes. please.

Rose Garden

Cactus Garden

(my fav!)

A quick drive to Little Italy for lunch.

^^^ OMG! ^^

SEAPORT VILLAGE