Come back, Roberto

Friends,

This last week I was feeling especially sorry for myself that Robbie is more than a thousand miles away, so instead of continuing my pity party, I headed to San Diego to visit his parents, Marilyn and Tim.

I'm so glad I did.

Marilyn and Tim are the kind of people that make you feel like you've known them your entire life. They have the greatest stories and they're so welcoming. It was great hanging out with them for the afternoon in beautiful San Diego. The three of us had lunch and spent the afternoon on the back patio. Marilyn and I did what we always do- sipped on almond champagne and white wine.

I got my little dose of the Moen family this weekend, which will keep me going for a little while longer.

Missing this boy.

Starting the four month count down until we're in the same place at the same time...

xoxo

The ya-ya sisterhood

My lovelies,

I have two wonderful sisters. One knits, the other blogs. Today, I'm going to tell you all about the blogger. Another time, I'll share with you the knitter.

(left to right: Lauren, Page, Nikol. Photo courtesy of the talented Anne McCarthy)

Page, aka The Mrs. (she was married a year ago to the wonderful RC), is wonderfully creative. She has an eye for design and has always had a knack for fashion. The reason I love, love, love her blog is because it keeps me up-to-date on what's "in" AND it features her amazing crafting ability. This girl can craft like none other. Everything she makes looks like it either came out of Pottery Barn or a Martha Stewart magazine.

What also is awesome about her blog is that it features some really cool, unique spots in San Francisco. Since she's a newbie in the city, she's exploring the nooks and crannies of everything San Francisco has to offer.

Basically, her blog is a fashionable, crafty must-see list of SF. Or something like that. Definitely check her out before August 20th and leave a comment to be entered into a drawing for a FREE birchbox.

Some fun facts about my sister:

- I used to call her ya-ya because I couldn't say Page.

- She is fantastic at poetry. Her rhyming ability is amazing- I swear she could be the next Eminem.

- She's the greatest at giving gifts because she is so thoughtful.

- The girl can't sing, but she sure has rhythm and sweet dance moves.

I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful and talented sister. Thank you, Page, for all that you do for me.

xoxo

Next up: Miss Lauren Mae and her knitting skills!

The East Side

Friends,

It's about a month away. Just a few months ago, my wonderful friend Kristin and I decided we were going to Europe. Just like that. We thought, why not? We could scrounge up the money and wouldn't that be a nice reward to ourselves for finishing four years of college?

And here we are. Five weeks away from hopping on the plane to visit Eastern Europe.

Sometimes I can't believe how incredibly blessed I am to have the life that I have.

Lots of people have asked, why Berlin, Prague and Vienna?

Answer: I've been to France and Switzerland. Kristin's been to Italy. Neither of us wanted to go to Spain or Great Britain at this point in our lives, so we figured Eastern Europe was the way to go.

During these last couple of days, I've been gearing up for my trip:

Thanks, Borders, for the lovely maps. While I'm sad you're going out of business, I'm happy for all the deals.

*p.s. Has anyone noticed how much they've jacked up the prices of their books and then put them on "sale?" Psh. Rip off.

And thank you, public library, for the wonderful travel guides. Check out my travel survival book- if I get stuck in the jungle, desert or sea, I'll know just how to get by, thank you very much.

If you have any travel tips or books I should read, please tell! Kristin and I need as many recommendations as I can get before we can hit the road!

Next up: the long awaited and promised feature on my sister Page.

xoxoooxoxoxoxoo