Travels :: SoCal Recap

Last month we spent a little over a week in southern California visiting friends and family.  With stops in San Diego, Orange County, and Visilia.  We had the best time lounging in the sun, playing in the sand, and feasting on some delicious eats.   

Making some new friends with the beached sea lions in La Jolla.

Of course no trip to San Diego would be complete without a trip to the zoo.  And we had to check out the panda exhibit.

The little Man's first beach and ocean experience.  He loved chasing after the waves despite the cold Pacific Ocean temperatures.



{view from Faulkner's Winery}





{Wien's is the perfect spot for a picnic}



We made a pit stop in Temecula to check out a few wineries.  Our first stop was Falkner Winery.  They have the best views of Temecula valley and while we were there we picked up a bottle of their luscious lips (both white and red varieties).  The name is a bit ridiculous but it goes down oh so smoothly, and I can't wait to make sangria with the red.  Our next stop was Wiens Cellars, which is the perfect place for a picnic.  We ended up with a bottle of their Sangiovese. 

Other notable eats:  We had the best ahi poke since we were in Hawaii, at Bear Flag.  They have the freshest and incredibly tasty fish tacos too!  We also sampled all the varieties of doughnuts at Side Car.  My favorite had to be the butter & salt or the malasadas.  We also had the delectable Earl Grey Tea pie from The Pie Hole in LA, trust me you'll want to try this!

Travels :: Southern California

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  I hope you lovelies had a wonderful weekend, I am so loving all of the derby pictures everyone is posting.  I think next year, the Mister and I will have to make a trip down to the Oaks for the derby.  We are 5 days away for our SoCal road trip that starts this weekend, I am thrilled.  We will be spending a week in sunny California and driving from San Diego, to Visilia, to Aliso Viejo with stops at Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Temecula, la Jolla, & LA sprinkled in.  You can keep up with us on Instagram with #APNinstatravel2014.  In the meantime, bags need to be packed, the dog needs to be boarded, and the dreaded running of errands needs to happen.  Happy Monday!

On a side note, Gap is having a huge 60% of sale.  I scored some major loot for the little Man this weekend.  My stash included this adorable henley so the little Man can match his daddy.

Soiree :: Ciao Chitown

Our friends just moved to California last week.  And although we will miss them, we had a blast sending them on their way.  We served some of their favorite Chicago foods & fun desserts, which included truffle cake pops, Sprinkle cupcakes, and a fruit pizza, in the shape of California.  To tie everything together, we created cute signage with the ORD to LAX theme, that included longitude and latitudes of Chicago & Huntington Beach.  And because they'll always be Midwesterner's at heart, we gifted them HOME T-shirts, and this Chicago skyline print for their new home.  Here's the inspiration behind their Ciao Chitown themed party.  And if you're looking for the signs used here you can find them over at our Etsy store.

Farewell Party Inspiration

Our friends are moving to California.  And although we’re so sad to see them go, we’re excited for them to finally be living their ‘California dreaming’.  We wanted to throw them a little farewell party before the left.  Here’s the inspiration behind their Ciao Chi Town party.



{skyline}



I love the airport codes as a back drop or as a banner.  Other options could include the a map of the USA with a heart in Chicago and a heart in California, connected by a dotted line. 

Every party needs a little glitter, try a fun Bon Voyage banner or go the DIY route by stringing paper airplanes together.

Chalk accents are so popular right now.  I love the I heart Texas chalkboard photo booth props.  And how appropriate is a chalkboard globe guest book. 

Re-purposing boxes as a backdrop is so genius, this would also work great for a housewarming party, and a great use for those empty boxes.   I love those moving box wine dispensers, and such a cute play off of ‘house wines'. 

You can’t have a going away party without an invite.  Love this one’s play off of childhood sayings.

And if you're looking for a more traditional or international travel decor, these Bon Voyage cupcake toppers would be perfect, with their blue and red boarder.  And finally cookies or hard candy in a ‘goodbyes suck’ bag make great favors.