Happy Birthday Cole!!!

Dear Cole,

You're such a good boy! We can't believe how big you're getting!!!! We miss playing with you every week at Grandma and Grandpa's house, but we are excited to see you at DISNEYLAND soon!!!!

Keep watching out for your big brother, and tell him we miss him too! You are such a fun, smart, silly boy and we love you so much!!! Have a GREAT 3rd birthday, and eat an extra piece of cake for us, ok?

love, uncle john, aunt kerry and audrey (your cousin)

Looking for Local...

It's that time of the month.. I need an eyebrow wax.

What to do?

Where to go?

How to know?

MY go-to, one-and-only, BEST aesthetician who has been doing my eyebrows since I was 16-years-old is in RENO. And, no way can I wait for my next trip mid-August.

You can't trust your eyebrows to just ANYONE.

Believe me.

Your eyebrows help shape your face, and I have a very specific style.

My new aesthetician will LOVE me, I'm sure. ;)

Well...

Naturally, I found myself perusing the internet.

Search terms: Spa Huntington Beach...Best Spa Huntington Beach.... Best Aesthetician Orange County... uh, still not what I want...Best Spa Orange County...

Finally, something...

The OC Register {my new local newspaper} Announces Annual "Best Of Orange County Awards". Great! This should work.

{CLICK}

AND THE AWARD

FOR BEST SPA DAY...

MAY I HAVE THE ENVELOPE PLEASE...

Burke Williams, full-service spa in Mission Viejo & Orange. 13,000 square feet, treatments include use of full-size whirlpool spa, steam room, and sauna.

{uh.. too far, and 13,000 square feet..probably not baby-friendly}

1st Runner Up: Swiss Clinique, Corona Del Mar. Specializing in anti-aging, facial reflexology, and Japanese Cosmo face-lifting.

{not sure what all that means, but I don't see eyebrow wax on the menu.}

{Fail}

Well, while I'm here...

What else can I learn about the "Best of Orange County"? We need some solid recommendations as the newbies in town.

Allow me to share some other award recipients with you...

BEST PLACE TO BUY KIDS' CLOTHES

1st Place: A tie.... Old Navy and Target

2nd Place: Kohl's

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

1st Place: P.F. Chang's (multiple OC locations)

2nd Place: Pei Wel (6 locations in OC)

BEST COFFEEHOUSE

1st Place: Starbucks

2nd Place: Kean Coffee

BEST PET STORE

1st Place: PetSmart

2nd Place: Petco

{IS THIS A JOKE??????}

I would say yes, must be. But come to think of it, every "local" I've casually been able to ask,

Where's a good place to eat in HB?,

has responded with:

BJs,

Cheesecake Factory,

IHOP

.

.

.

I refuse to believe that these results, and the FEW conversations with locals that I have had mean that there's no quality, locally-owned businesses in Orange County.

Obviously, that's not the case.

And, I get it. I'm in PR. Those "Best Of" awards are equal parts a true battle between businesses to win the honor of saying that they are THE "local favorite" as much as it's a battle between those local PR firms- spinning, pitching influencing and stuffing the ballot boxes.

And, because I do the work that I do I can EASILY tell who's a real winner, say for example in RENO Magazine's "Best Of Reno" issue, and which "winners" just hired a good publicist (like me).

STILL, how disappointing OC Register. You are journalists. Where have you journalistic ethics and integrity gone?

More business for me, I suppose.

I'm not too worried though. Over time John and I will meet more and more people, and explore more and more OC areas. We'll find our own LOCAL favorites...restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops, clothing stores, etc...

In the meantime, we'll just enjoy the entertainment we have, right at home, for free...

LIKE THIS:

{PRECIOUS}

.

.

But, since we're talking about fun, local things to check out in HB...

This weekend is the Nike US Open of Surfing, just south of the HB Pier.

CHECK. THIS. OUT.

{and click here to learn more}

Have a great weekend!

And, if you know of any good spas down here, keep me posted! I'm still looking!

love, kerry

Picture Find!

Q: How many doggies do you see???

---------_,=.=,_

------,`=.-o---`\\___

-----/---o\\--(0-----O

----/-o----\\---- ___/

----|----O--|-----\\)

---`,o---_/--o .--`------

-----`"`;-O--(---------

--------/--.--""``\\\\----

------.`-O------.\\,,||

----.`------""`|-`""`----

|\\-/--O--o---__|------

-\\|-o--.-`----`\\---

--\\-_-o---O----|

---(---o---.-`--

__`.____/___/_/

A: 19

How'd you do?

love, kerry

On My Love List: Paper

Some of you are already laughing.

You know I have a real love for paper.

It's true.

I love note cards, stationary, pads of paper, single sheets, journals, notebooks- you name it!

I'm excited by fun paper weights, elegant finishes, interesting binds...

I love paper and stationary stores! My latest obsession- Sugar Paper in LA. Check them out.

And, well, who doesn't love a great greeting card? Be it Christmas, a party invitation, birth announcement, Father's Day card {refer to previous post for a real-life example}, ETC...

Greeting cards are great! Fun to pick out, assemble, mail, receive.

I love paper.

Ask my mom, it's always been a love of mine.

In fact, I think she has this very picture of me, at the same age, playing with paper...

{uninterested in all the fun, real toys around}

Audrey takes after her mommy on this one....

Paper's great!

It's really been on my mind lately as I plan for the most important birthday party of my life-

Audrey's 1st Birthday Party!!!!

I've sent some good cards in the past...

You may have seen some of my work.

So, this card's really gotta be something.

And, it will be no matter what, obviously.

But, still.

.

.

.

.

.

Audrey, what do you think?

I know, it's tough.

The quest for the perfect card...

I'm always searching.

And now that I'm a "blogger", or whatever, I have the PERFECT platform to share and recommend my favorite online paper and stationary stores with you!

Kinda fun.

On My Love List:

Tiny Prints

Minted

Paper Culture

Paper-Source

Pear Tree Greetings

Cocodot

Polka Dot Design

You're welcome, and happy paper purchasing and card creating!

love, kerry

Backpacking

I love to travel.

I love to explore new places, and learn new things. I enjoy an adventure. I like putting myself out there...even if it makes me look stupid. I enjoy meeting new people, and exploring other cultures.....

I'd like to say that traveling is a hobby of mine {and John too...yes, you do have hobbies}, but really?

Not many people can claim "travel" as a true hobby.

Sure, I did the typical graduate from college, blow your savings on a backpacking trip through Europe thing...But, world traveler?

I have been lucky enough to see more than a dozen European countries, and a lot of the United States too. And, perhaps I've been even more lucky to have spent significant chunks of time in two countries (France and Italy), and made life-long friends abroad. But, there's still so much I'd like to see, people to meet, and places I'd love to visit.

And, maybe {hopefully} one day I'll have:

1) More Money

2) More Time

to really live my travel dreams.

But for now, travel for me means 1 trip per month to Reno for work.

{Grateful, by the way}

LONG gone are the days of grubbing it, sharing a room with friends (or a dozen strangers in a hostel), skipping meals to save money for museums (or beer), ETC, ETC, ETC...

I'm a MOM now, and Audrey is a part of every move I make...

{Joy}

And, obviously-

I

WOULDN'T

HAVE

IT

ANY

OTHER

WAY!

In fact, last week I took my greatest BACKPACKING trip of all time.

Orange County (SNA)--> San Jose (no plane change, just stop)-->Reno (RNO)

Why was is it so GREAT???

Thank you for asking.

Well, because it was Audrey's FIRST EVER plane trip!!!!

See, I'm still backpacking!

I've just traded up to the Ergo Baby Carrier {thank you Grandpa Dan}!

And, let me tell you-

despite being a little worried....

Audrey was soooo good!

People (fellow moms, not naming names) made me very concerned that Audrey would probably:

scream the entire flight in fear,

scream the entire flight in pain (ears),

move non-stop/never sit still,

bug the person next to us,

kick the seat in front of us,

act super bored and annoyed,

ETC...

Not the case with MY baby!

But, I will say...

My biggest challenge to report...

.

.

.

.

.

Major arm cramping from:

{A Sleeping Angel}

Are you kidding me? She couldn't have been more perfect!

And, when she was awake, for example the first 10-15 minutes of each flight, she was pure joy.

Curious about all the new people during boarding,

friendly with the people sitting in our row,

excited by the captain speaking over the intercom,

surprised by the feeling of take-off,

Perplexed while looking out the window and traveling through the clouds...

She was....

{Sigh...Nuf said.}

My favorite backpacking trip to date.

love, kerry

Happy Birthday Judy!!!

Dear Judy,

We know you and Steve are having a fabulous time in SF, but still we want to wish you happy birthday!!!!!!!!

You're the type of person who doesn't celebrate YOU very often...It's always about others. So, I hope today is extra special for YOU, and know that we're here in HB thinking about YOU, toasting to YOU, missing YOU and looking forward to our next visit.

Thank you for EVERYTHING that you do. We love and miss you! Happy birthday!

love, kerry, john and audrey

GREAT Grandpas...

Audrey, you've got some GREAT great grandpas who LOVE you more than you'll ever know.

They think you're so funny, smart, beautiful, silly, AMAZING...

I'm so glad that you have them, and that they have you...

love, kerry

On My Playlist: Summer Mix

And...

"Holdin On to Black Metal" by My Morning Jacket

"Windows Are Rolled Down" by Amos Lee

"Bruises" by Chairlift

"I Wanna Go" by Britney Spears

"Two" by Ryan Adams

"Kalifornia" by Kashmir

"At or With Me" by Jack Johnson

"E.T." by Katy Perry (feat. Kanye West)

"Let it Fall" by Lykke Li

"Touch From Your Lust" by Ben Harper

"Rumour Has It" by Adele

"Mountain Man" by Crash Kings

"City Middle" by The National

"Beautiful, Dirty, Rich" by Lady GaGa

"Whatever Your Like (Single Version)" by Anya Marina

Enjoy!

Reno, see you in the morning!!!

love, kerry

Good Thoughts...

love, kerry

Beach Cruisers!!!

We bought beach cruisers this weekend!!! We found super old, used, rusted, beater beach cruisers on Craigslist for cheap, and we just couldn't pass them up! It was actually harder to track down the "safe-t-seat" and infant helmet for Audrey, but we did it, and today we took our first family bike ride to Newport Beach! It was a beautiful day, and great trip (took about an hour). We walked the streets, but felt comfortable riding with Audrey along the beach path. There were TONS of other families/kids/babies riding along with us. It was so much fun, and Audrey LOVED it! Those bikes are going to get LOTS of use...We're really loving the fit culture down here.

Picture One: Trying on the infant helmet... Feels safe!

Picture Two: Alright, here we go! {Just walked down Huntington Street from our house, and we're about to join the beach path. Audrey looks ready.}

Picture Three: Mommy wants to try riding with the baby!!!

Picture Four: Here's where we turned around- Newport Beach. Beautiful!

love, kerry

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Dear Mom,

Happy Birthday!!!!

Yay! Today's all about YOU!!! I hope you have a PERFECT day! Do something fun. Do something relaxing. Do something new. DO WHATEVER YOU WANT!!

I wish we could be there with you, of course, but just know that we'll be thinking of you all day and celebrating in your honor!

You are the BEST Mom anyone could ever ask for, and I appreciate you more and more now that I'm a Mom too... I hope that I can be half as good of a Mom to Audrey, as you have been and still are to me.

AND- you are an amazing Grandma!! Grandparents are special, and I'm so happy that Audrey has you in her life!

We miss you so much, and again- HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!

We'll Skype today, and see you next week, and then a few weeks after that, and a few weeks after that, and so on and so on...{It's almost like we never left, right?}

Happy Birthday!!!

love, kerry, john and audrey

Happy Birthday Grandma Jean!!!

Dear Grandma,

Happy birthday!!

We miss you, and would love to see you soon! Hope the garden is going well. You'd be happy to hear that we're planning on planting a lemon tree in our backyard. Should be interested.

We love you so much, and hope you're doing well.

Say hello to the cats for us, and keep winning those bridge games.

Have a wonderful day!!! We'll be thinking of you...

love, john, kerry and audrey

What's that Doggie Doing?

Dear Jesse,

You're in trouble when Audrey starts walking.

She's already crawling to you, grabbing for you, playing with your toys, splashing in your water dish, cuddling in your bed, following your every move.

I've watched her pull your

hair,

ear,

leg,

tail...

You can't get away from her.

And, I can see you're trying your best.

Just promise me that you'll be a good boy. She just loves you.

I know you're an old man, but have some patience. She's just a baby.

And for now,

I'll continue to entertain her with the stuffed dog until she catches on to our little trick.

love, kerry

for john,

Sometimes life gets really stressful, and as cliche as it sounds, that's when you've really got to focus on the positive.

I've been blogging/bragging a lot about Audrey lately.

Normal.

But still, I thought I'd put this little number together for John.

You work so hard, and thanks to you- we're well on our way to becoming official beach bums...who still work very hard!

Amazing!

Plus, I needed the practice on our new fancy computer. ;)

I'll teach you how to use it later.

Love you babe! We've had so much fun these EIGHT years...Wow!

love, kerry

New Friends!

"Who are these people," Audrey asked.

"These are new friends," said the Mama. "You'll like them...Just be yourself."

May I introduce you to the Radiologists of UCI...

{and me and Audrey}

Here are 5 of the 6 residents in John's "class" and our new friends these next four years.

So far, everyone seems really down to earth.

Really nice, and actually normal (despite the stereotype of radiologists...sorry John).

We're excited to have some friends in OC now, and looking forward to the next four years!

I also had a dinner on Tuesday with a girl my age, Jami, who I am semi-connected to through work.

We are both 27.

Both work in marketing...and, in the pet industry.

We know a lot of the same industry people, which is crazy.

We both played volleyball.

Seemed to have similar sense of humor too...

I think we have a lot in common.

And, she was really sweet to take me out for happy hour, and teach me about living in southern California (she's from here, the "inland empire", to be exact. I have a lot of new lingo to learn).

I would like to think that I'd be as nice to someone who moved to Reno.

I know I'd want to be. Does that count?

love, kerry

On My Love List: Coupons

Who doesn't love a good coupon?

Today- $9.99 Pampers Jumbo Pack, 10 for $6 Yoplait, and BOGO Ready Pack Salad Blends.

Tomorrow- we shall see!

I'm fascinated in a way by coupon clipping. People still do it! That's really the shocker. In this age of technology, the good'ole newspaper still serves a purpose darn it! And how about the bulk junk mail? Thank you! Now, I'm sure there's an app that would likely simplify/clean up the process for me, but it's the act of clipping coupons that's so fulfilling. Feeling like you worked for that discount. You earned it.

There's a bit of gambling in coupon clipping too. Is this, in fact, the very best deal? Will a coupon publish tomorrow that's even better, or do I accept this discount and make my purchase? I'm sure the odds are still with the house.

But, I do tend to shop based on need, not just the best deal I find. I feel that's the best approach, and it keeps the control and power with me. The stores win if you buy just because you feel like the deal was too good to pass up. Rule of thumb: if you wouldn't buy it full-price, don't buy it on sale.

Speaking of, John's not buying any of this post so far... If he's even reading it...

But, it's true. ;)

And, don't even get me started on frequent buyer/loyalty cards! LOVE those!!!

I have to thank my good friend, Jill for this amazing coupon organizer. It was such a thoughtful gift, from someone who knows me well.

I'll have you know that fellow Albertson's shoppers notice it, and are jealous.

They say to themselves,

"she's saving money, and in a chic and stylish way"

Brilliant! I love when people are jealous of me. Just kidding...

Ok, so I feel like the ultimate "mommy-blogger" right now, talking about coupons for God's sake. Not exactly the direction I want to go on love, kerry, despite the fact that I AM just that-

a.

mommy.

blogger.

But, thanks for stopping by and if you haven't already seen it- watch Extreme Couponing and think of me.

love, kerry

A Sign from Mickey Mouse

Today Audrey told me that she wants to go to Disneyland.

She doesn't talk, of course. But she told me.

She's NEVER gone for this book before (a gift from our LA friends), but today she was all about it! Maybe because it was a new find, untouched, and she loves {to eat} paper. But, I saw it as a sign...

"Mommy, take me to Disneyland!"

A few hours later, I received the second sign.

A phone call from Judy.

"Jason's considering coming down to visit for Nevada Day weekend...with the boys...

wait for it...

TO GO TO DISNEYLAND!!"

Well, there you have it. We're going to Disneyland.

Sorry John.

love,kerry

On My Love List: Skype

I love this picture!!

And, I'm really loving Skype too!!

It's only been a few days, but the calls we've had so far have been so great! We've been given a tour of Mato and Amy's new house in Texas; we've played silly games with Ian and Cole and met their new pet, Henry; we've visited with little 6-week-old Beckett and his Mama; we've caught up on work projects and with friends...

Why didn't I figure all this out sooner?? Audrey LOVES it too, by the way.

Looking forward to Skyping with you too!

love, kerry

Dinner on the Beach, Finally!!

Tonight's picnic on the beach recipe for you...

Grilled Vegetable Panini

Ingredients: olive oil, eggplant, zucchini, red onion, basil pesto, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, red peppers, salt, pepper and a baguette.

Directions: Slice vegetables into thin strips and drizzle oil over the eggplant, zucchini, onion and red pepper slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. BBQ. Slice and toast the baguette. Apply pesto to top half of baguette, and stack your sandwich from the bottom- eggplant, zucchini, onion, red pepper, tomatoes, mozzarella. Drizzle oil, salt and pepper as needed.

Serve with fruit salad and cold beer.

Wish you were here with us!

love, kerry

Is She Expecting You?

Look at this little corporate baby!

Audrey is so fun!!! She's been great playing by herself while Mommy gets work done. I've already found it to be so much easier than actually bringing her into an office environment. She's pretty mellow, and crawls all over the baby proofed/gated off living room looking for new toys. So far, her nap schedule has lined up perfectly with my teleconference schedule too!

Keep up the good work Audrey! Mommy has bills to pay!

love, kerry

Thank You!!!

I'm so happy that you're following my blog!

Thank you!!!

Judy text me about it yesterday, Mom mentioned it again today on the phone, and during our Skype session with Mato, Amy and Jason (which was so fun, by the way)- Amy mentioned it too!!!

I'm glad to hear that you're enjoy our family updates because I really enjoy posting them for you.

Have a great night! Miss you all!

love, kerry

Where the Sidewalk Ends

There is a place where the sidewalk ends...

And it's where ever it feels like it in HB!

Seriously. We've never seen anything like it! All we want to do is enjoy an evening walk around our neighborhood, look at the beach houses, pass through the parks, make our way Downtown and to the beach, and it's like we're running an obstacle course!

On the sidewalk,

Through the grass,

Bounce down the curb,

Sharp turn around the parked car,

Up the street,

Avoid pot holes,

Look for traffic,

Back up the curb,

Repeat.

Whew!

Perhaps we wouldn't have noticed if it wasn't for Audrey, but pushing a stroller down streets where the sidewalks come and go as they please is a new challenge. I mean, as a responsible parent I try to avoid pushing her alongside passing cars...I'm doing the best I can.

Apparently HB doesn't have any city rules regarding sidewalks. It seems to be up to the homeowner to decide...If you want a sidewalk in front of your house, it's up to you to put it in yourself. I'd say it's about equal- houses with sidewalks, vs houses without.

Oh well. The walks are still wonderful obviously. Just a funny quirk about our new neighborhood.

Glad it reminded me of one of my favorite children's books though...Thanks to my Grandma for giving it to me for my birthday in 1992. I still have it, and can't wait to read the poems to Audrey when she gets older.

love, kerry

Happy Birthday Audrey!!!

Dear Audrey,

You're 10 Months Old today!!!!

How did that happen so fast???

I love you baby girl! You are a beauty, so fun to be around, so smart and funny...just perfect really.

Yesterday, you amazed me by tying a knot with the strap to my bathrobe. How did you do that? Next up- shoelaces! (First though, mommy needs to buy you some big girl shoes).

You're already a problem solver too. I watched you learn the difference between horizontal and vertical while you were playfully dropping toys into the kitchen from the other side of the baby gate. You thought it was so funny, and I was impressed.

Although things change so quickly, this month I'd say...

Your favorite foods: chicken, steak and puffs

Your favorite song: Patty Cake

Your favorite toy: scary doll with red cheeks that light up, or any book to chew on

Your favorite non-toy: Mommy's keys and Daddy's wallet (both will likely be another favorite when you turn 16)

Your favorite activity: looking at/talking to dogs

Your favorite word: Dada...could be Dad...could be Dog. I'm bitter. ;)

Some new discoveries & accomplishments this month:

Standing by yourself (only happened once, and lasted less than 30 seconds),

Drinking water from a sippy cup,

Moving to a new home,

Swimming in a pool,

Cruising and talking more and more...

You're the best little girl in the world, and I hope you have a great birthday!!!!

love, mommy

Let's Skype!!

Ok Mom and Judy...I set up an account on Skype today, and trust me- it was really easy!

Your turn!!!

I don't know how to use it exactly, but you can find me by either searching my name, or my profile name: Impetus_Kerry!

Looking forward to our Skype sessions soon!

love, kerry

Still Here, Promise...

I'm still committed to this blog! Internet should be established at our house tomorrow, and I promise to get back into regular postings...I probably don't need to tell you, but we are just soooo crazy busy right now! The house is coming together, but I'll be honest, it's a mess! It's more or less unpacked so that we can "live" but there's still so much organizing, setting up and (sadly) shopping to do. Good news- we bought a couch and it's going to be amazing. Bad news- we have to wait 8-10 weeks for it to be delivered. So, bar stools and patio seating it is!

Last night was the 4th of July, and John and I watched the fireworks from the beach. It was so fun, and surprisingly felt way less packed than Donner Lake on the 4th. The beach in Huntington is HUGE. In fact, it's the largest beach in Orange County. I heard there were 60,000 people in town, and on the beach last night, but it didn't feel too packed. We were really happy to live walking distance though. I couldn't imagine having to drive home after that craziness. Traffic hasn't been nearly as bad for John as we expected either. Today he went to the VA in Long Beach, and it took him 20 minutes door-to-door. UCI in Orange has been about 20-30 minutes each trip too. I think that's the best we could ask for, and again- we're so lucky to live on the beach! Our condo is super nice too. It's not huge- 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom- but everything is really updated, new stainless steel appliances, a cute backyard, a sweet pool across the street, large rooms...Right now, I feel like I live at a vacation resort...But, I guess we kinda do. We had a MAJOR pet odor issue the first few days, but it's already under control. Thank God.

Tonight we're going to dinner with some of the residents at UCI. The first official social gathering of the year, and I'm looking forward to meeting new people. I'll let you know how it goes...John seems to be really happy about choosing both Radiology, and UCI. I think it's going to be a good year. Whew!

Thanks again to our parents for all their help moving us in, unpacking, cleaning, watching Audrey, etc...I promise next time you'll have more of a vacation, and less work to do. ;)

love, kerry

WE. HAVE. ARRIVED.

Check this out.

Steve took this photo two nights ago on his phone.

This is a 10 minute walk from our new home...

Pretty nice, huh?

I'll have more time soon. Right now I'm slammed with-

unpacking,

setting-up our house,

cleaning,

laundry,

shopping for furniture,

setting up cable/internet/phone and other utilities,

fixing appliances,

shampooing carpets and deodorizing like crazy,

ETC...

oh yeah, and-

packing for Denver,

renting a car,

confirming hotel/flight,

ETC...

Stay tuned. But for now- we've arrived, and we're happy.

love, kerry

Happy Birthday Aleshia!!!

Dear Aleshia,

Happy belated birthday!!!! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to say Happy Birthday...Crazy week and I'm still without an internet connection!

I hope you had an amazing day, and lots of fun in San Diego! It's been so great having you in Reno these last few months, and I feel very lucky and grateful that you're there for Grandpa too. You are so much fun, and I love that you are an independent, confident woman who tells it like it is, and doesn't give a damn if someone has a problem with it. It must run in the family. ;) You are very compassionate too, and have been such a wonderful aunt to me (and great-aunt to Audrey). We'll miss you, but please come visit us in Huntington Beach soon!

love, kerry