Ventana- I Want To Go Back There!

We're back, and even though we had an incredible trip, coming home is always one of the best parts of leaving.  There is nothing better than that moment when you walk in and see your kid's eyes light up, seconds before they envelop you in the greatest hug ever known to man. Believe me, these days it is very rare to get that kind of reception when either of us walks through the door. Our transition home has been seamless, but that was largely due to the incredible job that my in-laws did, holding this place together while we were gone. Seriously, they should rent out their services... they would make a killing! The biggest surprise has been, that so far, we haven't "payed" for our trip.

 Usually, the kids are always a bit off the week after we get back, sometimes wired, sometimes moody, usually clingy, but this time back it's been business as usual. Actually, it's been way BETTER than usual. Before I left the kids and I were in some kind of downward cycle. With all the cold weather and the holidays, we were spending a LOT of time together, and pretty much just driving each other crazy. Now, after a week away, we all remembered what we liked about the other, and no joke, I haven't had to raise my voice once, and the two have really been on their best behavior. I'm not holding my breath, but man it would be a awesome bonus if this nice, calm household was here to stay. 

The only downside of being back home is that I've had to face the fact, again, that I live in Boston,  it's February, and it's snowing. Long gone are the sunny days we spent walking around San Francisco, which were only surpassed by the the lazying around we did while we were in Big Sur. I know it wasn't even 3 days ago, but right now it feels like it was already last year! 

I have to tell you, we stayed at the most magical place for the end of our trip, Ventana, and I really couldn't have dreamt of better place to celebrate our 10th Anniversary. As we were pulling away, we both said they we absolutely want to go back there... tomorrow would be nice! Imagine the most peaceful place you possibly can, throw in the most insane mountain views you have ever seen, ocean views as far as the eye can see, and sprinkle on Redwood trees as high as skyscrapers. Throw in in a Japanese bath, an in room fireplace, some deer, and more wine than you can drink and you have Ventana. Yes, it was that good. I wouldn't believe me either, so here are a few pictures to back up my story.

{the deer that would cross our path throughout the day}

The only thing it doesn't have? My kiddos. 7 days is the longest I can go without seeing their sweet little faces. Well, until next year at least. 

In Awe.

 This morning, we took the most beautiful drive from San Francisco to Big Sur. I simply cannot believe that I lived in California as long as I did, and that I never saw this part of the coastline. The entire drive was beyond breathtaking and is something I will remember forever. If this isn't already on your bucket list, I recommend putting it on the top!

More tomorrow...

Currently.

 Hello from Sunny California! On Friday, my husband and I said goodbye to the kiddos and headed to San Francisco for the week! Ever since we've arrived, we've done little but eat, drink, nap, and explore this amazing city! Here are a few snapshots from the trip so far!

I have a feeling that after this trip I'm most definitely going to be saying that I left my heart in San Francisco!!!

Oh, and how are the boys doing without their mom and dad? If these pictures are any indication, I'd say that thanks to my fabulous in-laws they hardly miss us! It's also amazing what a new lego set can do... they were literally pushing us out the door!

I hope you all have a great week! I'll try to get back here this week if I can break away!

P.S. Remember this from the last time we went away? I still crack up every time I think of it!

How Adventurous Are You?

 I always liked to think of myself as a free spirit, someone who colors a little bit outside the lines.  But, the truth is, I pretty much live and die by my routines and I am not one who handles change very easily.  I've made a few big decisions in my life, the first being moving to California when I was in High School, and the second was moving to the East Coast for Law School. At the time they didn't really seem that big, and both were ultimately changes for the better.  Now, I am very settled in my life, and even though every day is a page out of the movie Groundhog's Day, I am perfectly happy, and content living my day to day routine. If it was up to me, I'd probably live here, in the same town until Gray graduates, not changing a thing about my life.  Well, since I'm married, it isn't all up to me, and from the beginning I knew that "someday" we would probably have to move to further my husband's career. That "day" has come and gone so many times, and up until now the conversation has always been would the move be to Northern or Southern California. Lately, however, discussions have shifted, and the dialog has me seriously questioning how adventurous I really am. 

As I've mentioned before, my husband grew up in Switzerland, and my kids are both Swiss. Since I've met him, my other half has always talked about moving back to the "motherland"and recently we have been seriously considering whether it would be an option for us to move over there. Whew, I said it out loud. Just so my best friend doesn't have a heart attack, the big move probably wouldn't be for another 5 years or so, but the idea of even considering such a move really has had my head spinning. 

Up until now, my main hesitation outside of what it will mean for me (meaning how can I live without my family and friends) and what it would mean for the kids. I can tell you right now, I love their primary school so much, that I can't stomach the idea of pulling them out of that environment, especially since Gray hasn't even had a chance to benefit from such an amazing school. Any time the topic of moving to Europe has been brought up, it has just as quickly been shut down with, "talk to me when it's time for High School." Well, my crafty husband did a little research, and would't you know it, there is a very similar American school, in a picturesque little town, exactly where he wants to live. We thought it would be ridiculously expensive, but wouldn't you know it the darn thing is actually cheaper. After this revelation the list of my reasons for not moving just got a lot smaller. 

Again, this is all superficial conversation, and no one is going anywhere yet, but I have to admit the prospect is gaining some traction around here. I mean, it is Europe!!! If we moved there the boys would have such an incredible life, with the Alps in their back yard. Paris, Italy... the world at their fingertips (or a few hours by train) and socially/ politically the kind of environment we dream of them growing up in. No mass shootings, reasonable gun control, the kind of place where you don't have to worry about them playing in the yard or walking to school by themselves. This really is the dream, isn't it? Sure, maybe not for everyone, but I'm starting to see that this may be our dream. 

I'm still not sure what this all would mean for me as an individual, but it would be one hell of an adventure. I can't even put in to words how much I would miss this life of mine, but with a six hour direct flight from Boston,  I'm pretty sure I could negotiate more than a few visits back each year, and really, who would't want to visit us if we were living in a town that looks like this?

Gorgeous, right?

I would LOVE to hear from any of you who have ever lived abroad... especially with little kids. Was it difficult to assimilate? I hear that most Americans who move out of the country naturally gravitate to other Americans. Is that true? The few times I've been to Switzerland I was in awe of its beauty, but put off by the rigidness of some of the people I met who lived there.  I wonder if I would ever get over that, or if I would change to adapt?  Serious food for thought over here. 

This one is go down as a to be continued...

Gone Skiing.

 Today is a snow day for us, even though we barely broke the 4 inch mark for new snow (isn't this always the case???) so the LM and I are off to take advantage of what powder there is, on the slopes. Hope you all have a great (warm) day! Be back tomorrow. 

If You Are Considering Platinum Blonde Hair...

 If you are considering platinum blonde hair... my advice? 

Go for it! 

A little over a month ago I decided to bleach my hair. Not by myself of course, but rather I begged my hairdresser to do it. I was on the fence for weeks, and then one day decided it just had to be done. After years of tweaking my color, ever so slightly, I decided to throw caution to the wind, and honestly it has been one of the best beauty decisions I have even made. 

When asking friends if I should make the big change, the majority said wait until the Summer. Why? Well, everything looks good in Summer, doesn't it? I then realized that I come from the opposite school of thought, that since a tan can improve just about anything (including your mood) why not lighten things in the Winter, when only the prospect of a week on the beach can pull you out of your slump. I find that a self tanner, or a little lightening of your color can go a long way towards beating your Winter blues. So, I went for it!

Now that I'm a little more than a month in, I feel like I can say with some authority what to expect of you decide to go platinum. Here are the 7 things I've learned about taking things to the next (blonde) level. 

1) Do not go for a full bleach job. Seriously. That platinum look can be achieved just as easily with a lot of highlights. A lot. The first time you will be really blonde, the next few times you will be really, really, really blonde. I find the building of the color is what gives you the most dimension. Bonus, there is no bleach on your scalp i.e. no burning. 

2) You cannot freak out about the roots. If roots bother you, this look is not for you. With this kind of hue, you are going to have roots, you just have to embrace them. I went back after 4 weeks for a touch up, and was told wait 5 or 6 for the next time. I swear I will try my damnedest to hold out that long. 

3) Condition, condition, and condition some more. For the week or two after I get my color, I use a deep mask every time I'm in the shower. Now, my bleached hair feels exactly like my regular hair. I find that a hair oil is also great to have on hand, as well. 

4) Go easy on the heat. Now that my hair is super blonde, I actually prefer it pulled back in a pony/ bun with some bobby pins, which is good considering that putting heat on damaged hair is the key to breakage. If you are going to process the crap out of your hair, try not to fry it as well. I now use my curling iron, blow dryer in small doses. So far, so good. 

5) Wear a lot of black. Okay, that isn't really a "rule," but it is the fastest way to add instant chic to your look. I get more compliments than ever now, when I'm wearing all black, with my fierce white hair. I for one, am not complaining. 

6) Shorter is better. Listen, no one tries for Pamela Anderson's hair from the Baywatch days, but somehow when hair is long, and bleached, it tends to take on that look. As someone who grew up in Southern California I can say with 100% certainty that there is only a handful of people in this world who can pull off long, platinum hair. When in doubt, go for a big chop first. 

7) Own your look. Yes, white(ish) hair can be a little shocking. I spend the first two weeks hiding under my head of it. Once I grew to love it (which I now do, and swear I will have this for the rest of my life) I found that if you just own your look, those around you will grow to love it too. Yes, I'm pretty much talking about my husband, but really, confidence goes a long way with this look, 

Those are my 7 rules (so far). I'm not sure if I'm really keeping this look forever, but right now I am oh so happy with it. For the first time, in a long time, I'm not dreaming about what is next for my hair. Progress, people. Progress!

Weekend Links.

Happy Friday! How was your week? Despite my poor husband being sick since last weekend, I actually managed to have a great one (and kept us all out of the house, and germ free!) The weather has been fantastic, and I spent a good portion of the week finally getting some much needed girl time, or as it's called around here "the babysitter is back from Winter break!" All week I have been able to spend some long overdue time with my best friend, and even sneaked in a dinner with my sister. These are things that make me very, very happy. This weekend is pretty action packed for the LM and I. Tomorrow we will be skateboarding, and then Sunday skiing. The kid is obsessed, I actually had to drag him off the mountain at 7:30pm on Wednesday... I swear he would have gone all night! Whatever your plans, I hope you have a great long weekend. Here are a few fun links from around the web to kick it off a little early! See you next week. 

The 8 self limiting behaviors successful people avoid.

I give in... the Birkenstock IS back. (One point goes to my good friend Anne!) You can't argue after seeing these gorgeous ladies!

My bestie is taking her 4 (!!!) kiddos to the beach for a week! This is a must have for their new baby! I really wish I would have had this a few years back!

A printer that can put your face in your coffee foam. Seriously!!!

Awesome shoes!

Okay, David Beckham is insane!

Great bags for the grocery, beach, diaper bag... you name it!

This salad looks so good. I'm absolutely making it this weekend!

This had me rolling on the floor!

All week it's been, Golden Globes this, dresses that, and all I can think is Jared F'king LETO! Gah!!!! That man did not disappoint! What are the chances I can get me husband to grow his hair out?!?!

My number one Summer lust item....

... followed very closely by these beauties.

Finally, I cannot even begin to explain how heavy my heart is after hearing the news about the sudden closing of Isis Parenting. While I haven't been there in over a year, I feel that I owe them so much, and I can say with absolute certainty that I would not have made it through the first year of the LM's life had I not found their classes. The minute you walk through those doors, new baby in hand, you felt like you were finally given the instruction booklet that the hospital forgot to send home with you. I met my two best friends in one of my first classes, and for that I will be forever grateful. I wish we all knew that the business was flailing, I just can't believe that the community wouldn't have kicked in, and tried to stop this from happening. My heart breaks for all those new mothers who will never be given the same opportunity that I had, and I hope that their teachings, and legacy will live on, even if it is back in someone's basement just like where it all began. This is a hugs loss for Boston, one that will be felt for a long time to come.

(Photo credit: Here)