Drew's Bubbly 1st Birthday

As an Auntie, I try to keep my camera handy and ready for any potential photo ops.  My nephew  Drew B turned one a few weeks ago.  It was a special day for me, as it had been awhile since I'd seen my nephews.

My initial goal was to take tons of pictures of Drew & Tyler, but I quickly got sidetracked with taking pictures of men (including my husband) playing with bubbles.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day.    

The best cake ever 

 Drew B was all smiles on his big day

 Everyone needs an Uncle Mike! 

He's tall, great with kids and quite the bubble man

You would have thought Nick and AJ were turning one.  

They couldn't get enough bubbles!

 Me and Mr. T dipping our magic bubble wands  

Mr. T concentrating on his bubble making

"Up, Up and Away,"  one of the biggest bubbles of the day

Arigato Hawaii

Watch Out - March 10, 2011.

12 hours before Honolulu was issued a tsunami warning.    

Work brought me to Hawaii this week.  As usual it was all work and no play, but I did treat myself to a vacation day and was able to take a few photos and work on my tan.  During this trip I discovered the lovely combination of ice tea and pineapple juice. Amazingly refreshing but also potentially dangerous when adding vodka to the mix!

For you foodies out there: I discovered Red sea salt. This salt is gathered from the sea along the reefs in Hawaii and mixed with Alaea, a rich volcanic red clay, much more potent than regular sea salt and your average table salt.

Lastly, I discovered a cool new hotel called the EDITION.  Swanky & cool, this setting was amazing.  For a casual dinner and drink check out Morimoto Waikiki. 

Note Worthy: The trilogy book set of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was available for purchase at the hotel gift shop.  Need I say more!  

Perfect Palm Trees before the rain storm. March 2011

The War Memorial - March 10, 2010 - Waikiki, Hawaii

The War Memorial - Waikiki, Hawaii

Star Beach Boys - Yellow Umbrella

A girl and her dog - Waikiki, Hawaii

Piroshky & Daffodils

Alone in Seattle...
Here are a few pictures I snapped while in route to the airport.

My view of the Seattle Space Needle during a taxi ride. I'm kind of liking the abstract photo of the space needle.



Despite the cold temperature, spring was making it's debut at the Pike Place Market.

Daffodils for sale at the Pike Place Market.

The original Starbucks.

The Pike Place Market sign.  It's hard to see in this picture, but there are flower boxes on the roof with tulip and daffodil bulbs.  The flowers will start to bloom in the next month. 

 Piroshky, Piroshky.  When you see a line wrapped along a building, you know the food must be good!   

Saturdate in the City

What happens when you have to plan a date encompassing the words: batter, north, red and new adventure? 

First  you go to Stable Cafe and eat scones made by Batter Bakery.  Second you drive north to that big RED landmark.  Third instead of driving over it, your adventure is to walk it!  Although walking the Golden Gate bridge is a tourist thing to do, as a Bay Area resident everyone should try this once. Views are breathtaking and even though we started the walk in fog, before we knew it the sun was out and it felt like summer (for like a minute).  Here is our Saturdate in pictures.

Stable Cafe located in the Mission 

The Golden Gate bridge with fog

Street light on the Golden Gate Bridge with the fog

 The north tower of the golden gate bridge looking up to the sky

An up close photo of the top of the Golden Gate Bridge north tower looking up

The texture of the Golden Gate bridge

I think this is postcard worthy...

Cool Shoes

Happy Friday!!! I had to share this great picture of my nephew Drew and his new Nike shoes!  Judging by the BIG smile on his face, he may never want to take them off!!

I Love To Picnik

Photograph has been a passion of mind for several years.  Although I understand the basics, I'm far from an expert.  That's why I love to Picnik!  This awesome website allows you to adjust the exposure, color and can even help you fix those unfortunate crooked lines in your pictures. Not to mention can also remove red eye and has a fantastic cropping tool.  Take a look at my before and after pictures of a bench I took in Nice, France.  They almost look like two different pictures! 

Before Picnik: Ugly  

After Picnik: Not so bad 

B is for Boznanski

Who doesn't love the the famous line "All You Need Is Love," written by John Lennon in 1967. Although it's a simple saying it has a deep truth to it.  Yesterday Erica and Blake got married.  It was an amazing day that went by WAY to fast.  Below are a few pictures from the day.  I was only going to post ten, but ended up with two extras!

Erica and Blake - I wish you a life full of love, laughter, and cheer! CONGRATULATIONS

1. The brides bouquet, with mini picture frames of her grandparents.

 2. The bridesmaids admiring the view from the hotel.

 3. A picture perfect day in the city.  So glad there was no fog!!! 

 4. The bride with her six bridesmaids.

 5. Retro super glam mirror.

6. Aunt Teri looking like a brunette Grace Kelly.

7. Gio and Mommy Julie.

8. The bride and her family. 

 9. "I'm getting married in 15 minutes and I can't stop smiling!"

10. Chrissy Field with the bridal party.

  

11. Mr. & Mrs. Boznanski.

12. Our place cards looked like concert tickets. 

The tickets looked so real, my dad thought he was going to a Counting Crows concert!

Do Over: F + J Wedding

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I think I'm finally getting the hang of the Shutterfly album feature, so I wanted to re-post F + J's wedding pictures from Venice.  Hard to believe they got married almost 2 months ago! 

Enjoy. 

HOT = Palm Springs

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Location: Palm Springs

Hotel: Villa Royale Inn (Bed & Breakfast)

Vibe: Think Peggy Guggenheim minus the Picasso and Salvador Dali paintings.

Hotel Room Decor:  Although the rooms were incredibly clean, the decor was outdated  (think TV show Family Ties circa 1986).

Unexpected Surprise: IllyCoffee (Need I say more).

Biggest Disappointment: Jenn’s attempt at a cannon ball. Nick said the splash was equivalent to a meatball!

Things To Do:  If you’re itching to gamble (or people watch) check out Spa Resort Casino

Would We Go Back: YES!!! It was fun staying at a B & B. The service was great.  We were able to bring drinks and snacks by the pool and since the place isn't mainstream, it was actually quiet and relaxing. Imagine that!!

Italy Top 150

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It wasn't easy, but Nick and I managed to put together our top 150 favorite pictures from Italy.  This was no easy task as we took over 1,300!  

Hope you enjoy and let us know if you have a favorite. 

F + J Wedding

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Hard to believe we’ve been back for almost two weeks and haven’t posted any pictures of the wedding! If you’re curious to see my outfit or the wedding party click here.

Note: I’m still experimenting with our new photo site so if it’s not easy to navigate let me know…..
Then again since there are only four of you reading my blog, five on a good day, I won’t stress too much! If your reading this and haven’t become a follower, today I am offering a prize for the first person who joins my blog!