Wednesday, December 17, 2014

DIY Holiday Photo Shoot - The Outtakes

I had an epic FAIL in having family photos for our holiday card. Time just got the best of me. I almost dismissed the whole card thing altogether. But then, I reminded myself, "You are pretty good behind the lens." So on a lovely overcast day, the girls got dolled up and with lollipops in hand off we went to the best location. The front yard. ; )

I had a lot of great shots to choose from. Here are some outtakes!

*For those who want to know: I used the Samsung NX300 Mirrorless Camera with 45 mm lens and 18 - 55 mm lens. Wish I would have got the deal on this camera that is going on right now!

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Happy Birthday Sweet and Sassy Kalista!

There is no way! Are you really FIVE? Where did the time go?! 

Kalista,

It is a gift being able to watch you grow up. You are the sweetest and silliest girl in the world. You have a natural way of making everyone smile. I admire the way you live life; so carefree and relaxed. I love how you wake up with a smile on your face (regardless of the hour). And the things you say...my goodness you keep me on my toes.

I am so very thankful you came into this world. I love you to the moon and back.

~ Mommy

Monday, November 10, 2014

Budapest, Hungary

Ready to come along on our next stop?
After Prague, we hopped on over to Budapest, Hungary. 
Budapest is extremely different than Prague. Much more metropolitan than Prague. Much more of a hustle and bustle city with an old world charm amongst modern life.
But still a beautiful city.
New city, new hotel, new bar:
Same spirit ;)
And a new one:
(If you have tried Everclear, then you have tired Palinka) 
Pretty, but blah!
Loved having this feature right outside our hotel!

This is what a coffee house looks like in Budapest:
Wish the "coffee houses" in the US had these:

It was decided to add some sophistication to our repertoire and attend an opera.
I am not going to lie, I was out voted.
And I am not going to deny falling asleep.
 We weren't quite prepared for a "fancy" evening out. 
I am pretty surewe were the only ones wearing jeans. 
Way to represent the Americans :)

Let's move on to food:
And again, street food rules!
 New country, but we found our "Trinkle-dinks" (Trdlnek)!
And these were trickle-dinks on steroids!

Now, for the coolest and by the far the most unique bar ever.
Our tour guide told us it was a hot spot. And she was totally right.
A line for days to get in. I haven't stood in a line to get in a bar in a very long time!
She also described it as a "ruins" bar.
Apparently, "ruins" translates into "hang anything and everything everywhere and anywhere."
Crap everywhere!

Pretty scenes:

An absolute must visit:
Szechenyi Bath
(thermal bath house)
These natural spring waters are amazingly warmed by Mother Nature.

And what's a little vacation without some spear throwing?
Not bad, Mr. Hall.
Sharp enough Marc?
 Or maybe not? lol

Farewell Budapest! Thanks for the fun!

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Minestrone Soup

Although the weather does not agree, it's been in the high 70's in Santa Barbara, the calendar says it's fall.  I love fall. But since I can't get the fall weather, 
I can still have the fall foods. Luckily the evenings do feel fall-ish.
What comes to mind? SOUP!
There is nothing like pjs and soup.
 I would say this has been kid tested and mother approved!
 Make this ASAP!

Recipe taken directly from Mama Miss. For more yummy soup recipes come visit my Pinterest board!