sealaura

Back in Cali!

December 30, 2008

I am back in Cali! After enjoying the Las Vegas desert we headed back home. I haven't exactly unpacked and before I turn into a profesora pumpkin again B and I decided to head out to Palm Desert (another desert town!).

California Collage

Palm Desert is the next town over from Palm Springs and another hidden jewel. Many people flock to LA for its great restaurants, shops and ambiance but PD is a great alternative for those living in the IE (Inland Empire).

B was kind enough to indulge me in what must be the 100th visit this season to the mothership : J. Crew. I love their J. Crew in the desert sign. We did a little more window shopping at the shops on El Paseo and then headed back to the land of Red.

Luckily my assistant at Sealaura was waiting @ home for me and hopefully will help me ease back into the work mode Ojalá!

Lundi@ Lake Mead & Hoover Dam

December 29, 2008

If you have not been to the Hoover Dam, you should try and put it on your to do list. It is a very impressive and majestic sight. It is definitely a wonder in engineering.

We had a family outing to this beautiful marvel. However, pets are not allowed to walk on the dam so Norman and I stayed over on the Arizona side while B took some pics.

Wherever you stand, this place is just breathtaking, I had a tough time choosing the pics for today, if you have time today click on the images to get a better view.

It was very windy here almost Chicago like winds, you definitely want to bundle up. Although I am not a participant in dog couture, I did feel compelled to put Norman's Notre Dame sweatshirt on the poor pup, he was shiverring!

After the dam we headed over to Lake Mead. I was very invigorated by the blues found in the water at this reservoir. We were so happy to have this outing, it was a wonderful treat on top of all the other delights we were able to experience earlier in the week.

Sunday at the spa anyone?

December 28, 2008

Just hearing the word spa, makes you say aaaaaaaah, don't you think? Well the Spa @ Red Rock had that ambiance.

I have to admit, I am a product junkie. All it has to say is coconut, island, ocean and I am SOLD! There were many of those products available here for your delight. I am currently in love with Sea Island Cotton scent from Bath and Body Works. I swear it smells like St. John to me.

I love visiting fancy spots likes these, so inspiring. It motivates me to create an oasis chez moi.

A little R &R @Red Rock

December 27, 2008

LAS VEGAS

B and I headed over to the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa for an outing with my parents. Since my familia lives in this area, I am used to the grandeur of some of the fancy casinos, but this one is definitely noteworthy. It is very elegant, I felt like I had walked on to a movie set .

The decor to their restaurants and bars is definitely very lux. There is also a little food court for those looking for a more casual and more inexpensive meal. B, mis padres and I ate at the Panda Express but I am sure these fancy restaurants have many tasty treats to offer.

While my parents hit the penny slots we headed over to la piscina!

We had the place all to ourselves! Maybe this is the best time to come!?

Monday with Mia

December 23, 2008

On Day 2 of our holiday, B and I got to spend some quality time with my niece Mia, or Mia-Dogg as B and I lovingly call her. We started the day at The District in Green Valley for a little window shopping then headed over to Whole Foods, for some lunch. B and I took advantage of 20 minute massages for $15 bucks each. It was awesome but a teeny tiny bit painful.

In the evening after B and I engaged on some all you can eat sushi off of the strip (Mia not a fan of sushi, we tried to convert her last summer and we failed) we headed over to the bowling alley. Mia is the pro out of the three of us. She is on her school's Bowling club (what a cutie, right?).

BTW, today is my 100th post. Thanks to all of you that stop by and visit, I really appreciate it. Having this blog is a creative outlet for me, it allows me to live my fantasy of being a writer, photographer and supermodel (hee, hee j/k). But seriously I do truly appreciate all your lovely comments and visits to sealaura. ¡Hasta pronto!

Vegas Baby!

December 22, 2008

Yesterday we made our way to Vegas to visit mi familia para la Navidad.

After settling in we headed over to our first buffet. B definitely enjoyed it! I started slow since we have a few more days of eating to get through. In our defense, we eat very modestly in the land of Red, so you can say this is our biannual protein intake.

At dinner we exprienced a small Christmas miracle, my Papá smiled!

After the rain...

December 18, 2008

No! I am not referring to that Nelson song from the 90s ( ha! ha !). This is what we woke up to today! It was a beautiful morning here in the land of Red. Norman and I headed out for a morning drive and this is what we saw. Not the best pics, but I think you get the idea.

We went up to Caroline Park and after a brief meeting with a lovely deer we took a little stroll and captured the last 2 shots. It is a glorious day. Happy Thursday! ¡Feliz jueves!

Palm trees and snow

December 17, 2008

One of my favorite things about living in California, is the many contradictions. Here in Redlands we are are at the foot of the mountains yet surrounded by palm trees, orange and lemon groves.

This morning Norm and I ran our errands and were able to catch a glimpse of what our friends in Crestline, Running Springs and Big Bear must be experiencing. I love this weather. These are basically preview shots of the beauty that is to come once this rain clears up. But for now, we are still on "STORM WATCH!!!" oooooooooooh! I love the Cali version of storm watch. I survived 7 years in the midwest with lake effect snow. For a Cali girl, that is an accomplishment, I think. I love the snow especially when it is up in the mountains and I can visit it when I want. :)

End of the semester

December 16, 2008

A cold, rainy day was just what I needed to stay focused and accomplish the inevitable:

I finished grading my finals! It only took me about 6 hours.

B & I at the Chemistry Holiday Party. It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Baby Blue Carmagia

December 15, 2008

Last night B and I ran into this beautiful classic baby blue Carmagia. It was so beautiful I had to snap a shot. I would love one, maybe a convertible for a weekend beach car.
Happy Monday!

Thematic Photographic : Bright @Bordeaux Mtn

December 12, 2008

Bordeaux Mountain on St John has some beautiful little shops and they are so happy and bright. Click the pics to see all the brightness!

Bordeaux Mountain is St. John's highest peak at 1277 feet above sea level. Next to these shops you will find a great place to take photos . There is an amazing view of the BVIs, St. Croix and St. Thomas. If you want to get to the top of Bordeaux, there is a trail you can enjoy.

Here you can see "Hurricane Hole". During hurricanes people from the island park their boats here for a better chance of weathering the storm. On this cloudy day in SoCal ( I know, I know we barely have cloudy days but humor me please!) it is with great pleasure that I contribute to this week's theme at Written. Make sure to check out other bright and cheery pics :)

Purple Palm

December 11, 2008

Although the beach, ocean and all things tropical are a constant theme in my life, palms have been especially on my mind lately. I like their texture, the way they drape, and their ability to bring cheer. It seems like palm trees have a magical way of putting anyone in the happy party vacation mode. Can you hear the music, see the little umbrella in your drink, and smell the ocean air?

This pretty purple palm is a picture that my very good friend Janet took in Tahiti. You might remember I used some of her photos for Carmi's grounded theme one week. Anyway, a very soothing pretty purple palm, just what I need in the middle of finals week.

No hay mal que por bien no venga

December 09, 2008

This week is finals week here in the land of Red! I can see the light! But my poor little estudiantes are still working hard. It would be nice if there were lifeguard stations set up during this week to help us accomplish all that we need to do in such short amount of time.For my 201 students they have been in the land of the present subjuntive, tú and usted commands. So here are some phrases that come to mind:
Quiero que saques buenas notas.
¡No te preocupes!
Espero que todo salga bien.
No hay mal que por bien no venga.

Moments from the weekend

December 07, 2008

Balmy Palms

December 04, 2008

I am not going to jinx it and say it is finally winter here but it was a bit chilly today. Very enjoyable weather. perfect for watching the tube under some blankets. Buenas noches. :)

Thematic Photographic : Sweet

December 01, 2008

Carmi's theme this week is sweet and I waited a few days to post because I wanted to think outside the box. But all that kept coming to me was this little guy. Here are a few sweet pics from his first days with me last march.

I know I must sound like most parents, but this little guy is the sweetest and brings me so much joy. Don't forget to stop by Written to check out other sweet entries and maybe consider entering your own.

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