sealaura

Spicy Thai Curry

2012-02-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

I've been craving some Thai food BAD so when I saw a recipe for an "EASY" thai curry recipe I was all over it. Nicolle from the blog "Boyd's Crazy Mama" inspired me to try her recipe.

As you can see the procedure is indeed pretty simple. You can tweak the recipe to taste. For instance you can make it with shrimp instead of chicken and add whatever veggies you prefer or have on hand. And even though this sounds like an exotic meal, you can pretty much find all the ingredients at your local supermarket. I took Nicolle's recommendation and cooked the chicken ahead of time. Once the sauce was ready to go, I then threw in the chicken and let that simmer for a while. Finally scoop yourself some curry over a bowl of Jasmine rice or any grain of your choice, sprinkled some fresh cilantro, Sriracha sauce and EAT! I made this last night for Valentine's dinner and my husband loved it!

You are beautiful

2012-02-14T05:57:00.000-08:00

took this shot in Santa Monica on my last trip there.

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at sealaura.

by the way a year and a day ago this happened!

All that glitters...

2012-02-13T04:47:00.000-08:00

All that glitters is AMAZING! While most people are getting reds and pink manis for Vday I'm still stuck on this Graphite color by Chanel. Thanks to Odyssey who turned me on to this hue. I just love it. It reminds me of glittery sands and I'm always up for that essence. I truly find this color very beachy. It might be, growing up in LA, my many trips to Vegas or me getting a little older but sparkly, glittery items done in a tasteful way rock my world.

Choosing a nail hue is often challenging, I wish I could change colors like I change shoes. But luckily this color goes with everything and it looks so luxurious. Now if only I could do something about my dishpan hands.
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If you haven't gotten a mani in a while, I highly recommend you treat yourself and schedule one. I felt so civilized and renewed from mine. And believe it or not little things like a mani can lift your spirits and make you stand taller. I know it sounds silly but it did for me.
What nail hues are striking your fancy?

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

2012-02-10T04:36:00.000-08:00

Don't know about you, but I struggle when it comes to gift shopping. I want to please so badly but I can never make up my mind. When it comes to shopping for my Valentine, it is a little easy because we like similar things. I just have to pick the rough version of what I would get :) !! For today's gift guide, I stuck to shops that I know we like so here's the rundown:

1. darkcycleclothing "Biking is for Lovers" $21 I've bought B a shirt from this place before and they are super nice and high quality, not to mention affordable.

2. Timbuk2 ipad envelope $30 B and I love bags and this is one of our favorite places to peruse.

3. Octopus Pillow from Caron's Beach House $58.95 How lucky am I to have found guy who loves Octopi as much as I do. I just adore this pillow. This reddish pink color is fun!

4. darkcycleclothing "Red Crab on a bike" $21 As you know, B is all about his bikes and I just love the striking contrast of this shirt.

So there's my thoughts for guy's gifts and no, I haven't spoiled it for B, because I got him something else for Valentines but I thought you might need some ideas.

I definitely don't have any problems when it comes to shopping for myself. I'm awful that way but anyways here are some of my picks for ME, from ME! It's always so much fun to fantasy shop. I could (and have) spent all day doing just that. So for my Valentine picks you have :

1. Wimberly Inc Cuff Bracelet
I spent yesterday lusting over the entire site, there is so much there to put on the wish list and a GREAT variety of colors if Red is not up your alley. This Longhorn spoke to me and when the sealaura stock goes up I'm gonna get it in orange!

2. J.Crew Mini-Brompton Hobo I have eyed the large Brompton but deemed it a tad too big for my frame, so when I saw this one...OH YEAH!

3. Nautical Bracelet from Lemon Line. Super cute and can add a pop pf color to any look.

4. California (or any state) Necklace from Mia Brenner. I don't have to tell you why this necklace said "Hello!" to me now do I?

I omitted the prices for these last gifts, out of shame for being so greedy but if you click on the link you will find them HA HA. Two out of the four gifts are under $50. A little game for you! So go on, get your shopping on and don't wait til the last minute (like I normally do).
Have a great weekend!

Beach memories from Galveston, TX

2012-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

On our way to South Texas, we stopped in Amarillo and spent some time with B's mom, step Dad and the boys' Uncle Newt. It was a super nice visit, and on our last night there, my mother in law shared her childhood pics from beach days in Galveston, TX . It was so much fun and a delightful way to end our visit.

I just love pictures of yesteryear, so beautiful and they capture such pureness and in this case I feel they capture a bit of Americana.

This is my mother in law Knoxie. Wasn't she a doll?

Some of my fondest memories are picnics in Santa Monica beach with my family and this picture evoked those memories for me.

I think this is my mother in law's Grandma and I just love her nautical striped dress. Not to mention how she is in command of the situation at hand. By the looks of that finger, someone was being redirected!
Hope you enjoyed these pictures down memory lane as much as I did.
What are some of your first beach memories?

Focus and Don't lose Sight

2012-02-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

Happy February! I hope everyone had a nice weekend. We sure did and after a few little indulgences it's nice to have Monday get you back into your routine. I dragged myself to Pilates and despite feeling like jello afterwards, it was a good kind of "I can't walk" feeling. Anyway, I have been in Texas for one month now and a teeny bit of CA homesickness peered into my heart. However, as I was perusing my pics I ran into these shots that I took before I left and they really spoke to me. Notice the FOCUS on the telescope above? How about the SIGHT below?

Well it just got me centered and help me regroup so I can FOCUS and not lose SIGHT of my goals. Definitely needed on a Monday and at the start of a new month. How are you doing? Do you set goals at the start of each month? This month, I want to keep up with making healthy meals, working out and getting ready for our honeymoon beach vacation that we have planned in May ( to celebrate our 1 year wedding anniversary!).
What are your upcoming goals? Is there anything special you are working towards?

From the Riverside Club in Mission, TX

2012-02-03T07:53:00.000-08:00

For some reason, over our moves B and I have ended up living in retirement communities and/or near places where retired folks like to partay! (ahhhh we just loved the people of Palm Springs !). Redlands is a sweet town with a mix of families and older folks. Even though I taught at the university there, it wasn't too much of a college town, I found it to be quite the opposite, muy tranquilo. Our last home, Monterey is where all the people with dinero or who had made smart investments went to live. Hello Pebble Beach! Hello Clint Eastwood! And here in South Texas, I have noticed it is the home for Winter Texans (retired folks from everywhere cold). We are definitely not complaining because it means we have lived and continue to live in chill, relaxed places. However, we are definitely on the younger end of the demographic and it's super cool because we seem to have more in common with our older neighbors than the youngins'.

B wanted to take me to a place he had only seen from the outside and to get here, it is a bit of a journey. You kind of have to have someone show you because there's no way I would go on dirt roads this close to the border without my passport!! Once we arrived to the Riverside Club it was a party! So cute, so Texan!

We are hoping to come back soon and enjoy a boat ride on the river for $10 bucks! Can you believe it?! The Riverside Club has all sorts of fun activities lined up and we are on board with that! The German food sounds fab and you all know how much B and I love Oktoberfest from our treks up to the festival in Big Bear here and here, (oh yeah, Big Bear is another retirement community we loved to frequent!) Check out The Riverside Club website for more info. on their facilities because they have tons to offer.

What kind of places have you lived in?

Bella Costas by Reef

2012-02-01T07:32:00.000-08:00

It's been such a mild winter for most of the country that it's ok to be thinking spring already. Especially when I learned about the launch of Bella Costas by Reef. I am a huge fan of flats and these vibrant ones by Reef are even more special because they are part of their "We Heart Guatemala" project which supports the traditions of the Mayan Highlands. Through a partnership with nonprofit organization Nest, Reef is providing an opportunity for Mayan women to create a sustainable living. I think we can all behind that cause, anything that promotes peace and empowers women is A+ with me.

Reef Tropic

Reef Rainforest

You must check out the lookbook. It is like a mini-vacation and totally gets me pumped for warmer days by the beach. Lucky for us Bella Costas launch TODAY and are an affordable $54! What a great start to February! Oh and did you notice how the name means "beautiful coasts" en español? Right up my alley and I hope yours too!

Port Isabelle, TX w/ my boys

2012-01-30T11:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had a fabulous visit to Port Isabelle. It was a perfectly cool day and also perfect since the Canine Travel Team were along for the ride. Newman still stuggles with riding in the car, but he's part of the team, so he had to come! I really don't know too much about South Texas, so I am intrigued when I find these plaques that explain a bit about the history.

We peeked in some of the shops and galleries and then decided to have some hot dogs with our little doggies. The boys were so good! Port Isabelle seemed pretty dog friendly although not all restaurants allow dogs in the patio seating areas. We are so used to Cali, where dogs are pretty much royalty but hopefully we'll find some more doggy-friendly spots as we travel around Texas.

Jalapeño Cheddar hot dog, YUP so bad but so GOOD!

The weekend went by so quickly so we did not make it over to South Padre Island on the other side of the bridge you see above, but I know we'll be back soon. How about you?
What adventures did you have this past weekend?

Pottery Pets

2012-01-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

Hello again! I thought I would take a break from the unpacking to show you some of the pottery that is common here in the Texas Tropics. Everytime I have been by the border I've been smitten with these goods and have to resist buying a truckload...oh yeah and now that I live in a one bedroom apartment, I am definitely being SUPER selective in what I acquire. My fave piece was this turquoise fish, rustic, beachy and TURQUOISE!

There's a little something for everyone's taste and I couldn't help but feel like I was at the pet store with all the variety of creatures.

I've been in Texas for about 3 weeks and so far so good. The movers finally arrived with our stuff last friday and it has been a little busy over here. Thanks for sticking by me as I settle in here.

What do you like to bring back when you go south of the border or just south?

Kale and White Bean Soup

2012-01-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

Since I've arrived in Texas, I've had to look for my inner domestic goddess and crank out some meals. It's actually been really fun and has felt a bit like a Top Chef challenge. B and I recently joined a co-op where we pick up a box of locally grown veggies each week and eat away! But this recipe was inspired by a tweet I read from Real Simple (original recipe here). As you may know, if it is quick and easy, I am ALL about it! I also liked this recipe because it included ingredients I had in my pantry and sounded hearty. Here is the full list of ingredients but you can ammend it a bit. I made a few changes in my batch as you will see in the pics below.

Serves 8| Hands-On Time: 25m | Total Time: 30m

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
kosher salt and black pepper
2 15.5-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed
1 cup small soup pasta, such as tubettini, ditalini, or orzo (4 ounces)
1 bunch kale, thick stems discarded and leaves torn into 2-inch pieces (8 cups)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan (2 ounces), plus 1 piece rind (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 loaf country bread, warmed

And there you have it! I also love that I can serve it for lunch the next day. As is in most cases, these soups taste even better a day later. Let me know if you give it a try, it's a quick and easy meal and perfect for a winter day, even our 84 degree winter day here in the Texas Tropics!

The Water Dancer w/ Quiksilver

2012-01-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Water Dancer is a series of short films in which Quiksilver ambassador and world champion surfer Stephanie Gilmore meets and converses with premier dancers to learn what inspires and drives them and how their dancing relates to her passion of surfing. It makes complete sense that dancing and surfing mesh since both require being centered and in touch with how your body moves. I've posted Stephanie's interview with ballet dancer Tiler Peck but you can find more inspirational videos here.
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I also really like the parallel that Stephanie drew between dance and surfing:

“I once read that surfing a wave can be described as a dance performance: 'The wave is your stage and the sun is a spotlight.’ I like to think surfing and dance have similar qualities like power, grace, improvisation, rhythm and most of all, performance. When I'm competing, the majority of my drive comes from the performance. When I'm surfing I want to be powerful, but perform with style and grace, similar to that of a dancer.”

Of course it's hard to ignore the super cute outfit that Stephanie is wearing in this interview. Since I am now back to being full time CEO of sealaura, I thought this outfit definitely would be work appropriate. Quiksilver is a brand that is synonymous with the beach but apart from having a fab selection of surf gear, there are so many other goodies I would not mind getting my hands on.
What about you? Are you a water dancer?

reporting from Mexico

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Our new home has us living about 1 mile from the Mexican border, which is kind of exciting. Although we are super close to the frontera/the border, the Mission/McAllen area is very nice. In fact, most of the residents are affluent Mexican ex-pats who were able to come "al otro lado/ the other side" and escape the violence. We live in what is called the Rio Grande Valley. Unfortunately, México has been having a very tough time with crime and violence so going across the border is not really encouraged.

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After doing a little research, B and I decided to go an take a peek at what's on the other side. We were recommended to park our car on the US side and walk in via the Nuevo Progreso entrance to México. I was definitely a little bit nervous, but our plan was to just stay in the first few blocks past the border and head home. It was a bit comforting to see many Winter Texans crossing over but still we were on high alert. To tell you the truth it was very heartbreaking to see how hard people have to hustle to survive. B and I just walked a few blocks and turned around (which is HIGHLY recommended). You definitely do not want to leave the border town. It's incredible to see the drastic change in the quality of life once you cross the border.

Nuevo Progreso offers the usual artisan crafts and other goodies that you can pick up along the way but honestly, I was so over stimulated and a tad stressed that it was not the most relaxing venture. Still the adventurist in us wanted to see what was "al otro lado" and we did. In case you are wondering why I don't have more pictures, it's because you do not want to draw any attention to yourself while you are here and I really didn't feel comfortable snapping away.
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Winter Texans and other folks come here for more affordable dental work, pharmaceuticals and of course some other lower priced ammenities. This trip was not like the trips of my youth from LA to Tijuana which usually meant a little partying and a beachy lighthearted time. México is a beautiful country and Mexicans are very courageous, wonderful, sweet people but it's hard to truly enjoy the culture and the beauty of this land knowing the struggle that they currently have to endure. I know I usually take you to happy places and I do believe in my heart this is a wonderful land. But in my opinion, part of traveling is also understanding and acknowledging what the day to day life is like for the locals.
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If you want to learn more about the situation in México check out this article from NPR.

Hello South Padre!

2012-01-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

Port Isabel Lighthouse

Although we have spent most of our time in the car lately, we decided to hit the road for a mini-journey to South Padre Island and do a little exploring. So with canine team in tow, we made a weekend out of it. Our trip was mostly to explore the real estate market down here, and let me tell you we are definitely not in California anymore ( read: affordable!) . But I will leave that discussion for another day.
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We left on Friday night and since both of us had never been to SPI before we had no idea what to expect. As you approach the island, you will find the Port Isabel Lighhouse which is open to tourists for climbing. We will definitely have to check this out later and check out the panoramic view of SPI and the surrounding area.

On Saturday we were able to take in the view to the island and it was super pretty. This is the Queen Isabella Bridge that connects SPI to the "mainland."

We found this lovely statue of "Cristo de los Pescadores" Christ of the Fisherman and it was a stunning addition to the coastline. From what I understand this maritime statue is supposed to symbolize Christ blessing the fisherman that have been lost at sea. At the base you will find the names of some of those lost fisherman. The statue is located at the entrance of Isla Blanca County park on South Padre.

Our Sunday morning walk on the beach was just lovely, there were many sweet shells in the sand and the water was beautiful. Apparently this part of the island is one of the best and also a great place to fish. I anticipate B might be headed here soon for some spear fishing.

We had to head back and leave this lovely island but I am certain we will be back time and time again. Like I mentioned, we spent most of the time looking at casitas and villas but soon we will be back to take in more of the sights. There are many places to stay here, motels, condos, RV parks etc. We stayed in a budget and pet friendly motel and paid about 75 bucks for the weekend. Right now is a great time to visit because it is very calm and all the "Winter Texans" are here enjoying the sun. Even though this island is mostly known for the crazyness of Spring Breakers, it certainly has so much more to offer. I was happily surprised to run into an international crowd that even had me practicing my French. It seems many people make this a second home to avoid the chilly winter temps.
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I'm hoping to get back to regular blogging soon, but it's been a little bit like camping for us lately. Our belongings are still in transit from Cali. I look forward to the delivery but not to the unpacking! Still, I hope to set some sort of routine for my new life here but I know it will take some time. So bear with me!

Hola! from the Texas Tropics!

2012-01-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hello dear friends! If you follow us on FB you might already know that we've left Monterey and our now residing in what is called "The Texas Tropics!" I'm not gonna lie, it was hard saying goodbye to my beloved California. I just adore my home state, but I also love adventure and life has brought us to the Texas Tropics and we are happy to be here.

Texas is definitely very different than Cali but rather than focus on comparisons, I want to enjoy all the newness. One thing I have always been drawn to is tradition and I really love all the pride, customs and history that Texas has to offer. Our Coastal Adventures continue but now you will be seeing us along the Gulf of Mexico (and who knows where else!) . Here's to a happy new year to all of you and thank you for coming along on all of our journeys!

A Pacific Christmas...

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

seaworthy books

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

As you probably gathered from my blog, I am a visual person and I love pretty images. So when I recently perused around for some holiday gifts, I was instantly drawn to these books. I seem to picks books, how I choose my wine, by the labels. So clearly, I haven't read any of them but I bet they're good! The covers alone sold me!

I would love to read this Kerouac one, especially since I currently live 20 minutes from Big Sur, so I think this is a must read plus it's KEROUAC! The penguin book looked fun and whimsical and the Squid book appealed to me because of the drawings and because I love all things Octopus, Squid etc.

But what I really hope to get my hands on are these art books from Ernst Haeckel. I could just peruse these all day (even though they are thin books) but the images are gorgeous. So there you have it, some seaworthy books that maybe you can gift or put on your wishlist!
What's your favorite sea themed book?

Tangerine Tango @the sea

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

By now you've probably heard that Pantone's color for 2012 is Tangerine Tango and I could not be more thrilled. It's such a happy color. Well, as you can see, even the sea creatures are in style and are also such an inspiration for fashion and how to pair colors. I recently enjoyed a Saturday morning trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and ran into these creatures doing a little tangerien tango of their own.

I have always fancied orange as seen here, here and here. So I think I will have a great time including it into my winter and spring wardrobe. Heck! I think I could wear it all year. How about you?
What color are you fancying lately?

Coastal Christmas bits

2011-12-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

As I've mentioned before, I always seem to be on the road for Christmas so it is hard to settle into decorating for the season. However, I do have a little Christmas box with my Charlie Brown Christmas tree (from the dollar store) and a few ornaments to dress it up. It definitely belongs in our sealaura world because it's a good little traveler and a great way to have an instant Christmas wherever we are. My other way of decorating is with nature such as this branch you see above in our kitchen. I bought the branch for 2 bucks at the Christmas tree lot and of course I had to purchase my usual Trader Joes wreath for that wonderful Christmassy smell. Lastly, I set up my shell lights and voilà! Suddently it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I do dream of someday having a big Coastal Christmas tree and hope to decorate with some sea creatures, such as these lovely ones I spotted at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. If only I were super crafty I would love to know how to make these sweethearts. Maybe I'll see if etsy has something similar... Either way, there you have it a little bit of Christmas at sealaura headquarters.
What's your easy way of decorating for the holidays?

Sunny Days with Margaritaville Sunnies

2011-12-07T05:14:00.001-08:00

@ Big Sur

I was recently asked to review sunglasses from Margaritaville Eyewear and I thought a drive up the coast would be perfect to test them out. If you've ever been through Big Sur, you know one minute there can be fog and the next it's sunny and bright. SUPER BRIGHT~!

@ Big Sur with my niece Mia and my sunnies!

It was a glorious sunny day and I was thrilled with my sunnies. These are the Hemisphere design and unlike many other aviators I've tried, I did not look like I had come from an episode of CHiPs. They were the perfect size for my face and most importantly my eyes felt very protected thanks to the 100% UV protection.

@Pebble Beach

Even if you don't live in sunny California, sunglasses are a must. I remember living in Indiana during grad school and being nearly blinded by the glare off the snow, wish I had these then too. I also liked that the glasses came with :

SunGrip silicon nose pads
SunGrip rubber temple tip inserts
Integrated Margaritaville® Leash System I could see this coming in handy when on a boat or when carrying all my gear to the beach. Nothing is worse than losing a great pair of glasses. And I definitely don't want to lose these.

@Bixby Bridge in Big Sur

The nice people from Margaritaville sent me the Hemisphere polarized glasses in the gold brown/grey green colors, but they have many other colors to choose from, so if you are in the market for a new pair, check these out.

A beachy vibe from A9 Designs

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? I dipped my pinky toe this past weekend by attending a local small business fair and I was delighted to run into Ellen the talented owner and artist from A9 Designs. Ellen describes these sea glass bracelets as "rustic hand made recycled glass beads (from Ghana) coupled with earthy African Copper rounds." Now that's a special way to carry an exotic beach with you everywhere.

This necklace is a show stopper. So earthy perfect for a mermaid.

Of course these reminded me of the turquoise waters I am so fond of. How great would these look with a crisp white shirt?!

If you want to see more from A9 Designs make sure to visit their FBpage for updates. Ellen has a wide variety of designs, I just focused on the beachy ones today. Also in case you missed it, I did a previous post with Ellen that you can check out here.

Movie review: The Descendants

2011-12-02T14:10:00.001-08:00

Friday is here and time to see a movie. The Descendants with George Clooney is a perfect movie for a beach lover who also enjoys a good drama. Clooney plays Matt King, a descendant of Hawaiian royalty who has been left to divide and care for his family land in beautiful Hawaii. While the scenery is undeniably breathtaking , the story is also very captivating. It deals with some very strong subject matters such as infidelity, substance abuse, financial issues yet it also manages to make you laugh and smile at the most unexpected moments.

Everybody knows life is not easy, even if you live in paradise. I really enjoyed this film, it humanized the problems and didn't necessarily wrap them up in a little bow by the end of a film. That is why I left so fulfilled. Movies don't always have to have a perfect happy ending just a good one.

Isle Style : Fishtail Obsessed!

2011-11-30T07:16:00.001-08:00

image from Bella Sugar

Yesterday on my tumblr I posted a gorgeous turquoise fused fishtail braid that just blew me away, so as you can see I am still on that hair kick! The cool thing is you can add colored pieces rather that dying your hair and make this fun look too permament. For a tutorial click here.

from Natty Michelle

San Francisco w/the Canine Travel Team

2011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Long weekends are meant for exploring so the Canine Travel Team and I headed up to San Francisco for a little adventure. San Francisco is about 2 hours from our home in Monterey and since my sister, mom and niece were here for a visit, it was time to load up the car and head North!

I'm not gonna lie, I was a little nervous about a car trip given Newman's car anxiety (oh and my family, kidding! {but not!} ) Yet we did have a nice outing. Newman sported his new Thundershirt which is supposed to relieve anxiety and of course Norm was his usual Zen master self, thank goodness. I'm not sure the Thundershirt really worked for Newman but he did seem to enjoy the road trip to SanFran!

It was a whirlwind of a trip, so we pretty much drove across the bridge, had lunch in Sausalito (which by the way is a SUPER dog friendly town) and then headed up to the lookout views to capture these great shots. Even though Thanksgiving is gone, I am so grateful for the wonderful adventures I am able to have with my little family.
Did you venture anywhere fun during the holiday weekend?

A Coastal Thanksgiving table

2011-11-21T05:53:00.001-08:00

from celebrations.com

Happy Thanksgiving week to you! Are you ready? Since we are beach gypsies we are generally on the road for most holidays but I still love to check out all the fun decorative ideas out there. For beach enthusiasts I absolutely love this small sand dollar with the simple message of grace. But I bet this was a place card for a guest named Grace! Either way, a sweet idea.

from celebrations.com

Of course if I were to ever host a Thanksgiving it would be a coastal inspired one, so at the very least I can start preparing for that event by collecting ideas. I found a great site called celebrations.com that is full of creativity and DIYs. I am going to take this week off from the blogosphere to enjoy time with family and also to hopefully catch up with my life, this fall has been a busy one!

Wishing you a wonderful and warm Thanksgiving!

Isle Style : Resort Wear

2011-11-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Although many are busy planning for the holiday season, I am planning for the resort season. Luckily, B and I still have to enjoy our honeymoon so I do need to plan for a tropical getaway. I started perusing the Neiman Marcus catalog on my ipad and became instantly smitten when I saw these pieces. First of all, the pink raybans spoke to me (LOUDLY) and will definitely be going on my wish list, also isn't the detail on the clutch so sweet? Looking at gorgeous pieces like these as we approach winter, motivates me to eat well and take care of my body so I don't run into a panic once we hit beach season. In California, beach season can happen ay any time, but truthfully one should always be ready! By the way, in case you have an ipad, I highly recommend downloading the Google catalogs app, not only is it environmentally green, but it's like free glossies to peruse without the clutter.
What is your must have item when you go tropical?

Big Sur Village

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

The weather has taken a shift here in Monterey, but before the nights got darker and colder, I managed to make a pit stop at Big Sur Village. This sweet little village nestled in the woods is usually a quick stop for some water and snacks but I recently took a longer stroll along the shops and small galleries and discovered a wonderful surprise.

Right next to the pool at the Big Sur River Inn is this wonderful river, perfect for grabbing your sandwich and having a picnic by the water The Inn itself seemed like a fun little rustic place to stay and has a wonderful history behind it dating back from 1888. To learn more about the inn click here.

So the lesson for today is to never underestimate little stops like this one. Often times we want to quickly gas up and get back on the road, but you never know what hidden gems await.

Have you found any hidden gems lately?

The fool on the hill...

2011-11-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

I've always loved the Beatles' song "fool on a hill" and when I spotted this casita in Big Sur, it came straight to my head. Don't know what it is about this great area but it puts me in a 60s/70s vibe. Perhaps all the amazing artists and people that have gone up and down Highway one.

But the fool on the hill,
Sees the sun going down,
And the eyes in his head,
See the world spinning 'round.

Tell me this music doesn't transport you?!

Carmel by the sea

2011-11-07T06:04:00.000-08:00

Carmel is one of those magical places that often hosts honeymooners and the likes of the rich and famous. But one of my favorite things about Carmel is that it is a very dog friendly beach town. Most hotels accomodate pets, so no need to leave your pup home.

Since we are fairly new to the area, we still have a lot of exploring to do, and on one Sunday we decided to look for the sea in "Carmel by the Sea". It turns out it is a gorgeous beach with lovely cypress trees and white soft sandy beaches. It is also a dog' lover's paradise.

I could have sworn that every dog was smiling from ear to ear. I have been to other dog beaches (remember Huntington in SoCal?) and this is by far my favorite. There is a calmness in the air and the dogs were in a zen zone. Not to mention that the view of Pebble Beach and the beautiful blue water is also not bad to look at!

Once you are done by the beach, you can head to one of the many dog friendly restaurants and eat with your pup, and there are also tons of dog friendly boutiques to enjoy as you walk through the town.

Where have you taken your dog on vacation?

Pozole...por favor!

2011-11-05T08:18:00.000-07:00

Pozole is a Nahuatl word for soup that has been a Mexican tradition since Pre-Colombian times. Corn was a sacred ingredient for the Aztecs and other MesoAmericans so this soup was usually enjoyed during special occasions, the corn that is used is hominy kernels. I first had pozole at a friend's house and fell in love with it. Recently, I was doing a cultural lesson and got a HUGE craving for this soup and knew I had to give it a go. When I googled recipes I was happily surprised at how easy the steps were because you know me, I need easy recipes in order for me to venture into the kitchen. I combined 2 recipes and came up with the following one for you.

I've pictured some of the ingredients but here is a complete list:

chicken breast cut into small parts ( I used 3 and it was plenty for B and I for about 3 meals but you could also use a whole chicken if you want)
salt
1to 2 Tbsp olive oil
1 red onion
one large can of hominy
1 can of pinto beans (optional)
4 large cloves of garlic
1 to 2 Tbsp of dried oregano (Mexican oregano if you have it)
4 quarts chicken broth

Garnishes:

1/4 whole cabbage, thinly sliced
1 tomato chopped
1 avocado peeled and chopped
1 red onion chopped
1 large bunch of cilantro
Mexican cheese, queso fresco, crumbled
several red radishes sliced
2 limes cut into wedges
chopped seeded jalapeño or serrano chiles
tostadas or tortilla chips.

You can obviously garnish to taste, but the limes, avocado, cabbage, cheese are amazing and in my opinion make the Pozole: PERFECTO!

Place the chicken pieces in a large pot and cook for about 4 minutes. Combine oil, onion, garlic.
Add onions an cook until tender.
Stir in chicken broth, hominy, chile, pinto beans
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
Stir from time to time
Cover and cook for about 10 minutes

While you are waiting for the soup to boil and simmer, you can chop up your garnish ingredients and set your table.

And here you have it! I was honestly amazed at how good this soup came out, especially since it was my first time making it. My husband said it was awesome and possibly on his top five dishes that I make, which was super nice since I make about 5 dishes a year. I hope you enjoy this recipe and do let me know if you try it. Another plus about this recipe is that you can make it during the work week and it is pretty quick.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

2011-10-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

I recently ran across a simple recipe for Pumpkin Bread Pudding so I was super excited to give it a go as we nestle in to the holiday season. (The original recipe can be found here.) I remember my family gathering old pieces of bread and bread heels to make break pudding when I was a little chiquita, because as an immigrant family we needed something "yum" to soften those rough economic times. Bread Pudding is indeed very comforting and a delicious breakfast and snack.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups whole milk (Or 1 cup heavy cream plus 1/2 cup whole milk)
3/4 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs plus 1 yolk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
5 cups cubed (1-inch) day-old baguette or crusty bread
3/4 stick unsalted butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.

Whisk together pumpkin, cream, milk, sugar, eggs, yolk, salt, spices and bourbon.
The bourbon is optional but a nice touch!
I bought a $1 dollar baguette and sliced about 1/2 of it to make the 2 cups of bread cubes.
While you are preheating the oven, put your tray with the butter in to have it melt.
Once your butter has melted, toss the bread cubes with butter in another bowl, then add pumpkin mixture and toss to coat.
Transfer to an ungreased 8-inch square baking dish and bake until custard is set, 25 to 30 minutes.

And there you have it! If you use heavy cream and more butter, it would probably be even more delicous. We used whole milk and it was still delish. Although we tried to be a little healthier by skipping the heavy cream, we made up for it by adding an ice cream scoop and whipped cream. Yeah, the eating season has begun!
What are you cooking these days?

Aquiesse Monterey Pine for a Coastal Christmas

2011-10-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

You might remember that I was recently asked to review Aquiesse's Shoreline candle and fell in love with the clean scent, not too mention the elegant packaging that it comes in. Well as we head towards the holiday season I was interested in trying out the Monterey Pine Scent and the kind people at Aquiesse sent me one to review.

I took the candle to the coastal forest for a little scent comparison and can honestly say that their description of "the crisp scent of hilltop Evergreen pines, earthy Canadian balsam wood and fresh thyme, evoking a misty morning journey through a coastal forest grove" is spot on!

Nothing gets you in the spirit of things like a great scent. I will be enjoying the Monterey Pine candle to give my beach cottage that coastal Christmas spirit. Aquiesse has a great Holiday Collection of Soy candles if you are looking for something to suit your home or holiday vibe. Check out Aquiesse on FB to learn more about their products.

Highlights from Carmel Highlands

2011-10-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we headed out towards Point Lobos State Reserve but due to some unforseen renovation we had to change our plans. So we decided to keep heading south towards the Carmel Highlands. And as you can see, we were not dissappointed at all. It was absolutely breathtaking!

There are a few areas, where you can park your car which lead to a little coastal access. Not a big hike at all, I was in my flip flops and did ok, although if you are not a steady walker definitely put on some sneakers and don't walk near the edges, I sure didn't! Once we walked about 3 minutes in we were mesmerized by the stunning turquoise waters. Although we could hear the seals, I did not manage to spot one for but do you see the hikers on top of the cliff? Also there is a nice bench at the end of this cliff which I bet is a great spot to enjoy the sunset. Just so you know this spot in particular is not a place you can go swimming and access the beach, and if you have ever been to the central coast, you know the water here is COLD.

This is about 15 minutes from our casita in Seaside and since it has finally turned into summer here in Monterey, we took advantage and ventured out. It never gets old to drive down Highway 1 plus if you keep heading south down Highway 1 and Big Sur is not too far. Do pack some water and maybe a few snacks and your camera of course! We just did a quick drive and then turned around and explored the white sandy beach at Carmel by the Sea (stay tuned!).

It's been a while since we have shown you our silly classic L&B shots. We have plenty of these angles since it is just the two of us and the pups. Maybe we will remember to pack a tripod next time.

Isle Style : Ocean Waves for your hair

2011-10-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

picture from this is glamorous

One of my beach missions is to master the art of the perfect beach hair. This model up above has my dream hair. I have the length, the waves, but I do not often get "the look." Of course what I do have tons of is FRIZZ! But I have found a new friend in Organix's anti-breakage Serum. You can easily acquire it at your local drugstore or amazon. They have a whole line of products (click here to see). I have to admit, I am a sucker for anything that says coconut on it but this stuff really does work and allows me to manage my waves. I am one step closer to calmer ocean waves in my hair.

What about you do you have any beauty products you love or help keep you in a beachy state of mind?

Shark Sugar artist David Macomber

2011-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt that the ocean serves as a source of inspiration for many people. So when I had the opportunity to interview David Macomber an artist and surfer from Cape May New Jersey, I jumped at the chance to learn about his form and how he channels his ocean inspiration.

sealaura : Do you have a favorite time to photograph?
Typical early morning and late afternoon has the best light. When I'm shooting surfing here on the east coast there are not many days with bright sun and big waves. We usually get our waves during storms, so it is tough to get great light.

sealaura : When did you learn to surf?
When I was in 8th grade, I had a friend who's grandparents owned a hotel right on the beach. We would go there and use binoculars on the roof to check where it was breaking the best. Also, we could keep our wetsuits and boards in the basement and eat for free in the restaurant. It was a pretty sweet set up.

sealaura: What is your favorite surfing destination?
Poverty Beach, Cape May NJ. It's my home break. Heavy shore break barrels. Also, it's a secret spot everyone in NJ knows about. But I'll probably upset some local for telling you about it.

sealaura : Atlantic of Pacific?Atlantic is home and Pacific (in certain spots) is clearer. But Atlantic is my home.

sealaura: Do you have any artists that have influence your work?
Drew Brophy is an inspiration, not necessarily with his art but with his work ethic. He's an East Coast boy with blue color values working in the California surf scene. I got to hang out with him once in his studio and we really hit it off. Also, Jeff Canham for his lettering skills. David Carson for his use of photos and text in design and art. My uncle, Ed Macomber for his use of bright colors and turning me on to "thalo blue".

sealaura :You spent a few years in California studying design, did your time in California influence your work?

Well my art is deeply influenced by graphic design. The combination of photos and the text - it's basically what I do as a graphic designer just removing the computer. As for "California" influencing my work... I guess the idea that you can "make it" as an artist (in whatever field) is the California dream. I think living on the East Coast, that dream isn't accepted or promoted as much.

sealaura: What is the difference between the surf scene in Cali in contrast to the East Coast?

I hate making generalizations about anything, because I personally know exceptions on both coasts. Also, I've only been exposed to the Southern California surf scene. But i feel there is much more emphasis on "style" in California - looking and dressing the part. Where as in NJ, a lot of guys get up and paddle out when there is snow on the ground or when there are cops on the beach arresting people for surfing during hurricanes. There is more of a focus on function (and staying warm) then style.

sealaura: How did you develop your method of mixed media?

All my life I've had a lot of interests and I can never just focus and excel at one thing. So, this current style is a culmination of all these things I've tried and didn't quite... master. But I think it's working and I'm having a lot of fun putting all the styles together.

sealaura: Have you gone through different artistic periods?

Oh yeah. Definately. I get bored easily and am constantly experimenting with different elements. Although right now, I'm still trying to explore different ideas creatively yet staying within a distinct style. So when people see my work, they can say.. "oooh, that's the sharksugar guy.."

sealaura: How would you define your artistic style?

(I had to google that. I wasn't sure how to answer this question) I use surf inspired photos mounted to found pieces of wood, mixed with words and graphic elements to tell the story of surfing and ocean lifestyle.

sealaura: Could you talk about your latest pieces and what you are trying to achieve with them?

Cool question! I have two things I'm working on right now - 1 big and 1 little. The big thing is these 8 foot wooden letters that I am cutting, painting and photographing. The thought is, instead of painting words on top of the photos, I want to add the words into the the photos. The letters are done, now I am just waiting for some swell to get some decent surf photos. The small thing is my wife is making jewelry out of shrunk down versions of my art work. I am pretty excited about both projects and they should be coming out within the next month. As for what I'm trying to achieve with them - I'm continuing to expand the ways I express myself creatively. What I am try and express with my art? I want to tell the story of surfing and remind people the importance of living a good life.

If you would like to check out more of David's work, head over to his blog Shark Sugar. You will not be disappointed, when I first checked out David's photography I felt like I was on a board myself paddling out. His shot labeled "Hurricane Irene" is incredible click here to see what I mean. As a California girl I was definitely interested in seeing what an artist from the East Coast would portray and I think I have found a new favorite.

Point Sur State Historic Park

2011-10-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

During our drive to the Jade Festival we passed this large volcanic rock which is the home to the Point Sur Lighstation. The Lighthouse was first lit in 1889 and continues to be in operation. Back in the day, the lighthouse keepers and their families used to live on the property before technology came along and allowed for automatic operation. (boo!) What a nice treat it must have been to live here. Although it does look like it is in the middle of nowhere this facility is 19 miles away from Carmel, so it must have been a perfect oasis, in the middle of nature, yet with amenities not too far away..

Another interesting fact is that this volcanic rock was also the home to the Point Sur Naval Facility which was part of a network of defensive listening stations. According to the website they used to track and listen to Soviets submarines. Today it continues to function as the only Sound Surveillance System facility on the West Coast. I've passed this rock many times in my years and always wondered what went on and now I know! How about you?

Are there any places near your house that are a mystery to you?

Big Sur Jade Festival

2011-10-11T07:04:00.000-07:00

We are lucky enough to live about 30 miles from BIG SUR! Can you believe it, I barely can. So this past weekend we decided to pack our lunch and head down Highway 1 in search of the 20th Annual Jade Festival in Big Sur. Of course part of getting to our destination is driving with views like this one on our right. The colors of the water are gorgeous blues and turquoises and the scene can change at any minute when a thin (or thick!) veil of fog can appear and envelope you.

The actual festival was about 30 miles further south than Big Sur, in an area called Pacific Valley. It was basically a type of campground across the street from the beach and more campground. I had no idea what the ranges in price for jade would be. Let's just say, some pieces called for your Black American Express Card. Did you know that Jade Cove is an area in Big Sur where you can find bits of jade? As you can imagine, Big Sur itself is a treasure so make sure you adhere by the laws and rules of the land before you take anything off the beach.

How about a Jade Octopus?

We had a great drive on Sunday and will definitely be doing this again.
Do you have a favorite stone?

October Ocean Blues

2011-10-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a nice long weekend. This is one of my favorite times of year, time to pull out the scarves, beanies, and sit at the beach all bundled up, while taking in the ocean blues.
What will you be doing this weekend?

Newman & Norman visit Asilomar

2011-10-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

The Canine Travel Team has taken you to several beaches (remember "Norman and Newman's Nautical Adventures"?) but this was their first trip to Asilomar. As you can tell from Newman's happy aura, they loved it. Asilomar is a popular beach for surfing and it is also the perfect place to take your pups for a walk or to tire them out with lots of running. We have been here midweek, and on the weekends and have never found it crowded. It is a very serene place and as you can recall from Monday's post, the views are just breathtaking.

Maybe it's because the central coast waters tend to be so chilly that not many people venture around here but that is ok with us. Norman and Newman had a blast running around and getting their beach on. I just love the way Norman smiles.

Bring a blanket because this beach is also a great place to just chill out. However, be aware that you can be freezing one minute and longing for a tank top the next, so layers are key. On a side note, Newman still struggles with riding in the car, he gets very anxious, can't sit still and pretty much cries the whole way. If you have any tips please do send them our way. We have tried positive re-enforcement, putting him in a seatbelt for dogs, letting him look out the window, his crate, treats, you name it but we are at a loss. We love him so much and don't want to leave him at home because as you can see from this post, he has so much fun once we get to the destination.

How do you make traveling with your pets possible?

Asilomar Azure

2011-10-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

Here in Monterey County, you never know where the weather is going to turn, from fog to a glorious sunny day. We headed to Asilomar for some family time (see next post) and of course were immediately inspired by the beautiful surf. Every time we come here I am amazed at how much it looks like a painting. I was trying to think of a perfect title for this post and AZURE came to mind because it describes a pale cyan color. Of course depending on the light this can change but Asilomar does have some of the clearest water I have seen in Cali and this is due to its lack of turbidity.

In case you are wondering about these mounds of kelp, you might recall that Monterey waters are characterized by their rich kelp forests. Remember this post from our visit to the Aquarium?

Nothing like a beautiful coastal view to get your mind in the right perspective.

How do you help clear your mind for the new week?

Taha'a by Genevieve Dupre

2011-09-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

photo by Janet McPeak

Genevieve Dupre is a San Francisco artist that my friend Janet has been raving about for years. Recently Janet had Genevieve convert one of her photographs from a trip to French Polynesia into a painting. As you can see, the results are beyond amazing.

painting by Genevieve Dupre

Before settling down in San Francisco, Genevieve was raised in Rhode Island and the French Polynesian island of Huahine. Apart from being a painter, she also works with other mediums such as ceramics, graphics and another beachy art Tahitian tattoos. You must check out her portfolio, I was instantly transported to another world. Of course I love the island art but Genevieve does have a wide spectrum of work. Check out her portfolio and tell me which one is your favorite. I promise you will want to take a look!

Heather Brown Surf Art

2011-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Waikiki Surf Girl Art

Heather Brown is an artist from Oahu who draws from her love of the sea nature, popular surf breaks, and the beauty of the islands. She recently debuted her collection with Power Support USA and TRU protection iphone cases. What a great way to keep your phone safe and beachy all in one.

Pupukea Surf

Aside from being a talented artist, Heather is mindful of the environment. The cases are made from 100% post consumer recycled plastics and they are all made here in the USA. Lastly 15% of the proceeds of each sale will go to 3 great organizations that Heather has been working with, The Surfrider Foundation, The Kokua Foundation and Living Beyond Breast Cancer. If you are interested on getting your hands on one of these cases check them out at Mono-LA in Venice Beach or Tru-Protection and Power Support USA. And if you want to check out Heather's blog, click here. MAHALO!

Soft Deep Turquoise...

2011-09-25T07:56:00.000-07:00

People usually associate turquoise waters with exotic locations such as Tahiti or the Carribean. But I am loving the clear turquoise waters off the Central Coast. Funny how there can be so many shades of turquoise. This looks like a soft deep turquoise to me.

Wishing you a restful turquoise filled Sunday.

Turquoise Tranquility

2011-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that Turquoise is a popular color here at sealaura. Especially because it evokes such peacefulness and tranquility.

These turquoise doors and windows are from my trip to San Juan Bautista. I've been in a very turquoise seeking mood. Surrounding myself with this color brings me peace and happiness.

How do you find tranquility?

Shell Shop in Moss Landing

2011-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday B and I head out to Moss Landing to pick up our veggies. I was happily surprised to find a new store full of shell heaven right next door, so I had to take a look. One of the things I liked about this shop is that they have the scientific name attached to each bin, so it was also an educational experience. It's always fun to spot new little shops like this one and since it is off Highway one, you have to make sure you make a quick decision and pull of the road to check it out.

The store did not have a name or physical address that I could notice but it is basically between Monterey and Watsonville. I hope this is helpful : Highway 1, Moss Landing, CA 95039-9667 in case you ever find yourself driving down from Santa Cruz or up from Monterey. And if you are ever in Morro Bay don't forget to stop by this shop I recommended here.

Aquiesse inspired by the Central Coast

2011-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

pictures taken on the Central Coast (Monterey) by sealaura

Aquiesse is a luxury home fragrance brand that is inspired by the rich coastal regions of Central California. Since I live on the Central Coast, I was delighted when I was contacted to review this lovely candle. I was lucky to enjoy "Shoreline" and upon opening the box I felt like I was being taken to a fabulous vacation.

pictures taken on the Central Coast (Monterey) by sealaura

As you can see even the box is beautiful and felt like a passport to experience the ocean air. Inside of course, is the lovely smoke-brown glass with their gorgeous seahorse crest that will easily fit to your house's decor. You can find these great candles at Bloomingdales, Planet Beauty, Candles off Main and many other retailers. These candles have a 45 hour burn time, so you can experience the California coast for a long time and believe me that is a good thing.

I am excited to try their Monterey Pine next, especially for the upcoming holiday season. We will be spending this Christmas, seaside but the scent of pine needles will definitely make it feel like Christmas around our beach house. To learn more about Aquiesse you can find them on FB and twitter.

Bird Rock @ Pebble Beach

2011-09-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Bird Rock at Pebble Beach is a well known landmark on what is part of the famous 17 mile Drive along the Central Coast of California. You can spot many sea lions, seals and birds resting and lounging at this granite landmark. Bring your binoculars to get a better view although they do have some quarter operated ones for you to use. Although I live in Monterey, I have only done this drive once but I highly recommend it. It is worth the $9.50 ticket price to drive through the gated Pebble Beach Community.
What are some of your favorite drives along the coast?

Isle Style : Fall @ the beach

2011-09-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Michael Kors 2011

Michael Kors is known for his resort chic looks and this one did not dissapoint. Who couldn't use a buttery leather satchel to store away sunscreen and coconut oil mist? A relaxed but structured look. Perhaps a little haute hippie.
What's your beach look this fall?

Quinoa Tabouli

2011-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello dears! I don't know what it is about the start of every season that inspires me to get into the kitchen. If you are a long time follower you might already know that the kitchen and I are not close friends. But I was motivated by a recipe I saw in this month's Redbook. Of course I altered it a bit since I did not have all the ingredients in my casita.

1. I cooked the quinoa like normal (in a steamer) or you could follow the box directions for the stove. Use 1 cup of uncooked quinoa and 2 cups water or a veggie or chicken broth. Your call!

2. While I waited for the quinoa to cook I grated 2 large carrots and chopped the mint, scallions and cilantro.

3. I added some lime juice and a dash of orange juice. Lastly I seasoned it with salt and pepper and TADA!

4. I know I could eat a bowl of this and be happy but I picked up some inexpensive pork and had B help me cook it so we could pair it with the quinoa.

Since I am a newlywed and all ;) I had to step up my game and do my one dish a season, so here you have it! And not to toot my own horn but it was pretty good. I love how the colors are kind of fallish but this dish is perfect for any season and it is HEALTHY! Oh and two more perks are that it took about 20 minutes to prepare and it was cheap ~

Have you started nesting for fall yet?

Seashell Air Plants

2011-09-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

I recently spotted these sweet little items at a craft. I hadn't seen anything like this before and it looks like a doable craft. Little did I know that these air plants are a very popular way to have a little terrarium of sorts and in my view a little bit of the beach wherever you are. The type of plants are called Bromeliad Tillandsia which are a species of epiphytes. The reason why these little plants do so well is because they acquire their water and nutrients through their leaves. I think I am in love with this independent free spirit plant.

One thing I learned about these "air plants" is that they are very tolerant of high temperatures and long periods without water which is perfect for a black thumb like myself. They also do not require direct sun which makes them perfect for my beach casita in Monterey, the land of fog. I took a peek at etsy and it looks like you can find some air plants there and of course you can also give it a go yourself and make your own. If you give it a go, let me know!
How are you keeping the beach alive in your casita these day?

Location:Clay St,Monterey,United States

Isle Style : Summer WhiteOut

2011-09-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with these images last May when J. Crew showcased their summer collection. I kept that catalog and often turn to it for inspiration since the shoot was done in Turks and Caicos. Who doesn't want to feel like they are living the island life?

As I sit here writing this post, I was trying to decide just what to wear on this Labor Day Weekend Saturday Of course I will be watching my beloved IRISH play and also check out the Greek Festival near the Fisherman's Wharf. So I think more white looks are in order don't you?


photos from mama's a rolling stone

Happy Holiday Weekend!

2011-09-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

Isle Style : White

2011-08-31T09:53:00.000-07:00

I think the notion that you can't wear white after Labor day is a little dated, plus how could you resist the crisp feeling that white generates, especially by the beach. Today's Isle Style is to give you a few different looks for what may be the last playful weekend of the summer season. Elle MacPherson looks stunning with her layered necklaces, bracelets and that sweet white cardi is perfect. Not to mention what I suspect to be a Missoni bikini bottom, is not a bad match.

Miranda Kerr looks adorable in this little white dress. Even better is that this look is doable at any age. Pairing this dress with simple tennies gives it a playful and cheerful feel.

Of course we can always go boho at the beach. I am personally gravitating towards the floppy hat and knitted poncho cover up. It's a little chilly here in Monterey so for this labor day weekend I will definitely reach for a warm cover up as I relax by the sea. .

What white look do you prefer?

Location:Pacific St,Monterey,United States

Sand City, West End Festival 2011

2011-08-29T05:05:00.000-07:00

Sand City is right next door to Seaside. In fact, it is a teeny tiny town that pretty much seemed like part of Seaside until this past weekend when we discovered why it deserves it's own identity. Sand City's roots stem as a center for heavy industry, including coastal sand mining but today many artists live and create here. The 10th Annual West End Festival was our opportunity to learn and explore this coastal community.

For the West End Festival the streets of Sand City shut down to showcase the art from the community as well as to host some super cool local food, wine and of course ART! They also invited some awesome musicians to perform. B and I just found our two new favorite bands : Jackie Greene and Truth and Salvage Co. They did a phenomenal show at this event. It was so fun and joyful, and we had a blast!

It was hard to believe that we could have such fun all for FREE. Kudos to Sand City for providing this event. Even though there is no shortage of things to do here in Monterey County, many of them do cost a pretty penny. And it was nice to enjoy a nice day out in our community without having to pay the tourist price.

Sand City, a hidden coastal gem here in Monterey County. Come check it out!

PS. I don't have pictures of the art b/c many artists didn't want their work photographed but I promise you there was so much talent here!

A9 designs

2011-08-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

I recently had the opportunity to meet Ellen Albertoni the Central Coast Designer behind A9 Designs. I met Ellen at the Salinas Rodeo and knew she was the kind of artist sealaura readers would love. Her pieces are earthy, raw, and bold. Ellen was kind enough to do an interview and share her thoughts about design and her inspirations.

How did you get started with jewelry design?
* My interest in jewelry grew out of my interest in the importance personal adornments to individuals in different cultures. This focus was heightened after I returned to school, after years of owning a hair salon, and focussed on anthropology and archaeology.

What is the A9 designs "girl" like? What does she like and what is her style?
* The A9designs "girl" embraces difference and diversity. She enjoys the unique qualities of piece made by hand, is a bit of a trailblazer, and supports the notion of repurposing as means of both being ecologically aware and of keeping the spirit alive of someone or something that may have otherwise been discarded.
What is your signature piece or style of jewelry?
* Bold AND Spiritual: Bold in the choice of materials that I assemble together. Spiritual in the thought, care, and positive energy that is incorporated in each piece. My desire is that my pieces will, in whatever way, enhance an individuals life.
Where do you find inspiration?
* Nature, a song, a poem, historical moments in time, and the influence of very special people in my life-friend, relatives, saints, and sinners.
How do you spend your non-design time?
* Aside from the tasks that go along with growing a small business, I spend my time searching for new and interesting materials, volunteering, visiting with family, antiquing, exploring new places, and reading/listening to audible books.
What are your favorite places or things to do in Monterey?
* I enjoy the trails along the beach-walking and kick biking-snooping around Old Fort Ord (CSUMB), and wide open spaces.

Thanks Ellen! If you have a minute check out more of Ellen's designs on her A9 designsfacebook page.

A boatload of thanks!

2011-08-23T07:18:00.000-07:00

It's a sunny day in Monterey (so far!). First I would like to give you all a BIG THANK YOU for all the love and support that you have given us over the past few weeks with all of our announcements. We are so grateful. As you have noticed, B and I are little gypsies that tend to move around a lot and one thing that has been constant is the love of our friends and families and when I say friends that also includes those kind sweet people that take time out of their busy days to visit us here on the blog.

I took these shots on our Sunday walk on Fisherman's Wharf here in Monterey, and I just loved the deep color of the ocean and the contrast that came from these rugged boats and the flowers. I've mentioned this before but I can never get enough of photographing boats.

What are you photographing these days?

Dr. D

2011-08-22T05:01:00.000-07:00

We have a few more things to celebrate around here. Last week B went down to UC Riverside to defend for his Ph.D. and we now have a doctor in the house! I could not be prouder of my dear husband. It has been a long road to this huge milestone but YOU DID IT!!!!!

For the past 5 years B has been plugging away on his research on developing biosensors. You might remember this post, when I took you into his lab. Many people ask for the title of his dissertation, are you ready? "Novel Biosensing Platforms with Advanced Nanomaterials for Electrochemical and Optical Detection of Proteins and Viruses" Don't ask me what that means but if you are looking for an Analytical Chemist click here! And lastly today is B's Birthday. !FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS Dr. D !

Isle Style : Navy & Gold

2011-08-18T04:58:00.000-07:00

Part of having Isle Style is being able to put the right colors together that make you look and fell like a million bucks. This Ferragamo ad shows that a simple navy blue dress can be all you need as a base. Navy paired with golds, whether in a clutch, jewelry or eye make up can help you capture that fresh from the resort look. I am currently obsessed with gold eye liner, and although I am not too adventurous or knowledgeable when it comes to make up, I have discovered gold eyeliner makes my eyes pop and that suddenly my inner-Cleopatra comes out. Besides, anything that shimmers is big in my book. Now, don't overdo it and look like a disco ball, but don't be afraid to add a little sparkle.

Have you made any fashion or makeup discoveries lately?

our wedding by the sea...

2011-08-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

Dearest Family and Friends,

This has been a year of many changes and many wonderful blessings and opportunities. Bryce and I were planning to have a fabulous wedding next spring but the truth is we had a beautiful and special wedding on May 11, 20011. We got married in May because we wanted to begin our new life in Monterey together as a family. Although we did plan on having a bigger wedding, we realized that we already had had the wedding of our dreams, the two of us on the beach, before nature and before God to unite as man and wife. You might recognize these pictures a bit because we used some as our engagement photos, but as these last three months passed we feel that there is no way we can top this magical day.

Thank you so much to all of our friends and family and to all of the wonderful sealaura readers who have also shared in our journey.
xo

Assateague's wild horses are WILD

2011-08-10T08:11:00.001-07:00

picture from NPR

This morning I came across a very interesting story on NPR about the wild horses found at Maryland's Assateague Island National Seashore. Unfortunately, these horses are being affected by the trash that many tourists leave (accidentally or not) as well as by the human contact that many tourists seek for a great photo op. As much as I would love to see these beautiful horses up close, it is important to remember that they are WILD. For the complete story from NPR click here.
Have you ever visited Assateague Island or seen wild horses on the beach?
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Monterey,United States

Poppies and Puppies

2011-08-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

As the official State Flower of California, poppies can be found just about everywhere, even in concrete jungles due to its invasive nature.

On Sunday we decided to take the boys for a good run and went towards Fort Ord. I have to admit I am definitely a city girl because I was very uneasy in this woodsy area and kept my eyes peeled for mountain lions. Luckily we didn't go far from this empty road which is where we found these poppies.

They are such delicate and bright flowers and I just love that they are very California: cool, casual and colorful.

So here is my Newman from the Canine Travel Team. Although the car rides with Newman are less than fun (he has major anxiety!!) once we get to our destination it is all about his ball and playing fetch.

Here are all of my boys, having a great time on a Sunday afternoon. Part of enjoying the coastal lifestyle is to savor the little moments.

Like this one.

It's Friday...We're Jamming!

2011-08-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Friday's are great because it is when island time starts for me! I just love this house that I found in Pacific Grove for its beautiful turquoise color, tiki hut sign, oh and a little thing called OCEAN FRONT VIEW!

It's a simple little house but I think I would spend most of my time lounging on that porch watching the water and beautiful sunsets. Just looking at this house make me think of Bob Marley and "We're Jamming!

Isle Style : Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward

2011-08-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

I clipped this picture out of Vanity Fair a while back and just fell in love with the natural beauty of Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward (& pup). The lighting of this photograph is just dreamy and warm. Paul Newman met his wife Joanne while filming "A Long Hot Summer" (1958) have you seen it? Click here for a a little taste.

***

Don't you just love her head scarf? Both of them look so natural and at ease enjoying a beachy day.

Garlic Festival in Gilroy

2011-08-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

I had passed Gilroy many times as I traveled up and down the coast during college and have fond memories of stopping by the fruit stands with my lacrosse team to pick up snacks for the road. Now that I live further up north, I had to go check out the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. This place is known for garlic and in fact when you drive through here, you can smell it!

The festival is pretty much your typical fair but most definitely with garlic flavored EVERYTHING, even ice cream!! We bought our tickets online and I definitely recommend it if you ever head out here because the lines were bananas!

After buying a garlic braid and some garlic flavored kettle corn we called it a day. It was fun to walk through all the vendors and see all the possibilities that garlic has to offer. Summer festivals are always so much fun and this one did not dissappoint, good food, music, and a beautiful location.

Have you been to any summer festival this year?

Mission San Juan Bautista

2011-07-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

Here in California you spend your elementary school years writing reports and making dioramas of these missions. This is the Mission of San Juan Bautista. It is about 40 minutes from Monterey in San Benito County.

I have visited 3 other missions and this one is definitely the biggest. The gardens are just gorgeous and the history here is just astonishing. This mission was founded in 1797 in what was referred to as Alta California. As you may know this area went from Spanish rule to Mexican and finally it became the California that was founded in 1850 after the Mexican American war.

While in hindsight we may not agree with how the Spaniards came to "New Spain" to try to colonize the Pacific Coast, it is still part of this area's history. The Monterey area was colonized in 1790 and although a huge part of the colonization did include religious conversion, there was also a military component. In fact, the Presidio of Monterey where I spend a quite a bit of time at is now the home of DLI and was the former "Castillo" (a small fort with 11 cannons). Of course "presidio" en español means : a fortress established in the southwest United States by the Spanish to protect their holdings and missions.

Although we could go on and on about the history, let's take a quick look at the lovely gardens.

If you are ever in California I recommend you stop by one of these missions. The distance between each mission is a day's horse ride away but luckily that just means a about a couple hours drive between each mission.

Happy Sunday and that completes today's tour.

Behind the Central Coast

2011-07-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before how this area is referred to as the "Salad Bowl" for all the great farming that goes on not too far from the coast. So as you can imagine, we are very lucky to be able to buy fresh veggies and fruits. Or even to run in to these yummies on a little stroll.

Just behind the Mission of San Juan Bautista you will find this view. In fact I took these shots standing outside its teeny cemetery.

These berries are right next to the dreaded San Andreas Fault that has been threatening CA ever since I can remember to produce "The Big One." Luckily we have not had any shaking going on over here (fingers crossed!)

And this is the fault, my friends. Not too scary when you look at it but indeed, it has a lot of potential to cause lots of damage.

********

This weekend I am headed off to Gilroy for their Annual Garlic Festival. It is one of those things you have to hit at least once in your life and my time has come (yay!). Check back this weekend for the Mission post.

What are you doing this weekend?

Casitas de San Juan Bautista...

2011-07-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

I've got a little bit of a western theme going on this week. Yesterday I took a little trip to the little town of San Juan Bautista. It was so adorable and looked like Mayberry or a set from Universal Studios. I went down on a little excursion to the mission ( next post!) but before that I took a little walk in their pueblito.

This adorable little casita sung to my heart. I just loved the rustic look and again the kind of "westerny" look. I thought I was back in Amarillo visiting B's family when I saw this sweet house.

I like messy gardens, probably because I have one at home that is a little bit more than messy. But it looks so full of life and quaint, right out of a Shabby Chic book.

I showed you this casa yesterday on FB. The Anza House which is a small one story California Adobe, is a national landmark for its type of architecture. I gravitated towards the turquoise an rustic colors, I could even feel an outfit being inspired by this photograph, kind of beachy too, right?. Since I have been doing a lesson on the Mexican Era of California, coming to San Juan Bautista was a perfect little trip. There are many great old buildings here and this little adobe casita was typical of that time.

California never ceases to amaze me and it is probably why I love it so much. Always a little gem tucked in here and there.

Have you taken any midweek field trips recently?

Salinas Rodeo

2011-07-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

This past weekend and I headed 15 miles inland to Salinas to check out the famous California Rodeo. This was my very first Rodeo so I was thrilled that it was being held so close to our beach casita. This is going to be a bit of a picture essay today. I am trying to experiment with publishing from my ipad and ummm I am working on it. So hopefully I can add more details later. But you will get the idea from these pics, the event was a HOOT!

This guy's look was my absolute favorite. very authentic!

If you've never been to a Rodeo, Io highly recommend it. Super fun and a great cultural experience!

When was the last time you had a new cultural experience?

The Orchid Boutique

2011-07-22T04:57:00.000-07:00

Fun Halter Bikini

I bet most of the country would not mind wearing one of these suits to survive the heat. Are you guys going bananas or what? I could always use some more nautical stripes in my collection, so this "Fun Halter Bikini" speaks to me muchisimo. When it comes to bikinis I love halters because they offer great support and coverage. And believe it or not a smaller bottom makes your bottom look smaller. Try it!

Haute Flowers & Martinique Monokini(

All of these gorgeous suits are from The Orchid Boutique an online swimwear company with a huge selection of styles and designer suits. Although I have been skeptical of monokinis, these two grabbed my attention. The coverage is suberb, yet they are still muy sexy.


Geometric Wonder

It's hard to pick a favorite but this one is on top of my list. You all know how I am a sucker for all things grey and this print along with the bits of color, seems so soft and romantic.


Knot Necklace & Knot Bracelet

Lastly, how can you KNOT like these beauties? They are just perfect over sunkissed skin and for the summer goddess look. Summer may be half way over but this is a great time to stock up on suits for next year and even for those winter getaway trips you might be planning already. Whenever I need a new suit I never find the one, so I've learned to keep an eye out and snag suits or any other items when I do find something that I like.
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Luckily, the nice people at the Orchid Boutique are having a great sale and offering sealaura readers a 10% discount! Just enter sealaura at the checkout. The code is valid from 8am EST July 22, and will be valid until midnight, July 29.
What kind of suit is your favorite?

Biking with B : Fort Ord

2011-07-20T06:35:00.000-07:00

Every day B escapes on a little bike ride around Monterey with his bike "Phil" remember when we purchased "Phil" in Palm Springs? Well since then Phil's terrain has changed from the desert to the hills on the Central Coast of Cali.

We moved to Monterey for my new trabajo at DLI so as you can imagine this area has a huge military presence. Fort Ord, a former U. S. Army post, is pretty much our back yard and is truly a beautiful area. There are still many abandoned buildings in Fort Ord but what used to be an artillery target range is now a nature reserve. In fact, it was the first nature reserve created to protect an endangered insect : the Smith's blue butterfly.

B was trekking along when he ran into some traffic! Remember the old group, Men at Work, well when B rain into these "Sheep at work."

What's also incredible about this area, is that the ocean is just on the other side. Who would've thought that there would be such a different terrain so close to the sand. Not this LA girl!

As B meanders his way around, he comes up at the Laguna Seca Speedway. Just another example of all the surprises that Monterey has to offer. Laguna Seca is an auto and motorcycle racing track which is quite popular and has lots of different races and car shows year round. You might recall, B took us there earlier this summer for the Sea Otter Classic.

Monterey is a pretty cool place to live but my main point in showing you these adventures in OUR area is so that you get encouraged to go seek out all the nooks in crannies in YOUR area. :) B is in ♥ with Monterey because it is super bike friendly and there are many trails to choose from with gorgeous landscapes.

~~~~

I've moved around a lot for my schools and trabajos and as an LA girl, that is where my heart is ♥. However, I want to make sure I don't miss out on all the beauty in front of me, and thanks to B I won't! The grass on the other side doesn't always have to be greener. I wish I would have embraced this feeling more when I lived in the Midwest, but lesson learned. I am trying to really enjoy what each place has to offer. In fact this weekend we are headed to the Rodeo in Salinas!

What is the landscape like in your area?

Summer shades

2011-07-18T06:09:00.000-07:00

cute as a button, rose bowl, absolutely shore, canyon coral

Don't know about you but I like to start the week with a fresh mani. I feel a bit more put together and during the summer the happy hues help me get through the week! Coral has been a big color this season and luckily Essie has so many sweet shades to choose from. I have also been digging some untraditional shades like absolutely shore, a soft sea foam green.


smooth sailing, french affair, sew psyched

I wish I could get my nails done professionally every week, but instead I have invested in a pretty collection of colors that I can always take to the nail place whenever I want to treat myself.

What colors are you wearing this summer?

Cannery Divers Memorial @San Carlos Beach Park

2011-07-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

Many people come to Monterey because of Cannery Row and the easy beach access for activities such as diving and snorkeling. One day as I was having a leisurely walk by the bay I noticed this beautiful turquoise bronze helmet. As I got closer I fell more in love with it and then realized it was made dedicated by the Cannery Row Foundation to honor the Cannery Divers who contributed so much to this area. As you can see, this is a life size bronze casting of a 1930s commercial helmet.

Monterey's world famous sardine history depended on these divers so in 2008 this memorial was dedicated to honor their contributions.

You can visit this statue at the San Carlos Beach Park which is just a few steps from Cannery Row. Next time you are walking around in your town I encourage you to keep an eye out for local statues and monuments. I find it so enlightening and touching to uncover historical moments.

Hoping you have a fabulous weekend and enjoy your hometown!

31 bits go a long way

2011-07-13T04:57:00.000-07:00

As you know I just adore jewelry and love layering tons of it on. So I was thrilled when 31 bits a socially minded business from Sunny SoCal wanted to share their story with me. Their mission is to "give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty" by designing and selling their original handmade jewelry.

How did yourinterest in Uganda originate? Whatsparked your travels there?

One of ourfounders, Kallie Dovel, traveled to Uganda in the summer of 2007, visitingfriends and getting a first-hand look at life in Northern Uganda. While she wasthere, she met women already making paper beads but had no market for selling.After bringing home a box of jewelry, Kallie’s friends and family were amazedby the talent and beauty displayed by the beads and there was an instant demandfor more. She spent the next year finishing her degree in Cultural Anthropologywhile dreaming up the concept of a development organization. She brought a fewfriends on board and her ideas quickly evolved into 31 Bits. The girls traveledback to Uganda in August 2008, and selected six women to begin buying jewelryfrom on a monthly basis. Since then, we have grown to 113 women; each with aunique story of suffering that has been overcome with joy and liberation.

Heritage Long $32

Where does thename 31 bits come from?

The “31” comesfrom Proverbs 31 in the Bible, where it describes a diligent woman providingand caring for her family. The “bits” comes from what the beads are made out of…bitsof paper!

Are paper beadssomething that is traditionally used in Uganda?

Yes!Many of the women already had the skill of rolling and making the paper beads,they simply needed a market to sell their jewelry!

Petal $10

I was struck byyour idea of "using Fashion and Design to empower women," could you tell me more on how that became yourmantra.

We believe that the most effectivemeans of economic and sustainable growth comes through maximizing the skillsand assets already possessed by a group of people and through giving themaccess to new and innovative opportunities. By giving our designers access tothe international market, we are able to help them generate an immediate incomethat allows them to provide for daily needs while participating in educationalprograms. By being equipped with literacy education, financial and vocationaltraining, holistic care, and a strong support system, individuals will beempowered to further their careers and attain social equity.

Bermuda Braid Necklace $44

What was theinspiration behind the "From Desert to Oasis" summer collection?

When womenenter our program, they are coming directly from a background of hardships andpoverty, what often feels like a desert of hopelessness. Their pasts are maskedby their astounding strength and sweet smiles. Some come with their chin heldhigh, others are timid and unconfident. Either way, when our women step intoour 31 Bits Uganda Headquarters, they’re entering an oasis. They have entered aplace where they can dream for their future, be educated, find community, andmake an income. They have entered a place where they can be nourished,refreshed, and free. Using fresh, airy colors and radiant, crisp design, we’vecreated a line of jewelry that will bring color and merriment to your Desert,and reflect the energy and delight of your Oasis.

Sea Weave Bracelet $28

When you decide ona collection, is it something that is discussed with your team of designers or do you put together thedesigns that seem to fall under a certain type of style?

As a fashion and design company we are constantlylooking at magazines and fashion trends to make sure that the jewelry weproduce is fashion forward. One of Kallie’s job, our founder and Director ofInternational Operations, is to figure out what colors are going to be in stylefor the next season and relays those decisions to Danielle, our creativedesigner in Uganda. Danielle then takes those guidelines and works with ourUgandan designers to create the best and most fashion forward pieces.

Ollie Twist Necklace $42

I imagine it must be hard to pick your jewelry faces but whatis your favorite piece this week?

Oneof our favorites of the week is our Ollie Twist that we recreated in Orange andLime. We love it especially for summer because of its bright and bold beads thatadd that perfect pop of color to any outfit!

I really was inspired by the 31 Bits' business and social philosophy. Any company that is able to give back gets an A+ in my book. What a bonus that their designs are perfect for a day at the beach or that they can add a festive flair to a fancy dress?

From Desert to Oasis - Behind the Scenes from 31 Bits on Vimeo.

This video shows a great way to incorporate their beautiful creations for a beachy look. Enjoy!

Obon Festival in Seaside

2011-07-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

As a new transplant to Monterey, I am enjoying what seems to be a different festival each weekend. And this past weekend the Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple hosted the Obon festival. I had never heard of this celebration but apparently it is celebrated by all Buddhist temples in July to honor deceased ancestors. It is a time for family and many people head home to spend quality time with loved ones.

Here in Seaside it was a celebration of culture, which included a beautiful array of colors.

Along with martial arts demonstrations there was some amazing food to be enjoyed. It was tough to decide between, sushi, odon noodles, teriyaki, gyoza....you get what I am saying.

I had not been inside a Buddhist temple since I was in college so it was a nice opportunity to revisit and and learn about this yearly tradition. Since this celebration is held every July, perhaps you can still enjoy it this summer. Click here to see when your town holds the celebration.

DIY : Enchiladas

2011-07-08T06:59:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and I think it calls for a FIESTA! Today I want to share with you my DIY enchiladas. As you know, I am a non-cooking, non-dancing Latina. Seeing me in the kitchen is like spotting the Chupacabra. But every once in a while I try to help out. I have been making these enchiladas for a while because they are EASY! Here's what you need:

1 can of beans ( I like black)
1 (10 oz.) of enchilada sauce ( to put in mixture)
1 big (can to top over enchis)
1 (7 oz.) can of green chiles
1 can of corn, if you like corn or skip it!
2 cups of cheese for the mixture and have some more on hand (about 1 cup to top them off)
1 small can of olives (to top and if you like olives or to include in mixture)
un poquito of sour cream (a tablespoon or more to give your mixture a little creamy vibe)
1 teaspoon of cumin
salt maybe 1/2 a teaspoon

Another reason I like to make these is because you can add what you want and use whatever you have in your pantry. I love to add scallions and garlic, chopped jalapeños and cilantro to my mixture and it rocks.

As you can see once you have the mixture all you have to do is roll them up into a nice oven proof tray(mine is pyrex).

Put them in the oven for about 35-40 minutes at 350 degrees and take them out once you see the salsita and queso bubbling. ¡LISTAS! (ready en español!)

Bracelets : my current faves

2011-07-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

If you are a regular reader you know I have a thing for wrist candy. These are my current faves.

If I don't have a few bracelets on my wrist, I feel naked. So I always have some wrist candy ready to wear. I picked up the mustard colored one last fall at Planet Blue in Venice and the blue one I bought at the J.Crew in Carmel. Lastly the yellow enamel bangle was a lucky find at the Goodwill ( .50 cents !)

It's hard to do guilt free shopping isn't it? That is why I try to give DIYs a go as you recently saw here. I am in love with the nugget wrapped style of bracelets. Unfortunately these bracelets can run kinda high in the shops so either etsy comes to the rescue or you can make one yourself. Stella and Dot has some more reasonably priced ones here and I found a great DIY tutorial here. I only paid 20 bucks for mine but the real Chan Luu ones can run up in the hundreds : no es bueno.

What's your current fave accessory?

Happy Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Isn't this guy adorable? I spotted him at one of the fireworks stands in Seaside. Fireworks are illegal in the city of Monterey and due to budget cuts, there will not be a fireworks show at the wharf, I was really disappointed when I found that out, but the truth is there is so much other beauty here to keep us happy.

For example, this sailboat caught my eye, so pretty and lovely with our flag sailing high. We will be at our coastal casa enjoying some hamburgers, watermelon and root beer floats. What about you? Do you have any special fourth of July traditions?

Happy Fourth of July!

A ride on the Carousel

2011-06-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

Carousel Fine Candies in Monterey, CA

It's here! The Holiday weekend! In case you are having a staycation or need a little inspiration, I want to share a little trip B and I made to the candy store on Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. It was a spur of the moment little outing but just walking around and taking in the sights of all these goodies brought out our inner child.

I don't really even like candy too much, but checking out the process and seeing the pretty displays of these gorgeous candies, just lit me up.

As you can see, everyone in this store was full of joy. I felt like I was at the carnival from Charlotte's Web (one of my all time favorite books!) Sometimes when I overeat, I can relate to Templeton after the county fair with his fat belly!

CANDY : dulces en español

I encourage you to go in that store or place you've always wondered and check it out. We had such a nice time just looking at al the varieties and the nostalgia that a place like this brings out it most people. Candy stores, like this are so nice and old fashioned.

B's shirt is from Dark Cycle Clothing on etsy

And look at this kid I found in the candy store!

Wishing you a fantastic and safe long weekend!

Isle Style : Mini Military

2011-06-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

Aerie Surplus Vest

It's no secret that I adore the military look and all things olive green, so naturally I was attracted to this sweet vest paired with a girly dress and rugged boots. I like the concept behind this look. I'm not truly in love with the dress, but the idea of mixing soft and edgy, feminine and masculine pieces together in order to avoid looking too cutesy is a necessary reminder.
So as you can see vests are on my list, what's on yours?

Biking with B: Asilomar

2011-06-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

These images were captured by our Sports Division Director at sealaura. B goes on 20+ mile bike rides almost everyday (for fun!). Part of his coastal lifestyle is to incorporate the natural environment of our new home in his workout routines. I'll admit I have always been more of a gym girl and I am not as sporty as this guy, but his zest for embracing the world as our gym has really inspired me.

What about you, where do you like to work out and what do you do?

Shabby Apple Winner!

2011-06-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to you! As promised, we have a winner and it is Loui♥ from the blog Mountain Mermaid! Even though she is high in the Colorado Sky she has a deep love for the ocean. Her blog is always filled with beautiful photographs of the beach, flowers, and words of inspiration. Take a minute and give Loui♥ a visit! Congrats dear friend and Shabby Apple will be in touch soon.

oh deer!

2011-06-24T07:15:00.000-07:00


photo taken by Sabrina Moore

¡Feliz viernes! I am ecstatic, because it has been a fast yet busy week. I have a big project due at work today and all I can say is "oh deer!!" I know I will get it done, but I am just beat. Even though my new trabajo has me working during the summers it is sights like this gorgeous deer that make it all worth while. I miss LA a bit but you can't see this beauty in the middle of the day in LA.
Ok, so I gotta go and finish up that project, don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway, the winner will be announced on Monday.
BTW deer is venado or ciervo en español
Enjoy your weekend!

DIY: Thread Wrapped Bracelet

2011-06-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Ready to make yourself a summer cool bracelet? I was recently inspired by Brooke from the Just. B blog when she posted her tutorial on how to make these thread wrapped bracelets. I love DIYs but I am terrible at following instructions and sometimes with following through, but this project seemed super do-able and inexpensive!

Ok, so you can pick up any kind of bracelet, an old one, a wood one from a craft store like Brooke did here, or a metal one it really does not matter. I found these on clearance at Michael's for about 2 bucks.

You will also need some floss thread, the kind I recently showed you for my attempt at friendship bracelets (still working on results!). I picked out some bright summery colors with a little pop, but there are a million choices for color ( each thread packet is about 35 cents!).

Brooke sold me when she stated all you have to know how to do is tie a knot to do this DIY. And that is the truth. If you have followed my other craft adventures, you might recall I am not too worried about perfection, and this is my kind of project beacause you can wrap around your ahem... mistakes!

It was so fun and easy even Norman got in on the action.

There you have it! Obviously you can tie a knot and switch to a different color and create whatever pattern you want. If you give this project a go, do share your pics on my FB page.

Happy 2nd day of summer, are you working on any crafts?

Shabby Apple Giveaway!

2011-06-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

My favorite way to pull a look together is with a dress, so when Shabby Apple an online dress company for women contacted me for a giveaway I was more than delighted. Shabby Apple has a huge selection of womens's dresses, little girls dresses and maternity dresses, something for all the girls in your family. I really like their selection of white women's dresses, white is just such a fresh and clean look for summer.

Toe the line dress

They also have vintage inspired dressed such as this one above from their "Set Sail Collection." Just the names of their collections such as "Roamin Holiday" and "Amalfi Coast" make me want to pack my suit cases and run away to a fab destination.

Piña Colada Dress

Their South Pacific collection is so lovely, it reminded me of my trip to Kauai, oh how I wish I had this dress back then!

Ok, so now for the giveaway. How would you like to win this dress above? It's called Spanish Steps from the Roamin' Holiday collection. I think it is such a beautiful, classy dress perfect for a holiday trip, sunday brunch, heck I would even wear it to work!

Here are the rules, you must follow them ALL, ok chicas?! :) or your entry will not be valid.

1. Since Shabby Apple has been kind enough to sponsor this giveaway how about you show them some support on the Shabby Apple FB page with a nice LIKE. You will be the first to know of special deals, not bad right?

2. You must be a follower of sealaura

3. You only need to comment once and, in your comment tell me what Shabby Apple Collection you would like to pack for your next holiday.

And in case you can't wait they are offering 10% off your purchase for sealaura readers, just enter sealaura10off

(My apologies to my International readers...but the winner must have a US shipping address...)

The winner will be announced next Monday June 27

Chateau Sinnet, Carmel Valley

2011-06-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

We recently ventured into Carmel Valley and visited the lovely Chateau Sinnet tasting room. You might remember we fell in love with their Manatee Wine Merlot, so it was so nice to try some of their other wines.

As you can see, they have a very lovely establishment and the most hospitable host, Sunny. He made our afternoon a joy and treated us like we were old friends coming for a visit. Apart from the variety of wines, I really enjoyed this experience because it was not frou frou stuffy snobby at all. It was California cool and casual, my kind of vibe.

Sunny was gracious enough to show us some surprises such as these two wines. If you like sweet, these two are for you. I liked the peach one myself for a dessert wine.

Carmel Valley is a lovely drive, and when you reach the little village area, there are many cute stops, and tasting rooms. Chateau Sinnet is located on 13746 Center Street, Carmel Valley, CA -

831-659-2244

Hope you enjoy your weekend, and discover something new in your town!

Isle Style : Soft Safari

2011-06-15T06:15:00.000-07:00

The safari look never goes out of style, at least not in my book and I like the soft approach in this '09 J.Crew catalog photo. Adding a long pearl necklace seems to add an elegant touch to a look that will have you easily transitioning from one summer event to the next. Although I am trying not to add too much olive green to my already dense OLIVE GREEN wardrobe, I did spot a similar jacket here in "burnished moss"!

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As you may have noticed, we are updating the blog's look as we get ready to celebrate our 3 year bloggiversary. If you have a minute, do let me know what you think.

Have you implemented the safari look into your wardrobe?

Pebble Beach

2011-06-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

To be honest, whenever the topic of golf came up or if it was on the tube, I might have started to feel a siesta on the horizon. However, I have recently understood the allure of golf as a weekend past time due to my recent visit to THE Pebble Beach Golf Course. A day on beautiful grounds and by the sea is definitely up my alley.

Pebble Beach is located between Monterey and Carmel Valley. Before reaching PB we started out on the famous 17 mile drive which I will show you another day ( the pics I took did not do the place justice!) and meandered our way to the PB Lodge. Just when I think it can not get any more beautiful up here in Monterey... it does! Although there were many gorgeous mansions and beautiful greens along the golf course, the sea is what always catches my eye. If you come out to Monterey, this is a "must see, must stop"!

What is a "must see, must stop" in your town?

Isle Style : Summer Whites

2011-06-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

Nothing says fresh like a fresh pair of white pants or a white top. This image has been in my files for a while and it's just perfect for a June day. I think the clincher is that necklace, a little bit of edge to the otherwise soft and relaxed look. The neutral sandals will bring out anyone's tan. Finally, her loose ponytail, is not too messy but definitely gives a chic elegant vibe. I'm in the market for white tops to freshen up my look.
What is your "Isle Style" look for this June?

Old Monterey Farmer's Market

2011-06-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the day B and I usually head downtown to Monterey to pick up our goodies for the week. There's a lot of talk these days about eating local and seasonal and thankfully we are lucky enough to do so here in Monterey County.

The market is held in Old Monterey on Tuesdays from 4-8pm . Beside the lovely veggie selection you can also find some craft and cooked food vendors as well.

If you are a regular around here, you know B and I are HUGE farmer's market fans and have hit so many in California. Remember this one from Morro Bay, this one in Cambria, or how about this one in Santa Monica?

I guess going to these farmer's markets wherever we are living or vacationing is part of our family routine.

What outings do you include in your weekly routine?