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barking up a storm

July 9, 2019

sea lion in Santa Cruz

Something we do not see in East Coast waters are sea lions.  So, spotting them while in Northern California was something of a novelty for me.

California sea lions

California sea lions are “eared seals” native to the West Coast of North America. They live in coastal waters and on beaches, docks, buoys, and jetties. On my trip, the place I saw the most sea lions was when I walked the Santa Cruz Wharf – they were everywhere!

Many sea lions

These guys weigh 240 to 700 lbs. and live to be 20 to 30 years old.  They are easily trained and intelligent which is why they are commonly seen in zoos and aquariums. They are also very vocal – they sound like barking dogs!  Click on the link below to see some in action!

Video of sea lions in Santa Cruz

They are definitely a blast to watch!

We wondered if these guys made a mess in the boat they jumped into!

young sea lions

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my West Coast pets! ;)

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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a may sunset

May 10, 2019

ocean at Naples

Hi friends!  It’s been a busy work week, but I thought I’d share the one sunset I was able to break away for!

ocean sunset in Naples

Enjoy your weekend!

sunset in Naples

And, Happy Mother’s Day!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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venice beach

May 3, 2019

Venice sign

I have one more beach to share from my last California trip!

beach in Venice

Venice beach – a ‘must stop’ when visiting southern California.  It is the iconic ‘muscle beach.’  The muscle beach part doesn’t really impress me…although, the guy this tribute was created for is iconic in my book!  The first one to really embrace the fitness craze!  You may not even know who he is, but generations ago he had a fitness show on television.  He was to fitness what Julia Child was to cooking!

Legend in Venice

Dreaming of beaches has been a big past time lately since, here in Connecticut, we finally have some warm weather!

Palm trees in Venice

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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laguna dreams

April 19, 2019

laguna beach

The quintessential Southern California spot for me is Laguna Beach!

It has such great vibes!  I couldn’t let an area visit go by without a quick stop to my favorite beach!

Laguna Beach Lifeguard

Here are a couple photos for today’s Friday field trip to show you why Laguna Beach is so addicting!  This trip, I brought back a great souvenir – a perfectly beautiful piece of driftwood.  Placed on my desk, it is a constant reminder of beach days ahead!

visiting Laguna Beach

gelato at Laguna Beach

Have a wonderful weekend!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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cali beach dreams

April 5, 2019

Dana Point view

With temperatures reaching in the 60’s this past weekend in Connecticut, thinking ahead to beach days is definitely in order!

rocks and sun at Laguna Niguel

sunset at Laguna Niguel

bird of paradise

For today’s Friday field trip, in honor of warmer weather glimpses, some of my favorite outdoor photos from my last trip to the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel!

Laguna Niguel Ritz

RitzCarlton view

guard stand at Laguna Niguel

Have a wonderful weekend!

Laguna Niguel Ritz Carlton beach

rocks on Laguna Niguel beach

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

 

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flowers with an ocean view

March 26, 2019

pretty sun at ritz

Visiting the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is such a fabulous experience.  I love the California lifestyle anyway, but staying in this particular Ritz in Southern California is the best way to live it!

flowers at laguna niguel

I always appreciate the changing floral arrangements in the lobby and my last visit did not disappoint!

flowers at laguna niguel

flower decor at Ritz Carlton
I was treated to an even more impressive flower display during this last stay when an ocean view wedding was scheduled at the same time!

Wedding at the Ritz

Beautiful flowers, ocean views, amazing sunsets…I had to share this amazing wedding venue!

wedding in laguna niguel

Hope your week is off to a great start!  Thanks for stopping by!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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change of scenery

March 19, 2019

flowers at Laguna Niguel

There is nothing better than a change of scenery once in a while.  A recent work trip took me to the opposite coast for a change of more than just environment. Visiting California was like living a different lifestyle for a short while.  It came at the perfect time.  I am going through so many changes at home and the trip to California helped ‘reset’ my perspective on life.

The best part of the trip was reconnecting with a childhood friend.  Though we hadn’t seen each other in many years, once we were reunited, it almost seemed like no time had gone by at all!

CA dreaming

My brief time in the OC (Orange Country, California) was jam-packed!  I came home so refreshed – satisfied from a job well done and grateful for the chance to get together with a long-time friend – as well as meeting some new ones!

CA scenery

Get ready for some glimpses of Cali in the posts ahead!

Hope your week is starting off great!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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white sandy beach

February 5, 2019

beach at the Fairmont Scottsdale

On a recent work trip, I was shocked to discover a white sandy beach at my hotel.  Why?  I was in Arizona!

The sandy beach located at the sixth and largest pool at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is Arizona’s only white sand beach.  A 7,000-square-foot pool and 830 tons of white sand beach allow plenty of room for kicking up your heels (or, in my case, boots – I was in the west after all!) on the shore or enjoying a cocktail at the swim-up bar at Sunset Beach.

white sand beach in Arizona

The resort hauled in 830 tons of white sand from Florida for the 9,000-square-foot beach surrounding the pool. It’s the same pricey sand that’s used in the bunkers at the resort’s golf course – home to the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

white sand in Arizona

The Fairmont has fabulous drink menus.  How about trying a Scottsdale Buck (gin, lemon, prickly pear, and ginger beer) or a Salted Cucumber Gimlet (gin, lime, cucumber and salt)?  On weekends, Sunset Beach serves drinks in coconuts…so fun!

boots at the beach

I didn’t so much regret not getting the chance to try some of the interesting cocktails served at the Fairmont – I was there on a work assignment after all!  But, as a coffee drinker, I very much regretted not getting the chance to try one of the 6 varieties of flaming coffees served at the Fairmont’s restaurant La Hacienda!  Has anyone ever tried one?

I guess I have to be content in knowing I drank an herbal iced tea sitting on the white sand at Sunset Beach!

drinking on the Arizona beach

I hope you enjoyed today’s post.  I thought it was appropriate for today’s heat wave – it’s in the 30’s instead of single digit temperatures here in Connecticut!

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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dreaming of warmer days

January 11, 2019

waves in Naples FL

This time of year always makes me wish for warmer weather.  So, why not share some with you today on Friday field trip!

In Naples Florida

These photos were taken on my last visit to Naples, Florida.  I walked with some friends down the Naples pier and snapped these pics…it makes me warm just thinking about it!

visiting Naples, FL

blue skies in Naples, FL

Enjoy!

pier in Naples FLA

Have a wonderful weekend.  Thanks for stopping by!

mosiac turtle

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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more holiday neutrals

December 28, 2018

Merry Christmas minimalist

As promised…

holiday driftwood

A continuation of Tuesday’s post with a little more from a favorite gift shop…

basket of stars

reindeer and gold stars

Holiday neutrals…

twinkle lights

white trees

Enjoy!

crystal dreams

necklace in neutrals

lighting magic

And, that’s a wrap on this year’s holiday inspiration!  I am already thinking of colors and themes for holiday 2019!  Am I the only one?

reindeer games

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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