My Last Week of 2011

Our very dear friends Jess and Abby flew out to stay with us from the East Coast. These are some of my most favorite people, and Jess is also the genius behind the creation of my website! He is so creative and talented at what he does. His own personal website is one of my favorites! It's so much fun, you should check it out here.

Anywho... I'm so happy they came out to visit us, because it really forced us to set all our work aside, and instead, plan little adventures for every day they were here with us. Looking back, it was the perfect way to end 2011. With good friends, good food, and unforgettable memories.

Here's a quick peek at what we did:

Day 1: Runyan Canyon Hike followed by Rustic Canyon dinner

Day 2: Redondo Beach Pier Crab House, followed by MI:4, Laser Tag, and Korean Spa. The little bowl of soup in the photo spilled all over my lap about 5 minutes after this photo was taken because I was in a crab eating frenzy. Crabs not pictured.



Day 3: Drive up to Los Olivos. Our favorite wine tasting was on the patio of Carhartt's Tasting Room. Dinner at Los Olivos Cafe.







Day 4: Drive back down the coast towards Santa Barbara.



Romantic sunset seen from San Ysidro Ranch.



Magical dinner at the San Ysidro Stone House.



Mind-blowing dessert called "The Baked Alaska". They set the outside on fire with some kind of alcohol (Rum? Bourbon? I was in such a food coma I can't remember), and the inside was layers of coffee ice cream and chocolate cake. OMG



Day 5: Manicures! I never ever get manicures, but I felt like being sparkly for NYE. I find the names of nail polishes to be hilarious. This one is called "Teenage Dream". Abby's was "My Private Jet". Yes! My favorite place for a manicure: Marie Nails



Day 6: After much celebrating with friends and good food and drink, I was craving my absolutely favorite Smoked Salmon Breakfast Wrap from Joey's Cafe. Perfect way to start off 2012!

The madness continues as our friends' stay comes to an end.... I am really looking forward to this year. I have so many new projects and ideas I can't wait to begin.

I hope this is a good year for all of us! A year where we can still set aside time to reflect and evolve as a people amongst all the hubbub of internet, cell phones, and work. A year where we can continue to work towards living peacefully together here on our beautiful little earth.

Love,
p. ahn