:: What I'm Loving

A month or so ago, I finally won my first giveaway.

It was actually a fundraiser/giveaway put on by this amazing blogger friend here.

Anyway. It was awesome. So many

pretty packages arrived in the mail.

I felt like it was my birthday.

Everyday.

But one package I was especially excited for . . .

had this in it.

Love. It.

{and my camera loves it too.}

Check their blog out here.

:: family happenings - tired girl

I feel so blessed to be the mother of this adorable, little girl.

{she had just woken up from a nap and had those cute, "just woke up" eyes.

so we quickly had a mini photography session.}

:: family happenings - summer visitors

One thing we love about living in SoCal is that we always

have family wanting to come down to see us {or the beach} during the summer.

Our summers are usually jam packed with visitors almost every weekend.

The past 3 weekends, this is what we've been up to.

And we might have more this weekend (crossing our fingers).

Ava loves digging for sand crabs, jumping the waves, and then rolling in the sand.

Reese has also discovered her love for the sand.

She shoves it in her mouth when her parents aren't being very observant.

So far, our favorite beaches in SoCal are Del Mar and Newport.

{beware: parking is ca-razy! in the summer}

What's your favorite beach in SoCal?

We really need to discover more.

:: Pinterest Pretties

Here are a few of my pins from this week . . .

Source: tissosweetcandy.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

:: love this quote. I need to be reminded of this quite often.

Source: hostessblog.com via Amy on Pinterest

:: love this party idea . . . a "wish" party

Source: littlenannygoat.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

:: want to stencil our master bathroom

Source: icandyhandmade.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

:: need to make something like this for Ava

Source: clubcreatingkeepsakes.com via Amy on Pinterest

:: great idea if you're into photography

Source: polyvore.com via Amy on Pinterest

:: perfect outfit for a picnic date

Source: husohem.se via Amy on Pinterest

:: on my DIY list now.

:: What I'm Loving

Blogs can be addicting.

I know. I've been addicted to them.

Do I need anymore addictions?

No. No I don't.

So, why was I introduced to this a few months ago?

Addicting. {just to warn you}

Although it may be addicting,

it is a perfect place to "pin" the things you see around the web

onto your "boards".

Loving. it.

No more "bookmarks" for me.

And this is what I'm loving.

Do you pin?

question for ya.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Sally on Pinterest

So, within the next few months,

we'll be tent camping on a lake.

We are so excited!

Just a little nervous about our 3 year old and 7 month old.

Any suggestions, tips, etc about camping near a lake

with small children?

Anything would be fabulous.

Thanks!

Happy 4th!

Source: iammommy.typepad.com via Danielle on Pinterest

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July!

Lucky for me, I unexpectedly have it off!

So, I'll be spending some quality time with the family.

Maybe we'll make these yummy pancakes.

Have fun and be safe!