I've got nothing to do today but smile :)

Here is a little peak into our week vacation to Los Angeles and Carlsbad CA. This trip was packed full of new and exciting adventures, we had such a fun time.

My Uncle Rod and Aunt Ann treated Devin and I to an amazing brunch at Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles. It was the best brunch we had ever had. It was so nice to catch up with them...lots of laughs! THANK YOU

The Santa Monica Pier... just a magical place. We spent the evening enjoying street music and salsa dancing on the third street promenade. It was a perfect spot for lots of shopping too.

While in Beverly Hills I wanted to check out Kyle Richards new store and Villa Blanca from the Beverly Hills Housewives, I know I'm a dork, but it was so fun to see them. I definitely could not afford anything in Kyle's store but it was fun looking around.

Rodeo Drive at night

We stayed one of the nights at one of Devin's friends homes in Topanga Canyon in western LA. The views were absolutely beautiful from her patio

We spent our last day in LA on Rodeo Drive and site seeing. While walking Rodeo drive we saw Heidi Klum taping one of her shows. I was standing with the group of paparazzi to take these pics.

Our walk up to the Hollywood sign

San Diego Botanic Garden

For Valentines Day we took the coaster to San Diego to enjoy the day. Had dinner in Old Town San Diego and enjoyed wine tasting.

Our last night in Carlsbad. My wonderful Aunt Debbie cooked us an amazing lobster dinner.  The food was fabulous and it was so nice to spend time with her and my cousin Kris. THANK YOU!

¡Viva México!

We were so lucky to spend a week in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Jan 5th- Jan 12th. We left Minnesota and left behind a freezing temperature of 20 degrees and arrived in Mexico with a temp of  85 degrees.

Our 4 hour layover in Newark NJ, on our way to Mexico.

We stayed at the Mayan Palace a beautiful resort right on the ocean

We spent one of the days Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos at Aventura de snorkel.  It was an amazing experience.

Downtown Playa Del Carmen, the shopping was great and the beaches just Beautiful!!

We had massages on the beach, could hear the waves crashing against the shore... so peaceful!

Mexican dinner on the beach at Havana Moon

We spent our last night in Playa at Fiesta Mexicana. An extravagant Mexican buffet and show.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Christmas was wonderful this year, great food, laughs and time spent with family. We were even able to skype with the rest of the family in California.

A chilly evening but it's cozy in the kitchen

On Saturday, Devin and I took our parents to a family feast cooking class at Cooks of Crocus Hill in St. Paul MN. We spent three hours preparing and cooking this wonderful meal. I would highly recommend this cooking class, the food was delicious! A great night spent with family.

We started the evening breaking up our group of six into two groups of guys vs. girls. The men prepared the Cornbread and chestnut stuffing while the women prepared Stuffed Delicata Squash. The other individuals in the class prepared:  Garlic Mashed Potato Puree; Green Beans with Pumpkin Seed Dressing; Wine-Roasted Cranberries; Roasted Prime Rib with Herbed Gravy; Pear and Almond Tart.

Ghosts, Goblins and a Halloween Treat

Thank you Julie and CJ for hosting an amazing Halloween Party this year.  Everyone had a fabulous time, fun games, delicious food and catching up with great friends.  Thanks so much for the birthday cake. I even won the best girl costume!!