in the woods

Last weekend my boyfriend, his family, and I went on our annual trip up to Cuyamaca:

santa cruz

Our trip to Santa Cruz was so relaxing.  I got to see my family (it had been far too long) and explore. 

I definitely did not get tired of the scenery - the beaches are so beautiful!

sc via ig

In case you aren't following me on instagram - here's a peak at what you missed:

+ the loooooong drive up north

+ the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

+ family outing for tattoos at Chimera Tattoo

+ wood-fired Pescadero Pizza

+ afternoon vanilla latte at Verve 

baja

Earlier this week I mentioned that we went to Old Town. Well, we stopped by Rockin' Baja for some  lunch. I have been twice and each time I was presented with some delicious seafood! I personally love the overfilled Baja Buckets. It's not a fancy place- but just know that it is good eats and you're going to get your hands dirty ;) There are a couple other locations: Gaslamp, Oceanside, and Newport Beach- so be sure to check it out. 

lobster tails, wild mexican shrimp and sweet alaskan snow crab clusters

grilled chicken in deep friend, corn tortillas, lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, mexican cheeses and cilantro lime dressing

home style flan, deep fried ice cream and warm cinnamon apple bunuelo drizzled with caramel sauce

Looks good, right? 

old town

Even though I am a San Diego native, I still enjoy being a tourist and rediscovering treasures like Old Town. Fortunately last weekend was beautiful and we took the opportunity to have lunch and walk around. Old Town reminds me of my childhood and school field trips! Especially the Whaley House! Old Town has so many different historical tidbits, little boutique shops, and some amazing restaurants. Definitely a must see in San Diego!

alexander's

A couple of weekends ago the bf and I were in search of some yummy italian food. We came across Alexander's on 30th through a quick yelp search. The place is tucked away within a small neighborhood in North Park. The restaurant is very pretty inside- but very small -so be sure to make a reservation to ensure you get a table. We were seated fairly quickly and I immediately ordered the Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc (so good!) 

all images via bloomspot

We started with the Baked Hampton Stuffed Mushrooms which were good but after a couple of mushrooms I was over the crab stuffing. We ordered the Tuscan Seafood Pasta and it was fresh and delicious! We ended with the Walnut Cookie with Vanilla Bean Gelato - hands down one of the best desserts I've ever had (think: italian pizookie!)

*Sorry for the lack of personal photos- It was so dim and romantic in there, I couldn't bear to ruin that with a bunch of flashes from a DSLR. 

made[so]well

Tammy, of Lemons, Avocados and the Bay, was sweet enough to invite me to the Madewell private shopping event last Thursday! There was dessert, wine, mingling, and a whole lot of shopping (hello 50% off sale items!) I snagged a super comfy bf cardigan for $25! All of the Madewell ladies were incredibly sweet. It was a lot of fun and I was happy to finally meet Tammy. I feel another Madewell trip is in order...I've been obsessing over everything online! 

vintage Gap denim jacket | Frenchi tank | AE skinnies | UO scarf | SM Banddit boots | MK watch | MK bag