Margaritas, Beach Bags & Bath Bombs

Even though things are still incredibly hectic for me at the moment, I wanted to drop in and say hi to let you all know I’m still here! I'm doing my best to visit your blogs as often as I can, and I also wanted to share at least a few photo highlights from the past couple weeks. Thanks for sticking with me, and I'll be back with more updates soon! 

My sweet kitty Twix resting in a Mary Kay makeup box that's just her size. She definitely is gorgeous, just like the box says! 

Isn't this the cutest contact case you've ever seen? Thanks for the gift, Mom! 

A new Vera Bradley seashore tote bag for my July vacation to Hawaii. Is it time yet? 

A pre-Cinco de Mayo margarita from my favorite neighborhood Mexican place. I've definitely treated myself to a couple of these lately!

Tasty sushi rolls to help beat the rainy day blues.

Kicking off Sunday brunch with a refreshing berry mimosa.

The newest additions to my ever-growing collection of LUSH bath goodies. I can't get enough of that place!

Have you seen the new Star Trek movie yet? I loved it!

What have you been up to lately? Has your May been as busy as mine? 

Busy Days Ahead

Since returning from California a couple weeks ago, I’ve definitely been keeping busy with several exciting projects. First, along with continuing to write weekly posts for All Women Stalk, I’m also working as a publicist and coordinating a beautiful early June wedding.

In other news, I’ve now fully made the switch to vegetarianism, although I do still eat fish and dairy, and I'm also finally making progress on getting back in shape for my sister-in-law’s July wedding. A close friend visited last week, along with Stephen’s mom, and in addition to everything else, I am still entirely determined to complete my novel.

Wine-tasting with one of my best friends from California.

All in all, I’m pleased with the various things I have going on, and I’ll do my best to keep blogging here at least once a week, along with continuing to follow your blogs. As most of you know, my goal with this blog isn’t to attract a large number of followers or even track my stats.

Honestly, as long as I’m able to continue using this site as a fun and easy way to connect with family members and friends, including many of you I’ve been lucky enough to meet through blogging, I'll be happy. Thanks so much for reading and sticking with me! 

All Women Stalk Roundup: April 17, 2013

Even though I took some time off from writing for All Women Stalk during my recent trip to California, I still have a handful of new posts to share with you this month. Feel free to check them out if you're interested!

Image Source: All Women Stalk

LIFESTYLE

7 Inspiring Career Quotes 

PARENTING

7 Fun Ways to Get Girls Interested in Science

TRAVEL

7 Fun Cruise Trips

8 Great Reasons to Plan a Cruise

WEDDING

7 Tips for Working With a Professional Bridal Hair and Makeup Stylist

7 Fabulous Father-Daughter Dance Songs

7 Tips on How to Plan a Catholic Wedding

Adventures in SoCal: Unwinding at America’s Teaching Zoo

Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts following my grandfather’s passing a couple weeks ago. The past year has been an incredibly difficult time for my family and I, and it really helps to know that there are so many wonderful people who care.

After taking some time off from blogging, I’m back today to share a fun roundup of photos I captured while attending the annual Spring Spectacular at America’s Teaching Zoo during my last weekend in Southern California.

Like my sister and I, my grandpa loved animals, and I have many great memories of visits to the zoo with he and my Nana throughout my childhood. This particular zoo, located at Moorpark College near my hometown, is also unique for being one of the top spots in the country for students who want to become animal trainers.

Chilling with Happy the alligator. 

Visiting a 90-year-old tortoise. 

Enjoying a firsthand look at an emu. 

Getting up-close-and-personal with a bald eagle. 

Observing a servil during the zoo's safari adventures show. 

From the creative shows to the cool exhibits, there was definitely plenty for us to do and see throughout the day! Do you love animals and visiting the zoo as much as we do? 

In Loving Memory

Just six months after losing my Nana to terminal cancer, I am once again out in California mourning the loss of my grandfather, her husband of 60 years, who passed away last night.

Shortly after my Nana passed away last fall, doctors confirmed that my grandpa also had cancer, although a more treatable form. But several difficult surgeries and complications later, he too found himself fighting for his life, especially throughout the past week, which I thankfully had the chance to spend by his side.

My feelings at the moment transition between shock, denial, anger, heartbreak and mental exhaustion over having to immediately relive the experience of losing someone I have dearly loved my entire life. 

Rest in peace, Papa. I love you and will miss you always.