California Love

 Hey everyone, so it's kind of been a while since I've been here. We recently went on a trip to California and I'm just now getting back into the swing of things around here. I hadn't been to California in 7 years! I don't know how I stayed away for so long, but somehow it happened. We actually went to Los Angeles to see a concert. On our honeymoon, Chris told me that one of his favorite bands from overseas, Within Temptation was coming on tour. Of course they weren't headed to Texas and I jumped at the chance when he asked if we should fly out to Los Angeles to see them. Yes, yes, yes!!! And so I kept up with when tickets went on sale and made sure that we bought them to seal the deal that California was in our future. It was a short trip but I soaked up every minute of it. I woke up every morning, walked to Starbucks, and then spent about two hours in the pool...it was sooooo nice. We were also able to squeeze in Universal studios (we got on a subway for the first time!), do some shopping and good eating, see an amazing concert, and spend a whole day and night at the beach. I made Chris and his brother get on the ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier despite the cold winds and their fear of heights. lol sometimes I can be a bit pushy. Me and Chris went down to the beach that evening and I didn't care how cold the water was, I stripped down to my two piece and threw myself into the ocean. Chris thought I was crazy...oh well thankfully he gets me and my love for the beach. The last time I went to California, it was all dance related so it was nice to be a tourist for a few days. I'm already planning for our next trip back!

xoxo erica

Traveling

I just wanted to say a quick hello from Dallas! Chris and I drove up here yesterday to see the Rangers play this weekend. So far our trips this year have been in Texas and while I would love to fly away to another state, I actually don't mind. I've been having fun on our little Texas adventures. I'm heading to the gym this morning...yes I'm working out while on vacation. We have all you can eat tickets for the game tonight. Hot dogs and nachos here I come!! 

Check out our previous travel pics from Port Aransas and Austin.

Oh and Melissa from The Blushing Dreamer featured me on her blog today. We met in Austin and she is the sweetest girl. We quickly became friends...she's pretty awesome :) check out the post here.

xoxo erica

While in Old Town Alexandria

It's been a while since I've been able to update but I'm finally back on.  I wanted to continue with some of my D.C. travels.  Last year we went by King Street but all the shops were already closed so this year we made the time to stop by some of the shops.  Although going down King Street at night is fun because of all the lit up trees, energy of people everywhere, and the haunted tours (we did that this year...so much fun!!), spending the day shopping about was a blast.

I want an inspiration board this big. 

After the shopping we went by Starbucks and since I hardly drink coffee, I got a hot chocolate to keep me warm from the chilly weather.  If you ask for an extra pump of vanilla, the hot chocolate tastes so much better (just a tip I learned while working at a Starbucks). 

We went to go visit the Carlyle House where they have a pretty garden in the back.  We stopped by here on the haunted tour and learned that it's actually one of the oldest places in Old Town Alexandria. that's not haunted.  It's said that the Carlyle's buried a dead cat in their home to keep it from being haunted...I can't remember from which country that belief comes from...

All Packaged Up

Today I left Texas for Washington D.C.  We were having beautiful weather back home and it's a bit cold here...it feels like winter all over again.  Which I'm not too crazy about.  I decided to pack at the last minute because that's just how I am.  I realize now that I really need to add some warmer colors to my wardrobe...I have lots of blacks and blues.

I brought my houndstooth coat that my parents gave me for Christmas and plenty of cardigans.  

I like ones with sparkles...

I brought about the only winter type shirt I own...this green cardigan.  I'm not usually a turtleneck kind of girl but the color actually looks good on me.  I also threw in a little fringe and one of my fav concert T-shirts.

I brought two pairs of jeans...a flare style and skinny jeans and some leggings.

I brought this pretty dress that I've already figured out how to wear as a skirt.

I've been wearing belts that cinch my waist lately and decided to bring a basic black and one with jeweled detailing.  I always travel with this heart shaped locket...my boyfriend gave this to me years ago when we first started dating.

I didn't want to bring too much with me because all I brought was a carry-on.  By the time I left this morning I had added a black ruffled blouse, polka dot tights, and a black heart shaped ring.  Anyway all this packing has made me wish for more floral prints, pastel dresses, and lots of sheer.

Is there a favorite piece of clothing that you always bring with you when you travel?