California Part 1

California, how I've missed you!

It's been a busy few days here getting ready for my sister's wedding.

I'm currently in San Diego with my family, taking care of all the last minute details before the big day.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend wherever you are!

California Adventures

Hi everyone! 

I'm off to California for the next week for my sister's wedding, followed by a long overdue visit with my old college roommate! I'll still be posting, so check back in for my California adventures! 

I can't wait to get on the plane and spend 5+ hours curled up reading this: 

Hot off the press...For all you Emily Giffin fans, get your copy today!

Summer Basil

One of my favorite things about summer is that there's basil, basil, everywhere! I've never been much of a gardener, but I've always wished I were.  

Well...wish no more, because my dear friend Brian just gifted me with my own baby basil garden! 

{Basil varieties: Opal, Organic Large Leaf, Thai, and Genovese}

How adorable is my new mini basil garden?

Please keep your green thumbs crossed for me that I can keep these babies alive thru the summer!

Snapshots from Summer Break

It's been a while, hasn't it? 

What have you all been up to?

Here are some snapshots from my summer break thus far...

{Pink Moscato with the ladies in Chicago...Girl time!}

A Little Birthday Break

Hi friends!

If you haven't noticed, I've been taking a little birthday break this week from Simply Vicky. I was whisked away to Chicago for a surprise birthday last weekend...it was so nice seeing all my closest college friends, many of whom I haven't seen in way, way too long!

Simply Vicky will be back next week in full swing, but in the meantime, if you're really missing me, follow me on Twitter!

Have a lovely week and weekend ahead...and don't forget to watch Sunday night's finale of this season's The Bachelorette! #TeamJef for the win!

Chi-town

Chi-town, here we come!

Brad surprised me with a little last minute getaway (and early birthday) trip!

I can't wait to visit the Windy City and revisit some of my favorite college joints...and of course, some new and delicious ones as well!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Follow my Chicago adventures (90% food, 10% other) on Twitter!

Things I Love Thursday

Another Thursday, another Things I Love!

First, a little Google fun for you: 

Second, for all you Game of Thrones viewers:

A hilarious series of spot-on impressions from a very talented man named Steve Love. I am a lukewarm watcher of this show, and I was honestly doubled over in laughter!

The Khaleesi part is my favorite!

(I was very, very tempted to post another Jef & Emily montage video this week...but I think Brad is this close to making me a single woman.

And finally, a funny photo:

Let's just say I spent way too much time laughing over this...and I will not judge if you do the same. 

{Loafers, anyone?}

For more things I love (all week long!), follow me on Twitter & Pinterest!

Farewell, Seattle

We had such a great trip to the Pacific Northwest that it was hard to say goodbye to two amazing cities. 

After our little Portland detour, we headed back up to Seattle for one more day of fun filled fun and food! 

{Caffe Vita to start off the day}

A Little Portland Detour

The Pacific Northwest always held so much allure for me - namely Seattle, but Portland as well.  I'd been there once in high school and loved it, and Brad had heard great things about it as well...and so we decided to make a little roadtrip to PDX to get the full PNW experience!

{Nothing but the open road and evergreens!}

{First stop: Pok Pok! Half a roasted game hen stuffed with lemongrass, cilantro, and other herby goodness, with papaya salad, sticky rice, and two dipping sauces = heavenly}

Seattle Trip Recap: Days 1 & 2

I'm baaack! Did you miss me?

We had such a lovely, lovely trip to the Pacific Northwest this past week!

Seattle was amazing and even more beautiful than I could have imagined...and the food wasn't too shabby either! Here's a little sampling of our trip highlights: 

{First stop: Pike Place Market!}