LA Baby

I don't know why it takes me so long to blog about things...
Well yes i do, it's my insane schedule that makes it kinda hard, but still, you'd think i would have a little motivation.
Anyway, a few weeks back Alex and I were able to go on our one and only Summer Vacation! We saved up for about 3 months and finally had enough to make the drive out to LA for 3 days!
Planning this trip was so fun, and so different. Usually there is always someone else involved in the decision making. My mom, my best friend, my grandma... But this time it was just Alex and I. We picked out whatever hotel we wanted, we chose what restaurants we wanted to try, we made up our schedule! This was the first trip that we had alone since our honeymoon, so needless to say, we were pretty excited!

Finally Saturday morning rolled around and I was just itching to get on the open road. We packed up our bags, a few snacks and some games and we were on our way. The trip there was fun, driving in the early morning, no traffic. But no traffic means no need to go slow. And no need to go slow means that you go 84 in a 65 zone. And going 84 in a 65 zone means that you get pulled over. Haha, Alex was freaking out, he was so worried that we wouldn't' be able to make it to LA in time after talking to the officer. But lucky for us, the officer was so super nice and asked us where we were headed, and when we said, LA to see a dodgers game, he let us go with just a warning! Thank the Heavens for baseball ;)

The rest of the drive went off without a hitch. I loved driving through Palm Springs and seeing all the windmills.

It look us a little over 5 hours to make the trip, and we immediately went to our hotel to wash up and get ready to go to the LA Temple. I cant remember the last time i was SO excited to do a session! I couldn't wait to see inside a different temple besides the other 2 i have been in, Mesa and Jordan River :) And let me just tell you that the LA temple did NOT disappoint! I couldn't believe how gorgeous it was! And it was so so huge! I was in awe the whole time. 

I love that we started off our trip at the temple. It kinda set the stage for the most wonderful vacation ever. 

After the session, we just decided to walk around downtown LA and find a place to eat.

We were so lucky to come across Pomodoro. This small little italian restaurant right on Santa Monica Blvd. It was gorgeous. We walked in and they went to seat us, and they offered us two different tables. The first was a large 6 seater in the middle of the crowded room, and the second was a secluded little table for 2 off in the corner right by the window. We obviously chose the secluded table. and enjoyed our incredibly romantic dinner. The food was amazing and the company wasn't half bad either ;)

After dinner we hurried back to the hotel to rest up, since in the morning we headed to Knott's Berry Farm! I was so excited to go since I had never been before. And Alex was so excited to take me since it is his favorite theme park. Plus it's not very often that we do something that I haven't already done... so Alex owned the day, showing me around and telling me all about the rides. I LOVED the whole day. It was a gorgeous day, not too hot with a nice breeze. And there were hardly any people at the park. We never waited in line longer than about 20 minutes. So amazing! I am so glad I married someone who loves thrill rides as much as me. And I was even surprised that on a few rides I was more afraid than he was. I loved the old wooden roller coaster, Ghostrider! But my all time favorite was the Silver Bullet. it's one of those coasters that you hang from and your feet are dangling and it's so crazy scary, but so amazingly fun at the same time! I think we rode that one at least 7 times. 

We rode every single ride in the park, well besides the kiddie rides, but we even rode the water ride! We stayed bone dry for the whole ride, until the very last drop that takes you back to were you get off... This huge tidal wave comes and just lands in my lap... haha it was so funny! 

It was such a great day. We ended the day by going back to the hotel and ordering a pizza and watching cable. I honestly can't think of a better way to end a day :)

The next morning we took it easy and had a late breakfast, then headed out the LA's Fashion District to do a little shopping. It was so fun to just walk around with alex and shop and barter and eat street hot dogs. plus Alex is the best husband and said that we couldn't leave until i have bought something. No complaining here. So we shopped until i found the most perfect purse ever. Bonus, it was only $12. I love it so much! 

After we left the fashion district we still had a little bit of time to kill, so we went to the Grove mall... now mind you this isn't just any mall. This is the most fancy outdoor mall i have ever seen! There was a beautiful courtyard with a pond and fountains and bridges and street bands and people dancing and sitting at outdoor cafes. It seriously looked like something straight out of a movie. 

They had the most magnificent movie theater i had ever seen, and we were so impressed that we decided to go see The Dark Knight Rises. it was phenomenal and it was extra fun seeing it in such an amazing theater. After the movie we just walked around and window shopped at stores that we could never afford anything in. :) 

^^ see what I mean, that mall is incredible.

Okay, and now this was my favorite part of our trip! 

THE BASEBALL GAME!!!!

okay and back story real fast in case you don't know, alex and i LOVE baseball and we have a goal to see a MLB game in every stadium across America (Plus the one stadium in Toronto Canada)

We were so pumped for this game, and we planned the trip around it so that we would be in LA while the DBacks were playing the Dodgers! How perfect is that! We rushed to the stadium and took a bunch of pictures and bought our traditional souvenir (a Logo pin from the Home team) and bought some dinner. Then found our seats. We had great seat on the first base line, about 15 rows back! so awesome. 

We wore our Dbacks shirts, so all the surrounding LA fans kinda joked that we were in the wrong place, but everyone was really really nice and we even sat by an older man and his wife who are doing the same thing we are. They are ahead of us though, and they have been to 18 stadiums! So it was really fun to talk to them! 

The Game was amazing, and it was even better because we totally creamed the Dodgers! :) That's always fun to do, especially at an away game! 

We took some more pictures after the game, but then sadly we had to head straight home. 

It was a super long drive, and a lot less fun this time. We were both so sleepy, but we did make it home safe and sound and took Tuesday off work to just stay home and recoup :)

It was a great trip! :) 

What has been your favorite Summer Vacation??

xoxo

Happy Birthday to Me...

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!

over a month ago.

i'm such a slacker, it's just sad.

Haha, I will just do a quick run through since there are actual recent events that i want to blog about before September rolls around.

My birthday is July 2, but as any smart girl does, I decided to start celebrating a few days early.

On the Friday before the day of my birth, i had all my bestest friends over for a little birthday party. We ate s'mores, chips and salsa and cookies until we were sick, and then jumped in the pool and tried to have a successful game of HORSE. I really feel so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing friends.

Birthday Flowers

The next day, Alex took off work and dedicated the day "Spoil Allora Silly" day. We started off the day in a way that is not appropriate to blog about ;) but then went out for brunch at my favorite French Restaurant, Mimi's Cafe. We sat by the window and wished that we were sitting in an actual cafe in Paris instead of looking out the window and seeing Fiesta Mall...haha But it was a great morning, we left the cafe, and went shopping at Chandler Fashion Center. We love to walk around and pretend that we can afford things from Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma and Michael Kors. Later we went to a movie at Tempe Marketplace and also went and contemplated buying a turtle at Pestmart. Then for my special birthday dinner we went to Smash Burger. We had heard tons of good things about it, and it more than lived up to the hype. After dinner we got some Ice Cream and sat out on the patio and ate our ice cream and played games and I couldn't have asked for a better day. We didn't do anything over the top, but the fact that I had Alex 100% to myself all day long was the best present. That's what I wish for every year. :)

Then, on monday, my actual birhtday, i still had to work, but my sweet boss bought me the most magnificent present! Ballet Flat Toms! 

Then after work, I rushed to dinner with my family at Chili's (it's tradition) and opened all my presents! Lets just say that I was Spoiled ROTTEN! Thanks momma! :) 

The Sweet Husband and I

You can never have too much Polish

Anthropologie Measuring Spoons 

Anthro Spoon Rest

Anthro Butter Dish

Chalkboard made by my sweet Sister

I got 21 bottles of DP from my AMAZING in-laws!!! 

After dinner we went to Paletas Betty, my favorite Mexican Popsicle place and then we went bowling! I feel so blessed to have my family live so close and to have them still want to spoil me even now that I am married! Thanks Mom & Dad! <3

I have a feeling that this year is gonna be the best ever! :)

Now get out there are Celebrate something!

xo

Daddy's Little Girl

I know Fathers Day was a few days ago, but I just really want to dedicate a post to my dad.

Dear Dad,
I feel like there will never be the right words to express how much I really appreciate and love you. I can say those words over and over again, but i feel like they will always fall short.
You have always stood by my side and encouraged me no matter what.
I feel like i can come to you with any problem and you will be there to help me sort through it.
I love that you are always only a phone call or a text away.
I love that you call me randomly throughout the week just to talk.
You have taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to.
I have learned that it's okay to be silly and it is necessary to laugh at myself.
You have taught me integrity and self respect.
You have showed me how to have successful marriage.
I love that you love my mom. I know we always cringe and pretend to throw up when you kiss mom in front of us kids, but really you have no idea how much i love that.
You instilled a love of travel and culture deep within my heart. That desire to explore has stemmed from you and I am so glad that you dragged me half way across the world when I was young so that i could have all those wonderful experiences.
I love when you take us boating.
I love when you buy me lunch.
I love when you call me 'kiddo'
I love when you tear up because you are proud of me.
I love our inside jokes.
I love that I look like you.
Dad, you are my very best friend.
I can't wait to see you as a Grandpa.
I know my kids will be so incredibly blessed to have you in their lives.
I love you so much.
Love,
Your Baby Girl

Past Events

Sometimes when life gets tough it's nice to look back through past events to remember what life was like during better times.
That's what i am doing right now, and I just thought i would share a few fun memories from the last few weeks.

Our good friends Colton & Ashley were married a few weeks ago.
The wedding was simple and beautiful.
Plus, the reception was a blast.
Good Food, Good Dancing and even better company.
What more could one ask for?

The Handsome Husband and I

Wives of the Groomsmen

The Groomsmen

Bride & Groom

Wedding Party

silly heads

beautiful besties

Free Soda makes us soooo happy!

Two of my favorite people in the whole world

Newlyweds

probably my favorite picture of all time.

cute couple

blowing bubbles

ummm hewwo??

;)

one last hug before he leaves us!

It really was a great wedding and I wish Colton and Ashley the best of luck!

Right after the wedding Alex and I drove up to Lake Roosevelt to spend some time with my family for Memorial Day.

driving

exhausted

content

love.

silhouette.

Here are some more random little tidbits from my life:

I have the best job in the world.

fancy.

My Dear friend Trenton came home from his mission a few weeks ago. and it has been so fun to have him back!

best slogan.

i love date night.

devoured. 

happiness in a cup.

Truly life is amazing and it's sad to think that sometimes i lose sight of how lucky i really am.

Go out and tell someone you love them.

Count your blessings.

Eat chocolate.

xoxo

House Hunting Horrors... Not For the Feint of Heart

I haven't really mentioned that Alex and I are in the process of buying a home. I didn't really want to say anything until we we under contract on a place, but I'm just too annoyed to not say anything.

Alex and I began searching for our first home back in October of 2011. We found our dream house and actually had our bid accepted and were under contract up until 10 days before closing and then we found out that our Lender would not approve our loan because of my inexperience in the work place. They told me to keep my job for 6 more months and then we could start the process again.

So  here we are 6 months 8 months later with still no house. And trust me, it's not for lack of trying. I think within the past 2 months we have put at least 10 bids on different houses. But we always get out bid. Stupid Cash Investors. Seriously, I hate cash investors more than my monthly "lady week", standing in line at the DMV, stepping on gum in new shoes, and terrorists... okay so that last one is a little extreme... but seriously these investors ruin my life.

For example. A perfectly nice house comes on the market at 10am. I call my Realtor and tell him I'd like to go see it and possibly make an offer. The house is listed at $110,000 and we are willing to offer $115,000. However my Realtor calls me back at 4pm that day and tells me that a cash buyer has offered $140,000 IN CASH!!!!! not only in that 30k more than listed, it's in freaking dollar bills.

This has happens on every.single.house.we.try.to.freaking.buy!!!!

Can you tell that i'm a little upset?

It wouldn't be so bad, but it seems like even the less aesthetically appealing homes are getting snatched. You'd think that a home with stained carpets, holes in the walls and ceilings, and missing cabinets wouldn't be flying off the market. but they are. I'm all for a little home renovation. I am excited to make the place my own, but it seems like the only way i could decorate a pace of my own is to get a refrigerator box and some Sharpies.

We have again widened our search out to San Tan Valley and Queen Creek in hopes of snagging something before someone else does. It's so hard to do though since homes are up on the market for a max of about 5 days.

I know that we will find something eventually and that it will be perfect for us and that the Lord is watching over us and all that good stuff. But I still have all right to be frustrated.

That being said, my husband has been a trouper through all of this, putting up with my temper tantrums and my tears. He is a much more patient person than I am, and that is good. He also is the better finance man and helps keep my sights within the budget. If it were up to me I'd up our budget as high as we could go. but having Alex stay grounded is good. Plus he's the main reason we have enough money saved to buy a home. Also he is sweet to me, letting me cry and telling me that no matter where we live it will be perfect to him as long as i'm there with him... cheesy, but it's nice to hear when i'm just so annoyed by everything.

We are going to see 3 new homes tomorrow afternoon and so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Pray for us, burn some incense, sacrifice a small animal, rub a Buddha belly or participate in some other sort of good luck charm/ritual.

I hope y'all are having a terrific Tuesday

loves.