Thursday, August 27, 2009

call me crazy....


I think I could live at Starbucks. Yes, I love the small, independent coffee shops. And yes, I will drink that Santa Barbara Snickers Blended Java Jones. BUT...there is just something about Starbucks that leaves me with a warm, fuzzy feeling on the inside. Of course I realize this warm fuzziness is probably a direct result of drinking hot beverages that actually physically increase my body's temperature, but I like to think of it as a more magical experience than that. Don't get me wrong; I have my complaints about the empire. As a whole, however, well done Buckies, well done.
I know it's silly, but I get SO EXCITED to go to the Bucks. Something about the ability to order whatever you want, and the anticipation of receiving "the regular," or something you've never tried before...it just rubs me the right way.

One semester in college I spent a significant amount of time in my ALL TIME FAVORITE STARBUCKS, on the corner of Victoria and State Street in Santa Barbara. By the end of the semester, I knew almost every barista, and going to Starbucks was more like hanging out with friends than anything else. (I realize that buckies can get expensive, and YES, there is a lot of initial investment that goes into the process. (buying drinks, meeting the barista's, etc.) But I'm a firm believer that there is a good return on investment once you get to know the barista's, and they HOOK YOU UP!)

To note: Starbucks is far better in the fall and winter time. I mean, what can be better than drinking a latté or cappuccino in chilly weather while sitting at a window table. There are few things I appreciate more than a good book or a good conversation over a cup of coffee. And if you even dare to add a little Ray Lamontagne or Mindy Smith to the mix, watch out.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Kapsie and Jeff Jeff in SB

Mom and Dad were in town this past weekend for a wedding, and we were ACTIVE. Let's just say we strolled the art walk, went sailing, rode bikes for a picnic at the mission, Kapsie and I went SPEED WALKING from downtown to Shoreline Park, we danced at a wedding, and we ate lots of food. Good food. Cantwells, The Palace, Palazzio's, and of course, the Hotel Santa Barbara Scones because YES I will be eating these please, HELLO, my parents are staying here for FREE. (Thanks again Maddie!! :) )







Thursday, August 13, 2009

huzzah!


I'm related to a celebrity.



a pregnant goldfish is called a twit. i know. weird.

Tim and I discovered a GREAT find at one of my all-time favorite stores in Santa Barbara. The store is called "Random." I can only assume that it's called this because it is a one-hundred percent accurate representation of what the store entails. This store almost defies explanation. They have everything from bootleg Asian sports jersey's to Martha Stewart wedding books.

Here is a cross section of what I have purchased from Random in the past.
- A Cake Platter
- SPY artwork
- Picture Frame
- Antique Books
- Thank-You Cards
- Dice
- Buttons
- Dept. 56 North Pole Christmas Decorations
- Used Christmas lights
- Glass Bottles
- Knives
- Extension Cords

That's a short list friends. One of the best parts of this store is that things are relatively inexpensive, and if you feel like something is overpriced, you HAGGLE. But enough about the other fabulous finds I've purchased; the point of this post is to display what was perhaps the most EPIC find of all. I'm convinced I should purchase this to incorporate in Abbey's wedding somehow.




Dino is about 12 feet tall. And look...his tail comes off! If that's not made for convenient travel.....

It's like he's BEGGING to be in the wedding!