a shower for my beautiful friend

the best lady alive is getting married, so we showered her with love and desserts! I brought my big cam and was able to snap a few. I can't wait for the upcoming festivities and big event in june. 

her sister was the hostess with the mostess and had it at her lovely place (thanks jas!). we tag-teamed it and it turned out perfectly.

love you (soon to be) lady hogan!  

coastside guide

....the family that plays together, stays together. 

(from a beach session in half moon bay)

I feel like I'm still so new to my little Half Moon Bay town, but in actuality, we've been here almost two years (!). When friends/family/clients are heading to the coast, I get a little "hey! what should we do there" note in my inbox. I'm a very unofficial tour guide, but I thought I could share a few of my favorite things coastside. I still have so much to explore, but here's the lineup so far:

Eats:

It's Italia (my most favorite!) - Great for weekend dinners....perfect atmosphere included. My beloved is the scallop dish with a blood orange margarita!  

Moonside Bakery - Stop in for your favorite caffeinated beverage, quick pastry, or sit down brunch.

El Gran Amigo - The best of burrito stands! On our way to the beach we stop and get the carne asada burrito for him, and the veggie quesadilla (or tacos) for her.  

La Costanera - The best cebiche I've ever had (aka ceviche....it's Peruvian!). This place has an awesome downstairs area....you can eat fireside with the best of views! (Located in our hood: Montara)

San Benito Ale House - A fun bar on main street with a great beer selection....and for all you diehard bloody mary peeps, theirs is dynamite.  

Odyssey Pizza - For those lazy dine-in nights, this place has the greatest pizza.....the crust is amazing!

Activities:

HMB Coastal Trail - A coast-front trail offering miles of biking, walking or running with great views and stops along the way! We take our bikes and stop for lunch in the harbor. 

Montara Mountain - The McNee Ranch trail offers several trails...the longest trek taking you 6 miles (12 total) to the top. It's steep and awesome with killer views of Pacifica and Half Moon Bay!

Surfing - I don't surf, but it's quite the hobby around here. Aaron has given surfers beach and montara state beach a go.

Abode - The cutest store in town! I love looking at new design elements. If you enjoy scoping out home decor, this is your place. Their handmade goat milk soaps are my fav! I gift them over the holidays to the ladies in my life:)

Farmers Market - On Sundays, the harbor is host to one of the farmers markets. Pick up produce and cruise around the shops!

Last but certainly not least, cruise down hwy 1. Once a month (at least) we drive south (towards Santa Cruz) to hit our favorite trails, the best little towns, and killer beach spots. It never gets old. 

Bonus: We're 25 minutes from SF. Most weeks, we head north at some point for a little fun on the city. It's so wonderfully accessible....making it easy to get home to our little beach town when a days fun is done. Before we got married, Aaron had his eye on bringing me to the coast. He takes all the credit for knowing how much I would love it. I always act like it was mostly my idea....but he really knew what he was doing with this one:) 

...more favs in the months to come!  

sessions for a cause!

If you're a total dog loon like I am and would enjoy pictures of your favorite family member up around your pad, now is your chance! 

I wish I could rescue every. single. dog. but I can't. I've thought about it. my husband said we'd have to stop at a dozen. so instead, we give when we can. it's so important to keep these volunteer run shelters open and thriving. the more help they get, the more dogs they can save.....which ultimately leads to more dogs being placed in happy homes. this is important to me. i have two dogs that have brought me so much joy. they are the best buddies/trail partners/snugglers/sidekicks around. 

also, animal abuse makes me rage. don't do it. or I'll have to rage. 

in the spirit of these sessions, meet dozer and his lady friend:) 

RSVP for more information and to receive your time slot! 916-541-7049