FISH TACOS

Growing up, my family & I had the immense privilege of traveling to the islands of Hawaii. To this day, we all love the island vibe of relaxation, beauty, and the memories we made through the years. One of our favorite things while visiting Maui, is walking to Whaler’s Village in Kaanapali in the evening for dinner on the water and to watch the sunset. (This is where Derek and I also went on our honeymoon!) To this day, I still crave the delicious fish tacos and nachos on the patio of Leilani’s. For weeks after each trip, other fish tacos cannot compare. Something about the breeze, sunset, and gentle ukulele music playing, perhaps? Last weekend, I tried my hand at making our own fish tacos for dinner, and I was not disappointed! This easy & short cut recipe is sure to please any fish taco fan & jazz up your weeknight dinner routine a little. Now, if only my patio had an ocean view, I would be in paradise! 

A SEASIDE PICNIC

On Sunday afternoon, we called up our friends with the idea of a potluck picnic on the beach. We rummaged our kitchens, gathered blankets, and headed to Scripps Park in La Jolla for an afternoon picnic. Our spread ranged from ham & swiss sammies, green salad, fresh fruit, and delicious treats. All of the food was wonderful, and the company even better. I swear, San Diego normally likes to show off in the Spring. Instead, we all bundled up with impending rain clouds and set out. We managed to eat and visit before a huge downpour had us running to our cars. It wasn't perfect weather, but it was still memorable and fun. This is what Sundays are made for.

EASTER BRUNCH

For Easter this year, Derek had weekend call, so I took it upon myself to make a yummy brunch for us on Sunday afternoon. With his call schedule being sporadic and random, I focused on making dishes that heat and reheat nicely so, if for some reason, Derek could eat it later in the day. Thankfully, he was home in time to enjoy our Easter brunch, watch the second session of General Conference, and take a sunset stroll on the beach. It was a lovely afternoon of food, relaxation, and time spent with just the two of us, which is always a blessing! 

BLUEBERRY COBBLER

Spring decided to grant us a weekend of 90 degree weather and copious amounts of Sunshine pretty early into March. Normally, when the weather gets like this, I refuse to run my oven. I made an exception on Sunday for blueberry cobbler. This summer dessert couldn't be easier due to the fact it is only 5 ingredients and essentially one of those recipes you literally just throw in a dish. Topped with cold vanilla ice cream, this summer time staple will have you thinking of all the other possibilities you could dazzle your guests with. 

LITTLE ITALY FARMER'S MERCATO

San Diego has some fantastic farmers markets on the weekends. We enjoy heading down to Little Italy on Saturday mornings to scope out fresh produce, flowers, and lots of local vendors selling everything from BBQ sauce to bow ties. It was particularly warm on Saturday, so we knew strawberry basil lemonade had to be one of our first purchases. We absolutely adore this market and all it has to offer. Plus, you can't beat the location; smack dab in the center of downtown with views to boot.

SHOWERING DANIE & BABY SAGE

My sweet friend Mandy and I teamed up to throw a lovely baby shower for darling Danie and her baby, Sage. Funny story, we originally had this shower planned in January, but baby girl decided she needed to make an early debut and was born the day before her original shower date! It worked out in our favor, because we were all able to love and snuggle on this sweet & tiny bundle of joy. Mandy, being the amazing baker she is, whipped up home made raspberry tarts & lemon coconut cookies. I decided to stick with my forte of cooking, and dazzled with my fig & goat cheese crostini, yogurt parfaits with coconut almond granola, and lemon zested berries. We were also able to surprise Danie with beautiful newborn photos Mandy took when she arrived at the shower. It was a morning full of great friends, food, laughter, and baby coos.