Sunny California

What a lovely time we had in California. 

Blue skies, perfect temperature, beautiful views, and delicious food each day...a few of my favorite things. 

Hopefully, my pictures will somewhat summarize our adventures, 

but I will give a few suggestions for those of you who may be 

venturing out that way in the near future. 

If you love vintage clothing, you can find something from almost 

each era at the Vintage Shop on Sunset Blvd. 

My fave thing about this store, the plethora of hats and wigs of all styles, lengths, texture, and color. 

If you have 3-4 hours, take the time to relax on a whale watching cruise on Rainbow Harbour. 

Although the food was mediocre, Bubba Gumps provides a fun atmosphere. 

For the biggest portions you will ever see (and they are quite tasty!), 

check out a West Coast favorite, Claim Jumper. 

 Check out The Pike at Rainbow Harbour if you enjoy cute shops 

and unique dining with a beautiful water view. 

And let's be honest...who doesn't?

 If you even walk within 100 feet of The Great Rocky Mountain Chocolate Shop at Rainbow 

Harbour, you will be drawn in by the smell. 

They had the most unique selection of chocolate covered items. 

Bacon...honeybuns...need I say more?

 And don't forget to just take it easy and enjoy the uniqueness of it all!

Cross Body

It's been a while since I've gotten this excited about a purse. 

Every girl has her "thing" that she just can't get enough of, and purses have never been it for me. 

But, these new "hands free" cross body bags may just do it for me. 

I love being able to run my errands without getting a sore arm from an oversized purse. 

Being able to pull out my car keys while holding my ice water (that's right, not coffee) has seriously improved the way I start my day. 

All this time, I thought I was clumsy. 

Nope - it was the purse. 

And, did I mention that you can find almost any color, fabric, shape, and size?

 They are everywhere, and this is a fabulous thing.

Speaking of fabulous, check out a few of my faves below (I actually have the first one).  

      

                                          

xoxo,

       Caroline

Cali - Here I come!

Eeek!

Only two more sleeps (this is how I countdown) until I board a jet plane for sunny California.

Forecast...70's all week.
Humidity....non existant.
Happy and happier.

While this trip will be loads of fun, I am most excited about
the relationship building and personal growth that is bound to take place.

And, I go with an expectant heart.

I want to walk away,

with the other 3,900 brothers and sisters in Christ attending,

"resolved to live a life for Him."

Resovled 2011.

2011 Resolved Trailer from Resolved on Vimeo.

New Beginnings -

Well, in true Caroline fashion, it has been over a year since my last post.

Oh-my, do I have a lot to update you guys on.

It has truly been a full year of "firsts."

Here is a quick timeline of the highlights.

I had a song written about me (you can hear it in the wedding video below).

Benjamin & Caroline - Highlight Video from Edward Estes on Vimeo.

I got engaged.

I sold my first painting.

I bought a house with my soon-to-be hubby.

I lived by myself, which was also a first, & loved it.

I got married to the best man that I have ever met.

I went to the Dominican Republic and snuba diving (yes, snuba).

Sadly, the camera used to capture these precious memories no longer functions.

I got my first male roommate (the hubby),

and my house became a much more fun and untidy place.

I experienced the first death of someone close to me, my grandfather.

I switched careers - from 7th grade Language Arts teacher

to full time vocational ministry.

I planted my first flower garden (well, the first one actually

in the ground -flower pots in the window sill of my

college apartment doesn't count).

I had my first Christmas as a Mrs. I decorated my house,

made Christmas goodies for my neighbors, and

played "Santa" for the first time.

Although, I don't think my husband was fooled.

Oh yea, and it was my first white Christmas!

Benjamin and I made the first addition to our family, Miss Roxie Sox.

I became an aunt to the most precious baby girl, Chandler Gray.

I know it sounds silly but, if I am ever blessed with children,

I hope I can love them as much as I love her.

And that, ladies and gents, is probably the best ending to a blog post ever.

xoxo,

Caroline