December 14, 2015

Tanya's Daily Scoop
​NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 25 Days

Beaches, Butterfly Groves, and More!

Well folks, it's another Monday and I'm officially grounded!

That's right, I'm back from my latest getaway and now I'm not traveling for 25 Days!
(That's a LONG time for me!)

But there lots to do between now and then, not to even mention the wonderful upcoming Holidays.
And I am that much closer after having a great and eventful weekend in Santa Barbara!

Yesterday started out with a breakfast of delicious Acai bowls from Backyard Bowls - a very happy find from my last visit to Santa Barbara back in June 2014.

Next up was the Goleta Butterfly Garden and the Ellwood Butterfly Grove. Where we got to see the beautiful Monach Butterflies in their migration!

Currently there are at least 6,610 of these fluttering little travelers. It's quite an amazing sight to see!! 

After our stroll around the butterfly grove, it was time to do a little retail therapy...
and off we went to La Cumbre Plaza, finding exactly what we were looking for! SCORE :)

So shopping was pretty successful (aside from Dave pissing me off as we walked back to the vehicle).

And then the rain came, so I opted for us to start heading down the coast and to
​El Matador State Beach in Malibu.

El Matador State Beach

El Matador State Beach

Being that it was pretty wet and windy, and that Cosette was sound asleep in the back seat, we didn't go all the way down from the bluffs to the shore. It was still beautiful and a place that I certainly wouldn't mind going back to!

Next stop was for a little bite to eat in West Hollywood at Gracias Madre. And when we exited the restaurant, we saw paparazzi camped out across the street waiting for a certain someone to emerge. I just don't know who that certain someone was! LOL

At this point in the evening, it was about time to begin heading home. I had one more stop to make at Trader Joe's, and that was it. We wrapped up another fun and full festive weekend getaway.

I've got lots more chores, errands, stable going, choir rehearsal, and a Board meeting to fill my day with, so I best get a move on things!

I'm outta here,
​-T 

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 4 DAYS

Chocolate Reflections

Hey there!!

Well, what a great weekend!  I have to say, it flew by with all the activity at the barn, but what an amazing time we had.

The Girls did unbelievable at their Barn Show yesterday - yes, the Dream Come True Show Team was phenomenal!

The girls had some practice in the morning, but once the show began, everyone did perfect!!

Kelsey and Gianna both jumped 2 feet and boy did they make it look easy!!

​

Gianna discussing the show line up with the other girls

Kelsey jumping 2 feet

Kelsey on Buddy (the white horse) lining up with her group

Gianna walking out into the Arena with All Star

Gianna jumping 2 feet

Kelsey with her amazing trainer, Concetta

At this point, I should be buying stock in camera cards because of all the photos and videos I take each week at the barn!

Their progress just fills my heart.

Moving on...
So, with all the excitement yesterday, I totally never got to post all about how it was National Hot Cocoa day!!!

​Can you believe it? That's right, there is actually a day that honors my all-time favorite beverage!!!

Anyone that knows me, knows that I cannot get through the day without a hot chocolate.

It's important to note that I make it a quest to try to the hot chocolates no matter where I go.
I will not lie as Starbucks' hot chocolate is my favorite.  

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​Whether it be in my neighborhood Starbucks or even at the Starbucks' counter in my local Stop & Shop, the barristers know immediately what I'm going to order and there is no need for me to even tell them anymore! 

My special order is a Non-fat, hot chocolate, no whip.

Now, having said that, I have had some great experiences with hot cocoa throughout my travels.

Two places in particular stand out for memorable chocolately goodness.  Kakawa Chocolate House in Santa Fe, New Mexico topped my list, when during our Cousins Road Trip to New Mexico, we had the pleasure of spending a special afternoon drinking their unique blends of hot cocoa delights.

During my recent trip with Gianna to Lititz, Pennsylvania, I had a WONDERFUL Hot Chocolate at Cafe Chocolate!

This adorable eatery had not only chocolate beverages, but also food and sweets made of and with chocolate!!

With my chocolate mustache at Cafe Chocolate in Lititz, Pennsylvania

So, in honor of National Hot Cocoa Day yesterday, here's to some of the best hot chocolates out there!!

Tonight, is Gianna's Christmas band concert.  This is her 4th year in the school band playing the clarinet.  

Me and Kelsey will be in the audience cheering her and the rest of the band on!!

Well, my friends, I'm going to get going here.

Please read all about Tanya's trip to the Butterfly Grove!! She has some great pictures!

Toodles,

-E
xxoo