QT With Friends: At Fig Tree Cafe

{Location: Fig Tree Cafe in Hillcrest, San Diego CA}
I went out for dinner tonight to celebrate Melody's birthday! She picked out this nice little restaurant in Hillcrest. It was our first time here, so we were all a bit curious (and a bit excited) for the food.

Needless to say, the food was VERY tasty! My compliments to the chef!

[While I Waited] We had Fried Green Tomato Napoleon for our appetizer...darn, I forgot to take a snapshot of it. It looked so yummy that we all just dug in right away! It was gone before I could even remember to take out my camera...oh well.
[What I'm Waiting For]  My Free Range Chicken Cannelloni
[What I Sipped, While I Waited] I got my drink on with a Raspberry Bellini!
[What I Shouldn't Have, but Did] We all shared a Tiramisu. Again, we all dug in so fast, that I forgot to take a snapshot of it.

Cheers! Happy new year of life Melody! I've missed hanging out with these two ladies...I know we've all been busy with our own schedules lately...but it's definitely nice to catch up and just enjoy each other's company. We even made plans for a quick day trip up to the place where our lovely friendships bloomed and grew (sometime in mid-February). Nice...

A gift for ME? What a pleasant surprise! Analyn gave me my late late...late birthday gift (you guys, my birthday was in October, hahaha)! Oh Analyn...THANK YOU friend! I've been SO wanting one too!

[Anthropologie: Infinity scarf in navy/marigold]

Wedding Notes: The Venue with an Old World Charm...

{Location: Bernardo Winery, San Diego CA}
My sister Charlene & my future brother-in-law Enrique have finally decided on their wedding venue! I searched long and hard for a place that truly reflected their personalities and lifestyle (low key, rustic, vintage, quaint, that worn-in yet comfy & cozy vibe) ...finding Bernardo Winery wasn't easy...but I feel so relieved that they both LOVE the place!

{Tidbit Fact}
Bernardo Winery was founded in 1889, making it the oldest, fully functioning winery and vineyard in Southern California. We were told that Father Junipero Serra himself came here for his wines...pretty cool, huh? Talk about finding a historical gem! :)

{Love}
As we were strolling through the winery/village...I could hear Charlene gasping and blissfully sighing behind me. Whenever I'd turn around to look at Enrique, his eyes were glazed over with awe. Yup....they were pretty much falling in love with the place at each turn of the corner.

BIG moment today for Charlene & Enrique....giving the deposit to secure the wedding date! We also brought our parents (Charlene's and my parents) to see the venue. We have yet to bring Enrique's parents up here (but it'll happen soon enough)!

Now mind you, our parents are more accustomed to the traditional wedding reception at hotels/church ceremonies. So this was really a chance for them to take in Charlene & Enrique's vision. I'm happy to say that they too agreed Bernardo Winery was the perfect place for the couple.

We stopped for a quick coffee break at Sweet Pea Coffee Cottage before heading to the office to meet up with the wedding events manager.

{Side Note}
Dad was totally sold on this place. He loved the nostalgic feel it encompassed. Mom on the other hand...we feel that she likes the place, but that she's still really trying to soak it all in and get past the fact it's not a typical hotel reception setting....but we know she'll come around. Once she sees the decor we're personally creating, the set-up on the day of, Charlene in her wedding gown and Enrique waiting down the aisle...all that is what's going to matter to her in the end :)

{Location: South Bay Fish & Grill in Chula Vista Marina}
After visiting Bernardo Winery, we all went out for a celebratory dinner (mom and dad's treat)!

The first step in the wedding process is done and now...the PLANNING really begins :)
Maid of Honor signing out :)

QT With Friends: At Chili's

{Location: Chili's Restaurant in Otay Ranch Town Center, Chula Vista}

I went out to dinner with some really great friends of mine tonight. Just something low key...Chili's $20 for two? Yes please....and OHHH that molten lava cake for dessert...that was delightful. Thanks Gerry for dinner tonight! I got you next time friend :) 

{Love}
Talking and catching up with Mariemel, Gerry & Phil (who took our snapshot here). Never a dull moment with these guys! We always seem to talk about future travel plans with each other...Seattle, Disney Cruise, road trip through New Mexico and Texas, Palm Springs...I can't help but smile because we have YET to travel as a group together. Ohhhhh these guys, one day it will happen (if we can get all our schedules in sync)!

{Score}
I bought these all purpose magnet boxes from Barnes & Noble for $2.00 (they were in the clearance section). I thrive on storage containers! They're pretty durable and I like the world map printing on them.

QT With Friends: Extraordinary Desserts

{Location: Extraordinary Desserts in Downtown San Diego}

I just got this picture sent to me through fb yesterday from Charlene (this picture was taken from Joann's phone). We celebrated Joann's birthday on 1.13.12 at one of my favorite dessert places! I just love love love their passion fruit ricotta torte cake...SO good!


{Tidbit Fact}
This was Joann's first time EVER eating at Extraordinary...what the heck, woman?!? How can you not have eaten here before? Hahaha :)