The best pie in Los Angeles

I think the picture says it all. But to explain.. above is banana cream pie from The Apple Pan in West Los Angeles. It's so perfect it makes me want to go in to some kind of meditative state. We even catered it to our wedding. It's got the perfect mix of creamy custard, whipped cream, fresh banana, and flaky crust. The restaurant is a treat too, unchanged (besides the prices) since the 1940s when it opened. It's definitely an atmosphere to take in. I hope you get to enjoy it one day if you ever visit, or just get around to it if you're a local!

(photo via The Eaten Path).

16.5 weeks (last week)

Here I am at my aunt's house last week with my first "pregnant photo". I can't tell if I look pregnant or bloated, but we all know the truth. I'm really feeling the difference in my body now, and I think this coming month is going to bring that "oh, you're pregnant!" look. On Tuesday, I'm already entering my 5th month! Time flies when you're having fun, drinking only 1 cup of coffee a day, and not drinking! ;)

Dreams of Italy

Emily, the woman behind Cupcakes and Cashmere, recently blogged a post from her honeymoon in Rome. It makes me want to transport there, eat gelato, and roam the gorgeous cobblestone streets. I've been to Italy, but only for a few days. I never made it to Venice, Italy, but I've heard its amazing and I've got my heart set on visiting there next time. Given that Zac is (partially) Italian, like my 25% self, I would love to go there with him one day. So romantic.

Have you ever been to Italy? What was you're favorite part of the experience?

(photo via Cupcakes and Cashmere)

Happy Birthday Zachary!

Today, that guy (above), turns 30! The big 3-0. I'm excited for him because we're having a party at our house that is LUAU themed! (he picked the theme when presented with the options, just to be clear).. I can't wait to serve (not drink) fruity cocktails, eat Hawaiian BBQ, and celebrate such a sweet occasion with friends.

Do you remember what you did for your 30th birthday? Or, if you're not there yet, how do you feel about getting older? I like to say, we just keep getting better ;)

Happy birthday my sweet husband! Here's to the next 30 years.

Motivation

I seem to have lost my motivation. But where the hell did it go?!

Usually I'm pretty good with this sort of thing. I wrote one of my college application essays on motivation and having a sort of competition with myself or my friends that always pushed me to do my best. But lately, I've been feeling a cloud over my head saying "study" (for my licensure exam), but haven't had the umph to get it done like I need to. So as a person in need of a kick in the pants.. what do you do to get yourself going? Structure? Rewards? Schedules? Or just that little voice in the back of your head that makes you feel guilty if you don't do it? Or maybe I'm too hard on myself? No, that's not it!

Help!

(comic credit unknown, unless you can read the tiny signature at the bottom!)

Are you a hat person?

How cute and effortless and hippie is this hat? Would you wear it?

I'd try it out. I think the bangs really make the look though. Find it here, on Etsy!

on the road again

What are you up to this weekend? Zac and I are heading out to Las Vegas to celebrate his and his dad's birthday with his family. In honor of their special days (and Zac getting a gift card from work), we're going to see Cirque Du Soleil!

I'm way excited. I hear "O" is one of the best, which is the one we're going to see, and I haven't seen a Cirque show since I was a kid, with my dad. Zac recently saw the Love show, and highly recommends it too. So here's to a fun weekend everybody!