Kyle, Marisa, and Baby, OH MY!

My brother & Marisa had a baby last month, Connor McIntosh Hoyt, and I was lucky enough to go visit the clan down in Charleston, South Carolina this past weekend, exactly on Baby Boy Hoyt's 1 Month birthday.  And it was a blast!  It was great to see everyone, my parents came down as well, and spend sometime getting to know my newest nephew. 

It was quickly observed that I may have a knack for babies.  Whenever Connor would start to cry, I'd pick him up and he'd immediately seize all tears.  At first, we all thought this was beginners luck, but it went on all weekend.  I never knew I could love someone so much so instantaneously!  Connor is my 5th niece/nephew and I love them all with my whole heart.  But he was the first that I was able to see as an infant.  My work schedule lined up nicely with being able to go to Charleston this weekend- and for free! 

Here are some pictures of Connor from this weekend- Maybe you'll get a better idea of why I love him so much. 

After discovering my motherly nature, seeing Kyle & Marisa happy as can be as parents, and spending time playing with my nephew, I started to get this feeling deep within to have my own baby.  All I could think about was how someday it would be wonderful to have one of my very own.  I haven't had that real urge until now, but it got me excited about the future. 

That was until about 3am when I realized the feeling deep within was nothing more than indigestion...or at least that's what I'm telling myself. I think that buys me at least another 5 years. 

Current Track:  Since I missed him live in Philly & NYC, I felt this was only fitting 3 AM- Sean Hayes wish I could have been there with you Ali :)

Friends, Sunshine and Flea Markets...

The best perk of my job, like many, are the weekends.  However, since I travel so much, my company will fly me anywhere in the country for a comparable price if I don't want to go home.  Well, this is something I feel needs to be taken advantage of as often as possible.  When else will I get free flights throughout the US? So, in the spirit of being advantageous, I went out to Los Angeles this past weekend to visit my best friend.  She and I have been friends since we were about 3 years old, we bonded over our love of getting muddy and collecting onion grass in red solo cups at our brother's soccer games...awe memories.  Back to the visit, I flew out of Dallas on Friday and arrived at LAX around 2pm, just in time to take a cab to her Hollywood office, where I just so happened to have the pleasure of meeting Ashton Kutcher, background- she works for his production company.  Oh the Hollywood life, so far from my reality.  Our weekend consisted of a private movie screening, eating sushi in a parking lot, singing the verve pipe- freshman at the top our lungs, dancing the robot in the car, horse races, vegan mexican, speakeasies, a small music venue in Silverlake, more sushi sans parking lot, and the best part of all, the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena.

Hidden gem through a secret door- Downtown LA :) 

I should have bought this on principal alone :)

If you're wondering where Southern Californians get their vintage tees, dresses, and scarves, you might be thinking that they are hitting up the local Urban Outfitters.  But I think you'd be sadly mistaken. They are probably going to the Rose Bowl Flea Market the second Sunday of each month.  This is by far the largest flea market that I've ever been to and also the most stocked.  This market has over 2,500 vendors that come with furniture, fur coats, jewelry - old and newly designed, a bloody mary bar, grilled hot dogs, churros, and a what appears to be an endless supply of vintage tees and dresses.  Not going to lie, not every shirt is "vintage" I came across a few Op and Stussy shirts, but hey, those were the early 90s... so maybe they are considered vintage at this point.  Either way, I was overwhelmed with the plethora of tees that were all under $10- most were about $5, I managed to rummage through a couple of $3 boxes and came across some one of a kind hand crafted screen printed vintage shirts for $20.  I have a thing for all things vintage - tees, jewelry, and of course, old 70s style dresses.  I was lucky enough to find an amazing purple dress for $10 that I fully intend on wearing as soon as I get home.  Check it out.  I'm thinking of cutting and re-hemming the sleeves... any thoughts?

 

In case you didn't believe me! :)

Now, don't think that all this flea market had to offer was amazing, one of a kind vintage tees and dresses, it also has the same one of a kind antique furniture for a steal.  Unfortunately, I don't live local otherwise you might see me renting a truck for what I'd call "Flea Market Day" and roll home with the complete furnishings for my quant Venice Beach bungalow, then spend the rest of the day decorating and walking my dog on the beach.  Oh, man I just got lost in a day dream- someday!  Take a look at my pictures from the market and some of my favorite purchases! 

And the best one to date...

What makes this one even more special, is the muscle tank element to top it off.

Current Track: In the spirit of the locale of the trip... Mason Jennings: California

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

With my profession, I have the luxury of traveling from client to client all over the country. Hopefully someday I'll have a job that takes me all over the world. This perk has both its ups and downs like most things in life.  Besides the hotel points, frequent flyer miles, and all expenses paid meals, there is another aspect of the travel that I love.  The thing that I love the most about my traveling job is that for a brief moment while flying thousands of feet high, there is a moment, no matter what city I'm going, where I look out the plane window and imagine that I'm going someplace exotic- a piece of untouched territory that I can call my own.  And I am reminded of how vast this world is and how many places I haven't seen and want to see.  There's nothing like viewing the sunset from an airplane window- it seems to go on forever and in some ways, it feels like you get to see it set and rise at the same time.  I am never bored when I have the blessing of a window seat- all the things I dream and think about are endless. Next time you're flying somewhere and you're lucky enough to get a window seat- look out the window, enjoy the view, and think of all the places that are out there, even the places you can't imagine exist, and dream of a time when you will be able to see them all. 

It will probably take me a lifetime to see all the places that I desire, but isn't that what its supposed to be about, going from one adventure to the next?

If you can't get away on an adventure anytime soon, check THIS out. It never fails to get me pumped up. Maybe someday my blog will look and sound a little bit more like that!