The weekends are the best part of the week. I can say that as fact because I’ve never met anyone who would disagree. Have you ever heard someone say “Weekend? No thanks, I’ll take Monday instead.”? But, despite the bliss of the weekends and how much we look forward to them throughout the week, sometimes I feel like I get stuck in this rut of doing the same things every weekend- going out to the same restaurants, bars, etc. So this weekend was all about exploration for us!

I usually associate exploring with leaving town, but have come to realize that there is so much to explore in my own city/county! It’s great that we find places we love and can rely on for a good meal, drink, hike, etc., but finding new places to do those things is what prevents (or helps remedy) feeling like I’m in a rut…and doing it with a partner in crime like my sister is pretty great too!

{Deviating from the typical take out and wine Friday nights with a homemade soup. Recipe via Skinnytaste}

{Exploring a new favorite restaurant, Eat Chow, for a Saturday morning brunch and lattes…not much “itsy bitsy” about my breakfast sandwich here…oops!}

{Typically a lover of hydrangeas and tulips, these Proteas added the perfect touch to a new vase}

{We don’t normally spend much time in Corona del Mar, but it was a gorgeous day at the beach, and this beachside walk provided some gorgeous views of lots of sailboats and crashing waves.}

{The beginnings of a fun Saturday night: a tasty AND low-cal La Paloma: 1.5 oz blanco tequila, juice of 1/2 a grapefruit, 2.5 oz club soda, lime juice, and a squirt of agave nectar!}

{A Sunday morning bike ride to breakfast, followed by a refreshing green smoothie! Recipe: 1/2 pear, 1 medium kiwi, 2 cups spinach, 5 oz Danon vanilla Greek yogurt, and ice…much needed after this weekend’s indulgences!}

 What can you discover in your own back yard???