A Few Upgrades...

We were lucky to have the help of Daniel's Dad while visiting and got a couple projects checked off our list! Our guest bedroom didn't have an overhead light when we moved in...so we really wanted to add: 

#1 overhead light 

#2 ceiling fan (our house doesn't have A/C)

Thanks to my handy father-in-law...mission accomplished!

 BEAUTIFUL!

Daniel had hung floating shelves before his parents got into town, however, they weren't very secure due to our walls being warped apparently. So, once again, my handy father-in-law came to the rescue with some reinforcements!

 Daniel doing the initial work...

All Done! 

Daniel also hung some curtains on our MUCH needed wide open sliding glass doors that look directly into our neighbors living room.

 I just love them and they were super cheap from Ikea. I'm pretty obsessed with that place!

Last but not least...we FINALLY got a new (leather) couch. When you have four, never-ending shedding dogs...microfiber couches are probably the worst couch to purchase. I absolutely hated our couches that we got when we first moved here. Daniel insisted on them so I agreed but I searched for a replacement from the very beginning. We finally found one that was in our budget, comfortable and the right color. I am so sick of super dark furniture but you don't have too many color options when it comes to leather. I really wanted a sleeper sofa for extra guest space but the sleeper was extremely uncomfortable. So, air mattress it is for extra guests. Sorry folks! 

BEFORE:

AFTER:

We eventually want to get the matching chair and ottoman. Plus, I would like to get a new picture for above the couch. We can't decide if we want another ottoman in front of the couch or coffee table. For now, we are using our old ottoman. We have since moved the bar (the furniture piece to the left) into the kitchen where it belongs and looks much better. Unfortunately, we have to have an eye sore of a crate in our living room because Penelope just LOVES her crate.

And, Penelope wins!

Redwoods, Wine and More...

We have been very lucky to have Daniel's parents with us this week. We sure have accomplished a lot too. They flew in from Texas last Friday and our first stop was our favorite winery close to home. We are wine club members so we feel pretty important at this place. Ha. Just kidding. It sure is a peaceful place though.

Next, we flew into Santa Rosa, California to spend a few days exploring the redwoods, vineyards, wine tasting and lake front lodging at the most perfect Bed & Breakfast. 

This tree root was MASSIVE! I wonder what it sounded like when it fell...

 

The pictures don't do justice for how big these trees truly are...they are breathtaking!

 And, of course, we HAD to smell the soil in the forest. It smelt very "earthy."

Next, we drove up the coast...it was very cold and dreary...we didn't get too many pictures of the beautiful cliffs and rocks. Here is one of my sweet husband!

And, after being in the forest all afternoon...we finally saw some wildlife on the way back down the coast. This deer stared at us for a solid 15 minutes. And, as Daniel would say in the voice of the deer..."either leave me, feed me or shoot me." Haha!

Another deer while driving...this one didn't like the flash too much.

After a solid day and evening exploring redwoods and the coast line...we were ready to enjoy our B&B on the lake.

This is the view from the dock of the B&B we stayed at while visiting Northern California.

Our room. Every room had a stuffed animal of a dog. And, of course, we got the room with the yellow lab look-a-like! ;)

Private patio off our room.

View from the patio...

View from the deck...so beautiful!

Shamus...the house dog. I loved on this golden-doodle A LOT!

Delicious breakfast...the day before we had an even better plate. (I didn't get a pic, unfortunately.) Mmmm...so good!

 I love him. ALOT.

Leaving Clearlake and heading to wineries!!

I knew we were in wine country but I had no idea that there would be vineyards everywhere we turned...I was in heaven!! So beautiful. I already want to go back!

Outside Francis Ford Coppola Winery

That is where we experienced fine dining at it's greatest...

I tried rack of lamb for the first...and final time. It was good but after spending that night on the bathroom floor with nausea for hours...no thanks. It would have been so much easier if I could have just gotten sick! I like little lambs too much to eat them again!

Chateau Montelena Winery

Let's get this tasting started folks!

 Back in sunny San Diego...we spent a beautiful day at the San Diego Zoo. Tomorrow, we will be spending our last full day together in Coronado (my happy place). Plus, Daniel and his Dad will tour the Midway carrier while his Mom and I stroll through Seaport Village. 

(pictures to follow)

I'm so grateful to have the in-laws that I do. I truly love and appreciate them. I've enjoyed this time with them so very much!

Guest Bedroom Oasis

It's been a while since I have posted anything. Our home organization got put on hold for a little bit due to completing the guest bedroom. It's almost complete! We just need to add some paint and wall art. Plus, we need some curtains.

Before we just add the bed in here...nothing else!

 I definitely want to get a headboard and picture for above the bed.

 I just LOVE this little table/dresser. Our guest room is too small for a dresser so this was perfect. We found this at HomeGoods...as well as the sailboat.

 Welcome basket...and I almost squealed when I saw it had a chalkboard too. I filled it with water bottles, popcorn, nuts, apples and granola bars. (Found this at Target)

 And, of course, I had to add mints.

 Guest bathroom. Floating shelves from Target. We still need to paint in here too.

I thought this Relax sign was appropriate for the bathroom. ;) Plus, I got this while on vacation in Catalina so I wanted in our guest room for our vacationers!

 Toiletries (cotton balls, q-tips, shower cap and toothpaste in blue glass bowl). I always take the little shampoo, etc. bottles when we travel for our guests. I mean..you DO pay for them!