Nick's SURPRISE 30th Birthday Fiesta

I've been sneaking around, fibbing and scheming for the past 4ish months... All for a good cause! My boyfriend Nick turned 30 this past weekend so we threw him a surprise 30th birthday fiesta at my parents house.  

Planning started way back at the end of April with contact collecting and evites. With such early planning, you'd think I was planning a wedding!  I wanted to begin early to give out of town friends and family an opportunity to plan a trip out for Nick. 

Since Nick works on Sundays, those were my sneak around and party plan days.  I spent hours contacting people, printing pictures, and having secret family meetings in between all of my other Sunday chores.  Then, when Nick came home and it seemed like I hadn't done much… I'd have to tell him that the day got away from me, man I wish there were more hours in a day to get things done (tehehe)!! 

It took an army of people to help me pull this surprise off.  My brother took charge of lighting and hung lines from my parents house to the far end of their backyard.  He also got creative with white lanterns and lit them up with LEDs!  My parents allowed me to use their basement to stash decorations and beverages, and donated a great deal of time, money and creativity in creating a delicious Mexican spread.  Nicks parents and brother supported me by giving me all of the names and contacts, and an abundance of amazing pictures of Nick through the year.  Besides our families, so many other people had a hand in helping this party come to life!  

While everyone was waiting for us to come around the corner

A BIG GINORMOUS THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAD A HAND IN PLANING, AND ATTENDED TO CELEBRATE NICK!!!!

I told Nick a few months before the party the he need to take a few days off from work because I was taking him on a weekend get away.  The only clue I gave him was that we weren't leaving the state.  I gave him a list of things to pack, and did my own packing too.  The whole time I was giggling in my head, and couldn't believe I was actually packing a fake vacation bag.  

I also told him that the weekend would be a "series of adventures" and the first adventure might give away what the rest of the weekend looked like, so he had to be blindfolded.  He wasn't too thrilled about that.  I drove out of my way to get to my parents house so that he wasn't sure where we were.  I took a few extra turns here and there, and avoided my blinker on occasion so that he wasn't too aware that I was exiting and changing lanes.  

As we got closer, he got a little more nervous…as did I.  I felt like I was in a dream, and when I slipped and told him that, I followed up with "because of my cold, my head is so foggy, I feel like I'm dreaming!" haha!!  We pulled up to my parents driveway and I was sure he would figure out where he was at that point.  We walked down the gravel path on their side yard to the sound of cows mooing and chickens clucking, my dad planned that one…so creative, of course we would go hang out at a farm for his 30th!  I've never felt the sort of emotion I felt when I was leading him towards his friends and family.  I was nervous as all h*** for so many reasons (I didn't want the surprise to be blown, I was meeting a few of his best friends for the first time, all eyes were on us, etc…), I was laughing because Nick was freaking out slightly and would hardly move so I was dragging him along, and I was tearing up with joy and appreciation for the amount of love and support I was seeing for the guy that I LOVE!

Finally I couldn't handle it any more so I allowed him to take off his blindfold, as everyone yelled SURPRISE!

I think he was genuinely surprised, especially because of the combination of faces!!  His brother and dad flew out from South Dakota, some of his best friends drove out--The Erfmans, The Heisingers, and James-- and our closest friends and family from the area came too!

Hugs all around!!

We all ate, drank, played yard games, had delicious cake thanks to mama Erfman, and even took out some aggression on a candy/shooter filled piñata!

Overall, I think the party was a success.  It was my gift to Nick to plan this event, and I think no one deserves the love and recognition more.  He is an amazing person in so many peoples lives, and I'm the lucky one to have fallen in love with him.  

HERE'S TO MANY MANY MORE, I LOVE YOU NICK!!

Keepin it Real

Happy Thursday People!!! 2nd to last day at my job and I am soooo excited! Next week I'll be starting a new adventure and I cannot wait! So thankful for this opportunity and thanking the Lord!!! I decided to keep it real today and so once again I apologize for my bluntness...

Raise your hand if you have ever talked about someone behind their back? If you didn't raise your hand you are a liar and probably the scariest of them all! ;) But in all honestly why is it so easy to talk bad about people behind their back? If we've all experienced knowing someone is talking bad about us it has got to be one of the worst feelings! When you leave Middle School you think those days are over and then high school hits. Once high school is over you assume those back stabbing, gossiping days are over- yea right. College and the working world is probably worse!! I have to say women/girls are probably the absolute worst at this, and why? Shouldn't we all be each other's biggest fan? We all know what it's like to be emotional, pmsing, stressed out, insecure....etc. so why do we harp on each other's weaknesses instead of encourage? In reality talking behind people's back only makes us look bad. I encourage you and ME to stop being so mean and only focus on building people up. Encourage one another, be kind and stop acting like a rude, immature, snarky, gossipy mean person!! ;) I challenge every one who reads this post to take each day as it comes and say one kind thing about someone. If someone wants to start gossiping stop them and say let's change the subject. Why be a follower when you could be a leader?? Someday if I'm blessed to have kids I want to encourage them to be kind, love like Jesus and be a friend.

I hope this encourages you and makes you stop and think, because it sure has made me! I want to be known as a friend, someone who loves Jesus and someone who you can truly count on. Beats the alternative! Have a great day and it's almost Friday!

Smells like Fall

Happy Tuesday!!! Did anyone else notice that it is starting to smell like fall?? I am absolutely LOVING it!! I am a little sad that summer is over because I thought this was such an amazing summer! Well... as amazing as working full time can get ;) I really enjoyed the warm weather, long summer days and lounging by the pool! But... I am always happy to welcome in fall! Fall is probably my favorite season. The crisp feeling in the air, pumpkin spice lattes, scarfs, sweaters and the list goes on! I do have to admit one of my favorite things about fall is... FOOTBALL SEASON!!! This girl LOVES her Broncos!!! With fall also comes this feeling of responsibility to cook and bake more. I mean who doesn't want to gain 10 pounds from October-January?! ;) With that said home girl needs some major recipe inspiration so I am hoping you will leave a comment with some yummy fall *EASY* recipes!!! Here are a list of some of my fav fall recipes!

Homemade Chili

1 Onion

1 LB Hamburger (preferably organic)

2 cans each: Kidney Beans, Black Beans & Pinto Beans

Lg Can of Whole Tomatos

1 Small Can of Whole Tomatos

Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic, Paprika

(all to taste)

Cut Onion & Cook with Hamburger

While that is cooking pour both cans of tomatos in the blender and mix up until chunky

Drain all cans of beans and rinse well

Once the hamburger/onion is cooked pour in tomatos, beans and season heavily. I do all the seasoning to taste, so you may have to add more as time goes on. Bring to a boil and then let simmer for however long, or throw into the crock pot on low! VOILA- dinner is served!

Semi-homemade Minestrone Soup

2 cans of Progresso Minestrone Soup

1 lb. hamburger or turkey

1 onion

1 can of Rotel

1 can of Italian cut green beans

1 can of Pinto Beans

Cook the hamburger & onion

Once cooked throw everything in and bring to a boil

Put on low and let cook for however long

*I prefer to drain the green beans & pinto beans, but that's up to you

EAT UP & ENJOY!

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

1 Rotisserie Chicken

2-3 Carrots

1 Onion

2-3 Pieces of Celery

Salt & Pepper to taste

1-2 32oz chicken broth

Noodles of your choice

Olive Oil

Tear up the rotisserie chicken into small pieces

Cut the carrots, celery & onion

Toss into pot with olive oil, salt, pepper

When tender put in the rotisserie chicken & chicken broth

Taste & season the way you like

*I usually cook my noodles separately and then throw into the soup, or you can throw the noodles into the soup and let cook*

Let cook for 20-30 mins on low.

I hope these have inspired you to welcome in fall!! If you have any favorite fall recipes/soups let me know! 

2 WEEKS DOWN, 16 TO GO!

Rockin' my school spirit! GO EAGLES!

My first two weeks student teaching came and went in a flash!  I am glad to report that I am so completely happy with my school location, and Cooperating Teacher (CT) assignment.  It feels so good to finally be in a classroom full time, where I can get to know my students better…and I'm feeling especially lucky to be learning from my CT and her 4 other 2nd grade team mates! Here is a brief recap:

My CT:

She is absolutely amazing.  She has 14 years of experience, and definitely knows how to run her classroom successfully!  She is super laid back, and the good kind of sarcastic ;-)  She seems happy to have me in her class, and after only two weeks I feel like we mesh well together. After my first week she gave my the sweetest card, it's the small things that mean the most!

She let me take over a few of the fluency tests (they're super simple to do, but I'm glad she's trusting me to take over with assessing so soon!).  Overall, I know she will be my biggest influence of my masters program, and I will learn the most from my time spent in the classroom with her!

Our students:

I'm feeling incredibly lucky to join her class this year, the students are AMAZING!  Seriously, they seem so mature and self sufficient compared to other 2nd graders I've worked with in the past!  They seem so eager to learn and are (for the most part) SUCH good listeners.  I love the unexpected diversity of our class, too.  They each come from such unique backgrounds which makes every day fun-to learn more about them.  

I was able to learn MOST of their names in the first day, and after day 2 I knew them all.  I was pretty impressed with myself because learning names is something I struggle with.  It helps that we don't have anyone with the same name.  

I received my first love note on my very first day.  I will keep it and look at it on my down days.  Not only is the message sweet, but her spelling is what makes it awesome! haha!!

"Ms. Fanelli You are the bust techer"

Funny Stuff:

I was pretty impressed with how quickly the kids were able to remember my name.  BUT, I was also quite impressed with the versions of my name that I heard.  Instead of Ms. Fanelli, I heard:

- Ms. Finally

-Ms. Finy-elly

-Ms. Financy

-Ms. Fritelli

-Ms. Felly

-Ms. Frinelli

-Ms. Frilly

I bet there's a few I'm missing.  The creativity is awesome!!  I heard "Ms. Financy" the most from the same little girl, so much that my CT accidentally called me that once.  I finally started telling kids that I'm Ms. Smelly Fanelli (to help them remember)…but then I quickly stopped that when I realized what I was getting myself into, whoops!!

Week 3 begins tomorrow, and so does the beginning of the REAL stress this semester.  My teacher work sample and capstone project.  These will be the things that keep me up late at night, and possibly the things that make me go into hiding until graduation…we'll see how I end up handling it! 

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Well, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is all the craze right now, and it was bound to hit me eventually.  Thanks to my friend Sam, I was nominated and gladly accepted the challenge but not before reading a bit about ALS first. Have you educated yourself before taking the chilling challenge?  Here's what the ALS association has to say…

What is ALS?

En español

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. When the motor neurons die, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is lost. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.

This challenge is definitely raising awareness and money for ALS.  I think we should all do something like this for every other horrible disease out there!  The more we all know, the more we can all do.  Now, here is my challenge video….

For more information on ASL visit their website, and take the challenge by donating and spreading the word!

http://www.alsa.org

Cleanse Recap

Today I wanted to recap how my 3day Suja Juice Cleanse went. I tried to document each day while I was going through the cleanse so you could know exactly how I felt and then how I felt after as well. Let me also point out that on this cleanse if you really fall in love with one or two of the "mini meals" you can continue to eat those through Day 2 and 3.

Monday:

Day 1 of the cleanse. I woke up and drank the "Spicy Lemonade" and surprisingly wasn't hungry for breakfast for another 1 1/2 hours! I then ate my "Raw Oatmeal" and it was pretty good! I put a little stevia and it was very filling! I then wasn't hungry for my 2nd juice until about 12:45. I was hungry for lunch but was not a fan of the White Bean Salad. I'm not gonna lie I pretty much gagged my way through lunch. Obviously that was a total bummer but again it satisfied my hunger. **I have to note I was pleasantly surprised I was not that hungry between meals, as I thought I would be starving!!** By Drink #3 and dinner I was hungry but not starving. I did eat the White Bean Salad again but put a little Balsamic Vinagarette on it and it was MUCH better! Actually pretty delicious! I didn't have much energy this day so I opted out of working out.

Tuesday:

Day 2 of the cleanse. I woke up BEFORE my alarm. People, this is called a miracle. A true real life miracle. I was awake, had energy, got ready for the day, made the bed, cleaned up our room, made my husband breakfast, packed his lunch, picked up the living room, wiped down the counters and ate my vitamin. ALL BEFORE 7:30AM. I don't know if it's all "mental" because I know I'm cleansing but I really do have to say I felt very alert and had energy this day. Again, drank the spicy lemonade on the way to work and ate breakfast about an hour later. For lunch it was a little different today because I went out to eat- so I stuck with a salad and requested my own toppings. I did put broccoli on there which is probably not on the mini meal plan and definitely was bloated after! I then drank my green juice and lots and lots of water. I hit a little afternoon slump because I was sooo hungry for lunch! Energy picked back up after lunch and my green juice. For dinner I had the black bean salad and then drank the Vanilla Nut drink. I have to admit this one is not my favorite drink, but I get through it. I definitely had more energy this day but.... (just keepin it real here people) I was definitely WAYYY gassy this day. I mean to the point of thinking something was wrong with me. I guess that's what a cleanse does for ya!

Wednesday:
Day 3. The final day of the cleanse. I was pretty tired waking up this day. I drank the spicy lemonade which has definitely become my favorite and I love starting my mornings with this drink. I ate the Raw Granola on this morning and it was delicious! Make sure you check out their Recipes because a lot of them are really good! I tried to get in a couple walks throughout the day but in all honestly I just have not been in the mood to workout at all during this cleanse. Lunch was the black bean salad w/ mango (bomb diggity) and the greens juice. Before dinner I had the vanilla but juice- again not my fav and salad for dinner!

Overall it was a great experience and fairly easy!! I would definitely recommend this cleanse if you're looking for something to jump start eating healthy!!! 

Empty Nester

Yep, that's right. I am almost a Sibling Empty Nester... and I cry on a regular basis. I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers and by end of day Thursday 3 of the 4 will have all gone off to college or the military. My brother left almost 2 weeks ago to join the Army and I have been a wreck. My two sisters also are leaving for college and you could say I am feeling majorly slightly emotional. Because I am so much older than all my siblings I feel very protective of all of them and like to know what they're up to at all times. In all seriousness I pray for them that the decisions they now make as "adults" glorify the Lord and that they put their trust in Him. I know the Lord will be faithful to all of them as they start this new and exciting journey. I have told my brother who is still at home that ALL my spare time will now be filled with spending time with him... he's thrilled. If you are looking for me I am probably in my room crying or looking through old photos and crying or face timing them... crying. ;)

Dining with the King

I have a lot of friends who I'd consider MORE "religious" than I am, and I respect them for their commitment and devotion (and understanding) towards their beliefs.  I also admire those that use their talents, education and passion to humbly support people that may need them.  

With that I introduce you to Melia Moore!

Melia and I met through a friend at an Isagenix conference a couple years ago.  I instantly loved her because of her calm and happy demeanor, not to mention her incredible beauty on the outside but more importantly on the inside!  She is a genuine soul which is hard to find anymore.

I noticed through her Facebook posts that she was up to a new adventure, "Dining with the King," and I wanted to know more.  The following is an interview between Melia and myself, read on to learn how she is supporting woman through emotional eating/binging with biblical based coaching and nutritional support!

What is Dining with the King?

Dining with the King is a biblical based coaching program for those who struggle with emotional eating or binging. But really it’s pretty simple; it’s hope and an opportunity for freedom. It’s not however a quick fix program and in 30 days you’ll be rid of every unhealthy eating habit. That’s just not realistic. It’s a journey to PRACTICE the art of worship through how we take care of our bodies.

“Dining with the King” was also a calling for me personally to let go of my own struggles with binge eating so I could be more effective for the Kingdom. It has been a long time coming for me to finally let go, and it’s been a ride!! Haha

What is your job as a coach/counselor?

My job as a Psychology of Weight Management Coach is to guide people toward a healthy mindset about their bodies and food through truth, based on the living word of God and practical strategies they can implement into their lives. It’s not my job however to tell people exactly what they need to do, but more so to help equip people for a life long practice in wellness, to help them realize they can find the balance of overcoming unhealthy mindsets of food through their relationship with Christ and being proactive in educating themselves about wellness as a whole.

How did you learn about this program?

The “Dining with the King” program I created myself after receiving my AACC Certification from Lighthouse University. It’s a collaboration of what I learned over the time I spent getting my certification and research I had done on my own. I felt there was a need for a specific guideline, one in which there was structure for the client and the coach so I created an interactive guidebook filled with 4 sessions that I go over with my clients. This book is filled with, assessments, strategies for the future, encouragement, scripture and homework.

What drives you to help people with these struggles?

I know what it feels like to wonder if there is ever going to be hope. The hurt is real and I truly believe that it can keep us from living the life God has intended for us to live. And truly, nothing is more important to me then to lead people to Him. He’s the ultimate healer and to just be a small part of that process blows my mind. That’s what drives me.

Who benefits from your coaching?

I think at this point in my career women of all ages can benefit from this coaching. I want to expand with a team of coaches and my hope is that we can focus on men as well!! I know dozens of men who struggle just like us ladies. This struggle doesn’t discriminate about your gender.

How do you coach? (a series of meetings? Lessons? In person/not in person…etc.?)

I coach in person or over the phone. The program as a whole is in 4 sessions detailed below. There are different program options as I do provide a source of nutrition I believe is extremely beneficial for the client. People can do the program with our without the nutrition provided through IsAgenix.

Session #1
Going over Assessments:

-Multiple Assessments are given to discover exactly where you are in your health journey. I will also be coordinating with your Doctor (by request) so I can receive notes from them on your physical and blood panel, in case there are concerns such as the raise of diabetes you my not have realized was there. I am certified in specific areas of health that your Doctor might find you need some guidance with. They are:
Physical Fitness
Stress Management
Sleep
Brain Health
Chronic Pain Management
Men's and Women's Specific Health
We will also go over goals, motivation, the covenant prayer agreement and scripture based homework.

Session #2
Psychology of Weight Management and Nutrition:

-An in-depth look on God’s heartbeat about our health, food and purpose of honoring our bodies. Everything else comes secondary to this.
-In-depth personal coaching relating to your background with food as well as your current mental state with food and strategies for success for the future.
-A personalized nutrition plan and implementing IsAgenix. We will discuss what will work for you personally so that you can create an environment for yourself, your family and for your relationship with Christ without fear or discouragement.

This session also ends with biblical based homework and my favorite the "Dining with the King" Note card.
-Your program comes with products from IsAgenix in two options:

 A 30-day supply or 2 week supply

Session #3
Exercise:

This session we develop an exercise routine that fits your needs and discover how to implement your relationship with God with some of your routines.

Session #4
Closing session with the opportunity to continue session in the future if necessary. This is a time to re-evaluate goals, write new ones, fine tune your personal program ask questions.

What did it take to get your certification?

I chose to go through Lighthouse University and AACC because of my mentor Deborah Berry who is a Christian Counselor in Silver City, NM. We had discussed multiple times how many of my clients in my other health and wellness vocation including myself were struggling with emotional eating. It was the number one thing that was sabotaging my clients success as well as my own. I knew we weren’t dealing with the real issue for so many people. She contact me one day letting me know that I could receive a Wellness Certification that focused in part with the Psychology of Weight Management, I purchase the courses and did everything over the internet.

How can people contact you?

I currently have a facebook page at www.facebook.com/melialanimoore

Those who are interested or just want to reach-out can personal message me there call me at 575-654-0566 or email me at diningking@yahoo.com

I take applications monthly so anyone can apply at anytime. At this point I’m full until October that’s when the next sessions are available.

What changes have you seen in peoples lives?

What a great question!!

The change I see is hope and the knowledge that they can absolutely overcome anything with God’s help and leading. I’ve seen people also come to terms that they have a responsibility in this and that it doesn’t have to be daunting but empowering. My first client ever was actually one of my best friends. We cried a lot during our first session. It was such a cleansing feeling, she’s equipping herself, physically, mentally and spiritually and I can see that confidence in her. Especially with the realization that this is about a journey, about PRACTICING wellness, perfection is not required.

Cleanse

Happy Monday!!! Before I start my post I do have a confession to make.... I did not complete the Whole30 Program. I know... it's sad, but life goes on. At the time it just was a little too strict or that's my excuse for now. For a couple weeks I fell off the eating healthy wagon and let me just say, I feel like poo. Eating unhealthy (processed foods, sugar, bad carbs..etc.) just does not do well for my body and I need a fresh start. In the past I have done a Suja Juice cleanse and loved it, so I knew it was something I wanted to do again. However the price is just so expensive and I wasn't wanting to pay that much UNTIL I saw that they were now offering their juices at Costco and they were offering a "Fresh Start" Program. This cleanse was perfect for me. You have 3 juices a day with 3 mini meals in between. Check here for an explanation of the program, recipes for the 3 days and they even provide you with the shopping list and "how-to" make the recipes. Today is Day 1 and I am really excited to cleanse my system, jump start on eating healthy and feel 100x better!!! The best part about this program to me is the cost... for 3 days worth of juices it's $29.49! If that's not a steal I'm not sure what is! I will complete the program Mon-Wed and let you know on Friday how it all went! Have a great day!

SF VISIT & FANELLI WEDDING!

This past weekend Nick and I spent a few days in one of my favorite cities, San Francisco. Followed by an incredibly beautiful family wedding, and then jet setting back home just in time for my first day of school as a student teacher.

I've been to some incredible cities through out the years, New York, Chicago, Denver (home), Florence, Rome, Venice, Madrid, Paris… but for some reason, San Francisco has to be my very favorite to visit (so far!).  If you've been there, you'll agree that it is unique in so many ways.  The rolling hills and amazing views of the bay, the delicious sea food, the iconic sites, and the diversity of people.  In one word, I love SF because it is COLORFUL.

I've been coming to this beautiful city my whole life.  I lived in San Jose, CA for my first 7 years and after moving to CO, continued to visit family and friends throughout the state and have always found a way to get back to the city.  My grandparents own a share of a suite on Nob Hill.  Nick and I had the opportunity (thanks to my aunt and uncle this time) to stay in it again.  Nostalgia is a funny thing, I feel it a lot.  I got those old feelings when we walked back into the suite.  Many visits with my Pop & Nana and cousins,  with my parents, and other extended family.  It's almost a sense of home in this unique boutique suite.  What makes it even more special, is now I get to share these treasured places and piece of my history with Nick!

Home away from home

In the last few years, San Francisco has become something new to me.  Nick and I took a whirl wind trip through CA a few months into our relationship, in 2010.  I was able experience a lot of Nick's firsts with him.  Like his first visit to the ocean, his first visit to CA, etc…  Now, when we go to SF together, it brings back a lot of those special moments and memories in our relationship!  It's probably the place where we fell in love (though I was pretty darn smitten from day 1!!).

This trip was so quick, so we didn't plan much and just took each day as it came.  Day one, when we arrived, after hunting down our cable car pass, we enjoyed happy hour at a fun little bar called Sam's Cable Car Lounge.  It's right off of Powell street and the interior is decorated with all things San Francisco.  Check it out! Sam's Cable Car Lounge

Nick enjoying his drink at Sam's

After our drinks we hopped on a cable car and headed to the Piers.  I will say that as a local, the cable cars are absolutely not the way to go (not that I'm a local or anything haha!). But, as a tourist…you must ride at least once for the experience.  It's such a unique way to get around, and feels a bit like a roller coaster at times.  I love it because you get to see so many neighborhoods that you may miss if you were traveling by foot or car!

Blowing down hills on the cable car

As we were walking towards Pier 39 I noticed a small wine bar and decided we should do some tasting.  Unfortunately the name escapes me, but it was not ON Pier 39, and it was attached to a hotel!  They carry California boutique wines.  From $15-$30 you can sample 4 wines based on the winery, or type of wine.  It was an enjoyable tasting for me, Nick…may have just been along for the ride :-)

Wine tasting (in case the wine didn't give that away)

What else did we see/do during day one...

Some fresh seafood

The sea lions, they're so loyal hanging around year after year!

On day two we talked to Urban Spoon, it told us Dottie's was a great spot for breakfast…it was right!  We walked down to 28th street between Market and Mission and stood in an alley (yep, a stinky, sketchy alley) for about 45minutes.  Let me tell ya…that was some INCREDIBLE people watching.  I was a little nervous of how the restaurant would be, based on the location, but we were pleasantly surprised!  The interior was cozy and entertaining with old black and white movie stars on the wall.  The servers were great, and the food was worth the wait!  I had the black bean cakes and eggs.  It came with chili corn bread and home fries.  Are you drooling yet, because I am…again.  All I can say is, it's worth the wait and the sketchy alley, give it a shot if you're in the area!

I think I was too antsy to eat to spend time on a clear photo!

Another interesting meal experience was in China Town!

We didn't eat anything spectacular or out of the ordinary, just chicken & veggie chow mien and fried rice followed by green tea ice-cream.  What made this place so special was the location.  They have seating out a small deck, or maybe what used to be an escape route, but it gives an interesting perspective on the area.  With Chinese characters, clothes hang drying out the windows, and the hustle and bustle of the locals, you really have to think twice about what country you're in!

Our view from the restaurant

Cheeeese in China Town

Later that evening we went back down to the wharf.  We stumbled upon a GREAT deal… a tour/fishing boat was going out for it's last tour of the bay for sunset.  It was only $10/person to hop on. They took us around Alcatraz and back--only 30 minutes long but worth the gorgeous sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge!  Not sure if this is a regular thing, but it wouldn't hurt to walk along those fishing/tour boats at the end of the day to see if they're doing last call deals.  

Overall it was another memorable San Francisco visit.  We will continue to go back in the years to come and revisit the places that have made impressions in our memories and relationship! Here are a few more fun pictures I thought I'd share:

FANELLI WEDDING TIME!

Last but not least (definitely not least, it was there reason for our CA excursion in the first place!!), my cousin Ryan and his new wife Mallory's wedding!!

The two were married at a property in the hills of San Jose.  The weather was perfect and the scenery was gorgeous!  Mallory looked stunning and though I don't know her well, I know that she is definitely an amazing girl and we're all so happy to have her in our family!  Ryan was also very handsome, and as it should be, the best part was the moment he watched her walk down the isle.  The speeches were heartfelt and well spoken, the food was delicious, and the DJ had everyone up and moving!  Well done at planning such a fun celebration of your love you two!!

The added bonus was the un-official family reunion.  We got to reconnect with so many family members that we haven't seen in awhile.  It was a joy to introduce Nick to MORE of our mixed up, diverse, confusing family ;-) 

I didn't get too many good photos of the bride and groom but here are some of my favorites!

Blinded by the light

Handsome mom & dad

Here comes the bride!

Mr. & Mrs. Fanelli!

Nora & I

Check out that view!

AH!! Melt my heart!!!

Mr. & Mrs.

Family

Cousins! Groom Ryan, myself, Anna, Rachel, Elisia, Matthew and my brother Dominic

Cousin Rachel & I

Dancing with dad!

My Love.