Author: itsotod

Hi. I’m late, I know.. but there is a lot coming, I SWEAR! To hold you over I thought i’d send gifts! Or at least discounts (same thing). So go shopping and by the time your Sunday Funday outfit arrives, Ill have more for you! Promise.

Im super excited about this new partnership with a local OC boutique, XOmandysue. Not only is their stuff super cute, but they offered me a discount code so that I can share the love with you!

I couldn’t resist your typical “try on” blog post, so enjoy the selfies and fill your carts!

Pro tips for ordering… use the code “Tayferre” at checkout for 35% off your entire purchase (your welcome for getting you more than 20%.. I mean 35%, thats legit!) and as far as sizing goes, I ordered smalls in everything shown below with the exception of the “Esteem dress”. Everything fits great, but next time I’ll size up in the tops for a more relaxed fit!

The Lilah Dress (size mall)

The Esteem Dress, Hurry this one is on clearance and will go fast! (size medium)

Lila Top (size small)

Cali Top, comes in pink too!! (size small)

Cant wait to see what you guys get! Ready, Go!

Xoxo, T

” Hey, Harry you never called!”

Seriously guys, if you don’t know the quote, I’m really not sure why you read this blog. Its been months and I haven’t written, I said I wouldn’t leave again, and guess what I lied. Hence the above “Oops, I did it again”.

Let me tell you that it is wild the way life can just start happening and suddenly you’re like “My God, this parachute is a knapsack!” (again, if you don’t get the quote, please just go) I haven’t written but it isn’t because I didn’t want to, trust me the amount of content that has been pouring out of me is unbelievable. March 1st started this incredible series of unfortunate events and I seriously felt like a hamster in one of those globe balls just rolling down the driveway with a semi truck 2 houses down.  That sounds dramatic but it’s real.  In the last 90 days my husband and I have suffered loss like we have never been faced with before. These days have been trying, tribulating and then some.

I know you don’t come here to hear sob stories, but to laugh and get incredible advice so I’ll spare you for now, but just know, I’ve been thinking of you, I’ve just had a lot on my plate.

The good shit is that we went to Canada! It was rad –not as cold as I anticipated so I didn’t get to wear my cute new The North Face parka, but maybe next year.  I actually snowboarded (based solely on the fact that I wanted to be able to say “I snowboarded in Banff”), I ate poutine, which is SO much better than the way they describe it, I got a massage (from a dude) and I learned how to play Japanese poker. All in all, the trip was awesome, good call for your dirty thirty Seany.  Friends, Family, Snow, and poker. Perfect!

 

Speaking of passport stamps (spoiler alert, Canada does NOT in fact stamp your passport when you come from The States), I’ve been meaning to ask you…what do you like about me? I mean, what do you want to read, aside from the obvious that I am awesome and my ravishing good looks, what should we talk about? I go on fun trips and love to tell you about them, but I don’t currently have any jet sets on the books so, I mean, what do you want to know? We can talk about things like how amazing putting Taco Bell FIRE sauce on a baked potato tastes, or how fun my white SNS dip manicure looks, or maybe even the new foundation I got and how I’ve been trying to step up my make-up game. You tell me because honestly, I’m an open book and we already know you have noting better than to read about my life, so… what’s next!?

I know the flood gates are opening with things you want to ask me so go ahead and slide them into my Dm’s and I’ll hit ya back! But just incase you can’t think of anything right now, I have a few things up my sleeve.

I am making it my personal goal (go see my bio regarding how I feel about resolutions) to write to you at least once a week, so stay tuned because its about to get real!

xoxo, T

 

 

 

We did it. We got on a plane and went to NYC. We’ve talked about it since we were 16, and now with 30 closer than id like to talk about, we checked it off the list.

Before I boarded, I was told by an abundance of people that my –California girl, Orange County born and raised– self, would in fact HATE, New York City. Well, I am here to say… you were wrong! 🙂 (it’s sick how proving people wrong is so satisfying) At 4:00am last Thursday my best friend drug me out of (her) bed –I couldn’t be trusted to wake up that early on my own. Before I knew it, I was wishing I had found my last Xanax (I don’t fly well *see Europe posts) and there were harsh looks being thrown my way from the flight attendant when I was the only one ordering a cocktail at 6am. Joke is on her, she forgot to charge me. 4 hours and what seemed like the most nauseating 30 minutes of turbulence later, WE HAD ARRIVED. In Newark… NOT to be confused with JFK, ROSS! (Don’t worry, She got off the plane)

A train ride and an awkward jaunt with luggage later we were checked in and ready for a Cosmopolitan and fro-yo on the steps. If you don’t get it, just go away.Thursday night welcomed us with a tall glass of Veuve at the Plaza Hotel and Kathryn getting an alarming amount of contact information from a bartender. (seriously, e-mail address was included) After our venture back towards Herald Square we headed upwards to the Hotel rooftop for a night cap at Monarch. Per the sign in the hotel lobby that I laughed at, they ACTUALLY do have the best view of the empire state building. You GO courtyard Marriott. (Who knew)Friday morning we paid tribute and tears to the 9/11 memorial site and museum. As if seeing the (now beautiful) gaping holes in the ground wasn’t heavy enough, it was quite the reality check seeing the group of 5th graders on a field trip learning about this terrible thing that happened…. when I was in 5th grade. As I stood there crying with the weight of the day rushing back, they stood there wondering how much longer till they got to eat lunch and when the tour guide was going to let them wander around. How could it be that something I was alive to watch unfold is now being taught out of a history book. Perspective. As heavy as it was, how glad I am that I got to stand and touch the names of those we lost that day.

Once we wiped our tears we headed up a block to visit our (family) friend who happens to be a swanky Goldmansachs exec. George hooked us up with a tour of the compound and possibly the coolest views of the city, EVER. After the grand tour, George took us to Del Friscos for lunch and gave us the scoop on where we should stroll next.Greenwich village through to the west village and on to Washington Square park with pit stops for wine, coffee and selfies in front of — the Friends apartment and a heel pop on Carrie’s brownstone steps. After coffee in the park, Dinner with Travi and Michael in Nolita was the carb load we needed before we headed down stairs to the Flower Shop. 3 beers and a round of Pokemon-Go later, we headed back to camp. Saturday morning my beloved bestie had an itinerary packed with the essentials, as was my purse with an apple sauce pouch from Starbucks (baby food or nah?!). My high school self was giddy AF when I followed through with a promise to myself, “If I ever go to NYC, the only souvenir I want is a classic Tiffany & Co ring”. Once we had our Tiffany Blue bags we wandered through the park, had lunch at Tavern on the Green (DAT BURGER THOUGH, YUM) and chatted about how the crime rate and amount of dead bodies found in the park is astoundingly lower then Law and Order: SVU makes it out to be.

Then on to mingle with the upper east siders on The Met steps (NO, we didn’t go in because we are annoying 20 somethings who dont actually care about whats inside we just wanted to play Serena and Blair and sit there…. get over it). An upgraded uber ride later we re-charged and primped for dinner and a Broadway show.Dinner on Saturday night was so good it deserves its own paragraph. Quality Meats. George, Good call. The most perfectly cooked filet mignon paired with corn soufflé and twice baked potato– oh and more champagne, quite frankly brought tears to my eyes.After we ran 12 blocks in heels channeling Miss Bradshaw herself, we arrived 7 minutes (not so) fashionably late to The Lion King. Incredible.

**note – Broadway shows start ON TIME. True to Kathryn and Taylor fashion after the show we stopped at a corner store and stocked up on cheesecake and a lime La Croix (there’s my “20 something california girl” showing again) and headed up to picnic in the room.

When Sunday came we crammed our sweaters back in our carry ons and strolled to see Grand Central station. After a quick peek at the ceiling and a few “friends with benefits” quotes, we rolled into a tavern for crab cakes and beer. One last stop to see the shockingly MUCH smaller than I imagined plaza at 30 Rock (seriously, how do they even get that tree in there!?) We again, had a glass of wine and a piece of cheesecake followed by a quick romp through Kate Spade. As all our boxes had been checked, it was time to head homeward bound.NYC, you were charming and grand all in the same and I cant wait for our second date!

You know you love me, XOXO

Where the hell have you been!? I’ve missed you. Since you’ve been gone, we bought a house, moved to North County San Diego, I finished school, sat for boards (and passed), got a job and now here I am. But more importantly, where have you been?

Since I have been patiently awaiting your return, I’ve been busy, what is your excuse?

See what I did there… I put it all on you. Ok, ok We havent talked in a while and it’s my fault. I get it, but hustlin ain’t easy!

Its good to be back. I have written words since we last rendezvoused but to be honest I didnt think you cared. So thanks to those of you who do!

In todays news;

Its day 7 of Sean being gone on the Mendocino County Fire and thus far I have forgotten to put out the trash barrels, had TWO lizard/(small alligators) encounters and just managed to get gypsy poop all over my new LuluLemon top on our walk (what the actual hell). They say pimpin’ ain’t easy, well let me tell ya, neither is fire wifein’.

I know I talk tough and am like “Sean being gone is fine..” “I get to miss him”.. “strike team means, SHOPPING”. Well, strike team also means having to take the trash barrels out yourself, lizard hunting on your own, nearly dieing of a heart attach from lizard hunting, going to bed alone, getting up make sure you set the house alarm, battling the dreaded whole bottle of wine hangover, and waking up to do it all over again, ALONE.

Its fun to feel like you have unlimited girls nights, and dinner dates with your cousins, but ya know what else is fun? Sleeping next to your husband, knowing your husband is safe and seeing your husbands face (among other parts).

Remember when I said Wifein’ ain’t easy? Well between the time you read those words and now, a month has passed. Sean is home (16 days total) and all is well in the world, -for the most part – it may have taken me a month to finish this post but blood is thicker than water and I had some spillage to overcome by the way-side.

Maybe ill explain later (probably not) but what is important is that you are back! Thanks, for saving my contact. 😘

Keep in touch, will ya!

Oh Barcelona. My feelings about you are so mixed. Its been established that my main goal of this trip was to eat my face off, and I hate to say this (I know some of you will disagree) but my inner foodie was left feeling neglected. I wont say that the food wasn’t good, ill just say that it wasn’t my taste. So after we get to our Air BnB, which was, cozy for lack of a better term, we wandered to Las Rambles street and then turned right back around. We got close enough to realize there was a gigantic protest going on in the streets and decided to bounce. Peaceful or not, the massive crowd was not exactly comforting. The first thing every one told us about this town was to watch out stuff and in crowds, you’ll get pick pocketed. Not wanting to get lost in the crowd (strike one) day one, it was Sangria to the rescue! We found a bar and sipped the rest of the day away. You’ll find as I go on that “sipping” was sort of our theme for Barcelona. 

With sand on the brain (and humidity on the hair) we spent the whole next day at the beach, strolling the boardwalk and sunning our buns. (yes mom, I kept my top on) After we dipped in the Mediterranean we posted up at the bar again and drank daiquiris and watermelon bags till our lips went numb. This day was a success! 

Strike 2 was when we walked to see the famous Parc de Montjuic fountain, and found it lacking splash since it only preforms Wednesday-Sunday. (ugh, Monday) so, as you guessed, beers in the park it is was! 

We visited the massive Cathedral, Sagrada Familia and then climbed what seemed more like a mountain (in the 86% humidity) to the Guell Park which was beautiful and wild. Once the rain came (thanks again humidity) we headed back to the metro to catch our sailboat tour up the coast. Said sailboat tour was what we had looked forward to the entire trip and glorified in our heads to be what we would call “the best day of our trip” when we got home. 

When we got to the Marina we stopped for sangria and wifi to double check our meeting time for the boat. Instead of a meeting time we got a sweet little cancelation notice instead. Strike 3. Not wanting our last day to be ruined we tried to make the best of it and hit the beach instead, until it started pouring rain. Being the troopers we are we thought, whats a little rain, its hot as hell anyways… until the thunder rolled and lightening struck. And back to the bar we went! 

So after 3 days of bummer, we cant say that Barcelona was our favorite, but we also cant say it’s the pretty city’s fault. Barcelona is beautiful and has so much to offer, but at this point, we just really miss our dog and our coffee pot, so its time to go home. 

See you for an over nighter in Madrid, then straight on through till home!!!

To the girl at the airport who I barley grazed in the arm with the plastic bin at security, and acted like I punched her in the face…Its not even 8:00am and I haven’t had coffee yet, I seriously don’t have time for you to be fragile. While I’m at it, the lady who walked right past the line for the bathroom and took it upon herself to make sure all the stalls were occupied, you can take a seat as well. I swear I’m not here to complain, Europe is amazing but their lack of gigantic american sized coffee has left me flat and drinking 85 shot glasses of “americano” a day ain’t doin’ it. 

Now that ive given you my daily dose of cynicism, ill brag about my trip to Rome. 

I can honestly say that thus far, Roma has my heart! Its a big city with small town feels. The streets smell like marinara and no one wakes up till 10:00am. (If they had coffee, i’m telling ya, this would rival home) From the first night to the last, every day was filled with fresh pasta, some amazing pesto pizza thing, wine, Peronis, and focaccia for days. Oh and the canolies are worth the trip. Seriously, Ive never put anything better in my mouth. 

We toured the Palenytine, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. I sat on the steps of the Pantheon where the Roman gods were once worshiped (Thank you Dr. L for making me give a damn). We saw more of the “Good Pope” than we wanted too in St. Peters Basilica (seriously, he’s in a glass coffin and no one warns you) 

Im not going to lie to you. I could have done without the 3 and a half hour tour of the Vatican museum. The Sistine Chapel was…dare I say it, OK, but getting to see St. Peters at the end was a nice finally. The largest Catholic church in the world and let me tell you, its quite spectacular. If Italy knows anything, its food and how to show off with a Church. 

Yesterday, we cruised the streets and then drank ourselves hungry. I taught the bar tender how to make a Moscow mule and Sean threw him for a loop with a Jameson and ginger. 5 drinks later we munched the free appetizers and then wandered off to find dinner.  

After we stuffed ourselves to the brim once more, we were back to the room to re-roll everything in our bag and make room for the treats we bought. The game of Tetris we’ve played before each flight has been interesting. (And our bag is still too heavy by the way). 

So, here we are, in route to Barcelona, with a shot of coffee in us and thats about it. Its our last flight before we fly home. Im sad to say goodbye to Italy and all its glitter but stoked beyond to put my bikini on (the bottoms anyway) and say Hola to España! 

See you there! 

We just boarded the train from Florence, and we are off to Rome (because we want to). Ive got my new hat on my head, my Italian leather bag in my lap and a few extra lbs riding in my mid section (MAN, that lasagna was good).

Florence started with clam linguini and gnocchi to die for. Forgive me but if you haven’t eaten yet, you may not want to read this if you are hungry. 

When we arrived at our hotel we both got starry eyed when we saw the king sized bed and full sized shower. I don’t know what it is about Europeans and tiny showers and the toilets here remind me of camping in the motorhome. But thats all besides the point. 

When we woke up from our first food coma we hit the town, promising ourselves we wouldn’t do the entire city at once like we did in Paris. The San Lorenzo Leather market was our first venture. Essentially the farmers market of purses and bags, but all real italian leather. Taking the advice we got from Karen, we walked the whole market, decided what we needed (a purse for me, obvi) and then walked away. Not until today did I go back and haggle. ($45 purse and I got him down to 35). 

The first day we walked and window shopped, I complained about it being hot and Sean pretended not to be annoyed. Lunch was at a cute little bistro (with misters on the patio). My mushroom ravioli was all time and Sean’s carbonara was good too! Once id been fed (every 3 hours like clock work) we walked some more and ended the night with a slice from the corner Pizzeria and dessert and wine on our hotel terrace. 

Speaking of our hotel terrace, we actually spent a lot of time here. Breakfast every morning and dessert after our long days. The food was wonderful and the view of the Duomo Cathedral was incredible. 

Duomo, a building I cant even describe to you (seriously, Google it). Like every other incredibly amazing thing we have seen on this trip, the photos do no justice. Again, we did the headphone guided tour thing, and were able to see things we otherwise wouldn’t have. After the tour we climbed the 450 steps (through the worlds smallest dark hallways) to the top of the (actually) worlds largest self sustaining Copula (or Dome) in the world. I wont say it was easy or fun to get up there, but the views were worth it. 

When sean asked me, when planning this trip where I wanted to go, my only reply was “wine tasting”. BOY, did my man deliver. At 9:30am we were picked up by our guide and wine expert. By 10:15 we were getting a private tour of the barrel room and rubbing elbows with the winemaker himself. After our tour he took us to the tasting room where we sat at a beautiful table set for a tasting of 4 of his finest. Let me tell you, the Rosé was like nothing either of us could have imagined and the tastings kept getting better. Score one for Italy for having a heavy hand with their “tasting pours” too, id compare it to a small glass at home. 6 bottles being shipped home later, it was off to our next stop. Stop 2 not only came with another hefty helping of fine wine but a 4 course homemade meal from the winemakers wife. Trust me, home made bruschetta, lasagna, wild boar and potatoes, and gelato are definitely the way to clear ones palette between sips. After being rolled to the car we were off to our third stop where we sipped on the patio of another family owned and operated winery. We watched the lightening dance and the thunder and rain roll in and out just as quickly as it came. I can’t put it into words how incredibly special this experience was. When a simple tasting is what you’re expecting and a grand day of tours and special treatment is what you get, you cant help but wonder what you did to deserve it. 

Tipsy and tired we walked to a little place near our hotel where they served only home grown, organic, environmentally friendly products and raised all the beef on the family farm. The platter of steak, potatoes, grilled veggies and fresh bread we got was quite a sight, and yummy to boot. 

This morning we woke up, had our cappuccino and then headed to the laundry mat. Don’t forget, we only brought one suitcase and we’ve been gone for like, ever. 3 loads later, we’re off to check out! A quick swing back to the leather market to get my bag, and we were off to the station. Here we are and there we were. Ill see you soon somewhere else. Caio’ 

It was raining when we got here, and its chilly this morning. Our last hour in Paris, we’re sitting in a park watching kids sail their tiny boats in the pond and baby ducks scavenge for bugs. It looks like rain, but its said to be done for the day. Its colorful and breezy, a perfect way to finish our coffee and our trip to France.  

When we got here we knew there was a laundry list of things we needed to see and do, 10 miles of walking later, our to-do list had been checked and we had the rest of our stay to drink it all in.  

I always tease Sean for being so into learning the history of things and places and taking the tours. I like to visit places and imagine myself living there and doing as the locals do. Take my time, sip my coffee and wine and just listen. 

Never will there be a time when I walked around Huntington wearing headphone and a receiver around my neck, listening to a guide tell me what used to be. With that being said, marriage is about compromise. So, I put the headphones on and was guided through one of the most interesting and educational tours I could have ever participated in. As we were guided through what once upon a time was the Royal Palace, we saw works of art that have been studied for longer than life and sculptures that were chipped piece by piece from solid blocks into masterpieces. The Louvre tour was truly an experience of a lifetime and I am so glad I wore the headphones and played along. 

The Cathedral of Notre Dame, the river at night, The Eiffel Tower, the chocolate croissants, the macaroons, The Eiffel Tower (worth saying twice) all make Paris magical. 

Last night we cruised the river while we ate appetizers we had no idea what were, and an entrée that made it all better, drank in the scenery and the wine. When the boat turned the corner and the Eiffel Tower lit up the sky, I can honestly say my heart stopped. There are some things you just have to see in person. 

When we got here, I think we were both trying too hard. Trying to make the romance of “Parie” apparent. Once we both took a breath and let it happen, it was all glitter and bubbles from there. 

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Here we go, on our way to the airport. 

Au revoir, France! 

Ciao, Italy! 

Who knew that one place on our itinerary that we expected to be mediocre totally surprised us. We came to Amsterdam without much of an expectation other than weed and prostitution being legal. While the Prostitutes are pretty, this town is so much more than that. 

A boat cruise through the canals past the old church, the clock towers and the Holocaust history, Amsterdam has more to offer than people let on. The cheese for one thing is out of this world. 

We walked from our hotel to see the windmill in the city and had beers at the local brewery. After we drank, we continued through the neighborhood and wandered the streets. Once we had a good grip on the Red Light District we grabbed bikes and cycled to the Jordaan District. 

The Jordaan district is one for the books, a quiet city town with cafés along the canals. A special treat was meeting up with my sister, Chey’s best friend who lives here with her boyfriend. Having a local on your side is always helpful. The couple took us around and cheers-ed us in quaint cafés and drank the local sips with us. What a town! 

As we sit here at the train station, in route to Paris we cant help but reminisce on the last 2 days as 2 for the books! 

Sad to leave such a gem, but excited to keep on our journey. We will kiss Amsterdam and english goodbye and say bonjour to Paris! 

Cheers to the Netherlands. 

So im sitting in the Dublin airport, eating chocolate for breakfast (leave me alone, I’m on holiday) and I realize…I’m wearing white pants (and I’m a very pretty man!… Ignore the reference if you don’t know my brother) I mean, its before Labor day, if that even applies here (doubtful). I’m drinking coffee and eating chocolate so this could go terribly wrong. Anyways, we are leaving Ireland. Last I checked in we were leaving Dublin on our way to up the Coast to the land of the O’Donnells. We have since traveled to Donegal, Galway, Doolin, and the Cliffs of Moher (and everywhere in between). Let me tell you, its like nothing you’ve ever seen before (unless you’ve been here, obvi). Donegal is the cutest little town where you drink all day and need to time your meals right because they only serve food between the drinking hours of always and food from 12:00-9:00pm. I walked the O’Donnell Castle grounds, payed respects to those past at ruins of the Donegal Friary and the cliffs of Sleeve League are something special, even in the rain. After biding farewell to our hosts Patricia and Hughe in Donegal we headed south to Doolin, music county of Ireland. Before we stopped in Doolin we ate and walked along Shop street in Galway and hummed Ed Sheerans “Galway Girl” to our tourist selves.  

Once in Doolin, it was fogged in and cold but we headed for McGanns pup for Irish beef stew and a pint. While we drank our Irish brews we listened to the local musicians join in a jam session as all 5 of them made their instruments sounds like one in the same. 

In the morning after cinnamon Pancakes and a traditional latte we headed (on the left) to the Cliffs of Moher. If you haven’t ever lived on the edge, this is the place to do it. If ever something had taken my breath away it was the kiss Sean gave me on the peak of what felt like the world. Looking over the edge at the ocean was one more reason to believe in God. You can look at our photos all day long but you really wont know the power of this place unless you see it for yourself. 

Yesterday’s oyster shooters were interesting (sean loves them) I had never had one, but the Smithwicks Blonde I chased it with made it all better. Cant say oysters are my favorite but the fact that they are an aphrodisiac may come in handy some day. 

After driving nearly half of the entire country of Ireland, the slice of pizza and Netflix episodes in the airport hotel were a small slice of home that felt just right. 

Amazed by what has been and excited for what’s to come. 

We’re boarding again soon and will meet ya in The Netherlands. Chat soon, in Amsterdam.