Beach Weekend Recap

This weekend was just what I needed. I started with a pedicure on Friday afternoon, which I haven't gotten in years. That night, I got a new piercing in my right ear, in the part called the rook and I. love. it. I'd been considering getting it done for a while, but hadn't found the time and just kept putting it off, but I finally did it and I'm glad! Saturday morning, I slept in until about 10 which was easier than normal since the kids were at their dad's. When I did finally wake up, I got ready, got my stuff together and headed south to Santa Cruz!

I enjoyed the drive down not only because I love driving, but also because it is an absolutely beautiful area. Mountains all the way down. When I got into Santa Cruz, I quickly found that everyone else had the same idea....There was so much traffic, but when I did finally find a place to park at a less crowded beach, I was able to lay out on the beautiful sand and enjoy the sunshine. It was so incredibly relaxing and beautiful. The sound of the waves (which are significantly bigger than in the Gulf), the sound of the sea gulls, the sound of the kids playing, the warmth of the sun, the warm wind, just everything was so great. The beach was so beautiful. The sky was completely clear, the sun was bright, and the water was gorgeous. I wish everyone had a chance to see this part of the country because the majority of it is breathtaking. I stayed out there for a few hours, as long as a ginger can stand, and collected a few new freckles and a little more color on my skin. It was soooo what I needed. 

After my time in the sun, I drove back north a bit to a town called Sunnyvale which was a really nice place! I checked into my hotel (which was just as cheap as the price might suggest haha), took a shower, got ready and went to find dinner. I came across the historic Murphy Ave. right down the road and it was really beautiful! This street was so quaint and filled with restaurants and shops. I ended up at a place called "Terragon" and I quite enjoyed it. The meal was wonderful, the local California wine was delicious, and the whole atmosphere made for a positive experience. This town's main road is actually the historic El Camino Real and it was cool to know how old the area really is. It was just a cool place.

Sunday, I slept as late as I possibly could then left at checkout. I drove back down to Santa Cruz, but it was super cloudy and gloomy and the wind was a bit too chilly, not preferable weather for a day at the beach. So, I decided to skip it and head to lunch. I didn't feel like waiting in the crowds for all of the restaurants there, so I drove back up and stopped through Sunnyvale again. Why? Because I spotted a Five Guys. I hadn't had a Five Guys burger in probably 6 months, a good while before I even moved. And I gotta tell ya, it was just as miraculous as I'd remembered. Mm. Just so much nom. After my incredibly fattening and delicious lunch, I made the drive back up to Benicia. I got back to my house and kind of relaxed, took a little nap, but then decided I wasn't ready for the weekend to be done yet. I got ready again and drove out to Napa (just a little 20 min drive) and found a little cafe to have dinner in. Quite delicious. 

The best part about this little vacation was the time to myself. It's rare these days that I get any real time completely alone, so those 2 days were just what I needed! Of course, I missed Boy and I can't wait to see him this weekend, but I'm really grateful that I had some time to myself. I feel a little rejuvenated, a little more rested, just lighter. I won't lie and say that I ate healthy this weekend because I didn't. But, I enjoyed myself and I don't feel bad about that :) I'm back at it today and I'm happy to be healthy again, but sometimes you just need to eat good noms and not care :)