We Love California!

Well, we are home from our anniversary trip and getting back into the swing of things. This week, I have a full blog line up planned of what we did while we were out. I don't know about you, but life over on the west coast is marvelous. We enjoyed fabulous food, coffee, weather, company, shopping and views. Check back tomorrow to get the full scoop on my take of San Francisco.

Hope your Monday is going smooth, especially after the long break. Gabriel and I are totally having vacation withdrawals -  but are definitely looking forward to Christmas being right around the corner!

Happy Thanksgiving From The Diaz Family

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Today we are spending the day nestled away in Pebble Beach, California. We wish you many laughs, snuggles, turkey and apple pie - May you have a special day thanking God for each and every blessing!

When we get back, I have a lot of holiday cheer lined up for you guys & I can't wait to share!!

At The Diaz House Lately...

If you decided to come over today, here are somethings you might see:

- Suitcases everywhere 

- California blogs being read

- homemade pizza 

- cheerleading paperwork & ribbons galore 

- a sleeping frenchie

.....

• Vacation: We are getting ready to head out west for our Anniversary trip! We are looking forward to some quite time together, relaxing, beautiful views and tons of great coffee & food! 

• Teaching: Things are going great at school. This week I hosted a bible study time with my students on being "thankful in all circumstances". They are just so precious with how many questions they have and how they really try to apply what I teach them. 

• Coaching: A few weeks ago, I became the JV cheerleading coach for basketball season. So far we've had four games and are actually getting it together. Although I love being a coach, it was a pretty challenging role at first- you are in charge of "coaching" lives, holding high standards and showing the love of Christ all at the same time. 

• Gari: This trip away will be the first time we leave our fur baby alone since we got him. It's bitter sweet- I know we will miss him a lot, but we are excited that he gets to stay at my grandma's house with his soul mate (aka-their Boston Terrior pup). The two are inseparable and I can't wait to hear all of the stories when we get back. 

• Marriage: Well ladies and gentlemen, I cannot believe how fast this year has flown. It literally feels like we were preparing for our wedding just a few weeks ago! The first year of marriage definitely has its ups and downs - I mean, just think about it... you are bringing two different  people together and telling them to work together in everything. Nonetheless, I love being married to my best friend. There is nothing better than coming home to my husband and getting to just sit, talk, laugh and play over our evening coffee dates. I've always heard that marriage gets sweeter with age and I am a believer. The more you get to know and understand your partner, the more you truly become one. 

• House: A few months ago, we had a back porch installed - I can't wait to enjoy it during the cooler months and especially use it during Christmas gathering times! When we get back from vacation, we are planning on decorating for Christmas right away and preparing for an upcoming Christmas dessert party we are hosting in December. 

• Family: My sister's sweet 16 will be here right before we know it! Over Christmas break, I will be working on her party invitations - and my sister in law on the other hand is about to pop! She is due in a couple of weeks and we are dying for our baby nephew to arrive! 

My Favorite Blow Dry Tools

Lately I've been experimenting with different hair products and tools - due to a collapse in my dryer. After many hours of heat and damage, I decided I should work towards figuring the best methods to protect my hair.

Hair Type: thin, curly, frizzy and oily. Sounds attractive - So now that you know my hair type, you can understand why I need to work at making it manageable.

Products:

Aquage- I've been using this product for over 2 years and really does what it says. This product is a volumizing uplifting foam. Before blow drying, I section off my hair and spray horizontal lines of the product directly onto my scalp. Not only does this product help with volume, it also makes my blowouts last longer without looking oily. Make sure that you blow dry after applying the product - if not, you will be left with a gunky build up.

GVP Matrix Sleek Look- I love this generic line of products sold at Sally's. When you compare the ingredients, they really are exactly the same - at 1/4 of the cost! This product is used as a styling cream/heat protectant. I apply it to the ends of my hair only.


Jilbere (porcelain series hair dryer)- I just purchased this dyer last week after reading many reviews on it and it works much better than my last dryer that cost over $100. The cost of the new one you ask...$38. It is currently on sale this week so make sure to snag one for yourself! What isn't there to love about this dryer. It's quiet, light weight, heavy duty and makes your hair shiny & smooth. In the past, I always had to straighten after I blow dry, but with this dryer, my hair is left with so much volume and shine.

We Need Your Help

source

My husband and I will be packing our bags and flying across the country to celebrate our 1st anniversary soon- We can't wait to explore the other side of the country together! So here goes...

We are road tripping through Northern California.

San Francisco

Redwood Forest 

Napa Valley

Monterey

Pebble Beach

Have you been? What did you think? Recommendations? 

We are looking for all the tips and suggestions we can get.