Today is a Special Day...

Today is a very special day. 31 years, my parents got married. 31 years later, they are still married, still together, still laughing and still in love. Not only are they my parents, but they are my friends who I love hanging out with, and most importantly, people I really admire. It's becoming more rare to see people staying married for the "long haul" and I really admire what my parents have. Are they perfect? Not at all. (Sorry mom and dad!) But do look up to them and hope that someday I can have what they have? Absolutely. I don't want to make this long and sappy but I do want to tell my mom and dad Happy Anniversary and let you know you how much you taught me about life and love everything in between. You both are amazing people and I am so grateful to call you my parents! : )

Cheers to you guys and to many, many, many, many more happy years!!

2.13.83

I hope you both have a wonderful day!!

xo Steph

(and D and Tiki too!)

Life is Better Down the Shore | Part 2

Welcome to part two of our beach vacation! Aside from lots of beach time and lots of good food, there were so many fun things to remember from this trip. For one, D surprised us and rent a 6 person bike to buzz around town as a whole family. We all loved it. Well except when our legs got tired and we had to make it back to the rental shop! We also went to Fantasy Island which is like LBI's boardwalk. We road the ferris wheel, ate some ice cream and soaked up those summer nights.

our sweet 6 person ride : )

the family. minus D who was taking the pic.

Dad, what's up with that face?

we biked to the end of the island. literally.

had some laughs.

worked on my beach yoga.

hit up Fantasy Island

you must be this tall, to ride this ride.

A view from the top.

sweet treats at the end of the night.

On our last night there I promised D we would wake up early to watch the sunrise on the beach. And when I say early, it was EARLY. But so worth it. I've never actually taken the time to watch the sunrise ever and it was so beautiful. The pictures do it no justice. But we were in awe.

#thethingsyoudoforlove

capturing the sun in my hands.

then we tried to eat the sun.

channeling my inner ms. pacman

followed by breakfast at the pancake house

known for their award winning chowder, or chowda as they call it.

probably the best lobster bisque I've had.

"I mentioned the bisque".......(what's that quote from??)

our lovely little house. you were so good to us.

last pic before we say goodbye.

Hope you enjoyed my vacation recap.

Til next summer LBI : )

xo Steph

ps. what's up with that guy in the background??

Life is Better Down the Shore | Part 1

Well better late than never...I'm finally getting around to sharing my beach vacation pics down in Long Beach Island. Just looking back at these make me want to go back there so bad. There's just something about being near the water that is so peaceful and calming. Everyone is so laid back and chill. Now I know why they say life is better at the beach. There's not a care in the world other than working on your tan, eating fresh seafood and listening to the soft ocean waves in the distance. Ahhhhh life there is good. Here's to hoping one day I'll be able to afford a house there : ) 

We were also having a debate which you would prefer: living near an ocean, a lake, or a bay?

My vote is actually for a lake......but what's yours?

getting my tan on : )

lovely house details

bayside.

The cool thing about our house is that we were a block from the bay on our right and a block from the ocean on our left. Talk about having the best of both worlds!

me and D <3

splashing around and trying not to get knocked over!

Another thing I love going down the shore is the food, my god, the food.

Seafood restaurants galore, and everything so yummy and fresh.

Us with my brother and his girlfriend.

Notice: rockin' the short wig ; )

Stopping at Pinky's seafood is a staple for me and D every year. Their fresh snow crab legs are ahhhh-mazing and one of those little things we look forward to every summer. They are a little on the pricey side, so they are certainly a treat.

I find lobster to be the most sensual of all the ocean crustaceans. 

10 points to anyone who gets this reference.

spending every night out on our deck .

Enjoying fresh watermelons and cold ones on the deck.

life is good.

Stay tuned for part 2 tomorrow.

Summer, I miss you so.....I'll be daydreaming of you while at work today.....

xo Steph

Down by the Bay

Last weekend was D's Annual "Cousins Party" in which all his family (and cousins of course) get together at his relative's fabulous house right on the water. The party every year continues to be full of good food, cold drinks and lots of laughs. Here are some pics from our day down by the water in Toms River NJ. Also, the pic below is the best pic I have of my "outfit of the day" so please bear with me : )

Outfit Details:

Crochet Top: Old Navy // Black Dress: Victoria's Secret catalogue // Hat: Gap // Sunnies: Loft

 Wedge Sandals: Payless // Watch: Michael Kors // Necklace: Kay's Open Heart Collection

The leg kick was unintentional (I swear!) but the pic actually came out really nice! ; )

And then we all had fun taking silly pics with baby Ava (D's adorable niece)

 And of course the food!! These pics were taken by D's cousin:

Homemade stuffed mozzarella, fresh crabs, salad, clams....

 BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, chips and dips, and some vino...

And of course, D's Uncles five alarm chili (seriously, it's that hot!!)

And then later that night some of the cousins headed to the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, NJ for some summertime fun. Yes, this is wear the cast of Jersey Shore resides, and no we did not see them!

We had some boardwalk pizza, ice cream, and D even won me giant stuffed raccoon (which we later named Rocky) -- however now he sits on our couch (since we have to place for him in our apartment) and he just sits and stares at us with his big creepy eyes. haha

Hope everyone has a lovely day! : )

-Pretty Little Things