There's a Theme Here . . .

Evidently when I said I was gonna take a break from healthy eating while visiting friends in southern California, I wasn't kidding!

Snooki food (fried pickles)

firecracker "chicken" (made with gardein)

Blue Moon + Guinness

Amy with "Amy" wine at Amazing Grapes

Sammy exploring at Gymboree class with Miss Jamie

babies & booze: two of my favorite things

(lunch at the Beachcomber on Newport Beach)

and speaking of unhealthy . . .

I made us some mac & cheese Saturday night

but then I balanced it out with this

Please excuse the terrible photos--my camera desperately needs to be charged, so these are less-than-optimal cell phone pics.  But I've been more consumed with hanging out with my dearest peeps than trying to get good pictures.  We've been having a blast!  Not to mention, we made a little stop here yesterday:

forget seasonal flavors . . . 

I'll always be loyal to red velvet

(photo)

I have to kiss my friends goodbye in the morning, but at least I'll have something to distract me . . . Superbowl XLV!  What's everyone doing for the big game??

The O.C.

You know, I've come to realize that the fact that one of my best friends lives in Orange County is not the only reason that I don't hate it. Sure, the parking lots are flooded with luxury SUVs, there are lots of chain stores, and let's just say they could use a little color up in the place. Buttttttt . . . there's also the Beachcomber, a perfect restaurant right on Newport Beach where you can sit and have a glass of white wine overlooking the waves. And there's Sprinkles cupcakes. And of course Amy and Dave's new baby doesn't hurt:

babysam

new wedges!

I'm kind of in love with my new black wedges. Plus, believe it or not, they're comfy! They were my sole O.C. purchase this time around . . . oh, and I must point out that Fashion Island in Newport Beach is teeming with overly tan women in rompers and tiny dogs. WHY BRING YOUR DOG SHOPPING? Seriously, people.

Sprinkles is a little bit of heaven

clockwise from top left: key lime, red velvet (my fave), lemon, peanut butter chocolate (Amy and Dave's favorite), vanilla, and milk chocolate. To the right? A pupcake for Amy & Dave's dog, Roxanne. :)

Auntie Claire and babysam!

Check out Sam rockin' his Juicy Couture duds I got him. I mean, he does live in Orange County after all. We can't have him being a baby pariah. :)