Thoughts on Bed and Breakfasting (Or "We Just Aren't that Grown Up Yet")

 

This weekend, the Boy and I  headed up to (very) Northern California to see Redwood National Forests. We wanted to do something different, so we decided to stay at the Lost Whale Inn. It is a Bed and Breakfast which is right on the water in Trinidad. I am not sure I have ever, at least definitely not in my adult life, stayed in a Bed and Breakfast, so these are my thoughts on the whole experience.

We had to drive up to Trinidad from the city, and since we left just in time for rush hour, it took us about 7 hours. By the time we got to the B and B it was super dark, so it felt like we were just down some barren dark road. Our room was pretty little, but it was super cute and decorated in all sort of whale stuff. Clearly, whale decor is needed for a good time.

 

The next morning we woke up to a really pretty view. We were pumped for the breakfast, which is apparently why the place has such a great  reputation. It was super delicious- have you ever had peach cobbler? That shiz is delicious! Also, I have never gotten the appeal of scones- they are dry and chalky, but these ones had fresh raspberries which were awesome.

Despite the deliciosity of the breakfast, this is about the moment where we realized that perhaps Bed and Breakfast living is not for us. Do you know they expect you to  mingle? We had to share a table with another family and everyone wants to talk to everyone else. Oh boy. We were both horrified, because talking to strangers is like the least relaxing thing in the world. Don't get me wrong, we always meet people when we travel, and I generally like people. But the conversation just lasts as long as it lasts. This is more like the beginning of church camp, where you are mingling with people you are going to see the whole freaking time!

 

But did I mention how cute the room was?

 

And this is  the view from our window. It was so pretty and serene. A very different kind of beach view. You certainly complain about this, which I think is why some of the people there just kind of hang out there all day.

 

Before we headed out to see some trees, we wanted to check out the private path to the beach that the Inn's website talked about. We even heard July was the time of year where baby seals are around, so we weren't going to miss that.

 

The path was way more hardcore than we expected, and in the last 80 feet or so you have to climb down a ladder to get there. We felt like action heroes!

 

Then, suddenly you are at this gorgeous beach (it was really foggy all day which I loved). 

 

I don't have any pictures that really show it, but there were families of seals out on some of the rocks. It was very rocky, but it was just gorgeous, so I think the time we spent on the beach was worth the whole trip. And even if we winced every time the tire salesman tried to tell us about Jesus (we told him we were Episcopalean like 5 times!)- also, this is true and not an exageration or caricature.When you add in the scones, all in all it was good.

 

More pretty beach shots. 

 

Seriously! It was that good!

 

This is the Boy getting ready to master the rope ladder back up. The hike was probably 20-25 minutes, and it was so steep heading back up! It kicked our butt before we even got started!We didn't realize how tough it would be, so I feel like they should warn people more emphatically. I feel like the average age of the guests (there are only like 20 at a time) has to be 50 or so, and that is a really tough path.

At 4, the B and B has a tea time, but shucks we missed that. We were back to the Lost Whale Inn around 6:30 and a lot of the guests were all sitting out on the back porch drinking wine and talking. We friendly waved and briefly chatted about taking a lot of their advice of where to go (another plus, I guess). Then we stole a bunch of the tea time food (also delicious, but I think we can safely mark this as a less mature route than just being friendly while we eat our chocolate strawberries and asparagus toast and such). We hid in our room to eat, and it was so good we snuck down to steal more.

 

The next morning we sat with another family for breakfast, but the conversation just kept stalling. Does anyone else feel like they just run out of questions when talking to someone else? I do not have enough skills at this, and being a grad student, I find awkward silence sucks the life out of me. I didn't even feel comfortable taking a picture of our breakfast!  They wanted to talk about the massages they got the day before, but I am sorry, how much is there to be said about massages? Yes, they were great and relaxing. Isn't that nice. Blerg strangers! Why won't you let me change the topic when there is nothing left to say about how nice massages are!

 

We came back up to our room to pack up and the Boy wrote in their cutesy guest book.  It was about how we named all the whales, and if you thought they had different names you were a fool. Then we drew this picture. 

So my final thought is that we need to be more competent adults to appreciate all of the pluses of staying somewhere bed and breakfasty. Maybe I need to have a greater appreciation of massages, but I dont like staying still on trips. We are always there to explore! So, we probably won't do that one again until we master the art of conversation, learn to drink lots of wine, and stop hiding from strangers who want to talk to us. But we loved the peach cobbler, the beach, and the coziness of the room. So I feel like we failed the Lost Whale Inn, but the Lost Whale in did not fail us.

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100 Things I Love This Week Part 2- Decorating and Rehearsing

 

26. Tall Ladders- Essential to any good wedding. Also, pretty treacherous, since one of the valiant members of ladder team two was actually shocked by lights! Still, I am positive that the key to our wedding's success was those ladders.

 

27. Liam as a helper- Shell and Micah brought the baby with them, which provided lots of extra cuteness (and he is such a good baby). My Nana was all over watching him, and you could tell she was genuinely having a good time. 

 

28. The photo wall- Natalie and my Dad were all over it, and it really looked great. Here is Natalie trying to figure out how to cover up the wire with ribbon. It is very nice to have an artist as a cousin on days like that one! 

 

29. Big Rock Tissue Mountain- Jenny was fluffing all day, and before these bad boys went up, you couldn't even see her. Those are her feet at the bottom. Jenny's feet alone make this picture amazing. 

 

30. Anchor Village's lattices- Ok, I am lying. Those things are fugly, but they do cover up uglier things and we did get to use them in a pretty cute way. If you are having your reception at Anchor Village, bring white paint with you! And probably power tools, because those things are falling apart.

31. The giant bug living on the junk that the last group left on the lattices. So Gross. It's when you are pulling off your 3rd or 4th grasshopper you start really doubting your decision- but it all turned out, so now their memory is endearing.

 

32. Sweet Basil Pizza- Sweet Basil took over the old Pizza Hut in Marian, and that is where my Mom went to get food for everyone on Friday. The pizza was all so amazing. If you are taking the drive between Eastern PA and Franklin, I would highly recommend this place. Hit the spot.She got a ton of pizza and we pretty much finished it.

 

33. That Jim McGee showed up as we were cleaning up and getting ready to go. Now that is some good timing. He did move one table and pretend to put up one flower, so that is some quality groomsmenning.

 

34. This picture of the Boy and Carlo as kids. Specifically, that they are wearing sweatsuit outfits and putting hands on each others thighs. Mrs. Alfeo swears that she was sick that day, so she takes no responsibility for it.

 

35.  The Dance floor ceiling! My Dad figured out how to put it up, and it really did look amazing and beautiful. As each puff and lantern went up, I just got more excited about how it looked.

 

36. The Congradulations sign- Courtesy of my Sister-in-laws. We are an odd group, but this cracks me up!

  

37. Having my brother with me- You can't do anything this big without your sibling. Mine is the best! He had about 48 hours in Franklin to be there for all of our wedding stuff (he had to leave LA while training for a new job and moving into a new apartment) and I couldn't have appreciated it more. Plus, I thought his rehearsal outfit was pretty sharp.

 

38. This bridesmaid/groomsmen combo. We had a lot of short girls and tall guys, but this is my favorite/ most dramatic combination!

 

39. The rehearsal bouquet from my Aunt Ann- She couldn't come in the end, but she got me a small bouquet for the rehearsal as a surprise, which was just so sweet. It was a nice way to feel like she was with me and thinking of me because I was definitely thinking of her and wishing she could be there with us! I missed her so much, but she was so sweet and thoughtful toward me, even from a distance. Also, the bouquet was really pretty. 

 

40. Ok, I wasn't thinking ahead so I didn't take a good picture of the food, but AmaZing Food Catering did an awesome job, and I was especially obsessed with the tortellini which were green and had cheese and were freaking amazing. Shame on me for saying we should just do pizza, because I will be thinking of that tortellini for the rest of my life. Maybe I just loved the carbs after lunch, but I was really excited about the food (and I wasn't the only one who came back for seconds!).

 

41. This Picture- These two are my family and my home and it made me so happy to see them hanging out and being together! Love them so much! Also, my brother is another sucker for babies, so that was cute too!

 

42. Black light bowling- Nothing says the solemnity of marital commitment like Pam's whole body glowing under the lights while we all bowled.  If you are trying to think of a good pre-wedding activity, I would recommend bowling, though I think I might tell the bride and groom to not commit to actually bowling.

 

43.  Seeing old friends who I haven't seen for a while- Even better, seeing them bowl and interact with other people from the past. One of the most fun parts of wedding festivities.

 

44. The church dress/ bowling shoe combo- this look is going to blow up. They looked even more amazing glowing in the black light.

 

45.  This picture- just another good one. I love their dance together!

46.  That Zach broke a bowling ball- That's power. He actually put a huge dent in the ball. He seemed pretty proud of it too!

 

47. The Old Timey phones in D'Casa B& B- we tried them all. They were pretty amazing. The whole B& B has new ownership and they redid the kitchen. It turned out to be a great home base through wedding festivities, and we liked playing with all the old stuff in there! The hour after bowling we ran around a bunch and I think got out some energy playing and exploring the space. It was so fun!

48. D'Casa B and B's kitchen- It looks like a kitchen in a magazine. I am not sure I have ever been in such a fancypants kitchen before in my life. We were really impressed by it!

 

49.  Late night conversations with these people- such a fun night!

 

50. Waking up to my Dad playing the "It's your wedding day" polka on his tuba- the perfect way to get up. 

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Today's Inspiration- Jody Alexander's Ruby B

Today I had a special project to finish for Artsy, and I couldn't be happier, because I discovered yet another truly amazing artist. Jody Alexander works as a librarian in Santa Cruz by day and as a book artist and collector by night. She spins her own narratives around found books and texts, but the ways she transforms them are unlike anything I have ever seen. New favorite for sure. Here are a few images from her "The Odd Volumes of Ruby B" series, which you can read more about here (no seriously, click the link. You will see beautiful things).

from www.seagergray.com

from www.jalexbooks.com

from www.herringbonebindery.com

The total femininity and precision of what she is doing moves what could be just an original idea into something that feels precious and rare. The embroidery on the pages is unlike any I have seen before. When a collector makes her own objects, I think she captures that magic that drives those archival instincts in the first place. I think this work is magic.

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We Love the Local List- San Jose and the Bay Area

This is a new blog series where we can each sing the praises of our favorite local shops, brands, and restaurants. 



Supporting local businesses does even more than supporting small business owners (though that is great too). It keeps your money local to you (not off wherever the Waltons are vacationing), creates more jobs for your friends and family, and even helps the environment. 



Why is shopping local good for the environment? We talk a lot about commutes and how much fuel people use to travel, and the same applies to your stuff. The further your stuff has to travel, the more fossil fuels they use and energy they waste. Large companies and chains pretty consistently show less responsibility and concern for the environment and the communities they are in, so you can effect positive change locally and decrease your environmental impact just by shopping and eating local! 




 This blog intends to encourage us to get out and explore the businesses near where we live. See it as a fun challenge to see what you can support nearby and be surprised what amazingness you may have missed. You can also check out other lists to find the coolest places to go when you travel to new places!  





Mandy Chronert is one of the few people I knew while living in the Bay Area that actually grew up there. But she is the Bay Area, born and raised, and it's no surprise that she knows all about the gems around San Jose. When I moved there, I was blown away but just how many businesses were there, and it could be hard to see past the Targets and shopping malls to all of the amazing local businesses that also hide out in the area. I learned, and especially miss some local restaurants, but we are still lucky that Mandy can point you to some real gems! Take it away Ms. Chronert-




My Bay Area Local Love List:




1. SJMADE (http://www.sanjosemade.com/) – what a cool way to see local products and ideas at festivals and outside of Whole Foods on the Alameda. I've seen everything from natural beauty products, jewelry, clothing for local sports teams, coffee, and all the tasty treats (macaroons, biscotti, cupcakes) you can imagine! I follow them on Instagram to figure out when and where I can find new local things, which when I type that out it sounds ridiculous, but it is the best way to follow these small businesses in the bay area. 




2. Therapy (http://www.shopattherapy.com/) – clothing store with multiple Bay Area locations. It's comparable to Anthropologie, but with local products. Shopping or even just browsing is definitely my preferred mode of retail therapy. 



Thoughts from B- Yes, this store is awesome. We spent many a night walking through and lusting over house stuff in there. 




3. San Pedro Square Market (http://www.sanpedrosquaremarket.com/) – cool multi-use space that offers little pockets of food, beverages, entertainment, and shopping. 



4. San Jose Municipal Stadium (http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t476) – home of the minor league San Jose Giants baseball team. This is one of the best affordable activities to do in San Jose. There are frequently free tickets to the baseball games that you can pick up at local grocery stores (cost of an average ticket is $10.00 normally). It's such a quintessential San Jose activity that I have enjoyed since I was a small child. I still go to games whenever I can and my best friend even got married on home plate during the off-season last spring. The food and souvenirs are all local favorites (you definitely have to try the churros).



B Thoughts- Uh, this is an awesome suggestion. It would never occur to me to think about local sports stadiums as a place to celebrate regional food and such, but it's genius. 




Thank you Mandy! Have other stores, restaurants, or brands that you love local to the Bay Area? Write me a list! I know there are plenty. 





Want to write your own Loving the Local List? You fill my heart with joy! Just send me a list of your five to ten favorite local brands and stores (it doesn't have to be just around the street- a State specific snack or small chain of restaurants works just fine). Write a few sentences on why you love each thing (and I love pictures if you have them) and send them to sunshineguerrilla@gmail.com.







Would you like to buy more environmentally responsible or Made in America products? I've got you covered! Check out my Mega List of Shopping Lists for tons of ideas for any shopping trip.

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What to Buy (and Skip) for your Second Baby

Our niece and nephew six years ago. He is showing off his new sister and new dvd. Equally important. 

We are staring down the barrel at our second baby- he is coming in 6 weeks- and I feel panicked at just how calm I am. It feels like I should be preparing, prepping, shopping, etc (because that's how it was the first time), but there just isn't much to do. It's eerily quiet in my Amazon shopping cart.

 You can find these long, epic lists about what you need for the second baby all over (including here), but I mostly regret getting so much stuff I didn't need the first time, I also really regret that I didn't buy more ethical, eco-friendly, and locally-made stuff when we had the giant shopping (and registering) spree the first time. So this time, my goal is to keep the shopping list small and to do right by every item on it.

Want to join me? What are you thinking about buying again? Any clever hacks on how to make gendered stuff from the first baby work for the second (other than just not caring because those expectations are ridiculous for beings that can't recognize their own hands, much less their own gender)? I know the more we can make work a second go round, the better for our own budget and the environment, so this is my list of the few essentials we have to buy this time around.

What to Buy

Big Sibling Books

We bought a few gems- Daniel Tiger and Mercer Mayer especially, and that has really helped our toddler catch on to what is happening (or at least to Baby Margaret). I am hoping it sets some expectations, but at least it has created a fondness for babies.

Our Picks- We bought all of these used and in great condition from third party sellers.  Could be a great option for you too! Lots of these titles have sister versions as well. I am a Big Brother!, The New Baby, Big Brother Daniel, and Just Me and My Little Brother.

Diapers

If you are doing reusable, this is just about refreshing your supply and maybe getting some new inserts.

Our Picks- G Diapers or Jack and Jill

If you are doing disposable, it's time to get a whole new supply again (this is why reusable does turn out so much cheaper in the end). We are going to try Honest Company this time for our disposables.

Our Picks- The Honest Company or Earth's Best

Bottle Nipples

 We are just going to get one new set for both of the glass bottle sets we use. If you used plastic bottles, the answer to this might be more complicated, because plastic leeches chemicals over time. If you do need new bottles, let me suggest Lifefactory or Evenflo glass bottles. Most everything can ust be sterilized.

Our Picks- Evenflo (the glass bottles) and Lifefactory (the bottles and the sippy cup tops)

Burp Rags

 Ours definitely kind of spread around and some came to untimely ends. We are great on washclothes, but burp rags do have a gap.

Our Picks- No more Gerber. Ever. Thirsties or Responsible Mother

A Few Toys that We can Hook On

 We never went that route with our first, but our second baby is apt to wait a little longer when they need something. We had one toy that had a bracelet, but I am looking at clip on things too.

Our Picks- Baby Jack Sensory Blanket, Feltman and Co, Bannor Toys, The Teething Fairy, and Paci-catchers

A Coming Home Outfit

 I know this one is probably wasteful (and if you could find something used, that would be awesome), but I feel like the new baby deserves to look fresh when he heads out of the hospital and out into the world. I bought him his own little outfit so he looks cute and I can put it in his memory box.

Our Picks- Bramble and Bough, Little Beans Baby Shop, and Jolie and June

A Few Special Clothing Pieces All His/Her Own

 When the Big Bub was born, we were gifted lots of fox stuff, so foxes feel like him.  We kept some foxes (gave a good number away), but I have bought two onesies on Etsy (one 0-3 and one 3-6) so far so this baby isn't just a mirror image of his brother at the same age. There will be a lot (mostly) that, but a few new pieces, hats, etc. will hopefully fit his individual identity.

Our Picks- My Baby Bee and Me and Urban Earth Co

Season-Appropriate Clothes

 Every time the Bub grew out of a size, we split the clothes into an A team and B Team, and we gave the B Team away, so we have a little more than half of his clothes left in every size (the most gender-neutral stuff made the cut). The new baby won't need a ton of new stuff, but we reviewed what we had so we could be strategic in filling the gaps.

 Even though our kids' birthdays are only two and a half months apart, that means the first two sizes have warm clothes when we need more breathable things and lighter weight stuff when we need winter pieces. When we go to the baby consignment store for the Big Bub, I always look quickly through the teeny sizes for his brother.

Our Picks- Used, all used. doing the seasonal math and shopping at kids' consignment and Goodwill. New to us is just fine with me.

A Gift from the New Baby for Big Sibling

 I used to think this idea was just the worst, but I kind of like the idea of something new to explore in that first week or so when everyone is getting adjusted. No "Big Brother" or "Big Sister" shirt, something that you know your toddler will find fun (and time-consuming). I am thinking about some sort of train set or puzzley things. If I go big, I would want to do a little play tent, so the Big Bub could have his own space, but those are an investment.

Our Picks-All About Kraft, Kid Puzzles, and Berkshire Bowls For a play tent- Southern Blush,

What We'll Buy Later

Car Seat

 No, we are not getting a new infant one. The OG infant seat isn't expired, and I resent the amount of pressure people put on parents about this. We bought the next size up car seat to fit for a very long time, so it won't be ready to be passed down. So we will get a new one for the new bub when he is around that size.

Our Picks- Evenflo and Safety First. Both sell Made in the USA car seats! Neither make all of their car seats in the States, so you have to check, but this is a great way to get a spot on product and support American businesses and manufacturing! Why give another company your money if these ones are doing the right thing AND make completely loved car seats? Browse these car seats before you look elsewhere.

Double Stroller

 I know it is inevitable, but I will avoid it as long as I can. As long as the Little Bub is amenable, we will baby carry until he is older. When we reach that six month mark, we can reassess and probably shell out for a double stroller. I am not excited for this day.

Our Picks- Hopefully used. My hope is that this six month cushion gives me time to find a good used option, either at consignment stores or on Buy Nothing (joined your local Buy Nothing Project yet? It can save parents hundreds of dollars). I haven't found a Made in USA double stroller yet, but when I do, I will share the info with you!

What to Skip

Anything You Can Reuse

 Bottles (if you have glass, not plastic, which will start leeching chemicals over time), Pack n Play, Stroller, Baby Carriers, Baby Clothes, your Swing, Bassinet, Baby Monitor, and all your Baby Furniture (glider, changing table, dresser, etc). If you don't still have these, I highly recommend tracking them down used. You know how this goes now, and you know better than lusting over a "perfect" swing to match your nursery decor or whatever. All that matters is that it works and it is clean, so why waste money on something brand new?

A Second Crib

 Oy, No way. We figure the baby will sleep in our room for at least six month (the Big Bub stayed in our room even longer) so there is no reason to shell out for a second crib if our toddler will be about ready for his toddler bed when it is time to make the switch. I know it totally depends on your children and their age difference, but I would hold out until its time to use the crib before you decide what you want to do. We may get a pack n play mattress pad to make it a little comfier, but that's it.

A High Chair

 Our kids will be about 20 months apart, so I figure when the Little Bub is ready for the high chair, the Big Bub will be ready to pass it down. High chairs are expensive and slightly unwieldy in a space, so even though we love our Oxo Tot high chair (great chair, but buy it open box!), we don't need another one. If the Big Bub isn't ready to move into a regular chair, we have a booster/ high chair we bring with us to dinner parties that can become a regular fixture in our house.

A Sound Machine

 We have one, and we will reuse it, but I imagine mostly we will just use apps on our phone just like the first time. Yes, having the noise can make the day smoother, but there are so many ways to make this happen without spending the extra money.

Sheets and a Mattress

 Really? I have seen the good point that a non-organic mattress could be emitting some chemicals (why don't we all buy organic mattresses?), but otherwise, this seems crazy to me. Wash all the sheets. Otherwise, it should be fine.

Those are my ideas! What would you add to the list? Be sure to check out the 2016 Baby Registry for more ethical baby goods and the Giant List of Lists for all kinds of green shopping ideas!

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