A Natural Masterpiece

This weekend was... amazing... awesome... breathtaking... This weekend was beautiful... peaceful... perfection.

For three full days I couldn't help but snap picture after picture of one of the most gorgeous places I'd ever seen. It was nearly impossible picking my favorite photos. To partially remedy my photo problem it was obvious I needed to break the trip into two posts - both of which will be loaded with pictures.

As we explored Mammoth Lakes it was crystal clear God had taken this piece of land and used it to create one of His most spectacular masterpieces.

A little exploring led us to several small, brilliant lakes. Each lake displayed its personality with gusto and vigor.

Twin Lakes

Each lake also provided an opportunity to hike around a bit.

Twin Lakes

We were fortunate to run across a couple willing to operate our "good" camera for a family photo op.

Near Twin Lakes was the cutest little outdoor chapel. It was so easy to see how anyone would want to spend some time on the mountain reflecting and giving thanks.

Twin Lakes Outdoor Chapel 

After Twin Lakes we traveled to Horseshoe Lake. Horseshoe Lake provided the perfect opportunity to get Marcus out of the Kelty and stretch his little legs.

Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake

Marcus kept pointing toward the lake and mountains - my heart almost couldn't handle the awe he was in.

While at Horseshoe Lake Marcus was greeted by a few furry four-legged friends.

Between Marcus, Scott, and me, I'm not sure who was most caught up in the splendor that surrounded us.

On day one of our Mammoth trip the mountains and lakes gave us a greeting that was going to be hard to top.

With exception of reducing some shadows in a few of the photos I did not alter the pictures or use filters. The place was *that* stunning.

Happy Marcus Monday!

The mountains are calling and I must go.
-John Muir

Happy Monday!

Mountain Retreat

Monday is Veterans' Day - be sure to thank any service members, past or present, this weekend. That also means it's a three-day weekend up in here!

It's been a busy week, and today is no different. Let's get right to the high-fiving.

1. THIS is where we'll be all weekend.

Mammoth Lakes
Ok, I'm not sure if those exact spots are where we'll be, but we'll be pretty darn close.

54 degrees for the day time high. Mountains all around. Just my boys and me. Yep, it's bound to be a good time.

2. THESE beauties came this week.

If you're looking for a good stability running shoe I'd highly recommend the Guide7s.

I've been dying for the Guide7's release. No stores around us had them and I have almost no patience, so I ordered them. Love, love, love 'em. Running up in the mountains this weekend is going to be that much sweet in these kicks.

3. THESE are on their way.

Baby Chucks - the cuteness is almost too much.

We have family pictures coming up and Marcus needed a fresh pair of shoes to complete is outfit. I could not pass on the red Chucks. Getting the little man to sit still long enough to tie these might be interesting though.

4. THIS was last weekend.

The Pumpkin Prix! We actually participated, our pumpkin racer was the Duck Commander. While the Duck Commander didn't win it was fun nonetheless!

Other pumpkin racers who participated.

5. THIS video needs to be watched by all mommas out there.

Shout out to my friend, Jennie (who doesn't have a blog, but should!), for sharing.

Have a great weekend!

Lorikeet Love

We have utilized our aquarium passes to the fullest since getting them this summer. Each trip we hit up our favorite spots: the touch pools, the spray ground, and a few of the aquarium exhibits.

On our most recent trip we brought Grandma Katie and Aunt Susan. While we were enjoying the sting rays, jellies, and sea loins we thought it would be fun to go through the Lorikeet aviary.

Marcus and I have been through the large bird sanctuary several times. It's usually a quick trip, as birds aren't really my *thing*. This trip we stayed a little longer, and really experienced the birds up close and personal.

Grandma Katie bought some bird nectar, and that drew the little feathered friends right to us. Marcus was infatuated.

Bird enthusiast I am not, however, I couldn't help but love watching Marcus take it all in. His look of sheer delight was enough for me to hang with the birds for a bit.

Little Man thought the colorful birds were just about the coolest things ever. It was Lorkieet love at first sight for him.

We lucky to get a little clip of Marcus' first bird feeding.

He points, looks at me, looks at the birds. His little self is soaking it all up. It's too.stinking.cute.

Clearly we will be making a stop in the Lorikeet birdhouse, nectar in hand, during all of our aquarium visits, regardless of my lack of affection for the colorful feathered fowl.

You Know I Like My Chicken Fried

After living in the heart of LA for almost two years it was easy to take the city for granted. It was also easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday living and overlook so many things the city had to offer.

It wasn't until two weekends ago that Scott and I headed back to our old stomping grounds and took some time to actually enjoy some of the city. While the traffic is still the same - ridiculous (and loathed), it was fun to play tourist for two days.

Most of our time was spent near the Hollywood Bowl so we could catch the Zac Brown Band.

Though we'd been to the Bowl before it is always an awesome place to visit.

Something about the heavy fog made the place seem so... magical.

Here's a little inside secret: It was super foggy when I took daytime pictures. When the fog lifts the Hollywood Bowl is one of THE best places to see the Hollywood sign. And, you're able to get into the Bowl - for free - during the day, so long as there is no event, of course. 

Before the concert we putzed around, checking out places we missed when we lived amidst all the crazy.

Have you ever eaten at a place that only sells grilled cheese sandwiches? I loved that place as much as a fat kid loves cake. It was love at first bite.

Our hotel was in the heart of Hollywood...

The view outside our room. No, that isn't the *actual* Hollywood sign. But a nice attempt nonetheless.

...and close to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And wouldn't you know it, a celeb greeted us right as we entered the lobby!

Thank you Madam Tussaud's for this fun little photo op.

The main event, the real reason for our trip to the Land of the Fruits and Nuts, was of course the Zac Brown Band.

I won't do a lengthy recap or review. What I will say is the band was phenomenal. They are true musicians, and live they sound exactly like when you hear them on the radio. If you ever get the chance to see them in concert, do it! Both Scott and I said we'd see them over and over again, and it would never get old.

It's not often we have a weekend, just the two of us, and we had such a great time. My only regret is we only managed to get one photo of us, and I think the guy who took it just snapped a shot, and didn't actually look into the camera - oy. Guess that just means we'll have to have to have another weekend to re-do it all. :)

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Can you believe the holiday season is already upon us? Christmas and Hanukah items are out in full force at any big box store, holiday commericals are being played on tv, and there are even radio stations busting out the Christmas music. It's crazy to think we are already making lists and checking them twice.

Besides the real reason behind the season, which is the most important, let's not forget that... I love finding just the right gift for my friends and family. It's easy to go to aforementioned big stores and pick out the latest and greatest. But, where's the fun in that? Some of the best, most perfect gifts to give are found from small businesses, and small business owners.

Today I'm sharing with you a few of my favorite things, along with some sweet savings to go along with those things. Your holiday list should decrease after today. :)

For the Wine Enthusiast
ThinkEco2 Wine Racks, Wine Boxes, and Wedding Decor
I can't say enough great things about this Southern California company, and their products. All ThinkEco2 are amazing, hand-made, green products. Their wine racks are so beautifully made, and compliment any space.

I love the shabby chîc look, and how little space it takes in my already not-so-large kitchen.
ThinkEco2 is offering a 20% discount on their wine racks. Simply enter the code MMHOLIDAYS1 at checkout. I promise you, or your gift recipient will adore these products.

For the Sports Fanatic
Society 43 Sunglasses
As an owner of plenty of sunglasses I cannot express how awesome these particular shades happen to be. Without fail I wear these every Saturday (regardless how poorly my Cyclones happen to be this season). And, without fail I always get compliments on my sunglasses.

The glasses come in a variety of collegiate teams, NBA teams, and everyday styles. I can't help but checkout their website and ogle over what new pair I would like to add to my collection.
These would make the perfect stocking stuffers!
For the next two weeks Society 43 is offering a 20% discount on all their products. Simply enter MMHOLIDAYS upon check out!

For the Fitness Fashionista
Ruffles With Love Workout Wear
There is something about feeling good about the clothes you workout in. Am I the only one who feels as if I have a better workout when my threads are motivational *and* cute?
I was introduced to these amazing work out tanks at the beginning of my half training this spring, and I wore them during my long running days. Something about them made me feel like I could run farther, faster.

Here is just a sample of the Ruffles With Love collection.

I own a few of these, but want them all! If you want to send something cute my way this holiday season I'll take the "I Run Like a Mother...", "Suck it up Buttercup", and "Rise Shine & Run".
For the next two weeks you can take 15% off your order when you enter the code MMHOLIDAYS at the checkout!

For the Accessory Obsessed
Brady Bands Hair Bands and Hair Ties
Who doesn't love a good accessory to compliment the cutest outfit, workout outfits included! And, what person with even the slightest bit of hair doesn't appreciate something that will keep said hair out of the face and eyes?
May I introduce Brady Bands. These adorable bands are stylish and can be worn for any occasion.

This is just a taste of the HUNDREDS of bands offered.

Brady Bands is named after a little boy, Braden, who lost his life to brain cancer in 2012. The absolute best part of this product is that a portion of each sale is donated toward childhood cancer research.
Until December 31 you can receive 10% off your order when you enter the code BBVIP10. 

For Anyone Who Needs an Extra Boost
Advocare Spark
I'd be lying if I told you I didn't really believe all the hype behind Spark... Until I tried it. Now I'm a believer! No afternoon is complete without grape Spark. It's the extra boost I need to get me through those never-ending afternoons with a toddler (love you Marcus!). This is actually on *MY* Christmas list. So, whoever drew my name, I would not be mad if grape Spark was all that was in my stocking.

My blogging buddy Mateya has a super sweet deal lined up for the entire month of November for Monologue readers. Just shoot Mateya an email (mkuhlman32@hotmail.com) and she will get you hooked up.  

And there you have it. Some of my absolute FAVORITE things!
Now get to shopping. :)

Happy Marcus Monday!

Marcus experienced his first taste of a sucker this weekend...

Little man, life is so much sweeter with you in it.

Happy Monday!

So Much Good Stuff

This week was action packed with so much good stuff. In case you missed the pictures of Marcus' Halloween costume fear not, I'm here to share more - among other great things.

Time to high-five for a successful week in the books.

1. Our Halloween costumes involved all three of us. It was awesome.

Thanks, again, Mom for making our costumes!

Though Marcus refused to wear his gloves, and was totally over the whole trick or treating bit within 30 minutes, it was a fun 30 minutes!
Just for fun, here's a quick look at the little man last year on Halloween.

2. The night before Halloween we got around to carving pumpkins. Nothing like a little procrastination to get a holiday started off right. Marcus got in on the action... Sort of. He was not a fan of the pumpkin guts.

Marcus WAS a fan of the the final products. Kid could not stare at, touch, and "woah" enough at our jack-o-lanterns.

3.  After what felt like an eternity of car shopping we (read: Scott) finally found a car that met all our needs. To say I'm in love with this vehicle would be a gross understatement.

I feel even more like a... MOM now.
4. The 7th Annual Pumpkin Prix is this weekend. Think of it as the pinewood derby for pumpkins. On wheels. It's awesome. The most fun might be when you lose. When a pumpkin racer loses all the kids watching their parents race get to smash the loser pumpkins. It's a riot to see.

Last year we were just spectators in the fun. This year we're (read: Scott) is actually participating with a racer. Should be fun to see how well we (read: he) does.
5. My first VoxBox from Influenster came this week. It was like Christmas came early. More details on all that fun later.

Have a great weekend!!