Pineapple – Fancy Earrings

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As you can imagine, my pineapple jewelry collection is extensive, but some pieces are more practical than others. I can’t walk around bejeweled with heavy necklaces and bracelets on most days, but simple, classy pineapple earrings like these are always easy to throw on and match anything I wear.

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Dazzling Flavors in the “American Rivera”

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Pit stop! The first leg of our road trip to sunny Santa Barbara began with saucy ribs and blue cheese tri tip salad from Salinas City Barbeque. Hands down, the most gorgeous combination of meat and seasonal veggies that we’ve ever seen. Pro tip: Never start a long journey on an empty stomach. Ok, back…

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Pineapple – Colorful Gift Bags

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Ok, I’ll admit, I bought all these pineapple gift bags because they’re so darn cute, and have no intention of ever giving them away. Besides, who would ever enjoy them more than I do?

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Sunflowers and Smiles at California Spring Trials

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If you’ve never been to a flowers trade show before, I highly encourage it. Beyond the obvious loveliness of the plants on display, I’m always impressed by the incredible coordination it takes to grow countless varieties of different flowers that all bloom perfectly at the same time, even as their growth cycles drastically vary through…

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Hawaiian Vibes at Hula’s Island Grill

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I was hangry; you know the feeling. After mysteriously waiting half an hour to receive our appetizer from a popular ocean-view restaurant, though we were one of only three tables expecting service during the quiet between-meals hour of 3pm, Brandon and I decided to cut our losses and find another place to eat. Clearly this…

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Pineapple – Jewelry Box

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When I finally became tired of shoving my jewelry into plastic baggies while packing for travel near and far, I pulled out this lovely mini jewelry box my mother gave me one year for Christmas. It made organizing my fragile earrings and necklaces simple, a welcome relief because preparing for time away from home is…

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Peacocks and Pit Stops at Casa De Fruta

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Anyone roadtripping from the south valley along Pacheco Pass toward I-5 has stopped at Casa de Fruta, the farm stand-turned oasis hidden among the rolling California hills. Home to waving palm trees and colorful blue peacocks, Casa de Fruta was founded back in the early 1900s by a family of orchard farmers who evolved the…

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Pineapple – Halloween Costume

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I’ve had several pineapple Halloween costumes over the years, but this one confused people the most! “Are you a pumpkin? A palm tree?” NO. Don’t let the homemade headdress confuse you, I’m a pineapple! I even displayed my pineapple enamel pin collection on my sweater to give everyone a hint. Oh well, we’ll see if…

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Barbareño – Flavor Stories of Santa Barbara

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When the mild California winter finally breaks around Easter, and the sun warms our faces on afternoon walks, we emerge from our cooped up tiny house existence for a celebratory stay-cation in Santa Barbara. It’s not summer yet; not time for long holidays in exotic places far away from home. No, we venture just a few hours…

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Cruising the Mexican Riviera Aboard Norwegian

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Surfing through cruise deals online one day in March, we stumbled across an amazing early bird offer from Norwegian Cruise Line – four tickets for the price of two, for a week-long Christmas cruise to the Mexican Riviera, making port in Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta. What a steal! And completely worth the…

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