Happy New Year, everyone. I apologize that it’s already January, 9th. Dear God, where did the time go. The “new” year is already more than a week old.
As you can see, I did some housekeeping around here.
I decided that I needed a fresh look; something more “me”, so I’ve been working on a new layout and I hope you like it.
J and I had a wonderful NYE/NYWeekend. I already put my goals for the new year in action and we spent two nights on the Californian Coast in this lovely Bed&Breakfast.
I wanted it to be a little special and special, it was! We had a beautifully decorated room with a comfy bed and the breakfast creations, served every morning by the friendly innkeepers, were delicious. On New Year’s Day we were served orange juice and coffee/tea, plain yogurt with fresh berries, lemon-rosemary-crumble cake, and Eggs Benedict; on the 2nd we had orange juice and coffee/tea, fresh fruit cocktail, ginger cake, and a Blueberry Blintz with apple sausages.
Can you say: spoiled?
We had three wonderful days. It was as nice as it could possibly be, if I disregard the fact that I couldn’t see my family over the holidays. We hung out at the beach, (sadly, I missed out on a whale watching tour, damn it), and we did something that I had wanted to do for a very, very long time. Probably for as long as I can remember.
We went horseback riding on the beach. Yes, horseback riding. On a real horse.
I mean, come on. Isn’t it seriously the most wonderful thing that you can imagine: being on a horse, riding on a beautiful beach with waves crashing in the distance?
It was pretty scenic, indeed.
We rode along the cliff for a while and then down onto the beach. The view was just breath-taking and I had almost forgotten how wonderful it feels to be on the back of a horse (more on my previous experiences to come). Unfortunately, I apparently had also forgotten how many muscles are involved when riding a horse .
1,5 hours later and I was sore in pretty much every place you can imagine (I don’t encourage you to do so). Sore, but absolutely stoked! I want to do it again!
And how was your New Year’s?
Sarah
January 9, 2010 at 8:48 pmThat looks beautiful! I need to get out to the west coast sometime soon.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..How To: Minnie Mouse Hair =-.
ToBeAnnounced
January 9, 2010 at 10:01 pmLove the new look! That B&B is adorable, and horseback riding on the beach sounds amazing. You definitely kicked off the new year right!
Steffi
January 10, 2010 at 1:10 amGreat new design. Really like it!!
Horseback riding on the beach – great!!! I have to admit that my first time riding on a beach was only after 13 years of active riding. I did it in Cape Town, South Africa. Wonderful. Especially cantering along the beach.
Now I am waiting for the other horse-back story! :-)
Tinka
January 10, 2010 at 1:34 amOh, I’m so happy for you! It looks beautiful there and your new layout is great! I love it! :)
.-= Tinka´s last blog ..Do what you love. Love what you do. =-.
Karen
January 10, 2010 at 4:12 amGreat new design! I’ve never ridden on a horse before but it sounds like a beautiful experience. The picture is great anyway.
And what a cute B&B! I love that style of houses in the US.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Milestone #1, I’m almost there! =-.
kim
January 10, 2010 at 4:19 ami’m so happy it all worked out for you! and i like the new look a lot as well! xoxo
.-= kim´s last blog ..happy new year =-.
Maribeth
January 10, 2010 at 5:13 amI like the new look. I am working on something too, but just not sure what yet.
Where is the bridge? Germany?
Your New Years sounds wonderful! Mine was exceptionally quiet, but I am hopeful that 2010 will be a good year!
.-= Maribeth´s last blog ..Anneliese & Her Mommy =-.
Ute
January 10, 2010 at 6:56 amawwww that is so awesome! it sounds perfect!!! :) I am so happy you had a great time! we were in Disney for New Years that was awesome as well!! Maybe one day we can spend it together! :) love ya
Tanja
January 10, 2010 at 7:51 amI’m glad you are back and I love the fresh look here ;)
Where is this beautiful Bed & Breakfast? It looks so cute … A wonderful 2010 for J and you!
Susanne
January 10, 2010 at 9:30 amahhh, an update! Glad you had a wonderful time. You two deserved it. Happy New Year!
Antje
January 10, 2010 at 11:46 amAwww, what a great way to start the New Year! That B&B looks so cozy! And horseback riding at the beach: truly a dream ome true!
Spatzi
January 10, 2010 at 2:06 pmeins: The layout is simple & refreshing. I like!
zwei: I went horseback riding along the beach once. When I was 12. In Mexico. All I remember is being unable to stay in sync with the horse and with every trot my crotch collided with the saddle. I am glad your experience was much more romantic. :)
drei: HOORAY for living up to your new year’s resolution so early! I love taking trips. <3
Stefanie
January 10, 2010 at 3:23 pmWhat a great trip!!! It looks perfect! I don’t even remember when I last sat on a horse. But it was a long time ago. :)
Btw, I love the new layout. Simple and clean! Lovely!
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..A year in PREVIEW. =-.
Amy --- Just A Titch
January 11, 2010 at 9:45 amYour layout looks lovely, and so does your trip!
P.S. We managed to do dinner downtown, but no Second Saturday—we were tired and cold :) Maybe we’ll have to arrange a run-in, eh? :)
rachel
January 11, 2010 at 11:31 amThe B&B looks very nice. It sounds like it was a wonderful trip!
Jamie Jenson
January 13, 2010 at 8:53 amYou have no idea how long it took me to find the little comment button. I came on the other day and tried to leave you a note and didn’t know how. I’m an idiot. I’m glad you had fun!!
Terra
January 13, 2010 at 2:08 pmI want to go horseback riding on the beach so bad! It sounds like such a beautiful, romantic idea…and I do miss the smell of horses.
PS – love the new look!!
.-= Terra´s last blog ..Year 2 =-.