Sunny with a Chance of a Sprinkle!

I'm not sure if I have told you guys, but my Sister-in-law is expecting her second baby! A baby girl!

Last weekend we celebrated a Baby Sprinkle (not to be confused with a bigger, more extravagant Baby Shower) for Shea and Sarah's second baby. Why a Sprinkle you ask? Well it isn't as big of a party as the first baby...so when it's not a Shower, it's a Sprinkle. Get it?

{Mom's art skills}

And I dunno if I am biased, but I always think Sarah has the cutes parties, and the most adorable decorations (with the help of the party planner Kyla). Observe...

{via}

 {let's see if you can guess the theme...}

{via}

 {SO adorable right?}

{via}

{These might be the most precious napkins I have ever seen..}

And finally....what Sprinkle is complete without individual Sprinkles Cupcakes for all? I mean really, these girls think of everything. 

{via}

I think it was safe to say that a fun time was had by all the ladies who got together to celebrate this Baby Girl. She is going to be one lucky little lady to have parents like Shea and Sarah, and a big brother like Parker.

{Sarah and all of Baby Girl's gifts!}

Speaking of Parker, at the very last minute the boys decided to crash the party!

 {Cutest. Family. Ever.}

It was a good thing Shea stopped by because I got to give him a gift I picked out for him and his Baby Girl on the way!

That's right! A PINK Dodger's uniform...I mean...I can't even...it is SO CUTE!!! Gotta start 'em young in the Mercado household!

Can't wait to meet you Baby Girl Mercado! 

You are gonna be one spoiled little chica (especially by Auntie Kai)!

Fall TV Review Round-Up: Week 1

I don't know about you guys, but I love Fall TV Premiere time!! I am always excited to check out brand new shows, and even more excited when my favorite shows are back. I get so pumped actually that I have a document saved on my Desktop with the premiere dates of all the shows (in order), so that I know what to record when (insert Nick making fun of me here).

So I figured I would share with you in the weeks to come my opinions on the Fall TV Schedule this year. Maybe I might inspire you to check some out, or to avoid others all together. This week I will be recapping all the shows that premiered from the week prior.

Week 1

New Shows

Go On

What is not to like about a room full of crazies trying to work out there problems, and who can't relate?

 Network television must really have faith in trying to re-create lightning in a bottle with past Friends actors. They just keep giving Matthew Perry shows, bless his heart. I actually thought this show was pretty funny, and mostly because they have a good cast. I recognized a few people, including John Cho (Harold & Kumar) and Julie White (the crazy funny mom from Transformers).

Although it is a good ensemble, I don't know if it will have the staying power as some other comedies on TV these days. One can hope though, at least for Matthew Perry's sake...

The New Normal

Taking a cue from the success of Modern Family recreating the family, Ryan Murphey decided to bring his own version to NBC. Who is Ryan Murphey? Oh, he just created a little show named Glee, you might have heard of it...

The good news here is it isn't a cheap Modern Family knock-off...it is actually a really great show. First of all, I love Justin Bartha (National Treasure, The Hangover), and would probably watch anything with him in it. Second of all, this has a lot of the same type of writing and feel that Glee has, without the singing. It is witty and adorable, and I think it is going to stay for a while. Also, that little girl is kind of the cutest....that is all.

Returning Shows

Parenthood

You guys...I LOVE this show. I actually was late to the Parenthood train. My mom and sister-in-law kept telling me how good it was, so one day I decided to sit down and start from the beginning. I am so glad I did! If you haven't started watching, do so now!

If you have anything resembling a family, you will relate to this show on way or another. Yeah, there is drama, but at the heart of it is love, and a little bit of humor. They are all crazy, but at the end of the day, they are family. 

This season premiere focused on Haddie going to college across country, and of course made me cry. I love how this show has grown because there are always new things that happen in a progression and a growth of a family, that Parenthood captures it all so well...

Seriously...go watch it now. :)

The Voice

I had actually given up on singing competitions until this show came on a few years ago. The Voice gave the run of the mill singing shows the shot in the arm it so desperately needed. The judges are all great, and I love how they each have their own team that they mentor. 

It has been good every season so far, and this season is turning out pretty solid as well. There has been good talent, and some pretty good smack talking between these feisty judges. And really, if all else fails, can we just pause for a second and look at the gorgeous Adam Levine? 

XFactor

I decided to give XFactor a shot this year, having never watched it before, for a few reasons. First of all, Britney Spears basically defined my childhood, so how could I not have interested in a show with her on it. And also, Demi Lovato is the cutest little thing ever, and has become quite the good role model for young women. So with those two stars, it can't go wrong right?

Eh...

I was honestly kind of unimpressed. I kept thinking the show sort of missed something, and it very well might be the fact that there is no host? I think a good host can fill that empty space between auditions very well. But also, the talent was alright. Although, there was this girl that had been bullied that did make me cry (but then again, I cry all the time)...

So overall, I am just kind of on the fence about this one....and I think The Voice is better.

Glee

Confession: I have been a Gleek since day 1 of this show. 

I will never say anything bad about Glee (even when Quinn had that whole wheelchair plot), because I love it so. If you know anything about me, you know I am a Musical junkie, so this show is my drug of choice. Yes, I have over 100 Glee songs downloaded onto my iTunes...please don't judge me.

This season should be interesting! I am excited to see what Rachel and Kurt will be up to in New York, and what the New Directions will do without some of their best singers. But besides all of that, it needs to be said that I am SO excited for Kate Hudson to be on the show. She is just...fabulous...

If you haven't watched this show, I don't even know what to say to you right now.

That is my review of all the shows that premiered last week! 

What did you guys think of the new and returning shows? Are there any shows you are looking forward to? Let me know your thoughts on all the Fall TV out there!

Next week I will be reviewing Revolution, Parks and Recreation, Up All Night, and The Office!

Date Night in Orange County

One of the best things about moving to a new city is it means one thing...new Date Nights (or day?)!

After living in San Diego for six years, date nights had become a bit stale. The same movie place, the same place for dinner. I was ready for some new adventures! After a couple hours of research, I found some great ideas. Here is a list that I saved on my comp (yes I have that much free time), and I thought I should share with you!

Date Night Ideas in Orange County

(In no particular order)

1. Check out the amazing marine life at the Aquarium of the Pacific. They also have discounted late night rates as well!

2. Like a little challenge with the one you love? Try out rock climbing at Rockreation.

3. The Orange County Museum of Art always has new exhibits, so it can be different each time you visit!

4. As long as you don't get seasick, Whale Watching sounds like a great way to spend a day.

5. A great way to check out local artists, and even see them create art in person, would be to head on over to Push Gallery.

6. The art community in Laguna Beach is always thriving, and it can be seen at their semi-annual SawDust Art & Craft Festival.

7. Gondola Cruises provides a romantic night out on the water, at a pretty reasonable price too! I wonder if they include a singing Italian guy...

8. Laguna Beach hosts an Art Walk the first Thursday of every month!

9. Who doesn't love fresh produce, and homemade yummies? Check out the Farmer's Market hosted by the City of Orange. 

10. Irvine is host to the Great Park, where they have a balloon that will take you 500 feet into the air! That sounds like all kind of fun to me!

11. Since Nick says I need cooking lessons, why not do it with the man I love? Black Market Bakery hosts a variety of Cooking Classes each month!

12. Get a group together and rent a Duffy Boat for the day! You can bring your own food and drinks, and spend a few hours on the water. And split between a group of people, the price isn't bad at all. (Bonus!)

13. The Laguna Canyon Winery has a Wine Tasting party the 1st of every month. I love me some good wine!

14. Crystal Cove State Park is known for their Tide Pools (which I love!), and also hosts great monthly events!

15. Rooftop Lounge in Laguna Beach is said to have one of the best views in Orange County....and good drinks of course.

16. Do you love to hike, and love nature? The 10 Mile Back Bay Loop is the place for you...and it is dog friendly.

17. I know we don't have any great forests, but we do have some pretty great views, so why not Camp for the weekend in Orange County.

18. Catalina Island Ferry leaves out of Long Beach, and is a great way to spend a day or a weekend.

19. The Observatory in Santa Ana is supposed to be one of the best places to go for live music, and to check out new local bands. I love music, so this might be the place for me!

20. Want a whole new adventure? Have Brunch at the break of dawn (literally), at this cool concept restaurant. 

21. Does your man have two left feet...do you? Pick up a dance class or two at Fullerton Dance!

22. If you guys have a furry friend in common, make sure to check out the Huntington Dog Beach for a fun time for all three of you. 

There you have it. My compiled date night list thus far. I hope it can be helpful for all you love birds out there. And if you live in Orange County, and have some great ideas for a fun date, please throw them my way!

The Locals....

Today, I told you I would fill you in on one of my favorite things about living in Orange County. What is it, you ask? Well, there are a few locals around these parts that I have grown quite fond of over the years...

{p.s. we need a more updated pic of us 4}

That's right. A part of my family! My brothers, Shea and Bryn, and my sister-in-law Sarah, all live within 10 minutes of me! And let me tell, you this hasn't happened since before Shea went away to college. So that means, for the last 12 years of my life, I haven't been in the same city as three of the most important people in my life.

I feel so blessed now to get to see all of them basically every week...and to have the close knit bond that I do with each of them.

I could go on about how much those three mean to me, but I don't have enough tissues over here for all the waterworks. Besides, there is one family member close by that I forgot to mention, but who is the cutest of us all...

Mr. Parker Rhodes Mercado

The cutest Mercado to date!

That's right! I now live within a mile of this little guy, and he makes my day a little brighter each day I get to see him. I feel so lucky to get to see him grow up, and change, and develop. He is the smartest little boy. I might be a bit bias, but I also think he is the cutest thing this side of the Mississippi. 

And now, because I haven't blogged in a while, you guys get a Parker Cuteness Overload...deal with it...

{he loves his cheerios}

 {When BiBi comes to visit!}

 {A Water Baby}

 {Cheesin!}

Yes I just posted a bajillion photos of my nephew....no I don't care....

The Locals here are pretty awesome...

Tour de Mi Casa

So as you guys know, I am a resident of a brand new city! 

{via}

And to any of you that have moved to new places, you can attest to just how miserable house hunting it. Well, our experience was pretty terrible, but ended up great. So we had a few requirements (more like hopeful wishes) while hunting for a place.

1. A Guest Bedroom 

2. A Washer/Dryer (we refuse to live in a place that doesn't have one...spoiled, I know)

3. A yard/patio (for Hudson)

Now don't get us wrong, we were willing to compromise on our wants if we found a great place. 

We ended up finding a place, or so we thought. Tons of emails and countless phone calls later, we had sent this landlord all of his countless requests, he still demanded more from us. We would send him something, and he would ask for more (he claimed we "had" the place mind you). After 15 new requests from him (I kid you not), we decided to give up...besides we didn't want to have to live in a place with such a difficult landlord anyways...

Then we went back to a house that we had toured before, but overlooked, and realized how amazing it was. There was a gated yard, brand new appliances, a completely remodeled interior, and a guest bedroom! How did we overlook this place before? It was perfect!

After ONE email with our awesome landlord, she called us to let us know we had the place!! 

Here is our beautiful new home!

{Front Yard...you guys have no idea how excited I am to have a YARD}

{Completely remodeled Kitchen..sigh :) ...}

 

{Living Room...and the pups}

{Updated Bathroom}

{Our Bedroom (work in progress)}

{Guest Bedroom (a.k.a Mom and Dad's room)...also in progress...yes that is a bike lol}

(btw...as you can tell some of the pictures were stolen from Mommy Dearest. Thanks Mom!)

So that is a look into our new home. We honestly couldn't be happier. And I can't help but thank God for putting us into the perfect home. Thing always work out for a reason, and I am grateful that we didn't end up with that headache of a landlord from the first place. The big man up stairs has a plan for Nick and I, and I can't see what else he has in store!

Tomorrow you get to see one of my favorite things about living in Orange County!

How Do You Like Them Oranges?

If you guys are just tuning in, then you probably missed last week's post, and are wondering where the heck I have been? Circle back to that post, and let me know when you are all caught up. 

I'll wait.....

Okay we good? Fab.

 I am so happy to be back in this world! I am sorry I was gone so long. Believe it or not, I have had some pretty substantial things happen to my little life within the last couple months, all of which I will be sure to catch you guys up on! The most important being that Nick, the pups, and I packed up all of our belongings and moved to...

That's right! We are now members of Costa Mesa, California! Our little gang couldn't be happier in our new digs, and our settling in quite nicely.

In honor of moving to a new city, I am dedicating this week to just about everything I love about our new habitat. 

Tomorrow, I will be giving you a tour of our new house (yes, I said house! eek!)....as usual, stay tuned!