5.04.2008

Romantic Getaway

Because my husband was honored this weekend (can I brag a bit?) and was inducted into the Santa Barbara Hall of Fame for soccer, we were able to take a trip down to his hometown of Santa Barbara. He was (and still is) an excellent soccer player but decided to stay true to his dream of being a dentist (and let me tell you- he definitely stayed true to his dental dream by turning down an offer to play for Galaxy.. am I mad? well, no- just a little bummed. Okay, a lot bummed) but was honored for his amazing soccer skills and consecutive MVP status. Any excuse to visit Santa Barbara is fine with me!! Among the other 12 Hall of Famers was the one and only Chuck Liddell! (If you don't know who he is, ask your husbands- they will know!) Oh boy, was my husband excited to chat with him!

Okay, on to the more interesting part of this entry!... Because I was supportive enough to sit through this long and at times boring ceremony, my husband was sweet enough to accompany me in return to Solvang! Oh how I love Solvang! From the beautiful florals, greenery, bakeries and pastry shops, to the wonderful dutch architecture, and most importantly, the amazing shops!! Don't worry, pictures to follow!



We asked the most adorable old lady to take this picture. She was standing at her little bus stop, her cute little head secured with a bright pink straw hat and plaid high-water pants. When we asked her to take the picture, she warned us sweetly that she wasn't very good at taking pictures and that she had to take it fast so she wouldn't miss her bus (this spot was one foot away from the bus stop haha).. I just wanted to put her in my bag and take her home with me!
This was the window of one of the many pastry shops in Solvang. It sure worked to get me inside!
My favorite shop had to be Picket Fences. It was a beautiful shop filled with the most amazing vintage and romantic home decor. The owners were wonderful women who were sweet enough to chat with me for quite some time about flea markets, business, Northern and Southern California shopping, and the works!! Thank you Picket Fences for the ultimate shopping experience!








Aren't these beautiful? If you haven't been to Solvang, go! Don't walk, run!!

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to your hubby, that is quite an honor!! You must be very proud of him. Picket Fences is the most adorable shop, did you purchase anything? I know I would have. Thanks for sharing the great photos.

Hugs,
LeAnn :)

Sherry said...

Your husband is a soccer man?! I have 3 in my house!! Congrats to him...and I'm glad I read your post today -- we're leaving for California on Wednesday and I will definitely be stopping in Solvang now!

. said...

Hi loving your trip! My sister lived in Solvang at one time and I used to visit. You went to all my favorite places. Thanks for the visit to my blog. I would love to swap links with you and add you to my blog. Denise

Cindy said...

Wow, that shop looks amazing! I don't think I would want to leave! Everything in there looks like something I would love to have in my home!

Regarding your comment. Here is the link to make the photo mosaics:
http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php

Kelly said...

Oh your blog is simply divine! congratulations to your husband. Oh what I wouldn't give to visit a shop like that.

Kelli

Kelly George said...

What a beautiful store and aren't you the cutest!?

My oldest daughter's boyfriend is playing for Chivas right now. Congrats to your husband. :)

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

Congrats to hubby! Mine has an office Christmas party in Solvang each year. I can't tell you how many times I have shopped in Solvang. The only item I end up buying is our favorite raspberry jam. I have never seen Picket Fences! That is my kind of shop! I guess it's a good thing I never happened upon it. My husband probably distracted me so I would pass by it! I would love for you to visit me on my blog and website for lots of shabby and pink!

Life on the Edge said...

Just found your blog from the Pink Icing on the Cake blog. Sounds like a great trip! That little shop would be my idea of heaven! Could spend hours here just looking, even longer if I had some money to spend there! Thanks for sharing!

Simply Me Art said...

What a Lovely blog. Congratulations to your Hubby, what a thrill. I Love Solvang also, the bakeries and shops are fantastic. I am off to look around a bit. Jamie

tea time and roses said...

A Big Congratulations to your husband! Thank you so much for your visit and sweet comment to my blog, and what a beautiful place you have here...just lovely! I so enjoyed the beautiful shop photos, the kind of place you could linger at all day! Have a lovely rest of the week.

Smiles...

Beverly

CIELO said...

Of course you can brag about it! Congratulations to your husband! and thank you for posting such lovely pictures, Picket Fences is a lovely store; which we could have one here.

Thanks for vising my house in the roses today.... pl/come back again

Cielo

ricracsally said...

Oh--soooo jealous as I haven't been to Solvang in years and years! It looks just as fun as I remember :)
Tiffani

blessings said...

"Picket Fences" - Isn't that the most lovely name?!! Oh, I could live there. Blessings... Polly

Rue said...

Hi Tracy :)

Thank you so much for coming by!

I had an OMG moment when I read your post and your info. I lived in Santa Ynez which is basically the same area as Solvang and SB used to be my old hang out. My mom owned a store there called Bellagio which she sold to the current owner. I grew up in Arcadia, CA, but after I turned 16, we lived there for about ten years. Then we moved to Pebble Beach and we used to stay at the Campton and shop in SF all the time!

Anyway, enough about my life story. LOL I love your blog :)

Let me know if you like the steak!
rue :)

{oc cottage} said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh< I haven't been to Solvang in a few years! We were just saying that with the rain we've had that it must be green an nice...and of course there's always the pastries!!!!!!
We have to go now!


M

Donna Lynn said...

Wow, a soccer star! You must be so proud of that man of yours!!!
I would love to be able to go shopping in that amazing store, you must of been in heaven! I wanted everything I saw in the picture...
If you bought anything you better post pictures for us to drool over!
Have a great week!
Hugs, Donna Lynn

Diana Lyn said...

Hi Sweetie, Thought I would go for a walk and came in and read your blog today, Wow, How cool married to a Soccer star , Lucky you, You are so Adorable, You are teasing us with the wonderful Pictures of the stores, did you buy anything? Hmm,Hmm,? I would love to visit there! Congrats. to you and your husband! Have a great evening ! Diana Lyn

Joy Jones said...

Wow! What an exciting trip you had! Congrats to your hubby. I can tell how proud you are of him. I also loved the photos of the Picket Fences shop...wow, my pocketbook would have been twitching there for sure! Thanks for sharing! ~ xoxo Joy

Donna Lynn said...

Hey,
Just checking in on you tonight! Hope you are having a great week, also have a wonderful Friday and weekend to come!
Bless you,
Donna Lynn

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you visited. Your blog is lovely,lovely,lovely ~
Have a wonderful weekend!
Alexandra

joyh82 said...

Congrats to you hubby and it looks like you had a great trip. That store looks great too.

sita said...

That is one lovely shop wish I could visit! I don't know how you dragged yourself away with all those goodies!

Flea Market Queen said...

Congrats to your hubby!
And I adore Solvang...
My favorite place, good for you!
Priscilla