We're Back and It's Just Begun...

Get ready, this is a long post, but I swear it's worth it and you must read until the very end because there's a surprise!

Well, we loved Santa Monica. I will always have a warm memory in my heart from this trip, but I'll get to that a little later ;)

We loved it! Why?! It's charming and you cannot beat the beautiful weather. I ventured out solo, (TBF had to work until he could come out Friday) and arrived late Wednesday night to a dark Santa Monica. When I awoke on Thursday morning I walked out the door and was in awe. Immediately I was greeted by the beautiful beach and after soaking it in, I meandered through the adorable 3rd Street Promenade, grabbing some coffee at a quaint shop on the way.

I then walked to the office which was an open villa-like place; not like my office in Chicago at all. I couldn't believe I was expected to work in a such a relaxing atmosphere. The two days of working in that office went by quickly, I couldn't get over how I was treated so sweetly by my coworkers, and then...TBF finally arrived (yayy!!!). I know this sounds silly, but I really missed him and never want to travel without him again (fat chance, but still). Needless to say, I was so excited for him to be there finally, even if it was just for a day.

Saturday, we woke up early and ventured to Huckleberry where we ate delicious sunny side up dishes and mingled with the locals. Just. Adorable. (And nummy!)



We then explored the neighborhood and eventually made our way back to the Promenade and then over to Santa Monica Pier for some sight seeing. Gorgeous, right?



After the pier we enjoyed some delicious fish tacos, lobster and oyster yummies with TBF's best friend's jovial (and hardcore) younger brother who lives in LA with his sweet sweet girlfriend. It was so wonderful to see them! I can't believe I forgot to snap a picture with them!

We followed up lunch with some happy hour margaritas at a local gastropub near our hotel, then said our goodbyes to our friends and decided to freshen up back at the hotel before dinner.

Psst..Here's where the surprise begins...

While I was teasing my hair in the bathroom attempting to maneuver it into an updo, TBF hollered that he wanted me to see this video on the computer. I skipped over to him with my light-socket-crazy hair, thinking I'm the most hilarious person ever, and he turned around and chuckled, so I smoothed my hair adorably and he asked me to sit down in front of the computer.

The movie that TBF played took me on a journey through the past two and a half years of our relationship. The song that was playing was one of our favorites, I didn't put two and two together until near the end, which became even more sentimental and kind, with comments about our future together. By the end I was in tears, and he proceeded to get down on one knee and propose...


Yep, we're engaged!!!


This was his grandmother's ring (on his father's side). As he proposed he explained that it was the only item he ever had that belonged to her. He had spent the last couple of months arranging and asking permission from family members to obtain it for the proposal. I was touched not only was it beautiful, but had a long history and sentimental value.

It's all a blur, the proposal, the rest of the night, I'm so thrilled and excited for our future together. The overwhelming amount of love has been touching to say the least. I hope you're all ready for some wedding-related posts because holy moly now I have a reason to post about them and it's on. ;)


Now you know why Santa Monica and 1.22.11 will remain such a fond memory in my heart forever.


Have a wonderful week :)