Happy Belated Birthday!!

I couldn't take Doc out for his birthday until this weekend, because I was in DC on his actual birthday. So we decided to go down to Laguna Beach and spend the weekend there and celebrate.  First, we went to a fund raiser in Dana Point for the Ocean Institute. It's located in the Dana Point Harbor and offers all kinds of free events for kids.

The event was packed, so we had to park a little ways down the street and walk.  In this shot, you can see the multimillion dollar homes on the cliff overlooking the harbor.

The dark building in the background is the Dana Point Yacht Club. There is a children's beach there, too.

Sometimes, children's beaches get contaminated because of the breakwater that keeps waves away, but it was sparkling clean on Saturday.

There's also a grassy area with BBQs, and a paddle boarding school. Here I am, inside the venue. There was lots of donated food - Gyros, Pizza, salad, sodas and chips and salsa.

After that, we headed back up the coast for about 15 minutes until we reached Laguna Beach. It's a very popular tourist destination. Our hotel was right on the beach and was beautiful. Actually, the weather was perfect on Saturday, but it got cloudy and rainy on Sunday.

The hotel has a private beach. On Saturday, there were lounge chairs, sand chairs, and umbrellas placed on the sand for the guests to use and enjoy.

I took this shot as I walked up the beach a bit. You can see that the hotel is almost the last building before the beach makes a southward turn.

 After we checked in, Doc wanted to rest, and since it was his birthday, he kicked back and I went for about an hour's stroll northward. The point you see in the distance was my destination.

The first notable spot was Main Street Beach, right on the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. It's usually very crowded on nice days, and Saturday was no exception.

I took a picture about halfway to the point. It took me 25 minutes to walk there from the hotel, but I stopped and took pictures of two honeymooners. I took about 20, so they should get at least one really good one.

The building with the pink roof on the left is Las Brisas Mexican restaurant. They serve Mexican Riviera Seafood. I have been there quite a few times over the years. The food is really good, but..... the beach right at that spot smells really bad. I don't get it, because there wasn't a lot of dead kelp there.

There is a staircase that leads from the beach to the restaurant, so you can walk down after your meal.

This beautiful King Palm marks the spot. Even though it was about 4PM, and the sun was shining right in my eyes, I managed to somehow snap this gorgeous sunset picture.

                   Right before the point, where you can't go any further, are the tide pools.

There were a lot of people hopping around on the rocks and looking at the hermit crabs and urchins.

There was a nice guy with two Viszla dogs. This is a Hungarian breed, and they are red and beautiful. He said they like the water.

                                 Then I turned around and went back to the hotel

It's at the very end of that point in the distance. That's how far I went in 25 minutes. Here's another view, as I got a bit closer.

Then I asked Doc if he was hungry. Since we had eaten a lot at the fundraiser, we decided to walk about a half mile down PCH to Domino's and get a pizza for later.

We got a Philly Cheesesteak Pizza and added Italian sausage, pineapple and bacon. When we were carrying it back, so many people commented on how good it smelled. On the way there, we stopped at this store:

 The Chakra Shack!!! Doc is very into the metaphysical and spiritual side of things. I got him a deck of Tarot cards while he wasn't looking, and stuck this card inside. The salesgirl helped distract him.

I got myself a couple of bracelets. The jewelry was very well priced. The grey one is freshwater pearl and crystal.

I also got this sweet card, which I am planning to frame. I love the sentiment, and it will remind me of this weekend.

 Along with the beach amenities, the hotel left a nice assortment of magazines to keep you entertained.

And you know how much I love hotel toiletries - this hotel didn't skimp on the offerings.

We just kicked it and hung out in our room with our pizza and watched some movies. The next day started out clear and sunny, just like Saturday.

The hotel landscaping is all drought resistant varieties, and very pretty, as well.  We walked down the street again for brunch at a spot we had seen the night before. On the way, we saw this flock of pelicans taking flight.

I was surprised that I was able to capture them as they took off. It was pretty quick.

                                   We stopped for a photo op on the wall at Cleo street.

                                   The stairs almost look like they lead right into the surf.

Our destination was the Orange Inn, It has been there for 85 years, but I'll bet that the coffee wasn't always organic.

 There is a front and a side entrance. We ordered, then went around to the front.

                        Of course, I couldn't resist clowning around for the camera a little.

This is a view looking south, down the sidewalk. After lunch, we walked to a few shops down there.

                         Doc had an omelet of some kind, and I had the world famous chili.

The Orange Inn is located right next to one of the most famous landmarks in Laguna Beach.

See it there on the left? Everyone knows where the Taco Bell is, since Laguna is a drinking and partying destination, especially in the summer. Then we hoofed it to the shops.

I only bought one thing. This shop is sort of a consignment store, and they had free food and water and rain gear, like jackets and hoodies, for the homeless. The homeless are quite prevalent in Laguna.

I got a brown faux fur purse. I have a black one, and I used it all the time last winter.

                    Here's a closeup of the brown fur, and the crocodile embossed strap.

Then we checked out and went down to the actual downtown district of Laguna Beach. As you will see, the weather took a nasty turn.

The building on the right up on the cliff is directly next door to Las Brisas. What a difference the weather makes!!!

Remember yesterday, when the sun was shining and the Main St Beach was packed??

Doc captured this shot of the impending storm. There wasn't a lot of rain in Laguna.

After a while, I got cold and tired of posing on the deserted beach. So I got out of hand again.

As we walked the streets, we stumbled upon an outdoor sculpture gallery. They sometimes use it for prom and other special dance pictures. That was the source of the red sequins.

                                         Of course, I had to imitate some of the poses.

Wanna see my favorite statue?? Of course, I had to act up, with a little encouragement.

Then we passed the Laguna Beach Historical Society. We noticed it because of the sweet little old house that contains it.

                                      Kicking it, all casual. Here's the sign, for reference.

Then, it was time to head back to Huntington Beach. On the way, we passed the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Corona Del Mar. I may have mentioned it before, but I like to go into charity shops in upscale areas, because they usually have nice stuff. Doc wanted to look and see if they had any books. Here is what I scored:

                  A pale silvery blue 100% silk blouse. It has beautiful rhinestone buttons.

                                          And the kicker? Guess who it is made by ???

Oh yes. St John. Then we stopped briefly at Fashion Island for a drink and a couple of pictures of the Christmas Tree.

 It's supposed to be the second biggest one in the country. I don't know about that, but it was taller than both Macy's and Bloomingdales.

Fashion Island is a dog friendly mall - they are even allowed in the stores as long as they behave. There used to be a pet store called Russo's that would rent you a puppy for the afternoon. Sadly, some people started to steal the expensive puppies, so Russo's left the mall.


                   So that was my fun weekend. Now, what am I wearing today?

I have a big meeting today, so I went with my cerulean blue Calvin Klein dress from Saks.

 I covered up with my Carole Little shiny velvet coat for a chilly morning. I wore the same shoes and necklace as always with this dress.

My vertical blue topaz necklace sets off the silver bar on the dress. My shoes are Jessica Simpson.

                On my right arm, a blue topaz ring and the freshwater pearl bracelet I got on Saturday.

              On my left arm, a white gold wedding set and my silver/crystal costume bracelet.

Okay, that's more than enough for today!!!! Let's do a bunch of linking!!! First, Ana Luiza has Start The Week Stylish at www.northwestblonde.com. Then, Melissa at www.mahogany-closet.com has Mahogany Closet Mondays. Next, Deb at www.elegantlyfashionable.com has Classy Monday. After that, a favorite, Rachelle at www.pinksole.com has How I Fall. And last, another favorite, Patti, has Visible Monday at www.notdeadyetstyle.com

If you still have energy after this massive post, hop over and check out some of these beauties!!! See you all soon!!!