Sparkles and Lattes: July Group Giveaway

It is Monday again which is my least favorite day, but I have a giveaway to share with you all that will hopefully make your day better. But first a little weekend update.

As I mentioned in my last post, I headed to the Bay Area on Thursday for work. My day started bright and early at 3:15 am...thanks to a 5 am flight. But the good thing about a flight so early, breakfast when you land! I had the best blueberry pancakes before driving around the crazy Bay Area freeways.

Once I checked into my hotel (way late due to traffic), I headed to the best hotel gym (maybe best gym ever) and proceeded to work out for an hour and 45 minutes. Yes I have to be exact with my minutes here because this gym was THAT GOOD. I didn't want to leave. I even contemplated (key word) getting up way early to go again. This gym had these machines called ROC-IT by Hoist. I literally tried everyone and was extremely sore the next day, but so worth it.

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Since I worked my butt off, I wanted some seafood. And since my friend lives in town (but was away on business, boo), she recommended a few places to me. I went to Escape From Fisherman's Wharf. Amazing and definitely filled the seafood craving.

#12 combo. Crab (so much fresh crab) croissant sandwich with avocado, lettuce and tomato. Bowl of homemade clam chowder and chips (that were not consumed).

Friday I drove way up north past wine country into Ukiah and Willits, CA. Beautiful drive. But along the way, I stopped for some of the best coffee I have ever had (close to Costa Rica coffee, but CR still wins). I went to Mountain Grounds. The owner made my drink and it was perfection. I am literally still dreaming of this drink and it's just coffee.

Looks simple, and it really is, but the best coffee drink EVER. Espresso, vanilla, whole milk, ice and a smidge of whipped cream. HEAVEN!

It is also worth noting that if you are in Ukiah, CA, you should go to The Bottle Shop for a sandwich. They have their own mustard (Mendocino mustard), fresh meats and veggies, fully stocked assorted drinks and chips, plus so much more.

I flew home Friday evening to this.

The cutest husband and dog pairing.

Saturday was spent watching the thunderstorms roll in, some boring chores, tv catch up, a movie and dinner out. A perfect lazy Saturday.

Sunday we wanted to go to the lake, but again thunderstorms and rain rolled in. So instead we went golfing. We were paired with the best father/son match-up (70s and 50s), and I was definitely playing so much better. You need those golf games to make you want to keep playing and yesterday was definitely one of those days for me. Sadly, the rain, thunder and lightening hit hard (right over us) at hole 15, so our round was cut short after that hole. But we did see this.

Plus we grilled some amazing carne asada, made homemade salsa and guac and a little spanish rice. Perfect ending to a great day.

Now it is Monday, and a long week ahead, so I will just be at my desk dreaming of my coffee heaven.

And now onto the giveaway. Just like last month, I am participating in a giveaway with the amazing Karli from September Farm and many others. So please check out these amazing girls I am doing this giveaway with and just maybe you will find some new bloggers to be smitten with (I know you will).

So get yourself entered for $235 cash plus some ad spaces from two of these gals!