Whale Watching, Orange County, California

The Pacific Ocean on a sunny day with a cool, breeze and whale watching.  What more can make a girl smile? 

My buddy, Tiana Dorneman, and I spent a morning in Dana Point checking off an item on my bucket list with Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching.  Founded in 1958, the small business is still family-owned and operated. Being a Tuesday, it was a 1/2 price ticket of only $22.50/person to spend two hours searching for dolphins and blue whales.  

What'd we find?  Plenty of dolphins jumping and playing around and a very large blue whale!  If you have kids or are looking for a fun date, go whale watching!

Pirate's Dinner Adventure, Orange County, California

I wasn't ever really into pirates as a kid.  Even for a pirate-themed dance in high school, I simply wrapped a pink bandanna on my head and wore boots with a cut-up skirt.  However, I am a sucker for a good deal.  So while browsing through my parent's Entertainment Coupon Book, I came across a two-for-one deal with the Pirate's Dinner Adventure!

Located in Orange County, California across from the Knott's Berry Farm theme park, the musical theater features daily spectacles including acrobatic moves, comedy, and sword-fighting! The interactive show will place the audience into color groups to participate in two hours of competition and entertainment.  And of course, there's a lavish dinner feast that will easily quench one's mighty h-argh-er (hunger, get the pun?!).

The show itself starts with a guide and her Up-character-like sidekick accidentally finding themselves on a treasure ship.  They are soon taken as prisoners of the ship and the only way to escape the ship and save it from an evil dictator pirate?  I won't give away the ending, but let's just say love and a different heroic pirate is involved!  

The show always features deals, so be on the lookout!

A Beautiful Wedding at the Descanso Gardens

One of my closest friends, Kate Alapizco, got married to her high school/college sweetheart today and I was lucky enough to come back from the Peace Corps just in time to attend!

With 160 acres of forest, Descanso Gardens serves as a scenic hidden woodland in Southern California.  For 50+ years, locals and tourists have come to the internationally renowned gardens to explore its botanical collection and enjoy its year-round programming (gourmet cooking or fitness class anyone?). Thus, it made a lovely backdrop for a summer wedding!

It was a classy night catching up with old friends and making new ones.  My favorite part of the evening?  In true USC fashion, the two alumni couple played the official Trojan "Fight Song" as they made their way down the aisle. Congrats Kate and Kris!

 Nick Kump, my plus one, and me waiting for the ceremony to begin

 The Priest and Groomsmen

 

Old USC friends and wedding party members, James Miao and Sarah Robinson

The beautiful bride!

 

 Descanso Gardens

 Yes, that would be my awkward and colorful Cameroonian bag amongst the wedding gifts!

Fight on!