Staying Home Sawyer

Real Life Living on a Real Life Budget

Lifestyle, Travel

Day at the Beach

Santa Cruz, California Sometimes I forget how lucky we are to live so close to the ocean. I really need to make a better effort to visit more, but life gets in the way. A short 30 minute drive is all that stands in the way of me and that salt water breeze. Other than a quick stop at the In N Out drive-through, nothing is more fulfilling. Santa Cruz, CaliforniaSince I was fortunate enough to have yesterday off (thank you very much Martin Luther King), we took a little day trip to Santa Cruz. We brought our beach chairs and books (I’m reading Jodi Picoult’s new book, “Leaving Time” – so far I love it); the water is not nearly warm enough to enjoy. Let’s be honest, it’s never warm enough to enjoy in northern California.Santa Cruz, California Of course, the water may be intolerable, but the views are spectacular. Sitting there for even an hour is as relaxing as sleeping in on a Saturday. Which tops my list of relaxing activities that I try to complete every week.Santa Cruz, California Rae of SparklesBecause my husband grew up in this area, he knows some of the ‘must-stops’ in Santa Cruz. Yesterday we stopped at Marianne’s Ice Cream for a treat on the way home. It was a holiday after all. Marianne's Ice Cream, Santa Cruz, CaliforniaMarianne’s has been around for decades, and I’m not sure anything has changed since the day they opened. The inside is almost like a hole-in-the-wall type, but the ice cream speaks for itself. With over 70 flavors each day, it would be impossible not to find something you’d enjoy. Or maybe it is impossible. There are just too many choices! Marianne's Ice Cream Santa Cruz, CaliforniaMy husband tends to stick to the basics, so while he just ordered “chocolate” (seriously? I said SEVENTY flavors), I tried the Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough. It was amazing. I’ve never had anything like it, and I will definitely be back to taste it again. You know, just to make sure it’s still up to par.Ice Cream in Santa CruzYesterday was one of those days that make you happy to be alive. Hopefully your holiday was equally as great. What did you do?Santa Cruz, California

Comments

  1. You are so lucky to live near this beautiful place, I just love sitting by the water and relax. I just have to say that you and your husband look so adorable ;D <3 Enjoy your day off!

  3. I feel the exact same about the beach. I am makorly jealous that you are so close!!! The beach is my happy place. Sitting near the ocean, reading a book and eating ice cream is my favorite.

    • Oh.My.God. Seriously. You go in, and you have to pick without seeing the actual ice cream. There is just too much to choose from! But the one I got was amazing. The cookie dough was soft and cookie-like – and the flavor was unreal. 🙂

  5. While you were enjoying the beach I was working. I am so jealous!

    • You are jealous now, and in a few months when you spend every day on a beach, I will remind you that you used to be jealous of me. 🙂

  6. While you two were at the beach, Kevin and I were flying home to Murphyville. We had such a great visit. We miss you and Lucy too!

    • Thank you!!! Thanks for noticing. I really want to get something even more professional but I’m on a budget!! And I agree, it’s so nice to live close to the beach. I need to be a little more appreciative of it! 🙂

  9. Love your post. I love those places that have been in business for ever – because of the dedication of the owners (usually families) and the quality of their product……v. jealous you live so close to a BEACH!!!!!

    • Doesn’t it just say so much about the products when they’ve survived through decades of an up and down economy? That ice cream was amazing, and we will definitely go back. 🙂

      • Oh yeah! People like – and will pay for – authenticity and good old fashioned quality ‘goodness’…! (even when the economy is bad)

  10. I’m going to have to get some pointers from you on places to go and things to do because I will soon be in the SF/East Bay area!!!