Suzanne, Author at Adventures of Empty Nesters

Empty Nest: New Update for the Fixer Upper Renovation

March 24, 2020April 7, 2016

The outside stucco color is a vanilla malt, the doors are a fabulous color of persimmon, and the trim is a chocolate-brown.

More news on the fixer upper renovation!

Oh boy, there is a lot to talk about. I started reviewing older posts from as far back as September. My video makes it fun to see the old house and I was so optimistic that we would be completed in seven months but the reality is more like nine months. What is a couple of months when we have a lifetime of enjoyment ahead of us!

My original video:

If you receive this post via email, click HERE to see the video.

Savor Laguna: A fantastic foodie walking tour in Laguna Beach!

April 15, 2016April 4, 2016

view of lagun from Wyland — The view from the deck of the Wyland Gallery, downtown Laguna Beach, CA.

A walking tour in Laguna Beach… yes please! Not only did I have the privilege of leisurely walking and eating my way through the charming streets of Laguna, but I learned a great deal of the history of the area as well.

Although I lived in South Orange County for 27 years, I must admit that my knowledge of the history of Laguna Beach was rather limited. However, Jeanne Lange of Savor Laguna dazzled me and the enthusiastic group of my fellow travel bloggers with wonderful stories of the founding fathers (and mothers). You will have to take the tour in order to learn of the original settlers, movie stars, artists and entrepreneurs who established this amazing beach town.

An Update of the Renovation of the Empty Nest

March 24, 2020March 23, 2016

Last week was a total blur, but in the midst of seeing old friends in Orange County, meeting the sweet new baby of my wonderful boot camp leader and attending the Women in Travel Summit, we stopped in to see the renovation of the Empty Nest.

Bye for now- I’m at the Women in Travel Summit

March 16, 2016

I am headed to the Women in Travel Summit in Irvine, CA! Today through Sunday I am excited to travel back to the OC! I will be attending the Women in Travel Summit in Irvine CA. I look forward to meeting other female travel bloggers, to connect with brands, build expertise, and engage …

The Blooming Cherry Trees at the University of Washington

March 14, 2016

The ethereal cherry trees at the University of Washington will take your breath away ~

Our daughter happily left our home in Southern California to attend the University of Washington in Seattle. Alex graduated and has been working and living in Seattle for total of 9 years. Our family has spent a great deal of time on this incredible campus and in the “Emerald City” of Seattle. Additionally, we chose to live in Seattle temporarily while our little fixer upper in Pasadena, CA is being renovated.

UW is an absolutely gorgeous campus, with grand architecture, massive green lawns, forests of towering trees, divine fountains and lovely gardens, however, the UW Quad is my favorite spot on campus.

Saturday Morning Browsing: What’s New on the Web?

March 12, 2016

What’s new on the Web? You may not have seen these links.

Sitting in the quiet of the early morning, with a big cup of tea, Craig and I spend an hour catching up on what’s new on the Web. We each share with the other anything that would pique our interest. There is so much noise out there and I think it is helpful if someone else curates a few stories for me.

I don’t know about you, but I find a plethora of fascinating ideas, posts, news stories, photos and inspiration from hopping around the Web. Throughout the week I receive updates and posts from various news sources and from other bloggers. When you subscribe, the articles that are sent to you are literally custom made for your interests. Ah, the convenience of technology!

Tulips & Mac N’ Cheese at Pike Place Market

March 11, 2016

Spending A little Time in Pike Place Market

There are special places in Seattle that will always put a smile on your face rain or shine and Pike Place Market is one of the best of them. It is a “must do” when visiting the city! Tourists fill the isles looking at all of the delicious items that our found at the market. They especially like visiting the Pike Place Fish Market, where the fish mongers sing songs and throw whole fish.

The Zus Smart Car Charger is … very smart indeed!

March 10, 2016March 9, 2016

Have you ever heard of a “smart” car charger? Me neither.

I would like to boast that our Stavert family of four is usually up on what is new and happening in the world of technology. However, somehow we missed the Zus Smart Car Charger memo, but as luck would have it, they found us!

A Perfect Weekend in Newport Beach & Balboa Island

April 15, 2016March 7, 2016

Would you like to spend the weekend in Newport Beach and Balboa Island? Me too!

Orange County is a very popular summertime destination, however, springtime is also the perfect season for a weekend visit to Newport Beach and Balboa Island because the crowds of summer have not yet arrived and the temp is most likely hovering around 74 degrees or higher. With so many lovely beaches, great shopping and fabulous restaurants, it is difficult to choose where to go next. There are many amazing hotels and resorts to choose from, but one of our favorite places to relax and unwind, is the Hyatt Newport Beach.

We raised our family in Orange County and fortunately have had decades of experiences and adventures here. Now that our kids are grown and we are empty nesters, my husband and I have recently moved to Pasadena, (about 60 miles north of the OC) to begin a new adventure. We still come south to visit often and pretend we are tourists! I am happy to share my tips with you!

The Empty Nest Home Renovation is Delayed… a little

March 24, 2020March 4, 2016

Original Backyard home renovation — The original backyard – There was a super odd looking (and useless) planter in the middle of the pool deck. All of the back of the house has changed with new windows and doors and the second story addition.

The Empty Nest home renovation is…DELAYED, but just by a little.

I know many of your heads are nodding and you are silently saying “I told you so”, but we do have a slight delay of our home renovation. We cannot blame it on El Niño, we cannot blame it on the contractor, we cannot even blame it on me.