three years.

Today is a very special day because it marks three years from the night I met Matthew. We pretty much started dating right afterwards--he called me two days later, we went on a tea date a couple days after that, and by the next weekend we went on an official dinner date-- so this is the date we're always celebrated. March 8th will always stand out as one to remember, even after we're married. 

Here is some back story for those who are interested. I guess we were kind of "set up" through a mutual friend, Alice, although it was a lot more casual than that. Alice had told us about the other and we knew we were going to meet a certain night in San Francisco when our friends were getting together. I remember how that afternoon my friends were kind of hesitant about going into the city and it was like pulling teeth trying to convince them that it would be fun. We were laying out on the roof tanning and for some reason I got burned! When I think that it was March in the Bay Area it's kind of shock, considering it's always so cold up there especially in March. But I digress.. I was worried about looking like a lobster with my red skin, but hoped it wouldn't be too noticeable if the place had darker lighting. {This is kind of funny now considering Matthew is always the one turning red in the sun- although he likes to deny it!}. I was sitting at a table with a couple friends, looking around, and then I saw this adorable guy walk in. I thought to myself, "That guy is SO cute! I really really hope that's him." I lost track of him and luckily, about 10 minutes later, he approached our table with a group of other friends. I remember him reaching across the table to shake my hand as if it was yesterday. I definitely felt this crazy connection right from the beginning and I learned later that so did he! So much has happened within the last three years, especially the last one. A year ago we were celebrating as boyfriend and girlfriend, this year as fiances, and next year we will be celebrating a totally different day as husband and wife. So as our last dating anniversary, pre-wedding anniversaries, I have to give a little shout out to this guy that I love so much. 

Matthew, you truly are an amazing person {hehe he said that to me after our first date}, you make me so incredibly happy, and I couldn't be more excited for what's ahead. Thank you for loving me, being my best friend, and the best co-puppy parent! 

I love you so much!

xox

 

photo from our anniversary last year

thai-tastic!

I love Thai food! Matthew and I checked out Krua Thai which was voted Best Pad Thai by Jonathon Gold in the LA Weekly last month. We shared the pad thai and drunken noodle dishes. Even though we asked for mild spiciness my mouth was burning. I couldn't help chugging down glasses after glasses of water. {Apparently milk is supposed to help with that}

We had fun and it was the perfect place to go on our actual anniversary since it was on a Monday. It was super casual, laid back and perfect!

a pre-anniversary dinner

Thank you everyone for all your sweet words about our 2 year anniversary! It was so sweet especially since the whole reason I started this blog was to document my life with Matthew. It really meant a lot to both of us! We celebrated all weekend. Matthew surprised me Saturday morning with the prettiest red roses. We had a fun day, got burgers and fries, looked for couches {the search continues} and drove around a rainy LA. That night Matthew picked me up and the biggest surprise was that he was clean shaven! I have never seen this boy without a little scruff and because he knew I was curious he went out and bought a razor and got to work. He says he was sweating bullets the whole time and I believe it. I would not want to razor my face! I love him clean shaven or scruffy {but I have to say I prefer the latter}.


coat thrifted, lace top my Mom's, pants and heels Forever 21



We went out and had the nicest Italian dinner at Via Veneto in Santa Monica. I got Spaghetti alla Vongole which was so flavorful and delicious with clams in a white wine sauce. Matthew got Gnocchi with Spicy Arabiatta sauce which seriously melted in your mouth. It was like whipped mashed potatoes! I especially loved the bread and olive oil they started us out with. As I frequently say, You can always tell a lot about a place by the bread the serve. {You can quote me on that!}

two years.

Dear Matthew,

March 8th will always be such a special day for me. Two years may seem like two seconds to some people but so much has happened since that night in 2008. It really seems like so much longer for us, doesn't it? Matthew, thank you for loving me and letting me love you. Loving you is really unlike any other feeling in the world. I am so excited to embark on this third year with you, but really any day with you is always so much better because of you. You treat me like a pretty princess, make me laugh when I'm having a bad day, push me to explore all the options, and indulge me with dessert, even after we're already stuffed! Thank you for giving me those extra kisses before you say goodbye. I'll never take those for granted. During these past two years you've not only introduced me to real, beautiful, heartfelt love, but you've also introduced me to the spicy side of life. {I'm talking ginger, wasabi, jalapeño bagels, and spicy arrabbiata sauce, people!} You've also made my life a little sweater..with those heavily sugared and syruped coffee drinks of yours. A year ago we were both in the Bay Area. I was getting ready to graduate in May and while I was so scared I knew everything would be fine because I had you. Then in October you moved down to LA {and right down the street!}. We've had so much fun as neighbors..from pizza nights, to walks, to pumpkin carving, tree decorating and watching The Bachelor {hm maybe that was just me} we've gotten even closer than I would have imagined. It's been such an adventure and I can't wait to continue on with you.

I love you Matthew!

Yours,
Mara

{readers: thanks for indulging me and letting me be a little sappy and a lot romantic on our special day}

xox


Picture in Hawaii last March {sigh I want to go back!}

look book: springing for spring

I got this dress during Modcloth's Cabin Fever sale and I've been itching to wear it. Yes, technically it's not spring yet..but it was warm enough for me to prance around in so I took the chance!

dress Modcloth, sweater Madewell, shoes Nine West, necklace Urban, clutch Banana Republic

I'm so excited for this weekend. Matthew and I are celebrating our 2 year {dating} anniversary!! It's on Monday so we're celebrating a little early. I honestly can't believe it's only been 2 years..it seems like so much longer. I have a couple surprises for him that I'll share later {he might peek on here!}. It's going to be so much fun though!

Under the Boardwalk

Well, we didn't make it to San Diego this weekend. The idea of being stuck in traffic for 5 hours wasn't too appealing so we decided to go to the beach instead. It was perfect weather-hot but not unbearable and not a cloud in the sky!

Today is Matthew and my year and a half anniversary! I wish he was here but he's coming down again this weekend. AND exciting news: He's interviewing for a job in Santa Monica. Which would mean no long distance relationship!! woo hoo I'm super excited but trying not to get my hopes up.