Waiting to be Heard: A Memoir

I hadn't really followed the Amanda Knox trial very closely.  It wasn't until she was released from an Italian prison that I actually started paying attention.   Once I did, I became mesmerized.  She was a beautiful American girl, caught up in a tale of sex and murder.  Was she a sociopath or were her words just getting lost in translation?  Being a sucker for this kind of tale, I waited patiently until her book was released so I could read her side of the story.

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Amanda's story starts back in the states.  She decides to spend a semester abroad to become fluent in Italian.  Once she gets to Europe she travels around and experiments with her sexuality a bit (this comes back to haunt her).  She finds an apartment with two Italian roommates, and eventually Meredith Kercher moves in.  She attends a university in Perugia and gets a job as a cocktail waitress.  She meets Rafaele Sollecito and they begin a relationship.  Then Meredith is brutally murdered.  What follows is Amanda's version of events through the investigation, two trials, her imprisonment, and eventually her life after being released.  

Overall, I give this story 4.5 out of 5 stars.  I couldn't stop listening to the book.  I found her version of events to be very believable.  I questioned how the investigation could have gotten so bungled.  I understood how her words and actions could have been misinterpreted.  I rooted for her vindication.  I couldn't stop googling pictures of her from events mentioned in the book.  I was captivated.

Next up, Still Missing.  

My So-Called Instagram Life

I haven't done one of these posts in a while.  The summer is completely passing me by, and I am trying to document what I can on Instagram.   My job has been keeping me really busy, which is the reason I have only been blogging a few times a week month.  While it isn't ideal, I am happy that I still get a chance share some posts with you.  I am hoping to have more time after our  vacation next month. I feel so out of the loop with everyone.

What a ham, eh?  My little pug is ridiculous in the best way possible.

I found this magnificent chandelier at Restoration Hardware.  Now I just need a much bigger house with higher ceilings....(and $2000).

He is so not allowed on the couch.  I am pretty sure he forgot I was still home when this happened, because he totally respects my authority.  Obviously.    

Have you tried Brownie Brittle?  I discovered it at Costco, and it is just the best, crispiest part of the brownie (and not too high in calories, might I add).  

Time for a little nap. 

For the first time ever, we successfully grew tomatillos.  Later that night they became delicious salsa.

I often marvel at the way she wraps herself into such a tight ball.

It has been sweltering in the 100's for a good part of the summer.  Not awesome.

Believe it or not, they are between my husband and me.  I am glad they are so comfortable, but we need a bigger bed.

My new favorite drink of the summer, a John Daly.  You really need to drink this one out of a mason jar.  I highly recommend giving this recipe a try (and letting me know what you think).

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale 2013

Every year around June, I start counting down the days until the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  It is one of my absolute favorites, and a great place to snag fall merchandise at a discount.  I have previously mentioned that husband and I are planning a big vacation this summer, so I am not sure that I am actually going to get to buy anything.  However, this has in no way stopped me from doing a little window shopping and picking out a few new favorite things to add to my wishlist.  

Just because I can't shop the sale, doesn't mean I don't want to hear about your wishlist items.  What pieces are you eyeing?  I want to shop vicariously through you.  

Nordstrom Anniverary Sale 2013 by threepsblog featuring pointy-toe pumps

Family In Town

This weekend, my aunt and uncle came into town for a visit.  We spent time shopping at Pier 39 and having dinner at Pier 23 (it was so good.  I found it on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives).  Sometimes a good dose of family time and some raw oysters are exactly what you need for a little recharge.

I get easily distracted by shiny things.  Should I have brought these home?

They are building a new section of the Bay Bridge (in white), right next to the current section. The safer bridge is supposed to open on Labor Day.

America's Cup is happening in San Francisco this year (and it seemed like it was going on last year too).  Can anyone explain how this whole thing works? 

One of the amazing sail boats.  

Coit Tower from within the America's Cup compound.

Alcatraz from Pier 39.

My aunt and me.

There is a really neat store on Pier 39 called Cariloha.  It sells all bamboo products.  It had the softest sheets, clothing, and towels I had ever touched.  I also found the cutest flip flops.  I am a little bit obsessed.  Have you tried any bamboo products?

I need this zombie whirligig from the San Francisco Kite Company for my front yard.  The arms spin around in the wind.  

A very pretty view of Coit Tower and the Trans-America Pyramid from the Embarcadero.

This is a Whaling Wall by the artist Wyland.  It appears on the side of a parking garage in the city.  There were 100 created between 1981 and 2008.

There is a restaurant in San Francisco Bay called Forbes Island that requires you take a ferry to eat there (with Alcatraz in the background). One day, I need to try this place.

A little quality time with my aunt, uncle, and husband.

*Note:  This was not a sponsored post.  All of the ideas expressed are my own

Sophia Turns Ten

This weekend, my mother-in-law hosted my niece Sophia's 10th birthday party.  There were a lot of presents, beautifully displayed.

The food was outstanding.

There were lots of beverage options.

I went with champagne.  Note:  Never be the girl who turns down champagne.

We played a lively round of Apples to Apples.

And popped some confetti poppers. 

We opened a gift, or two, or twenty.

There was a beautiful mermaid journal.  

Guess who picked out this card?

There was the traditional family wacky cake.

And the blowing out of candles.

One of the gifts was this really cool pair of Moon Shoes (which were basically trampolines that you can wear).

Apparently, they are a lot of fun (and you can jump really high in them).

Finally, my mother-in-law arranged for a little scavenger hunt.  It ended in the garage (and made the gift of a new dresser a little more fun for a 10 year old).

How was your weekend?