MrAndrewBradley

I'm getting used to traveling for work and the last couple weeks have been fun. I ended one week in Napa with the team from Visit Napa Valley and many other tourism pros from the area, then had breakfast at the Boon Fly Cafe . Heading back to Sacramento I met my parents at Maggiano's and went to Roseville for a run, church to hear Bob Goff speak, and then we were off to see a movie. Our goal was American Sniper , but with four hours to the next showing, we decided on Imitation Game and finished our night with dinner at Lucille's . Then it was off to La Jolla for our annual corporate meeting at the Estancia . I hadn't been to the property since before my coastal cruise , so it was fun to be back and it great to see everything that our company has been doing over the last year and plans to do over the next few years. There was also some great food and lots of wine. After three days in La Jolla it was back to reality. I went to the gym, headed out on a run, a...

I do a lot of celebrating in my life and the last couple of weeks have been no different. I went to see and celebrate the future home of Bayside Blue Oaks (it will be nice to have an option for church that is only nine minutes away from my house). Then I headed to the Bay Area to meet my newest nephew, while another one of my nephews knew just what we needed ... a wine shop (we "paid" him, but we had to provide the wine, glassware and open the wine bottle, so he was making a lot of profit). Back in Napa, I was able to meet up with the team from Visit Napa Valley to show them around The Meritage and enjoy a great wine tasting in the Trinitas Library with them to wrap up our tour. It was time next to celebrate my cousin's first birthday, work with my mom and grandma to hem some pants and then it was time to remember. I met up with friends to watch the movie Unbroken about Louis Zamperini and to remember what he and many others experienced during WWII. I read the...

With a few trips to Napa , spending time in Lodi for Christmas, and making time for friends, the last few weeks have been great for family, friends, food, wine and photos. I started by helping film a pilot episode for a new show in Napa and I even got to see  the new dog beds I ordered (dogs can now sleep in style at The Meritage ). For our Christmas potluck at work I made peanut butter cookies with a caramel center and then I was off to Lodi for Christmas. We dined on some fantastic foods, while I provided some Napa Valley wines . After Christmas, I was able to hang out with some friends as we went to Global Winter Wonderland at Cal Expo to tour some of the globes most famous sites re-created in lights. After walking around the world, we headed to Burgers and Brew before heading to Elk Grove to look at three houses that go all out when it comes to putting up Christmas lights . For New Year's Eve I headed back to Napa after cooking up brownies in a waffle iron (very goo...

The last few weeks have been full of holiday celebrations. I started with the "Managers Holiday Party" with the team from The Meritage. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Auberge du Solei , then the managers served the rest of the staff during an 80's themed bash, complete with video games, amazing food, and lots of 80's inspired fashion. My dad and I also were able to attend an open house for Sacramento Republic FC and got to see their championship trophy for the first time up close. After seeing the trophy we headed to Rubicon Brewing Co. for lunch (and beer). After lunch I was off to the gym, Bayside for church, the new Blaze Pizza for their preview night (free pizza), and some friends and I checked out some of our favorite Christmas Light displays in Roseville and Rocklin. Since there wasn't enough food or beer on Saturday, I met another friend in Auburn on Sunday for brunch with unlimited mimosas at Auburn Alehouse , before heading to Knee Deep Brewing...

It's been a fun last few weeks. It started with Thanksgiving in Lodi . We went non-traditional by pulling up carpet to reveal beautiful hardwood floors, then had steak for dinner, paired with some flavorful Miner Family Wines . After a quick trip to the mall for Black Friday (not normal for us at all, but I did buy two new suits at about 75% off), we celebrated Thanksgiving a day late with three chickens replacing the turkey. Once back to Roseville, I ventured out again to the mall for lunch and to check out the Bayside Ice Rink at the Galleria. After a few days in Roseville it was time to head to Napa to check out the Christmas decorations at The Meritage . The chef created a huge gingerbread house that now sits in the lobby for everyone to see, just before they are greeted by a Christmas Tree that reaches the ceiling. I also had the opportunity to take a tour of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and try some of their wines in their brand new tasting room . They will be our feat...

Although it was a lower key birthday this year, having dinner with a friend at Red Robin , there was no shortage of amazing food and world-class wines over the last few weeks. My time started with a day trip to Newport Beach for meetings . Although I spent less than 12 hours in Orange County , watching the sunset over Newport Harbor never gets old and made the trip worth it (as did some popcorn with bacon, pizza fries, and a beer or two ). My birthday was officially celebrated with a burger at Red Robin, but there was also my favorite wrap at Chick-Fil-A , fajitas and Texas fries at Chili's , holiday mini-golf at Golfland-SunSplash , and a few much needed runs. Then it was time to meet with a few colleagues from out-of-state that had never been to Napa . It was my challenge to help them experience everything that The Meritage had to offer, while also showcasing the beauty that is the Napa Valley. Not one to shy away from challenges, I gladly accepted, and put together a two...

My birthday celebrations began a little early this year with a trip to the Bradley Lodge . After using a coupon from Dickey's BBQ Pit for a free meal on Thursday, I headed up to the Bradley Lodge Friday evening with my parents and grandma. My dad and I were able to help the Big Trees Village Rec Center prepare for winter (and spring) by helping to rake pine needles and do other pre-winter preparations, then we all went to dinner at Sarafina's , our favorite Italian restaurant in Arnold. As always, dinner did not disappoint. When we got back to Sacramento we did yard work at my parents house' and went to Florez for Mexican food and a margaritas. Now, off to Newport Beach for the day before heading to Napa later in the week. Pictures for those with iPads .