The weekend I went on a roadtrip with my best friend and surprised my man!

Early Thursday morning my best friend and I woke up bright and early and hit the road headed for Santa Barbara where two of our dearest friends and my boy attend school. There was the most beautiful sunrise the morning we set out on our weekend adventure.

I've driven to California numerous times and I have never seen so many old beautiful cars on the road!


The day after we got into Santa Barbara we went and surprised my man. At Safeway we picked up a dozen balloons and I stood behind them and knocked on his door. When he opened the door and said, "Hello?" I said, "special delivery!"
He didn't even see it coming!

That afternoon we spent time with friends on the beach.


The next afternoon we walked around Westmont College taking pictures of the beautiful campus!

Isn't my man so handsome, being the best boyfriend ever just chillin' with the camera bag?!

Summer Vacation: Driving down the northern California coast

On our last footloose day in California my mom decided we should drive down the northern California coast. From the San Francisco bay area to Santa Cruz. While driving down the coast we ran across these amazing sculptures and had to stop for some priceless sibling pictures!

For lunch we stopped at Sam's Chowederhouse in Half Moon Bay and got the most excellent take out clam chowder. We decided to take our delicious food down to the beach for a little picnic on the rocks.



Another one of our stops was the Pigeon Point Lighthouse which sits on a cliff with a stunning view of the ocean. The site of this lighthouse is now the home to a hostel. How awesome is that?!


We ended our day in downtown Santa Cruz which is seriously one of my favorite places ever. I am so thankful my mom decided to take us on this trip. I will treasure that beautiful scenic drive and all of the memories me made together for a long time.

Summer Vacation: Livin' it up in Santa Cruz

While I was in California I spent a couple days in Santa Cruz visiting the camp I worked at last year with my wonderful, amazing, spunky friend Pineapple! We spent one evening at The Abbey Coffee Lounge which just so happens to have the most amazing art installations and delicious coffee. The picture of the fridge below is a painted vintage fridge that holds a ton of fun board games to play. Genius right?!

I just love all the aqua painted furniture and the chalkboard wrap around counter.


Aren't these painted windows above just gorgeous?! Whoever thought up all the interior design for The Abbey is seriously brilliant! Our beverages of choice that evening were, a latte for Pineapple and Mexican hot chocolate for myself. Both were excellent!


Right across the street from The Abbey is this gorgeous turquoise Victorian house. Pineapple and I were smitten! I'm telling you it was the day of beautiful aqua things. Check out that gorgeous little aqua BMW!!!


We ended the evening with a trip to Starbucks which resulted in us picking up a couple of these adorable red velvet whoopie pies.

I spent the night at Mount Hermon and the next day went to the beach for a bonfire with my family. The evening ended with this amazing flock of birds feeding on a swarm of fish right off the beach! It was incredible to watch!