Hiking Sundays!

My friends and I have recently formed a hiking group. We created a Facebook group and plan a different hike every Sunday.  There are some amazing spots to hike around San Diego!

We also use the group as an outlet to find workout buddies throughout the week, share our fitness goals and achievements, and inspire each other to live a healthy lifestyle.  It feels really good to connect with people in a positive and healthy way.

And, of course, we also enjoy doing phoootoo shoots!

My friend had a little birthday gathering the other day, which me and my roomie decided was the perfect opportunity for a BALLOON PHOTO SHOOT!

Something to look forward to!

I received a package in the mail yesterday, opened it up, and was so excited to see this adorable request to be a bridesmaid!!  I've known my friend Jen since we were in the 5th grade, we were cheerleaders together in middle school, and college roommates our freshman year.  We go way back!! I am so honored and excited to be a part of her special day!!

Typical.

A night out celebrating Kelly's birthday!  All the girls magically chose to wear matching outfits without planning. We are that in sync. :)

A happy hour story.

One day, not too long ago, I went on a happy hour adventure to a magical place called Wine Steals.  Wine, cheese, meats, pizza...so many delights for the senses.  Sprinkle in a little good conversation and BAM, you've got a wino happy hour. Ta-da!

My sistas!

A soul vacation.

I just returned from my North Carolina reunion trip and let me say, it was aahhmazing.  I was reunited with lush, tall, GREEN trees that made some lost spot in my heart breathe fuller, easier.  I was embraced again by the best friends I've ever had.  My soul sisters.  This trip was life changing, as I believe every trip away from the daily grind is.

I laughed harder than I have in months, felt more connected than I have in a long time, and rediscovered the passions inside my heart and soul.

So, yeah...I guess the trip was a success!? :)

Into the Mild

So, I have a fun friend named Kristen who has a blog, Into the Mild. I invite you to check it out and to be as amused as I am while reading it! :)

Her blog chronicles her current adventures across the United States, as she literally follows her heart and intuition from state to state.  She left us here in San Diego to embark on a road trip with no destination, and her insights and musings are very interesting to read.  I love Kristen's free spirit and humorous outlook on life. 

Kristen is the type of friend I do things like this with...









...and I love her for it!

Note: These pictures are quite old and taken during my "black hair" phase. Never again with the black hair. Never again. :)

Brotherly Love.

(Here I am dressed as my childhood hero, Pippi Longstocking. My brother took on the role of Pippi's trusty sidekick, Tommy.)


So...my brother and his awesome girlfriend came to visit me in Cali over Labor Day weekend.  We had a jam packed time filled with zoo trips, ocean dips, and beachside conversations. 

 My brother and I are complete opposities in some ways.  He is extremely (and I mean extremely) high energy.  The kid just can't sit still.  I, on the other hand, have no problem kicking back and relaxing.  We have always been this way.  There has always been a slight struggle to find balance between our personalities.  In so many ways, we learn from each other based on the other's extremes.  I love my brother. Love.

I am also so happy to see him in such a healthy, happy, and supportive relationship.  His girlfriend is quite simply, da bomb.  They compliment each other so well and warm my cold heart (eek) to the idea of true love!  They, my friends, are an inspiration.

As is expected, I snapped tons of photos while they were in town.  Here is our weekend, in iphone photos.  (I've been so obsessed with my iphone that I have neglected my real camera...but I have been accumulating some shots on there that I will soon share. Yay!)

Bonfire Bonding.

There's nothing quite like the relaxed, peaceful vibe of a summertime bonfire by the water. Get out there and roast some marshmallows! :)









(images via weheartit.)