Hi there! How was your three day weekend? (If you didn't get one, I apologize for my insensitivity and rubbing it in. I've definitely had my share of jobs where I had to work holidays, so I know the envy/pain is real.)
Matt and I spent the weekend exploring our city. Isn't that just the best part of moving to a new place? Finding new-to-you hidden gems? We checked out Shelter Island (not to be confused with Shutter Island...) and Old Town San Diego, both of which were perfect for leisurely walkabouts in the sun. We also went to the beach and posted up on some lounge chairs. It was my favorite type of weekend: extra long, full of new adventures, and a whole bunch of tasty food by the ocean. You just can't beat that if you ask me.

Blue and white gingham skater dress: Old Navy

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Brown skinny belt (also seen here): Forever 21

Brown flat studded ankle strap sandals: Old Navy

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Neon yellow cross body bag (also seen here, here & here): Target

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Tortoiseshell aviator sunglasses (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy

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14K gold customized heart initial necklace (also seen here, here & here): c/o JWJewelryBox

24K gold "A" initial bar necklace (also seen here, here & here): c/o oNecklace

Now that it's the "unofficial" start to summer are you hanging out by the pool nonstop? That's another one of my favorite things about this move to Southern California: we can finally enjoy the great outdoors during summertime again -- which is the very best part of June - August, of course! Our past four summers were spent in the Arizona desert, where it is muuuch too hot to spend even one minute any real amount of time outside. (If you've never experienced a Phoenix summer, it is 100+ degrees every. single. day. from June - September. Don't let anyone flat out lie to you tell you any differently.)

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Coast-Lines: Denim Jacket + T-Shirt Dress + Sandals + Clutch

FRIDAYYYY! It's here, it's here! And it's even better than usual because it's followed by a three day weekend. Yasssss. Darnit, I love me some weekends. (Who doesn't?)
Last weekend Matt and I explored a San Diego neighborhood we hadn't been to before. It's called Bird Rock, and it's got the prettiest ocean views (as well as delicious vegan pizza). Those ocean views are also why my hair looks so whack (I am aware that I cannot pull off saying "whack") in today's blog post photos. It sure was pretty, but it sure was windy, too. And my hair sure was pretty not pretty..... 😳

Black and white striped t-shirt dress: c/o PinkBlush

It's official: T-shirt dresses are my go-to this summer. This one from PinkBlush is so comfortable, light, and breezy - the perfect warm weather combo!

Dark wash denim jacket (also seen here, here & here): Kohl's

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Olive green braided sandals (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy

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Gold necklace: c/o Crown Jewelry

Gold geometric triangle necklace (also seen here, here & here): c/o StyleLately

Wooden clutch (also seen here, here & here): c/o Uncommon Goods

What are your plans for Memorial Day Weekend? Matt and I are craving another short road trip. We are thinking maybe we'll drive up to Laguna Beach. Matt's never been before, and I haven't been in 250 years (or since I was in the 9th grade, same thing).

See who won the $50 PinkBlush gift card giveaway here!

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Mint To Be: Cardigan + Tank + Skinny Jeans + Sandals

Serious inquiry: How is it almost already June?! I feel like I say this every month, but life really is flying by. Plus it's been getting pretty warm here in San Diego, which also points to the fact that summer is fast approaching. That is totally fine with me though, because maybe - just maybe - the Pacific Ocean will warm up enough to actually swim in it over the next few weeks! (That's a big maybe... That baby stays pretty frigid from what I hear.)

Black and white striped oversized knit cardigan (also seen here): Old Navy

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Mint tank top with buttons (also seen here): Marshalls

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Cognac belt (also seen here, here & here): Gap

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Dark wash distressed skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy

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DV by Dolce Vita black and white print sandal slides: Target

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Silver initial necklace (also seen here, here & here): c/o Sivado Studio

Silver triangle necklace (also seen here & here): American Eagle

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What summer activities are you most looking forward to? Nonstop al fresco dining (that's the most pretentious term, ya?), beach days, and hiking are on my "must do every single chance" list.

PS: Don't forget to enter the $50 PinkBlush gift card giveaway before it ends in a few hours!

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Joyful In Julian, California: Day Trip Travel Guide

When Matt and I first announced we were moving to San Diego last summer, multiple people immediately told me "When you get there you have to go to this little town not far from San Diego called Julian. They have the best apple pie you'll ever taste!" Well, the hype for Julian did not die down upon becoming a California citizen. When we meet locals, they too are quick to mention our dire need to make the road trip. Therefore, when I woke up on Saturday morning with a desire to go for a hike somewhere wooded, this apple-obsessed town popped into my brain. Matt was down for an adventure, so we piled the dogs into the car and hit the road for the 50 mile trip from San Diego to Julian!

Check out our recommendations for a day spent in Julian below:

Places To Dine (& Wine)

Julian Hard Cider - This was our first stop upon arriving in Julian. We ordered a flight of 8 different flavors of their hard cider, all of which were fan-freaking-tastic. We had a difficult time narrowing down which bottles to buy to bring home with us, but ultimately ended up choosing the Apple Pie -- we had to pick something apple-themed, seeing as we were in Julian after all -- and Pearanormal flavors. (Insider tip: Popping open a bottle when we got back home was the perfect end to a day on the road and post-hike.)

Granny's Kitchen - I was a little worried that a small town wouldn't have any solid vegan options, but a quick search on Yelp proved me wrong. I was able to get a delicious veggie wrap at this cute cafe and Matt had an apple (of course) grilled cheese sandwich that he loved.

Candied Apple Pastry Company - I asked around to see if anyone had vegan apple pie, but I wasn't able to locate any, unfortunately. (If you know of a place, please let me know!) Therefore, I can't speak from personal experience about the apple pie from this bakery, but Matt devoured their sour cream apple pie with cinnamon ice cream on top. He seriously ate it in about sixty seconds flat. (Even though I can't vouch for the baked goods, I can tell you that the ambiance of this little bakery was too cute!)

Turquoise necklace: c/o Buddha Blossom | Aviator sunglasses: Old Navy

Things To Do

Hike Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve - The views are stunning and the air is so crisp. But hikers beware: this is a pretty tough, uphill hike. There were also tons of red ants when we went, so if you are hiking with your pooches (like we were) be careful to look where they're stepping. Also make sure to check your pups for ticks before getting back in your car afterward. I say this because our dogs are treated monthly with Frontline and we also sprayed a second natural flea and tick spray on them before we hit the trails, just to be safe... and yet we still found a tick when we got home. Not cool, nature. Not cool at all. But, oh well. The sights totally made it worth it, so don't be swayed from the hike!

Stroll Around Town - Even if hiking isn't really your thing, there is plenty to see just walking around Julian. The streets of Historic Julian look straight out of a wild west story. The whole area is so idyllic. Plus, there are people who are journeying on the Pacific Crest Trail stopping through. Grab a slice of pie at one of the many bakeries in town and eavesdrop on tales of their PCT adventures. (I overheard more than one conversation involving people swapping blister horror stories... Thankfully, I wasn't eating at the time...)

Take A Joy Ride - The winding roads from San Diego to and around Julian are so picturesque. There are also tons of roadside produce stands, farms, and wineries that you can check out along the way!

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One of my favorite things about Julian is that no matter what your taste, you'll find something to do. From getting active on the mountain, to choking down as much apple-centric food as you physically can, to popping in and out of wine tastings, just about anyone can discover something they'll enjoy on their trip!

One of my favorite things about life in the Southwestern United States is how easy it is to road trip. Both Arizona and Southern California have so many different types of climates to offer, and most are just a quick drive away! When we lived in Phoenix, we loved driving north to Sedona for the best desert views in the world (in my opinion), but if we craved snow there was Flagstaff, too. Even though we haven't lived in San Diego County for long, we've taken a day trip to Idyllwild to play in the snow with the dogs, driven through the desert, and now gotten a taste of apple Julian which I am so excited to go back to for the fall foliage in a few months!

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Where are your favorite day trips near you?

PS: Don't forget to enter the $50 PinkBlush gift card giveaway before it ends in a few days!

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Beach, Please: Long Sleeve Tee + Ripped Skinny Jeans + Sneakers + Tote

Happy weekend to all! I'll never be able to fully express my true, deep love for Saturdays and Sundays. And living so close to the beach. And, of course, dogs. All of these are lifelong obsessions of mine; therefore, I always feel an extra amount of gratitude when we get to spend our days, at Del Mar, walking our pups on the sand. (Dakota and Kingsley may hate water with all they've got, but man, do they adore sand between their toe pads.)

Slate gray long sleeve waffle tee with lace detail: Target

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Dark wash ripped skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy

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Multicolored striped sneakers (also seen here & here): Old Navy

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Rose gold triangle geometric necklace (also seen here, here & here): American Eagle

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The Jacksons "Love" jute tote bag: via Tucci Boutique

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Tortoiseshell sunglasses (also seen here, here & here): via Jeffrey Bay

What are your weekend plans? Since it sprinkled all last weekend (as you may be able to tell from the photos in today's post - namely my insane hair blowing everywhere - it was wiiindy and about to start raining), I plan to spend as much time outdoors as I can.

PS: Don't forget to enter the $50 PinkBlush gift card giveaway before it ends!

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