Amazing Giveaway!

There is a wonderful giveaway event going on at Jeanne Oliver Designs!

http://www.jeanneoliverdesigns.com/


Check out her website and let me know what you think!

I Left My Heart in San Diego...

 For some reason, I have found myself being "San Diego sick."  Which, now that I read it, sounds the complete opposite of what I am trying to say.  Let me try to explain:

At the beginning of my freshman year, I was pathetically and inconsolably homesick.  I blame the fact that my parents (namely my BFF mother) had to be so stinking sweet and amazing to me all of these years, and that I never got a chance to dish out whatever is supposed to come with those "terrible teenaged years."  Really guys, my life has been totally lacking in the teenage angst, slammed doors, and sneaking out of the house that is supposed to come with the territory.  I never even got the chance to test drive these hormones.  But I digress...

I missed home and Santa Clarita and the Valley in general, completely overlooking the beauties and wonders of San Diego.  Namely, the ocean view from my dorm building, the fact that the beach was literally across the street, the random treasures I could find at the beach, and the great weather!  And now that I am home for the summer, I'm missing San Diego more and more each day.  It's a very strange feeling, because during the school year I would dread returning to SD after a weekend at home!  I almost feel like a traitor saying this: but I'm a little bit excited to go back.  I know I'll miss being home once I'm back in school, and I love being able to spend time with my family and old friends, but I think I miss the setting and independence more than anything else.  Also, today it was 100+ degrees outside in Santa Clarita... And I may or may not have tried (and succeeded at) frying an egg on the concrete in the backyard.  I do NOT miss the valley weather.    

A lot of it feels like nostalgia for my freshman year kicking in.  If you haven't picked up on it, I am EXTREMELY nostalgic and memory focused.  Sometimes to the point of ignoring the present, but that's for another post.  These pictures from around week 1 or 2 of my freshman year are making me smile- both then and now.

Cheesy Smiles and all.  This is our walk down to Black's Beach.  This trail on a hill offers gorgeous views and a bit of cardio!  It's a biznatchin hill to walk back up.

At the beach!  Seriously- do you see what I mean?!  GORGEOUS OCEAN.   The ocean is another one of my "inspirations."  Just had to stay relevant and throw that in there. ;)

A group photo of my suitemates and I. These girls are amazing!  My freshman year wouldn't have been the same without them. 

Everyone has to take that cliche super awesome jumping photo, right?  I love this one though, it turned out pretty cool, and it was with my lovely suitemate Cindel.

SOON, San Diego, I will be running back into your breezy, temperate arms!  With hair in my mouth.  That's how I like to run, okay?

A little inspiration was gathered from these old pictures, memories of freshman year, the beach.

I now have an idea for: a photo display for my new apartment at school, a corkboard to hang up knick knacks and things from last year, and a coral jewelry holder.  You will see more from me soon!  Memories, old and new friends, and beauty in your surroundings.  A few things that I live for...