Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Blog Inc. by Joy Cho Book Giveaway!

Hi all! Happy Tuesday! I'm kicking off this beautiful day with a blogging book giveaway!!! We could all use a little help with blogging from time to time, right? I got this book for Christmas and thought it was a great read, so I thought you lovely readers might benefit from reading it too. The giveaway includes one brand new copy of Joy Cho's book, Blog Inc. Blogging for Passion, Profit, and to Create Community. You might know Joy Cho as the author of www.ohjoy.com. Check out her amazing blog today!

*This giveaway is not sponsored or affiliated with Joy or her blog.
a Rafflecopter giveaway The Giveaway runs from 7 am PCT on Tuesday June 30th to 7 am PCT on Sunday August 30th. One lucky winner will be selected at random and contacted to receive the prize! Good luck!

Monday, June 29, 2015

10 California Campsites to Visit



Isn't camping the best?

Lighting a fire, eating smores, playing board games, creek jumping, hiking, enjoying the peaceful beauty of nature, looking at the stars, you name it. It's all fun. This past weekend I took a trip with SH and friends to the Kern River Valley for a one night camping trip. It reminded me of favorite camping pastimes, so I thought I'd compile a list of campgrounds in California (some that I've been to, others I'd like to go to.) I hope it inspires you to take a camping trip or maybe pitch a tent in your own backyard!

Northern & Central California

Tahoe National Forest
With opportunities for cabin rentals, campground camping, and group or RV camping, Tahoe has something for everyone.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The oldest State Park in California! Miles of trails for hikers and equestrians, waterfalls, bird watching, and of course home to the beautiful redwood groves. Book here.

Big Sur
Tent and RV camping, camp by the water, or camp among the redwood trees. For a list of campgrounds, visit here

Yosemite National Park
Words cannot begin to describe Yosemite's beauty. Seriously, you have to just go and see it for yourself. For more information click here

Sequoia National Forest
Home of the greatest concentration of giant sequoia groves in the world. For campground information, visit this site. (I personally found the site a bit confusing, so I would probably call if you're looking for booking information.)

Pinnacles National Park
This is America's Newest National Park. Explore the high peaks, chaparral, wildflowers and more. Pinnacles offers unique landscapes, perfect for rock climbing, hiking, exploring, etc. For more information, check out this website. 

Southern California

Catalina Island (Avalon)
This camping experience is unique since it's near town. You can pitch a tent or rent a tent cabin. 

Crystal Cove
Head to Laguna Beach for beautiful hiking trails, coastal camping, mountain biking and more. Visit here to book and here for more information. 

Jalama Beach
Check out my post here about our camping experience at Jalama (Santa Barbara County.)

Joshua Tree
Escape the city lights and see a night sky full of stars. Make sure to bring enough water because it gets hot in the summer and water is only available at a few locations around the park's edges. Plan your visit here

What about you, do you enjoy camping? Do you have any great camping spots to recommend? And thanks as always, for reading!

Thursday, June 25, 2015

My Etsy Picks: Engagement, Wedding and Baby

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I've been away for a little while! Summer just seems to get so full so quickly, you know? And honestly, I've been binge watching Orange is the New Black (Seasons One and Two) after work every. single. day. So with that happening, I mean, who has time for blogging? *Insert crying laughing emoji face here* Seriously though.

So, that's been happening in my life, along with engagement parties, weddings, baby showers and birthdays! What's been happening in your life? How has your June been?

I've been on an Etsy kick lately. There's just so much good stuff on Etsy, you guys. Who needs mass produced, store bought items when you can get hand crafted, unique, creative gifts on Etsy?

Here are my picks for three major life events:

Engagement
Custom Ring Holder 
This ring holder is cast from a mold of a baby potato so it's a really cute and unique shape. I put it in one of my best friend's engagement baskets so she never has to worry about losing her ring :)

Countdown Chalkboard
I haven't purchased this personally, but I think it's a really cute idea and I love that it comes with the chalk attached on a string! Great touch.

Proposal Location Engagement Printable 
I love this idea, I think it's so romantic to have a framed print of the location you got engaged. Such a special way to remember the day. I just wish that the company shipped an actual print to you, rather than you having to print it out yourself.

Wedding
Custom Bamboo Cutting Board
I'm so happy I bought this for my friends' wedding gift :) I had already purchased something off of their registry for the Bridal Shower, so I wanted to go with something more unique and special for the actual big day. I ordered the cutting board on June 12th for a June 20th wedding. I was worried it wouldn't get here in time so I bought the rush processing, as well. It arrived on June 19th just in time to be wrapped and taken to the wedding the following day! I was so pleased with how it turned out, it was beautifully crafted and I hope the newlyweds love it as much as I do!

Dr. Seuss Print
Cute and quirky :)

Marriage Milestones Wine Labels
I am OBSESSED with this idea!! Holy cow I've never seen something like this and I just LOVE it! Just picture it - you get in your first fight as a married couple. Maybe there's yelling and raised voices and then in the heat of the moment you both quiet down and there's a pause... one of you runs to the fridge or pantry or wine cellar, wherever you keep your wine, and you pull out the bottle with the "First Fight" label on it and both burst out laughing. Corks are popped and glasses are clinked. I love it!

Baby
Custom Baby Block 
I can't wait to buy one of these!! Aren't they darling? SH's brother and his wife are having a baby and so is my friend Ashley. I think this is just the perfect gift to celebrate the birth of a child and something you can keep and treasure forever!

Nursery Once Upon a Time Printable 
I love this sweet idea, again, I just wish it came printed and framed.

Owl Mobile for Nursery
Just darling. (Also expensive) but I just love how sweet and serene the owl's face looks.

What about you, do you own an Etsy shop or have any favorite Etsy items to share?

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Things to do in LA This Summer

I'm lagging a little on the posts, you guys. So, accept my "Happy June!" a little late. June is such a great month because it officially means that summer is here!! I associate June with the beginning of the season of bbqs, picnics, bike rides and walks, outdoor concerts, beach bonfires and the like! Living in LA, there are a TON of things to do (especially in summer.) Here's my roundup of things to do if you live in the area or are planning to visit this summer season: (also, many of them are free!)

Outdoor Movies:
Free movies and free parking! In Long Beach

The famous Cinespia Hollywood Cemetery Movies ($, buy tickets in advance, parking can be a hassle so go early!)

Griffith Park/ LA ($, buy tickets in advance.)
Cheaper tickets here

Outdoor movies at the Grove (free on Thursdays in June, RSVP in advance and arrive early)

Marina del Rey movie nights! (free)

For a full calendar list of all movies throughout the summer, check out this awesome page!


Outdoor Concerts:
The famous Hollywood Bowl ($$, I would love to see ET, The singalong Sound of Music, or Back to the Future! I've never seen a movie screening with a live orchestra playing the soundtrack before.)

California Plaza concerts (free)

Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concerts (free on Thursday nights)

Marina del Rey concerts (free)


Beach Bonfires:
Dockweiler (free, fills up fast so arrive early- i.e. spend a day at the beach and claim a pit)


Booze:
LA Beer Week (June, $$)


Fairs:
OC Fair (July-August, $)


I'm sure there are a ton more things I've missed. What do you hope to do and see this summer?






Tuesday, June 2, 2015

5 Lovely Links

Hello everyone, happy Tuesday! I hope you're all having a great start to the week.

Today, let's talk personality types. Do you believe in the Myers-Briggs test? Maybe not? Whether you're a believer, a doubter, or unsure, here are some lovely links pertaining to personality:

1. Never taken the Myers-Briggs test before? Take it here.

2. Okay, now that that's done, you have your personality type. Want to read about your type? Visit this site.

3. Read about your type? What do you think, was it accurate, or not? Maybe now you're interested in learning about what kinds of careers might be good for your personality type. Head here.

4. Still not buying it? You're not alone. Business Insider included the above article on the Myers-Briggs test, but also included this one. Confusing, huh? I think they want to make sure people don't just see themselves as an inflexible label.

5. Want to just know which celebs you might share a personality trait or two with? (You know you do!) Check out this article.

I'm an ISFJ. What are you?
 

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