May Day!

Happy May Day! 

It's been so hot this week - it was already 90 degrees yesterday! We've been trying to stay cool by going to the beach or to the park and lying in the shade, but the only time we get relief is at night. 

I have been up to so many things: I'm taking three classes, working a lot, and trying to have a social life, so unfortunately, this blog has kind of fallen by the wayside. I hope to be able to post much more during summer. It's already feeling like summer, and I am so happy! 

I hope you all are having a wonderful start to May! 

xoxo

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Alcatraz Island, photo by me

When I decided to move to Santa Cruz, I knew I would be leaving behind a lot of places I love in the San Francisco Bay Area. Even though San Francisco is just over an hour away from my new home, it's harder to make the trip out to the city than when I lived somewhere close to BART. I really miss being able to hop on the train for 45 minutes and find myself in the middle of such an amazing city.

Building with bougainvillea, SF, by me

I'm going back home but I still won't get to stop by the city- there just isn't enough time! I'm hoping to be able to head out there sometime before my classes start in September. I will definitely need to stop by my favorite tea shop in the city to pick up their special "After Seven Fifty Nine" tea (it tastes like chocolate and mint):

This Union Jack chair is adorable! It's not in their store currently; they had to change locations but they're opening up a second location so this beauty should be back!

Their Marie Antoinette felt dolls are just fabulous!

This lovely tea shop, called Crown & Crumpet, has been a favorite of mine for about 4 years. The owners are British and so kind! If you're ever in San Francisco, you should check them out! They come highly recommended. 

xoxo,

Caryn Elizabeth

Earth laughs in flowers

Credit

That is a quote that I absolutely adore, by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Being a very girly girl, I have always loved flowers, but gardening was never really my thing... Until recently! I have discovered that I have a knack for growing plants! Having just moved, I really want a sanctuary-type place where I can just fell calm. I think that if I put in enough work, I can create a garden that does just that.

This is a photo I took at the school where I work. Isn't this flower just gorgeous?

I really love lavender, anemone, allium, and daisies. But what I (and it seems half of the gardening world) have been really interested in is succulents. In my coastal climate, I won't have to worry too much about watering them daily, and they're really fun and kinda funky, which I like. I mean, take a look:

Credit

Credit

They're just so great! I already have a few succulent plants in my possession, but I will update when my garden grows! 

Much love, 

Caryn Elizabeth