Family Trip: {Yosemite, part one}

El Capitan

Over Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to stay with my grandfather in his house outside of Mariposa, a small town near the entrance of Yosemite. So, on Black Friday, I took my brand new camera, my family, and drove up the mountains into Yosemite National Park.
Our first stop was El Capitan, a beautiful granite rock formation. It was so tall! It was also quite chilly, seeing as it was late November. There was even a little bit of snow on the ground. 

Yosemite Chapel - frost on the ground!

It was a wonderful experience - I can't wait to go back and explore some more, when it's a little bit warmer. I think snow is gorgeous but I much prefer it when I'm curled up (wearing fuzzy socks) next to a warm fire with a good book.

I have some pictures of the historic Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite to come!
Have you ever been in Yosemite?
xoxo

Giving Thanks {my home}

Sometimes, when you're running around to fifty thousand things and feeling completely stressed out, it is hard to remember what you are grateful for, but it is important to stop and take the time to be grateful and gracious. 

I am thankful for so many things, and people, and events in my life.

I am very blessed. 

My new home, Santa Cruz, has been a tough transition, but I am so, so glad to live here. The beach is so close to my house, so I get to go there all the time. I have the opportunity to see wildlife (like my favorite animals- otters!!!) and collect shells. Whenever I need a break, to calm down, to clear my head... The beach is where I go. It has become a tremendous part of my daily life, and I am so grateful to live where I do.

What are you thankful for?

xoxo

{Week of Thanks} My family

A mosaic I love.

My family means the world to me.

I do not know what I would do or who I would be without them in my life. While I live too far away to make the trip for Thanksgiving (I get to see my mom though!), I cannot wait to see them for a whole week in December. With them in my life, I feel very blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo

{Week of Thanks} Friendship

 

These otters seem like friends to me! SO cute!

My friends are the greatest. It's really difficult to find a true friend these days, and I am so lucky to have a few of them.

When I'm having a tough day or need help, I know that my friends will have my back. 

I feel entirely grateful to have them in my life.

 

What are you thankful for today?

xoxo

{Week of Thanks} My Dog

My lovebug!

Seriously, dogs are the best.

Isn't mine just so cute? Her cuteness definitely keeps her from getting out of trouble. 

She is so sweet and I am so glad to have her in my life. 

Even though she barks when we go on long drives (I'm bracing myself for tomorrow), loves food more than anything, and likes to paw me when she wants attention, I am so thankful to have her in my life because she makes it so much better. 

What are you thankful for today?

xoxo

{Week of Thanks} Coffee

So close! Only two letters off this time!

With Thanksgiving coming up this Thursday, I thought I would take this week to talk about the things that I am thankful for. 

Today, I am thankful for coffee 

(even though the people at Peet's and Starbucks always spell my name wrong). 

It has been a very stressful quarter for me, the last few weeks especially, and I have two long weeks coming up (two papers, one of which is 8 pages, and finals.... do not a happy blogger make.) The  only things that will be getting me through these next few weeks are coffee, determination, the thought of a winter break, and more coffee. 

Seriously, coffee is my savior right now.

What are you thankful for today?

xoxo

Autumn Bucket List

Fall Bucketlist by darlingdreamer

Ah, Autumn. My favorite season. I was born in Autumn, and there's so much to love about it: Halloween, crisp air, cozy sweaters, hot coffee, Thanksgiving, and much more. 

This Fall, I have decided to have a smaller bucket list, as I am also working on my 101 in 1,001, and I hope to get about 9 of those done during the upcoming season. 

What are your favorite things about Autumn? What is on your Fall Bucket List?

xoxo