Miles Apart, Close at Heart

Today is a very special day because one of my very best friends turns 19! My and Mandy's friendship is so unique and special. We happened to meet a few summers ago during a trip to NYC and completely hit it off. Thanks to countless letters, calls, texts, and snapchats, we were able to build our friendship even while living across the country. Mandy and I are both so different, but really get each other. She has been a source of endless support and encouragement (and sass!) in my life, especially when it comes to blogging. We started our blogs around the same time and I can't even express how incredible it has been to be on this journey together! We've been there for each other to brainstorm new ideas, work through tough decisions, and celebrate exciting milestones.

Celebrating Mandy's birthday today has me missing her more than ever and reminiscing on when we spent a whole week together here in California. It was so fun to have this North Carolina girl visit me on the West Coast. We had the best time hanging out in my hometown, exploring San Francisco, and soaking up the sun in Lake Tahoe, but I think my very favorite moment of Mandy's trip was seeing Mandy try In N Out for the first time. It must have been 2am, she was delirious from the time change, and we were both just cracking up throughout the entire meal. It's always those funny little memories that end up being the most meaningful. Happy birthday to my joyful, passionate, and always quirky blogging bestie! Sending so much love today and everyday! We may be miles apart, but Mandy and I will always be close at heart! 

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Home Is Wherever I'm With Them

Well, I've been at UCLA for a month now! And though it sometimes still feels like I'm at summer camp, it's safe to say I'm well into the school year. It's crazy that it's already time to start studying for midterms! The thought of how fast time is going by really just makes me miss summer. This summer was the adventure of a lifetime, and I feel so lucky to have spent it with the ones I love most. I thought it would be fun for my family to put a video together and add little clips as we traveled. We are all kind of strange and like to think we're funny, so obviously we had to make a music video to capture all of the adventures! My parents and brother are seriously my best friends, and I find myself watching this video whenever I'm missing them and the sunshine they bring to my day! My family may be spread out right now, but home is wherever I'm with them. :)

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Summer Travels

This summer has been...wow. It's been so incredible (and incredibly busy) that I can barely wrap my head around it! It's hard to believe that my senior year starts TOMORROW. I've been in denial about school starting since summer hit the midway point. Since I haven't been blogging long enough to have documented each and every adventure, I thought I'd do quick overview of the places I've visited with a picture to match. 

June 16th-26th
Maui
So relaxing. And sunny. And beautiful. I chilled a little, explored a lot, and took advantage of every opportunity to eat as much pineapple as one can possibly eat! We traveled with some lifelong friends, which was so much fun. Highlight: kayaking a mile out to a cove where I got to swim with tons of sea turtles!



June 28th-July 6th
Lake Tahoe
This was a nannying trip, so it was definitely hard work- but such a great time. Being in LT for The Fourth felt so patriotic (the fireworks show was the best I've ever seen)! Also, I had the realization that North Shore is like the Hampton's of the West Coast. Highlight: Going on morning walks with the kids and admiring all of the bazillion dollar homes. 

July 8th-10th
New York City
My parents completely surprised me with this trip, so you can just imagine how excited I was. I did so much in the short amount of time I was there. From staying in the hotel where Gossip Girl was filmed to exploring Central Park to going to the Smart Girls Conference, it was an absolutely perfect few days. Highlight: meeting the most AMAZING girls on this planet at the conference. 

July 23rd-27th
LA and San Diego
The trip started with an audition in LA and a little shopping. Then we headed to San Diego where I nannied the sweetest little boy for the majority of my time. On my day off, I took my brother to Disneyland! Highlights: buying a Burberry scarf for like 90% off at a vintage shop in LA and eating my favorite Mickey-shaped beignets while watching the parade in Disneyland. 



July 30
Chico
It was a perfect day to make the drive out to Bidwell Park for a bike ride! Highlight: the post bike ride sandwich and cappuccino I had from Tin Roof. 


I feel like I had the best summer and also no summer at all. It was a whirlwind for sure! But I loved it. If I could spend my life traveling, I would in a heartbeat. If you have any questions about where I stayed/where I ate/what I did, comment below! I would love to share, I just didn't think writing a post the size of a novel would be very interesting ;). What did you do this summer? Any travel spots you'd recommend? 

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