California Love [Newport, Seaport Village, Balboa Park]

Of the independent cafes I tried, I found my favorite at Newport Beach. On the boardwalk by the beach rests Newport Coffee Company & I couldn't get enough. My favorite was a classic iced latte: refreshing & energizing.

I then ventured to an adorable taffy shop where I strategically picked one of each flavor that piqued my interest (except for the birthday cake flavor...I added a few extra pieces.) 

We spent majority of the day here on the beach, shelling. Newport was one of my favorite beaches of the trip because you had a bit of everything. You could lie on the beach, shell or swim in the water, walk the boardwalk or ride bicycles. Not to mention the absolutely stunning view. 

Seaport Village & Balboa Park was another beautiful (tourist) spot. The culture & shops are fun and welcoming. I will definitely return here next time i'm in town. 

This iced cappuccino speaks for itself. (YUM.) 

These shorts were a little purchase on the trip from the Fashion Q at La Jolla. 

I finished my last night in California spending a bit of time with my dad walking the beach & watching a "California sunset." I feel so grateful for experiencing such an incredible vacation. I cannot wait to return. 

Much Love. 

xoxo 
HaileyGrace

California Love [La Jolla]

Time for the second installment in my California adventure blogs. The second half of my trip was filled with multiple trips to La Jolla, Newport Beach, Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego and more! Before I jump right in, I devoted an entire blog to one of my all time favorite days; wine tasting with my sister in wine country. Check it out here! 

We took many trips to La Jolla where I was able to see that sea lions, visit old friends, shop at the Fashion Q, try authentic gelato and eat delicious food at Richard Walker's Pancake house. 

This little hidden cave was incredible to explore. 

Outfit: Crop Top-Brandy Melville, Skirt-Target, Shoes-JC Penny

The tide pools were filled with incredible aquatic life and is a protected habitat. 

We also took a trip to the San Diego Fair, which was huge compared to my hometown county fair I am used to.

Watch this space for the final installment in my California blogs! 

Much Love. 

xoxo

HaileyGrace

California Love [Carlsbad, Whale Watching, Tourmaline]

Last month I took a trip to a state I have always wanted to visit. I ventured to California to visit my sister, brother-in-law and dad. I have to say, my sister was right, I absolutely loved it. I am an undeniable beach bum and embody the quote "she heard the waves and knew she was home." 

I am going to split my Cali posts into three separate blogs because I have too many lovely stories to tell and pictures to show. 

On the first day we ventured to Carlsbad beach, the first of eight that we went to. I had my first dip in the Pacific Ocean, tried delicious coconut coffee from Carlsbad Coffee House and pretended I was in my dream location inside of the classic London telephone booth. 

Day two was one of my favorites. It was the day my best friend Maureen and I had all to ourselves. Naturally, we started the day with an independent coffee shop recommended to us by my sister and her husband. The shop was called Kettle Coffee & Tea and had an incredible atmosphere. It had cold brew coffee on display while educating guests about the coffee itself. They had outdoor seating and plenty of window seats inside, but my favorite elements were the couches and library in the back of the shop. With local art and music from budding artists in town on display, Kettle Coffee & Tea was a great spot! 

We then traveled to one of the most exciting parts of our entire trip, San Diego Whale Watch. While I am an avid shark lover, Maureen loves whales and I must say that now I have a new appreciation for them. We traveled on a three hour boat journey to search for the whales. The day was a major success as we saw a 90 foot Blue Whale that was larger than our boat and saw a mega-pod of dolphins that swam directly next to our boat. (I could have touched them if the boat were lower) 

After whale watching, we traveled to Mission Beach for lunch, drinks and the wave house. We finished the day with a trip to Tourmaline Surf Park at North Pacific Beach. This spot may have been my favorite, despite the fact that I slept on the beach most of the time we were there (it was only a couple of hours.) 

You can see why this was one of my favorite beaches.

Stay posted for part two of my trip to California! Much love. 

xoxo

HaileyGrace