Who's itchin' for spring? I know pretty much all of my family in Ohio certainly is. We've had a "cold" front here in San Diego (which basically just means it's been windy -- and a little less than perfect like we're so accustomed to), but I'm mostly ready for those longer days! I am sick of the short daytime hours. I can't wait for the sun to shine late into the evening - all the more time for spring activities! Which brings me to today's post topic: my Spring 2018 bucket list!

Blue one-piece swimsuit with braided back detail: c/o PinkBlush This is the most comfortable one-piece I've ever put on my body! It's stretchy in the right places and holds... ahem, certain things in where we want them held in. Plus the color is SO pretty in person. Add in the braided detail on the back and you've got a recipe for favorite bathing suit ever!
 Light wash cutoff denim shorts (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy
 Wide-brimmed straw sun hat with black ribbon detail (also seen here, here & here): Target
Perfect black cat with RBF named Luna: One of a kind
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1. Check out springtime fairs

Once those beautiful warm breezes start blowing in, it becomes increasingly difficult for me to not want to spend every waking moment outdoors. What better way to do so than perusing antique, food truck, veggie, etc fairs?

2. Head to the beach for the day

No, I will not actually be venturing into the water. The Pacific Ocean is FRIGID in case you haven't heard. Even in the dead of summer, it's still unpleasantly chilly. Needless to say, I will not be hopping in this spring. But that doesn't mean I can't pack up our umbrella, a picnic, and a blanket and walk down for a day spent in the sand!

3. Go flower picking

With all the blooms popping up everywhere, I'm determined to find a place that allows you to pick your own. (There was a place that had sunflowers that I previously mentioned in a post about affordable spring date ideas, but I think they closed. 😟 Does anyone in San Diego County know of another spot?)

4. See The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

#3 leads me to #4 - the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields. Matt and I have never been, but just click here and you'll see why it made this list.

5. Hit up a new farmers' market

I love going to local farmers markets year-round, but there is something special about going to them when the first of the spring harvests begin to pop up in the vendors' booths. Plus, this time of year has some of the best seasonal fruits and vegetables. (Fresh strawberries on the cheap, people!)

6. Get back to hiking with the pups

I know, I know. I keep saying I'm going to do this. But then the cold fronts come, and Netflix calls. Once that sun starts shining though I am getting back on the trails with the dogs in tow. We are so lucky in Southern California to have trails along the ocean, canyons, and mountains all within a short drive. It's high time Matt and I went back to taking advantage of it all!

7. Make a trip back to Julian

I've discussed my love of the small town of Julian before. I now hear talk that someone has finally created vegan apple pie and I need to get myself a slice! Thus, another day trip is in our future this springtime. I'm making certain of that.
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What is on your springtime bucket list?

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Spring Has (Almost) Sprung | Jean Jacket + Lace-Up Dress + Riding Boots

Happy Friday! Let me start off by apologizing for my unexpectedly prolonged absence. Last week I was vacationing in Florida with my family. Of course we were visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and let. me. tell. YOU. The newer Diagon Alley area in Universal Orlando is something to be seen, my friends. It is SO fun and I highly recommend checking it out if you're ever in Florida. The only downside to the entire trip? Trying to eat vegan at an amusement park. Oh my lawd, there are so few options for us plant-based peeps. Thankfully though my mom realized Amazon Prime Now delivered to our hotel, so I just ordered all the vegan snacks they offered and then brought them into the parks with me. (So if you are vegan and do plan to go, just make sure you plan ahead. Also would a blog post on how I managed to make it work interest anyone? If so, I'll write it... aaand if not, I won't.) Anyway, then I returned home to Cali and straight to work it was. And that is why I've been MIA recently -- but I'm back today with this early spring-like OOTD!

Denim jacket (also seen here, here & here): Kohl's

[similar - on sale!]

Z Supply olive green lace-up dress: Shopbop

[similar]

Lace knee-high white socks (also seen here & here): DSW

[similar]

Madewell cognac flat riding boots (also seen here, here & here): c/o Shopbop

[similar - 30% off!]

Black and white southwestern print tote bag: Old Navy

[similar]

Gold hoop stud earrings (also seen here, here, and here): c/o Happiness Boutique

Gold "Hello" cuff bracelet (also seen here & here): Old Navy

[similar - on sale!]

Black oversized "Ruby" sunglasses (also seen here & here): DIFF Eyewear

Does anyone else feel like 2018 is just flying right past? I do. How are we already halfway through February? Every time I look at the calendar I can't believe that's the actual date. 2018 is shaping up to be one of the fastest years of my life so far, but I'm excited for what's in store!

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Going Green As A Family

As a family it can be difficult to go green overnight, despite knowing how important it is that our planet is looked after. Since watching things like Blue Planet II, hearing about recent changes in the news (like the banning of plastic straws for example), etc., it’s apparent that our environment is finally starting to come to the forefront.
When you have children, it’s easy to see how much waste you create as a household. There are the endless diapers, toys, and pieces of individually wrapped food packaging that remind us every day of the size of our household waste. So what can we change at home? How can we make a difference, kids or no kids?
Any reduction in waste is great, and worth doing, but it’s not really possible to have a waste-free life. BUT if everyone reduced their waste it could make a massive change. So here are some tips that hopefully you’ll be able to implement, make into regular habits, and make your family greener for the future.
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Shake up your shopping

Shopping is a big issue when it comes to waste. There’s the packaging, the plastic bags, and even the transportation you use to get there.

1. Buy in bulk when you can to prevent buying individually wrapped items.
2. Buy loose items where you can. Packing loose vegetables in a reusable tote bag rather than taking a disposable bag will prevent you taking more plastic home. 
3. Take your own shopping bags. A good tip to help you remember is to leave some reusable bags in your car or your handbag so you always have one or two with you. 

Support Green Businesses

There are many green companies around that you could support. For example, there are companies that make toothbrushes out of recycled materials instead of plastic, or companies like Shiply that carpool deliveries to reduce emissions.Take a look at the companies you use regularly that you think could perhaps benefit from being greener and see if you can make the switch. 

Say no to unnecessary plastic

Do you really need a straw in your drink? If not, consider asking for no straw when you’re eating out. Do you really need a plastic bag for a tiny purchase from the supermarket that can easily fit in your pocket? Get into the habit of saying "No thanks" and over time you’ll prevent a lot of plastic from being thrown away and ending up in our oceans.

Fix, don’t replace

As clothing and electronics get cheaper, it’s easy to throw something away when it’s damaged or there’s an upgrade available. Try where you can to fix things rather than replace, like clothes that can be resized or reused, or shoes that can be re-heeled or stitched. Giving an item a second life could save you a lot of money and teaches your family to savour what they have. If you can’t feasibly have something fixed, make sure you consider recycling it responsibly.
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How do you make your family life greener?

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Casual To The Core | Cardigan + Tank + Ripped Jeans + Converse

Happy February! We've been having some unseasonably warm weather here in San Diego lately, but that hasn't stopped me from dressing like it's California winter (AKA jeans and a light sweater). If you couldn't tell by most of my outfit posts on this here blog, I like to dress casually. Like, it's who I am at the core. If you ever see me out and about, more than likely I'll be wearing something exactly like today's OOTD. What can I say? I'm a creature of habit - and comfort.


As I've mentioned before, I've been using Kenra hair products for years. They're a high-quality, cruelty-free brand that I've come to depend on. Most recently I've been using: the Moisturizing Shampoo, Moisturizing Conditioner, Perfect Blowout 5, Volume Mousse Extra 17, and Volume Dry Shampoo (all of which you can purchase at Ulta). The combination keeps my hair soft, more manageable, and lets it air dry into these waves.

Gray chunky knit cardigan (also seen here): Target

[similar]

Green and white striped mock turtleneck tank top: Anthropologie

[similar]

Light washed distressed skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): Target

[similar]

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star gray low top sneakers (also seen here, here & here): Journey's

[similar - on sale!]

Black oversized "Ruby" sunglasses (also seen here): DIFF Eyewear

Gold bar pendant necklace (also seen here & here): Nordstrom

[similar - on sale!]

Black crossbody bag (also seen here, here & here): Target

[similar]

I'm headed to Florida next week for a quick trip to see my family (and the expanded Harry Potter World)! I can't wait to spend time with them in the magical place that is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter... while wearing pretty much this exact outfit the entire time ;)
What are you up to this fine February?

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I was given Kenra products to try, powered by BrandBacker. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own opinions and text.