Any Way the Wind Blows: a day of kite flying

You'll have to excuse me for being a bit MIA lately. It's summer and all I feel like doing is being outdoors or reading a book - just me?

First time flying a kite since I was about 7. I really don't know why this is only about the 2nd time in my life I've flown a kite. I guess it's one of those activities that you forget to do but when you do, it instantly brings a joy that you didn't realize was missing. It really brought me into a peaceful state of mind when just hours before I had been worried and restless like the adulting adult that society is forcing me to be. I realize how important it is to just let go and be free...

The trench coat that went to Ireland

Every time I wear this trench coat, which admittedly isn't as often as I'd like (THANKS California weather for always being so sunny and sunny and sunnier) I am reminded of the glorious week I spent in Ireland 2 years ago. I wore this coat on the plane which was a good thing considering I only took one other jacket (from Forever 21) and it got lost somewhere between San Francisco and Washington D.C. I would've been so mad if this trench coat would've been lost. But I don't even want to think about that!

I feel like this green trench coat is one that I'll wear for many years to come. I mean, I hope it'll last that long. I have another trench coat (you know, the Holly Golightly kind) and just the other day, I put my hands in the pockets and one of the pockets ripped right before my eyes! It was shocking as I've always believed trench coats are a staple piece that will last a very long time.

Anyway. This green trench has even more special meaning to me now that it's gone with me to Ireland. It saw the Cliffs of Moher, the Rock of Cashel, Dublin (it was a lifesaver during a huge rain storm I got caught in while strolling the streets) and so much more. I've promised it that we will go back to the Emerald Isle together again someday.

California Cold Rush

"If you want to learn what someone fears losing, watch what they photograph..."

Farmville

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant." - Robert Louis Stephenson

Floral delight

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them."

Henri Matisse

::outfit details:: Top- Urban Outfitters//Sunglasses- EyebuyDirect//Jeans-Levi's//Moccasins-Bucco Shoes//Bag-Fossil

Prairie

"Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat." 

Laura Ingalls Wilder

In perfect Harmony

So! I'm here to bring your attention to yet another random town in California (it's what I do best- there's so many hidden gems in this state alone and it puzzles me when I hear that some fellow Californians have pretty much only visited LA and San Francisco). This little town called Harmony (and I do mean little- with a population of 18- there's definitely more cows than people) is right on the Central Coast and boasts a Winery, a Glass shop/Art Gallery and of course, a post office (which, by the looks of it is made up of half a room, if that).

Harmony...what a pretty name, right? And let me tell you, the whole town lives up to its name. Even though the highway filled with roaming cars is quite near, the sound of buzzing motors in the background is easy to ignore when you see the natural beauty of Harmony. It's often surrounded by incredibly blue skies, lush green rolling hills (I definitely typed "heels" and then caught myself...) and sprinkled with a few visible farm houses here and there.

One of the main attractions of Harmony is Harmony Glassworks, an art gallery filled with the most beautiful (and colorful) handmade glass pieces. Along with viewing the pieces on display, you also get the treat of watching the glassblower create the pieces right there in the studio. It was really fascinating to see how glass pieces (vases, glasses, etc...) are made. To be honest, it's not something I ever really thought about but it turns out glassblowing is really quite an intense process.

While it would probably be a bit challenging to turn Harmony into a day trip, it's definitely still worth a quick visit if you're driving along the coast. Because seriously, they don't call it Harmony for no reason...

Polka dot forest

"There is no wi-fi in the forest but I promise you will find a better connection." 

(quote via)