The Girl (#2)

I don't care what you think about Jesus Culture or Bethel. This is a sweet song.

The Girl (#1)

Love.

Home sweet home.

Some things have changed. Some haven't. I keep on reminding myself that it's only been three months. Yet I feel like a different person. My own person. Making my own decisions. Deciding to follow Christ. No matter the cost. No matter the thoughts.

Am I really only 18? I feel older. I even creak and pop like a senior citizen.

My whole life is in front of me. I can go anywhere. Do anything. God has left my future wide open knowing that I trust Him to fill it with unimaginable adventures. And He knows that I like this feeling. This feeling of thrilling uncertainty and possibility that the future holds.

Maybe He'll lead me to IHOPU.

The Best of Christmas. To: You From: Me

As Fred Astaire would say, "The Christmas season is upon us, and isn't it jolly and wonderful!"

The first part of the holiday season that I consider to be one of my favorite parts is Thanksgiving. I know that it technically isn't a part of the Christmas season but, let's face it, it's becoming so what with the Christmas commercials coming on TV long before the turkey is cut. My family and I still hold to the tradition of holding off to decorate until the day after Thanksgiving. This truly commences the joy of Christmas time because, usually, the whole family (yeah, all 4 of us) is together. My dad handles the tree, my mom and sister, the ornaments, and I put up the little snow town above the fireplace while listening to Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole and, if the moment just happens to be perfect, it spontaneously begins to snow outside. But, alas, Colorado weather is rather unpredictable so if this ever happens it is quite a gift.



The other day I watched the newest episode of Grey's Anatomy. I am slowly but surely becoming quite smitten with whoever selects the music for each episode because each episode lately has my new favorite song included. This last episode was holiday themed and, of course, the song All I Want For Christmas (Is To Give My Love Away) by The Rescues is highlighted. Hands down my favorite Christmas song of the year. But, the classics never get old. My Christmas albums consist of A Charlie Brown Christmas, Noel by Josh Groban, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Home for Christmas by Amy Grant (I know, I know, but it's a tradition), A Jolly Christmas by Frank Sinatra, and the Now That's What I Call Christmas classics including some single favorites: Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John & Yoko and The Plastic Ono Band, Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney, and White Christmas by Bing Crosby.

"Blast this Christmas music. It's joyful and triumphant." The Grinch



Another little ditty that I adore about Christmas is pumpkin pie. From October to January, pumpkin pie is plentiful at every restaurant and kitchen in America, especially mine! Every year, my birthday lands near Thanksgiving so I opt for a pumpkin pie birthday cake rather than the classic white or chocolate. You would think I would grow tired of pie and whipped cream after Christmas, but I don't!



One thing I haven't had the chance to make a tradition, but did once and fell in love with, is visit downtown Denver to see the decorations and go shopping at the 16th Street Mall. This is the epitome of superficial Christmas time, which I don't think is the high point of Christmas but we can't escape it either...

"Oh. Bleeding hearts of the world UNITE." The Grinch



The main event for me each Christmas season is piling the family (once again, all four of us) into the jeep and going to the Christmas Eve service at church. All the hulabaloo is silenced for a few quiet moments of worship and awe, but we still party over the amazing Gift God has given us. I am just now realizing how much I love this because I dearly miss my church back home and can't wait to return over break(s)!



But, for now, I’m stuck in SoCal, listening to the Beach Boys’ Little St. Nick while pondering the sight of snowy Christmas decorations beside tropical palm trees. Seriously, that’s something I’m not used to witnessing and I’m thinking it won’t be something that grows on me either. If I am stubborn about anything it’s the sanctity of a white Christmas.



"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." Charles Dickens

As they say in the UK, Happy Christmas, everyone!

Christmas Time is Here.

This is a cute one. I want to try to "surf" someone like that.

Check out these shops in SoCal.

Before coming to Southern California, I told myself I wouldn't be doing much shopping because I thought it would be far too expensive for a simple Coloradan girl. Wrong. I found multiple places with great deals. Small, one-of-a-kind places taking after Forever 21 can be found all over LA with the latest clothing styles. But clothes aren't all. I've stumbled across a few other great stores that are quite a find for someone from out of state!

Melrose Vintage is a vintage clothing joint complete with a plethora of plaid shirts and peacoats.





Trader Joe's was probably one of my favorite discoveries. Not so much a discovery for those who have lived in California for a while, but I just can't get over how awesome this place is!







Lovell's is a genuine record store complete with used CD's, DVD's, posters, and, of course, records.



I'm loving discovering these awesome shops out here in Cali. Can't wait for the next adventure!

Something from the past.

Not many people appreciate the culture and deals Cost Plus World Market brings to our lives as much as I do!


Moving from Colorado to California has provided quite the culture shift for me to adjust to. The little things in my life are what keep me from getting too homesick for the mountains and snow.

Back home, I would often visit the nearest World Market with my dear friends and we would ooh and aah over our favorite scarves, mugs, and jewelry. We would fantasize of the day when we would be able to afford decorating our apartments or flats with the stylish furniture and plush rugs. This became a favorite pass-time and the memories we created still give me warm-fuzzy feelings inside!


Recently, I finally had the time to search for a World Market off my new GPS and invite an experience from home to join me in Southern California. Walking into the homey warehouse made me feel exhilirated and encouraged. I thoroughly examined all the jewelry, pillows, and pictures and worked my way over to the foreign food section. I had to contain my squeal of joy when I saw the familiar boxes of PG Tips (my favorite brand of black tea)! I walked away with a breath of fresh memory and a new scarf and earings to remember them by.

Here are some random treasures they stock.