As far as my plans for the summer...

I'm going to thrive.

It'll be tough to find fun things to do since being a college student has pinched the pocket, but I'm looking forward to coffee house concerts (Wisdom Tea House), nearby hiking (my beautiful Colorado mountains), thrift store shopping (Barracuda Bazaar), and soaking up many, many days of sun. And the best part is that I will get to be with good ol' friends and family. Al. Most. There.

Oh, and I agree.

Tea is wise.

Wisdom Tea House is one of my favorite places in Monument, Colorado. It's located in downtown Monument near some cute mom-and-pop shops. On a cold wintry day like today, it's perfect for cuddling up on one of the vintage couches with some tulsi herbal chai and a good book. It's also my favorite place to catch up with dear friends! Mmmm. Tea is wise.

The Shop Around the Corner

Classic. Adorably sweet. Witty. Fashionable. Oddly exotic. James Stewart. Highly recommended.

TOMS Aira Cordones

The epitome of classic collegiate fashion in a shoe. Love.

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.