National Coffee Day [video]

Today is National Coffee Day and I deemed it the appropriate time to speak openly about my love for coffee and where it began: 

Anyone who knows me personally or even those who see me daily, coffee cup in hand, knows that I am an absolute coffee fanatic. I fell properly in love with coffee almost seven years ago now when I decided to go coffee cupping with my brother-in-law and sister (before I liked black coffee) at Ceremony Roasters on West Street in Annapolis. At the time, I pretended like I liked the taste of black coffee and knew what I was talking about when describing the flavors and scents. Despite this first experience, I returned and before I knew it, I loved all things coffee! 

I am the only one who drinks coffee in my household, so a single-cup pour over is the way to go! While I normally drink my coffee black, I have a major appreciation for the beauty of coffee when you first add a splash of cream. Seeing as it is only National Coffee Day once a year, I decided to capture this: 

                              

What is your favorite type of coffee or favorite coffee shop in your state?

xoxo
HaileyGrace

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 [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

Your type of snow day

Snow days can be a lot of different things: relaxing, fun, stressful, cozy and so many others. Ideally, I like snow days to be restful, but the past few I've been graced with this winter season have been much needed to catch up on work. 

While it does help to have a productive day in my PJs, I want to encourage those of you who are stuck inside for the day to use it to take the type of day you need. If you need a day off and the weather permits, take one. If you need a day to organize your planner, your office or your house, take one. If you need a day to catch up on work or school, like me, take one. 

I like to get ahead on assignments, catch up on emails or phone calls, and study for upcoming exams, but sometimes I sneak in a few minutes to take some pictures of the beauty. Here's a few beauts I've taken on my snowy work days! 

Coffee, Quidditch & My Cat

I hope you enjoy your snow days if you have them & take the type of day you need. 

Much love. 

xoxo 

HaileyGrace