A Laguna Beach Birthday

This birthday was a different one. It was obviously the first birthday of mine since my mom passed away so I was rather apprehensive about January 7th approaching. Yet, the day arrived and I had some great plans ahead.

When I turned 20, my family was actually in San Diego, visiting my brother who lived here at the time. The Redskins were playing that day, so my brother and dad headed to watch the game at a local spot while the girls drove up for a daytrip to Laguna Beach. I decided I'd keep the tradition going and headed up there the morning of my birthday this year.

It was a perfect day. The temps were in the 60s, not a cloud in sight. The first stop was La Sirena Grill for lunch. I'm a pretty avid Yelper so I took the advice of the reviews and ordered the Calamari Burrito. It was one of the greatest meals I have ever had! It's a quaint little spot with all seating outside. I later spotted this place on the first episode ever of Laguna Beach. Even Kristin and Talan liked it...

After lunch, a walk over to Muse, a super cute boutique, was necessary. Although they were under a little construction at the time, all the ladies that worked there were so sweet and we had a good time chatting for a while. I got two new sets of earrings that I just adore :)

Next, was Heisler Park. It's another Laguna Beach favorite of mine; perfect for a leisurely walk and where I've taken some of my best pictures ;)

There's something incredibly special about this little spot. Especially on a Monday afternoon in January. It's tranquil, yet, you can look up and see all the beautiful homes nestled into the hills. It's peaceful, yet, you pass joggers, moms, tourists, couples cozied up on a park bench, and people just like you, yet with a different story.

You have all the perks of a small town - cute shops, dynamite eateries, winding streets, and all the quirks that come with a little place - yet, you're right there in the middle of it all. Standing in Heisler park, looking out at the blue Pacific, you have your back to one of the most beautiful places in the world [in my opinion, the most beautiful] yet you're still surrounded by pure and fresh nature everywhere you turn.

There are several different spots throughout Laguna that I love exploring and walking down to the tidepools is always a real treat. I took it all in. The sights, the sounds, the fact that I was one year older and hopefully wiser ;) But, wow, what a year. 

And to sit there and digest the fact that, here I was, only a short drive from my new HOME. My dreams were coming true. Right before my eyes.

I could have stayed there all day. However, the sun would be setting soon. There was one more stop before heading back down to SD. I needed cupcakes.

[Not pictured: One Cupcake]

So, off to Casey's Cupcakes we went! I'm thinking a review of this place is in order. Just so I can go into greater detail and make you all crave a cute cupcake. I mean, can ya get any cuter? After that, we cruised past my favorite Laguna home high up on a hill, and coasted down Highway 1 just in time for the sunset.

I've always been a water baby. A beach girl. The ocean is my home.

So, to return to this special spot on my birthday sure was a lovely treat. I feel so blessed to live within driving distance of Laguna Beach. It's the perfect little reminder of just how beautiful this world we live in is.

And as for you, California, I love you :)

Thanks for another amazing birthday.