HomeAboutContactSponsor

Monday, February 18, 2013

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.

17 comments:

Kate said...

My hometown!! You spotlighted it just perfectly and I love that you have such great memories there!! You are too darling for words and I see so much happiness and contentment in your near future!

Katie said...

LOVE THIS! Beautiful photos girl. I'm going to need to find that Conrad's house hahaha xoxo

julia rose. said...

What a wonderful birthday celebration! And in one of the most beautiful places possible. So happy for you and all of the memories you're making :)
Cheers to LC's former home! I always loved that house haha.

Ashley said...

Holy gorgeous photos! I'm obsessed with your new home, lady. Also, LC's former house?! You just added even more jealousy to the mix. ;)

Carolyn said...

LOVE! :) So glad you had a good birthday! And I'm going to need you to send me some of those cupcakes! HAHAHAHA

Setarra said...

Mmmm cupcakes by the beach! Sounds like a perfect birthday!

C Mae said...

Okay so back in the day of Laguna Beach, Lauren's family were just building that house, and now they don't live there anymore? where do they live now?! Jeeish must be nice to have all that money to build a house from scratch and then do it all over again in a few years! :)

Chelsea said...

omg, no wonder you love it down there! it's so beautiful!!! i can not wait until i move down there in a couple of yrs!!!

Amber said...

I want to be there!!! It looks and sounds fabulous

Ash said...

happiest of birthdays, friend! i have been DYING to get to laguna lately- and i've even told justin it's high time we just move there (;

so we will have to rendevouz at some point, got it?

also, casey and her mother actually are big "celebs" in my neck of the woods- you'll have to come out and we can go to the mission inn and the original caseys!

Ash said...

happiest of birthdays, friend! i have been DYING to get to laguna lately- and i've even told justin it's high time we just move there (;

so we will have to rendevouz at some point, got it?

also, casey and her mother actually are big "celebs" in my neck of the woods- you'll have to come out and we can go to the mission inn and the original caseys!

Kristen said...

the pictures are gorgeous! what a beautiful day!

Emily said...

What a great birthday! And what an amazing place to sit back and digest the year you had and what's to come.
Happy Birthday!!

Donna said...

These amazing pictures make me want to move to California, and I'm a die-hard New England girl!
I'm glad you had a happy birthday! :)

Amber said...

This looks like the most perfect way to spend a birthday! :)

Danielle said...

Happy Birthday!!

Your in my area! I live like 15 minutes from Laguna Beach. Looks like you got to go on a pretty great day! I love laguna, just walking around and watching the sunset. Next time your there go to Nick's. BEST FOOD EVER! :) And they have an amazing butter cake!

Jenn @ West Sac Honey said...

Love Laguna Beach! It's currently my background for my laptop. Loved it wish I could be there every day!