Happy Earth Day! So grateful for this beautiful planet we were given to live on full of beautiful flowers, towering cliffs, serene ocean waves, epic sunsets, peaceful deserts and clear blue skies.
Now more than ever, we must work together to take care of our earth. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and think the future is bleak and there's nothing we can do, but every little change you make can help! Especially if they're sustainable changes you can keep up over a long period of time.
It's not much, but when possible, I take a reusable tumbler of coffee with me to work and on the go instead of using disposable cups. I have a collection of paper and metal straws at home that I'll use instead of plastic. I have reusable grocery bags in the trunk of my car (and when I forget them, I load my giant tote-bag-for-a-purse with the groceries!). And when I purchase new bags, I try to find companies that make their products out of recycled bottles!
What are some things you do to be green? Let me know! I'd love to adopt more lifestyle changes to take care of our planet.
“A blessing is not merely about what you get, but who you become by receiving it.” - Tim Chaddick
Happy Resurrection Day! Whatever you’re doing, hope you have a blessed Easter Sunday. ♰
Happy Good Friday! Frolicking in a field of flowers without the fear of bees might just be the best feeling ever. 🌸🐝
If you’ve been looking at these photos and thinking 😱😱😱 because of 1) bees 🐝 or 2) allergies to pollen 🤧, I have great news for you! The Flower Fields in Carlsbad are filled with ranunculus, which are considered low-allergy flowers due to their lack of pollen and scent. You can visit here and wander the acres of florals without fear of sneezing or getting stung. 🙌🙌🙌
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📸: @camillehitaphotog
Here’s another before/after throwback to a time before Instagram for me! Boston was one of my and Michael’s first trips together, and is still one of our favorite cities of all time. 💕
On another note, I am SO excited to be going on my first international trip in 2019 in EXACTLY A MONTH! Head to my stories to see where we’re off to. And let me know if you’ll be around or have recs! ✈️
I was determined not to miss flowers this spring, and I consider my mission successful. We found so many beautiful places in SoCal! #lovelulus #lulusambassador 🌼🌸🌷
Here's a list of my flower spots, what blooms you'll see and the prices for entry to all as of April 2019 (a lot of people I've spoken with have been surprised that not everything was free!):
1. The Flower Fields | Ranunculus (Carlsbad - $18/Adult)
2. Point Dume | Wildflowers (Malibu - FREE!)
3. Big Sky Hiking Trail | Wildflowers (Simi Valley - FREE!)
4. Descanso Gardens | Tulips and MANY MORE (La Cañada - $9/Adult. TIP: FREE every third Tuesday of the month!)
5. Corriganville Park | California Poppies (Simi Valley - FREE!)
6. Lake Balboa | Sakura Blossoms (Los Angeles - FREE!)
7. Exposition Park Garden | Roses (Los Angeles - FREE!)
8. Walker Canyon | California Poppies (Lake Elsinore - $10/Adult for shuttle, but probably free now that the superbloom is over. Honestly, wouldn't recommend this one!)
📍Some other spots I've yet to visit but would like to see include Bakersfield's almond blossoms, Antelope Cameron Nature Preserve, Carrizo Plain National Monument, Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Huntington Library and the Channel Islands.
Have you been to any SoCal flower fields that aren't on this list? 💐
📸: @camillehitaphotog
"They will raise up the former devastations; And they will repair the ruined cities." - Isaiah 61:4
My heart broke watching the news as this symbol of sanctuary, beauty and history was engulfed in flames. Praise God that this iconic church was not completely devastated and can be rebuilt.
This photo is from a couple years ago. When Michael and I went on our honeymoon, I insisted we end in Paris. I told him I knew it was cliched, but I wanted to show him one of my all-time favorite cities—and specifically wanted him to see this breathtaking cathedral.
Today, I am grateful that we went. You never know when the last time is that you'll be able to see something. I don't think it crossed many people's minds that this Parisian landmark would have been in danger in 2019 after surviving eight centuries of wars, plagues and revolutions. The takeaway that rings in my mind is the importance of caring for our earth and for each other, and the absolute necessity to go, cherish and see as much as you can.
Life is fragile, moments are fleeting. Whether you fall ill, a war breaks out or a random spark sets 850 years worth of history ablaze on an unremarkable Monday evening. Let's live intentionally with kindness and appreciation, and make every last moment last.
