September 2020

When I first started my own blog I came across a post where a fellow blogger posted a photo for every hour of the day. (That she was awake of course.) After writing the idea down with the other hundreds of ideas I think of but never get around to transforming into a post, I decided to just go for it! And what better day than my 22nd birthday?! The photo an hour challenge is just like it sounds, every hour make sure to take a quick snapshot of what you’re doing, what you’re eating or what show you are currently procrastinating with. I’m not sure if there are more rules than that, but regardless, it was my birthday so I didn’t bother to check. I spent my birthday in the Santa Monica area to stay true to my promise of celebrating getting another year older in a city I’ve never visited. After a nine hour bus ride delayed by an additional six hours, I was so happy to get off that freezing cold bus. Thank god I packed my carry on bag with all the items necessary to not make me wanna bang my head against the window. If you do a post like this I’d love if you linked it in the comments below! I know we’re bloggers/writers but no matter how old I get, I will always wish there are pictures to accompany the words.

9 AM: No more than two minutes in Santa Monica and I found what had to be the most clever license plate number I’ve ever seen. My friend almost got hit by a car trying to get a photo, but hey, it was for the blog. 

10 AM: The people here were “interesting,” far too interesting to attempt to snap a secret photo of them. 

11 AM: Wasn’t quite ready for lunch so I instead decided to do some sightseeing. Found this lonely lock on a fence near the ocean. I wonder if they’re still together…

12 PM: While hunting for a place to have lunch I snuck up on this seagull. I maybe looked crazy but I needed a photo and the sky was at it’s most clear. 

1 PM: If you know me personally you’ll know that chicken strips and french fries are my all time favorite food. I hate ketchup but I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of the smiley face. 

2 PM: Still enjoying my birthday lunch at Johnny Rockets, it was so fun there I just didn’t want to leave! Plus, they gave me a free ice cream sundae for my brithday, no proof of it being my birthday required!

3 PM: Passed the Santa Monica Aquarium on the way back from the Promenade. My failed attempt at making a fish face. #thanksgenetics

4 PM: Exploring the Santa Monica Pier. In an attempt to take a shot of the view, my friend gifted me this; the biggest panoramic shot fail ever. 

5 PM: Bought a boogie board and had to take a photo in front of this amazing mural before we hit the water. 

6 PM: Used my snack break as an opportunity to take an Instagram worthy photo…except I have yet to post it on Instagram. Is anyone else really bad at posting photos onto Instagram in a timely manner?

7 PM: With the waves getting a bit too real for my liking, we changed into dry clothes and strolled down Venice Beach for a bit. 

8 PM: While making our way to the car we stumbled upon this palm tree that seems very confused about where she’s headed in life. (A lot like myself.) We laughed so hard while staring at it that it just had to be the photo for the hour. 

I eventually made my way home and fell asleep right after I showered…only to wake up at 4 AM. I know, I’m really living up my twenties. I Snapchatted my failure to be young and wild, ate some apple slices and fell back asleep. If this is what 22 feels like, I’m kinda digging it. 

Hey everyone, turns out I’ve been nominated for the Liebster Award! For those of you who don’t keep a blog yourself, let me explain exactly what the Liebster Award is.

There’s no ribbon or certificate sent to you through the mail(sadly), it’s actually an award where bloggers nominate other bloggers with a following of 200 or less, to help them gain recognition and make friends in the blogging community. And since this blog is about a month old, it definitely fits the requirement of a pea sized following.

Once you are nominated you must nominate up to 11 bloggers, answer the 11 questions your nominator asked, and state 11 facts about yourself. (I’m not quite sure where the obsession with the number eleven came from.) Oh, did I mention you also get to ask the people you nominate questions too?!

Since I was fortunate enough to be nominated by not one but two lovely bloggers, I’ll be answering a total of 22 questions, I’ll limit my random facts to eleven though because in reality I could talk about myself forever, but nobody wants that.

Thank you again to Jay and Jackie for nominating me, and be sure to check out their blogs after this!

Unofficial Fact: I’ll pose for a photo literally anywhere, including train tracks.

1. I’ve never tried a lot of foods that most people love like cake, donuts, and Starbucks. 
2. I went to a high school with a large graduating class but I’ve only kept in touch with 3 people. All boys, all jerks to me in that I-love-you-so-I-can-insult-you-without-you-being-offended-kinda-way. 
3. I’ve never dated a “stranger.” Every boyfriend I’ve ever had was a friend of mine. 
4. I didn’t cry when I left to study abroad but I cried the entire flight home. 
5. Speaking of crying, sometimes I schedule times of the day to cry. I’m a bit of a control freak so if I’m going to break down I’d like to at least decide when. 
6. Since high school I’ve dreamed of moving to Seattle to study and work. I’m not sure why, it’s just this feeling I can’t explain that just tells me I need to move there. 
7. I don’t cry during movies, but Law and Order SVU episodes are an entirely different story. 
8. I have never drank or smoked, for a million different reasons but mainly because I’d never want to disappoint my mom like that. 
9. I’ve also never worn makeup. I was luckily blessed with clear skin, so thanks genetics! (But it’s mostly due to laziness.)
10. I prefer to shop alone. I have to look at everything so people are constantly rushing me, plus it’s therapeutic to just shop with your headphones on. 
11. I started writing when I was 12 years old about a boy. Nine years later I’m still writing about boys, just from a slightly less optimistic perspective. 

JACKIE from PENNE AND PEARLS’ QUESTIONS

1. What is your must have/go to beauty product?
Since I technically don’t own makeup does chap stick count? The study abroad office where I volunteer has these chap sticks that have the same consistency as Soft Lips, and I have been periodically stealing taking some.

2. Why did you start your blog?

I’m a chapter writer for Her Campus UCR, but since I am technically off the team once I graduate in June I decided I needed to start a blog of my own. I miss how many page views I used to get on my Her Campus content but at least here I have complete control over what I write.

3. What is your favorite quote?

It changes from time to time, but at the moment it’s, “Don’t let someone dim your light simply because it’s shining in their eyes.”

4. If you had to eat only one dish for the rest of your life what would it be?

Since I am literally the pickiest eater you will ever meet/talk to, my favorite dish is super dull. I would be completely content eating white rice and chicken breast for the rest of my life. Boring, I know.

5. What is your most prized possession?

Does my wardrobe count? When I look through my closet I can just see how I’ve changed through time.

6. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 13-​​year-​​old self?

I would definitely tell 13 year old me that everyone I was so worried about not embarrassing myself in front of would be irrelevant in a few years. I was so worried about making sure everyone liked me that I never bothered to think if I even wanted to be their friends. Turns out I didn’t.

7. What is your dream career?

My dream career is to be a psychologist and write self help-ish books for youth on relationships, body image, friends, stuff like that. Our teenage years are the “hardest” years of our lives, so I definitely want to write something to let everyone know it gets a million times better.

8. Do you have siblings?

I have one sister that is seven years older than me. She’s kind of the reason I got into writing. I used to read her magazines when she wasn’t around and it got me addicted to this type of writing.

9. Who would you choose to play you in a movie?

I don’t have a favorite actress, but based off what people tell me maybe Emma Roberts? Plus I fell in love with her on this season of American Horror Story.

10. Who is your favorite fictional character?

Is it lame to say Bella from Twilight? I get everyone wants to be smart and independent like Hermione, but in reality can’t we can all relate to being vulnerable and desperate for someone’s love like Bella was? Screw it, Bella it is.

11. Whats your favorite candy?

Oh gawd, this is so difficult for me. The love I lack for food I make up for in candy. I love anything sour, the more it hurts my tongue the better! Fun Dips are heaven on earth, but then again you can never go wrong with sour gummy worms.

JAY from MIND OF MCSHORTY’S QUESTIONS

1. Where are you from? I currently live in Riverside, California but I’m from Watsonville, California originally. I love Northern California about a thousand times more.

2. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging my second year of college. I religiously read blogs and was going through a breakup so I decided I had things to say too that were worth reading, so I applied to write for Her Campus and that’s how it all started!

3. Why is your favorite pet your favorite?

My favorite pet was my cat Morris. She was bought right when I was born so I virtually grew up with her. She was the sweetest cat, never scratched me once and paid attention to me constantly. The day she died I remember my sister took me to McDonalds because my mom knew I would loose my appetite once I heard the news.

4. What is one movie you know all the lines to?

The Grinch! I don’t care if it’s July or December, I’m always down to watch that movie. I prefer the Jim Carrey version but either one is amazing.

5. What’s your “sad” song? (Everyone has a song they listen to when they’re sad! lol)

It changes often but for the past year it’s been Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well.” The line, “You call me up again just to break me like a promise/ So casually cruel in the name of being honest/ I’m a crumpled of piece of paper lying here, because I remember it all too well,” just makes me relive my worst break up like nothing else. I try to make sure it doesn’t play too often.

6. Whose life would you trade places with if you could?

I’d like to be the president for a day(or week). Up until I was thirteen I was serious about wanting that to be my career, then I figured out it was just a popularity contest and gave up on that dream.

7. What’s your “go-to” hairstyle?

I have one hairstyle, straight. It’s been working for the past 21 years so if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

8. Do you have a guilty pleasure?

If I’m ever having a bad day I come home and watch either Law and Order SVU or Spongebob Squarepants. Something about those shows just make me feel better.

9. Why did the chicken cross the road? (No seriously)

Probably because whoever was walking in front of them was walking too damn slow, at least that’s why I cross the street.

10. When did you have your first kiss?

Officially, either at five or six years old. Tongue and everything. Unofficially I wasn’t 13 until my next one. (Unless you count the girl I kissed when I was 8.)

11. Favorite cookie?

I only like one type of cookie (remember the I hate food part?). Chocolate chips cookies are my all time favorite.

»What shows are you addicted to at the moment?
»What’s your favorite form of social media (ie Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc) and why.
»If you could travel to any one country, where would you go and why?
»What is the favorite thing you’ve ever written. Link it please!
»What’s your favorite holiday and why?
»If you could switch lives with any performer, who would it be?
»How do you come up with ideas on what to write about?
»What are some of your pet peeves?
»It’s Friday night, what are you honestly doing?
»Favorite childhood television show.
»Can you explain the name of your blog.

Check out their websites to see what awesome content they come up with!

»Jessica from A Cup of Jessica

When I first started my own blog I came across a post where a fellow blogger posted a photo for every hour of the day. (That she was awake of course.) After writing the idea down with the other hundreds of ideas I think of but never get around to transforming into a post, I decided to just go for it! And what better day than my 22nd birthday?! The photo an hour challenge is just like it sounds, every hour make sure to take a quick snapshot of what you’re doing, what you’re eating or what show you are currently procrastinating with. I’m not sure if there are more rules than that, but regardless, it was my birthday so I didn’t bother to check. I spent my birthday in the Santa Monica area to stay true to my promise of celebrating getting another year older in a city I’ve never visited. After a nine hour bus ride delayed by an additional six hours, I was so happy to get off that freezing cold bus. Thank god I packed my carry on bag with all the items necessary to not make me wanna bang my head against the window. If you do a post like this I’d love if you linked it in the comments below! I know we’re bloggers/writers but no matter how old I get, I will always wish there are pictures to accompany the words.

9 AM: No more than two minutes in Santa Monica and I found what had to be the most clever license plate number I’ve ever seen. My friend almost got hit by a car trying to get a photo, but hey, it was for the blog. 

10 AM: The people here were “interesting,” far too interesting to attempt to snap a secret photo of them. 

11 AM: Wasn’t quite ready for lunch so I instead decided to do some sightseeing. Found this lonely lock on a fence near the ocean. I wonder if they’re still together…

12 PM: While hunting for a place to have lunch I snuck up on this seagull. I maybe looked crazy but I needed a photo and the sky was at it’s most clear. 

1 PM: If you know me personally you’ll know that chicken strips and french fries are my all time favorite food. I hate ketchup but I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of the smiley face. 

2 PM: Still enjoying my birthday lunch at Johnny Rockets, it was so fun there I just didn’t want to leave! Plus, they gave me a free ice cream sundae for my brithday, no proof of it being my birthday required!

3 PM: Passed the Santa Monica Aquarium on the way back from the Promenade. My failed attempt at making a fish face. #thanksgenetics

4 PM: Exploring the Santa Monica Pier. In an attempt to take a shot of the view, my friend gifted me this; the biggest panoramic shot fail ever. 

5 PM: Bought a boogie board and had to take a photo in front of this amazing mural before we hit the water. 

6 PM: Used my snack break as an opportunity to take an Instagram worthy photo…except I have yet to post it on Instagram. Is anyone else really bad at posting photos onto Instagram in a timely manner?

7 PM: With the waves getting a bit too real for my liking, we changed into dry clothes and strolled down Venice Beach for a bit. 

8 PM: While making our way to the car we stumbled upon this palm tree that seems very confused about where she’s headed in life. (A lot like myself.) We laughed so hard while staring at it that it just had to be the photo for the hour. 

I eventually made my way home and fell asleep right after I showered…only to wake up at 4 AM. I know, I’m really living up my twenties. I Snapchatted my failure to be young and wild, ate some apple slices and fell back asleep. If this is what 22 feels like, I’m kinda digging it. 

When I first started my own blog I came across a post where a fellow blogger posted a photo for every hour of the day. (That she was awake of course.) After writing the idea down with the other hundreds of ideas I think of but never get around to transforming into a post, I decided to just go for it! And what better day than my 22nd birthday?! The photo an hour challenge is just like it sounds, every hour make sure to take a quick snapshot of what you’re doing, what you’re eating or what show you are currently procrastinating with. I’m not sure if there are more rules than that, but regardless, it was my birthday so I didn’t bother to check. I spent my birthday in the Santa Monica area to stay true to my promise of celebrating getting another year older in a city I’ve never visited. After a nine hour bus ride delayed by an additional six hours, I was so happy to get off that freezing cold bus. Thank god I packed my carry on bag with all the items necessary to not make me wanna bang my head against the window. If you do a post like this I’d love if you linked it in the comments below! I know we’re bloggers/writers but no matter how old I get, I will always wish there are pictures to accompany the words.

9 AM: No more than two minutes in Santa Monica and I found what had to be the most clever license plate number I’ve ever seen. My friend almost got hit by a car trying to get a photo, but hey, it was for the blog. 

10 AM: The people here were “interesting,” far too interesting to attempt to snap a secret photo of them. 

11 AM: Wasn’t quite ready for lunch so I instead decided to do some sightseeing. Found this lonely lock on a fence near the ocean. I wonder if they’re still together…

12 PM: While hunting for a place to have lunch I snuck up on this seagull. I maybe looked crazy but I needed a photo and the sky was at it’s most clear. 

1 PM: If you know me personally you’ll know that chicken strips and french fries are my all time favorite food. I hate ketchup but I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of the smiley face. 

2 PM: Still enjoying my birthday lunch at Johnny Rockets, it was so fun there I just didn’t want to leave! Plus, they gave me a free ice cream sundae for my brithday, no proof of it being my birthday required!

3 PM: Passed the Santa Monica Aquarium on the way back from the Promenade. My failed attempt at making a fish face. #thanksgenetics

4 PM: Exploring the Santa Monica Pier. In an attempt to take a shot of the view, my friend gifted me this; the biggest panoramic shot fail ever. 

5 PM: Bought a boogie board and had to take a photo in front of this amazing mural before we hit the water. 

6 PM: Used my snack break as an opportunity to take an Instagram worthy photo…except I have yet to post it on Instagram. Is anyone else really bad at posting photos onto Instagram in a timely manner?

7 PM: With the waves getting a bit too real for my liking, we changed into dry clothes and strolled down Venice Beach for a bit. 

8 PM: While making our way to the car we stumbled upon this palm tree that seems very confused about where she’s headed in life. (A lot like myself.) We laughed so hard while staring at it that it just had to be the photo for the hour. 

I eventually made my way home and fell asleep right after I showered…only to wake up at 4 AM. I know, I’m really living up my twenties. I Snapchatted my failure to be young and wild, ate some apple slices and fell back asleep. If this is what 22 feels like, I’m kinda digging it. 

When I first started my own blog I came across a post where a fellow blogger posted a photo for every hour of the day. (That she was awake of course.) After writing the idea down with the other hundreds of ideas I think of but never get around to transforming into a post, I decided to just go for it! And what better day than my 22nd birthday?! The photo an hour challenge is just like it sounds, every hour make sure to take a quick snapshot of what you’re doing, what you’re eating or what show you are currently procrastinating with. I’m not sure if there are more rules than that, but regardless, it was my birthday so I didn’t bother to check. I spent my birthday in the Santa Monica area to stay true to my promise of celebrating getting another year older in a city I’ve never visited. After a nine hour bus ride delayed by an additional six hours, I was so happy to get off that freezing cold bus. Thank god I packed my carry on bag with all the items necessary to not make me wanna bang my head against the window. If you do a post like this I’d love if you linked it in the comments below! I know we’re bloggers/writers but no matter how old I get, I will always wish there are pictures to accompany the words.

9 AM: No more than two minutes in Santa Monica and I found what had to be the most clever license plate number I’ve ever seen. My friend almost got hit by a car trying to get a photo, but hey, it was for the blog. 

10 AM: The people here were “interesting,” far too interesting to attempt to snap a secret photo of them. 

11 AM: Wasn’t quite ready for lunch so I instead decided to do some sightseeing. Found this lonely lock on a fence near the ocean. I wonder if they’re still together…

12 PM: While hunting for a place to have lunch I snuck up on this seagull. I maybe looked crazy but I needed a photo and the sky was at it’s most clear. 

1 PM: If you know me personally you’ll know that chicken strips and french fries are my all time favorite food. I hate ketchup but I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of the smiley face. 

2 PM: Still enjoying my birthday lunch at Johnny Rockets, it was so fun there I just didn’t want to leave! Plus, they gave me a free ice cream sundae for my brithday, no proof of it being my birthday required!

3 PM: Passed the Santa Monica Aquarium on the way back from the Promenade. My failed attempt at making a fish face. #thanksgenetics

4 PM: Exploring the Santa Monica Pier. In an attempt to take a shot of the view, my friend gifted me this; the biggest panoramic shot fail ever. 

5 PM: Bought a boogie board and had to take a photo in front of this amazing mural before we hit the water. 

6 PM: Used my snack break as an opportunity to take an Instagram worthy photo…except I have yet to post it on Instagram. Is anyone else really bad at posting photos onto Instagram in a timely manner?

7 PM: With the waves getting a bit too real for my liking, we changed into dry clothes and strolled down Venice Beach for a bit. 

8 PM: While making our way to the car we stumbled upon this palm tree that seems very confused about where she’s headed in life. (A lot like myself.) We laughed so hard while staring at it that it just had to be the photo for the hour. 

I eventually made my way home and fell asleep right after I showered…only to wake up at 4 AM. I know, I’m really living up my twenties. I Snapchatted my failure to be young and wild, ate some apple slices and fell back asleep. If this is what 22 feels like, I’m kinda digging it. 

When I first started my own blog I came across a post where a fellow blogger posted a photo for every hour of the day. (That she was awake of course.) After writing the idea down with the other hundreds of ideas I think of but never get around to transforming into a post, I decided to just go for it! And what better day than my 22nd birthday?! The photo an hour challenge is just like it sounds, every hour make sure to take a quick snapshot of what you’re doing, what you’re eating or what show you are currently procrastinating with. I’m not sure if there are more rules than that, but regardless, it was my birthday so I didn’t bother to check. I spent my birthday in the Santa Monica area to stay true to my promise of celebrating getting another year older in a city I’ve never visited. After a nine hour bus ride delayed by an additional six hours, I was so happy to get off that freezing cold bus. Thank god I packed my carry on bag with all the items necessary to not make me wanna bang my head against the window. If you do a post like this I’d love if you linked it in the comments below! I know we’re bloggers/writers but no matter how old I get, I will always wish there are pictures to accompany the words.

9 AM: No more than two minutes in Santa Monica and I found what had to be the most clever license plate number I’ve ever seen. My friend almost got hit by a car trying to get a photo, but hey, it was for the blog. 

10 AM: The people here were “interesting,” far too interesting to attempt to snap a secret photo of them. 

11 AM: Wasn’t quite ready for lunch so I instead decided to do some sightseeing. Found this lonely lock on a fence near the ocean. I wonder if they’re still together…

12 PM: While hunting for a place to have lunch I snuck up on this seagull. I maybe looked crazy but I needed a photo and the sky was at it’s most clear. 

1 PM: If you know me personally you’ll know that chicken strips and french fries are my all time favorite food. I hate ketchup but I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of the smiley face. 

2 PM: Still enjoying my birthday lunch at Johnny Rockets, it was so fun there I just didn’t want to leave! Plus, they gave me a free ice cream sundae for my brithday, no proof of it being my birthday required!

3 PM: Passed the Santa Monica Aquarium on the way back from the Promenade. My failed attempt at making a fish face. #thanksgenetics

4 PM: Exploring the Santa Monica Pier. In an attempt to take a shot of the view, my friend gifted me this; the biggest panoramic shot fail ever. 

5 PM: Bought a boogie board and had to take a photo in front of this amazing mural before we hit the water. 

6 PM: Used my snack break as an opportunity to take an Instagram worthy photo…except I have yet to post it on Instagram. Is anyone else really bad at posting photos onto Instagram in a timely manner?

7 PM: With the waves getting a bit too real for my liking, we changed into dry clothes and strolled down Venice Beach for a bit. 

8 PM: While making our way to the car we stumbled upon this palm tree that seems very confused about where she’s headed in life. (A lot like myself.) We laughed so hard while staring at it that it just had to be the photo for the hour. 

I eventually made my way home and fell asleep right after I showered…only to wake up at 4 AM. I know, I’m really living up my twenties. I Snapchatted my failure to be young and wild, ate some apple slices and fell back asleep. If this is what 22 feels like, I’m kinda digging it. 

When I first started my own blog I came across a post where a fellow blogger posted a photo for every hour of the day. (That she was awake of course.) After writing the idea down with the other hundreds of ideas I think of but never get around to transforming into a post, I decided to just go for it! And what better day than my 22nd birthday?! The photo an hour challenge is just like it sounds, every hour make sure to take a quick snapshot of what you’re doing, what you’re eating or what show you are currently procrastinating with. I’m not sure if there are more rules than that, but regardless, it was my birthday so I didn’t bother to check. I spent my birthday in the Santa Monica area to stay true to my promise of celebrating getting another year older in a city I’ve never visited. After a nine hour bus ride delayed by an additional six hours, I was so happy to get off that freezing cold bus. Thank god I packed my carry on bag with all the items necessary to not make me wanna bang my head against the window. If you do a post like this I’d love if you linked it in the comments below! I know we’re bloggers/writers but no matter how old I get, I will always wish there are pictures to accompany the words.

9 AM: No more than two minutes in Santa Monica and I found what had to be the most clever license plate number I’ve ever seen. My friend almost got hit by a car trying to get a photo, but hey, it was for the blog. 

10 AM: The people here were “interesting,” far too interesting to attempt to snap a secret photo of them. 

11 AM: Wasn’t quite ready for lunch so I instead decided to do some sightseeing. Found this lonely lock on a fence near the ocean. I wonder if they’re still together…

12 PM: While hunting for a place to have lunch I snuck up on this seagull. I maybe looked crazy but I needed a photo and the sky was at it’s most clear. 

1 PM: If you know me personally you’ll know that chicken strips and french fries are my all time favorite food. I hate ketchup but I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of the smiley face. 

2 PM: Still enjoying my birthday lunch at Johnny Rockets, it was so fun there I just didn’t want to leave! Plus, they gave me a free ice cream sundae for my brithday, no proof of it being my birthday required!

3 PM: Passed the Santa Monica Aquarium on the way back from the Promenade. My failed attempt at making a fish face. #thanksgenetics

4 PM: Exploring the Santa Monica Pier. In an attempt to take a shot of the view, my friend gifted me this; the biggest panoramic shot fail ever. 

5 PM: Bought a boogie board and had to take a photo in front of this amazing mural before we hit the water. 

6 PM: Used my snack break as an opportunity to take an Instagram worthy photo…except I have yet to post it on Instagram. Is anyone else really bad at posting photos onto Instagram in a timely manner?

7 PM: With the waves getting a bit too real for my liking, we changed into dry clothes and strolled down Venice Beach for a bit. 

8 PM: While making our way to the car we stumbled upon this palm tree that seems very confused about where she’s headed in life. (A lot like myself.) We laughed so hard while staring at it that it just had to be the photo for the hour. 

I eventually made my way home and fell asleep right after I showered…only to wake up at 4 AM. I know, I’m really living up my twenties. I Snapchatted my failure to be young and wild, ate some apple slices and fell back asleep. If this is what 22 feels like, I’m kinda digging it. 

When I first started my own blog I came across a post where a fellow blogger posted a photo for every hour of the day. (That she was awake of course.) After writing the idea down with the other hundreds of ideas I think of but never get around to transforming into a post, I decided to just go for it! And what better day than my 22nd birthday?! The photo an hour challenge is just like it sounds, every hour make sure to take a quick snapshot of what you’re doing, what you’re eating or what show you are currently procrastinating with. I’m not sure if there are more rules than that, but regardless, it was my birthday so I didn’t bother to check. I spent my birthday in the Santa Monica area to stay true to my promise of celebrating getting another year older in a city I’ve never visited. After a nine hour bus ride delayed by an additional six hours, I was so happy to get off that freezing cold bus. Thank god I packed my carry on bag with all the items necessary to not make me wanna bang my head against the window. If you do a post like this I’d love if you linked it in the comments below! I know we’re bloggers/writers but no matter how old I get, I will always wish there are pictures to accompany the words.

9 AM: No more than two minutes in Santa Monica and I found what had to be the most clever license plate number I’ve ever seen. My friend almost got hit by a car trying to get a photo, but hey, it was for the blog. 

10 AM: The people here were “interesting,” far too interesting to attempt to snap a secret photo of them. 

11 AM: Wasn’t quite ready for lunch so I instead decided to do some sightseeing. Found this lonely lock on a fence near the ocean. I wonder if they’re still together…

12 PM: While hunting for a place to have lunch I snuck up on this seagull. I maybe looked crazy but I needed a photo and the sky was at it’s most clear. 

1 PM: If you know me personally you’ll know that chicken strips and french fries are my all time favorite food. I hate ketchup but I couldn’t resist snapping a shot of the smiley face. 

2 PM: Still enjoying my birthday lunch at Johnny Rockets, it was so fun there I just didn’t want to leave! Plus, they gave me a free ice cream sundae for my brithday, no proof of it being my birthday required!

3 PM: Passed the Santa Monica Aquarium on the way back from the Promenade. My failed attempt at making a fish face. #thanksgenetics

4 PM: Exploring the Santa Monica Pier. In an attempt to take a shot of the view, my friend gifted me this; the biggest panoramic shot fail ever. 

5 PM: Bought a boogie board and had to take a photo in front of this amazing mural before we hit the water. 

6 PM: Used my snack break as an opportunity to take an Instagram worthy photo…except I have yet to post it on Instagram. Is anyone else really bad at posting photos onto Instagram in a timely manner?

7 PM: With the waves getting a bit too real for my liking, we changed into dry clothes and strolled down Venice Beach for a bit. 

8 PM: While making our way to the car we stumbled upon this palm tree that seems very confused about where she’s headed in life. (A lot like myself.) We laughed so hard while staring at it that it just had to be the photo for the hour. 

I eventually made my way home and fell asleep right after I showered…only to wake up at 4 AM. I know, I’m really living up my twenties. I Snapchatted my failure to be young and wild, ate some apple slices and fell back asleep. If this is what 22 feels like, I’m kinda digging it. 

My entire motivation to travel on my birthday began on my 20th birthday. I spent the day with my mother and her new husband, touring San Francisco and overall hating where my life was. Don’t get me wrong, I love my mom, but that’s just not how I envisioned entering my twenties. I don’t really know what I wanted out of the day, but that day just wasn’t it. Nowadays I don’t remember much about my 20th birthday, which seriously bums me out because I’m a person who likes to remember big milestones like that.

A few months after my 20th birthday I vowed to never have a forgettable birthday again, and I was going to restart my twenties by traveling abroad. Overnight I was committed to getting out of the country, which is how I ended up studying abroad twice before I graduated from college.

Vowing to travel every year on my birthday has given me two things, the ability to enter a new year from a new perspective (and place), plus memories that I know will last me a lifetime. Here’s why you should reconsider spending your birthday at home or in a location you’ve visited before. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Like I mentioned before, traveling on my birthday has helped me better remember how I spent the day, and how I felt when I turned a new age. We have no control over our birthdays as children or teens, but in adulthood it’s up to us to plan something we’ll never forget. Sure I cant remember what I was doing the week after or months later, but ever since I turned 20, I can remember exactly what I did, how I felt, and who I was with. Social media definitely helps in holding onto memories, so why not document some that are new and exciting? To help with remembering my birthday, I aim to take a photo an hour to remind myself of what I spent my time doing. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a vacation, you just need to find a place that gives you the opportunity to discover something new.

You might also like: Photo an Hour (22nd Birthday Edition)

Maybe it’s just me, but I use my birthday as a day to review what I accomplished, what I didn’t and what changed in my life. Being in a new location definitely helps with that, especially if there’s the sound of waves crashing in the background. Okay, maybe that last part is just me. Traveling rids you of most of the items on your daily to do list, which means you’ll have that extra time to stop and reflect on the past year. No matter where you go, set aside some time to spend on your own. While I love traveling with friends, there’s something special about taking a few hours to explore on your own and seeing what you discover. As a chronic goal setter, I have multiple dates of the year when I reevaluate my goals and set new ones. The usual dates are New Years, fall/back to school time, and my birthday. Typically when you’re on vacation, you’re in a better mood and have more time on your hands. Spend 30 minutes accepting your successes and failures for the past year, then grab a notepad and jot down some new ones. The end goal time doesn’t have to be next year, goals can be set for next season New Years, or beyond. Just like a new year, a new age can bring on new challenges, pressures and things you want to accomplish before your next birthday. And I don’t know about you, but all this stuff is a lot easier to think about when I’m not in my regular routine.

Related Post: A 10 Step Plan on How to Have Your Best Year Ever

In my early twenties I did most of my traveling alone. This wasn’t because I wanted to, in reality most of my friends simply couldn’t afford to travel with me. While there are benefits to traveling alone, I much prefer to visit a place with one other person. This way you can be exposed to places you wouldn’t normal visit, have someone take your photograph, and overall feel safer. The big thing when traveling with someone else is compromise, which is why it’s necessary you be vocal about what your must haves are.
Obviously our birthday lands on the same day every year, meaning we cant avoid high holiday pricing or terrible weather in certain locations. For example, my birthday is typically on Fourth of July weekend, meaning flights are pricey and tourist destinations are booked. For this reason I aim to travel to places that are either out of the country or low cost. Last year I traveled to Mexico for a week, where the cost of living was low and Fourth of July was only celebrated by certain bars catering to Americans. Think about what time of year your birthday falls in, and travel to a country in their off season if you want to save money or away from the city to avoid high hotel costs. The location of where you’re going can greatly impact your booking charges, so don’t be afraid to stay outside the city limits.

You might also like: 10 Reasons to Study Abroad While in College

Six months seems like a lot, but it all depends on who you plan on going with and where you would like to go. Six months gives you ample time to choose a travel partner, save, and book things like flights and hotel. My goal for any trips is to book 2-3 months early, this way I can save money on a flight and plan a loose itinerary around the location I’m visiting.

Where do you typically spend your birthdays? If you travel, where’s the best place you’ve visited so far?

PS You can now sign up for the weekly newsletter, where you’ll get tips, resources and motivation straight to your inbox! Signing up takes seconds so make sure you’re on the list!!

My entire motivation to travel on my birthday began on my 20th birthday. I spent the day with my mother and her new husband, touring San Francisco and overall hating where my life was. Don’t get me wrong, I love my mom, but that’s just not how I envisioned entering my twenties. I don’t really know what I wanted out of the day, but that day just wasn’t it. Nowadays I don’t remember much about my 20th birthday, which seriously bums me out because I’m a person who likes to remember big milestones like that.

A few months after my 20th birthday I vowed to never have a forgettable birthday again, and I was going to restart my twenties by traveling abroad. Overnight I was committed to getting out of the country, which is how I ended up studying abroad twice before I graduated from college.

Vowing to travel every year on my birthday has given me two things, the ability to enter a new year from a new perspective (and place), plus memories that I know will last me a lifetime. Here’s why you should reconsider spending your birthday at home or in a location you’ve visited before. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Like I mentioned before, traveling on my birthday has helped me better remember how I spent the day, and how I felt when I turned a new age. We have no control over our birthdays as children or teens, but in adulthood it’s up to us to plan something we’ll never forget. Sure I cant remember what I was doing the week after or months later, but ever since I turned 20, I can remember exactly what I did, how I felt, and who I was with. Social media definitely helps in holding onto memories, so why not document some that are new and exciting? To help with remembering my birthday, I aim to take a photo an hour to remind myself of what I spent my time doing. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a vacation, you just need to find a place that gives you the opportunity to discover something new.

You might also like: Photo an Hour (22nd Birthday Edition)

Maybe it’s just me, but I use my birthday as a day to review what I accomplished, what I didn’t and what changed in my life. Being in a new location definitely helps with that, especially if there’s the sound of waves crashing in the background. Okay, maybe that last part is just me. Traveling rids you of most of the items on your daily to do list, which means you’ll have that extra time to stop and reflect on the past year. No matter where you go, set aside some time to spend on your own. While I love traveling with friends, there’s something special about taking a few hours to explore on your own and seeing what you discover. As a chronic goal setter, I have multiple dates of the year when I reevaluate my goals and set new ones. The usual dates are New Years, fall/back to school time, and my birthday. Typically when you’re on vacation, you’re in a better mood and have more time on your hands. Spend 30 minutes accepting your successes and failures for the past year, then grab a notepad and jot down some new ones. The end goal time doesn’t have to be next year, goals can be set for next season New Years, or beyond. Just like a new year, a new age can bring on new challenges, pressures and things you want to accomplish before your next birthday. And I don’t know about you, but all this stuff is a lot easier to think about when I’m not in my regular routine.

Related Post: A 10 Step Plan on How to Have Your Best Year Ever

In my early twenties I did most of my traveling alone. This wasn’t because I wanted to, in reality most of my friends simply couldn’t afford to travel with me. While there are benefits to traveling alone, I much prefer to visit a place with one other person. This way you can be exposed to places you wouldn’t normal visit, have someone take your photograph, and overall feel safer. The big thing when traveling with someone else is compromise, which is why it’s necessary you be vocal about what your must haves are.
Obviously our birthday lands on the same day every year, meaning we cant avoid high holiday pricing or terrible weather in certain locations. For example, my birthday is typically on Fourth of July weekend, meaning flights are pricey and tourist destinations are booked. For this reason I aim to travel to places that are either out of the country or low cost. Last year I traveled to Mexico for a week, where the cost of living was low and Fourth of July was only celebrated by certain bars catering to Americans. Think about what time of year your birthday falls in, and travel to a country in their off season if you want to save money or away from the city to avoid high hotel costs. The location of where you’re going can greatly impact your booking charges, so don’t be afraid to stay outside the city limits.

You might also like: 10 Reasons to Study Abroad While in College

Six months seems like a lot, but it all depends on who you plan on going with and where you would like to go. Six months gives you ample time to choose a travel partner, save, and book things like flights and hotel. My goal for any trips is to book 2-3 months early, this way I can save money on a flight and plan a loose itinerary around the location I’m visiting.

Where do you typically spend your birthdays? If you travel, where’s the best place you’ve visited so far?

PS You can now sign up for the weekly newsletter, where you’ll get tips, resources and motivation straight to your inbox! Signing up takes seconds so make sure you’re on the list!!