Happy Fourth of July everyone! I hope you all enjoy the holiday with your friends and family. I am so grateful to those who serve for our country, and for my amazing family and friends surrounding me today.
Today, we are having a family barbecue with our close friends–hot dogs, cheeseburgers, the whole deal! I’ll be making a vegan strawberry shortcake with Clara. New post coming soon (if it turns out yummy!)
I can’t believe how quickly summer is going by! I’ve been so wrapped up in my routine that I’ve hardly kept up with my blog. I can’t believe that I’m leaving in 2 weeks for Australia! It’s going to be the experience of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me. I’ll be sure to keep you all posted a lot more than I have been the past few months : )
Here’s a few shots I’ve captured this summer. I lucked out with this awesome South Florida weather! Happy Monday everyone!
As we go through our days, the cycle of nature remains unstopped. The sun rises, the sun sets–the moon fills, the moon empties–the flowers bud, the flowers bloom. It’s a constant routine that is easily overlooked. I woke up to see the sunrise with a friend of mine the other day and was greeted with the most beautiful painted sky that can’t be bought. I find the little things to hold so much more than just an everyday occurrence.
It’s the little things that bring true joy to many people. For me, I felt present, grateful, and content while watching the sun rise over the ocean. The sun rises and lights a beautiful, endless path on the water that leads to the unknown. My future can only be planned so much, but what’s most important lies in fate. I believe in my ability to help myself before I can help others. I want to share my journey in order to inspire others.
I encourage you to stop for a few seconds when you’re outside, or meditate while imagining you are in a beautiful place, and really listen to the sounds of nature. You will be surprised at what thoughts may link to your observations. It’s the little things, like the cycles of nature, that can answer so many questions you may have, or problems you may hold on to. 
It’s so nice to be home and celebrate a special day! Lauren and I made these delicious pancakes with berries and chocolate chips (she made the “mom” since I’m not as artistic). My dad used to make “names” pancakes when we were little and it’s been a tradition ever since. Maybe someday I’ll post the old video of him making them when we were little–my mom sent in home videos to iMemories and we have so many old videos to watch!
I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating your mothers and grandmothers!
Me and momma back in the day : )
Happy Monday!
I’m always repinning quotes onto my the way we get by board, looking over the positive reinforcement and quickly moving on. However, this quote really stood out. Loving yourself before you love others is a constant encouragement, making its way through clichés and creative quotes (I really love clichés, don’t I?) The thing about clichés though, is that they are so true!
Being in my 20’s is just beginning, leaving an open and daunting path. I have been doing things on my own, but of course turning to my family and close friends for advice. I’ve learned that it is so important to learn what I want from life, what inspires me, and who is worth being around. I encourage you to really look at this quote and try to apply it, because it is so important to find your purpose before you find someone that can share their joy with you.
Hope you all have a wonderful week!
blonde of paradise 
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