The Scottish Highlands

Hello my friends!!

Keaton and I ventured to the UK this May for our EIGHTH (!!!!) anniversary and we spent most of our time in Scotland. It was everything I hoped it would be. It was green, the weather was amazing, and the sheep had babies- so everything was perfect!

We ended up flying into Glasgow, renting a car (it's own adventure) and driving, straight to the Isle of Skye. Skye was absolute magic. Don't go to Scotland without seeing this incredible place.

While we spent most of our time on Skye, we also spent a little time in Inverness where we did do a little Nessy hunting... ;)

As always, I'll share some of my favorite spots at the end!

Nor Cal Dreamin'

When my all time BFF wanted to celebrate her dirty 30 in Cali, I obviously jumped at the chance to spend as much time in California as humanly possible because I love it there. So Keaton and I spent a couple of days bumping around highway 1 until we met the gang for a little wine country time.

We usually end up in So Cal so it was nice to visit the northern part of the state. I read some Henry Miller and Steinbeck to prep for the trip and I gotta say, I get why the bay area is so sought after. It's a magical place... Mountains, steep coastlines, mystical fog that comes in every evening; what more could you want?

I think we did as much as anyone can do in 7 days and I'm already starting my list of things I want to see next time.

Prepare for some major Phoverload (photo-overload)

BIG SUR

Vacationland

For me, Maine is only "Vacationland" in the summer...

I don't like the snow and I don't like the cold (the south is choice for this reason...) but I do love my mom! So this summer I actually made it up to Maine TWICE to see her. Time with family + time on the coast is basically my all time combo. 

We spent some time in Sedgwick, Brunswick (all the wicks, I guess), and even drove out to Bailey's island to explore a little. The real bonus is that I can usually find flights to Boston (only 3 hours from my mom) for less than $100 round trip! #PTL

I even got to help my mom shoot a wedding while I was up there! 

Beach Bums

In only two weeks Keaton and I went coast to coast!! Gulf coast to Atlantic coast that is...

We got the chance to hang out with friends in Tampa and then we hit Myrtle Beach because I was presenting at a conference.

I think sunshine is a drug because I'm addicted to it.

Shadecation 2018: Catalonia

This month we took a trip to Spain with our dear friends Justin and Rachel.

As I'm going through the squillion photos I took I thought it'd be fun to throw together some of the little videos I (and Keaton) took on the trip.

We spent most of our time in Barcelona and Girona but did a little day trip to Cadaques.

I'd challenge you to show me a better way to spend your birthday ;)

Tulum

Keaton and I just got back from a 9 day vacation in Tulum, Mexico.

I've wanted to go to Tulum for a while now because it always looks so dreamy and boho and just super relaxing.

It did not disappoint!

The food was incredible, the beaches are breathtaking, the jungle is wild, and you can bike to everything. This is maybe the most perfect vacation spot... We stayed at two different Airbnbs while we were there, one in the jungle and one in the pueblo.

The beach is obviously amazing but we were surprised by how much time we spent in the cenotes. Throughout the yucatan there is a large underground river system and as sink holes or pits have formed, it's exposed the groundwater, creating these beautiful swimming holes! Such an awesome way to cool off and an awesome spot to see birds (and bats)!

Many delicious cocktails were had, many tacos were consumed; what more could you ask for?!

[ At the end of this post I'll include a list of "Must See/Eat" in case you're looking to take a trip to the Yucatan ]

26 or Bust

Well, I've done it.

I've survived 26 trips around our sun.

I feel pretty good about 26. It's a good adult age, you know? Like your later 20's...on the backside of the two-o's.

So to celebrate being a real adult I packed up some good friends and headed to Panama City Beach...like any good adult would.

PCB!!!! 

;)

SHADECATION

Hey guys! Just got back from Cali so I'm nice and tan and maybe still a little jet lagged...
We took a trip with our best friends (also the other two members of our band, Cool Shades) Justin and Rachel, to see Bon Iver at the Hollywood Bowl. We spent 4 days in L.A. living, loving, and losing the rental car.

My camera died half way through the trip and I forgot to bring a charger and/or another battery. #fail BUT such is life...

I love California. There really is such a vibe about that place. I think I'm more inspired artistically when I'm there, which makes sense I guess.

Anywho...here are some shots from our trip!

Greece!

Y'all, I've been dreading this post because it's the end of my Europe pictures!
Oh well! On to the next adventure I suppose...

GREECE.
IS.
AMAZING!!!!!

The people are legitimately the friendliest we met abroad. We gave up our seats up for an elderly couple on the train and then they were trying to give their seats to another older couple and it lead to the most polite greek argument I've ever seen :)

We stayed in Athens. Our Airbnb was extra amazing. We were literally at the bottom of the Acropolis. The food was unreal.

I don't think it could have been more perfect! We took a day trip to Hydra (because y'all know I can't stay out of the sea) and the Greek islands are even more beautiful than the pictures!

We were really just blown away. I think I've said this every time but I really can't wait to go back!

The French Riviera

Our anniversary trip to Europe was a really big deal! I had been saving for the trip basically since we got married so I wanted to taste as much as I could! The first stop on our trip was the French Riviera. We flew into Nice and spent the night, then we took a train south to Marseille, where we stayed for 4 days.

The focus of this trip was to stay around the Mediterranean! Neither of us had ever been to Europe but the beach bum in me wanted to stay near the water.

Here are a select few (I took A LOT of pictures) of the photos from that leg of the trip!

That Time We Went to Europe...

Hey y'all! It's me, the stranger that never blogs...
I'm working on it!!
There have been a ton of things changing in my life lately BUT I wanted to take some time to share a video I made of mine and Keaton's 5th (FIVE YEARS!!!!) anniversary trip to Europe!

I will be sharing lots (like more than you want, probably) of photos soon!

Anywho. It was magical and the best thing I've ever done or whatever...
Stay tuned for pictures ;)

Work Hard, Play Hard

This week I took Keaton and Brenda with me to help me catch some fish for my research.
You know they say don't mix business with pleasure but I think that doesn't apply here...we had too much fun.

Life is good.

Little St. Simons Island

Keaton and I got the chance to visit Little St. Simons Island for our 3rd anniversary (3 YEARS???). It was so quaint and lovely. We rode bikes all over the island and had lots of adventures. This summer has been one to remember and it's not over yet!

Belize

I am finally getting around to going through my photos from my recent adventures. Belize has such a special place in my heart! I wouldn't mind calling it home some day... Here's to dreaming!

Sea Side

Those who know me, know that I love the ocean so naturally we took a trip to the beach while we were in Houston....in January.

Hey! The beach is the beach and is just as beautiful no matter what time of year it is!

 Archie did much better this time. The last time we went to the beach he sort of....tried to go home with another family. So he's learning to love it.

I mean...THOSE COLORS!!! C'mon people! You can't beat that. 

I could get used to having a view like that! Until then I'll hold onto the memories I have with friends I love!

HEY! It's almost the weekend! Try for an adventure. Even if it's a small one. You'll be glad you did. 

-Listening to Unknown Mortal Orchestra: So Good at Being in Trouble-

Livin The Dream!

Last weekend I got to travel down south to the Gulf of Mexico and help out with some seagrass research! It was to give me an idea of what I'll be doing next year when I start working on my thesis (EEP! I am still working that out...). So this is small taste of what you're going to see all next spring and summer! ;)

Following your dreams is so wonderful. I highly recommend it. 

-Listening to Feist: Cicadas and Gulls-