FRIDAY FAVORITES

                     This adorable baby costume

Pretty Painted Pumpkin inspiration

This quote by one of my favorite authors

NYC fall fashion

This messy ponytail

Happy Friday! I'm writing this post ahead a time, because when you read this I will be in New York, or just barely landing. I am looking forward to exploring this city and sharing my adventures with you. Enjoy your weekend!

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

I've been spending the last few days packing my stuff and preparing for my quick to New York. Honestly, this trip has taken a lot more planning than usual, solely due to the weather. As a Californian who usually travels to warm places or in the summer time, it's easier to pack because I already have the wardrobe for my destinations. However, this Californian does not have many fall or winter clothes, or at least not by East Coast standards.  I realized I only own a handful of sweaters and long sleeve shirts, how sad right? That meant I had to go out and purchase a few things so that I am not freezing during this trip. I know it may seem like I am exaggerating because it's not even snowing yet. But I get cold super easily, and we can blame the conditioning of the warm San Diego weather for that. Below are some goodies I am bringing on my trip:

BIG BEAR LAKE

This weekend I took a quick 24-hour trip up to Big Bear Lake to celebrate a friend's birthday. The San Bernardino Mountain region holds a dear place in my heart. I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but for the first half of the year, I worked around the Lake Arrowhead region. It was sweet gig! I got paid to drive up to the mountains 3x a week and inspect the restaurants, hotels, camps, and lakes. I got to protect the health of the locals and tourists, while soaking in this absolutely breath-taking place. Honestly, working up there made me feel like I was on vacation. Even though I wasn't stationed specifically in the Big Bear area I got trained there and would go there and venture over there on emergency situations. Its been three months since I had trekked up the mountain, and I felt nostalgic being back.

On Saturday morning we hiked up Castle Rock Trail. The trail wasn't that long (approximately 2 miles to the top), but man was I out of breath. The elevation change definitely got the best of me. But I was more excited that I was getting in a good work-out. At the top there wasn't much, just an extremely dangerous rock that you had to climb up. I opted out of climbing up it, due to my extreme clumsiness. But along the way there were many spectacular views of the lake, hence the photo above. The weather was perfect and a great get away from the hot weather in San Diego. I can't believe its October and its almost 100F degrees outside. I am dying for fall weather, please please hurry!

In addition to hiking we also rented a boat and went fishing on the lake. I've been fishing a lot lately, and I like it a lot. Its kind of weird that as a city girl I enjoy fishing. My brother who lives in Dallas would be proud of me (he is the epitome of a Texan). Unfortunately, I did not catch anything which I was bummed about. Regardless, I got to sip champagne, walk around the village, go to the brewery, and watch Netflix movies while crafting all while in great company. It was a perfect and relaxing weekend. Were all planning on heading back in the winter and doing some snowboarding!

OCTOBER GOALS

I am VERY excited for October for the simple fact that I already have a bunch of cool plans lined up. I guess this shouldn't be a goals post, but a "What I am doing this Month" post. Whatever, its all good. So excited to welcome fall and sweater weather.

1) NEW YORK CITY-Yes! I am heading to New York City mid-October to visit a dear dear friend of mind that just moved there to attend NYU. I've been to New York once before, and that was like eight years ago. I honestly don't remember that much. I just remember being in love with the buzz of this city. In fact I wanted to go to NYU after high school, but my parents wouldn't let me. So I settled on going to the school furthest away from home but still in California, hence how I ended up in San Diego. I am kind of even thinking of relocating to NYC in the next few years (but shhh don't tell anyone). I am just so excited for this trip! Countdown: 16 more days!

2) BIG BEAR-Another mini get-away for a friend's bday. I love being in the mountains and I am looking forward to spending some quality time with some quality people. Can't wait to spend this weekend fishing, hiking, crafting, and smiling from ear to ear.

3) PUMPKIN PAINTING PARTY-I am nervous over the fact that I am hosting my first party in maybe four years. Even though the idea of planning parties and decorating seems amazing, I am not the hosting type. Some people are naturals at it, me not so much. Regardless, I am excited to host a little get together at my house and put my pinterest skills to the test.

4) SPOOKTACULAR 10K RUN-Time to get back into running and racing. I think there is no better way to do this then by running in a costume! I have no goals for this run, but just to get my groove back in terms of running and earn a pretty medal in the meantime :)

What are your goals for October?