Photos by Laura Nolan
Outfit:
Crocheted Vest (Handmade by my Grandmother)
Forever 21 Cropped Top in Polka Dot Print (Similar)
Topshop High-Waisted Bikini Pants
Linen Skirt (Handmade by my Mom)
Dolce Vita Zen Flat Sandal (Available in Black)
Crocheted Bag with Bottle Caps (Also handmade by my Grandmother)
Dolce Vita Zen Flat Sandal (Available in Black)
Crocheted Bag with Bottle Caps (Also handmade by my Grandmother)
This weekend I drove down to Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano to hang out with my best friend Laura. As you may already know from some of my previous posts, Laura and I live two hours apart, and Orange County is our halfway meeting point. Since Laura will soon be moving to China for a year, lately we’ve been making a serious effort to see each other more often.
Since neither of us had ever been, Laura and I decided to visit the San Juan Capistrano Mission while we were in the area. The mission is a place that is very rich in history, and it was wonderful to spend part of our day touring the monument and learning about the people who first lived there when it was built. It was such a beautiful and serene place to visit, and it reminded me of why I love living in California.
As you may have already noticed, many of the items that I wore this weekend were handmade by my Mom and Abuela/Grandmother. I love receiving gifts that are handmade, because I feel like they are much more unique and personal. This vest and handbag are two of my most favorite items because they were made by my grandmother. They are particularly special to me because my grandmother has C.R.E.S.T., a disease that makes it hard for her to use her hands–it’s so astonishing to me that, despite of her disability, she puts in the time and effort to crochet items like these and is also able to achieve such intricate detail.
As usual, I was in charge of taking Laura’s yoga photos, and I snapped a couple of outfit photos as well. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again–I can only wish to be as strong and graceful as Laura is one day. She always carries herself with such poise, and her photos look like they belong in an Anthropologie catalogue.
Before going down to the mission, Laura and I spent a couple of hours lounging and soaking in the sun at the beach. I’ve been making an effort to go to the beach more often this Summer, since I feel like I need to start taking more advantage of one of the most wonderful activities that California has to offer. I’ve also invested in a swimsuit for the first time in years, so I no longer have that as an excuse to not make my way down to the beach. While I’m on the topic of swimwear, I have to say that I’m so glad that high-waisted swimsuit bottoms are back in style; I feel like they make it easier for girls like me, who don’t like showing too much skin, to go out and have fun in the sun.
I feel like I’ve been going at full-speed this Summer. There isn’t a weekend that goes by where I don’t have anything to do. I’ve been having so much fun, but I do feel the need to slow down and spend a weekend just focusing on myself. I think that it’s always important to set apart time to focus on self-care and recharge. Doing that definitely gives you energy to get back out there and take over the world.
How are you enjoying your Summer? Do you have any goals or activities you would like to accomplish before it ends?
xoxo,
Helen Grace
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