Sunday, July 27, 2014

Party in Pittsburgh {Part 1}

Last week, for my birthday, I ventured up to Pittsburgh to visit my friend, Laurence.


I had told my parents that all I wanted for my birthday was to travel and see my friends.

I really didn't want anything else. Seriously.

So, they offered to pay a certain amount of my plane ticket and I took advantage of their offer. :)

{I may have picked Pittsburgh because the flights were about $200 cheaper than if I was to fly to Portland. Don't worry, it's next on my list. 21st, anyone?}

Anyway, I booked my tickets and the countdown began…

I was so looking forward to seeing Laurence! We had a tearful goodbye at National Convention not knowing that we would be seeing each other again real soon.

I really love this girl and our friendship.

We just talked and hung out at her house for the next day and a half. I mean, after all, talking in person is so much better than on the phone. It was nice to see her face and hear her voice at the same time! 

my first view of the city… 

I did manage to introduce her and her siblings to my Starbucks addiction within 24 hours of arriving.


The little ones had hot chocolate while I had the classic Oprah Chai.

{Which, if you haven't tried the new Chai, you're missing out.}


Thursday, we decided to get our nails done which only lasted for about 4 days instead of the desired 7-8. {I don't have picture, but just imagine a French manicure on both of our hands.}

Thursday night, on the other hand, I have several pictures documenting our endeavor – Raspberry Cheesecake. 

We picked up the necessary ingredients at the local store… 


…and decided at midnight to make it. 

Smart, I know. 

We had two other other people helping us which made it easier. 

Teamwork, that's how I roll. 



It wasn't that hard to make at all. I think I was more surprised than anyone else. 


They came out quite tasty, if I do say so myself. 



Of course, I couldn't have done it without this crew… 

Reed, Gabe, Laurence, and I. 

Thanks y'all for making it a memorable, last night of being a teen. 


The morning of my birthday, I met up with a sweet friend of mine. She was in town modeling for American Eagle! 




See if you can spot her the next time you venture into an American Eagle! 


Yeah, she's pretty cool. ;) 


After dropping her off at the airport, Laurence and I had brunch at the famous Pamela's Diner. 


I ordered the ham and cheese omelet with their famous hash browns. 

It was a very filling and delightful breakfast. 

Fun fact: The President of the United States has also eaten here. 


Laurence then took me to a place called Washington Point. 

It has such a spectacular view… 


If you ever find yourself in Pittsburgh, do yourself a favor, and take a few minutes to enjoy this view. 


I'll be back in a few days to share with y'all Part 2 of my trip which may or may have involved a last minute road trip to Maryland! 

* * * * * 

While you're waiting for Part 2, tell me if you've traveled anywhere this summer! Where have you been? Did you venture to any places new and exciting?! Let me know in the comments below! 

Monday, July 14, 2014

My Life in 10 Days.

So, I'm still working through the changes on my blog amongst other things in life. Hence why you get another life update two weeks later. :)

* * * * *

For the Fourth of July this year, my family and I ventured down to Louisiana to visit with our extended family. We haven't visited in the middle of the year in a long time! If I'm not mistaken, this was my first time in 5 years!

It was great to see everyone and take updated pictures, too!

Grans, great grans, and great–great grans. :) 

3/4 Brothers with their fabulous wives… 


Momma and 3/4 of her boys…



Bonus: My cousin and I share the same enthusiasm for Independence. 

okay, maybe she's just a little camera shy. ;)


The week after the Fourth was pretty slow, but my weekend has been crazy busy! 


Friday, I met my newly married friend, JEN, for coffee. 


We talked about all things marriage related – the wedding, honeymoon, what it's like to be a wife, etc. I so enjoyed catching up with her! 


A little later in the day, I received my absentee ballot in the mail! 


 It was definitely an interesting experience voting absentee! 


Later that night, I met my internet soulmate for Frozen Yogurt. 


I mean, she really is. We had connected on Twitter months ago but we had never met in person. We had tons of mutual friends so it wasn't that sketchy to meet her alone. :)

Bonus: We're birthday twins, too! 


Saturday, I spent the morning at our local art museum helping my friend with her school assignment. 



We celebrated our survival with a Pancake from a local cafe. 

I know, it's not Paleo. But, who says you can't splurge ever so often?! :)


I came home to find my free prints from Shutterfly had been delivered! 


These are just a few of the friends I have made over the course of my teen years. They're all uniquely gifted by God for a specific purpose and I can't wait to see how the LORD uses them! I know they've already blessed me so much! 

* * * * *

Anyway, that's what I've been up to this week! 

What about you? How did you celebrate the Fourth of July? What have you done this past week?