Favorite Spots for a Central Coast Picnic

The Central Coast has the best vibes: beautiful, relaxed and still somehow focused. I find myself running into go-getters on a daily basis. Dream chasers are the normal around here.

Some of my favorite ways to fill my soul are to cruise to the beach for a picnic. Lounging outside with some yummy food, friends, and the salty breeze. Here's a little roundup of my favorite picnic spots here on the coast, perfect for a (cheap!) romantic date or a good time with your buddies.

Pismo Beach

I could say so much about this little coastal town where I fell in love with this state (and my husband). Nightly, we would find ourselves on walks down to the beach, laying on a blanket with our friends and looking up at the stars. Beach bonfires and poppies are dotted all over the southern part of the beach, while the northern shore boasts of hidden caves when the tides are just right. Always a favorite.

Montaña De Oro

When I discovered this little state park, I was hooked on this Central Coast life. Not only is this state park so varied in terrain (eucalyptus forests, sandy beaches, hiking trails, sand dunes) but it is such a gorgeous spot for soaking in all that California goodness. The blend of forest and surf makes your picnic feel more secluded, even on the busiest of days.

San Simeon 

This picture was taken on one of San Simeon's foggy days, the misty waves calling my soul to rest. Definitely one of my favorite beaches for getting away and calming my soul. There's something about those tall, tall trees butting up to the shoreline that makes me feel like I'm so small.


What are some of your favorite spots along the coast? I would love to hear them! 

xo, 

Sabrina

Staying Focused as Summer Ends

The hustle of fall is upon us. 

Schools are starting back, projects are in full swing, and even though vacation is over, sometimes it's hard to get our brains back into gear. Here are a few of my favorite ways to have focused mind when I'd rather be on the beach sipping a mai tai. 

Staying Focused as Summer Ends

1. Create a Clean Workspace 

If you can manage it, make that space dedicated to your work only. Clear out all the excess and distractions. Set yourself up for success by knowing that little corner is only for focus and peace. 

2. Breathe

Once you're in your new space, take a beat. Close your eyes and breathe in the day (stress, peace, busy, easy, whatever). Accept the moment for what it is and be present. Then give yourself a pat on the back for taking care of what needs to get done and not scanning your blackhole of a phone. 

3. Pray

This helps me every time I get started on work. When my soul feels grasping, striving, or unfocused, this simple and humble action never fails. Say a little prayer before you begin, something like, 'Jesus help me as I start this workday/project/study time. It's all for you.'  For me, that simple heart-check prevents feeling callused or egotistic as I carve out time to get things done.  I love meditating on this verse as I get started: 

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

    whose confidence is in him.

8 

They will be like a tree planted by the water

    that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

    its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

    and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

4. Make Goals

Whether you're a to-do list person or not, writing down some achievable goals for the day or week will help you stay focused on the task in the moment. It's feels a little silly, but somedays I actually schedule in 'go get coffee.' Making time for myself is a priority I don't want to lose sight of in the midst of the hustle. Checking that off among other more serious to-dos makes me feel more level headed. I'm not just a worker drone, I'm stewarding each part of my life. 

Everyday is different and having grace for yourself is the best tip I could give. It's the hardest thing for me to learn, but the less I take myself seriously, the more fun everything becomes. 

xo, 

Sabrina

Juniper and the Pumpkin

Fall came for a week and left. And now it's 104º and I'm dreaming of the tease of last week's cooler weather. Juniper got her first little pumpkin this year. And because I'm head-over-heels for her, here's a few favorites from our little wild one. 

A West Coast Autumn

Fall in the Central Coast doesn't exist much, still it's a bit more than Hawaii gave me. The breezes get cooler in the mornings, more peace and stillness in the darker, shorter days.

October has been filled to the brim with weddings and a Central Coast Bride wedding show. I'm thankful for the quiet in the coming months. Fall is always a time for reflecting and thankfulness rises naturally from within. A good time for rest.

“Jesus calls us to his rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort.” -A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God

Autumn Lingers

I love my sweet family. This weekend Matt's parents and Auntie Plett came down to see us and we visited Avila Valley Barn. I have heard many say that just going to the Barn makes it really feel like fall. I agree to the fullest.