Goodbye Cali...for now

My last days in Cali were very bitter....with very little sweet. Although I was anxious to get home and see my loved ones and my pup, I had really found my place in California. Not only was my job everything I had dreamed of (working in a highly creative ad agency, working with great people, working in entertainment and being challenged everyday) but I had a great group of girlfriends.

And let's be honest, the beach, constant 75 degree weather mixed in with sunshine wasn't anything to complain about. As Nebraskans, we love to talk about the weather; and well, the time I was in California, the weather was just about perfect. Did I mention that there was no humidity?!

Some photos below are from San Diego, when two of my best friends (Haley Herold and Geneice Wilcher, both former Miss Nebraskas) came for the weekend. 

Haley, Geneice and I in San Diego

I continued to work on my bucket list, which included: the Fashion District (with another Nebraska Native and friend),  Rodeo Drive, Laguna Beach (with my other best friend who came to Cali with her family for a summer vaca), lots of sushi and Sprinkles cupcakes,

Laguna

Farewell dinner with Miss USA and Cali friends

And perhaps one of the hardest goodbyes was at my summer job. I left Los Angeles Center Studies with good friends and loads of new experiences. 

 

Best,

BW

LA Summer...Take 2

Life as an intern.

Wow, so much happened in California this summer, I don’t know where to start! I had been to California a couple times prior, but I wanted to ensure I saw everything I could while I was there.

For the 4^th of July, we went to a Dodgers game and to Newport Beach: both a ton of fun! I spent a majority of my time working, but found time to squeeze in dinner dates and outings with my Miss USA friends and some Nebraska alums. 

Good friends and former Miss Arizona USA 2010 & 2009

One of my favorite weekends was spent in Malibu. Alicia Blanco, Miss AZ USA 2009, and I spent the entire day on the beach. If I ever live in Cali permanently, I will be one of those people who camp out on the beach all weekend. It’s simple; all you need is snacks, sunscreen, a towel and umbrella. After a hard week of work it’s pure bliss. 

Until next time,

B

California Take 1

Summer 2011 was spent in sunny Los Angeles, California. I worked as a marketing executive at an advertising agency that specialized in digital media and had entertainment clientele.

I consider myself extremely lucky, to have had such a strong group of friends there. Former Miss USA contestants, whom I remained very good friends with, happened to be in the same area, so my weekends were spent being adventurous with them!

I can’t say enough good things about California. The weather, the people, the fashion, the culture, it was all wonderful. I could post loads on my life there, but I’ll document my two-month time span spent there in some photos below. Enjoy! Feel free to ask any questions. 

View on my walk to work everyday to Los Angeles Center Studios

Santa Monica Pier

Hiking at Griffith Park

At the Miss California pageant cheering on Brittany Bell in Fresno

Daily view from my office window at work (not too shabby)

One of my favorite things about California is the outdoor activity. I loved hiking Runyon Canyon

Dinner with Miss USA friends!

First Experience of In-N-Out Burner

Daily cookies from the Los Angeles Center Studios cafe :)

Capitol City Records for work

Dinner date with Michael at the Grove before he left.

Between working 40 hours (or more) a week, exploring the city, traveling, making new friends and tackling an online advertising class, I didn't have spare time to blog; but I really wish I would have! Looking back at these photos make me realize how much I really miss LA. I'll post a round 2 of photos soon!

Best, 

B

Spring Fever

Although Nebraska has been lucky enough to have one of the warmest winters to date, I can’t help but count down the days until spring is officially hear. I’m ready to back up my beloved boots, coats, and sweaters and trade them in for skirts, dresses and wedges.

The muted nude, gray, beige, tan and black were all great for fall and winter, but this spring it’s all about color. With new weather brings the need for new boldness, and what better way to be bold than with color. Color combination are key to nailing this trend. Try mixing complimentary colors together, like a royal purple with a yellow, then splash some pink in the palette. Or try turquoise with a light orange. The hottest colors are turquoise, fuchsia, tangerine, indigo blue and a bright citrus. Pantone's tangerine color is the hottest off the press; I like it best paired with a bold turquoise. Wear these shades with neutral shoes and accessories to pull everything together. Also make sure the color palette you choose compliments your skin tone to ensure you are rocking out the trend. MaxMara, Jay Godfrey and Diane von Furstenberg are great references for this look.

Road Trip!

 
Right after my birthday I packed up my essentials, and early May 27^th Michael and I headed on our venture half way across country to sunny California. The trip took two days, and this is definitely something I highly suggest people to add to their bucket lists. The United States’ landscape is so beautifully diverse.

Woke up at 5AM to a rainbow. I felt like it was a message from my dad.

After crossing the boarders of Nebraska we were in Colorado! I cannot say that the two-hour drive through the mountains was my favorite, but luckily I had a great companion to take his shift during that part. Although the mountains made me nervous, Colorado scenery is always beautiful.

Next up was Utah. The red rocks contrasted so beautifully with the bright blue skies. But man oh man was that I long drive through “dead man’s ally.” No gas stations, no cell phone service, and no sign of civilization for around 200 miles. I have to say that was a little scary! Once we hit the 13-hour mark of driving, we found a dive hotel and crashed for the night.

We stopped at Wilson Arch in Utah, then decided to hike to the top. It was amazing. The photo below is a picture taken at the top.

 

Up early the next day, we made our way to the Grand Canyon! Wow, breathtaking does not do it justice. This was my favorite part of the trip. I wasn’t too daring and never made it close to a ledge without a rail, but nonetheless it was amazing and the highlight of the trip!

 

 

After the Grand Canyon we made the final stretch through the desert to California! It was a memorable trip, and one I will never forget! Stay tuned if you want to hear about my California adventures!

Best,

Belinda