The Blog
Date
- August 2025
- July 2025
- January 2024
- December 2023
- May 2022
- April 2022
- November 2021
- August 2021
- June 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- July 2020
- June 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- July 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
Manhattan Beach: Roundhouse Aquarium
There's a couple aquariums in the South Bay. They're rather small compared to maybe the Long Beach Aquarium or something of that space, but it's still fun to see the life that you can't usually see under the water.
The Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach is one of my favorites just for the casual visit. It's free to the public with a suggested donation, and the location – at the end of the Manhattan Beach pier, is unbeatable. It's perfect to go and visit at the end of the day and check it out before watching the sunset.
READ ON FOR PICTURES & INFO...
Malibu: El Matador State Beach
Between the last post, and this one, and the upcoming post (spoiler), it should really be called "Adventures with Brittney." Or something along those lines. But due to ease of search within the blog, and SEO obligations, it shall remain as boring as "Malibu: El Matador State Beach." So basic.
This was quite the adventure of highs and lows.
READ ABOUT THE BUGS...
Flower Fields Forever (but actually until May 10th)
You now have one week left to see, smell, and frolic (with limitations) in The Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
Britt and I went when there was still more acres to bloom, but even then it was so cool seeing fields of flowers in designated colors lining the ground. They're open through May 10th (this weekend!) and tickets cost $12, and an additional fee (I think it was $5 each) for the wagon ride (which I recommend – super fun!), plus if you want some sprinkle ice cream it's another expanse. Bring cash.
In addition to walking around the fields and seeing all the "Ranunculus" (I keep saying it as "redonkulous" but obviously that's not a word...) in bloom, there's also a sweet pea maze, and a small rose garden.
You can't walk in-between the flowers and run through them, but there's pathways that you can go into that bring you within the field.
READ MORE TO SEE PHOTOS...
El Segundo at night: Old Town Music Hall
Looking for something different and fun to do on a Friday or Saturday night? Go back in time to the Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo.
Ever since I went to this place a year ago, I fell absolutely in love. It's a special experience to come here. And it was completely unexpected. I've lived in the South Bay my entire life and had no idea something like this existed here. All I knew was that it played old movies. But the experience is so much more than that.
READ MORE ABOUT WHY THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES...
San Pedro: The Korean Friendship Bell
There's certain go-to places I make sure friends see when they come to visit. The Korean Friendship Bell is one of them. Aside from it's symbol of friendship, I love the park it sits in, the views, and the open area surrounding it.
READ WHY I LOVE THIS PLACE...
The Whale of a Day 2016 – Don't miss it!
Last year, I had the fortunate discovery of finding out about "Whale of a Day" in Palos Verdes at the unfortunate timing of stumbling upon it right when it ended.
Ever since then, it's been in my calendar with a reminder set. I did not want to miss this festival.
So came this past Saturday. I recruited my friend Cody, who's girlfriend Michelle was working at the event and who's mom actually put the event together as I found out later, and made our way to a dirt parking lot for a mini shuttle ride over to the festival.
I planned to stay there for maybe two hours. I was there for four. Simply because there was that much to do and see.
Read on for a list of all the greatness that it really was...
Monthly Inspiration: April
After spending this last weekend finishing the last two books these collected quotes were used for, this quote stood out to me the most for where I am right now.
First off, I love that it's from a French book and it fittingly reminds me of my friend Amanda who not only provided this quote, but who is currently studying abroad in France (learn about the city she's staying in through the program's blog).
Second, I get really restless. And to solve this restlessness, I often look to changing my environment/surroundings. I was actually at dinner with my dad tonight and his relentless changing of cars (I think we counted nine or more within the last ten years?) seems to be the equivalent to my need to go on adventures and explore.
But I've realized lately that, while these things can be really fun and wonderful, and this urge to go and do as many things as possible pushes me to experience and have a continued curiosity for so many things – it can sometimes act as a temporary solution to this continued feeling. So instead, my focus should be – I think – finding peace and patience with where I am at in my life now, and focusing on things that have a long-term impact such as studying the gospel more, and serving more, than wondering where I'm going next.
Honestly, it's a hard balance for me – being so excited about exploring new places, finding fun events, and enjoying that time with friends and family; but also being completely ok with just resting and completely appreciating the now.
So those are my thoughts going into April.
And now for the
BIG REVEAL!
Read on to see how the books turned out and find out how to make your own.