a berry good cocktail

The 4th of July is one of those holidays where exceptional alcoholic beverages are called for. Feeling in the festive mood, I decided to make a drink centered on the "red, white, and blue" theme, minus the "white." It's a simple and cheap concoction, but tastes and looks as if you'd spent a lot. It's a good drink to make for guests, making them think you are some kind of drink wizard even if you have absolutely no skills behind the bar.

All you need is a bottle of rose sparkling wine, a bottle of good quality berry juice, and an assortment of fresh berries to let freely float around your glass. I went to Trader Joe's and bought a ten dollar bottle of sparkling wine, a three dollar bottle of "Triple Berry" juice, and a bag of frozen blackberries and strawberries for two dollars each. I put an equal amount of sparkling wine and juice in each glass, and put in a handful of berries. Frozen ones help cool the drink if you have no time to refrigerate, and also add a delightful freshness as they melt.

malibu

We went hiking in Malibu yesterday. It's nice living only 30 minutes from the beach. Although I've lived 10 minutes from the beach for the last 3 years, the beaches of California have a different feel to them. The sand is whiter, the water is bluer, and the atmosphere is more laid back.

One thing I know now, after living by the coast for some time, is that I always want to live by the water. Someday, hopefully, all I'll have to do is walk out my door and my feet will be in sand. I can dream.

room sweet room

There's something so comforting about putting your room together after a move. I never really feel settled until everything is in order. Moving is one of the most stressful life events, but having everything in its place afterward is one of the best feelings in the world.

goodbye charleston

I haven't updated in forever, I'm going to start being better at it now. A few major things have happened the last few months. One being that I graduated college! I made this little video of my last few days there. I think it's a good "goodbye" film since I will be moving to Los Angeles in a couple weeks. I am definitely going to miss it there and will look at this every time I get "second home sick," if there is such a thing.

my second home

Unlike last week, this week I am enveloped in a warm, cozy blanket of southern sun. I'm back in Charleston and am quite happy about it. Although it's difficult being away from my family, I've come to find that regular trips to the beach, long walks along the water (which I'm lucky enough to live a block from), and hours talking and laughing with the friends I love temporarily cures my homesickness.

But I've also learned, from being away for a month, that Charleston is almost like a home to me. It's not the "where I'm from" home, but a home I've made all myself. It seems weird, but the thing that made me think about Charleston as my home was the scent of the air. When I got off the plane, it was the humid, warm, and salty air that brought back so many happy memories. Here is where the first chapter of my adult life began, and while I will always miss my family when they are away, this city has plenty of beauty to keep me content.

snow

 Today I'm grateful for staying home long enough to see the first snow of the year. There is something magical about fluffy flakes falling from the sky, covering the otherwise unpleasant grey roads with a soft blanket of untouched snow. I almost feel bad stepping in it.

Seattle

Today my mom, sister and I made a trip to Seattle. Rather than going downtown, which we are bored with lately after our many Christmas trips, we went to the U-District. This neighborhood is more quaint and cozy than the busy and hectic downtown area. The thing I love most about it are the cafes. After walking around a bit, we discovered a pretty little restaurant called Grace Kitchen. They have fresh coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. I went with the eggplant & goat cheese sandwich on cibatta bread. Just thinking about it makes me want another one. And isn't that chandelier beautiful? Grace Kitchen is so modern and sleek but has touches of antiquity and warmth, like the brick walls and chalk boards.

We're going back tomorrow to walk around in the daytime. The sun sets so early in the winter, which is probably the reason I'm not a fan of this season. After Christmas, winter gets old quick!