Stephanie Maurie Photography

As we reach the final stretch of winter here in Illinois, I am reminded of where I was just 1 month ago every time the bitter cold bites my cheeks. Sunny Southern California. A place that is more beautiful than I ever knew existed before.

California is the ONE place I have always wanted to travel to, so when my friend Rhea and her husband Matt moved there last winter, I started planning my trip. At first, I don’t think they thought I was actually serious about going out there to visit them, but once I booked my flight they started making room in the office for me to stay! My 10 days with them was the best vacation I have had in a long time! Much needed and well deserved after a long and crazy year. Thank you again you too (and to all of your lovely friends and family) that made my trip unforgettable! I cannot say thanks enough!

To make our trip even more fun, Rhea and I took hundreds of photos with our Hipstamatic App on our cell phones. I figured I would go ahead and blog some of them for fun. Enjoy!

My personal tour guide, Rhea:

Having some fun in Hollywood:

My favorite postcard I bought. I even framed it when I got home:

Vintage shopping in Long Beach, nothing can compare!

Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles: one of the seven deadly sins:

Daisies in January? I could get used to that…

More lovely scenery:

Me and my mannequin friend hanging out at Knott’s Berry Farm:

On my last day, we relaxed at La Jolla Cove in San Diego. This place is absolute paradise! If I could move anywhere, it would probably be here:

Adios California! Thank you for being 80 degrees and sunny everyday I was with you, I hope to see you soon!

xoxo,

Stephanie