THE BEST OF 2016

LIFE IS GOOD 

I'm am really excited for New Years to come, and honestly I cannot wait for 2017. I have so much coming up that I've been waiting for a long time now. Okay, I'll try to contain myself - let's recap 2016! 

This year has been such a great one! I love having this space to recall all my memories, and special moments for my creative juices. I was able to overcome many fears and worries. My new year resolutions were one's that I completed, and enjoyed because they were realistic and specific for my lifestyle. I read up to 4 books for enjoyment, journaled more often, joined a gym, and tried something new with my hair. In 2016 I had the opportunity to explore a new U.S. state - Oregon! And, I had a wonderful family vacation this summer with my family. So grateful for 2016 and the memories I will always have. 

I have collected together some of my favorite posts from 2016, as a roundup in case you missed them the first time around. You can click on any picture in this post and it'll take you through to the original post. And, of course these happened to be your top choices too! Thank you all for your continual support of ABH, it means a lot. 

LIFE STUFF 

This year I really tried new things, and concentrated on myself a little bit more. As usual, I tend to be personal here on the blog and this year I think I conquered that goal very well, as all of my posts about my life below are literally a peek into my world and feelings!

My favorite of them all, has to be my bedroom tour! I should have waited for my new camera lens to shoot my room, but I still love the way it turned out.

HAVE A LOOK...

BEDROOM TOUR / WHAT HIGH SCHOOL TAUGHT ME / PODCASTS I LOVE / A NEW LAYOUT FOR A BEAUTIFUL HEART 4.0 / FAVORITE SONGS AT THE MOMENT

TRAVEL

My favorite thing in the world is exploring new adventures! This year I visited Oregon for the first time to be with my best friend whose at college up there, and Hume Lake for a family vacation. No matter where it is, these traveling moments are what I live for, and mean the most to me. 

LET'S GO TO...

PORTLAND TRAVEL GUIDE / ORGEON COFFEE HOUSE / GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY / HUME LAKE CHRISTIAN CAMPS / SUCCULENT CAFE

TIPS + ADVICE 

This is personally my favorite type of posts to put together and brainstorm about. My blog is full of these lifestyle tips, so I pulled out my top five favorite ones! The one I absolutely loved was my friendship series, plus it got a lot of attention from you guys, which always makes me happy! 

TOP FIVE... 

MY BESTIE LIVES FAR AWAY/ HELP A DOWN AND OUT FRIEND / 5 THINGS TO MAKE MORE TIME FOR / HOW I PLAN FOR BLOG POSTS / HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR READY FOR A PUPPY /

COFFEE TALK 

Yay! Time to bring out my favorites, the coffee talk series! It's actually so sad, I only have two posts out of the whole year in this series, but I suppose that's because I like to think and figure things out before I vent out every feeling and sidetrack thought I have for the entire web to read.

Next year, I'm really hoping to give this series more time + level of importance because it truly is my most liked by you guys, and of course myself.

TAKE A SIP...

UNIVERSITY ENVY / DAYDREAMER

BEAUTY + HAIR 

It's so sad because I really haven't posted much beauty or hair related posts like I have in the past. I barely reached five this year. Crazy! I really love spoiling myself with beauty products, and me-time rituals, but they never made it to the blog this year. So let's hope I actually try harder for 2017.

My absolutely favorite beauty post was how to use coconut oil into your everyday beauty routine, because it's something I dab into everyday! It's hard to keep up with beauty routines, I mean there are thousands that work for everybody, but coconut oil is one that truly works, and has stayed with me for years!

MORE BEAUTY BITS...

HOW TO USE COCONUT OIL INTO YOUR EVERYDAY ROUTINE / DIY PUMPKIN LATTE SUGAR SCRUB / BEAUTY GUIDE FOR YOUR BESTIE / MY NUMBER ONE HAIR PRODUCT 

OUTFITS 

Again, not too much for these bad boys either! My style isn't anything to brag about, or show off these days. I keep it simple, and comfy. Of course, whenever I try a new coffee shop and add it to my coffee diary series then, it turns into a photo shoot.

NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE...

BLACK TEE THREE / AUGIES COFFEE ROSTERS / FALLING FOR YOU / THE BEAN /

LOOKING FORWARD 

So 2017 is going to be a big one, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Of course, I hope to really be on my blogging game, and blog more often during my weeks (hopefully). I love blogging, and I am so grateful for this space which allows me to share my love for all things creative.

If you have any comments or things you'd like to see in 2017 on the blog, let me know below! Look out for my New Year's Resolution's along with I am inspiring for upcoming posts in the future. Bring on 2017 eh? xoxo.

MY COZY WEEKEND ROUTINE | HOLIDAY EDITION

ME-TIME  

I take relaxing pretty seriously, and over the years I have adapted a few rituals that I love. My surrounding mean a lot to me, and there are many items I keep by my bedside at all times. Since my room is now all winter wonderland with pops of red, hence the holiday edition, I thought I'd break out a YouTube inspired post - my weekend routine. 

I know we all are addicted to Netflix and chill (as they say), which I include at the bottom, but I try not to spend my complete down time in front of the screen. In this post, I share a few ways I make my cozy weekends more special and distinct from the rest of the week! 

PEPPERMINT CANDLES 

You guys know how much I love my candles, and every season I always bring them out for every holiday. I've had this twisted peppermint candle from Bath & Body Works for over two years now, and I barely used it within that time (sad right?).

BRING OUT THE TREE

The first thing I did was decorate my entire room with Christmas decorations. The tree, fairy lights, snow globes, glittered pine cones, tiny Christmas trees, and the holiday scented candles. There are still a few things I wish I had more of, but it does the job, plus Target is sort of expensive when (like me) you are starting from scratch with everything Christmas. Simple touches that remind of the season, is all I need. Unlike fall, Christmas only lasts one month, so I'm sure next year I'll add more to my collection, like Christmas pillows!! You cannot go Target crazy in just one year right? (okay, maybe so - haha!). 

WARM COOKIES 

I tend to skip breakfast, and opt for snacks instead because let's be real, sleeping in is the real priority on the weekends. Because I cannot have coffee, or hot chocolate because of my chronic migraines, I pretend to be British, and drink tea instead.


Every Christmas my mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies from Nestle Tool House. Of course chocolate could not be left out of my cozy weekend! Any special treats you make for the holidays? I really would love to decorate some sugar cookies for the season, because we just picked up some adorable cookie cutters! Let's hope I manage to do that before Christmas ends haha.

CHRISTMAS MOVIES 

Netflix of course had to be apart of this post at some point, considering it's what's on in the background (almost) every night while I blog, or check up on emails. There is so many things I watch on Netflix because I have yet purchased a DVD player, so everything I recommend to watch this holiday season, can be found on Netflix! You're welcome.

Some of these are Christmas, some are just awesome shows that released this holiday season; Fuller House season 2, The Crown, Gilmore Girls A Year in the Life, 12 Days of Christmas, and A Christmas Kiss. 

LIFE LATELY

Oh my goodness, my fall semester ends in 2 weeks! I'm more than half way done, and now I'm on countdown to my long one month break before I transition into my last semester at my community college! My life has been really good, and busy recently, so perfect timing for a "life update" post! I hope you've been enjoying my posts since I re-launched, because I love being on top of things here on the blog. 

This is my last "fall" type of post, and I am currently decorating my room for the Christmas holiday! I literally have no posts scheduled or planned until January - so if you have any suggestions I would be every so grateful. Perhaps a christmas decor post? 

        

My life has consisted of college. College is the topic in every conservation, web tab on my laptop, or essay prompt right now in my life! I am planning on moving out next fall (2017) to a University as a transfer student. I have decided on a major and minor, which makes the application process less stressful. So, I'm going full force and pursing my dream of becoming a family and marriage therapist with a minor in business! I couldn't be happier & I can honestly see myself as a therapist helping, and connecting broken homes, and lost people. I always love being there for my friends with their problems, and giving advice. Yes, being a therapist is more deeper than that, but that's what I'm so excited to face & experience. Learning about behavior and interpersonal emotions is my favorite thing to explore in school. I love the world of business, it's so professional and something I'll always be able to lean on, which is why I'm choosing it as my minor. 

                                                                                                             

                                                                                             

I've sent out all my transcripts and finally hit the "summit" button for every application! Ahhhh, so here we go! I've applied to four beautiful Universities like Biola University, California Baptist University, The Master's College, and George Fox University! My top two are definitely Biola, and Cal Baptist. Right now, I'm waiting to see where I get accepted, and then make plans on visiting and meeting with counselors. I've visited Biola University four years back when I was a Junior in high school and I fell in love with the campus, and school pride! I'm still needing to book a tour at Cal Baptist, but that will come soon enough! First step, is getting accepted! I'll be keeping you guys updated, hopefully I'll know within about a few more weeks before I get my letters. So, now I will sit here impatiently waiting to hear back from Universities longing to hear "Jenna we want you." Have a wonderful week my friends!

EAST COFFEE

COFFEE DATE 

My bestie from Oregon was home for four days for Thanksgiving, which called for many much needed visits together, including this cute coffee house date! There truly is nothing like having your friend right across the table from you, chatting about life, instead on a laptop screen via video chat. Since both my best friends are in college out of state, it's given me a much deeper appreciation for the art of conversation face-to-face, especially over coffee. 

I am so glad Emily doesn't mind taking a few snaps of me because this place was darling inside. Couldn't get enough of the wooden bookshelves, and bar top sitting. Unfortunately it was a gloomy day, so their big open windows didn't make much difference in my photographs (unless you were by the windows for natural light) but I still think you get the picture of this place as a whole, no matter the lighting situation.

East Coffee just opened up in my town, and it's one that I'll definitely being going back to. The service was beyond friendly, and helpful (always a plus in CA). I ordered a black iced tea with peach flavoring and a chocolate chunk muffin which was so delicious. Emily had the white chocolate peppermint latte and said it was super tasty. Other than the huge windows, and beautiful wood pieces, each table had a two conversation cards. Emily and I actually asked each other the questions and it was so fun! Overall, loved this coffee shop and I think this might be my new study spot!

WHAT I WORE... 

SHIRT - TARGET  (SIMILAR) | LEATHER JACKET - JENNIFER LOPEZ | LONG NECKLACE - MIRANDA FRYE | BAR NECKLACE - ETSY (SIMILAR) | 

2016 GRATITUDE LIST

his year I have so much to be thankful for. During the month of November I always like to challenge myself to create an on-going list, naming everything I am grateful for, big or small. This year I wrote it all on my chalkboard sign I found in the dollar section at Target, and went crazy with my "calligraphy" writing. I know Thanksgiving is nearly upon us, but I encourage you to also make a list, and keep it not just for the season, but to reflect on all year round. It's been a great reminder for myself personally, to hold onto for the new year coming ahead. Beginning 2017 I want to remember all that I accomplished, faced, and was blessed with, and I think through a gratitude list is the perfect way to do just that. Happy Thanksgiving!

MY THANKFUL LIST

1. Healthy body that allows me to exercise.
2. Old friendships that are still growing to this day.
3. Christian professors at my secular community college.
4. My mom who has helped me get to where I need to go in life especially this year.
5. Family traditions.
6. A vehicle that I love driving, and that has kept me safe.
7. Exploring new coffee shops.
8. California sunshine that lifts my spirits.
9. Being able to meet my Aunt and Cousin for the first time this year.
10. Learning how to Bible Journal these past few months.
11. My faith.
12. Holiday drinks, all things peppermint even in November haha.
13. Cold nights in my warm bed, watching Netflix.
14. Fairy lights in my bedroom.
15. Thanksgiving food. Sweet potatoes with marshmallows here I come.
16. My blog. The creativity I've been able to produce is astounding.
17. My pup, Lily. She always makes me smile.
18. Coffee table books.
19. Lunch dates with my sister.
20. My black leggings.
21. Netflix when I'm bored. (it's the little things).
22. Beautiful blogs to read here in the community.
23. My dad and his character.
24. Nature walks.
25. Gilmore Girls!

10 THINGS BEING FROM CALIFORNIA HAS TAUGHT ME

Whenever I get asked "Where are you from?" I always smile, and proudly say Southern California! It's where I've been born and raised, and it's where my entire family resides. I truly love California. Traveling is my favorite thing in the whole world, and I always have an itch for visiting a new destination. Learning about different cultures, trying new food, and visiting those tourist spots, are all the reasons why I always count down the days til my next trip! Yet, what's funny is that once I arrive home from my travels, I am so thankful for Cali. Yes, Hawaii was amazing and I miss Napali Bay Beach, but California will forever be my home. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

10 THINGS I'VE LEARNED: 

1.  In N Out is life. It's the most famous burger joint, and if you've ever had a protein style double double hamburger, with their animal french fries than you'll know what I'm talking about! When my friends come home from out of state, it's the first place we go!

2. The Ocean. Our beaches are simply incredible all the way up the coast. From the one's I've visited my top five favorite are; Point Mugu (PCH Highway), Cambria, Sunset Cliffs, Laguna Beach, & Coronado Beach.

3. You can wear white all year round. Yes, our weather here in So-Cal makes all you other 49 states jealous! Haha. No matter the season, I can run my errands in flip flops, or take a run on the beach. Deep red leaves will never appear, nor will a white Christmas, and I kinda wish we experienced those beautiful seasons. But, I'll take the sunshine and my flip flops any day over shoveling snow off my driveway, or an umbrella while I'm out.

4. Love for Disneyland. Your never too old for Disney! I've been so many times, and love it to death. So thankful my childhood involved Mickey ears, It's A Small World, and the disney parade.

5. To always use "the" before the word freeway. Yep, it's very Californian to say the 91 freeway or the 15 freeway. Our friends from Texas always laugh at us whenever they come to visit.

6. Always leave 40 minutes before arriving to your destination. Traffic is the way of life here in Cali. It's something I've always grown up having to deal, with, and therefore it's just apart of my everyday routine. So always expect traffic if your visiting this beautiful state.

7. For the love of palm trees. As I'm sure you've seen, the iconic palm trees spread out all over Palm Springs, it's just glorious! What would Cali be without them? (not as cool).

8. All types of food. Here, we have the best of all food - Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and American (give me the burgers).

9. Mountains. I love that within one hour I can visit Oceanside Beach or Big Bear! The mountains are absolutely beautiful here, and so are the lakes!

10. SeaWorld! Any type of animal park with dolphins is so awesome. SeaWorld is just such a great place to visit if your a tourist, or love water animals.