Engagement Session with Jenny & Kyle

I had the pleasure of photographing Jenny & Kyle early this month! This session was very special to me for a couple reasons. First, I've known Jenny and her family for 7 years now so it was great to photograph someone I already know and love! Second, I live in California and Jenny & Kyle in Indiana, so I am very thankful and happy they chose me when they could've gone with someone local instead. Thank you so much Jenny & Kyle. You're both great and I wish you the best!

Visitors

I LOVE having visitors. It's that time of the year where people pretty much visit back to back to back. My sister and Kayla were here over Easter, and my friend Scott came for a couple days. Dawn and Brock will be here at the end of the month, and then Brittany and Lexi at the end of May. Lots of memories will be made which I'm so thankful for. Along with that, tons of pictures will be taken. I'm going to catch you up through pictures and short captions this morning. Enjoy!

Tamara, Kayla and I took these donuts and used them for milkshakes. Mine was a little too sweet so I only finished half but it was definitely fun to try something new!

 

This picture was taken at Mt. Woodson (Potato Chip Rock) in Poway, CA. The hike was 7-8 miles roundtrip (depends which trail you take). It took us 4 hours to complete and we spend about an hour at the top taking these pictures and helping other people take pictures. This rock was the most fun part of the hike for me because we got to be creative and take silly pictures. 

Exploring San Diego

I'm sorry it's been so long everyone! It's definitely been a busy couple of weeks. Waseam's mom came to visit last week which allowed us to try some restaurants in San Diego that we've never been to before. Personally, I see eating as an experience and love the journey in discovering new treasures. First, Adam's Steak & Eggs in Mission Valley. We went for breakfast on Waseam's birthday last Thursday. Look at this cinnamon roll. It doesn't look like your traditional cinnamon roll, but you just have to believe me when I saw this is the best I've ever had! 

This restaurant had the curved back chairs that I like. I don't know what it is about them, but I'm a fan! Overall, I had a great experience at Adam's Steak & Eggs. 

Sarah and I tried out Influx Cafe in Mission Hill on Broadway. My muffin was really big and my caramel latte was delicious. I think it's the best latte I've ever had. I actually can't wait to go back for another! The building was smaller than I expected and  it was pretty busy when we went but luckily we got a seat!

Third, Fig Tree Cafe in Pacific Beach. We sat on the back patio that had plants/trees everywhere. I loved the feel of the place. I had a hard time deciding what to get because everything looked great. Usually I choose breakfast (my favorite meal!) but today I went with the Caprese Panini on Focaccia and a side of tomato soup. I'm not sure if the picture is that exciting-- but my bread was so warm & soft, and this only shows half of my sandwich. Waseam was happy to help me finish what I couldn't eat.

Looking back on this post I realize how much I explored different areas of the city the past couple of days. I'm happy about that! Here are some random photos from the past week. Enjoy!

Road Trip to Palm Springs

Hi everyone! :) I do want to give tips and suggestions for people visiting places I've been before but first I want to talk about the most recent place I visited last weekend-- Palm Springs, CA. As we were coming up on Palm Springs Waseam (my boyfriend) asked me if I would rather live by the mountains or the ocean. I can tell you why he asked that question, because I wouldn't stop saying "THESE MOUNTAINS ARE SOOOOO PRETTY!!!!!!" (I tend to be dramatic when I really love something. Also, I don't usually like things, I LOVE things.) For all of you wondering my answer, I said the mountains. Of course I visit the beach and it's nice but I don't get in the ocean, it's very cold!! So the way I see it, the ocean doesn't do much for me. The mountains on the other hand, wow! I just stare at them in awe. They are so incredible. Maybe you'll think the same thing after looking at some of my pictures. Or, maybe I am just that obsessed with nature and I'm a freak :)

When we first arrived we went to Bill's Pizza and it was delicious! It's hard to disappoint me when it comes to pizza, I love so many different kinds. We had chicken Alfredo pizza (gasp!). Our waiter was great, he helped guide us to all the cool spots around town. I really appreciated that. My picture below is the first place he told us about. Go to the end of Ramon Rd and a hiking trail begins. I'm happy Waseam suggested we sit on a rock for a minute to really take in the view. I have a bad habit of trying to do so much and see everything that I'm always hurrying to the next place. I'm not proud of it but what a hard habit to break!

Sunday morning we rode the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to Mt. San Jacinto or more specifically, San Jacinto State Park. I recommend this above anything else! It's $25 for an adult but look whats in store for you at the top!

I caught this view of Palm Springs (down to the right) on the ride down. Ok, I know that is a lot of nature for one post so I'll end on a fun note! We didn't stay at this hotel (Ace Hotel & Swim Club) but we found out you don't have to be a guest to enjoy the pool. How cool? I'm ok with that! I can't complain about this view! 

The weekend went very quick but I'm happy we got out of town for a little bit. Maybe my pictures inspired someone to put Palm Springs on their list of places to visit? I'm marking it off of mine and it's on to the next place. 

One quick random note! I'm having H&R Block do my taxes this year and I'm so thankful for my professional (Bruce) who is helping me. I can tell he is looking out for me and genuinely cares. He really made my night. Don't underestimate the good people in our world! :)  Next time someone makes a difference in your life, tell them thanks. Everyone loves being appreciated! 

Jumping into the blogging world!

Hello! My name is Carling Barrett. I have kind of wanted to start a blog for awhile. Let's just say I've been thinking about it but never actually followed through until now. My dear friend Analisa and my sister Tamara have been trying to talk me into it for some time. You may be wonder why I decided to start now? Great question! Two days ago a friend of a friend asked me for suggestions on places to visit in San Diego. I wrote her a long email explaining all of my favorite places and she replied by saying that I should have a travel blog. That made me feel so good! Not that it isn't enough coming from Analisa or Tamara, but I haven't met Sarah yet (but I hope to when she visits!!) and she's saying this so I thought maybe it's time to blog. I'd like to thank Danielle for helping me come up with the name!! Here I am blog world!