Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a beautiful Hindu temple that I only recently discovered while driving home from work. I've never been to any sort of temple before and had to double check the guidelines before visiting (i.e shoulders and knees have to be covered, shoes need to be removed, etc.). As ornate and elaborate as the architecture looked on the outside, it was the inside of the temple that really made me speechless. Photos weren't allowed, but in all of my travels I don't think I've ever stepped into such an awe-inspiring space (imagine all of the intricate carvings from the outside, but made out of white marble). It was gorgeous and definitely worth the visit!

Dawn at Walker Canyon

There's not much that would get me up before sunrise, except for the chance to photograph a sea of orange poppies (and go hiking with good friends).

Basilur

It's been awhile since I've blogged, but there was no way that I could contain my excitement after trying these soufflé pancakes from Basilur Tea & Coffee yesterday!! They were so soft and fluffy and egg-y and delicious (albeit, a bit pricey)! But I've been dying to try soufflé pancakes ever since they started popping up on social media and I had no idea that there was a place in Orange County that served them! I just love checking off items from my food bucket list haha.

Basilur Tea & Coffee

6920 Beach Blvd

Buena Park, CA 90621

Sunrise on the Oregon Coast

It was 40 degrees outside, but the experience of walking along the beach as the sun was rising was well worth it!

Cannon Beach

I made a trip up to the Oregon coast to visit a place that's been on my bucket list for awhile now: Cannon Beach. It's honestly one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. I spent an entire afternoon just walking up and down the shore with my camera and it was a great reminder of why I love to travel. I'm grateful that I have the privilege of dipping my feet into water that's in another part of the world. There's no other experience like it.