To the Coast!

Yep, it's September. School's started for a good majority of the world, and parents are rejoicing because they can finally get their houses all to themselves once again.

Fourtantelyyyyy, my school doesn't start until the LAST week of September. So, to celebrate my last month of extra summer fun, my small family and I are taking a trip down to the Oregon Coast for a few days! We do it every year, actually. Usually it ends up in a scene of me running around hunting for sand dollars while my brother draws S.O.S messages in the sand and my mom tries to make shelter out of random sticks and stones on the beach.

For the past few coast trips however, I've always ended up packing for the wrong weather. In my mind, I'm packing for a warm and relaxing yet photogenic trip where I can get some sick photoshoots done on the gray sand. It's the coast! It should be sunny! It WILL be sunny this time. One sweater is all I'll need. 

No. I'm always wrong. Always. 

This time, I'm fully prepared for whatever changing weather the coast has in store for me. 

So what exactly does one pack for on the way to a windy coast? Here's my top ten list of essentials on what to bring: 

             

1) A chunky, over-sized cardigan. 

2) Mom and boyfriend jeans. Still keeps your legs warm, but they're rolled up high enough above your ankles in case you wanna feel the chilly salt water! 

3) A one piece swimsuit. 

Just. In. Case. 

4) A raincoat, because it will rain at some point. 

5) Cozy socks to keep your precious feet warm after walking on the sand

6) A beanie to keep your hair from flying. 

7) A knit jumper to throw on over your outfit in case it gets chilly. 

8) Easy sandals to slip on and off your feet (pair it with socks for extra warmth, if you want). 

9) Sneakers for when you climb up the sharp rocks to get a higher view. 

10) Hiking boots. Y'know, in case you DO go hiking the trails. 

All photos can be found on my  pinterest. 

Now that we have the clothing part covered, let's talk about the essentials. 

1) A Camera! Yes, taking photos with your smartphone is always a great way to share your experience on social media, but if you have a great camera with terrific lens, you may as well bring it along to capture some terrific shots of the breathtaking scenery.

2) Books, books, books. I recommend the classic Lolita by Vladimir Nabakov (unless you feel weird reading about an old man who falls in love with a little girl while you're at the beach. This is my favorite romance novel, but you do- whatever you want).
I also recommend any Stephen King book. All of his books are amazing.

 Don't even fight me on this one. He is the King.

3) Sunglasses, duh?

4) Water. Don't forget to hydrate!

5) Sunscreen. 

Again.

 Just. In. Case.

6) Snacks. Keep it healthy!

7) A good playlist. 

I always pick really soft indie/alternative tunes with a hint of darkness to them when I'm at the coast, so basically Lana Del Rey.
My playlist will be up later with the photo diary of my trip!

8) Last but certainly not least, a guitar. Sitting around a small fire on the sand while strumming and singing to Fleetwood Mac makes the trip complete.

That's pretty much it. I'm wayyyy to excited about my last get together with my family before I separate myself from them to return to college in the fall. I hope school's been going great for everyone else who's already started. Ciao! Xx-Nikka.

Late Summer Trips

Hi cuties! I just wanted to post my first photo diary entry on my new and improved blog! I actually updated it back in june but I had no reason to post/had no inspiration at the time, but now I've finally gotten a break from work and I'm about to be reunited with my best friend for a roadtrip to California starting tomorrow! 

My family also made my week by coming over to Portland for several days. I was so excited to be given the opportunity to show them around the beautiful city. Now they were the tourists, not me! 

We first stopped at Grassa. For those of you who have asked me what are some great places to eat in Portland on my tumblr, I'll always suggest this Italian restaurant because it is just so frikin amazing and they never fail to satisfy my little tummy. 

After dinner, we went to Powells, my absolute favorite bookstore. I showed them around the different colored rooms and introduced them to the 'Rare Book Room.' This room has so many insanely old books, ranging the early 90s to the 1500s! Crazy stuff! 

The prices on these books, though! 

We went to the waterfront and I was able to play a few tunes on the public piano (you can watch the video on my Instagram @nikkaphillips), then we headed down to get some ice cream at Pine Street Market.

August 6th, we had brunch at Cheryl's. Oh my good god- their food is divine. I really recommend this restaurant for you and your friends or families if you're ever looking for a great place to have breakfast at.  

We went up to the Crown Point Vista House, which was built to provide travelers a place to rest and refresh themselves while they made their way to the Columbia River Highway. Pretty historic. 

On the way back, we stopped at a lavender field! 

There were soooooo many bees!

Then we went over to a farmer's market.

Then we cooled off at the Ira Keller fountain park. Anyone remember my last photoshoot here when there was no water? 

August 7th, my family and I made our way back to Bend, Oregon, but we stopped at the Timberland Lodge because I couldn't help but let my love for Stephen King show. Some of you might recognize the lodge because they used the outside of this hotel in the famous cult movie The Shining! Too creepy.

And here I am wandering in the woods near the lodge. 🌾

That's it for now, babes! I'll be posting more during my trip to California. Stay tuned, and as always, I hope you're all having a wonderful week. Xx-Nikka