10 Things I Love About LA

I moved to Los Angeles a little over three years ago, and although it is very different than Texas, there are so many things I absolutely love about this beautiful city. Keep reading to see my top ten favorite qualities about this beautiful California stop.1. You are always surrounded by beautiful scenery. I sometimes get distracted driving because of the stunning views.2. I love all of the near-by escapes in this state! There are the cutest little beach towns that are so charming and slow-paced. Laguna Beach is our all-time favorite, but we also love Malibu, Santa Barbara, Ojai, Carmel, and Big Sur + we have so many more places to explore!3. Friendships are a beautiful thing in this city. Most residents are from a different state, so you live life so closely alongside people; it is really special and unique.4. I love that there is never an end to exploring this city, and each neighborhood is highly different than the next. Studio City is so different than Echo Park; Beverly Hills is very different from Brentwood, and the list goes on. You truly never get bored here!5. Los Angeles is very ahead in the wellness game. I have always studied health, but being in this city has opened my eyes to so much - it has smoothie shops that use adaptogens, grocery stores with the most pristine tonic bars and the newest of the new everything i.e. bone broth locally made in Venice Beach, coconut probiotic yogurt made locally, and unlimited charcoal-infused juices.6. Spontaneity is extra fun in this city. Jase and I love last minute stay-cations or weekend escapes, and this city makes it extra easy to do. There are endless places to experience - we enjoy everything from driving to Malibu for a beach escape, visiting the most special local market in Echo Park, or visiting the creativity and hustle and bustle of downtown LA.7. There are so many hidden gems here - the facial spa I go to has a special place in my heart. Carasoin is owned by the most lovely couple, and it is an embodiment of a lifelong dream by it’s Founder, Lena Bratschi. It is so special because they personalize your treatment based on your skincare needs that day. While Lena was treating my skin, I asked her how she became passionate about her business. Her answer only made me love her more! She was super close to her granny growing up, who lived in the midst of beautiful gardens in Switzerland, and she would make homemade beauty products straight from plants. #dream8. The church we go to started several years ago in Jason's living room. It started as a bible study with no intention to grow, and now it is an LA church plant. It is so humbling to be a part of, and the impact of the community is extra sweet.9. The opportunities here are endless! I run into the most creative, inspiring, talented people on the daily. It is really amazing to see people with pure ambition pursue their passions whole-heartedly + it is so encouraging to see people walking fully in their skill.10. I love LA because Jason is here ha! It has taken me time to adjust to this city, and he makes it extra easy and do-able to feel like this is home. 

Los Angeles Favorite: Carasoin Spa.

I have realized time and time again these last two years that it takes TIME to find your places in a new city: the yoga studio, the facial haven, the cozy breakfast spot. It also takes a lot of trials and errors and can sometimes feel a bit discouraging. Personal side note: I have been clinging very tightly to my Dallas spots, which makes every visit quite full of appointments. I recently made a pact with myself to find my Cali places so the precious time in Texas could fully be dedicated to family, friends, and relaxation.Enter the hidden gem: Carasoin. I saw this recommendation from a friend on Snapchat and immediately took a screen shot, and I am so glad I did! Carasoin is the combination of two French words, Caress and Soigner, that embody the principles and philosophies of this spa; to revitalize your skin, body and soul while creating an experience that leaves you feeling exquisite. This day spa and clinic did just that and absolutely exceeded my expectations.

The moment you walk into the spa, it feels extra special. Carasoin is owned by the most lovely couple, and it is an embodiment of a lifelong dream by it’s Founder, Lena Bratschi. It is so special because they personalize your treatment based on your skincare needs that day. While Lena was treating my skin, I asked her how she became passionate about her business. Her answer only made me love her more! She was super close to her granny growing up, who lived in the midst of beautiful gardens in Switzerland, and she would go make homemade beauty products straight from the plants. #dreamOther fun facts about Lena: she grew up in Switzerland, the land of incredible spas and relocated to London to pursue the best in skincare education, Lena attained the prestigious CIDESCO qualification, the highest internationally recognized certification for beauty/skincare, becoming one of only a handful of professionals in the USA to boast this qualification.More about this dream spot: Nestled in the very heart of West Hollywood, Carasoin is a full service boutique day spa and skin clinic featuring both hands-on and cutting edge machine based treatments, from Anti-Ageing Facials to Deep Tissue Massage and Body Scrubs & Wraps to chemical peels. The spa is a mix of British and Swiss sensibilities, designed to provide a chic and intimate setting; one which feels more like you’re stepping in to an elegant home, even though you have just entered an advanced Day Spa & Skin Clinic that showcases the highest standards in skincare. Yes please!