5 Things About Me

Melissa (the most fab LOLO editor of all) and I have recently been extra inspired by people's stories - who they are, what they have been through, and what they are currently up to. Vulnerability is a beautiful thing, and we came to a mutual conclusion: we want our posts to be heartfelt and engaging, and we are super pumped to make a little blog shift and dive a little deeper into our thoughts! Let us know what you think of the direction we are headed + Insta, Snap, Tweet, or FB us on what you want to hear more of!Today on this lovely Thursday, we are changing things up a bit. Before I start sharing my heart with you guys, I wanted to share 5 things about me that you may not know!I AM A TWIN.I have a fraternal twin sister who has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I cherished the years growing up because we always had a built in partner-in-crime. Yes, we finish each others sentences. Yes, we know what we are thinking without speaking. And fun fact: our husbands had to re-teach us how to tell stories because we always had each other to fill in the missing pieces. #oopsies #otherhalfI AM A HEALTH NUT.I felt like I was constantly bloated in college, so I decided to slowly eliminate foods to discover what was causing it. From that point on, I can read about the benefits of foods or anything health related all day long. I make a breakfast smoothie every morning filled with the purest form of spirulina, chlorella, chia seeds, cacao nibs, colostrum, and the list goes on! It has changed our lives, and being mineral-sufficient eliminates the desires for salty snacks and sweets! Jase and I also have a tower garden in our back yard, and it is so fun to pick organic veggies and fresh herbs for dinner or a fresh mint tea. Not to mention, organic food from home has the richest flavor. #obsessedMY DREAM IS TO HAVE A MINI FARMYes, you read that correctly. Ever since I was little, I have been a lover of any animal, and when they are mini, my love for them only increases! I am pretty sure this dream is possible, right?WATER BRINGS ME LIFEI grew up going to the lake almost every weekend in Texas, which has created in me a sense of home when I am near h2o. Boat rides, body surfing and water-skiing are my favorite water activities + I feel like all the worries in the world dissipate when I am sitting by a lake or hearing the ocean waves. Another bonus: those relaxing places always create the most special times with friends and family. Oh, and yes, alkaline water brings me life too.INTERIORS INSPIRE MEIn the last few years, I have gained such a love for interiors. It started developing when my friend Anna and I worked with her mom to decorate our apartment. She is an interior designer and taught me so much! My parents recently renovated part of their home, so it was so enjoyable to hear about every detail in the process. Jason and I started with a blank decor slate with our house in Cali. It has been such a long yet sweet process, and we are still in progress! There is something about a home that reflects those in it and creates such a communal place for those invited in. It is so important for your home to be your sanctuary, your place of rest, and your spot to develop deeper friendship and create special memories.

Malibu | Part 2

Hi everyone! Melissa and I are so excited to start sharing more travel posts here on the mag. A few weeks ago I shared my adventures in NYC and San Francisco and they are both must-reads. It occurred to us that we are always looking to blogs when it comes to travel recommendations (example: this post about London, this one for NYC, and this one re: Paris), so we want to turn our personal travel experiences into helpful posts for you guys to enjoy. Melissa kicked off the Malibu series last week, and now I am excited to be sharing me and Jason's Malibu experiences in Part 2. Melissa covered so many of my favorite little spots, so I am going to talk about other hidden gems that are just as lovely!One thing I love about California is how easy it is to take a short and sweet weekend escape! As you all know, weeks can fill up so quickly with work and nightly plans, so by Friday, you just crash. Recently, Jase and I have talked so much about the importance of rest and detoxing from to-do lists and technology, and for us, that comes in the form of leaving home so our temptation to "do" is no longer an option. One of our all time favorite getaway spots is beautiful Malibu. Bonus: the drive there is full of windy canyon roads and peaceful beach views - yes, please. It's amazing how we start to feel rejuvenated as we get closer and closer to the ocean.Malibu Farm and Cafe is one of my all-time favorite spots to pick up an almond milk iced coffee and a hearty, local-food-filled breakfast. It never fails. The location at the end of the pier is more casual + beachy with the most darling local gift shop on one side and a perfect view of the surfers on the other. The new location at the beginning of the pier has a more modern menu and vibe. Two other benefits: you are supporting a local owner every time you eat there + they have an insane cookbook. Last summer, we rented a house on the beach for a few days, and we have stayed in a house a few times this last month. When we are in the temporary-stay situations, our favorite place to stock up on groceries is PC Greens grocery store. It keeps our health in line with the yummiest take out food bar, DNA Life Bars available (hooray!), and my favorite hot ginger lemon water drink made at the juice bar. Yes, it is part of my Malibu morning routine! Even if you are not staying in town long enough for groceries, go here to pick up a fresh juice or a superfood snack!Another place I adore is Malibu Family Wines. And a major positive is that it requires a beautiful drive through the Malibu canyon to find this hidden gem. The environment is so cozy that it almost doesn't seem real. You can bring a quilt to sit on with friends or family, you can grab a seat at the wooden picnic tables, or you can join the constant dancing next to the fun live music always playing! Wine tasting, a darling local shop, and time with people I love is a win win to me. P.S. You can take a tour of the winery across the path if you so desire - you will meet a giraffe and other animals along the way! Also, pop by Malibu Cafe right next door if you need a lunch or dinner break! It's a super casual country kitchen and bar with ping pong tables and delicious food.This is a new find and was immediately added to my favorites list. Taverna Tony is Malibu's best Greek restaurant. It might possibly be one of the most fun family-owned restaurants I have been to! Not to mention, the food is to die for + live music and dancing is happening all around. It is loud and lively and makes you feel like you are right in the heart of Europe! #musttryJust a recap of our other most loved spots:One of our favorite date spots is Geoffrey's - it's cozy, charming, and super delicious! Nobu Malibu is a magical place - the food is insane, the view is on another level, the vibe is beach-chill, and it is the perfect place for a long dinner and great conversation. P.S. Don't forget to try the Spicy Acai Martini! Last but not least, Malibu Beach Inn is one of our most loved staycation stays. Check it out!