growing roots in LA.

Have any of you moved from the comfort of your home town to a brand new city? It's hard and exciting, scary and exhilarating all at the same time, right? A melting pot of emotions in full effect. The unknown creates such drive and adventure, but at the same time, bursts of homesickness creep in. Before my move two years ago to beautiful Los Angeles, I had only experienced short term city swaps from Dallas to the Big Apple. Knowing I would be there for a few months created this ambition to experience all I could before I would arrive back home. Now, I am in for a new situation - coming to grips with the reality that Los Angeles might be home for life.So how do you begin?PRIORITY #1: FRIENDSHIPSCorrect me if I am wrong, but the people that closely surround you develops the comfort of home. Yes, the local coffee shop or the running trail adds to the familiarity, but community at large is what settles you in. I must brag for a minute on my sweet man; Jason has been the most patient and grace-filled husband who has pushed me to grow in comfort with his already created California community (12 years and counting), and has been the one I run to to be reminded of how to make new friends. But, seriously! {enter laughing emoji}.Side note: as you know, it takes intention and vulnerability to develop new close relationships! If we are honest, it can be utterly intimidating and exhausting. My piece of advice: stop expecting friendships to immediately be the same as your life-long ones at home, don't lose hope, and enjoy the process! Allow yourself to be vulnerable + allow yourself to go outside of your comfort zone. That's what builds the depth and fights against loneliness.I was talking to a friend today who moved to LA at the same time I did about two years ago, and we were confirming that it takes TIME to feel at home in a new city. The two of us have walked this journey together, of one day despising the traffic-filled canyons to the next day obsessing over the beach towns and stunning hiking trails in the neighborhood. The conclusion: we have learned to be patient with ourselves, realize the beauty around us and great progress we are making (even if it feels slower than we expected). PRIORITY #2: FIND YOUR SPACESLet's be honest. It takes time to create a new home - to find and decorate a living space, to discover a new Pilates studio and juice shop, or your go-to breakfast cafe. Although they take research and test-tries, when you connect with a place, it's such a victory!Moving can be such a hard, yet beautiful thing. Focus on the positives of the accelerated growth it brings and keep yourself open to change. Be grateful for the opportunity that takes you outside of your familiarity and adds more depth and strength to your life. P.S. It's okay to still have those missing home blues, too! The streets you grew up on will be home forever.

OUTFIT DETAILS //

splendid dress (c/o)| tom's sunnies (similar) (c/o) | superga sneaks (non-platforms, here)

Breakfast Recipe: Wake Up and Eat Some Oatmeal Souffle!

Remember those super cute painted shoes called Merry Janes? To refresh your memory go here! Well, the founder of this company, Jane Alvarado, was kind enough to share her breakfast secret with me a few weeks ago, and it's definitely one for the recipe archive. This bowl of spiced oats is such a warming breakfast on those cold weather mornings, and it is easy to whip up in no time! Plus, it's a great mixture of protein, carbs, and fiber.Serves 1What You'll Need:1/4 C steel cut oats1tsp baking powder1/4 C skim milk1 egg white3 TBSP unsweetened applesaucePinch of salt1/4 tsp cinnamon1 tsp brown sugar Topping1/4 C. dried cranberries3 TBSP chopped walnuts1 tsp honey1/4 tsp cinnamon1 tsp brown sugar Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a ramekin with fat free cooking spray. Combine all of the above ingredients in the ramekin stirring well to mix thoroughly.Bake for 10 minutes until top is lightly browned and lightly set around the edges.While the souffle is baking, combine all indgredients for the topping.Top souffle with the cranberry mixture when it is finished baking.Drizzle with a TBSP of skim milk Photo styled by Lisa Kasberg and photographed by Lora Winkle

Flat "Espadrilles": A Lasting Trend

Flat espadrilles continue to reign in the shoe world. They come in a variety of solid colors, unique patterns and even glittery translations. Finding them in neutrals and pastels as well as rich jewel shades makes them appealing to all. Some of our favorites are by TOMS, Madewell and Soludos. Don't be hesitant to have more than one pair; the trend is not dissolving anytime soon.[galleryview id= 33]Ropey Soles Simple Espadrilles, Madewell, $48; Dali Pink, Soludos, $26; Red Canvas Classic, TOMS,  $44; Dali Black, Soludos, $26; Navy Canvas Classic, TOMS, $44 

This Has Really Happened: TOMS+The Row

Just when TOMS has once again topped the yearly charts of awesome in its own right, the wise decision to add some Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen flair immediately escalated its coolness level even higher on the ranks. So, it's official. The TOMS+The Row exclusive collaboration has launched. This unexpected partnership marries The Row’s always-respectful nod to bespoke tradition and desire for modern clean lines with TOMS’ classic silhouette. The result is unlike any TOMS that have come before.[galleryview id= 31]Details:  Italian-sourced wool and cashmere blends join together for luxurious comfort and natural beauty, and unique fabrics custom-sourced at the highest material standards rest alongside irresistible premium details, all leading to superior wear-ability. Order your new pair here!