Jet Setter Gift Guide

wondering what to get the girl who loves to travel? here are our ideas. the suitcase + headphones would be great for the jet-setting guy, too. here are the links:

away carry-on suitcase | sudio headphones

vince sneakers | slip sleep mask

tory burch cosmetic case | hobo tote bag

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Sweet Home London, England

I am nearly two months into my move to London- a move that has been altogether undeniably frustrating, completely shocking, pleasantly surprising, and has affirmed my belief that I am truly meant to be here. I have had good days equally dispersed with bad ones. I am missing my family, the many comforts of my home and culture in Southern California, and the general normalcies of America as I begin, and still try to, settle into my new life in London. And while I look forward to this incredible year of opportunity, I have been reminding myself that it is okay to feel out of place.Something that peaked my level of unsettledness came after a day when everything was going right. I was having a good hair day, I found my way easily to my university, conquering the tube like a professional Londoner. I was falling in love with my Master’s program, enjoying all the friendships I was making across my department, I was enthralled with my classes and eager to begin to learn again about the world around me in an academic setting. I met people who again inspired the passion I had ignited for the study of journalism and the pursuit of a journalistic career. I had met with my program director who affirmed in the topic of my dissertation which I excitedly began to research. And at the end of the day, although I found myself on cloud nine, I could not shake this ominous feeling that this high, this deep level of satisfaction, this unshakable contentment would, in fact, be shaken. Before the happiness even wore off, I was reluctantly waiting for something to affect it.Almost as predicted, the next day did not nearly measure up to the previous one. Although little frustrations mounted throughout the day, it was an observed event at the end of the day that hurt my heart and took a blow to my ideality. As I sat in a convenient coffee shop down the street from my flat, I saw a woman begging for money outside the window. Over the course of the few weeks that I had been here, I noticed people approach the windows to restaurants and cafes as the begged for any spare change. While this woman approached the window, she was speaking to two men at a table inside and, unnoticeable to her, she was being mocked by the two men sitting on the other side of the glass. As she shook the change in her hand, with a countenance of desperation and plea, the men were leading her to believe that they would give her change. But, what she did not hear on my side of the glass were the two men laughing. What I knew, that perhaps she did not, was that they never intended to give her any change. And as they laughed and continued to mock her, my heart sank into the pit of my stomach.“Where am I?”A question I found myself asking more than once throughout the course of my international move, but a question that became more prominent than ever in the moments of that interaction. I watched these men treat this woman in a way that I would never wish to see a woman being treated. I was appalled that, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender, one human being could treat another with such haughtiness, disrespect, and neglect. But, as I processed what I had just witnessed, I was humbled. I was reminded that I am here for a purpose. I was gently reminded that by the grace of what I have been taught in my interactions with people different than myself, the world still has a lot more to learn about accepting, loving, and showing grace and compassion to people in wherever contexts they may find themselves. I hated what I saw, but I am grateful for open eyes to see the brokenness and the prejudice in that interaction through the window glass. I am grateful to be where I am, learning what I am learning, and fully immersed in an unfair and unjust world so that my compassion can continue to extend further, so that my love can reach deeper, and so that the understanding of the grace and love that I have received in my life can have a greater and more raw impact on the world around me.So, I find it okay to be unsettled, upset, or uncomfortable, for I know that these temporary feelings play a more prominent role in a much bigger picture. Alternatively, and somewhat unexpectedly, I find myself grateful for these unexpected and utterly frustrating moments for they are the necessary and foundational moments that altogether add to the depth of my experience here in London. I am grateful for each and every moment here- moments that make me mad, uncertainties that make me miss home, and equally those inspiring events of affirmation, for each of these, distinct from one another and equally important, give life to my purpose in this year abroad. So, while I allow myself to remain in a certain space of irregularity or frustration, I do not allow myself to wallow in it. But equally, I remind myself not to constantly look ahead, not to be in expectancy of what I hope is to come, but to allow myself to rest in the ‘now’. Since my move here, I have been compellingly, humbly, and gently reminded to be present in the present. For it is the present, the unexpected, and all the unpredictably frustrating, unsettling, amazing and invigorating moments that allow me to make the endless process of settling into a new home that much sweeter.

travel tips + bomber look

Happy friday, friends! What do you guys have going on this weekend? Lo is currently in Dallas with her family as her twin sister, Britt, gets ready to welcome her sweet babe into the world- beyond exciting! This past week I went to NYC for work and this weekend Hamilton and I are headed to Deep Creek for my dear friend’s wedding weekend. With all of this travel that Lo and I both have going on this week, it got us thinking about packing and outfit planning. Below are a few tips before your next trip and we would love to hear any packing advice that you have in the comments section. Scroll to the bottom for links to Lo’s super cool, travel friendly outfit // xo melissa

Less is best

I tend to abide by this policy in my home, too. Clutter drives me absolutely crazy, so having fewer things makes it much easier for everything to have a place. Same goes for packing! I always find that I am happier when I don’t have a ton of stuff to pack up and unpack. I used to think that options helped, but I am no longer a believer in that philosophy. All options do are weigh me down and confuse me!

Make a list and stick to it

As you prepare for a trip, make a list of things you need. Also, check the weather and plan outfits accordingly. Once you have a list of items, stick to it! I used to suffer from making last minute changes- literally pulling things out and stuffing things in moments before walking out the door- and it never ended well. Thankfully I have cured myself of this bad habit and traveling has been much more peaceful ever since. 

Pack versatile items

If you pack items that can be worn more than once, and possibly more than one way, you will end up packing less. This is a pretty simple tip and it really helps keep the total amount of things packed to a minimum.

Only items that you love make the cut

If you don’t absolutely love wearing an item, do not bring it on a trip! Only items that you love wearing and feel great in belong in the suitcase.

Comfort

Comfort is always important, but extra important when traveling. This is especially true when it comes to shoes. If they aren’t comfy for walking pretty far distances, they don’t make the cut.

Don’t be afraid to re-wear

Sometimes I get weird about re-wearing an item on a trip, but this fear is really so silly! Re-wearing something that you love and that makes sense for the trip is a great thing to do. Re-wear with confidence, my friend.

THE OUTFIT

bomber + similar option| tank (c/o) | jeans (c/o) | boots (c/o) | sunnies (c/o) | lip color

photos by felicia lasala

SHOP SIMILAR ITEMS

A Weekend in Canada

Two weekends ago, Jase and I adventured to Vancouver to visit our sweet friends, Matt and Angela, who's home base is in Los Angeles but are living in Vancouver for the time being! We miss them too much! Side note: Matt is shooting a show called Timeless. It premiered two Mondays ago. Tune in with us! You will be hooked.So first of all, Vancouver is such a cool city. It is clean and sleepy, which makes it all the more cozy and fun to explore. I am not going to talk too much about this lovely place because the majority of our time was spent in Whistler, but one thing I must say: if you are ever in Vancouver, you must go to The Cross Design. I was utterly inspired + besides the most to-die-for lamps and furniture, art, and bedding, I got completely lost in the stationary closet. #keytomyheartRoad tripping with your besties and your love is definitely one for the books, especially on the lake sides of Canada, accompanied by old school karaoke and the pure joy of time together! We were headed to Whistler, and we could not be more stoked. The most darling town gave it's own warm welcome with it's charming atmosphere, and we arrived at the Four Seasons shortly after on this restful rainy afternoon. The Four Seasons hotels have a special place in our heart because we got married at the one in Dallas, and I must admit, this one might be my favorite. It is lodgey and beautiful and is filled with the glorious smell of pine. The spa was an absolute dream - I felt more relaxed there than I have ever felt at a spa, constantly breathing in lavender in the dimmed light.  The four of us spent the morning getting massages and body scrubs (the sugar treatment was Ang and I's favorite), and then we felt rested and ready to explore.Now on to the adventures. Night one: we bundled up as it was quite brisk, walked through the adorable mountain village, and ended at the gondola. Angela and I may have stopped at Aritzia on the way to buy a warm scarf. Gondolas are so peaceful and serene. The twenty minute ride up the mountain was so quiet and stunning and maybe filled with 40's Christmas tunes (shhh), and at the top, it was SNOWING. We ran around in excitement and shortly after cuddled up in the lodge for some hot tea, creamy hot chocolate and lots of laughs.After our spa morning the next day, we ventured to Joffre Lake. We couldn't help but make a few stops along the way to snap photos of the views. I also must mention: it constantly smells like campfires and the air here is so crisp and cool here. #yesplease + the water at this lake is surreal. It is the prettiest milky turquoise color, and the deep green trees and snow topped mountains all mixed together are purely stunning. We hiked through the forest along the lake and ended the day at the most peaceful place: Nairn Falls Provincial Park.This weekend was the most restful quick trip. There is something about slowing down in the beauty of nature that brings much needed restoration to my heart. We cherished every moment, and it was so enjoyable talking to the locals and getting recommendations from you all on Instagram - thank you! We already have our next trip tentatively planned. The to do: a day at the Scandinavian spa, completing the full two hour hike next to Joffre lake, and spending more time relaxing and eating at the local restaurants. SaveSave

melissa's trip to italy

Hey guys! Last week I went on the dreamiest trip to Italy with Hamilton to attend a beyond beautiful wedding between two of our dearest friends, Tim & Kristin. It was such a special time and something that I will never forget. We stayed a week in Florence, taking one day trip to Venice. We spent most of our time walking around exploring the city of Florence, going out at night with friends that were there for Tim & Kristin's wedding, eating so much incredible Italian food, and drinking a fair share of red wine! We also did a bit of antique and vintage shopping which was a really special  (and successful!) shopping experience. I ended up buying two vintage dresses- one of which is red with white polka dots and the other is a black + tan dress by Isabel Marant. It is safe to say that I am still tickled by those finds!  Our day in Venice was so nice as well, and I am really happy we made the 2-hour train trip from Florence to explore Venice. And to top it all off, the weather while we were in Italy was absolutely perfect all week- a high of 80 on average + total sunshine. Scroll down to see some images and here are links to a few favorite places in Florence + links to things that I packed for the trip.

places in florence

hotel | trattoria for lunch | date night dinner | night out | special happy hour

things I packed

black pants | jeans | cardigan | bandana | carry on | bag | crossbody

heels | culottes | a floppy hat (similar) | denim skirt

MELISSA'S NYC WEEKEND

[rag & bone sandals (via the real real), hobo rachel wallet, and madewell hat (sold out)]Last weekend my boyfriend, Hamilton, and I had a weekend-away in NYC. It's only a three hour train ride via Amtrak from the BWI airport to Penn Station, so we try to go rather often. We haven't been the best at that in the past year, but after this trip we are both set on making more of an effort to go to the city whenever our schedules allow. It was such a beautiful weekend weather-wise which made the whole weekend extra nice. The NYC energy is truly one of a kind. Even though it is only a three hour train trip away, it honestly feels like a different world compared to Annapolis, Maryland. We were there Saturday & Sunday and stayed the night at a hotel in the West Village called The Walker. The cozy, Parisian, Art Deco inspired decor and feel of the hotel made it so charming and welcoming.This was the view from outside our window- major #cityvibes. It was the kind of view that made you want to get down on the streets and explore, ASAP. It was our first time spending quality time in Greenwich Village and we really loved the more laid-back, neighborhood vibe.[madewell tee (sold out, solid version), j. crew factory skirt (old), hobo tempest bag, westward leaning sunnies (c/o)]We spent a good amount of time just walking around and seeing what we discovered, which was so nice. You never know what you will run into! We definitely tried to walk as much as possible, but a few times a taxi or uber was necessary. Walking from place to place is a great way to really get a sense of the lifestyle when you are visiting a new city or town. I have learned to wear very comfortable shoes when we travel and I always have bandaids inside my bag/backpack.[springbone kitchen]Thanks to this amazing article from well + good that I stumbled upon before our trip, we went and checked out springbone kitchen. Without going into all of the amazing details (because they would make both me and you extremely hungry), I must say that Hamilton and I were blown away by this place. It is a bone broth-based restaurant, 100% gluten free, with a focus on organic, quality ingredients that taste good and are good for you. Think chicken bone broth, golden milk, wild rice, free range chicken, grass fed beef, a ton of fresh vegetables, vegan ice cream (coconut milk, avocado, and dark chocolate), smoothies, chia seed pudding with homemade granola, and so many other wholesome, nutritious options. Confession- we loved it so much on Saturday for lunch, that we went back on Sunday! It is a real gem. Plus, the people that work there are so friendly, which always makes for an extra-nice dining experience.[garrett bryant's studio]We went ahead and scheduled Ham a much-needed haircut during our visit. If you didn't notice from a few pictures above, the guy was in desperate need of a trim! I love him and his #longhairdontcare attitude, but it started to get a little wild in the back. The place to go in NYC for an amazing haircut, experience, and a true stylist and client relationship is Garrett Bryant's studio. Not only is he so kind, wonderful, and talented, but his studio is so beautifully designed- just look at that snake plant + exposed brick wall![ham's new do!]And hello, handsome!  Afterwards, we continued walking and exploring and stopped into several shops on and around Bleecker St. There are so many shops in the West Village and it's so much fun peek inside. We went into rag & bone, billy reid, brunello cucinelli, paul smith, and others. Special shout out to the employees at rag & bone on Christopher St.- they were the best! The NYC shopping and fashion scene is truly on a level of its own. I always feel so inspired, sartorially, after being in the city because of the current trends that are in the stores and because of the street style that you see. People in the city really express themselves through their personal style and I am so inspired by their attitude and confidence when it comes to their outfit choices.[brunello cucinelli on bleecker st][lobster rolls + wine at catch]After shopping and walking around, we went back to the hotel to freshen up and change for dinner. We had reservations at catch in the meatpacking district and it was such an amazing choice. The food and atmosphere were both so fun and very "new york". They have a rooftop bar (see image below) which was really cool because the NYC views at that height are pretty great. We would 100% recommend this restaurant to you guys and plan to go back in the future!Lo recommended cafe cluny to us for breakfast and we are so thankful that she did! She has been there before and had a feeling that Ham and I would love it. She was more than right. It was such a charming restaurant and the food was very fresh, healthy, tasty, and beyond satisfying. We had such a nice time there Sunday morning eating, drinking coffee, and having good conversation. I love it when you are able to take your time at a restaurant and just soak up the time that you have with who you are with, and where you are- those moments are so sweet and some of the best.Sunday we checked out the High Line (an old rail road turned walking park) in Chelsea, and we both really enjoyed it. It was super crowded, but very cool to walk what used to be a railroad, but is now flourishing with gorgeous plants. It's a nice breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle that fills the city.I hope you guys enjoyed this weekend recap! Let me know if you have any favorite places in NYC- I would love to check them out next time we are there. Happy friday xo melissa

A Travel Guide: Laguna Beach

Whether it's a restaurant, a Pilates class, or a hotel, when I find a place that feels like home, I tend to stick to my ways. I definitely enjoy branching out, but I love having my foundational go-to spots. Although we adore our home in beautiful Los Angeles, escapes are so necessary in the Kennedy household. We crave a change of scenery and a place to decompress from the normal routine, and I might go as far to say that Laguna Beach is our obsession. It is one of those places where are phones disappear and we fully decompress.Bonus for the mini road trip commute: great conversation and travel tunes. #doesntgetbetter + side note: I love how the temperature continues to drop on the ocean bound adventure, and when we start feeling the sea breeze on the most darling little main street, windows go down, and freedom sets in.I must admit, I feel like I hired myself on the marketing team of the Montage Laguna Beach because I love it that much. It has truly become our home away from home, and we automatically decompress into our Laguna Beach routine when we arrive. First, we fully unpack to feel completely settled and organized. Then we always get in our beach attire and head to the spa pool. It is so peaceful, has the yummiest food, my favorite spa in all the land, an ocean view gym, and the cutest little boutique where I always buy a "souvenir" (insert laughing emoji). P.S. my favorite part about this place is that the same people work there for years, and they all are the sweetest, most joyful people who always have something amazing up their sleeve - i.e. they know I love organic produce and planted me a pineapple. {above and beyond. always.}The way Jason and I define vacation is good food, bathing suits, peace, and spas, so this is our heaven! Must do's at this magical place:

1. Go for a run on the beach, cross the rocks if the tide allows, and watch local surfers do their thing.
2. Take a bath. When I am traveling, a good bath tub is high priority on my list, and these might be the best in the world. P.S. their bath accessories are on another level. A peek into our daily schedule: I go to the room to take a bath and take my time getting ready while Jase sneaks away to the spa for a nap next to the waterfall. Yes, please.
3. Go an hour before dinner to the lobby for a drink and conversation before dinner. It is truly the most lovely atmosphere that feels like a big cozy living room.
4. We love going into the town for dinner. Scroll below for our top three recommendations.

RESTAURANTS WE LOVE

1. 230 Forest Avenue. This place has the most delicious food in the heart of the beach town. It is a romantic, cheerful, and relaxed place with the windows wide open.
2. Nick's. The mood of this eatery is perfect for a beach night out. They have everything from local market vegetables to loaded baked potatoes, Scottish salmon to baby back pork ribs, and the meals will never disappoint. It is such a cozy environment and a much recommended place in Laguna Beach.
3. Ramos House in San Juan Capistrano. I can't speak personally of this place because it is the first priority on our go-to list in this town. It was recommended to us by my foodie mom friend in Dallas, who is the most delightful chef and knower of all things yummy. Let us know how it is if you beat us to it!

P.S. We would love to hear your recommendations as well! xoxo

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!

MALIBU | PART 1

Hey guys! Lauren and I are so excited to start sharing more travel posts here on the mag. A few weeks ago Lauren shared her 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. Today I am kicking off the Malibu series, {Part 1 of 2} and next week Lauren will be sharing her and Jason's Malibu experiences in Part 2.Back in April my boyfriend {Hamilton} and I flew from East to West to explore Malibu. We had been itching for a California getaway in order to totally unplug, relax, and enjoy a new atmosphere for a few days. After going back and forth between Manhattan Beach and Malibu, we settled on Malibu. I remember chatting with Lauren on the phone re: our upcoming trip and it was clear that she loved Malibu and thought that it was the perfect fit for us, based on what I said we were wanting to do in California. I had been to Manhattan Beach before and loved it so much, but after speaking with Lauren re: Malibu, I knew that Hamilton and I just had to go. Long story short- best. decision. ever. We had the sweetest time and have since recommended it to quite a few people. Not to say that it is just for couples (not the case at all!) but as a couple we had such an amazing time together- the vibe is so casual, easy, happy, relaxed, healthy, and really fun. Get the details below on some of the things that we did and enjoyed so much. xxMalibu Farm restaurant + cafe: Lo had told me that we had to check this place (well, places) out, and she was so right. Malibu Farm has a restaurant at the beginning of the Malibu Pier and then the most precious cafe at the end of the Pier. In total, I believe we enjoyed a breakfast, a lunch, and a dinner here. The food here is so fresh and yummy, the atmosphere is very chill, the view is amazing, and bonus-- it is just a two minute walk from the Malibu Beach Inn. Scroll down to read more about that!An easy, yet amazing, hike: One morning we took a yoga class at the local fitness center and the instructor (who was so great and very cool!) recommended this hike to us. We wanted an easy hike to enjoy and explore and she knew just the place. We headed a few miles down the road, parked at Malibu Seafood, and there it was- the Sara Wan trailhead at Corral Canyon.Stay at Malibu Beach Inn: The cutest inn of all time. The rooms are so cozy, the staff is so nice, and the location is perfect. It is right on the beach, walking distance to the Malibu Pier (AKA walking distance to Malibu Farm!), and right across the street from a fitness center where we took a yoga class one morning. The Inn also has a lovely restaurant with an outdoor seating area overlooking the ocean. We enjoyed coffee and breakfast there a few times, and I will never forget the peaceful, happy feeling that overcame me while sitting there.Dinner spots: We had the sweetest dinner at Geoffrey's one evening while we were there. We tend to be late dinner eaters, but we went around 6:30/7 to enjoy the view and see the sunset later on. It was so nice and quite romantic, if I must say. Another night we went to Nobu and that was so fun and a total must-try. The energy there is one-of-a-kind and the food is ridiculously good!Malibu Cafe Country Kitchen + Bar @ Calamigos Ranch: This was such a fun memory! On the last full day that we were in Malibu, we headed to Calamigos Ranch where Malibu cafe is. They have the coolest set-up here with lawn games, the best wine, good eats, plenty of seating areas, music, and tons of people hanging out and having fun.Cheers to Malibu! Check back next week to read Lo's Malibu recap. xo