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Travel Talk
With March around the corner, we are having a major travel itch! Do you guys have travel plans coming up? [show_shopthepost_widget id="3043191"]
With March around the corner, we are having a major travel itch! Do you guys have travel plans coming up? Lately, I have been so inspired when traveling to pack simply and pack things that I know are comfortable, versatile, and easy. It sounds obvious, but focusing on this makes a big difference in my overall travel mindset.
Traveling is such a sweet experience- a chance to explore a new place, revisit a favorite spot, and connect with whoever you are traveling with. It is so important to me that my mind and heart are in a relaxed, joyful place when traveling so that I get to fully embrace the special time away. When I start the travel process by simply packing tried & true items (favorite denim jacket, easy breezy joggers, comfortable sneaks, forever white tee, and a great hat), I find that it sets a peaceful tone for the whole trip and helps me focus on the journey that I am about to go on, rather that what I am bringing along.What do you guys think? How does your packing strategy affect your travel?
THE OUTFIT
hat (similar + similar) | tee | sunnies | denim jacket (c/o) | pants (c/o) | shoes (similar)
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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.
10 Things I Love About Dallas
It blows my mind when my friends in LA have never been to Dallas, Texas; this sweet southern spot is full of so much charm mixed with city living. Texas is such a gem of a state (all of us locals are a bit biased), and it has the most safe, settling feeling about it. Can I get an amen? After moving to Los Angeles, I appreciate this lovely place more than ever. I miss the gentlemen opening doors, chivalry displayed at its best, predicted traffic, and the genuine smiles you pass on the daily. I was just talking with a local here in California this week about how Southern living is so centered around quality time with people rather than the next task, trip, or adventure. Both are beautiful, but the initial seems to be extra meaningful.Here are my top ten favorite qualities about the Big D.1. The people. There is nothing like the people in Dallas; this city is truly filled with the most genuinely sweet and warm people. I feel like everywhere I go, I run into some one I know - it makes the city feel like a cozy small town in the best of ways. Not to mention, my life long friends are there as well as my family. This is what makes the city the most wonderful place in my opinion!2. I love the little neighborhoods that branch off of the city; there are so many hidden gems such as Bishop Arts District, Trinity Groves, Highland Park, Legacy, Deep Ellum, Uptown, Knox/Henderson, and Preston Hollow. These suburbs each have their own sweet personality and create such special places to call home.
3. Everything is so close by! No matter where you are, there seems to be several grocery stores within a five-minute driving span. Every thing is right at your finger tips! Also, a “far” drive in Dallas is on average twenty minutes with no traffic. #adreamcometrue4. Football is life here. For those of you that know me know that I am a huge Cowboys fan, so I love being in the city that represents this amazing football team + the stadium is my heaven. Everyone's schedules are determined around the games, and the watching parties are the most fun excuse to have big get-togethers with all of your loved ones! P.S. I loved growing up tossing the football with my dad and learning how to throw a solid spiral throw from my guy friends.5. My arm prosthetist as well as my eye prosthetist are in Dallas, and they are the best of the best! What a blessing they both have been in my life.
6. Travel is extra easy from Dallas since it is in the center of the South.7. The city is so clean. Dallas is so well taken care of; it is one of the things I appreciate most about this city.8. When I land, I feel like I am home. It is so settling, cozy, and comforting. It is very family oriented and every place is filled with the most friendly faces!9. This city is known for its restaurants and shopping. A few favorites: R&D Kitchen, Bird Bakery, Nick and Sams, True Food Kitchen, La Duni, Mi Cocina, Crudo, Sea Breeze, Eight 11, and of course, Northpark Mall + all of the cute villages for shopping.
10. I have an obsession with the Tollway. Is that weird? Lol. I know every swist and turn and the traffic patterns + it is just fun to drive. Even though I live in LA, I still thoroughly enjoy reading the Tollway update emails - I can’t help myself ha!11. Oopsies. Can I get a #11? I am so grateful for the Village Church. It was a tool and a community that helped to shape my faith. The staff feels like family, and the impact of their lives, the way they wrapped around my family during hardship, and the heart of the leadership has forever changed my life.
Tulum: The Most Magical Beach Town
My recent trip to Tulum (AKA, the most magical beach town) may be one of the most special experiences of my life thus far. My best friend, Anna, invited me to join her in this magical, jungle town in Mexico for her 30th birthday, and it was full of the sweetest memories that I will never forget. We stayed at Sanara, which is truly the most peaceful and quaint hotel on the beach. I loved this boutique stay - every morning, they would have a beach bed reserved for us along with the most lovely staff who became immediate friends! They offered yoga with the ocean breeze in full effect (one of my favorite experiences), sublime wellness treatments, and the coziest rooms along with spa water galore made with Mexico's delicious limes as well as a bowl of homemade candies with local honey and sesame seeds. Sigh. Not to mention, an adorable straw beach bag sat at the bench below our bed filled with homemade essential-oil bug spray (much needed!), dead sea salt bath scrub, coconut oil for lotion, and toxin free shampoo and conditioner.
Also, can we talk about their restaurant, The Real Coconut, for a moment? It is dedicated to all that is conscious living and follows the foundational health and wellness philosophy that plants form the key to our vitality and that gut health and digestion are paramount to optimum well being. Their entire menu is grain free, dairy free, gluten free, and GMO free + it is full of adaptogens, coconut everything, bone broth, wild locally-caught fish and pastured chicken. Everything I ordered was absolutely delicious. I would start off each morning with the coconut probiotic yogurt with fruit compote and the charcoal lemonade. We would either order the plantain pancakes or avocado toast for the table, too, which were both outstanding. I also loved the fish tacos made with their homemade coconut tortillas, and the golden broth was unreal. This hotel gets 5 stars from us!
Our day to day.
SATURDAY. We arrived in Tulum on Saturday afternoon after a day full of travel. Note to travelers: fly into Cancun rather than Cozumel. It is much easier and more direct + it cuts out the ferry ride! We checked into Sanara, and we were so hungry, so we immediately went to The Real Coconut for their nacho bowl, fish tacos, and homemade guacamole. With fully bellies, we went back to our room to unpack and settle in and explore the property. That evening, we walked down the beach and arrived at Casa Violeta for dinner. It was the most darling restaurant on the ocean. As we were headed that way, we saw a group of families and the cutest kids hovering over something on the sand, and it was a group of baby sea turtles being freed into the ocean. It was the most incredible thing to witness. P.S. Anna and I were about to head to dinner and came to the conclusion that we would stay in our beach clothes because we would be immersed in sand and the humid air anyways. I wondered if we would be allowed to eat in that attire and soon concluded that there are NO RULES in Tulum. The waiter at the restaurant wasn't even wearing shoes. Halleluiah! We enjoyed a homemade pizza and crispy brussel sprouts alongside the ocean and indulged in desserts back at our hotel.
SUNDAY. The next morning we woke so rested and immediately put on our swimsuits and walked down to the beach for breakfast. Anna and I are both the type that enjoy relaxation on vacations rather than a line up of activities, so we started every day in the sun and would explore in the afternoon! We set up our beach chairs, listened to a podcast on detoxing heavy metals (lol), had the best conversations, and swam in the ocean (it is perfection!). Also, today was Anna's big 3-0, so the celebration was in full effect! In the afternoon, we decided to go explore the town, and by town, I mean a two-mile stretch of land lined with the most beautiful shops, delicious restaurants, and boutique hotels. I loved how both sides of the hotel were very contrasting in the best of ways: the peaceful ocean and the bustling street! Before walking into town, we made a quick stop to our room to grab some shoes and money, and the room was decked out in birthday decor! This hotel truly went above and beyond.
We had the most incredible time exploring the shops filled with locally crafted dresses, swimsuits, cover ups, blankets, and straw bags that were all so beautiful! We passed by fascinating spas, burning incense galore, stunning restaurants filled with vintage rugs, twinkle lights hanging from the jungle trees, and local menus. We grabbed some matcha and chocolate coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell at the Matcha Mama hut and ended at BE Tulum, a gorgeous rustic hotel at the end of the street. Across from that was a spa that immediately caught our attention. Yaan Wellness was so dreamy. After talking to the lady who worked there, I realized you could come to Tulum specifically to detox and reboot your body. They offer everything from colonics with the necessary diet available to lymphatic flow massages to yoga. Yes please. I would come back to Tulum specifically to experience this.
After a few hours of shopping and exploring, we went back to the hotel for a nutrient-filled smoothie and took the yoga class at sunset. It was a mix of challenging and relaxing vinyasa flow. Soon after, we walked down the street to eat dinner at Casa Jaguar, a beautiful eatery nestled in the jungle. This may have been my favorite food on the trip! We had the tuna fish tostadas, tacos de carnitas, prawns a la sal, and ended with the most delicious churros. Also, stop by their gorgeous hotel store, Todos Santos. It is interior goals. Anna and I walked back to the hotel for a surprise birthday cake we had made for her! It was one of the most special nights.
MONDAY. We woke up and did what had become our Sanara routine: coconut probiotic yogurt, health shots filled with phytoplankton, and then straight to the beach bed to catch some rays. We worked on our tan for quite a while and had the most fun swimming in the crystal blue water. We ordered way too much lunch, but enjoyed every ounce - homemade sweet potato fries, hemp plantain bolitos, the super green salad, and the sopa de lima. We had a spa treatment in the early afternoon and left feeling so renewed. We ate dinner at the beautiful Gitano that night. It is a cozy spot in the jungle, and their handcrafted cocktails are must try and their food is sublime! We then walked down to Origami Gelato for some homemade ice cream and called it an early night after a lot of sun and walking! One thing I love about Tulum is that the stores stay open until ten, so you can pop in stores you discover to and from dinner! It makes you feel like you will never miss a beat.
TUESDAY. It was our last day, and we wanted to soak in every moment! We started the morning off in the sun, and as we were laying out, we came to the decision that we should venture to a cenote. We took an afternoon trip about thirty minutes away to Casa Cenote and went snorkeling with our guide, Oswaldo, for almost two hours. It was one of our favorite experiences. We swam under the roots of trees and saw huge fish, a baby alligator, and a baby blue crab. The water was crystal clear! We loved this cenote but may want to go to a more private, rugged one next time. After our experience there, we had our driver drop us off at the opposite end of the road that we had not explored yet, and we shopped until sunset. We walked by Posada Margherita to eat, but they only take cash and we had just used it all that day and the near by ATMs were broken, so we tried to go to Hartwood, but they were closed two of the nights that we wanted to try! Those two places are most definitely on our list for next time. We were pretty exhausted, so we decided to have a cozy dinner at The Real Coconut and end the night with their coconut milk hot cocoa. It was one of the frothiest, most delicious drinks I have ever had and perfectly sweetened with the purest coconut sugar!
WEDNESDAY. We woke up and had a few hours to enjoy the beach and the delicious food before we had to pack up and leave for the airport. What a gift this trip was. We left with full hearts, renewed energy, and the greatest memories! Oh! And a box of homemade coconut flour tortillas and chips for the road. xo
SHOP THE POST:
swim top | swim bottoms | one-piece (and similar)
beach pant (different pattern) | sunnies | head wrap (different color)
one-piece | swim top | swim bottoms
white tank (similar) | sandals | hat
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A Surprise Malibu Escape
My husband might be the sweetest thing in the world. There is a way he loves that is displayed through the most thoughtful actions. He has been planning a secret trip for months, and it's better than I could have imagined! Any getaway with him is magical, but he also surprised me with my entire family for a weekend in Malibu!
Time with my family fills me with so much life and joy! Long walks on the beach, competitive Dominoes matches, baby Kate's first time in the ocean, homemade dinners, lunches at Soho Malibu and Malibu Farm, and lots of laughs created memories for the books!
Lo's Favorite LA Restaurants
Hey guys! Today we are sharing Lo's favorite spots in LA for good food, lattes, acai bowls and more. Scroll down for the spots + her favorite things at each place. Send this list to anyone you know in LA or save it if you are considering taking a trip to the west coast. P.S. Reading this will make you hungry, just a heads up! xx
(Malibu)
*forbidden rice bowl and the squash soup
(Beverly Hills)
*acai bowl with crunchy almond butter
(West Hollywood)
*matcha pearl and chai tea spirit dust latte
(West Hollywood)
*reishi cappuccino
(Beverly Hills)
*teriyaki bowl and almond milk matcha latte
(Laurel Canyon)
*the best salmon with sauteed spinach and green beans, vegan soup of the day
(Venice)
*homemade pomodoro pizza
(West Hollywood)
*wagyu short rib tacos, hellfire roll
(West Hollywood)
*spaghetti squash primavera, sesame crusted salmon
(Malibu)
*crispy rice spicy tuna, baked hand crab roll, spicy acai martini
(West Hollywood)
*long-cooked cavalo nero, sweet potatoes, grilled pork tenderloin, arctic char
(West Hollywood)
*chilled peel & eat shrimp, fried chicken sandwich, crispy brussel sprouts
(Downtown)
*sweet miso salad, spaghetti alla carbonara
images of Lo via ragdoll LA
8 Favorite NYC Restaurants
Lo and I both love making getaway trips to NYC. It's a bigger trip for Lo of course from the West Coast, but I am just a 3 hour train trip away in Annapolis. Below we have rounded up 8 favorite NYC restaurants. Scroll down for info on each spot and bookmark this post for the next time you need to make a dinner res in the Big Apple. [feature image via Cafe Cluny]
The Smile is an amazing gem of a place where the restaurant is smaller, the atmosphere is cozy and dim, and the food is unique and delicious. My friend who is an NYC local introduced me, and it was immediately added to my favorites!
A cozy and quaint French restaurant serving delicious, healthy food made with the best ingredients. This is a great spot for brunch, too!
This restaurant is nestled in the heart of Soho and feels warm in all aspects after a bustling day in the city. The food is absolutely delicious, and the always packed restaurant brings so much life rather than feeling overwhelming!
The Butcher's Daughter is on a street corner in charming Nolita, and it offers mostly vegetarian and vegan fare and freshly pressed juice. It is a healthy escape and the atmosphere is fun and vibrant!
An elegant date night spot with the most lovely, rustic-chic decor and amazing food. Book this one 30 days out, as it is a Jean-Georges restaurant and very popular, for good reason.
A fun, hip, lively restaurant that embodies the NYC scene. For you Food Network fans, this is a must-try since it's a Bobby Flay restaurant. Also, their saffron linguini with muscles is seriously SO good.
A cozy, chic French dining experience in the West Village of New York. The bar is downstairs + dining is upstairs. It's a small space, but it feels very home-y in a cool way.
A go-to spot for a fun night out. The bar scene is "happening" so-to-speak + the food is really, really good. It's loud however, so you definitely need to go on a night that you are in the mood for that classic, unique NYC energy.
How To Stay Healthy When Traveling
Traveling is always such an adventure- full of amazing memories, new experiences, opportunities to learn and try new things, and so much more. However, it can be hard to stay healthy and feeling your best when you are on the road, taking a long flight, eating out a lot, and just off your normal routine. Today we are sharing a few tips to stay healthy when traveling- they are little things that make a big difference! Read on for our tips and scroll down to the bottom for Lo's travel-chic outfit deets, including this amazing suitcase from AWAY.
-Bring a candle to set a soothing atmosphere in your room in the AM and PM
-Bring moon dusts to add to your tea, smoothies, or juices!
-Bring Sakara tea bags- their sleep tea is perfect for unwinding at night
-Pack a sleep mask and essential oils to get the best possible sleep
-Remember cozy socks and comfy clothes to be comfortable at the hotel
-Stay hydrated by carrying a tote to keep a water bottle inside
-Walk as much as possible- skip the uber and taxi when you can!
-Pack snacks (healthy bars, nuts...) so you don't overeat at meals
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THE OUTFIT
Sweater | Denim | Sunnies (c/o) | Suitcase (c/o) | Boots | Bag (Persaman New York c/o)
images by felicia lasala
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the wine country.
To preface this post, Jase and I are not big "wine" people (enter laugh emojis). We like it on occasion, and my dad has taught me a lot about it, but we still have not developed a big desire to enjoy it often. Enter the wine country + I am going to tell you what won us over.
Living in the beautiful state of California has so many benefits, one being the stunning destinations within hours of our backyard. We have heard the most lovely reviews of Napa Valley and the charming little towns surrounding it, so we decided that we would escape for a week early celebration of J's birthday and our two year anniversary. December is always so full of the most wonderful festivities!
Jase and I flew into San Francisco and had the most beautiful drive to the wine country. Side note: our trip started out on an extra good note because I noticed an R&D Kitchen when we were starving and nearing our hotel. It is one of my favorite restaurants in all the land. After a fun dinner, we drove into our home for the next few days - the magical Auberge du Soleil. They totally spoiled us with a room upgrade for the special occasion, and we slept like babies in the coziest bed. P.S. Their bathtub was a dream, and the bathroom floors were heated. Those little details made the weekend extra special and relaxing.
On the first day, we had the yummiest breakfast at the hotel overlooking the valley. Then we adventured to Del Dotto winery first. We had a dry-humored tour guide who made the excursion and wine tastings extra fun and informative. It was such an experience to try the wine from aged barrels that were stationed in a cave. We then went to Cakebread. The sweetest man took us on such a lovely tour; it was extra special, and their wine is delicious. What I love most about the wine country is the stories behind the wineries and the families that started these farms so long ago. We ate at Press that night, and it was such a sweet time together, and it was the coziest atmosphere accompanied by the most delicious food.
Day two was our most favorite. We went to Nickel & Nickel and had the time of our lives. Our tour guide, Walt, was so passionate about wine and grapes and people + he was an absolute blast. We were with a group of Georgian dads who go every year and knew Walt well, so it was such a bonus! I was so thankful for our time there. We laughed our hearts out and cancelled our next winery because spa time at Auberge sounded just perfect. After a restful afternoon, we indulged in the most wonderful Italian food at Bottega. We couldn't recommend it more.
Day three was our final day, and we loved the outdoor infinity pools and steam rooms too much to part. We each had the most incredible massages, packed up, and explored the darling town of Yountville. Also, I must say the wine country has extra delight in the holiday season. Beautiful wreaths, fully lit trees, and the comforting smell of garland only added to the stunning scenery of these farm towns. We had so much fun making this trip our own, and we are already excited to go back soon!