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my guide to los angeles

9/13/2019

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I have been fortunate enough to call Los Angeles my home for a few years now and I have been loving this opportunity to experience all that this cool city has to offer. I lived on the west side when first moving to Los Angeles and now currently live in downtown. Keep reading to find all the hidden gems I have discovered along the way and have really enjoyed about my city.

G E T T I N G  A R O U N D :

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The city of Los Angeles is huuuuuge and you will definitely need to travel by car if you are wanting to go to a lot of different neighborhoods. I highly recommend planning your days around neighborhoods so you can get there and either walk, metro, uber/lyft, etc instead of having to drive through traffic all day. Also if you want a fun and different experience, rent a metro bike or electric scooter! 

T O  D R I N K :

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BIRDS & BEES
Downtown Los Angeles
Birds & Bees is one of my favorite bars to go to because I not only love the mid century modern atmosphere, but the cocktails are really good. They make a classic Gin Martini or Spritz during Violet Hour. Oh and its a secret of how to get in, just go to the far back right of the parking lot!
PALI WINE CO.
Arts District
Pali Wine Co. has a very relaxing and hangout environment to enjoy some really good wine. They have flights you can try, and the staff is very knowledgeable. Its perfect for mid afternoon or a causal night adventure. Nothing too fancy, just an easy spot to sip wine and enjoy being in Los Angeles.
BERNADETTES
Downtown Los Angeles
This small mid century styled bar is great for a quick pop in to hangout with friends. It is super casual yet eclectic and unique vibes inside. It offers craft beer, wine, and the famous Frose O'Donnell drink which I highly recommend! You will not leave dissapointed from Bernadettes and is a great neighborhood bar with friendly bartenders. 
GOLDEN GOPHER
Downtown Los Angeles
Golden Gopher is one of the oldest bars in downtown and was originally purchased in 1905 by Teddy Roosevelt. And if that doesn't interest you yet, it's a great neighborhood spot to pop in and have a drink or spend all night with friends. The staff is friendly, and be sure to say hey to the bouncer. It's open 365 days a year so it's definitely a spot we visit often. Notice all the golden gophers inside ha!
MODERN TIMES BREWERY
Downtown Los Angeles
Modern Times Brewery located in DTLA at the Dankness Dojo is probably one of my favorite breweries in Los Angeles. They have a great choice of brews as well as wine. Plus the food is amazing! Yes it is all vegan, but trust me, you've never tasted vegan food like this before. And hey you're in LA, you have to try vegan once right?!
EIGHTYTWO
Arts District
I've never not had fun at Bar Eighty Two because it is a barcade with some really awesome games! It still has a night time bar vibe with outdoor seating if you want to take a break from my favorite game ever, the World Cup Pinball machine. They have really amazing craft cocktails as well and a good list of craft beers to choose from. You can get cash back from the bar and cash out to quarters. 
WOLF & CRANE
Little Tokyo
If you like Whisky, you will love Wolf & Crane. And if you don't like Whisky, it is still a really cool bar to hangout at and order any other drink ha. It's a late night spot to go to after having dinner in Little Tokyo with a casual DJ and craft cocktails with specialty whisky. 
SPIRE 73
Downtown Los Angeles
For the ultimate rooftop experience, I highly recommend the rooftop Spire 73 on the US Bank Tower. It is an open air bar at probably the highest point you've ever been on the West Coast. Super boujee with some delicious craft cocktails. Dress code mandatory and don't forget to check out the website for information before going. 

T O  E A T :

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HATCH YAKITORI + BAR
Downtown Los Angeles
From the night time vibes of dance club music in the background to the never ending yummy skewers, this Japanese restaurant is a must. Get a few sticks to split and go out on the edge and try something new since they are shareable and tiny. And then pair it with a plate and raw item menu with wine or sake.
LASA
Chinatown
This is definitely one of my top food experiences I have had to date. LASA is a Filipino restaurant with a seasonal menu. I highly recommend being open to try anything and ask the waiter for top picks or great recommendations. We did not go wrong. They also suggested a great wine to go with it. A great dinner experience. Make a reservation. 
NORTHERN CAFE
Multiple Locations
This super casual and authentic Chinese restaurant is a must. They serve family style dishes so there is plenty to share and go as a group. I highly recommend the wantons, crispy chicken, and Dan Dan Noodles. I honestly order way to much food here every single time but it makes perfect for leftovers and is super affordable.
PERCH
Downtown Los Angeles
Brunch, brunch, and more brunch. And at Perch it's on a rooftop. The ultimate LA experience is an amazing French style brunch on the rooftop with a live jazz band every Saturday and Sunday. It is literally "perched" atop a building with greenery everywhere. I highly recommend the truffle fries to share, crab benedict, and the pitcher of sangria. Make a reservation.
WOOD SPOON
Downtown Los Angeles
This stylish and quaint spot is why I love downtown Los Angeles. It is your neighborhood restaurant for great Brazilian food. I highly recommend the pot pie! Such a great food experience. It is a smaller restaurant so be prepared to get there or to wait, no reservations unfortunately.
TOCAYA
Multiple Locations
If you need some quick and easy food that's not "fast food" then Tocaya is it! It is a modern Mexican restaurant with healthier options and vegan as well. I always go for the 2 taco combo and get the quac with plantain chips. This place is a staple that you can catch me at multiple times a month. Super casual environment. 
SONORATOWN
Downtown Los Angeles
This authentic Northern Mexican taquería is a mouthful experience on the cheap. It is great to go for lunch and taste the mesquite-charred meats used on homemade tortillas. I highly recommend the chivichanga​ as it reminds me of chicken stew I had as a child. Super casual environment and yummy food. 
CLIFFS EDGE
Silverlake
If you need a full Los Angeles dining experience, then Cliff's Edge is your upscale restaurant for just that. It is like walking into an outdoor garden, romantic patio with string lights all around. A true masterpiece to just set the mood for the entire night. It is such a dream to eat tucked away in the trees in your own hideaway table. Make a reservation. 
DAIKOKUYA 
Little Tokyo
Daikokuya is one of the first Ramen and noodle shops in Little Tokyo and is one of the best. It has some of the richest pork broth I've ever tasted. With that being said, everyone knows that so the lines can be very long. I highly suggest getting there early to get your name down. If lines aren't your thing, I suggest going to Hachioji a few restaurants down. 
MARKET PROVISIONS
West Hollywood
Los Angeles is all about brunching. And your stay wouldn't be complete without an epic bottomless brunch at Market Provisions. One of the best deals in town on the weekend, I love the bottomless mimosas paired with the chicken sandwich and shoestring fries. Throw on a cute casual dress and you're perfect to spend most of your afternoon brunching here. Make a reservation.

T O  C A F F E I N A T E:

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VERVE
Multiple Locations
For some of the best coffee in DTLA, Verve is your place to go. They have amazing pour over coffees to choose from and even have beans to purchase in store. Great patio with greenery wall to enjoy your coffee.
STUMPTONS
Multiple Locations
Stumptons is probably my second favorite place for coffee. The DTLA location has a curated indoor modern vibe that is perfect to escape the heat with an iced americano while they play a great selection of music. They also have coffee beans to buy.
IL CAFFE
Downtown Los Angeles
Il Caffè is the perfect neighborhood spot to come and relax in the morning. The perfect way to unwind and I highly suggest getting the breakfast special which comes with a regular cup of joe, fresh squeezed OJ, and a breakfast panini. Enjoy it under the shade of an umbrella outside.
LA TROPEZIENNE
Multiple Locations
If you are all about the pastries and treats more than the coffee, omg La Tropezienne has the BEST croissant you have ever had. Their iced americanos and lattes are also very delicious as well. The DTLA location has the best customer service and upscale marble and gold vibes indoors. You will feel like you are in a Parisian bakery. 
TILT COFFEE
Downtown Los Angeles
Tilt Coffee has the iced latte of your dreams! The Cloud Latte is the creamiest and fluffiest iced latte and is 100% worth all the sweet goodness. Such a cute little coffee shop with both outdoor and indoor seating.
ALFRED'S COFFEE
Multiple Locations
Alfred's coffee is the most instagramable coffee shop in Los Angeles. They have coined the phrase "But First, Coffee!". They have yummy chai tea lattes and matcha lattes. Don't forget to notice the cute decor and take a quick photo for the gram. 

T O  S I G H T  S E E :

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HOLLYWOOD SIGN
Hollywood Hills
You cannot come to Los Angeles and not see the Hollywood Sign. If you are under a time crunch, I would suggest just viewing it by car from the road as you drive closer and closer to see it. But I really suggest to do a hike which is very LA of you to get a true view.
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
North Los Feliz
Another really cool hike that is pretty quick is the hike up to the griffith observatory. This view is pretty incredible looking back to a great shot of downtown. Park your car in the neighborhoods at the bottom for free parking and start your hike at the Griffith Park sign. Dont forget to bring water
SANTA MONICA PIER
Santa Monica
If you're in Los Angeles, you probably envisioned the sunny, surfer coast. Santa Monica pier is the perfect backdrop to just post your towel in the sand and watch the sunset over the rollercoaster picturesque views. I highly recommend renting bikes or roller blades for the boardwalk. 
THE GETTY MUSEUM
Brentwood
The Getty Museum is one of the prettiest museums I have visited in Los Angeles. The vantage point for the city is spectacular! Admission is free and all you have to pay for is parking. I highly recommend going late morning and staying for lunch. Amazing food while soaking up all the art and views. 

T O  D O :

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WARNER BROS TOUR​
Burbank
You're in Hollywood the birthplace of big studios and movie behind the scenes. Touring the Warner Bros Studio was such a fun time getting to see Gilmore Girls, Friends, Hart of Dixie, and so many iconic movies!! Highly recommend!
GRIFFITH PARK HIKE
North Los Feliz
Going on a hike through the mountainous deserts is definitely an LA staple, and who knows maybe you'll see a celebrity sweating it out too! I highly suggest going to Griffith Park to also cross off the observatory and Hollywood sign in one trip. 
ACE HOTEL ROOFTOP POOL
Downtown Los Angeles
This is by far the place that you can find me at all the time. I love the Ace Hotel rooftop. They have lounge seats to hang or get in their small pool. It is the best place to relax and enjoy a cocktail on the roof in the heart of downtown. 
CINESPIA
Hollywood 
Cinespia is such a Los Angeles event. It is an outdoor movie held in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, You will need to buy tickets in advance and don't forget to bring a picnic, blanket, and some wine of your choice to sit back and enjoy a classic movie. 
LOST SPIRITS DISTILLERY 
Downtown Los Angeles
This is one of the coolest experiences I have ever been on. This tour is going to take you on a crazy adventure to taste whiskys and rums. You will also learn about the distilling process and their secret method for aging spirits. 
BOARDWALK BIKE RIDE
Santa Monica
Rent a metro bike in Santa Monica to ride along the boardwalk. Start near the Santa Monica Pier after of course grabbing a corn dog from Hot Dog on a Stick. Ride on the boardwalk and enjoy the sunny weather headed to Vince Beach. 
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essentials for a lake weekend getaway

8/6/2019

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This past weekend Patrick and I took the doggo to Big Bear Lake for a weekend getaway. It was so nice to unplug and just relax together. And man the views were incredible. I highly recommend to plan a weekend getaway to a local lake or river if you can! Here are the essentials for your lake getaway from must do activities to what to pack.

C A B I N  A D V E N T U R E

For your fun little lake getaway, find a cute lake cabin near the water on Airbnb or a local rental agency. Setting the entire trips mood starts with a cute little cabin. We rented the A Frame of Mind from Big Bear Cool Cabins and had the best time. We also loved cooking dinner on the charcoal grill and sitting on the fenced in porch with Finley. 
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R E N T  A  K A Y A K 

We had such a fun time on the lake and seeing all the view by renting a kayak. I highly recommend renting either a kayak, canoe, paddle board, etc to get out on the water to explore and soak in all the views! We rented from GetBoards in Big Bear because it was so easy to have access to the lake and they were dog friendly. We spent 2 hours kayaking on the lake, admiring all the lake houses, and wow how peaceful it was. I wore a dark bikini to not get dirty from the lake water and had a backpack to store a tank top and shorts on the kayak. In order to not get burnt and stay shaded on my face, I had a straw hat and sunglasses. I highly recommend getting out on the water to complete your lake experience! Oh and Finley swam in the lake for the first time, eek! 
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L O U N G E  &  R E L A X

One of the most important reasons to have a vacation getaway is to lounge and relax. Taking some time to just enjoy being away is priceless. We spent some time on the beach at Carol Morrison Public Launch just hanging out. Whether you find a beach type area, rock side near the water, or hanging on a dock, take some R&R time to read a book or chat. 
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E N J O Y  A  W A L K  I N  N A T U R E

Your in nature so enjoy it! Take a walk around to admire the water, trees, and area around you. We found an amazing water path, Stanfield Marsh Wildlife and Waterfowl Preserve,
that had some of the most serene views. It overlook the water and we saw geese. Put on your walking shoes and get out there. 
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What a fun little trip and can't wait to plan our next little weekend getaway!
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a slip dress in a sea of poppy flowers

4/17/2019

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Outfit Details:
TopShop Dress (old, similar here and here)
and Jeffrey Campbell Sneakers (old, similar here)
This past weekend I got to go see the poppy fields, and oh my what a site! They poppies were overflowing over the hills and the bright orange color was amazing to see. Due to the rain this past season in California, the poppies experienced a Super Bloom, and I am so glad I got to physically see and capture the moments on camera.
​Warning: lots of orange color ahead ;)
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My friend Ashley (blogger of Not Scared of the Sky) and I went to see these blooms and here are some tips we learned. The Antelope Poppy Reserve is a zoned area where poppies are protected and cherished by only walking on trails throughout the reserve. There are multiple trails, rolling hills, and a visitor center at the reserve. However, the astonishing thing that I did not realize is that these poppy flowers are literally lining the road up to the reserve! This is where many people were pulling over to get a closer look at the poppies to not disrupt the Antelope Poppy Reserve. We both did our best to not damage any poppies inside the reserve. It was such an incredible site for sure and a must if you live in or are visiting southern California!
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I chose this simple slip dress (similar here and here) with buttons down the middle for an easy, breezy look since it was pretty warm outside. I also paired it with my go-to Jeffrey Campbell sneakers (last seen in these posts here and here). 
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    whitney marshall

    A born and raised Southern girl who's wanting to inspire every women through style and beauty while living in the big city of Los Angeles. ​

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