Travel

Hey, West Coast: Adventures in LA, California


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Well, my trip to L.A. was pretty much amazing. Michelle and I ventured out of Orlando to visit the gorgeous Ashley Brooke & company in Cali for 5 days. The weather was a bit colder than expected (ie. freezing), so aside from wearing the same sweater and boots the entire trip, us 3 ladies took on the town, quoting The Hills, The OC, & Clueless at every possible opportunity.Our fabulosity can really only be depicted photographically.
 
Friday, May 1: The Late Night Arrival
 
Michelle and I prior to take-off, ready to endure our 6+ hour travel itinerary. We arrived in Cali at 11:30PM– 2:30AM Orlando time, so aside from inhaling In-N-Out Burger, sleep ((and money)) were the only thing on our minds. 
 
Saturday, May 2– Part 1: Settling into Old Town Pasadena

Fabulous lunch at Lemonade

 
Near the historic Castle Green building in one of Pasadena’s many gorgeous city parks

Who doesn’t do yoga in the park? 
(note: it took me about 5 tries to be able to hold this pose long enough to take this picture)

The first of many visits to Lette macarons– thank you, Florida, for not catching onto this fad quite yet… else wise, I’d probably be obese & poor.  

 
Saturday, May 2– Part Two: The Hollywood Hills

 Hello, sunlight. There is, indeed, a teeny tiny Hollywood sign in the background.

 

Hollywood sign! Too contemplative to turn around and//or smile. 
 
Dinner at Yamashiro in the Hollywood Hills to celebrate our arrival//Clay’s birthday
 
Sunday, May 5 (Hola, Cinco de Mayo!): 
Laguna Beach, Newport Beach & Balboa Island

Nope, that view isn’t photoshopped. Laguna Beach is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever visited (and yes, I’ve been to Europe). 
 

Lattes in paradise 

Lunch with the girls at La Sirena Grill in South Laguna– Arrebaaa!

Those of you who watch Arrested Development will appreciate this. Balboa Island has the most delicious frozen bananas (only at The Original Frozen Banana stand), Balboa Bars (ice cream on a stick) and cheesecake on a stick.

Bolboa Bar dipped in chocolate and covered with everything… yeshhh. Makes being dirty, cold, and rained on totally worth it!

Monday, May 6: Beverly Hills

Rodeo Drive: no words necessary

2-story Ralph Lauren store? Heaven. 

 

 For those of you who have never witnessed my death stare, here it is in all its glory. I take shopping very seriously. 

Fighting off the Papa-Paparazzi after lunch at Rock Sugar


Tuesday, May 7: Malibu & Santa Monica

 

Starting the day off right with Coffee Bean– newest West Coast obsession

Seriously kicking myself for not attending Pepperdine University in Malibu. The view is UNREAL.  

Malibu Beach at the Santa Monica Pier– couldn’t stop quoting Clueless
Okay, so you’re probably going, “Is this like a Noxzema commercial or what?” But seriously, I actually have a way normal life for a teenage girl. 

The famous Santa Monica Ferris Wheel 

 Reppin’ Waves gear with my bestie

 

Wednesday, May 8: The Departure:

 
 

 

Couldn’t leave without one last trip to Lette in Pasadena for the most delicious macarons known to man
 
Well, that just about sums up the highlights of my trip. The time in L.A. was so priceless; not just because of the energy of the city, but also because of the time I got to spend with my West Coast bestie, her husband, and her cousin//my friend Michelle. To say that we had an epic girls trip doesn’t do our journey justice. Can’t wait to come back!
 
Now to adjust back to EST and work… blah. Next vacation? An 8-day cruise in June. Can’t come soon enough! Anyone else have any fabulous vacations coming up?
 
Have a lovely week, y’all!
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32 thoughts on “Hey, West Coast: Adventures in LA, California”

    1. [email protected] Post author

      I'm so jealous of anyone who goes/went to Pepperdine. That campus is unreal. And yes, you have to! It's such a fun and lively place. Hope you're having a fabulous week!

      xo,
      Steph

      Reply ↓
  4. Sheila Simmons

    When I went to visit my girlfriend,Iin LA, was surprised because we had to wear a sweater at night. It was summer time. How does the nightlife compare to Orlando nightlife?

    Reply ↓
    1. [email protected] Post author

      I was so surprised… it was literally freezing at night! The nightlife is actually similar; there's just a lot more traffic in LA. I prefer LA during the day (there are SO many gorgeous things to do and see) and Orlando at night. Hope you're having a great week!

      xo,
      Steph

      Reply ↓

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