los angeles, california

Though I’ve been to la la Land a number of times before, I’d have to say that this past trip was the most significant, in more ways than one.

The main purpose of this visit was to meet with a few modeling agencies that were interested in representing me in the Los Angeles area. Luckily, the agency that expressed the most interest in me was my top choice as well. I don’t want to give too much away until things are set in stone, but exciting news coming soon!

​Another big reason why I knew I had to book this flight was because I was long over due to visit one of my best friends, Maddison, who moved out to LA almost a year ago with my other close friend Rachel. It was so nice spending quality, bestie time together with them and catching up on life! 

I had two agency meetings set up on my second day in town and I knew the day was going to be a long one. Thankfully, I was able to coerce Maddie into keeping me company and playing my stage mom for the day. (Love ya Madds)

We started the day at a café that was recommended to us by a local. He told us Coral Tree Cafe was the spot; he was right (thanks elevator stranger). We shared the Farmers Market Vegetable Scramble and Almond Crusted French Toast (pictured above). Both were so yummy and totally hit the spot. P.S. For anyone wondering about my vegan diet transition- I’m still eating eggs and seafood. Full blog post coming soon!

On our way to a friends place, we noticed this adorable house covered in flowers and vines. It may or may not have turned into a full-blown photoshoot. 

It’s funny, I’ve always had this distant vision that one day I’d be driving down the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) in a convertible, blasting good music, with good people, loving life. I can’t help but think that I had manifested this exact moment and without much effort or thought, it came to life. Maddie’s mom came into town to visit and celebrate her birthday. In the spirit of celebrating, she rented a convertible BMW and we thought what better way to spend the beautiful day than to drive up the coast? 

Along the way, we made a few pit stops, mostly to stretch but also for those spontaneous photos opts. 

​This day felt particularly special because I hadn’t seen Maddison in such a long time and it was so nice to get that girl time in. Flash back to about 16 years ago- we were playing dress up in her backyard and she was my first sleepover ever!!  These type of friends are like rare gems so I keep her close to my heart. 

We ended up driving past the coast and into a small little town called Oija (pronounced “Oh, Hi”). After walking around for a bit we spotted a Kombucha Bar, Revel. At this point, we were ready for a snack break and this looked like the perfect fit. 

By no means am I a Kombucha expert; I knew it was good for your digestive system so I had tried it a few times(health and stuff right?). The server explained that they serve a special Kombucha called Jun Kombucha, which is made with Green Tea and honey rather than vinegar and sugar. The taste was a lot more delicate and didn’t have that vinegary punch. We ordered two tasting flights and I couldn’t get enough of it! The different flavors ranged from things like “Pink Moment”-blend of hibiscus ginger & orange zest, to “Blue Moon”-infused with Ojai lavender & Summer blueberries. So so yummy. 

This little spot is also known for their Açaí Bowls and of course we couldn’t turn it down. This was the first time I had an Açaí Bowl made with Açaí sorbet rather than a smoothie texture. I fell in love and am now on a mission to find a place in Miami where they make it like this! 

After our tasty snack break we hit the road again. 

On our way back south, we stopped by El Matador Beach, which is well-known by locals and a hell of a find for tourists. I did a photo shoot at this beach a few years ago during my first visit to LA and it is still one of my favorite shoots till this day, so this spot has a sentimental place in my heart. Pics from the shoot below!

Photographed by @Ayoandrsn, styled by Erika Wheaton, wearing Myraswim.

As we drove down the coast we wanted to find a good place to watch the sunset and end our day. We looked up nearby restaurants on Yelp that had good reviews and found The Sunset. Suiting, right? The food and atmosphere were great. Maddie and I ran out of the restaurant to watch the last minutes of the sun setting on the beach. Perfect ending to a great day. 

For my last day, I played it pretty low key. We had lunch at The Butchers Daughter then drove up to Paradise Cove for drinks and bites on the beach. I really enjoyed the ambience of both locations. Our lunch spot was the perfect green foliage inspiration that I needed- I’ve been saving inspo on my Pintrest trying to add some greenery into my apartment. 

If you asked me how my trip went, my answer would have to be “productive”. As always with traveling, I met wonderful people, made special memories, and was reminded to live in the present moment and just take it all in. Exciting things are on the horizon! Definitely not a good-bye, but a see-you-soon LA! Maybe sooner than you think. 😉

                                                                                                     Love, Liv