We just got back from an almost two week trip to California, and we really went all over this time! We came out for work — a project Neal is working on and can’t share too much on just yet, as well as some strategy coaching on our own business. We had a good mix of work and play, going everywhere from Palm Springs, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, LA/Beverly Hills to Malibu! Most of these places we visited for the second time and some were totally new, so here were some of our faves…

Huntington Beach, California

We stayed with our friends (the Gross fam) who live in Huntington as Neal was working with our friend Craig’s son on a project (that took them eventually to Joshua Tree to shoot). We met Craig in a mastermind he runs that helps us with our business. It was so cool to be opened up to their beach life and family, really such sweet people and kids. Neal and I love seeing how people do family, as we’d like to start our own one day. Of course I fell in love with their puppy Churro! Their condo was right across Pacific City (lots of cute shops and restaurants) and the beach. Last time we stayed at The Pasea (right across the beach) if you’re looking for a nice hotel for your stay.

Two of my fave spots were Lemonade (for of course, lemonade), but they also had great food. Banzai bowls (for delicious acai bowls) were a hit as well!

 

 

 

Sweet little Churichka (my balkan name for Churro)!

The best acai bowls…

Joshua Tree, Palm Springs

Neal and the crew went up here to a house they rented for the video shoot and I met up with them a few days later. Got to hang out and watch him do his thing which was really cool. He’s always supported my passions, and I loved seeing him fully pursue his! Can’t reveal too much, but you can follow @nolangross for more to come *wink*

Other than cool shots in Joshua Tree, my time there was short lived (we did go through a Del Taco drive thru for dinner lol) but I LOVE Palm Springs (I’ve done blogposts on it here).

*Clues*

Right outside the airbnb were all these cool art installations and mirrors so I took advantage for a little fashion shoot with these leopard pants I got during the Nordstrom Sale!

Sunsets in Joshua Tree are so pink and epic!

Orange County Fair

This was such a fun day! I had never been to a fair in the US before or of this scope, so of course we had to try all the bad food and play games. I opted out of the rides (nope, aint about that). If you’re ever in Cali during the time the fair is on, definitely go check it out!

Los Angeles, California

I’ve been to LA a few times (full guide of places I’ve loved and been to here) but in all my times here I’ve never been to The Grove (a cute shopping area). Definitely worth a trip there if you’ve never been and like to shop! We also stopped by Jeni’s ice cream (I’ve only had it in Nashville) and their flavours are delicious!

Tacos at The Farmer’s Market (at The Grove) were so good (Trejo’s Tacos is the place).

We went up to The Ranch in Laguna Beach for two days with our friends and I don’t have any photos from there because we were just completely present and checked out. You can check out the place here. Really beautiful escape and it’s named a National Geographic “unique lodge of the world.” On the way back to Huntington we stopped by the Sawdust Festival which was cool to shop around the vendors. I picked up this “Count Your Blessings” print I thought was so beautiful!

The Rose Bakery Cafe had the most delicious veggie sandwich I have ever had – highly recommend if you’re in Newport Beach! We made a pit stop on the way to Laguna.

Malibu, California

I had never ever been to Malibu so even though traffic is brutal and it was quite far from Huntington Beach, we still made the trip to check it out! I loved this area. We had the best meals at Malibu Farm and Nobu, took in the scenic beach views and got a few cute Cali souvenirs from the Surfrider shops…

 

I am still dreaming about the frozen rosé!

 

 

 

Delicious drinks, food and views at Malibu Farm.

 

Finally got to experience Nobu malibu (the sushi was incredible) and loved the view of the water!

Can’t wait to share more of what came out of our time in California and to get back to regular scheduled blogging! xoxo