Row Boats and The Butchers Daughter; An Afternoon in Venice

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Venice Canals ; Venice, CA

Venice Canals ; Venice, CA

Despite growing up in LA, today was the very first time I have ever visited the Venice Canals. Man-made in 1905, these canals were the architectural brain child of developer, Abbot Kinney, as to recreate the feel and essence of Venice, Italy in Southern California. Though I am sure the authenticity of Venice, Italy remains intact, the landmark's quiet walkways and trickling shoreline makes for a lovely afternoon of relaxation amidst a bustling beach town. 

No two homes are alike in the area. You can spend your entire stroll fantasizing about which unique home best suits you and why! From traditional craftsmans or beachy bungalows, to modern mini-mansions and exotic villas, nothing is cookie-cutter. See for yourself!

We parked locally in the neighborhood with zero constraints and walked right into the area. Total cake! After we worked up an appetite, we decided to head onto About Kinney Blvd. for lunch and some window shopping. We wanted to keep the meal lite and scene bright- enter "The Butchers Daughter." I had originally seen the picturesque restaurant in Nolita, Manhattan but ever had the chance to pop in! Upon remembering there was a Venice location, it was a no-brainer for the perfect healthy lunch spot. With a vegetarian and often vegan menu, the chefs have outdone themselves with everything from breakfast burritos to stone-oven pizzas and fresh pressed juices. 

A couple of refreshing white teas, simple salad and order of sweet and sour Pad Thai (with impressive carrot slaw) later we were fat and happy. The rest of the afternoon was spent window shopping, with the exception of LeLabo. I bought a little Rose 31 for my wrists. 

With Abbot Kinney being just about the hottest real estate on the map right now, you can get lost for several hours between it murals, shops and eateries. It is a real day-date paradise!

Preserve Your Penny:

  • Strolling the canals costs nothing. Though it is a landmark, keep in mind these are still rows of homes to many people. Stay on the sidewalks and enjoy the tranquility. 
  • If dropping an easy $100+ on perfume at LeLabo isn't in the cards at the moment, hold yourself over with a $6 sample of your favorite scent. With these robust fragrances, less is more and a sample can last several months if you are wise with your sprays!

I look forward to the next afternoon I can spend in the area! Who's coming with me?

xx

Sara De

4th of July in Oceanside

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Oceanside Pier // Oceanside, CA

Oceanside Pier // Oceanside, CA

To me, nothing is better than spontaneous trips. Our first Fourth of July back in LA almost came and went without any major plans until our friends Dane and Amy put a sparkler under our booties and we set off together for Oceanside. 

We had just about 24 hours to make the most of our holiday. Board games, smash-ball, crashing waves, new recipes and beach city exploring made for the perfect short but totally sweet mini-vacay.

We strolled the Oceanside strand with warmth on our backs and a breeze at our cheeks. It was the perfect afternoon activity. Next time you are in the area, stop at "That Boy Good" in downtown Oceanside for the best BBQ in Southern California. The Mac and Cheese is out of control and the Louisiana atmosphere is authentic as can be. 

We ended the evening with a cotton candy sunset and a bubbly toast to what was a totally spontaneous, extra special time with the sea.

xx

Sara De

Lovers Lunching at Malibu Farm; Malibu, CA

/ Malibu Farm/

Settling back in to Los Angeles is taking its time. We have returned to LA from the ever entertaining San Francisco, where it feels like every night of the year we could find a new restaurant to try, new bar to visit, or activity to partake in. Obviously Los Angeles, with all of its sprawl, is not going to see a shortage of exciting new experiences. With that - I started to create a list of the many places I am eager to visit as a reinstated Angeleno.

Malibu Farm scored the top spot on my list of eateries with a view. There is no better place to enjoy an idyllic lunch with my favorite guy during this week of love! The food is fresh, local and down right delicious. The cocktails have a zing, while the food is savory and satisfying. I cannot wait to go back! We ate on the gorgeous patio over looking the rippling waves, with a Motown soundtrack overhead. Perfection.

After we stuffed ourselves with insanely delicious food and washed it down with great conversation, we decided to stroll down to the end of the Pier to check out the smaller Malibu Farm Cafe and Ranch at the Pier - a charming store of Malibu-centric knick knacks, fashions and artisanal finds. 

This day solidified the notion of all the special moments I have ahead as a new woman in this city. I am, for the first time, excited about it. 

xx
Sara De

Solo Hiking the Kalalau Trail; Kauai, HI

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Sara hikes the Kalalau // The Nā Pali Coast; Kauai, HI

I had the extreme privilege of getting to travel to Hawaii for work last year. I had never been to the string of islands before and was thrilled to see not just one, but two tropical paradises! With Kauai on the list first, then finishing off with a stay on Oahu, I couldn't wait! In between working hours, I broke out to explore! This was my first tropical adventure and I was keen to make the most of it. We stayed on the North Shore of Kauai in Hanalei! Kauai is a dream land - with one highway wrapping around the majority of the island you see so much between shores. Surfshops, attractions and more can be found closer to the airport in  Lihue, Wailua and Kapaa. The further North you travel on Hwy 56, the more rural the landscape becomes. Hanalei is a special place. Just past Princeville, a swank resort location for honeymooners and celebrity getaways, lays Hwy 560; a stretch of road leading you over the Hanalei Bridge. The Bridge is the reason Hanalei is so magical. No major freight comes over the bridge making everything in the area Hanalei home-grown.  Shops, family grocers, and simple-life leisures hideaway here; no big business can mess with the Hanalei spirit due to the bridges weight limit.  Perfection!

The Where To's:

Where to Grab a Quick Breakfast: Harvest Market Hanalei! In the back of this organic grocery, they have a little ready-to-order window pumping out yummy smoothies for a morning boost. 

Where to See the Best Sunset: Ke'e Beach. Take the trip to highways end and find yourself at this black rock beach. The sunset is golden and the ocean mist glimmering.

Where to Grub after a Long Surf: Chicken in a Barrel BBQ. Nothing like a full plate of fire roasted proteins after that workout!

I wanted to challenge my solo-exploration skills.  I chose to hike a portion of one of Earth's most breathtaking trails. At the dead-end of Hwy 560, past Hanalei, is Ke'e Beach. This beach lines the entrance of the Kalalau Trial. This 22 mile roundtrip, strenuous hike, is known to be one of the top ten "Most Dangerous Hikes in America" and ranked within the top 20 "Most Dangerous" around the world. Do all of your research before hiking the trail and make sure it is a fit for you. Like anything, use caution and know your limits! The trail can be a day adventure for some extremely experienced hikers. For the average hiker with balls, it would be a 2 day trek, enabling you to acquire a camping permit to spend the night in the Kalalau Valley. 

I knew I was not going to do the whole trail. Personally, I ranked my confidence level at a 6/10 when reading up about the steep ledges, flood mishaps, etc. I told myself I was going to go only the distance I felt safest, and then call it a day! In March, you can expect tropical storms. The sun is very choosey during this time of year. Being that I have never been apart of a tropical storm, nor hiked a high-intensity trail in such conditions, I took my time with Kalalau. The sun was at my back, and doom and gloom was straight ahead. The trail winds and curves jetting you out onto cliffs over looking the most crystal blue waters, and veering you back into the greenest, vine woven rainforest. It was a very fickle storm. One minute it was sunny and rich, the next DOWNPOUR. I remember a specific moment of the trail; All alone, stopped under a canopy; the marble sized rain pelting my body. Warm and fresh. It was so surreal. I was in a jungle, listening to storm-sounds above head that only could be created in that moment. Never again. So amazing.

Wiwo’ole  - fearless, brave, bold, courageous, dauntless, intrepid. Hana wiwo’ole, bold or brave deed, adventure. Mea wiwo’ole, intrepid person, adventurer.

I continued on by myself. The ground, moving almost as quickly as I was, became unstable. The mud was thick, but slick. The last 100 yards or so of my journey downhill was assisted by secure vines hanging from the rock ledge above. With a final spill, leaving me on my ass, I decided it was time to head back. I was approximately at the 6 mile mark and I knew that the infamous 7 mile stretch ahead was absolutely not going to be a safe decision for this hiker. With mud up to my ankles, a sore booty and hip, but with so much pride that I had known and tested my limits, I turned back. Very thrilled with myself. 

The rain continued off and on throughout the journey. Families, solo-hikers, elderly folk and more take to the trail each year because of it stunning beauty and appeal; Each understanding the importance of safety and responsibility. The vistas and viewpoints can't be compared. There were several moments throughout my time out there where I stopped and couldn't believe my surroundings. The hike was ABSOLUTELY one of my favorite moments of my life. It comes highly recommended - all with safety in mind, of course!

So tell me, what is your next adventure!?

The NĀ Pali coast from the kalalau trail // kauai, hi

xx

Sara De

A SoCal Day, In NorCal ; Ocean Beach

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In San Francisco, the weather is always moderate. The spring means a comfortable daily temperature that requires a "lite jacket" after sunset. So when the sun glows heavy, the locals head outside - practically to the coast. Shawn and I packed up our blanket, a few snack and beers and made our way to Ocean Beach; Adjacent to Golden Gate Park, just south of The Cliff House and Sutro Baths.

We met a couple of Shawn's school pals to toss the football around and soak up this seemingly SoCal day, in NorCal. The water was its usual frigid cold but the warmth came from the sun-kissed smiles that pepper the shoreline.

We ended our afternoon enjoying a beer with a view at the Cliff House over looking the Sutro Baths; A popular tourist and photography location. The expansive salt-water pools, whom now sit in ruins, serve as an epic backdrop for any hike, beach walk, or portrait session.

The final stretch of the evening was spent winding our way down Highway 1 to grab a casual burger and rootbeer. In N Out burger: the ultimate California Classic to cap the ultimate SoCal style day. 

xx

Sara De