California Love

The last six days I have been chillaxing on the west coast in Los Angeles, CA. It is true what they say; the skies are always crystal blue and the sun is almost always shining. I came to Cali to visit one of my closest friends who is about to embark on her own marriage journey in 12 days. She is getting married in Hawaii and unfortunately I will not be able to attend. So I decided along with two of my other great friends to come out and kick it in the city of angels with the bride - to - be. 

I've had a blast since being out here. I saw the Hollywood sign after an hour hike up Runyon Canon, I went to the world famous Saddle Ranch, saw the walk of stars, and even attended a Carnival (think Toronto celebration of the different carribean cultures and not so much a Ferris wheel) Downtown Hollywood. I also learned that local citizens spend a ton of time in their cars. I also learned that you should always strap up in your seatbelt because LA drivers drive CRAZY!!! 

I visited the Valley, Hollywood, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Pasadena and had a blast at every stop. I visited the fashion district where I purchased my very own selfie stick (which I'm in love with by the way), and a cute cape (which I can't wait to post on the blog). I also bought a few goodies from Forever 21 and Zara which you will get a sneak peak of very soon. Overall out of all the things I got to do, see, eat, or purchase none compare to the priceless amount of time I got to spend with friends from my old stomping grounds, whom I haven't seen in over a year. Hopefully I will be able to catch up with them more often since our 30 Bday's are approaching in 6 months or less! But for now, check out some of my pics, from last six days as I show my California Love *in my Dr. Dre voice*

My view of the clouds

The LA skies from the plane

Fashion District Selfies

1st time using my selfie stick :)

The look when you conquer Runyon Canyon

A slight glance at the Hollywood sign

A brief gorgeous view of The City of Angels from the top of Runyon Canyon

At the Carnival Hollywood parade posing with a girl dressed in native garb

Selfies with my girl at Saddle Ranch

Admiring houses in Malibu

Selfies with the flower child and bride - to - be

Impromptu mountainside photoshoot 

As you can see from brief photo montage I got into a lot while in Cali. Have you ever been to Cali? Do you live here now? Where do you visit when you come? What are your favorite sites to see and food places to eat. Let me know in the comment section below and have an awesome Monday!

Peace, love, and soul,
-Ali

My Trip to NOLA

Over Christmas Break (as us college students like to call it lol) I had the pleasure of 1.) spending time with my parents as well as one of my brothers and his family in Atlanta. It was awesome to spend time with my loved one's to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. I've noticed the older I get the more that spending time with family is super important. 2.) I did something I truly love doing and that is  TRAVELING. I traveled to Louisiana to attend one of my college friends engagement party in New Orleans on New Years Eve as well as visit a host of family members on my husbands fraternal side! I was able to see what all the fuss was about traveling the streets of Bourbon to bring in the New Year. It truly is a unique American city! While seeing everything from horse drawn carriages to oversized beads I wasn't able to get a real glimpse of the charm of this southern city until my awesome husband who doubles as my photographer took me to New Orleans (during the day) for a day of site - seeing. Of course as I went on my excursion my camera died so I was limited on photos. But my photos don't do this one - of - a - kind place justice anyway. It's just one of those places that you just have to experience for yourself.

Outfit Details: Textured Sweatshirt (H&M), Fedora (H&M), Jeggings: old (Target), Riding Boots (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Aviators (H&M)

Makes you want to do a little dance doesn't it. I think these two videos capture the spirit of New Orleans perfectly.

I experienced the sounds (just a random Friday noonday with sounds from violins, tubas, clarinets, washboards, drums and much more), the food (my first Po - Boy and Beignets…as well as a NOLA favorite gumbo), and the sites! I spent a night and day in New Orleans and was very impressed. I definitely will be putting NOLA on my must travel - to list!

What US city is on your travel wishlist? Let me know in the comment section below.

-Ali