Most Instagrammable Places Around LA

Most Instagrammable Places Around LA
So you’ve booked your ticket to La La Land-you’re completely ready to go. As you google “awesome spots in LA” you feel the daunting task looming before you.

This city is HUGE.

And there are about 1,000 different ways you can fill your three day weekend and you want to create some awesome content and have a great time.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worried girlfriend, I got chu.

I’ve detailed all the places I went for my LA trip last February so you don’t have to worry complete with exact addresses so you can find htem!

We stayed in West Hollywood near Melrose so most of these places weren’t crazy hard to get to and traffic wasn’t as bad as I expected or heard! Alright, lets dive right in!

1. Paul Smith Wall

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles 2.JPG

I have seen many pink walls in my day and this one is crazy awesome. It gets super packed though, so I would recommend coming early in the morning otherwise there will be a huge line formed outside it. It is also better for lighting and shadows if you come in the morning! Its located at 8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

2. Beverly Hills Hotel

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles 3.JPG

This historical hotel not only has a beautiful aesthetic, but just an amazing vibe and is a staple to the Beverly Hills community. It definitely makes for some amazing photo ops, but I would recommend exploring inside if you have time! It is located at 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles.jpg

3. Rows of Palm Trees in Beverly Hills

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles 9.JPG

There are not many places you can get rows and rows of palm trees AND the Hollywood Sign in the background! This is one of these unique locations. It is a super quiet residential area so not many people even know this location exists! Quite the find my friends. The location is on Windsor Blvd between 4th and 5th streets.

4. LACMA

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles8

LACMA is stunningly beautiful. The art is phenomenal and definitely makes for some lovely captures! I recommend going first thing because this one gets very crowded as well! It is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Most Instagrammable Places in LA.JPG

5. Venice Beach

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles10.JPG

This is one of the most iconic photo ops in California and it doesn’t disappoint. Tons of people are attempting to get the same capture as you, so keep that in mind, and you kind of have to stand in the middle of the street to get it. I would definitely recommend going in the morning to make this easier. We went at the busiest time though and we still got some amazing shots! It is possible just more difficult! It is located at Pacific Ave & Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

6. Santa Monica Pier

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles 5.JPG

I recommend doing Venice Beach and Santa Monica together because they are so close! Santa Monica has such an awesome vibe. Literally just walking around you’re going to get some awesome captures. I also recommend renting a bike and just cruising! It is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

7. Bluestone Lane Flower Shop

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles11.JPG

If you know me at all you know I love adore flowers and I run on copious amount of coffee! So this place is my jam. Beautiful flowers and an amazing aesthetic. It is located at 8100 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (there are several but this is where we shot).

8. Disneyland

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles 7.JPG

This is such a no brainer! The happiest place on earth is without a doubt going to yield the best captures! If I could go to Disneyland every single day I for sure would! I love love love Disney!

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles 6.JPG

9. The Hollywood Sign

Most Instagrammable Places in Los Angeles 4.jpg

Want a Hollywood Sign pic but maybe not really into hiking?! Don’t worry girl, I got you! Travel up to this location all the way and there will be parking and you just have to walk a short distance to get your capture with the sign! It’s also such a beautiful drive into the Hills of Hollywood! The location is 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068

That’s it girlfriend! That is my overview of all the Most Instagrammable Places around LA! if you have a place that I missed, please let me know! La La Land is such a wonderful place and there are way too many amazing photo ops! These just happened to be my favorite!

LYLAS

Rach

10 Perfect (& Affordable!) Holiday Party Looks

10 Perfect (& Affordable!) Holiday Party Looks

Tis’ the season for holiday parties! Holiday parties are my fave-especially being a plus one! If you’re anything like me-you have a myriad of holiday parties approaching. Some ranging from black tie to tacky Christmas sweater to more conservative work parties. If you’e also like me-you love dressing super classy but-ya girl has a budget. I have gathered all my favorite finds this December to compile this list of all my favorite holiday party looks for every single get together you have this season! And-the greatest news of all-they’re all affordable-the most affordable being $19.90 (wait-what?!) to the most pricey being $118. Hope you enjoy this guide and have a wonderful time at your plethora of holiday parties this season!

Austin Fashion blogger holiday style2austin fashion blogger 9.JPG

Jumpsuit: Forever 21 $19.90     Bag: Tory Burch      Shoes: Top Shop

Austin Fashion blogger holiday style7Austin Fashion blogger holiday style6

Dress: Nordstrom $118     Bag: Tory Burch

Austin Fashion blogger holiday style4

Top: Forever 21 $18     Skirt: Forever 21 $17.90

Austin Fashion blogger holiday style8.JPG

Dress: Nordstrom (Top Shop) $65      Earrings: Kendra Scott      Bag: Madewell

fashion blogger austin 2.JPGFashion blogger austin 1.JPG

Dress: Nordstrom (Lulu’s) $72     Earrings: Kendra Scott

Austin Fashion blogger holiday style10 copy.JPG

Sweater: Target $34

Austin Fashion blogger holiday style.JPG

Dress: Francesca’s    Shoes: Prada

Austin Fashion blogger holiday style5.JPG

Dress: Zara $39

Austin Fashion blogger holiday style10.JPGAustin Fashion blogger holiday style9.JPG

Dress: Nordstrom $100      Shoes: Prada

Austin Fashion blogger holiday style1

Dress: Forever 21 $19.90

I hope that each of you have a wonderful time at all your holiday parties-whether it’s a black tie event or a group of girls in tacky sweaters drinking champagne and playing How Do you Meme or a cozy family get together with your precious nieces and nephews watching Elf and drinking hot cocoa! It’s my prayer that each of you take time this crazy holiday season to rest in Jesus. To take time away from all the parties-to sit and think about how wonderful it is that our Savior humbled himself to live in this world so that we can have a sympathetic God who understands what it is to be human! I also pray that your Christmas season is filled with special memories that you will always cherish. Take time to play silly games with your little cousins and family. Laugh hard, don’t take yourself too seriously-alright?! Instead of getting wrapped up in staging Insta-worthy photos, put your phone down and make real memories! I love you all and hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

 

LYLAS-

Rach

Three Reasons Why You Should Go to Banff

Three Reasons Why You Should Go to Banff

You know when it starts to hit you.

 

You start feeling a little antsy and fidgety. You start dreaming of faraway places and of interesting people with stories you have never experienced. You start scrolling on the Instagram explore page and all the photos of exotic places, ancient buildings, statuesque mountains, breathtaking canyons, or little romantic cobble stone streets are the photos that catch your eye.

 

You start inadvertently packing.

 

But you don’t even have a trip planned.

 

My friend-if you have any of the symptoms listed above-you have wanderlust. Wanderlust is a serious affliction upon those who have a deep desire to see the world, to experience it through another person’s eyes, to be apart of something greater than themselves, to feel small. To feel wonder as you gaze upon creation unable to even comprehend the beauty, the majesty before you. You want to stand before something and have the shocking realization that your eyes cannot drink the whole scene in because the beauty is so startlingly obvious. You want to sit in other person’s home on the other side of the world, share a meal together, laugh about your new experiences, listen to what has shaped their life and realize that although cultures may be worlds apart, we are all tied together by the common human experience. My friend, if you have one or all of these symptoms, continue reading, and if not, continue reading and they will come. There are so many wonderful places I could write about, so many incredible people whose faces are forever seared into the canvas of my mind; I will write about them all soon. But for now, I want to talk with you about why you should take a four-day weekend to the most beautiful place I have ever been: Banff.

 

1. Lake Louise

As you stand before Lake Louise, something happens in your soul. You see the glacier nestled amidst the two towering mountains. You see the rocks scattering the shore, lovers canoeing and taking insta-worthy photographs that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Finally, you gaze upon the waters, the azure waters are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. As your hand touches the water, you feel the chill. The minerals have made this water bluer than any water you’ve laid eyes upon. It’s a different kind of blue-not like a tropical destination-as you look closer you see little blueish white flecks throughout all the water. As you look around you, you encounter all types of people. A family from India is on their fall holiday, a set of lovers from Boston is taking a selfie trying to capture the scenery behind them, and an entire family reunion of 28 bedecked with “Johnson Family Reunion 2018” traipses around the park with a selfie stick. The scene is so interesting-nature bringing together people from all different walks of life to gaze in awe of creation.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Lake louise banff austin travel blogger

2. Lake Moraine

Your next stop is Lake Moraine. You drive down a windey road, you have Mumford and Sons playing (because you’re in the mountains-obviously), and your feet are up on the dash. You are wearing two pairs of pants, a thermal, jacket, raincoat, and beanie. Yesterday at Lake Louise was 75 degrees and you were wearing your Outdoor Voices shorts and a crop top, but now its 35 degrees. You had to be prepared for anything on this four-day trek into the mountains. You pull up into the parking lot. Are greeted by a friendly Canadian guiding the cars. As you begin the walk to Lake Moraine, you begin to glimpse the same azure waters you saw at Lake Louise- but it’s different. It’s a darker hue of blue, more vibrant. You start hiking up to the best vantage point. You make it up there. Beauty surrounds you. Six sister mountains jut up behind the waters. It’s morning, so a fog still clings to the waters, obscuring the feet of the mountains. As you take in the scene, you hear voices: six British voices laughing. You look over and see three British couples around 55 years old laughing and trying to take photos with their ipads. You walk over and take their photos, exchange some friendly banter and decide these people freaking rock. They’re hilarious and so friendly. You spend an hour taking in this view, and then decide to hike. You don’t want a pansy hike-you want an intense hike.

Austin Travel blogger banff 7.JPG

austin travel blogger banff 5.JPG

3. Larch Valley

From Lake Moraine you’ve began your first hike of the day to Larch Valley. It’s all uphill the first half so it’s a little slow going. You began to see little mounds of snow as you begin your trek. You wave and say hello to fellow hikers who have already completed the expedition. As you travel higher and higher, you see more and more snow. After what feels like two hours, you are now surrounded by snow, you can see down and see all the trees that were once a vibrant green, dotted with white. You start to see some little animals. Little mountain squirrels pop their heads up out of their snow holes to see who has come to visit. Finally, you reach the valley. Snow is everywhere. It’s like a scene from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. You hear running water. You follow the sound to investigate: you find a gorgeous waterfall energetically gushing through the snow. You have to stop the take some pictures to take with you. As you look at Larch Valley you are in awe. 1. Because yesterday was 75 degrees and today you’re covered in snow 2. The absolute beauty of it is breathtaking.

Travel blogger austin banff2

 

So if you feel wanderlust creeping up on you. If you feel that urge to go, see beautiful places, meet incredible people from all over the world, and ultimately feel small-go to Banff and be amazed and completely in awe of how beautiful creation is. As I looked at Lake Louise, I thought of Revelation 4:6 where God’s throne is described as being surrounded by a sea of glass. I couldn’t help but consider how God’s throne is going to absolutely blow away the beauty that I saw at Lake Louise. I got a tiny glimpse into God’s beauty, creativity, and love as I explored Banff.

 

Peace n Blessings

Rachel

 

P.s. The three places I described are the tiniest peak into what this Canadian National Park has to offer. The people are incredibly kind, welcoming, and gracious. This town is adorable and has tons of cute shops and places to visit. If you’re looking for accommodations, I stayed at The Hidden Ridge Resort. Our favorite place I ate at was Touloulus. I highly recommend both these places! If you have some trails I need to go back and try-please put them in the comments!

 

 

 

Your Three Day Guide to Oahu

Your Three Day Guide to Oahu

First of all-this is a three day guide. My first piece of advice as you board your United flight bedecked with your wide brim straw hat and Hawaiian shirt-is to stay longer than three days. Seriously, just go ahead and extend your flight and hotel right now, because once you land in Oahu you’ll never want to leave. That being said, I stayed three days and it was amazing-but I cried the last day because I really, really didn’t want to leave. Keep in mind, this blog isn’t an exhaustive list of all the epic things to do when you’re in the Aloha state, nor does it touch on Hawaiian culture-this is simply what I did and what I loved!

Where to Stay

travel guide to waikiki oahu hawaiiThere are a million breath taking resorts along the coast of Waikiki, but one gem stands out amongst them all-The Royal Hawaiian. Not only is this a travel blogger’s dream with its pink archways, impeccably tiled floors, and famous pink guava pancakes-it is also a remarkably historic resort. Built in 1927, the 400 room structure was built in a Spanish-moorish style and retains that aesthetic to this day. Today it is known as “The Pink Palace of the Pacific.” As you stand on Waikiki, back towards the ocean, facing the pink palace, you begin to see a distinct difference between The Royal Hawaiian and her peers. They Travel guide to oahu waikikitower above her-sky scrapers, room after room, going as high as possible. Standing in striking contrast, the Royal Hawaiian is demure, basking in her unassuming beauty and historic charm. Needless to say, I 100% recommend staying at The Pink Palace during your time in Oahu. The food is absolutely superb. We tried the Calamansi Butter Poached Lobster Tails, the Pier 38 (azure wood oven roasted fresh fish, fingerling potatoes, asparagus, and white wine butter sauce), The Royal Signature Pink Haupia Cake, and of course Truffle Fries (who doesn’t love truffle fries-amirite?!). I also recommend their breakfast and of course getting the pink pancakes. 🙂

travel guide to oahu north shore waikiki

Aye Sea Turtles

One of my favorite activities was snorkeling with sea turtles. You board a catamaran with 20  other adventurers and embark to sea. You start chatting with the crew and learn that many of them are from the continental U.S. and moved here after college. You’re really jealous of happy for them! As your catamaran ventures deeper into the sea, you look out and see these floating green circles in the water! To your delight, they lift their little heads out of the water and say in a Californian accent, “Duuuuuuude, noggin!” Just kidding about the talking sea turtles lol-but they are seriously so cute. The crew anchors the boat, you’re all given your life vests, snorkel gear, and then hop in the water! There are sea turtles everywhere. You’re so close to one you could reach out and touch it. But instead you snap some pics with your Go Pro because you’ve been warned not to touch the sea turtles. The sea turtle excursion is definitely something I would recommend!

travel guide to waikiki oahu

Get Outside

My favorite activity was definitely the Lanikai Pillbox Hike-its only about 10 minutes away from Waikiki. It is definitely worth the steep hike up the mountain. The hike isn’t that bad-after taking on Banff-honestly anything is easy lol. As you hike, there are crazy, breathtaking views of the azure waters below, and islands in the distance. You gotta do this hike. Also, spend a few hours at the beach next to this hike-its incredible.

travel guide to hawaii oahu northshore

Get a Car and Drive Along the Coast

We rented a car through Turo and it was so easy. We got a mustang convertible and went on a day long adventure! We headed to north shore where the surfing competitions are held (any Blue Crush fans out there?!) and it was incredible. As you venture down the coast, you are sandwiched between the perfectly blue ocean and the lush, looming, green mountains. As we drove through the mountains we played the Jurassic Park theme song -thats where it was filmed! Just driving around and seeing the land is amazing. We also made it our personal ambition to find a really eclectic hole in the wall place. I encourage you find your own place! Sometimes stumbling upon cool places yourself makes it that much more of an adventure!

The most important thing to remember in Hawaii is to take it all in. Don’t spend time Guide to Oahurushing from one thing to the next because some blogger said you needed to do it 😉  Make it your own trip. Linger over views that take your breath away. Get a convertible, blast the music, sing off-key, and enjoy paradise! Go with people you love and experience the magic of the island with the most special people in your life. Most importantly- eat all the pink pancakes you can!

Lylas,

Rach