Look Up at the Stars

I'm really into star patterns right now. I think it's because they are so natural and mystical, and each one is unique. The blues and silvers are so intense and fill me with a sense of curiosity. This site has a ton of galaxy photos, and I'm amazed how some products manage to capture the pattern.

Necklace, pouch, iPhone case

Live every day like it's your last in that city

Once we committed to moving to Portland, we pushed the LA kickin it into high gear. We hung out on the roof more and were still in awe of the view. We went to the beach countless times to walk around, ride bikes and try new restaurants. We had dinners with friends and laughed until our cheeks hurt. We went out for late night drinks and talked about how awesome our LA life has been. We discovered places right around the corner, like a tapas bar and a bead store, that we wish we would have gone to years before. We were more outgoing and quicker to say yes to things. I finally felt comfortable enough to go out with no makeup on. A drive in traffic across town didn't seem like a huge daunting task anymore. Weekends were no longer a time to rest. Our friends have shown nothing but love for us as we prepare to move home. My college friends organized a farewell dinner for us at C&O Trattoria, our favorite place by the beach for wine and Italian food. My old coworker met me downtown for brunch at Bottega Louie. Our friends in the building have had about 10 parties in our honor. The people at the Chapman Market gave us free beer. The list goes on. We're going to miss our dear friends here, but they all know there is a place for them to stay when they come visit Portland (most of them have never been). We're so happy with the way our last few months turned out here. We feel like we have fallen deeper in love with LA and we want to come back to visit very soon. I may even become licensed to practice therapy in California and Oregon so we can have the best of both worlds.

Secret Garden

It turns out that if you venture further than the shops on Main Street in Santa Monica, there are some great restaurants and side streets that lead straight to the beach. The best part, though, is the Santa Monica Community Garden. It's perfectly jumbled with random objects and beautiful blooms. I loved the sun-stained pink hose and all the flowers in their original habitat. Now I'm even more inspired to start a garden of my own. 

LA Bucket List

I've got a little over two months left in LA after an unforgettable 6 years. I've really come to love it here and one of the main reasons is because there is so much to do and see. I feel like I've taken advantage of all that LA has to offer, but there are still a few more things I'd like to check off my list before I move to Portland.

-Go to the Getty Villa in Malibu to see the beautiful gardens

-See a modern art exhibit at the LACMA

-Eat at Pizzeria Mozza

-Stroll down Rodeo Drive

-Go to an outdoor concert at the Hollywood Bowl

-Spend the day in San Dimas at Raging Waters water park

-Go to the beach as many times as possible

-Buy tamales from the lady I walk past on my way to work
-Go to Disneyland once more (I used to have an annual pass)
-Go thrifting at the Melrose flea market one last time
-Buy a bookbag for grad school that was handmade right here in LA
-Host another rooftop brunch