Last Minute..
Nothing like a little last minute trip to Hawaii. And when I say last minute, I mean I'm here with nothing but my purse, cell phone and ID. And I'm surprised I managed to grab those with the 25 minutes I had to catch the plane. Thankfully, the girls had a bit more time before their flight and threw a couple of extra items in their suitcase for me.
I'm thinking I could really get used to this kind of travel though... Maybe I'll start a new blog called the "Bagless Traveler" haha. I'm an "overpacker" in every since of the word so not having two suitcases with me at all times is extremely foreign but this whole no stress about what I should wear and the no make-up thing is really growing on me. I feel so much more relaxed and stress free this way. Whereas the thought of not having my belongings with me before would have given me an anxiety attack. Sometimes you just have to step outside the box and try something new. And as hard as it might sound, I highly, HIGHLY recommend taking a trip at some point with absolutely nothing. You'll thank me later... ;)
Anyways the girls and I have been working and shooting for the past three days and have made time this afternoon to enjoy the beach and go for a little surf. Then we catch a redeye to Vegas tonight where we'll be for a total of 6 hrs before hoping back on a plane to LA. Xx
Dress - Alexis
SF
Today I'm in San Francisco visiting my friends and family… The weather is unusually warm for this time of year here but I'm loving every minute of this endless sumer we've been having. My friend Jessica and I are down on Valencia Street right now, which is well known for it's collection of top restaurants and cafe's in the country and we're on the hunt for the best vanilla latte in town.
Here's my outfit for today. My essentials for this winter: over-the-knee boots paired with a comfy, oversized cardigan. Xx
photos by Jessica Raskin
Sweater - Tigerlily | Pants - Joe's | Boots - Sam Edelman | Purse - Céline | Sunglasses - Ray-Ban
New Found Love
Australia has such a unique fashion sense that clearly distinguishes them from the rest of the world. If there was one word to describe their style it's effortless.. Followed by fearless and sophisticated. Three words every woman should keep in mind when getting dressed or when adding to her wardrobe. FYI.
Although I have a love and appreciation for all fashion, I feel like I've found my nitch with Australian designers. Kind of like that feeling you get when you finally find the perfume that embodies who you are, like it was specially made for you. Yeah. That feeling. One of those designers is Alice McCall. She's created a collection full of modern pieces that will never go out of style, find a special place in your heart and end up permanently residing in your wardrobe.
Today I've featured one of my favorite dresses from their line.
Photos by Devin Brugman
Dress - Alice McCall | Shoes - Billini | Sunglasses - Ray-Bans
Sydney
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are enjoying the New Year! The girls and I have been busy, busy since arriving back in Sydney. We only have a few glorious days left here before heading back to LA but we still have a lot of work to get done. Hoping to fit a massage in here before the 12 hour flight home :) hehe. Here's a few shots of my outfit from today. Boy am I going to miss this tan and warm weather….XO
photos by devin brugman
Shorts - Dream Monstar | Shirt - Tigerlily | Flannel - Rails | Purse - Céline | Shoes - Michael Kors | Bracelet - Coordinates Collection | Sunglasses - Ray-Ban
Merry Christmas
Well, the girls and I decided to extend our trip here in Byron because the weather wasn't cooperating with us on the days we planned on shooting. No complaints on this end though, we were more than willing to stay and spend Christmas in this beautiful place! We wrapped the shoot this morning, had a nice Christmas lunch with Tash's family, exchanged gifts and then headed straight to Wategos for a surf session. Now we're home packing our bags and early tomorrow morning, we're heading back to Sydney. Thank you Byron for the amazing memories and thank you Raes on Wategos for the heavenly accommodations! We'll be back soon Xx
Byron Bay
We have officially made it to Byron Bay and we have yet to leave the beach. The second we arrived at the house from our 10hr drive, we literally dropped our bags, threw on our bikinis, and headed straight for the ocean and we have been here ever since...
There's something so peaceful about this town. I've never felt such an overwhelming feeling to be relaxed before. It's as if you don't really have a choice, you're just forced to leave all you worries and stress behind. It's quite strange. I mentioned it today to someone and the reply I got was a very casual, "Oh yeah, that's completely normal here. There's something in the air that will force you to be carefree and calm. You just have to go with it." Well guys, with that being said, I've only been here for a two days and I'm already convinced that I could live here a lifetime. So if this is the last you hear from me, I think it's a safe bet where you'll find me. ;)
But seriously, we have seven more wonderful days to go in this paradise and a nice swell is about to roll through here so I'm more than excited about that. Aside from shooting over the next few days, this next week will consist solely of salty hair, sandy skin, zero make-up and the occasional application of sunscreen.
This. Is. Heaven. People.
Australia
After a 9 hr flight from Maui, I've made it safe and sound to the "land down under." The girls and I have been running around Sydney, visiting Tash's family in beautiful Bondi Beach, shooting and getting some last minute Christmas gifts for everyone. Tomorrow morning we wake up early and start our 10 hour road trip to Byron Bay and then up to the Gold Coast.
See you all there!
Until Next Time..
I feel like I've just arrived yet my trip is already almost over… Maui has a very unique way of making you never want to leave the island. I mean, I've extended trips here for weeks on end in the past and never have I gotten the feeling that I've had enough. Maybe it's because there's so much to see and do but after years of coming here, you'd think there would be nothing left to see... I don't know what it is, but I do understand why so many vacationers come here and never leave. And maybe someday I'll be one of those people but for now, it's time to go again. With that said, I'm off to Australia tomorrow for an entire month and that makes leaving here a little bit easier.
Now, it's time to turn off my phone, go for one last surf and spend the rest of my time with family.
See you guys in Australia!
Honokohau
Coconuts + Palm Trees
Today my mom and I spent most of our hours bonding through baking in the sun and eating lunch plate but in the middle of that, I met this man. Before I get started, let me just say, I don't know what it is, but ever since I was young, people of all ages/cultures will seek me out of a crowd and share their stories with me. I absolutely love it because I get to learn about all these different souls and their cultures. I feel like through hearing their stories I always discover something new about myself.
Anyways, I knew right away there was a lot to learn from this man. He is the definition of a naturalist. He has a unique ability to connect with the environment surrounding him, whether it be the behavior of animals or why the currents change in the ocean, he really understands it. But beyond all that he has developed a deeper knowledge and appreciation for life by stripping away what "man has created" and really experiencing the raw beauty of untouched land and wild animals.
Listening to his stories and seeing photos of his journeys was incredibly inspiring. He asked me if I wanted to go for a swim in the ocean and of course, I was hesitant at first because really, I had just met him and I think he could sense that… so he then proceeded to explain to me how life as a whole is a risk. Every time I step foot in the ocean, yes something can go wrong, no matter what I do, there is always risk. Meeting someone you don't know, thats a risk too. But you have to trust that the experience and what you'll take from it will be worth it. You can't live in fear because that'll cause you to miss out on something potentially beautiful and life changing.
After all that, how could I not get in the ocean!? We went for a swim and he began explaining to me all these facts about the water, the currents, all the way down to the amount of salt in the water. Key information if you ever find yourself in a bad situation out there. He also spoke about how if you respect nature and its creatures, it will show you the respect in return but the key is to always remain at ease because it senses when you're not and that can get you into trouble.
In the middle of all this, a school of dolphins, no more than 30 yards from us, surfaced and started jumping high out of the water. They were doing flips, spins, and pretty much everything you would see at Sea World, but instead they were in their own element. Now, I've seen plenty of dolphins in the wild before but never have I seen them like this. It's corny to say but it was really a magical experience. Solidifying everything we had just spoken about.
With that said, I'm extremely thankful for the people who come into my life for whatever amount of time it may be that are willing to share their stories with me and for the people I have yet to meet. There's so much to see and experience here. Everyday you can learn something new about yourself through someone else if you choose to. Just open up your mind to it and it will find you.
Mandela
Yesterday we took a little drive up to the north shore. Only very few people live on this side but there's something really magical about this part of the island. From the vibrantly green mountains, to the rocky cliffs and a few white sand beaches in between this place has a unique way of making you feel welcomed by it's organic nature.
While we were visiting, I heard news of the passing of Nelson Mandela and found it to be very ironic that I had run across this natural heart engraved rock at that time. Mandela was symbolic of freedom and equality and has taught us that it is possible to create a lasting change through first making the change within ourselves. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” This courageous man has influenced not only his nation but the world. May we strive to continue his legacy and never forget what he stood for.
Open your hearts and share the love..
“There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
May he rest in peace.
Aloha
Yesss! It feels so good to finally be back on Maui. My family and I decided we were all well overdue for a visit and what better time to get away from the cold weather! Usually I'm home every year for the holidays but this year I'll be on the road until March so, thankfully, I'm able to be get a little quality time in with them before leaving.
Looks like it's going to be a VERY warm Christmas for me! :)
Minutes after landing, we jumped straight into the car and headed to my favorite restaurant in Paia called the Flatbread Company. I hate to admit but I ate an entire one of those flat breads to myself… hehe.
A lot more photos to come the rest of the week and then I'm off to the "Land Down Under" for the holidays! Stay tuned! Xo
Getaway
Sometimes you just need to getaway from the hectic hustle and bustle of LA for a day or two to reset and luckily Palm Springs is only just a short drive away. So Natasha and I decided to spend a few relaxing days poolside at the Parker hotel for a little R&R. We will surely be back again soon!
Napa
This past week I took a little mini vacay up north to visit my family.. Most of my time was spent in Tahoe but I made the short drive to Napa to visit with some close friends, hit up my favorite restaurants and stock up on wine, of course! ;)
You all know how much I love organic eating and supporting businesses that support their local community right... Well there's a restaurant in St. Helena that covers both of those bases called, Farmstead. It's become a staple on my list of favorite restaurants. The entire menu is "farm to table" and all of their ingredients are from local farmers around the valley. Their beef comes from their own 'Long Meadow Ranch' so you know that it's "all natural grass-fed." Also, their eggs, fruits, olive oil, vegetables, vinegar and honey come straight from their farm as well and is 100% organic and sustainably produced.
I recommend requesting a table outside in the garden if available. The atomosphere is cozy and inviting.. A place you'll want to sit, relax and drink wine in all day!
San Fran
What a beautiful day it was in San Francisco today! I got to catch up with my dear friend Jessica and have lunch at one of our favorite cafe’s here in the city. I’m here for two days and tomorrow I plan on doing a little site seeing/shoppig with my mama! I’ll have plenty more photos for you guys here soon but now we’re off to dinner!
