reflections: LA and LV

i truly believe that traveling begins in your city. many people look abroad or look at cities just outside where they live to visit and explore but you can travel within the city where you live. i have lived in 2 amazing cities in california, los angeles and san francisco. prob 2 of the most visited cities in california. millions come from all over the world to visit these 2 destinations and i get to call these cities my home! 

i moved from LA to SF when i was 22 for a job. i was young and i have never been any where by myself let alone lived on my own. it was a bold move but i was determined to conquer my fears and face the unknown. i took every opportunity to make san francisco my home for the past last 9 years. from exploring the city and visiting all the landmarks, historic sites, and museums to living like a local and making my daily runs down embarccadero, grocery shopping at farmer's markets, etc...san francisco has so many hidden gems and i have discovered all of them...well, most them ;) 

one regret i had when i moved to SF was i didn't get to explore the city of angels where i was born and raised. it always left me wondering what it would have been like if i had lived there as an young adult. this past week while visiting, i was able to enjoy 2 exciting adventures: stand up paddleboard yoga in the beautiful marina del rey and hiking to the hollywood sign in gorgeous LA weather! i just LOVE shorts, tank and flip flops kind of day...

my first time doing stand up paddleboard yoga at mother's beach in marina del rey, ca

my first attempt at a headstand (ever)!

jumping for joy bc of the gorgeous weather and amazing hike with one of my oldest friend, wes...we hiked all the way to the top where the infamous HOLLYWOOD sign is displayed

i also had some amazing foodie adventures while visiting and catching up with friends! i am so grateful for all my friendships :)

fusion tea bar's ferrero rocher ice cream sandwich, cerritos, ca

ubatuba's acai bowl, koreatown, los angeles, ca

zero's milk and honey, westminister, ca

nevertheless, LA is AWEsome (except the traffic). it never cease to amaze me. i hope that one day i can explore LA as i have done SF. to know your own city like the back of your hand is where traveling begins! i call LA my home because it is the city my roots were planted...no matter where i go from here i will always come back! 

i want to venture out by just taking a step outside my front door, i want to make every day count, i want to live my life to the fullest bc i am blessed with everything i have in my life...life is beautifully delicious! let's savor every moment...thanks LA! until next time!

one week later...

hello LAS VEGAS!!!

when you think of las vegas, people automatically think the las vegas strip, clubbing, pool parties, raging all day and night with little to no sleep! well, my vegas trip was a little different this time but i got a good dose of the local life AND the party life! 

this was my pool party! swimming at the pool and playing games with my son, issac and then laying out and getting a nice tan...LOVED it!

served the community on FATHER's day by making LOVE bags and distributing them to the "hommies" of las vegas in over 100 degrees temperature! an AWEsome moment was when one of the guys took the tie off the LOVE bag and put it on his shirt...it was a real tear jerking moment!

these are all the food i ate, there were more but i ate the food before i realized i forgot to take pics :\

caesar salad at lark creek grill, san francisco, ca

penne pasta at lark creek grill, san francisco, ca

bbq chicken salad at california pizza kitchen, las vegas, nv

arepa benny at makers & finders coffee, las vegas, nv

ice cream sandwich at sprinkles, las vegas, nv

warm coffee cake at the cracked egg, las vegas, nv

cordon bleu skillet at the cracked egg, las vegas, nv

acai bowl at acai to the t, las vegas, nv

pitaya bowl at acai to the t, las vegas, nv

then i partied at EDC all night and had so much fun! next year, i definitely have to go all 3 days bc i didn't get enough!

arm candies before going into EDC!

dancing with my electric daisy stick! enjoying the music! and happy to dance by myself :)

soaking in all the good vibes and feels with christopher!

i had to spend a day to recover from EDC but before i left, i was able to squeeze in a great workout with the AWEsome running collective, mission I'Mpossible! 

las vegas was fun but it was way too HOT, HOT, HOT! but i will return...until next time ✌