Return to Elysian Park

In a follow-up to Not Just a Concrete Jungle, Chad and I return to Elysian Park a few times a month. Each time we go, we find yet another neat spot. We took both Patrick (our pup) and Mason (our friend's dog) on a hike over the weekend and look what we found. The views just keep getting better!

It's a dog's life xo

Escape to Ensenada

 Over the weekend, Chad and I escaped with some great friends for a little fishing trip. My parents have a boat that they keep in Ensenada, Mexico and we just love to drive down for a weekend. There's so much to do and it really feels like a vacation! Take a peek at some highlights over the past few trips... 

Catch of the day!

Our favorite restaurant, Manzanilla.

Swimming with the dolphins

Chad's harbor catch

Fish Market

Most people don't know all that Ensenada has to offer. A couple of hours across the border, there's abundant fishing as well as wine tasting from vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe (our favorite is Cavas Valmar ). Just another reason to love Southern California! 

Going Gold

My best friend celebrated her 27th birthday over the weekend. In honor of her "Golden" Birthday - she turned 27 on the 27th - we decided to "go gold" in Palm Springs. There's nothing like a little poolside fun with some great girls! 

 A glorious golden day! xo

Sail Away With Me...

I really love the ocean in general, but in particular I love boats. There is something so calming about being on the water. While I've spent many a voyage on our family boat in Mexico and Orange County, I had never been out in LA. Last weekend, Chad and I had the opportunity to cruise through Marina Del Rey and it was beautiful... I encourage you to book your own trip and take advantage of the summer sun!  

 *Disclaimer -- I should mention that we were not actually sailing. While I find sail boats to be quite majestic, I have never actually been sailing and it does in fact seem like a lot of work :)

A World Away

The best part of LA is having so many weekend getaway spots. From downtown, we are two hours or less to the desert, the mountains, wine country, mexico, the beach... the list goes on. One such escape is Palm Springs. My best friend and I spent the weekend away at my Grandparent's condo for some much needed girl time! Gotta love the heat...

Water mist to keep cool

We went to lunch at a great hotel called the Colony Palms Hotel (featured above and below). We viewed a room and it was beautiful. If you're looking to book a trip, I would definitely suggest this boutique hotel. 

Palm Springs truly is an oasis in the middle of the desert. Susanna and I beat the heat floating in the pool all weekend. When it's a bit cooler (it was in the 100s!), it's a great place to play a game of golf or tennis. 

Take me Back to Paradise

On our honeymoon, Chad and I drank the most delicious drinks! It was a homemade cocktail that I still just can't get enough of. Perhaps it's the summer heat, or maybe it's the fact that we are approaching our one year anniversary, but my drink of choice has recently been the Pog Punch.  I'm getting ready for a weekend in Palm Springs and I can't wait to sit by the pool sippin' this lovely libation...

To make, you'll need 1/3 dark rum and P-O-G. Which is a blend of Passion fruit juice, Orange juice and Guava juice. And yes, these are actual photos from my honeymoon (lucky me!). Check back in for photos of my weekender..!

Not just a Concrete Jungle

Over the weekend Chad and I discovered Elysian Park. Within walking distance to DTLA and founded in 1886, Elysian is not only the second largest park in Los Angeles, it is also the city's oldest park. Home to Dodger Stadium and other historical sites, Eylsian Park proves the diversity within the city of LA. It boasts hundreds of walking trails with striking views of the city. Not to mention, Patrick (the pup) was in heaven! 

A Petit Escape

Over the weekend Chad and I escaped Downtown and went to West Hollywood to the hotel and private club, Petit Ermitage.  I am completely obsessed with this place. They have an unbelievable art collection and talk about chic.... puh-lease. We sunbathed and enjoyed the afternoon the European way... in style of course!

With much more to offer than just a rooftop pool, Petit Ermitage is the place to stay if you're planning a trip to LA or just want to get away from the hustle and bustle overnight.