adventures

Found: whales off of Marina del Rey

May 26, 2015 by Angela

Weeks ago I found a whale watching deal on living social and have been eager to book a trip ever since. It actually expired so we found one on groupon for Marina del Rey and it did not disappoint! $35 for two people and a three hour trip was well worth it. We saw hundreds and hundreds of common dolphins (their pods can be in the 1000s) and a few humpback whales, and I did not want to go back in. I love the ocean and being out at sea was just constant joy for me. While other people sat and relaxed, I scanned the horizon for diving birds (a sure sign of activity). Once the dolphins spotted us they stayed by the boat for over an hour. As for the whales, I’d seen them from shore a few times (one of my fave reasons to head to the beach in California), but we did get to get closer (though we kept our distance) and see a few at once. These photos aren’t super amazing but keep the bright sun and rocky boat in mind…

Afterward we went down to my favorite spot, Manhattan Beach, for dinner and sunset watching. That also, did not disappoint. Kevin joked that I’m going to be like ‘that’ guy on our tour who kept spouting off (no pun intended!) fun facts about whales the entire time. Clearly a pro. I’m definitely going back. Our Memorial Day adventure was a win.

Found: big bear lake

May 18, 2015 by Angela

This Big Bear Lake recap comes about fifty days too late, but who’s counting? We spent the night there for my birthday and it was quite the change of scenery from your quintessential SoCal life. At first, I was happy to see trees, then I was disappointed that they did not look like trees look in the Northwest, full and dense enveloped in clouds. Then I was happy to breathe in crisp cool air. Then I was cold. But still, happy. Breathing in unmarred air is the best, guys.

We basically did what you do in Big Bear during the offseason: perused gift shops, hiked in the mountains, explored the lake but didn’t go on or in, saw a little snow but not much, not quite winter, not quite summer: exactly that, spring. Cracked a geode (what, does not everyone do this?), posed with an enormous pinecone and then traveled home with said pinecone in tow.

A sunset dinner by the lake.

First hike of spring.

Awaiting my coffee, eagerly.

Speaking of cabins, I like my new apartment, but (always a but with me, I’m aware), I’m getting a springy case of cabin fever and would love to take off right about now. I’m waiting until the kitties feel comfortable enough (they’re used to the apartment now, but I’d like to be sure), and then I think a night or two away is in order. A perfect thing to dream about on a Monday I think.

LA Arts District + VSCO film

April 27, 2015 by Angela

Last week Charity and I headed down to the Arts District for a quick sunset shoot. The images ended up being a test run for both of us with the VSCO film starter pack for Lightroom. I think we might’ve covered every filter here… Exactly why I had to pause using VSCO on my Instagram for awhile–I’m too indecisive to be given the option of 20+ filters!

Photos of me by Charity and vice versa. More on her blog.

Spring Style + Melrose Flea

March 29, 2015 by Angela

Remember when I used to blog? March has been a little crazier than expected. First, I’ve worn heels twice this month which is generally a once a year type of activity for me (yes, activity is the correct term here). Then, I caught a super bad cold. Being a freelancer, I was able to neglect work during that week, and being a freelancer, I had to make it all up the next week. We also got accepted for a new apartment, so we’re moving to a new neighborhood soon. Basically, lots of ups and downs. So the other weekend I dusted myself off, spent a good twenty minutes brushing out all the knots in my hair (the above photo is a very rare knot-less time for me, you should see it now!), and headed to the flea market, farmers market, and Alfred Coffee on Melrose. What fun.

Forever flats.

Top: Thrifted / Skirt: Foreign Exchange / Shoes: Aldo / Bag: Thrifted / Coffee: Alfred

Discovered this little stall at the farmers market… If only I hadn’t just stopped off at Lowe’s 🙁

Took home a bunch of roses and a couple pretty necklaces.

How’s your spring so far?

found: Hancock Park, Los Angeles

March 10, 2015 by Angela

The first photos I take with a new camera are always a little less frame-worthy, a little ordinary, like trying to see the same things I always see from a fresh perspective. Details. I always want to capture the details. On this joyous occasion… Our first evening walk with the new camera in hand… We wandered LA’s Hancock Park for a bit (a historic, wealthy neighborhood lined with oversized houses and a few too many green lawns). Then we stumbled into Larchmont (because, Salt & Straw) and continued our walk in the other direction.

Last week, LA’s March felt like Seattle’s May. Crisp and cool with hints of spring. I realized no matter how different the weather here is than basically anywhere else, those hints at new life aren’t lost.

What have you been up to? Any adventures lately?

Dress: thrifted / Sunglasses: boutique in Los Feliz / Backpack: Moorea Seal

found: Palm Springs, California

February 23, 2015 by Angela

Kevin and I took off to Palm Springs + Desert Hot Springs the other week. It was a beautiful two days away that could’ve easily been marred by a migraine that lasted almost the entire time I was there. Luckily we were already in a desert oasis, so I took solace in the shade…

After some unwinding, we got ready for dinner and the street fair.

Sometimes you pop in to a shop just for a second and end up with every single thing you try on and it’s definitely okay because you aren’t feeling well, right?

Things were a bit better health-wise the next day, so we perused all the shops on the main strip.

I didn’t originally think I’d be crazy about Palm Springs. I am more of a beach lady. But it’s one of those “Is this real life?” experiences, thinking of all the people who actually live there and dedicate their lives to all things palm trees, midcentury modern, and desert paradise. I am also not exactly desert obsessed, I am more Northwest. But it’s such a different landscape I start to think about the other wonderful things I’ve yet to see, if this is something we can pick up and head to on any given Saturday. Being away from the city didn’t really click until, while wandering about our resort hotel paradise, we discovered hummingbird nests and baby birds (do you know how small baby hummingbirds are?!), felt the breeze, and watched the sun set behind the hills.