Hello Beautiful soul!
Insomnia is kicking in for this post. And, it’s been about a week since my second excursion in LA. You can read about the first one here. I wanted to take some time, sort my thoughts & really digest the experience. I have to take time to process ish, partial explanation to why I require time to myself - I really intend no harm & sincerely mean well - if otherwise is felt, communication is key. * Peace Is required *
Woman, Mother, Creative
This trip was basically an ode to SELF. A reminder to bask in the glories of God; mentally, spiritually, physically, financially - in that order. For me personally, I can get caught up in the mundane of day-to-day strength & struggles. Balancing healthy connections with self & others. Especially the worries & wisdom of motherhood + the need to create, express & simply BE.
You know the vibes, continue for the specifics.
Besides snagging a round trip ticket with American Airlines for $97 I couldn’t pass that up. Plus a downtown AirBnB for 3 nights at $600 - well worth it for amenities + location. Mind you, I knew what I was getting into so I budgeted $900in spending money (more than I needed - saved the rest), transportation included. Rent a car if you can though, it’s ideal, I preferred being chauffeured via Lyft.
So here’s the deal; I write off experiences like this as “business development” for my taxes [travel, meals, entertainment + expenses]. (I am no financial guru, I do what works best for my lifestyle. Feel free to refer any accountants in the comments - it may help me or another growing business.)
Ok so boom, I had an itinerary in mind. I tend to travel for food, fashion & fun. So I planned:
Day One (Saturday)
Went like, checked in, and got settled, walked next door to Higher Livin Smoke Shop + Glass Gallery for some essentials. Then headed to taco man for some nourishment. It was Netflix & chill from there, all within a 10 mins lil’ stroll. Talk about clutch!
Day Two (Sunday)
I love visiting places and feeling like a local so I knew I would return. Can I tell you about the 3 hour time difference that literally bought me to life? West coast vibes are just what I needed to combat the East coast blues. On another note, I saved Runyon Canon as a must-do when I return and started my day with a nice hike. I haven’t been as active in the gym as in the past. But that hike was everything! The views, the people (I’m big on culture) so refreshing to be out, physically freeing appreciating God’s work.
Then, remember the Airbnb amenities? The gym was too legit, mentally though I wasn’t there, still basking in the beauty of the hike. So I chose the hot tub instead with a leisure read. I’m talking hammocks, firepits just a cozy corner to collect my thoughts. I put all those quarantine outfits to use that weekend lol.
So check it, I’m a foodie. I took my time painting my canvas to good music and city views. Feeling good, living better I hopped in the Lyft and headed to a familiar town, and landed at a quaint eatery called Cafe’ Gratitude. Not only was it recommended Shout out to Keith, the food was healthy & clean + the menu items were named as positive affirmations. Praise be for the subtlest of reminders.
While eating I felt a nudge to check Eventbrite for any happenings that night. What do you know, the Laugh Factory hosted a hilarious lineup just 15 mins away, $25 well spent and in for the night I went.
Day Three (Monday)
The day started off really dreary & gray. I walked downstairs to Dunkin and grabbed a coffee and bagel. I don’t mind home stops like that to save some coin throughout the day. Whole Foods & CVS were on opposite corners as well. I needed a cure from the night before it was that lit, a much-needed exhale.
But yea, I had been in contact with the Airbnb experiences host for an Instagrammable Photoshoot in LA -they send you recommendations when you book. Due to the weather, I honestly didn’t think it was gonna work out. We text throughout the day, very professional & timely. I lounged around, checked some emails & made some phone calls. By then clearer skies pushed through, so I dressed, sent some texts, and got into some content creation assignments from Beverly Hills to Melrose who would have thought? I must say the delivery exceeded my expectations.
My people Leevy back home peeped the content & sent a dope eatery my way called Cha Cha Chicken over in Santa Monica. I knew it was my last moment of the day so I headed over. A divine menu of Caribbean cuisine with Latin fusion. Baybee! Talk about soul fed. I was tapped on that note & headed to pack.
All in all, my shares of content are not a humble brag or boast. It is a genuine extension of God’s creation to my reality. I pray to encourage + inspire & leave you with the thoughts of what it takes to manifest YOUR magic. May this be a seed to help you bloom, you water me, I water you - a mutual human resource. Until we read again, you are your muse.
Authentically,
