Catalina Island

The other week we ventured off to Catalina Island, Hollywood's Magical Island. Unlike Hollywood, this is no facade, the water is crystal clear, stunning Spanish architecture and untouched landscape, Catalina is an island paradise! 

As soon as we got off the ferry, checked into the Snug Harbour Inn, we wanted to venture around the island. We went and rented golf carts  (the main form of transportation on the island) and started climbing the hills of Avalon. On that day, the clouds were rolling in thick, so once we were up higher we couldn't see the town, instead we had a magical view as good as one from a plane. It was so fun putting around in the golf cart, pulling off to the side on the road whenever we wanted to take in the view. 

Avalon hidden by cloud

My head is in the clouds, as they would say

I picked this vintage dress up, only 2 days before the trip for a total bargain!

While on Catalina, we stayed at the Snug Harbor Inn which was an absolute pleasure! This quaint hotel only offers six rooms, each designed differently staying within coastal style. I didn't want to check out of our room, I grew too fond of the fire place, comfy bed , and having breakfast brought to the room. 

Tea, coffee, juice, yoghurt, muesli, fruit, fresh banana bread...food coma...back to bed.

On our last day, I convinced Josh to join me on a tour to the top of the island in a 1955 bus. I was more sold on cruising around in the vintage bus than the tour itself, but was excited to venture up towards the top of the island which is all held under conservation, leaving it only accessible by tour. The road up was a small, windy dirt road, which at times had me feeling nervous as I looked down the side to a steep drop. It was all worth it though for the view over the rolling hills and  ocean were breathtaking, we even spotted a huge bison (buffalo) roaming around. 

Josh was definitely a pilot in his past life

At the very top of the island, stands the Catalina Airport. The smallest airport I have ever seen, but the only airport I have ever seen with such a nice view. We stopped here for a snack, and watched the small private planes take off and land. 

The Catalina Airport

View over the bay as we heading back into Avalon from the tour

Josh & I loved this house, would love to recreate something similar one day

Catalina Island, is so far my favourite spot in SoCal, and should never be missed! I am so surprised at how many people who live in Los Angeles have never been, it is so worth the visit, even if only for a day trip. I certainly hope I'll be back!
                                                  With love, 

In Hollywood

With Love

San Diego Getaway

Last week we found two days spare and decided to have a little getaway in San Diego.

Given that San Diego is not far at all from Los Angeles, and it was on my 'Top 3 List' of places I wanted to visit when I moved to America, I was very excited. We managed to align our weekend away with the San Diego Big 3 swap meet,which left me having to do little-to-no convincing that it was a great idea to Josh. Friday morning we departed, with a bag packed, cash to spend and snacks for the road. Given it was our first time driving south of Long Beach, we decided to drive down Highway 101- which runs alongside the ocean. This route sent us through beach towns we didn't know existed, but we sure are glad we found! Two small beach communities that I loved were Carlsbad and Encinitas. Both had the relaxed lifestyle that beach towns should offer, with everyone out walking dogs, soaking up the sun and having coffee. 

I hope this is exactly how my retirement will look

After a roadside stop, we continued on to La Jolla where we planned on having lunch. La Jolla was  the main reason for me wanting to visit San Diego so badly. All I had known about this town was that it was home to the beautiful La Valencia Hotel, and seals...sold! I am happy to report that La Jolla did not disappoint, the sun was shining, La Valencia was glowing and the ocean was sparkling. All the driving had left us both starving, so we stopped for a sangria and some fish tacos. After lunch we wandered down to La Jolla Cove, where all the seals were sun baking on the rocks, with little smiles on their faces- so cute! Seals would have to be my second favourite animal to a dog, they are just the sweetest things. 

La Valencia Hotel 

In the afternoon, we went to Old Town for a sunset stroll, some drinks and churros. I loved all the souvenir shops in Old Town, they sold everything from Mexican blankets, to beautiful serving dish sets (perfect for taco Tuesdays), and the Spanish style home numbers. 

Beautiful succulent gardens, with tiny birds hiding in amongst the greenery. 

Balboa Park

On our second day in San Diego, we spent the afternoon in Balboa Park before we had to head back to LA, I wish we stayed longer! It was so lovely to spend time in a park, with beautiful gardens, it made me realise how much I miss lush grass and being surrounded by greenery. Balboa Park has so much to offer, housing twelve museums, lovely ponds with handsome ducks floating, and stalls selling ice cream and bicycles you can hire to explore on. The only thing I would do differently on my next trip to Balboa would be to allow more time, and pack a picnic lunch. All I wanted to do while we were there was sit on the grass, and enjoy an antipasto platter. 

Took this photo for my Grandmother, Dawn who orchids always remind me of

San Diego was beautiful, I cannot wait to go back!

With love