A Surprise Malibu Escape

My husband might be the sweetest thing in the world. There is a way he loves that is displayed through the most thoughtful actions. He has been planning a secret trip for months, and it's better than I could have imagined! Any getaway with him is magical, but he also surprised me with my entire family for a weekend in Malibu!Time with my family fills me with so much life and joy! Long walks on the beach, competitive Dominoes matches, baby Kate's first time in the ocean, homemade dinners, lunches at Soho Malibu and Malibu Farm, and lots of laughs created memories for the books!

Sending the biggest hugs to our friend, Natalie Kouzouyan for being his partner in crime to plan this special time and leading us to the most darling cabin right on the sand! P.S. Any of you who are looking for a vacation rental home in Malibu, Rent Dream Villas (http://www.rentdreamvillas.com/) is a lifesaver! With vast local knowledge, they offer baby sitting, grocery delivery, private chef services, event coordinating services, car rentals or personal driver services, personal shopper services, and maid services!

Standing With Confidence

Standing with confidence is such a powerful tool. Being confident in yourself opens doors to possibilities, encourages a state of inner peace, and allows you to be who you are meant to be. My aunt recently bought me this incredible book and the timing could not have been more wonderful. I have been thinking about confidence a lot lately and this book provides great tips on how to stand confidently, think confidently, and live confidently in every aspect of your life.Over lunch the other day, I was telling my aunt how I have recently been feeling a sense of being physically grounded; it is a hard sensation to describe, but basically a sort of heaviness on the ground, not a burdened heaviness, but a sense of being firmly planted on the ground in a strong, stable way.Later that day, she bought me I Want To Be Confident by Harriet Griffey, and as I started to flip through the book I came across this passage in the Physical Confidence chapter: "Stay Grounded. Feel the contact with the ground (or floor) and be aware of how solid, stable, secure, and reliable if feels. Connect with that and this will, in turn, make you feel more secure, stable and confident, up through your body."- Page 55. I was blown away by the timing of reading these words, since it definitely confirmed what I had been feeling! Connecting with the ground in this confident way, will make your body and mind feel confident in its ability to handle whatever might come your way.I believe that it works the other way around as well; as you begin to feel a strengthening of your inner confidence, your physical stance will reflect that strength. Self-confidence is a journey and it naturally has ups and downs, depending on the seasons of your personal life, but the goal is to have an unwavering sense of confidence that cannot be shaken. I am on the self-confidence journey as we speak, and I would love to walk with you if developing inner confidence is something that you are working on, too.Next week we will be discussing spiritual confidence in Part 2 of Standing With Confidence. Until then, we would love to hear your thoughts on confidence in the comment section below. xo melissa

Summer Vibes From Zara

We are feeling all of the summer vibes from Zara right now! Their current editorial page is so good and has us feeling inspired for easy breezy summer days, long summer nights, and clothing that is relaxed, effortless, and cool. Below you will find a few pieces from Zara right now that we are loving from denim to white tops and easy slides. These pieces would be perfect to pack for a weekend getaway, wear to a summer cookout, or just throw on for a day of errands, maybe a coffee date, or market run.

embroidered floral denim

denim skort

top with lace-up back

linen shirt

buckled leather slides

 

gingham mini dress

long dress with exposed shoulders

embroidered high waisted shorts

multicolored shorts

wide open neck shirt

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Green Smoothie Bowl Recipe

Melissa, here! I am sharing a green smoothie bowl recipe that I make almost every morning for breakfast. On the mornings that I don't have this, I have a smoothie drink, plus an english muffin with almond butter (or avocado), or scrambled eggs with turmeric. Since this smoothie bowl is so filling and satisfying, having it is definitely enough for me. It keeps me feeling full and energized throughout the entire morning. Below are the ingredients and directions!

INGREDIENTS

1 frozen organic banana

1 handful of organic spinach

1 handful of organic frozen blueberries

1/2 avocado

1 cup almond milk

1 tablespoon spirulina (I like the one from Whole Foods)

1 tablespoon hemp powder

1 tablespoon bee pollen

1 tablespoon maca

1 tablespoon ashwagandha

1 tablespoon of a moon dust (I have tried beauty and spirit)

DIRECTIONS

Put everything in the blender and blend it up until smooth and creamy! Then top with granola + a scoop of almond butter. It would also be so yummy with fresh berries on top. Enjoy! -M

Clean, Minimal, Summer Makeup

We're all about that summer glow! Wearing minimal makeup in the summer is such a refreshing thing and keeps us feeling light, bright, and fresh. Below you will find Lo's favorite clean, minimal, summer makeup items to achieve that effortless look. We would love to hear your favorites in the comments section! xo

matcha moisturizer

it can be used as a lip balm, dark circle corrector, and a facial highlighter

rms un cover-up

a creamy cover-up to hide blemishes in a light, natural "un covered up" way

kosas lipstick

beautiful lip colors that are lightweight and lasting

foundation

a natural looking foundation made with skin-healing ingredients

bronzer

a bronzer stick that adds color and a healthy glow to your skin

blush/lip color

gorgeous, creamy colors that can be used on the cheeks or lips

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Lo's Favorite LA Restaurants

Hey guys! Today we are sharing Lo's favorite spots in LA for good food, lattes, acai bowls and more. Scroll down for the spots + her favorite things at each place. Send this list to anyone you know in LA or save it if you are considering taking a trip to the west coast. P.S. Reading this will make you hungry, just a heads up! xx

Soho Malibu

(Malibu)

*forbidden rice bowl and the squash soup

The Montage

(Beverly Hills)

*acai bowl with crunchy almond butter

Moon Juice

(West Hollywood)

*matcha pearl and chai tea spirit dust latte

Erewhon

(West Hollywood)

*reishi cappuccino

M Cafe

(Beverly Hills)

*teriyaki bowl and almond milk matcha latte

Pace

(Laurel Canyon)

*the best salmon with sauteed spinach and green beans, vegan soup of the day

Gjelina

(Venice)

*homemade pomodoro pizza

Catch

(West Hollywood)

*wagyu short rib tacos, hellfire roll

Craig's

(West Hollywood)

*spaghetti squash primavera, sesame crusted salmon

Nobu

(Malibu)

*crispy rice spicy tuna, baked hand crab roll, spicy acai martini

AOC

(West Hollywood)

*long-cooked cavalo nero, sweet potatoes, grilled pork tenderloin, arctic char

Son of a Gun

(West Hollywood)

*chilled peel & eat shrimp, fried chicken sandwich, crispy brussel sprouts

The Springs

(Downtown)

*sweet miso salad, spaghetti alla carbonara

 images of Lo via ragdoll LA 

A Constant and Comforting Dialogue

Hey friends! Melissa, here. Today I want to share a spiritual practice that brings me so much comfort and peace. It is something that will help always, no matter what the situation or circumstance is, which is such a blessing! That something is having a constant and comforting dialogue with the Lord. For the life of me I cannot remember where I first heard this, whether it was in Church, Dr. Charles Stanley, in a Judah Smith book, or on Proverbs31, but somewhere along the way a wise person said or wrote that constantly communicating with Jesus throughout your day in a casual, talking-and-listening, informal kind of way, just like you do with a close friend, is a huge part in having a close, trusting, and amazing relationship with Jesus. In the past I would find myself going through my day without intentionally bringing Jesus in during the small, everyday moments. However, by bringing Him in on the big things, the little things, and everything in between, He becomes our focus and friend through everything. Listening to worship music is something else that brings so much comfort and keeps my focus on Him, His love, and His plan. Elevation Worship radio on Spotify is my favorite- it plays a wonderful mix of Elevation Worship, Hillsong United, Bryan and Katie Torwalt, plus many more talented artists. Having worship music play in my apartment in the mornings and evenings while blogging, tidying up, cooking, getting ready is another way to keep my focus on Him while doing other tasks. It creates a peaceful atmosphere, bringing me a sense of lightness and pure joy, free of any doubts or worries that might try to swirl around in my head. Recently I went through a very difficult breakup, and Lo gave me the best advice. I remember her telling me on the phone to just get still, turn on worship music, pray and listen for the Lord. I did just that, and after some time I was filled with a sweet peace and clarity that I had been praying for. No matter what, if things are good or difficult right now, listening to worship music, getting still, praying constantly, listening, and opening up His word are all things that will bring you comfort and peace. xo

OUTFIT DETAILS

shorts (another option) | top | sunnies (c/o) | shoes (c/o)- another option | hat- janessa leone (c/o)

images by felicia lasala

May Mood

Our May mood when it comes to style is all about shades of white- ivory, cream, and everything in between. With summer around the corner, the fresh, light, and carefree color is calling our name. An all-white outfit is so versatile and the pieces on their own can easily be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe. Traveling this summer? Timeless pieces in white are the way to go- light sweaters, white denim, bone color leather slides, etc. Scroll down for links to the items below.*feature image via Anthropologie 

skirt | sweater | hat | slides | dress

A Mother's Beauty

My mom has been one of the most consistent examples in my life. I love that there is a day dedicated to celebrate her sweet sacrifices for being the most present mom, her deeply consistent love, and her nurturing spirit. She is a woman that not only represents class and femininity, but carries a passion to impart the importance of understanding who we are as women. It is such a beautiful quality that I will always hold near to me.

Growing up, I watched my mom so closely, and was enamored by her foundational beauty. Her character and her deep-hearted love for people radiate so much intention and joy. I also am amazed by her organically stunning physical appearance - she exudes peace and joy and seeks wellness is all things! Not to mention, she truly is a warrior. What she has so gracefully endured throughout her life has been enlightening to watch, and what I love about her most is that she is always growing in awareness of herself. She is willing to share her story. She is willing to engage in her own faults and shortcomings. She is willing to help others by sharing her mistakes. She is willing to grow and change and shift. What a blessing she is.

My mom was right when she taught us to dress in a way that reflects our self-value. She was right when she showed me the importance of following our passions without fear. She was right when she taught me how to create boundaries by teaching me that saying no is okay! She was right about journaling our prayers, thoughts, and disappointments. She was right about seeking wisdom from truth - the Bible and Jesus. She was right about finding time to rest. She was right about cooking with food that feeds our body with health. She was right about staying active! She was right about living in freedom. She was right about giving endless hugs! I love my mom so much, and I love that there is a day to recognize and celebrate her impact on my life! It was an extra joy getting to do this fun photo shoot together in the Eileen Fisher Spring Collection, too!

OUTFIT DETAILS

images by felicia lasala 

click here to shop my look | click here to shop my mom's look

*thank you to the Eileen Fisher brand for sponsoring this post and including us in their mother's day campaign