Hi loves. I have been putting off writing this one because I genuinely did not want the trip to be over, and somehow typing it up feels like admitting that it is. But California had my whole heart, so here we are — a little diary of palm trees, sunshine, and yes, an embarrassing amount of shopping. Pour yourself something iced and cosy in, because I am telling you all of it.
The first thing that got me was the light. There is this soft, golden, slightly hazy quality to the mornings that makes everything look like it belongs on a mood board. I would step outside with my coffee, see the palm trees leaning against that impossibly blue sky, and just stand there grinning like a total tourist. Which I was. Fully. Unapologetically.
Beverly Hills and a Lot of Wandering
I spent a whole day just walking Beverly Hills with no real plan, which is honestly my favourite way to see a new place. The houses, the manicured hedges, the little details on every gate — it was all so dreamy and princessy that I kept stopping every few steps for photos. My camera roll did not survive. One garden gate in particular made me gasp out loud, all covered in ivy and looking like something out of a storybook.
Of course I could not go all that way and not do the classic Erewhon smoothie run. I know, I know — it is such a cliché, and it cost roughly what I would spend on a small handbag back home, but I do not regret a single sip. There is something so ridiculous and joyful about sitting outside with a pretty pink smoothie, pretending for a moment that this is just my normal Tuesday. Let a girl dream.
Beach Days and City Sunshine
The beach days were exactly the reset I did not know I needed. I am a redhead, so let me be very clear that I was reapplying SPF roughly every twenty minutes and living under the biggest hat I own, but sitting by the water with my toes in the sand felt like exhaling after holding my breath for months. I picked up shells, watched the surfers, and did a lot of very serious thinking about absolutely nothing.
And then there was the shopping, which — full honesty — got a little out of hand. I hunted down the sweetest little secondhand and vintage spots, because you already know thrifting is my love language, and I found a few pieces I am genuinely obsessed with. There is nothing like the thrill of digging through a rail and pulling out something soft and pink and perfect that nobody else will have. I filmed a lot of it, so if you want to see the actual chaos of my finds, they are all over my Instagram.
Coming home was bittersweet, but I think that is how you know a trip mattered. California gave me sunshine, a fuller suitcase, and that gentle reminder to slow down and actually notice the pretty things. If you fancy more of my little adventures and behind-the-scenes rambles, you can always find them over on my blog. Until the next one — go book the trip, wear the sunscreen, buy the smoothie. #liviasloves