coffee diaries | scapegoat

 This place is an eptiome of minimalist California cool. Located a couple dozen yards from the sand and sea, Scapegoat provides a chill fuel-up-and-go atmosphere for beachgoers and ocean enthusiasts alike. Copies of Kinfolk and The Surfer's Journal occupy shelf space in this all-white, tiny, spartan coffee nook. A projector splashes the back wall with surfing footage, while the bright sun illuminates the remaining walls. This $4.50 latte was whipped up with true barista skill, and man was it strong! I of course loved the latte art, which seems to be an essential characteristic in every cup poured. Without much place to sit, it seems like Scapegoat is just the perfect spot for a pre- or post- meal pick-me-up, to take with you as you stroll along the Strand and window shop in the stores on Pier Avenue. Why can't every beach street have a cafe like this?

Scapegoat is definitely a unique cafe in Hermosa! You can read more about it, the source of their beans, their business inspo, and reason behind their unusual name here .

Scapegoat
25 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA

ciao!
xo

el matador beach

Hello from El Matador Beach in Malibu! S and I embarked on a mini-road trip adventure to see the dramatic rocks and coves of El Matador. It wasn't like anything I had ever seen (or expected!). We didn't just stumble upon it - it is known in LA for being one of the most picturesque and romantic beaches with a killer view of the Pacific. And it did not disappoint! We had some snafus getting some parking, but all of that was quickly forgotten once we got up close to these massive rocks jutting out of the beach.

To get down to the beach there is this rickety, rusty and steep staircase that brings you down. Other than that it's just slopes of sand and hoping that your flip flops don't fail you! Actually, I was surprised there wasn't another - safer - way to get down to the beach, considering we're in LA. But that is what makes El Matador one of the lesser known, "hidden" beaches. We finished our time at El Matador by walking and examining each part of the beach -  which is quite small.  Each little segment of the sand is hidden by the expansive rocks obscuring your view, so I particularly enjoyed walking beyond each and every rock to see what sort of vista it offered. Every once in a while we were sprayed by an errant wave crashing against the rocks, and us :)

This spot is a favorite of photographers, too. I saw a mother and son doing a family portrait with a photographer in the shady coves of the less-crowded parts of the beach, and can only imagine how beautiful those portraits will turn out! The rocky background or smooth Pacific blues just complement each other so well. We didn't stay long, but you can definitely do a day trip here (parking is $8 or free on the PCH - unless you're me and put $20 into the machine that doesn't spit back change). 

I want the weekend back for more adventures with S!!

ciao, xo

my thoughts on style posts...and more

 bag calvin klein | tank free people (similar) | pants elan (similar) | shoes crown vintage | sunnies target (super old)

A couple of things before I get into the meat of this post:

- How I feel about style / outfit posts: Over the last year I have been increasingly resentful of fashion blogs and blogs that solely focus on fashion. I know I shouldn't be talking - because this is indeed an outfit post - but I miss when my favorite fashion blogs focused on actual style. It has become such a game of bragging and competition, and such a business and I find that so disenchanting. It seems that nowadays it is has become all about affiliate links, free swag from reviews and designer names. I won't name the blogs in question, because there's already enough hate on the internet, but I've chosen to unfollow and not read certain blogs (as best I can) because I am so sick of comparing myself to their perfectly edited, Photoshopped and accessorized looks. I used to try to be like them, but now I am realizing how ridiculous and unattainable (and NOT REAL!) it all is. On the other hand, I love reading real blogs with genuine people and posts about fashion - some of my favorites are in my blog roll. And I have to say, the people who shoot these (usually S, my brother or my sisters) are the BEST because they put up with me. Style posts are kinda ridiculous...and yet, here this one is.

- New lens and photography announcement: These photos (taken by S, love you!) were shot with my new 60mm macro lens! While it's not the go-to portrait lens I love how these photos came out! I used to question the idea of even buying a prime lens (it does not zoom, it is fixed) but I feel like this summer I have tried a lot through renting and experimenting...and I'm learning to love it! Not that I didn't love it before - but there is such an art and mechanics behind photography that one needs to appreciate! So...that being said...I have some big news. I have been playing with the idea for a while to start my own little "photography" business...something that I do on the side, more for casual shoots and fun portraits. I've done a newborn shoot already and I was overwhelmed, yet exhilarated, by the challenges of it. I've started a website where you can see my portfolio - I am so excited about it!  I'm really trying to continue to build my portfolio and gain more directing experience before I officially take clients. So if you're in the Philly area and are in need of some headshots or a portrait, let me know! :)

- - -

Okay...now onto the actual post! :) I wore this on a dinner date with S at our favorite LA seafood place - it's casually beachy, so I thought that these loose and super light pants would do the trick. Also: I biked 4.4 mi (each way!) in these pants and they were so breathable and flowy. I wish everything was bike accessible! I am becoming so used to riding Wilbury everywhere and locking him up at a bike rack - it's super easy and convenient. Plus we burned off a little of our dinner, right? My tank top is definitely not as cozy, but I love it for the super skinny straps and stretchy material. It felt a bit tight, but again it is so light and breathable so on the bikes it didn't really feel noticeable. California style is so sublime! I love the beachy vibes that extend far beyond summer. 

ciao! xo

southern cali on bicycle

helloo! just popping in from southern california with a

 quick post of what daily life {on bike!} looks like.

S bought me a blue beach cruiser, complete with basket and suuuper wide handlebars!

It is perfect for coasting along the Strand, which is made 

for walkers/bikers/skateboarders and the like.

I have been loving exploring the area by bike, locking up, and wondering around.

The height of the day - around noon - is so hot, and the sun is so strong, so I usually duck into

a cafe or some workspace to get some emails out or some reading done.

I have been limited in where I explore but I'm branching out more and more everyday!

ciao! xo

ps. my bike's name is Wilbury, named after these guys!  woo!

my first matcha

A few weeks ago, I posted about the challenges and benefits of going vegan - since then, it has gotten so much easier, and best of all, more fun. I am going to posit that going vegan seems easier in the summer, due to the constant availability of fresh and in-season produce. So I've really been enjoying it, while I generally miss dairy and chicken. I'm not a strict vegetarian, but I have really come to like - not love - the substitutions available (i.e. almond milk instead of milk). Actually, finding a way around my usual half-and-half creamer that I put into my morning coffee was very difficult.

I had heard about matcha lattes (aka green tea lattes) from one of my best Siena friends, and was immediately curious about this peculiar green coffee. This site does a beautiful job of explaining what it is (and how to make it), but to get to the point, matcha lattes are antioxidant-packed drinks that are experiencing quite a heyday on instagram right now. There's a little caffeine in matcha lattes, but after doing my reading I found that most people say that matcha leaves one relaxed rather than jittery. There is a tiny bit of caffeine, but overall it's a really delicate and light tasting latte, with a  soft taste of green tea. They can also be made with almond milk!

So since I am in California for a few weeks I decided to try it at The Source, my favorite cafe in the area. It never disappoints (except that finding seating is always difficult). I decided to go during the lunch hour, and splurged on a spicy veggie wrap to accompany my all-green matcha. You might think it an odd combo (it probably is), but it was aces. The matcha latte is definitely, in my own words, airy. It has a light and foamy quality, so much so that it almost doesn't taste like a latte at all. Aside from being beautiful, it's such a graceful little midday pick-me-up.

ciao! xo

quick stop in San Diego

San Diego was one of the coolest places I've ever been to. Very relaxed and chill, with the by-the-bay vibes all over the place. S picked out the best place for dinner that went down in the books as the BEST fajitas I have ever had. I'd also just like to note how giddy I was when I figured out that we were less than twenty miles from the Mexico border (eeee!). So yes, I loved San Diego. I wish we were there longer!

We started out hungry and ventured out for some good eats with zero expectations. We wound up at La Fiesta (simple name to remember) - seriously the best fajitas ever. So fresh and simple, yet incredibly filling and satisfying. I think I could make a hobby out of finding the best fajita places in California. Might be my next coffee diaries. Anyway.... one thing I loved about California was the 100% perfect outdoor seating weather every.single.hour.of.every.single.day. We got a seat right in the heart of the Gaslamp District and enjoyed the people watching. The frozen blended margaritas made it even more fun! I also ate my first ever whole jalapeño (is that weird?)

The sunset was gorgeous. We watched it over the south end of the city, over the Padres stadium and the bay and Coronado Island. I sipped a mojito with S and we just marveled at the view - it was one of our best dates (and sunsets) ever. I love traveling with S and he knows it :) 

ciao San Diego! xo

carlsbad flower ranch

Carlsbad Ranch and their 50+ acres of ranunculus was the last spontaneous destination of the trip heading back from San Diego...and it was so. heavenly. beautiful. I truly have never been so overwhelmed by color. It was once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable.

One important reason why I am so fond of this memory is that it is so truly and completely spontaneous. I had never heard of anything like this in California, let alone the United States...I only thought that fields like this existed in Europe. I saw an editorial in a hotel magazine about the Flower Fields at Carlsbad the day before and was immediately curious and intrigued. And even more conveniently, it was located right on our way home - about 5 minutes off of our route. Fate? Yes!!

From the road, you could see the rows and rows and rows of vibrant bursts of color. Ask S - I think I was squealing. By the way, S was SO patient as we walked through here. It might not look like it from the pictures, but the place was teeming with tourists. It was also teeming with the happiest buds of ranunculus - a more delicate kind of peony - of every color imaginable. It was beautiful to see the variety of colors even within one row. From afar, it looks like blurred punches of one color, but when you walk up to the flowers and get on a closer level, you really see all of the flecks and variegated colors within the petals.

I could write a love letter to these fields. I want to sleep there, wear a big floofy dress in there, and just take thousands of pictures all day. As a photographer, this was a moment out of one of my dreams. I loved the cheerful vibes of the staff - I mean, I guess working at a place like this is the secret to happiness indeed. I want to cut a bunch for a gigantic bouquet, but then I don't - how could one ever willingly cut away from these gorgeous, undulating waves of color?

Carlsbad's peak season is from the end of March until May. I am so, so eternally happy that I was blessed with the opportunity to see this with S! He knows it meant a lot to me. I love the little hidden treasures like this. Go if you're ever down on I-5 by Carlsbad :)

Ps. Thanks to the @the_flower_fields for following me back on instagram! You guys are the coolest. Be back soon :)

ciao, xo