Hermosa Beach: A Quiet Seaside Haven Near Los Angeles
Hermosa Beach is a quiet little secluded area just south of Santa Monica on the west cost. Earlier this week we stopped by to check out a new house and look at the area. Although we decided against the house, I will be coming back to this area!!! It’s absolutely beautiful! I couldn’t believe what a quaint community it provides right outside of the second largest city in America!
Being that I lived in Houston for the past twelve years I am pretty acclimated to big city life. However, after being in parts of Houston that were central and some on the outskirts I found I prefer a smaller community NEXT to a big city. Hermosa Beach is just that! You can find beautiful beaches, quiet neighborhoods and then there’s a whole night life area on the Pier and Strand. The Strand is featured in pictures above but has an area filled with shops, restaurants and bars if you are looking for late night activities or to grab a cocktail.
As Fall continues yet the weather stays warm in Southern California. Reach for a mustard jumpsuit in an Autumn color palette to mix the best of both worlds. I paired flat white Kate Spade sandals and a leather Michael Kors chain embellished bag for a minimal look. Jumpsuits are the easiest thing to throw on. You literally grab one and add shoes and a bag then head out ready to conquer the world! I’ve rounded up several options all under $35!
My love for coffee has only grown deeper since I came to the West Coast. I mentioned in my last post that you can grab fresh juice and coffee on every block here! Try Cafe Bonaparte for French pastries and a salad for lunch. It’s a Parisian themed cafe set in Coastal California. Or head over to Cafe Java which is set in a 1920s bungalow! I also found this area to be perfect for kiddos and the whole family!
Over the past few weeks I’ve made a major shift in what I eat to include going grain-free. As I’ve mentioned her on the blog I am anxiety prone. Not just a little anxiety, I’ve been diagnosed with full blown panic disorder. These days I rarely get a panic attack, however that is only due to a consistent self-care regimen, therapy and lots of rest. I also practice mindfulness which has made a huge impact on how I process information and worry less. Practicing joy is another intentional element in my life and as we’ve had shorter days I find myself inside more than ever and with that came baking! Baking has been a pastime of mine over the years beginning with vacations at my grandma’s house when I was little. I loved spending hours with her making our family banana bread, cookies and cream puffs. While some of the other kiddos in the family were impatient at a young age, I found I got more attention from her if I baked and therefore spent tons of time doing so. Before you knew it I picked up a lot of information and realized just how much I absolutely love baking!