We love to travel. Our studio is in eastern PA, but our team comes from Virginia, Kentucky, California, and Minnesota. So we travel often too see family and just to see other parts of the country. Traveling is good for so many things…learning new things, a shift in perspectives, breaking away form our daily routines, experiencing other cultures, a fresh understanding of how big the world is (and how small our little corner of the world is:), meeting new people, trying new things, time with loved ones, creating memories, and coming home renewed. All in all, traveling is an INVESTMENT into who we are as a person.

Today Grace is telling us about her recent trip to California….

 

California… Some of you might not know this, but me and my husband lived in California before we moved to Pa. Jeremy was there about 3 years and I was there a little over a year. While we lived there we fell in love and it is the place that Jeremy actually proposed to me. When I think of California it brings back a lot of grand memories and it will always be a special place to me. So, when our friend Casey asked if we wanted to come out to spend Thanksgiving with his family, we were thrilled to accept the offer!

Our trip started in northern California. We stayed with Casey and his loving family in Los Gatos, California. They had a cute little pool house apartment all set up and ready for us when we arrived. The weather was just right at about 65 degrees during the day and 40 and night. Our time was well spent enjoying quality time with Casey and his family, surfing trips to Santa Cruz, eating at fun local cafes, and exploring the Redwoods (now one of my favorite places in the world), and traveling up the coast on route 1. Our time was relaxing yet eventful. We met a lot of new people, but we also spent a lot of time just me and Jeremy. Everything about this trip was needed!

The day after Thanksgiving we flew down to San Diego. The weather was 75 degrees and sunny!  Perfect, just how I remembered it! It was refreshing to not have to put a jacket on. Most of our time in southern California was spent in the water for Jeremy and shopping for me! It was so fun seeing the boutiques and style of the west coast.

When I got back the girls at the studio had some really great questions that helped me think back on my trip and to sum up what I felt while I was there. I would love to share some of the questions and my answers with you! It really gives you a deeper look inside my trip to Cali!

Karen – Whenever I travel, I come home refreshed. In what ways did CA refresh you?

I am always refreshed when I travel as well! I was really refreshed by seeing peoples lifestyle in California. The way people eat is a big part of that. I feel that CA has a lot of options when it come the healthier eating. Another thing, people are active. Surfing, hiking, walking, skating, biking… Outdoor living is a big part of the lifestyle there because of the weather. So refreshing to me. If only it were easier in Pa to live this way :)!

Karen – How does traveling together strengthen your relationship with your husband?

I think traveling with Jeremy strengthens our relationship because we are creating memories together. Memories are really important to share with someone and they last forever. It also strengthens us because we are experiencing others and other cultures and helping us to think outside of our day-to-day routines.

Anna – Were you inspired by the fashion in California? Anything in particular?

I definitely was inspired by the fashion in California. Fashion there is a lot more laid back and comfortable than here on the east coast. I love the ease about dressing there. I saw a lot of bohemian inspired looks, which isn’t exactly all my style, but I can pick out a lot of elements about that look that I love and that inspires me.

Anna- What do you miss most from living in California?

What I miss most about California is the weather. The weather is perfect for the most part and it allows you to be outside a lot more in the winter.

Char- What do you love about the culture?

I would have to say I really love the hospitable laid back nature of the culture. Everyone seems to want to have a good time and I love that outlook on life. Not saying that here people don’t do that, but it is very evident in the culture there.

Char – What is different in the culture in California than here in Pa?

The biggest difference would have to be the lifestyle. I think a key part in the lifestyle that people live there would be due to the wonderful weather!

Kathleen – What was you favorite part about being in California?

I would have to say my favorite part was exploring the Redwoods with Jeremy. We actually got lost in the beauty of the massive trees, literally. We ended up taking a hike that got us a little lost and ended up walking about 12 miles! Which was lovely but a little scary :). The smell of the forest was unreal! It smelt like Christmas. I loved every minute of it.

Kathleen- What was one of your favorite spots Cafe/restaurants?

We stopped at a little cafe close to Santa Cruz called GAYLES BAKERY. They had wonderful pastries and a great selection of healthier choices. So good!