6 Things To Do In LA

Since LA is such a hub for all things creative, people are often surprised when I tell them that I visited it for the first time last year. To be completely honest, although I thought LA was cool, I didn’t fall in love with it when I went last year. I didn’t think I’d be going back to LA this year until one of my best friends, Kirsten, moved there in January. Of course, the fact that she had moved away from me, meant that we had to regularly visit one another to minimize the long distance!

Before I get into this blog post, I’d like to back track a little. When I got back from Europe at the end of February, as full of inspiration I was, my body was begging for some TLC. I was bloated, my skin had lost its mind, and I hadn’t worked out in months on account of my ankle injury. When I landed in Toronto, I was ready to take a break from travel, and address the issues my body was going through. This meant cutting out wheat (which I’m intolerant to), sugar (which is just not good for you), and dairy. I told myself I’d do this for a month to see how I felt.

What started as a ‘detox’ kind of became my lifestyle. 3 weeks into it, I felt better than ever. I was full of energy, my skin looked clear and even-toned, and my digestive issues had all disappeared. It lead me to realize that I had quite a few food intolerances which I’d been ignoring. Of course, I allow myself to indulge once in a while, but for the most part, I’ve started eating quite clean and working out hard.

Which brings me to my trip. I think my visit to LA came at a very opportune time, because LA’s focus on health and wellness was exactly what I needed. It also helps that Kirsten is just as focused on health and wellness, so I knew there were plenty of clean eats and fitness classes to look forward to.

So this guide is in line with my current lifestyle, which is quite wellness focused. That being said, I’d like to point out that the best thing about LA is that you don’t need to compromise on ‘fun’ in order to be ‘healthy’. Restaurants all offer food substitutes, there are a ton of amazing fitness classes, and not to mention, the sunshine just has a way of making you feel so happy! Anyway, before I start rambling, let’s dive into the guide!

1. Drink great coffee
We decided to go to Mansur Gavriel to grab some coffee and cute pictures by its beautiful pink wall. However, I had no idea that the coffee would be SO good! Honestly one of the best almond milk lattes I’ve had. Usually I steer away from almond milk lattes because they tend to taste burnt, but this one was the best I’ve ever had!

2. Go to Malibu
I went to Malibu Farm during my last visit to LA and knew I had to go back once again. Guys, if you haven’t been to Malibu Farm, you absolutely must go. It’s a stunning restaurant right on the water, with the most delicious food. I had the cauliflower pizza which is an absolute must-have!

3. Explore WeHo
After not being able to make it to Gracias Madre during my last trip to LA, I knew it had to be my very first stop this trip. Kirsten and I went for lunch right after I landed, and it did not disappoint. The menu is plant-based and also offers a ton of gluten free options without compromising on taste.

And a trip to WeHo would not be complete without walking around Melrose Place. We stopped by Alfred’s Tea for their iced chaga chip, which is an absolute must-try!

4. Focus on wellness
The best thing about LA is that you don’t have to compromise on your health to have a good time. Go to a fitness class with a friend. I tried Speir Pilates (best pilates workout of my life), and Plate Fit in Brentwood. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Plate Fit because I found the vibration of the power plate to be distracting, but I will admit I was sore the next day.

If you have a sweet tooth but don’t love the idea of actual sugar, allow me to introduce you to Pressed Freeze. In case you’ve never heard of it, this stuff is life-changing. It’s basically a soft serve version of pressed juice – made out of all natural nut milks and pressed fruits and vegetables with no added sugar other than dates. It’s incredible!

5. Experience old Hollywood vibes
How could I visit LA twice without one trip to the Beverley Hills Hotel? The hotel is absolutely massive and offers all the old Hollywood vibes you could dream of. I went for brunch with Kirsten and my two friends Erin from Style By The People and Kristine of Krischerie. A few tips if you plan of visiting the Beverley Hills Hotel. 1. You can’t use a camera to take pictures inside the restaurant – only phones. 2. The food is very pricey and is quite mediocre. 3. Make sure you park outside the hotel because the valet parking is outrageous. I would recommend you skip the food and go here for coffee.

6. Spend an afternoon in Abbot Kinney
Abbot Kinney is one of my favourite areas in LA. Sure, it’s packed, but I can never resist all the cute cafes and restaurants! I went to The Butcher’s Daughter for brunch one day and it was incredible. If you go, make sure you order the carbonara (vegan and gluten free).

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