Things I Love Thursday

All things Native American

Being a cat lady

Selfies with new sunglasses

Two of my favorite things in one photo

Finding random images of inspiration

Forever 21 glasses and blouse, vintage sweater

Biking LA

I have been trying to get out on my road bike lately. It has been a great opportunity to see different areas of LA that I wouldn't experience if I was driving. I found my way to the LA River Bike Trail after a friend recommended I check it out and it was an awesome ride. I biked from Silver Lake to Burbank with a beautiful view on one side, and a freeway on the other-typical LA life! I exited the trail in Glendale and found myself exploring small suburbs like the equestrian estates in Burbank Rancho. There were beautiful old homes from the 40's & 50's, horse crossing signs and a large, relaxing park. I also went by the Disney Animation Studios and passed some restaurants that I want to go back to try!

On the way home, I road through Franklin Hills. I had driven past the small neighborhood sign a couple times and thought it would be fun to see what the area was like. I don't recommend trying to bike it, it was made up of really steep hills. Once at the top though, the houses were old and the streets were sweet with tons of character. There was an old estate on the top of the hill names Pendragon Haven that I desperately wanted to sneak up to but I didn't.

I ended up riding just under 20 miles. It was a great afternoon. Then I made a vegan carrot cake. :) What would be a good workout without a bunch of calories afterward?!

Things I Love Thursday

Historic Buildings

My new office with a window

Touring LA on my road bike

Sweets-ALL of them

Weekend Road Warrior

I have a confession to make: I bought something new! It was a really hard decision but there was no way around it. Last weekend I participated in a road bike race down in San Diego. With road bikes like any other bicycle, there's always a chance of getting a flat tire. When you're riding long distances you can't depend on someone to help change it or pick you up if you're 30mi away! I went to REI prior to leaving for SD and purchased a CO2 inflation capsule. These inflators are like mini tire pumps but 5x smaller than a regular pump and have enough air to fill one tire. They're great to keep on hand instead of riding with heavy gear. If it wasn't for my safety, I wouldn't have felt the necessity to buy it but I consider this one of the few exceptions. Also, I feel like I can justify it because the store was having their anniversary sale so it was discounted!! Don't judge me. ;)

It was a beautiful weekend and I'm so glad I participated but it was rough! I chose the 66mi race and knew it would be difficult since I had already done a 50miler last year. The terrain for this race was much different and I didn't train at all leading up to it. The entire course was uphill then downhill then repeat. At least I brought plenty of snacks....

There were pit stops every 20mi or so which include food to stay fueled and water. I brought my own because I wanted to stick to my vegan foods but I did enjoy the fruit. The breaks are great because it allows you to chat with other riders, check out their gear, get tips and apply more sunscreen!

I stayed the weekend in Carlsbad at the Park Hyatt Aviara. The resort was absolutely beautiful and in close proximity to the starting line so I got to sleep in until 5:15! My mom came down to stay with me after the race. We relaxed, walked the grounds of the resort, read, napped and ate, a lot. I look like a beast below after the race. I had stuffed as much in my face as I could to get the calories and it shows. I was exhausted, layered up and freezing cold at the pool in the 80+ degree heat with my ginger ale.

Matix flannel, Vintage Harley Davidson t-shirt, Forever 21 hat, Anon sunglasses, Active pants

My beautiful mama

Victoria's Secret pants, Haviana sandals

Just off our balcony, there was a huge Birds of Paradise plant. It was three stories high and I loved it! Small birds would fly around it and some would rest on it's many branches. It reminded me of my grandma.