At the end of the November I spent an incredible long weekend in Southern California with my good friend and Tone It Up sister, Stephanie! I flew out of Phoenix at lunchtime on Friday and after a short 50 minute flight I had touched down in Orange County! Steph finished work early and we went straight to Fashion Island in Newport Beach. We did some shopping, looked at the incredible (REAL!) Christmas Tree and grabbed a bite to eat at Lemonade! I have heard such good things about Lemonade and have been desperate to try it and it did not disappoint! I got a watermelon and rosemary lemonade which was beautiful and my meal was so satisfying, totally reasonable and full of flavour. If you're ever in the area - go to Lemonade!
I treated myself to a Vinyasa scarf from Lululemon that I have totally fallen in love with. It's going to be perfect for flying back to the UK for Christmas. It's cosy, long, warm and perfect for the colder weather. All I need now is some colder weather to try it out in!
Saturday morning started early! We were in Disneyland by 8.30am. Steph and I both LOVE Disney so I was so excited that we got to do it together. Seeing as I had only just been in August, this trip was a little bit different and was about experiencing things I missed! We spent all day in the park and didn't leave until 11! Given it was a Saturday, I was expecting it to be seriously busy but the longest we had to wait in line was 30 minutes so I was impressed. We met a whole host of characters - I could never have expected that either! Honestly it felt like we met them all! Mickey, Minnie, Anna, Elsa, Donald, Pluto, Goofy, Mary Poppins, Ariel, Cinderella, Snow White and Alice in Wonderland to name but a few! We also had some incredible meals at Cafe Orleans and the French Market Restaurant. I also didn't feel that it was too expensive - given the fact it was Disney!
The highlight of the day for me was definitely the firework display. It was so Christmassy and magical and got me SO excited to go home for the holidays. I'm not ashamed to admit I got very emotional!
On Sunday we drove up the coast to Manhattan Beach, because no trip to California is complete without a trip to the beach! We grabbed lunch at Le Pain Quotidien and I was blown away by the Avocado Toast I got. Such a simple recipe but, trust me, it was so so good! I'm determined to recreate it. After lunch I met up with the Tone It Up girls themselves, Karena and Katrina, for coffee. It was a truly magical moment and is something I will cherish in my heart forever. After coffee, Steph and I walked along the pier and I got some final Christmas gifts to finish up my shopping. For dinner I got to experience In N Out Burger for the first time!! Everyone has been telling me I have to since I got to the US and I do not regret it at all. It was amazing!
I had a fantastic weekend. I fall in love with California every time I visit and this weekend was no exception. Thank you very much Steph and your family for being the most amazing hosts!
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