hawaii in video. or mostly three minutes of waves crashing.

I went to Hawaii. 

It was exceptional. 

Here's a quick video! 

love.lauren 

Hawaii 2014 from Lauren Keeler on Vimeo.

things I love (a great distraction // 10)

image via 

The Beygency.

Pay for your dinner with instagram!

How to win friends and influence waiters. 

Swap lives with a stranger. 

Reliving Clarissa Explains it All. 

and as a bonus...johnny express. :) 

love.lauren

places I love (paradise).

There is only one reason I'm okay with my sister living far, far away from me. And it's because she picks hopelessly epic cities to reside in (hello nyc & london!). 

She's been living on Oahu for almost two years, so it was high time I ventured out to the islands. 

We had the very best time. 

Very best. 

She's a natural born tour guide. 

Beaches, shaved ice, jungles, shaved ice, food trucks, shaved ice, the most beautiful oceans (and believe me, I've seen some beautiful oceans). 

Ukeleles, flowers. Oh the flowers. 

Picnics, big hair, tropical treats, hula. 

It was perfect. 

There are so many beautiful places in this world and we're pretty lucky to call one our own. 

Some highlights? Waiola Shave Ice (and we should know, we tried them all). Chief's. Wandering the North Shore. Hanauma Bay. Some of the best things I've ever eaten. Dinner and a view. #teachyoself. And four epic, epic meals. 

Go. Even if it takes you six years to save up the miles. Or you don't have a sister who gives you the locals treatment. Just do it. 

love.lauren 

things I love (a great distraction // 9)

Well I'm off on a quick adventure, but in the mean time, you know what to do. :) 

Kid lessons. 30 minutes very, very well spent. Trust me. 

Grilled cheese. By parachute. Sign me up! 

I want one of these. So bad.

How do I get on this boat? 

Uh, ban.do has a party line. There are kittens. 

and as a bonus...you're welcome. 

love.lauren

things I love (a great distraction // 8)

Why it's so hard to learn English. Ha! Truth.

What would you practice for 100 days? So cool.

Would you recognize your own family?

A beard grows in Brooklyn and 25 other epic hipster book titles.

Ha. Hilarious. And just so you know. I'm "a little bit hipster". 

love.lauren 

places I love (ojai).

It was due time for a road trip. 

Lindsey had escaped the islands, so naturally before she had time to settle in we packed up the car and headed somewhere new. 

I had heard such good things about Ojai, CA. A little town a few hours outside of LA. So off we went. 

You guys. 

I immediately fell in love with our tiny, intensely hip, renovated motel. The Ojai Rancho Inn is a place I can't wait to come back to. It was perfect. 

If you go (and you should), here are a few of my favorite stops. 

Eat a pixie (or 12). We got ours at the Ojai Farmer's Market. But they are everywhere. 

Make the drive to Meditation Mount. Do it before sunset. Walk to the grassy viewing point, put your bare feet in the grass, sit down, and wait. Trust me. 

Swing by Bart's Books. Outdoor. Bookstore. That's all you need to know. 

Eat at Knead, Jim & Rob's, Ojai Beverage Company, the Scratch truck if it's around, and any of the other delicious spots (there are far more than you'll have time for). 

Explore the bike paths (if you're staying at Ojai Rancho, get up early and claim one of their adorable Linus bikes). 

Shop at Modern Folk Living and Summer Camp. Try not to buy everything. 

I could tell even before we got there that I was going to love this gem of a town. Sitting in silence on Meditation Mount, I looked over and saw a few folks from one of my very favorite bands taking in the sunset - and it sealed the deal. I'll be back Ojai. A lot. 

love.lauren