Last week I spent a few days at home with food poisoning. Huh, it is such an uncomfortable experience. Best thing with having to stay in bed for a few days is that I found some time to go through my photos archive, to read and reflect, and just relax. 

It's now over a year since we left London. And soon, we will already have spent a year in Dublin. Although Ireland is similar to England in many ways, the language, food, people, bank holidays etc, our life here is completely different. I've got more time in my day (less commuting and happenings), I feel closer to the people around me, and I get to spend more time in nature. 

Although we live in Temple Bar, which is in the very city centre, I seek out some kind of greenery every day. Whether it is on my lunch walk to the park, or on a weekend trip to the countryside, it has become an essential part of my days.

Being surrounded by nature makes me notice my breath, and pulls me back to the moment now. I encourage you all, go out in nature! Become a regular in your local park. Climb a hill and enjoy the view. Walk along the sea. Really FEEl it! Get all your senses activated. Feel all the different smells and let the breeze mess up your hair. Breathe and observe the difference. 

If you're planning on visiting Ireland, here are some of my favourite green places in central Dublin and the nearby area. 

1. Howth
Only a daytrip away, lies the Howth peninsula where you can walk on top of the cliffs with great views of the ocean. There are a few walking paths tracing around the peninsula so you can decide how far you'd like to walk. Many also come here to buy day caught fish, or visit one of the many fish restaurants in the harbor. 

It tends to get a bit crowded on weekends, but the crowds loosen up once you get further away from the first few cliffs. 

2. Dublin botanic gardens
I love the smell in glasshouses. In Dublin Botanic gardens they have three different ones, each with their own fragrance. Travel from the mediterranean, to the Amazon rainforest to the African countryside in only a few hours.  

3. Dubhlinn garden
This combined park and garden is enclosed behind Dublin Castle. It has a circular lawn in the centre, with smaller gardens in the corners. I love to relax on the open lawn, or wander around in the smaller gardens and smell the flowers. Planning to visit the nearby Chester Beatty Library and café soon. 

4. St Patrick's Cathedral
This is another great spot for a lunch time walk, looking especially beautiful at the moment with these wonderful geraniums. 

5. St Stephen's green 
Dublin's most famous Victorian park. I especially love it in the morning time, when the air is fresh and the day lies ahead.  

5. Dublin mountains (Shankill)
A day trip away from Dublin lie the Dublin mountains. Perfect for a good climb and you can soon turn around and enjoy stunning views of green fields, sea and sky. 

6. Galway
Just outside of Galway, known for its many art festivals and for being the gateway to the scenic landscapes in Connemary, we found this little beach Silverstrand. We arrived just after the rain, and it really made justice to its name. So beautiful!

During our stay in LA we tried some pretty amazing Southern California food. LA is world-famous for its extraordinary food scene. I remember learning all about sushi and California in this episode of Stuff You Should Know. 

My sister and I are always especially happy to try new health food cafés and restaurants. In some cities, these places can be tricky to find - but I love how they are everywhere around LA.

I keep dreaming about all these places, so I decided to compile a little list of my favourites:

Nekter Juice Bar
Ever since I went to Brazil I've been completely obsessed with Açaí bowls. Sadly, it's really difficult to find outside of the Americas. The Açaí berry is native to Brazil, it grows on the açaí palm in the Amazonas and it resembles the Northern blueberry. 

To get the real taste, this stuff has to be made with freshly frozen berries. An incredible energising and healthy breakfast or snack - my dream is to live around the corner from this place.

Nekter also does Pitaya bowls, they are naturally pink and the taste is just wow! 

Urth caffe
Urth can be found all around LA. We had just been to the Hollywood hills and were driving back down to Venice in the rain, desperate for lunch.

We found Urth, and were lucky to get a table in their garden. I felt so hungry and cold that I ordered all the things. Green tea boba made with Almond milk. A hot jasmine tea. Bread (it was included, but still). And I tell you this, in Cali you can definitely find some of the best kale salads. This one was not an exception. 

Kreation
The last day we went stand-up paddle boarding! We started at Mother's beach in del Rey and went out in the Marina. We paddled next to seals and sea lions that were sleeping on the boats and piers. When we got back, I tried some yoga moves. If paddle boarding is kind of easy, SUP Yoga is way harder and challenging for the balance. Let's say this - the water was warm. :)

After our paddle tour, we went to Kreation for some food. The menu was remarkable, so many juices and smoothies to choose from. I had a Goji açaí bowl, tabbouleh salad and their green chlorophyll water. 

True food
I adore this place. We went here twice and everything we had was simply amazing. Quinoa burgers, kale salads, vegetable rice bowls, homemade pizza, guacamole, hummus, edamame dumplings - you name it. So many choices, and everything was equally fresh and delicious. 

Some other places that I really loved too are Sweet Rose Creamery, Intelligentsia Coffee and Moon Juice Shop. All are worth trying if you're visiting..

I can't believe it's almost been a month since the big day. The day we walked hand in hand on Santa Monica beach and stood next to each other promising to love and be with each other for the rest of our lives. <3

Our amazing guests, that made the day above and beyond what I could have ever imagined. 

From me to you, these are my top 3 best-wedding-day-ever tips:
1. Practice yoga in the morning
2. Have someone that reminds you to breathe from the belly (thanks sweet brother-in-law)
3. Enjoy every moment of it