Puerto Rico Adventures

It’s been long overdue since I’ve shared some of my travel adventures with you all! I’ve been traveling a lot for the past couple of months, and finally found some time to gather some photos from Puerto Rico.  I went to Puerto Rico in March and boy was it such a fun experience.  I went to celebrate my friends bachelorette party.  It was a refreshing alternative to the usual bachelorette party in Vegas. Plus, it was a perfect excuse to visit another country and make a vacation out of it. We stayed at the beautiful La Concha Resort. Perfect spot close to bars and restaurants. I am ALL about excursions, exploring, and going on new adventures.  My girls and I took a day trip to visit the El Yunque Rain Forest. El Yunque is the sole tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest System.  They don’t call it a rain forest for nothing either.  When we got there, it immediately started raining.  You can plan day trips out to visit this beautiful place filled with a wide variety of native plants and wildlife.  I can never get tired of palm leaves.  They are definitely my kind of shade.  I absolutely loved being engulfed in so much lush greenery and being one with nature.   We also got to check out Luquillo Beach for a day of R&R.  It was a perfect little beach for some fun in the sun.  Stay tuned for more Puerto Rico pics from Old San Juan!

 

 

 

Feels Like Summer

This 85 degree Southern California weather is only getting me even more excited about summer.  This is a flash back friday edition of last summer.  I just got back from Bali and enjoyed a nice sunny day at the park with family.  I was able to score a few of these super cute and equally comfy pom pom shorts.  They are so airy and perfect for a hot summer day.  Since it is festival season, I thought this outfit would be a great outfit idea for a boho inspired look.  Loosely fitted cotton shorts can be a great alternative to denim shorts since they can be a bit more airy for hot days.  They will definitely be a staple in every girls closet this summer!

Cali Cool

Laidback Vibes by deeelle featuring short sleeve shirts

Flannel + White Tee + Denim Shorts + Vans + Alex and Ani + Ray-bans + Watch 

I am so fortunate to be living in Southern California.  To be able to wake up to sunshine 350 days of the year and enjoy summer weather in the winter, definitely puts a smile to my face.  I mean, who would complain?  This outfit has been pretty much my staple for the past month.  I have been a repeat offender…#guilty.  These are all timeless and basic staples I think every girl should have in her closet.  It’s easy to mix and match with other things, dress up or down.  For a day to night look, swap your sneakers for your favorite heeled bootie and throw on a bling statement necklace and BOOM … you are ready for a night out.   Happy Thursday!

Peru Part II – Sacred Valley

I’ve finally got around to post Part II of my Peru adventure this past November!  If you missed Part I, check it out here.  This time I’ll be sharing my SACRED VALLEY adventures.  Work has been super crazy busy for me these past two weeks, that I’ve been left to feel nothing but nostalgic over all my travels. I really reallllly miss Peru. It was so peaceful, relaxing, and a reminder for me that there is so much beauty in a simple life.

You know, just frolicking around the ruins.Part of my tour of the Sacred Valley was a stop at the Pisac Ruins. If you are ever in the Cusco region, I definitely suggest you check these ruins out. They were breathtaking and our guide enriched us with so many facts and history about this area. The inca civilizations were so self-sufficient and brilliant engineers.  I fell in love with the stone walls – the colors, shapes, everything!  The placement of each stone had a symbolic meaning.

I’m drooling over the Peruvian corn.  The oversized kernels are described as chewier, starchier and less sweet than other types of sweet corn.  Peru harvest numerous types of corn.  They are distinct from all the others because of their huge kernels.

My cubicle for the day wasn’t too shabby.

We then explored the Ollantaytambo Ruins. To get to these ruins were about 30 minutes from Pisac.  Prepare to walk up a ton of stairs to get to the top.  However, it was all worth it.  Again, the architecture and construction of all these ruins never ceases to amaze me.  It was love at first sight.

 Last stop of our Sacred Valley tour was the Pisac Market.  Pisac is a pretty village and has plenty of small handicraft shops and is worth a visit on any day of the week. There are local buses departing from Cusco every 15 minutes for the one hour ride to Pisac village.  One thing I am OBSESSED with are all the Peruvian textiles.  I meaaaaaan, if I could buy this whole market, I probably would.  I appreciate and adore all the efforts that go into making handmade products.  There is so much more history and meaning towards them.  The style and they way they mix colors are amazing.  I love the bright funky colors and designs.  You know I did some damage at this market. 🙂

Stay tuned for more of my Peru adventures…..!!!

 

Anepalco’s Cafe

 I was definitely eating out of control this past weekend.  Part of my epicurean adventure was hitting up my favorite Mexican brunch spot – Anepalco’s Cafe in Orange.  It is a MUST try if you are ever in Orange County.  They are known to have the BEST chilaquiles in town!  This has to be my favorite brunch spot in the area.  Luckily, there are two locations in Orange – one on Chapman Ave. and  the other on Main St.  I like to order my chilaquiles with chicken.  I hear the carnitas are juicy, tender, and pretty awesome as well.  There’s something about the sauce that gives this dish an extra kick.   Just looking at the pictures, already makes me crave it again! I would also recommend the guava french toast for a sweet delight.  Yummm-O

Hey Baby Girl!

headband/turban // cardigan // dress  // shoes

If I had a girl… I would dress her up just like me! hahah!  Here’s an inspiration board for a baby girl.  There’s so many cute outfits for baby girls!  I mean, if they were my size I would totally buy some pieces.  Don’t get me wrong I love dressing up my baby boy!  Hopefully the next one will be a baby girl, if not I will be the Queen on the Manigs House!

 

Moraga Steps and Turtle Hill

Jacket – Madewell + Jeans – AG Jeans + Scarf – RLRB + Shoes – Converse

Happy 2nd week of 2015!  Anybody sticking to their resolutions so far?  I decided to continue a positive attitude and work on things with more focus this year…. plus, travel and explore more.  I also do want to attempt to blog more often.  I know I always fall off the band wagon, but I def want to carve out more time for this in 2015!

Anyhoo, there’s nothing more beautiful than artsy mosaic steps and an awesome view of the city during a radiant sunset. A couple unconventional spots you can check out whenever you are in San Francisco are the Moraga Steps and Turtle Hill.  Turtle Hill is right up the hill from the artsy Moraga Steps.  For all you looking for a great photo op, this is the place to be.

Located on 16^th Avenue (between Noriega St & Moraga St) in the southern part of San Francisco, this area draws a crowd all day long and depicts a good picture of the artistic community that San Francisco creates. Inspired by the famous stairs in Rio De Janero, these steps were meticulously created to build a beautiful walkway for the whole city to enjoy.

Conveniently up the hill is Turtle Hill. A great spot to just get away from the hustle and bustle, to clear your mind, or enjoy a scenic view of the city. I personally can never get tired of a sunset. You never know what new colors the skies will illuminate everyday.   They are also daily reminders of how beautiful the world can be. #itsthelittethings

Hope you all have a great week!

Loads of Love

On Leah: Dress – Brandy Melville + Blazer – H&M + Boots – Miz Mooz + Necklace – Zara

On Christy: Kimono – RLRB + Tank – H&M + Ripped Jeans – Zara, similar ones here + Shoes – Vince Camuto

On Rayden: Outift all from Baby Zara + Shoes – Potato Feet 

A couple months ago our good friend Ellie from Story Box Collection came over and did a photo-shoot with my sister and I and our newest addition to the family, Rayden.   Rayden is a natural ham. It’s always a fun time when we work with Ellie. The shoot inevitably ends up being a time for my sister and I to act silly, goof around, and pretty much laugh about everything.

How cute is Rayden though? I absolutely cannot get enough of that lil guy. Since my sister lives up north, anytime I get to spend with her, let alone to be able to have a photo-shoot with her, is never taken for granted. Family is always number one in my book. My new love for my nephew is also a bigger reason why I would want to see my sister more often. They really need to have a bullet train that can take you from LA to SF.

The kimono I am wearing was handmade by my sister. We love boho chic fashion, flowy styles, and versatile pieces.  Kimonos are great because you can dress them up or down.  Whether you pair it with a dress, jeans, or over your bikini at the beach, there’s always an occasion to wear them.  Kimonos can be made to order, so check out our etsy store or email us at rightleftrightbrain@gmail.com for inquires.

 Hope you all have a fabulous weekend with loved ones!

 

Muir Woods

I spent the holidays in San Francisco and got the opportunity to explore areas that I always wanted to check out, but never had the time to.  Since I was in the Bay Area for over a week, it was the perfect time to hit up Muir Woods National Park.   I love to explore new areas, go on hikes, and be outdoors.   The crisp and sunny weather also permitted my friends and I to have a beautiful hike around the red woods.  Muir Woods holds lots of history that stems back to 1945.  The redwoods themselves dominate the scene, but there are also various plants all over the forest floor and the canopy above our heads.

The redwood trees are over 200 years old.  At the park, you could choose from various trails that range in distance.  Being engulfed around so many skyscraper-high trees felt extremely calm and serene.  There’s something about natures natural beauty that rejuvenates me.  The hike at Muir Woods was not too long and not too short.  Perfect for a Saturday stroll.  If you are ever in the San Francisco area for a short trip, here are:

Five places to visit in San Francisco:

1) Muir Woods – For the outdoor, adventurous side in you.

2) Moraga Steps – For the colorful mosaic steps. Will have a blog post about my time here soon!

3) Twin Peaks – For a clear view of the city.

4) Golden Gate Bridge – For what San Francisco is known for all over the world.

5) Dolores Park – For the chill, laid-back side in you that wants to have a picnic and people watch.

There is so much more this city can offer.  It’s def my second home!

2014 You Were Awesome

This year has been hands down one I will never forget.  Here is my recap of the most memorable memories of 2014.  This year has taken me to some incredible places, amazing adventures, once in a lifetime experiences, and a new perspective on life.  It was definitely a year of travel for me.  I went to Thailand, Bali, and Peru this year and I couldn’t have been more blessed to have the opportunities and friendships to share all my adventures with.  For me, traveling feeds my soul.  Immersing yourself in a totally different environment and culture helps you recharge from your normal routined life.  The best thing about traveling is also experiencing natures breath-taking beauty around the world and appreciating the little things.

2014 not only brought me around the world, but also allowed me to become a first time Auntie!  This little bundle of joy has been the best gift of the year.  Cheers to 2015 and I look forward to more amazing memories, endeavors, and adventures! Can’t wait 🙂

Coachella 2014 Royal Palace – Bangkok, ThailandTiger Kingdom – Chiang Mai, ThailandPatara Elephant Farm – Chiang Mai, ThailandWat Phra Kaew – Chiang Mai, ThailandKelly’s Thai Cooking Class – Phuket, ThailandCoral Island – Phuket, ThailandEgg Island – Koh Phi Phi, ThailandRice Terraces – Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Ubud – BaliChrischella 2014 – Palm Springs, CAMachu Picchu – Aguas Calienties, PeruPisac Ruins – Cusco, PeruLos Angeles, CAMuir Woods – San FranciscoGolden Gate Bridge – Second Home, San Francisco