This post was sponsored by Serena & Lily, all opinions expressed are my own - as always!

Do you like to take it slow in the morning, or are you a get up and go type of person? For me, slow mornings are where it’s at.  I start my days in the kitchen, where the sun shines beautifully through the windows and covers the whole room in a golden glow. I play my morning music, something happy and optimistic to start the day off right. I light a candle or two, then put the kettle on to make coffee or tea - it’s my favorite lil routine! Heating the water, brewing my bevy, checking out the new growth of my kitchen planties, singing and dancing to my favorite songs. 

I absolutely love gift giving, and I’ve found myself being much more intentional with my gift purchases nowadays. I try to think long and hard about what my loved ones will really use and enjoy. What’s something that will enrich their life and won’t end up discarded the week after Christmas? Beautiful products that are made to last and created both sustainably and ethically - that’s what it’s all about! Supporting businesses who care about the environment is important to me, so this year I compiled the ultimate eco-friendly gift guide. I own a good amount of the products on this list myself, and they bring me joy everyday! I encourage you to research these brands yourself, or any brand you plan on buying from this holiday season. Make sure they stand for what’s important to you - whether it’s natural, non-toxic ingredients, fair wages for workers, donations to a good cause made with every purchase, or zero-waste packaging.

Exactly two days ago, Black & Blooms turned 3 years old - and today is my very first day as a full-time creative. Yesterday was my last day working my “9-5” (it was really a 6-3) and I. am. PINCHING MYSELF! Being self-employed has been a dream for so long, it’s absolutely wild to think this day is actually here. I wanted to share my experience over the past few years building my small biz while working a full time job, and give you a sense of how I got here and where I’m hoping to go/grow in the future.

It’s hereeee! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is the perf time to treat yo’ self. The Early Access portion of the sale is avail right now for Nordstrom card members, and then it opens up to everyone on July 19th! If you’re not a card member no worries - just add faves to your basket now and then head back first thing on the 19th because pieces sell out quick! I rounded up my fave picks to help you find the boho bests - I always enjoy putting together my dream shopping cart of goodies :) Cozy home decor, fab clothing, the cutest shoes and accessories, as well as beauty brands and products I personally love!

California has had a pretty crazy year what with the fires, flooding, and extra rainy winter. But the result of all that is something truly spectacular - a beautiful wildflower super bloom. Right now throughout Southern California there’s a floral explosion happening! Hills, deserts, and canyons are covered in beautiful poppies. It really is magical!

This post was sponsored by Simply Chocolate, all opinions expressed are my own - as always!

It’s no secret I’m a big believer in treatin yo’ self. Taking time for self care is so important, and indulging in things that help you relax and de-stress can have positive impacts on all areas of your life. One of my fave self care rituals is taking a luxurious bath! Add some Godiva chocolates and rosé from Simply Chocolate to the mix, and you’ve got an absolutely heavenly pairing. Keep scrolling for my tips on how to create a dreamy self care bath in your own home.

You bb’s know I love a gift guide! Valentine’s Day is coming up quick and while I def don’t think you need to go cray with the gifts, it’s always nice to get your loved ones a lil somethin’ sweet. Eddie and I seem to do something different every year on v-day! Sometimes we’ve stayed in, other times we’ve gone out to nice dinners - but truth is I think there’s a lot of pressure and expectations that are put onto this one day. So we prefer to just have fun and take it easy, no matter what we do! I rounded up a bunch of cutie patootie lil prezzies that are sure to put a smile on the faces of those you love. Whether you’re going all out for Galentine’s day with your girls, hanging with fam, or planning a date night with your partner - I gotchu covered.

I’m one of those people who will pick a restaurant based on its decor over its food - woops! I just love a beautifully decorated space, what can I say! Lucky for me, some of my fave restaurants in LA happen to not only be gorgeous, but also serve super yummy food. Hallelujah! For this list I kept it to my fave spots near where I live in West Los Angeles, mainly located in Culver City and Venice - my two fave parts of the city. Keep scrolling for all my picks!