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hey there.

My name is Raquel Leora & I am a stylist & creative director with a passion for health & wellness. This is my little corner of the internet where I can share tips, tricks, photos, & stories! Hope you enjoy.

Post Quarantine To-Do List

Post Quarantine To-Do List

Post Quarantine To-Do List

The past few months have been a bit surreal. The whole world seems to be on lock down, countless people have lost jobs, have fought illness, & have had to adapt to a new normal. Personally, I had to finish my final semester of school online & stayed with a friends family who was kind enough to take me in for nearly two months. I spent time cooking new recipes, calling loved ones who I had not always made time to call, went on long walks, & focused on my writing. With everyone at home, the air has begun to clear & we have all had to re-assess our priorities. As challenging as this time has been, I think & hope that we will all be walking out of it with a new appreciation for life and a fresh perspective. During this season, I have been able to make time to think and dive deeper into my faith, something I will always be grateful for.

With this season hopefully coming to a closing point soon, there are definitely a few things I am looking forward to doing once the world returns to a more normal state! I’ve compiled a post-quarantine to do list of the things I am most excited for.

1. Hug all my people
Wow did I take physical touch for granted before all of this. I have never been a super touchy person but there is something so crucial about human touch & interaction.

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2. Church & Brunch
I have been so lucky to find the most incredible church community. During my four years in Los Angeles, I tried out various churches but finally decided to make Vintage Church my home about two & a half years ago. The Vintage team has done an incredible job with live stream services, online community groups, worship nights, & even all church happy hours. I’ve not only grown close to the people in my community group, but have also grown so much deeper in my relationship with God. That being said, I am literally counting down the days until I can step foot into the Vintage building, sit out on their back patio with an iced coffee, & hear the worship band live again! There is something so special about gathering together in person & I will have a far greater appreciation for it after this experience.

3. Hair Cut
Sorry maybe it sounds vain, but the at home hair cuts are just not doing the trick. I’m all for a good DIY but I am not talented with a pair of scissors & my ends are definitely not looking as healthy as I would hope! Appreciating my hair stylist more now than ever before.

4. Beach Day at El Matador
El Matador is one of my favorite spots in Southern California. The caves & cliffs make for the most stunning sunset backdrops. It is also usually far less crowded than other spots in LA which is great for if you want a quiet beach day.

5. Brunch at Great White with my girlies
If you live in LA, you’ve most likely heard of or been to Great White but wow is this spot worth the mention. During this hectic time, they have been offering pick-up & delivery services but nothing beats sitting down outside at their dreamy locations right near the iconic Venice sign.

6. Visit my favorite coffee shops
I could go on & on about my favorite coffee shops in LA (full blog post on this to come!) but once this is over, you will 100% catch me at Laveta LA on the east side, DayDream Surf Shop in Costa Mesa, Neighborhood Los Angeles, & Bondi Harvest (also for the noms)

7. Summer day at The Waterfront Venice
I’m not much of a drinker, but The WaterFront Venice is my absolute favorite day party spot! Their summery cocktails, outdoor games, & beach side location put me in the perfect mood.

8. Rent a cute AirBnb in Joshua Tree
If one place screams summer adventure, it has to be Joshua Tree. The warm tones, desert vibes, & miles of land to explore truly set the tone for a perfect weekend getaway. Some of my favorite AirBnbs are The Joshua TreeHouse, The Shack Attack, & Joshua Tree Acres.

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9. Nail day at Olive & June
This female owned business takes your manicure experience to the next level. The warm orange & pink tones set the mood for a perfect day & the salon offers natural polishes! When I walk into a salon that not only looks warm & welcoming but also smells chemical-free, I know I’ve found the right spot. After 2 months of at home manis, I am definitely ready to treat myself.
Check out their services HERE!

10. Listen to live music
Lastly, I miss concerts. Live music lifts my mood more than almost anything else & I am counting down the days until I can hear my favorite artists again. Though festivals may still be far off, I am looking forward to small intimate concerts & the ability to support up & coming artists who have creating some incredible things during this time at home.

New Beginnings

New Beginnings

Switching To All Natural

Switching To All Natural