Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?
Los Angeles during December has a gentle magic to it. The city feels slower, softer, and calmer compared to the constant rush of New York City. The weather is cool but never harsh, and there’s this bright winter light that makes even an ordinary day feel special. Everywhere you go, there’s a quiet sense of warmth in the air, like the city itself is relaxing.
Some of my most peaceful moments were spent by the water. Laguna Beach and Malibu Beach quickly became two of my all-time favorites. No matter the time of day, they carried a calm that settled straight into your chest. Morning waves, golden afternoons, evenings when the sky turned soft, or late nights when the ocean was the only sound around you—each moment felt healing in its own quiet way.
Glendale became the heart of my time in LA. During the holiday season, the whole city feels inviting. The lights, the music drifting through the streets, the cozy crowd at the Americana at Brand, and the decorated corners all around the city created a soft holiday atmosphere that made me feel at home. Glendale is also famous for its vibrant Persian community, and it shows everywhere you look. From the markets to the restaurants, it’s full of life, and the Persian cuisine there is some of the best I’ve ever had. Even simple routines felt comforting, like quick grocery trips to Target/Ralphs or wandering around the mall with Christmas songs playing in the background.
There were also the little details that made the experience unforgettable. The drives along Angeles Crest with mountains opening up around the road. Grabbing In-N-Out almost every day without ever getting tired of it. Stopping for Salt & Straw ice cream. And remembering the Godiva outlet that no longer exists, especially their rich dark chocolate ice cream that became a small tradition for me whenever I passed by.
Even the quiet evenings in Pasadena added to the feeling. Walking along Colorado Boulevard felt safe, lively, and full of gentle energy. The mix of nature, holiday lights, food, small routines, and late-night drives created a season that felt warm and deeply personal. Los Angeles in December became more than just a place to visit. It became a memory that settled in my heart, full of moments that still feel alive when I think about them.
All of this traveling and seeing these places was thanks to my amazing father. He literally showed us the world. He was a very involved, loving, and caring father who made every trip special. Glendale has a personal connection for our family too, because it is where my father went for his further studies in the 1980s. Today, it remains one of the safest neighborhoods in LA, and experiencing it with the memories of my father made it feel even more special. I will forever carry his memory—his favorite restaurant, his favorite cuisine, his recommendations. I just can’t believe he is no longer here with me.
I really wanted to visit Paris ever since I was a kid specially because of Disneyland. I am so glad when the first time I went to Paris I was 22 and the memories I have are so clear. Kids don’t remember anything!! The best age to travel is actually when you can remember what you did, where you went and all those amazing strolls down the aesthetically pleasing streets! You need to stay in a good neighbourhood so that you can actually walk and enjoy your trip. Shopping and cafe culture is something you cannot miss out on in Paris. You need to dress a bit formally in Paris; unlike Los Angeles. They have the biggest Sephora in Paris and you can literally find anything! There was even a cute little Sephora next to our hotel as well. I hate how convenient shopping is in Paris and you literally end up buying whatever catches your eye. Which means you end up buying things you don’t need.
Amsterdam;
This is definitely the most safest city after Zurich. Literally everyone is so sweet and kind. I love the tram culture in Amsterdam, you can never get lost in this amazing dutch city. The canals, weather, food and super easy going lifestyle is what attracts people to visit this amazing place over and over again. You need to try seafood here, particularly the famous SeaFood bar. The weather is super pleasant and you might even need a jacket after sunset (that is if there’s no heat wave). Avoid going to Amsterdam in June & July since chances are you might get caught in middle of a heat wave and it might just ruin your trip. Personally for me, I hate summers and I hate hot weathers. The best time to visit Amsterdam is definitely Autumn and spring.
Flights to LA can be hell tiring and the the jet lag takes at least a week to get over. But is it worth it? HELL YESS!! As soon as you get out of LAX the cool breeze can make you forget about the long flight and how tired you actually are. You just need someone who knows all the places. You need to stay in a safe neighbourhood. I absolutely loved Glendale. The apartment where we stayed was a 5-6 minutes walk from Americana The Brand. I used to walk by myself every single time. People are extremely warm and welcoming. Three things I loved the most was my salt & straw ice cream, In-n-out burgers and Boiling crab. You need to try these things if you’re in Los Angeles(or some other city). I prefer walking when I’m travelling, I hate using any sort of transportation. Absolutely loved Laguna beach and Malibu Beach there, you just need to make sure you don’t slip when a wave comes right at you, just hold your ground. I once had my back towards the ocean, a huge wave just came right at me and I had to make sure I didn’t budge and stand perfectly still( i’m extremely bad at swimming); almost went into the pacific. Sharks are on of my major fears ever since growing up (probably because I watched ever single scary shark movie) I was the only one that close to the water. But oh well I was brave I guess. I just love walking on the beach, soaking my feet in the water and enjoy the sound of the waves. The skies in California are literally out of this world.
Iceland;
This place is yet again on my bucket list. You’ll see geothermal hot springs billowing with white smoke, moss-covered lava fields stretching into the distance, dazzling white glaciers slicked over mountainsides and if you’re lucky you’ll see the Northern lights too.
Nothern lights – Iceland
Peak viewing season for the northern lights is always September through March when the nights are long, during winters darkness can extend for approximately 19 hours. Arrive about five days before a new moon, and you will have a very dark week ahead, perfect for seeing the lights. List of places in Iceland where you can witness Northern lights;
– Hella
– ReykjavĂk
– Höfn
– SkĂłgar
– Snaefellsnes
Next attraction is the Blue Lagoon. It’s a a geothermal spa, located in a lava field near GrindavĂk and in front of Mount Ăžorbjörn.
Lake Tahoe, Nevade;
I went to Lake Tahoe last year, it was summer the season, the lake had all shades of blue and it was so pretty. South Lake Tahoe is a more touristy spot and but you can definitely spot some secluded places with minimal or no people for your photography. Emerald bay was a bit crowded but definitely worth the views. Tahoe has lakes, Greenery and snow capped mountains at the same time. If you plan on going to The States do add driving to Lake Tahoe, you’d love it.
Yosemite National Park, California;
If you truely want to be awed and experience mother natures true beauty you need to visit Yosemite National Park. It includes peaks, canyons, cliffs, domes, rivers, lakes, immense waterfalls, lush green meadows, wildlife, and forests. If you’re lucky (or unlucky) you can also spot a bear just strolling around you. Just don’t feed them and don’t walk off by yourself since the park is packed with wildlife. I saw the biggest squirrels at Yosemite. Literally huge and fat. You’ll see the worlds tallest sequoia trees here too. You’ll feel like you stepped into a fairytale.
I’ll be adding more places to this amazing list. Stay tuned for more✨
Hey girls, I hope you’ll had an amazing summer. Previously on my skincare blog post I wrote about a few glow recipe products I used religiously, well I recently added two more amazing products to the list. If you’ve read my previous blog post regarding my skin care routine you can tell how much I love their Watermelon range, Particularly their Niacinamide. Well I was in Los Angeles and I literally stocked up on all my favourite products from them, and added two new amazing products to my routine from the same range.
Glow Recipe PHA+BHA Pore Tight Toner
This amazing toner hydrates and tightens your pores, while giving you an amazing and plumped up glow at the same time. I use it right after my cleanser, and before my Glow Recipe Dew drops (Niacinamide). It just makes everything absorb in so well. A little goes a long way, so this one full size bottle will be enough for 2 months or even more. I got the mini bottle (40ml) for 15 usd and i’m still using that bottle right now (for over a month now). Got the full sized one too, will use it once I get done with the mini.
Watermelon Glow Niancinamide Sunscreen SPF 50
I cannot tell you how much I love this product. I have been using this particular sunblock right after my glow recipe dew drops(in my morning routine) and my skin feels amazing (MashAllah🧿). When I went into sephora and asked for a sunscreen recommendation this is what everyone suggested and i’m so glad I listened to them. This is their new product in the watermelon range and is completely worth investing on. I got 3 extra bottles for myself, considering how much I love using my sunblock everyday regardless of my plans.
The thing I love the most about this particular brand, The Glow Recipe, is that they don’t use harsh chemicals or artificial scents which makes them highly suitable for someone with a sensitive skin. It’s all natural Korean beauty line manufactured in USA. Korean are known for their amazing skin care.
You should definitely read my updated skin care routine for 2022 featuring more of The Glow Recipe products;