One Day in Malibu, California

Last week I took a break from the snowy winter in NYC and headed to Los Angeles to spend time with my family for the holidays. It was so great to be back in California not only because it was 80 degrees, but because I spent five quality days with my family,  hitting the beach, hiking, and just hanging out in the sun! It also got me to think a lot about where I grew up and how lucky I am to be able to come home to one of the most beautiful places in our country. I send clients to California all the time so I figured it was time to share local secrets from my own backyard....

Malibu, Calfornia- you've seen it on TV, in movies and probably read all about the celebrities who live in Malibu Colony and frequent restaurants like Nobu. Most importantly, Malibu is home to some of the most amazing beaches in all of California. If you are visiting California I highly suggest making a day trip to Malibu. In order to make sure you steer clear of the tourist traps like Duke's, and usual Malibu hot spots such as Paradise Cove, I have put together a guide to one perfect day in Malibu.

1. Start your morning at Coogies Beach Cafe in Malibu Colony right off Pacific Coast Highway. It is well known among locals and celebrities alike for serving excellent California cuisine. What do I mean by California cuisine? Check-out some of Coogies favorites such as blueberry wheat pancakes, the organic Brazilian acai bowl, or the portobello benedict. If you are not in the mood for a full breakfast, Coogie's offers a variety of fresh juices and smoothies.

2. After a satisfying breakfast head across the street to Cross Creek shopping center for a look in some of Malibu's high-end fashion stores. While the stores may be pricey, you can find some great sales. If not, the chic plaza is a great place to catch some rays and maybe even spot a celebrity or two. After all, Cross Creek is filled with signs that read "Paparazzi Free Zone" !

3. When you're done peaking in the shops at Cross Creek head along PCH until you reach Corral Canyon. The trail entrance is right behind Malibu Seafood and its a great hike to work up and appetite for lunch. The total length of the trail is 2.5 miles and leads you right down to the beach. The views of the Santa Monica Mountains with the beach in the distance are picturesque California in a nutshell.

4. Once you have made it back from the hike, jump in line for the BEST seafood in town at Malibu Seafood. There is almost always a line, but I guarantee it is worth the wait. They serve a wide variety of fresh fish grilled or fried right on the spot, just the way you like it. I highly recommend the tilapia or for those wanting to splurge, they are famous for their fish and chips. When your order is ready grab a seat on the patio overlooking the ocean, take in the views, and enjoy! An added bonus- its BYOB so make sure to bring a couple bottles of your favorite wine!

5. After lunch head a bit further up the coast until you hit Zuma Beach. Zuma is my beach. To this day, when I come home the first thing I do is head to Zuma. I have always been a beach girl and through my travels I have come across some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From Greece to the Amalfi Coast to the Caribbean- nothing compares to Zuma beach for me. Maybe I am biased because of the memories I have had at growing up with Zuma in my backyard, but check it out for yourself- you won't be disappointed!  Careful though- the water can be pretty cold!

6. At this point you must be ready for a drink, so its time for happy hour! Head up through the hills on Kanan Road to Agoura and hit some of my favorite California spots.  As you are driving through the hills you will notice many vineyards, which naturally means many options to stop for a wine tasting along the way. My suggestion, SIP winery, located right next to the Canyon General Store (one of my favorite places to hit when I was a kid for after beach snacks). They offer an excellent selection of local wines in their small tasting room or outdoor patio area.

7. If you're in the mood to check out some old Malibu landmarks, take a detour off of Kanan onto Mulholland Drive and check out The Rock Store and The Old Place. Plus, there are some great spots for photo ops along the way. The Rock Store is the bikers hangout, and motor cycle enthusiasts come from all over to drive through Mulholland and grab breakfast or a drink at the Rock Store. You might even get a glimpse of Jay Leno who frequents this hidden gem. The Old Place has been around for 70 years and is one of the oldest still standing restaurants in the Santa Monica Mountains. It has a unique history being across from The Peter Strauss Ranch, once serving as a playground for the rich and famous. The Old Place has always been a family owned local bar a restaurant and is definitely a one-of-a-kind spot but make sure to plan your visit, they are only open Thursday-Sunday from 4pm-10pm.

THE OLD PLACE-

 THE ROCK STORE-

8. Last stop on our tour is right at the top of Kanan Road near the intersection of Highway101-Ladyface Ale House and Brasserie. Ladyface is a local favorite, brewing their own beers onsite. Why the name Ladyface? Well if you grab a seat on their outdoor patio and look to your right you will see Ladyface mountain (the top of the mountain looks like the face of a lady). Ladyface offers a wide selection of beers paired with exceptional food. On my most recent trip home I popped by Ladyface for their great happy hour specials and had salmon sliders and fresh-cut fries- I highly suggest both dishes. I paired my food with their La Grisette which is a light and crisp beer, but if you want something heavier go for the Blind Ambition.

Well, there you have it- those are my favorite spots from the place I will forever call home! California Dreamin' baby!

London Calling!

This past July one of my closest friends, Jess, moved across the pond to start her life with her new hubby Tom. You can read all about her story on www.loveandlondon.com. Jess and I met in Florence and became close friends instantly, bonding over our love for travel. I had always promised that the day she moved to England I would buy my ticket to come visit her, and that is exactly what I did. With Labor Day right around the corner, timing was perfect, and I could not wait to see her and her new life in England!

Jess and Tom live in an adorable flat just outside of London. Their flat is complete with a guest bedroom (which I like to refer to as my room) and the cutest little terrace overlooking the town. The first thing we had to do when I arrived- have a Bulmers on the terrace. One thing you should know about me, I am obsessed with Bulmers. It is an English cider that I first had in Florence, but they do not sell it in America (no Magners is not the same thing) so Jess and Tom had a fridge full of Bulmers prepared for my arrival.

Ironically, the town they live in is right near Cobham, where I lived with my family when I was younger, so one of the days, we headed to Cobham to check out my old stomping grounds. We walked the high street then stopped at The Old Bear for a Bulmers. It was so lovely to sit in the garden at The Old Bear with my best friend and her hubby and reminisce on my life in England.

After our outing in Cobham we headed to Guilford for dinner at Wagamama's! Wagamama's the most amazing noodle shop with locations throughout England, a must-have if you are ever in London! I also suggest having one of their amazing fresh juices with your noodles.

If you ever find yourself in London and looking for a quick day trip I would suggest heading to Brighton beach. Brighton is a quaint coastal English town about an hour from Tom and Jess'. It doesn't exactly have the best beach, but it has a charming old boardwalk and is famous for their adorable little "lanes" with shopping and excellent restaurants.

For dinner we headed to a new vegetarian restaurant called Terre a Terre that Jess had read about. Honestly, I am not too sure what we ate but everything was delicious! It was not one of those vegetarian restaurants where you get a plate of vegetables- oh no, the sample platter we ordered was filled with an assortment of unique delish dishes!

On the last day of my trip Jess and I jumped on the train to London (its only about 20 minutes) for a girls day. First thing, lunchtime! We headed to Camden, which is very young, trendy area of London. I love Camden not only for the hipster vibes and vintage clothing, but they also have some great restaurants and nightlife. We had lunch at Rossopomodoro, an Italian restaurant with several locations in London. Having both lived in Italy it is hard to impress us with pizza, but I have to say, Rossopomodoro's pizza was amazing. After devouring the pizzas and some shopping in Camden market, we headed to the tower bridge for some sight-seeing and Barclay's bikes. We both love to bike ride so London's new Barclay bike system was a must. For 6 pounds you can rent the bikes for 24 hours. Although, we nearly got hit by a few cars, the bikes were a great way to see London in a short amount of time. To finish off the day- drinks a local cafe called Thomas Cubitt located on an adorable West Village- like cobblestoned street. Having my first Pimms cup (traditional English drink) was the perfect way to end a wonderful day.

To top off my trip....I stumbled upon one on our offices in London. I still cannot stop thinking about that store.....who knows maybe one day I will be working there ;)

Welcome to My Blog!

Hello there, I'm Sara, welcome to my blog! I am New York City inhabitant who loves anything and everything travel- which is great because that is what I do for a living! I spend every day of my life talking about travel, discovering new places, and opening up the world for those who want to see it. I couldn't see myself doing anything else, but it was quite the journey to get here (more of that in my about me). 

So what is a "professional nomad" you ask? Well those who follow me on Instagram know that I am "Nomadlife" (follow me!!) There was a time in my life that I considered myself a nomad which by definition is- "someone with no permanent home but moves about from place to place." After leaving home at 18 and moving to NYC and then to Florence I had lived in 9 different apartments in four years and had no real understanding of where I belonged.. LA? NYC? Italy?

Duomo in Firenze

Today, I do not consider myself a nomad by any means. I have an amazing career, my own studio apartment in Manhattan, and a stable, well-grounded life in New York City. However, I will always inherently be a nomad because my job and my deepest passion is to travel and always be on the go- hence professional nomad. 

Recent trip to Paris

At this point in my life I feel so blessed to have had the opportunities to travel the world-including living in London, England and Florence, Italy for some time. My journey's and experiences abroad have made me the person I am today and like my blog states, I truly believe "travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer."

Lennon Wall in Prague

I live for the moments of the unknown. There is nothing like a plane touching down in foreign city where you know no one and no one knows you. In that moment you exist in the unknown- between the language barrier and the unfamiliar sights, you are overwhelmed yet enthralled at the same time. Those are the moments I live for, and the tales I will never forget- which is why my job is to provide other people those same experiences. 


I started this blog for two reasons- to share my passion for travel, and to share the tales of my travels. Whether it is the best pizza in Italy, or the best airline to travel on to the Caribbean....I will share with you everything I learn and experience as a professional nomad....so stay tuned!