Oregon is more beautiful than words can say. Visiting in February, I was ready for harsh winds and cloudy overcast days. While in the city, the weather was just as I expected but the day we spent driving along the Columbia River Gorge we were lucky enough to have a sunny clear sky.  The Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH) is well known to be a waterfall wonderland. 


Originally, I was driving to pinned-point waterfalls on my maps but along the way I came across a waterfall on the side of the road. So, I hopped off the nearest exit and found an information center. There, a kind man gave me the ultimate map to see these waterfalls. you can find a similar one right here :) From Portland drive towards I-84 East and take exit 22 to follow "HCRH".

1st. The first waterfall along this stop was Latourell Falls! This breathtaking waterfalls requires little walking to see. There is another trail that takes you to the bottom part of the falls.

2nd. Shepperds Dell Falls, for this waterfall, you just gotta pull over on the side (where it's ok) and it's right there along the road. I guess there used to be a trail to see it closer, but due to the fire the trail is now inaccessible.
3rd. Bridal Veil Falls.  The trail to this luscious waterfall is about a mile round trip, it has switchbacks, but it was pretty easy for my 6 year old to do.

4th. Wahkeena Falls. Another beautiful falls along this road. You can see Wahkeena Falls from the parking lot but you can also follow the trail to see a part of the falls up closer. (.4 mi. round trip to the falls)
5th. Multnomah Falls, standing high and towering over the mountains, this majestic waterfall lives up to its name.
6th. Horsetail Falls. This is another falls you can pull over the parking area and it's right there, no trail necessary. 
You can even walk to the bottom of it! It's absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite ones along this road.

I feel beyond grateful for being able to do this. This is all about 30 minutes away from downtown Portland and it's a must do for the nature lover. It does require a few hours to do, especially if you enjoy taking a lot of pictures. I would save at least 3 hours of the day just to see this. Could be less or more depending on the individual.

Waterfalls are a beautiful force of nature, if you have a chance hop on the I-84 and take it to the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Verve Coffee is found in the Downtown Arts district in LA. There are several cafes in LA, there’s literally one for every type of person. Verve Coffee feels like the coffee shop that can can accommodate to anyone. Whether you’re working, having a business meeting, studying, meeting a friend, date, or hanging with your kid (like me) this coffee shop has a spot for you.
Coffee was delightful! My son had a cookie that he says was delicious. I know they also have food (10$ and up range) if you are looking to eat while you have coffee. The barista was sooo nice to us, I would come back in a heartbeat due to their customer service.
It's ambience is simply relaxed. It's a spacious place with large windows. The aesthetics and lighting of this place is literally perfect for any instagram picture.
Parking anywhere in downtown LA is bad but we found a parking spot nearby on the side of the street for free. I believe they have a parking but it's valet. (I aint about that life ya'll)
This place is a contemporary and hip coffee shop. Verve coffee is an independent roaster from Santa Cruz. They even care about ethics and the environment from a farm level! (https://www.vervecoffee.com/pages/this-is-farmlevel)

Thanks for reading ya'll!
-Jasmine
Black Ring Coffee Roasters! 
Long Beach is known to have an abundance of coffee shops, (which are all unique and good) but this is tucked away from the downtown area and it's totally a hidden gem!
They have a variety of drinks to choose from, such as basics like cappuccino/lattes and specials like honey oat latte or whiskey vanilla latte. (These are super popular)

This coffee shop has a calm setting with a rustic and minimalistic style. 


Decent amount of seating, like 10 maybe? It's definitely one of the better places to study because it's pretty quiet. This could be overwhelming when I have my hyper 6 year old but iPad or homework time while I work is good enough for us! 


Black Ring has been one of my favorites to visit! They have nice and chill baristas. They are an independent roaster that focus on labor and sustainable practices. Read more about them here: https://www.blackring.coffee/

Thanks for reading along!
-Jasmine 
Hello 2020,
You arrived with open arms, and I am taking you all in. Into these coffee shops.
I visited NewBerry Coffee Roasters. This local and independent coffee shop roasts their own coffee in Los Angeles!
Their coffee shop is in Torrance, cozy and cute! There's limited seating, I would recommend coming here for a quick cup of coffee to go. - they only had paper cups anyway.  But it's also perfect place to spend a few minutes to do productive things like: budget, make to-do lists, or even read an article.
I am all for quality coffee coming from sustainable farms and businesses supporting local communities. Check out their website (: http://www.newberrycoffeeroasters.com/store.html
This is their yelp is you want to know even more: https://www.yelp.com/biz/newberry-coffee-and-tea-company-torrance
My instagram should also have links to their page or location. I go to so many, I figured I can start blogging them now. I'm usually awkward at coffee shops so I get shy to take pictures but I'll try my best to show how cute they all are! Thanks!
-Jasmine
Volcano Colima seen from the side of the road

Hola Amigas y Amigos!

Haha, I went to Mexico for a week and now I’m feeling all cultured and shit, I love it. This is my homeland, this is where my parents came from. As a daughter of an immigrant, visiting Mexico felt spiritual. I am grateful for this.


Get your cafecito and read along. I’m going to bring you around my Pueblo and the Pueblo’s around ! In case you are ever visiting Guadalajara, these places are about a 2 hour drive south of it.


Usmajac Jalisco.
This town has a beloved church on a hill and one morning me and my dad hiked to the top of the hill. We received this grand view of the town. This is a sight I hope to hold on to.

Sayula, Jalisco
This place has an abundance of local shops and services. I wish I could visit them all honestly, but at least I made it to one of their coffee shop! And they were actually only open from 6pm to midnight which is actually considered the busy hours here. 





Tapalpa, Jalisco
The road getting here isn't pretty, very narrow, bumpy and rocky at times. However, getting to see the waterfall is worth it. You'll drive down this road for a long time before you come to a dead end which is where the hiking trail begins.

Cascada Salto Del Nogal, Tapalpa, Jalisco
That hike was fun and beautiful but it was also very steep, you're going downhill 80% of the way there so it's uphill 80% back. About 1.3 miles to the waterfall "Salto Del Nogal" (30-60 mins) You can actually continue hiking up the stream for another layer of the waterfall!


Las Piedrotas 
Another landmark of this town are these rocks literally named "Big Rocks".  No hiking necessary just a walk from the parking lot across the road.

Cuidad Guzman
Every town I visited had incredible architecture, but my fave was probably here. The plaza had tons of street vendors selling anything you can think. And yes, I also found a coffee shop!

Parque Ecolologico
Behind all the neighborhoods of Cuidad Guzman, there is a beautiful big park called "Parque Ecologico Las Penas" where me and my sister went to hike to get views of the town, mountains and the volcano from afar, which was covered with clouds when I went :(  

These were the highlights of my trip ya'll! In case you ever visit, I highly recommend any of these places. They are beautiful. Thank you for reading this other semi lengthy post :) - Jasmine