THE OC MIX MART

Whenever I travel to Los Angeles I love revisiting my favorite places but I like to try new places as well in hopes that it will make my favorites list. The OC Mix Mart, which came highly recommend by one of my friends, definitely made the list. It is located in the center of the SOCO (South Coast Collection) shopping center in Costa Mesa. Since my sister's dance competition at the Anaheim convention center started later in the day, my mom and I decided to make the short drive to check this place out.

The OC Mix is a collection of one-of-a-kind shops and eateries all located in one enclosed area. I am completely obsessed with the concept of the Mix Mart. A bunch of eclectic and unique businesses all bundled together to make one fantastic experience. There is something here for everyone. When first walking into the The OC Mix I soon realized it was probably one of the most hipster establishments I have ever been to. I first saw a bunch of shops and eateries all uniquely decorated to fit their signature trade. I couldn't wait to start exploring.

My Top 3 Favorite Places:

Portola Coffee Lab is a coffee shop unlike any other. They allow their customers to customize their drink by first picking the variety of coffee then the method in which the coffee is made. The coffee is of course roasted fresh in house. The baristas here are always on their A game. My mom didn't quite know what coffee to choose since it was our first time so they told her they would whip up something absolutely divine that she would love and she did. But there are countless amounts of fresh pastries to pair with a coffee such as berry monkey bread, which we got. It will be hard to beat this fresh cup of handcrafted joe once we get back to the islands.

Being the Tea Lover I am Seventh Tea Bar was right up my alley. It was a cute European inspired shop with a variety of loose leaf tea to choose from. It was a hard choice considering there were at least 50 options from around the world but the worker was extremely helpful in giving me the background of each tea that sparked my eye. I decided on a mint green tea, which was one of the best I have ever tasted. It was a perfect monday morning drink to sip on while having breakfast with my mom. There are not nearly enough tea joints as there are coffee so I always love when I find new tea places to check out.

Birdie is a cold press juicery that not only makes wonderful juices but also tasty acai and pitaya bowls as well. There was a vast variety of juice choices but I went for the Chia Colada that has coconut water, chia seeds, pineapple and cucumber. It was a refreshing drink to get me through a five hour dance competition. It was decorated very rustic and had a homey feeling as well. It was a very refreshing joint that will always satisfy your fruity cravings while still being extremely nutritious. 

xo. Laur