From left to right: Learning to skate. I'm still apparently a little stiff, but it's definitely super fun // Scout got a killer nose job // I LOVE this graffiti in DTLA - always peeves me when a man catcalls AND tells me to smile. Just, no. // The sunset over Venice Boardwalk is always pleasant. // My Saturday morning view last week at Swami's. // County Line between sets with Pretty Moon. // Kevin was my host last weekend at my Encinitas weekend. // Went to a surf move last Friday... was exactly what you expected it to be; nothing new. // Using my old Polaroid film on Pretty Moon. 

This past weekend I had the pleasure of hanging out in Encinitas. I love that little beach town so much. I hung out with my friend Kevin and his brother and his friends. It was a nice weekend away where I didn't have an agenda besides the surf move we went to at La Paloma theater by D street (which, by the way, was a total YAWNfest). We just drank whiskey, made terrible food decisions at one the in morning, skated on the neighborhood street and enjoyed the sunset view from the patio jacuzzi (okay, we capped it off with some Chargers football). Yep. That pretty much summed up my weekend. Need more of these in my life. See more photos from my hasselblad and polaroids after the jump.

I saw this video a few days ago and when I saw Chris Burkard post on his Instagram about today, I really wanted to share it as well. Patagonia has a reputation of having really great outerwear that will last you probably longer than any of your upcoming Black Friday purchases combined. This film put out by the brand is definitely great marketing for their product, but really makes you think about the stories you wear year after year. Before you go shopping this Friday, take 20-some minutes to watch this short film (and take a look at my 2010 list from what you can do instead of Black Friday).

All images from swell.com

It's that time of year that I contemplate why I ever started surfing (and then I remember, oh yeah, waves!). Entering the cold water, you have to have a warmer suit than your Spring/Fall suits. Although some people can stomach the cold, you're going to last way less in the water and you will find yourself getting tired a lot quicker (i.e. energy expenditure in lower temperatures takes way more effort) if you're not at the right temp. I've been searching for the perfect 4/3 winter wetsuit that embodies both style and durability in the upcoming colder months. Here are my top picks:

XCEL INFINITI X2 4/3MM FULLSUIT - $329
I am in a love affair with Xcel. I think they make some of the best wetsuits & surf gear bar none... their price point is actually fair because I agree you get what you pay for. I've only gotten rid of one suit because some creeper stole it off my balcony at my last apartment. This Xcel is awesome to me because it has an extra wide entry point (ha), and anyone that has tried on a winter suit knows that extra mm can make the giant suit a beast to put on; and when wet? don't even think about taking it off. I get exhausted just thinking about it. But this suit has everything - the thickness, quick drying lining and great minimal design that I love. // SHOP HERE.

ROXY 4/3MM SYNCRO - $154
Despite Roxy's less than graceful year, the company makes really pretty wetsuits that I happen to like to surf in. Wanting to stand out from the line of black suits is definitely a goal of mine (because black, despite most of what my wardrobe says, can be boring). With Kassia Meador's latest collections, I've really seen Roxy step it up with their suits as far as design. No more are the super cheesy floral motifs that used to line arms and legs. They're still there but not on every suit. The Syncro is pretty awesome because it's still a good looking suit with the warmth that you need for a price point that won't break the bank. I would love to try this one out. // SHOP HERE.

ROXY 4/3 IGNITE FULLSUIT - $249
I'm also curious about the more premium suits Roxy has to offer. This 4/3 Ignite suit is advertised as lighter, better sealed and with a front chest entry (that means it has a wider entry point like the Xcel suit above). I do like the minimal design of this one with the lack of colors, but I love how the space-age looking lines on the arms and back (better view on backside photos) make it really unique. Like most higher-priced suits, the liquid seam seal is also a selling point; making it more water resistant to keep the chill out. // SHOP HERE.

In the end, I'm such an Xcel girl -- but the price points on the Roxy suits get my curiosity up. The best thing that you can really do with any wetsuit is to find the one you like online physically in store. It is always better to try them on before you commit to them!

What wetsuits have you found that fit the bill this winter?

LAST CLICK //

• Individuality rules. How to be a game changer in your blogging niche. 
• I got a long way to go before I complete this "before 40" bucketlist.
• Nice! A Beautiful Mess has some completely non-hokey and cheap Halloween decor ideas. 
• Funny, I was having a conversation earlier this week that beaches should always be accessible to the public and not the few rich that could afford a house on the sand. 
• Purse n' boots kills me. I love her so. And yes, maybe her styling too. 

I never thought I would admit this, but I like... really like running.

The other day a co-worker ticked me off when he made me feel really convicted about my running abilities. The office was going on a 7-8 mile after-work run (kill me) and I opted out because I said "I'd be lucky to even run a mile without stopping, I just can't run," to which my co-worker replied, "well that's already self-sabotaging behavior," and proceeded to tell me how I was wrong and that I never really tried hard enough, etc. Needless to say, when someone tells me that I don't try or that I'm playing victim, it makes me mad! Wouldn't you be upset? So I stewed at my desk for the remainder of that eight-hour workhorse day, went home, promptly put on my running (ha) shoes and went outside for what I argued wasn't possible. But I gave a damn and sure as hell was going to try.

From my house to the Venice Beach Pier, it is approximately .9-some miles. I ran, albeit rather slowly, to the end of the pier, tapped it with a tired hand and ran back to the middle (now one mile); but not before stopping to email my co-worker my triumph. I even ran back to the house. Now for some of you, you eat miles for breakfast. I'm not like that.

So there is the self-sabotaging talk again. I'm not like that... yet.

I realize that I have been playing the victim way too long. All this self-deprecating talk is getting old and I'm realizing that you just really need to do whatever you want. Obviously that can be taken out of context, but what I'm saying is that the only limiting thing is your life is really your own mind. If we tell ourselves something enough or we get this envisioned ideal of what we like and don't like at a young age, then we may never grow out of it. What you liked and disliked when you were younger may not carry over to your later years. If you always said, "Oh I'm not much of a dancer," then go out and MOVE. If you never start something because you have this limiting and non-serving thought, you'll never get anywhere. I read this great book called Making Your Creative Mark that asked you to write down, beginning with, "I say that ___________ matters to me but ___________." You write your art down as what you think matters but then you write down every single self-deprecating thought that comes up. For example, "I say that photography matters to me but everything has been done, I'll never be original, too many people will think I'm a fraud, etc." The goal is to look at your "but" list and cross off any thought that isn't self-serving... which should be all of them. What you're left with is photography matters to me. My health matters to me. My work matters to me. What do you do with things that matter to you? You nurture them and help them grow.

It's funny because I used to think to myself for the longest time, "I'm not a runner, I can't run," because of my experiences in the past. My past experiences prevented me from even trying to overcome my "can'ts,"Now seeing what I can do next is all I can think about.

What have you been self-sabotaging for too long? 

From left to right: 1. Big Bear's food service was really confident in putting "The Best in the world" titles at every restaurant. 2. Boys roughing it on the Alpine Slide 3. Dom & I hoping Bear Bear Bigfoot doesn't like cookies 4. Watching The Drew League kick ass on the court 5. Unleash Speed games in the Santa Monica Airport 6. My new after-work date is pretty hot 7. June Gloom has still not lifted on the West Coast 8. El Porto was BUSY last weekend 9. I've been writing a lot more and Gordy has been keeping me company... love. // Follow me on Instagram

This is more of a two week review rather than just this one! The past two weeks have been absolutely wonderful and make me feel good that I'm on the right path. I've been taking 20+ mile bike rides after work all along the beach bike path that have been making me feel way better about my body and just my overall activity. And speaking of work, the news I mentioned a few weeks ago is that I got a new job. Food service was never my calling and now I feel so blessed to be part of such a revolutionary and innovative athletics company and that I help get to be an actual voice that people hear. I'm so stoked on the opportunities that will come and the chances I will get to prove my abilities. Plus, it definitely has its perks -- I'll be in Portland in two weeks for the first time for Music Fest Northwest to help moderate a social media campaign! Who is a PDX reader? This past weekend has also been a nice few hours away at Big Bear mountain. I found a few vintage t-shirts and spent some time with some great people in peace and quiet. Not a bad start to a new season of life.

LAST CLICK //
• The #VanLife Syndrome. There are some cons to the nomadic life.
• Well damn. "I Forgot my Phone" is poignant and... well, truth in a lot of instances.
• Bohemian Norway. This house is absolutely to die for. The natural light is what gets me.
• Roxy, Who? T-Mobile comes out with the most terrible commercial, starring Alana Blanchard, ever.
• Are "realistic" goals holding you back? When it's time to risk for something bigger.
• I love cooking but I'm busy as hell lately. Why not make something good under 30?

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Has your life been in a new season lately?

Monday I took my roommate's dog, Gordy, out for a 3 mile hike out in the Santa Monica mountains. Don't let the idea of Los Angeles fool you, there are actually plenty of great hikes out here with breathtaking scenery. I really am proud to be a new Angeleno. I suggest going there during the early morning hours because the sun definitely gets a bit hot. Circle X Ranch is located off Yerba Buena Rd right off the PCH. It's definitely a hike where you won't see a lot of people. I suggest a camelback and some good hiking boots to climb the boulders down with free hands into the actual natural grotto at the end. Definitely worth the sore butt and legs I got the next day.

Images by Zak Noyle via GrindTV
Zak Noyle captured these photos on a recent trip to Indo. It's insane what human life can do in destruction to our earth. Granted this debris happened after a storm but it still happened. Recycling, being aware of your plastic use, your one-time bags, which corporations you buy from, etc. all has an impact. Be aware & be active. It's saddening to see this happen to a place that was really unimaginable with anything but clear blue water.

Sources: Unfortunately I cannot credit four of these since I couldn't find the source. However you can find the Hobbit book here and Allister Ann's photography here.

1. Surf a new break in Los Angeles - I go to my main three constantly. Breakwater, El Porto or Malibu. I need some new scenery.
2. Go swimming in a fresh water lake. 
3. Go to a new state park. One preferably more north than east (green instead of desert!).
4. Complete the People's Pictures book by Chris Orwig - I've said it so many times I'd do it but this month is it. Keep me accountable!
5. Sew some awesome surf and beach related projects I've been mulling over for awhile. 
6. Start training to train for long-distance running - Sounds so silly but this has been eating at my brain for weeks now. Something is telling me I need to do this and to start now. 
7. Become an active contributor to a magazine or blog I like. I love BWG and I feel like I need to start giving them something awesome again!

Hello all, I am back! I've felt more refreshed these few weeks than I have in the past and I am so grateful for your patience! I've really contemplated what I want in life and just really taken all the wisdom and advice thrown at me to heart. Do you like the little header update? More changes (and posts over the creative process) will be coming in the coming days.

The past few weeks I've gone to a few moto events, explored San Diego with new friends during the most hectic weekend ever (Comic Con!), saw an old roommate from Ohio, got back into designing things, photographed a few people, planned a trip, rescued a kitten off the 10 freeway, wore some beautiful dresses, swam in the ocean, watched some fireworks, ate burritos the size of a small child, did a shoot, danced in my underwear, surfed Beacon's down in Encinitas for the first time and more.

Life is good if you just let it be.


Coming up in the next few weeks

• Going to the Deus Surf Swap Meet on Saturday. Hoping to make some new friends and see some cool boards being made. Check it out here.
• I've scheduled my motorcycle test! Eee! Here we go! Hoping to get a Honda or Yamaha, although I've done more research on the Honda. 
• I've got a huge (Read: monumental) potential opportunity coming up. I find out very soon! 
• Also, I've joined the Boffin Society in Los Angeles. It's been time that I meet some new and interesting people and this sounded so perfect. Food, culture and exploration with like-minded folks? Yes, please. 

photo by me. San Clemente, CA

It's time to be candid with my readers. I love writing in DAVY and I feel like it has helped me in numerous areas in my life. That being said, I do not want to quit writing in this blog, but it is time for be to step back and really inspect and dissect this piece of work I call DAVY.

I'm becoming burnt-out... fast.

There's eustress that encourages you to have healthy competition and strive to be better than you were yesterday... and there is distress that bashes your health, relationships and body with a metal baseball bat. I've had the latter in my life. I've had a lot come externally, but I really am my own worst enemy. I don't want this blog to EVER to feel like work. It never was when it first started. I've really realized I've thrown away a lot of things that make me, ME over the past year. The only time I really ever created anything artistic in the past 12 to 18 months was out of duty or obligation and not joy.

Heads up on what WILL be coming up after the break:

• more of my personal work (photography, design and illustration-wise) 
• condensed weekly posts & less fluff
• tied-in aesthetic & purpose
• more of my surfing excursions & general adventures

When I first started typing this, I didn't think I would have as much to say. But I am realizing that this has been a long time coming and this blog is something I'm really attached to... and want to rescue. I want to concentrate on really providing quality content and most importantly, I want to put stuff out there I'm proud of. So no, this is not forever. I'm giving myself a dedicated 3-week hiatus to get my writing and passion for blogging back again. Maybe get a little facelift in the process. If you want to still keep in touch during these next few weeks, you can still keep up with me on twitter and instagram.

See you soon.

source photo from the State Library of Queensland

Hey it's Friday AND the end of another month in 2013! I'm itching for the weekend probably as much as the next person. My sister is visiting this weekend from The Windy City, hopefully I can show her a good time and get in the water! Before you tune out, here are some gems from the web this week:

• Get in Waveshape. The Inertia posted a great article about women's physical and mental challenges in the water. It's a lot more difficult than it looks, especially if you didn't grow up with being in the water (like me). Author Anna Jerstrom's new high-intensity workout program, WaveShape, launches this weekend on June 1st. I'd be excited to try it. 

• Prada's perfumes are extraordinary and striking (their bags are freaking amazing as well, but I have yet to get my hands on one of those), so when I heard that Prada collaborated on their latest campaign with Wes Anderson I think I did a little happy dance. The short films are perfect and shamelessly French (that's an incredibly GOOD thing), makes me want to dust off my horrible french vocabulary and unashamedly toy with the hearts of men! ...I mean, what? 

• Pure. California. Rebel. I love RAEN Optics' SS13 lookbook complete with palm trees, Iron Maiden Ts and really rad sunglasses. They even partnered with one of my favorite local coffee spots, Deus Ex Machina! (slightly NSFW)

• I really want to try Nike's Studio Wrap Pack shoes... slippers? Whatever they are, they're awesome for the times you forget your yoga mat and have to use the infant-sized ones from the gym or if you're just needing less padding than a regular gym shoe. Buy them here. 

• I love a good flea market. AFAR has a few of the world's best listed here.... if you're lucky enough to go to one of these, you have to share your finds! Luckily Melrose Trading Post (listed at the bottom) is every weekend in Los Angeles. Although, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is nothing to look down at either!
• Lastly, Davy is now affiliated with SurfStitch, Europe's first stop for some rad surf/lifestyle brands like RVCA, Seafolly, OBEY, Billabong and more. Check it out (you can change your currency/language easily on the top-right corner). 

SALTED's debut issue last summer

GrindMedia's SURFER Magazine is set to release their second issue of 'SALTED' on June 11th. SALTED was the action sports media giant's attempt (and success) at making a new publication for women. The debut issue was released last summer and the second issue has been a long awaited release (at least for me). I love any sort of female surfing publication to peruse because the content is so much broader and honestly, more fun than a lot of the testosterone-driven counterparts. Promised are massive photo features, interviews (with surfers like Malia Manuel, Kassia Meador and more), health, fashion and more.

Based on the press release, it seems like a lot of the focus is going to be directly on the athleticism of the women in the sport with shorter lifestyle features thrown in. I feel like this a bold, brave and needed move by SALTED to differentiate themselves from other women's surf publications (i.e. SurfGirl and FOAM) that focus primarily on, let's face it, socially-accepted "girlier" things. This differentiates them enough to make them stand out but be in the same genre.

I've been wondering where this magazine had went and I am glad that it was only underground, garnering more research and focus on what women really wanted to see in a surf magazine. SALTED by SURFER Magazine will be on newsstands at local surf shops and bookstores beginning June 11, 2013.

A digital version will also be available on the Apple Newsstand if you are unable to find them on your local stands. Follow Salted on Twitter/Instagram: @SaltedMagazine

'The Love Club EP' album art

I remember when I was in high school, I went to work at an Italian restaurant after school, watched movies, skipped yearbook class to go to Steak N' Shake, and drew doodles in sketchbooks. When Lorde, real name Ella Yelich-O'Connor, looks back she can say at 16-years-old she was making killer songs with lyrics that surpass most people's her senior.

Hailing from New Zealand, Her song "Royals" is illustrated with images you'd expect to see in Mike Tyson's mansion in the Hangover or hear playing in the background of Sofia Coppola's new "The Bling Ring" film (but, in reality, if you watch the video and read the description on the Youtube page, teen life is anything but that). Her EP, "Love Club" was just released in December 2012 and has been released on iTunes and Spotify if you want to have a listen. You can listen to my two favorites below and check out her twitter and rad inspirational tumblr as well while you do so!

Christine Centenera street style & right photo by Bridget Fleming.

I've been recently eyeing cut out boots. They're edgy, still feminine and add a bit of that bad girl look to your outfit without going completely overboard. Like, hey I'm wearing this cute babydoll dress, but BAM look at my boots! I'm badass! Okay... just me? Sure.

Left to right: 1, 2 & 3 all from Nasty Gal

Either way, I'd love to nab one of these for the cool summertime nights. For those who already own a pair, do you wear them with or without (thin/minimal) socks? I feel like socks would be rather nerdy to wear with something so cool, but I'd love to see how others wear these!

Well this week has been a bit better than the previous few! I've really decided to make a conscious and constant effort to make my heart filled with joy rather than have it be heavy with worries and the tasks at hand. Here are a few highlights, Instagram style:

follow @nathaliek on instagram

left: source unknown, right: photo by Morgan Maassen

El Porto yesterday morning. from my instagram: @nathaliek

Disclaimer: please read my product review disclaimer for details on any and all product reviews.

I received a pair of boots from Ocean-Minded this past season and I was excited to be noticed by this company. Ocean-Minded acknowledges how polluted and crowded our planet is becoming and is striving to use recycles and sustainable materials in their products as consistently as possible. Surfing in primarily the Southbay, I can respect that! They sent me the Aolani Slip-On Boot to try and I want to tell you a little bit about it.

First things first, a little background on the boot: It comes in three different colors, has warm faux Sherpa lining and has a light sole made of Croslite (5% reused/recycled material). It's a simple boot that you can use for multiple purposes. Like, after a surf, running errands or just simply being around the house.

The sherpa lining is really nice, it's great that it's faux! I really, really dislike real fur. There are so many good realistic faux substitutes out there, why go for the real thing? The sole inside is not lined, unlike the rest of the side of the boot -- that is a feature I haven't really felt on my feet before. The inside sole is the rubber-like Croslite material. It was like wearing a beach sandal covered in warm fuzziness. This boot definitely is warm despite the inside sole being unlined.


This type of boot is typically not the look I go for. I really like structured boots like H-boots, Justins and the like. Although, I have been wearing the heck out of these around the house. My house gets a lot of sand in it (being close to the beach will do that!) and it's nice to have a more thick sole in a house boot (can I say slipper?). But the sole... The one gripe I have about many surf/ocean company boots is that they have the crocs material somewhere in their shoes... MEH. I know it's sustainable and odor-resistant... but it's not always the most attractive-and probably the main reason I keep these boots restricted to the house or my car after a surf session.

They wear a little snug at first. I am a size 10 and these felt more like a 9.5 -- so order up a size if possible, especially if you're wanting to wear these over thick socks. They are still pretty snug to get on, even though I have been wearing them consistently. It's gotten easier, most likely to the accommodating sherpa/suede combination above the sole. This boot screams pure comfort so that is when I wear them: when I want to be comfortable and lounging. Would I recommend this boot to my friends? Yes. As for me, I prefer something a little more formal for every day wear-these are for when I'm feeling like I want to be a homebody. Can't deny that they're pretty cozy though!

Check out more about Ocean-Minded here.