I've waxed poetic about the benefits of working downtown before, from the bustling energy to the historic beauty that keeps you constantly inspired. It's truly a diverse cultural landscape where art, architecture, food, and creative business districts (including fashion and ...read more
Vacations are tricky beasts. You plan them with high hopes and the best intentions, but there are variable factors that affect how enjoyable an experience ends up being. Everything from where you stay and the weather, to how well you packed and the little unexpected moments--a ...read more
When I first moved to L.A., my dad bought me a Thomas Guide, which was roughly the size of a dictionary, that was supposed to help me navigate the city. I only used it once, in a state of panic, when I had forgotten to print out my MapQuest directions to Union Station and ended ...read more
Last year, for our one-year anniversary, we went to Riviera Maya. We had such a great time that when the Viceroy in Zihuatanejo invited us down to their resort for a few days, we jumped at the opportunity. I've been to Mexico dozens of times (even living in Cuernavaca for a ...read more
Long before cupcakes ever became a thing, I was hooked. And I'm not talking about just the gourmet iterations of the classic dessert - I'm down with the Hostess variety, the day-old leftovers in grocery store bakeries or even those made straight from a box. But L.A. takes ...read more
For me, it doesn't get better than a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie (I make this recipe nearly every week). I judge every restaurant/cafe/bakery based on the quality of their execution and over the years have found many favorites around the city. In an effort to condense ...read more
This past weekend, three friends and I piled in the car at 7am on a rainy morning and left for Palm Springs. We were all excited to get out of the city and two hours later, we had escaped much more than the dreary weather - it felt like we were on a mini vacation, if only for ...read more
Living in a town that's so car centric, it's easy to speed by and miss some of the aesthetic details and designs that make Los Angeles unique. One of my favorite elements are the signs that adorn various businesses around the city. While they may not be considered the highest ...read more
For our one-year anniversary, we booked a trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico. I'd been before, but not since eighth grade with my parents, when I listened to the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack repeatedly on my Discman. Our main goals for this vacation were simple: close proximity to the ...read more
I've lived in L.A. for eight years (which I double-checked by counting on my fingers since it seemed way too long to be correct). In that time, I've eaten at countless restaurants and since I'm often asked for recommendations, I've decided to resurrect an old series. I've started ...read more
A couple of weeks back, we went out to Malibu for the afternoon. It's only about a thirty minute drive from our place, but we hadn't been in a while and I forgot just how therapeutic it is to hang out by the beach. We went to Caf? Habana for their grilled corn, tacos, and ...read more
{The vibrantly-colored trees at the Constitution Gardens}The last time I visited D.C. was in college, when I stayed with friends at Georgetown University. I immediately fell in love with the city - the history, its beautiful architecture, the quaint streets, and the colors of ...read more
This past Saturday we drove out to Los Rios Rancho for some apple picking and barbecue. The weather cooperated wonderfully - it was slightly cool outside - which was nice, considering Rachel and I were going to wear boots and flannel regardless. We also discovered another spot ...read more
I've been blown away by the response at the first two stops on my book tour in New York and Chicago. There were lines snaking through the entire store and it was quite a surreal experience. My readers have been so supportive (not to mention sweet and stylish), and it's been ...read more
When I'm in New York, my schedule's what I'd call "chaotically fun." Especially this past Sunday and Monday in particular - I felt like I squeezed in so many different things, which is part of why I love Fashion Week so much. Here's a glimpse at those 48 hours, best told through ...read more
Despite what I show on my site, my day-to-day eating habits are actually rather bland - cereal, a mid-morning snack of almonds and dried fruit, a sandwich for lunch, and some sort of pasta or fish at night (with sweets throughout the day, of course). I feel extremely fortunate ...read more
After we visited Rome and the Tuscan wine country, we drove to Florence (an adventure in itself) and stayed in a boutique hotel near the Ponte Vecchio. I loved the city - we walked for hours, gelato in hand, making our way through the shaded streets. On our last day, we ...read more
{Eleanor (one of the property's two Shar Peis) at the entrance} Over the past two weeks we visited several cities in Italy and while each had its perks, our stay at the Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany was the highlight. When I asked for honeymoon recommendations here, this was the ...read more
We've only been in Austin for a couple of days, but we're pretty much ready to move here. We've had fantastic meals (most notably at Perla's, La Condesa, and Snack Bar), heard great live music, bought special souvenirs, and have enjoyed some of the natural beauty the city has to ...read more
{Glittery heels at Rebecca Taylor}This is the longest I've ever stayed in New York. The past twelve days have been a blur, but these photographs help me savor some of the moments that would have passed too quickly. {Manolo Blahniks + program at Tory Burch}{My interview at The ...read more
I can't wait for our wedding. I'm ecstatic just thinking about the whole weekend - arriving in Mill Valley (and staying in a hotel there for the first time), celebrating with our closest family and friends, and leaving as a newly married couple. But I have to admit...I'm almost ...read more
I love when friends come to visit Los Angeles, since it's such a fun city to host out-of-towners. The weather's consistently reliable, there are tons of fabulous restaurants (whether you're craving cheap Mexican food or high end sushi), there's a wide variety of landscapes ...read more
This past Saturday afternoon we drove out to Marshall to go to Hog Island Oyster Co. It's a tiny town that borders Tomales Bay with plenty of local seafood spots scattered along the windy road. I only recently started eating raw oysters - but now love their briny taste, ...read more
{Lavender from the farmers' market}Our trip to Portland was fantastic. I loved the tree-lined streets, the friendly people, and the wonderful, farm-fresh food. We hit up almost all of the places we had planned on (favorites included: Pine State Biscuits, the Saturday morning ...read more