Birthday Hooky

Since my work generously gives you your birthday off, I indulged in playing "hooky" on my special day on Thursday.

The day was low-key, just as I wanted. As you get older, the realization knocks you on the head that simple pleasures and what's authentic is more key to happines than, say, the big to-do.

With that in mind, I enjoyed a latte at Peet's while people watching and flipping through magazines I got at the newsstand (such a weekend thing for me!), talked and texted with family and friends, ambled into a favorite boutique and bought a stellar summer dress on sale, oh, and then walked to the Montage Beverly Hills hotel for a massage I booked on a whim. The spa was gorgeous, and enjoying the relaxation room, steam room, sauna, and salt water pool was an ideal way to round out the afternoon.

Then it was off to The Avalon, a hidden gem hotel in Beverly Hills with cool mid-century modern flair, for drinks around the retro kidney-shaped pool.

After all that, I don't feel so bad about turning 30. I'm, gulp, embracing it...

Molly and me in front of our cabana at The Avalon

I love The Avalon's retro vibe -- they filmed scenes from Dreamgirls here

Take a Hike

I wanted to start the week with a serene mindset, and so I hiked my favorite trail, Temescal Canyon, in the Palisades.

Thank god the temperature had cooled and yet the sun was still aglow, dappling soft light onto leafy trees that canopied the forest scene.

I zipped through the forest that feels like a hidden world, before winding up past sienna rocks to a wooden bridge that hovers over a creek with boulders that are fun resting spots. If it has recently rained, you can catch water trickling down the cragged rock wall facing the bridge, which is neat.

Then, as you're almost at the summit, the forest breaks open to a bright blue sky and there it is ... the ocean stretching to the horizon.

The hills of the Palisades and Malibu are to your right, the shoreline of Santa Monica and Catalina Island to your left, with the rest of L.A. -- Brentwood, West L.A., Century City, West Hollywood, Hollywood, eastside, downtown -- coming into view as you turn even more to the left.

The view is unreal -- it always gets me. I know how lucky I am to be standing there to see it. To enjoy it.

And with that, here's to a really good week...

Happy Fourth!

Life got super busy in June, but now that summer's arrived and with today's mid-week holiday, I'm feeling the joys of lazy days and am esctatic to get back to the blog.

A cup of black coffee is starting my Fourth off with a pow, and then I'll head for a run before going to the Dodgers game for some baseball, beer and the requisite hot dog. Fireworks at the park will be the perfect finale.

Maybe they'll even have S'mores?

Whichever neck of the woods you're in, Happy Fourth of July!

Live Music: From a Church to the Cliff

I'm digging the live music I've seen recently...

Last week Ramona and I got to see Diego Garcia sing his heart out along with a Spanish guitar and cello at a sweet little church in Koreatown.

It was inspiring!

His passionate songs about romance and relationships, love and loss, connect you to something beyond yourself, and you can't help but feel the music. The experience. The now.

While in Seattle over Memorial Day weekend to visit my sister, Natalie, we roadtripped for a day to the Sasquatch Music Festival that was about two hours away at the Gorge Amphitheatre.

This iconic concert venue sits on a cliff overlooking a river, with green foothills glistening in the background. Along with the Hollywood Bowl in L.A., I think it's one of the most spectacular outdoor spots to see live music.

Oh, I got to see Beirut and Bon Iver play, and they both rocked!

High School Reunion in Vegas

Vegas has become a go-to spot for living it up with high school friends. I made the desert drive a few Fridays ago to see Ms. Erica, my partner in crime since sophomore year who trekked around Chicago with me when I visited in April (there will be a "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" adventure Part II!).

Vegas was a last hurrah of sorts, since Erica had just graduated from law school and was starting her intensive bar exam classes that Monday.

Drinks. were. in. order!

We met up with the rest of her gang, including her sweet boyfriend Blake and brother Chris, and snagged a coveted booth at Holsteins at The Cosmopolitan for eccentric burgers and famous "bam-boozled" shakes that come loaded with alcohol. My oreo shake with Bailey's irish cream was decadent, Erica's birthday cake version just like the famous treat!

This joint was buzzing, but we made our way to the casinos to do some gambling and properly take in Friday night in Vegas. Erica and Chris have some mad card playing skills, and you bet I was taking notes!

The next morning we lounged at the hotel pool, and it was like no time had passed -- we had our girl talk, our usual stacks of magazines and a cheery outlook for what was to come, whether it be passing the bar or collecting more adventures.

It's these small moments that reel me back to an earlier day, connecting the dots between then and now, that bring loads more meaning to my life.

High school reunions in Vegas, you're on!

Erica and me before the bam-boozled shakes at Holsteins

Juice Cleanse (aka 72 hours without food!)

Today makes one week since I aced my first-ever juice cleanse. I went 72 hours (that's three days!) without food, and I'm pretty ecstatic.

A proper cleanse to reboot my system had been high on my to-do list, but I worried about the no food ground rule. Could I go a day, or heck, three hours, without chewing ... something? Eek!

But alas, I had come down with a bad cold and my appetite dissapeared along with my energy, making it now-or-never timing.

Each morning I picked up nutrient-rich juices from Pressed Juicery, which offers comprehensive juice cleanse programs at three locations in L.A.

I did Cleanse #1, the easiest plan where you drink six special juices every two hours along with chlorophyll for hydration as needed and aloe vera an hour before bed for digestion. Two "greens," or vegetable-based juices, and two "roots" are joined by a "detox" juice and an "almond milk" concoction that is brilliantly left for last so you have something scrumptious to pine for.

From my hair that's miraculously shinier to my skin, legs and digestive system that's been a rock star, the cleanse has brought about some fantastic results.

I plan to do one every three or four months, and my mom is even thinking of having these little juices shipped her way so she can see what the new-age fuss is about!

Let's Be Spontaneous!

On Wednesday I decided to be spontaneous.

I saw The Pinker Tones, a cool electronica pop duo from Barcelona, at the El Rey Theatre with my friend Carlie -- though we had planned to hang out, we decided to check out the band on a whim since I scored free tickets.

We weren't sure what to expect upon entering the stunning art deco theatre that was pretty empty, but we got white wine and decided to hey, just go with it. The opening band took the stage with gusto and rocked out with fiesty pop songs that recalled David Bowie and fun, playful '80s tunes.

The Pinker Tones took the stage about 10 PM and slipped behind a huge white table that held iPads and techy devices to help them guide the energizing dance music from one song to the next. And there we were, dancing on the front lines.

Thank god I didn't lose my voice, as we became fans in a matter of minutes and expressed our vocal appreciation each time one cool dance song gave way to another.

It was a fabulous way to end a Wednesday -- and a wise note to self that I seek to expect the unexpected!

The Pinker Tones live at the El Rey Theatre

The Mission Inn

On Thursday I drove about 60 miles west of L.A., after breaking through horrendous "Obama traffic" as we call it (the President had just arrived in L.A. for George Clooney's fundraising party).

But my destination was well worth the three hour and then some drive -- I went to The Mission Inn. It's a gorgeous castle-like hotel and National Historic Landmark in Riverside near Palm Springs.

I'm now working with the hotel, and wow, I love its stunning hybrid architecure that goes from mission revival-style to gothic and features such cool elements as spiral staircases, bell towers, romantic balconies, a Spanish patio, flying buttresses and even two chapels. It's a kid's dream!

A favorite moment of the overnight visit was a docent tour at 10 AM where I explored the hotel's nooks and crannies with a knowledgeable guide while learning about its fascinating history. It has hosted royalty, titans of industry and big stars like Bette Davis and Clark Gable. President Richard Nixon got married there and President Ronald Reagan honeymooned at the hotel.

If only these walls could talk!

It looks like Europe!

President Nixon was married in front of this very fireplace

The chapel is beyond stunning

Chicago: Part II

After the excitement in downtown Chicago, I went to Brookfield for my cousin Casey's wedding at the Brookfield Zoo.

It was wonderful to hang out with a lot of my family who I don't see all the time since I'm way yonder in California -- I caught up and laughed with mom and dad, aunts and uncles, cousins and my grandparents who are amazing.

The rehearsal dinner was that Friday night, followed by the big day. Grey, damp skies threatened, but by the time the ceremony started that early evening, no showers would rain on this party!

The ceremony took place in a covered pavilion, with bright white everywhere from the walkway and platform to the chairs. The bride, Kelsie, stunned in a simple white halter-style dress with pretty little flowers adorning her upswept hair. They're a tall pair, and look great together. It was a lovely ceremony.

Then came some adventure -- we hopped on the zoo's tram and whisked away to the cocktail hour inside the monkey and gorilla exhibit! The big, burly gorillas and cute monkeys were just feet away in the trees or on the rocks as we enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

The tram then zipped us to the reception location where we'd end the night with a nice dinner and dancing. I really enjoyed dancing with my little cousins, Emily and Jake, who are adorable and just really neat. A good time was had by all!

Me with grandma and grandpa just before the wedding ceremony.

Casey and Kelsie just before saying "I Do." Don't they look perfect together?

Jake and Emily, my comrades during the cocktail hour with the monkeys and gorillas.

Chicago: Part I

Springtime in Chicago is a treat. I dug in last weekend when I visited my high school pal, Erica, before going on to my cousin's playful wedding at Brookfield Zoo.

From gleaming tulips that illuminated from every flower bed in the city to Erica's favorite hipster restaurant in the cool meatpacking district and playing hooky on a school day just like Ferris Bueller, this trip was a blast.

Herewith, some highlights from the first leg of my Chicago adventure:

Erica and I made like tourists on an architecture boat tour that cruised the Chicago River -- it had been on my to-do list since watching the famous, tender boat scene in "My Best Friends Wedding." We had our first beer, the local 312, before noon and I knew it would be a lovely day!

Walking north on Michigan Avenue from Erica's awesome apartment across from Lake Michigan, I was in awe of the tulips that bedazzled from every flower bed in the city. It's enough of a reason to visit Chicago in April.

Our inner kids came out to play at Navy Pier, as we hopped on the massive ferris wheel that gave us this stunning skyline view as Frank Sinatra's "My Kind of Town" sweetly played.

Next up was a Chicago must: The Signature Lounge on the 96th floor, at the top of the John Hancock Center. Those killer city views? 'Nuff said. It's just as spectacular with twinkling lights at night.

Chicago doesn't mess around when it comes to great food and craft beers --Erica and her sweet boyfriend, Blake, treated me to one of their favorite foodie haunts, The Publican in the meatpacking district. From its retro European-style beer hall decor to the hipster crowd and delicious meat-focused small plates, this spot rivals the best joints in L.A.

This darling limestone church smack dab on North Michigan Avenue was a showstopper with its bare branch and white tulip setting (again with the tulips!). I snapped this photo the next morning, en route to the new Topshop store where I got a light pink blazer.

NPR Reports: Free Education!

I was en route to work this morning, about 7:50 AM, when I heard brilliant news on the radio: NPR reported a Silicon Valley start-up called Coursera will introduce FREE online classes from top U.S. universities for enrollment by anyone around the world.

This awesomeness kicks off in the fall.

The concept began in 2011 when computer science professors at Stanford decided to open some online classes to the world. More than 100,000 people signed up for a free machine learning class online, and ta-da!

I can't wait to see the class roster -- I hear the selection will be diverse, going way beyond techy stuff and even venturing into poetry. Classes will be interactive and you'll walk away with a grade.

Click here to read the full story. I'm already daydreaming about what I may want to learn -- Egyptian hieroglyphics, creative writing, a dive into Shakespeare, China then vs. now, philosophy 101, the secret life of bees...

A Hee-Haw Easter Sunday

My Easter Sunday took a turn for the Old Wild West.

I went with friends to Saddle Ranch, a Western-style chophouse and lounge on the Sunset strip in West Hollywood.

It was my first time, and with bottomless Bloody Marys for less than $10 and the in-house guitar duo serenading us with a '90s boy band tune, we had plenty of laughs over Easter brunch.

On the menu? Well, it was Easter, casual L.A. style: Breakfast burrito with eggs and hash, fresh fruit, chips and guacamole. Yum!

Spring Sandals

Spring has sprung!

Rainy days are making a welcome appearance here in L.A. and the sweet scent of jasmine is so lovely.

I figured I'd cure my spring fever with new bronze and leather sandals, just in time for sun-drenched days and breezy nights.

I can't wait to wear these Sam Edelman heels with skinny jeans, dresses and a smile.

Sixties on my Mind

I've been downloading more songs from the '60s lately -- that era's been in my head since I visited the Experience Music Project in Seattle in February and heard the coolest rocker-folk cover of Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" in the Jimi Hendrix exhibit.

Here's that song, plus four others from the '60s/early '70s I'm listening to now:

1. Like a Rolling Stone -- Jimi Hendrix (live at Monterey Pop Festival)

2. Groovin' -- The Young Rascals

3. Wild Horses -- The Rolling Stones (interesting video of the Stones listening to this song)

4. Over the Hills and Far Away -- Led Zeppelin

5. We Gotta Get Out of This Place -- The Animals (see this spooky set!)

Dancing With The Stars

Silly. Electric. Gobs of Fun. Just. What. I. Needed. Last night rocked!

One of my best gal pals, Molly, and I went to a live taping of Dancing with the Stars, thanks to our friend Kelly who works on the show and so graciously shared her VIP tickets (thanks, Kel!).

It was just the second show of the season, and we got to see all 12 celebrities dance since the first elimination was on tonight's show.

Not only did we geek out over the dazzling ballroom dances, sequins galore and smooth male dancers, but I jammed out on the dance floor before the show when the emcee invited people down for a dance party.

Monday nights, be warned: The bar has been raised. You'd better bring it!

I Like Your Style, PDC

I hopped over to the Pacific Design Center for a cocktail party during Westweek, the center's fancy interior design and furniture industry event that happens in March.

The Ralph Pucci party unfolded in his showroom with bright white walls and a cool mix of sleek furniture and big-wow art and sculptures. A friend who manages another impressive, modern showroom invited me, and if I didn't know any better, I would have sworn I was at an art party in New York.

Observation #1: This design crowd does not mess around when it comes to chic and daring, even sometimes puzzling, dressing.

Suit cuts and shirt patterns say loads about a man's aesthetic tastes, and a bold necklace can be a roaming piece of art. Me? I threw on colbalt blue tights with a gold dress and figured my color-blocking was a tad design-y.

Observation #2: I appreciate how this crowd takes pleasure in itsy-bitsy things that may seem insignificant to most -- the poetic curve of this table, the lushness of that midnight blue velvet, the irony of that painting. Life's more enjoyable when you seek and appreciate the pleasures all around you.

Observation #3: If a seemingly plain beige rug is laying on the ground in one of these showrooms, don't step on it. It's actually a vertically-challenged piece of art and likely costs $15k plus. Shoe marks aren't desirable here!

PDC, I like your style. I will be back!

* The dramatic entrance

* Retro-cool entrance lights. Yes, please!

* These chairs are fab!

Misadventures in Cross-Stitching

I decided I need more hobbies, things to do and explore beyond work. Naturally, I went out and bought a beginner's cross-stitch pattern so I could tap into my burgeoning arts & crafts prowess.

Easier. said. than. done!

I stiched my first 10 squares that was the starting point for my cute cupcake pattern before realizing I had threaded my needle with three full yellow threads instead of much tinier, individual strands per the directions. So when it came time to cross-stitch back over those 10 squares, it was near impossible to pull my needle chock-a-block with thread through the fabric.

"Man, this is a great forearm workout," I thought as I tried to yank and jam the needle through the other side of the damn fabric.

And then my mistake dawned on me, and all I could do was laugh -- the cupcake cross-stitch kit is labeled "for kids ages 8+."

* The thick, full threads that I had used instead of individual strands

* My first row of 10 yellow squares bursting with too much thread

Rainy Saturday Morning

It's a rainy Saturday morning, and guess what? I like it.

Not only since it's Saint Patrick's Day, but because it's cozy in here and so lush and somber out yonder.

Hot cocoa, yes please.

Buzz, Buzz, Buzzzz....

Here I am playing cool in my protective suit, just before meeting the Italian honeybees at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Full Disclosure: I was nervous!

I visited this cool,summer camp-inspired resort a few weeks ago for work, where as part of the beekeeping experience I was schooled in the fascinating lives of bees and then spied on them in the apiary, or bee yard.

It was like magic -- the beekeeper lifted a wooden slab from a white structure concealing a hive, and I witnessed masses of bees depositing pollen balls into the honeycomb, harvesting honey, talking, and even the birth of a baby bee. Upon poking through the protective layer coating the comb, the newborn bee used her wobbly legs for the very first time.

And they were so well-behaved. The bees were quiet and carrying on as we peeked into their little world.

This experience reminds me you can't always judge a book by its cover -- people, places, ideas, and bees, they can surprise you if you let them...

A Day at the Museum

Last weekend I caught up with my friend, Ashley, over some art at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena.

The whole experience of walking and talking through a museum brought me back to studying art history in Paris, and the excitement of connecting meanings and movements at museums around the City of Light.

I really enjoyed the Norton Simon's French Impressionist works -- colorful, textured paintings from the likes of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Cezanne, Gauguin. Plus realist works from Manet and Ingres that made you wonder what the faces were thinking, and bronze sculptures from Rodin.

We stood a few feet from Degas' seminal "Little Dancer" sculpture with a fraying tutu, though I'm not sure it's the original since I had discovered that a reproduction even commands the Musee D'Orsay in Paris.

The contemporary art section popped with bright, witty works from Picasso, as well as paintings from Henri Matisse, Georges Braque and Diego Rivera. Abstract expressionism held court with one or two fantastical drip paintings from Jackson Pollack, whom I love and learned about after becoming intrigued by this art movement by way of Kurt Vonnegut's Bluebeard.

Below, I'm taking in the biggest painting there -- a colossal abstract work from California artist Sam Francis. And, of course, I had to include a Picasso that was on display. He's simply genius...

Valentine's Day in March

The green rah-rah of St. Patrick's Day is almost here, but I'm thinking back to Valentine's Day this morning.

Thanks for your sweet card, grams and gramps -- it still makes me smile!

I'm one lucky gal to have you in my corner.

Seattle, What Are You Up To Today?

You were a blast, Seattle.

From the usual suspects like Pike Place Market to more "of the now" spots like the cool Capitol Hill neighborhood and the Gauguin exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum, I got a nice pulse on the city beyond its grey skies and flannel (it's not cliche, folks).

One of my favorite things about Seattle was also the simplest -- mornings began at the nearby Caffe Fiore, and it was pretty much perfect. Latte, a breakfast sweet, good reading material and awesome music by the likes of Feist and Pink Floyd. A drizzle would come and fade through the picture window that fronted the street. It was cozy.

When it was my turn to order on one of my first mornings, the laid-back guy behind the counter began with, "Sooo, what are you up to, today?" It was pretty chill, just like that, as if we had been friends since college and he genuinely wanted to know where my day would take me after Fiore.

Living in L.A. where strangers don't always ask personal questions AND seem to mean it, I was taken off guard. Some say people in Seattle can be standoffish in a way that's called "The Seattle Chill," but I didn't feel so.

By my fourth morning at Fiore, I had nestled quite well into the "So, What are you up to today?" mentality. Now, how to import to L.A?

* Keeping it chill at Caffe Fiore

Sweet Jane

I was winding down Benedict Canon in L.A. just before the New Year when I heard the best folksy jam on the radio, one that I had never heard before -- and I turned up the dial.

The sun was sneaking through canopied trees as I grabbed my BlackBerry so I could Shazam it.

It was "Sweet Jane" by the Velvet Underground, with Lou Reed.

I just loved it then, even more now. I'm not quite sure why -- I mean, it's a simple, mellow yellow song, but Lou's voice is so cool and imperfect, and his delivery has heart. I also like how the song sounds natural, not over-produced, as if childhood pals were hammering out a song over beers on a rainy Sunday afternoon. It also very much reminds me of a slower, more spacey version of one of my favorite Rolling Stones songs: Beast of Burden.

Do you think they resemble each other, too?

* The Velvet Underground with Edie Sedgwick and Andy Warhol, who was their manager

Vegas!

I went to Vegas! this weekend -- as part of a merry band of four girls, three of us friends since 14 or 15, from sophomore year of high school.

It was the kind of Saturday night that unites friends through only the most hilarious and interesting circumstances. Where inside jokes are on instant replay and dancing until 4 AM is no biggie.

We stayed at Aria, a sleek, modern hotel that opened a few years ago as part of the CityCenter development, and laughed and danced at the new Cosmopolitan hotel that's next door. The Chandelier bar, it was stunning. The secret cocktail on Level Two has an edible flower that numbs your mouth and then makes the gross drink actually taste good. It was like magic. Thumbs up.

The hotel's nightclub, Marquee, considered the best in Vegas right now, was fun, but I also had moments where I caught myself thinking, "Am I too old for dancing at 4 AM?"

On second thought? Absolutely not!

* Divine desserts at Aria

* High schoool reunion with Molly and Danielle

Beach Run

Few things make me feel more alive and inspired than a really good run -- whether I need a pick-me-up or want to top an already great day, running is something I can always count on.

All this to say I had an awesome beach run today, starting in Venice at the kooky boardwalk, heading north past the Santa Monica Pier and through packs of determined bicyclists, turning around closer to the lush mountainscape of the Palisades.

The sun was brilliant as the afternoon unfolded like a breezy summer day, with sailboats, bikinis, sand volleyball, kids on scooters and tourists (in socks!) setting the beach scene.

Not only was I happy with my pace, but I fit in some quality day-dreaming.

* Photo taken last year along the same beach path

Craftsmanship Is Still Kicking

I read a cool story in The Wall Street Journal that resonated with me, reminding us all that even in 2012 where on-demand rules and easier is better, that the humble values of tradition and craft are still kicking.

Literally!

Click here to read how artisan Lee Miller forgoes the gear and gadgets of today to craft bespoke cowboy boots by hand -- at 40+ hours of labor per pair and with trusty old tools, some from the early 1900s.

There's a four-year waitlist to snag a pair of these bucket-list boots, which are fashioned after the following takes place: Foot measurements and molds, ink impressions of soles, consultations on color, patterns and leather preference, plus custom stitching and embroidery.

Waitlist? Sign me up!

A Red and White Stunner

Last night's Golden Globes delivered some big laughs and gasps, from the raunchy humor of host Ricky Gervais that deflated celebrity egos to Madonna explaining she hadn't kissed a girl in some years, on TV that is.

But for me, one thing cut through the clutter: Angelina Jolie was breathtaking. Stunning! The best dressed by far, in an elegant gown that evoked an era bygone where real glamour trumped flash and trash.

Angelina's red carpet look inspires me to look and feel my best. And with that, I'm most absolutely heading out for a run today...

Midwest Kind Of Mind

I wish I was in the Midwest right now...

To hang with my parents, and my brother and his family who will arrive any minute from Nashville -- and especially to meet my nephew, Toren, who is a teeny-weeny thing just born in December, and to play with my almost two-year-old niece Lena. She is a doll!

That sounds so cozy -- perfect! -- right about now. But since I'm here and not there, I'm thinking of you all, from L.A.

Little Red Corvette

I just heard an incredible version of Prince's iconic '80s song, Little Red Corvette, during my first YogaHop class on Friday.

Since then, I've become a tad obsessed!

You see, the original Little Red Corvette was always one of my favorite Prince tunes, reminding me of rocking out in the safari-style Jeep I had in high school or getting ready to hit the town on a Friday night in college.

Mike Zito's new version transforms this high-octane pop hit into a tender ballad with lots of soul -- he owns it just like Prince did.

Click here to listen to the re-imagined Li-ttle Red Cor-veeeette.