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.