Seasons (Page 14)

When summer nears its end and the sweltering days give way to cool and breezy evenings, I like to plan meals that I can enjoy outdoors. Usually that means setting my outdoor dining table and firing up my grill to barbecue a light meal of meats and veggies, but lately I’ve been craving carbs. I decided to satisfy my craving with a spin on one of my favorite pasta dishes, Grilled Shrimp Carbonara. Grilled Shrimp Carbonara is a classic pasta dish from Rome consisting of just a few simple ingredients: egg, Pecorino Romano cheese, cured pork, and pasta. I chose to get creative with myRead More →

I was never good at cooking, I would attempt to make a dish from scratch, take one bite and then toss it in the trash. When I first moved to California and I lived alone I became the queen of takeout; after a long day it was much easier to order from one of my favorite restaurants on Postmates or UberEats than to destroy my kitchen cooking something that would end up down the drain. When my boyfriend and I moved in together, I wanted to give cooking another try. I wanted to be able to prepare healthy food options for us to enjoy together.Read More →

I recently threw a party to celebrate my 25th birthday. Being a milestone, I wanted to host an extra special event, so I planned an evening summer soirée with my closest friends and family. I curated everything from the food and beverages, to the decor and the floral arrangements, with a few DIY projects in between. It was a magnificent event that took a lot of preparation but was so worth the effort. You will see that throwing a successful party can be made easier with the appropriate planning and a bit of creativity! Planning for the Event I knew it would be sunny andRead More →

We’re almost a month into summer which got me thinking about what I’ve done so far this season… Took an exotic vacation Watched the sunrise on the beach Had lunch at Gjelina (I’d been wanting to try that restaurant for a long time) Spent a day on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, had ice cream, and then strolled the Venice Canals. Got excited about a new TV Show (hint: Sharp Objects) Hosted a 4th of July get-together and watched the fireworks Attended a dessert festival Went Jet-skiing But it also made me think about all the things I would still like to do but haven’t had theRead More →

Last week my boyfriend and I decided to have a Fourth of July get-together at our apartment in Downtown Los Angeles. The idea was to invite our friends over for an evening gathering with food, drinks, music, and of course fireworks! Setting the Summer Vibe  I wanted to set up a pretty holiday display so I considered my centerpiece options. I decided on a white ceramic pineapple cookie jar that goes great with my kitchen table and a silver placement that resembled nautical rope, but with an elegant twist. I added seashells around the centerpiece to carry out the summer vibe. Pineapple cookie jar: Amazon |Read More →

Fourth of July is the ultimate summer holiday. Friends and family gather together to BBQ, listen to music, spend the day in the sun and view the fireworks display that will light up the nighttime skyline. Whether you’re hosting a fancy soiree or attending a backyard cookout, we’ve created a list of patriotic recipes and entertaining ideas that will make your July 4th both entertaining and memorable. From starters, to red white and blue inspired desserts and drinks, we’ve got you covered! Once you’ve figured out what tasty recipes you’re going to make, set the theme of your party with our entertaining ideas. Next onRead More →

Who says you need to leave the state to go on vacation? California is such a versatile place with the mountains, desert or the beach that you can choose where you want to go based on the mood you’re in. The following California Airbnb’s are listed in order from Northern California to Southern California and all offer a different experience and theme. We’ve included stays for every budget, ranging from $60 to $400. They all come equipped with the basic essentials and appliances so you don’t have to stress about packing and can bring the important stuff (swimsuits, suntan lotion, and sandals). These California Airbnb’sRead More →

I’ve always wanted to have a picnic on the beach but it seemed like a lot of work. When I think of a picnic I think of homemade muffins, a variety of sandwiches and pasta dishes, and all of the prepping that goes into it. The other day my friend Kim contacted me and asked me what I was doing that day. Neither of us had anything planned so we decided to enjoy the beautiful Los Angeles weather and head to Venice Beach. We through together a picnic with an assortment of store-bought food and drinks. Before I left my apartment I thought about whatRead More →

Hiking in Escondido Falls is one my favorite things to do in Southern California. Whenever I need to clear my head, I make the journey to go hiking on this trail to get away from the city. I enjoy putting on my favorite playlist that I created for drives to Malibu and cruising down PCH to clear my head. The entire excursion is about 4 miles round trip and takes around 1 to 2 hours to finish. Escondido Falls is located in Malibu and sits high in the Santa Monica Mountains. Upon arriving, you turn right onto Winding Way and spot the small parking lotRead More →

Whether I’m headed to a local beach here in Los Angeles County, or preparing for an exotic vacation somewhere far away, my summer beach essentials help me to have the perfect day. I recently vacationed in Puerto Vallarta, and before I left I started to think about what I would need. Being a lover of street style, this cover up was the first item on my list. The mesh material helped to keep me cool in the hot and humid 90+ degree days. I love wearing white in the summer as it shows off my tan. I then worked the rest of my outfit aroundRead More →