Los Angeles

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner: The Ultimate Coastal Train Guide

Downtown Los Angeles is a thriving hub of creativity and cultural diversity. It has once again become the canvas for a mesmerizing art exhibition that you cannot miss. Luna Luna opened in December in the heart of the Arts District.

You need 20,000 instagram followers to visit this exclusive LA private mural, and I fell for it. I honestly contemplated not even admitting I visited the mural, because it felt just oh so pretentious. Then I decided to turn it into a story. So here it is.

If you’ve followed my travels on Instagram this year, you know I’ve spent quite a bit of time in southern California. Although I actually lived there for a few years and visit regularly, this was my first trip to the Getty. It’s one of those places I’d heard about, but I never took the time to drive up there. I had a free day on my most recent trip to LA, so I decided it was time. I’m so glad I made the decision to spend the day at the Getty. It was so worth it.

Last week in LA, I lucked out. I was in town for a work conference, but I also got to attend a first look at two hot shows returning to FOX this fall, 9-1-1 that has a two-night premiere on September 23rd and 24th at 9/8 central and The Resident, which premieres on Monday, September 24th at 8/7 central only. Not only did I get to hang out with some local bloggers, I also got to learn from an expert about infant and child CPR.

When I was in LA earlier this summer, I had the chance to visit the Getty. The reason I attended was because one of my friends told me about the Icons of Style Fashion exhibit. Given my love of fashion, it definitely seemed like something I should check out.

During the holidays, I’m sure you’ve heard people talking about taking the time to shop small, but have you ever really thought about what that means? Have you ever thought about where your dollar goes?

I can’t believe I’ve already been back in southern California for two months. In some ways, it feels like just yesterday that we packed up and left Boston, and in other ways, it feels like we never left the first time (in 2014). Although we lived in California before, Orange County is a lot different than LA. For the longest time, I had a lot of misconceptions about LA.

A year ago, when I first started thinking about moving back to southern California, LA wasn’t really high on my list. I always thought I’d end up in San Diego. Then I started spending time in LA and quickly realized just how much it has to offer. Although I still adore San Diego, for me, LA is more. A recent day trip to explore the Venice Canals and Abbot Kinney confirmed my love for my new home.

Recently, my sister and nephew came to visit us in LA. Since I haven’t been here that long, I wasn’t so sure about playing the role of tour guide. I knew a few places around the LA area that I wanted to take them, but several of the places they wanted to visit, I hadn’t been myself. It’s hard to know what’s worth the time if you haven’t been. What I did learn during our tour of LA, is that there are at least 3 things in Los Angeles that you do not need to see. (I’m working on a follow-up story). But there are also so many amazing things you must see. Here are a few of our highlights.

Last week, I shared some of my favorite places to visit in LA. Since my sister was in town, we spent 4 days touring around the city and I even got to see a few places I hadn’t been before. However, I also learned there are at least 3 places not to visit in Los Angeles. See, just because people say it’s cool, doesn’t mean it actually is. Not all touristy things are good, but some actually surprise you (like I loved visiting the Hollywood Sign).

Last weekend, I had the chance to visit LACMA for the first time. It is a stunning museum, so I thought I’d share my experience with those who might be interested in visiting themselves someday.

Are you tired of buying pre-packaged pasta at the grocery store? Want to learn how to make your own fresh pasta at home? Look no further than a pasta making class in Los Angeles! In this beginner’s guide to homemade pasta, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started, including where to find classes in Los Angeles, what to expect, and tips for making the perfect pasta at home.

Nestled amidst the scenic San Bernardino Mountains, the Lake Arrowhead Resort is a hidden gem that offers a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located just a few hours away from Los Angeles, this charming resort town provides a tranquil retreat, surrounded by nature’s beauty and a myriad of activities for all ages.

We recently took Coco to Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach for the second time, and she absolutely loved it! Seeing her run through the sand and splash in the waves reminded us how important it is to find the perfect beach for your furry friend. If you’re planning a trip with your pup in Southern California, this post is for you. I’m sharing all of the best dog beaches in Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County.

When I was six years old, my parents took me Disneyland. It was my first time on an airplane and I can distinctly remember the excitement leading up to this trip. Given my fond memories of my first time at Disneyland, I wanted my kids to have that experience around the same age. Since my parents were going to be in town, it felt like the perfect opportunity for all of us to experience it together – just as I had 30 some years ago. So I made all the plans. Going to Disneyland with little kids takes a little extra planning, but it’s totally worth it.

We’ve lived in LA almost a year, but there are still so many areas we haven’t explored. Last weekend, we decided to check out Abalone Cove Shoreline Park and their tide pools. It was such a gorgeous drive, with amazing views. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you should definitely check it out and here is everything you need to know.

I was trying to think of something fun to do with the kids over Memorial Day since we decided to stay in town. We haven’t been to Knott’s Berry Farm in over two years, so it seemed like the perfect time. Even with traffic, we live less than an hour from Knott’s, so it makes for a great day trip for our family. Although we definitely had a great time, there are some things I’ve learned about visiting and the benefits of the Knott’s Berry Farm Season Pass.

Searching for options for Ice Skating Los Angeles? I’ve got you covered. If you live in LA or Orange County areas, here are 9 places to go skating this holiday season. By the way, if you’re looking for snow near LA, click here.

During winter break, I was trying to think of unique things to do with my kids. I feel very blessed Los Angeles has so many fun things to do. During the break, we went to Dodger Stadium to visit Santa, went sledding on the sand in Hermosa Beach, and checked out some of the fabulous Christmas lights around the city.