Posts from — April 2013

What a lovely stream of pure peace. The pictures alone have a calming effect on me and remind that I need to take moments out of my day to just be still. Relax. Breathe. These were taken on my last day in Florida at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Del Rey Beach. And although the humidity was unbearable at times – I was happy and grateful to take the day to enjoy a more non-Miami nightlife experience, which had been the case for about 5 days straight. Don’t get me wrong, I was all about the Eden Roc on South Beach but there’s only so much of that I can do until I need to sit in peace and reflect. I find Japanese Gardens to be the most soothing for my restless soul. They make me realize how fast we’re all moving and just how much noise exists in our minds. They connect me back to nature and myself. They inspire me to add more earth and water elements to my home, to create more, to meditate more, eat better and rest more.

When you spend your childhood and teen years in a school uniform, you learn to express yourself other ways. For me, it was shoes, bags, accessories and hair. And wow, did my hair make a statement back in the day. Fortunately, I’ve simmered down the hair (sort of) over the years. The shoe obsession still remains though. The higher, the better. And I don’t discriminate with brands either. I mean, I love a beautiful Chanel or Valentino shoe – But, my luxury shoe shopping is limited to super special occasions. I love Zara for this reason. I get some serious shoe fixes taken care of here like these black/white heels. I’ve been all about this , by the way. Probably because I already wear black and white most of the time. Doesn’t require much thought, especially if you’re busy or traveling. I usually pack an entourage of shoes (and need to edit when I arrive at the airport and pass 50lbs for a 4 day trip!) But I think I did a lot better during my recent trip to Miami. I tried to not over-pack, including shoes. I pretty much relied on these, and worked it on out just fine because of their versatility and my already existing low-key colored wardrobe. Do you have a go-to travel shoe?

I really can’t start each post with an apology for disappearing. I need to just do it. Get it together. And write. Truth is, it’s been really, really busy and the thought of sitting in front of the computer longer than I already do seems like a daunting idea. When I’m off, that’s it. I’m off. But I love blogging. I love photo editing. I just really need to figure out a balance that will work. I love documenting my life and writing. And because of that, I’ve been cheating on my blog with Instagram. One requires commitment and nurturing. The other is quick and easy. Just saying. But it’s been perfection for the month of April, which has been jam packed with work, travel, teen mom happenings … and romance.

I think this collage sums it up well – A trip to South Florida (which I will – I promise – blog about) and back to LA. All in the company of great friends, new ones, someone very, very special and my other love Instagram. To join the love-fest or partake in my self-indulgent debauchery of images, you can find me at .

(Photo: View from the Eden Rock, Miami Fl/ Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach Fl/ The Huntington, San Marino CA/ Venice Beach CA/Chandelier glitz at Pop Champagne, Pasadena CA)