Pietro Nolita is a little gem of a restaurant on a quiet street in New York that had me at pink and pasta, two of my favorite things.  Opened in late 2016 by two food and fashion industry veterans, the color scheme at this “healthy Italian” subterranean spot is entirely pink both on the interior and exterior– essentially an Instagram and Pinterest fanatic’s rose- colored dream. Owners Pietro Quaglia and Mina Soliman, former co-workers at Dolce & Gabbana, wanted to break the traditional, “stuffy” rustic Italian restaurant atmosphere mold and offer up something fun and light-hearted that evokes a 50’s style diner if it only used pastels.  They liked that pink is a derivative of red – a powerful, passionate color with so many positive connotations including, of course, love.   The pink-hued theme is carried on throughout their menu as well — particularly with some of the pasta dishes...

For two weeks in August, Western Europe, for the most part, takes a collective holiday. The streets are much quieter than usual and the atmosphere at night buzzes with the laissez-faire attitude that comes with not having to worry about reporting to work the next morning. So I fit right in. Many restaurants and boutiques take the holiday too – as they should – but that gives those that choose to holiday in Paris (me!) a limited set of choices. Luckily, Molly (This Yuppie Life) and I did our homework and can now pass along our wisdom on where to eat and drink … and chill out in between.      Fat Pants: Home base was Hotel Bachaumont — it’s always my go-to because the neighborhood is full of café’s, wine bars and locals. I always start and end a trip with a meal at either Bianco for pizza, Café Compas...

I love being in a book club — it exposes me to stories I may not have read otherwise. And that’s my favorite thing about books — they the pages of a book can let you experience a place or time in history without having to be there. In my opinion, the world would be a better place if everyone would read just a little bit more about something they don’t know or understand.   Enough of my soapbox. Here are some of the books that let me escape without getting on a plane … but then inspire me to get on one afterwards. The Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews This juicy spy novel is hard to put down, taking you into a world of espionage from Moscow to Helsinki to Athens. It follows Soviet SVR agent Dominika Egorova and American CIA operative Nate Nash as they navigate the duties...

I believe bath time is a necessity. I once bowed out of a lovely potential apartment because it didn’t have a bathtub. I’ve planned vacations around spots known for their healing thermal waters (ahem, Baden Baden). As I child, I once fell dead asleep in the bathtub when my parents turned their heads and scared them to death. The bathtub has always been my ultimate zen. There are many reasons to take a dip in the tub. Detox. Muscle Soreness. Stress Relief. Daydreaming. Hydration. Emotional Outbursts. Jetlag. That’s why it’s important to know how to best complement your bath with the right treatment. Lucky for you, I’ve had my fair share of soaks and can recommend the best of the best when it comes to both indulgent and healing baths. Violet Grey’s Bathtime Beauty Set This adorable little kit includes a travel-sized candle, witch hazel bath soak and indigo body...

When my job sends me to Europe, there is only one thing on my mind … where else can I go while I’m there? In May, I was scheduled to work in Frankfurt - an international melting pot boasting beautiful parks that provide the perfect backdrop for a city run and some of the best sushi (yes, sushi) I’ve had away from California. Not to mention the modern German fare, such as what you’ll find at Meyer’s Restaurant. Frankfurt deserves a post of its own, but that’s for another time. Since I was traveling solo and only had a weekend, I wanted to stick close to Frankfurt. I’d like to think it was fate that I stumbled upon Baden Baden, which means “bath bath,” given I have an obsession with baths. Dating back to the Roman Empire and famed for its rejuvenating thermal waters, this quaint little town is a...

There are some places you visit where you revolve most of your itinerary around the next meal. A mecca for foodies, Vancouver is definitely one of those spots, especially when it dips to 19 degrees, like it did when I was there over the holidays. My friends and I set up a home base between Gastown and Yaletown, walking distance to a plethora of the coolest restaurants and bars in the city. I went expecting amazing sushi and seafood, given all I’d heard, but what I didn’t expect was an inspired Mediterranean brunch and mouthwatering, classic French cuisine. Full guide to come, but read on for my top picks for picking up a fork and raising a glass. Brunch Medina This Mediterranean-inspired brunch spot doesn’t take reservations so be prepared to wait. Good news – it does live up to the hype.  Start with a Lavender Latte and Waffle with...

It’s become somewhat of a tradition the past couple of years to welcome the New Year in another country and then spend day one of January making resolutions for the year to come. Last year, this happened on a whim at Claridge’s in London. This year, it was in Deep Cove, just outside of Vancouver, in a little bistro called Arm’s Reach. The categories for our resolutions span travel, relationship, career, spiritual and of course, physical. Which brings me to the reason for this post – talking about my favorite workout at Body by Simone. The studio focuses on dance, mixed with weights and trampoline, depending on the class. The instructors are all professional dancers but luckily, you don’t have to be. The signature class and my favorite one – dance cardio – teaches you around 5 different dance routines that you put together at the end for a personal...

Since I don’t live in a state where the leaves change color, for me, fall is the season for wine. I’m spending next weekend in Napa Valley and before I get there, my wine shipment from Willamette Valley will have arrived. As a lover of good wine, I’ve been around the world tasting vino from Old World vintages in Bordeaux and Douro Valley to New World varietals in Sonoma, Napa and Santa Barbara. This past spring, I had to try my hand at the famous Willamette Valley Pinots and the incredible scenery I’ve heard so much about. Here is my recipe for a perfect fall getaway to Oregon wine country. PJ Pants: THE place to stay in Willamette Valley, The Allison Inn & Spa manages to achieve the luxuriousness of a resort and the coziness of a mountain cabin. The rooms are comfy enough for a post-wine tasting nap; the...

You know those friends you have where no matter how much time has passed since you’ve last seen each other, it seems like no time has gone by? (Or, at least I hope you do.) That’s how it is when I get together with Molly and Christine — we’ve been friends for over a decade when we all left our homes in the South for the glamour of life in LA. Since then, our lives have definitely changed and we don’t all live in LA anymore, but we still manage to rendezvous for long weekends when we can. The list includes Napa, Charleston and New Orleans … and now Coronado. Coronado Island is a small, quaint island community just outside of San Diego. It’s a place where you can leisurely walk or bike and decompress from city life or the intense heat that afflicts most parts of the country during...

We love exploring new cities, but sometimes finding the best places to eat while traveling can be daunting.  Boneapptour, a meal-sharing/in-home dining platform founded in 2014 offers a unique alternative. Their AirBnb- like services make it easier for travelers to discover local cuisine and culinary traditions across the globe.  We chatted with Co-founder Rinita Vanjre Ravi to get the scoop on this very appetizing (get it?!) idea.   Was there a particular experience that prompted you to create BonAppetour?  My Co-Founder, Inez and I were on a backpacking trip and found ourselves in London on Christmas Eve. We were very spontaneous travelers, and didn’t make plans or do much research before visiting. When we arrived, we saw that all the restaurants were closed, so we had nothing to eat that night. As we were trying to find a place that was open, we passed by homes and saw families celebrating...

When I first heard about MissTravel.com, I was admittedly skeptical. It’s basically Tinder for travelers – a matching service for people who want a travel partner, but also wouldn’t mind if they found love in the process. First dates take place everywhere from the Maldives to Bolivia to Sweden … and come with no strings attached? Seems too good to be true. Approximately 600,000 members (who go through a strict approval process) are giving MissTravel a go and we caught up with one of them to discuss why she joined, what really happens on dates and how she’s loving her new life in London. Meet Chelsea.  How did you find out about MissTravel and what made you join? I saw an ad for it on a different dating website, with a question like “Young and want to travel?” I was instantly sucked in. Are you on the site to find...

In a land that has become a haven for the Nobu’s and Mastro’s of the world, it’s sometimes nice to find a place that epitomizes the laid-back surfer beach vibe that made Malibu famous in the first place. Located across from Zuma Beach and away from the traffic of the PCH, Sunset Restaurant is a breath of fresh air if you’re in the mood for no fuss and no pretention. Don’t get me wrong - I’m a serious fan of Nobu’s delicious sushi and gorgeous seaside views, but there’s still something about a friendly place where you can roll up after a day at the beach and just be comfortable in your natural state. On a Tuesday night, I took my parents, who were visiting from the East Coast, on the scenic drive up the 101 to check this place out. The lone structure across from the quiet beach (which...

Nomade Tulum is the coolest new hotel in Tulum that you haven’t heard of yet, but will soon be all over your Instagram feed. As a person who has traveled frequently throughout life, there are certain destinations that really resonate and feel extra special. While unpacking my suitcase from Tulum a few weeks ago, some powder white sand fell out and I was instantly nostalgic for this magical beach town. There’s so much to fall in love with and then miss when you’re back home, but for the purposes of this blog let’s talk about a favorite hotel.    Tulum is known for stylish boutique accommodations and Nomade Tulum, a recent installment, is no exception.  From the same team that runs neighboring sister property Be Tulum, Nomade shares that same chic aesthetic, but with a bohemian twist.  Offering ten different room categories including a villa with a pool (!), a...

We love going downtown. It’s where you’ll find the beautiful people in LA. Far from the flip flop wearing Westsiders of Los Angeles – almost everyone here is in black, wears a hat and is, well – cool.  This past Monday night we were invited to The Theatre at The Ace Hotel Downtown to celebrate Time Out LA’s Bar Awards.  The music was pumping, the booze was flowing and crowd was gorgeous.  In case you were wondering where you should head to this year full list of the winners for your reference. As a reminder, these winners were selected by a panel of top local members of the Los Angeles booze scene - see below! Global Awards Bar of the Year: The Spare Room Best Bar Team: Big Bar Best New Cocktail Bar: The Walker Inn Local Awards Best LA Mainstay: The Varnish Best Bar Design: Break Room 86 Best Restaurant Bar: Terrine Best Culinary Cocktail Bar:...

photo: Robert Stark The Lincoln sits on an unfussy, unpretentious stretch of Lincoln Boulevard in Venice where it is fitting that you’ll find a straightforward “man’s man” kind of bar.  Cool without even trying, The Lincoln is basically what would happen if Steve McQueen and Jon Hamm (two of my favorite man’s men) had a baby together in the form of a vintage cocktail joint.  Founders Jeffrey Best and Kenneth Jones, along with designer Matt Winter and head bartender Cameron Dodge-White created a concept that celebrates classic drinks as well as classic cars and, man, do those things ever work well together.   The Lincoln boasts a spacious front patio where on Sundays they’ll run promos on magnums of rosé (!) and an interior bar that feels like you’ve been transported to a legit 1940’s body shop (in a good way) complete with a vintage 1927 Model-T Roadster.  But let’s...

With the arrival of Spring/Summer weather, not only do we feel the need to shed layers, but also last season’s wardrobe. This season – I’m all about strategically placed cutouts, flirty high-waisted skirts and shoes with fringe. There are also some trends I could do without, like gingham. And then there are the items that never go out of style – like a comfortable tank, jeans and a cool pair of kicks. When you live in LA, there’s a plethora of options to choose from and we have all the usual suspects, along with all of the couture designers I can’t afford – Rodeo Drive and parts of Melrose Place are only for window shopping. And in any case, I prefer boutiques – they tell you a lot about the style of a particular city. LA is one-of-a-kind and these are my favorite spots for exploring my own style, whether...

When the news was announced that Runyon Canyon was set to be closed from April to July almost every green-juice guzzling, Lululemon wearing Angeleno just about lost their mind.  Where would they go for sweaty celeb-spotting views of the city? Believe it or not, there are other parks in the city that provide amazing views, sweaty hikes and even some eye candy (if you look hard enough). Enter – Franklin Canyon Park. This sprawling area of green grassy goodness makes up acres and acres right in the heart of Beverly Hills. Its tucked away so well tourists wouldn’t dare to venture off Rodeo to find it. There’s a duck pond (where the opening scene of “The Andy Griffith Show” was set), a three-acre lake, loads of places to picnic and nearly five miles of hiking trails. The lake and pond also serve as permanent and seasonal home for birds in...

With summer just around the corner, and some beach vacations on the horizon (Viva Tulum!), we are starting to get a bit more aggressive about working out.  For me, that usually means putting down the pizza (NOOOOO!) and picking up the dumbbells, but I’ve been bored with weight training as of late and have been seeking more adventurous and unique means of shedding winter pounds.   Enter the foam roller.  Before attending the launch event/workout session for Lauren Roxburgh’s Taller, Slimmer, Younger: 21 Days to a Foam Roller Physique, I thought foam rollers were just for massaging sore muscles.  Lauren, named one of Shape Magazine’s Top 50 Hottest Trainers in 2014 and a regular fitness contributor to Goop, has created a game-changing foam roller workout that focuses on a laundry list of good things… sculpting and toning fascia, lengthening muscles, improving alignment, releasing stress and tension, flushing toxins, and alleviating...

Wintertime in Europe can be bleak – gray skies, lots of rain and frigid temperatures. So when I found myself working in Germany for the umpteenth time during late January, I talked my parents into meeting me for a weekend in Barcelona to shake off the chill. A little background on my relationship with Spain – we did not have a particularly fond introduction. While resting at a café in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor, a young gypsy girl stole my iPhone from under my nose. Even though I experienced excellent weather, great food and traditional flamenco, my view of the city was, admittedly, tainted. I know, get over it, right? It was up to Barcelona to change my mind about Spain. My parents, also jetsetters, took the opportunity to go for a week and when I arrived, found the city had worked its magic on them – they were shouting “Hola”...

If we had to pick our spirit animal, it would be the honeybadger, obviously.  If we had to pick a spirit destination, Hawaii takes the cake. Known for lush landscapes and tranquil blue waters, the islands of Hawaii each have their own unique way of bringing out the fitness fanatic and free spirit in us all. It is practically impossible not to feel inspired to get outside and get moving when you’re there – and it certainly helps that the official workout uniform in Hawaii is basically a bikini, board shorts, and sandy sea-salt hair (effortless + beachy = winning).  Check out our favorite ways to work off those pina coladas and tone up your tanned tushies while in the Aloha State.  Kaui: Hike the Napali Coast aka The Kalalau Trail I did this hike a month prior to my wedding not really knowing what I was getting myself into. My...

I’ve been to California wine country before. Napa. Check. Solvang. Check. Los Olivos - it's been done before and, yes, I did the Sideways wine tour.  But I had never been to Paso Robles – a sprawling area located in the heart of San Luis Obispo, just halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Paso Robles, of course, is known for its lush wineries, aromatic olive oil and decadent almond orchards, but when my husband and I arrived for an overnight stay at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, we were pleasantly surprised to find something often lacking in wine country --- luxury.  When we arrived at the Tuscan-style Allegretto Vineyard Resort, part of  Ayres Hotels, we were thrilled to find that every detail seemed to have been thought of – from the Italian cypress trees which lined the property, to a welcoming grand staircase and warm interior accents in the foyer,...

When you get an invite for a celebration of pork, you’re intrigued … or at least I was. (Vegetarians probably wouldn’t be.) I am a big fan of bacon, belly, loin and chops, but as an entire concept? My curiosity got the best of me and I checked yes for Smithfield Chefs Table at Pistola LA, a restaurant that usually serves up fancy Italian fare and killer steaks. (The location also just happened to be in the old digs of one of my favorite French spots – AOC).  So who is Smithfield? Good question – Smithfield Foods is the world’s largest pork processor. Ah yes, the pork connection is made. Their Chefs Table series showcases their premium pork, DURoC, in foodie cities across the country. After hitting up Nashville and Miami, they took the concept to Los Angeles and put the pork preparation in the hands of Pistola’s Chef Vic...

Living in LA, it’s hard to find great French restaurants.  Yes, they do exist, but not to the extent they do in New York City, for instance.  I can remember living in New York years back and not a day would go by where I didn’t pass a Parisian cafe with wicker bistro chairs and the smell of delectable pastries filling the air. Well, I don’t live there now and I rarely use walking as a mode of transportation anymore (thanks LA) so on the rare occasion that I do stumble upon a new French restaurant, I jump at the chance to check it out. Le Petit Paris was that place. Located in the lobby of the Old Stowell Hotel in downtown LA’s Spring Street corridor, this bi-level grand space boasts exquisite interiors including chic chandaliers, oh-so-hip artwork and French music straight out of La Vie En Rose. The staff...

To really get a feel for a culture, get out of the city and see what the country has to teach you. So when deciding where to go for a little getaway on a recent trip to Paris, there was really only one choice in my mind — Bordeaux. (If I’m going to learn, I’m doing it over a glass of wine.) Only a three-hour train ride from Paris, Bordeaux immediately slowed down the pace and it was easy to settle in to the joie de vivre as only the French know how— over good drink, good food and good company. I never felt the urge to exercise (aside from the walking), the need to count calories or the desire to do something “productive.” I only had two days in wine country, but it’s probably good I didn’t have much time, given that I managed to purchase 12 bottles of...

The Holidays are here and while it is still upwards of 70 degrees in Los Angeles, we do love to embrace the spirit of the season- we just have to work a bit harder to feel the vibe as we walk around in our flip-flops and tank tops. One way we Angelenos compensate for our lack of frigid temps and snow is to get festive with our food and alcohol. Of all the Wanderpants editors, I’m admittedly the worst cook despite the fact that I do love food.  This also does not mean I don’t love entertaining, it just means I have to keep things simple when it comes to food preparation and distract people with good wine, music, and conversation.  I recently discovered Can Bech’s “Just for Cheese” line of 100% natural sauces, created to complement and enhance a variety of cheeses by using internationally sourced fruit, nuts, and spices.    At a recent “Wine and Cheese “ get-together...

Guest Author - Mike Sapp I recently had the chance to visit Croatia. My original impressions were optimistic, but after having been, I can now say the country is a must for any European adventurer! Dubrovnik is a gorgeous city that has recently been popping up on the destination radar as King’s Landing on the HBO hit series Game of Thrones - the city is just as alive and vibrant as the show would have you believe (without all the violence, deception and dragons, of course). Walking down the limestone alleys between walls that have been standing since the 14th century, you feel like you’ve been transported back into a fairytale. The cuisine is a fantastic combination of Greek and Italian, but the real majesty lies in the picturesque architecture and natural surroundings. Bluer waters are hard to find, and when framed by cypress and olive trees, you really feel like...

Tea has been on my mind lately. Not just because I’m married to a Brit who enjoys more than a few cups daily.  Not because I come from a family of Persians who drink tea like it’s tap water.  Tea for me brings back memories of chats with my grandmother and rainy days indoors. That said, the absolute best way to enjoy tea is the “proper” way – afternoon tea.  When you think of Los Angeles, you don’t immediately think of great spots to find afternoon tea. There is one place, however – The Peninsula Beverly Hills -- that does  afternoon tea very well. On a recent afternoon my British husband and I ventured out to experience tea at the Peninsula.  Before arriving my husband thought there wouldn’t be enough food for him and that we should plan on lunch afterwards. By the time we left, however, he admitted he...

As my favorite Ghostbuster, Bill Murray, once so eloquently mused, “If you’re not a pizza, then the answer is yes, I can live without you. “ Bill, you took the words right out of my pizza-filled mouth. “The United States of Pizza” is a new book by Chef and Pizza Connoisseur Craig Priebe (published by Rizzoli), which celebrates America’s melting pot of pizza, from skinny to deep-dish- to cheese-less and gluten-free.  As Priebe’s research scouring the USA to discover the best pies (cough…tough job…cough) shows us, they’re all glorious in their own unique way.  The book is filled with glossy, hunger-inducing photos and recipes along with a guide to all of the pizzerias featured.  Some highlights include Santarpio’s Shrimp Scampi Pizza (Boston, MA), Beau Jo’s Green Chile Pork Pizza (Idaho Springs, CO), and Pizzeria Delfina’s Panna Pizza (San Francisco, CA).    In honor of “The United States of Pizza” and my favorite food of all-time, below are some standout places for pizza here in Los Angeles (some of which Priebe’s includes in...

Charleston, SC has long been a tourist destination for history buffs, beach bums and culinary enthusiasts. And while the city could have always been described as quaint, cute and the idyllic Southern town, it would never have been described as hip, cool, modern or happening. But in the last  few years, all that has started to change. It began with the culinary pioneers whose amazing food inspired by local fare caught the attention of the rest of the world. Then came the rapidly expanding bar scene on Upper King where divey college bars closed in favor of upscale lounges and cocktail bars (this area has since reverted and been replaced by Canonborough). But there wasn’t really a hotel to match the city’s unique take on the arts. Until now.  As luck would have it, I was visiting Charleston in late August when the Grand Bohemian (a 50-room luxury boutique hotel)...

By: Stacey Among the many festivals the Bahamas call home throughout the year, Goombay Summer Festival is a lively party filled with locals and tourists alike enjoying music and food along the salty ocean breezes off gorgeous Arawak Cay in Nassau. The Goombay festival was named after the large goat-skinned drum that booms loudly throughout many Bahamian dances, and is the heartbeat of the famous Junkanoo festival. First launched in 1974, Goombay Summer Festival showcases Bahamian culture with a plethora of local bands, Goombay dancers, fire dancers, and hordes of locals dancing and singing along with the music.  This festival is geared toward making sure both locals and tourists alike have a great time.  Bahamian officials feel that it’s really important that everyone can experience Bahamian fun and culture at the same time.   While it is a great big party, it’s also very much a family affair.  For every rum-drinking party-goer I...

Roy Choi has done it again.  The Chef who “drove” into the LA scene with his famous gourmet Korean taco “Kogi Truck” is now back with one of his best so far – Commissary – a new restaurant that sits high atop Koreatown in a greenhouse at the newest hipster hot spot – The Line Hotel.  Those of you who have frequented his other popular eateries -- A-Frame, Sunny Spot and POT -- will also be pleasantly surprised with Commissary. I visited a few weeks ago and have to say the place is a visual spectacle.  Greenery and potted plants hang from each and every corner, even more beautiful in the evening when you can see it glow all the way from Wilshire Boulevard. Visuals aside, the food caters to vegetable lovers. We went for dinner and tried one of almost everything on the menu. My favorites starters were the...

Similar to how we Californians worship our native avocados and…wine (?!), Antiguans are proud of their indigenous produce- namely mangoes- and the many ways they can be enjoyed. To pay homage, the Mango Festival was created ten years ago and has since become a “can’t miss” event attended each summer in Antigua by tourists and locals alike. Located in the orchards of beautiful Christian Valley where over 30 varieties of mangoes are grown, this festival celebrates all things mango – the tropical “king of fruit”- with live music, a market, kids’ activities, competitions, games, and more. Everything mango-made you could dream of shows up at the festival – from fruity soaps and  preserves, to scented candles and wine. To kick off the festival, the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute hosts the Mango Pineapple Culinary Competition whereby local professional chefs are invited to create dishes using these key ingredients. The...

I’ll admit it. I love Jane Austen novels. I’m THAT girl. (Well, not entirely.) But in all of her novels and the movies that came after them, I always wondered why they walked so much. I know they didn’t have cars, but they walked not just to get from A to B, but also for the pure enjoyment of walking. I just thought they were bored. But now I know better. There is nothing quite like a walk on Cotswold Way – it’s more shades of green than you could imagine exist, the perfect background for daydreams or losing yourself in a book and full of great country folk (and sheep!) that make for interesting conversations along the way.   True story: My friend and I (he lives in London) decided to explore some of the quaint villages via car. After spending most of the day in Winchcombe, we started making our way to Upper and Lower Slaughter. However, we ran into an obstacle....

David Fleming, aka The Miles Guy, knows how to work the system when it comes to frequent flyer miles and credit card points. Miles have allowed him to travel around the globe — to more than 40 countries — practically for free.  He runs themilesguy.com, a website for helping people use their points for fantastic flights! We recently interviewed him and he gave us his five tips for stocking up on valuable points. 5 Tips For Earning Award Points (From A Guy Who Knows): #1—Organize Your Miles: This is key because you need to know what you’ve got to work with and what miles may be expiring. (Yes, an estimated 39-billion points expire each year! Breaks my heart.) I suggest making a list so you know what you’ve got.  Write down your frequent flyer account numbers, passwords, how many points you have and when they expire.  There are also free...

If you’re the kind of person that likes surprises, you might want to grab a seat at the Dinner Lab table. And since their kick-off LA dinner is this Saturday (July 25), you’ll have to be spontaneous too. What’s Dinner Lab? Glad you asked. In their own words, they are “a new members-only supper club that connects adventurous diners with rising star chefs for unique rogue pop-up dining experiences across the country.” It started in New Orleans, as all good things do. (Ahem, I was born there.) It’s adventurous because you have to be willing to play along with the Chef’s whim. The theme of the first LA dinner, hosted by Chef Wes Whitehead of WEST Kitchen & Catering in Malibu, is Tea Time — a global gastronomical tour devoted to the nuance and possibilities of tea. Menu items include an Arnold Palmer Hushpuppy from the US, Chai BBQ from...

You tell yourself that you’re going to have a day of doing nothing. Just reading, journaling, sipping coffee and doing you … but you don’t. Because your laundry is staring you in the face. Or your kitchen is dirty. And then someone stops by and asks you to go to drinks. And of course, you go. But that’s not really what you need. What you need is a Staycation.  Last Sunday, I checked into the Inn at Playa del Rey – about 20 minutes from my place in Santa Monica. And sure, I had that talk with myself. “Why are you paying money to stay so close to home? You could do this in your own place!” But I won’t and neither will you, so I dished out money for a day of bliss in my own backyard. And it was SO worth it. Here were the perfect elements needed...