In my last post, I announced that I’ll be leaving Los Angeles and moving to New York City. I talked about how Billy and I came to that decision and shared some of my favorite memories (and what I’ll miss most) about L.A. Attempting to condense over nine years of living in this beautiful city into one article is impossible and I hate knowing that I’m leaving out so much. As I scrolled through my photos, I created a folder and then narrowed down my favorite pictures so I can share them with you guys. Whenever possible, I’ve linked the event or place so you can get more information and possibly visit it.
In the next few weeks, I’m going to be taking a step back from publishing new content so I can get my site ready for A Girl in NYC. Until I’m back, here’s a look at my favorite moments in Los Angeles.
Also, if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on fun things to do in Los Angeles, check out my guide to LA—Part 1: Where to Sleep, Sip, and Shop, and Part 2: Where to Dine, Sightsee, Workout, and Get Pampered.
As the sunset and the sky got dark, it was comforting to know that I always had this stunning view to look at.
The historic Georgian Hotel on Ocean Ave in Santa Monica was one of the first Los Angeles hotels that I stayed at. The teal and yellow art deco building has been around since the 1940s and used to cater to old Hollywood.
The immersive 3D mirror room at Sunny Hues “Happy Go Lucky” pop-up reminded me of a kaleidoscope.
Billy and I celebrated our first Thanksgiving together (which happened to fall on his Birthday) by dining at Bottega Louie. This became a tradition of ours, although some years rather than dine-in, we ordered takeout instead.
Designing my jewelry display which became one of my favorite areas in our apartment.
I lived in Downtown Los Angeles for five years and it was only a few months ago I discovered the Morrison Hotel. Fans of The Doors will recognize this iconic landmark from the album by the same name.
My friend Diana and I after we got tattoos in The Valley.
A picture perfect Sunday was spent at The Malibu Pier and having lunch at either Malibu Farm (try the vegan chocolate oat banana pancakes), or Malibu Farm Cafe (the vegan coconut dish is perfect for lunch).
My first basketball game where I sat courtside at The Lakers versus The Bulls.
One of my favorite date night restaurants, The Stinking Rose. Everything on the menu is delicious but my go-to dish is the gnocchi.
Los Angeles has a ton of options for vintage shopping, but Hidden Treasures in Topanga Canyon will always stand out for having one-of-a-kind pieces.
Billy and I before seeing Buckcherry perform at The Rainbow Bar and Grill.
I partnered with Museum of Illusions and had such an entertaining time touring the immersive experience. You can read all about it here.
For a fun (and tasty) weekend, I recommend heading to the Arts District and strolling through Smorgasburg LA. There are so many vendors with delicious foods to try. Once you’re finished, stop at Row DTLA for some shopping.
Pink, glitter, or teal, I would go overboard by placing colorful pumpkins all over our apartment.
When you’re having brunch at Shutters on the Beach, mimosas are essential!
Marching with thousands of people who support women’s rights was invigorating to say the least.
Catching up with old friends at Perch LA.
Whether it was Friday night drinks or Sunday brunch—heading to The Chateau Marmont was something I always looked forward to.
Day One of the Made in America Festival where I got to see Kendrick Lamar, Imagine Dragons, Schoolboy Q, Afrojack, Gareth Emery, YG, and a ton of others perform.
A sun-filled day at the shore in Santa Monica.
When OMG Dessert Goals came to L.A. I immediately grabbed a ticket. There were so many delicious sweets to try, but this banana pudding by the Pudding Truck was one of my favs.
As we were unpacking our boxes, I took the unconventional approach of organizing our books by color, rather than alphabetical order.
Getting a tattoo at the famous LA Tattoo on Hollywood Blvd.
While living in Los Angeles, I explored other areas in California. I took this photo in San Francisco back in 2011. I don’t remember what the building was, just that I loved the vibrant colors.
Billy DJing at a club in West Hollywood.
Whenever my mom came to visit we would have brunch at The Cabana Cafe in The Beverly Hills Hotel. I often got one of their flatbreads with a Pink Palace Lemonade.
Celebrating Billy’s Birthday with pastries and macarons from Bottega Louie.
A view from our bedroom—these breathtaking sunsets happened almost daily.
I was gifted these candles from Valley Girl Apothecary when I partnered with the brand’s founder, Michelle Alvarado. This was the perfect collaboration since her candles represent various areas of Los Angeles.
One of my favorite New York City spots, Beauty & Essex opened up a location in Hollywood. This became my go-to place for a night out with friends. We’d start with dinner and drinks and then listen to the DJ spin until the club closed for the evening.
29 rooms by Refinery 29 was so much fun; artists and activists created each interactive installation.
A perfect day in Venice: Lunch at Gjelina, followed by shopping on Abbot Kinney, then a stroll through the Venice Canals, and ending the day on the boardwalk watching the sunset.
This cake from Bottea Louie was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted. It was a mix of strawberry and cotton candy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
I made a point of going overboard with Halloween decorations because I didn’t do a lot of Christmas decorating since Billy and I were on the East Coast most of December.
My first concert in Los Angeles was seeing Soundgarden perform at The Forum. My friend and I made our way up to the front of the stage where I snapped this picture or Chris Cornell.
The Santa Monica Pier brings back memories of when I moved to L.A. and I used to go there regularly.
My friend Jason and I at a bar in West Hollywood.
Out of all the art at The Broad museum, these iconic soup cans by Andy Warhol are my favorite.
Candice and I at a skate show in Venice.
The rooftop pool at my apartment complex turned into my second home. I’d spend my days swimming, writing or sitting up there staring at the expanding skyline while listening to music.
I can still taste the French toast from Perch LA topped with fresh berries.
The Sunset Strip Music Festival—I got to see Jane’s Addiction and Empire of the Sun takeover Sunset Boulevard and perform to an exhilarated crowd.
It was the official start of our holiday season when Billy and I would walk a couple blocks to L.A. Live. We viewed the giant Christmas tree and ice skating rink while Christmas music played in the background.
I took this photo at the Please Do Not Enter gallery, where I got to view the pop-up “Kings & Queens” by Karen Bystedt. Inside, I was able to see her mixed media art which included photographs of two of my favorite pop culture icons: Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The food display for one of our Fourth of July get-togethers.
It took us forever to hang pictures in our dining area, and once we did I snapped a photo since it felt like a huge accomplishment.
When my parents visited me, I brought them to the Love Street festival in Laurel Canyon. (It’s actually right in front of the home that Jim Morrsion lived in with Pamela when he wrote Love Street.) It was incredible to hear the look-alike performer cover some of The Doors greatest hits. Later that evening, we had dinner at the rustic Italian restaurant Pace.
I put up our “mini Christmas tree” before Billy’s Birthday so it could be lit while he opened his presents.
For Valentine’s Day and our anniversary, I crafted this mouth-watering Sugarfina charcuterie board.
Friday nights backstage at Avalon were always a fun time. Over the years, I saw many DJs perform and loved the energy of this club.
Exploring Shoreline Village in Long Beach with my family.
The Venice Beach Boardwalks unique and artistic approach to the typical California palm tree.
An afternoon date at The Malibu Pier.
At the Staples Center (and beyond), Los Angeles came together to pay their respects over the tragic passing of Kobe and Gigi. #BlackMamba
I took this picture on a day trip from Los Angeles to Tijuana back in 2013.
My friend and I parked on the side of PCH and hiked across a field. Once we got to the end, we were met with never ending views of the California coastline.
L.A. has no shortage of delicious vegan food, but Monty’s Good Burger remains one of my favorites.
Right before Covid hit, Billy, and I visited Amoeba Records in Hollywood. This photo will always signify the days before everything changed.
Our friends at one of our Fourth of July get-togethers.
The Last Bookstore became an oasis of mine. I’d spend hours getting lost in the labyrinth of books.
This Star Map was a gift by Modern Map Art. It’s always been one of my favorite pieces that hung in our apartment since it represents Billy and I. Now when we’re decorating our new place thousands of miles away, it’s like we’re taking a piece of Los Angeles with us.
After Billy’s graduation, his family and mine celebrated by going out to dinner and taking a walk down Hollywood Blvd.
This photo was actually the first logo I used for A Girl in LA. I took it while hiking to the Griffith Observatory.
I’m going to miss these gorgeous sunsets.
My family came to help me move from Santa Monica to Downtown. This picture was taken after a long day of unpacking.
A stroll through the Venice Canals never got old.
The picturesque view of a marina in Long Beach.
Colori is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Los Angeles. From the street it looks like a hole in the wall, but inside they serve up some of the best Italian dishes that I’ve ever tasted. My go-to choices are the Spaghetti Pomodoro and the Fettucine Alfredo.
