Some dreamy explorations for a project soon to come…

One of my favorite things about living in Long Beach is that I can bike or walk to lots of great places. With the weather getting warmer, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots to bike in Long Beach as well as great places to stop, eat, drink, and explore.

One of the most fun times to ride around town is late at night when there are less cars and less people out. There’s nothing quite like riding around empty street and sidewalks with the moon shining bright. Once warm summer nights are in full swing, a late night ride is basically required.

Start at the Pike (1) on 4th Street and get some beer while picking some music from the jukebox. This kitchy, Long Beach classic gets a little crowded on weekends but during the week is ideal.

From there, ride down to the beach bike path (2) and ride south down the peninsula and flip a u-turn at the very end to head back towards downtown. Leave your headphones at home and enjoy the quiet beach and the sound of the waves.

Ride all the way to the end of the bike path and go through an abandoned Shoreline Village (3) riding by all the boats in the dock.

Continue on to the boardwalk and ride down to the Long Beach Aquarium (4) and then around the Lighthouse (5). You can ride up and down the hill by various paths and soak up some views of the city and harbor before you head back home.

Oh, and a friendly reminder: don’t forget your bike lights!

I had the pleasure of art directing & styling a shoot for the Spring Issue of Darling Magazine. The article was all about fostering community and we shot a group of friends having a picnic breakfast and enjoying each other’s company.

Special thanks to Lehua Noelle for photographing…she is amazingly talented! See more of her stunning images from the shoot here.

Also, a huge thanks to my friends and family that helped in some way or another!

The spring issue is still available here and keep an eye out for the shoot we did for the summer issue…

All photos by Lehua Noelle
Prop Styling by Ashley Montgomery
Wardrobe Styling by Paige Fellers
Select Props from Feed Store, Long Beach
Models: Rebekah Auda, Christian Buchholz, David Faulkner, Paige Fellers, Michelle Kim, Laura Ocean, Stephanie Taylor, Adam Taylor, and Devon Uy

One of my favorite things about living in Long Beach is that I can bike or walk to lots of great places. With the weather getting warmer, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots to bike in Long Beach as well as great places to stop, eat, drink, and explore.

There’s something romantic about riding bikes. Especially if it involves wine & chocolate. The next time you and your loved one are debating how to spend your night together, skip the stilettos, hop on your bike, and hit the town.

Start at the Promenade in Downtown (1). Here you can grab a drink at Stave, a burger & beer at Congregation Alehouse, California BBQ at Beachwood, or amazing pizza at Michael’s Pizzeria. All of these restaurants have great patio seating so you can enjoy the remaining sunlight. Bonus: Beachwood & Stave both have Happy Hour until 6pm if you can get there early enough!

From the Promenade, head east in the bike lane on Broadway, left on Alamitos then right on 3rd Street to another designated bike path. A left on Cherry and a right on 4th Street will put you at Anandamide Psychedelicatessen (2). Pick out a few delicious raw chocolates or desserts to enjoy now or later during a movie. My favorite are the caramel fig bombs…seriously delicious!

Just across the street, you can catch an independent film at the Art Theater, enjoy a glass of wine on the patio of Art du Vin (3), or do both! Both will make you feel like you’ve walked in to the 1950s.

After your movie, ride south to the beach bike path (4) and then and head towards downtown. Ride past all the docked boats and follow the path as it wraps around the harbor and ends across the bay from the Queen Mary.

If the view isn’t enough and you still have time in your evening, you can head across the bay to the Queen Mary (5) and end your night with a drink at the Observation Bar or just wander around the wonderful historical boat taking in the evening views.

This last weekend my younger sister graduated from college. It was a fun day filled with family, food, and sitting in a field waiting for her name to be called. But really, I’m a sucker for graduations and it was an exciting day.

These graduation announcements that I designed for her were a fun little project…

Some of the best details from the Pier Shop & Visitor Center at the Santa Monica Pier–the custom hangers and the Pier Table.

Check them out on the CAMP Blog…

One of my favorite things about living in Long Beach is that I can bike or walk to lots of great places. With the weather getting warmer, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots to bike in Long Beach as well as great places to stop, eat, drink, and explore.

I’m a firm believer that Fridays in the summertime are meant for happy hour and enjoying the sunshine. So the next time you have an excuse to ditch your office post-lunch, here’s what you should do…

Start at what people, unfortunately, call Retro Row (1)–a handful of great vintage (albeit somewhat overpriced) shops on 4th Street with everything from clothing to furniture. Today is probably not the day to stock up on goods, unless you have a cargo bike, but it’s still fun to peruse.

Head south and west a few blocks to 3rd and Cerritos and get your afternoon caffeine fix at Lord Windsor Roasters (2). The neighborhood coffee shop roasts their own beans in the back of the shop and is a great place to sit and enjoy an iced coffee.

When you’re done, head south all the way to the beach and hop on the bike path (3). Take it easy riding past all the walkers and runners and enjoy the ocean view and people watching.

If you’re feeling up to it, stop at the pier and enjoy a refreshing beer on the patio of Belmont Brewing Co. (4) while the ocean breeze keeps you cool.

…or keep heading south on the bike path until it ends and go north up any little street until you get to Belmont Shore / Second Street (5). You can enjoy a walk around the shops or go straight for the fish tacos at Roe Fish Market or a beer and Fig & Bacon pizza at Simmzy’s–both of which have great outdoor seating.

From there you are in a good spot to continue with your Friday night shenanigans or head out for the rest of your weekend plans!

Here’s a little peek at some wedding invitations I recently finished. The gold foil and letterpress are so scrumptious! Not to mention the beautiful handiwork of Angela Southern.

More of their invitation suite and big day coming soon…

If you know me, then you know that I absolutely love living in Long Beach, CA. One of my favorite things about it is that I can bike or walk to lots of great places.

With the weather getting warmer, I wanted to share some of my favorite spots to bike in Long Beach as well as great places to stop, eat, drink, and explore.

Even if you don’t live in Long Beach, it is definitely worth visiting for a day and renting some bikes to get around. And if you live in LA, we’re only a short (bike friendly) Metro ride away–it makes the perfect day trip!

On a nice Sunday morning, head to Makai Coffee (1) on Temple and Broadway and start the day of easy with a delicious pour over coffee or espresso drink.

Once you have thoroughly enjoyed your perfectly made cup, hop on your bikes and head down Temple toward the ocean and ride down 1st & 2nd Streets through Bluff Park neighborhood (2). The wide street gives you plenty of space to take it slow and really soak in all the beautiful homes ranging from classic craftsman to deco influenced houses.

North on Belmont and right on 3rd will put you at Starling Diner (3) where you can enjoy a delicious brunch. I would recommend the stuffed French Toast, the breakfast bruchetta, and the scones. Ooooh, the scones…

Start working off that brunch and head east on 3rd, following it to Appian Way (4). Enjoy the marina views and and keep an eye out for the rowing teams practicing in the harbor. Ride under the bridge and loop up the ramp to the right to merge on to 2nd Street.

From 2nd Street, turn right on to Marina Dr. where you will land at the Farmer’s Market (5). Stroll around this certified organic market that’s right on the harbor and enjoy the breeze.

When you have stocked up on your fresh fruits and veggies, head back the way you came, and enjoy the rest of the beautiful, sunny weekend!

The latest issue of Darling Magazine was released this month and it came out beautifully. You don’t want to miss out on all the lovely spring goodies in this one so make sure you go order your copy (digital is available but the print is gorgeous…) on their website.

See more images here!