My Dad died: Memories at Thanksgiving

My Dad Died: A Daughter’s Reflections Nearly Two Years Later

What's New 22 Feb 2020
It's hard to believe it's been almost two years since my Dad died. But he really isn't dead to me. His body is gone, his voice is gone, his phone calls are gone, but the man who was my Dad is still very much alive in my heart and mind. The initial shock and emotional fog of my Dad's death have subsided, but grieving is a journey that I'm continually working my way through — and there is no finish line. 
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Julia Roberts enjoying pizza - Photo courtesy of Sony

10 Best Places Where Celebrities Eat in LA

Top Lists 6 Oct 2019
Contrary to popular belief, celebrities do eat. And they like to eat well. That often means multi-course meals at swanky steakhouses like BOA, Morton's and Mastro's, not to mention sceney standards like Spago, Nobu and Mr Chow. But here are some of the other places to see celebrities getting their grub on.
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Donna Jean vegan food

Vegan Eats: Donna Jean Coming to Studio City

What's New 7 Aug 2019
When you're looking for a comforting homemade meal that you don't have to cook yourself, Donna Jean is just the place to go. After doing a little online research for vegan options in the San Diego area, I soon realized that Donna Jean was a must-try spot. Better still, Donna Jean is heading to LA—Studio City, to be exact—in late 2019.
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Marilyn Monroe’s Los Angeles

Top Lists 22 May 2019
Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926 and passed away on August 5, 1962 at the age of 36. Though she's been gone more than five decades, she remains one of the most famous celebrities of all time. From her humble beginnings at an orphanage as Norma Jean Mortenson to her rise to stardom as the immortal Marilyn Monroe, here are 10 places to retrace her steps and experience Marilyn Monroe’s Los Angeles.
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Double Zero Venice

Vegan Eats: Double Zero Venice

What's New 30 Apr 2019
If the thought of artisanal-style, plant-based, wood-fired pizza makes you giddy with glee, then you'll understand the excitement my husband and I felt when we headed over to Double Zero in Venice on opening night. Our expectations were fairly high since this place is part of Matthew Kenney's growing food empire. I'm already a fan of Plant Food + Wine, so I figured it would have to rock. But did it?
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Elvis Presley in Los Angeles: Where to Retrace His Steps

Top Lists 5 Jan 2019
Ready to retrace the steps of your favorite hunka hunka burnin' love? Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935 and passed away at just 42 years old on August 16, 1977. It was a shocking loss not only in the music universe, but for the world at large, yet the King lives on. You can still visit those places in LA where you would've seen the King of Rock & Roll way back when ... and a few where you can honor his memory today.
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Maple Sap Seltzer - Best Vegan Maple Snacks

Forget Pumpkin Spice, Maple is Having a Moment

Top Lists 23 Sep 2018
Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice has become a flavor that’s synonymous with fall – especially the ubiquitous Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, which isn’t vegan and doesn’t even have real pumpkin! But there’s another flavor in the spotlight: Maple. Not just for pancakes anymore, maple is having a moment and there’s no time better than fall to enjoy this soothing sweet flavor.
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Mar Yvette + Lisa Vanderpump at the opening of Tom Tom in West Hollywood

Lisa Vanderpump’s Tom Tom West Hollywood Does Vegan

What's New 28 Aug 2018
Even if you don't obsess over the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," chances are you still know Lisa Vanderpump. I was invited to the Friends & Family Night on the eve of her latest restaurant opening for Tom Tom in West Hollywood. It was a fantastically fun time and I loved the space's romantic-industrial steampunk vibe. Best of all, I soon realized that practically half the menu is vegan! Finally, a restaurant that also keeps us non-meat eaters in mind.
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Mar Yvette at Moro Rock in Sequoia Naitonal Park

Disrupt Aging: Why Getting Older Doesn’t Suck

What's New 2 Aug 2018
So you’re getting older, huh? So am I. Whether you’re in your teens, 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond, the reality is that we all are getting older. I think the real question is: Are we getting old? Much like those four-letter words we were taught to avoid as kids, “old” is a three-letter word that is loaded with so many negative connotations that it puts some of those four-letter words to shame. The thing is, getting older is not what you think.
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Getting ready for my test drive in the 2019 Infiniti QX50

Test Drive: Two Days in LA with the 2019 Infiniti QX50

What's New 22 Jul 2018
I was recently invited to Infiniti's Global Media Drive to be among the first to drive the all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50 while having the ultimate LA driving experience. The premium mid-size SUV was making its world debut and I would be among the first fortunate few to get in the driver's seat. (Yes, being a member of the media has its privileges.) Needless to say, it was a driving affair to remember.
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My beloved Dad on my wedding day

I Love You, Dad. A Tribute to My Father.

What's New 3 May 2018
My Dad passed away this week. I cannot believe I am writing this. I knew it would come one day, just not so soon. But rather than focus on the pain and the profound void, I choose to celebrate my father and what he meant to me and all those who met him. While I hope you never have to experience such a life-altering loss, the truth is, we all will. And the truth is, once you do, you can grow and be stronger more than you ever thought possible.
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Feasting at The Henry in West Hollywood

The Henry in West Hollywood Opens

What's New 22 Mar 2018
It looks like Robertson Boulevard is finally getting some life back! The Henry is a welcome (and welcoming) all-day addition to the famed shopping stretch. Located on the ground floor of the Robertson Building across the street from The Ivy (remember that place?), The Henry is luxe yet laidback, lush and absolutely lovely. Oh, and it's huge! Do yourself a favor and go check this place out for yourself. But first, read on for a sneak peek...
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Crustacean Beverly Hills Reopens

What's New 14 Mar 2018
Hello, gorgeous! Long a celebrity favorite, Crustacean Beverly Hills has finally reopened after its nearly one-year remodel and it was certainly worth the wait. The stunning new space is a study in understated elegance. And, with new vegan options like a hearts of palm "crab cake," kung pao eggplant and more, the menu has been updated as well to better serve all palates. (Yes, those famed garlic noodles are now offered in vegan and gluten-free versions!)
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Mar Yvette at the Lancome global launch of Write Her Future

Lancome’s #WriteHerFuture Campaign

What's New 1 Mar 2018
It was a beautiful way to kick off International Women's Day (and National Women's History Month) at the global launch of the Lancôme #WriteHerFuture campaign. This partnership provides funds to raise awareness about female illiteracy and help diminish its prevalence. I had no idea that 35 million people read below a third grade level in the US, so this isn't just a problem in developing countries, it's happening right here at home.
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Best Vegan Beauty & Body Products

Top Lists 12 Jan 2018
Looking for cruelty-free beauty that actually works? The ugly truth is that many makeup and beauty brands still test on animals and/or use animal products. But if it’s not safe enough to test on humans, then it shouldn’t be used by humans! Not every product on this list is 100% organic, but you can rest assured that they are cruelty-free.
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La La Land traffic scene

15 Must-See Movies That Take Place in Los Angeles

Top Lists 21 Dec 2017
While there could never be just one film to fully sum up the experience of my beloved hometown of Los Angeles, there are certain movies that capture a timeless piece of it. Here are my top 15 movies that each have their own way of showcasing the many sides of LA in all its imperfect, beautiful, contradictory, glamorous, gritty, heartbreaking, hilarious, limitless glory.
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Where to find cotton candy in LA

Get Spun: Cotton Candy in LA

Top Lists 7 Dec 2017
Cotton candy, fairy floss, fluffy stuff. Whatever you call it, the spun sugary treat conjures images of summertime carnivals and county fairs. But wait... this sweet snack is so popular it has its own holiday right in the midst of the holiday season on December 7. Find out where to get your fill of the frilly fun across Los Angeles.
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Mar Yvette on the Inn at Mt Ada in Catalina Island

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Catalina Island

Top Lists 23 Nov 2017
Ready for an island getaway? The holiday season is the perfect time for a Catalina Island escape with fewer crowds, cooler weather (the better to cozy up with that special someone) and beautiful decorations all around. Even though it's just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, this gem of the Pacific feels like a world away.
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5 Skinny Summer Cocktails

Top Lists 10 Jul 2017
Want the skinny on the best summer cocktails that won't have you busting out of your swimsuit this season? From fruity concoctions that'll keep you cool to a spicy spirit that will heat things up, here are five tasty cocktails that go perfectly with the easy-breezy weather and weigh in at 150 calories or less.
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Hanging out at the saltwater jacuzzi at Miramonte Resort & Spa

8 Hotel Spas Worth the Splurge

Top Lists 26 Apr 2017
Whether you need to de-stress from the pressures of everyday life or just want to treat yourself to a little pampering, there’s nothing like checking into a fab hotel spa for some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. From an urban oasis in Downtown LA to a soothing oceanside retreat, these SoCal hotel spas are worth a trip.
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