Arigato Mister Roboto.

He didn't want me posting glam pics of him all over the World Wide Web. You should SEE the Speedo shots. Hot.

I negotiated a bit and won.

So I can post...one.

Hannah.

I specifically requested that Hannah do a quick shoot with me - makeup free - down by the beach on Saturday. You'll notice that she has one eye and eyebrow that are naturally bleached out. I am a bit obsessed with this but rarely get to see because she darkens them with mascara.

The pictures turned out even better than I had dreamt they would.

A natural beauty. Wow.

The Ingrid Glow.

An afternoon with Ingy.

Chasing Sunset.

Preview of balloon shoot with Haley and Danny...

Chasing Coldplay.

Miss Hannah Pinter has turned me on to this wonderful blog:

www.smittenkitchen.com

I suggest you get turned onto it too!

Ari and I are headed to Manhattan Beach to stay at Haley and Danny's pad for the night. A little sun, a little volleyball, photo shoot and Mucho. My tummy is already growling.

Tomorrow we'll venture further South to Laguna and spend the evening in a trance swaying to sweet tunes such as Strawberry Swing. Chris Martin, Apple, Gwynnie - here we come.

The World Exploded Into Love...

...All Around Me.

By Bob Schneider. Download it. Has me shedding a happy tear at the coffee shop this morning.

Also, Cottage Doubles. Yum. Eat them.

Adios Santa Barbara, for now. We shall meet again very soon!

Chasing Peace.

Currently internet-ing away at a Starbucks in Montecito. I'm hungry and high on caffeine - and apparently hallucinating because I swear the coffee is beginning to smell of barbeque sauce. ANYWAYS. I decided to follow Ari up North for the week. One, because I get separation anxiety. Two, needed something to distract me from the weeks and weeks of unemployment. Three, who can say no to a free stay at a "beach house" with ocean views? Not I.

It has been an exciting few weeks. A little rocky here and there, but over the bumps and around the bend...it seems like peace and happiness is always awaiting. I feel lucky and blessed and grateful and ready to take on life today.

Backing up a few weeks:

We posted up in Palm Springs for the weekend of the 4th and had a hard time returning when we were suppose to. I love the desert. So serene. Hot as a sauna. Stayed in 3 hotels in 4 days. Strange? Yes. But we learned a few lessons about our favorite getaway from LA.

Riviera

http://www.psriviera.com/

Great for a last minute booking. Or a bachelorette party. Or college spring break trip. Trendy yet inexpensive. The pools are massive. Close to downtown and a cab ride away from the casino.

Parker Palm Springs

http://www.theparkerpalmsprings.com/

Overpriced. Management and staff are too-cool-for-school. A very "you are lucky to be here" attitude. Not a fan! However, it's worth making a visit simply to wander the expansive campus and see Adler's decor. Check out Mister Parker's restaurant for dinner. The menu is a bit limited and spendy but the food is delicious. The risotto is exceptional and tart is a great to start.

Viceroy

http://www.viceroypalmsprings.com/

Favorite. Makes me feel fancy without shelling out a fortune. The staff is beyond friendly and helpful. On the 5th we booked our room around 2. Arrived at 3. Our rooms were not ready so the management offered us a round of drinks on the house. Three pools, great music, yummy YUMMY poolside menu.

Christina & Paul's pick:

Orbit In

http://www.orbitin.com/

We made a quick stop by this cute little boutique motel. Moderately priced. Darling decor. A more intimate environment. Some of the rooms come with full kitchen - others outdoor showers! A handful of bikes are available for guests to joyride around town.

More pics Ari and I snapped on the vacay on their way...

Chasing Baby.

http://pacingthepanicroom.blogspot.com/

So so SO great.

Glamour Shots.

Nicole Lucas is an actress, fellow MN native, and one of my best friends. Last Thursday she came to my pad and we spent 6 hours drinking bubbly, laughing, and getting creative with the camera. She was a fantastic sport AND a fantastic model. Can't wait to do it again.