interior motives
Interior design junkies, rejoice! There’s a new cool kid on the design block, and it’s Caitlin Murray, founder and CEO of Black Lacquer Design. Originally from Indianapolis, Murray has made a name for herself in L.A. thanks to her striking and glamorous design aesthetic. Having recently won Bravo’s Best Room Wins, Murray is certainly one to watch as a rising star in her field. Her love of eclectic pieces, bold color and texture is evident in each of her projects. If you’re thinking of redecorating or remodeling, be sure to check out Black Lacquer’s website for some serious design inspo.
california (ice) creamin’
McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams is the Ted Drewes of Los Angeles. For 70 years, it has served southern Californians some of the freshest ice cream west of the Colorado River. McConnell’s sticks to its original mission of making ice cream that isn’t full of fillers, stabilizers and preservatives, and it doesn’t take more than a single bite to taste the difference. Flavors like Banana & Salted Caramel and Chocolate Covered Strawberries may sound too good to be true, but don’t take my word for it. You can order McConnell’s online and taste for yourself!
cinema under the stars
In the spring and summer months, Melrose Rooftop Theatre brings a little Hollywood magic to moviegoers under the stars. Perched on top of E.P. & L.P. restaurant and bar in West Hollywood, classic films from Casablanca to Almost Famous are showcased on the bar patio with the Hollywood Hills and night sky in the background. There’s no better way to watch a movie, especially with seats that are plush, body-contouring bean bags!
bathing without water
What spiritual practice can be less strenuous than yoga and feel more engaging than meditation? If you guessed sound bath, you would be right. Sound baths are quickly becoming the wellness practice du jour. Dating back to the time of ancient Greek philosophers, they are a form of sound therapy, immersing you in vibrations and rhythms using a variety of instruments, including crystal and gemstone bowls, cymbals and gongs. Intense feelings of relaxation and mental restoration are common and help recharge the mind and body to a calmer, happier state.
pretty in piercings
The Body Electric, nestled in the middle of the trendy Melrose shopping district, is one of, if not the premier, piercing and tattoo shops in L.A. Owner Brian Keith Thompson raised the bar for tattoo parlors by paying exceptional attention to detail and focusing on the quality of the customer experience. You also may recognize Thompson’s work from your Pinterest board. Those super trendy constellation piercings are his creation. It’s no wonder patrons from all over the country flock to his shop to get one of his signature piercings (myself included) or intricate tattoos.
