Summer/Fall Call for Content
California is calling!
Laguna Beach sunset – Charlie greeting me at the airport after one of my trips
Happy Summer! The temperatures are rising, but I hope you’re managing to stay cool. Here in Laguna Beach the sun is finally shining, after May gray and June gloom have dissipated. We’re lucky to be able to jump in the Pacific Ocean when the temps get too hot because most of us don’t have A/C. After a busy travel schedule this spring, I’m happy to stay home for the summer to spend time with my husband Jeff and daughter Katelyn (who’s home from college for the summer). I’m looking forward to barbecues with friends, walking the dog (Charlie) at Heisler Park during sunset, dining at our favorite restaurants in town (so many to choose from, but Lumberyard is the best!), shopping at Lido Marina Village, visiting the art festivals (if you haven’t been to the Pageant of the Masters - it is a must-do!), and hopefully getting out on the water to see some whales and dolphins!
What are your summer plans?
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Where I’ve Been:
Las Vegas
I’m sure you’ve heard, but there is so much going on in Las Vegas! On a recent individual press trip, I got to experience the new Fontainebleau…and it was fabulous. Such a beautiful resort with an amazing spa (with a Snow Shower!), incredible dining (Chyna Club is a feast for the eyes and mouth), gorgeous suites (the Fleur de Lis suites have a private elevator and lounge), and impressive entertainment…oh, and a casino! As the newest resort on the Strip, it is well worth a visit.
Here are some of the new and exciting things to experience while in Vegas:
Dinner at Orla inside Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: I received the BEST service ever at this Michael Mina restaurant serving creative Mediterranean cuisine.
Brunch at The Bedford by Martha Stewart inside Paris Las Vegas: The Pierogies were my favorite!
Paradox Museum: This is a fun and unusual attraction on the Strip.
Dinner at NOBU inside Paris Las Vegas: I had the vegetarian Omakase tasting menu – one of the best dinners I’ve ever had!
Drinks at Vanderpump à Paris inside Paris Las Vegas – so chic!
Awakening at Wynn Las Vegas – this show is lively with unbelievable sets and an amazingly talented cast.
Lapis Spa & Wellness inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas – the facilities are so extensive and include an Event Sauna, Stargazing Lounge, Vitality Pools, Salt Mist Therapy, Star & Snow Showers. The resort also features an IV Drip Lounge, as well as one of the most state-of-the-art fitness centers I’ve ever seen.
Lunch at Brezza at Resorts World: There are many Italian restaurants to choose from in Vegas, but the cuisine at Brezza, created by 2020 James Beard semi-finalist Chef Nicole Brisson, is a modern take on traditional Italian. I’m still dreaming about the Semolina Cakes.
MSG Sphere – I saw the “Postcards from the Earth” movie. Although expensive ($94), the Sphere is worth experiencing. It’s like nothing you’ve ever done. The interactive robots in the lobby are mind blowing.
COMO Poolside Café & Bar at Bellagio Resort & Casino Pool – the newly renovated cafe is inspired by Lake Como and features an extensive menu with something for every palate. My favorite items were the lemon blueberry pancakes, falafel burger and fruit on ice. If you want to make it a party, you have to order the Spritz Tree – a tower of cocktails!
Dinner at LPM Restaurant & Bar at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas – this was one of the most creative restaurants I’ve eaten at in a while. The food and ambiance are reminiscent of the Riviera – fresh, bright, light, playful. But the depth of the cocktail/mocktail menu is so imaginative. Each drink tells a story about the life and relationships of Jean Cocteau, an influential French artist. The LETTRE À COCO comes with a mini letter, spritzed with Channel No. 5, written by Jean Cocteau to Coco Channel.
AWANA Spa & Wellness at Resorts World – the impressive facilities include Vitality Pools (ranging from hot to a cold plunge), heated Tepidarium chairs, a Crystal Laconium with salt therapy, an Event Sauna, and a Foot Spa Lounge. Don’t miss the Sauna-Meister-led journey.
Crossroads Lounge at Resorts World – I was blown away by this 100% plant-based, fine dining restaurant. Even meat eaters will want to indulge. From the “short ribs” and “caviar” to the house-made pastas and pizzas, each bite is delectable. Don’t even get me started on the whipped “feta.”
JSX: Why fly commercial when you can get to Las Vegas much easier, quicker and more comfortably (for almost the same price) on a semi-private flight with JSX.
Hotel Review: The Ranch Laguna Beach
I finally had the chance to stay at The Ranch Laguna Beach. Having been there many times for dinner at Harvest or drinks by the fire pits at The Porch, I’ve always been drawn to the splendid beauty of the property – situated in a canyon setting. It provides an easy escape from the buzz of Pacific Coast Highway and a variation from the beach and ocean views. I’ve always found the food and drinks phenomenal – made fresh with ingredients grown in their extensive on-property organic garden. The vibe is coastal chic providing an elevated casual environment. Although the spa is small with minimal amenities the therapists are so talented. If you are a golfer, you’ll be happy to try the lush 9-hole course, where you might spot deer or hawks. Across PCH, you’ll find Lost Pier Cafe, a beachfront snack shack where you can also rent fire pits.
Call for Content:
The following is for U.S. News & World Report. Please do not send pitches after deadlines.
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Best Trips and Tips for Solo Travel for Women: Deadline: Aug. 5
Top Things to Do in California: Deadline: Aug. 11 (my birthday!!)
Best Girls Trip Ideas for 2025: Deadline: Aug. 19
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