There are so many cool, independent shops in LA, but I think Church Boutique is probably my favorite. It has the most unique pieces of furniture, home decor, fine art, and even fashion. It's fun to browse, and I always find something interesting and distinctive to take home with me.

Shannon Moon. No one else is allowed to touch my hair when I'm in LA. She works at Salon Tru in Santa Monica and she just gets my needs. The color is so natural and stunning, the cut is always trendy but exactly what I want, and she makes sure I leave knowing how to recreate the look at home so that I have a good hair day every day.

Dermalogica on Montana. Not only are the technicians and therapists well-trained aestheticians, but they are clinicians who specialize in skin health. The products are free of the nasties, and I can't get over how gorgeous my skin looks for days afterward without a stitch of makeup.

Bellacures. Yes, it's the one that all the celebrities go to, but it truly is a special place. There are about four locations now around the city, but I go to the one in Beverly Hills. They're known for their 'Spiritual Awakening Pedicure' which is like getting your nails done while your soul is revived at the same time. It's one of those 'only in LA' kind of spots and we love it.

The best spa in Southern California actually isn't in Los Angeles. It's in Ojai and it is without a doubt worth the one-hour drive up to the lavender fields to get a treatment at Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. I always get the 'Flower Seed CBD Scrub and Massage'. Pro-tip? Book a room for a couple of nights because you will not want to leave.

Asian, and I do mean all Asian food: Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, literally everything. Perhaps it's a no-brainer, but the best place to get Asian food in LA is Koreatown. It's not fancy, it's very casual, but it's fun, and it's delicious. Order soup dumplings at Dumpling House, enjoy the Korean barbecue at Park's BBQ, and feast on some of the best ramen outside Japan at Slurpin' Ramen Bar. After you've had your fill of whatever you're in the mood for, grab a boba tea and go sing your heart out at any of the many karaoke places. Just follow the neon signs.

This is tough because there is great, artisanal coffee everywhere in LA, but I'm going to have to say Intelligentsia in Venice. They take their coffee seriously, and if you try to order a "grande double frap" they will look at you like you've asked them to murder puppies. They have a unique process for harvesting, roasting, grinding, and making their coffee, and their baristas have made this their career. It is, quite literally, the best coffee in LA.

High, the rooftop bar and lounge at the Erwin Hotel on Venice Beach, not only boasts one of my favorite views in the city but is a great place to catch up with friends and meet perfect strangers. It's overlooking the Pacific Ocean and you can see all of Venice, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, up to Malibu, and down to Marina del Rey, Playa Del Rey, and even Manhattan Beach. There are blankets if you get chilly, and sunken lounges perfect for quiet conversation among friends, as well as a very happening bar if you feel like mingling well into the night.

Gjelina on Abbott Kinney, hands down. Not only is every menu item phenomenal (please order the pizza and the Moroccan stew), they source everything sustainably from local, Southern Californian farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and co-ops, and have a produce-forward mentality when it comes to food. It's a little family-run restaurant that's a community favorite and always busy, which is why you need to book way in advance to get a table. It also has great indoor/outdoor vibes, and brunch can always be followed by a leisurely stroll down the eclectic Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Sidecar Doughnuts. It's a tiny little doughnut shop in Santa Monica (although it's branched out to new locations around the city now including Manhattan Beach, Fairfax and 3rd, Torrance, and more), and boasts incredible freshly-made doughnuts with original flavors like the 'Butter & Salt', 'Old-Fashion', 'Saigon Cinnamon Crumb', 'Meyer Lemon', and 'Huckleberry', as well as cinnamon rolls and apple fritters that are call-your-mama good.

Phorage. The original ASAP Phorage shop in Playa del Rey was a legit hidden gem that only locals knew about it. It was located at the back of a convenience store and served up only three types of Pho (chicken, beef, and vegetable) or a crackling banh-mi sandwich, but it was absolutely the best pho you could find anywhere. Sadly, the little mom-and-pop shop closed due to the pandemic, but we have it on good authority that the owners have now opened a new spot in West Hollywood with their same signature broth. If it's anything like the original, it's worth the fight through WeHo traffic.

Mastro's. The Beverly Hills location is old-school elegant, but I prefer to sit by the windows and watch the sunset over the ocean at the Malibu outpost, but I will go to any Mastro's for a bite of its incomparable steak. It's so tender that you can slice it with a butter knife. You'll want to drink the sauces, and the sides are out of this world; it's really hard to choose a favorite, but my go-to is the twice-baked potato. Even the seafood is perfection. But you absolutely must save room for the 'Butter Cake'. Its deliciousness melts in your mouth, and trust me, you will dream of this meal for years to come. I know I do.

Wurstküche in Venice. I would meet friends there after work at least twice a week and hang out on the long tables reordering fries until the place closed down. Wurstküche is literally just sausages and french fries (the good kind of fries), and the sausage flavors range from classic to exotic. Think vegetarian Mexican chipotle and smoked apple sage to mango jalapeño and buffalo with cherries and mint. It's fun and friendly, and just all-around good vibes and better food every time.

The Bazaar. The original location closed since the pandemic, but lucky for us, José Andrés is returning to Los Angeles with his creative and exciting menu opening three new restaurants in 2023. Definitely keep your eyes out for more of his tasty, quirky, and fun menus.

The Broad. I love contemporary art, and The Broad has all of my favorite artists in its permanent collection, plus their special exhibits bring in the most interesting and unique pieces and artists from around the world. I can spend all day there and never get bored. But I also highly recommend a visit to The Hammer and the MOCA if you have time.

Griffith Park and Observatory. Griffith Park is an amazing place to get some great hiking in, but we particularly love introducing our kids to the celestial skies above with the telescope at Griffith Observatory. It's a must whether you have kids or not. (And yes, you can see the Hollywood sign.)

Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. Not only is it stunningly beautiful, but it is one of the few spots located directly on the beach. I love the early morning sun over the water as I sip my coffee on the balcony. One of my favorite things to do is ride my bike down the beach bike path from Santa Monica, through Venice, and all the way to Marina Del Rey.

Hot 8 Yoga is my home away from home. Every class turns up the heat, so whether you're taking a Power, Sculpt, Barre, or Yin class, you know you're going to sweat those toxins out and get a great workout that feels so, so good after. Do not forget to bring an extra towel and water.

Malibu Wines. It's a beautiful vineyard up in the hills of Malibu and we love taking relaxed strolls with our pet through the grapes, or packing a picnic and spreading a blanket on the lawn (or better yet, nabbing one of the picnic tables) while listening to live music on the weekends. It's a whole community vibe, free entry, and no wine purchase is required.

A hike through Temescal Canyon. It's not as popular as Griffith, so you won't run into a lot of people, and it's shaded with lots of foliage and the occasional waterfall depending on what season it is. But when I need quiet, space, and time just for me, I put on my hiking shoes and am rewarded with panoramic sea and city views, fresh air, and renewal every single time.

Pacific Coast Highway — preferably in a convertible. It's beautiful past Santa Monica and the Palisades, but carry on up as far as you want to go because the cliffs and views are absolutely breathtaking. In fact, go all the way up to Big Sur. The drive there and back is 100 percent scenic, and once you are there, you will feel like writing poetry. It is awe-inspiring.

Walt Disney Concert Hall. It is one of the most astounding buildings in the city and was designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry himself. Definitely worth a look in person.

Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice. It has such an incredible, eclectic mix of independent cafes and restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, and unique artisanal stands. It gives off trendy, bohemian vibes, and everything you find there from fashion to art, jewelry, home decor, food, and furniture can't be found anywhere else in the world.

Going to the beach. If you are in LA, your trip is not complete until you have dipped your toes in the cool, blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Personally, I love El Matador State Beach because the rock formations make every picture Instagram-worthy, and Dockweiler Beach because there are fire pits along the beach for roasting marshmallows while listening to the crashing waves.

The Venice Canals. Not many people know it exists, but it is such a cute little place to take tourists and walk them around so they see a side of LA that is not Hollywood but has its own history and story. Venice city architect, Abbot Kinney, modeled the canals after the famous city in Italy. The canals are lined with architecturally-stunning houses, from mansions to cottages, each one different and unique. No cars or bikes are allowed, so you can freely walk along the canals and over the white wood bridges enjoying the views, the ducks, and the canoes hitched to little decks in front of each house.