The affair began in 1991…

I moved to Los Angeles after living in New York City for two years as a recent graduate from the University of Michigan. Everyone wanted their own apartment in “the city,” but my salary wasn’t going to go far. A couple of months into living in my 200 sq ft NYC apartment, I had some new unexpected roommates aka mice. I was working for a Los Angeles based company and after a few work trips across the country I decided to relocate there. At first, LA made me feel strange and confused— I just couldn’t quite grasp its layout. But after some time, I was left feeling reinvigorated that this sprawling, new place offered a great quality of life, and on top of that, it was fulfilling my craving for adventure and something different. I knew two people living in LA; I lucked into a great job and off I went. My mom gave me enough money to put a deposit on my first car (a red Ford Escort), and I worked out what my husband much later explained to me, a horrible 5-year car payment deal. I had an alcove studio apartment in Brentwood right by San Vicente Boulevard with shops and restaurants that were bustling with 20-year-olds. My apartment building was reminiscent of Melrose place with two floors of apartments surrounding a pool in the center. I had underground free parking and was able to drive Sunset Boulevard all the way to work at KTLA television studios. At 23, this was a great life. The affair continued through a few local moves, three career changes, a year in Paris, graduate school, and eventually even after I was married, had three sons and settled down back east in Connecticut.

I have spent 29 years explaining this love affair. What is it about LA?  For me, it’s the mix of all the things you look for in a city (culinary, art, fashion, entertainment, with diversity of cultures and generations) mixed with what you would want when you go out of a city or on a vacation (beach, mountains, living space, and amazing weather). It’s urban-suburban with almost no humidity and average temperatures of about 70 degrees by the coast. It’s also become so incredibly rich in the arts, has some of the best restaurants, and the style is relaxed and easy. You can spend hours (and I do) walking along the path by the water or exploring new areas in the city, each with different things to offer. I think LA is gorgeous across all of its diverse landscapes— from the endless ocean views to twinkling lights of the Hollywood Hills to the gritty parts of Venice + DTLA. Throw on a pair of jeans, a v neck tee and cute flip flops, and you are dressed for just about anything. 

Though my husband and I moved to NYC in 2001 and have stayed on the east coast since then, my inner LA spirit has never left and the affair continues to run its course. While I’m nostalgic for my time there, living in Westport with my incredible husband and family has taught me the beauty in a quaint town where I’m surrounded by great friends, a beach, the water, and acclaimed schools, arts and restaurants. It’s been an amazing place to raise my three boys.

In every way, LA has been woven into the fabric of my lifestyle and is part of who I am. To LA, I love you forever, and thank you.

Here’s a SSBYLM approved guide of must-hit spots to go to in LA:

Parents’ Night Out!

With or Without the Kids: (Daytime)