This summer I had the opportunity to meet with many amazing book club groups in person, at Barnes & Nobles, and over Facetime. For those who’ve chosen Waiting at Hayden’s as a pick and hosted me, I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed getting to know you all and how much I’ve enjoyed the interesting discussions we’ve had. Not surprisingly most of our discussions have ended up straying from the actual story itself to talking about our own love lives—the risks we’ve all taken when it comes . . .
Writing Advice I Wish I Knew When I Started Waiting at Hayden’s
When I took a year off school and moved across the country to Charleston, South Carolina to write the first draft of Waiting at Hayden’s ten years ago, I knew very little about writing a book; all I did know was that I needed to get my story idea down on paper. I think that’s the case for most writers—and to be honest, it’s sort of wonderful to only know that and nothing more. If you’re in the early stages of writing a book, the words are flowing, and you’re feeling that “writers high,” feel . . .
My Favorite Beach Bags and Cover-Ups
This past weekend my cousin and blog photographer, Ryan, moved right onto to the beach, so I got to spend some time in the sand! Though the water is still too cold (for me!) to swim, the temperatures are heating up in Newport Beach and with my brother, mom, and dad coming into town Wednesday, I know we’ll be spending lots of time when I'm not working reading on the beaches in CDM or down the street from my cottage on Balboa. I’ve been looking for a new cover-up for a while now, and . . .
10 Things to Do When Visiting Newport Beach
This time of year especially, I love hosting visitors in Newport Beach! The temperatures are pretty consistently in the seventies and there are so many fun things to do in town and just outside it. One of the jobs I’ve always had to support my dream job is teaching group fitness classes and for the last few years I’ve taught a couple mornings a week at the Marriott Newport Coast Villas, a popular spot to stay. I’m constantly giving guests advice about what to do when visiting this beautiful . . .
Best First Lines to Use On Dating Apps & Day Date Outfits That Are Simple, Yet Stylish
Dating apps have never been my thing. I much prefer to meet people out at happy hour, or through a friend, or on an airplane. I’ve even gone out with two people I met on the road while driving. (They were in the car next to me. We spoke at stoplights. And yes, in case you’re wondering, this is partly why I’m not the best driver and why Mike came along with me on my book tour. I’m completely guilty of looking at who’s in the cute pickup in front of me instead of focusing on what the speed limit . . .
A Carrie Bradshaw Inspired Wardrobe and Everything I Recently “Couldn’t Help But Wonder” About Love
What do Carrie Bradshaw and I have in common? We both seem to ponder over one million things about love each day before breakfast. And we often feel like all we have to offer the world when it comes to relationships is our own confusion—and maybe some fun fashion trends. Here’s a list of everything Carrie wondered about on Sex and the City. And since the show has ended and she ran off into happily ever after wedded bliss with Mr. Big, my mind has continued to ponder matters of the . . .
