2023: A Year In Review

2023 was all about at stability. Adam and I moved back into our Los Angeles home in November 2022. Adam was gearing up to make a big career change, quitting his job of 13 years to start his own company. I had been a contract Art Director for a long time, so it was time for me to get a more stable job so he could pursue his dream. I started the year with a full time contract job for a fashion company called VICI, then more recently took a role at Walmart as Associate Creative Director. It’s been quite the change working one brand when I’m used to working on several at a time. I’m thankful for the opportunities that have come my way in a tough employment market.

On a personal level, we’ve slowed down the travel a bit but have still managed to get quite a few trips in. We spent another few weeks in NYC like we did in 2022, and I took some girls trips while Adam was staying focused on his new venture.

It’s been a year of trying to find myself again post COVID and post some personal life hurdles, trying to rebuild self confidence and thrive again. Here are some highlights of the year below.

First time to Art Week in Mexico City

Some girlfriends and I spent some time in Mexico City during Art Week in February. We had a blast eating at amazing restaurants, attending some majestic events, and perusing vintage stores. It was so fun that we decided to do it again this year!

First time to Lightening in a Bottle

It was my first trip to the music festival Lightening in a Bottle and I was blown away! It was the perfect combination of relaxation and shows. We spent the days relaxing in a lake, and the night out at the spectacular shows seeing Sofi Tukker, Zhu, Purple Disco Machine, 070 Shake and more.

Hosted several Sofar Sounds shows in our backyard

We hosted a few shows in 2019. This year, we finally got back to it and hosted some more backyard shows featuring many talented musicians from Sofar Sounds. We really enjoy these moments connecting with the community and opening our homes to strangers.

Visited Mallorca

My friend Allie and I went on an amazing trip to Mallorca where we snorkeled, toured some caves, ate amazing Spanish dishes and explored the island. It was also the first time for both of us driving in another country.

Explored many new local hikes

I’ve always been into being a “local tourist,” finding new places in my city and beyond to explore. I’ve kicked that into overdrive, knowing there are hundreds/thousands of hikes in Southern California. I’m going to take this to the next level in 2024 and attempt the 52-week challenge, a hike every week for the whole year. Let me know if you want to join me on some!

Tuna Canyon with Ryan, Liz & Adam

Eagle Cliff Mine Trail with Mom & Dad

Paradise Falls Hike with Adam

Vasquez Rocks Hike with John, Tara & Adam

Eaton Canyon Falls Hike with Shweta, Loren & Crew

Celebrated Dan’s Bday in Tulum

We spent a summer in Provence France with this group in 2019, and now we met again in Tulum to celebrate Dan Parisi. This is such a special group of people, everyone is so interesting to talk to and full of life. Even though it rained a lot of the time we were here, it was a glorious trip because we were in such good company, chatting and laughing over wine. I hope there are many more birthdays in exotic places to come!

Pre Christmas in Cancun

Spent some time before Christmas in Cancun with my in laws. We relaxed by the pool, had lavish all inclusive resort dinners together, and watched some fun evening shows.

Jazz Christmas & Hiking

We went out to the desert where my parents live for Christmas, and had a jazz dinner in Palm Springs. Following dinner, we joined extended family for a great evening of celebration with around 50 family members that we usually only see once a year (if that). It was a great way to spend the holidays surrounded by so much family.

The following day Adam, my parents and I found a new hike to explore locally in Pioneer Mountain Preserve.

A Sayulita New Year

I spent a LOT of November and December in Mexico. We ended the year with friends in Sayulita for the 2nd NYE in a row, eating and drinking our way through town.

Final thoughts of the year: I’ve been trying to settle into “middle age.” Honestly, I’m not good at it. I’d rather try and break any rules about being “your age.” Am I more tired than I was in my 20s and 30s? Unfortunately, yes. That being said, I still want to do ALL the things, continue seeing the world and looking for new interesting things to experience on this crazy rollercoaster of life.