About Me
Hello, I'm Lauren. Do I look like a pirate? Or like I work at the Bellagio in Vegas?
Hmm. Well, I’m Lauren. My husband and I are newlyweds living in Santa Monica, California, which is probably the most glorious place on earth. I grew up in Miami, and as much as I miss my parents and big sister and a few good friends, I just absolutely love Los Angeles.
I was blessed to attend New York University and get a chance to live and learn in Manhattan. I majored in English & American Literature and finished up my degree, with honors, in three years. I always, always imagined I was going to be a New York City girl forever and ever. But the cold winters, relentless mice, and inflated prices of canned tuna, Diet Coke, and Wheat Thins drove me out of New York and across the country to sunny Southern California.
I was not always into cooking. I think I always liked it, but I was never particularly good at it. When I was little, I made my daddy hot dog soup, which was a bouillon chicken broth cube with slices of hot dog and some carrots. I’ve gotten a little better since then.
I work for an organic catering company here in LA.
I want to open up a sandwich shop, and I’m dead serious about it.
I will make lunch for anyone. I swear. (Unless you are icky-sketchy.)
Ryan & Me, Halloween 2008
Brunch in the Boston Common, May 2008 (hi, Julia!)
Ryan & Me, Miami/Homestead, February 2009
21st Birthday with Chrissy and Ryan, California Dreaming
Ryan, you are so handsome! And those meatballs! Summer 2009
Our puppy, Gustavo, Spring 2010
More to come, of course!
Ryan and I after a long hike in the Santa Monica Mountains. Take a look at that view. behind us. This is for everybody who says nasty things about Los Angeles.
So, I don’t look so cute in this picture, because Ryan and I just hiked like a billion miles. We scaled the Los Liones Trail in the Pacific Palisades/Santa Monica Mountains and when we got to the top, we could see all of Los Angeles and beyond, plus the perfect Pacific Ocean. The first couple of miles were like Eden, wrapping around the trail in leafy, lush greens and browns… And then this perfect mix of God and the Urban Machine—perfect. We shared some Turkey Jerky my mom bought us at Costco, walked back down for another hour or so, and then drove directly to In-N-Out Burger. So if you don’t think LA is awesome yet, you’re clearly insane.
Photo by Captured Photography by Jenny
Hi Laren, I like your blog! I lived in NYC a few years ago…I really miss it. I have a degree in English and Anthropology, I studied in Ireland. I studied acting in NYC. I always wanted to live in Paris, New York and LA…I have done two of the three…I need to move to LA before I turn 30! I am 25 now!
Your site is adorable and your happy spirit is contagious! We are traveling to San Fran in Sept! I LOVE LOVE LOVE cali!! jealous you live there!
I just found your blog and I love it already!
Great blog Lauren! I can’t wait to try your sandwich shop and guess what? I am a hop, skip and a jump away from you in Westwood. Do let me know when you open you store so I can be your first and best customer.
Thanks! What’s up in Westwood?? We are always looking for really good, inexpensive, moderately healthier restaurants in that neighborhood, because it is halfway between Ryan’s work and our apartment here by the beach. Any suggestions??
You should definitely open up your sandwich shop! I would love to hear all about it on the blog.
Hi Lauren, I talked to Chris today and she told me about your blog and here I am! It’s fabulous. You’re doing a great job with this. What fun! I think I”m going to concoct your steak dish although I have to modify the recipe…no boyfriend to grill it.
Keep it up.
Your blog is really neat. I guess I’m not surprised to learn you love to cook. I was in college with your mom and dad when they were dating, and your mom was the best cook by far in Gainesville! I remember that she knew how to use green peppers and that impressed me a lot!!
basically you went to my dream school, and we have the same major. now im only a freshman, but i’m anticipating it taking a full four years for me to graduate.
Aw! Don’t rush through it! Where did you end up attending? And what are you reading!?
You are a great writer and I’m certain will make an excellent sandwich shop owner. Thanks for your kind comments on my blog. We don’t live too far from each other. Perhaps we should have sandwiches together someday!
Thanks, Rachel. Everything you have been making lately looks so wonderful!