Time for my June recap… better late than never!

I spent the first two weeks in New York City. I snapped this photo on June 1st, during intermission at Branden Jacob-Jenkins’ play War at Lincoln Center (more theater recaps here):

I love this view. Lincoln Center is one of my happy places.

I rented a room through AirBnB — it cost almost exactly the same as a hostel in NYC ($50/night) except I had a private room with my own half-bath; the shower was just down the hallway. The owners were very nice, the place was quiet, and the wifi was fast. I will definitely stay here in the future when I’m working in NYC. (Apologies for the iPhone photos as I did not have my DSLR with me.)

While working on the CFDA Fashion Awards I stumbled across Kaffe 1668 in Tribeca — great coffee, sandwiches, and salads. And sheep. I immediately texted my friend Carrie because she LOVES sheep.

View from Central Park two days before the Tony Awards:

After the Tonys, I had one day back in Connecticut to do laundry and pack before flying to Los Angeles. I soaked it up.

Walk in downtown Wallingford with my sister:

I did not take the next two photos… but I have to share them here because they’re adorable.

My parents’ and sister’s dogs pose after their summer haircuts (handkerchiefs added by the groomer):

I was in LA on Father’s Day, but my sister sent this photo from Cape Cod where my dad tried out the new float that she gave him… shaped like a toilet. Ha! My dad is such a good sport. Can’t wait to pose with this myself in August!

Meanwhile in LA… I’ve been back at Young & Restless. I love it. These people are like family — can you believe I started working there over 10 years ago?! I’m covering vacations for six weeks and enjoying every minute.

Back in the booth… feels like a flashback!

Of course, I stop in at my favorite coffee shop Priscilla’s on a regular basis — THIS is my happy place, editing photos while sipping blueberry vanilla iced coffee:

My first night back in town, a group of us went to Tart across the street from work. I hadn’t been to this place in years and the food and atmosphere are great. The company was even better — Alexis was in town, too!

Another night we went to Masa, my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles — I’ve chronicled many of my visits here over the past few years. They serve Chicago-style deep dish pizza that is to DIE for.

Loved hanging out with these guys! We celebrated Irving’s birthday with dinner and cheesecake. I’ve logged lots of long walks with Kelley over the past month — it’s always one of my favorite hours of the week.

Dinner and a movie with my friend Allison! We ate at Public School 818 and then saw The Nice Guys — hilarious. Highly recommend.

Other fun moments from June that were NOT captured in photos (documented here so I can look back on these memories and smile):

– Dinner at a new Thai place with my LA roommates Jenny & Ziggy

– Sushi with Grace at Octopus

– A long overdue catch-up dinner at Mercado with my travel friend Pamela!

– Malibu beach day with Jenny, Allison, and Amanda

– Going away party for our casting director Judy at Young & Restless — a very fun night at Maggiano’s that included karaoke show tunes at the piano

I’m always grateful to look back on how much actually happens each month; a quick scroll through my iCal or camera roll brings up so many good memories. And July is already off to a strong start! Happy summer, friends.