We had so much fun in San Diego; Laura loved Old Town and the homemade tortillas. She can’t stop talking about them! She loved seeing all the museums at Balboa Park and loved the shopping in the Gaslamp District. There are some cute boutique stores there, and you can find really cool jewelry and shoes.

In Portugal, we are really big on sweets, even if we’re super full. We always seem to have some space for dessert. It’s like we have a special space reserved for dessert and we can never resist homemade sweets and ice cream. But, of course, everything in moderation. That way you can really enjoy when you have you special treat! Needless to say, Laura was in heaven when I took her to the Ghirardelli chocolate shop and she couldn’t stop raving about the amazing chocolate fudge. It’s really to die for! You must try it with French vanilla ice cream and the hot fudge on top. It’s a match made in heaven! When the ingredients are good and fresh, the simpler the better!

After all that eating, we were both ready for a nice run this morning. Running on the boardwalk for a couple miles, while enjoying the beautiful scenery, there’s nothing better than that. After a nice run, I always feel like my mind is clearer and sharper. When I’m running I usually have a lot of deep thoughts about life and the decisions I need to make. Somehow, running just makes me think clearer, and I am able to decide a lot of issues that I am otherwise too busy to deal with. I believe it’s the contact with nature that really opens up your mind and spirit and in those moments everything seems easy and you start appreciating everything that you have. It’s important to see life as a gift that is definitely worth enjoying!

Ok, so after a nice run, I took Laura to breakfast at a local café. It has a great view of the ocean and the most amazing blueberry pancakes. Did I mention the pancakes are wholegrain, so you can feel good after having them. We’ve had some heavy food lately; I was thinking later I’d take Laura to Cefiore to have a yummy frozen yogurt with strawberries!!

Today I took Laura sightseeing in Beverly Hills, and then later I’m taking her to this wrap party for this film my friend Ryan just produced. She is so excited to see all the celebrities, but she promised me she would remain calm and poised. She wants to look extra special tonight with all the celebrities, and wants to make sure she dresses the part.

I have a surprise for her. I bought her this beautiful green, Robert Rodriguez, long silk dress. I got it at 365hangers, so I got it for a really good price. The dress is just amazing and it has a sweetheart bodice with a long cascading front tie with a sweeping silk chiffon skirt. I know she is going to love it. Green is her favorite color, and this dress has a pistachio tone that is just going to look amazing on her!!

For me, I’ve decided on something more simple, but still dressy enough for the event tonight. I want my friend Laura to be the star tonight. I’ve decided on my Ralph Lauren Tunic; it has a golden linen neckline that gives it a special touch, and the gold neckline against the white looks just stunning! My Ralph Lauren golden silk ankle pants will go perfect with my tunic. My gold earrings and heels will complete my golden look!! Time to surprise Laura with the dress. I can’t wait to see her reaction!!