FROM: STELLA

TO: LAURA

1. We officially moved this week to our new apartment. I’ve spent most of my free time this week planning decor ideas and trying to organize all of our things into a new space. We ended up switching units from the last time I posted a photo and now are upstairs instead of on the first floor. The apartment is surrounded by trees and we feel like we live in a tree house!

   

2. I’m traveling to Columbus, OH this weekend for my cousin’s wedding. I am very excited to spend some time with family and also to check out a city that I don’t know much about. I’ve bookmarked a few spots that I want to check out: German Village, Otherworld Ohio and Harvest Bar + Kitchen.
3. Laura and I are both huge fans of Sriracha hot sauce. We put it on everything (pizza, stir fry, pasta ….. but also we’ve made spicy ice cream and cocktails!) and love trying new recipes from the Sriracha cookbook. I really want to visit the Sriracha factory for a free tour. I can’t believe we’ve never been before!
4. I am very excited about this beautiful new hotel that is opening in West Hollywood. I can’t imagine I’ll ever have the need to stay there but hopefully, I’ll be able to attend events there. It looks like it is going to be gorgeous, and I already love the view!

FROM: LAURA

TO: STELLA

1. If you haven’t heard, Baby Ernie was born just under two weeks ago! I’ve been so enjoying the newborn snuggles, and our house is getting used to the new rhythm of a new member and the many wakeups at night. Some things that I have been living in and loving so far: these nursing tanks, these joggers, Motherlove and Calm, these swaddles, and these washable changing pad liners. Will definitely need to do a full “first-month” roundup of all the things I deem “necessities”!
2. I’ve had a lot of friends talk to me about their wanting to have kids in the near future, and ask many (many!) questions about my pregnancy journey. I have recommended Emily Oster’s Expecting Better to every. single. one. of. them! I think it’s a great first read for women who have just found out they are pregnant. It definitely put my mind at ease about a lot of things and gave me “permission” to ignore some of those weird rules that pregnant women are gifted with. She also just came out with her second book, Cribsheet, which is currently sitting on my nightstand waiting to be started!
3. My mother was here for the first week of Baby Ernie’s life and my father and step-mother are here for the second. It’s been truly spectacular having them around to help out with all the non-baby-related tasks. My step-mother is a phenomenal cook and made us some freezer-ready meals to get us through these next few weeks. Coupled with my stash, and the two dozen bagels my in-laws brought over (!! 😂) our chest freezer is now stocked to the brim!
4. I’ve been loving Hilary’s roundups of things to do in Los Angeles (Instagrammable Los Angeles, Locals Guide to Los Angeles, 22 More Things To Do in Los Angeles). Has definitely sparked some intrigue and desire to explore my own city even more! It will have to wait a few months until we have our feet back under us, but I’m so excited to show little Baby Ernie around LA!