Category: Newsletters

Miti comes from the heritage of hospitality that runs in my veins! It is the Samoan word for “dream” – a nod to the rich culture that has created and cultivated my passion for service. It’s also a little pun, as it is pronounced like “Meaty,” which the boards are known to have.

I got very lucky! I applied for a grant before I had really started anything serious. It was my very first grant application and although I didn’t get accepted into that specific program, I did receive an initial grant of $7,000 from the Caravanserai Project in conjunction with the City of Palm Springs. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have had the bravery to leave my job and go full-time on Miti Boards. Not only did the grant provide funds, but I received some AMAZING coaching from FREE mentors and gained an amazing amount of business prowess. Shout out to the team at Caravanserai for creating the network that they did!

Cooking was ALWAYS my passion – my favorite activity, hobby, stress reliever, attention grabber! Cooking and food have always been everything to me! I used to dream of being a Food Network star like Alton Brown (of the show Good Eats and now Iron Chef America) or one of the original Iron Chefs! The Japanese version of Iron Chef used to come on SUPER late at night, and I’d get in trouble for staying up through the night to watch it. That was when I was eight/nine years old. 

Then at 11, I became the family cook. I would beg my dad to buy me all the ingredients for some complex recipe I’d just seen on TV, and he’d take me to the local Vons and let me have my way. We were a family of six living on a single postal worker’s salary, and now I am very grateful to my dad for splurging on ingredients that were WAAAYYY too fancy for an 11-year-old. I built a pretty solid palate early on and LITERALLY spent all my money on eating. So, you could say I’ve always been a foodie.

Thank you! Some of my skills are self-taught, but 85% of my technical skills and culinary understanding comes from my grandfather! He was a chef by trade. Any time spent with him was spent eating or cooking, even to this day! The rest comes from constant self-education and practice! I just have an obsession in life, and it’s food.

My wedding in October 2023! I decided I’d take a crack at creating my own grazing table for my special day (as I have a control problem) and it was such a hit! Guests kept asking for a business card, which was awkward because there was no business (yet!) . . . just me! And right then, the idea for Miti Boards was born! 

Fun fact, my hairstylist from my wedding became one of my earliest supporters and ordered charcuterie cups for her salon suite opening in Chino, and she REALLY blew me up on socials! It was such a fun 360 moment!

My charcuterie specialties are color-coordinated, perfectly styled pairings. Boards can get as custom as my customers want! I take a chef-like approach to my boards. Unless ordered as such, no two are really the same! Much like when a restaurant has a rotating seasonal menu, I do my best to bring clients the freshest ingredients, so seasonality plays a huge part in what goes on the boards. So really, my specialty is elevated pairings with a designer touch. The possibilities are endless!

One of my favorite setups — both visually and creatively — was for Kaylie Nicole’s one-year anniversary party. There was so much heart behind that celebration, and the design was truly bespoke. I was in love! Every detail was tailored to Kaylie’s taste, and it really showed just how custom we can go.

Lady Gaga was such a CRAZY order because they only gave me a few hours to complete it. The only request was to have the album name spelled out in cheese letters. They called at 4 PM and wanted delivery four hours later, during peak Coachella season. But one of my toxic traits is thriving under pressure. Some of my best moments come from being asked to put the pedal to the metal and make things happen. So it was a free-form design, and honestly, I don’t think she’d have it any other way. A one-of-a-kind design for a one-of-a-kind human!

Thank you again for the compliment! I don’t think I’m using the right measuring stick. In my mind, I haven’t done much! Until I’m able to hire a team and work on some huge projects consistently, I’m just a small guy doing what I can to grow and build! Maybe it’s because my aspirations for Miti Boards and myself are so big, I’m just out here keeping my eyes on the grind!! 

So my honest response is, I treat all my wins like they are a stepping stone to my true goal! My dream is to have a legacy of a business that continues after I do. It makes the accomplishments sweet and the failures a seed! I don’t get bogged down by the fluctuations because I’m just focused on the big idea ahead of me.

Yes! I am cooking up some really cool stuff for Miti Boards. The more I grow with my business, the more I enjoy the design and connecting aspects of dining and entertaining. I also love innovating, so I hope everyone will enjoy what I’m bringing!

The community support! The desert has its own back for sure! Many of my clients are referral-only. I have received such an amazing welcome, and I believe it’s because of that tight-knit community that I have been able to see so much success.

Do the boring stuff first! Create standard operating procedures and pricing sheets, calculate inventory and production costs, and then PAY YOURSELF FIRST! It may feel slow and it will DEFINITELY feel boring, but a good business person always keeps in mind the future and growth of the business. Work for the later! That’s what I would tell anyone. My dad wouldn’t have had it any other way, and I believe it’s that thinking that has brought me this far.

The slow pace! The desert is one of the few places in California with that magical ability to make you slow down and appreciate the small things. After spending my early twenties in Orange County, I can honestly say — the desert lets you breathe and enjoy life in a way that just doesn’t seem possible anywhere else.

SWIMMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m an island girl, and Kendra means “water child,” so TRULY I am built for the water! Ever since I was a kid, I’ve spent entire days in the pool. There’s nothing better than a blazing hot day, with the UV at 10, sunscreen on, fresh watermelon in hand, and hours upon hours in the water!

Woah, this one is tough, since I LOVE FOOD. My choice, however – the Galbi (Korean-style short ribs) at 8 Star K restaurant in Joshua Tree! It’s not down here in the valley, but as a resident, we all know that up the hill counts too! So please give this Korean family some shine, the food is so good!

BeeCH, please, bb.q Chicken, and Katsuyama (pictured). And for dessert, Uji Time! These restaurants are great at capturing the essence of the flavors that are familiar to any Asian or Island palate. So give these awesome spots a try! They deserve some shine, and we need more places like them in the desert!

A brilliantly grumpy detective, a lovably ragtag cold case team, and a razor-sharp script — Dept. Q gets an A+ from me! The irreverent British procedural (based on the Danish novels of the same name) follows Carl Morck, an acerbic Scottish detective recovering from a traumatic shooting, as he’s assigned to a dusty basement unit solving long-forgotten crimes. The casting is pitch perfect, the writing is smart, and the dry humor takes the edge off the decidedly dark material.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

No vacation plans this summer? After watching this nightmare doc, you’ll feel very good about that! When a cruise ship loses power mid-voyage — and with it, all plumbing — 4,000+ passengers and crew are left stranded at sea in truly horrific conditions. (Translation: no toilets!) Most of the flick’s footage comes straight from passengers’ phones, making it part horror story, part human experiment, and 100% cringe-worthy — but also kind of a blast to watch from the comfort of your fully functioning home. (P.S. – The rest of the Trainwreck series is just as wildly entertaining.)

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

What happens when a grieving New York transit worker hires a quartet of fiery Italian grandmas — or nonnas — to cook in his new restaurant? Pure tear-jerking magic! Based on a true story, Nonnas serves up a heartwarming helping of nostalgia and charm. A tribute to second chances, late-in-life reinvention, and the unexpected friendships that form around a shared table, it’s definitive comfort viewing that will have you craving your mom’s Sunday Gravy — and maybe even some capuzzelle.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

A ‘90s classic with surprise Coachella Valley cameos? Yes, please! Bugsy tells the story of mobster Benjamin Siegel, with several scenes shot right here in the desert! That “canker sore” of a casino Annette Bening’s character critiques mid-film? It’s actually the former George’s Men’s Store at 1667 6th Street in downtown Coachella — complete with movie signage still visible via Google Street View! The Flamingo Hotel set was built on a dusty patch near Ocotillo Wells, while cast and crew checked into the La Quinta Resort for the two-week shoot. News of the local connection inspired a rewatch — and good news, it still holds up!

Where to watch: Free on Hulu

This one surprised me! I went in knowing little about Barbara Walters (aside from that famous SNL parody) and left completely in awe. The inspiring doc charts her rise to the zeitgeist of television journalism, with Walters not just breaking barriers, but bulldozing right through them — blending news and pop culture in a way that changed broadcasting forever. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping moment when she secures an exclusive sit-down with Menachem Begin and Anwar Sadat, leaving Walter Cronkite and John Chancellor literally scrambling on a tarmac in her well-heeled dust.

Where to watch: Free on Hulu

I’ve never been a huge burger person, which explains why it took me so long to try Grill-A-Burger, despite its loyal following. The delay was a definite mistake because everything we ordered during my mom’s rehab stay, from burgers and hot dogs to fries and onion rings, was absolutely top-notch! The chicken strips — forever my meal of choice — were especially tasty! The menu is massive (they offer pretty much everything burger-adjacent), the service incredibly friendly, and the vibes kitschy in the best way. Safe to say, Grill-A-Burger has earned a spot in my regular rotation.

A new large-scale art installation has landed in Indio! The Messengers — two colorful, robot-like structures (or “idols”) standing about 75 feet tall — were originally created as a trio by Sri Lankan artist Kumkum Fernando for the 2023 Coachella festival. Now permanently installed at the corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue, they’re vibrant, whimsical, and inspired by the temples and palaces Fernando visited during his childhood in South Asia — bringing a beautifully worldly air to the Valley. (Fun fact: the third Messenger can be found at a private home nearby.)

From restaurateurs (and Ladies of London alums) Matt and Marissa Hermer comes the Thompson hotel’s newest dining venture, Bar Issi. Wrapped in warm blushes, lush greens, and striking patterns, the space — designed by Tom Parker of Fettle and inspired by both The White Lotus and the Madonna Inn — is absolutely stunning! And the Italian-inspired menu is equally impressive. I visited for lunch, which means I (tragically) missed out on the housemade puccia bread and trio of butters that’s become an Instagram staple — but I plan to rectify that stat!

Pretty much everyone who walks into Kaylie Nicole’s El Paseo boutique comments on the mesmerizing scent — a divinely intoxicating blend of all-natural cardamom, cinnamon, iris, and sandalwood that lingers in the best way. And now, you can bring it home! The shop’s new signature fragrance line includes candles, diffuser oil, room spray, and an insanely nourishing whipped body butter! I snapped up a jar of the latter recently and am obsessed! My skin has seriously never felt (or smelled) better!

A dynamic new space celebrating local talent has arrived in Indio! Community marketplace The Place is absolutely massive and packed with some of the best locally made goods the Valley has to offer. Nearly all of my favorites are there — including Mijo Co. candles (their pop-up, pictured, looks like an album cover!), Covet fine jewelry, Bobo Design Studio stationery, Jewelry by SARAHI baubles, It Refillspersonal care products, Palm Springs Bottle Shop spirits, and a beautifully curated display by Studio Hang. It’s a true one-stop shop for all of the Valley’s best finds!

The JW is the only resort in the desert where you can take a boat to dinner, thanks to a 239-million gallon lake that winds through the grounds. The unbelievably vast and picturesque waterway is populated by fish, fountains, flamingos, and a fleet of manned electric boats tasked with ferrying guests around the grand property, including to each of the seven on-site eateries. The colossal basin also delivers some truly breathtaking views. There’s nothing else quite like it in the Valley!

If these walls could talk! The resort’s aptly named Sinatra Ballroom is where the celebrated crooner’s final performance took place on February 25, 1995, as part of his annual Celebrity Invitational golf tournament. Singing a 6-song set that capped off with The Best Is Yet to Come, Ol’ Blue Eyes is said not to have missed “a word or note!” The ballroom, which spans an incredible 25,000 square feet, is the Valley’s largest and remains the stuff of legend today with 21-foot ceilings, a fittingly blue motif, and a striking dimensional portrait of Sinatra greeting guests at the entrance.

The JW Marriott stuns from the moment one steps through the doors into the dramatic, eight-story atrium-like lobby — complete with an indoor boat landing and soaring walls of floor-to-ceiling glass that frame panoramic views of the lake and grounds, especially breathtaking at sunset as the water reflects the desert light. Pro tip: enjoy the scene with a Sinatra Smash (the lobby bar’s signature cocktail) in hand. (Free samples are even offered upon request.) Bonus: The grand space served as a wedding venue for Jessie Spano’s dad in a 1991 episode of Saved by the Bell.

The Marriott is home to a charming menagerie of animals, most notably a flamboyant flock of exotic birds. Near the resort entrance, Flamingo Island draws the spotlight with more than 30 friendly Chilean flamingos strutting, splashing, and posing for guests. Venture just beyond the lobby and you’ll discover the Desert Springs Aviary — a lush, two-room sanctuary filled with vibrant personalities, including Max the cockatoo, Romeo the eclectus, and Scarlet the macaw — all known for their bright feathers and even brighter conversation skills.

The resort’s 20-court Tennis Club is impressive on its own, but its crown jewel is the sunken grass stadium court, a true rarity in the desert. The mammoth arena even stood in for Wimbledon in HBO’s 2015 comedy 7 Days in Hell, filmed over the courseof two blistering 110-degree days in July. (Not exactly peak playing conditions!) While summer matches aren’t for the faint of heart, the club is a true gem during the season, so it’s no surprise the JW is regularly ranked among the top 10 tennis resorts in the world.

Yes! In grade school, I was always the kid who matched her shorts with her top, wore hats and cowboy boots, cut her hair super short (yes, I was first to rock the androgynous look). In high school, I was very involved in our annual fashion shows. I was also the high school photographer with goals of possibly going into fashion photography. From there, I went to Ryerson University and obtained a BA in Fashion Merchandising/Buying.

I had worked for so many big-box retailers in the USA and realized they were essentially all the same and I was no longer growing and learning. Opening my own store was always my end-goal, the corporate gigs were used to learn – and make money, of course. When I met my husband in 2014, he urged me to “just do it already.”

In our heads, we thought Roam.e would be for younger girls, more of a junior customer. Then, when we’d go on the truck and vend at farmers’ markets and fairs, we realized that busy moms were really the ones who needed us. They didn’t have the time to go grocery shopping and then to the mall for clothes. Hence, our assortment grew up a little, providing fashionable and functional clothes for the busy “cool mom.” Back then, we’d focus on athleisure with a sprinkling of printed dresses and casual work attire. Now, being in the desert, I’ve dropped athleisure from our assortment and pumped up the printed dresses and resort wear. Since the majority of our clientele are tourists, I feel that novelty items are what they’re looking for. They can find basic tees and joggers anywhere. When you’re on vacation, you want something different – something that reminds you of where you’ve been. So the assortment is focused more on providing a memory and a feeling that you can’t get back home. Locally made items, merchandise with desert vibes, fun and happy prints. I want the customer to remember us and the feeling they had when they visited La Quinta. It really is such a magical place!

Living in L.A.  during my single years and with my husband, we always came to the desert for mini-vacations. I’d come with a group of girlfriends or with my husband and have such great memories. My husband and I always knew that the desert was where we eventually wanted to be. So when COVID lockdowns hit, we thought, ‘O.K., now’s the time to do it.’ So we sold our L.A. house and came here full-time.

Our realtor knew I owned a shop in the “mom-pop” friendly town of Montrose. So he brought us to Old Town. It was so perfect. I immediately saw Roam.e’s next home. The quaintness, the absence of big-box retailers and chain restaurants, the charm and specialness of it. I knew this was where I needed/wanted to be.

My style philosophy has always been casual but not dowdy. As Leeza Gibbons put it (yes, she was in and did say this!), it’s “elevated casual.” Comfort is always my #1 priority. And then you add some style to it and it’s a win-win in my eyes. Roam.e is exactly that. Oh, and with an added bit of whimsy, because hey, you’re on vacation!

I’m in love with our cork lid candles from Sunsets Co. Not only because they smell great and are in a beautiful vessel, but most importantly, they’re made by my part-timer Leslie Delgado. I love supporting local artisans and crafters, especially one so close to home. I love it when Leslie is able to say to the customer, “Hey, I made this.” It just adds to the uniqueness of our store and our offerings.

I often go to local farmers’ markets and craft fairs. If I see that someone’s product will fit in the store, then I immediately ask them if they’d want to sell to us wholesale. It comes from my days of being on the truck in L.A. These crafters were friends to us. Many of them still are.

Sunsets Co. candles, Mijo Co. candles (pictured) and J.May Clay earrings are three of my best-selling lines.

When people come back to us year after year. When they remember us and make it a point to stop by as soon as they get back into town. That warms my heart. The most surprising part is when it clears out after Memorial Day. When they say it’s dead here, it really is. Feast or famine.

Start small, get your feet wet first and test the waters. Then, when you know something is working, dive right in and do more of that. It’s a combo of risk-taking and being smart. Mistakes are inevitable, pivot when necessary.

Looking up at the night sky. Seeing the stars and the mountains. It’s really magical.

Oh, I have a few of them . . . Neil’s Lounge for their burgers and onion rings, Enzo’s for their pasta, and RD RNNR (pictured) for their ahi tuna nachos.

I tell everyone who comes here to go to the La Quinta Resort (pictured). Talk about magical! That place is unlike any resort in the country. It’s so charming and unique! Dinner outside at the Adobe Grill during the fall or spring is so special, especially at sunset and at night under the stars.

With an all-star cast and Clooney and Pitt at their movie-star best, this 2001 caper classic never gets old. Though mostly set and filmed in Las Vegas, a swanky Old Las Palmas pad logs some prominent screen time as Elliott Gould’s Sin City estate — its retro rock walls and sprawling yard beautifully showcased throughout. In real life, the 1957 mid-century gem was designed by A. Quincy Jones for controversial Chicago businessman Jerome Robinson (aka “Mr. Parking Meter”) and is now known as the Jerome J. Robinson House.

Where to watch: Free on Netflix

This true-life drama, based on the 2000 kidnapping and murder of West Hills teen Nicholas Markowitz, is dark, but captivating. And it features some stellar desert locales, including the E. Stewart Williams-designed Koerner Residence and the storied Caliente Tropics Resort, which boasts its very own true crime ties! The tiki-themed property was initially established by Ken Kimes, husband of murderous con woman Sante Kimes, aka the “Dragon Lady,” and father of her co-conspirator, Kenneth Jr.

Where to watch: Rent on Prime, Apple TV & Google Play

This 2022 Diane Keaton comedy — in which a 30-something is magically transformed into her 70-something self — is cheesy, feel-good fun in all the right ways. (Don’t let the somewhat slow start deter you.) While most of the film takes place in L.A., a few key scenes were shot right here in the desert. Keaton’s magical transformation takes place in a past life regression tent set up in an empty lot next to Copley’s, and Birba makes a brief but memorable cameo as an oh-so-Palm Springs bachelorette brunch spot.

Where to watch: Free on Hulu

This heartwarming doc explores Frank Sinatra’s longtime love affair with the desert — from his generous philanthropic work to the many homes he kept throughout the valley. It also highlights his favorite local haunts, some of which, like Melvyn’s, The Purple Room, and Lord Fletcher’s, are still around today! (The latter has been closed for several years, but its iconic interior remains intact — and it was recently purchased by new owners with plans to reopen!) The film is a nostalgic look at Palm Springs’ golden era — and the joy Sinatra found here.

Where to watch: Free on Prime Video

This reality series and the motel at its center spark serious joy for this pink-loving viewer. Cheeky and whimsical, the show follows drag queen and RuPaul’s Drag Race favorite Trixie Mattel and her partner as they transform a rundown Palm Springs motel into a cotton candy-colored dreamland, with help from local design expert (and my friend!) David Rios. For the full Trixie experience, grab a day pass to lounge by the pool — then head to the fabulously pink Barbara Bar for a post-swim cocktail or two. (Reservations required.)

Where to watch: Free on HBO Max

After fueling the Valley’s matcha obsession via a year and a half of wildly popular pop-ups, the beloved Buena Matcha has found a permanent home on El Paseo! The new space, beautifully styled by Hagit Taylor Design, is chic and welcoming – and serves up what is easily the finest organic ceremonial grade matcha in town, each drink hand-crafted by Nahum and Kayla and their expert team. The shop is already insanely popular, but don’t let the long lines deter you. Buena Matcha is worth the wait!

As part of its ongoing expansion project, the Palm Springs Air Museum recently unveiled its new facade — and it is stunning! Designed by HED, which took cues from both the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Air Force Academy’s Cadet Chapel, the eye-catching edifice reimagines the museum’s entrance via a series of midcentury-esque turbine-inspired columns. The striking update brings the beloved landmark into the modern era while still honoring the rich history of flight.

Opened last fall on the grounds of The Skylark hotel, this newish Coastal American eatery promptly earned a cult following and snagged a Diner’s Choice award from OpenTable – and it’s not very hard to see why. I recently popped in for breakfast and devoured both the swanky décor and the delectable fare (Parmesan Egg Skillet, anyone?). With a lineup of craft cocktails and an elevated menu — including what is said to be the best burger in town — the place is a fabulous addition to the Palm Springs dining scene.

My favorite Palm Springs gift destination just became even more fabulous with the debut of its highly anticipated sister store, Just Fabulous Home. Located kitty-corner from the original in the Shops at the Corridor complex, the boutique is housed in a charming former bungalow teeming with playful, design-forward finds sure to complement any abode. From books and barware to cooking tools and candles, it’s a fabulous place to pick up a thoughtful hostess gift — or a little something for yourself.

There’s pretty much nothing I love more than an independent coffee house done right. So I was devastated when Palm Desert gem D’Coffee Bouteaque was razed in a fire last April. But I’m happy to report that the café is back — and better than ever. Now in a new location, it still offers the same extravagantly whimsical ambiance, friendly service, and wildly creative menu (Oreo Lover’s Latte, Candy Cane Mocha, Lavender Field Cold Brew — oh my!). The re-opening marks a happy return for a cherished café that continues to serve up charm, one mismatched vintage cup at a time.

This charming boutique in Old Town La Quinta is more than just a destination for boho-chic clothing—it’s also a treasure trove of locally crafted goods. From hand-printed cards and artisan jewelry to playful cactus slippers and embroidered caps, Roam.e is packed with gift-worthy finds – and a few things you’ll likely want to keep for yourself.

WHAT TO BUY:
Mijo Co. candles, smudge bundles from Botanical Verbiage, La Quinta tees, and La Quinta onesies for the local littles in your life.

This downtown Palm Springs emporium has long been one of my favorite places to browse—and yes, it really is just fabulous. From hilariously irreverent greeting cards to quirky desert-themed gifts, every corner holds something that’ll make you LOL. Bonus: their new sister home décor shop, located in the same plaza, is packed with desert-inspired treasures to brighten up any space.

WHAT TO BUY:
Rappi tees, Gray Malin puzzles, and Greg Paprocki prints and magnets.

If you can’t find the perfect locally made gift here, it might not exist. This sprawling 10,000-square-foot marketplace is packed with handcrafted desert-inspired treasures—from clothing and skincare to key chains and cocktails. It’s one of my go-to spots whenever I’m in in need of gift inspo for a stylish friend with great taste.

WHAT TO BUY:
Mijo Co. candles, any and all souvenirs from Opal Atlas, Pioneertown Motel tees, Las Palmas Pilsner, and Molly Moon apothecary products.

Brought to you by the folks behind Windmill City Screen Printing, this downtown PS boutique is a celebration of local design and craftsmanship. Most of what you’ll find here—think totes, tees, postcards, and hats—is printed in-house by the team that supplies merch for just about every area brand. You’ll also find a curated mix of locally made foods, skincare, and giftable goods.

WHAT TO BUY:
Joshua Tree Candle Co. candles, Very Very’s “Other Desert Cities” tees, and Wonder Valley skincare.

A domestic goddess I am definitely not—but walking into this local landmark makes me feel like one. Curated by culinary expert and spirited foodie Jan Boydstun, Kitchen Kitchen is bursting with top-notch kitchen goods and gourmet treats, many of them locally made and all personally tested by Jan herself. It’s my go-to spot for food-centric gifts with a personal touch you won’t find anywhere else in the desert.

WHAT TO BUY:
Desert Dust seasoning, Tutu’s Tortilla Chips, and “Real Housewives” tea towels—featuring every Coachella Valley city from Indio to Palm Springs.

This beloved desert brand has one of the sweetest origin stories around—literally. What began as a school fundraiser by two local teens has grown into a full-blown valley icon, known for producing some of the most addictive toffee you’ll ever taste. With locations in Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs, Cabazon, and kiosks throughout the area, grabbing a tin is a must for any desert-themed care package.

WHAT TO BUY:
Toffee Bites, Popcorn and Crumbles. (As mentioned in a recent newsletter, the latter is a staple in my house.)

Indio’s Bob Williams Nursery is entering a fresh era! The longtime local staple was recently acquired by new owners and rebranded as Madison Gardens – and given a glow-up to match! With updated displays and greenhouses, tranquil seating areas, pottery in every size, shape and color, and an adorable build-your-own arrangement bar, change certainly looks good on the four-acre garden center!  The locale also now offers design services for all of your landscaping needs.

I recently embarked upon a walking tour of the Movie Colony led by my internet friend, Jen Leavitt, a docent with the PS Historical Society. Though I consider myself well-versed in local history (especially when it comes to celebrity lore), I learned an incredible amount thanks to Jen’s wildly engaging and insightful commentary. The Society offers a range of biking and walking experiences through the city’s most iconic areas, sure to appeal to first-time visitors and longtime locals alike. With the heat setting in, only bike and private tours are currently available, but when Jen’s walks resume in the fall, I’ll be first in line!

This treat from beloved local confectioner Brandini Toffee has become a household favorite. Made of flaky, chocolately almond toffee crumbled into tiny bits, it’s the perfect topping for everything from a foamy latte to a scoop of ice cream to a whipped cream-dappled pie.  But it’s just as easily enjoyed straight from the fridge! My husband, the sweet tooth of our home, is known to sneak a spoonful right out of the jar when he’s craving a sugary midnight snack.

Looking for things to do as temps heat up? Rancho Mirage Library has you covered with a slew of free indoor activities for desert dwellers of all ages. This week alone, you’ll find two Observatory Exploration Nights, a reading session with therapy dogs, two youth theatre performances of Honk! JR., and a Dungeons & Dragons meet-up. Last fall, my mom and I attended one of the library’s fabulous Writers Series, where West Wing stars Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack discussed and signed free copies of their best-selling book What’s Next and posed for photos with everyone in attendance!

I didn’t expect my first-ever Trivia Night to end in victory – but that’s exactly what happened at The Local on 50th! My husband and I popped into the Indio eatery for the first time last week and ended up walking away trivia champs! Hosted by comedian Dacoda Miracle, the evening was an absolute blast, matched only by the standout fare. I was genuinely torn between several items on the menu (a rare occurrence for this picky eater), but went with the chicken strips, which were easily some of the best I’ve ever had! Safe to say, The Local is officially a new favorite!