I love rain gear -- especially wellies and trench coats -- but don't have much use for them here in L.A. When I lived in New York, I was always getting caught in a down pour and even had one umbrella snap in half. My last trip to New York was no different. I found myself out and drenched. I popped into a drug store and bought the above Marimekko apple umbrella. It's compact with a matching case, and fits into your purse. The construction is sturdy -- no folding inside out -- and at $30 it won't break the bank when I inevitably leave it somewhere. You can find more patterns online at: kittosmarimekko.
As a wedding gift, we were given several cooking classes at Hip Cooks, a cooking school here in L.A. We finally got around to taking our first class: Tarts for Tarts. The classes have a really fun vibe and are appropriate for novices or intermediate cooks. Classes are either workshops where you eat as you go along, or menus where you sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Adding to the fun, appropriately paired alcohol flows freely. When I got home, I practiced my tart making skills on the above Torta della Nonna. Delizioso!
I'm not usually much of a camper (it's the lack of indoor plumbing and doors with locks), but, Maharaja's tents are so pretty, I've changed my mind. This Cottage tent is water and wind proof, and can be customized with your choice of interior and exterior fabrics. It would be the perfect tent for my dream safari vacation. Of course, there is no mention of price anywhere on their website. My guess? Really obscenely expensive. Oh well, I guess I'll have to keep dreaming.
Layla is a lovely little store in the Boerum Hill area of Brooklyn. It's a little off the beaten path, but has a great selection of Indian imported and inspired pillows, bedding, towels, jewelry, and clothing. They carry designer brands, such as John Robshaw and Missoni, as well as their own line of beautiful Indian print dresses and tunics. 
