A little rosé, a garden full of blooming life, beautiful music, delicious bites, and some of my favorite people gathered together in the garden… 🌹✨
The day actually started off foggy and overcast, and for a moment I wasn’t sure how it would all come together, but by the afternoon the clouds parted and the garden turned magical.
Still smiling thinking about this year’s annual Rosé Soirée. Truthfully, I planned it in just three days and almost didn’t do it at all, but I’m so happy I said yes to gathering, celebrating, and creating a beautiful afternoon together. Sometimes the most special moments happen a little spontaneously.
So grateful for every friend who came and filled the garden with warmth, laughter, and such sweet energy. And extra love to the incredibly talented @cocoestel for the dreamiest desserts that were almost too pretty to eat… almost. 🤍 Also so much love to my best friend @peterznguyen
for creating another unforgettable dessert moment for us all. Truly beyond.
See you in the garden ✨🌹🪻💐🌸
Last week I attended a beautiful luncheon dedicated to service, community, and giving back. Thank you to the incredible Amie @maisonmerenor for creating and growing such a heartfelt mission. I first attended one of Amie’s benefits for Living Beauty over seven years ago, and it’s been so inspiring to watch the impact continue to grow year after year.
I’m deeply grateful to have been part of a gathering supporting Living Beauty Cancer Foundation @livingbeautyorg , a nonprofit that empowers women with cancer through holistic healing, wellness programs, retreats, and a nurturing community centered around comfort, connection, and hope.
Who said millennials can’t have fun? Back for another Chella weekend in the desert, hitting all my favorite hot spots.
@neoncarnival absolutely crushed it, Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, and Tyga brought the energy. Daytime flow at the @revolve festival were just as good, with our favorite brands and sets by Mario, Don Toliver, and Kehlani.
Fun was definitely had with the best crew ✨
A few beautiful days in the mountains celebrating @strike.a.kjord , and gathering for a meaningful evening in support of the @foundationbybc founded by one of the most epic djs @realblackcoffee alongside the Green Foundation and @thesnowlodgeaspen .The Black Coffee Foundation focuses its efforts in South Africa, uplifting underserved communities through education, access, and creating lasting pathways for opportunity, work that deeply matters.
Grateful for the music, the connection, and the joy woven through it all.
About 47 years ago, in 1979, my family’s life and the life of every Iranian changed forever.
The Islamic regime took over after the fall of the Shah. What began as promises quickly became fear. Rights disappeared. Women were forced to cover their hair. Men and women could no longer hold hands in public, even with their own spouses. Gatherings faded. Expression faded. Autonomy faded. Rule after rule after rule.
I was just two and a half years old when my parents made the impossible decision to flee Iran. We left with one-way tickets to Belgium. No goodbyes. No final embraces with grandparents, cousins, friends. Just faith, survival, and heartbreak.
I don’t remember that day. My sister does. She was nine. She still carries the pain of not being able to say goodbye to our grandfather on my dad’s side. Those unsaid goodbyes have never fully left her.
After eight or nine months in Belgium, trying to gather paperwork and hope, we were blessed to make it to the United States. Because my grandfather had left Iran before the Revolution and built a life for himself in California, we were able to follow.
My family did not leave for comfort. They left so their children would have rights. Education. Opportunity. A voice.
They left so their daughters would never be told what they could or could not do with their bodies. So we could sit in classrooms freely. So we could think freely. Speak freely. Choose freely.
The fact that I can wear my hair down.
The fact that I can hold my husband’s hand in public.
The fact that I have sovereignty over my own body.
The fact that I have freedom of speech.
These are not small things to me. They are the reason my family left everything behind.
I have not been back to Iran since we fled. And that ache has lived inside me my entire life. I long to see Esfahan, the architecture, the poetry woven into its walls, the history, the food, the soul of our people. I long to meet family members I have never held. To walk the streets of my hometown and feel its energy in my bones.
If you are not Iranian, it may be difficult to fully understand what this moment means to us. Continued in comments…
Sundance, a Ballerina Farm stop, detouring for the yummiest banana matcha, ultimate cold chill, sockless on Main St., frozen pipes, fenugreek contamination (I survived), best of friends—and yes, fun was very much had in the cottage 🤍
Vortex blessings on the Red Rocks 🏜️
Gathered by love, sipping cacao on the vortex, letting the land hold us as we reset into the new year. Deep remembrance, sacred connection, and the medicine of being witnessed by our soul family. #ganesha
Just missing @erica.s.wells@vanessaringel xo
Best day celebrating my pre-birthday celebration with some of my most incredible friends. There’s truly nothing better than delicious food, dancing before the first course, and unexpectedly warm weather for December that made the day feel even more special. My heart is so full — I love my friends 🥰
A special thank you to @_trumandavies for the most beautiful floral arrangements.
My favorite cake thanks to @alexandrazarnescu
So deeply grateful. 💛
Thank you @codycm and @morrisonbrett for always capturing the best moments.
Art of Elysium HEAVEN on 11/11 was pure magic in Montecito.
Thank you to our incredible community that showed up with so much love and support. Your energy made the night unforgettable.
At the heart of it all, AOE works year-round to bring creativity and connection to children and communities facing challenging circumstances. Grateful to do this work together.
