Happy Holiday Issue!

Hiya, readers! As you may have noticed, WM's annual Holiday Issue is fresh off the presses, featuring a cover graced by bohemian beauty Rosanna Arquette, shot by our own Kevin Foley. Not to be outdone by her feminine charm, the back cover puts into your hands a brooding Mark Ballas, decked out in dark duds from Malibu's John Varvatos, shot by Stephen Morales.

Whether you're wondering what to get each person on your shopping list, want to catch up with the drummer of Chicago, ogle the gorgeous new model for Guess, or learn to make some tasty and festive cocktails for friends this season, our Holiday Issue has got you covered.. (And has so much more to offer!)

Now I've got some exciting news for iPad users: the WM app is now available for free on iTunes! So download the app, and keep issues at your fingertips at all times. Browse through your favorite articles and photo spreads with the swipe of a finger. Also find extra content that we couldn't squeeze into the magazine's pages on the new iPad version.

I can't complete this post without wishing a very happy birthday to our lovely Creative Director/Layout Designer, Krysten Johnson! I won't tell you how old she is, but I will say it is a milestone.. and that she got to spend her birthnight with all of us at a WM editorial meeting at Boccaccio's.. Seriously, what could be better?

Krysten, the rockstar.

Happy Belated Halloween!

Hi, readers! I'm excited to be starting Westlake Magazine's first daily blog in all of our 19 years of existence! This will be a place that you can come and read about what goes on behind the scenes at the magazine, what's new and next up for us, what's going on in your community and many other fun and interesting tidbits from a Westlake local's perspective. Please stop by frequently, as I will update all the time!

First thing I gotta mention is Halloween. Now, I know Halloween was a few days ago and we are most certainly in a new month. But I just can't help but give this blog a spooktacular theme of orange and black.. (at least for now, until the next holiday creeps up and I am enticed to decorate the layout with turkeys, cranberries, cornucopias, pilgrim hats..) I adore this time of year! We're just starting to get a break from the melodramatic summer heat (sort of), there's a crisp wind blowing through the air (and forcefully, I might add. It already took out a tree at one of my friends' house. Watch out for your cars), and we're starting to see boots on every girl about town! Time to start stocking up on sweaters and long dresses, hats and great scarves--all of which you can get inspiration for in the upcoming Holiday Issue of WM!

But, backing up, what were you guys for Halloween? Was anyone anything very original this year? I thought I was being pretty creative with my friend, what do you think? Let me know, and post your own Halloween pics to share with other readers!

My friend & I as troll dolls, Sat. night at the Sunset Room Monster Mash!