Join the Gossip is Nine!

Back in 2007 I started blogging for the company I was working for. I got to go to conferences, interview celebrities, and it was amazing! So six month later, on December 29, I decided to start my own blog.

Over the years I have had incredible opportunities. I've made IRL friends across the country, mingled with stars on TV sets, and so much more. It hasn't always been perfect and I even got burnt out last year, but if I stay away too long I truly miss this little blog of mine. And while I'm not back to the same pace I was at a few years ago, Join the Gossip is still chuggin' along.

To celebrate nine years, today I'm sharing my top nine posts (by traffic received). I feel like I should explain all of the posts on men below haha. Several years ago I hosted a linkup called Man Candy Monday and those posts are still among my most popular to this day. I guess people like looking up hotties online ;)

Let me know if you have in the past, or just did, check out any of the following posts!

9. My Dawson's Creek Obsession 

8. People's Sexiest Man Alive 2010 

7. Man Candy Monday: Ian Somerhalder 

6. Outfit Crush: Jessica Alba 

5. Man Candy Monday: Chace Crawford 

4. Sunday Best 

3. Man Candy Monday: Bradley Cooper 

2. Lauren Conrad's Gorgeous Braid 

1. Nick Hexum...My Perfect Man 

Crystal Cove Christmas Tree

Christmastime in Southern California may not involve snow, but we find our ways to be festive. So when I heard about a Christmas tree right on the beach I knew I had to see it - and it was just as magical in person as I imagined!

Located at Crystal Cove, a section of coastline between Laguna and Newport beaches that's also referred to as Newport Coast, the tree is a bit hard to find if you don't know where you are going, but that's also part of it's charm. There were quite a few people making it hard to get unobstructed views in photos, but it wasn't as crowded as I expected and with a little patience I was able to get some good shots. I also went at sunset which I imagine is the most popular time.

The easiest way to find the beach and tree is to search for directions to The Beachcomber Café which will direct you to the Los Trancos lot across the street from the beach (which you can't actually see from the street). When you park in the lot you can either take a 5-10 minute walk on a path that leads under the street or you can take a Beachcomber shuttle for $1.50 a person each way. The lot parking is $5 an hour/$15 max or if you go to the Beachcomber and spend $15 you get three hours validated. The food at the restaurant is really good and I suggest that option!

The display is put on by Crystal Cove Alliance that preserves Crystal Cove, including historic beachfront cottages that you can rent. If you live locally, try to get out there to see it this year. Otherwise, add it to your bucket list for next year!

Sawdust Festival - Winter Fantasy

Yesterday I checked an item off my bucket list - the Sawdust Festival! Basically it's a craft fair that takes place in Laguna Beach in summer and winter (winter being the Winter Fantasy). And you know it's pretty awesome when Lauren Conrad attends. In fact, LC was in her hometown visiting the festival the day before we went. The setup is such that we probably would have seen her, too. So close!

I didn't end up purchasing anything because crafts being sold are pretty pricey, but it was still so fun to walk around the winter wonderland and explore with my friend.

I didn't end up purchasing anything because crafts being sold are pretty pricey, but it was still so fun to walk around the winter wonderland and explore with my friend.

Unfortunately, Sunday was the last day of the festival for2016. If you plan to visit during next summer or winter, set aside two hours to explore and $20 to park. Winter Fantasy tickets were $8 for adults, $4 for ages 6-12, and free for 5 and under, but be sure to check the Sawdust site for pricing in case anything changes.

Sundance Head Wins Season 11 of The Voice

Big congrats to Sundance Head and his coach, Blake!

Did you see that coming? So much talent this season - but there always is - so you really never know who is going to come out on top, and of course, all are deserving. It's been fun following Sundance for the past several weeks. Minutes after the big win I had the opportunity to attend The Voice Season 11 press conference so I got to hear him speak about winning right after it happened. I went to last year's finale, but it never gets old to experience the winner's excitement with them, in real time.

I appreciated getting to know a bit more about Sundance. He's a family man intent on creating wholesome music that makes listeners feel good. His determination to put positivity out into the world is infectious. In fact, he's so sweet that he said he was rooting for Wé the whole season and even voted for her 10 times going in the finale! And to see him include his wife and children is so heartwarming.

Blake talked about losing a bet to Adam - apparently he always bets against his team winning because he doesn't want to jinx it. So he's out $1,000, but really what's 1K when you won your fifth season of The Voice?! He also spoke about Gwen joining The Voice again next season. Yay! Who else is excited for that?

In addition to Blake and Gwen, Adam will be back of course and we get to see Alicia again for season 12, which is back in February.