12 Favorite Moments From the 2023 Real Simple Weekend

We're recapping a fun-filled weekend in La Jolla, California—here's what we learned.

From October 19 to 22, REAL SIMPLE readers, editors, and super fans met up for a fun-filled, thought-provoking weekend in La Jolla, California. Hosted at the beautiful Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa, the REAL SIMPLE Weekend kicked off with a Thursday night welcome reception, where we all got acquainted while enjoying wine and appetizers. Throughout the weekend, conversation-sparking panels, a book talk, walking tours around town, and morning yoga sessions kept us busy. The weekend culminated in a Saturday Night Soiree that ended as all good get-togethers should: with a dance party. Keep reading for a full recap of the weekend, including some of the most memorable moments.

Related: Join Us for Our Next Big Event: The REAL SIMPLE Women's Half Marathon in NYC

Meeting Natalie Morales

On Friday morning, journalist and television anchor Natalie Morales joined our editor in chief, Lauren Iannotti, in conversation. Morales shared details about her background, how she balances family and an impressive career, plus her favorite news story she has reported: the successful rescue of the Chilean miners in 2010. The chat left us feeling uplifted and inspired—and we commemorated the moment with a group selfie that Morales shared on Instagram.

Feeling Inspired to Follow Our Passion

At the "What’s Your Plan B? Prioritizing Your Passion" panel moderated by Lauren Iannotti, we heard from entrepreneurs who have switch paths. Lo Bosworth, founder of Love Wellness, and Aishwarya Iyer, founder and CEO of Brightland, shared tips on testing a business idea (hint: start by surveying your friends and family) and how to overcome imposter syndrome (fake it till you make it!). Caleb Silver, editor in chief of Investopedia, shared advice for funding your dream.

The best part: During the Q&A session, REAL SIMPLE reader Dawn Blattel shared her side hustle with us. Named the 2022 recipient of the Outstanding Art Teacher Award by the Ohio Art Education Association, Blattel also makes ceramic vases, mugs, and more using a one-of-a-kind glaze pour technique.

Practicing Yoga Every Morning

At 8 a.m. each morning, a group gathered for a yoga session in the garden courtyard. Relaxing yet energizing, some gentle yoga was the perfect way to ease into the day.

Planning a New Paint Project

Executive Editor Lisa Freedman moderated a panel called "Get More Color in Your Home (It’s Not Hard!)"—and we've never felt more inspired to pick up a paintbrush. Designers Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors and David Quarles IV shared brilliant tips on choosing a paint color you won't regret (psst...don't forget to observe the paint sample in all types of light). I shared some controversial opinions on accent walls, and we all agreed that the very best paint color is the one that makes you feel happy—whatever that color may be!

Eating Lunch Outside

On Friday, we ate lunch outdoors at the Olive Lawn at the Estancia La Jolla, and everyone had a chance to eat, chat, and discuss plans for the rest of the weekend. (Historic coastal walk or morning yoga? Why not both!) It's safe to say we all left the weekend with a few new friends.

Finding More Joy in the Day-to-Day

I moderated a fun panel called "Finding the Magic in the Mundane," and experts from three different fields chatted about how to bring more intention and joy to our daily lives. Queer Eye star and designer Bobby Berk offered tips on decorating a happier home (did you know that home design that engages your senses can make you more mindful?), while chef Lan Thai talked simple ingredient swaps for healthier, more flavorful food. Amy Spencer, author of the book Bright Side Up, recommended a simple technique to make us all more mindful: Try taking a tourist's perspective on your life. What would you notice (and appreciate) about your life if you were to see it with fresh eyes?

Going on a Historic Coastal Walk

Early-morning historic coastal walks gave us a chance to explore the shoreline. The most memorable moment: spotting some of La Jolla's famous sea lions.

Tasting a New-Favorite Cheese

Food Director Jenna Helwig guided us through a tasting of delicious cheeses from Murray's Cheese. We learned how to put together a holiday cheese board (hint: don't make it too perfect!) and tried three cheeses. They were all delectable, but the cheddar really wowed us.

Learning the *Right* Order to Apply Skincare Products

Skin School is now in session! Beauty Director Heather Muir and dermatologist Annie Chiu, MD, answered all our toughest skincare questions, covering everything from SPF (look for a minimum of 30) to the proper order to apply products (cleanser, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen). Did I mention we found our new-favorite Burt's Bees cleaning oil? We're giving this Skin School an A+!

Getting Emotional Over a Good Book

Author Nancy Jooyoun Kim joined us for a book talk during lunch on Saturday, where she chatted with Editor in Chief Lauren Iannotti and shared excerpts from her new novel, What We Kept to Ourselves. The book chronicles the Kim family, moving back and forth between 1999—a year after the family matriarch, Sunny, mysteriously disappears—and 1977, the year Sunny is pregnant with her second child and moves to Los Angeles from Korea. Let's just say I was glad to be wearing my sunglasses when I started reading this emotional and haunting novel while lounging at the Estancia's pool.

Enjoying Our Gift Bags

All weekend long, we enjoyed the goodies packed into our gift bags. Hillshire Snacking Plates made for delicious munchies (savored on the patio with a glass of wine, naturally). We reached for the Burt's Bees Cleaning Oil to refresh our faces before bed. And Systane eye drops kept us comfortable as we went from historic coastal walk to panel to book talk. NOW Foods not only hosted a smoothie bar that kept as fueled, but their essential oil blend roll-on in the goodie bags helped us chill out with a soothing scent. Plus, we got plenty of books for poolside reading: Right at Home by Bobby Berk, What We Kept to Ourselves by Nancy Jooyoun Kim, and The Real Simple Method to Organizing Every Room.

Celebrating With New Friends

Good music, delicious food, a photo booth, endless champagne—the Saturday Night Soiree had all the elements of an unforgettable party. The band kept us dancing into the night.

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