I first discovered NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences back in July 2009. I had just arrived in San Francisco and was doing research for an article. The prompt was, “What’s the best kept secret in San Francisco?”

At the time, I had only been living in my new city for ten days. In that short amount of time, I had not yet discovered any secrets. I had not yet met any new friends so I couldn’t ask them about their secrets. And why would they want to share their information with me? After all, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore if I knew about it.

But when I learned about NightLife through my own research, I felt like I had discovered my very own little secret. My friends and family back home in Philadelphia didn’t have access to a science museum that threw a fabulous party every week! This secret would be the leverage that I needed to convince everyone to fly across the country and visit me.

I attended my first NightLife as a participant-observer, not really sure what to expect. Would I only see the geeks who attended simply to enjoy the science? Would I only see the chic that attended simply to see and be seen? I was surprised to fit right in with the crowd. There was a healthy mix of San Franciscans that represented both groups: the geeks and the chic.

I love NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences because it allows the chic geek in me to truly shine. I love getting dressed up in my Thursday best for the events. I love walking onto the living roof and taking in the nighttime sky. I love being immersed in all the science and meeting others who enjoy it just as much as I do.

I am now lucky enough to continue my loving relationship with NightLife as a Scene Insider.  Join me every Thursday night as I bring you the best of what NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences has to offer.

Jumping for joy because I found pinwheels in Alamo Square Park!

If we’re friends on Facebook, you may have noticed the pinwheel photos I have been posting lately. For two Saturdays in April, I traveled around San Francisco looking for the perfect spot to plant my pinwheels for Kate Spade’s “Plant a Pinwheel” contest.

With Greg’s help, I was able to take some great photos. The image pictured above was my winning entry. That’s right! Last Friday, I was contacted and informed that I had won the contest!

My photo was inspired by a video posted in the Kate Spade Facebook page. Click here to watch a cute video of a girl planting pinwheels.

Notice her fabulous outfit? Those are pieces I won! See them below.

Cape May Willow Coat

House of Mirrors Julie Skirt

Tess Sandals

PS – Follow Kate Spade on Twitter and on Facebook.

I still love Bobbi Brown and will continue to use their products. Why? Because they have great products and great customer service. They awarded everyone who entered the contest with some fun make-up. A few weeks ago, I received the following items in the mail.

I love getting mail! I love it more when it’s make-up in the mail.

Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadow in After Hours

Bobbi Brown Chrome Eye Shadow in Silver

Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Gloss in Disco

You can watch the video here.

My video won 2nd place. For my prize, I was able to choose 3 dresses from the Originals Collection. Last week, I made a video of me opening my packages. If we’re friends on Facebook, you can view it here.

Thanks so much to all my friends and family who voted for me!

Here are the dresses I chose.

I also loved Vera Farmiga in this stunning fuchsia gown, also Marchesa.

Tiered brique skirt, $128.00, Item 22998

I was recently interviewed by Forbes for a piece on J.Crew’s success. What a great year it has been for the company! Michelle Obama has certainly helped their stock in the fashion world.

Check out the article here: “The Cult of J.Crew.”

Scroll to the 3:28 mark to see the Lam twins.

I love her shoes, too!

Jimmy Choo Keenan Metallic Caged Sandals

I loved these two scenes from last Sunday’s episode. Enjoy!

Scene 1: The Proposal

Scene 2: Fine, Have It Your Way

Don’t forget to become a fan of the Desperate Housewives Facebook Fan Page!