Bienvenidos. Bienvenue.

NJ IN LA is a lifestyle blog created by Natalie James

I cannot believe live laugh love was right.

I cannot believe live laugh love was right.

A resource for all things beautiful & smart

  • The latest in dining, travel, and art, shared through my lens. Inspired by beauty and committed to critical thinking, each post is written to catalog my life, with the hopes of diversifying the framework of others. Experience the vibrancy of culture through stories of discerning taste. Read the Blog here.

  • For most people, it is difficult to decide what to experience in any given city. The world’s pleasures are boundless and I am pleased to do the exploratory work for you. Here you will find my selects in cities both local and international. These focused guides make up the best of the best. Check Out My Guides

  • I was born and raised in Southern California. For three decades I have called this place home. I grew up in San Gabriel, graduated from UCLA, worked at Central Library, and have spent my entire lifetime scouring this city for unforgettable experiences. These are my favorite places in Los Angeles. See the List.

There are no greater elements that I seek more than truth and beauty, commonly intertwined but frequently at odds. This space aims to share a collection that reflects my insatiable appetite for life. Leisure is a priority. Internationalism is the mindset. These stories reflect curiosity and the acquisition of knowledge to better understand the capacity of human creativity.

Shop My Favorites

Friends and strangers alike often ask me about where to purchase the items I love so dearly. I am serious about my recommendations and decidedly, thought it was time I share them with my readers.

Natalie James is a creative director and lifestyle consultant who is currently spending her days studying French, minding her business, and cataloging exceptional moments. 

Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

— Rumi