Before I left L.A. for Atlanta, Angelo and I had a routine we followed religiously-- work out like mad fools, running up and down the hills and stairs in his Silverlake neighborhood, and then following it up with an enormous breakfast at IHOP. All that glorious adrenaline, that abundance of good ol' greasy food, and the best company imaginable-- God, how I miss those days.  

Angelo has been one of my best friends for the past eight years. He embraces life. He does everything with passion, grace, and humor-- whether it's designing, acting, exercising, eating, or being a friend.  Who else would put up with my hair insecurities and frantic consultations on my wardrobe? Who else would convince me to leave behind my "Streetwalker Barbie" phase (Angelo's term) and move into my grown-up, sophisticated fashionista phase? Who else could convince me of the errors of stark white walls and tons of clutter?  My husband tries to go shopping with me, to fill that Angelo void now that he and I are living in separate cities. But (bless his heart) my husband's no Angelo. I've actually had girls ask to borrow Angelo when I'm out shopping with him because they see the magic he works when he picks things out for me. I remember thinking stores like Banana Republic were much too boring and that I would never find anything fun to wear there. Little did I know what a good time you can have in that store, if only you pair things up unconventionally. 

Angelo is able to look at things that way. He sees things beautifully.  It's an art, a gift. He's also a fabulous actor and a great artist. (Can I say enough good things about him?) Angelo is my rock. He keeps me sane, well dressed, well coiffed, and he reminds me, in this great, big, crazy world, that unconditional love really does exist. And he reminds me that gentlemen are not necessarily a dying breed.

You can check out Jennifer's website and her books here...

http://www.jenniferniven.com