Lifestyle Extraordinaire Katie Lee on Summer in LA

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Katie Lee is a celebrity chef, television food critic, lifestyle expert and cookbook author. The 30-year-old NY-based stunner has appeared on a number of shows, including E! News, Top Chef, Martha, The Nate Berkus Show and Extra, and also runs a foodie-favored lifestyle site, Katie Lee Home. When she's not charming the world with her multifaceted expertise, you can catch her riding waves in LA.

As a nod to Lee's affinity for the West Coast, the protagonist in her new summer read (and first fiction book) Groundswell falls for a Cali surf instructor who turns her onto the sport's healing powers. We checked in with the author to hear more about her plans for summer and what she'll be packing.

Do you travel here often?
"I love LA! I try to visit about once a month or once every two months."

Describe your ideal summer day:
"I'd drive out to Malibu and surf there or go paddle boarding with a group of friends. Afterwards, I'd stop at John's Garden (3835 Cross Creek Road) for one of their big salads."

Name some of your beach style and beauty essentials:
"A great bikini is a must—I like Tomas Maier. Also, I like a fun cover-up that looks good both on and off the beach, like one from Pret-a-Surf. And I always, always wear sunblock! I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, and then apply Vertra's sunblock stick in natural beige for extra coverage while surfing."
· Katie Lee [Official Site]
· Groundswell by Katie Lee [Amazon]