P.S. I Love You

Palm Springs, how I love thee. Just an hour and a half drive out of LA to this sleepy yet perfectly hip town.

It was our third time staying at the Ace Hotel and while we'll always be fans of its casual comforts and poolside beats, I'm sad to report that they just didn't seem to have it together this time around (new management perhaps?). Fumbles aside, we had a great weekend enjoying the bluest of skies, filling our bellies with yummy food, and simply spending quality time together.

And, I'm now obsessed with my new Canon camera. If anyone is handy with these please share your shooting tips! There is much to learn.

Could be worse

If I must go to city hall to contest a parking ticket at least it's in Pasadena. Walking through the building made a typically tedious process somewhat dare I say it, pleasant.

There was a game today?

No Super Bowl for this family. We spent the day watching my 14 month old niece tackle the world instead.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

A day at the races

Two dollars on a long shot. That was the extent of my gambling this past Saturday at Santa Anita Park. The last time I was there I bet two dollars on a trifecta and won $252 - was really hoping for a repeat but no such luck. Instead, I put those dollars to good use on several beers.

It's amazing what getting older will do to you. When I was in middle school I spent many Saturdays hanging out on the lawn watching semi-known bands play while paying little attention to the races and our general surroundings. We thought we were so cool skipping around in the mosh pits and drinking our ice-cold sodas. We were too young to even care about the beer gardens right next to us.

This time around - with beer in hand - I couldn't help but look up and admire the art deco beauty that is the oldest racetrack in Southern California. On this perfectly clear and sunny day the lines and the colors of the park seamed to mirror the angles and hues of the San Gabriel Mountains that sit directly across from it. It was love at 20th sight and a testament that some things do get better with age.

An interesting fact that Wikipedia or the park's page won't tell you is that Santa Anita was the site of the largest Assembly Center for the Japanese-American internment in World War II. My 11th grade social studies teacher was held there as a little boy with his family. It's a truly sad part of the park's history but that's a whole other blog post. Just felt it important to note.

Left my tastebuds in Raleigh

Last month we took a weekend trip to Raleigh, NC. I never got around to doing a post on it because think I was too depressed from the thought that I had found, and then abruptly abandoned, the best pickle chips and chicken wings I have ever eaten in my life.

Nevertheless, above are two other memorable pieces from the trip: 1) stumbling upon a printed wood piece randomly posted on an abandoned warehouse wall 2) the outdoor installations at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

I give Raleigh a big thumbs up...just keep making them pickle chips and you've got me for life.

Central Coast lovin'

 Joe and I snuck away for 24 hours to spend some time up north in Cambria and Paso Robles. We had originally planned to be there three days and two nights but we came back early so we could check out the Apartment 3/Unique LA store opening. In hindsight, we should have stayed on vacation mode since we arrived at the party too exhausted to party anyway (sorry baby, thanks for driving!).

For the small amount of time we did have we managed to see and do a lot. From the world's best cinnamon rolls in Pismo Beach, to beachside bike riding in Cambria, and wine tasting in Templeton, we had the perfect mini-getaway.

It was the first time I had ever really explored parts of the Central Coast and I fell completely in love. For some reason I've recently been enamored with countrysides, small towns, old towns, and simple beach communities. Perhaps it's because places like Cambria are polar opposites from my dwellings Downtown or maybe I'm just getting older and am finally appreciating the slower pace of things. Either way, the trip was incredible and for the next visit I know exactly what antique stores I'm going to carve out an entire day for. One just wasn't enough.

And yes, I sported the Like a Gem Anamu necklace throughout the entire trip. It's been my favorite lately!

These streets were made for playing - CicLAvia 101010

Yesterday had to be the most incredible day in LA yet. Out of all of the things I've done and seen growing up here, nothing has ever come close to participating in the first CicLAvia.  It's hard to explain ... the entire experience was truly sublime and judging from the buzz following the event, no one else who was there could believe how awesome it was.

7.5 miles of LA's streets were closed off to cars and opened up for its citizens to play. It was a come-as-you-are event with no schedule or agenda (other than enjoying the city in a new way).

Throughout the entire route all we could see were people of all ages and backgrounds smiling from ear to ear, looking up and around them, and simply soaking in everything in sight. It felt surreal to ride in the normally noisy and congested streets in complete silence other than the clicks of bike chains and the playful chatter of fellow Angelenos.

As cheesy as it sounds, it feels like CicLAvia changed the city a bit for those who experienced it, and vice versa. We discovered and rediscovered the beauty of neighborhoods we so often ignore or can't appreciate due to the constant traffic. And, we had a ball playing in the streets.

Can't wait for the next one and for more people to join the fun.

*Here's a video I put together for my family in Colombia (home of the original Ciclovia est. 30 years ago). Joe did a great job working his bike and iPhone camera!

 

These streets were made for playing - CicLAvia 101010

Yesterday had to be the most incredible day in LA yet. Out of all of the things I've done and seen growing up here, nothing has ever come close to participating in the first CicLAvia.  It's hard to explain ... the entire experience was truly sublime and judging from the buzz following the event, no one else who was there could believe how awesome it was.

7.5 miles of LA's streets were closed off to cars and opened up for its citizens to play. It was a come-as-you-are event with no schedule or agenda (other than enjoying the city in a new way).

Throughout the entire route all we could see were people of all ages and backgrounds smiling from ear to ear, looking up and around them, and simply soaking in everything in sight. It felt surreal to ride in the normally noisy and congested streets in complete silence other than the clicks of bike chains and the playful chatter of fellow Angelenos.

As cheesy as it sounds, it feels like CicLAvia changed the city a bit for those who experienced it, and vice versa. We discovered and rediscovered the beauty of neighborhoods we so often ignore or can't appreciate due to the constant traffic. And, we had a ball playing in the streets.

Can't wait for the next one and for more people to join the fun.

*Here's a video I put together for my family in Colombia (home of the original Ciclovia est. 30 years ago). Joe did a great job working his bike and iPhone camera!

 

One down and eerrr...several more to go

The first of my girlfriends got married over the weekend and boy was it surreal. As I stood watching and listening to them say their written vows I couldn't help but cry a bit (out of joy of course) and also think "holy shit, this is the phase of life we are all in!"

I thankfully held it together and then relaxed enough to foolishly dance the night away like a good bridesmaid should.

Congrats to Vikki and Brian ... I couldn't be happier for the two of you, love you!!!

For a peek at the wedding, check out Vikki's company blog for All You Need is Love Events (yes, she plans weddings. Perfect right?)

Bubbles on the roof

It was time to finally get some social use out of the rooftop so I invited my gals over for some bubbly and twinkling city views. It was a beautiful night...so happy and fortunate to have shared it with incredible friends. Xoxo.

My hometown just got a little more stylish

I was driving through my old neighborhood when a very chic storefront caught my eye. House of Honey opened in May and from the looks of it, it's really adding some sass to good ol' South Pas.

As soon as I walked inside I was sold. Every piece in there is unique whether vintage or custom made. The china was spectacular, as were the paintings that lined the walls, but most interesting were a pair of old chairs that were re-upholstered using vintage fur coats. So brilliant.

It was nice to meet you, House of Honey. Welcome to the neighborhood.

Gone campin'

Though we love living Downtown, sometimes you just need to get back to nature. At first we talked about going up to Northern California, Wyoming, and some other obvious mountain destinations but then we remembered that we have some great options just a few hours away - hello Sierras!

Just shy of Mammoth is Big Pine, where we booked two nights at a campsite and made our home amongst the chipmunks. I had been craving horseback riding so we signed up for a day-pack into the John Muir wilderness. It was BEAUTIFUL but as the day wore on, our butts got sore, the heat and wind picked up, and it was less and less enjoyable. It was a rough ride going downhill on the rocky and narrow trails but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

The scenery, the scents, and the company (chipmunks) were incredible. There is truly nothing like being in the great outdoors and I'm SO thankful that these national parks exist for us to enjoy.

Renegade highlights

It was nice to be a guest at the Renegade Craft Fair last weekend. I got to stroll from booth to booth, make new discoveries, and see familiar faces from past Unique LA shows.

Here are my picks from the day:

1. Printed patterned shorts have been on my mind since I visited the Trina Turk store in Palm Springs so I instantly fell in love with these by Echo Country Outpost.

2. Paulova Designs makes ceramics for the home. The bright colors inside the jars caught my attention and the natural texture of the outer clay sealed the deal for me.

3. Timber! had a great native/western feel to their work that resembled some of the patterns on the new ANAMU  Go Native clutches (available online soon!).

4. Dave of Holiday Matinee shows off new notebooks with his motto: Love Your Work. Work Your Love. Then Repeat. I met Dave last year and its great to see him sharing his awesomeness with craft lovers.

Craft-on people!

Fin de semana

It was Craft-a-palooza at the Renegade Craft Fair held at the LA State Historic Park over the weekend. Being that it was down the street, there was no way I was going to miss it. Joe tagged along but since it was so busy and warm, he opted to lounge in the shade under a tree while I braved the crowded booths; I'll share my highlights in a separate post.

Post fair we rode "the chopper" to Urth Cafe for a refreshing lunch and later headed out to Pasadena for a free concert in the park with Very Be Careful, a local band that plays Colombian cumbia and vallenato music. My mom and dad joined us and we nostalgically talked about the lively Colombian culture and the so-bad-for-you-its-good food that's available on every street corner there. It was the perfect event to share with them and Joe. Now we just need to take Joe there so he can experience Colombia for himself and understand what we're always talking about!

My friend is getting married

...and we took pole dancing lessons to celebrate. Well, we really went to Palm Springs for an entire weekend of celebration but the bowling shoes-like scenario of stripper heels is plenty description for this post :)

Congrats, Vikki....we love you!!!!!

Fin de semana

A bit late but still wanted to share.

BBQ for my friend Jen's housewarming/birthday, necklace making and supplies shopping, and a discovery - Novecento.

OMG was I excited to find such a well curated vintage furniture store in the neighborhood.  Then..... I visited their website and realized that the shopping spree I had in mind was not going to happen.  Though they are pricey, their pieces are impeccable so it could be worth it if you've got the cash.

I want this chandelier so bad that it hurts...

The 4th

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! We spent the 4th watching a friend play in the Hermosa Beach volleyball tournament sponsored by Bud Light. Yep, it was completely sponsored so that meant lots of free booze and lots happy people.

I only wish the America on Wheels van we spotted Downtown would have joined us.

The 4th

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! We spent the 4th watching a friend play in the Hermosa Beach volleyball tournament sponsored by Bud Light. Yep, it was completely sponsored so that meant lots of free booze and lots happy people.

I only wish the America on Wheels van we spotted Downtown would have joined us.