Category Archives: Uncategorized

Day 28: Milo & Olive

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http://www.miloandolive.com

There really are perks to being the early bird…  We went to the newly opened Milo & Olive this morning to celebrate my Dad’s birthday (breakfast is his favorite meal).  These are the same people who brought us Huckleberry, Sweet Rose Creamery, and Rustic Canyon. In other words YUM!  While waiting for our Baked Farm Egg’s and Prosciutto and Gruyere Quiche’s (both delicious), the co-owner Josh Loeb brought us over some samples from the bakery section.   Among the baked goods we tasted, which were all sublime, there was a butternut, rosemary and fleur de sal flatbread cake that was a stand-out.  My advice, go now before the crowds find out they’re open and forget about not eating carbs, there are times when you just have to surrender!

Day 27: Get a Haircut!

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http://www.voxsalon.com/

A few years ago, 2002 to be exact and way before I learned to Yelp…  I was tired of the high attitude, high cost salons (which shall remain nameless) where the stylists kept staring at themselves in the mirror while pretending to be interested in you and your hair.    Then I found a local directory book called Moxly Head to Toe: The Guide to Beauty.  In it, there was a listing for Vox Salon in Ocean Park.  Moxly’s description “…continues to cater to high-end, low-maintenence women who want to look good without spending a lot of time and money doing so.”  That suited me perfectly and Carmine has been tending to my tresses ever since!  At this Bumble and Bumble salon, everyone is talented and super friendly.  Their prices are reasonable and it feels like the whole neighborhood goes there.   Check them out, you will not be disappointed!

Day 26: Dia De Los Muertos

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http://www.olvera-street.com/html/dia_de_los_muertos.html

In case you missed this year’s crowning event at Hollywood Forever, there is still time to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos this week at Olvera Street .

Not to be confused with Halloween, it is a day for honoring our beloved ones who have passed.  This ancient Mexican tradtions brings together family, friends and loved ones.  So check out the calaveras, the alters and bring your stories of deceased loved ones to share.

Day 25: Royal/T

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www.royal-t.org

In the mood to look at some art, have a meal and do a little shopping?  Hop on down to Royal/T in Culver City…  This cafe/gallery/store is a playful mix of all three and bills itself as L.A.’s first Japanese style cosplay cafe’.  Meaning, there are adorable young asian waitresses in full French maid regalia.  It would be worth one stop just to see it, but the food is so yummy and reasonably priced, we go all the time.  The contemporary art rotates which also makes for an element of surprise each visit.  And for those who want to party but can’t stand the thought of sweaty bodies rubbing up against you?  Step into this Porta Party complete with disco ball and iPod jack.  Party for one please!

Day 24: The Getty Villa

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http://www.getty.edu/visit/

Not in the mood to fight the Mother’s Day brunch crowds today?  Why not postpone your celebration for this Thursday, May 12th and take her up to The Getty Villa in Malibu for some Tea by the Sea? 

According to The Getty Website. “Tea by the Sea is a special dining experience inspired by the Mediterranean herbs, vegetables, and fruits that grow at the Villa. Feast on a Mediterranean-inspired menu of sweet and savory sandwiches and pastries, along with fruits, cheeses, and a varied selection of teas. After tea, you can tour the Villa’s authentically re-created first-century Roman gardens with knowledgeable docents, then spend the rest of the afternoon savoring the Villa’s exhibitions and permanent collection.”

$36 per person.
Thursdays from 1:00-3:00
Please reserve in advance. Call (310) 440-7300 or get tickets online.

Day 23: Petersen Automotive Museum

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http://www.petersen.org/

You are going to need a bib to walk through this place. I was definitely drooling over this little hottie!  The Petersen Automotive Museum is a great place to host events or just take a stroll around and see the history of cars. 

Last time we were there, it was to go to the Gold Standard, a benefit for Heal the Bay featuring Jonathan Gold’s (L.A. Weekly’s Pulitzer Prize winning food critic) favorite L.A. restaurants. After eating ourselves silly, we decided to do a lap around the museum.  Both my dad and husband re-lived their childhood days when they saw the Helms Bakery truck. It had these beautiful wooden drawers and used to drive around L.A. delivering fresh baked good daily.  And we thought food trucks were a new thing…

Father’s day is coming up, maybe we’ll stop here, wander around and then go the Farmer’s Market for dinner???

Day 22: Big Sunday

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http://www.bigsunday.org/

You don’t have to be a Secret Millionaire to give back.  Anyone who has been watching that show cannot help but be touched by the gratitude that springs forth from both the giver and recipient.  On May 14th and 15th, Big Sunday returns with thousands of volunteers spreading out around the city to build community through community service.  At Keller Williams Santa Monica, we are doing our own day of service at John Adams Middle School on May 12th http://tinyurl.com/3osmqbw  

You are welcome to join us or click on the Big Sunday weblink above to learn about other opportunities to be of service. 

I can say without hesitation, that I feel the best about myself when I am doing something good for others and community service has been a wonderful lesson in compassion for my family.

Day 21: Self Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

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http://www.lakeshrine.org/

Sometimes when I need some inspiration or a quiet place to sit, I find myself at the Self Realization Fellowship (pun intended) in Pacific Palisades.  Right now is such a great time to visit this ten acre plot of tranquility, everything is blooming.  A gentle path winds its way around the spring-fed lake, past waterfalls, and waterfowl.  There’s a storybook like windmill and plenty of benches and shady spots to enjoy the view.  There is the Gandhi Peace Memorial,  where a portion of his ashes are enshrined.   I have attended weddings and memorials here, they have group meditation classes and Sunday services, with all religions welcome.  This is truly a magical spot to connect with the spirit that moves through all things…

Day 20: Natural History Museum

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www.nhm.org

The last time you visited the Natural History Museum, did you need a parent signed field-trip slip and were you riding a yellow school bus?  Re-live that childhood curiosity and plan a visit…  

Try an adults only First Fridays (next one is on May 6th). Once a month, the entire Natural History Museum stays open until 10 pm and features live music, exciting scientific discussion, and behind-the-scenes curatorial tours.  See a Mummy, explore the upcoming Dinosaur Hall, learn more about the history of California or take a stroll in the Rose Garden. 

My family loves the Hall of Mammals and the Gem and Mineral Hall.  For a special treat, check out the Pavillion of Wings from April 10th-Sept. 5th. More than 40 different butterfly and moth species and an array of plants take up residence every summer, this is a special exhibit and requires an additional entrance fee, but the kids love it!

Day 19: 26 Beach Restaurant

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At one time, this charming cafe was actually located at 26 Washington Blvd. a half a block from the beach.  Now up the road at 3100 Washington Blvd., with its shabby chic patio and cozy indoor bar and seating area, this place is a fantastic for brunch, lunch or dinner.  One of the zany items on the menu that just sounds so wrong, but tastes so right is the California Roll Burger.  Now that the sun in shining upon us again, pay a visit, sit on the patio and try some of their inventive and tasty salad or burger combos. 

www.26beach.com