Category Archives: Explore

Farewell Abbot Kinney

Posted in Explore, Food by

1-2013-03-23_11-48-36_651There was always one unassuming oasis resting on the chaotic Abbot Kinney Boulevard that I found myself at many times over the years. It was Jin Patisserie – a small, charming pastry boutique with an outdoor garden cafe. I spent several afternoons with a small pot of my favorite green tea, their delicious quiche, and a surprise sweet treat; enjoying the tranquil setting alone with a book and a smile on my face. Other times, it was almost always the first place I thought of when a friend wanted to get together for lunch because I adored introducing people to its unique charisma. This past weekend, I paid one last visit for lunch with my boyfriend and a friend to say goodbye.

Collage

About three weeks ago, I learned from a L.A. Magazine article that due to the rising costs of leasing on the now extremely trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard – Jin Patisserie would be forced to close – a pattern that is spreading up and down the short strip as I type this post. While Abbot Kinney has always been one of the more popular streets in L.A.; known for its one of a kind, vintage inspired merchandise; high quality ingredient dining options; fused together by a laid back beach-y vibe – it was also home to many small original ventures that can no longer afford to keep up with its growing popularity.

1-2013-03-23_12-13-49_941

{my favorite tea – peche mignon.}

1-2013-03-23_12-31-43_539

{ham & feta quiche lunch combo.}

The silver lining to Jin Patisserie’s farewell to Abbot Kinney is that you can still order your favorite pastries and loose leaf tea selections online from their production kitchen in Culver City. And while Kristy Choo, its beloved owner, says that she’s looking for a new space to relocate – I cannot help but think about how it wouldn’t be the same. Perhaps it’s because I associate happy memories of the patisserie and the boulevard interchangeably. Perhaps she’ll find a way to create an even better oasis at an even better location. The fact that she managed to keep a successful business up and running in the restaurant fickle city of Los Angeles for 10 years is a celebration in and of itself.

While I’m not bidding farewell to spending many upcoming warm L.A. Saturdays strolling the sidewalks of Abbot Kinney personally, I’m saying farewell to my favorite part of it.

1-2013-03-23_13-09-40_339

{the day’s sweet treat – Macarons.}

Mixtape Monday // Friday Night Soundtrack

Posted in Explore, Fun, Music by

While on my way to the office a few days ago, Lady Gaga and her mantra to “Just Dance” came into rotation on my iPod while cruising down the 405 freeway, moon roof open, enjoying the L.A. sunshine. Instantly, it took me back to Friday nights circa 2007-2009.

I was in my mid-twenties, single, going out with the girls to dance, dance, dance the night away! While it certainly wasn’t every Friday night that I ventured from the west side into Hollywoodland, there was a time when this was how I kicked-off my weekends. There was something about dressing up, having a cocktail, and checking out the hot spots with friends that I just didn’t want to miss out on. I knew it was a time in my life that I should take advantage of and experience it as best as I could (even when I’d rather stay in with take-out and watch a movie) because I knew the older I got – the more things would change. I consider myself a social drinker (I’m too nerdy to be a party girl) so I would only have a drink or two max because that wasn’t my agenda for being out. It was to be around the music, check out the scene, and enjoy being young in one of the greatest cities in the world.

I have fond memories of the first Hollywood club I ever went to, Vanguard on Hollywood Boulevard. Subsequently, I remember the times I visited Ritual that later turned into Halo (that is now called something else), Green Door, and The Highlands among others.  Some nights the music was on point and everyone was having a good time, other nights the music was terrible and I wanted to go home but refused to because I had already paid $20 for parking! 🙂

1-066

{During this period, I also went to Vegas a couple of times for a long weekend or to The O.C. on Saturday nights to hang out with friends there occasionally. I came across this Vegas photo taken at TAO.}

Since then, those nights are far and few in between. I’m still young, don’t have any children or huge responsibilities outside myself, and sometimes I do miss these types of girls night out to blow-off some steam; and mostly, because I L.O.V.E. to dance. Of course, I meet-up with friends for a drink or for dinner, but it’s been some time since I’ve hit Hollywood or Cahuenga Boulevard in search of some fun on a Friday night.

There are certain songs that take you back in time the moment you hear them again after it’s been awhile. For me, hearing that song took me back to a particular night where 4 L.A. girls hit 3 clubs in one night trying to find the right place to “Just Dance.”

In honor of those nights, I’ve curated a short playlist of 12 songs that was the soundtrack of several Friday nights. Where does the time go? Enjoy!

{If you dig it, subscribe to this Spotify playlist here: All That Glitters Mixtape Monday: 03.25.2013}

Highlights

Posted in Books, Documentary, Explore, Film, Food, Fun, Lunch, Shoes by

My life has been filled with so many stories and so much storytelling this week. Aside from the amazing Stanley Kubrick exhibition that I saw recently, I’ve been immersed in three other narratives that have not only entertained, but brought out my deeply contemplative personality.

I‘ve been delving into “The Up Series,” a documentary that checks in with a group of British people once every seven years (beginning at age 7). I’m just now catching up on the other parts of the series in order to see the most recent installment at age 56. Meanwhile, any time I’ve spent sitting in traffic has been accompanied by an audio book, Iyanla Vanzant’s autobiography “Peace From Broken Pieces.” I’ve been on such an emotional roller coaster listening to her story and it’s made me really stop and think about my own life and how my experiences have shaped how I now am as an adult. And finally, because I love a good fiction read to satisfy my imaginative side, I’ve been spending lots of down time absorbed into Stephenie Meyer’s, “The Host.” I’m halfway through and should make it just in time for the film’s release next weekend. 

Interestingly, as I absorbed these narratives this week – ranging from autobiographical to purely science fictional, they all somehow intertwine in theme. What I’m learning is that it’s amazing how we grow and change, yet remain the same at our core. As a result, it’s those  demons we struggle with as we move about our day-to-day because of those established core characteristics.

While I spent a lot of time engaged in stories, I managed to come up for air to have a very productive week. Taxes are done, I took a more challenging yoga class (for which I’m now feeling the sore effects), my goal to incorporate more fresh fruits and veggies into my diet is going well, and a few spring inspired happenings paid off in small ways.

Have a great weekend.

This week’s highlights…

SIP| coffee & milk

1-2013-03-16_12-55-18_390

Prior to checking out the Stanley Kubrick exhibition, it was a nice treat to grab an iced mocha from the LACMA’s on-campus coffee shop, Coffee & Milk, and sit outside in the sunshine for awhile. I had my reservations about the place when I was told they don’t offer vanilla/flavored syrup so as to “not affect the flavor of the coffee” but I could order a mocha instead – which in my mind is still considered flavoring so I didn’t quite see their argument.  Anywho, after doctoring it up some myself (more sugar and milk was needed) – I forgot all about that nonsense and got ready for an exciting day ahead – caffeine fix in place.

SHOP| farmer’s market

1-Candi

A stop at the farmer’s market yielded great rewards on the produce front that I’ve been happily enjoying all week.

EAT| tavern ham & vegetable salad

1-2013-03-18_13-07-48_282

A memorable lunch earlier this week. The best part? The champagne vinaigrette dressing. Yum!

GIFT| flowers

1-IMG_20130321_123635

The gift of Spring from a friend that brightened my day.

Stanley Kubrick at the LACMA

Posted in Documentary, Explore, Film, Fun by

1-2013-03-16_12-45-016

Location: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Mid-City West

1-2013-03-16_12-43-013

Of all the museum banners currently lining the streets of L.A., the infamous face of Jack Nicholson crazily gazing to his left from a scene in the cult classic, The Shining; and the still of a young Michael McDowell as Alex in A Clockwork Orange, catches your eye immediately. Admittedly, I’ve seen only the very basics of Kubrick’s famed filmography –  where oftentimes I found myself very visually stimulated, but had some trouble grasping and melting into the narrative when studying him in film school. What I appreciated about what the LACMA did through their current special exhibition, was introduce me to the other facets of Stanley Kubrick and, even better, it gave me a renewed sense to delve further into his catalog and explore it once again.

1-2013-03-16_12-58-23_187

Stanley Kubrick, regarded as a pure auteur, started out as photographer, then documentary filmmaker,  before taking the reigns of scripted storytelling with his first feature film. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art did a phenomenal job capturing the career of a legend.

1-2013-03-16_12-52-51_285

{Gallery entrance.}

You’re welcomed into the exhibition with a large montage of his films precisely edited together on a loop before heading into the main gallery to learn of his early beginnings and take (what took us) the nearly 2.5 hour journey through 16 different projects. The space is more than adequately filled with photos, cameras, lenses, posters, archival footage, costumes, props, set models, notebooks, scripts, sketches, and even his research materials.

1-2013-03-16_14-13-02_354

{Production photo slide – Lolita.}

I thought the LACMA’s approach of creating a flow as you moved around the galleries was appropriate and added a mood to the experience that brought the visitor directly into the exhibition. During the exploration of his earlier war and noir based films, the galleries were dark and somber. As we moved toward the future in 2001: A Space Odyssey everything suddenly became overwhelmingly stark and bright. When we hit the galleries exploring horror themes, the carpet turned red. In essence, the attention to detail was not missed.

1-2013-03-16_14-48-14_221

{Typewriter, The Shining.}

There are two main things I’ll take away from the Stanley Kubrick exhibition: One, an elevated appreciation for him as a filmmaker who undoubtedly took his craft very seriously. This was seen in the extensive notes marked up on various scripts presented throughout the entire show. It was seen in his dedication to an unaccomplished film project, Napoleon, where the LACMA exhibits mounds of research materials Kubrick culminated during the development stages of the project. And two, because of the spotlight brightly shining on his career achievements (and failures) through this wonderful retrospective, my hope is to be able to re-visit those films with more educated, older, and now wiser eyes. Perhaps this time, I can melt into them a little deeper.

I encourage you to visit soon if you can, and take in Kubrick in a way that you likely never have before. The exhibition runs until June 30th.

COSTUMES // Spartacus, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining

1-2013-03-16_14-06-39_8841-2013-03-16_14-45-17_597

1-2013-03-16_14-50-20_22

PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT // Mitchell BNC camera, Carl Zeiss high speed lenses

1-2013-03-16_14-29-28_328

1-2013-03-16_14-15-46_617

SET MODELS // The Shining, 2001: A Space Odyssey

1-2013-03-16_14-47-21_466

1-2013-03-16_14-27-40_319

The Spring Project

Posted in Cocktails, Explore, Food, Fun, Treats by

I love a good project! And it’s extra fun when there’s a focused theme surrounding it to help you get the most out of what you hope to accomplish. For me, there’s nothing more satisfying than making a list and crossing things off as you go. It’s so satisfying, in fact, that sometimes when making a list, I add things that I’ve already completed, just so I can have the feeling of crossing it off. (I can’t be the only person that does this? Bueller?)

You can see my recent holiday themed projects for Halloween and Christmas here and here to give you idea of how much I love goal-oriented ventures.

In celebration of the changing of seasons making its official appearance on Wednesday, The Spring Project is a short list of must-do’s that I’ve created to get the most out of the longer sunshine filled days and the renewing feeling that Spring inevitably brings.

I’ll report back as we make our way toward the heated depths of summer. Here’s to Spring and accomplishing your goals.

The Spring Project

// OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW //

1-2013-03-14_09-25-42_933

Of course, one of the first things to do is a little spring cleaning. My goal is to finally get into my closet and toss those things that need to go. Next up, to go through my DVD library, pull those “what was I thinking?” purchases and head to Amoeba for a trade-in. Am I EVER going to watch Crossroads again? Yes, I actually own that on DVD, but to my credit I was just a kid college student (in film school, no less!) 🙂

// BE OUTDOORS //

1-IMG_20130301_094111

Naturally, the perfect temperatures and near constant L.A. sunshine make for the perfect recipe to spend as much time outdoors as possible. This Spring trips to Lake Balboa, lounging on the beach, hiking in Griffith Park and to the Hollywood Sign are on the agenda during most weekends.

// FLOWER FRIENDLY //

1-2012-09-23_15-34-54_638

I love flowers, plants, any sort of perennial – and try to have their beauty around me as much as I can. Unfortunately, whenever I cut back on spending – this is one of the first things to go, though it’s something that I am always happy to see when I walk into my apartment or sit at my desk at work. Spring makes me want to see blooming vivid colors and inhale the sweet fragrance of flowers, a must have to enjoy the riches of the season and the one thing that I hope to have more of.

// FITNESS //

1-2013-01-19_11-43-55_863

There’s no excuse not to get back into a more consistent workout schedule and now that there’s extra sunshine after work, I’ll be more motivated to hit the gym (rather than the couch). Even more motivating, Spring means dresses and shorts as fashion staples. It’s time to shed those winter developed pounds that can be hidden under a sweater no longer. While I’m a big fan of yoga, I need to incorporate more cardio and weightlifting into the routine.

// FRUIT INSPIRED RECIPES //

1-Desktop-001

Thanks to Pinterest, I’ve been curating lots of yummy recipe ideas using fresh fruit. Here are just a few that I want to indulge in on a lazy sunny weekend afternoon.

1. Spring Fruit Pizza

2. Fruit Pizza

3. Strawberry Basil Moscato Lemonade

4. Peanut butter, Strawberries, Bananas and Granola Wrap

5. Sparkling White Peach Sangria

Highlights

Posted in Beauty, Breakfast, Explore, Fashion, Food, Fun, Shoes, Treats by

This week went by incredibly fast for me, but turned out to be a good one. I’m loving the extra sunlight after work hours motivating me in ways that fall and winter never seem to. Really great things happened in really small ways as I look back over the last week. My 2nd Birchbox made an appearance, I learned my lesson when I ran out of my favorite cleanser and my skin was NOT happy about it, the new gym in my building opened up, and I treated myself to my first pair of spring inspired wedges.

I have a lot on my plate this weekend. A trip to the museum is on the agenda (since last weekend we ended up at the Walt Disney Concert Hall instead), a stop at my favorite grilled cheese place is a must, as well as spending some time roaming the farmer’s market to kill two birds with one stone – enjoying the 80 degree weather while stocking up on goodies for the week. Have an amazing weekend! It’s going to be gorgeous here!

My week’s highlights…

EXPLORE| grand park

1-2013-03-09_14-10-06_365

I sat in the new(ish) Grand Park in downtown L.A. with my boyfriend watching the massive water fountain and sipping an iced tea on a Saturday afternoon and it was simply magical. I plan to spend more time here at some point in the coming months enjoying all the free concerts and programming offered.

BEAUTY| birchbox

1-2013-03-13_12-51-24_164

Boy, was I glad to see this hand delivered to my door last Saturday morning. So far, I’m very happy with this month’s samples. Review post to come later this month!

BREAKFAST| strawberries

1-2013-03-13_10-39-33_450

I bought a huge vat of sweet strawberries and have been happily enjoying them for breakfast (and when I need a frozen yogurt fix) this week, but it’s reminding me to always keep dental floss in my purse.

BEAUTY| murad

1-2013-03-14_09-24-31_801

I ran out of my favorite cleanser and didn’t immediately replace it, instead using some left over product I had on hand. Let’s just say my skin was not very happy about it and rebelled pretty quickly. Once that became utterly clear, I ordered it online and painstakingly waited a week for its arrival because I save so much more money (gotta love Amazon). Now, all is well in the world.

SHOES| audrey brooke teagan

1-001

I stumbled on these Audrey Brooke Teagan Wedge Pumps a few weeks back and instantly added them to my Pinterest gotta have board. Patience paid off when I received a great coupon and free shipping earlier this week. They’re on their way!

Angels Flight

Posted in Explore, Fun by

1-2013-03-09_14-45-34_753

Location: 351 South Hill Street, Downtown L.A.

One of the things I love about downtown that you can feel immediately, is this sense of history. While there are plenty of trendy and more modern buildings in the area, a walk around the corner and you’re transported to a slice of the early 1900’s.

1-2013-03-09_14-46-14_867

Angels Flight, “The Shortest Railway in the World,” was first created in 1901 when the Bunker Hill district residents wanted an easy way to climb the short incline between two prominent downtown streets. Over 60 years later during a controversial redevelopment of the neighborhood, the railway was dismantled and placed into storage for 27 years. In 1996, Angels Flight was rebuilt and relocated to its current location, undergoing several repairs and upgrades throughout the years. You cannot help but notice the brightly colored orange marquee and unique structure of this famed landmark against the concrete and glass buildings surrounding it.

While you can physically walk the neighboring stairs much faster than the railway actually goes, for 50 cents it’s worth channeling this early 20th century treasure, even if it lasts less than an L.A. minute.

1-2013-03-09_14-46-05_7131-2013-03-09_14-47-49_73

1-2013-03-09_14-46-29_5491-2013-03-09_14-47-45_3281-2013-03-09_14-51-21_209

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Posted in Explore, Fun, Music by

1-2013-03-09_12-29-40_43

Location: 135 North Grand Avenue, Downtown L.A.

This past Saturday was one of those days that I’ll always look back on fondly. What a treat when we decided to take a tour of the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, designed by famed L.A. based architect, Frank Gehry.

1-2013-03-09_12-30-33_893

Named in honor of the legendary Walt Disney through an initial 50 million dollar donation on his wife Lillian’s behalf, the stainless steel structure sits eye-catchingly on the corner of 1st and Grand in Downtown L.A. Aside from the unique curvatures of the gleaming exterior, this facility was built to produce state-of-the-art, unparalleled acoustics for concert-goers.

1-2013-03-09_13-44-41_462

Always in the mood to explore something for the first time, I was ecstatic when I learned some time ago of their free architectural tours. You can take the self-guided audio tour or, as we did, the 60 minute docent lead tour. Eva, our excellent guide, graciously took us around the massive structure feeding us insight and key details that added context to the visual oasis around me. From the 12,500 pieces of steel; to the use of Douglas Fir tree trunks, for both aesthetic and structural purposes; to details on the funding, development, and construction; as well as the controversy surrounding the reflection issues that caused quite a stir when the sunlight hit the building producing unbearable amounts of heat for the residents living near the building; were all topics of discussion.

1-2013-03-09_13-37-12_712

What I found most fascinating that I wouldn’t have picked up on without Eva’s knowledge was that the space reflects Frank Gehry’s love of sailing. Inside, walls give a subtle salute to fish scales, railing and carpeting are reminiscent of a cruise ship, and the only piece of art, a painting, sits on the wall in a vibrant ocean blue.

1-2013-03-09_13-10-21_505

1-2013-03-09_13-23-37_837

On top of the Concert Hall, sits a slice of heaven dedicated to the memory of Lillian Disney and her love of roses, a public garden that boasts spectacular views of Downtown L.A., the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory.

1-2013-03-09_13-36-34_601

1-2013-03-09_13-30-59_349

Unfortunately, the tours don’t take you through the actual auditorium due to on-going rehearsals during this time of year, but we did get a taste of the space when our guide described the sophistication and attention to detail in the acoustic design. The energy and vibration she described that happens during a concert was palpable.

Leaving the space with such appreciation in its architectural design, I realized how much I wanted to return as an actual concert-goer to personally experience what the purpose of this spectacular building is for – a night of live music. It’s now on my list of things to do. Hopefully, I’ll get to share that with you very soon.

1-2013-03-09_12-19-37_368

1-2013-03-09_13-43-59_401

Lake Balboa

Posted in Explore, Fun by

1-IMG_20130301_094111

Location: 6300 Balboa Boulevard, Van Nuys

A little over a week ago, I took a break from the routine and decided to explore Lake Balboa for the first time. It was a warm, sunny, Friday morning and I was itching to start the day on the right note by getting some exercise outdoors. I desperately wanted to take in a change of scenery after a hectic work week, to breathe in some (not so smog-filled) fresh air, and spend some time alone in a quiet space.

The moment I stepped out of my car and headed toward the 27 acre lake (a beautiful gem located on a massive piece of land in the Sepulveda Basin), I knew I was in for something special. Situated in the San Fernando Valley, Lake Balboa Park (which I later learned was renamed the Anthony C. Beilenson Park) boasts activities galore. From picnic areas, walking/jogging paths, bike rentals, fishing, and boating; to a playground and neighboring trails connected throughout the Basin, it truly is a place to get lost in while the chaos of L.A. surrounds you.

I spent a couple of hours going for a long, but purposeful power-walk around the lake; admiring the blooming cherry blossom trees (until I realized TONS of bees where up there pollinating them and I quickly moved on); listening to the birds; smiling at all the owners walking their dogs; chuckling at a little girl and her mother feeding the ducks (when there’s a clear sign 5 feet away saying NOT to); taking in the beauty around me, only to end my short stay by sitting on a bench thinking “this is the life.”

Happy Monday! Here are just a few photos from that day:

1-2013-03-01_09-39-12_718

1-IMG_20130301_102058

1-ATG pix1

1-2013-03-01_10-00-55_799

1-2013-03-01_09-46-18_214   

1-2013-03-01_10-01-01_65

1-2013-03-01_09-56-51_3

1-2013-03-01_10-05-008

1-2013-03-01_10-19-23_103

1-2013-03-01_09-56-35_660

1-2013-03-01_10-03-013

Highlights

Posted in Books, Dinner, Documentary, Explore, Film, Food, Fun, Lunch, Treats by

1-2013-03-02_12-26-50_564

The weather continues to play tricks on us. Warm one day, cool the next, then dreary for the last 3. It was such a sleepy week with plenty of days where I would’ve rather slept in, made a late breakfast, then curled up with a book and a stack of movies. I have to say that before the weather turned ugly on us, I spent quite a few memorable days outside that made me grateful for the simplicity of hanging out by the water. There’s something so comforting in that, that I never get tired of.

I found myself around a lot of small gems that made this otherwise sleepy week a bit more happy. I don’t really have anything major planned this weekend, but would very much like to spend it roaming around a museum with my boyfriend. We’ll see what happens. Have an amazing weekend guys, and thanks for reading!

Here are this week’s highlights…

EAT| the melt

1-ATG pix

I’m always game for grilled cheese and was happy to spend an evening at The Melt trying out the new spot that recently opened in Hollywood. (Shhh – don’t tell anyone, but I still prefer Heywood for my fix.)

WORDS| jonathan adler

1-2013-03-02_12-27-39_417

I loved reading the manifesto while browsing Jonathan Adler on Melrose.  Number 2 stood out to me most (as well as the slogan pictured at the top of this post.)

VISIT| manhattan beach pier

1-IMG_20130302_164712

Watching the sunset and passer-bys on a perfect Saturday afternoon at the beach. I was happy when I took it and I am happy every time I look at it.

EAT| cupcakes

1-2013-03-02_16-12-03_771

I can never resist a cupcake and tried Cupcake Couture’s S’mores flavor. 🙂

SEE| a place at the table

1-2013-03-05_18-50-53_753

A significant night this week was at The Nuart Theatre (the front window cardboard cutout gets me everytime!) to see A Place at the Table. It’s a new eye-opening documentary about hunger in America. Please see my full review here. And please see this film.

READ| the host

1-DSC00669-002

I’m finally getting around to reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer, a book I purchased LAST YEAR to read during Christmas that I’ve neglected far too long. I have the resolve to finish before the film opens at the end of the month and it’s really getting good!