Birchbox Review: March

Posted in Beauty, Explore, Fun by C.

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When I opened Birchbox #2, I was already in a great mood having spent the day touring the Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown. I had received it earlier that morning, but wanted to wait until later that day to build the anticipation so I’d have something to look forward to (I was like a kid on Christmas morning!). To my delight, these 6 goodies were inside…

1. Stella Cadente Miss Me Discrete? Eau de Toilette // I was pleasantly surprised by this french fragrance. It’s very subtle with floral undertones that give off a light powdery smell. I found myself reaching for it frequently because it’s so appropriate for Spring and I loved spending my days lightly spritzed by this whimsical and romantically inspired fragrance. Aside from it being pretty pricey, this isn’t a scent that I think carries beyond this season – so while I plan to enjoy the sample, I likely won’t purchase the full sized bottle.

2. Twistband Headband // Admittedly, it took me a minute to warm to this item. I knew it was a headband, but wondered why it was tied in a huge knot at the nape that looked kind of cheap to me. I suppose I’m used to thin headbands forming an infinity circle that makes it look well-made. Once I got past the knot and read up on why these were so special, I gave it a try. I loved it! I loved the pop of color it gave my look when I wore it, but most of all, I loved that it stayed in place and didn’t leave a huge crease in my hairline – complaint #1 when wearing skinny headbands! I’m on the fence about purchasing more in large part because of the cost. The sample band I got is fun enough to use without moving forward.

3. Benefit Benetint // In theory, I’m a fan of what this product was designed to do, provide a lasting natural tint to lips and cheeks. Unfortunately, because of my more caramel complexion this didn’t show up extremely well on my skin when I first used it. However, when I applied a few coats it did stand out more, but the tint didn’t seem as long-lasting as promoted. My thinking is that this would be perfect for more pale to olive skin tones.

4. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant // Good thing I read what this stuff was for because I thought it was a simple moisturizer suitable enough for use after washing my face. Turns out, the greasy, amber colored goo that came out of the packet with an “interesting smell” is more of a salve used for intense moisture of chapped lips, cuticles, or rough heels and sunburned skin. I did find this product to be awesome on my feet before bed and when I wanted some moisture on my lips, but this isn’t something I’d ever purchase. The greasy nature and smell don’t help at all. Some Vaseline and/or cocoa butter would do the trick – and not be so smelly.

5. Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream – The best part about this organic shaving cream is hands down the intense blueberry scent and soft skin post shower. I didn’t feel the need to have to put lotion on right away as I normally do when I shave my legs. The one thing I couldn’t get over was that this product doesn’t lather. I’m used to that thick foam that develops when using my much cheaper (and still pleasantly scented) Skintimate shaving cream, and I realized that I like shaving my legs with that kind of texture. Even though I loved the scent, the natural ingredients used, and how moisturized my skin was after using Whish – I would never spend more than $5.00 on a can of shaving cream. This stuff is over-priced.

6. Madewell for Birchbox Nail Emery Board – What can I say? It’s a nail file. Since I have a few of these already, it’s still unopened and unused at writing time. I plan to add this to my make-up bag in my purse for emergencies. I do like the cute floral design and appreciate the extra bonus in this month’s box – but there really isn’t much more to say than…it’s a nail file 🙂

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// Overall //

While some of the products are inherently great – cost is a huge factor for why I wouldn’t purchase anything full-size from the Birchbox Shop this time around. If I was in the mood to splurge, it would be for the Stella Cadente fragrance. I really liked the headbands, but there must be an equal alternative at a beauty supply store for half the cost. Don’t think of me as an unhappy Birchbox customer – part of the fun is simply in the experimentation and trying something new at low risk. Keep em coming, Birchbox. Until April, stay beautiful.

Please do share your Birchbox stories with me in the comments section below – it’s infectious to hear them!

27Mar2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, DIY, Explore, Fashion, Food, Fun, Handbags, Inspiration, Travel, Treats by C.

There was a time when this week meant something more than work deadlines, trying to get to the gym, the grocery store, getting my laundry done, and a car wash. Spring break always sounded so exotic to me. In part, because I would hear the plans of my peers for their week of unadulterated freedom that included short road trips or jet-setting to Cabo for some fun in the sun.

In college, spring break was always the first week in March, but we would also get a few extra days off around Easter. I went to school with a lot of wealthy students whose parents paid their way for everything. Spring break for me was looking forward to some time off from my classes, but I would still work and might drive home to Orange County to see my family for a few days. Unfortunately, I never could afford to do much more than that.

I remember the times I used to watch T.R.L. on MTV during spring break wondering what that experience would be like – where you pack your bags, hang out at a gorgeous resort, and live in a bikini for a whole week. In retrospect, I might have hated consistently being around a bunch of drunk people and would have much rather been at home taking naps, working, and reading (as was my typical experience). Then again, had I been able to afford those cliché spring break beach getaways, I imagine it would’ve been a lot of sleeping, partying, flirting with cute guys from different schools, lounging, and laughing mixed in with lots of unnecessary drunken drama. I’ll suppose I’ll never be 21 again to find out.

What I am looking forward to is the day that I can actually take myself on an extended vacation to an exotic resort and sip margaritas all day minus the annoying drunk college students. The best part will be that I paid for it all on my own and, as such, it would be a much richer and well-deserved experience.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

|| Vacay inspired accessories. ||

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|| Banishing doubt.||

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|| Strawberries & cream crepes // recipe here. ||

|| Corner nightstands. ||

|| Prada arm candy. ||

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|| A little Easter bunny humor. ||

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|| How to decorate a cupcake by Stephanie Franz, pastry chef at my favorite cupcake shop – Cupcakes Couture. ||

26Mar2013

Farewell Abbot Kinney

Posted in Explore, Food by C.

1-2013-03-23_11-48-36_651 There 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.

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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.

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{my favorite tea – peche mignon.}

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{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.

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{the day’s sweet treat – Macarons.}

25Mar2013

Mixtape Monday // Friday Night Soundtrack

Posted in Explore, Fun, Music by C.

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! 🙂

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{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}

22Mar2013

Highlights

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

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

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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

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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

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

GIFT| flowers

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

20Mar2013

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Fun, Inspiration by C.

Happy 1st day of Spring! Unfortunately, my lattes are hot rather than iced lately, and I’m still grabbing leggings if I wear a dress. Needless to say, the weather (as usual) continues to be fickle and Spring seems to be making a fashionably late appearance. Foggy and chilly filled mornings stretch throughout the day and I’m quite bummed about it. I’m so looking forward to this season, and while my allergies aren’t, I have my vision set and I’m ready for the change. At the very least, I realize I should cherish these days because 4 short months from now, I’m certain I’ll be complaining to you about about the 95 degree L.A. sauna that I can’t escape and my electricity bill because of it. As with most things in life, I’ll just have to sit and wait patiently for the universe to let the changing of times happen as it should. In the meantime, I choose to focus on what’s making me happy.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

|| New motto. ||

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|| Inside Chanel: The Jacket // A short documentary on the creation of the legendary Chanel Jacket in 1954 by Coco Chanel, age 71. ||

|| L.A. Love ||

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|| 30 Things Turning 30 This Year // Read more here. ||

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|| How I plan to celebrate spring // Essie nail polish color chart // Click to enlarge ||

19Mar2013

Stanley Kubrick at the LACMA

Posted in Documentary, Explore, Film, Fun by C.

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Location: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard, Mid-City West

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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.

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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.

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{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.

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{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.

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{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

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

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

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18Mar2013

The Spring Project

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

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 //

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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 //

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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 //

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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 //

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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 //

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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

15Mar2013

Highlights

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

14Mar2013

Angels Flight

Posted in Explore, Fun by C.

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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.

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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.

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