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.

8Mar2013

Highlights

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

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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

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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

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

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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

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

SEE| a place at the table

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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

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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!

8Jan2013

Highlights: Christmas Road Trip

Posted in Books, Dinner, Explore, Food, Fun, Treats, Uncategorized by C.

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{Let’s go!}

I was ready for a change of scene! Don’t get me wrong, I’m an L.A. girl at heart, but I was definitely happy to leave the City of Angels and spend some time absorbing the very different Northern California air. I was going to spend Christmas in Santa Cruz with my boyfriend’s family this year. And p.s. – I literally envy the fresh, clean, crisp air up there. You can actually breathe! Not exactly a forte in smog-filled, rains twice a year, L.A.

While completely exhausted from the events over the last month, I was slowly getting excited. Before we’d even hit our final destination, I was very much looking forward to the experience of our mini road trip journey ahead. Six hours of chatting with my guy; staring out the window at endless fields, grass, and smelly cow farms (just typing that brings the smell to life. ugh.) thinking about whatever came to mind; stopping for gas and praying that the restrooms were decent to use; and realizing that no matter where you go, it’s true, you can’t escape McDonald’s because I saw one at EVERY exit off the I-5.

What I’ve come to discover, truly believe, and even like about myself is that I’m happiest when I’m exploring anything new; be it here in L.A. at new restaurant or museum, or off the side of a highway in the middle of nowhere. I’m most alive when I’m traveling! If there’s any one thing that I know I need to do more of is chase adventure.

I don’t know what it is exactly that makes me this way, perhaps it’s the fact that I love doing something new and exploring places outside what I know, and I’m sure it has much to do with the fact that I get bored easily and need to be stimulated, away from the mundane often, and always learning.

It was Saturday, December 22nd, a rainy day as we took off for the latest adventure. Here are a few highlights from our mini Christmas road-trip:

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{Taking one last look at all the wrapped gifts I would be giving out this Christmas right before packing them away for the trip. I love buying presents and coming up with creative presentation.}

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{Pretty much what most of the I-5 drive looked like out my window.}

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{Part of the fun of road trips? Snacks! Though I resisted and went for the oh so healthy Taco Bell instead.}

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{Taken outside our stop at the TA (Travel Centers of America) in Wheeler Ridge for a restroom break and food. I loved this view and BY far one of the cleanest bathroom facilities you’ll see on the road here. Make a note of this. Especially for us ladies!}

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{This was supposed to be my road trip read, but admittedly, I don’t think I read more than 5 pages of this book the entire time I was on vacation. So this is what I’ll be working on now – but the highlight being I bought it as my holiday read.}

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{Once we made it into town, I wanted a really good, HEALTHY meal. We stopped at Mimi’s Cafe where I enjoyed chicken and veggies for dinner, then ruined it with this yummy triple chocolate brownie sundae. Oh well, I was on vacation, right!?!}