Housewarming

Last Friday, my roommate and I had our housewarming party. Although we moved in almost a month ago, we've both been so busy between work and travel that we hadn't had time to settle in and play hosts.

Obviously, I was in my glory having a party. We created a spread of food, including caprese kabobs, artichoke and spinach dip, fresh homemade salsa, artichoke stuffed mushrooms, veggie platters, cheese platters, and more! We had drinks prepared and awaiting guests: sweet tea vodka and lemonade, served in a mason jar with a paper straw and a wedge of lemon.

I also had a mini-Stella and Dot trunk show going on simultaneously, so everyone could browse the goods.

Everyone had a great time, and the apartment has officially been broken in!

Beach Days

Yesterday was quite possibly one of my favorite days so far here in LA. After sleeping in, my friend Sarah and I were trying to decide where to go for lunch. Finally, we decided upon being spontaneous and heading to Malibu.

{Houses along the Pacific Coast Highway}

We picked up my friend Jesse and headed to Duke's. Unfortunately, they had an incredibly long wait. Well, not so unfortunate, because instead we went to my favorite place - Cafe Habana.

{Prickly Pear Margarita}

Afterwards, we headed to Santa Monica. It was so gorgeous out! We even walked the pier and rode the Ferris Wheel.

We ended the night at Shutters, where watched the sunset and enjoyed a bottle of wine, a spread of delicious cheeses, and of course, truffle frites.

Celebration

To celebrate moving into our new place (pics to come soon!), my roommate and I went out to a delicious celebratory dinner at Duplex on Third. It was amazing; I love it. I want to go back immediately. I had a one night stand: Hendricks, gin, basil, lime juice, muddled cucumber and agave. We started by sharing the black truffle frites and heirloom and goat cheese crostini. For my entree, I had the farro + lentil + mushroom burger, and I know it seems like all I talk about is food, but everything was so good!

So continue talking about food, just last night, I went to dinner with my aunt in Larchmont. We went to a delicious place called Cafe Gratitude. Everything on the Menu has such uplifting names (I ordered the "I AM HAPPY"), and all of the serving dishes display the phrase, "What are you grateful for?" It is all organic and vegan food, that is delicious, enjoyable, and makes you feel very, well, grateful. At the end of dinner they ask you the question of the day. Last night's question was, "What in your life makes you feel blessed?" 

Right now, I am blessed to be living in such an amazing city, and having such an incredible time!

Happy Birthday

This year was my first birthday truly on my own - away from my immediate family. Although I haven't been here long, I had great friends and family who helped me celebrate.

My day started by getting breakfast with my (Ex)Roommate and friend Jesse at S&W Diner. He had been talking about getting breakfast there since the first time I met him, so finally we went. It was delicious. It is a cute, old country-style diner, and I had a great omelette.

A few short hours later, I met my sister Nina for an amazing lunch at Tavern. The food was incredible, and the restaurant was gorgeous. We also fit in a little shopping, of course.

{Tavern}

After eating all day, I met my (current) roommate at DryBar to get our hair blown done. A glass of champagne and blowout later, I was ready for the evening!

My roommates, sister, aunt & cousin all met for a big birthday dinner at Rosa Mexicano, one of my favorite restaurants. Dinner was great, and it was so much fun being with everyone.

The night continued afterwards at The Colony. It was my first true LA nightclub experience. While the setting was very cool, I think I will stick to quieter bars and lounges from now on.

Overall, it was an incredible birthday! Thank you to all those to made it so special!

Missing In Action

So, my computer has been sick. Only a year and a half old, it was deciding to freeze whenever I tried to use it. That was if it wanted to turn on at all. Three Genius Bar visits and leaving my computer at Apple for a week later, I finally have my laptop back in working condition. Yippee! Now I have a lot to catch you up on..