Weekend In Los Angeles

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to spend three days in Los Angeles. My husband had scheduled a business meeting for a Friday and asked if I would like to make a long weekend out of it? Sure, why not. As a SF Bay Area girl born and raised I had some doubts as to how enjoyable a trip this would become. Los Angeles is surrounded by many cliches regarding its people and lifestyle, I know you've heard them all: silicone-laden, phoney, trendy, drugs, fashion desert, etc. I have to admit with a little shame in my prior beliefs that my weekend was completely enjoyable. So inspired was I in the retelling of my weekend stories that two co-workers and one cashier at my local market have penciled in some of the details of my trip to discover on their own.

It begins with a vibrant boutique hotel 'Shade' in Manhattan Beach (click video)  5 miles from Los Angeles International Airport and 3 blocks from the beach. Only 38 well appointed rooms with Cyclone fireplace, spa bathtub for two under ever-changing colored lights, lounge in the sun  on their Skydeck with large Jacuzzi  complimentary wi-fi, seasonally fresh breakfast and bicycles to ride around the village for the day. Saturday night we visited their Zinc bar for a before dinner cocktail. My martini was served in a glass made of ice, refreshing does not begin to describe the unique experience on my lips.

Fashion Highlights Spring-Summer 2013

It is almost the budding of Spring and another fashion season. Here are the the main highlights of what you should be wearing this season, or at very least an education enough to be conversational.

Hairstyles-
Braids for warmer months is an obvious choice, this season roll them up to create a textured bun, or weave back and forth like a southern garden trellis, add a few fresh flowers and voila a Garden of Eden and very youth making.

Shoes-
Wedges have been coming up through the ranks that past two seasons and this season they are practically a requirement. Wedges are no longer limited to hemp braided espadrilles anymore, a world of designs and interpretations are represented as closed clog, traditional English tassels, open toe sandals, ankle straps, funky and heel-less. Super-Pointy pumps with a metal toe caps have also been seen kicking it up..don't get her mad, you could really get injured.

Food, Eating and Xtreme Eating-

I am becoming more self aware of what foods I eat. I choose to eat healthier. I do not have a weight problem, never have. I do enjoy the occasional drive-through for a quick fast-food fix but today I look at my parents in their 80's which prompted me to consider my life and a wish to be  lucky enough to live that long untethered by debilitating old age; complaining about pain in my everyday conversations, a collection of prescription bottles on my night stand and kitchen cupboard, limited mobility, etc. I want to give my mind and body every chance to live my twilight years travelling and visiting friends and family, without an oxygen suitcase on rollers or a chaperon to simply walk me to the loo.

Big city living is not conducive to healthy food shopping. In the inner cities residents living within the confines of public transportation only have daily access to "neighborhood corner markets". This is a euphemism all too often for a liquor store with a few apples and lemons sold out of a box shoved in the corner.

'Cause Baby It's Cold Outside

Last weekend we spent a few days in Las Vegas to visit friends, eat, drink, and drive to the Grand Canyon to see the Skywalk (click). The weather took a turn for the worst when we initially made our plans and the Arctic frigid air swooped in, even our friends spa fountain froze over. Now it was a matter of gathering up the warmest clothes, shoes and accessories in my collection of goodies I own. I stand 5 feet 8 inches in bare feet and 110 pounds dripping wet so I do not carry my own insulation against such brutal weather.  The Grand Canyon was on schedule for a daytime high temperature of 10-degrees, Yikes! This prompted me to share with you what items I use that perhaps will inspire you to try the same.

Where Have All The Colors Gone ?

Where have all the colors gone?

In the 1950's, single family homes were originally painted in colors pink, blue, yellow and green. As portrayed in the song written and sung by Malvina Reynolds, "Little Boxes", 1962. More contemporaneously known as the theme song to HBO series "Weeds". Today you have neighborhood associations dictating the color of your dull sand colored home, boring landscaping and white window coverings.Do you remember the classic cherry red painted front door-

Where have all the colors gone?