LA Escape

Chicago still hasn't seen much of spring this year and it's killing me. I needed some sun, so I headed out for a quick trip to Los Angeles. One of my best friends, Michelle, came up from San Diego and joined me for a mini reunion before I move to London.

First things, first. Champagne to celebrate!

We stayed at the SLS Beverly Hills, which is chockfull of decadence, luxury and just plain funkiness. It had a little bit of an Alice in Wonderland thing going on. Let me give you the grand tour.

Red carpet entrance. How very Hollywood of them.

When you walk in a lovely little horse with a lamp on its head greets you. And his porky little friend offers you an apple.

The rest of the 'lobby' reminds me of a tea party in Alice's Wonderland.

The elevators wait for you in a mirrored, red lit room. Not going to lie, Michelle and I kept thinking about that scene from The Shining.

Our room was filled to the brim with mirrors. I guess people like to look at themselves in LA?

We headed down the street to a spot I've wanted to try forever, Joan's on Third. I've heard people rave about their chocolate chip cookies. I had to have one (eh, just a normal cookie).

The shop/restaurant itself was adorable. All decorated for Easter!

Look at the cheese!!

We snagged a table outside and waited for our omelets to arrive. Boy were they tasty!

Will full bellies we went for a stroll around the neighborhood. Before we new it we stumbled upon a giant pebble and I got an arm workout in.

And then the infamous street lamps at the LACMA appeared. Obviously a photo shoot ensued.

After our stroll we headed back to finish off the champagne and enjoy the rooftop pool. My swimsuit was very fun, but has left me with some interesting tan lines. You can find it at Nordstrom (Robin Piccone 'Penelope" crochet suit).

Short but sweet trip. I had a great time. Until next time, Michelle!

California Dreaming

A quick 45 minute flight and I swapped out Phoenix for San Diego. One of my best friends just moved there after a two year Masters program in Sydney, Australia. It was my first time in San Diego and I cannot wait to go back and visit.

 

Michelle and I enjoyed kava at a yoga studio in North Park. Have you ever had kava? It's an interesting drink know for it's sedative and anesthetic properties. They came in flavors like chocolate and pineapple coconut and make your mouth a little bit tingling.



The next day we drove to the beach to catch some rays. Another beautiful 80 degree day.

We went to Black's Beach at La Jolla. It was a gorgeous beach, but we didn't realize we had to hike down. Guess we got a sneak work out in.

It was a rocky trip down, but we made it. We then discovered it is a nude gay beach. Whoops.

After the beach, we stopped by a friends house in La Jolla. From her porch you could see La Jolla high school and the ocean (see it in the distance). I can't even imagine going to high school here. Stunning.

We wanted to catch the sunset, so we booked it over to Sunset Cliffs.

We made it just in time to see the sun sink into the Pacific.

Back home, Sarah treated me to an awesome henna tattoo on my foot. She's an artist who co-founded an amazing non-profit called The Mural Dream Team. She's pretty awesome.

The only way to top a day on sunny California beaches? Go to a wine tasting bar of course. We went to Splash in North Park. You get a card loaded with credits, choose the wine you want to taste, and the perfect amount dispenses into your glass. Brilliant.

Sunday morning we decided to visit the Farmers Market for green juice and free samples. We were not disappointed.

 

I wore my hot pink maxi skirt that I picked up in South Beach. It was a big hit. I wish I didn't have to wait months to debut it in Chicago.

We splurged on some Baklava. Yum.

Our last stop on the way to the airport was Little Italy. We stopped in for a quick bite and ended up with a free bottle of Champagne from this awesome group who was having a party (see them behind us). Man, I loved this city.

Annnd, back to the airport. It was a quick trip, but I am definitely a San Diego fan. Planning my next trip soon!