LAS ANGELENAS

Las Angelenas Has a New Home

2010-04-11T13:13:00.001-07:00

Hello Dear Readers!

Las Angelenas and I have moved to Victoria Namkung. Please update your bookmarks and if I'm on your blog roll please change my link to Victoria Namkung!

I will no longer be blogging here, but will be posting on my main site, which now features a blog simply called Victoria Namkung rather than Las Angelenas!

Thank you!

Opening Night

2010-04-08T11:47:00.001-07:00

Excited to check out Chris Natrop's debut at Taylor De Cordoba tomorrow night. Myopic Spring Tangle, featuring various techniques like paper sculpture, is only view through May 15, 2010!

Easter Dinner

2010-04-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

This group devoured the crab and garlic noodles at Crustacean on Sunday night.

Asante Sana

2010-04-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

You may go directly to the Kids of Kilimanjaro Facebook Fan Page!

Anything you can do to help spread the word is much appreciated by my family and I (and 13,000 kids in the Monduli and Moshi Districts of Tanzania, East Africa)!

The Results Are IN!

2010-04-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the guesses on the Bear Coin Bank. Even though I gave the measurements I don't think people realized that the bear was really heavy and full of all types of coins. It's pretty hard to guess without seeing it in person, but I still had no idea how much was in it and I saw it daily.

I'm happy to report that it had $220.04 and I'm keeping every penny because I put it on an Amazon gift card (normally Coinstar takes a commission). So based on all the guesses Tim was the one who was closest at $210, but since some may feel he had an unfair advantage I am also giving prizes to Dustin and Robin since they tied for second place at $150 each. Congrats guys!

Saturday at A+R's

2010-04-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning started with a surprise from my sister: a Boudin sourdough bunny for Easter! After playing some doubles (we tied before we had to give the courts up) we went over to Ayesha and Robin's to watch the basketball games. We got to sample some tasty pickled carrots, pickles and onions that they made and watched Ayesha prepare a delicious piece of lamb for Easter. It was fun being with Elke all day too.

No Joke

2010-04-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

For the last few years I've been slowly filling this bear-shaped coin bank my mom bought me at Zipper. It's taken so long because in L.A. you have to save most of your coins for the meters. Well last night Tim topped it off with some coins he had and it's time to take the bear to Coin Star. I wonder how much is in it?

Leave your guess as a comment (if you don't have a Blogger account no worries you can still comment) and the person who is closest will win a special prize (TBD depending on your gender, style, etc.)!

The bear measures roughly 8 inches by 11 inches.

Good luck!

P.S. This is not an April Fool's joke. I am going to cash the bear in this weekend.

Easter Egg Perfection

2010-03-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

Do the Joy

2010-03-29T09:10:00.001-07:00

Air + Disney Hall = Epic!

Had the best time seeing one of my favorite bands ever, Air, and really loved AM (I had never heard his stuff, but Tim knows him from back in the day) who opened the show. The sound at Disney Hall is absolutely incredible. My only complaint? Too many people in jeans and stained t-shirts. This is one of the nicest venues in town and it was an evening show. Apparently I am in the minority though as at least 75% of the attendees were in full on hipster gear. Fashion aside, the acoustics, music and video/graphics were awesome. So glad I finally got to see them live.

Les Fleurs

2010-03-28T08:17:00.001-07:00

Pretty flowers from a wonderful friend.

Pre-Easter Treat

2010-03-26T16:37:00.001-07:00

How cute are these chocolate dipped Peeps from Joan's on Third?

Ooh La La!

2010-03-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

The new brasserie, Delphine (at the W Hollywood) is outstanding on every level. The well priced menu features all the classic dishes, the service was top notch and the decor is one of my favorites of late: a zinc bar, gorgeous blue banquettes, pattern tiles and interesting photo murals. We started with the Tuna Provencal then I had the Striped Bass while TK could only finish half of the Steak Au Poivre.

Home Cooked Dinner

2010-03-24T12:47:00.001-07:00

Last night I went home to see my parents and was rewarded with an amazing meal courtesy of my mom. We had Ina Garten's Arugula, Watermelon and Feta salad, followed by a shrimp and green onions (from the garden) in Vietnamese sweet and sour sauce with baby bok choy. Dessert included a strawberry and (homemade) lemon curd tart. Beyond delicious.

You can read about my Mom's adventures in canning and preserving at Delilah's blog Project Small.

The Weekend

2010-03-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

Friday night I checked out the opening of Odd Molly on Robertson, which is a really fun handmade and organic women's line from Sweden. On Saturday, it was off to check out Kip's exhibit Mixed Kids (the Today show was there filming him for an upcoming segment!) at the Japanese American National Museum, followed by Alice in Wonderland in 3-D. Tim cooked the best chicken soup I've ever had and today we watched the L.A. Marathon just two blocks from my front door. We cheered on Jodi, who did fantastic!

Two Stories on Two L.A. Designers

2010-03-20T09:19:00.001-07:00

I started my professional career writing for the L.A. Times at age 23, so it always feels good to be home. In Sunday's Image section I have two different stories on Dana Davis and Clare Vivier, fantastic designers who you've probably read about on my blog as I am a big fan of both women.

Read about Dana Davis and her comfort high fashion shoe line.

Then read all about Clare Vivier and her affordable yet incredibly chic bag line.

Missoni Familia

2010-03-18T08:19:00.001-07:00

The new Missoni store in Beverly Hills is pretty stunning with its painted aluminum facade, custom furnishings and bright yellow neon wall. I was coveting the gorgeous scarves, poolside caftans and more than a few dresses while I waited to meet with Angela Missoni and her daughter Margherita who is beyond lovely. You can read my coverage for Style.com here.

About Last Night

2010-03-18T07:45:00.000-07:00

For St. Patrick's Day we decided to check out The Upper West, a new upscale pub near my place. I seemed to be the only one wearing green (my mom is from Ireland after all) and no one was really in a celebratory mood, but I guess that's what happens when you're not 26 anymore. I had a fantastic grilled salmon and Tim had lamb crepes and a heavenly burrata. The great news is that we sat on the patio because it was still 70 degrees. Then we took a nice walk to Air Conditioned.

Mixed Kids Exhibit

2010-03-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

My former professor and friend Kip Fulbeck (author of The Hapa Project and Permanence) has a new book and photo exhibition, Mixed: Portraits of Multiracial Kids. Being a mixed kid myself (Jewish and Korean) and part of a family with 20+ multiracial cousins, it is amazing to see a book like this, and I'm not surprised that Kip was the one to make it happen (and get Barack Obama's sister Dr. Maya Soetoro-Ng to write the forward and Cher to write the afterword).

I met Kip when I was 19, and his classes and films really helped to shape my identity. While in grad school I became his booking agent and I always love seeing his work -- you will too. Meet Kip and check out the exhibition on March 20 (runs through September 26) at the Japanese American National Museum.

Gone to the Market

2010-03-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Claire and I had the best lunch at LA Market at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live yesterday all in the name of research for a story I'm doing. The latest from rock and roll chef Kerry Simon doesn't disappoint with its market fresh ingredients, whimsical presentations and slight Asian flair. Just for the record we did not order three desserts they just appeared before us. They also have a burrata bar for those on the run. I can't wait to come back for a pre- or post-Staples Center meal.

The Designer & The Muse

2010-03-15T09:11:00.001-07:00

If you'd rather take in fashion than Guinness on Wednesday (St. Patrick's Day), you can buy tickets to The Designer & The Muse, a fundraiser for the FGILA Foundation Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to the best emerging new design talent in L.A. Singer/songwriter Katie Cole will be performing and designers such as Lloyd Klein, Jennifer Nicholson, Sue Wong, Yotam Soloman, Ina Soltani and Kevan Hall will be in attendance (along with the legendary James Galanos).

Happy Birthday Misty!

2010-03-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

When I got the invite for Misty's 30th birthday -- a Doble Quinceanera -- I knew it would be a fun night. From her dress to the choreographed dance that happened the party didn't disappoint.

De Mexico Con Amor

2010-03-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Beyond amazing photos from Ayesha and Robin's wedding all taken by the talented Elizabeth Lloyd.

GaGa + Beyonce

2010-03-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

This mini movie/music video for Telephone is pretty epic. The clothes, the hair (Beyonce channeling Bettie Page, GaGa wearing old-school Coke can rollers) and the Tarantino-esque story (not to mention the actual "wagon" from Kill Bill) makes it a winner.

House of Pi

2010-03-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

In honor of Pi Day (who knew?) on March 14, Citysearch put together the top 5 spots in L.A. to enjoy a slice. My favorite is my mom's apple pie, but I have to admit I haven't tried any of the ones on the list have you?

Skin Art

2010-03-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

I've never wanted a tattoo in my life, but I could go for a few of these faux Les Trompe'L'Oeil De Chanel , seen in the spring/summer 2010 Paris show. There are 55 temporary tattoos in all, hand-drawn by Global Creative Director of CHANEL makeup, including cherry blossoms and birds.

Accessorizing in Beverly Hills

2010-03-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

Ran into my Los Angeles Confidential editor and pal Sari Tuschman today at lunch and we were wearing the same cute necklaces.

My Oscar Faves

2010-03-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

Just Can't Get Enough

2010-03-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

I used to consume books at a rapid pace, but as I get busier each year I find that I really only have time to read when on vacation. On this trip I devoured The Mistress's Daughter. The memoir, by one of my favorite authors A.M. Homes (who was adopted as an infant), is about being "found" by her biological family. It was an incredibly personal piece of work for the fiction writer and made her all the more fascinating to me. Along with David Sedaris, Dave Eggers and Jonathan Safran Foer, I would read anything this woman writes.

Back From Boca

2010-03-07T08:37:00.001-08:00

We took a little trip to Florida to visit Tim's parents. We tried to find manatees with no luck, but had some great food, beach visits and some fantastic Key Lime Pie. I was also able to see my stem cell recipient, Jaciel, for the second time. He is in great health and his girlfriend is 5.5 months pregnant! The doctors told him he probably wouldn't be able to have children, but they were clearly wrong.

Manifest Equality Preview

2010-03-02T21:38:00.000-08:00

Art Walk

2010-03-02T07:19:00.001-08:00

From many of the same folks behind Manifest Hope, the new Manifest Equality brings together more than 150 American artists (including Shepard Fairey, Lisa Eisner, Swoon and others) to celebrate the LGBT community and full and equal rights for all Americans. Tonight, I'm accompanying my talented friend Mel Lim, who is one of the artists participating, to the opening. The gallery is open to to the public March 3 through March 7 in Holllywood. Please check it out!

Another Gem in Culver City

2010-02-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

I had been to Akasha once for brunch with Claire, but last night I had a dinner that did not disappoint. At this Culver City spot it's all about local, organic and hand-crafted ingredients that come from small family farms and sustainable companies. You can taste the difference. The roasted cauliflower with curry powder and herbed Greek yogurt is a new addiction.

Dazzling Dinner

2010-02-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hatfield's was always on my list, but I never made it in and next thing I knew, they had moved to the old Red Pearl Kitchen space on Melrose. We went in on Monday night and had an incredible experience, from the warm and friendly service to the incredible dishes from chef Quinn Hatfield. Tim started with a "Croque Madame" made of yellowtail sashimi, proscuitto and a sunny side up quail egg on grilled brioche. I had one bite and instantly proclaimed it as one of my top 5 favorite dishes.

I opted for a slow baked Tasmanian Ocent Trout with the most incredible caramelized endive and baby cabbage leaves while Tim chose the Loup de Mer wtih fried caper and almond dried apricot crunch. I also loved the exposed kitchen and chic decor and even though the restaurant was nearly full it wasn't noisy like so many other restaurants in this town. I can't wait to go back.

Flower Mart Souvenir

2010-02-23T08:18:00.000-08:00

Roll Bounce

2010-02-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

Last night we went to a potluck at a friend's place in Atwater Village. TK told me that he had a surprise for me (and to bring socks and wear jeans). So then I figured he was probably taking me bowling afterward, which would have been fun. After a short drive we pulled up to Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale, an old school skating rink complete with '70s R&B/soul tunes and pro-like skaters. I was so excited and surprised and we ended up staying for two hours.

The Art of Fashion

2010-02-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, The Stylist Project, a portrait exhibition by painter Kimberly Brooks, opens at Taylor De Cordoba and runs through April 3. If you love fashion you won't want to miss it. There are portraits of Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant (pictured), my friends Cameron Silver and Jeanne Yang, Madonna stylist Arianne Phillips, Rachel Zoe and more! I visited Kimberly's studio twice throughout the process, but I can't wait to see them all finished and hanging in the gallery.

You may read my L.A. Times story on Kimberly here.

Daydreaming

2010-02-19T15:20:00.001-08:00

It may still be winter, but I'm already thinking of spring and summer. I'm loving these retro bikinis from Anthropologie.

More Wedding Snaps

2010-02-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Blow Out

2010-02-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

I've lived in Brentwood for 11 years now and the new shops, restaurants and beauty spots that keep popping up make it hard for me to leave my walkable neighborhood. In addition to discovering that Pinkberry now delivers (we tried last night, but were too late for the 8pm cut off), Drybar has opened. The blow dry-only salon was packed on opening week thanks to its adorable decor (a light fixture made out of yellow hair dryers) and $35 blowouts (choose from five styles). Cannot wait to go in.

Felicidades Ayesha & Robin!

2010-02-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

Just returned from four days of paradise in Puerto Vallarta for Ayesha and Robin's wedding. You may remember that the swine flu forced them to cancel their big day, which was scheduled for May 2009. Well not even a pandemic can keep these two down. They simply rescheduled and it made the day that much sweeter. I haven't danced that much in years and everything about the wedding, particularly the incredible ethnic diversity, made it unforgettable. More pics to come, but here's a preview.

Sending Love

2010-02-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

R.I.P. McQueen

2010-02-11T07:50:00.001-08:00

I am so shocked and saddened by the passing of designer Alexander McQueen. I feel so lucky to have interviewed him as he has always been one of my favorites. The fashion community has lost one of the most creative talents ever. You may read more here.

Three's Company

2010-02-10T19:37:00.000-08:00

Today, Heather, Clare and I met up for the tasty mache salad with roasted chicken at Bottega Louie Downtown. While the restaurant is beautiful, with its super high ceilings, marble and brass, the market is where it's at. Look at all the goodness on display. Love.

Saturday Night Snaps

2010-02-07T17:23:00.001-08:00

Some shots from FIDM's Motion Picture Costume Design exhibition, which was one of their best yet. The Where the Wild Things Are gallery is incredible.

A Spirited Debut

2010-02-05T08:17:00.001-08:00

My boyfriend plays drums in two bands right now and they have two completely different sounds. Spirit Alley, which is composed of a father and son, ex radio DJs and TK, is now on iTunes! These songs, best described as "21st century classic rock," are really good and this is not my normal genre. I find myself singing them in my head constantly.

New Guilty Pleasure

2010-02-03T13:28:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to check out Kell On Earth because my DVR is seeing a lot of action with 24, Damages and Lost, but I caught an episode last night and thought it was by far the most realistic representation of the fashion industry I've ever seen on TV or film. I used to work with Kelly Cutrone, before she was a TV star, and it's really fun getting to see her intense work environment juxtaposed with her sweet relationship with her daughter, who has some of the best lines on the show. "Why should I bother getting dressed up if you're going to put me in the third row?" asks the seven year-old to her mama during New York Fashion Week. Check it out if you get a chance.

Costumes Close Up

2010-02-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

I've been working with FIDM/The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising since 2002, and one of my favorite things about the college and West Coast home of Project Runway is their annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" exhibition. This year's group includes stunning costumes from The Young Victoria (shown above), Nine, Julie & Julia, Where the Wild Things Are, and A Single Man, among others. The exhibition opens next Tuesday, February 9, and runs through April 17. It's totally free too!

You may read my Style.com post here.

Friday Night Fun

2010-02-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

On Friday night we hit the Viper Room for a show that started at 12:30am (actual time was even later) armed with sugar free Red Bull. One of Tim's friends was staying at the Sunset Tower Hotel so we stopped by there first before taking in the band (featuring a different friend) and getting home at 2:30. Trivia: Tim and I once went to a Jewish rap duo show at the Viper Room back in 1999, when we were just "friends."

Help For Haiti

2010-01-28T08:10:00.000-08:00

I'm planning on making chocolate butterscotch fudge for this great event on Sunday afternoon. Check it out if you're in the area! Read more about No Cookie Left Behind.

On the Runway

2010-01-27T11:58:00.000-08:00

Pure loveliness from Chanel's Spring 2010 Couture show in Paris.

Photos via Style.com

La Rosa

2010-01-25T08:56:00.000-08:00

Looking at these make Monday a littler easier.

Ryan's Day

2010-01-24T09:02:00.001-08:00

Every year my high school friends and I gather to celebrate our friend Ryan, who we lost in 2003. We always do a craft, which is incredibly fun, eat great food and have plenty of laughs. We even got to go for a ride in Delilah and Gustavo's new 1974 VW Bus!

GTL

2010-01-21T09:50:00.001-08:00

I was feeling like the only person who hadn't seen MTV's Jersey Shore so I finally caught an episode over the weekend and all I can say is wow. Citysearch has a funny list of ways that the cast can "keep it fresh" while in LA. It's a situation.

Dinner and a Movie

2010-01-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

Dad's birthday dinner at Foreign Cinema, a great spot in the Mission.

Get It While You Can

2010-01-20T15:50:00.001-08:00

I love Clare Vivier's clutches and bags and here's your chance to get one at a steal thanks to the Target Red Hot Shop!

Post-Rain Sunset

2010-01-20T09:28:00.001-08:00

From my balcony.

World History

2010-01-19T11:39:00.000-08:00

We also visited the California Academy of Sciences Museum and Planetarium (complete with cheesy green screen photo), mainly to check out the penguins and living rainforest. We didn't have enough time to catch the Cartier Exhibit at the Legion of Honor, but it looks amazing.

Tea Time

2010-01-19T11:36:00.000-08:00

My sister took us to an adorable tea salon in San Francisco called Crown & Crumpet. The cafe and shop had more varieties of tea than I have ever seen and plenty of British humor. I had a pot of minted green and some tea sandwiches.

The Return of Pee-Wee!

2010-01-14T10:15:00.000-08:00

Last night my Mom, Dad, Tim and I went to see The Pee-Wee Herman Show at Club Nokia (my Christmas gift to my Mom as she is a big fan). It was beyond amazing. As soon as the curtain came up I felt overcome with emotion, which I did not expect at all. There was Chairry, Mr. Window, Pterri, Conky, Magic Screen, Globey, Jambi and the adorable flowers and fish.

Then came Cowboy Curtis, Miss Yvonne and all the other characters and it was so incredibly nostalgic. If you get a chance to see the show please do. We laughed so much and the crowd was so into it (you can see that TK put on a bow tie for the occasion). The set was identical to the TV show, but I couldn't get any pictures.

We also grabbed a bite at Trader Vic's first (my parents first date was at the one in San Francisco) beforehand and started celebrating my Dad's birthday a little early.

On Sale

2010-01-13T11:37:00.001-08:00

I was just here the other day visiting Doris and I promise you there are affordable items to be had! It's not all collectable designer stuff there's really cool costume jewelry, hats, dresses and much more!

V Vintage Expands

2010-01-13T08:39:00.001-08:00

Jill Garland's adorable V Vintage boutique, which sells vintage costume jewelry and handbags from Chanel, YSL, Lanvin, Gucci and more, is now selling clothing (including custom made 70s-style blouses) at a brand new space downstairs. I have two fantastic pieces thanks to Jill and love them.

To End The Weekend

2010-01-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

Fun party last night at Sunset Tower Hotel, which is one of my favorites in town. I got to meet Brad from The Rachel Zoe Project , Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant adjusted Tim's pocket square and we ran into Heather and Clare. Cameron Silver and Audi know how to throw a party (lots of Moet, dancing and cute miniature food that hardly anyone ate).

Getting Outside

2010-01-08T13:19:00.000-08:00

Some shots from a hike we did last weekend. We played bocce ball before the sun began to set.

Start Spreading the News

2010-01-08T10:00:00.001-08:00

Who couldn't use a cool $1,000? My blog, MyVeryWorstDate.com is giving away a grand to the person with The Worst Date In America! The contest runs through February 12, 2010 and the winner will be announced on Valentine's Day. It's free to enter and you can read all about it on the Contest page of the site.

If you don't have a worst date of your own please spread the word to family and friends as you never know who may have one! Thanks so much.

In the Kitchen

2010-01-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

Today the L.A. Times has their Top 10 recipes of 2009 (plus five runners-up). I haven' t made any of them yet, but I sure hope to!

A New Decade: 2010

2010-01-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

I don't usually make official New Year's Resolutions, but since this blog is like a virtual diary of sorts I thought I'd jot down a few goals.

1. Say no more.
2. Get outside every single day even if I'm writing.
3. Work on my tennis serve.
4. Laugh as much as possible.
5. Curb Diet Coke consumption.

What are yours?

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T11:14:00.000-08:00

Be safe tonight and have fun!

Asian Sensation

2009-12-31T11:01:00.000-08:00

I have had a long love affair with the garlic noodles at Crustacean and the Beverly Hills spot has been a favorite of my family for years. So when we heard that they were opening a casual bistro at South Coast Plaza everyone was stoked. AnQi didn't disappoint: the lovely An sisters are the ultimate hostesses, the drinks are stiff, food is outstanding and the noodles are just like I remembered.

OC Love

2009-12-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

Some snapshots from Pelican Hill. We had several stunning sunsets and one day of pool weather :)

The Night After Christmas

2009-12-29T19:37:00.000-08:00

An amazing dinner with family and good friends at The Resort at Pelican Hill.

Melisse At Last

2009-12-29T15:16:00.000-08:00

Had an amazing four course dinner at the Michelin two star restaurant Melisse in Santa Monica. Been wanting to try this place for the last decade and Tim's birthday was the perfect reason to finally get in there! We sat in the fireplace room and enjoyed dishes such as lobster bolognese (insanely good), proscuitto wrapped monkfish, roasted venison loin and sticky toffee pudding. It was one of my top three meals in Los Angeles.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to you all!

In the spirit of giving and being thankful here's a new story I wrote for The Huffington Post on philanthropist Charles Annenberg Weingarten. If you have a HuffPo account please comment on the story!

Thank you for reading my blog :) I'll be back next week.

TK Bday

2009-12-23T07:41:00.000-08:00

A very Happy Birthday to my drummer boy.

Every day I love him just a little bit more,
A little bit more, a little bit more.
Every day I love him just a little bit more,
And he loves me the same.

On Ice

2009-12-22T08:09:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we went ice skating Downtown at Pershing Square which was interesting. Was trying to get in the holiday spirit, but it was like 75 degrees!

Last Batch From Maui

2009-12-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

Baking 101

2009-12-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

This holiday season Jodi and I gave each other the Intro to Baking I: Cake and Frosting Development class at Kiss My Bundt instead of traditional gifts. Neither of us are avid bakers so this was the perfect hands on intro. We made chocolate banana versions and we left with a box of mini bundt cakes that my boyfriend proclaimed as the best cake he had ever tasted! Thanks Chrysta for being such a fun and helpful instructor. The Third Street bakery has a flurry of other classes so check them out!

Happiness Is...

2009-12-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

Half off happy hour at Sansei in Kihei for mango crab rolls and ahi tempura rolls. It was Chelsea's first time and definitely lived up to the hype we've been feeding her!

Christmas Dolls

2009-12-19T16:52:00.001-08:00

I've received some really nice holiday cards this year, but when I saw this one from my mom I was very excited.

Aloha Maui

2009-12-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

I'm back on the mainland. Here are a few scenes from our trip. More to come next week!

Bon Voyage

2009-12-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

Leave for vacation tomorrow with my sister. Be back in a week. Happy Holidays!

Shop Talk

2009-12-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

Read about the newest crop of stores to hit L.A. in my Retail Roundup for Los Angeles Confidential's December issue.

Chanel-lo!

2009-12-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

Christos and Cameron why do you do this to us? I really can't get enough of Chanel. It's hands down my favorite, but I'm not going because I am on a self-imposed shopping hiatus, but have fun and tell me about it!

See It

2009-12-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

Up In the Air is definitely one of the better movies I saw this year. Fantastic performances all around, a new story that hasn't been told before, awesome title design and a nice score too.

Sweetness

2009-12-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

I've been a little sick the last week hence the lack of any activity-related posts lately, but I am feeling a lot better today in time for dinner and a movie tonight. I've also finished a lot of holiday shopping, which feels really good. My sister and I are taking a trip together, just us, for the first time in our lives and we leave in a week so I'm trying to get as much done as possible. Here are some ideas for sweet treats if you're doing any edible gift giving this season.

Kiss My Bundt's Big Ol' Maple Bacon Bundt Cake with Maple Glaze, $28 (can be shipped). My friend Claire doesn't have a big sweet tooth, but I bet she would like a bacon bundt cake :)

Compartes, which is down the street from my place, has been around forever, but then came 24 year-old chocolatier Jonathan and his Signature Truffles are almost too beautiful to eat, $40.

I've been sending Deluscious Cookies to people ever since I did a story on them for InStyle back in 2001. Their Specialty Christmas Dozen features chocolate peppermint, ginger spice and white chocolate macademia nut cranberry cookies, $48.95.

Have a lovely weekend!

Bags Bags Bags

2009-12-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

If any of these appeal to you, your girlfriend, your mom, friend or daughter please consider buying as all monies will go directly to Kids of Kilimanjaro! George, Gina & Lucy bags are sold at Fred Segal and have been featured on Gossip Girl and normally retail for around $300. I'm selling them for $100 and $75 apiece so please email me if you want one or have any questions. They are made of sturdy nylon and leather with lots of storage and pockets.

Mel Lim's Latest

2009-12-01T12:02:00.001-08:00

My friend Mel Lim has been producing amazing stationery, letterpress and home products for years from her San Diego base, but how cute are these Ultrasuede iPhone Sleeves? I just ordered one to protect mine.

Hand Made

2009-12-01T10:57:00.001-08:00

My sister made me this gorgeous paper flower from Paper Source. Thank you Chelsea!

Hike With An Ocean View

2009-11-30T09:05:00.000-08:00

We went for a great hike at El Morro at Crystal Cove the Friday after Thanksgiving. It was a nice way to burn off some of the damage that was done the day before.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

Two For One

2009-11-28T21:22:00.000-08:00

I don't get facials very often, but when I do I love to go to Kate Somerville. This promotion is a great deal for the holidays (click the pic to enlarge).

March to the Sea: First Gig

2009-11-28T21:18:00.000-08:00

Amazing first show can't wait to hear more.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T09:55:00.001-08:00

I'm taking the rest of the week off from blogging so have a very Happy Thanksgiving and lots of good food.

Juicy Rodeo Windows

2009-11-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

The New Runyon

2009-11-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

TK and I discovered a new hike in Los Feliz and it was truly amazing. It starts out lush and green as if you were in a tropical jungle and then the Observatory is quickly revealed to you. The Mt. Hollywood hike is a great change from Runyon, it's not crowded at all and there are no ironic moustaches or American Apparel tees in sight (we did it two days in a row so we must have liked it). We started at Los Feliz Blvd and looped around at the Observatory.

Instant Karma

2009-11-22T14:31:00.000-08:00

Long story, but I had a really bad dinner the other night and felt like I wasted $90. Just as I got home I heard a giveaway on KCRW and won! We were treated to dinner at McCormick & Schmick's, a $50 Brooks Brothers gift card and got to watch the tree lighting ceremony at Two Rodeo, which was followed by fireworks and fake snow. We had a great night and it started to feel like Christmas.

Birthday Boy

2009-11-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Andy (modeling the hat we gave him)!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

2009-11-18T16:39:00.000-08:00

Was just doing some Christmas shopping a little early. How cute are these items from Kate Spade?

Lake Show

2009-11-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

They didn't win, but we still had fun going to the Lakers vs. Rockets game last night. The USC Marching Band opened the night and were saw everyone from David Beckham and Jack Nicholson to Slash and George Lopez (sitting together). Thanks to TK's work hookup we did it luxury suite-style.

Back From Boston

2009-11-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

Just returned from a visit to Boston where Anjali and I dined on the best New England clam chowder and lobster. Chilly and rainy, but lots of fun!

Paper Doll

2009-11-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Illustrator Dyna Moe has created a new set of Mad Men paper dolls and this round it's all about Joan, who is my favorite. Note the blood stained green dress from the John Deere massacre (JFK foreshadowing?) episode!