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For you trivia lovers out there... You learn something new every day!

(via the Oatmeal)

Swimming in the Rain

Just thought this was pretty and sweet, and wanted to share. This week was a doozy, Happy Friday!

(picture from Oh Pioneer!)

Where to Eat Wednesdays: Bottega Louie

So as promised, I tried somewhere new and exciting for dinner on my birthday, Bottega Louie, in downtown LA. I had heard a lot of good things about this place, and since I'm always keen on Italian food when I get to pick the place (because Zac NEVER wants to go out for Italian), I thought this was the perfect choice.

Bottega Louie is kind of known for their dessert bar/ bakery, and particularly their "macarons" (double "o" intentionially left out, Italian thing? not sure). And as you can see below, they come in many flavors and are delicious if you're into macarons.

I might have the biggest sweet tooth known to man, so I was particularly smitten by their butterscotch dessert that was ridiculously good, with just the right amount of salt to give that balance of decadence.

Overall, the place was a lot of fun. We did have to wait (over an hour!) for our table, but they don't take reservations, and we had a large party, so I wasn't too surprised. BUT, we got to hang out by their fun bar and mingle which really is all I wanted to do anyway. The ambiance was nice, and the restaurant is in a beautiful old building downtown which made the high ceilings and big windows that much more impressive. It was noisy, but who cares? We were there to talk anyway!

So cheers to birthdays! This one was pretty awesome.

Happy birthday to me!

How do you like to spend your birthday? Some people aren't very into "celebrating" their birthdays. And others, well, consider it the best day of the year! :) I like to do something special, or out of the norm to mark the special day. Last year, Zac and I took time off of work and went to Sonoma! That was pretty extravagant, I must say. And this year, with so much going on lately, I thought it'd be nice to try out a new foodie spot with friends.

So that's where I'll be tonight. I can't wait! I'll make sure to tell you all about it on Where to Eat Wednesday. I hope your July 23rd is as good as mine! ;)


(sweet picture from how sweet eats)

Furniture Fun

After months of deliberations (literally), we bought a desk! It seems a little ridiculous to toil over a decision for so long, but since Zac and I come from very different places when considering investing in furniture, we really had to mull this one over. But in the end, we found a compromise, and I'm just so excited to be able to start the "nesting"/ decorating process to prepare for baby.

So what do you think? I'm totally into white right now, so I'm loving the simplicity of the desk. It also comes in a mirror and metal wrapped finish, which I loved, but the staff at West Elm advised against both for durability reasons. All and all, I agreed, and figured the more expensive options weren't worth it if they were likely to warp or be more easily damaged.

Do you like decorating? Does it come easy to you or do you think things over way too much like me? I wish it came easier to me, but I try to have fun in the process!

(desk from West Elm)

Where to Eat Wednesday: Fritto Misto

This week, let's go for some Italian with a fun little spot in Santa Monica called Fritto Misto. It seems like everyone who lives in Santa Monica already knows about this place, but in case you're new, or like me, and never heard of it, but have only driven passed it- check it out!

Fritto Misto means "fried mix" in Italian, I think. And although we didn't order their signature appetizer, it sounds delicious, as it's just a mix of fried goodies like calamari and such.

The restaurant is casual and affordably priced, which is a big plus. They don't have a website, but you can check out their yelp reviews here.

Overall, the food is really enjoyable. Everyone in my party really liked what they ordered, and even their bread was noteworthy. It's always disappointing to go to an Italian place with less than impressive bread, isn't it? That's usually my favorite part! Another plus is that you can bring your own wine, with a service charge of $2 per person.. not bad!
Enjoy!

(tip: go early or on a weeknight to avoid long waits on the weekend)

Childbirth classes

Last week, Zac and I went to our first childbirth class. It wasn't as crazy as it sounds. It was just a bunch of couples, like us, listening to a very entertaining and knowledgable woman. We brought pillows, we (I) practiced breathing (of course), and we soaked up information.

The best part was that the "teacher" (or whatever she's called?) really emphasized the importance of the coach, or in my case, Zac. I loved this because up until this point everything has been so focused on me- my pregnancy, my belly, my pre-natal yoga class.. yada yada yada.. So it was refreshing, and I think so important, to put the spotlight on Zac. Because let's face it, his role in this whole thing is crucial. He's my rock. And I certainly trust that he'll be there for me 100%, but I'm sure it's comforting for him to be included in this way. Regardless, so far we like the class, and I'm excited for the next three. :)

If you've been pregnant, did you take a childbirth class? Was it at your hospital or no? Did you find it helpful? If you haven't been through this, does it creep you out? Stress you out? Did I tell you that one of my best friends had an almost phobia of pregnant woman!? Until now.. :)

(funny photo found via Pinterest)

Expensive taste.

Currently, I'm eyeing these:

Let's just say it's time for a new wallet. In the past few weeks, I've had multiple people comment on the ridiculousness of my wallet. It's bulging, and not with dollars. It's also years old, and from Urban Outfitters, and I'm feeling ready for a big girl wallet. What do you think? Preferences? Are there other wallets out there? I'm really stuck between these three!

(first two images from Michael Kors, last from Kate Spade)

Happy Saturday!

What are you doing this weekend? In case you're in the West Los Angeles area and want some impromptu fun, check out the Venice carnival at Westminster and Main. I have clients who live around there, who are not particularly excited about all of the traffic, but if you get there early enough, it should be a bit easier. And being Venice, you're bound to see something interesting!

Also, tomorrow is the Long Beach Antique Market. It's super cool, and big. I don't usually like super big shopping areas, as they can be overwhelming and tiring, but the overcast weather kind of lends itself to outdoor shopping, and the antique market is really neat if you have a passion for old, hip things. You might even have a celebrity siting! :)

Whatever you do this weekend, enjoy it!

Where to Eat Wednesday: Dean and Deluca

Ok, so this may be cheating, as I like to talk about places to eat in LA on Wednesdays. But in honor of my recent trip to New York, I thought I'd share one of my FAVORITE coffee places/ bakeries.

After being exposed to Dean and Deluca through Felicity years ago- and discovering it is a real life place in NYC, I had to try it out. Now, every time I'm in the city, I've got to make the stop. I think it's the atmosphere that I like so much, but the coffee makes it an easy sell. Not only is it good, but even their de-caf is good! I can vouch for that.

They have everything from wine and cheese to meats and baked goods. When I stopped in recently, I, of course, got something from the bakery, which is definitely my recommendation for you. My lemon scone was the perfect mix of fluffy and sweet, with a little tang. It went so fast, I didn't even take a picture of it! Sadly, D & D has had to close a few locations in the past few years, so I've got to spread the word to keep them going strong! So check it out!

Do you have a favorite coffee place in New York?

New York, New York

Have you ever read the lyrics to the song "New York, New York"? It's such an iconic song, and the words are so simple, but his voice gives you that feeling, like you're there. It points to the opportunity that symbolizes New York, and man, is Sinatra right.. if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere!

I got to experience the spirit of the song during my trip last week to the big apple. I had a really nice time visiting James' godmother (!), Amanda (AJ to you), my friend from the good ol' days of Las Vegas, 9th grade, and basketball. AJ and I really re-connected during the winter of 2002 when we were on break from our first semester of college, and we've been tight ever since, although almost always on different coasts.

On my trip, we went to Connecticut for a 4th of July BBQ, and I got to drive her car back to Manhattan, which was an exciting first! (For the record, I didn't hit one pedestrian!) After, we promptly got in pajamas after our day out in the sweaty heat, ordered pizza, and watched bad TV instead of fireworks. All and all, a great 4th.

Her darling boyfriend made us dinner one night, and the other days were filled with lots of delis and de-caf coffees.

I got to shop, stroll the parks, and see old friends and my fun Aunt Pam. It was great! And it was all topped off with a glorious dinner in Chinatown and $25 foot massages on my last night. Chinatown is pretty amazing. I highly recommend it. Check us out:

(look how happy she is:)

So I think that pretty much sums it up. New York is beautiful, but humid. I love how every time I go, I get to explore new eateries and improve upon my subway skills. But in the end, I really just wanted to go to spend much needed time with friends before all they want to do is hang out with James.. :)

See you soon, New York!

(Don't you love how the Empire State Building peeks through the arc?)

This is what a pregnant lady look like.

I hadn't been taking many "belly" photos these past few weeks, so I wanted to make sure we got one to represent the first week of the 3rd trimester. Represent! I can't believe we're here already, but baby James just keeps on growin'.

My new top in the picture above was purchased during my fun New York trip, at a cute little maternity store in the West Village called Belly Dance Maternity. I love the material, stripes, and length! I also got these simple slacks for work. They were much needed.

Heads up for a post recapping my trip tomorrow! But in the mean time, how was your weekend?

Do you listen to classical music?

The other day I set the preset in the car to the classical music station. I noticed how annoyed I would get with my regular radio stations, playing the same songs over and over, and was refreshed with the soothing melodies of the featured philharmonics. Plus, I thought baby James might benefit from the early exposure to the classics as well. ;)

So how bout it? Do you like classical music? I think it does wonders for road rage, especially in L.A... But I think I'm a little partial to it thanks to my years in the school band!

(image via BBC)

Where to Eat Wednesday: Carne Asada

Happy Independence Day America!

In honor of today being a national holiday, and considering that it is a true American tradition to BBQ, I thought I'd share with you my all time favorite bbq item:
carne asada!

It makes sense that I love this so much because it's one of those rare, special meals made at home that you really don't have to do any prep work for, other than throw it on the grill. We order from an authentic Mexican place not far from where we live called Sánchez Carnicería. The marinated meat comes by the pound, and it comes marinated with onions and herbs- it doesn't get any better than that. And I have to thank my dear friend, Esteban, for exposing me to the amazing idea at one of his famous parties.

So, are you bbq'ing today? If not, how do you celebrate the holiday? Lounge in your pajamas and celebrate your freedom to do so? Watch fireworks? Hang at the pool? I plan on seeing fireworks for the first time since I was a kid, in New York City!

Happy 4th, y'all.

(photo from a travel blog)

Sharing the blogger love

My friend, Maddy, who also writes a blog was published recently on HelloGiggles. Check out her intriguing post on the the subject related to the above image, and it's one exception (well, two, but you must read to find out what they are!)

Here is a favorite quote used in her piece:

“We were made to enjoy music, to enjoy beautiful sunsets, to enjoy looking at the billows of the sea and to be thrilled with a rose that is bedecked with dew… Human beings are actually created for the transcendent, for the sublime, for the beautiful, for the truthful… and all of us are given the task of trying to make this world a little more hospitable to these beautiful things.”- Desmond Tutu

So, here's to Maddy! I truly do love that I get to share my friend's artistic talents in this space, I admire and appreciate you all so much. Keep on rockin'

(image via Maddy's blog, The Jobless Wonder)