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)