All right, guys, I know I haven't blogged in forever; although two months since my last blog is better than never, right? Let's just say I haven't had a dull moment and this is the first time in a long time where my mind feels a bit relaxed and ready to unwind (a.k.a. my lesson planning and grading are done for the day and I can reawaken the Hip Chick for a few moments). I just completed a fantastic winter break, beginning with the brief visit of my Hetzi/Pea from SF, two fun-filled weeks with my cousin - my love - Ally, visiting from New York, and a road trip up and down the CA coast with my cousin and brother. Today's notable mentions span Cali from the north to the south and are just a few of the many gems I've (re)discovered in the past couple of months:
The chocolate chip cookies are to die for. Although the s'more cookie (see above) is delicious, it's not nearly as moist (heh) as the plain ol' chocolate chip cookie; soft and chewy with half-melted chips...my mouth is watering already! The Apple Farm is worth the stop off the 101 if you're driving up/down the coast. They're also known for their boxed lunches, which will cost you $13 a pop.
This place is famous for their pancakes (18 in the large stack!) and breakfast comfort foods. Even though their flapjacks are rather popular, order the french toast. We ordered it for the whole table and scarfed it down like it was going out of style. Really glad I ordered granola and fruit for my main meal, so as to add some sort of health factor to the calorie consumption on the trip. Although you'll encounter big crowds hovering outside, the long line moves quickly and the food is worth the wait.
Starbucks can suck it. The Coffee Bean has THE best green tea soy lattes. As I say to my students when my directions don't warrant a response, "No questions asked." Now that I live a stone's throw from a CB, you can find me there a few mornings a week. I'll take the Genmaicha.
I recently purchased an adorable leather dress at
Le Joli (709 N. Sierra Bonita Ave., cross street is Melrose), my new favorite clothing store on Melrose. I purchased a dress and sequined shorts (yeah, I said it) without breaking the bank, and I almost tipped the lady who owns the store. She was so nice!! This dress deserved a fabulous new pair of shoes, despite the fact that I already have about 60 (the apple doesn't fall far from my father's tree) at home. So Ally and I cruised down the street to Shoes for the Stars, where a very nice transexual sold me ridiculously high (yet surprisingly comfortable) brown pumps. If you have a style that's unique and a bit off the beaten path, check out this funky little place. Women, men, and TS's welcome. You can never have too many shoes, right??
I'm sure I'm forgetting some places, yet these are the few that stand out. Oh, be sure to stop in
Big Sur off Highway 1 for an awesome hike and a bite to eat at
Nepenthe, a lodge-like restaurant with unbelievable views of the ocean and California Coast.
Fit tip for you Angelinos: Walk, walk, walk! No one in LA walks! It's January 6, 75 degrees and sunny, and the rest of the people in the country are getting frostbite on their unmentionables. Take your dog to Runyon, hike Fryman, stroll the Santa Monica Pier, or throw on some comfy shoes and explore your own neighborhood. Walking in LA is a great way to burn calories without even realizing you're working out.
Here are some of my New Year's Resolutions (most aren't so deep, so bear with me):
1. Keep up the workouts. Although working with a trainer may be pricey, mine has kicked my ass into the best shape I've ever been in.
2. If I don't get a boyfriend by my 28th birthday (June 8: note it), I'm getting a dog. Shihtzu, Lhasapoo, Shihpoo - one of them will be mine (Lhasapoo preferred, wink wink, Gaylan).
3. Take a trip to Vegas - "Hangover" style. This is already in the works, with the date TBD.
4. Continue to count my blessings for the amazing family and friends in my life. Without them, I don't know where I'd be.
5. Say "Peace out" to all the douchebags who have graced my life for the past few years. A new decade means a new me. I'm over entertaining the pedestrians who have little to offer me besides brain teasers and wasted text messages.
Download this:
"Beautiful" by Goldfrapp. Best if played at a high volume. Don't be surprised if you hear it blasting through my open windows as I barrel through Laurel Canyon. Rock on.
Wishing a happy and healthy New Year to all my readers out there. Cheers!
...and that's about how long my family has been going to Al Gelato. Located on the southeast corner of Gregory and Robertson, Al Gelato is a family-run establishment, serving up homemade Italian food, gelato, and some of the most unbelievable cakes and pies you've ever eaten. I completely credit my taste for good food to those who raised me, and one of my earliest memories of Al Gelato is meeting George Gaynes (a.k.a. "Henry") from "Punky Brewster" at the gelato counter and getting an autographed pic of him.
