The Hip Chick Visits the OC

      I am definitely an LA girl.  Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, I only hit up the beach when I know I will be there for a short period of time and won't have to deal with the heat, sand, and disturbingly dirty public bathrooms.  Don't get me wrong though, I do have my moments; nothing beats a drink on the pier, relaxing with friends, dipping your feet in the ocean (the seaweed scares me...and my cousin Matt), or going for a run along the sand that's been hardened by the tide.  

Now this blog only gives you a glimpse into my world.  We all have a past, and the OC makes up a large part of my past.  Despite the fact that LA is my home and I have spent the majority of my 26 years of life here, for four years I lived in Newport Beach, CA, trying to fit in with the beach bunnies and surfer dudes.  I believe that everything you go through makes you stronger, and I was displaced to this beachy atmosphere mid-freshman year of high school due to a loss that no child should endure.  Although I see these years in Newport as my "dark years," I am fortunate enough to carry with me fantastic friends who were my rays of sunshine during that time period.  So as much as I used to cringe at the thought of having to return to a place that brought about such feelings of sadness, now, years later, I see it for what it is: a beautiful place to visit that is the home to my wonderful dad and his wonderful girlfriend, and the amazing friends who held my hands during such difficult times.  Now wipe those tears away and let's continue.  

When I go to the OC, I stay at the Casa de papa Hip Chick y su novia.  Really, if you stay here, it's like the royal treatment: fresh flowers, homemade sweets, apple pancakes, steam showers (say what?!) and a whole lot of love.  While my dad is busy at work during the day, his girlfriend and I like taking advantage of the beautiful sights (and shops) that the OC has to offer.  When I was visiting last weekend, we headed down to Crystal Cove for some exercise.  Now my only memories of Crystal Cove consist of my high school boyfriend and I breaking into the beach after hours with his lifeguard key...the rest I'll leave up to your naughty imaginations.  Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that I was only 17, pre-college corruption and a man named Mr. Jack Daniels.  Regardless, it was nice to see Crystal Cove in another light...the light of the sun.  While my dad's gf and I were walking along the beach, I decided to take off for a run.  Really, running has never been so peaceful or motivational.  I flipped my IPod to my most recently downloaded David Guetta songs and took off.  There is something to be said about running along the water; you get this feeling of freedom and happiness and it's incredibly rejuvenating.  I highly recommend it.

After our walk/run, we brunched at the Beachcomber Cafe, which sits right along the water.  The service was great and the food was delicious.  Gayle had egg frittata and I had the oatmeal.  The wait will be long, especially if you're there when the weather is nice.  Despite the wait, the food and ambiance are worth it, and the little table buzzer thingamajig travels pretty far, so you can dip your tootsies in the water if you take a pre-grub walk along the beach.  

I know I'm talkin' a whole lot about the OC, but I need to throw in a little tidbit about MILK on Beverly (just west of LA Brea).  One of my best friends and I went there last night for dessert after a delicious dinner from Buddha's Belly.  She suggested the blue velvet cake and...OMG...it was unbelievable.  Obvi, it's blue, but there are blueberries lodged into the frosting layers with a chocolate covered blueberry on top.  This cake is like a blueberry muffin on crack.  It's amazing!  And the frosting is this buttercream deliciousness.  If you don't like blueberries then, well, sucks for you.  And if you do like blueberries?  You'll love me (and Stephanie) forever.  I ate to the point where I was physically ill from forcing my stomach to expand to fit in all that yummy goodness.  Oh, and we also shared a blondie, but the nuts made it less appetizing.  If you like nuts in your sweets (walnuts, chestnuts...), then go balls out.  Enjoy!

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Today in Southern California it's 70 degrees and sunny.  Hellooooo, Spring!  On days like these, I love taking advantage of being outdoors and soaking in the delicious climate that makes SoCal such a hot spot.  Sure, you could go to the beach, although it's still not warm enough and it's not quite time to start that sand collection in places where the sun doesn't shine.  So what's a great way to play outside, explore SoCal's flora and fauna (dogs, in layman's terms), and get your sweat on?  Take a hike!  Both in the valley and over the hill, one can take in some amazing views of Los Angeles, get a tan, and feel the burn on some of our amazing trails, the two most popular being Runyon Canyon and Fryman Canyon.       

Runyon Canyon

I've been to Runyon Canyon numerous times.  I actually went here on a date a few years ago thinking that, miraculously, G-d might shine down upon me and close up my sweat glands for a couple of hours, making me look carefree and sexy on this daytime excursion (note to self: not gonna happen).  I roll up in workout gear while home skillet rocks some everyday wear.  Whaddya know, I'm sweating balls at the end of the trail while my date looks like he never stepped foot on the path.  Awesome.  From that point on, I learned to only workout with people who are aware of my pulling the small stick in the sweat gene pool (if you know my cousin Eric, he got screwed too...lucky us).  

Nestled in the Hollywood Hills (Fuller and Franklin), Runyon is the place to see and be seen.  When you first enter this path, free yoga classes take place on the lawn to the left.  You'll see a bit of a fork in the road straight ahead: the right side leads you up numerous stairs to the viewpoint, where the left leads you up the main path and branches off to more difficult trails.  I often take the path most traveled, which is a nice balance of uphill and flat territory, followed by a steep incline to the finish.  I start at the foot of Fuller, although I believe there is a parking lot at the top of the main path (close to Mulholland) where many people park.  I'm just more fond of starting from the bottom (street parking only), working my way to the top, then turning around and saving the downhill for last.  If you so choose, you can try one of the alternate paths.  One of these paths, which I call the "Death Trail," is more than intense.  Don't brave this if you're not in good shape.  It's narrow, steep, and dusty, although well worth it if you can handle the challenge.  The first time I tried this Death Trail - which can be found a few steps into the main trail - I was about to rip my friend's head off (love you, Mara); although when I tried it about two years later, after many months of intense workouts, I ended up enjoying a hike I never thought I'd brave again.  I also wore my Keen Israeli hiking shoes the second time around, reducing my fear of slipping and falling on my ass.  Runyon has unbelievable views of Los Angeles and you trek alongside the Hollywood sign.  It's a great hike to try if you're new to town or simply want to test your legs on some pretty cool territory.  Wear sunscreen because there's little shade and your white ass will get burnt.  Oh, and bring your bitches.  All I ask is that you pick up their dookie because it stinks out there!

Pros: Amazing views; multiple paths; great rest stop w/views mid-hike; celebrity sightings

Cons: Crowded; difficult to park; smells like dog crap (ew)

Fryman Canyon

I have numerous friends who hike Fryman Canyon, although I had yet to try it myself.  Today was my day.  After an intense workout class, I dragged my ass to meet one of my good friends for a mid-day hike at Fryman.  Fryman is just off of Laurel Canyon at Fryman (go figure), with options to park either in the lot ($3) or on the street (free).  This path is waaay less crowded than Runyon and there is actually shade.  It's much more challenging at first, where Runyon whoops your ass at the end.  Be prepared for many steep twists and turns, followed by a plateau and then the downhill portion.  My girl and I decided to run from the plateau on, upping the cardio and proving how bad ass we truly are (we teachers know how to motivate!).  When you exit the path and hit the streets, you happen upon some gorgeous houses, one of which is occupied by the smokin' hot George Clooney.  

"Dear Economy, 

Can you please pick yourself the hell up off the ground so I can get a steady job and move next to Fryman Canyon?  Oh, and while you're at it, please send me a nice, mature, smart, attractive man who can share the bills [and bed] with me, because there's only so much an elementary school teacher can afford.

Hugs,

Pauli"

These homes are so beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery, with driveways that go on for days.  There wasn't anything to turn me off about Fryman.  Definitely a great first experience.   

Pros: Not crowded; shade; challenging main path; great views; beautiful houses; ample parking

Cons: A bit tricky to find your way back to Laurel on the latter half of the trail (if Rosanne wasn't with me, I would have Google Mapped myself on my IPhone...no joke)

These are both great hikes to explore, especially if you're looking for something new to do in LA and a fun way to change up your cardio routine.  Both are in great locations, convenient to the city and the valley, surrounded by tons of scrumptious eateries to replace those calories you just burned.  As the weather gets warmer and bathing suit season rears its ugly head, I will definitely be taking advantage of these two LA faves.  Oh, and I always love company, so if you are planning to take a long walk off a short cliff...I mean a hike, hit a sista up!