The Perfectly "Venice" Farmers Market

Earlier today I posted a picture (below) of the flowers I bought at my local farmers market and was flooded with questions about where one can buy such a beautiful six dollar bunch.

Well friends, at the Venice Farmers Market that's where!  A smaller and much more mellow version of the one held on Santa Monica's Main street on Sunday - The Venice Farmers Market is a sweet little market held every Friday from 7 to 11 am in the parking lot across from the Library (Venice Blvd & Venice Way). It is the perfect place to ease into your weekend, sip a coffee and stock up on all your farmer's market staples ~ local fruit, veggies, fresh eggs, local cheese, honey, killer homemade kimchee, and flowers...lots and lots of flowers.

Day Trip - Malibu's Tide Pools

As much as I love the beach, I'm not the best a sitting still. So I'm always looking for ways to enjoy the surf without having to stay put, and recently a co-worker was telling me about a great day trip to explore the tide pools of Leo Carrillo State Park.  Just 30 minutes north on the PCH, and filled with anemones, crabs, sea cucumbers and starfish, it is the perfect ocean side compromise for LA's next hot day.

Or make it a weekend! Just 1.5 miles from the beach, Leo Carrillo State Park also offers lots of campsites shaded by giant sycamores.  Book online at Reserve America!

Malibu's Hidden Hindu Temple - Inner-City Escape

As you may remember, earlier this year I was surprised to find a fuax-ghoast town deep in Malibu mountains. Today, I was equally surprised to find out that the very same mountains have another seemingly-out-of-place secret: a hidden Hindu Temple.

Built in 1981, you may recognize it from a cameo in Beverly Hills Ninja or one of Brittany Spears's baby blessings. But on any given day this beautiful temple offers a serine escape from the city, while providing space for meditation and picknicking. It even has a full stage for special cultural and Hindu programs...

Get Me There: Located in the Malibu Mountains of Calabasas its a quick drive up the 101 or the PCH.  
When Do I Go:  The temple is open every day of the year, with Monday - Friday summer hours of 9:00a to 12:30 Noon & 5 to 8p. But on Weekends its open from 8a to 8p
What Do I Bring: I quite mind, and shoes that are easy to slip off... most people enjoy the temple bare foot. You can also leave your wallet at home because there is no admission and parking is free... I feel relaxed already!

HomeAway (from home) Fridays ~ WeHo

My boyfriend and I recently started talking about moving in together, and ever since I've been tearing through catalogs, searching my favorite design blogs (especially apartmenttherapy.com) and looking everywhere (even on some of my favorite home rental sites) for design inspiration.... So this week I thought it was only appropriate to post a rental with superb, experimental and jovial design taste.  So next time you have an in-law in town, or even if you are planning an inner-city escape, check out this awesome 1bedroom apartment in the cutest part of WEHO.

It is only $135 a night (plus a $40 cleaning fee) and is located in the most central location of L.A. You are just blocks from the city's best shoping, eating, drinking and art. It has free wireless internet, a fully equipped kitchen, fresh bedding and bath towels, coffee & tea, and a parking space. If you are traveling with a friend, the sofa in the living folds out to accommodate them.

Give Me More:

~For my fashionistas its a few blocks from the best designer shops in LA; Opening Ceremony, Paul Smith, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, A.P.C., Maxfield, H.L.N.R, and many others are a 5 minute walk away.

~For my foodies The Ivy, The Farmers Market, The Village Idiot, Animal, Comme Ca, Urth Cafe, Koi, STK, Belmont, Bastide, Nobu are basically in your backyard. 

~For my dancers check out Voyeur, FuBar, Bar Lubitsch, Winston's Bar, The Surly Goat, Cocodeville and the Troubador for great live shows.

Let me know your thoughts on the design...anything you love? hate? envy? 

Day Trip ~ The Colony Beach, Malibu

The weather is supposed to be in the 80's this weekend, so deciding what kind of a trip I would post about, was easy: A Beach Trip. But the question still remained... Which Beach? 
I love all of our LA beach but one in particular stands out. So, when Zuma is just too far, and Santa Monica and Venice just too filthy, and Hermosa and Manhattan too flooded with frat boys. Take my advise and head 15 minutes up the PCH to The Colony Beach in Malibu. 

Tucked away and hidden from sunburned tourists and beach going amateurs, The Colony Beach is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends, sneak a beer, read a book and beat the heat. On a side note: My boyfriend recently bought me a FlipCam, and on a recent trip to The Colony Beach with a few friends I gave video journalism a go! Its my first attempt, so I'm begging for your patience and understanding, but hopefully it gives you a sense of the beach and gets you excited to go!

Get me there:  From Downtown take the 10 west to the PCH. Head North till you hit the intersection of the Webb Way. Take a Left. At the first stop take a Right onto Malibu Rd. Curise for about 1.2 miles, and on your left hand side between lots 24724 and 24700 you'll find The Colony Beach. Take the sandy steps down to the beach, pick your plot and enjoy.

Give me food: While it pails in comparison to the original in New York, Cafe Habana does the trick after a long day in the sun.  Recommendations: the grilled Mexican corn and a mojito. If you don't want to waste a minute of your day indoors, you can always pick up a sandwich or snack at the Ralph's too.

Let me sleep: Soak up some vitamin D while catching some z's right there on the beach.

HomeAway (from home) Fridays ~ I'm on a Boat

I've been so busy catching up on work since I spent most of last week in Sayulita, Mexico...that I was almost going to skip my HomeAway post today. But then my good friend Elaine called and asked me if I could help her find a cool place, around L.A., near water, for a fun weekend getaway with a few friends.  I guess it turns out the awesome Venice bungalow I posted about here is already booked up for the summer (Hopefully by my loyal readers. Wink!). So while this post won't have a lot of fluff or extra info, it will hopefully point Elaine, and all of you reading it, in the right direction for a great holiday weekend..... on a BOAT!

This 47 foot motor yacht, docked in Marina Del Rey, has everything a house would, except a foundation. It has a flat screen TV, large master bedroom with a California king, bamboo hardwood floors, granite counter tops, a guest bedroom room, a pretty (for a boat) bathroom, a roof deck with a BBQ and a full kitchen with all of the accessories you would need....and I almost forgot to mention its only $140 a night! So in the words of our generational icon, Adam Sandberg, "I'm On A Boat!"

Opps. How'd that last picture get in there?!?! 

Have a great weekend everyone...my Sayulita trip details and photos are coming soon! xo

Earth Day ~ Ballona Wetlands aka Playa Del Rey

Earth Day is this Friday, so in it's honor I thought I'd post about a local volunteer opportunity to help cleanup and preserve some of Playa Del Rey's 300-acre saltwater marsh aka The Ballona Wetlands. 

As we all learned in 2nd grade science class, each year millions of birds fly along the Pacific on a 7,500-mile migratory route. Wetlands provide them refuge, food and a place to recharge for the long flight.  Without these places, birds cannot make their journey. In addition, the marsh also acts as a filtration system to our very own Santa Monica bay. So this Saturday, April 23rd from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm lend a hand, learn a lot and give back to our local wetlands (aka mother Earth).

Get Me There:  Meet in the Parking lot behind Gordon’s Market at 303 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey. If you plan to roll deep, with 10 friends or more, be sure you RSVP to info@ballonafriends.org or call 310-306-5994

Give Me Something More: 

Can't make it on Saturday? Don't fret! Friends of Ballona Wetlands is sponsoring monthly interpretive nature walks and volunteer cleanups every fourth Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. 

Don't want to pick up trash? They also offer amazing walking tours of the wet lands, find a link to a calendar of events (here).  

Inner-City Escape L.A. - Brewery Artwalk and Yamashiro Farmers Market

This weekend most everyone I know will be heading out to the desert for Coachella, but personally I'm looking forward to staying behind and exploring a less crowed Los Angeles. There are two different events topping my weekend itinerary. The first is the Yamashiro Garden Market and the second is The Brewery Artwalk, but lets start with Yamashiro because that happens tomorrow (and every Thursday until September).

1. The Yamashiro Garden Market (same thing as a Farmers market) takes place on Thursday nights from 5-9:30pm. Its the only evening farmers market that I know of, and I think more should follow suit. Those of you who have been to Yamashiro (the iconic Hollywood sushi resturant) know that it has the most exceptional views of Los Angeles. Perched high in the Hollywood Hills you can buy local produce, sip on some wine or just enjoy local music while looking out over the Hollywood skyline. They also just opened Pagoda Bar, an outdoor lounge near the pool, serving specialty cocktails like the scrumptious Q-Tea: a refreshing blend of Cucumber Water, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lemon Juice and Oolong infused Vodka. So after you've picked up your weekend produce and chowed at a local vendor (most people will recommend the $6 taco plate) have a night cap under the stars. 
Note to all the men reading this post: Its also a perfect (inexpensive / creative) date night.

 

Get Me There: The market is located in the parking lot of Yamashiro Sushi (1999 N. Sycamore Ave. Hollywood, CA 90068). Here's the deal with parking. If you get there early enough you can valet at Yamashiro for $2 with validation (this is what I recommend), if not they direct you down to La Brea to catch a free shuttle. Or, if like myself you live in Hollywood, just walk. Its supposed to be 75 on Thursday. Enjoy the night (and cocktails) without hesitation.

2. The Brewery Art Walk is a bi-annual open studio event at the worlds largest art complex in downtown L.A. It was converted from the industrial buildings of an old Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery and bottling plant (Quick: alert the Hipsters) and is now home to over 100 resident artists. So not only will you be able to buy their original works at studio prices, you'll also know where the live. (I hope that didn't sound too creepy). From 11am - 6pm on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend wonder the large complex and enjoy all types of art, from skate decks to sneakers, prints to paintings, sculpture to interactive art. Entrance is free and parking is plentiful so why not call on your inner creative and get inspired. 

 

Get Me There: The Brewery is location at 2100 N. Main Street right off of Hwy 5.  Now go get you artsy on and enjoy! 

Have a great weekend. Cheers!

HomeAway (from home) Fridays ~ Venice Beach

One of the things I love to hate about L.A., is it's size, scope and sprawl, but when we have days like today, and it’s close to 80° in March, all of sudden it all feels quite alright. Its this type of weather that that reminds me L.A. is large enough to take a vacation and never have to leave the city. So jump out of bed, pack a beach bag and head west to your HomeAway from Home in LA's own Venice Beach. 

This 3 bedroom Balinese bungalow is the perfect beat-the-heat retreat. There are extra rooms to bring your friends and the perfect backyard to throw the ultimate beach BBQ (did I mention the jacuzzi and fire pit?). A four block walk to adorable Abbott Kinney and just a few blocks from that...the infamous Venice Beach. Rates start at $230 and it books up fast, so book (here) now.

{the living space}

{the master}

{the indoor /outdoor shower...love}

Get Me There: If you are from LA this is kind of a no-brainer, but the real secret lies in the fastest way to get from the East, to the West. Coming from the Hollywood Hills take Highland or La Brea down to Venice Blvd. Then head east until you hit Lincoln. Take right on Lincoln then a left on Vernon and wha-laa you've arrived. On a good day it takes 40 minutes (trust me. there isn't a faster way. I've tried 'em all). On a bad day, an hour, but the beach breeze and laid back Venetian attitude makes it all worth it.

Give Me Food: Simple: Gjelina. I know I preach about cooking at home, but make sure you reserve one of your west side nights for Gjelina. Its amazing, you'll probably have to wait, but again it's worth it. After your done with dinner wonder down Abbott to the  Tasting Kitchen for a post dinner cocktail. My personal favorite is the 'brave heart', but every drink is perfection, just take a look (here). On whichever night you aren't eating on Abbott load up on yummy summer veggies at the Santa Monica Farmers Market, grab a bottle of wine from Venice Beach Wines on Rose and fire up the grill.  The best part about this vacation rental is its open airy living spaces and uber generous back yard. Light some candles, play a great mix on your ipod and stay up late taking a tub under the stars. 

Give Back to LA ~ TreePeople

In addition to getting out... I'm extremely passionate about giving back and considering the global climate and the devastation from last week's Tsunami in Japan, I thought it was only fitting that this week's post explore local opportunities to get out...and give back. 

This weekend, and all upcoming weekends, TreePeople (a local environmental nonprofit) is calling on local volunteers (aka YOU) to help restore the damage from last summer's massive Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest. The Station fire was the largest and deadliest of the 2009 wildfires, burning 160,577 acres and killing two firefighters. This is an opportunity to restore the fire-damaged areas by taking a hike, making new friends and planting a tree.  

Get me there:  Register! Create an account with TreePeople to participate in this, and countless other restoration events in the LA area. If a hike in the hills isn't calling your name, there is also opportunities for street planting in Long Beach, park planting in Studio City and work days at TreePeople's beautiful 45-acre headquarters atop Mulholland Dr. where hikers, bikers and  children enjoy the trails, trees and views in one of LA’s most loved (and least known about) parks. Spoiler Alert: There will be more on what to enjoy at TreePeople park in a future post.

Give me food: Pack the perfect sack lunch, with a gourmet twist. That means, leave the little box of raisins at home, jazz up the PB&J by adding thinly sliced Granny Smith apples and be sure to include a perfectly picked piece of fruit...and if you happen to stumble upon a 8oz carton of milk (you know, like we all had in elementary school) throw it in there for nostalgia's sake.

Give me something more: While taking care of our own backyard is important, I don't want to downplay the recent tragedies in Japan.  The past week's events has  left me overcome by sadness, shock and empathy. I’ve made a donation to the Red Cross (here) I encourage everyone that has the means to give as well.