Eating My Way Through LA

Last week I headed to LA for a taping of Chris Hardwick's @Midnight (I hadn't seen it before, have you? It was pretty funny!) and after made our way eating through various neighborhoods. I used to live in Hollywood so I always love going back to visit my favorite spots and try new ones. And yes, we ate at all of these places in one day. Oops!

Magpies
Neighborhood: Silverlake
Address: 2660 Griffith Park Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039

I'm not a huge ice cream fan, but this if you are you gotta try this place! There are lots of fun flavors that are ever changing like marshmallows, Thai ice tea, and peanut butter pretzels plus you can smother your cone or cup of softserve with chocolate covered honeycombs, candied pecans, and more. Oh and they also have cold brewed coffee floats that looked amazing!

Osteria Mamma
Neighborhood: Melrose
5732 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

If you're in LA and you like Italian, this restaurant is a must! SO good. The pictures below speak for themselves - and at the same time don't even do the food justice - because the food tastes just as good as it looks. If you like eggs, prosciutto, and pizza, order the Filippo. You're welcome.

Guisados

Neighborhood: Echo Park

1261 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

While these tacos aren't as pretty to photograph as the pizza above, they tasted just as good! This tiny eatery is the kind where you walk up and order and grab a seat on the patio to chow down. I wanted to try several of the traditional homestyle braises wrapped in fresh, handmade tortillas so I opted for the six mini tacos sampler for just under $8 (swapping the chicharones for veggies). So much yum!

The Confection Co-Op 

Neighborhood: Hollywood

1200 Highland Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90038

Located in my old hood, this is my favorite cupcake joint! If you're in town visiting, it's located just two blocks from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I will literally drive 45 minutes to LA just to get my fix. With ever-changing flavors like s'mores, Early Gray Tea with honey in addition to the regular staples, there's something for everyone. They also sell minis, ice cream, and even dog biscuits!

I literally felt so sick by the end of the night but it was worth it because everything was worth the incalculable calories I consumed!

Newport Beach Sunset

Last night I headed to Newport Beach to catch a sunset. There's nothing as peaceful as sitting in the sand, listening to the waves crash, and watching the sun set over the horizon. 

Here's What I Bought From the Nordstrom Sale

Well, I ended up spending more than anticipated at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (just under $400...oops!) But I scored some really great deals, used my triple points, and got a chunk of change back thanks to ebates. I consider that winning! And although I didn't end up getting everything on my original N Sale wish list - because I didn't need everything...not that I really needed anything though ha! - I did add a few new staple items that I'm sure to get a lot of use out of.

 Stretch Skinny Jeans - was $99, now $65.90

The jeans look like a good pair of denim and the stretch hopefully means they'll be comfy.

Kate Spade studs - was $32, now $20

I bought two pairs. One for me and one for a friend!

Nixon watch - was $225, now $119.90

I really like the casual, yet classy, look of this watch. I think I'll get a lot of use out of it.

Wide calf riding boots - was $199.95, now $133.90

Naturalizer boots are the best! I have a pair in a different style and wear them for hours with no pain.


Have you bought anything yet? Please tell me you splurged, too!

N Sale Savings

1. Nixon 'Rangar' Leather Strap Watch - was $225, now $119

2. Kate Spade Mini Small Square Stud Earrings - was $32, now $20

3. Lush 'Karly' Shift Dress - was $48, now $31.90

4. BP. Zip Detail Faux Leather Tote - was $49, now $31

5. Hinge Wool Round Crown Hat - was $48, now $28.90

It's that time again. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here! Aside from the watch - which is an amazing deal at over 50% off - all of these finds are on sale for under $32. That's winning in my book.

If you have a Nordstrom credit card you can start shopping now. If you don't have the card, that's OK. Sale starts tomorrow (Friday). And if you haven't yet signed up for ebates, make sure to do so before the sale so you can get money back on top of sale prices when shopping online!

After a Hiatus, I'm Back!

Hey there, remember me? I'm that blogger who posted consistently for eight years then disappeared without any warning. Epic social media fail. In case you were wondering where the actual eff I've been for the last six months, the answer isn't that exciting. I was working, A lot. And commuting. A lot. I just didn't have the time to network and I feel that's a major component of blogging. I like interacting and felt bad having visitors take the time to read my blog when I couldn't do the sane for them. And on top of that, I kept going back and forth on if I wanted to blog or not blog. I love it but I don't want it to feel like a chore.

While I was away, here' a little of what I was up to...

being thisclose to Taylor Kinney and Jesse Spencer  |  a trip to the PNW  |  new car

family time  |  beach visits  |  Vegas!

concerts  |  weekend getaways  |  baseball games

And here's where I am at now. I'm going to start giving this little site of mine some love again and see where it goes. I am hopeful that I'll get back into a routine and I look forward to catching up with you all!