Children's Books

My very first friend is having a baby this summer and I am so excited! I have been trying to find the perfect gift to celebrate her new baby boy, when some friends gave me the best idea! A stack of my favorite children's book's from growing up. How sweet, right? Here are some of my favorite classic children's stories. What are some of yours?

East L.A. Photo Shoot

The lovely Ms. Phoebe Stockman came to visit me last weekend. It was her very first trip to Los Angeles and I took her for a long drive throughout east L.A. Phoebe is a junior at Wellesley college in MA, and a budding and incredibly talented photographer. Check out some of her L.A. pictures below and feel free to visit her website to check out more of her work!

Jenny, you're barely alive

Jenny Lewis is amazing, and if you don't know about her yet, than you need to! I won't bore you with lots o' literature about her, I'll just give you the facts you need to know. This one's for you, Jenny Lewis Virgins!

Jenny Lewis is the lead singer of the native Los Angeles indie band, Rilo Kiley, and also has two solo albums with collaborations with such well known artists as Elvis Costello, M. Ward, and Zooey Deschanel. You may have seen her first on screen as a child actress. She starred in one of my all-time favorite movies, TROOP BEVERLY HILLS as well as THE WIZARD and PLESANTVILLE. Her music is varied and incredible and I urge you to check out some of her stuff if you are in itching for some new tunes! I have suggested a beginner's play list below, with a mix of both her solo stuff and Rilo Kiley tunes. I hope you enjoy!


1. Rise up with fists!!!
2. Melt your heart
3. You are what you love
4. Handle me with care
5. Acid tongue
6. Trying my best to love you
7. See Fernando
8. The good that won't come out
9. Execution of all things * (favorite song)
10. With arms outstretched
11. More adventurous
12. A man/me/then Jim
13. Silver lining
14. Portions for foxes
15. I never
16. Emotional
17. Pictures of success
18. Breakin' up
19. Dreamworld
20. Close call

Lastly, if you care to a little live Jenny - check out this mash-up recording of her song " Carpetbagger". Please note Elvis Costello, Zooey D and Vanessa from Whispertown singing in the background, her fuchsia tights, etc. etc. Enjoy!

Hello, Cup Cake!

Cupcakes are the perfect treat for any occasion. I enjoy grabbing them with friends, taking them on picnics, and making them for parties. I have always joked about creating my own Los Angeles Cupcake Map and then yesterday, I stumbled upon one!


The Great Los Angeles Cup Cake Map

The cupcake map is rather extensive (albeit awesome!), so here is a list of my own personal favorite cupcake joints around town. I tried to choose ones in different areas so your drive-time to cupcake heaven is minimal! Enjoy!

Hot Cakes (West L.A.)
Sprinkles Cupcakes (Beverly Hills)
Joan's on Third (West Hollywood)
Buttercake Bakery (Century City)
Vanilla Bake Shop (Santa Monica)
Bluebird Cafe (Culver City)
Cafe at the Vista (Los Feliz)
Lark Cake Shop (Silverlake)

Raining Jane

Last night I had the privilege of being invited to one of my favorite L.A. venues, the The Hotel Cafe, to catch Raining Jane's last residency show.


Raining Jane is an all girl eclectic rock-folk band from California that have been touring for 10 years! The girls rocked out last night and even played a slow acoustic version of Pat Benetar's " Love is a Battlefield". I absolutely encourage you to check them out; the girls have a lot of heart and soul and their shows are just pure joy. Sara Bareilles, a close friend of RJ's, joined them for their last song and it was such a treat! I came home with some awesome free shwag including an adorable Raining Jane totebag! Check out their music here:

http://www.myspace.com/rainingjane

Time Traveler's Wife

I saw this trailer last night and can't stop thinking about it! Rachel McAdams is one of my all time favorite actresses and I bought this book last night simply so I can read it before the movie comes out in August! It looks like the grown-up version of THE NOTEBOOK and I will be there opening day for sure!

Moodboard Monday

Happy Monday, everyone! I had a very relaxing weekend cooking and unwinding with friends. The highlight of my weekend was having breakfast at my absolute favorite French restaurant in silverlake, Cafe Stella, that recently opened up for Sunday morning brunch. The Lemon Ricotta pancakes and the Cucumber Spritzer were both to die for! I also rediscovered my love for Kings of Convenience which was playing in the background at the Cafe. I sort of feel like this girl today!

MySpace Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Fabric of our Lives

How adorable is Zooey Deschanel in this cotton commercial? Word on the street is that she wrote the song herself. Tres Charming!

Happy Weekend!

Have the best time enjoying the first weekend of Summer and celebrating Father's Day! I'll be hitting up the silverlake farmer's market, riding the beachruiser and attempting to cook two huge homemade organic summer-inspired dinners for my guests! Enjoy yourselves!

500 DAYS OF SUMMER: Free treats this Sunday!

For the first day of summer this Sunday, June 21st in conjunction with 500 DAYS OF SUMMER we have teamed up with notable street vendors in cities across the country to hand out treats to the first 500 people to arrive at each location. Lucky individuals in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, DC, San Francisco and Los Angeles will have the chance to kick start their summer with 500 Days of Summer promotional giveaways and free samplings.


The L.A. and NYC listings are below and check out the link at the bottom of post to find out where to get free 500 DAYS OF SUMMER treats in your area!

Vendors participating in LA:
1.JUICE IT UP! (9am @ Studio City Farmers Market, 12051 Ventura Blvd, Studio City)
2.FIJI WATER (11am @ various Santa Monica beaches)
3.RED BULL (1pm @ 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica)
4.KOGI KOREAN BBQ (1pm @ Westwood Brewing Company, 1097 Glendon Ave, LA)
5.PINK’S HOT DOGS (2pm @ The Comedy Store, 8433 W. Sunset Blvd, LA)
6.COOL HAUS ICE CREAM TRUCK (2:30pm @ The Brig, 1515 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice)
7.SPRINKLES CUPCAKES (3pm @ The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, LA).

Vendors participating in NY:
(all giveaways at approx 12pm EST)
1.Cupcake Stop – 5th Ave. between 13th St and 14th Street
2.MUD TRUCK (2 trucks) – Sheridan Square - 7th Ave/West 4th Street, Astor Place - 4th Ave and 8th Street
3.TREATS TRUCK – Meatpacking District (on or near Ganesvoort or Washington Street)
4.WAFFLES and DINGES – Marcus Garvey Memorial Park / 125th St. Harlem
5.SHAKE SHACK – Madison Square Park and 77th Street/Columbus

More vendors, cities and locations at this link:
http://content.foxsearchlight.com/inside/node/3553