San Francisco: Locanda, Mission Cheese and Aquarium of the Bay

So I am now off to San Francisco and am going to check out two hot spots while I'm there.  My girlfriend is taking me to LOCANDA www.locandasf.com and MISSION CHEESE www.missioncheese.net while my husband and her boyfriend are off on a boys weekend together.  We figured we could whoop it up if they are too.  I'll post updates over the weekend of what I thought about each.  I'm also taking the kids to the AQUARIUM OF THE BAY www.aquariumofthebay.com where I've been to before and absolutely love.  It's one of the best aquariums I've ever been to and must see if you're ever in San Fran.  That's it for now.  Check back later this weekend for my reviews.

Mission Cheese
This place is great for a small bite and some yummy wine.

Locanda
This restaurant is in the Missions, which is the hot spot of San Francisco.  A must go to.  

Aquarium of the Bay

Pint Size Kids: Let Your Imagination Grow

Do you ever get tired of going to kid play centers and feeling like it's the same thing over and over again? If you want something different, check out PINT SIZE KIDS  www.pintsizekids.com in Sherman Oaks.  Pint Size Kids is a new early learning center that has structured and unstructured play to help your little ones have the freedom to use their imagination and creativity.  They have designed a pint-size world for your children to explore such things as a grocery store, hospital and workshop which builds their pretend play/role play.  There is also a variety of unique classes such as Spanish, Messy Art and Little Music Stars for ages 18 months to 8 years old (they are starting yoga in September which I'm super excited about). Check the schedule for times. FYI - the birthday parties there are a serious good time with such things as bouncers or live animals to choose from and the best part is they clean up after your done.  Make sure to schedule your party early because they book up fast.  Go check it out.  You'll love it!

Spare Room: Wednesday Night Special for Spring

THE SPARE ROOM www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/la/hollywood-roosevelt/drink/the-spare-room at the Roosevelt Hotel is one on my favorite bars in Los Angeles.  Not only is it aesthetically beautiful with an art deco feel, but also has a fab specialty drink menu and a bowling alley to top it all off.   Now if you can believe it, there is another reason to go on Wednesday nights from 8 to 10pm this spring with their insane special deal they have going on.  Get Spare Room's Barbarossa cocktail for $7 or $3 beers and a crispy falafel sandwich for $5, all while playing half-price bowling.  You had me at $7 Barbarossa cocktail.  What is that, you ask?  It's  a black-tea-infused Beefeater gin with tarragon-Meyer lemon shrub, a little Cabernet topped with a splash of soda and garnished with a sprig of tarragon and a pickled Peppadew pepper.  Phew, what a drink! With that and board games such as Jenga and Chess at no additional cost, so I'll see ya there on Wednesday.

Wednesday's menu

Naked Baby Boutique: Where The Cool Kids Shop

Naked Baby Boutique on Ventura Blvd

NAKED BABY BOUTIQUE is close to my house, which is incredible because I don't have to drive too far for cute, trendy children's clothing.  They have kid-hip brands such as Kicky Pants, Rowdy Sprout and Hannah Banana.  Their wide selection of clothing which runs from newborn to 6x and baby items have different price points, so you're bound to find something you like.  My two boys love their huge t-shirt selection, and if you have a boy, you know that's what they live in.  I can practically buy all the boys clothing for the year in one trip.  Naked Baby also has unique toys that you can't find at most stores, so I go here often for gifts.  They'll even gift wrap everything for free, so take them up on it!  It's one less thing you have to do before that birthday party on Saturday.

Vegas: SW Steakhouse & Marquee Nightclub

SW Steakhouse at the Wynn Hotel

I'm back.  A little rough around the edges, but coherent enough to write this.  We went out to Las Vegas for Q'Viva Live at the Mandalay Bay Arena, and got to see not only the cast members from the tv show perform, but Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez as well.  The show was absolutely incredible!  We then hit SW STEAKHOUSE at the WYNN HOTEL  www.wynnlasvegas.com/Restaurants/FineDining/SWSteakhouse which is a must if you want a more refined, upscale atmosphere in Vegas.  My filet, mushrooms and truffled cream corn was out of control.  Afterwards, if you are in the mood for a big, loud Vegas club, where girls are practically wearing little to nothing, then you want to go to MARQUEE  www.marqueelasvegas.com which is in the Cosmopolitan hotel.  Well, on that note, it's time for me to take a nap now.

Marquee

Marc & Jennifer finale photos

Memorial Day Weekend: 24 Hours In Vegas (Wish Me Luck)

I'm heading out to Las Vegas for not even 24 hours, it's 22 hours, sans children this weekend.  I have never been to Vegas with my husband.  We've always gone separately with our friends for various reasons.  I'm going because my husband has to work out there and I want to be with him on our anniversary.  I have mixed feelings about this city, but things could change if I'm with my husband.  It'll definitely be a different experience than that last bachelorette party I went to which was super fun, but took me a whole week to recuperate.   I'll report back with some stories and places I went to that are worth checking out.  Wish me luck!!!

PURE mamas: Let's Cook

Ever get tired of making the same recipes over and over again for your kids?  Well, they probably are too.  Get inspired with endless recipes that are not only yummy, but healthy too at PURE MAMAS www.puremamas.squarespace.com.  Juli Novotny who is the creator/author of this site has been a chef since she was 16 years old (yes, you read that right, 16) and now she's giving you all of her secrets to make your kids eat things they normally wouldn't, like kale.  Juli and her amazing contributors can teach you how to make things like coconut yogurt or cream of asparagus soup. You can also try her Kookie Karma snacks and cookies, which are all handmade and gluten-free VEGAN.  Trust me, your kids will never know. 

Juli Novotny

901 Salon: My Hair Saviour

Nikki & Riawna

I have to say I have good hair, but before I started going to Nikki Lee the co-owner of 901 SALON, that wasn't always the case.  My hair was a hot mess and she literally saved it.  Nikki and Riawna Capri, the other co-owner, have built this chic salon from the ground up and have made it one of the top salons in Los Angeles.  Their client list is a who's who in young hollywood and that is because they are incredibly talented.  Not only do they do color and cut, but they are masters at extensions (they both studied beside Ken Paves for years).  901 also has a Braid Bar so you can pop in and have your hair braided any style you want before a night out on the town for a very reasonable price.  Let them work their magic on your hair too.
 

Bottega Louie: Downtown Favorite

So I went downtown last night on the subway for the first time (and that was definitely an adventure in itself)  to go to the American Idol finale.  After the show at the Nokia theater, we walked up to  BOTTEGA LOUIE www.bottegalouie.com which was two blocks from the metro station. The modern decor is stunning with its high ceilings and open floor plan. The place is always packed with lots of energy, but it's quite large so it can handle a crowd and there is seldom a wait.  My husband b-lined it to their incredible bakery and ordered a bunch of delicious macaroons.  Other must haves are their pizzas that they bake in a brick oven and lobster hash. Their brunch is out of control good too! You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.  One thing I will mention is Bottega Louie doesn't take reservations until 7pm each night and it must be for that same day, so keep that in mind. 

Proof I took the subway

Renee & Jeremy: A Little Love

Have you ever been to the point where you were about to lose it if your child wanted to listen to "The Wheels on the Bus" one more time?  Well, I have a solution for you.  Get RENEE & JEREMY'S new record A LITTLE LOVE  www.reneeandjeremy.com.  This is the type of children's music even adults will love listening to.  On their latest album, Renee & Jeremy cover tunes by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Monkees, John Lennon, REM, Coldplay, Supertramp and more.  Their peaceful acoustic sound with upbeat tempos and perfect harmonies, will make everyone in the car happy and quiet.  May even help during that 5 o'clock traffic when you're taking them back home from soccer practice.  Just saying...

FarmShop: One of my Faves in Brentwood

When I'm anywhere near the Brentwood Country Mart, FarmShop www.farmshopla.com is where I want to go for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  There is also an outstanding food market with the most delicious and rare items from spices, baked goods, cheese and meats as well.  Jeff Cerciello who is the chef-owner (he was the Culinary Director for such great restaurants such as Bouchon, Bouchon Bakery and Ad Hoc; French Laundry) has come up with incredible dishes that have only fresh ingredients which make the meals so special.  There is a large communal table which makes sitting with my family easy. (Ask your server to tell you about the kids menu since it's not on the regular menu.) It's even great for just grabbing a coffee and a yummy sandwich to go.  This place is to die for.

Green Line Beauty: Natural Beauty

With summer coming, the must have sunscreen for children is Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Baby which is at my favorite all natural skin care and cosmetics store GREEN LINE BEAUTY www.greenlinebeauty.com.  This SPF 30 sunscreen is unscented, vegan and offers broad-spectrum protection. It is free of harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol and synthetic dyes.  It's non-greasy and contains 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc-oxide for therapeutic broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.  And back to GREEN LINE BEAUTY on Melrose, this store has every natural product you would ever want for women, men, kids and even dogs.  Stacey, the owner, is a mastermind of knowing how to make your skin look beautiful with all pure products.  Checking out this store should be a no brainer.

That's my girl Stacey working it at her store.

Ma Maison de Beaute: The Go To Beauty Spot

Anytime I'm in serious need of a facial or my eyebrows have turned into a unibrow, the only person I trust is Diana, the owner of MA MAISON DE BEAUTE  www.mamaisonspa.com.  I live in the valley and I'm willing to drive through insane traffic to get to her in West Hollywood.  I have been going to her since I was 26 (don't ask me how old I am, trust me, it's been a long time) and will definitely go to her as long as I possibly can.  Ma Maison offers everything you can think of, including nails and spray tanning.  They even have a dermatologist who comes in on certain days to do botox and laser treatments.  It's your one stop shop for beauty.

Pergolina: Best Gift Store Ever!

 

My all-time favorite go to store in Toluca Lake is PERGOLINA www.pergolina.com .   I absolutely adore this cute neighborhood boutique for gifts and little treasures.  They have some amazing one-of-kind items there and will beautifully gift wrap them for free! You’ll find everything from hand-made jewelry, to exotic soaps, to knick knacks for kids. This is the place to go if you want to find a really unique and affordable gift for anyone.  I absolutely love everyone who works there.  They are so helpful and knowledgeable.  Tell them Anne sent you.

Descanso Gardens: Venture into Wilderness

 

My family and I went to the Descanso Gardens www.descansogardens.org on a Sunday and had a blast at this 160-acre oasis in La Canada. Don’t let the name fool you though. It’s not just a tiny garden in the middle of an exposed city block.  It is more like a small lush forest with paved roads and hiking trails to get you around the huge property. My kids loved the miniature train, the huge grass fields, and the ponds filled with fish, turtles and ducks. All of which helped to ensure two worn out kids and an early bedtime! Tons of events constantly going on from children’s plays to jazz music, so make sure to check out their website before you go. 

Pop Physique: Shed That Baby Weight

I was trying to find a new workout and several moms told me about POP PHYSIQUE www.popphysique.com.  So after a month of procrastinating, I decided to (wo)man up and give it a try.  Holy moley, what a workout!! I loved it.  Hours later, my muscles were already sore, which always makes me feel like my blood, sweat and tears in the class were well worth it.  Pop Physique incorporates ballet barre inspired exercises, as well as mixing in pilates and light weights.  There is a plethora of locations to choose from: Silverlake, Studio City, Westside, Mid-City, Santa Monica and Hollywood.  If you go now you can get one month of unlimited classes for $100.  So get your sweat on!!! 

 

Underwood Family Farms: Get Your Strawberries On!!!

If you want to go do something that will really make you feel like spring is here, then go check out UNDERWOOD FAMILY FARMS  www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com This place has it all, from pony rides to trains to strawberry picking. For a full on farm experience with the kids, opt for the strawberry picking.  Jump on the tractor and get taken to the strawberry fields where they give you very your own container to put your hand picked strawberries. It’s fun and actually teaches the kids where food comes from.  Bring plenty of wet wipes because if your kids are anything like mine, they will surely stuff their faces with strawberries on the tractor ride back. After that, you can check out all of the farm animals (cows, pigs and rabbits) and there are even pony rides for kids.   Also, you can buy a ton of organic produce at their farmers market.  If you live in LA, it’s a little ways out, but definitely worth the drive.