Going to Hawaii for the 4th of July!!!

Photos courtesy of Brian Bowen Smith

I'm heading for Kona, Hawaii for the Fourth of July next week, so I'll be mentioning great places to go not only in L.A., but The Big Island as well.  Stay tuned.....

Photos Courtesy of Brian Bowen Smith

Pink Taco: Best Mexican Food on Sunset

Everyone keeps talking about PINK TACO ON SUNSET www.pinktaco.com by restaurateur Harry Morton, so I went to check it out.  I can always tell how much I'm going to like a Mexican restaurant by how good their chips are...and Pink Taco's are perfect because they're thick with just the right amount of salt.  I couldn't stop eating them with their homemade guacamole (which was great).  You also know I like my margaritas and their Cock Fight Marg made with DeLeon Blanco and seasonal fruit is right up my alley.  This place is great for the kids earlier in the day, especially in the back where it's more private.  If you want more of a girls night out, their large outdoor patio which always has a lively vibe.  Pink Taco is open from 11:30am to 2am, perfect for those who need a late night snack.  You gotta check this place out!

A Magic Forest: Magical Play Center in Culver City

photo courtesy of Denise Estes

I was in Culver City when a friend of mine told me to check out a children's play center called A MAGIC FOREST www.amagicforestculvercity.com.  I was very impressed the minute I walked in.  It's very bright, warm feeling which makes it incredibly easy for your kids imagination to run wild in this play-based environment.  They also have great classes such as baby sign language for ages six months to eighteen months and Waldorf crafting on Thursdays for two to five year olds.  Please check their schedule for details.  The cafe there is super yummy with organic scones and muffins or try their lunch menu from Culinary Consortium which includes sandwiches, salads, pastas, and more for your kids.  They do private parties on the weekends so contact them if you want lots of fun for your little one and no cleanup when the party is over.

Blue Dog Beer Tavern: Lunch Date with my Man

 

My husband & I went on a lunch date to BLUE DOG BEER TAVERN www.bluedogbeertavern.com in Sherman Oaks and loved it.  It's really affordable with items on the menu as low as eight to twelve dollars.  Our faves were the ridiculously yummy Spicy Mac 'n Cheese, The Firestarter Burger (with onion rings and deep fried jalapenos - holy moley!) and the Chicken Cobb Salad.  They have tons of beers on tap to choose from too.  The vibe is very laid back and if anyone is into watching sports, they have games on all day long. There is a great outdoor deck where you can sit out and have a cold drink on a hot LA day.  If you want a fun, casual place to hang, this is your place.

Michael & me on our date.  Promise Michael was more excited about it than this photo shows.

Jenni Kayne in the Brentwood Country Mart: Laid-Back California Attire

One of my favorite stores in West Hollywood is JENNI KAYNE www.jennikayne.com and now she has opened up her second boutique at the Brentwood Country Mart which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to go when I'm on the Westside.  This 1200-sqaure-foot boutique which is designed Jeff Allsbrook, features Kayne's own collection (I'm a huge fan of her sweaters), but also accessories like Proenza Schoulder handbags and housewares which I'm obsessed with.  As a parent my days of going out shopping whenever I want are over, so now I just hit their online store, and it has everything I need.  The Jenni Kayne laid-back California style is a staple in any closet. 

Paradise Cove Beach Cafe: An oldy, but a goodie in Malibu

My parents were in town for my son's birthday and we decided to go out to Malibu for the day.  We went to PARADISE COVE BEACH CAFE  www.paradisecovemalibu.com for lunch.  I know it has been around for awhile, but it's still a great spot for the kids.    The restaurant is loud enough that no one around you will notice if your child is a little too eager for the food to come and is loudly expressing it.  They have every kind of seafood dish you can think of and my parents raved about the clam chowder.  The best part is that the beach is literally two feet away so the kids can go right to it after they eat and you don't have to find additional parking.  It made any difficulty during lunch well worth it.  Paradise Cove is a summer staple and is an easy one stop shop beach day. 

Ultrazone Laser Tag: Dream Birthday Party For Boys

So for my older son's birthday party, he wanted to do ULTRAZONE LASER TAG www.zonehead.com in Sherman Oaks.  This place is heaven not only for little boys, but their dads too.  I love it because there is absolutely no work involved for me.  I show up, they already have the private room decorated and all the amenities set out including the free drinks.  You have your own personal party host who guides all the kids through two thirty minute games of laser tag. (Know that the minimum number of guests for a party is fifteen people.) They also give you a bunch of tokens for the kids to play video games after, if they want.  Pizza is provided by Ultrazone or you can bring in your own food.  The best part is that when it's over, you leave.  No clean up!!  Love that.  My son has been counting down the days for this party he's so excited.

The Corner Door: Date Night in Culver City

THE CORNER DOOR www.thecornerdoorla.com just opened in June and it is the perfect intimate spot for date night in Culver City.  This restaurant and bar located on Washington Blvd is absolutely beautiful inside with its exposed brick walls and pendant lamps that give off a warm amber glow.  The owners Todd Jerry and Anthony Falati along with chef Luke Reyes of The Tasting Kitchen have created a pub style menu which will satisfy any foody.  My faves are the brussel sprouts with roasted feta, baby beet salad and TCD burger with aged cheddar, pickle aioli, roasted tomatoes and arugula.  The Corner Door is open Sunday through Tuesday from 6pm-12am and if you feel like a wild night out, they are open Wednesday though Saturday until 2am.  Note that they are not taking any reservations at this time, so make sure to go a little early and enjoy one of their tasty specialty drinks.

Griffith Observatory: Come See the Los Angeles Stars

I visited Los Angeles for the first time when I was twelve years old and vividly remember going to GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY and being in complete awe of it.  So I wanted my sons to experience what I did and of course, they loved it!  Not only can you learn about astronomy at the planetarium show, but the views atop the hills of Los Angeles are spectacular.  You can see everything from the Hollywood sign to downtown LA with the panoramic views from the observatory.  Make sure to check out their telescopes on the roof where you can actually view some of the planets.  The planetarium has shows running every hour for a small fee ($7 for adults and $3 for kids), so check times.  I will say if you have children under five, they are only allowed into the first viewing of the planetarium show.  Once your kids are done exploring you can take one of many hikes at Griffith Park and watch the sun set if your little ones allow it.  Trust me, it'll be a day full of memories your kids won't forget.

View at nighttime. 

View of the Hollywood sign from the Observatory.

Heywood: A Grilled Cheese Shoppe

If your kids are anything like mine, they are obsessed with cheese and are totally down with HEYWOOD A GRILLED CHEESE SHOPPE www.heywoodgrilledcheese.com in Silverlake.  This sandwich shop has the most decadent grill cheeses I've ever seen on a menu.  You can either make your own combination or pick from some gourmet options on the menu.  There are a lot of vegan options as well.  My fave is the Classic with bacon or the Caprese, which is mozzarella melted on sourdough bread with fresh basil, roma tomatoes and a light walnut pesto spread.  Yum!! It's a perfect place for lunch or dinner with the family because everyone is able to find something on the menu their happy with.  My prayers have been answered.

Big Red Entertainment: Let's Party!!

So for my younger son, I decided to have his birthday party at our house and hire BIG RED ENTERTAINMENT  www.bigred-entertainment.com, and they are incredible.  This entertainment company can provide you with anything from fake tattoo artists to fire eaters.  Last year we hired their magician who was so good even the adults were impressed!  We also hired their face painter and Bill, the most insane balloon twister you have ever meet.  He seriously can create anything out of balloons.  You name it, he can do it.  He is so good I hired him again this year along with their petting zoo that includes a rideable pony, goat, rabbits and chickens.  Wish me luck with all of that plus a bunch of kids running around in my backyard.  Big Red is capable of pretty much going to any location in Los Angeles and has really affordable rates.  They are a must for any kids birthday party.

Bill in Action

Yummy Cupcakes: Cupcakes To Die For

I'm planning not one, but two birthday parties for my boys this June because their big days are only eight days apart from each other.  I've done joint parties for them the past couple of years, but my older son wants to do a "big kid party," so let the mayhem of planning begin!  During the next week and a half I'll be filling you in on what I'm doing for them so you can get ideas for you little ones as well.  Today I picked up mini YUMMY CUPCAKES www.yummycupcakes.com for my soon-to-be 3 year old's school party.  This place was voted Best Cupcakes in Los Angeles 2011 for a reason. They are ridiculously delicious.  They have amazing flavors like peanut butter and chocolate chip and red velvet cocoa cream cheese.  They even have a vegan and a sugar-free menu on request.   Their mini cupcakes are perfect for giving a little treat without giving your kids so much sugar they bounce off the walls and then have a meltdown.  You can find Yummy Cupcakes in Burbank, Brentwood and Santa Monica.  Well worth the drive!

Out of Control Yummy Mini Cupcakes

LACMA: Free Summer Jazz Concerts

Are you in need of something to do with your little ones this summer that is not only fun for them, but for adults as well?  My girlfriend told me that LACMA  www.lacma.org is having concerts all summer long every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.  The concerts will feature jazz, Latin, and classical music from various musicians from all over Los Angeles (check their calendar for details) and the best part is it's free.  On Fridays the jazz shows start at 6pm, but if that is too late for your kids, then go Saturday when the Latin music starts at 5pm.  You can even bring your own food and drinks for you and the kids if that's during their dinner time.  The concert series goes all the way through November.  I'm hoping my little guys run around so much when we go, they'll go right to bed that night.

Frock: High Fashion in the Valley

I live in the valley and I have to say that sometimes it's really hard to find the latest trends in clothing, but then I found FROCK www.shopfrockla.com in Studio City. What is great about this store is that they have chic brands that most stores don't have like Finders Keeper and Insight. Their price points are anywhere from $30 to $200 so you're getting a designer look without paying a designer price tag.  I think any mom can appreciate that!  The best part is that the store owners, Jessica and Lacey have a styling background so you can literally walk in and they will complete a whole look for you from head to toe so you can walk out ready for any event.  They have everything from casual day wear to a killer dress you'd need for the event you're going to.  This store is so good that it was just nominated as Ventura Blvd's "Best Boutique".  If you love it like I do, just take a minute and vote for Frock at www.ourventurablvd.com.

Lacey & Jessica

SHOREbar & Giorgio Baldi: Perfect Date Night in Santa Monica

Inside SHOREbar

I know most of you have probably heard of Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica by now since it's been around for fifteen years, but did you know about the watering hole called SHOREbar that opened up next door?   These two places together make a perfect date night for you and your man.  First, enjoy a romantic Italian meal at GIORGIO BALDI  and order such favorites as pumpkin ravioli and sweet corn truffle pasta.  Then hop over next door to SHOREbar which just opened about a month ago and is the vision of H.Wood Group.  The "Nantucket chic" nautical theme is extremely charming  and I'm kinda obsessed with it.  There is a long list of cocktails including my favorite, the Mesa Mule (partida tequila, passion fruit puree, ginger beer, and fresh jalapeño over ice).  They do suggest making a ressy since it's an intimate space.  Tell Adam I sent you.

Giorgio Baldi

Franklin Canyon Lake & Park: Natural Beauty

If you want to get out and do some hiking but don't want to put on a couture outfit to go to Runyon Canyon, then go check out FRANKLIN CANYON LAKE AND PARK www.lamountains.com/planning_franklin.html in Beverly Hills (off of Coldwater Canyon).  Franklin Canyon is only 10 minutes away from West Hollywood, but literally feels like it is 100 miles outside of LA.  The 605 acre park has tons of hiking trails, a gorgeous lake and pond, as well as a nature center for the kids. If you are by yourself, it's a great place to get in a workout by either hiking the trails or jogging the one mile loop around the lake. If it's a family outing, there are picnic tables around the lake and a massive grass area in the lower section to picnic and let the kids run around.  It's a win-win for everyone and such a great hidden treasure away of all the hustle and bustle of the city.

Pour Vous: Parisian Getaway In L.A.

If you want a hip yet classy place to have a drink in Hollywood POUR VOUS www.pourvousla.com is your place.  This dimly lit Parisian cocktail lounge is the brainchild of the Houston Brothers who also masterminded hot spots La Descarga and Harvard & Stone.  Pour Vous (located where 40 Deuce on Melrose used to be) has a classy vibe when you walk in.  The gorgeous copper bar is the focal point of the room and you'll want to order a cocktail from their full bar or get a house beer on tap.  Their specialties are the various cognac and champagne cocktails which will go great with the fresh oysters or cheese on the menu.  Expect great music with dj's playing nightly.  The venue is somewhat intimate, so if you have a group of eight or more try making a ressy.  I don't get out often, but if I do, this is the place.

This is the beautiful copper bar.

Yummy Parisian cognac and champagne coktails

Freshology: Freshest Food Service Out There!

After I had my second child, I heard it was harder to get the weight off so I set up a FRESHOLOGY  meal plan for the day I got home from the hospital.  I did this for two reasons.  One, who the hell wants to make meals and clean up after having a new born, while running after a four year old?  The other reason was I knew FreshMommy (the meal plan I choose) was a calorie controlled fresh meal program which is still incredibly healthy for my child (because I was breastfeeding) by maintaining the nutritional value I needed, which was very important to me. Literally after one week on the FreshMommy plan, the weight was coming off like crazy.  With Freshology, the meals are delivered right to your door twice a week via FedEx.  They use state-of-the-art production methods to ensure quality and freshness.

My tummy the day I went into labor with Bash.  Lukas was very excited for the big day.

What I looked like two months after having Bash.  Proof Freshology is amazing!!!

Art of Elysium: Ideal Happiness

Art of Elysium Music Program

About a year ago I really wanted to find a charity to work with.  Several friends told me about a non-profit organization called ART OF ELYSIUM  www.theartofelysium.org which encourages working actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions.  In doing this, it helps children have an outlet to cope with the difficult emotions they might be going through with their illness and hospitalization.  The first event I ever participated in was their Special Olympics at Lowman School.  My heart melted that day because of these beautiful children and I felt so honored to have gotten to experience an event that meant so much to these kids.  After that I started doing animated story telling and improv workshops at various schools and hospitals where volunteers go room to room and try to brighten up the kids' day with laughter.  This organization also puts together amazing events like prom and Girl Talk, which is close to my heart.  Girl Talk  helps young girls ages 9-18, who suffer from facial disfigurement and scarring to build their confidence with a 8-10 week support program that has an arts-based approach to help improve their self-esteem.  I couldn't have been more proud of my buddy on graduation day when she showed such empowerment, all because this program.  Art of Elysium is so special to me, and I honestly think anyone who gets involved in it will feel the same way. 

For anyone interested in volunteering with this organization or wanting to become a volunteer artist, please contact Program Director, Leslie Culp at lculp@theartofelysium.org.

Special Olympics

Animated Story Telling

My buddy & me at Girl Talk