Sunny and 75...or 85.

It's March and we're getting some 85 degree days here in LA.  For most people that means plenty of beach days but since I'm much more a pool person (and have one at my apartment), I tend to enjoy the day getting some work done and then taking a dip in the pool after catching some rays or getting in a work-out more.  Why not go to the beach?  Well, number one, I am DEATHLY afraid of birds.  No joke.  They scare the crap out of me and everywhere you look, they're surrounding you, especially at the beach.  Most people bring food to the beach and what does that attract?  Birds.  Second, parking is always a pain.  If you can even find it and then you're paying an arm and a leg.  We spent $40 just to park near Venice Beach a couple weeks ago.  That's a nice enjoyable lunch and drinks for two people!  Lastly, sand...it ends up everywhere.  I dumped my beach bag in my shower when I got home and I found sand in my bathroom for a week!  Enough with my complaining about my 'beach problems' because at the end of the day, it's an absolutely gorgeous wonder that I do enjoy on certain occasions.

Jamie & I at the Beach in Venice

That brings me to Spark's Birthday a couple weeks ago which started in West LA at Jamie and Spark's apartment for Brunch and Mimosa's with friends.  They had picked up some fruit and other snacks as well as Apple Fritters and Cinnamon Buns (Crack Buns because you won't be able to put it down, seriously) from C&M Cafe and they both were absolutely to die for!  Kalissa is a genius and if you haven't eaten there yet, you are definitely missing out.  She's got great sandwiches and breakfast options, everything from Pastrami to Vegetarian choices, and all that's in between, including sides, drinks, and desserts.  I've eaten quite a few items from the menu and loved or liked all of them!  She just started doing her Grandmother's cookie recipe and it's one of the best cookies I have EVER had.

After we had Brunch we headed to the beach, paid for our $40 parking space, and set up in Venice.  It was a perfect day, not too hot but just right to enjoy the sun without having to get into the very cold Pacific Ocean to cool off.  Once everyone else arrived we got a friendly game of Flag Football started.  I had thrown the Football around with some of Spark's friends and it had been far too long since I've done that because my arm was sore for days after!  I love running routes and doing the passing tree in the park; it's a great work-out and a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon after watching Football :)  Our team was winning at half-time so we took a little break for the teams to re-coup, grab some drinks and snacks, and welcome the newcomers.  

Winning at Half-Time during the Spark Bowl :)

Since I had to Bartend at Bar Lubitsch that night, I had to leave early but I was so glad that I went.  Spending the day with some awesome people, looking at gorgeous scenery, and playing Football, was totally worth my sand-covered bathroom, beach traffic, and just a few birds that we ran into.  In fact, I'm excited for our next Beach Excursion.  Who am I?!

*You can find more about C&M Cafe on their website right here: http://www.cmcafela.com/

The last day of my 20's...

It has been almost a week since I turned 30 and as scared as I was for the past couple of months leading up to it, when I woke up on Wednesday morning and walked into the living room, my roommate was awaiting me with a Cupcake and Mimosa's as I proclaimed 'I'm 30, woo hoo!'  It's only just begun, but as far as I can tell, the next 30 years are going to be great, but the cupcake and candle were a nice start!

I'm 30!! (Well, almost...last Photo Shoot of my 20's in Venice!)

Can't believe I fit in there!

The previous night (just hours of being 29 were left) included a wonderful Birthday Dinner at La Piazza complete wtih Pesto Farfalle & Shrimp Risotto, Wine, Chocolate Lava Cake, and later on drinks at Bar Lubitsch because Marisa was covering my Friday shift that weekend since I was scheduled at The Garage as well.  No rest for the Birthday girl, I worked my normal schedule all week long in addition to party planning!  The night ended with me hiding in my pantry because that's what 30 year-olds do...having fun and always a kid at heart ;)

Mom had made sure to call me at 10 pm in LA, because it was midnight in Wisconsin, then midnight in LA, and once again at 3:44 am because that was when I was actually born.  She's so thoughtful and I always love hearing the story of her going to the hospital and having me!  Thanks for sharing it every year with me, Mom!

Since Tuesday was the last day of my 20's, Kristina and I met up at her place in Venice and headed towards the beach for my final photo shoot of my 20's.  She had a bright purple/fuchsia wall that we planned on shooting at as well as the graffiti walls by the beach.  It was a great day for a photo shoot aside from the wind down by the ocean; my hair was blowing every which way, covering my face, in my lip gloss, and I was worried the pictures were just going to be complete chaos but I was so happy when I saw that it worked for the photos and they ended up turning out beautifully!  I couldn't have been happier with the photos; Kristina was a great photographer and we had a blast.  I can't wait to shoot with her again soon! 

Venice Beach Photo Shoot with Kristina!

All in all I ended my 20's with a bang, hanging out with friends, doing something creative, and enjoying those last moments before my fabulous 30's begin.  I'm certainly a lucky girl!