Weekend Getaway - San Clemente

"People love the beautiful things." This from the founder of San Clemente, Ole Hanson. You heard me, Ole Hanson. I just love that name so much. You can't help but put on an old-timey voice on if you go to the San Clemente Ralphs because Ole Hanson first used it as a stable and then he opened up that same location as The Hotel For Sick People (aka a hospital). Now it's...

The San Clemente Ralphs, once The Hotel For Sick People

Ole Hanson started the town of San Clemente in the 20's. It was to be a Spanish City by the Sea. And it is. It's far enough from both nearby cities (San Diego and Los Angeles) to feel you've gotten away. And dude, I needed to get away.  

Me Feeling the Rut of Home

Of course I love living in LA. I absolutely do. But if you don't go away once in awhile you have NO perspective on where you live. Someone important said that. 

Me.

Me on Vacation is a Happy Me

San Clemente is really known as a surfer town and home to Camp Pendleton Marine Base. My friend Max's, Dad, was based here in the 60's where he learned to surf before being shipped off to Vietnam. He got his board from Hobie who had one of the first surfboard shops in the country right in Dana Point, which is the town just above San Clemente.

Surfing Family waiting to park at San Onofre

My husband likes to surf and I like to sit on the beach and do nothing so this seemed like a good place for us to go. And he already knew San Clemente. It's the town right above San Onofre where all good surfers (he is one) make a pilgrimage.

Surfers at San Onofre

But the waves were rather flat the weekend we were there so we didn't really partake too much.

Terry making a Dribble Castle

We did though swim in the water. It called to us. San Clemente has one of the nicest, most mellow and fun beaches in SoCal. I had no idea of course. And it's not hard to park there. I fear parking at beaches like nobody's business. It just sounds hard ALWAYS. Of course if you go to San Clemente and want to be very close then you should bring tons of quarters: it's 10 minutes per quarter. We on the other hand found a sweet parking place TWO DAYS IN A ROW right on the street. Parked for FREE whu-what? Two days in a row? Yep. Also the beach bathroom is clean (this from a girl who HATES HATES HATES public bathrooms) and the water is niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.

Frankly, it really doesn't take much to make me happy. That's another way of saying money's tight. So why then, might you ask, would I choose a beach town at high season? Because I like to research and find the least expensive way to be happy. Presenting...

Happy: The Patriots' Boutique Motel

I did not take that picture. I found it on the internet. But you get the idea. The Patriots' Boutique Motel is a pretty plain place. In fact my husband thought they should go to a Hotel/Motel Art Fair and buy some more pictures. But in reality, neither of us could care less. The most important thing - and I mean like ESSENTIAL - was the bed was comfortable. And I mean it was outrageously comfortable. Like we didn't want to leave this super plain room because we loved the plain bed so damn much. 

Who needs art?

All I need are some tasty waves, a television set and a comfortable bed and I'm fine. (also the room was super clean and $150.00 per night which included tax and whatever other fees there were. The price was right).

As for the town itself, there are two main strips: El Camino Real and Avenida Del Mar. I'm not going to lie, it's okay. It's a mixture of Radio Shacks and Subways with cute boutique stores, restaurants and surf shops. Stand-outs include Reclamation, a lovely and beautiful shop that showcases reclaimed wood and bottles used to make one-of-a-kind furnishings and art, one very delicious olive oil store, a store about mermaids, the famed Ralphs, and a sex shop, ConRev, smack dab in the  middle of El Camino Real. The girls that work there are really friendly and look you straight in the eye; they don't want you to feel shy. So don't go there if you think you can disappear. You can't.

As for the food, hmmm. Listen, this isn't the foodie capital of the world. San Clemente is a pretty straight-foward place. That being said, here are some highlights:

The Original Banzai Bowl located right on El Camino Real is a fruit, smoothie, juice place and also a hang-out for teens. I loved the interior. And concluded it's a good place to drop in if you want something refreshing:

For breakfast: My favorite place was Zebra's at 1001 South El Camino Real - which also was like a five minute walk from the motel. You walk to the left, past The Bagel Shack (which looked good and thatched), the famous Ralphs Hospital, and then you hit Zebra's. 

The guy who owns it has the best beard I've ever seen in my life. The girl who works the counter has one side of her hair in blue WHICH matches her blue vintage car. The muffins are fresh-baked every morning with fresh fruit in them. Delicious! And their coffee hit the spot. You can trust that I know a decent cup of joe. I'm a major coffee snob, there are a million references about this on this blog, so if I say the coffee is good, it's an end-of-discussion moment. Also they play Bread and Three Dog Night and America and you gotta love a place that plays soft hits from the 70's.

The other stand-out for coffee was in Dana Point, just north of San Clemente. I have no pictures or cutesie stories about JC Beans but again, the coffee was tasty, it was a fast drive from our hotel, and I forgot my wallet and the girl told me that it was okay. No Problem. Just pay me next time.

I like beach people.

Lunch? I don't got nothin to say about that but for dinner, if you're smart, you will not listen to the locals and you'll listen to me. Avenida Del Mar is where all the main restaurants are. And nail shops (yep, we got a pedi at one of the two Minghee's)... 

Terry's first pedi

But back to food. Everyone recommended we go to this one place that shall remain nameless. Here is the place that I want you to try:  Village Mediterranean Rim. It's a Moroccan-y, meaty, Mediterranean-y place with so many choices for Tagines it's unbelievable. (Tagines are slow-cooked meat & veggie stews though I think at Village Med in addition to their meat one-pots there is also a straight-up veggie option). The food is fresh and delicious, stew-y and comforting. Though not all of it is tagined - they also offer entrees like Chermoula Encrusted Salmon ($27) and Braised Leg of Elk ($25). It's romantic, open-air, the service is a little slower than you'd like but you're on vacation so who cares? The owner was born in Damascus, trained in Italy and spent time in Morocco. And Brentwood where he had a successful bunch of restaurants. Now he's here, has been for awhile. He likes all of the freshest ingredients, has good taste and a good eye -- in other words, the ambiance is lovely. So for a romantic, delicious dinner, this is a safe bet. And for what it's worth I highly highly highly recommend the Lamb Meatloaf Tagine served with cous cous. Yumtastic. Tender, tasty, filling, original.

That being said, I cannot lie. My favorite meal was a Noosa Raspberry Yogurt mixed with some salty almonds that I got at Ralph's.

Because you don't really come here to eat. At least that's how I now see it. Truthfully, before we went I'm not sure what I expected or wanted out of our weekend away but what I got was one of my favorite visits to a beach in a long-ass time.

This girl was so excited to be buried in sand. I swear, she was the most adorable thing on the planet

Nothing much beats zinc'ing up your body with sun block (might I recommend Sun Bum Zinc Oxide 50 which we picked up at Hobie's on Camino Real and it was perfect) and chilling out on the sand with a fantastic book. 

This book is so good - addictive.

There were families everywhere, couples frolicking in the waves (yep, including us), kids on boogie boards, adults on boogie boards, surfers, sunbathers, joggers - it was like that scene from "Jaws" minus the shark business.

What a grand way to get out of town and less than two hours away (even less if you download Waze). So worth the drive. And so worth downloading Waze! If you haven't done so, chop chop!

Pedi + Beach = Happy

Directions: While it's just over 60 miles south of LA, San Clemente can easily inch into a mega slow drive. Normally you'd take the 5 from LA there and back. That being said, check out Waze. We did so much circuitous stuff I couldn't possibly repeat it but all I know is we loved how fast our route was. On a Friday, when we left at 3pm we got there at 5. That's pretty amazing considering that should've been the worst traffic on the planet. Do though be careful. If you go the weird Waze way you may end up on Tollroads. Those fees have to be paid relatively quickly. To find out how paying for The TollRoads works, click HERE. 

Ralphs is at 903 South El Camino Real

Hobie's Surf Shop in San Clemente for Men is 100 South El Camino Real and for Women is at 151 Avenida Del Mar.

Info for The Beach at San Onofre

Info for The Beach at San Clemente

The Patriots' Boutique Motel is located within walking distance of the beach (and the owner even offered to drive us there. LOVE beach people!). Right now a Double during weekdays goes for $109, on the weekends it goes for $139 (not including tax and fees). Obviously this is subject to change. Book through their website for the best deal. They welcome dogs! 711 South El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672. 949-218-6348.

Reclamation is at 105 Avenida Del Mar. 949-545-6400. They offer shipping.

The Olive Oil Store is actually called Oliver's Olive Oil. It's at 211 Avenida Del Mar. They offer shipping.

ConRev is at 401 South El Camino Real. It's right next to a Subway. I didn't see this location listed on their website so I included the link to their Yelp page.

Minghee's is at 132 Avenida Del Mar. Walk In's welcome.

The Original Banzai Bowl is at 120 South El Camino Real. 

Zebra House Coffee is at 1001 South El Camino Real.

JC Beans is at 34114 Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point. 

Village Mediterranean Rim is located at 123 Avenida del Mar. They do take reservations. 949-361-8970. Casual but nice attire.

Enjoy!

Inexpensive Dates: Echo Park

*

I love Echo Park. It's the perfect place to go on a date. Whether it's the first date or the 21st, Echo Park's a nice stretch, not expensive, and there's so much to do. It's also nice for walking and certainly appeals to this native New Yorker. There are a lot of stores in which to browse, cafes for eclectic people gazing, and lawn art to admire. There is of course at times a bit of a dark side -- a little pollution, some polluted people -- but I don't know, doesn't bother me. And there's a lot to do. Like a lot.

I have hand-picked a few suggestions to give you a taste of what Echo Park has to offer for when you're taking someone out and would like to have some money left over in your wallet the next morning.

First off: Parking. Unlike the rest of LA where parking is usually SUCH a pain in the ass, Echo Park parking is easy. The main thrust of the action resides in two stretches: the first is between Logan and Rosemont on Sunset and the second is a few blocks on Echo Park Avenue between Scott and Lucretia (though there are stragglers beyond in both directions). You can find a bunch of street parking on Echo Park Ave., around the lake of course, and also west of Rosemont on Sunset. There's also easy metered parking (though some only take coinage). Finally there's a public parking lot behind Sunset between Echo Park Ave. and Logan that's not expensive.

It's at that last location where you'll find The Echo Park Farmer's Market, from 3 to 7pm every Friday.

It's not a huge Farmer's Market but it has a lot of fun stuff, is great for strolling and you'll come across good tastes like the Kombucha from Better Booch, a specialty local Kombucha maker. I happen to think Farmer's Markets are great walking and talking dates, which if you're free on a Friday afternoon, why not? To that end if it is a day date, one of my all-time favorite (and inexpensive) things to do is go on the pedal boats at the newly restored Echo Park Lake.

This place is so much fun and beautiful and goofy. It only costs ten bucks a person (unless you're from the Echo Park zip code and it's Wednesday, then it's $10 for the two of you). Pedaling right up to that fountain is pretty awesome and you'll get wet so don't be too prissy about your outfit. There are ducks on the lake, protected lily pads and cute people like yourselves, wearing their life jackets and risking it all. 

Early in the relationship it's good to find out how you and your potential life partner work as a team in a sea vessel 

It gets busy on the weekends so be prepared to wait, but luckily Square One has set up shop at the boathouse. Most everything costs under 8 bucks and the bacon is delightful. 

Square One at The Boathouse

They have Intelligentsia coffee and for lunch they offer a varied selection of sandwiches and salads. What I like about this place is it has the perfect balance. They've got the healthy Kale Salad but they also have hot dogs. And I'm not going to snub my nose at the frozen banana with milk chocolate and nuts. Nothing wrong with that. ($3.50 and a lot of good memories).

If it is the outdoors that's up your alley but spending money is not, go for a hike. Nearby Elysian Park is not nearly as overrun as Runyon, has tons of beauty and IT'S FREE!

I come here with my dog all the time and all I can tell you is he's in love with me. It's not that difficult to find either. When you're on Echo Park Ave., just go right at The Chevron onto Morris and you'll take a right up Morris Terrace.

But not everyone wants to work out on their dates. Sometimes just sitting down and eating sugar with a new love is the sweetest way to "break bread." Thankfully one day I happened to stumble into Valerie, a new bakery by lauded LA confectioner Valerie and her husband, Stan. Well... let the confectioning begin...

Valerie has AMAZING petit fours. I mean award winning: Champagne, Ginger, Macha, Lemon and no one is going to suddenly say Valerie is inexpensive but these are! In my humble opinion, all you need is two: one for me, one for you.

That's 8 to 9 bucks for the two of you, in and out. It could be just the sweet bite you need to get you there.

Another dessert idea, if that's your thang, is Pazzo Gelato. I've been going to the one in Silverlake for years. This one's right next to the Citibank on Sunset.

There's almost always Madagascar Vanilla and Almond Fig (yum). And both the gelato and sorbetto are heaven. Pure heaven. Fresh Mint Chip might not sound as exotic as their more elaborate flavors but trust me if they have it, that's real fresh mint in there and it's good for you and your breath. If you want to go dairy-free try the sorbetto. Peach, Toasted Coconut or Rhubarb are to die for. They are many interesting flavors and they have a reputation for the unique (ie.: Fleur de Cactus). And they've got a little Happy Hour deal. From 4 to 5pm every day each scoop is $1.50 with a 2 scoop maximum.

Now both these spots though close by 6pm. So if it's sort of at a later moment you might want to share some sweets with your new sweet...

The Brite Spot

Sugar is served up to 3am at The Brite Spot, Wednesday thru Saturday. (Sunday thru Tuesday it's open until midnight). You can be like a bobby soxer and split a milkshake here for $6 or a Rootbeer Float for $5. And I happen to be of the belief that a diner is a great place to hang out with someone new or not so new. Diners are intimate, they're relaxed, music's playing, and usually some drunk people (maybe you) are sandwiched in a booth nearby for some entertainment value. And if this is a really good date, think about it: A diner's a great place to get your first breakfast.

Speaking of food...

•Xoia

Xoia (pronounced Soya) is a funky, cute place, with great interior design and a delicious Vietnamese menu with a teeny bit of Mexican thrown in. My favorite are the Vietnamese Crepes with Lemongrass Beef. That's $9.25. Also the Crispy Tacos, 3 for $6.75, are delicious and satisfying (I love the Pork/Shrimp). And not for nothin but the Vietnamese Ice Coffee will kick your ass.

•Guisados

I loooooooooooooooooooooove Guisados. This is hands down one of my favorite taquerias in the whole damn city. I don't find it outrageously romantic but the food is so good, who cares? And there's this great outdoor patio with twinkly lights. Try the Tinga de Pollo (stew-y, rich and delicious) and Calabacitas tacos ($2.50 a taco). I must say there are a few downsides. Guisados is at 1261 Sunset Boulevard meaning, it's almost downtown. Therefore if you're where all the action is you'll have to drive to Guisados if you want some tacos. Secondly the parking lot is rather small. If you can, park on the street. Finally, I'm not the only one who knows how good Guisados is. It's kind of famous. So you might be waiting on line for a bit. Oh well! Time to get to know how you both handle waiting.

•Sage

I just went to Sage for the first time recently and I have to say, it's a really great place. The reason I said "I have to say" is I'm not a health nut. I'm ashamed/proud to admit I'm a carnivore or rather an everythingavore. To purposely go to a strictly vegetarian restaurant almost never appeals to me. Therefore "I have to say" I was pleasantly surprised. Sage is lovely and fun. It has a lot of life to it. Even when I didn't go I'd always take notice how many people were in there. It looked pretty hoppin' from the outside. I wondered, do I have to get healthy to step inside? The answer is no. But you can be healthy for the hour you're on your date and not go broke eating fresh, well-prepared vegetarian.

Girls on a date at Sage

I had the Soul Bowl. It was downright delicious. Tons of stuff in there: Kale, quinoa, roasted sweet potato, crunchy okra that I loved... Super filling, too. I could've split this with someone and made it a meal - though let me tell you, try to suggest that on the first date and you might come across as a little cheap. Speaking of moola, it didn't break the bank at $12.95 for my meal (this was lunch). Dinner prices are $14 for most entrees and around 8 bucks for most apps. And it's a bring your own wine spot. Give it a go. If you really need meat, just know you can always hit an In and Out on the ride home.

Still lunch or dinner (or breakfast for that matter) might be too big of a commitment for you. Many people meet for a cup of coffee - just to see if they want to take it further. If you're going to do that, I strongly suggest you at least have a good cup of coffee or go to an interesting place. That way if you're not into your date, you're happy you drank the coffee or discovered a new hang-out. Anyone who knows me knows I'm a huge Tierra Mia fan (on Alvarado, north Sunset) but I'd also like to suggest Fix. 

The outdoor patio at Fix in Echo Park

This is such a cool cafe. I had an ice coffee there and loved it. It wasn't hot coffee with ice dropped into it but cold coffee. For the record, that's the way they should do it. Otherwise it gets soupy and thin and gives you a stomach ache. Hokay. Fix is way up there on Echo Park Avenue. My suggestion is to park where a little more stuff is going on, like around Flounce, Chango and Valerie, and actually walk up the avenue to get some fresh air on your way to caffeinate together as a couple for the very first time. On the way, there's some pretty awesome houses with such fantastic lawn art, you'll be impressed:

Lawn Art provides interesting Landscape Chat

Another coffee place but one that has more than the eats and the java, is Stories. It keeps you right where everything is happening on Sunset and offers an insight into your paramour's reading taste - which could be good to know. 

The coffee's not the point here. Stories has a great outdoor patio and browsing at books and sneaking glances above Che Guevera postcards is cinematically sexy. Plus there's a parking lot in the back.

Stories patio. They have little events here, too.

Of course if you've done the walking, you're caffeinated, you ate... how about checking out some good stores?

Origami Vinyl

Think about perusing the records at Origami Vinyl or the trinkets, clothing and art at Vlad. Actually the latter currently has some art up on the wall by my friend Jason Hadley that is very cool. I also recommend popping into some thrift and vintage clothing stores. Try something on. Even if it doesn't look good, the on/off motion implies there is a willingness on your part to be naked. Two places that come to mind immediately are Sunday's Best Thrift Store and Flounce. Sunday's Best is at 1547 Sunset Blvd. and it's one of the nicest thrift stores in LA: Small, attentive customer service and it's well-organized. But I have a very big soft spot for Flounce Vintage on Echo Park Ave. They have beautiful and very feminine clothing circa 30's, 40's on up.

Slipping into something more comfortable at Flounce in Echo Park

Nothing like putting on a swanky little Bette Davis number or a floppy Carly Simon hat to get your mojo moving.

But all this could sound like work to you. Or just not up your alley. Maybe you want to relax, release the tension, get rid of your nerves while lying down. Amen to that. For a little serious R & R I highly recommend Echo Foot Lounge.

It looks like nothing from the outside but inside you will NOT be disappointed. 

The lobby at Echo Foot Lounge

Echo Foot Lounge is a cerebral, mellow space with an incredibly helpful staff who just want to reflexologize you into feeling happy. In a communal room, you will get a very lovely rub-down at a cost that is pretty much unheard of.  A custom 1 hour full foot and body massage is 30 DOLLARS! They also have a 30 minute massage for 20 bucks but I'm like, we're just warming up at minute 29. You do stay clothed so you might want to wear something that can be manipulated for the masseuse. The evening I visited, I went from anxious to noodle-ish and I think it made it so I was good company for the rest of the night. Because it was good for me. Which leads me to say even if you're not on a date, come here anyway. Treat yourself! You will feel fantastic afterward.

As for shaking that new and relaxed and improved body, how about going to hear some music? Everyone knows The Echo is a fine place to catch a show. Admission is free every Monday night in January and frankly most of the other nights won't cost you financial agita either. Just check out their calendar for what's coming up. Tickets are usually under $20 unless a big name is headlining (ie.: Lucinda Williams in February is $24-34 a pop).

Though if a more intimate atmosphere is more your speed, I found what I think is one of the most wonderful speakeasys in all of LA while researching this post. 

1642 is at 1642 Temple, right near a Tamale place and not near anything else. I mean it. It's not like you're at The Echo Foot Lounge and are going to stroll over here afterwards. You're going to have to drive.

That being said, it's worth it. Step inside and it's like the outside no longer exists. It's such a warmly lit atmosphere, they have such lovely little tables, and with candles lit on each. I also like the fact there is an insanely friendly and ingratiating bartender. For their more raucous evenings, they have an awesome open jam the first Thursday of every month, lead by Triple Chicken Foot. It's for old-timey music lovers and anyone can bring their fiddle and bow if they want to join in. Also on Thursdays, from 6-8pm, you get a tamale with your beer or wine as part of their Happy Hour. But honestly any night here is romantic and fun and in the best way 1642 reminds me of the most romantic haunts in NYC.

That about sums it up. I hope wherever you go, whatever you do, you find the love you're looking for very soon. These posts are so nothing stands in the way of you're finding that love. Even in LA.

Sexy is the attitude of Echo Park (art from Stories Books & Cafe)

When you go:

Echo Park Farmer's Market Every Friday, rain or shine, from 3 to 7, on Logan, just south of Sunset.
Echo Park Pedal Boats is at 751 Echo Park Ave. **
Square One at the Boat House is at 751 Echo Park Ave. Kitchen's open every day 8-3p. Coffee & pastries until 5pm. 213.481.8495.
Elysian Park is off of Morris Terrace.
Valerie is at 1665 Echo Park Ave. Open Wednesday thru Saturday, 8 to 6. Sundays 9 to 5. 213.250.9365.
Pazzo Gelato is at 1910 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.353.9263. Open until 6.
The Brite Spot Diner is at 1918 Sunset Blvd. 213.484.9800.
Xoia is located at 1801 W. Sunset Blvd.  213.413.3232.
Guisados is at 1261 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.250.7600. Mon thru Thursday, 10:30  to 9. Fridays and Saturdays it's open until 10pm. Sundays it closes at 5.
Sage is located at 1700 W. Sunset Blvd. Check website for hours.
Tierra Mia is at 1202 N. Alvarado. It's open daily from 6:30am to 10pm.
Fix is at 2100 Echo Park Ave. Monday thru Friday, 7 to 7. Saturdays & Sundays 8 to 7. 323.284.8962. They offer a full menu.
Stories Books & Cafe 1716 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.413.3733. Check site for special events.
Origami Vinyl is at 1816 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.413.3030. It's open 7 days a week, Sunday thru Thursday, noon til 9, Fridays and Saturdays it's open until 10pm.
Vlad the Retailer is at 2153 W. Sunset Blvd.
Sunday's Best Thrift Apparel is at 1547 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.986.5695.
Flounce Vintage is at 1555 Echo Park Ave. 213.481.1975. (p.s. I love that phone number).
Echo Foot Lounge is at 2148 W. Sunset Blvd. 323.452.FOOT (3668). Open Monday thru Friday, 12-8pm. Saturdays & Sundays, 10 to 9:30pm.
The Echo and Echoplex is at 1822 W. Sunset Blvd. 213.413.8200. Entrance to The Echoplex is at 1154 Glendale Boulevard (through the alley). For updates follow them @theechola
1642 is at 1642 W. Temple. Can't walk there from these other places -- or rather I wouldn't recommend it. 213.989.6826.

Enjoy!

* First picture is from 1642 Bar.
**Echo Park is in the 90026 zip code

Homey Stuff for Hip People: Clover and some other cool places on Rowena

LA works in strips or blocks. If there are at least 3 decent things to see, do or visit on a block, I will go back. One of those blocks, despite the city's best efforts to make everyone stay far away, is the section of Silverlake on Rowena between Fletcher and Hyperion.

The city seems to always be doing some construction on at least one little stretch of this area if not more than a little stretch. Meaning there's traffic. There! I said it. Traffic.

And yet... if you're parking and walking around, who the hell cares?

Because there is good reason to park

My favorite thing in Clover: Cast Iron Dog Coat Hooks. On sale for $16.

Owned by an adorable couple with impeccable taste (Nicole & Danny), what really stands out about Clover is it has some of the most unique, tasteful and wonderful home furnishings, decor, knick knacks and tchotchkes in the city**. Whatever you find here not only serves as great gifts for others but also really nice treats for your very fine self.  I kind of think of it as high-endy type stuff for low-endy type pocketbook owners like myself.

Michael Revil Madjus Deer Mugs.

Above: Rustic, modern designs by Michael Revil Madjus,just $20 per mug.

Adorable little earrings. No brainer gift op.

This is why I always end up at this place. They have this array of cute little earrings that are usually just about 12 to 14 bucks and I always wear them and someone always notices. They're good staple earrings.

Eyeglasses Porn.

My uncle always does this. He buys glasses at CVS or wherever that hopefully fits his prescription. I find this to be totally insane. I would never do this. That being said, these glasses are super cute and pretty inexpensive. They range from the late teens to about 35 bucks.

Birdie Man Plates by Donna Wilson. $37.

I think these are so cute! Makes me want to hug a plate. And as you can see, they also seem to like cakes here. In fact, much that you'll see is homey, fun, cute-- ergo good wedding gift choices. And good buys for domesticats who like to entertain.

$8 per spoon. Talisman Designs.

The book, the spoon and the not pictured vintage-inspired aprons... all combine to make a nice trio of goodies that go together. Perfect for the hip and happening cook; gay, straight, male, female. If I left anyone out, I'm sorry.

Luscious and rich colors for the kitchen. Reminds me of California's Mexican roots. Each cup is 11 bucks and the vase is $45.

Below are these snazzy purses. I call them Barbie Purses.

I had a long, lovely conversation this past weekend where I bonded with a woman over our love for perfumes and the blessings and deficits our having sensitive shnozzes...

Tokyo Milk Perfumes. $33 a bottle. 

These perfumes (pictured above) are great buys and they're awesome. My favorite is Kabuki, Number 9. 33 buckaroos.

Clover's sort of this rockin little find, you know? But like I said, I go back if there are at least 3 things about a stretch I like. So let me continue...

If you walk a little ways west down the same side of the street, set back from the sidewalk you'll find the ever so lovely and peaceful Raven Spa.

Heaven awaits at The Raven Spa, Silverlake

It's been FOREVER since I've gone but seriously if you have a little coin to splurge, DO IT. You walk in and it's like walking into another country. The sidewalk seems SO far away.

Zoning out seems not to be optional

Nikom is my favorite masseuse here - he is amazing. And yet I have a feeling whomever you choose, you won't be disappointed. Pure bliss.

And just a little further down (closer to Hyperion) is a new-ish cafe. I think it's been there for about 2 1/2 years now. The Broome Street General Store. Very cute. They have little gifts and such as well. A bit of a higher price point but really nice stuff. And yet all I care about is...

And these little hand-made pies. YUM.

Rowena is a full little shopping/self-care/nourishment stretch. Slightly annoying due to the 100 year long street construction, but so worth it. I think/bet/hope they're almost done with all that mishegoss soon but in the meantime, there's good reason to park it and hang out.

Clover is located at 2756 Rowena Avenue, LA, CA 90039. Their hours are Mon-Sat, 10-7. Sundays they're open 12-6. There's free parking available behind the store. And by the way: While I didn't make a big deal of it, there are very nice clothes for both men and women at Clover. This includes a very complete and nice array of high-end style jeans from makers like Paige and Citizens for Humanity. You can pick up a pair of sweats there too, which I often do, for under 20 bucks.

The Raven is located at 2910 Rowena Avenue, LA, CA 90039. Their hours are Daily from 10-9. Call 323-644-0240 to make an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome but they can't guarantee an opening. Traditional Thai Massages start at $70. The Custom, where you sort of design your massage with your therapist, is $100 for 1 hour. And the Rock Star is $185 for 2 hours and combines a whole slew of services. It's a real nice treat. There's metered parking available on Rowena.

Broome Street General Store is located at 2912 Rowena Avenue, LA, CA 90039. Check their website for hours, as it changes between Summer and Winter. There is outdoor seating.

ENJOY!

**I'm embarrassed to write the words knick knacks and tchotchkes. I feel so strange and conservative and like if you didn't know me, you'd think I was always walking around with a bun and sensible heels. But I did it because that's what those things are and they're the right words.