September 09, 2006

Things I love about living in Santa Monica/Los Angeles: - living 6 blocks from the beach. - Never having to use my car because I can walk to Whole Foods, a favourite cafe, the post, shopping, the beach, the bank - having California near the top of those pull down address menus - Not needing air conditioning - The weather (72F most days with cool nights) - Luke Wilson - access to anything and everything - a little fancy - free premieres and screenings - Anthropologie - Mari & Jerome - Patricia & Wayne - My hairdresser, Jessica T @ Frederric Fekkai who makes my nappy hair somehow work - Diversity - Disneyland - a little glamour - Easy flight access - living two turns and one road and twenty minutes on a good day from the airport - Cafe Dana on Montana @ 13th - Elixir on Melrose - Spanish Latte's from Urth - Maki from Ole Henriksen - Driving up the coast to Malibu or Santa Barbara - Colours everywhere - Driving San Vicente in Santa Monica from 7th until 26th - Montana Ave {especially Shabby Chic's first store and their sales} - Palm Trees - access to healthy eating {important to a gluten-free girl} - Squirrels that terrorise me in my flat - Saying that I live in LA Things I do not love about Santa Monica/Los Angeles: - the people - constant horn honking - cell phone drivers - selfish, superficial souls who always have...

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January 22, 2006

One of the best blogs I've read in a really, really long time. Her take on L.A. is especially comforting:You don't so much live in Los Angeles as cohabitate. And you fight sometimes, and then you make up, and sometimes you really REALLY want to leave each other. Or cheat on each other. Then you cry in your vodka martini and say, Baby, I'll never leave you. It's very codependant....

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November 17, 2005

Driving down Wilshire, horns honking continuously from Mercedes cars with cell phone drivers. Negotiating six lanes of traffic like you're sipping coffee. Getting your hair done with Charlize, your hair dresser is your friend and your facialist is on speed dial. Lunching with Jennifer, giving Tori Amos advice at the grocer, getting advice from Ellen on not waiting for anything, running into Orlando so much he starts to say hi. Stepping out of the building on Rodeo late at night to jam packed streets and 70F weather while wondering what you bought that sweater for. Flip flops on the beach, expensive health drinks from Fred Segal and always carrying bottled water that costs $2. Feeling comfortable because wearing skirts all the time doesn't make you stand out but realising you kind of do because you don't have "the look." Having credentials not matter so much as who you know and being thankful you know a lot of people but also bothered that you do. Knowing that you can plan for that party outside in a month because the sun will shine and when it does nothing beats driving up the coast no matter how many times you've done it before. 3AM becomes the favourite time because the homeless don't go through your trash and the streets are finally quiet though early mornings seem strange because the lean, tan and beautiful are all running like it doesn't hurt. Being on set just to sing a song and being treated like...

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September 27, 2005

On Tuesday afternoon she arrived in simple jeans, t-shirt and flip flops and I with tired eyes and a drained personality. Little did we'd know that this trip would change us both enormously. The first order of business after leaving the airport was to fuel ourselves at Whole Foods for lunch before hitting the Pacific Coast Highway for our two nights in Santa Barbara. After with drinks and snacks in tow, it was time to roll the windows down, crank the music and begin out week long chats and laughing as we cruised alongside the ocean for the next couple of hours. Arriving at the wonderful Hotel Andulucia just before dinner, we had only a few minutes to quickly change and prepare for what was supposed to be a tour of the farmers market with the Chef of 31 West. Truthfully, though, we weren't in the mood to meet with him for driving, sunshine and too much time apart had us far too giggly for public interaction. Luckily it turned out that the Chef was too busy for us which gave us time for something much more important - Emily's first trip to Anthropologie. There I was her personal shopper; picking out clothes upon clothes that had her modeling for hours. I pushed her out of her comfort zone (something she wanted) and showed her that a skirt can be just as relaxed as pants. By the time the store closed, she agreed, carrying her pretty Anthro bag with...

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April 10, 2005

Tonight was my first big Hollywood event; a dress was bought, heels went on and a little lipgloss was swiped. After being terribly sick for the past week and inside on the couch for most of it, getting a chance to go out was welcomed. And although I'd been to the Beverly Hills Hotel on several occasions (their soda fountain restaurant has the best burger in town, I swear) this was the first time I was able to step into a ballroom and, when no one was looking, twirl around and pretend to dance. I was there on my own, no boy or friend to gush with, so I had to quickly learn to get over being shy and talk with people, which I did. I even laughed, told a dirty joke or two and toasted someone on their birthday. I met big Hollywood people from actors to directors to producers and listened to some very good speeches on media consolidation. I ate far too much and sipped good wine and all in all, had a very lovely night. As I drove home along Sunset Blvd I played the Oldies station and danced in my seat to the Beatles. I realised how good I was feeling and knew it wasn't because of the wine, the people, the music or the twirling of the dress. It was because I was able to go out and have a night on my own, a little private time, and have the only worry of...

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February 15, 2005

One of my favourite romantic evenings didn't start out that way. It started as cold, rainy day in Brugge followed by lots of sight seeing and a bout of crankiness that set in around supper. After a eating something to warm to try to soothe my soul, a box of chocolates was purchased on the way home from a little chocolatier, Leonida's. Back at the sweet, beautiful and oh so simple Bed and Breakfast, we laid in the bed and opened the box of chocolates and one by one, ate them in silence. Every bit was savoured, little pieces were shared, enjoyment was had. It probably took us an hour or two to go through a box and I swear, I swooned the whole way through. The evening ended the totally oppoisite way in which it had begun. So when I saw that Leonida's was here in Santa Monica and that they had their chocolates shipped via air express once a week, I knew it would be the perfect way to spend Valentines - a holiday I've never celebrated before. After a hectic day in which I had begun rather exhausted, we walked to the chocolatier, picked out a small box of chocolates, walked home along the ocean and once again took a couple of hours to dine on the best. And I swooned all over again....

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January 25, 2005

Since moving into my flat on the 7th, I've been go, go, go every day. New place here, new place there, do this chore, that one, get this, get that. I was literally running myself down by doing so much. Yet I couldn't slow down because there was so much to do and I was loving all that I was doing. But my body and sanity required that I figure out a way to somehow relax even if I just had 15minutes a day to do so. So when Mary Catherine and I decided to have a power meeting last week to go over our project, I decided to combine a writing assignment with our business meeting by having Afternoon Tea at the fabulous Hotel Bel-Air. For several hours we sipped tea, ate little sandwhiches and worked our asses off. The atmosphere was beautiful and quiet and although we were working hard, the surroundings and the event itself made it all very relaxing. This week has already started with a bang; so much work to do and emails to catch up on. By noon this morning I had already been out doing so much and written up a list of to do's 4 pages long. I rang up Mary Catherine to see if she would keep me company this afternoon whilst running errands and while I waited for her I worked a couple of hours. By the time she arrived I was feeling tired and drained, knowing that if I...

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January 18, 2005

There's been a lot of questions about why I, a girl who adores simplicity, authenticity and a European lifestyle would move to L.A. - a place where everything seems to go against all that I write about. People have been wondering why I would make such a move and if it's because I'm now buying into some kind of lifestyle. The truth is, I moved for two reasons: warmth/sun and for a creative career. Los Angeles seemed the best place. However, I too, had reservations about moving here because of everything I'd ever heard about the city (none of which was ever good). But on a visit in September and another in December, I knew that for right now, I belonged here. Specifically Santa Monica. In North America I have only ever lived in Vancouver BC, Banff AB, Seattle WA, Nashville TN and Lexington KY and only the last 6 years in America. So when I compare, this is what I compare against. But from my experiences, LA/Santa Monica is by far the best place. Seattle was the most judgmental city I've ever been to in my entire life. There's a certain kind of person that is supposed to live there (and loves it) and if you don't fit into that, there's something wrong. People judged you by how you dressed, I received more dirty looks from women than I can count and being different (even just by wearing something besides navy) made you an outsider. The weather? Crap. The...

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January 11, 2005

After two weeks of non-stop storms and record rains, the sun came out and I decided to make use of it since I have not been able to wander since moving here. Being close to the charming Montana Street here in Santa Monica has it's benefits - a quick walk and I was sipping tea to fight of the forceful winds that were taking down palm trees everywhere. A little walk more and I was in a paper store picking out note cards of thanks. A block or two more and I found myself at the most wonderful store, House Inc, where I will purchase a set of bedding once I can wade through the sample fabrics I was given. Coming home, the flowers were clinging for dear life on the tree but welcomed me just the same. And once inside the flat, I was relaxed, calm, and for the first time in a year, so very happy and hopeful. So far as I can tell, I am home. Though I still have the lingering want to move back to France (and know I will eventually), I think I have found a place that fits me and a place where I feel like I belong (no one seems to judge or care who you are here, so many friendly people and lots of please and thank-yous. Plus sun!). It makes all the terrifying moments, the uncertaintity of moving and all the fear I had about it all so worth it...

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January 04, 2005

A powerful storm from Alaska battered Southern California on Monday, and boosted the season's rainfall total in Los Angeles to almost four times normal. By Monday night, the storm had dumped as much as 5 inches of rain on Southern California, and forecasters said that figure could double by tonight. Flash-flood watches and winter storm warnings were issued throughout the Southland, as forecasters said the cold and rainy weather should linger through today, slackening only briefly before another storm front moves into California late this week. - from the L.A. Times The top reason to leave Seattle for Santa Monica was for sun and warmth. I'd enough of the everlasting dark, gloomy clouds that made me drink far too much coffee and had me wearing 6 layers of heavy, dark clothes. But since arriving here, I've been having coffee everyday and wishing I hadn't packed my dark, heavy clothes. I'm beginning to think this sunshine business is a myth. There has to be humour in this somewhere....

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January 03, 2005

The idea of selling off everything in the old flat and buying new sounded simply marvellous. But put into practice it's been more overwhelming than fun. So many products, lines, slight differences, price ranges. I've google'd and eopinion'ed out everything and I'm still no better than before. Things I need to purchase: * Bed frame (simple wooden slat frame, perhaps an organic one from Life Kind) * Couch (Found one I think I like from Cozi Couch in Santa Monica & Santa Barbara. All slipcovered with down cushions! And on sale!) * Desk for a home office * Table for tea parties. * Table for my art (everyone should have their own private space/table) * Closet organisation since I do not wish to purchase drawers or chests (Looking at the Elfa system from the Container Store as they seem really sturdy, they help you design and it's all on sale during January) * All kitchenware including cookware, storage, dinnerware, utensils etc. * Linens for the bed (either going totally organic from Gaiam or going totally deluxe. I'm a sucker for a high thread count) * Vacuum for hardwood floors * 8X10 area rug for living room I move into the flat Wednesday night but won't move my bits until the weekend. This will give me probably too much time to analyse the flat, the space and measurements. It's a goal of mine to plan a bit more than I've ever done to avoid over-buying and overspending, not to mention buying...

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January 02, 2005

It has been such an overwhelming week which has involved being in a different place almost every night, being far grubbier than one would like and mixing discomort with great joy and excitement. So when I woke this morning I felt the need for a little comfort and with Montana Ave just outside my steps, I headed there for a little Sunday brunch. Provence Cafe on 16th/Montana is run by two Frenchman who make the most delicious food. It was so nice to be able to speak french again and enjoy a restaurant where the portions did not frighten the bejesus out of me. Due to an overwhelming amount of hard, cold rain I didn't wander the street as I wanted but I did manage to head down to the original Shabby Chic store where I fell in-love with the bean couch, a duvet, a rug and an oil lamp. I left with nothing, however. I'm a terrible shopper - loving to pet the pretty things but hating to bring packages home. Mary Catherine rang to ask if I was up to some Anthropologie lovin', which of course, I was. We found ourselves walking tghe 3rd street promenade but had it cut short due to torrential rains. We were literally soaked to the bone by the time we headed to the store. Luckily, being amongst the pretty things and trying on a skirt or two was soothing. However, the rain left us cold and hungry so we made our way...

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September 22, 2004

It has been a few days of luxury; last night was a fabulous stay at the highly recommended Hotel Oceana in Santa Monica. We would have stayed there but a seconed night if it were not for them being fully booked. The little suite we had held our Whole Food groceries wonderfully and was located across from the ocean. It's warm golden colour scheme combined with punches of blue reminded me of the chic botique hotels in Souther France. It was heavenly. Today we checked into the very exclusive Hotel Casa del Mar where, upon check-in, a man brushed past me and said, "Excuse me" to which I paid no attention. After registering I went out to the car in which the concierge informed me it was Tom Hanks who had just walked past. It didn't hit me until Chris mentioned he had been watching him (as Chris was a couple of feet away) before he jumped into his Toyota Prius. At least I knew those enviromental ads Tom makes are legit and that the hotel was going to be pretty nice. Our room overlooks the ocean, which I could hear as I ate my supper in the room. The ipod is hooked up to a fabulous stereo and I've been rocking out whilst getting ready for company tonight. Oh, the sunshine, the smiling faces, the pretty Anthropologie and palm trees. I think I've fallen for this town....

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