JARDIN DEL MAR

We are so fortunate to live in Los Angeles, a world class city with all the food, drink, entertainment, hustle and bustle we crave. Sometimes, however, we need a break from the insanity…and the traffic. Lucky for us, it is a quick drive to the desert and to the mountains. Did you know that it is also a quick and easy flight to Puerto Vallarta? In under three hours, you can land in the PV airport, pack only carry-on, hail one of the many taxis waiting directly outside and be ensconced in pure relaxation and paradise. That is what 20 of us ladies did last week at the gorgeous Jardin del Mar, located on the beach of the Riviera Nayarit. Close proximity to restaurants and shopping in Bucerias or stock up on food and drinks and never leave the grounds of this gorgeous beachfront Estate-turned boutique hotel.

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ALEXANDER GIRARD: A DESIGNER'S UNIVERSE

The holidays are here, and we all need a little escape. What better place to relax than Hollywood’s original home away from home…Palm Springs. After brunch at Cheeky’s, maybe a morning hike in the mountains or a bike ride around the Movie Colony, treat yourself to a thoroughly enjoyable retrospective of the work of Alexander “Sandro” Girard. The exhibit is being held at the wonderful Palm Springs Art Museum, now until March 1, 2020. I’ll let the museum’s bio speak for itself: Alexander Girard (1907–1993 in Santa Fe) was one of the most important and prolific designers of the 20th century. He created stunning interiors for restaurants, private homes, corporate offices, and even airplanes! He created textiles, typography, and tableware. He designed exhibitions, toys, and a whole city street in Columbus, Indiana. Inspired by folk art and pop art, Girard created a bold, colorful, charismatic universe. He warmed up modernism with his whimsical, optimistic patterns and designs.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

I love Halloween. It has been my favorite holiday since I was a kid, and I can remember all of my costumes. This was back in the day…not ordering up something from Amazon Prime two days prior or rushing out to Party City to grab an old school skeleton or ghoul. This was back when your mom MADE your costumes…Little Orphan Annie, the Tin Man, a Salerno butter cookie. She was creative, and we always decorated and carved pumpkins. I was ecstatic when I had little baby Cooper 14 years ago on October 15, 2005. I took that two week old babe, dressed him in a Halloween onsie and hit the streets after dark to re-start my trick-or-treating career. Needless to say, I am beyond delighted when this time of year rolls around, and I start to see all the decorations pop up in people’s yards. I love the spooky, the delightful, the grotesque and everything in between. But the biggest treat of all, the one I look forward to all year long it the fantastical pumpkin creation that Karen and Guy Vidal, local interior designers and neighbors, display in their front yard on West Silver Lake Drive for all to enjoy.

MONTY'S GOOD BURGER ECHO PARK

After indulging last month on the real deal, I thought I’d try to be nicer to my body and to the environment and give Monty’s a try. I had heard a lot about the impossible burger, and I’ve seen long lines outside Monty’s. Fake meat sceptic that I am, I was willing to give it a try. Saw a lot of friends there, loved the dog (Monty) logo of course, big fan of all the accoutrement to the burger, fries were stellar, iced tea was iced tea, decor super fun, Misfits themed free buttons a plus, overall the experience was good. However, I do not think the impossible burger tastes like a burger. The fully loaded “burger” was tasty, but it tasted unlike the real deal I’m afraid. However, according to Monty’s website, by eating just one Monty’s burger (instead of my usual cow burger), I’ve saved the equivalent of 75 sq ft of land, 1 half tub of bathwater, and 18 miles of emission in a car. That just may make me go back again.

BURGERS NEVER SAY DIE

Admittedly, I’m a little late to the party…even in my own family. I finally made it the 6 or so blocks down the street to the latest spot to mark the smash burger craze, BNSD, in Silver Lake. The site is literally attached to Silverlake Coffee. When cruising west down Rowena Ave, you may have noticed the giant CONSUME BURGERS painted across the side of the building. Well, slow your ride and grab a burger. Grab a double actually because that’s how they come. Don’t worry, you’ll finish it. Trust me. Throw in a side of fries and a cherry coke and fugetaboutit. Those from the Midwest like me, will harken back to your Steak ‘n Shake days and wax nostalgic. Then you will vow not to eat another meal like this for at least six months…I mean, we are Angelenos now.