This star was born to shine.
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8.14.2013
Palm Springs: The Bachelorette Party
This past weekend was my bachelorette party!
We laid low in the desert and mostly vegged out by the pool.
And I'm sure you'll all be surprised to hear me say, I LOVED IT AND WANT TO DO IT EVERY WEEKEND.
Five of us girls piled into a minivan (hells yeah.) and road tripped it to Palm Springs.
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We laid low in the desert and mostly vegged out by the pool.
And I'm sure you'll all be surprised to hear me say, I LOVED IT AND WANT TO DO IT EVERY WEEKEND.
Five of us girls piled into a minivan (hells yeah.) and road tripped it to Palm Springs.
Obviously we packed light.
Little known fact: Palm Springs is in the desert.
We stayed at The Palm Springs Riviera and I can honestly say that it was the perfect hotel for our trip. The decor was a little bit of 1960's modern, with a touch of modern day glamour, and a ton of Liberace gaudiness. Our hotel seemed like the happening spot to be, as we saw lots of guests who looked like they were there to party.
Hotel lobby
Our rooms
Paaaaarty time. Exxxxcellent.
4:00 pm on a Friday, hanging out at the "family" pool
The pool bars at the hotel had an impressive selection of cocktails. Seriously, they were GREAT. I probably tasted about 5-6 different drinks and they were all light and fruity and tasted nothing like alcohol. Just the way I like to get tanked.
This was the Linda Lee
I miss this already...
Friday night, we had dinner at Trio- "...where Palm Springs eats and drinks."
I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. From the decor (1960's pop culture with some Andy Warhol-esque flair), to the service (our server was Daniel and he did a fabulous job at accommodating our large group, taking photos for us, and interacting with us like we were long lost friends), to the food (not one complaint in the bunch). If you're in Palm Springs, don't even bother with any of those other flash-in-the-pan restaurants. TRUST ME.
This was either the Palm Springs Punch or the Wil Stiles
We've watched enough of RuPaul's Drag Race to know how to work a room
Good
Better
After dinner, we ended up at some low-budge bar/club/alternate universe called Zelda's. It was located in a strip mall and I remember someone in the van saying "Just drive over his barf and park the car" while we were pulling into the parking lot.
Our arrival couldn't have been planned any more perfectly because as we walked in, they were starting "The Men of the Hollywood Strip" show. It was a super cheezy show and involved songs like Will Smith's Men in Black. The dancers weren't really my cup of creatine, but I gotta hand it to them, they have a full-on workout with those routines. Also, the women in that place were getting all kinds of X-rated, you'd think they just got released from a life sentence in solitary confinement. Filthy animals.
Meanwhile, back at the hotel... (I love these chairs)
Saturday morning, we all met up at the hotel restaurant. Breakfast buffet - French toast, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, a yogurt parfait station, and coffee/ OJ - for only $15.
Bacon
Watching footage of the "stripper"
Just about all of Saturday's day time hours were spent poolside with cocktails
MmMmMmMmmm...
For dinner, we went to Kaiser Grille. They have good outdoor seating, with overhead misters, that can accommodate larger groups. The drink menu was solid with a wide variety of cocktails to choose from. The downside: my food was cold and pretty lackluster, and there's an awful sulfur smell that hovers over the entire patio area.
Good
Better
After dinner, we walked around the downtown area. There was a hat shop that we spent way too much time in and bought absolutely nothing.
"What did you do for your bachelorette party???"
"We tried on hats."
Sunday morning was check-out (sad...) and we all went out for one last group meal: Breakfast at Lulu's.
The decor inside of Lulu's was very cool and relaxing- lots of white and plexiglass. The place was fairly packed with patrons, so we saw that as a good sign of things to come. Unfortunately, my food was less than impressive and I don't think I would recommend this place. I got the 3-course Sunday brunch: mixed greens salad, cobb scramble, and strawberry crepe. Everything in my meal was bland and it seemed like they focused more on the presentation, than the flavor or quality. Maybe we just went on a bad day...
And that's pretty much where our vacation ended.
I had a great time with my friends and I'm glad that each one of them was able to make it.
Also...
Palm Springs, I'll miss you.
8.05.2013
Wedding Venue: Poinsettia Pavilion
Poinsettia Pavilion is located in beautiful Ventura, California. Despite having lived so close to it, I never had much of an interest in checking this place out. Mostly because I thought it was a "typical" wedding hall venue that probably looked like every other banquet room.
It wasn't until I saw it person that I really began to appreciate all that this venue had to offer. Which came in the form of a lobby right out of Mad Men.
And by that, I mean I'm pretty sure all of the decor is original to this 1954 building.
So if you love kitschy, vintage styles from that era, like I do, this place will be right up your alley.
Disclaimer: I didn't take the best photos. In fact, looking back, I'm wondering why the hell didn't I get a shot of the exterior of the building. Your guess is as good as mine.
All dining arrangements must be made through Scofield Catering.
Worth Noting: When I visited the pavilion earlier this year, I was told that they were in the process of updating all of the drapery. The curtains shown in these photos were going to be replaced with a more neutral colored set.
The Poinsettia Pavilion is situated on a hilltop and offers a pretty great view that even rivals the one at The Cross (minus the treacherous drive).
Rental fee includes the following:
-6 hours, including set up and clean up
-Setup of all tables and chairs
-Use of microphone
Additional fees include:
-Decorations offered by venue
-Linens
-Security (required if alcohol is served)
-Security deposit
Santa Paula Room (not shown): $900
Ventura Room: $1,800
For more information, contact Carol at (805) 648-1143
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It wasn't until I saw it person that I really began to appreciate all that this venue had to offer. Which came in the form of a lobby right out of Mad Men.
And by that, I mean I'm pretty sure all of the decor is original to this 1954 building.
So if you love kitschy, vintage styles from that era, like I do, this place will be right up your alley.
Disclaimer: I didn't take the best photos. In fact, looking back, I'm wondering why the hell didn't I get a shot of the exterior of the building. Your guess is as good as mine.
Brady-Bunch-esque mod poles flank both of the front doors
Lobby
The Pavilion offers two reception halls to choose from (actually, there are three, but the third one seems more like a meeting room). The Santa Paula Room accommodates up to 70 people, and the Ventura Room accommodates up to 250.
Entrance to the Ventura Room (kitchen is on the far side)
-Parquet flooring throughout
-PA system
-Wireless internet
-Piano available
-Plenty of private parking
-Event must end at midnight
All dining arrangements must be made through Scofield Catering.
Worth Noting: When I visited the pavilion earlier this year, I was told that they were in the process of updating all of the drapery. The curtains shown in these photos were going to be replaced with a more neutral colored set.
The Poinsettia Pavilion is situated on a hilltop and offers a pretty great view that even rivals the one at The Cross (minus the treacherous drive).
The Channel Islands
Rental fee includes the following:
-6 hours, including set up and clean up
-Setup of all tables and chairs
-Use of microphone
Additional fees include:
-Decorations offered by venue
-Linens
-Security (required if alcohol is served)
-Security deposit
Santa Paula Room (not shown): $900
Ventura Room: $1,800
For more information, contact Carol at (805) 648-1143
7.23.2013
A Year Ago Today.
A year ago today I was coming off of a three-day, bowel-cleansing bender. I was waking up early and making an exciting-slash-nervous drive into Santa Barbara. I was sitting in a waiting room with Eric, my mom, and sister. I was getting needles jabbed into my arms, pulling up dopey-looking grippy socks, and cracking jokes with people wearing scrubs. I was getting wheeled down long hallways and looking around at Dr. Frankenstein-looking medical equipment. I was trying to look alive as my mom and sister snapped drugged-out photos of me, laying on a stretcher, wearing a crown that read "Chili Peppers."
Today is ONE WHOLE YEAR since I had my big surgery.
You know, the one where I had my butt-guts pulled through my stomach and PART OF MY BOWEL WAS REMOVED.
It's hard for me to believe it's already been so long because I can still clearly remember my excitement at the thought of being "healthy." In fact, as crazy as it sounds, I STILL get excited when I think about my surgery! Not only was it the best decision I've ever made, it was such a positive experience for me. I loved- LOVED- my hospital stay. I still remember several of my nurses names and faces. Which makes me think, it's strange how brains holds tighter to some memories over others- for some reason, my brain tells me that I'm, like, best friends with these nurses. They were just so thoughtful and friendly, and I think because of the nature of the situation, their helpfulness was magnified that much more. (I guess getting catheterized multiple times or having post surgery tar-poops wiped from your butt by a team of complete strangers will do that to you.)
If you had asked me a year ago what my health would be like today, I think I would've probably had a different answer from how things actually turned out. I think both Eric and I were counting on my surgery to be the miracle drug for all of my ailments and that we would start churning out the kids in no time. Unfortunately, things don't always go according to plan. And while I could go on and on about how unfair life is, or how painful and torturous (and sometimes rude) people can be when endlessly bragging (or better yet, complaining) about their kids/ pregnancies, or what it's like to have to endure another Mother's Day as a non-mom, I'll save that rant for another day. I mean, everyone has something to complain about, right...?
I sent Thank You cards to all of my doctors, as well as the hospital staff yesterday. My doctors have selflessly gone beyond their obligatory scope of work and I'm SO grateful for all they've done for me. And while I'm sure they don't exactly sit around, feeling unappreciated, I sent the cards anyway because it's nice to be reminded.
Since my surgery- and recovery- I feel like I've gained my life back. I'll still never be 100% because an asshole named endometriosis ruined that forever, but I feel much healthier than I have in the past several years. Longer than I can remember.
Things are looking up, my friends.
Another perk, I never gained any of my pre-surgery weight back. Win-win. #HumbleBrag
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Today is ONE WHOLE YEAR since I had my big surgery.
You know, the one where I had my butt-guts pulled through my stomach and PART OF MY BOWEL WAS REMOVED.
It's hard for me to believe it's already been so long because I can still clearly remember my excitement at the thought of being "healthy." In fact, as crazy as it sounds, I STILL get excited when I think about my surgery! Not only was it the best decision I've ever made, it was such a positive experience for me. I loved- LOVED- my hospital stay. I still remember several of my nurses names and faces. Which makes me think, it's strange how brains holds tighter to some memories over others- for some reason, my brain tells me that I'm, like, best friends with these nurses. They were just so thoughtful and friendly, and I think because of the nature of the situation, their helpfulness was magnified that much more. (I guess getting catheterized multiple times or having post surgery tar-poops wiped from your butt by a team of complete strangers will do that to you.)
If you had asked me a year ago what my health would be like today, I think I would've probably had a different answer from how things actually turned out. I think both Eric and I were counting on my surgery to be the miracle drug for all of my ailments and that we would start churning out the kids in no time. Unfortunately, things don't always go according to plan. And while I could go on and on about how unfair life is, or how painful and torturous (and sometimes rude) people can be when endlessly bragging (or better yet, complaining) about their kids/ pregnancies, or what it's like to have to endure another Mother's Day as a non-mom, I'll save that rant for another day. I mean, everyone has something to complain about, right...?
I sent Thank You cards to all of my doctors, as well as the hospital staff yesterday. My doctors have selflessly gone beyond their obligatory scope of work and I'm SO grateful for all they've done for me. And while I'm sure they don't exactly sit around, feeling unappreciated, I sent the cards anyway because it's nice to be reminded.
Since my surgery- and recovery- I feel like I've gained my life back. I'll still never be 100% because an asshole named endometriosis ruined that forever, but I feel much healthier than I have in the past several years. Longer than I can remember.
Things are looking up, my friends.
Another perk, I never gained any of my pre-surgery weight back. Win-win. #HumbleBrag
7.21.2013
Odds and Ends Related to Food.
I have three important food-related things that need to be shared with you.
1. Do you like California Pizza Kitchen?
Of course you do, who doesn't.
Last night, while Eric and I were looking over a CPK menu, our very polite and well-informed server notified us that the Tricolore Salad will be discontinued starting this Tuesday, July 23.
And I was like "WHAAAAAAAT???"
And he was like "I know. Our manager just told us this morning. Lots of people are going to complain."
And I was like "Yeah, I'm one of them. I'll have the Tricolore Salad, STAT. And bread with butter please. Make that STAT too. I'm having a Tricolore anxiety attack."
For those who have never tried it, the Tricolore Salad is a combination of mixed greens and tomato, tossed in balsamic dressing, topped with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, served on top of thin-crust pizza. It's like a healthy pizza. But better, because it doesn't leave you with grease-chin afterward.
So if you like California Pizza Kitchen, or pizzas, or salads, or trying new foods, or taking my advice, GO TO CPK TODAY OR TOMORROW. Get your fill of the Tricolore Salad while you can. It's going away after tomorrow. Foreverrrrrrr.
CPK BIGWIGS: If you happen to be reading this, please reconsider. You're making a huge mistake.
Also, while you're there, you might as well get the chocolate souffle cake. I mean, I don't even like chocolate and I can't refuse this thing. For reals.
2. Do you like madeleines?
You should because they're buttery rich and ordering them makes you sound sophisticated.
I usually tend to buy them at The Coffee Bean because that just happens to be where I most often see them. But every time I fall for this checkout-line-impulse-buy, I can't help but recognize that I'm getting totally ripped off. Now I can't remember the exact price, but I want to say it's like $2 for a pack of three.
Why am I telling you this?
Because I just discovered a tub of these French fancies at Vons the other day:
14 madeleine's for $5.
WHAT A STEAL.
Now, I'm no math wizard, but I'm pretty sure that's a way better deal.
You better believe I bought them because it's the smart shopper thing to do.
And it could also be because the label included something about "100% butter."
Mmmmmm....
3. Peaches & Cottage Cheese
Have you ever had real peaches with cottage cheese? As in, fresh peaches?
I had it for breakfast this morning and it was kind of gross.
Who knew there was such a big difference between fresh peaches/ cottage cheese, and canned peaches/ cottage cheese?
Heavy syrup for the win.
Read More
1. Do you like California Pizza Kitchen?
Of course you do, who doesn't.
Last night, while Eric and I were looking over a CPK menu, our very polite and well-informed server notified us that the Tricolore Salad will be discontinued starting this Tuesday, July 23.
And I was like "WHAAAAAAAT???"
And he was like "I know. Our manager just told us this morning. Lots of people are going to complain."
And I was like "Yeah, I'm one of them. I'll have the Tricolore Salad, STAT. And bread with butter please. Make that STAT too. I'm having a Tricolore anxiety attack."
For those who have never tried it, the Tricolore Salad is a combination of mixed greens and tomato, tossed in balsamic dressing, topped with freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, served on top of thin-crust pizza. It's like a healthy pizza. But better, because it doesn't leave you with grease-chin afterward.
So if you like California Pizza Kitchen, or pizzas, or salads, or trying new foods, or taking my advice, GO TO CPK TODAY OR TOMORROW. Get your fill of the Tricolore Salad while you can. It's going away after tomorrow. Foreverrrrrrr.
CPK BIGWIGS: If you happen to be reading this, please reconsider. You're making a huge mistake.
Also, while you're there, you might as well get the chocolate souffle cake. I mean, I don't even like chocolate and I can't refuse this thing. For reals.
2. Do you like madeleines?
You should because they're buttery rich and ordering them makes you sound sophisticated.
I usually tend to buy them at The Coffee Bean because that just happens to be where I most often see them. But every time I fall for this checkout-line-impulse-buy, I can't help but recognize that I'm getting totally ripped off. Now I can't remember the exact price, but I want to say it's like $2 for a pack of three.
Why am I telling you this?
Because I just discovered a tub of these French fancies at Vons the other day:
14 madeleine's for $5.
WHAT A STEAL.
Now, I'm no math wizard, but I'm pretty sure that's a way better deal.
You better believe I bought them because it's the smart shopper thing to do.
And it could also be because the label included something about "100% butter."
Mmmmmm....
3. Peaches & Cottage Cheese
Have you ever had real peaches with cottage cheese? As in, fresh peaches?
Actually, now that I'm looking at this, maybe I was eating a nectarine...?
I had it for breakfast this morning and it was kind of gross.
Who knew there was such a big difference between fresh peaches/ cottage cheese, and canned peaches/ cottage cheese?
Heavy syrup for the win.
That's better.
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