VERVE COFFEE ROASTERS

Locals here in West Hollywood just got another pick-me-up...WeHo as we locals like to call it is developing into one of L.A's most popular and vibrant districts. Every street you turn on these days seems to be under construction with another superb restaurant, coffee shops, and more fabulous boutiques VERVE is within walking distance of my home, and watching the building's progress along the way was quite promising. It's a lovely addition to our neighborhood, and It's always refreshing when a business opens up and brings our community together.  VERVE - noun / vigor and spirit or enthusiasm...

VERVE is nestled in on the corner of Melrose Avenue and North Almont, right  next door to another popular prime spot, Gracias Madre. VERVE is owned by college friends and coffee professionals Colby Barr and Ryan O'Donovan. They thought about San Francisco for their first location but they're big on mountain biking and surfing, so they choose Santa Cruz for obvious reasons. Being in a smaller area allowed them to grow their brand at a natural pace, along with living their passion for the mountains and the surf. Now with six stunning locations, You can soon enjoy VERVE on the other side of the map in Tokyo, opening Spring of 2016.

Gleaming copper counters... when the sun shines through the windows, the copper is like a sea of electrons.. You begin to see the copper change as the light begins to change. Cappuccino with almond milk / Tom Ford Reading Glasses

Outside living is why we love it here in California. At night you can enjoy the lights in the trees and a cool coziness of the West Hollywood community.

With The openess of the kitchen and the transparency throughout the shop, the light enhances all of the natural materials.  Fresh Pastries and delicious coffee cakes.

The store design was originally influenced by Scandinavian designs, clean, simple with a feeling of nature. 

Juice Flight - 10 fresh juice shots from juice bar mini-chain Juice Served Here. The Flight Menu consists of: Green Easy - Field of Greens - Green Milk - Block Rockin' Beets - Redhead - Pipe Cleaner - Hot Lei - Charcoal Lemonade - Cream Party - Pixie. I definitely needed help in finishing The Flight, maybe next time you'll join me!  I am now ready for take off...

WeHo-8925 Melrose / Santa-Cruz 104 Bronson St. / DTLA 833 S. Spring St./ Santa Curz 1540 Pacific Ave.

Rain or shine, there's always time for coffee.  / J.Crew Rain Boots

Hats off to you VERVE, for creating a welcoming gathering space here in our neighborhood.

Grab a gift card for a friend. Let's have coffee!  Their videos on their sights are so helpful, you can learn the perfect techniques used to design the foam on top of latte's and cappuccinos.

   "As soon as coffee is in your stomach, there is a general commotion. Ideas begin to move... similes arise, the paper is covered. Coffee is your ally and writing ceases to be a struggle." - Honore de Balzac   

OJAI VALLEY INN

Where better to celebrate a healthy birthday weekend than California's own Ojai Valley Inn. Surrounded by Spanish architecture, acres of citrus and avocado orchards, and an aroma of rosemary and lavender fill the air. Located fifteen miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, Ojai is an easy 90-minute drive north of Los Angeles. 200 acres of smog-free...stress-free land, and a feeling of true tranquility. 

There are 300 plus newly decorated rooms and suites, with sweeping views of the mountains, and the golf course. Wherever you are, you will have a stunning view of the entire property. Our room overlooked the "Pixie Pool", the mountains and the working herb garden. Coffee and a cupcake... with this view who couldn't be happy to celebrate their birthday. 

Sincerely Jules T-Shirt / AG Jeans / Storets Jacket / Chanel Glasses - Necklace / Hermès Belt Feeling SUPER on my birthday.

Overlooking the Pixie Pool - Which use to be the Lavender Pool - They have made some recent changes without disturbing the charm. A local resident said  "There's nothing to do in Ojai, and not enough time to do it."  Peace & Positive Vibes - That's what you will find in this charming town.

Relax and enjoy one of the teahouses next to the herb garden. 

The main entrance into the Pixie Pool. On your walk here you can pass by their herb garden and take a stroll around and down the beautiful cypress trees.

The golf course is stunning. If you don't play golf you might take your first lesson here. You can enjoy your lunch at Jimmy's while taking in this view.

You can rent a bike for a full or half day and cruise along the 9.5 mile paved trail. In ten minutes or less you can stop into town, and have a cup of joe at Ojai Coffee Roasting Co. and tasty lunch. You won't be disappointed with the food or the service. They also roast their own beans.

What use to be the family pool is now the adult 'Indigo' pool.  Sophisticatedly decorated, and sweeping views of the Ojai Valley and the Topatopa Mountain Range. Slow and easy is what comes to mind when you enter here. 

Newly decorated- great place to read- and meet up with your friends before heading to dinner.

If you need a little shade or quite time, you can find it right here, and watch the sky, the mountains and the valley turn soft pink as the sun begins to set.

Healthy bite and a little reading, and yes...organic vegetables.

Happy about my deep tissue massage, off I went. The spa uses techniques of the Chumash Native American tribe, (the valley's first settlers) Ask for Tina....I felt like a new person when I left the spa.

Be sure to stop by Café Verde where you can find fresh pressed organic juices and healthy snacks.

You can enjoy a sauna, steam, and a jacuzzi, or relax upstairs until they call your name for your treatment.

Inside you will become relaxed instantly. Nothing like a spa treatment...

Plenty of machines and weights to choose from in their gym. There are yoga classes, pilates, spinning, bootcamp, meditation and much more.

Lunch at Jimmy's - Do have the truffle chips, and they make the best ice tea.

View from the Pixie Pool

Great space to take a break from swimming and have your lunch.

Along the pathway to the lobby from the Indigo pool.

Dining at The Oaks for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you will be served food that is locally sourced, and from the herb garden here at Ojai Valley Inn. Right in front of you there is a beautiful view of the mountains and the golf course, and not to be missed...the sunset

Fantastic Birthday Dinner

We were in awe of the brussels sprouts... by far the tastiest I've ever had, and what a great presentation.

Watching these two run down that hill always brings back the best memories for my husband and I...

Power breakfast for our son...Chocolate Chip Pancakes at The Oaks.

Fall right into the mood the minute you step onto the property. And yes...They love dogs here at Ojai Valley Inn. Buster joined us for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Thank you Ojai Valley Inn for another great stay, more memories and my birthday wishes. Most of all Thank you to my husband and son for having the idea to bring me here to one of my favorite places...a happy place

               Only you are you! That is truer than true!  There is no-one alive that is you-er than you!   Dr. Seuss

LIFE IN DOWNTOWN L.A.

Downtown Los Angeles... Full of art, fashion, top chefs and their stylish restaurants. We love culture in this city, and it's important to support, and be a part of our growing community. We spend most of our time in our cars here in L.A. Just watch Saturday Night Live, there's an ongoing skit on navigating our lovely freeways. Let's dodge the freeway...Take the side streets and end up in downtown L.A.

Twister was HUGE when I was a kid. Our weekend entertainment was devoted to Twister parties. When you visit The Springs on Mateo St. peek your head out the back and take in the giant Twister wall and have a laugh... or two.  Gucci Loafers / Genetic Jeans / EQUIPMENT black silk shirt / Hermès Twilly Scarf / Chanel Sunglasses / 

When you step into The Springs Urban Oasis you will be greeted by their vibrant gift shop full of handmade products. It's colorful, organic and creative.  /  Longchamp Bag  / Kelly Wrestler ring

Be sure and take a seat at the organic cold pressed juice bar. Try the Evergreen - cucumber, celery, romaine spinach, kale, parsley... Soooo Good

Make your way to the back of The Springs and you'll find yoga rooms and fun "coolio" clothing to  match your experience.

The sign says it all...Eco Friendly - Clothing that feels good, is good and has a happy feeling.

My friend  and fellow blogger Jesica Ryzenberg had the best time being inspired walking downtown and soaking up the artistic vibe.

POKETO / Founded in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Ted & Angie. It's a lifestyle brand to inspire the artist in you and your everyday life. POKETO  collaborates with over 200 international artist.

I bought my son a wallet designed by Yeji Yun - Korean Artist, made of vinyl.  A new spin on wallets with animating artistic messages. 

You can find a good selection of coffee table books, candles, and soaps.

Lot Stock & Barrel / If you want to check out a store where there is passion for vintage blue jeans, jackets, boots, jumpsuits and yes... there is some fringe floating around.

Street art in  L.A. has drawn fresh local artists, along with a few well know international one's too. 2014 was a big year for colorful messages with beautiful murals at every turn.

Jesica and I took a break for lunch at Church & State 1850 Industrial St. Los Angeles / A French Bistro, L.A. Hotspot. It feels a bit like you're in San Fran. You will need a reservation. It's packed with stylish, sophisticated and artsy people.  

You won't be disappointed with the wine list or the all natural produce, and naturally fed, humanely raised and treated animal products if you are a meat eater.

My Shrimp Ceasar Salad hit the spot.

Don't forget to try out a cup of joe from The Daily Dose. Kick start the second half of your downtown stroll.

The Daily Dose will find you... with it's coffee aroma floating around the corner. 1820 Industrial Street  

Nadia Geller / We found our way into this boutique filled with goodies. The Chalk Board says it all.  1801 East 7th ST.

Welcome!  Let's Shop

I couldn't resist these glasses from SOLA / Sisters of Los Angeles / These glasses make for starting up a great conversation.

How clever is this... An old P.O. Box Door resting on your table with a "succulent sidekick"

Cutting Boards / Shakers / Side Chairs

At Last...   It's a great feeling when you can support your community and enjoy all there is to offer to an up and coming neighborhood.

Cheers Jesica! Thank You Sisters Of Los Angeles... These glasses made for a great downtown memory. We took the 101 to the 10 and a few short cuts then enjoyed our afternoon in Sunny L.A.               Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.

Anthony J. D'Angelo