Hello, hello! (And a question for you)
Sep. 7th, 2012 09:25 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
stoney321I have been mostly sans-internet for the week while entertaining a guest, a guest who weirdly enough doesn't feel compelled to check their multiple blogs several times a day? Le gasp! So I had to do stuff like talk out loud and be outside (omg, it was 100F + all week, cry cry). Oh, right, and spend the week with my oldest friend, Chrissy. Well, oldest friendship. She's only a year older than me, it's not like she's old.
I'm out of practice with writing words, derp.
HI!
1. When I have something delicious to eat, I want to eat it a lot. Example: (my friend is vegetarian, so I wanted to make meals that were inclusive) whole wheat ciabatta bun, toasted with a brush of olive oil and sea salt. On this: sun-dried tomato pesto, grilled portobello mushroom (brushed with balsamic vinaigrette and sea salt), a little Feta cheese, roasted red bell peppers, baby spinach leaves and pepperocinis. SO GUESS WHAT I ATE FOR LUNCH ALL WEEK. Nom nom!
2. I took her to Sephora (because you can order stuff online, hooray! - and she lives in the sticks) and played with makeup for a few hours. I convinced her to sign up for their rewards card, and as they filled out her information, the girl asked my friend, "Email?" which Chrissy heard as "Female?" She did a tiny double take, and in a very friendly voice said, "Yes, female?" I don't know who felt more derpy, the cashier or my friend. I just cackled and laughed, because I'm awesome and supportive. (ha) WHY WOULD SHE ASK YOU IF YOU WERE FEMALE. Lol.
3. AND THE MOST IMPORTANT PART. I am going to be heading out to LA at the end of October for a fun media-fest/weekend plus a few days' getaway, and as I have never been, am looking for your suggestions on the following:
* neighborhoods that are wonderful to stay in
* Must See sights (beyond the typical tourist attractions like Grauman's, etc.)
* Must Eat restaurants.
Remember that I am a grown-ass lady and I have money, so I don't have to rough it. :D (And I'm renting a car.) Anyone? *chinfists*
4. And not having a fannish Tumblr anymore has really made me happy. HUH. PRETTY PICTURES, YAY!
I'm out of practice with writing words, derp.
HI!
1. When I have something delicious to eat, I want to eat it a lot. Example: (my friend is vegetarian, so I wanted to make meals that were inclusive) whole wheat ciabatta bun, toasted with a brush of olive oil and sea salt. On this: sun-dried tomato pesto, grilled portobello mushroom (brushed with balsamic vinaigrette and sea salt), a little Feta cheese, roasted red bell peppers, baby spinach leaves and pepperocinis. SO GUESS WHAT I ATE FOR LUNCH ALL WEEK. Nom nom!
2. I took her to Sephora (because you can order stuff online, hooray! - and she lives in the sticks) and played with makeup for a few hours. I convinced her to sign up for their rewards card, and as they filled out her information, the girl asked my friend, "Email?" which Chrissy heard as "Female?" She did a tiny double take, and in a very friendly voice said, "Yes, female?" I don't know who felt more derpy, the cashier or my friend. I just cackled and laughed, because I'm awesome and supportive. (ha) WHY WOULD SHE ASK YOU IF YOU WERE FEMALE. Lol.
3. AND THE MOST IMPORTANT PART. I am going to be heading out to LA at the end of October for a fun media-fest/weekend plus a few days' getaway, and as I have never been, am looking for your suggestions on the following:
* neighborhoods that are wonderful to stay in
* Must See sights (beyond the typical tourist attractions like Grauman's, etc.)
* Must Eat restaurants.
Remember that I am a grown-ass lady and I have money, so I don't have to rough it. :D (And I'm renting a car.) Anyone? *chinfists*
4. And not having a fannish Tumblr anymore has really made me happy. HUH. PRETTY PICTURES, YAY!
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2012-09-07 03:07 pm (UTC)Yay for relaxing visit with Chrissy! Vinnie and I are trying to plan some sort of get-together (it's been over a year since we've actually seen each other) but I'm trying to wait until after all of my inheritance stuff clears so I can afford to spring for somewhere awesome for us to go so I can take her out for shrimp and lobster. Woot!
I haven't been to LA since I was a tot, so I'm no help, but I'm wishing you a faaaabulous trip!
Random things:
1) Yay for happier fannish times with Tumblr!
2) Have you ever noticed that, when she's not doing duck lips, Lydia on Teen Wolf kind of looks like you? (It's the hair and eyes, I think.)
3) What sort of paint should I use on wrought iron railing? (Yes, that's the sort of thing I expect you to know.)
*beams at your happy post*
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Date: 2012-09-07 03:20 pm (UTC)Oh, I highly recommend you and Vinnie getting together! Heck, one of those trips resulted in you being healed by Jensen, so who knows what could happen with this visit?
1) Why do you not have one, Sue? I'm telling you: PICTURES. FOOD. STUFF. (Here's mine. Make one and follow me so I can follow you. I AM THE BOSS OF YOU.)
2) I have not noticed! Because I've not watched it yet, I'm only reading Liz's recaps! I plan on starting it once I'm done with White Collar, though, SO I WILL LOOK FOR THIS. ALso: you are wonderful.
3) Use metal enamel paint, but be sure to use the right kind of primer! (Metal wire brush, tacky wipe down, oil-based metal primer.)
Whatcha painting?
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Date: 2012-09-07 03:39 pm (UTC)Check: primer. You will be the boss of me as I head to Lowes. The railing on our front porch is starting to look condemned, yikes. Now that it's going to be a little less 5th circle of hell around here (80 for a high this weekend, woo!) I am going to clean all things in the yard, get some mums and pumpkins and gourds and make it look like a Southern Living cover exploded all over my front door, if you know what I mean (and I know you do).
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Date: 2012-09-07 03:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-07 04:04 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-07 03:42 pm (UTC)There are some Krylon sprays for metal that are easy to use. The key is to clean off the flaking paint and put on a primer (and I think they make a primer, too) That way you can get into the little crevices.
I BET IT WILL LOOK LOVELY! And when you're done, come do mine. ;D
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Date: 2012-09-07 04:07 pm (UTC)Krylon actually sounds like something along my painting ability. Remove the rust, peeling paint, put on primer and paint. Check.
How 'bout I make you a lovely pitcher of from scratch mint lemonade while I watch you do yours? I'll even put in a pinch of ginger to soothe your belly 'cause I'm a LoHP purist, tee!
I'll tumble for ya.
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Date: 2012-09-07 04:21 pm (UTC)*kicks pig's bladder soccer ball to you and avoids hornet nest*
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Date: 2012-09-07 03:35 pm (UTC)Bread with olive oil and sea salt! YUM!
OMG now I'm hungry.
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Date: 2012-09-07 03:39 pm (UTC)How perfect is a hot piece of bread with olive oil and sea salt? MAYBE THE MOST PERFECT THING.
Ha, I'm quickly gearing up for lunch myself! <3
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Date: 2012-09-07 03:44 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-07 03:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-07 03:40 pm (UTC)I loooooove Sephora. You get to play with stuff!
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Date: 2012-09-07 04:40 pm (UTC)I'm not allowed in Sephora. I can NOT walk out of there without dropping a ton of coin.
Ooh, so jealous of your LA trip. I love going there. I don't know that I can recommend a neighborhood to stay in, since I always stay with friends when I visit, but Los Feliz and Silver Lake are both cute neighborhoods. Both are east of Hollywood, though Los Feliz is closer to the action.
I can't really help with restaurants since my friends are always on a budget. I had to go to Pink's and I always get In-n-Out burger when I'm there, but as far as foodie type places, I don't know much about it. Which blows because I love to eat.
I know you want lesser known tourist attractions, but I loved the Griffith Observatory (though I wish they had viewings), the Getty and the Warner Brothers Studio tour, which is completely different from the Universal Tour. Heavy on the film/tv history, light on the theme park.
I'm also a movie nerd, so I love to see locations where movies were filmed. We had dinner at the Formosa Cafe, which was used in 'LA Confidential' ("Exley: Shut up! A hooker cut to look like Lana Turner is still a hooker. She just looks like Lana Turner. Jack: She is Lana Turner.") I also hit The Dresden in Los Feliz from "Swingers". I'm pretty sure that couple are still performing. There are a few websites that list all of the movies and their locations if you're interested in that sort of thing.
http://www.movie-locations.com/places/usa/la.html
http://www.seeing-stars.com/locations/index.shtml
http://www.movielocationsguide.com/movie_location_maps/California_%28Los_Angeles%29.php
I'm more interested in seeing where the classic movies were filmed, but there's the more recent stuff as well.
I also went to this theater that screened silent movies. I saw a pristine cut of Charlie Chaplin's 'The Kid', which was awesome for me because I have a hard time watching silent movies because of film degradation. I'm not kidding when I say this cut looked like it had just been shot. It was spectacular. Again, not sure if you're into that, but here's the link:
http://www.cinefamily.org/
Amoeba Music is an awesome music store, huge selection and very helpful staff.
The ArcLight is a great place to see a movie. There's a bar and some showings are 21+, so you can bring your drink into the theater.
That's what immediately comes to mind. I hope it's helpful. :-)
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Date: 2012-09-07 08:14 pm (UTC)OH, THIS IS FABULOUS INFORMATION!! I def. wouldn't mind seeing interesting sights like you've mentioned. I'm not wanting to be a tourist with a crowd - I much prefer to blend in with the locals and immerse myself in a place, so these sound like some fantastic options for that. YAY!!! Thank you, thank you!
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Date: 2012-09-07 05:26 pm (UTC)L.A. proved too much for the man (he couldn't take it) BUT STONEY CAN!
-- West Hollywood is fantastic. Accessible, a little hippie-stonerfied-hisptery but so comfortable and queer-friendly and funky. Lots of great watering holes. That's where I would stay (and have stayed) on a return trip, but alas, I have no hotel recs because we housesat. Although... maybe try the Best Western on Sunset Blvd. It's a nice central spot.
-- Hugo's on Sunset is a must for eats. They've got wonderful dishes, and a vegan mac & cheese that still haunts me. It's cozy and friendly and everything is so fresh. Plus, you can't beat a pot of French-pressed on the table and strawberry shortcake at 11pm, ever. Oh, my heart.
-- The French Quarter on Santa Monica has nice breakfasts and a sweet patio.
--If you're in the mood for Brazilian, Bossa Nova is great. It's in West Hollywood on Robinson across the street from the Abbey, which is a big deal gay hotspot and lots of fun for a fizzy drink and some hip shakin'.
-- You can't go wrong with Hamburger Mary's. Ever. They're on Santa Monica and Melrose, as I recall.
--Tasty Donut on Sunset is a hole in the wall but has the most tender sugared donuts I've ever let dissolve upon my tongue. I'm so not a krispy creme gal, so if that's what you love in a fried ball of dough, you won't find it here.
Now I want to leave sunny Alameda and head south... have a lovely time, darlin'!
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Date: 2012-09-07 05:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-07 05:53 pm (UTC)*notes every damn place on my map*
Awww, thank you so much for this!!
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Date: 2012-09-07 06:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-07 05:29 pm (UTC)I'm not helpful at all, am I?
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Date: 2012-09-07 05:43 pm (UTC)Maybe trip advisor or one of those sites can help?
Or do you know what other places/attractions you are going to want to see when you're here? Maybe we can find you a nice place central to them. :)
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Date: 2012-09-07 05:53 pm (UTC)There are tons of hotels in Downtown LA, although I'd advise to steer clear of downtown unless you have a specific reason to be there. Burbank and Glendale have nice hotels if you want to be on the east side of things. I went to an event at a really nice hotel in Century City once but I can't for the life of me remember the name of it. Same goes for a hotel on the Sunset Strip, right by the House of Blues, Viper Room etc.
If I remember anything I'll let you know! Once again, not too helpful huh? LOL
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Date: 2012-09-07 05:56 pm (UTC)We're planning on museums for sure, and I'm not opposed to driving anywhere. Dallas is a driving city, too - lots of sprawl - so I won't be bothered by getting on the highway and heading to X.
And seeing YOU, TOO!!! I'm very excited for our Saturday, missy! <3
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Date: 2012-09-07 06:06 pm (UTC)There are a few museums down in the Miracle Mile area by the Tar Pits I think. Also the Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park which is over by the Los Feliz area. Most museum bound people here go to the Getty which is out on the Westside. Just depends on what you're looking for. :)
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Date: 2012-09-07 06:24 pm (UTC)Could it be due to links?
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Date: 2012-09-07 08:14 pm (UTC)-----------
I'm not allowed in Sephora. I can NOT walk out of there without dropping a ton of coin.
Ooh, so jealous of your LA trip. I love going there. I don't know that I can recommend a neighborhood to stay in, since I always stay with friends when I visit, but Los Feliz and Silver Lake are both cute neighborhoods. Both are east of Hollywood, though Los Feliz is closer to the action.
I can't really help with restaurants since my friends are always on a budget. I had to go to Pink's and I always get In-n-Out burger when I'm there, but as far as foodie type places, I don't know much about it. Which blows because I love to eat.
I know you want lesser known tourist attractions, but I loved the Griffith Observatory (though I wish they had viewings), the Getty and the Warner Brothers Studio tour, which is completely different from the Universal Tour. Heavy on the film/tv history, light on the theme park.
I'm also a movie nerd, so I love to see locations where movies were filmed. We had dinner at the Formosa Cafe, which was used in 'LA Confidential' ("Exley: Shut up! A hooker cut to look like Lana Turner is still a hooker. She just looks like Lana Turner. Jack: She is Lana Turner.") I also hit The Dresden in Los Feliz from "Swingers". I'm pretty sure that couple are still performing. There are a few websites that list all of the movies and their locations if you're interested in that sort of thing.
I'm more interested in seeing where the classic movies were filmed, but there's the more recent stuff as well.
I also went to this theater that screened silent movies. I saw a pristine cut of Charlie Chaplin's 'The Kid', which was awesome for me because I have a hard time watching silent movies because of film degradation. I'm not kidding when I say this cut looked like it had just been shot. It was spectacular. Again, not sure if you're into that, but it's the Cinefamily theater on Fairfax.
Amoeba Music is an awesome music store, huge selection and very helpful staff.
The ArcLight is a great place to see a movie. There's a bar and some showings are 21+, so you can bring your drink into the theater.
That's what immediately comes to mind. I hope it's helpful. :-)
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Date: 2012-09-07 08:15 pm (UTC)THANK YOU!! BOOKMARKED and am blowing you a kiss in thanks.
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Date: 2012-09-07 06:31 pm (UTC)There's a Starwood property in Santa Monica (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1135). Just sayin'
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Date: 2012-09-07 08:17 pm (UTC)And Shutters looks perfectly reasonable in price range - Santa Monica was one I was most interested in, thanks for that!
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Date: 2012-09-07 06:50 pm (UTC)Also, I recommend standing in the ocean while in LA. That's what I did so that I could say I was in the Pacific. XD Dip your feet in, girl!
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Date: 2012-09-07 08:18 pm (UTC)Oh, I'm an ocean girl. If it's possible for what we end up having planned, that's a done deal already. :)
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Date: 2012-09-07 08:18 pm (UTC)I love Musso and Frank's just because it's clubby, cool Hollywood http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/5/71671/restaurant/LA/Musso-Frank-Grill-Hollywood My dad always ordered the liver and onions. I bet it's not on the menu any more! Oh wait, it totally is! I'd just have cocktails and soaked up the atmosphere.
It's been over 15 years since we were there so I don't have any food recommendations other than if you like Korean food go read reviews on Yelp. I lived in Korea town and it was great fun grilling our own meat and seafood on in-table barbecues! We don't have anything cool like that here.
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Date: 2012-09-07 08:19 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-08 12:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-07 11:29 pm (UTC)Also thanks for your jellyfish pics! I did a craft with my kids today involving a water bottle,food coloring and a baggie to make jellyfish and I thought that was a cool coincidence, btw. :)
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Date: 2012-09-08 12:25 am (UTC)And that sounds like a very cool project! Ha - serendipity!
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Date: 2012-09-08 01:44 am (UTC)It was pretty cool! I was impressed with how much those baggies actually looked/moved like jellyfish!
Welp Back to Walking Dead Season 2 so I'm prepared for Season 3!!! EEEK!
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Date: 2012-09-08 12:25 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-09-08 12:26 am (UTC)LA!
Date: 2012-09-11 10:55 pm (UTC)Food:
Daikokuya (Ramen) - Downtown LA, Little Tokyo
Craft (pricey, fancy, American) – Century City
Guisados (stewed meat tacos) – East LA
Soul Burgers (crazy soul turkey burgers) – Inglewood
Tacos Por Favor – Santa Monica
Jitlada (Thai) - Hollywood
Grom Gelateria (best.gelato.ever.)– Malibu
El Pollo Inka (Peruvian) - Hawthorne
Al Watan Halaal (Indian/Pakistani) - Hawthorne
Father's Office (beer, American) - Culver City
Mendocino Farms (sandwiches) - many locations
Dying to try:
Baco Mercat
Blockheads Shavery
Wurstkuche
Din Tai Fung
Coffee:
Intelligentsia – a few locations
Proof – Atwater Village
Places:
Getty – both are awesome
MOCA – 3 locations
Argh! Totally blanking.
Re: LA!
Date: 2012-09-11 11:05 pm (UTC)