C'est magnifique At Bleu Bohème - San Diego

For some reason local San Diegan’s don’t like to explore areas other than Gaslamp or La Jolla. There are a few cute places around the city that every time I come down I’ll try different restaurants. I am a true fan of french cute places. Someone recommended ‘Bleu Bohème’at little neighborhood called Kensignton. What a cute little place to go have lunch/early/late dinner. The menu is somewhat french bistro. Selections have been down to the essential tourist-friendly franco-american favorites. We ordered of course my fave, Mousse de Foise de Canard aux Truffles (Duck Mousse w/Truffles), Pate de Campagne (Country style pate with black peppercorn), Assorted French Imported Cheeses. By this time I was somewhat full. But I couldn’t leave without my Moules Marinieres Mussels! Superb!!!! 

For dessert of course, the Dark Chocolate Mousse and Crepe Stuffed with Chocolaty Hazelnut spread (Nutella) they were ok.

Dear San Diegans, there are plenty of cute little restaurants around town, try to explore your city, you never know when you’ll fall in love-lust wth the nest IT restaurant.

Adieu, Bleu Bohème!

Bleu Boheme

4090 Adams Ave. San Diego, CA 92116

(619) 255.4167     |     www.bleuboheme.com

Couture Invitations, to die for!

I love invitations, and obviously for some people, they are not important, for others, it is the master key for your party. There are certain people that still go for the typical square, ribbon, lace, digital cheap printed, invite (get ready to go EEEK) Inside of a Cellophane Bag! Gag!!!

You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to have the perfect invite, of course for the masters of perfection go to to Lehr & Black. They are the long time go-to invitaiton designers for weddings and important life events of Hollywood Elite, such as Eva & Tony, Britney & Kevin, Gwen & Gavin and Ashley & Pete to name a few. Check them out: 

Another amazing designer from New York is Lisa "Ceci" Johnson, founder of Ceci New York. She partnered up with LUXE Destinations, to offer clients incredible options for their destination weddings, save the dates, invitations, menus and wedding programs just to name a few important elements to add your overall vision.

Book your invitation designer as soon as you book your venue and wedding date. A real expert will assist and manage every step of the way, try to make it a stress-free experience.


Lehr & Black 
8921 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 278.8182   |   www.lehrandblack.com


Ceci New York   (BY APOINTMENT ONLY) 
130 West 23rd St. New York, NY 10011

(212) 989.0695   |   www.cecinewyork.com

Coca Cola ...Lagerfeld Style....

The latest news from Chanel's leading man, The One and only Karl Lagerfeld, he will be featured on a limited-edition Coca Cola Light bottle (of course it has to be light).

The aluminum bottle has Karl’s profile on it — suit, ponytail and all! Coke has done a lot of these special collaborations with different designers, but I’m guessing this one will be pretty popular! You can buy an individual bottle for a few bucks, or for $80 you get a bottle in a special limited-edition box that has a drawer to store a matching bottle opener.

I’m not sure what you are supposed to do with these bottles..collect them? The single piece can be purchase for $4 online. Pre-order it at Collete.fr Must Have? Must not-have?

"Fashion does not have to prove that it is serious. It is the proof that intelligent frivolity can be something creative and positive." - Karl Lagerfeld

Who doesn't have a sweet XL Cupcake Craving?

Cupcake Heaven!!!!- and this is coming from someone who is not a "dessert" kinda gal. Big Man Bakes is da' bomb!!!!.
 
I was woundering around East 4th Street in DWLA and I see this girl eating a mini cupcake, I mean is super mini, not even two bites, but it was cute and she was devouring it. I had to ask, where or where, she said, 'just around the corner' BIG MAN BAKES. 


Well, I got there, OMG it is the cutest bakery ever, I'm a sucker for Red Velvet so I order one and let me say Absolute Perfection. I said to myself, I have to have the Double Chocolate, it is made with Ghiradelli Chocolate, I melted.


The mini cupcakes ($1) you can purchase them to sample as well. Of course you have to get the XL ($3.25) !! ha!


Big Man Bakes
413 S. Main St. Los Angeles, CA
(213) 500.4351    |    www.bigmanbakes.com

SHOE-gasm!

I just wanted to say, that I wanna die with these shoes. My dear friend got me hook on this fab blog, JAK & JILL. I mean seriously the Alexander Wang's Black Blaced boots are to die for, not to mention the Prada Platforms from the Resort 2010 collection. I'm in lurvvvvvvvvvvvvv!!!!!

You don't need to go South to go SUR.

Are you looking for that special small & sexy venue to throw your next Dinner party or even a super chic date? I found this cute place walking through Robertson Blvd. It was day time, empty and spoke to the manager, I came back with friends later that day, and OMG I fell in love with this place. It is a super dim, edgy decor where an eclectic ensemble of white tables, tuxedo chairs, chandeliers, wonderful pinks, blues and palm trees and even several bbreakout rooms from indoor patio to a lounge.In the entrance there is a huge Buddha staute sitting on a candle filled altar. We ordered for appetizers: Fried goat balls with mango sauce ($10), Sauteed Shrimp over spinach ($10), Chopped arugula Salad with buffalo mozzarella, avocado and roasted pecans ($12), Crab Gorgonzola Risotto ($23), Seared Ahi Tuna ($23), BLue cheesburger ($13) and for dessert, Crepes w/Dulce de Leche ($7) and an Ol-Fashioned Chocolate Cake ($9). FYI, You can bring your Birthday cake and the service fee is only $2.
Their Lunch Special is only $10!!!
Will definitely go back.


SUR Restaurant
606 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 289.2824     |     www.sur-restaurant.com

Millions of Milkshakes - 10 gazillion calories but who cares!

First of all his is no Diner typical milkshake. What do you expect it is Hollywood. And this to me, is a new drug. It was created by someone who, if their other projects are any indication, wants desperately to be part of Hollywood's inside scene. Just think of the best milkshake you'd ever had multiply it by 10 times (not exagerating).


Their pricing is also off base. You pay $3.95 for the base for a small size, then 95 cents for each topping. So, even a minimal regular shake is about $7 dollars. I understand they wanted to keep things simple by using one price for each topping. But these toppings are not equal. You know "toppings" is the new way to-go when it comes to desserts today. They might consider a category of deluxe and regular toppings, with some being substantially cheaper than a dollar each. Bottom line: it costs alot. This, an $8 milkshake I guess it includes an opportunity to bump into a young wild child superstar every now and then. FYI, now serving Vegan Shakes (yuk)
Enjoy!


Millions of Milkshakes
8910 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA
(310) 652.1118        |    www.millionsofmilkshakes.com

My 10 Biggest tearjerker movies of all time.

First and foremost I am a movie freak. And there comes a time every now and then a girl needs to cry, or sob (me). If you grab one of these ten best tear jerker movies, be sure, if you are not embarrased, to grab a friend, spouse, family member, to sob in front of, have plenty of tissue to last a few hours.

Everybody has seen them, but few people admit it (specially men). I, myself, am an easy sob. Some may, thus, scorn my choice of the ten best tear jerkers movies; however, try and view it this way. I have such a long list of tear jerker movies, but here are my top ten:

1. Steal Magnolias - (1989)   
Sally Fields, Shirley Maclaine, Julia Roberts and Dolly Parton

2. Terms of Endearment - (1983)   
Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger and Jack Nicholson

3. Life is Beautiful - (1997)   
Roberto Begnini, Nicoletta Braschi and Giorgio Cantarini

4. Schindler's List - (1993)   
Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes

5. The Notebook - (2004)  
Ryan Goslin, Rachel McAdams, Gena Rowlands and James Gardner 

6. Beaches - (1988)

Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey

7. The Pianist- (2002)   
Adrien Brody and Emilia Fox

8. The Reader - (2008)   
Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes

9. Elegy - (2008)  
Penelope Cruz, Ben Kinglsey, Dennis Hopper and Patricia Clarkson

10. My Life - (1993)   
Michael Keaton, Nicole Kidman, Queen Latifah and Bradley Witford

Learn about makeup. MUA Enrique Castillo Q & A.

Hey Gals, want to learn more about makeup? As a continuation on my last blog about Enrique "Hello Beautiful People". I follow up with him with a great Q & A. If you gals ever have a question regarding makeup, lipstick, eyes, simply ask away. If you like to book him in San Diego, Mexico and Los Angeles for your next photoshoot, wedding, private event, just shoot. 

When did your fascination with makeup begin?
It all started at a very young age, I think I was 5 or 6 years old, I remember everytime I went to the store with my mom I used to throw horrible tantrums because I wanted Crayolas and sketching paper, and I had this thing with drawing eyebrows and eyes with huge eyelashes...10 years later I was doing makeup for my friends and eventually doing it profesionally.

What was your first big break in the beauty industry?I started doing catalog work in Tijuana, Mexico, which I still do,  I guess that's when it really sink in, to see my work on paper, I thought 'hmmm this is cool', i like what I see...and learning all the process that involves a shooting, working with a schedule, timing, etc...  One day a very closed friend of mine Jacobo del Leal (R.I.P) call me and ask me if I could assist him on this shoot he was having in L.A., little did I know the photographer was the amazing Ellen Von Unwerth...that's where it all began.

Describe your makeup style.
Simple, fresh and polished, of course depending on the client. I consider that being a good makeup artist it not only about your style, you have to make your client feel comfortable and very important to learn to take directions, working with stylist and photographers they all have certain looks and they have in there mind what they want, sometimes they say, 'Do what you want' and most of time they ask for something more specific... So I guess you have to adapt to your clients needs without betraying your style. 

 What would be your dream makeup assignment? 
I would say doing the cover of Vogue, Bazaar etc...or doing a makeup campaign.

What are the top five products a girl needs in her makeup bag (and why)?
1. Eye lash curler......It just opens the eye immediately
2. Mascara...............makes your eyes pop
3. Bronzing powder.....just to give you that healthy glow
4. Lip blam.................no body likes chapped lips
5. Highlighter.....under the brow bone, bridge of the nose,  it brightens your whole face

What products are must-haves for summer (and why)?
Bronzing powder, not the orange ones that give you the Oompa-loompa look, but try to go with the subtle ones that have a little bit of pink in them like the one from Smashbox cosmetics. Bronze light and Baked fusion soft lights, one word, AMAZING!  A good array of lipsticks, YES LIPSTICK IS BACK, specially all those colorfull ones like fushias and corals; Bronze in satin textures. Make up for ever and NARS have the best texture and quality you can imagine. They do not turn your lips dry like certain brands, and they tend to last most of the day.

What is your #1 beauty secret/tip? 
I would have to say, and I never get tired of telling all my clients and friends, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURI ZE, it does not matter wath skin type you are, you just have to. You have to prep the sking before applying foundation or powder or anything makeup related, I get pretty anal about this, the better your skin is, the less cover up you will need.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I really don't like to worry to much about the future, since I really dont know if Ill be here tomorrow. I just take it one day at a time and go from there, right now I'm enjoying this wonderful ride. But I'm sure that i'll be doing makeup, traveling and surrounded by talented people. Of course my family and friends it is mostly important to me, because with out them I would not be doing what I've been doing!

Enrique Castillo  |  ecmakeup@hotmail.com 

NYC Rooftop Glam Drinking

Summer is almost here, we all love poolside's, terrace's and specially rooftop's. When the weather turns warm, New Yorkers demand open-air nightlife. Sidewalk tables and back gardens get packed quickly and stay that way till the wee hours. The most aspirational lounge lizards head upwards to the city's rooftops, and with assurance of Summer comes the roundup of New York rooftop bars. So let's kick it off the best rooftops in NYC.

Above Allen @ Thompson LES

190 Allen St. NY, NY 10002   |   212.460.0400   |   www.thompsonhotels.com

Roof Garden Cafe @ Metropolitan Museum

1000 5th Ave. NY, NY 10028   |   212.533.7710   |  www.metmuseum.org

  
230 Fifth

230 5th Ave. NY, NY 10001   |   212.725.4300   |   www.230-fifth.com

Top of the Strand @ The Strand

33 W. 37th St. NY, NY 10018   |   212.448.1024   |   www.thestrandnyc.com

The Sky Terrace @ The Hudson

356 W. 58th St. NY, NY 10019   |   212.554.6303   |   www.hudsonhotel.com

The Penthouse @ The Park

118 10th Ave. NY, NY 10011   |   212.352.3313   |   www.theparknyc.com

A60 @ 60 Thompson

60 Thompson St. NY, NY 10012   |   877.431.0400   |   www.60thompson.com

Standard Biergarten @ The Standard Hotel

848 Washington St. NY, NY 10014   |   212.645.4646   |   www.standardhotels.com

 
Provocateur @ Gansevoort Hotel

18 Ninth Ave. NY, NY 10014   |   212.206.6700   |   www.provocateurny.com

Empire Hotel Rooftop @ Empire Hotel

44 W. 63rd St.  NY, NY 10023   |   212.956.3313   |   www.empirehotelny.com

Sex in the City 2. THE trailer.

Cupcake Trend. Is it over?

Before I moved to New York, and like every (most of us) woman in the world were and still obsessed with Sex in The City. When at season 3, episode 5 "No if, and, or Butts" showed Carrie and Miranda eating a scrumpious cupcake at Magnolia at the corner of Bleeker, man o man, everybody went bonkers for cupcakes.

When I was working only 5 minutes from Magnolia's at the West Village, I had to try them. OMG the first bite of Red Velvet with creamy vanilla frosting was heaven. At $3.25 a piece, I thought this is expensive but it ws well worth it. The trend started in New York City and Los Angeles and has spread all the way to the First Coast. There are a few good ones in New York besides Magnolia's, like Crumb's, Dessert Club ChikaLicious, Kyotofu, One Girl Cookies, Two Little Red Hens, Sweet Revenge, Billy's and Sugar Sweet Sunshine. Los Angeles has Sprinkles, Cake & Art, Big Man Bakes, Lark Silver Lake, Violet's and Susie's.

But this new age of the cupcake isn't just about the standard chocolate or white cupcakes. There are several unique flavors like Red Velvet Cake, Caramel, Banana, truffled Chocolate, Cinnamon, Coconut, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cream and more.

Many customers say they like the idea of buying a single cupcake instead of having to buy or make a whole dozen or vice-versa. Bakery's usually sell cupcakes from $2.25 or $3.75 a piece. Some people don't agree with the price and say, "I can buy a box of Duncan Hines and do a batch of 12 for $1.59". But do we really have the time or patience? No. So you simply go to your nearest or favorite store and walk in, order your fave (mine is Red Velvet) pay $3.25 for your delightful cupcake, and ta-dah your crave is gone.

What makes cupcakes so popular?  The answer may be in their individual size; small enough to eat by yourself but big enough to satisfy a craving for something sweet. Is it their decoration? They can be plain or fancy, casual or formal, crazy colored or pristine white.

Personally I love them, I think they are fun and great to give as presents. If you have the time and patience, go ahead an bake and decorate them, go to your nearest Container Store or Big Lots and buy a cute box, bag or container and Voila! An Awesome Gift.

For all I know, cupcakes are always welcome.

Hello Beautiful People.

Talent and ability are one thing, but actors, models and musicians need to look good while in film or photography. Those bright lights can be damaging to skin...and egos. Thank goodness for makeup artists..and retouchers. At present time there is special and huge industry, working for Hollywood, making them attractive and unique. Within the industry, Kevin Aucoin (RIP), Joanna Schlip, Troy Jensen and Mario Dedivanovic may be a few of the most famous.

MUA (Makeup Artists) names are connected with cosmetics since the marketplace first came into existence. Each innovation, each epoch-making opening appeared in reply to the needs that arise during location shoots, whether it was an indelible make-up or the new IT colors. We as cosmetic lovers, watched closely how our favorite movie stars look on our favorite celebrity blogs and magazines. And as soon as there were something new in make-up, it is the first thing we go buy at our nearest mall retail store or drug store as well.

All MUA has it's own signature, Kevin Aucoin had a vision, he was a true artist when it came to makeup coloring matching women's skin, Troy Jensen is responsible for the exotic looks on gorgeous Kim Kardashian as well as Mario Dedivanovic. 

There is one MUA in particular that I personally know he's magical tricks. Enrique Castillo, he  has an amazing vision when it comes to skin looking fresh, polished and classic. Enrique's  beauty career started at a young age as a makeup artist behind Tijuana and San Diego clients. Now- after almost a decade of working with models, actresses and entertainers - Enrique’s renown has skyrocketed, securing him a place among the on of the best fashion makeup professionals in Mexico and San Diego. He has created countless editorial looks for major retail stores and print catalog now working for an editorial for Latina Magazine, he showcases the skill, talent, personality and attention to detail that is brought to every transformation he creates.

More information coming soon.....

Enrique Castillo

ecmakeup@hotmail.com

Don't Sweat it.

Don't you hate women in squeaky or plain old cotton sweats out and about??? There are sweats for certain age and place. Like for instance, Juicy Couture Terry's, they were good back in 2002 when they came out for thin, young girls wherever and whenever they pleased, still are for them only. Victoria's Secret Pink Sweats, let's face it, they are what they are: PJ's. Athletic PUMA's, ADIDAS, New Balance and Champion, they're for every type and shape...for work-out purposes only. That's why you will find them in the Sports section of every retail store or Sports retail stores like Sports Chalet or Sports Authority.

Now, if you wanna lounge, go to a quick pick-up at Target, or simply go to Nordstrom and don't wanna look like garbage and feel mostly comfortable, look for the Zella's 'Soothe' Sweats, Hard Tail Slouchy's, Adidas by Stella McCartney, Nike French 'Terry', Alo 'Organics' or if you just wanna use your Plain unisex Acid Wash California American Apparel Hoody hook it up with a cute Hard Tail or even a cute long t-shirt from Forever XXI. 

This is the beauty of sweatpants: Those who "get it" know they strut on the forefront of style, while those who don't are so behind. A fashionable person loves nothing more than knowing this is what separates them from the masses. And that is why sweats are here to stay.

FYI: Please don't wear your sweats with espadrilles wedges, high-heels, ful-on makeup and huge ass gold earring hoops!!! If you think just for a split second: "I wonder if this looks weird?" Just-Don't-Wear-it. Or just stay in your own privacy of your home.

Don't worry NIKE forgives you!

Me & My Ginormous Hair. Hair Products 101

My friends always ask me 'What hair product should I use for...long, short, wavy, curly, straight, colored, damaged hair?' Another one of my addictions is for sure Hair products.

Since, personally my hair is ultra wavy and thick, I have tried every single product out there, you name it I've tried it! From steal's to splurge's. When I was young, and back then there wasn't any products for my Ginormous hair, which I always called Lion King Hair.

I was using Sebastian's Laminates for ages, but as they years went by, my hair started falling off by handfulls. Why? Silicone Complex ingredients.Loved it but it screwed up my hair. 

Throughout the years I tried a few products and here are a few of my favorites:

Serums (for all types of hair)

- Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum ($$)

- ALFAPARF Milano Semi Di Lino Gloss ($$$)

- John Fireda Frizz Ease hair Serum ($)

- Ojon Leave-In Glossing Cream ($$$ must have)

- Phyto Phytodefrisant Botanical Relaxing balm ($$$ must have)

C-C-CURLY (for Wavy-Curly Hair)

- Living Proof Wave Shaping, Curl Defining No Frizz Cream ($$)

- Ouidad Curl Quencher Moisturizing Styling Gel ($$)

- Fekkai Coiff Oceanique Tousled Wave Spray ($$ must have)

- Garnier Fructis Wave-enhancing Spray ($)

- Sebastian Laminates Curl Shine ($$)

  

STRAIGHT-UP (for Straight-very little Hair)

- Sexy Hair Root Pure Mousse ($$)

- Bumble and bumble Thickening Serum ($$$)

- Fekkai Coiff Lifting and Texturing Spray gel ($$)

- Phyto Phytovolume Actif Maximizing Volume Spray-Fine Limp ($$$)

- Ojon conditioning Voluminizing Foam ($$)

MASK TREATMENTS (I use them as conditioners)

- Kerastase Masquintese ($$$ fine hair)

- Rene Furterer Karite Intense Conditioning Cream ($$$)

- Kerastase Oleo-Curl Intense ($$$ wavy/curly love it)

- Phyto Phytojoba Intense Mask ($$ fine/semi-damaged)

- Alfa Parf Real Cream Ph4 ($$$ for thick/damaged/colored)

SHAMPOO (all types of Hair)

- Ojon Ultra Hydrating Shampoo ($$$ thick/damaged love it!)

- Fekkai techincian Shampoo ($$ fine/limp)

- Pyto Phtyodensium Anti-Aging Shampoo (thick/fine)

- John Frieda Brilliant Brunette ($)

- Pantene Brunette Expressions ($)

Share this list with your girlfriends, then plan a Sephora field trip, STAT!!!!

Rock & Soul Fuse Friday's - Eastlake, CA

Fuse lounge....creating an environment for young adults from all walks of life to experience hope through music, art, fashion and culture.

Check it out this Friday April 9th at 7:30pm. Fuse will have performances by Trevor Davis, Dr. Seahorse, Linsey Yung, Gill Sotu and Westkeys. Sponsored by Lolita's Taco Shop.

There's nothing like this in South Bay. The Performing Arts Center, welcomes young artists, poets, DJ's, any talent is more than welcomed....

Fuse Lounge

925 Hale Place. Chula Vista, CA 9194   

www.fuselounge.org

A-List San Diego Restaurant: Dobson's

From a very young age, my Dad thought me something that has always stuck in my head about restaurants and restaurateurs. It's all comes down to Customer Service and specially if the owner is 100% there, as a host, bartender, chef, mingling, and far most important a friendly face and adoring attitude. That's Paul Dobson.

I started going to Dobson's since I was 10-11 years old. My Dad use to take us for lunch and I simply couldn't resist the wonderful signature Mussel Bisque en croute. Oh my God, still 'till this day I cannot resist it. With a pierced puff pastry crust and sherry into bisque.YUM!

Sometimes I will order a main dish like the mouth watering Sauteed Sea Bass with sweet peppers or the Balsamic Marinated Prime Flat with shoestring potatoes. In one occasion they had my ultimate favorite, Duck Breast topped with Jordan Almonds, it was pure perfection.

I have dined in the upstairs mezzanine as well, but there's something about the bar in general that you have to sit there and enjoy the ambiance. The bar is what makes this restaurant so popular, among his most loyal clientele, like my parents, over the years it it now a place for all us, the kid's who grew up who can barely reach the bar, we can NOW sit at the bar like grown ups in a candy store. 
Best time to go is during the week at lunch definitely and after 5pm


Dobson's is THE place where Paul Dobson knows your name.

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

956 Broadway Cir (between 1st/3rd Ave) San Diego, CA

(619) 231-6771   |   www.dobsonsrestaurant.com
Price Range: $$$ (but well worth it)

10 Best Nail Polish Colors for Spring/Summer 2010

Im such a nail aficionado that I can't even imagine not having my nails done weekly. Having my nails done just makes me feel good. And let me just say I'm not a French tips kinda gal or powders, fills, gells or acrylics, I keep them simple aka natural nails. I'm always looking for fresh inspiration to shake up my nail routine. In fact, I turn to magazines and what celebrities like the Kardashians, Nicole Ritchie, Agyness Deyn, Kate Moss and Kelly Ripa. Or TV shows like Gossip Girl.

This Fall/Winter I was madly obsessed with black, or hues of dark purples, reds or black mixed with other dark colors.  The dark nail is a look that is both edgy and chic. Other trends in nail polish last season include metallic finishes, suede, and nude color nails.

But today, Is all about Color Color Color. Why don't you give these a try:

1. OPI The Thrill Of Brazil (Bright Sexy Red)

2. OPI Hot n' spicy (Very Orange)

3. OPI Bastille My Heart (Rich Burgundy)

4. OPI Peru-B-Ruby (Deep Magenta-Red)

5. Essie Red Nouveau (Orange Red)

6. Essie Neo Whimsical (Lilac)

7. Essie Van d'go (Soft Pink)

8. Chanel in Inattendu (Peachy Pink)

9. Rescue Beauty in Look Rich Be Cheap (Gold with black Sprinkles)

10. Bleach Black in Dick Weed (Electric Blue)

I always say why spend more than $11 (I pay $8 since I go at lest 3 times a month) when you're going to chip or brake them. Try to buy the color that you think your'e going to use over and over so you can touch-up and always have a great top coat handy. My favorite was a gift from a friend who is also a nail-freak like me, is from Sally's called Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. Your nails will not brake, not chip, make your nails stronger and (this is the part that I like), your nails will dry in less than 3 minutes! It's only $7.99 and sometimes you can get it on sale for $5.99. Buy it, I totally recommend it.
Ladies, Spring is here, relax and just enjoy your mani/pedi. You will feel amazing after it!

It's Noon.... time for DTLA Lunch Spots.

For some reason my friend's at Herbalife International located in downtown's LA LIVE, seem to be having trouble going to lunch. Since LA LIVE has only mid-upscale restaurants like Yard House, Rosa Mexicano (awful), Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Katsuya (Best Krispy Rice with Spicy Tuna), Fleming's Prime Steakhouse (fave steakhouse, the best filet mignon, onion soup and lava cake and for all us happy hour lovers, look at their 5 x $6 'til 7 deal) amongst others. You can have every now and then a decent $20.00 lunch but not every day, so they are either too expensive or they open at 5pm. 

There are a few cute, inexpensive restaurants around DTLA, either you can drive or simply take the bus, like:

St Vincent Deli - 650 Hill St Ste S1 (213) 629-3345

Price Range: $

Langer's Delicatessen - 704 S Alvarado St. (213) 483-8050   |   www.langersdeli.com

Price Range: $

Mendocino Farms - 300 S Grand Ave. (213) 620-1114   |  www.mendocinofarms.com 

Price Range: $$

It's a Wrap! Take Two! - 818 W 7th St. (213) 553-9395

Price Range: $

Cafe Prezzo - 445 S Figueroa St. (213) 623-6228

Price Range: $$

Provecho!