get off the couch: March 2013

Sunday, March 31, 2013

easter feaster

It's not Easter unless my dad and I go to our favorite Mexican restaurant in Newport Beach, CA Javier's Cantina. The food is to die for and the ambiance is exquisite. The pacific ocean serves as the backdrop to this one of kind dining experience. Anyone cruising through the OC on PCH, definitely make a stop here. (I have yet to go at night, but their bar is AMAZING - check back for future posts for when i go to their bar at night). We capped off our Easter with a quick drive down PCH to Laguna Beach to my little secret cliff park, nothing quiet like taking in the scenery with family.

Javier's Cantina

my easter eggs this year

st.linus catholic church (norwalk, ca)

laguna beach

steak fajitas at Javier's in Newport Beach

Friday, March 29, 2013

exploring downtown la

Well this Friday in particular seemed as if it was doomed for disaster. In the flurry of dealing with school midterms and work, I didn't have time to plan something to do. Never underestimate google and 30 mins of some intense searching. We decided to revisit downtown la & do some more exploring.

CITY: Los Angeles, California

LOCATION: City Hall

HOURS OF OPERATION: M-F 9am to 5pm

COST: FREE

What a secret city hall holds! First off, the rotunda on the 3rd floor of the city hall building is a BEAUTY! (shout out to the police officer for the recommendation when we checked into security). THE VIEW! On top of city hall, there is an observation deck & it offers 360 degree views of this magnificent city, and all at a low cost of FREE!

the view from the Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck

third floor rotunda of the Los Angeles City Call

view of the Los Angeles City Hall from below

CITY: Los Angeles, California

LOCATION: GRAND PARK

HOURS OF OPERATION: varies by event

COST: FREE

Grand Park

view of City Hall from Grand Park

CITY: Los Angeles, California

LOCATION: Olvera Street

HOURS OF OPERATION: varies by vendors

COST: FREE

boutique on Olvera Street in Downtown Los Angeles

CITY: Los Angeles, California

LOCATION: Union Stations

HOURS OF OPERATION: varies by train schedule

COST: FREE

Union Station

Union Station Tracks

driving home at night

City Hall at sunset

my partner in crime, my mom

Saturday, March 16, 2013

holi: festival of colors

What an adventure this was! I'd recommend this to anyone and everyone! Not to talk smack about any of the Run or Dye events, but if you want to take some out of this world pictures and have an out of this world experience, i'd recommend the holi: festival or colors. I was supposed to go with some friends, but people fearing doing something different I ended up taking my p.i.c. (partner in crime) my mom haha

this is what it looks like when everyone does the color throw

they sold a variety of vegan and vegetarian friendly food

shaved ice

mommy and i

before the color throw

Friday, March 15, 2013

ronald regan presidential library

Well what a fun day visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. This is definitely a great place to go if you enjoy history, politics, and a nice day to take in all the scenery. The Roland Reagan Library located in the heart of Simi Valley, Ca is a beauty of a museum. It's a bit of a way from Los Angeles, but well worth the drive. This Presidential Library is not only the final resting place of the former president, but also home to the Air Force One plane that the president occupied during his presidency. This place is held in a world class hanger, and the view alone is worth the entrance price.

Ronald Reagan Library

Air Force One

View overlooking Simi Valley

Exact replica of the Oval Office during the Reagan Administration

Air Force One

American Flag that was draped over President Ronald Reagan's casket during his funeral

Mickey Mouse Ears presented to Ronald Reagan by Walt Disney

Ronal Reagan Presidential Library

Final resting place of President Ronal Reagan

Friday, March 1, 2013

discovering west la

Today was a fun day in west la we hit a lot of spot and great free places.

Hope you go check them out.

Peace and Awareness Labyrinth and Garden

If you're looking for a beautiful oasis in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Peace Awareness Gardens is the place to go. It's a beautiful mansion, with lush gardens and a very relaxing labyrinth. It's completely free, and easy to find (if you're using google maps, don't use the maps app on the iPhone).

Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Garden

Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Garden

Farnam Mosaic House

This little gem is quiet a beauty. It's a house that's entirely plastered with different mosaics. It's quiet a site to see. If your not one to appreciate the corky things about living in la this isn't the stop for you. It's on the corner of 26th ave and California.

Mosaic House

Farnam Mosaic House

Gehry House

My mom and I really got a lot of stops in during our adventure in LA. The best part about it was that a lot of the stops that we made were completely FREE. The Gehry house is a unique experience, can't go inside, but the site alone makes you wonder. In the sea of beautiful homes, lies a deconstructionist style house, made of recycled items. It's a massive property as you see when you get there that it almost consumes the entire block. This house is located on the corner of 22nd street and Washington. It's a fun little trip to take if you're in the area

Gehry Residency

Gehry House

Beverly Hills, CA

If you want to experience a different side of life take a stroll down Beverly Hills. Walking down Rodeo Dr. you see all the high end brands. If your not necessarily in the market for ultra expensive high in duds, a nice stop at Sprinkles Cupcakes are always a fun treat. A fun art walk is also walking down Beverly Hills Garden Park, there are a plethora of interesting sculptures.

Beverly Gardens Park

Sprinkles Cupcakes