los angeles art day

Journey of a Dress

Diane Von Furstenberg

"An exhibition celebrating four decades of the dress that started it all"

January 11, 2014 - April 14,2014

6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

Parking is $10 and available in the Pritzker parking garage on Sixth Street, just east of Fairfax Avenue. Additional parking available in the lot at Wilshire Boulevard and Spaulding Avenue.

This exhibition is quiet interesting, and quiet a sight for any art or fashion aficionado. This exhibit chronicles the famous designer over the years of her successful career, as well as houses a wide variety of artworks composed of Diane. The gallery is rather small, and is completely free to the public. If you do have a chance to visit before the exhibit leaves, go check it out. 

for more information please visit:

www.dvf.com

www.vogue.com

www.wwd.com

You can not take a trip to LACMA and not take a picture with Chris Burden: Urban Light. This has single handedly become one of my favorite and most iconic public art works in Los Angeles County. The elegance of the lights at night, and their majesty throughout the day are unrivaled by any. There are normally tons of people photographing themselves throughout the lights at any given time.  

I was a bit pressed for time today, so i did not get the chance to go into LACMA, however keep in mind that LACMA does have free days to go in and visit the exhibits. Please call them to double check what are the prerequisites in order to receive a free tickets after 3p.m.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

1(323)857-6000

The next stop on my art filled Friday was Jacob Hashimoto's Gas Giant located at MOCA Pacific Design Center, which is located within the Pacific Design Center complex. If you are looking for something to take your breathe away, please visit this exhibition before it is gone June 8, 2014. The craftsmanship and the attention to detail are unparalleled.

The sights and tranquility of the exhibit truly allow someone to feel as though they are being lifted into a land of far far away. This instillation by Hashimoto truly allows the visitor to explore their own mind of creativity to attempt to make sense of all the madness that is going on. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this gallery, and I wish everyone could experience it. It's just one of those art exhibits that engulf you and allow you to forget about what's going on in the world for even just a little bit. Hashimoto does a brilliant job of infusing colors with colors, batters, and the play on textiles. 

If you are interested to learn more about this art exhibit please visit: 

www.moca.org

Next on our exploration of Los Angeles was 

Fairbanks Center for Motion Pictures

Monday, Thursday & Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday: Closed

333 S. La Cienega Boulevard

Beverly Hills, California 90211

www.oscars.org

This place is quiet fascinating, and filled with history. It is a working research library, so if you do plan on visiting anything other than the lobby you will have to get a locker and turn in your photo i.d. If you happen to be in the area, and you mysteriously and miraculously find parking, check it out. It's very small and insignificant, but it was fun to say i was there.  

All this exploring worked up an appetite, and it being Friday, I can't eat due to Lent (I am catholic). We have passed by El Coyote Mexican Cafe several times, so we'd figure we'd give it a shot. 

7312 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

1(323)939-2255

www.elcoyotecafe.com

The food was edible. there was nothing that just made my taste buds tingle. I do however think that my dietary restrictions might have not allowed me to get a good first impression. Another thing is parking, it is a complete and utter hot ass mess. It's so difficult to find parking down Beverly Blvd., it makes you almost want to go home and not eat. I was expecting a bit more, but hopefully I'll be back and be able to have a good piece of meat.

If planning to visit, keep in mind that they do decide to do valet service, a service charge of $3.50 is required. 

Any questions about the restaurant, please visit their website or give them a call. 

After dinner, you must always leave room for dessert. 

MILK

7290 Beverly Blvd,

Los Angeles, CA 90036    

(323)939-6455

PARKING:

Daytime parking is available from 10 am to 6 pm on 
Poinsettia Pl., in the parking lot located behind Kearn's Market.

Nighttime parking is available from 6pm to close in the lot 
located at 7369 Beverly Blvd.

menu:

http://themilkshop.com/MilkToGoMenu.pdf

I am absolutely in love with this place, if you are in the area it's always great to just stop by and grab some delicious ice cream. I recommend this stop to anyone!!

if you want to see more of my pics, please don't hesitate and visit my photo galleries:

www.kriswithakay.smugmug.com

weekend getaway: sandy eggo

day one: la to sd

Sometimes you just need to get away, doesn't matter where, or how, you just need to let your mind breathe for a bit. I was beginning to feel overwhelmed with school and work, and frankly I was just a rambling mess. Brittany (@brittany_hampton) & I had already planned to get away, however where we were going to go, we had no idea. We ultimately decided to take a weekend getaway trip to San Diego. I've been to San Diego plenty of times, and you know me, I'm always looking for a new adventure...

Needless to say, our first stop was for lunch and Javier's in Newport Beach, is to die for. From the ambiance, to the food, to the drinks, it is just heaven from start to finish. I took Brittany here for her birthday last year, and also visited their Las Vegas location, and it is delicious every single time. I highly recommend it, if you are looking for a nice place lunch or a romantic seaside dinner, it'll meet your needs. 

7832 E Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Beach, Ca 92657

949-494-1239

www.javiers-cantina.com

Since there wasn't much that intrigued me in San Diego... I did not want to go to the Zoo, Sea World, or Legoland haha, I decided to make the routine 2 hour drive, into more like a 5 hour adventure.

Mission San Luis Rey De Francia

4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057

www.sanluisrey.org

"...A former Spanish Mission in the present-day city of Oceanside, Ca. The mission was founded on June 13, 1798 by Padre Fermin Lasuen , and was the eighteenth of the Spanish missions established in California. Named for Saint Louis, the mission lent its name to the Luiseno tribe of Mission Indians. The current church, built in 1811, is the third church on this location. It is a National Historic Landmark, for its pristine example of a Spanish mission church complex. Today the mission complex functions as a parish church of the Diocese of San Diego as well as a museum and retreat center"

wikipedia

There is a $5 fee to go inside the museum. However, this mission although very beautiful, you can get a lot out of just walking around the grounds. If you have never been to a mission, then I do recommend going into the mission just to get a better view of things. 

The Flower Fields

5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008

(760) 431-0352

www.theflowerfields.com

"For over sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch^® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year - from early March through early May - literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area's local heritage, also is one of nature's official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California."

Season: Spring (March 1, 2014 through May 11, 2014

Hours: Open to the public seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Prices: $12.00 for Adults, $11.00 for Seniors 60+, $6.00 for Children 3-10, Children 2 and under are free

Wagon Rides: $5.00 for Adults, $3.00 for Children 3-10

Information Line: (760) 431-0352 

The Flower Fields is rather beautiful but make sure you check the conditions of the fields prior to making a trip. Brittany and I went in early March, so there was not that many flowers. We decided to opt out paying $12 for the entrance, however the potential is there for it to be absolutely stunning. The pictures on their website are quiet stunning. I will definitely try to make a stop at some time before the end of the season.

Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial 

6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South

La Jolla, Ca 92037

7:00 am to 10:00 pm

www.soledadmemorial.com

- 6 concentric walls will ultimately hold 3,200 black granite plaques, currently there are more than 2,700 plaques in place.

- Each plaque "tells a story" of a veteran's military service or that of a group of military service

- Includes members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.

- Originally dedicated as Korean War Veterans Memorial in 1952

This monument is very stunning and has amazing views of both San Diego and La Jolla. We were very fortunate to have been here around sunset because we got some amazing views from onto of the mountain. I would recommend anyone traveling to the San Diego area to make a stop here. 

After finally making it San Diego, we were exhausted, it was time for us to settle down into our hotel room, and get ready for a night out on the town. We definitely knew that we were not in the mood to go bar hopping, so we settled for a nice rooftop bar lounge at the W San Diego. 

W San Diego

421 W B St, San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 398-3100

www.thewsandiegohotel.com

"If you’re looking for the hottest spot in the San Diego bar scene, celebrate every night at the re-energized Rooftop at W San Diego – a visionary fusion of extraordinary cocktails and glittering views. Bringing the bright, bold bonfire theme to life, the space features a playful sculpture of stacked beach chairs, designed by Mr. Important Design. Guests can mingle in one of the five private cabanas or toast to the nightly Sunset Ritual by the signature bonfire. Full service and bottle service is available. Then if you really want to make a splash, wander down to WET, our heated outdoor pool, located just a few steps from the rooftop revelry."

The Rooftop

This hotel was really nice, and the food was really good. They had good drinks that were well served. Just stay away from the Raspberry Mojito, not that good (Brittany had that). The staff was also extremely friendly and very accommodating. The crowd is very mellow, and relaxed, nothing too formal.

 day two: sd to la

Waking up after a night out was a little rough, but we had a great day planned to get a massage and facial at Artesia Salon & Day Spa. This is a very small spa, but very relaxing, if you are looking for a great spa that gives you a little get away I recommend this place. 

240 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 338-8111

9:00 am to 8:00 pm

www.artesiadayspa.com

They normally have great specials going on, so make sure you call or check TravelZoo, Groupon, or Living Social, you are bound to find some type of package deal. 

After a nice relaxing morning in the Gaslamp Quarter, we headed out 

Old Town San Diego for some delicious Mexican Food, and some good margaritas. The place to stop is always Old Town Mexican Cafe. This place is always packed, affordable, and delicious. As I am writing this I find myself craving their homemade flour tortillas that are being made right in the window. 

2489 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110

(619) 297-4330

7:00 am - 11:00 pm

www.oldtownmexcafe.com

Make sure you order a pitcher of margarita, well worth the money. 

After an amazing in San Diego, it's time to go back to the reality of my everyday life. I had a great time, and I enjoyed being able to spend a great weekend with my best friend. Remember it's always important to take some time off and just relax the mind and the body. 

If you want to see more of the pictures that I took on my staycation, make sure to visit my photo galleries:

www.kriswithakay.smugmug.com

american idol xiii

After many failed attempts and missed opportunities, it seems like the stars have finally aligned for me to go see American Idol. This year's judges were Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr. 

The show films at CBS Studios

7800 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, California

You do have to get tickets in advanced in order to go see the show, but if you are lucky enough to get them, it is quiet an experience. 

My only complaint is that every time I go see a live taping of a show, the wait times are outrageous! There always seems to be about a 3 to 4 hour wait before even getting into the studio. The good thing about American Idol is that it films live for the east coast, so once the show started it was non stop for an hour. It was rather interesting seeing how everything plays out behind the scenes. 

Keep in mind that if you are going to go to the American Idol taping, you are recommended to park inside the structure of The Grove, which can be a little pricey. 

Overall it was a blast being able to see Jennifer Lopez (wifey), in person, and to see how short Ryan Seacrest really is. If someone has a day to spare and has a chance to go, I highly recommend it. 

If you want to see more pics don't forget to visit my galleries at: 

www.kriswithakay.smugmug.com

walking downtown la

Our Morning started out at the Our Lady of Angels Cathedral

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels

555 W. Temple Street 
Los Angeles, California 90012
Tel: (213) 680-5200

www.olacathedral.org

We were under the impression that the cathedral tour began at 1:30,

 however it began at 1:00 p.m. So if you are going to go, please make sure you call to confirm the tour for that day. This tour has been in my books for a while, so i'm definitely going to have to do it at some point or another.

While at the Cathedral, I decided to walk around, and just take in all the sights and sounds of the cathedral. There is something just so tranquilizing and surreal about being in such a massive space in complete silence.

The cathedral on the outskirts of the main hall have small chambers where they have rotating exhibits of artifacts, art, or educational literatures. In one particular chamber they have out on display various articles from Pope John Paul II's visit to Los Angeles in 1987. Being Roman Catholic it's very sentimental being able to be so close to something that was in connection to the Pope. 

After exploring the Cathedral, we had planned to take a 

Free Walking Tour of LA.

I found this awesome tour guide that is knowledgable, fun, exciting, and truly demonstrates a passion for showing off the beauty of downtown. If you have a couple hours to spare, and want something different to do, I highly recommend doing this tour. Well worth the small donation.

www.freelatour.com

The tour makes stops all throughout the city, and goes at a very easy pace. If you are going to do the tour make sure you check the weather, It was a little cold the day that we went, and we were glad to have taken a light sweater.

City Hall

Million Dollar Theatre

Pershing Square

After our tour that was approximately 2 hours or so, we were just in time to still catch happy hour at one of my new favorite restaurants PERCH.

448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 802-1770

www.perchla.com

I have yet to decide what's more amazing, the food, the drinks, or the view. 

This place is a do not miss! If you do take the tour, the tour ends right at Pershing Square which is directly across the street from Perch, trust me you need to go here at least once! 

The food for dinner is a bit pricey, but if you go for the happy hour specials, it's well worth it. 

If you know me you know that I have a sweet tooth like no other. I've personally never had the desserts at Perch, they just don't seem to catch my attention, however the desserts at Syrup Desserts do. I've been to this place before, and I absolutely fell in love with their cheesecake, it is mouth watering and this picture doesn't do it any justice. 

611 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 488-5136

Overall, I am in love with Downtown LA, there is just a certain vibe in the air that is unlike anything other. If you are a native to Los Angeles, visiting downtown is like being an another city somewhere in Europe. I am definitely excited to see the new projects that are in the works in Downtown, as well as trying all the new resaurants that are emerging in Downtown. I look forward to sharing some of these delicacies with you guys.

For more pics of my adventure be sure to check out my photo gallery

www.kriswithakay.smugmug.com