(Last Halloween-related post of the year, I promise.)
Wherever you are, whatever your age, I hope you get lots of candy.
It's the truest meaning of Halloween.
To be honest, I'm not always a fan of The Office, but I do love James Spader and scary stories. Combine the two, and you get a well-spoken monologue with this little insight on fear: "Fear plays an interesting role in our lives. How dare we let it
motivate us. How dare we let it into our decision making, into our
livelihoods, into our relationships. It's funny, isn't it? We take a day
a year to dress up in costume and celebrate fear." Robert
California
It's true, and it's definitely interesting to think about, but I still hope you get the crap scared out of you this weekend. Have a spooky (and safe!) one.
I definitely don't deserve a vacation right now, but that doesn't stop me from dreaming about one. How cool does this underwater spaceship (or "submersibles") look? According to the website, the company will take you anywhere you want. I would explore a sunken ship for undiscovered treasure or go swimming with some very large fish. The only good thing about this imaginary trip is that I don't have to think about how much this would cost.
Speaking of vacations, my good friend Roxanne should have arrived in the Philippines by now for a month of adventure. If you're reading this, keep me updated ☺!
This past Saturday, a couple of friends and I went out to a few of Downtown LA's trendiest spots.
We first stopped at Bottega Louie for some club sandwiches and their
famous macarons. If you're in the area, definitely stop by for dessert. Even though the macarons have gone up to $2 a piece,
it's worth trying (over and over).
We then walked over to The Standard to try out the new biergarten I had mentioned previously. It's actually just a cute, sectioned-off part of their rooftop bar, and it was definitely smaller than I had imagined. The view is top notch, but the prices of the drinks here always make me want to jump off. Go early on Saturday nights or they will charge you $20 just to get in. If you've never gone, I would go at least once, if only to admire the city lights.
Edison was next on our list since we had heard it was a fancy place taken right out of the 1920s. Even though it was early, the bar area was already filled. Several tables were still empty, since there is a $50 minimum just to sit down. It had a very unique ambience, and looks like a great place to go as a group or to impress a date.
Taken in the lobby area
After a short break, we headed to Seven Grand where the bartenders can make a stiff Whiskey Sour for you. It's slightly more low-key than The Standard or Edison, but the line to get in was out the door. Inside, it was loud and very crowded. It was difficult to hold a conversation, but there are plenty of guys here ready to give it a go. I hear it's much more relaxed on a weekday.
Finally, on our way home, we drove by Belasco and decided to check it out since so many people were milling around. Even though it was already past 2AM, the dance floor was still packed. There are tables upstairs and also a large patio area in the back. We met acquaintances from middle school thru college. It was strange talking to so many people I hadn't seen for such a long time, but I had a lot of fun.
And that was my Saturday! Whew. I'm worn out just writing this post and know there are plenty more places to hit up. Where would you recommend a friend to go on a night out in Downtown LA?
Since yesterday's Halloween post was so link heavy, I'll keep today's short and sweet.
First up, a HILARIOUS mistake from a specialized-shoe company who made a size 1450 slipper instead of a size 14.5 one. As you can see above, it's basically a furry sleeping bag. I refuse to believe they didn't do this for publicity. The best part is the little slipper next to it. No, the best part is that the pair was only £15.50. WANT. (via Metro)
The always lovely Joanna Goddard is starting an articles club which just might inspire me to form my own book club. It would make life so much easier. Whenever I read a good book, I always have to force/bribe/beg people around me to read it, so I can gush with someone who'll understand. Sorry about that, guys. Anyway. The first article she recommends on relationships is actually quite moving. I would not have managed to keep my temper. Read the article here.
It's that time of year again when you have an excuse to act like a kid, eat like a kid, and maybe even wear a kid-size shirt. Halloween falls on a Monday this year which just means it's become a four-day party. Having trouble filling in those days? It might be too late to visit Vegas or dance at Hard unless you're willing to spend an exorbitant amount, but no worries; there's never a shortage of things to do in LA.
Go for a night dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific which includes bands, DJs and tons of fish. It's on the 28th for $13. (via Aquarium of the Pacific)
The Egyptian Theater will be throwing its third annual King Tut's Tomb party on the 28th. Prices start at $20, but will increase tonight. (via Our Night Life)
If you want to party with Playmates (and Madame Tussaud’s wax figurines), there's two costume balls steps away from each other at Hollywood and Highlands. Medina will be performing. Event's on the 29th for $90 which includes open bar and buffet. (via Thrillist Rewards) General admission starts at $30 for just the Playboy party. (via Our Night Life)
Premiere Supperclub has their own Saints & Sinners Ball for $23 with open bar from 9-11PM. Also on the 29th. (via Clubzone)
On the 30th, Maxim is holding a Masquerade Ball at Supperclub Hollywood. Prices start at $50 (via Our Night Life)
Here's a fuller link of nightclubs and pub crawls.
For those who like to start celebrating during the day, Groupon is offering a $15 deal, which includes a bratwurst and beer, for an Ocktoberfest at Old World Village in Huntington Beach. Ticket is valid for the 28th-30th, but the deal ends tonight so hurry! (via Groupon)
A list of the area's best haunted houses is ready for those who like to scare themselves silly. (via The Rundown)
Here's something a bit different. There's a Boozy Scavenger Hunt with a small afterparty if you're interested. Happening on the 29th during the afternoon for $25. (via Thrillist Rewards)
The streets of West Hollywood at night are always fun on the 31st if you just want to walk around and gawk at costumes. A few years ago, I remembered being hugged by no less than 10 very friendly people. There's usually musical performances throughout the night.
Most theme parks, shopping centers, etc. will probably have something Halloween-related if none of this is working out or you could throw your own costume party, which is always exciting. Just make sure it doesn't feel like you live with party cat by Tuesday morning.
They're usually composed of the funniest and most exciting parts of a movie, and then coupled with this dramatic, pulsing music. They can also contain some essential plot point that basically tells the entire story and spoils the whole movie, but we'll save that discussion for a later time. My point is that trailers are awesome and do what they're meant to do: lure us in.
I really want this to be good. Good director, good writer, good (and so gorgeous) actress in Young Adult:
This remake seems totally unnecessary since the original did a competent job, but David Fincher is one of my favorite directors, and the actors involved are decent. Plus, you know I'm all about a sexy trailer, so I'll be watching The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo. Not on Christmas like they're advertising though; that totally killed the mood:
(Fincher's influence over Rooney Mara is a little disturbing, however. http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/rooney-mara-playing-with-fire/)
Johnny Depp. And not playing a pirate in The Rum Diary:
I only found out about Michael Fassbender's charm in the newest Xmen movie. I went for James McAvoy and fell for Magneto. And now I just want to watch everything this magnetic man is in, especially since he's "attracting" (aha. aha.) a lot of Oscar buzz for Shame:
Michelle Yeoh stars in Luc Besson's movie about Aung San Suu Kyi, who, whether you agree with her political views or not, is one courageous Lady:
A real British spy wrote this film about a mole in the British Intelligence. Stories about spies will never get old, especially when the author knows what he's talking about in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy:
Sometimes, we just need some mindless fun. And we're lucky to have Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, and Reese Witherspoon as an option in This Means War, which is also about spies:
There's also tons of other potentially great and entertaining films coming up like J. Edgar, The Great Gatsby, The Hunger Games (which is skewing a little young, don't you think?), The Descendants, We Need to Talk About Kevin, A Dangerous Method, all thesuperhero movies, book adaptations, and maybe eventhe Snow Whites. The list could go on forever.
I'm pretty happy with my Android phone, but I'm tempted to get a iPhone 4S just to have conversations with Siri, the virtual assistant who seems at times fun,
A tomato fight is happening on the 22nd at the LA County fairgrounds. Just to tide you over until you can get to Spain for the real battle. (via Thrillist Rewards)
Another fun-looking event. Has anyone been to the beer garden at the Standard in Downtown, LA yet? It seems so warm and cozy. Just to tide you over until you get to Germany. I guess. (via The Standard)
This colorful blog is participating in a giveaway! (via The Color Issue)
Remember pogs? The funniest part is the nodding. (via Completely Serious Comics) Community is great again. And now my bathroom will always be stocked with toilet olives. Recap (via Hitflix) and review. (via TIME blog)
So relatable. What do you call your parents? (via A CUP OF JO)
I'll be the first to admit that how beautiful something is influences the decisions I make. Watch Richard Seymour explain our response to beauty in one of this week's TED talks. (via TED)
I used to really hate the idea of it. Smelly, old clothes! Whose owners might be dead! From STDs I might catch!
But I've discovered that the benefits are tremendous, and my fears are unfounded. It's cheaper, since most items start at around two to three bucks. The quality of the clothes I end up buying is usually better than the new ones I purchase at lower-end retail chains. I also feel like my personal style (as it is) emerges when I'm shopping at a thrift store. Because there are so many different brands and styles, I can't rely on the store's image or use the mannequins as a crutch. As a result, some of my favorite articles of clothing are thrifted and have lasted me years. Plus, I learned that if I do run into the occasional smelly old jacket, I can just NOT buy it.
There's also the idea that this is recycling at its finest. I once bought a brand-name, cashmere cardigan for six dollars. One of the buttons was missing, so I ended up replacing all of them with brighter-colored buttons. I felt both crafty (look at me sewing!) and proud since it felt like I had scored a deal. Another time, I bought a three dollar shirt that had been handmade and had obviously taken a lot of time. If we weren't finding these items, they would just end up at the landfill while we buy more mass-produced, cheaply-made clothes at the mall (not that it's EVER wrong to spend a day at the mall). When I'm tired of what I'm wearing, I can sell or donate it, so that someone can take just as much joy in finding a new outfit.
Some of the more well-known thrift/ resale stores in the LA area include Goodwill, Salvation Army, Buffalo Exchange, Crossroads Trading Co., Wasteland, and any flea markets you might see pop up.
I scored these jeans at the Wasteland on Melrose yesterday, and they look new! I'm excited to wear them, especially since it only cost me $15. I feel like I'm saving money. My friend, on the other hand, spent well over $500 at the same store...so I guess you can scratch what I just said about thrift store shopping.
"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." Steve Jobs
This weekend, I'm showing a visiting friend some of my favorite places to eat and having drinks with my hairstylist (really my very talented friend who takes pity on me and my split ends, but who normally works her magic at Christophe; ask for Isabel!). But I'll be spending the majority of my time working on that personal statement! What are you plans this weekend?
Let's live our lives and be productive, everyone ♥.
The only thing I love more than a party is a themed one. When everyone is game to dress up and the host goes that extra mile, the party becomes more than just another night of drinking. It becomes a memory we reminisce and laugh over even years later.
I came across a trifle today on Jane's blog and immediately wanted to eat it. My next thought, when I composed myself, was of that hilarious scene in Friends when Rachel is in charge of dessert for the first time, and everyone is too nice to say anything about the peas and beef mixed in with the custard and jam.
Wouldn't a Friends themed party be great if it included that trifle?
Ross could be in charge of the name tags (two for every person!).
Phoebe would bring the cups and ice. And she will bring it.
To practice our acting, we could play Charades with Joey.
And drink and drink and drink with Chandler because besides being sarcastic, awesome, and my favorite, I'm not sure what he does.
Monica would fight to be in charge of fancy food (or just pizza and chips) and coasters.
Of course, Rachel would make that infamous trifle. Or two, one savory and one sweet if you actually want people to enjoy themselves.
Decorate the walls with dorky dinosaur facts and New York paraphernalia and voila! Party time.
I'm starting a blog. I've wanted to for years, but didn't have the willpower, ideas, or even courage to begin. Because it honestly takes a certain amount of courage to share one's opinions, even on something as anonymous as the Internet. I've noticed that certain blogs, however, are anything, but anonymous. They are personal, beautiful, and part of a very creative community. And in my mind, the chance to join that community outweighs any potential negativity I'll encounter in the future.
At the moment, I'm also starting my applications for law school. Coincidence? Not really. This blog might be yet another way to procrastinate. In fact, I'm currently having a lot trouble with my personal statement. And since I've never been able to keep a journal or write my thoughts down without rolling my eyes, a meaningful essay about the entirety of my passion for life and law just might be the most difficult thing I've ever had to do.
I am choosing to believe I started this blog not to distract myself from more important tasks, but so I can learn to express my feelings on paper and accomplish something I've always wanted to do at the same time. Wish me luck and good luck to you!
