4510

Four little numbers that are going to mean a lot to us for awhile. 

While it hasn't quite hit me in the "I have a new apartment!!!" way, I am getting so excited to move in somewhere new this weekend- in Kensington. From the moment Ross and I drove through this gem of a neighborhood, and better yet, when we saw the place, we knew it was it. The apartment was the one.

It hit us like they say love does...when you least expect it. And boy, were we not expecting it. We were "just looking" and didn't want to/weren't ready to move until November. Sorry. Move in day is October 1. Ok we'll take it!

Yes, it's that awesome.

Can't wait to post photos of the dishwasher (!!!), washer/dryer (!! even though it's downstairs), and dark mahogony wood floors (ahhh..)...It boasts two bedrooms so if any of our friends are contemplating a place to sleep, the answer is YES. 

Although I will miss my mom's cooking (love you Mama), free rent, and so many other luxuries of living with the 'rents, I must say it feels heavenly to look forward to having our own place again. Bussing/cabbing to the Gaslamp, biking most everywhere, and best of all having a million and one restaurants at our disposal--it is going to be fan-freaking-tastic. So, farewell Escondido- it's been real. Can't wait to see what Kensington has to offer: Kensington Grill, Blue Boheme, and Ken Club are known faves...I'll keep you all posted on Ross and my journey in mid-town.

Until then...

xo,

L

Empirehouse

One of the many perks that come with working for bloomspot is that the higher ups like to incentivize we salespeople with bloombucks bloom rewards. I like to use these bloom rewards for a facial or massage here or there, a yoga membership, etc. However, the features I am always drawn to are the restaurant ones. As a self-proclaimed foodie, (but really, who isn't? Do you not like food?) I love me some $39 three course meals including vino technically for free.

 I must say that my favorite experience thus far is with Empirehouse, Hillcrest's little house-turned-bistro that is apparently breaking a famous curse on University. Ross and I started with the sausage bread- warm, doughy french bread stuffed with cheese, spices, and you guessed it- sausage. It was heaven. We decided we will probably go back one day just to get the entire loaf and a couple beers.

As we sipped on our bottle of Carmel Road Pinot Noir- yummy, smooth, and a little fruity- we chatted it up with Susie, the friendliest human/restauranteur ever who knows how to craft a burger (read on). Our server, Farrah was equally as awesome. Basically, I fell in love with the staff over there. Susie- if you're reading this, I want to be friends with you.

We noshed on the Susie Burger (blue cheese, mashed avo, tomato perfection) and nibbled on a couple tacos-pulled pork (for me) and ahi (for Ross). Somehow, we still made room for freshly baked brownies (FOUR of them) and delicious vanilla gelato. Mind you, we had also finished the entire bottle of Pinot at this point.

We walked away with happy hearts and full bellies. As Ross said as we walked away, "That is how you run a business."

Empirehouse, you ROCK.

xo,
L


*img courtesy of: cities2night.com

{Tiny Bit of} JOY!

I am so excited for and proud of my dear friend, Keira, who just started the amazing blog Tiny Bit of Joy. Filled with her personal favorites: recipes, style craves, decor, etc. her blog is a daily dose of inspiration and pretty things.

Proud to be part of her wedding day in July! What a beautiful day.

She is moving to London in only a couple of weeks, and while I am so sad to see her go (with her new hubby, Jim!), I am so thankful that her joyful blog will keep me posted. I invite you all to check it out and say hello!

xo,
L

Wedded Bliss

Over the weekend, the beau and I were able to celebrate the love of a dear friend of mine (thank you ISA Barcelona for introducing us in 2006!) and her new husband. The thunderstorms and rain in Orange County departed shortly before the afternoon ceremony and we were so happy it did. Her dress- a form fitting, beautifully ruffled number, the venue- a private estate with roses galore, and the food- Italian yumminess- made for an exquisite night. To top it off, we danced the night away- and then some- at White House in Laguna Beach. Thank you Ashley and Matt for including us in your debut as husband and wife!

xo,

L

Memory Lane

There's something about looking through old photos of family that makes me so happy. My grandma stopped by today with a tote bag filled with her family albums, as well as a bunch of photos from my grandpa's side. Nostalgia for the 'good old days', recognition of myself and my mom in my grandma when she was younger, and loving the styles of the different eras. Some of my favorites from my trip down memory lane? A wedding photo from the 1920's (so Titanic-esque!), my great grandfather's senior yearbook where he was voted "Best Dressed," and the sweetest picture of my mom when she was six or seven (below). Has your family kept a lot of old photos?

xo,

L

Mom back when she was little Sue Mann.

Grandpa circa 1950-ish

Grandma circa 1950-ish