Now that I have survived the polar vortex, it's feeling mighty summery today. About 39 degrees to be exact. But, the semi-bitter cold is planning a return visit. So... I've decided to make a return trip of my own. To Los Angeles.
I spent a fabulous and frenzied 2 days in LA, back in the Fall of 2012, managing to cover a decent amount of retail territory when not asleep or at work. I'll be plunking myself right back in WeHo, since I'll be sans car. And will get to see a little bit of Santa Monica and Sawtelle as well this time (thanks to friends and their rides ;). I've done a bit of research and asked my pals for recommendations for all things shoppable, eatable, and drinkable. And I've got a nice list going, which includes the promise of bacon Bloody Marys, lobster rolls, and a lot of that circus called Melrose Ave.
However, I thought I'd ask my readers for any must-see (or gotta-eat) destinations. Where do you love to shop, grab a bite, or enjoy a cocktail when in LA? I'd love to hear - and even better, try it for myself. The best travel experiences are usually a result of word-of-mouth from friends, after all! Local favorites are much preferred to the typical chains. I'm definitely not flying for 3 hours to hit up Anthropologie, the Apple store, or the Cheesecake Factory.
Please feel free to share, and I'll give you a report on my trip when back! For details on my 2012 adventure (and what caught my eye), click here.
Counting down the days,
M
P.S. My enthusiasm towards the Uniqlo Heattech purchases from the last post? Cords: pretty good. It was probably something like -42 degree windchill when I stepped out of the house and my legs didn't automatically freeze and break off. Turtleneck: mehz. Really thin material, not really sure it worked. I even wore it for an hour the night before to "warm it up." Good layering piece, but it seemed as effective as my Target t-neck. Who knows. I'm sure I'll get another chance this winter to re-test them :(
Image: my own from my previous LA post
Is it already the new year? Holy heck. My last quarter of 2013 turned into a bit of a whirlwind. Work trips, fun trips, and then the holidays. And now I'm bunkered in my home while some BFD polar vortex is whooping it up outside. Here's how the party is shaping up right now:
For those of you outside of the US, this would be Fahrenheit. Here in the States, we can think of lots of other things to say that begin with the letter "F," and "frozen" isn't even one of them. While I shudder to think of stepping outside tomorrow AM to head to work (yeah, that's right), I did purchase a couple things that I'm hoping will soften the arctic blow. A little, anyway.
Uniqlo offers a line of clothing with some fancy "Heat Tech" magic. I snapped up a pair of black cords and some turtlenecks. They arrived just in time to be put to the ultimate test. I got so excited that I had to take a picture of them in the right setting:
Yup. That's me. In a camisole (and cords and some doofy shoes, that are out of sight here). Showing off the snazzy packaging while trying not to freeze my arse off. It's bright and sunny, I've got on the shades, and if you didn't see the snow in the background, I'll bet you'd a thought it was balmy out here. I took this bad selfie in -8 F / -25 F windchill. Which, considering the current temps, is kind of warm. For, you know, ice weasels. And me, for 30 seconds. I consider this my version of the polar plunge.
Anyway... I'm anxious to see whether my smart, new duds will keep me toasty in a mere 10 hours. I've also brought out the down coat that I lovingly call the "pizza roll" (due to its straight, formless shape). Unlike my J. Crew cincher, the old faithful grazes my ankles, and I'll need all the coverage I can get.
Kind of a jarring way to ring in the new year, but it's sure giving all us social media dorks something to buzz about.
I'm hoping your January is a little more temperate. But if not... if you're also battling historic low temps and snow (yeah, you, Chicago)... just remember: this is exactly what steak dinners, casseroles, and scotch hot toddies are for. Cheers to that! Bring on the cold, and also a fantastic 2014!
Stay warm and Happy New Year!
M
