Some frivolous fun…..
1) Speaking of The Royals ($)
Award season is here (rain is too), so it’s a great time to go to the movies. Start with The King’s Speech (if you haven’t seen it yet). Since action often speaks louder than words, the thunderous applause I heard while the credits rolled should give you some indication of its brilliance + To further your renewed interest in anglophilia, join the official British Monarchy Facebook page for up-to-date Royal tidbits, including the latest news on William & Kate’s spring nuptials + Netflix (or catch on PBS) the British documentaries Windsor Castle: A Royal Year (2005) and Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work (2007) for an inside look at HRH, the family and their staff as they go about their merry business. Here’s a clip of the Queen being photographed by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz (edited from the latter documentary). Kristin suggests: While you’re at it, Netflix (or PBS) the American Masters documentary on Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens.
2) Good time for a Dodger Dog ($)
The season’s over (just like the “Dodger” marriage), but it’s a great time to visit the stadium. Book the Dodger Stadium Tour ($15) and go where you’ve always wanted to – down to the field, into the dugout, walk-thru the Vin Scully Press Box and more. Best to go before Jan. 17th if you want to see the field intact. Afterwards the field converts to a motor cross track thru March + About those Dodger Dogs, actually there’s none in the off-season (sorry for the tease), but there’s good eats in nearby Pasadena where the Dodger PR people told me some Dodger players reside. Word has it there are frequent sightings at The Paseo Colorado (a shopping, dining, movie complex). It may be out of left field, but it’s an easy drive up the 110 and parking’s cheap in the underground garage, so good luck sports fans!
3) Let ‘Em Eat Cake ($$)
With the commotion of the holidays behind you, take an afternoon for yourself (friends optional, but encouraged). Begin with brunch at Cafe Stella, Silver Lake (or lunch if you’re sleeping in). It’s how you imagine a french cafe – intimate, yummy, pricey – it doesn’t disappoint (even serves Intelligentsia french roasted coffee from next door). Kristin suggests: Before parking, pick-up dessert a couple blocks south at Lark Cake Shop. Their cakes are obscene and pies divine + Be warned though that playing hookie for the afternoon comes with consequences. A day like this will land you in ReForm School, a little shop of handcrafted curios and vintage finds just steps away from Cafe Stella + Then pop into Le Pink & Co, an apothecary of lotions, potions & perfumes + Why rush home if you’re already in trouble? Extend your day with a visit to nearby Barnsdall Art Park. Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Hollyhock House (W – Sun) for a glimpse into the glamour of 1920’s Hollywood and the mind of an architectural genius. Kristin suggests: Checkout this 30 minute documentary on the restoration of the Hollyhock House – Restoring the Romanza.
Enjoy it all and don’t forget to tell ’em “Kristin sent me.”
