From the moment I heard the name of the event, I knew it was going to be something to go gaga for. And as I learned more about the details – luxurious spas providing their treatments, decadent desserts and hors d’oeuvres, samples of great products, all rolled up into a chic downtown loft – I began envisioning a pampering paradise, with bright colors, sweet smells, and massages and facials around every corner.

But my mind’s images paled in comparison to what Ada and her team at Fresh Events actually created! The ambiance was that much more soothing, the services that much more luxurious, the sweets melted in your mouth that much more. Every detail was meticulously planned to create a feast for the senses and a haven for the guests, right smack in downtown LA. I was so honored to be there to capture the event and I know if they put on another pampering extravaganza I would definitely love to attend again… maybe next time as a guest?? :)

The space! Inside…

And out…

Amazing fruit baskets provided by Couture Baskets, set under relaxing cabanas:

The treats!

Ciudad Grill…

Moonpillows – mochi filled with chocolate truffle centers!

The Sugar Spot – the green tea was my fave!

They rounded up some hottie male models to serve the guests…

Checking in:

Each guest received a gorgeous pink wristlet complete with a program for the day:

And once you enter – spas and salons galore!

And in between treatments there was relaxing under the cabanas…

… hanging out in the Photo Cabina…

… and a raffle! Ada and Amanda start it off –

One of the many cool prizes:

To mix it up they had the model from CWE come up to choose a few lucky winners:

I leave you with just a couple shots of the gorgeous ladies of Fresh Events!

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Thank you so much Ada for giving me the opportunity to photograph the amazing day and a big thank you to Dave for the referral!

Even though I have basically lived in and around LA my entire life, there are still so many parts of the city that I have yet to explore – restaurants to try, museums to visit, shops to hop into, colorful streets to walk along. Got to cross a couple places off my list recently though, which may sound productive but in actuality is not, since I always find myself wanting to go back and further explore the places I’ve already been!

One Saturday Scott and I did Abbot Kinney Blvd. – huge burritos at Tortilla Grill offset by dainty cakes at Jin Patisserie (thank you Scott for somewhat compromising your masculinity and venturing into the abyss of overabundant cuteness that is Jin.) So many cute shops line this quirky street in Venice, but my favorite has to be Firefly. You walk into this one and the cuteness just socks you square in the jaw. And it is WONDERFUL.

A little card I bought from Firefly… gotta love bicycles (especially with these gas prices).

Scott captured this pic of me walking along a colorful alley… so of course we had to get a flowery shot of him too.

Another Saturday was Silverlake – lots of cute cafes and shops. I loved the “green” theme of many of them, selling clothes, books, and other knicknacks all made from recycled goods. Cute, practical, AND good for the earth? I’m sold.

And one Sunday was a gig with my taiko group at the Long Beach Museum of Art – the most adorable little museum you ever will see, complete with a stunning view of the harbor. In a raging post-performance hunt for lunch, we stumbled upon 2nd Street in the Belmont Shore area and had crepes at the lovely La Creperie Cafe. How cool would it be to live around there, within walking distance of the rows of shops/restaurants and the beach!!



And one last little discovery…

While dining at the Comfort Cafe in Silverlake (highly recommended btw!), we perused a recent issue of the Los Angeles Magazine and came across the “64 Greatest Things about LA“. This list will eventually be whittled down into one BEST thing about LA. The Disney Hall? The Grove? Amoeba Music? There were so many awesome places on there that choosing between them would be pure torture, but our inkling is that “the weather” is going to come out on top. Because I only lived away from LA for a year, but wearing 2 pairs of pants in the winter time wasn’t as fun as it sounds. Neither is not being able to sleep in the summer without the air conditioner blasting in my face. But flip flops year round? And thinking the world is going to end whenever the temperature rises above 75 and drops below 68? That, is awesome.

To all those dwelling in the city of angels, where are your favorite places in LA? To those not in LA, where are your favorite places in your own little town?

That would be Sawtelle Kitchen. I had often passed by the tiny cottage-like restaurant while walking (or driving, often at the same speed as walking, thanks to rush hour LA traffic) down Sawtelle. I was always a little scared to eat there should I burst the perfect bubble image I painted in my head of the ever-so-cute-from-the-outside restaurant. But yesterday I finally faced my fears (with some encouragement from Scott) and stepped inside.

I waited for it to be too drafty or have boring decor – it was hip yet warm and cozy. The staff came up to greet us and I waited for them to be rude biznatches – they were uber-nice and attentive. I waited for the table to be all awkward and anti-feng shui-ish – it was against the wall but was nicely intimate and not too cramped. Was the food going to be bland? The portions too teeny? No – the wasabi sauce on Scott’s salmon was amazing and my shrimp & mushroom gratin was ginormous – quite the mother of all gratins. Would the meal cost me my first born child? No, $30ish for 2 people including salads and dessert! Perfection.

I left not being this excited about a place since Sloopy’s. The only thing that could ruin my trip would be if I got food poisoning, but until then A++ for Sawtelle Kitchen!!

P.S. I made the unforgivable mistake of not bringing my camera so please make do with this one I borrowed from Yelp.