I recently co-hosted a big fete with Angeleno Magazine, the Buzz Girls and The Fragrance Collection by Glade on the rooftop of the Thomspon Hotel with a focus on luxury and indulgence. We all know that sometimes it really is the little things in life that make us happy. And there were plenty of inexpensive indulgences and little luxuries that we girls have discovered and don’t plan to give up.
While most of us agreed a pedicure, chocolate and a good glass of wine were certainly small indulgences that should be listed on both the wants and needs part of any list there were plenty more that let’s a girl chill, zone out, look good and can’t forget are delicious.
One of my favorite from the party guests:
“Bought a croque monsieur sandwich and fries from the local French bistro and snuck it into a matinee of the movie Fame. The movie was cheesier than the sandwich, but I loved it.”
And so many more with lots of fan favorites that are LA centric:
Pilates class with my fiancé on Saturday morning at Studio B on Larchmont. We dig our teacher, Erin Daffern.
Going to LACMA for a stroll around the exhibitions and treating myself to lunch at Pimento
Having brunch at the beach with a view of the ocean and lingering over a second mimosa.
Getting a mocha latte from Joan’s on Third St. each morning, but somehow the $5 doesn’t seem overpriced since I walk there to get it. It’s my morning routine.
Lining my mantel with lots of small candles for an intimate glow. I pick up the Sheer White Cotton scent in the 2 oz. candles from the Fragrance Collection by Glade in the market. No labels so they look clean and have this light floral and fruity scent. And I got a chance to smell several new scents from The Fragrance Collection so I'm now adding the jasmine and wild orchid to my guest room.
Shopping in Brentwood, in this economy I feel like I’m giving back and I shop smart. I love Feature and Ron Herman.
Girls’ night out is my indulgence, especially with pear martinis.
Reading tons of wedding blog material, even though I’m not engaged. It’s just my girly amusement.
One of my favorites:
Finishing the Twilight series of books. I’m hooked and not sleeping enough. I stay up late reading and then dream about the stories. I’ll be happy when I finally get a good night sleep, but also sad when I’ve finished the series.
Taking a nap, which is a true luxury if I could just find the time.
Buying my big statement jewelry at Forever 21.
Long run on the beach with no particular timeline or goal.
Sleeping in on the weekend with no guilt. My husband knows to keep the door closed.
Lighting candles, slipping into a hot bubble bath and sipping a glass of wine. Sure it’s not original, but it works for me.
Treating myself to Pink Berry and being nostalgic with a topping of Captain Crunch cereal.
Buying flowers at Trader Joe’s. No need to wait for a guy to give you flowers when you can buy a bouquet for $5.
Linger over a drink at the Sunset Tower and sit on the terrace to look out over Los Angeles
Brownie ice cream sundae at Milk on Beverly
Maple baby bundt cake or any flavor at Kiss My Bundt on West Third St.
Kogi Korean BBQ Truck that travels around LA area
Melrose burger at 8 OZ. Burger on Melrose
Visit to Farmer’s market on Larchmont on Sunday can yield your own brunch
A visit to the Getty Museum (pay only $10 for parking, stay all day, bring a sandwich and sit on the lawn) Or go the Getty Villa for $8.
Rent a bike down at the Santa Monica beach for two hours and ride along the beach
Buying cards or invites from Soolip on Melrose
Shopping for vintage at various shops around LA
Book readings with famous authors at Book Soup on Sunset
Packing a picnic for a movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery-$10 donation at the gate
Seeing a movie in the dome at the Arclight cinema
Ride a few of the amusements rides at the Santa Monica Pier-it’s celebrating its 100th anniversary this fall.