California ramblings.

Palm trees make everything better! The shadow picturesque giant palm leaves drooping against a California back drop is dreamy.

People ask me all the time, “where is Palos Verdes, California?”  This sporty bubble of a town is south of Hermosa and Manhattan Beach just above Redondo. It’s in on a cliff I would say elevated just above the ocean with breathtaking views.

Check this out….I mean this sure beats the parking lot view from the Starbucks I frequent in Coppell, Texas.

The Palos Verdes Starbucks and Subway (a small strip center really) has one of the most spectacular ocean look outs of all!

This seaside shopping center is minutes away from Terranea Resort and Trump National Golf Course. We enjoy Terranea’s patio sunset dining which is extremely family friendly.  I personally love their  fab wood fire pizza and with a nice glass of Chianti. The resort offers much to do such as spa, golf, workout, pool, beach or wine and dine.  

It’s a super Lucky for us, we have a dear friend who resides in Palos Verdes Estates which is where we stayed for the last five nights of our Fall Thanksgiving vaca.

The first three nights we stayed in the luxurious SLS Beverly Hills. As you have heard me say, we had three back to back amazing fun-filled nights celebrating our beloved friends Jeff and Josh. (More is that later this week)

The SLS made me feel ultra cool.  Like young and artsy posh! Basically nothing like my real life as a suburban mom, house wife and personal trainer. But…Yall I will so play the part for a few short days. I was mostly inspired by the modern eclectic decor and lighting. This place was a chandelier addicts best friend and nobody is doing it better. Every turn your eyes are fixed on bobbles of lighting art decking the halls or remote areas calling my name. I wanted to sit and sip in all the places. I wanted coffee on the red carpet terrace and cocktails by the pool! I ate breakfast by the fire and dined with friends at the high top tables lining the main dining room. I drank fruit infused water at every turn and even played pool on the pink pool table on our floor.

I’m such a fan of the Marriott reward points!  Why not form a relationship with your favorite hotel group and  reap the rewards.  It’s called LOYALTY.  Did you know that Marriott now owns, SLS, Gaylord, Ritz Carlton, Marriott Courtyards and many many more.

The picture above and below is inside of the Palihouse hotel in West Hollywood. It’s a charming older quaint hotel in the heart of West Hollywood. We had a blast toasting our friends  on the roof top bar strung with lights and a city view.

These chandeliers from the SLS had me drooling.

Mirror images of a fun house. The SLS has black mirrors in every room and on all sides of the bathroom. You could see yourself coming…going and walk into a wall by accident. Aside from the sparkling retro ascetics we enjoyed the 6th floor roof top pool for several days. The spa and gym are located on the second door and offer all of the amenities a human could possibly need! The his and hers locker rooms offer wet and dry sauna and private rest areas with snacks.

As a fun outing and girly time I pre booked three appointments at Blushington on Sunset Blvd! This small makeup joint can turn a blank face into art with their professional and speedy makeup professionals. Everyone in the place had precise eye brows and perfect contour lines looking like they just stepped out of VOGUE. Blushington offers a wide variety of services such as full face makeover, teen makeup, eye lashes, skin care and more! The staff was friendly and not uppity as I had expected.

I felt like the ugly step sister next to these two “Pretty young women.”   But who wouldn’t right?  Youth is so beautiful.

Don’t think for a second that I didn’t get in some hard-core workouts at the hotel gym at the SLS!  I worked my inner thights, chest and abs!

SLS angi workout video click here

When in Palos Verdes we spend the majority of our time between Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach.  We love Henessey’s  beach side for lunch and sunset happy hour specials.  We occupy the corner booth facing the beach becuase the strand is bustling with energy.

Turkey Burger and Sweet Potato Fries on a gluen free bun at Hennessey’s 

The Christmas Tree at the center of Hermosa Beach was a sweet sweet reminder that Christmas is coming and that I erected and decorated my tree before I left for California.  Be JEALOUS!

When near any beach town I must get my feet in the sand and at least a toe in the ocean water. A lazy sunset stroll was the ticket to rejuvenation. I’m sporting a mid waisted denim skinny jeans and the softest v-neck sweater by Lulu’s on line boutique. It was perfect for the cool evening temperatures.

I have been experimenting with Lulu’s online store for about a year now. Some of their clothes are stylish without a big price tag. They have solid sales and some nice quality clothes.

For another casual look I bought this pink top and faux leather blue jacket. I ordered the xs in the jacket and will return it for a Small. This top, which I’m also wearing Xs, would pair well with white or black jeans or could easily transform into a date night look with heels!

I’ll have you all know that I didn’t get out of cooking duties! Once we made it to our final destination we cooked some good food! Mr. Chicken Fry grilled steaks and chicken and I made a salad, potatoes, rice and veggie stir fry. The next day I whipped up my usual bacon and eggs and popped in a turkey for an early Thanksgiving feast! We ate green beans, potatoes, mac & cheese and Trader Joe’s pecan pie!

Last up is this affordable black V neck jumpsuit that I wore to the meet and greet! It’s a knit stretchy material that gives.   I’m wearing a xs from Nordstrom. (LEITH jumpsuit) It’s uber comfortable and perfect for a date night, GNO or a special occasion! This plunging v could easily be concealed with a black bandeau or lace bralette!

Stay tuned later this week for the WEDDING post!Lots more to come from California.   I’m dropping every detail of our three-day adventure in Hollywood and more true stories.

Love, have fun and bask in the sun!

Angi.