Sarah’s Favorite Things: LA Edition

Happy Friday folks! Isn’t it funny that this day still holds the same meaning for me even though I work from home now? Is it the same for you? If so, I know you’re letting out a happy sigh that the weekend is a mere few hours away. Before signing off until Monday, I’m going to leave you with a few things in, around, or related to LA that I’m totally digging or that I think you should know about (even if you’re not living in the Golden State).

Start your weekend with two of my favorite things (and I'm guessing yours too): Books and Cookies.  Even if the store weren’t so perfectly named, I would have still fallen in love with this gem of a new bookstore in Santa Monica. It’s a true kids’ space because, in addition to encouraging wee ones to escape to the imaginative world of books, it has host of playgroups, storytelling hours, music and art classes, and much more that are available for drop-in or set sessions. And once you’ve exercised your brain, you can replenish with a (healthy) treat from the café. What’s not to love?

I am a VERY late adopter of Twitter, but I must say that I love it for introducing me to many people and sources that I wouldn’t otherwise “meet.” Through our great friend Stephanie Stuart, I found @shanidarden. Ladies (and gentleman), if you have any skin problems or concerns, Shani is a must follow. She seriously takes the time to answer all tweets about treating everything from acne to sun damage to dark circles with practical advice and product suggestions (I’ve seen her recommend Olay!). It’s like having an on-call beauty guru.

It's not "baby got back"; it's "baby give back."   The Little Dude and I purged his closet and drawers, bagged the gently used clothes that he’d outgrown, and dropped it off at Baby2Baby, a charitable organization that distributes the items to Los Angeles families in need with young children. It’s easy. It’s green living. It’s tax deductible. And it’s a good thing to do.

The Nightmare Before Christmas in July! Okay, I’m not sure if my play on words totally worked (it reads more like the silly “Before and After” category on Wheel of Fortune), but I’m nevertheless stoked to take my out-of-town bestie to revel in the wonder of Tim Burton at his current exhibition at LACMA. Long live Edward Scissorhands!

Have you gotten yours? Starting this month, California households that have a gas stove, fireplace, or attached garage are required to install carbon monoxide detectors. I need to head to Home Depot, stat.

I am always amazed by the breadth and depth of talented Los Angeles-based bloggers. My latest blog crush—I’m totally smitten by the way—is the littlest. Do read. (P.S. – Check out Elizabeth Antonia’s great guest post featured in the Cup of Jo “balance” series.)

Image by Bello Mag/ ALEK and STEPH*Are Thursdays still the official start of the weekend? Or was that just in college? Either way, if you’re in need of a good way to unwind, grab a glass of wine or a bowl of gelato and sit down to watch the new television show SUITS on USA. Native Angeleno and college friend Meghan Markle stars in this new series. Show her some love by tuning in—you won’t be disappointed by the snappy dialogue and possible romance in the works.

~ The Other Sarah

Logos via the Books and Cookies and Baby2Baby Web sites.

*Bello Mag Image styling by Warren Alfie Baker; hair/makeup by Leslie Alejandro; and digital mastering by Martin Gonzalez.