Easter Sunday Was All About Brunch, Shopping, And Spark Woodfire Grill...

I had every intention of attending church with SD on Easter Sunday, but circumstances rather went the direction of the best laid plans of mice and men. It didn't happen. Her birthday doesn't often fall on the same weekend as Easter.





We had reservations to do Easter Brunch at The Luxe Hotel, but decided to go to The Ivy instead. Their Eggs Benedict with Chipotle Hollandaise is absolutely the best I've ever had. Besides, we were hoping for a celebrity sighting. Unfortunately, my brain wasn't quite functioning yet, so I wouldn't have known if I'd seen anyone anyway.
 



After brunch we headed for Mecca, otherwise known as Loehmann's in Beverly Hills to do a bit of shopping. I bought SD a few things, including an adorable bikini. Then, I bought a new bag that I'm in love with and two new linen tunics that I'm simply mad about. I also bought a fab new necklace for a song & dance. I just love finding bargains! It always makes me feel so... thrifty (and helps offset other purchases that weren't bargains). Click on the picture to see it large. Is it possible to be in love with a shoulder bag and a necklace?


After shopping we both needed naps so I went back to the hotel and watched "It's Complicated" with Meryl Streep, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, which made me laugh so hard I cried. I highly recommend this movie for anyone who likes comedy (and we all need a lot of that in our lives, don't we?).


Dinner at the Spark Woodfire Grill in Beverly Hills was excellent. Too bad I forgot my camera. However, the meal was great, as was the service. It was fun with just the two of us because we can always find a gazillion things to say.

After dinner, I was tired and needed to go to bed. It was lucky that I'd brought along Beth Dunn's book called Social Climbers, since I had trouble going to sleep once I got in bed. It's really a great read and I was able to finish it before finding slumber, at last. (Collars Up!)  


I'll try to get this finished up tomorrow, as I know it's all getting to be TMI and I do have the tendency to overdo everything....

Snooty Daughter's Birthday Brunch.... With A Surprise Gift

On Saturday SD called me when she got up and ready to take on the world for her birthday, which meant I could take it easy, enjoying the lovely view (not) and dress at a leisurely pace. Actually, although my view was non-existent, this was a lovely little hotel in Beverly Hills and I was very happy there. 

 

When she came to get me we drove around for a few minutes and she spotted a place that she said she'd been to with everyone that came to visit. I should have known she had ulterior motives, the little scamp.

So, we continued in to the Saddle Ranch Chop House located on Sunset Boulevard.

It was a glorious Spring day so we were seated outside. We immediately ordered Mimosas, which were delicious, by the way. After the second Mimosa we ordered brunch. I had the Eggs Benedict and SD had an omelet. 

SD then ordered some fruity little shots for us, casually mentioning that they had a mechanical bull inside and I should try riding it. I asked SD if that was what she really wanted... to see her dignified crazy mother Ride Dee Bull on the anniversary of her birth. With an evil grin, she replied "Absolutely!"

Several Many more Mimosas later I was ready to ride, when the bartender sent us these delicious drinks with heaven knows what in them, but they went down like whipped cream from a can. The time had come so I paid my money, donned a hat, signed a release form (gawd, what was I thinking?), and strode out (more like wobbled) to mount The Bull. Funny how liquor always make you think you can do things you probably shouldn't and thankfully, keeps you loose enough to avoid injuries sometimes. This was one of those times. I'm just grateful that I'll never have to see any of those people again...

 

So, here it is folks. A story told in pictures. I was once again successful at embarrassing myself while making people laugh. I seem to be getting more proficient as I go along, don't you think? At least this time I didn't have anything knocked out of socket or any bleeding. That's what I call progress.

AND... I didn't get thrown off The Bull, although I came close a couple of times. There were a lot of people screaming, whooping and hollering. Oh, and laughing. My own laughter was making me weak because I couldn't stop it.


SD also took a short video with my camera and I'd show it to you if I could figure out how to upload it or whatever from camera. Remember, I'm tech challenged.


So, once we'd had our fun we left for SD's apartment where we grabbed her roommate MC and went to lay by the pool at the hotel. Unfortunately, the pool was closed due to pool renovations but after promising we wouldn't dive into an empty pool, the management allowed us to go up and sunbathe It was too cool to swim anyway, but their rooftop pool is to die for. Soon it was time for all of us to start getting ready for the Birthday Girl's dinner and party with friends.


Three of her BFF's came to dinner with us at a little place called Cobras & Matadors on Beverly Drive that served divine Spanish style Tapas plates that we all shared. It's a great little spot for really authentic Spanish cuisine. However, don't ask me why I didn't take a picture of the girls or the food.

Next, we headed down the street to a place called The Hudson where SD was meeting a group of friends for further birthday celebration. I was the only one there over 30 but managed to have fun just the same. I think SD's roomie took these pictures of us outside The Hudson. It's all a bit fuzzy now, but I think SD had a pretty fun birthday. I think I fell into bed at around 1:30 AM.


To Be Continued.....

My Daughter's Idea Of Sightseeing While I Take Pictures....

Oh look, there goes The Whiskey-A-Go-Go...











There goes the best Liquor Store that has 24 hour delivery (how does she know that?)












Touring Beverly Hills at 35 MPH....








Was that a house or a hotel?










I've always wanted to see the Beverly Hills Hotel but this is all I got....









It's hard to take pictures when you're flying past.......








The whole tour lasted perhaps 10 minutes.......

Don't fret about blurred pictures.....










Or pictures of basically nothing......










You've just had a tour of Beverly Hills for crying out loud!