Leaving Lala Land.... The End

On Monday (SD had gotten the day off) we decided to run over to Santa Monica (actually, SD drove her car... we didn't really run) and have lunch once again at the Blue Plate Oysterette because I was craving some of their oysters on the half shell AND their (made from scratch) fish and chips. Once again, we sat at the counter so that we could see the action going on in the kitchen. Neither of us was disappointed. I love that place! If I lived in Santa Monica, I swear I'd eat there every day. Every time I return to California, I will eat there. Yes, of course, they have other items on the menu, which we didn't even bother to peruse. When I find something I like, I tend to stick with it, as dull as that may seem. It keeps me happy and healthy.




After lunch we walked down to the Pier at Santa Monica because I wanted to find a Flamingo Hat for an eccentric friend, but I couldn't find one anywhere. So, I bought yet another straw hat for moi; this time a black one. Then, we happened to notice a guy out kite surfing or whatever it is that they call it, which was pretty cool. Maybe I'll try that next. Or Zip-Lining. Except I would have to don a swimsuit to try the surfing thing. SD says there is a place in L.A. to Zip Line that lasts for 30 minutes. Does anyone really want to do it for 30 minutes? I have my doubts. Except for me. I'd love it but I'm slightly insane.



So, for my last night in West Hollyweird/Beverly Hills, we decided we would stay at my hotel, order room service, and watch movies. It was the perfect way to wind down after so much fun and going out. We watched The Blind Side first, which I loved even though I already knew the storyline. Next, we watched It's Complicated. (Yes I'm one of those idiots who can watch a good movie at least 100 times. Don't judge.) I laughed even harder the second time around. Go. Figure.



The next morning, it was time for me to say goodbye to my little boutique hotel, The Chamberlain, so I took a picture of my favorite guys on the front desk staff. They were so good to me and I love them for that. I will definitely stay there again when I fly out to L.A. at the end of August to help SD make the move back to Texas and law school at SMU in Dallas. They didn't have an accessible ice machine but if you called the front desk they would bring a huge champagne bucket full of ice, pronto, but wouldn't accept a tip. Class. The hotel is very ecologically and energy efficient which means there are certain little inconveniences, which I didn't mind in the least.

 


Then the hardest part came. The part where I had to say goodbye to SD without crying. Really, I'm getting so much better than I used to be. Now, I cry as she drives away, so that she never sees me....

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....