Cuff Me!

I am obsessed with chunky bracelets and am currently crushing on these:


All are available at Nordstrom. Pics: nordstrom.com

BFF: A Day at the Races

Yesterday, G. and I went to "Free Friday" at Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park. You may have heard of the famous racetrack as Seabiscuit was filmed there. I wasn't sure this venture would be my cup of tea (when I told my mother I went, she replied, "now I've heard everything!"). However, it was fun!On Fridays, the track has free admission and $1 specials on beer, coffee, popcorn, and hot dogs. It reminds me of the episode of Sex and the City when the girls go to Yankee Stadium to hang out and drink cheap beer. It was that kind of day.

I did place a few bets which wasn't too hard to figure out. I won once so that was exciting! It was also nice to see the horses-they are so beautiful.
So if race tracks don't bother you (animal rights) and you like to try new things, this is a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy an afternoon (that is if you don't bet a lot of money!).

Next up....the Kentucky Derby perhaps?





(P.S. I couldn't resist including this picture-where else will you find a peanut shell in the shrubs?!)

Meet Your New BFF!

We all know what BFF stands for....but today I'm introducing it as Budget-Friendly Fun! Many people like myself are pinching pennies these days and just because I'm on a budget, does not mean I will stop having fun! So as I find new wallet-friendly ways to go out I will share them with you and mark them "BFF".

Here is our first addition:

The Museum.

Many museums nationwide have special events or days when they have free admission. I know The Met has free film screenings and the MFA in Boston has "Free Community Days," days you get in for free. Last night, G. and I checked out Saturdays Off the 405 at The Getty in Los Angeles. If you arrive after 5pm, parking/admission is free and you can attend the outdoor concert. The event offers a cash bar and BEAUTIFUL views of the city. I tried my best to take a good picture, but it was so much more breathtaking in person. This was one of our favorite outings we've had. I highly recommend you check out your local museums to see what events they have to offer, too!

Friday's Outing

Today G. and I went to see Couples Retreat. Some critics are panning it and while I agree with them on some points, I really enjoyed it. I thought it had as many sweet moments as funny ones. I am grateful to those who made the film because I needed to relax and have a laugh today. I brought my purse to the movie theater to make its debut! I don't think this picture does it justice, but I love it! (I got it a while back at Aldo.) It kind of reminds me of the bag in yesterday's post... Oh! I almost forgot. I saw a preview for the movie, Nine, which is due out in November. It looks so good. It's a musical about an Italian director and his midlife crisis. To be honest, it was the style and the cast that really drew me to it (and of course I love anything Italian!). Seriously though, how great is this cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Sophia Loren, Kate Hudson, and Fergie! The director is Rob Marshall, who also directed Chicago and Memoirs of a Geisha. I can't wait!

The proper start to a weekend...

...should consist of wearing these beautiful items and feeling as relaxed as she looks...ahhh.....


Photos: Coach

Would you wear a chicken hat?

I had a pretty random weekend. Friday night I went out to one of my favorite LA bars, The Edison. It used to be a power plant and the bar's decor still reflects its origin. Copper piping and "generators" are seen throughout. It is really a gorgeous place. They have great entertainment and play old movies on the walls. Friday evenings from 5-7pm they offer complimentary grilled cheese and tomato soup and serve their Friday signature drinks for 35 cents (one per person).

Saturday night, G. and I went to Torrance to the Alpine Village for Oktoberfest. We sat down with the standard pretzel and beer and listened to the band play. I was disappointed because the shops were closed so we'll definitely have to go back to check those out! It gets crowded, so I recommend going early. Fridays and Saturdays are 21+. Everyone was very excited to be there and it definitely got a little rowdier as the night progressed! Many wore chicken hats as you'll see below. They are to wear during the chicken dance, a popular dance at Oktoberfest celebrations in the U.S.

San Diego

Last weekend I went back to San Diego. Saturday morning I went surfing in Del Mar and then out for lunch with G. in the Gaslamp District. So fun!Pics top to bottom: The boards, Fred's Mexican Cafe, Mmmm, The most perfect pepper, Back to LA