Smiling About. . .

trying out chef govind's new venture...

photo credit: daily candy

gotta get the husband on board for a little visit to napa...

one-day sales...10 mangoes for $5

photo credit: whole foods

my new bookclub book, should be good...

this sweet elopement and beautiful bouquet...

photo credit: snippet & ink

have a springy weekend! 

 

Abbot Kinney Festival...

Yesterday, we took in the Abbot Street Festival.  I can finally mark this off my list.   It was worth the wait!  Full of fabulous street vendors, food trucks, and of course music.  The highlight of the festival for me was the live music.  They had different stages throughout the festival with different types of music.  The Ethio Cali Ensemble and Slow Magic were my favs.  Please check them out!  We really didn't do the food truck thing since we had a late breakfast and I prepared dinner at home.   I think I will make this event a yearly thing.

Here are some photos of the day...

cozy neighborhood sidewalks as we made our way to the festival

my soon-to-be new red bike...I fell in love!

Ethio-Cali Ensemble

we did try the fries, but not so good.  

Slow Magic

cute little swing on the corner

I was really admiring the homes in this area.

a beautiful day for a festival!

and I'm off and running...
 

Saturday Fun...

Well, it is August!  Wow!  The summer is coming to an end, but not just yet. 

This weekend me and my friend Kim had some overdue girl time together and we had a ball!!!  Lots of great food, wine, and shopping on the famous Abbott Kinney.  Lovely!

                         

                      FOOD

GJELINA

GJELINA is the most popular resto on Abbot Kinney in Venice, Ca.  It is bustling with casual Californians dining on market fresh food.  The food is amazing here and we had a great time eating it. 






What we ate...

Housemade Chorizo, Tomato, Cream, Fennel,
Chili & Basil

Salt & Pepper Frites with Romesco & Aioli

Dry Roasted PEI Mussels with Fresno Chili,
Fennel, Mint & Lemon

                                                                        SHOPPING

Firefly- Great jewelry and home/bath products
(Kim's old co-worker worked there)

Diosa
Great Vintage and Jewelry

Ms Vintage
Need I say more

 Bountiful
Beautiful home and bath goods/gifts.
(When you want to buy yourself a special gift, go here)





WINE

After some shopping, Kim took me to this cute little wine shop called El Vino for a mini wine tasting.

What a great way to end our girl time!

Then I came home to these from the husband...

Just Beautiful!

And I'm off and running...

J.P. Archie