recharging at mount washington

Self-Realization Fellowship 3880 San Rafael Ave. Los Angeles, CA (323) 225-2471

One of my favorite tranquil spots in Los Angeles is the Self-Realization Fellowship on Mt. Washington. The property and Mediterraean-style building of the Fellowship were part of an exclusive hotel over a century ago. During World War I, the building served as a convalescent hospital for solders, but it has been the home of a spiritual community since 1925. The grounds are free and open to the pubic, and despite the close proximity to and view of downtown Los Angeles, it feels like it is completely secluded. The beautifully cultivated gardens are lush and green, and offer many spots for quiet contemplation or meditation. It is a serene respite from the fast-pace of city living.

Images by Lauryl Lane.

relaxing at demitasse

Sometimes you enjoy lunch with a friend, but your need to converse lasts much longer than your need to occupy a table at a busy restaurant. On just such a recent occasion, Jane suggested that we try a new coffee shop in nearby Little Tokyo so that we could spend some time relaxing and getting caught up. Cafe Demitasse was the perfect place for such a plan. It was a warm and sunny day, so after procuring our own individual carafes of iced tea, we settled in on the patio to chat and people-watch. The patio was full of slatted wood furniture and surrounded by succulent sculptures, many of which were mounted on the walls of the building. It was a serene little spot in the midst of the busy city. The barista guided us to the best tea blends and his recommendations were spot-on!

Cafe Demitasse 135 S. San Pedro Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 613-9300

Images by Lauryl Lane.

the proof is in the baking

Although there are many excellent choices for a morning coffee in East Los Angeles, I find myself drawn to Proof Bakery over and over again. It's a short walk from my old home in Silver Lake, in an inauspicious shopping strip in Atwater Village. Proof is rather tiny, with seating for little more than a dozen people, but it's utterly charming with it's dark walls, light floors, and marble-topped tables. I love to grab a latte (delicious!) and split a delectable chocolate croissant and a slice of quiche (the flavors are constantly changing) with my husband, whilst sitting in the window, people-watching - and occasionally waving to neighbors also out for a morning stroll. Proof Bakery is one of the many reasons I love L.A.-living, it's yummy, cozy, and totally community-driven.

Proof Bakery 3156 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039 (323) 664-8633
Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.

POP-sational!

THE WRAP: When I was in Los Angeles a few weeks ago, browsing the shops on Robertson Blvd. with my friend John, I discovered the POP Phone at Kitson, and it was love at first sight. I purchased the "Retro" handset in red, mainly because I thought it looked pretty swell with my new custom iPhone case from Gelaskins. It feels just like the phones I used when I was young, but it's more comfortable to have resting on my shoulder due to the soft touch paint treatment! The speaker and microphone work beautifully, and the pickup/hangup button means that I don't have to struggle with my mobile while accepting or disconnecting calls. Best of all, the POP phone eliminates over 99% of absorbed phone radiation! ❀❀❀❀❀ (out of 5).

Images | Styling by Lauryl Lane.