Loving LA-LA Land

Everyone hates on Los Angeles. But to be entirely honest with you, if it wasn't for my affinity for hoop earrings, Juicy jump suits, and my loved ones in the North East, I would totally move there in a heart beat. And having had to go there on business for the week last week only reaffirmed my love for the City of Angels. Now, don't get me wrong; It totally has its hood-esque parts like any city and the smog is not exactly my fav. But LA is truly a gem of old Hollywood flavor, chola culture, and a fabulosity to it that makes you feel rich even if you're just driving around in a Mazda 3 rental car. Here are a few must-do's if you'd like to paint LA leopard the next time you're there:

• Shop on Melrose: The boutiques are trendy and super inexpensive. I'm not guarenteeing that you'll necessarily find the most quality pieces here, but scratch the Forever 21 fund and find some really unique pieces that won't put a dent in your checking account.
• Get a tattoo on Hollywood Boulevard: It probably has more tattoo parlors than I've ever seen on a single square mile in my life. With some great tattoo artists (Kat Von Dee, anyone?) actually working in this area and some really reasonable prices, the tattoos here will go to show you that good tattoos actually can be cheap.
• Enjoy the tasting menu at Jose Andres' Bazar in the SLS Hotel: No joke, it was probably one of the best dinners I have ever had in my entire life and had me trying some of the most eccentric finger foods I've ever had in my life. From caviar ice cream cones to crunchy toro wrapped in avocado, this place was totally worth the expensive check at the end (And, if you have the best sommelier in DC, Andrew Stover, there to select your wines, then you're in even better shape).
• Go to the Santa Monica Pier: Want to see the Jersey Shore look somewhat classy and surrounded by palm trees? Check out the most adorable little beach carnival you've ever seen in your life and become a kid again.
• Induldge in a red velvet pancake: It looks yucka on the outside, but The Gridle is LA's most famous breakfast spot, fully accompanied with delicious gourmet takes on traditional breakfast fare. Although I wasn't able to eat for the rest of the day after my red velvet pancake, it was well worth it.
• Have cocktails at the Chateau Marmount: Famous for its celebrity sightings, you're bound to see someone here. Nestled in a historic hotel in West Hollywood, I was only there for an hour and got to see Eva Longoria (who was, FYI, adorable in person).
• Ride bikes in Hermosa Beach: I.E. one of the only acceptable places to actually ride a bike. Please refer to other posts.
• Go to the Sky store!: Probably the grand finale to my trip, I alotted myself a small allowance and the only store location of my favorite brand in the world. You will literally be in a sparkle bliss upon entering, so brace yourself for Robertson Boulevard's best boutique.

This list could have gone on all day, but those are just the highlights of LA's deliciousness. So next time someone hates on LA and says it's ghetto, think again- put on your Slightly Stoopid, Dr. Dre, Sublime, or whatever other Cali staples you have on your iPod, because there's a reason that they call is la-la land.

St. Joseph's Day: The Real Holiday of March

St. Patrick’s Day is such a rancid holiday. I don’t like the color green, I detest beer, and I really think it just gives everyone an excuse to be a total slob for the day. I think the Leprechaun Lap in Dupont Circle is cool like once when you’re nineteen, and then it should be retired. What people in DC, or in communities outside of the urban Northeast for that matter, forget is that there’s an even bigger holiday out there, so much sexier than St. Patrick and his clovers will ever be. It’s March 19^th today, and Ciao Bella, Happy St. Joseph’s Day to you! In Italian-American households everywhere (or those who have had the culture shoved down their throat since they were in Kindergarten like me), Nonas are baking zeppoles and everyone’s wearing their red attire, because today is the real celebration. Also revered by Spanish, Greek, and Portuguese Catholics as well, St. Joseph’s day is a holiday that promises a prosperous year when it comes to finances and health, and is especially celebrate in cities with high Italian populations (those, according to Wikipedia, are New York City; Utica, New York; Buffalo; Kansas City, MO; Chicago;^[8][11] Gloucester, Mass.; and Providence, Rhode Island). In DC like me and don’t have access to a five-star St. Joseph’s Day dinner at Cappriccio’s? Have some delicious Italian cuisine in Georgetown at Filomenna’s, Paper Moon (AKA the second home of my old landlord, but that’s a story for another day) or Ristorante Piccolo. Top off dinner with a delicious canole or zeppole for dessert and you’ll be feeling bellisimo in no time. Just, please, no green beer.

Help Japan!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, it’s evident that the Japanese need our help. And especially having an affiliation with the culture having immersed myself in its cuisine as a sushi waitress for two years, I could not be more pressed to encourage each and every one of Paint the Town Leopard’s finest to do their part and helping out. Let’s be honest, guys; Regardless of how little money you might claim to have sometimes, you know that you spend countless amounts on cocktails, shoes, and other luxury items every month. I encourage you all to sacrifice ONE DRINK (that’s ten dollars by DC standards) and donate to one of the fabulous charities assuring that Japan gets the help that they need:

• Living Social: If you can splurge on a stay at a boutique hotel or a discounted massage, why not give $5 to help out? http://livingsocial.com/deals/32115-5-for-10-donation-to-red-cross-relief-efforts?msdc_id=1

• Save the Children: www.safethechildren.org/japan Pick your own amount to donate on this site and safely use Pay Pal or whatever other method of payment you want.

• Samaritan’s Purse: http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/pray_for_japan/ . Learn a little bit about Japan through the website and give to this great cause.

• Mercy Corps: This group has a religious twist with their work. If you’re feeling like a prayer should go with your donation, than donate and click the website here.

• Medical Teams International: Medical Teams International offer volunteer physicians and nurses for crisis areas. In attempt to recruit more clinicians out to Japan, donate here: www.medicalteamsinternational.org

• World Vision Canada: This group helps in supplying necessities to refugees who have destroyed homes due to the natural disasters. www.worldvision.ca.

There you have it! Thanks ahead for donating, as large or as small as the amount. Every bit helps 

Vale What? It's All About Sun Valley, Idaho

Three years ago, with one of my lovely girlfriends from college known as 'Bunches', I trecked out West for a snowboarding adventure in charming Sun Valley, Idaho for my Spring Break. Not knowing what to expect (my only reference to Idaho was Napoleon Dynamite quotes), I was mesmerized by the beautiful charm that Sun Valley encapsulates, with mountains in every direction, a gingerbread house-esque village, and probably the softest, most beautiful ski trails I've ever been on. This past week, for work, I've made my way back out West to 'the Valley' as locals call it (it makes me feel like Cher from Clueless saying that), and realized that this place truly blows Colorado skiing out of the woods. Let's be honest, people; mountain vacations are not for me. I hate Mother Nature, I don't like the cold, and don't like the clothes that people are required to wear for places like this (Sky tops and Pleasure Doing Business skirts are totally unacceptable out here). But Sun Valley has a fabulosity to it that makes me feel like a total celeb regardless of the fact that there isn't a palm tree in sight. Vying for a Sun Valley vaca? Here are your musts:

• Stay at the Sun Valley Lodge or in one of the surrounding condos: There's no other way to do it. Since 1935, the Sun Valley Lodge has served old and new money in its quaint club house complete with a full service spa, outdoor heated pool, fine dining, and taxodermied moose heads on the wall so that you really feel like you're out West.
• Eat at the Pioneer Saloon: Trust me, it's the best restaurant in town, but vegetarians, stay away! Enjoy some top-knotch meats and a delicious Idaho potato, served by waitresses in Western attire. This Sun Valley hot spot will be sure to have you a potato snob in no time.
• Ski at Dollar Mountain: I'm sorry, I don't do the big mountain. The trails are too difficult, the lines are too long, and I'm not paying $65 for a half day so I can freeze. Plus, I get ADD after two hours of snowboarding, so the $32 lift ticket does the trick, and still gives me amazing views of the Snake River Mountains.
• Drink at Whiskey's: I hate beer, whiskey, and anything of that caliber, but you're in Idaho, people! I don't want wine, I don't want fusion cuisine, and if you don't either, try this super authentic Western-style bar complete with a mechanical bull. Just please ride appropriately and don't make a fool of yourself.
• Take a trip to the Hot Springs: Not too far away in Ketchum, there are actual Hotsprings in the middle of the mountains that you can actually enjoy. Great for the pores and muscles, this natural jacuzzi actually made me love Mother Nature for the twenty minutes that I indulged.

While they might not all appear to be leopard-esque activities, when you're in Sun Valley, you've got to rid yourself of your guido roots even if it's just for a few days. Bring your riding boots, knit sweater, and lots of winter attire, and enjoy one of the most beautiful and luxurious winter vacations of your life. And, if you're like me, be sure to travel in tyle with your leopard print suitcase.

There's Nothing Wholesome Here

Probably one of my biggest guilty pleasures is TLC reality television. This ranges anywhere from Sister Wives to Four Weddings, but most importantly, watching the Duggar family on 19 Kids and Counting a total addiction. Though I love pork, kisses, rap music, and just about everything else that’s forbidden in their ultra-conservative Fundamental Baptist household (or should I say compound- there’s twenty one of them!), I must admit that the Duggars seem to be warm, friendly people, and though extreme in practice, definitely seem to be kind-hearted people who I could have a nice conversation with at the end of the day. However, I literally almost choked on my Sauvignon Blanc last week when I was watching an episode on the onDemand last week; with very little of the family knowing how to swim, Jim Bob (hot name, just as an FYI) suggests that he take the brood for swim lessons. Great idea, yes. But keeping their modest lifestyle and strict practices in mind, the boys were forced to wear wetsuits and the girls probably forced to wear the biggest fashion emergency I’ve ever seen in my life. With mother Michelle Duggar articulating that she doesn’t want the eyes to be drawn to any inappropriate places, each one of the Duggar girls swims in something known in the conservative Christian community as Wholesome Wear, a rancid combination of Speedo-esque patterns on a long sleeve jumpsuit, covered with a burlap bag baggy, black jumper on top. Going even further by saying that her daughters wouldn’t be comfortable in swimming in anything else, I am still dumbfounded by this conservative swimsuit. Not only is it probably one of the ugliest looks I have ever seen in the modern age (aside from Vera Bradley headbands), but have zero clue how you’re supposed to swim properly with so much extra fabric attached to you. Sure, the extra leverage could create a great workout, but I just don’t understand the ‘why’ here. Michelle and Jim Bob, hear me out! I understand you don’t want your girls in a J Woww-like, zebra print, triangle bikini, but this?! There are plenty of fashion forward one pieces out there that would definitely do the trick when it comes to modesty, and just because you’re ultra-religious doesn’t mean you can’t be ultra fabulous…just saying.

Sprinkles Has Landed...

And has already taken the Caucasian M Street demographic by storm. Originally from Beverly Hills, this posh cupcakerie has expanded its presence across the West Coast and Mid West, only to make its first East Coast debut in our very own DC. And while I doubt that the majority of the Skinny Bitch-reading California girls actually eat very many cupcakes, I had the opportunity myself to try one of Sprinkle's delights today, and was truly impressed. Not only is the store's decor absolutely adorable, but the flavors are insanely good (Sorry, Georgetown Cupcake) and could now be the second best in DC (Baked & Wired still has no competition in my book for their greatness, but their hipster interior looses them many cool points). Even more, vegans and glutens alike have the amazingness of enjoying my personal favorite flavor, red velvet (which is non-discriminatory baking and pretty cool), or if you don't have dietary restrictions, can indulge in this month's delectable special, Irish Chocolate. The only misses? Stay far, far away from Ginger Lemon (it reminded me of those gross lemon-y Girl Scout cookies that no one would ever order from me when I was a kid), and the pumpkin's kind of meh as well. Aside from that, Sprinkles is chic, adorable, and couldn't be more properly situated amongst Georgetown's finest. Get ready for NYC's Sprinkles opening in Spring 2011 but- haha, NYC- this time we beat you!

Sprinkles is located at 3015 M Street NW Washington, DC 20007. 

And on the Seventh Day, God Created Hair Extensions, and said, “It was Good”.

Where the hell would my life be without a little bit of lab-grown, Italian human hair and keratin bonding? I have no idea. But as a Rhode Island native living in the District, I’ve been truly in a dry spell the past several years when it comes to trying to find someone in the area who can do half-decent hair extensions that don’t cost my entire month’s paycheck (let me preface as well that I’m talking about Caucasian hair… There are plenty of AMAZING Black stylists in DC who do some of the best weaves I’ve ever seen, but unfortunately, blondie white Angela can’t exactly pull off sewn-in hair. Trust me, I’ve tried). Well, happy birthday to me, because a few weeks ago and many Yelp.com searches later, I found an incredible stylist who put some Great Lengths hair extensions in for me and was located only over the Bridge- gasp!- in McLean, VA. Ashley of Hier & Haines Salon is truly a hair care goddess; a former blonde herself, she not only found the perfect extensions for my hair, but actually gave me tips and tricks for hair care throughout the process. You can barely see the bonds and the extensions are layered in such a way that you wouldn’t even be able to guess twice that they’re in my hair. Granted, I didn’t do a full head, but for twenty pieces on either side of the front, she charged me an easy $150, which if you know hair extensions, is a total steal. With prices ranging from $800-$1500 (it’s close to $3000 in the city) for a full head, Hier & Haines is adorable, friendly, and definitely tops my recommendation list after seeing the great work that they do. What better gift to give myself for my birthday but fake hair?


Hier & Haines Salon is located at 6236 Old Dominion Drive in McLean, VA. Call for appointments at (703) 538-4300.

Pandora is an Obvi

I never used Pandora in my entire life until about a month ago, and I’m hooked. And, no, I’m not talking about those tacky bracelets that girls wear up and down Mineral Spring Ave. in North Providence. Unless you apparently live in a cage away from all modern technology like I do, Pandora is a fabulous free radio device online that, not only will play songs of your favorite artist, but will actually incorporate songs that, based on your favorite artist, your ears would find pleasing, as well. Thanks to my new internet friend, my stress levels at work have miraculously decreased (Erykah Badu radio, anyone?), I’ve learned about this amazing R&B singer named Goapele who I never would have heard about otherwise, and have improved my Spanish language skills thanks to Calle 13 radio (even though I’ve probably just learned a whole bunch of derogatory phrases en espanol now). Yes,

www.pandora.com is a multi-purpose, free radio system for music snobs everywhere, that actually has you able to access songs reflective of your own musical aesthetics. The only downfall? Unless you pay the one-time fee, you’ll have annoying commercials ever fourth song or so, which totally kills it if you’re using Pandora to “get in the mood” (hehehe…just kidding). I mean, let’s be real- Who wants to be making out with their boyfriend and hear some terrible ad about music pirating mid-smooch? Regardless, Pandora is my new BFF and, if you haven’t yet discovered the gems in Pandora’s box, I totally recommend you do.