Alex’s Lemonade Stand in L.A.

My favorite part about Cinco de Mayo was stopping by a lemonade stand in the Marina. Last time I went to a lemonade stand, the little girl told me she was saving up to buy the same lip gloss as her friend. And you KNOW I gave to that cause!

But this one was different–this one was to find a cure for pediatric cancer. All the proceeds went to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, in honor of a child who started hosting stands to raise money for her own treatment.

Yesterday was a pretty gloomy day in Los Angeles. I didn’t expect there to be much traffic at their little stand so I made a point of stopping by.

And they were all there – my sister, her husband, their friends, and their children (ages 4-6) – sitting out in the cold, serving up homemade, hand squeezed lemonade with licorice straws.

It was incredible! Three little girls preparing cups of ice and yelling, “We’re saving the world todayyy!” People were stopping and giving, donating and drinking. They pulled over on bicycles, skateboards and motorcycles. Joggers stopped to take a breather, cars pulled over to show support, and so on.

I wonder how much they could have raised had they not run out of lemonade. Maybe a corporate sponsor like Country Time or Minute Maid would like to step up and donate product for the next one?

But even without sponsorship, the little lemonade stand in Marina Del Rey raised $311 to support a cure for pediatric cancer.

Learn how you can participate in your city at alexslemonade.org.

Equinox Downtown Arrives Tomorrow!

For those who can swing the membership fee, good news is arriving downtown tomorrow in the form of a 28,000 sq. ft. Equinox fitness club! Finally, the downtown hipsters can work out in style.

This will be the company’s 15th Southern California location – located downtown in the Bunker Hill area at Citigroup Center: 444 South Flower Street, at 4th Street. It’s scheduled to open at 4:00pm.

It boasts a 2,000 sq ft private terrace, a high-end retail shop, juice bar, and spa with full range of facials, massages and body treatments.

If you actually want to work out – hit up a yoga, cycling, Pilates, Barre Burn, METCON3, Shockwave, ViPR or Tabata class. Or you can sweat it with the classics, on your own, in the strength training area, with good ol’ free weights and state of the art cardio machines.

For more info, go to
http://www.equinox.com/clubs/downtownla
or call 213.330.3999.

xo

The Sunnies Shine in L.A.

CARRINGTON, Moscot.com

For better or worse, we’re pretty well known for our obsession with sunglasses in Los Angeles. Though I personally don’t endorse wearing them indoors or after sunset, I do admit to openly judging others for it.

No matter what the seasonal trend, sunglasses are one of our most “timeless” accessories. Basically if it’s a good style for your face and brings out your personality, the pair is a keeper.

A Muse, Eyebobs.com

Classic aviators are almost a must-have in Hollywood. Here are three sunny styles that’ll make a statement this spring.

The CARRINGTON by Moscot are finally the perfectly round pair of sunnies. They’re funky chic and would make John Lennon super proud! Available in Black, Brown Fade, and Khaki with Grey Gradient Lenses. Moscot.com

The EYEBOBS collection from Iris Apfel are awesome for every day! I love the MUSE style in tortoise. They’re polarized and also avail in black with marbled temples. Eyebobs.com

Gucci 4217, Solsticesunglasses.com

I’m kind of crushing on style GG 4217/S from Gucci. It comes in 5 different sorbet colors, all adorned with an adorable springtime butterfly – and none with actual frames. Solsticesunglasses.com

xo

Los Angeles Says Goodbye to a Legend

Our city lost an incredible man today.

Dr. Jerry Buss, legendary owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, died this morning at age 80. In a city full of people trying to reach the top, Dr. Buss was the top.

Flags are flying at half-mast and millions are mourning the loss of this local hero.

“Today we mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a man who helped shape the modern landscape of sports in LA…” – L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

“He forever changed my life. May he rest in peace and my prayers are with his family that he loved so much. Today the world lost a visionary and one of the most successful sports figures of all time. But today I lost a friend and mentor.” – Derek Fisher

“When someone as celebrated and charismatic as Jerry Buss dies, we are reminded of two things. First, just how much one person with vision and strength of will can accomplish. Second, how fragile each of us is, regardless of how powerful we were. Those two things combine to inspire us to reach for the stars, but also to remain with our feet firmly on the ground among our loved ones. Dr. Buss embodied that compassionate entrepreneurial spirit. He strove to reach greater heights without forgetting his community roots. During his stewardship, the Lakers exemplified his personal standards of excellence and became one of the dominant teams in the NBA and a force of good within the community. The man may be gone, but he has made us all better people for knowing him.” – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

“I’m deeply saddened over da loss of the great Dr. Jerry Buss. He was a dear friend, mentor, and brilliant business mind thank u 4 8 gr8 yrs.” – Shaquille O’Neal via Twitter

“This is an extremely sad day for me. As I have said many times, I have been blessed to work for Jerry Buss, the most successful owner in basketball history. His incredible commitment and desire to build a championship-caliber team that could sustain success over a long period of time has been unmatched…With all of his achievements, Jerry was without a doubt one of the most humble men I’ve ever been around.” – Jerry West

“RIP Jerry Buss. Your encouragement and support along with your stories of staying true to yourself had an enormous impact on me.” –Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner

WOW! Where do I begin?! I was 19 when I first met Dr. Buss and for 34yrs he has been a father figure and best friend…I will always remember Dr. Buss’ big smile, his love for the Lakers, for poker & billiards, for the City of LA and for beautiful women. – Earvin “Magic” Johnson

“He’s meant everything to me in my career in terms of taking a risk on a 17-year-old kid coming out of high school and then believing in me my entire career. And then for the game itself, the brand of basketball that he implemented in Showtime carried the league.” – Kobe Bryant

“Jerry Buss was so cool he should be in the rock and roll hall of fame. He will be missed.” – Comedian Chris Rock

“Thank you Dr. Buss for putting together some of the most soulful and exciting basketball the world will ever see. We’re gonna miss you.” – Adam Levine, Maroon 5

“More than just an owner. Sad say because we lost YOU, Dr. Buss. RIP.” – Actor Jonah Hill

Thank you for building our city an empire. You will be missed far and wide.

xo

PS – If you come across any other nice quotes, feel free to share them here.

Valentine’s Day in L.A.

So there’s a good chance that Hallmark did create Valentine’s Day. Still, I don’t get all the haters. Who’s being harmed? It’s a reason to celebrate in an otherwise non-eventful month – holiday wise.

Plus, everyone’s got some love for someone – so here’s an excuse to express it.

In L.A., expressions range from a vintage ring pop to an oceanfront dinner to a sparkly bauble from Barneys. On the sparkly side, the gift options are endless out here. Not shocking.

Picture diamonds, jewels and hammered metals as far as the eye can see. Beverly Hills, Venice, West Hollywood, Studio City, Manhattan Beach, just pick a city.

Must admit that I’m reeeally not a fan of those generic charm bracelets from a certain chain store though. And the commercial about the red love bead and soccer mom charm only make them a bigger turn-off.

Some of my personal favorites this year actually do fall on the kitschy side – but in a much cooler way. So here are a few fun items that will last well after the cute little holiday. Pick one up for your best friend, co-worker, or yourself.

 

Treat yourself to Serge Lutens’ Ultimate Red Collection Lip Palette in No. 1 Levres en Boite Four. Pick a red, any red. These are beautiful, practical and travel-friendly. Barneys.com

 

Believe it or not, it actually rains in L.A. Order this adorable red heart umbrella (shown above) for someone you know who loves to play in the rain! Unique-vintage.com 

 

With or without a Valentine, remind your best pal how beautiful she is to you with this Gold Vintage Vanities Necklace. Unique-vintage.com 

 

Adore how soft and feminine this scarf is for spring. Good Easter gift, too! Spun by Subtle Luxury scarf in Shimmer Petal. Madison Los Angeles 

 

Kris Nations has such fun pieces! Made of recycled metals in sterling silver or 14k gold filled, they’re easy on the wallet, too. This Singles Heart Bangle and small Heart-Shaped Hoops will keep your heart front and center, from day to night. Krisnations.com  

Show the world you see the love with these Heart Shaped Aviator Sunglasses from Wet Seal. Yeah really, Wet Seal!

Lastly, if you want to put a big smile on the face of your favorite Sweet Tooth, pick up a box of baked goods from Bittersweet Treats in Pasadena. I can personally vouch for Mom’s Magic Bars and the Chocolate Crunch Cake. OH-EMMM-GEEE! 626.796.8655 | bittersweettreats.com

 

SWEET VALENTINE’S DAY WISHES TO ALL!

XO