The Getty Villa

So I finally went to the Getty Villa.

And it was...OK.

The museum's collection was nothing to rave about, and there wasn't really any juicy info on the actual Getty family (at least not publicly available, and you know I don't have the patience for guided tours).

I guess I thought it would be more like touring the family house mansion, and less like a museum...kind of like the Frick.  But it was most definitely museum-y.

The gardens were pretty, though.  There was even an herb garden with lavender and rosemary and thyme that smelled like Provence (at least the Provence of my imagination...). 

And there was this pool that I just wanted to jump in.

That guy had the right idea. 

Bottom line:  I'm glad I went; I won't be back.  If you're visiting LA, stick to the Getty Center (and bring a picnic!).


P.S.  This marks the last item left to check off all on the "sights" listed on my L.A. List....Does that mean I'm not a tourist anymore?  That I'm a legit L.A. resident??  I'm kind of a little freaking out!

Surprise Weekend!

Last weekend was full of surprises - literally!  Lisa flew in from Portland to surprise Leslie for her birthday, and Sharz flew in from SF to surprise both of them!  I was the master secret coordinator, and you have no idea how hard it was for me to hold this all in for weeks!  I almost blew it once, but luckily, Sharz saved me on that one.

This is how it went down:  Lisa and I woke up super early on Saturday and headed to the grocery store to pick up some mimosa supplies.  Sharz was already there, waiting for the perfect moment to reveal herself.  Naturally, Lisa and I went straight to the in-store coffee place to grab a cup, and that's when I spotted Sharz hiding behind a post by the chips.  You have no idea how hard it was to not burst out laughing.  Then we headed toward the champagne aisle but paused by the Easter desserts long enough for Sharz to sneak up behind Lisa and wait for her to turn around, and then...SURPRISE #1!  Lisa shrieked in the middle of the store and it was so fabulous!

Then we headed to Thyme Cafe to pick up some (ah-mazing) pastries to bring Leslie, and headed to her apartment.  Lisa and Sharz hid on the sides of the door, and I knocked, heard the door lock click, and the knob turn, and then...SURPRISE #2!  I think I gave Leslie quite a shock waving champagne in her face at 9am.  She had no idea what was coming.  Before she had a chance to recover from her minor heart attack, Sharz suddenly appeared behind me with a picnic basket and...SURPRISE #3!  And then for the grand finale, Lisa popped out with a cupcake in hand for SURPRISE #4!  Whew.  I can't believe we pulled it off!

Once all the secrets were revealed, we had a mimosa toast to celebrate the birthday girl.

And then we headed to Heaven (aka Malibu Wines).  Should you ever need to find me on a Saturday from now on, you'll know where I am.

When you walk in, you get your glass and a bottle of wine...

find a grassy spot...

and lounge...

really lounge...

Seriously the best Saturday place ever.  And did I mention there's live music too?  Yeah!

And some billion dollar 'grams for you from Lisa:

Such a happy birthday day!

Escondido Falls

A waterfall in Malibu??  Yep!

Hiking up to Escondido Falls felt like a vacation.  It really felt like we were somewhere far far away from LA, and to be honest, sometimes I kind of need a break like that.  The hike takes about 2 hours round trip, and there are three water falls, with the last one being the biggest and most spectacular.  The scenery is so pretty and for part of the trail you get to use ropes!

It was a very well spent Sunday morning and I would totally recommend the hike to anyone!

I hope you have a relaxing weekend, my friends!  See you all next week!