enamel diction…

August 7, 2014Leave a comment

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if you live in los angeles, you know that finding a reliable/affordable hair & nail salon is quite a challenge. although there are tons to choose from (too many if you ask me) most of the time your trusted person, eventually moves or worse the salon closes down. so while heading down pico towards paper or plastik cafe for that afternoon perk, i spot the cutest curb appeal coming from enamel diction, who coincidentally i had discovered on instagram.

instant love affair created.

i met one of the lovely owners, mariana stanciu who along with australian design duo/color experts Tamara Sheeran & Sean Morrison created this safe haven. she cheerfully chatted me up about the salon’s inception & ultimate goals to brighten up this patch of pico real-estate. upon arrival, i notice all the lovely details: the bright skylight, comfy leather chairs, clean & inviting space, plus a collection of nail polish that one dreams of. (rgb, uslu airlines, you name it they have it) my experience was so relaxing & fun, that i never once felt the doom from terrible experiences of sub-par nail salons.

this is my new place. just like when i found my current hair salon, i want to scream it from the mountain tops & i wish them all the success in the world…

*last three images by tiffany rose photography

enamel diction | 5405 west pico blvd, los angeles, ca 90019 | (323) 900-0355 | instagram: @enameldiction

compañía de café…

July 7, 2014July 9, 20141 Comment

after seeing this coffee shop pop up on my feeds, i had to venture to the valley to experience this treasure for myself. compañía de café is one of those places that has to be seen in person to really enjoy the intense colors, rich smells, & hospitable staff. the mexican influence is heavy, yet intriguingly modern. i was in a very happy place. as a mexican, i felt instantly at home. i tried several drinks, ranging from the horchata latte, aguas frias, to the standout carbonated tamarind cold brew. everything was meticulously cared for that my only gripe (if any!) would be that it’s oh so far. a definite trek, but worth every bit of valley traffic…

compañía de café | 110 north maclay ave san fernando, ca 91340 | for more info read this

coffee chats…

May 2, 2014September 30, 2015Leave a comment

just had a recent coffee date with fellow instagram/twitter friend (and now real friend!) chermelle aka the coffeetographer from smdlr.com. it’s a nice thing to connect with people via social media. many of your followers share the same interests and likes, so it’s nice to venture past our phones & meet in real life. we chatted about where we grew up, passions, & why we love being in the presence of coffee shops.

nestled behind a flower lined bush, we met at bar nine collective in culver city. with just days being open, this beautiful coffee shop has managed to pick up quite the following amongst the growing la coffee community.

“service, hospitality, & of course amazing coffee, make for a great experience”

bar nine collective | 3515 helms avenue, culver city, california 90232 | instagram: barninecoffee

ace hotel downtown…

January 20, 2014January 20, 20142 Comments

it’s the start of the new year & in los angeles all the buzz is about the ace hotel setting up shop. one can’t help, but want to see with their own eyes the transformation of the old united artists theatre. so i made a morning of this field trip & it is stunning. as a lover of breakfast, the meal at la chapter was one of the best plates ever, along with a latte from stumptown roasters. the staff was attentive & quite charming. so for all the talks about this “new kid”, it’s worth your time. welcome ace!
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“there is so much to look at & you will encounter many just gazing straight up”

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ace hotel dtla | 929 south broadway, los angeles, ca 90015 | la chapter instagram |

casita del pueblo

October 28, 2013October 28, 2013Leave a comment

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last saturday, i headed toward the lovely city of whittier & took a stroll through the historic downtown. loaded with tons of cafes, restaurants, & indie shops, i happened to linger into casita del pueblo on philadelphia street.

“entering this shop is sensory overload in the best possible way”

there are so many things to discover that it’s best to start with a “first lap” & then settle in. if you appreciate vibrant, colorful mexican folk art, you’ve found a small treasure trove inside yolanda garcia’s family run boutique. the lovely ixchel, briefly told me about the store’s history & many relationships with local artists, community outreach, & city events. one thing you’ll instantly feel, is the warm of color, shades indigenous from mexican landscapes, clothing, & art that shows the boldness within the culture. a fun place to pick up a unique gift (especially if you’re looking for dia del los muertos items) or a piece to spruce up a dull home space, something i’ve been looking to do in my own dining room. i can’t wait to score some brunch & wander back into this little hideaway, i’ll certainly be back…

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