Birthday Bash!

Today is my actual birthday so this is a scheduled post as I am at the lake =) But I figured it'd be a good day to post about my birthday bash that took place last weekend.

It was certainly a long day. We started off at Drink|Eat|Play Block Party at the Paramount Studios. It was a beer fest held at the New York Streets Backlot which was the closest I had ever been to NY. Next to where we were at was the Glee lot! Or at least we think. The show is filed at Paramount and there was a huge banner congratulating the cast on all of the Grammy nominations.

Basically we got to walk around the outdoor studio and sample an array of beers. Ah-mazing time. I really thought it'd be too packed to enjoy. While there were a lot of people it wasn't bad at all. No real waiting in any of the beer lines. The sponsor page of the event's site displays over 100 types of beer, so there wasn't a shortage of brew to try. From berry ciders to the oldest dark beer in the world, variety is an accurate way to sum up the choices. I was driving so I didn't drink too many samples, but the ones I tried were pretty good.

Later that night more friends came over to my apartment and we headed to Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood. It was a pretty cool place. We had a few tables but the place was packed. I may have consumed a bit too much at the bar...but from what I remember it was a great time. I ended up wearing the outfit that I posted about last week. Here are some shots from that night:

I'm out of town through the weekend so I'll catch up with all of your blogs when I get back!

Pacey-Con

If you love Joshua Jackson or Dawson's Creek, check this hilarious video out! It took place a a little over a week back at Comic-Con in San Diego. I wish I was there, because I would have shown my support hehe!

Pacey-Con with Joshua Jackson from Joshua Jackson

Vancouver Concluded

My last day in Vancouver was relatively short so I spent time hanging out locally. Everyone had told me to visit Stanley Park so that's exactly what I did! Basically, there is a path that wraps around the coastline of Vancouver with the most beautiful view. To take it all in, it's recommended to rent a bike and ride around the park.

I was SO nervous to ride a bike. Whoever made up that saying, "It's like riding a bike, you never forget," was full of crap! I hadn't been on a bike in probably 15 years and it was frightening! Every time anyone would ride next to me I'd start wobbling and had to pull over. I even ran into a pole...yup, I'm that person.

Later that day, about two blocks from my hotel, I saw Fringe being filmed! This is one of the best shows on TV and I've never missed an episode since it debuted two seasons ago, so I was super excited. Unfortunately Vancouver native, Joshua Jackson, wasn't filming at that time. (Side note: If you haven't seen Pacey-Con, stay tuned for a post about his hilarious Comic-Con spoof that took place a few weekends back.)

Sorry the picture was taken with my iPhone, zoomed in, but this is Olivia from the show (Anna Torv).

And since we are talking about celebrities, I ran into Ethan Embry several times! Empire Records and Can't Hardly Wait are two of my fav movies. A co-worker and I had been randomly talking about him and the very next day I see him in Vancouver. Then he was on my plane to LA a few days after the first spotting. So crazy! I tried to candidly snap shots both times but was unsuccessful =(

Go figure I travel from LA to Vancouver to get starstruck!

Tales of an All American Girl Fall Swap

Hello, friends! I wanted to let you all know about a wonderful Fall Swap taking place over at my bloggin' bud, Emma's, site: Tales of an All American Girl.

Personally, I adore Fall. Living in Southern California, I have yet to see a real autumn. I think that's why I am so obsessed with the season - I live vicariously through all of your pictures, posts, and swaps!

It may be summertime now, but fall will be here before we know it. Think of this swap as a starter kit for the season. Get some great fall items so once late September hits you'll be prepared =)

Here's the rundown on how the swap works:

-Sign up by August 6
-Emma will assign partners on August 8
-Spend $25 (before shipping) on fall inspired items
-Send your package by August 15

That easy! And she's going to pair people up by location to try to cut shipping costs.

I hope some of you are interested. If so, head over to Tales of an All American Girl!

Photo courtesy of: Tales of an All American Girl

L.A. Welcomes Magnolia Bakery

Two weeks ago the famed Magnolia Bakery opened their doors in Los Angeles on the 3rd Street, a stretch of LA lined with amazing eateries. This had been a long awaited debut because my friend, Stephanie, adores Magnolia. It was her go to place for cupcakes when she lived in NYC. If this place sounds familiar but you're not sure why, you may know it from Sex and the City.

Last week while reading the fabulous blog, Red Vines for Breakfast, I learned that Magnolia Bakery had officially opened. Steph and I made plans to visit the next day for lunch!

I loved the place as soon as I walked through the doors. Bakeries are always so cute! From the black and white floors to the 50s vibe, I was hooked. And then came the hard part - choosing what to buy.

I went with the White Chocolate Macadamia Mini Cheesecake...OMG. It was adorable and tasty. Plus it the portion size was perfect and it served as my lunch and dinner.

My girlies had mixed feelings about their treats. Tiah got a Key Lime Mini Cheesecake and wasn't completely sold.

Of course Step loved her vanilla cupcake with chocolate frosting.

Possibly the best part of the visit was the free sample of Magnolia's Famous Banana Pudding! I had never had banana pudding before. Thank goodness they were giving it away because who knows if I would have ever tried it. Next time I go to Magnolia I am buying some of this. In fact, as I write this post I am now craving their banana pudding!

Check out the Magnolia Bakery Menu to learn just how delish this establishment is! Personally, I am a fan and will be making return visits.