Category Beauty in Strange Places

From Mariachis to Velvet Paintings—My Car-Free Tour of Los Angeles

When I get out of town visitors, I get the same question nearly every time: “I should rent a car, right? I hear there isn’t good public transportation in Los Angeles.” I get excited for the opportunity to explain that yes, LA does have decent public transportation and despite it’s shortcomings, it’s only getting better. […]

 Sad Farewell to Nabi and the Union Swap Meet

Tucked away in the Union Swap Meet was a gem of a restaurant. A Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant, Nabi was the ultimate celebration of Los Angeles. It’s menu was a melting pot of two of this city’s largest immigrant populations and at a price anyone could afford.  Nabi was a frequent spot where I would […]

Five Years of Car-Free Living

June 21st was the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere. It was also a solstice of sorts for me: it was the five year anniversary of living car free! Taking the plunge to get rid of my car nearly didn’t happen. The very day I posted an ad on Craigslist to sell my […]

Remembering Phillip

I decided to buy that succulent I saw today at the market. It’s beautiful. It has a hint of purple to it, and the water beads on it in such a lovely way. It may not be the original plant he gave me, but I’ll always think of Phillip when I see it.

Labor Day Travels via Surfliner

I approached Labor Day weekend with no plans.  I have had a lot going on, so I was looking forward to being productive around the house and relaxing.  But then at the last minute, some friends invited me to Mexico for the weekend. My friends drove down on Friday while I was working.  Now how […]

Expo Line Extension Opening Weekend

The day is finally upon us!  The Expo Line extension will open May 20th , finally bringing rail service from downtown to the beach. To celebrate, Metro is providing free rides on the Expo line beginning at noon on Friday, and all day on Saturday.  There will be community events at the new stations from […]

My Adventures with the LA Explorers Club – Garden of Eden the Devil’s Gate

This Sunday I joined the Los Angeles Explorers Club with my friend, Mary, on an intense bike ride through the Arroyo Seco.  I’ve been wanting to check out one of their curated rides since I heard about the group earlier this year.  Their rides explore the history and culture of the city, and delve into […]

Under the 6th Street Bridge

Last Sunday, I made the difficult decision to pass on CicLAvia, one of my favorite LA institutions, to bask in a piece of local history while it’s still around: the 6th Street Bridge. The historic 6th Street Bridge, which goes over the LA River, was opened in 1933.  It’s iconic concrete pillars and steel arches […]

Photos: No Pants Metro Ride

Last Sunday was the return of the No Pants Metro Ride in cities all over the world. LA’s ride had great participation, despite the rainy conditions (c’mon, if New York can do it in January, so can LA). Riders came dressed in the silliest and sexiest undies for a wacky day on the subway. The […]

This Sunday: No Pants Metro Ride 2015

It’s about time for my favorite, and probably only acceptable, event on the subway that involves a partial state of undress: the No Pants Metro Ride! Hundreds of panty-clad Angelenos will be taking over the rail lines this Sunday for LA’s annual No Pants Metro Ride.  The ride begins at several different stations throughout the […]