blog action day

Today bloggers are posting about the environment for Blog Action Day. I will merely share links to two blogs that I turn to for green wisdom:

greenLAgirl walks the talk. I read her blog regularly and do searches on it for any info I need. She's now blogging for the LA Times so you may have to go here for the latest. I've also been impressed by EnviroWoman, who has been living plastic-free for almost a year.

FYI, I noticed the other day that IKEA is now charging 5 cents for plastic bags.

santa barbara

I have been dating for a year now! Will took me to Santa Barbara for a day to celebrate 365 days of goodness together. On the drive up we found ourselves unwinding as we inched further away from L.A. and enjoyed the breathtaking view of the coast. Lunch was at Ca 'Dario, an Italian restaurant that is known for its ravioli. It was spectacular. Then we headed to Santa Ynez for wine tasting at Sunstone, Gainey and Beckmen. Sunstone was the favorite. They don't use pesticides and their chardonnay was yum. We stopped by the farmer's market in Solvang before going back.

This was the perfect idea for a day trip. It's close to LA and we kept saying how much we liked it and that we should go more regularly. It was quieter, cozier and less commercialized than Napa.

I found the cutest book at Beckmen: Wine Dogs: USA Edition. The book documents dogs that belong to different winemakers. I was ecstatic when I saw that Gus (dog at Beckmen) and Shelby (Sunstone), dogs we met, are both featured in the book. I wish I had a dog. Sigh. {Photo from winedogs}

brewery art walk

This was more fun than going to a museum. Tons of local artist who live and work at the Brewery Art Colony open up their studios so we ordinary folk can view and buy their wonderful art. Too bad I couldn't afford anything. It will also be open tomorrow. Here's some art from Jill Sykes:

it's fall

The weather is changing and it always makes me feel a little romantic. I love autumn. It's sunny and warm but there is something different in the air. You start to take out the jackets and coats that have been stored in the closet for several months, and finger those brightly colored scarves again, wondering if it's cooled down enough to wear them (I know, I'm so LA). So in the name of autumn I took a walk around the neighborhood yesterday in the late afternoon, when the air was crisp and there was a slight breeze.

That (above) is Highland Park, my friends. I hope to post more about my neighborhood in the days to come. Meanwhile, enjoy the nice weather. I just wish we could also see leaves changing color in our part of the world.

venezia

After a full day of taking the subway, the bus, the plane and the train, we finally arrived in Venice. Check in time at our hostel had passed so we scrambled to find a place to lay our heads to rest. Using my trusty Rick Steve's guide to Italy, I secured a vacancy at a hotel near the train station, and even bargained down the price. Here are some pics of Venice...

St. Mark's Basilica

Gondola riders

Seafood pasta dinner

We got majorly ripped off at the Venice train station. Long story short, the lady sold us two tickets leaving from a station elsewhere, departing 5 minutes ago, with the printed price on the tix less than what we paid. I didn't go without putting up a good fight. But it was a costly lesson: watch your back, and look at your ticket very carefully before leaving the window.

paris

Paris is a beautiful city! It was our first stop and we stepped off the plane zombie-like, and very grateful to have a cozy and clean place to stay. Here's the view from our hotel balcony.

We arrived in the morning that first day so we kept ourselves awake by packing out the day: Trocadero, Eiffel Tower, and Seine boat tour. View of the city from the Eiffel.

As you can see, it was kinda cloudy. We were surprised by how chilly and rainy it was. Even in early August! Below is the Eiffel at sunset.

The sun set at 10pm so we waited for a few hourse before taking our boat cruise. Here's the Seine river at dusk.

We did not find Paris the friendliest of the cities we visited. However, we were ga-ga over its history, culture and aestheticism. It was a dream to even walk around in it. And the crepes in the street stands were to die for.

the beehive

I've been meaning to post more from my trip, and I'm finally getting around to it! Another tidbit I wanted to share about was the place we stayed in while we were in Rome, The Beehive. They offer hostels, dorms, private rooms and apartments. We stayed in one of their apartments. I loved it! It was eco-friendly, organic-loving and very cute. Here's our room...

They even had a cafe where they serve light vegetarian organic meals for a decent price.

We went for breakfast and I had the granola with yogurt, fruit and organic honey, of course. A little taste of home and a break from paninis, pizzas and pasta.

The business was started by two Americans. It's very traveler-friendly. Our suite had a communal free internet, phone, kitchen and bathroom. It was a treat. They also have yoga classes but those were on break due to the holiday. Cuteness, organic, eco-friendly, free internet, kitchen and yoga...I was a happy camper.