High Rolling Hills

There’s nothing like the great outdoors to make you feel like a million bucks. Well that’s the case for me, so I was really excited when BFF and I went for an amazing hike in Malibu. I love the way Malibu rolls off the tounge…it makes me think of Malibu Barbie, colourful bikinis, and throwing beach parties with tiny pink umbrellas in every drink. I was not prepared for how beautiful the Santa Monica Mountains were going to be. Doesn’t this look like a fairy-tale land?

We came across a mountain man…meaning a camper-type guy with a beard and no shoes who looked like he just lived in the bush, and we crossed paths with a snake too. Eeek! We started the day with lattes from Urth Cafe and finished the hike with fish tacos from The Reel Inn along the Pacific Coast Highway. Ah-mazing day. Where is the best spot that you’ve hiked? JD

The Brooklyn Way

A friend of ours just got back from NYC and was complaining that her 3 day excursion drained her bank account. Our advice for doing NYC on a dime is to do it the BROOKLYN way!

This past fall we had to find NYC accommodations in less than 24 hours and luckily we came across The New York Loft Hostel located in the neighbourhood of Bushwick in Brooklyn. Bushwick used to be an industrial part of Brooklyn with lots of factories that are now converted lofts. It’s really artsy fartsy – for example, we saw a guy in paint splattered pants, holding  a paint pallet, while walking bare foot outside! True story.

Christine was a bit shocked at how small our pint-sized room was and I fell over laughing at the look on her face when we opened the door. I had to tell her it was going to be okay. And guess what? it was!

We even went to a loft party in Bushwick a few streets over. We literally walked into someone’s loft and joined the party like locals. So random!

We were a little nervous at first being far from Manhattan but it couldn’t have turned out better. Our “loft” was right by Morgan subway station and the L train ran 24 hours. We used Hop Stop to get around and it was easy peasy – Hop Stop is a website that tells you exactly how to get from point A to B on the subway – it was our life line! We spent most of our time in Manhattan but we also explored Williamsburg and Dumbo in Brooklyn where you can find great vintage shops, cafes, and cute restos. If you’re dying to go to NYC but don’t want to break the bank, we recommend doing it the Brooklyn way! JD & CM

Dream of Californiacation

Just got back from an amazing LA vaykay. I went to visit my best friend Christina and her man friend David. They’re living in Venice Beach at the moment which is one of the best parts of Cali in my opinion. Their teeny apartment was just outside this adorable little house.

We were about 30 seconds from Venice Beach. Look at the sun! Perfection. 

The days were sunny and warm, but the nights cooled off a bit so long pants were in order. This was just before going out for dinner at Dusty’s in Silver Lake. It was my first time wearing my chambray shirt from Zara, and I think I’ll be wearing it a lot. I paired it with a braided belt from H&M, Vince riding pants, and cognac coloured booties from Capezio.

Nautical scarf is from H&M; necklace is Forever 21, and my beloved key pin is from the Thrift store in Port Colborne. It’s my favourite piece. Accessories are my VICE.

I loved this garage. Remember who you are, listen to your soul, follow your heart. Words to live by. JD xo

ps – stay tuned for more Cali pics

So Bad it’s Good

Following CM’s post about the pictures above her couch….we actually came across the crazy streamer restaurant in NYC by accident!! We were walking in the East Village not paying attention, and all of a sudden Christine stops in her tracks, points to the wonderful tackiness of xmas lights, tinsel, and streamers, and immediately we ran inside. We were so excited, we didn’t even know what kind of cuisine it was. The menu read Royal Bangladesh – delicious Indian!

The food was really good and our bill came to a whopping $15 total! cra-zy. 

We were convinced this was the restaurant that Carrie and Miranda went to for New Years Even in SATC the Movie, but it wasn’t. We were thrilled by our dinner and the tacky decor, but then it got even better – the waiters started playing a techno Happy Birthday song for the table beside us while clapping and turning the lights off and on…I’ll let the video explain….

To Market We Go

Hells Kitchen Antique Market

The Market NYC

Handmade leather tassel keychain from The Market in Nolita

The Brooklyn Flea

Christine and I recently took a little weekend trip to NYC. We ventured to three great markets that we recommend if you’re into vintage, crafty, and unique finds. First stop – the Hells Kitchen Antique Market, at 112 West 25th Street. There we found cool purses, records, and a lot of antique furniture. Second stop was The Market NYC in Nolita at 268 Mulberry St. This one is located in a random old gymnasium. And finally, The Brooklyn Flea! (my fave) located in Dumbo directly under the Brooklyn Bridge. There we spotted Kiki Dunst looking at vintage bracelets, ate some lobster bisque, and finished the day with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. What a great day. Can’t wait to go back. JD