Posted by Lilit on Sep 28, 2011 in
Hobbies & Such,
Restaurants & Reviews 
ice cream sandwiches
Great news! I have discovered a multifunctional ice cream
shop in the heart of Hollywood! Now, before you begin to wonder what this even
means, let me tell you the story behind my little adventure. I had been to
Cookies N Cream twice before when I came across a great deal on KGB Deals and
simply couldn’t resist. So I purchased my voucher and decided to wait for an opportune
occasion…and alas it arrived last Sunday. My friends and I had some studying to
do and were probably going to opt for the usual Starbucks, but I suddenly remembered
the voucher. I was hesitant at first because I knew we needed a place that
would be open late, but to my surprise, they close at 11pm on Sundays! Problem
solved. But wait, it gets better…they have free WiFi! Instead of drinking
coffee and trying to get some work done, why not add some fun? Seriously, who
doesn’t like ice cream?
And so we hopped on the metro on a Sunday evening and headed
towards Hollywood. And no, I do not work for Caltrans, but I’ll always promote
the rail system. If you want to know why, read this: Los Angeles County Metrolink.
After a short walk from the Hollywood/Vine station, we
arrived at Cookies N Cream, a very bright and cheerful little shop on Vine and
Sunset. The girl behind the counter was extremely nice and I truly hope we didn’t
annoy her. We practically asked to sample every flavor! Our favorites were: Kona
Coffee, Mocha Almond Fudge, Rocky Road and Cookie Dough. We picked out our
favorite cookies and ordered ice cream sandwiches. We proceeded to our table, took out our
laptop and got to work. Towards the end of the night, we had another friend
join us and it was then that I had my epiphany. What a versatile shop; this place doesn’t just have great ice cream, but it’s like a hang out spot! Not only
can you get some work done when you have a sweet tooth, but they’re open till
midnight Fridays and Saturdays. You know what this means, right? Next time you’re
out and about in Hollywood, go get your sugar fix before you embark on your
escapades. I did some research and frankly, there isn’t any other ice cream
shop with such convenient hours AND free Wifi. Oh, and let’s not forget the
location. A five minute walk from the W, Pantages Theatre, Kabuki, The Well,
Arclight…you get the picture.
I must also add, we had quite a bit of ice cream and no more
room for anything else, but they did have some amazing looking cupcakes that I
have yet to try so I shall be returning soon. Check it out and let me know what
you think!
Posted by Lilit on Jun 7, 2011 in
Events in LA 
Meet Steve Pandis. He is a professional musician…and officially my favorite one in LA. I had the pleasure of enjoying his shows for two days in a row as he played with two different bands. Two Fridays ago, I took a friend who was visiting from Vegas to Café Was (http://www.exploremynotions.com/2010/06/cafe-was-in-hollywood/), one of the best places in Hollywood. Let’s be frank, Hollywood is not the ideal place to take someone when they’re out of one crazy town and in another (Vegas and L.A. respectively), but Café Was is a gem and consequently, where I discovered Steve. It was a sizzling night with Steve on the bass, a drummer, a saxophonist and two gorgeous girls who put on an amazing burlesque show. I had seen this show before, but there was something different that night. There was so much pizzazz in the room! Yes, the girls were beyond entertaining, but Steve was just something else. You see, he doesn’t just play the bass. There’s so much more…and you would think I would be able to find the proper words to describe what actually happens to him and his bass, but I simply can’t! You’re just going to have to go and see for yourself. Café Was on Friday nights turns into the hottest jazz venue in the city. Seriously…I’m not kidding.
After the show, Steve ended up at the bar next to us and that’s where it all started. A simple, “Hey, congratulations! Awesome show!” turned into one of the most engaging conversations I’ve had in a LONG time. Besides being a talented musician, Steve is an extraordinary human being who lives to love and loves to live. He and my friend, “the dancer” as Steve called him, ended up sharing their admiration for Sammy Davis as I listened to two professionals in the entertainment industry, exchanging stories about dance and music. And when Steve told us he’s Greek, my friend decided to surprise me, busting out some phrases like he just flew in from Athens that morning. Before Steve disappeared to get ready for the second show, he invited us to see his band perform the following night. It was a cozy little place in Pasadena- Point08. “You know…like DUI.” This is how Steve helped me remember the name and, sure enough, it worked. (Thanks Steve)
So there I was on a Saturday night, without my friend who, unfortunately couldn’t make it. Luckily, I did have others who came and had a blast! Steve and the rest of the band members truly made it a memorable evening. Although the genre changed from jazz to blues/funk, Steve was the same fireball as the previous night. And it was at some point during the last number where I had my epiphany: I had NEVER had that much fun watching a live band before until that weekend. I had gotten so accustomed to going to a show just to chill, drink, hang out with friends and wait for those two or three songs that make the night. But with these guys, it was every song! And that’s my reason for writing this post. Steve and his band perform at Point 08 the last Saturday of the month. Check them out and you’ll see what I mean. I’m not quite sure of his schedule at Café Was (I’m not stalking him…yet), but I highly suggest you catch his performance there as well! You can thank me later…
Posted by Lilit on Mar 21, 2011 in
Events in LA 
Luvolution by Venice Love Network
Change is the result of inspiration, which can be sparked from an unfortunate incident and starts with a single individual. Her name is Ani Parseghian and she was struck by Cupid on the Venice Boardwalk merely a year ago. Founder of the Venice Love Network (VLN), Ani now has an entire community of volunteers supporting her mission to help the homeless in Venice Beach through monthly food distribution events and occasionally through events to distribute other goods. As if the economic downfall from these past few years wasn’t enough, the amount of devastating news on a daily basis is beyond overwhelming. Accidents, natural disasters, illnesses and deaths are suffocating us from every angle. We hear it happening all around us, but seldom think it can happen to anyone so close to us…until it does. The planet is shifting, the stars are realigning and faith is being lost. How can one regain hope? Is there any guarantee that we can wake up one morning without a burden or challenge thrown in our face? Of course not. We have no control. The one thing we can do is make a difference by implementing some form of change.
It was two friends that became homeless due to adverse conditions that left Ani with the desire to initiate a plan. Shortly after, it was one meal that she offered to a homeless man on the street that eventually progressed into a group of Venice locals serving Thanksgiving meals on the boardwalk. This is how it all began.
On Saturday, March 12th, VLN celebrated Luvolution, an incredibly successful fundraiser that raised $15K! Amongst this unique collaboration of Venice locals, businesses and artists, there were some fascinating performances. You like fire? Yea, me too! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCX6XuQJv4g&feature=related).
It was a sizzling night for a great cause. How could you go wrong with a concept like this? With beautiful people and incredible talent all around, you can’t help but feel a sense of unity when such efforts are created. Though they have received much support, there is always room for more.
In addition to feeding the homeless, VLN is donating a part of the proceeds from the event to victims in Japan. Please show your support by liking their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Love-Network/162545873796964?ref=ts) to learn more about upcoming events and way you can show your love.
Congratulations to Ani and the Venice Love Network for pulling off such a spectacular event! Looking forward to more events and wishing your organization much love and success.
Posted by Lilit on Feb 13, 2011 in
Events in LA,
Hobbies & Such 
Going to the Beach
Why is there so much skepticism amongst Angelinos when it comes to public transportation? Yet when these same people go to New York, or another major city where public transportation is much more common, then all of a sudden it’s not a social taboo. Buses may not be the most ideal form of transportation in LA due to the layout of the city, thus making owning a car more convenient, but over the past twenty years, we have been given the opportunity to make our lives easier, but we choose not to. Americans are often criticized for not being able to keep up with other countries in many aspects, and the subway is definitely one of them. What was the US doing when England, Russia and Japan were constructing underground rails? You might say, “Well, our cities were not over populated in the 19th century.” Ok, I’ll give you that one, but what about now? Yes, New York, Chicago and Boston are finally catching up, but what about Los Angeles?
My countless stories of people who have yet to experience the metro are endless and puzzling (to me, at least), but I am not criticizing any one person, but an entire community who is in dire need of a mental shift. Is it the lack of promotion that causes people to stay away or the idea that it isn’t a necessity? Most people I know, including myself, own a vehicle, but that does not mean we should use it for everything, but this is, unfortunately, the thought process most people in LA have. If you need a reason, I can provide plenty, but the real question here is, will it actually make a difference? Save money, reduce traffic, go green, have fun, and become social again. I am now going to elaborate on all of these points.
If you like to hang out in Hollywood or downtown, I highly recommend taking the metro for numerous reasons. You will not only save gas money, but about ten to twenty bucks on parking, especially if you’re going to a concert or special event. Besides the ridiculous parking rates, don’t forget the hassle! How many times have you found yourself cursing at the world because you can’t find parking for a decent price? You either end up parking in the ghetto, anywhere between 4-7 blocks down, or end up paying to park at some structure that is equally far, or end up at the valet, which costs an arm and a leg, considering some schmuck is going to park your car somewhere nearby as your car does absolutely nothing, but SITS THERE. Yes, you are literally paying $25 for four by ten feet of concrete. Doesn’t it just make more sense to ditch the whole driving idea and pay three bucks for a round trip subway fare? Now, if you work or go to school in LA, you can save on a larger scale by getting a monthly pass. Just do the math…it’s really quite simple.
Next: reduce traffic! Unless you guys want our city to turn into NY, where having a car is almost pointless, I suggest we make a conscientious effort to have less cars on the streets. In July of 06, Villaraigosa proposed a free transit week, inspired by San Francisco Bay Area’s, Spare the Air Program, created to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality during the summer heat. And that’s all I know about that. Did this ever go through? If not, why? There is something wrong with our city, but I can’t pinpoint what it actually starts from. Perhaps several factors, but where do we begin? Our mayor’s goal was to increase ridership by 30%, but that clearly didn’t happen. “With high gasoline prices and continuing air quality challenges in the region, there is a golden opportunity to further promote transit usage throughout Los Angeles County.” Turns out, not all politicians are complete morons. My guess is that it was going to cost too much at the given time, but they didn’t really consider the positive impact it would have in the future.
Go green: Really? Do I have to say something here or does the thick grey blanket hovering over us provide some kind of comfort? Let’s move on….
My favorite is next. Explore the city and have some fun! You would be surprised how much you will appreciate the city and notice things for the first time on the very same streets you have been driving on your whole life. Grab a bike, or just go by foot. Either way, you will feel the difference. Parking at the NoHo station is free, so all you have to do is park your car, hop on the subway, and get off ANYWHERE. My usual destinations are 7th/Metro and Pershing Square, but I have already found several things to do at pretty much any given stop.
Be social: Ask a New Yorker how isolated LA life is and see what they have to say. We were raised in cars, commute in cars, and frankly, spend quite a lot of our time in cars. We are like robots, living in a bubble. I’m not telling you to make friends while riding the subway, but simply encouraging more human interaction. Maybe if we did increase the percentage of riders, we could actually have the metro run 24/7 one day, like NY, in addition to having more fun stuff, like NY. So far, the only thing we have going on is the No Pants Subway Ride, which started in NY (surprised?) back in 2002. Eight years later, we finally caught up. We are now, one of about 50 participating cities around the world that celebrate this prank turned into “an international day of silliness.” This is an underground event (literally) and is a word of mouth type of a deal. The goal is to act completely normal and when asked why you’re not wearing pants, to simply reply, “I forgot.” This event usually takes place in January, same day, same time, all over the world. I heard this year was quite a success in LA, but here is a fun clip from NY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YZsgVMaA0s&feature=fvst
And on a final note, I will tell you the main purpose behind this post. I am encountering more and more people who have never taken the subway in LA and are very hesitant. The following is an example from a few months…
A group of girls and I had to go to Pasadena and were taking off from my house (the valley). One of the girls (if you happen to read this, yes, I am sharing this story), lives in downtown and told me she wasn’t sure if she could make it, since the bus is her only means of transportation and she didn’t know how many buses she would have to switch. The bus????? Hello…it’s called the red line! I suggested she hop on the metro since she lives right next to Pershing Square and I would pick her up from the NoHo Station. She really wasn’t too fond of the idea because she said she wasn’t sure how to do it. I promised her that she would be OKAYYYY, and explained to her what she had to do, step by step. Once I picked her up, she couldn’t believe how convenient it was and how she never even thought about giving it a shot, all this time. It’s not scary guys, you can trust me. Anthony, if you need me to hold your hand your first time, I’ll be more that happy to. Just try it!
P.S. The picture you see above was taken one beautiful afternoon, when a group of 5 of us decided to spend the day at the beach. Yes, from the valley to Huntington Beach via the metro and no cars. For anyone who wants to join us next time, I will plan another one soon, but Carlos, can you please not get hit by a bus again?
Posted by Lilit on Nov 20, 2010 in
Events in LA,
Hobbies & Such 
Do you remember when you were a kid and spent Christmas with your family? Do you remember when you got presents from family and friends….or Santa? Do you remember the excitement and joy of opening them? Ask about seventy kids living in an orphanage and they’ll tell you no. It seems like time is flying nowadays like some kind of missile that launches on December 31st when the clock strikes midnight. There are a few highlights here and there within twelve months, but everything seems to be a blur for the most part. Once the holidays come around, we get so overwhelmed and caught up with life, that we open our eyes one morning….in most cases, drunk, and it’s January 1st all over again. How does this happen?
I don’t like telling sob stories; that’s just not my style. There’s already too much negativity in the world and I certainly don’t want to add on. Instead, I just want you to remember all the blissful memories you had as a child. I consider myself fortunate enough to have family and friends that I can spend my Christmas with. I can’t fathom the possibility, emotionally and physically, of being alone on Christmas, unless it was by choice, which still wouldn’t make sense to me. As stressful and hectic as these days can get, take a moment and think about the difference you can make in a child’s life, because we were all there at one point. And not to say that we don’t make charitable donations anymore, but simply hoping that we never stop…
Here is an email I sent out a week or two ago. A friend suggested I share it here.
Hi guys,
I am running our 2nd annual toy drive for KnockOuts For Girls (http://www.ko4g.org/news.html) and wanted to ask for your support. We are doing it for the same orphanage from last year (Hillsides in Pasadena). Last years was a great success, but we are making everyones lives much easier this year by doing a registry. So instead of my living room looking like Toys R’ Us, we’re having everything shipped there!
Most of these kids come from neglected and abused homes, ages ranging from 7-17 (written next to their names under “item comments”). We really want these kids to have a great Christmas again so we asked them to pick out 3 things they’d like from Target.com Please feel free to forward this to family and friends.
Here is the link https://www.target.com/lists/J57WQ74YKEHW
And here is something to check out if you get a chance…we just got a story written on us in the LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-knockoutsforgirls-20101108,0,4363496.story
Last, but not least, a special thanks to all who helped us out last year! I’ve attached a pic of us at Hillsides that we took after several hours of wrapping.
Happy Holidays!
