All posts in: Santa Monica

01 Mar 2019

Snaps for a Snapshot

Who: Gemma Chan

Wearing: Miu Miu

Where: 2019 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica

Yes, we did just feature Gemma Chan for Snaps for a Snapshot twice in one week! However, we think she deserves it. This color combo is everything.

[Source]

19 Sep 2015

Carly Rae Jepsen Performs on 3rd Street Promenade Today

This is nuts! A lot of people really don’t like 3rd Street Promenade because it’s so touristy and always kind of crowded, but I absolutely love it here. I think there are some amazing musicians that you can spot while walking through it. After all, it’s where I heard Andy Grammer for the first time. Today, Carly Rae Jepsen tried her hand at busking and sang her popular hit “Call Me Maybe.” I wonder how many people actually recognized her for who she was! This video is kind of funny. I think some guy threw in his wallet – I’m sure he got it back after.

19 Sep 2015

Yow Yow’s LA Weekend!

Alright, well if you couldn’t guess it from my not-so-subtle hint last week, I was in LA last weekend! My darling friend Gelesia is engaged and getting married next year and I couldn’t be more thrilled for her. She’s been with her fiance for about six years and I really didn’t want to meet him for the first time on their wedding day. We had been talking about visiting each other for a few months now, but with her launching her own line and wedding planning, it seemed like a better idea for me to visit her right before my busy season. We enjoyed our weekend so much together that we’ve agreed that we’ll be making two trips a year to see each other in our respective cities. Next year, she’ll get a couple of extra trips from me because of her bachelorette party and her wedding day, but I’m not complaining!

Above is one of the last photos we took from the weekend (at my request!) When I visited her, I couldn’t help myself from looking through some of the pieces she was creating. I fell in LOVE with this dress and begged her to let me try it on and let me wear it for a photo. Also, how great is this view of downtown LA? My friend is lucky enough to live over in LA. I remember when she moved over there, she was so happy to have found the place that she did. She was looking for apartments for rent in los angeles for a really long time, until she stumbled across the one she lives in now. Her apartment is really nice, and I’m so glad I finally got to visit her.

For a throwback, here’s a photo from when I last visited Gelesia six years ago in LA! We were babies and I overedited this photo.

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Read more “Yow Yow’s LA Weekend!”

29 Nov 2014

An LA Thanksgiving

Santa Monica

For the first time ever, I abandoned Seattle for Thanksgiving! Instead, I ventured just a little bit further south for warmer weather and my relatives. It’s a little bit strange to be celebrating a fall/winter holiday in 80 degree weather, but I am not complaining. It was definitely a nice change from the chilly temperatures in the Bay and the first snowfall in Seattle this past weekend. With a year of being a California resident under my belt, I have so much to be thankful for:

  • A supportive family
  • Really great friends
  • A job that I enjoy coming to every single day
  • A home that provides me with a creative space and so much comfort
  • And lastly, a neverending urge to continue exploring this new area

One year late, I’m still loving this city and having the most fun I’ve ever had.

Read more “An LA Thanksgiving”

22 Jan 2012

Show Review: Andy Grammer

The best nights are the ones that you never plan for. After following Andy Grammer on Twitter and seeing that he had just performed in both Spokane and Portland, I naturally assumed that I had missed his Seattle date here. Turns out his Seattle date was actually scheduled for last night! Lucky me, right?

Michelle and I managed to arrive just in time for the opening acts – Rachel Platten and Ryan Star, but we just couldn’t contain our excitement for Andy Grammer. Before I get into the review of the show, I think it’s important for me to rewind two years back.

[click the cut for story time and a video!]

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14 Jun 2011

Andy Grammer self titled out today

Photo cred: Josh Newton

My favorite street performer turned recording artist is dropping his self-titled album today! If you’ve got $7.99 to spare, make sure you buy it off iTunes. I’ve been streaming it for weeks and still cannot get enough. It is amazing to watch Andy on his journey and this album will definitely not disappoint.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MyolS9sM9o]

Andy Grammer – Biggest Man in LA

To celebrate Andy’s big debut, I decided to choose one of my favorite songs off of his new album and he just happens to be performing it on 3rd Street Promenade – the very first place I saw him perform at.

Enjoy! And congratulations!

06 Jun 2011

Andy Grammer

[Last post, I promise!]

Two years ago, I found myself on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica hoping to catch a performance from a Mr. John West. Instead, I was blown away by street performer Andy Grammer. It was the first time I’d ever heard his music, but he seemed to catch my attention for a whole set so I knew that was pretty special. I’m not sure if it’s the location of the promenade or what, but John and Andy have both done so well having performed there. I am so excited to announce the debut of Andy’s self-titled album today though! His album has been compared to Daniel Powter and is packed with inspiring and uplifting singles. I am thrilled to hear of this news and would like to wish Andy the best of luck (not that he needs it!) and a successful music career.

To stream the whole album for free, click here!

28 Oct 2010

Song of the Day

Andy Grammer – Keep Your Head Up

Today’s Song of the Day is also a music spotlight! During my trip to California last summer, I finally had the chance to go to Santa Monica for the first time – a place that I have been dying to see! The downtown shopping area of Santa Monica has a little thing called the “promenade” where local performers play mini sets during the day for tourists and locals. On the day that I went, I had the privilege of meeting Andy Grammer.

I never got a chance to follow up with him after that day and somehow misplaced his contact information, but it looks like he is doing well for himself! His music video for “Keep Your Head Up” is spectacular! It’s an interactive video meaning you have the power to choose what happens within the music video. Watching a music video just got a little more fun, not to mention, you get to listen to a great song at the same time.

There’s also a cameo from a pretty well known television star in the video as well, but I’ll just let you watch to find out who it is.

It is incredible to see an artist grow over time and receive the recognition that they deserve. Having worked with local artists and developing friendships with them over the years, I think that the most satisfying aspect is not knowing someone before they’re famous, but being able to witness them succeed.

Congrats Andy!

To watch the video, click here.

15 Sep 2010

The World’s Most Beautiful Parking Garages

Would you believe that such a thing exists? I didn’t think it was possible. I haven’t found one attractive parking garage in Seattle. In fact, they are usually dark, muggy, complex, and foul-smelling. I do however enjoy the fact that the parking garage located at Pacific Place Mall indicates each level of the garage by major cities like Hong Kong and Sydney – I’m always getting lost when I’m walking around a parking garage, so any indication of what floor I’m on is a big help!

It seems that garages are often forgotten areas that are seen as inherently ugly. If you have a garage at home, when was the last time you gave it some TLC? If the answer is never, it demonstrates my point. A garage may be entirely for utility, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful too! Fortunately, there are people out there who recognise this. A company like Concord Garage Doors dedicates itself to repairing and restoring garage doors, creating an attractive space not only for your car to be stored in, but also for you to look at and admire. However, know that the above-mentioned firm is not necessarily the only option for you to choose. You must understand that there can be many other companies that can help in creating beautiful Custom Garages that not only look attractive but are also extremely functional. An example of such a firm could be Custom Garage Co. It is quite popular among their clients.

Remember that nobody wants to admire a dark, damp garage, but who says it has to be dark and damp?! All you need is some inspiration and professional help to transform the damp space into a lively one.

Flavorwire has chosen 10 of the best-looking parking garages across the world and after reading through the list, I might have to agree. Seattle needs to get it together obviously!

Santa Monica Civic Center Parking Garage. Designed by Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners.

To view the rest of the list – click here!

09 Jun 2010

Do You Want To Come and Go

Someday, I hope my future job provides me with happiness, freedom, flexibility, wealth (a girl’s gotta live) and special perks like attending THIS awesome festival.

Last summer, I had the chance to travel to southern California to visit friends and family. I also stopped by Santa Monica for the first time and fell in love. I am in love with the enormous Forever 21, the shops, the food, the pier, the character, and the musicians on 3rd Street Promenade.

If you are living near the Santa Monica area, please stop by the PacSun Ballyhoo Festival because I am unable to attend. It is from June 19-20 on the north pier of Santa Monica.
Bands include: B.o.B, Circa Survive, Matt & Kim, Minus the Bear, Hey Champ, Ra Ra Riot, and many more. Basically it sounds like a huge beach festival with an outdoor concert and free giveaways. I can’t think of a better way to spend my weekend.

Pretty sure the next best thing about this festival is that it’s completely free! All you have to do is pick up a ticket at one of the listed participating Pac Sun stores…and we all know there’s a lot.

To view all the information larger, click the picture or click here