Cinco de Mayo Glow.

May 5, 2014 Kelly Donohue

May 5, 2014

Los Angeles, CA.

When I have a craving for delicious salsa, I usually go to my sister and beg her to make her famous homemade (should be canned) version. But on days like today, when we find ourselves on opposite sides of the country, I’ve got to resort to the next best thing: LA Mexican food- and that’s not too shabby either!

To be quite honest, growing up in New England, I never really had a whole lot of Mexican cuisine (Italian and seafood are the specialties over there NOT Mexican) and so for most of my early life, I was pretty convinced that I simply didn’t like it. It wasn’t really until I moved to LA, that I learned how delicious a burrito or some fresh guacamole could be! In fact, I don’t even remember celebrating Cinco de Mayo before I moved out to California. With so many delicious restaurants to choose from- the real tough question becomes deciding which one to pick for the festivities of the night. I’ve included just a couple of my favorite local spots but there are truly too many great ones to even count all over the Los Angeles area. Not one of them, however, has a salsa that rivals my sisters so the first one that serves Erin’s salsa will truly have my heart as being the very best!

We took these photos very early in the glow of the morning and I just can’t get over how beautiful the weather has been here lately. Although today has been a bit of a reprieve from the heat-wave we’ve been having, it’s still a gorgeous warm day. I chose to wear a bit of a Cinco de Mayo inspired look with this key-hole tank from Old Navy and then paired it with some bright yellow jeans from Forever21. Best part about this outfit? It’s Under $100.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Remember that time I went to Mexico last summer? Take me back please!

Kelly's Under $100 Look:

Tank: $24.94 Old Navy

Sandals: $49.99 ShoeMint

Jeans: $15.80 Forever21

Total: $90.70

My Favorite Local Mexican Spots:

1. El Carmen: MID CITY

This quaint little Mexican spot is tucked away on 3rd Street and while it’s not very big inside, it’s perfect for catching up with friends, has an amazing happy hour. It’s simply adorable and the service is great. I love that when I walk inside, I immediately feel like I’ve been transported someplace else. Suddenly the busy third street madness is left behind and the fun atmosphere, delicious margaritas and great prices make this a favorite neighborhood go-to of mine.

8138 W. 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048

2. Mexicali: THE VALLEY

I lived in Sherman Oaks for several years and whenever friends would venture out to my neck of the woods, this was my go-to spot. I had many a fun night over at this place (including my 21st birthday) and they have great, strong PITCHERS of margaritas, which are always fun if you’re going out with a group and they have tons of different varieties, including the Jessica Simpson margarita, that has no sugar- perfect for all you dieters! The patio seating is wonderful as are the kobe beef tacos and ladies- the servers are always very cute men (at least they were back when my roommates and I were frequenting this place!) Can’t go wrong with this old faithful. 12161 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604

3. Escuela Taqueria: MID CITY

This is probably my favorite spot hands down. Once just a tiny restaurant with only four or five tables, this place has moved and expanded to a larger location just down the street and while it’s still very tiny inside, the food manages to remain truly delicious. It is a tapas style Mexican restaurant and so we always order a bunch of small dishes and share, which is great because then you’re able to try a little bit of everything. My favorite dishes are the elote (corn), carnitas tacos, and the churros (which come with an incredible dark chocolate dipping sauce). Oh and the best part? It’s BYOB! With so few restaruants that are set up this way now a days, it’s really kind of fun to bring your own beverages isn’t it? Not to mention, it really cuts the cost of the bill at the end. This place is an absolute MUST! 7615 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

4. Mercado: SANTA MONICA

Unlike the others I’ve mentioned, this spot has a really distinguishable sleek and modern vibe and it’s got a nice trendy element to it as well. Located close to the beach and all the great shopping in that area, it’s a fun spot! The spicy cucumber margaritas are AMAZING and they have some of the best fish tacos I’ve had. In my book, you really can’t go wrong if you’ve got those things nailed down. 1416 4th Street Santa Monica, CA 90401

Shop this Cinco de Mayo inspired Look:

Photos taken by: Courtney Locks

T.G.I.F.

May 2, 2014 Kelly Donohue

May 2, 2014

Fryman Cyn. Studio City, CA.

Every once and a while it’s good to get away. Sometimes that means exploring some place new with friends for the weekend, sometimes it’s hopping on a plane and taking trip to another country, and sometimes it simply means taking an hour out of the day to enjoy the quiet breeze away from the city traffic. For me, (and most everyone else in LA) hiking the canyons around Los Angeles have become a wonderful escape from the bustle of the city. Whether I’m blasting Beyonce and attempting to jog up parts of the trail on solo exercise runs, or catching up with friends while trying to conceal my huffing and puffing between laughter and talking, I am so grateful for the many trails that overlook this beautiful city.

As cliché as most people think it can be to “go hiking” here, it’s always a place where I can go and feel free, relaxed, and appreciative of everything this great city has to offer. Looking past the smog at all the tall buildings, lavish homes, and private pools, it’s hard to imagine that Hollywood is just a couple minutes away from the oasis provided by these natural trails. Sometimes it even feels like I’m back home in New Hampshire with all the greenery, wildlife and flowers, but regardless, I have always found these hikes to provide a retreat of sorts from the chaos of the city, which can be found just a couple miles away.

Courtney and I went this morning to Fryman, which is closer to the Valley and a little quieter than some of the trails near Hollywood. Even though we started pretty early, we couldn’t escape this incredible heat and roasted up there! It was still great though and I must say, it is always my favorite way to start out the day. Oh and look at all the beautiful yellow flowers! They were absolutely everywhere- glad Court wasn’t wearing yellow or else I would’ve lost her!

Anyways, I hope you are all able to do something fun this weekend. Whether you try out a new lunch spot or get out of town, it’s always important to recharge your soul. TGIF!

I got all my workout gear from Forever21. They really have the cutest options and of course, they’re incredibly affordable! Who wants to break the bank in something they’re going to be sweating in anyways?

Strappy Sports bra: $10.80 Forever21

Shorts: $12.80 Forever21

Tank: $10.80 Forever21 (Similar)

“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela

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Hot in the City.

May 1, 2014 Kelly Donohue

May 1, 2014

Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA

Things have really started to heat up over the past couple of days here in LA- we are having temperatures in the high eighties- AT NIGHT- and I think that’s pretty wonderful. There is nothing better than being able to step outside at night without a jacket and lately, if you can’t already tell by simply looking the size of my frizzed out/ over-humidified hair, it’s quickly transformed from spring LA weather, to hot and humid Floridian weather overnight.

When we have little bursts of warmth like this, I tend to find myself acting like a bit of a vacationer- venturing to different parts of the city, traveling further away to catch up with friends, and making it in time for few more happy hours than usual. Yesterday I swung by the Palihouse in West Hollywood to try out their happy hour and it was pretty great! We also swung by Barney’s Beanery caught a bit of the King’s game (not that I’m a King’s fan- I support the Bruins of course) and relived our college days, reminiscing about how much more exciting and wild we were back then. It doesn’t get much better than an impromptu night out with friends with make the middle of the week feel like a Friday!

I have to confess that I did not do much of my own styling today. In fact, this entire little outfit was sent to me as an Easter gift by my fashionable Mum! She’s pretty great huh? She really knows what I like and I loved taking a little break from thinking of what to wear for a change, so thanks Mum- you’re hired! The skirt, top and necklace are all from Forever21 and the sandals- you’ve seen, but those are from Marshalls. Best part about this look? It’s under $100.

Oh if you’re looking for an easy way to style your hair with braids, while keeping cool in the heat, try out this braided headband look! I’ve included a tutorial below but trust me, if I can do it- it’s an easy one!