Best Wax

Ahhh waxing...I detest you so. You are not any girls favorite pastime but something we all must do. (Unless you prefer the natural look;)

After years of practicing this hideous beauty regimen, I still dread every appointment and it never seems to get easier. On most occasions you can find me sitting in my car contemplating driving away. That is, until I met Jenny & Jennifer (adorable matching names) at Strip.

Located in the heart of trendy North Hollywood (or NoHo as some dorks may call it) Strip is an incredibly clean little spot that specializes in full body waxing. The secret is in the European Blue Hard Wax and Strawberry Cream wax, their ingredients make your waxing virtually pain free. More importantly, there is no double dipping- so you leave hair free and STD free as well. (ALWAYS a plus.)

Strip Waxing
5217 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
(818) 761-4411

Best Workout

Being a self proclaimed foodie isn't always easy on the ass, so I must balance it all out with a good ole fashioned sweat. Let me start by saying I have tried it all: Cardio Barre, pilates, power yoga, Dove's Bodies, Piloxing (yea that really exists!!) etc...

None of these workouts compare to the peaceful and wonderfully intense Lotus Kitty Yoga & Spin. If you are looking for the valley's answer to Equinox you will be disappointed, LKYS (cool valley kids call it that) is a fuss free environment that simply gets the job done.
Owner Vanessa Giorgio teaches the perfect union of yoga and spinning and ends all of her classes with a touch of yummy essential oil to clear your mind post workout. Classes fill up so call ahead to reserve a spot!

Lotus Kitty Yoga & Spin
12080 Ventura Place
Studio City, CA 91604-2632
(818) 980-8455

Best Strip Mall Mexican

Marcelino's Pizza Connection has a very delicious next door neighbor called Tony's Mexican Grill. Healthy mexican specialties that are prepared sans lard, MSG, microwaves and preservatives. Their guacamole is made fresh daily and is out of this world. Tony's is definitely more of a takeout or lunch spot. Don't expect to come here for margaritas and tequila shots. It has an authentic no frills vibe that adds to its charm.

The best part about Tony's is that they deliver- only cool 818'ers flock to Tony's, a true valley find!

Tony's Mexican Grill
12910 Magnolia Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423-1662
(818) 769-5754

Best Pizza

I know what you are thinking...all pizza in Los Angeles is terrible. I would like to debunk that myth (ahem, are you listening New Yorkers?) and introduce you to Marcelinos Pizza Connection.
Tucked away in a dingy strip mall off of Magnolia, this pizza parlor is a real treat. Not only is it family owned and operated, but their pie has no trans fats, partially hydrogenated oils, lard or added sugar. Legend has it the water is imported from NYC but I have no proof of that theory. Each slice of this heavenly pie contains 3.8 grams of fat, 166 calories, 11 carbs and 3 Weight Watchers points! Now you can enjoy a sinful meal without all of the guilt.
I must also mention their house italian salad dressing. Ask for extra because you will want to drink this stuff!!! Service is friendly and delivery is speedy.

Marcelinos Pizza Connection
12910 Magnolia Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 505-1111

Best Bang For Your Buck

Gone are the days of a Barney's shopping extravaganza, an impromptu Chanel purchase or a Louboutin store raid. We have all been tightening up our wallets while we wait for our country's money woes to subside.

Well recessionistas, do I have the place for you! Weekendz Only (not a typo- they really spell it with a Z) in Toluca Lake is the perfect antidote for all of your shopping needs. They carry all of the essentials: dresses, bags, sweaters, jeans, adorable tops, belts and some of the cutest jewelry I've ever seen. The best thing? Most items at this valley find are under $50 dollars. The jewelry is generally priced around $15 dollars!

A few weeks ago, I attended a wedding in Ojai where the temperatures were going to be over 100 degrees. I searched every single store looking for the perfect dress that was both fashionable & comfortable that would also keep me from sweating my you know what off. After going to every store in the Greater Los Angeles area (yes, I branched out of the valley for this massive undertaking) I walked out of Weekendz Only with a $30 dollar dress! Not only was it $30 dollars but it didn't look it and I received many compliments throughout the wedding.

If you are really itching for a bargain, get there early on Fridays. Every Friday they send out an email telling you what the color of the day is....pick whatever you want in that particular color and you get 20% off of EACH item! They also serve wine & cheese so I think it's a win win situation.

Weekendz Only
10139 Riverside Dr
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
(818) 752-3695

Best Coffee Shop

My first post had to be about my all time favorite valley spot, Lulu's Beehive. I have frequented this quaint valley gem since high school and it's still my go to place for lunch or just a delicious cup of coffee or tea latte. I'm not the type of girl who craves coffee shop food (you will never see this Valley Girl eating one of those icky Starbucks sandwiches!) but the food here is beyond delicious.
The vegetarian sandwich is truly the star item on the menu...I have seen even the biggest carnivores devour this thing. It includes a mound of veggies, cheese, avocado and the perfect amount of pesto. If you are watching your carbs, then I recommend the tuna salad served with the house dressing. (To die for!) On a cold valley day (so... never) I like to enjoy a cup of turkey chili served with all the fixings. Lulu's also makes a sugar free pumpkin spice latte which will make you forget about all of the other calorie filled versions that are out there. The service is always friendly, the WIFI is free AND so is the parking.

Lulu's Beehive
13203 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 986-2233

Introduction

Welcome to Don't Hate The 818! Convincing people that the San Fernando Valley is the ultimate has been a dream of mine for many years. We have all crossed paths with a "hate one eighter." FINALLY there is a forum in which we can prove those naysayers wrong. Check back often cuz the Valley just keeps getting better!
xo
Valley Girl