Don't Mind If I Do

When's the last time you visited Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank? Think somewhere between Hollywood Way & Buena Vista. Well if its been awhile you are surely due for a trip.

This hot stretch of vintage and retail heaven is no longer littered with bad thrift stores and run down pawn shops. Over the past few years, Magnolia Park (who knew it had a name?) has grown into its own little retro village. Those thrift stores still exist but they have somehow morphed into slightly cooler more hipster-esque versions with some unbelievable finds. (Yea I'm looking at you Strawberry Shortcake lunchbox.)

Not to mention that Magnolia Boulevard is home of the Best Cupcakes: http://donthatethe818.blogspot.com/2009/12/best-cupcakes.html

But I digress...

The real reason I want you to visit this street is Mindful Nest. This store is so good I cannot wait to share it with you. Inside you will find "adornments for the home, body and soul." Which in my world translates to: I want to buy everything and anything that is inside of this place.
That includes goodies such as jewelry, pottery, prints, stationary, cards, journals, and other handmade rarities. Owners Amanda Vernon & Diane Jackson could not be nicer and are always quick and happy to help you with whatever you need. They are also devoted to supporting local artists and small American companies. Don't you just love that?

Now that I have discovered Mindful Nest, I will consider this my one stop shop for birthdays and holidays as there truly is something for everyone here. Even my husband who is highly allergic to shopping, enjoys our Sunday trips to the Nest. (That's what the kids are calling it these days.) This could have something to do with the Bug House vintage record & tape prints I got him here for his birthday. No one steps foot in our house without commenting on these.

Not only do they have incredible artwork & jewelry that you won't find anywhere else but they have a store inside the store full of sulfate and paraben free body products called Klean Spa. These products smell unbelievable and I basically own 90% of the line and can tell you it's crazy yummy.

Mindful Nest has only been open for a year and they are already opening their second location in someplace called Santa Monica. Never heard of it.

Mindful Nest
3319 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 840-0123
mindfulnest.net
kleanspa.com

That's A Wrap

I'm not gonna lie... every once in awhile, I will come across a find that I love so much- I like to keep it to myself. Call me selfish (you wouldn't be the first) but sometimes it just takes me a second to share my good fortune.

This has been the case with the Tarzana Armenian Deli. My husband and I discovered this diamond in the rough a few years ago, and we have been addicted ever since.

Tarzana Armenian Deli is the self proclaimed "Home of the Original Pita Wrap" and let me assure you, they definitely know what they are doing when it comes to wrapping. They will stuff anything in there from cajun turkey to cheesesteak to grape leaves. (More on those later.)

Each wrap comes with your choice of white or wheat pita (carbo-phobic? They will wrap it in lettuce for you!) all the veggie fixings, and my favorite part.... string cheese!! Yeah you heard me, string cheese.

They also serve a monster sized falafel plate, greek salad, baba ghanoush, hummus, tabouli, baked eggplant, and the most delicious lemon infused grape leaves I have ever tasted. Whatever you do... do not miss out on these!!

Brothers JT & Jim opened the original Tarzana location in 1973 and later the Studio City location in 1999. Chances are you will see one of these siblings wrapping up some goodness for you during the lunch hour rush. Don't forget to tell them that Valley Girl sent you;)

Prices are fantastic, service is speedy and they serve Tab. Do I need to say more?

Tarzana Location:
18598 Ventura Blvd
Tarzana, CA 91356
(818) 225-1854

Studio City Location:
11288 Ventura Blvd
Studio CIty, CA 91604
(818) 487-7168

www.tagdeli.com
www.facebook.com/TarzanaArmenianDeli