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

A Tan After My Own Heart

Remember a few weeks ago-- when you were all complaining about the July gloom? (Don't pretend like it wasn't your Facebook status at least once.) Well- be careful what you wish for kids because summer is officially here and my pasty legs clearly didn't get the memo.
Sure you can sit by the pool or haul ass to the beach, but a true 818er knows that a.) when the valley heat really kicks in, laying out isn't all that fun and b.) the beach can suck it.

Eleven months out of the year I'm Casper The Unfriendly Ghost, but something about August makes me crave that bronzy goddess hue. Due to my insane vanity and the ever present fear of aging I will never fake n bake (that is an absolute no-no) and I also refuse to walk around looking like Snookie's long lost sister, so I'm very careful when it comes to self tanning. I've tried every at home method from tan towelettes to stinky moisturizers that promise J Lo legs in 24 hours. (More like Oompa Loompa legs and two toned heels.)

Finally I have found the answer to my tanning woes. Spray tanning at its best in a Don't Hate The 818 approved hideaway.

Spray Di Sole Organic Sunless Spray Tan is natural, chemical free and completely odorless. No store front, no cheesy George Hamilton lookalike at the front desk, no pressure to buy expensive extender lotions. Just an effortless spray tan that leaves you looking like you just spent the weekend in Palm Springs. All in about 30 minutes. The tan lasts about 7-10 days and when you are done with it, simply exfoliate it off.

The Spray Di Sole team also make house calls so keep them in mind for a big event or a fun girls night!

Spray Di Sole
12240 Ventura Blvd. Suite 102
Studio City, CA 91604
(818)454-4517
spraydisole.com

Happy Feet

You know that part of a pedicure when you see the green tea scented lotion coming your way, so you put your Vogue down, give your friend the "stop talking to me look," close your eyes, and brace yourself for a banging foot massage? I love that part. I get my toes painted for that part. But most of the time, it lasts about 30 seconds per foot and always leaves me unsatisfied.

Well now you can enjoy that delightful experience for a full 30 minutes or more at a ridiculously fair price without the acetone contact high. (Although I often don't mind that part.)

Foot Inspiration in Sherman Oaks is truly an oasis in the middle of a Subway strip mall. Upon arrival, you will find a dimly lit room filled with eight reclining chairs, soothing spa music, and an aromatic scent that to my excitement was far from foot like.
The facility is immaculately clean, and each foot basin has a sanitary lining to protect you from any nasties that try to sneak in. As your feet soak in a warm wood tub, your neck, shoulders and arms are rubbed into sheer bliss. Then your feet are taken out of the tub and massaged with lotion ending with a hot towel wrap. Every therapist is certified in reflexology so you can be rest assured that you will always have a good experience.

Don't have a foot fetish? Foot Inspiration also offers full body massage and every treatment is done fully clothed (sorry lads, no happy endings here;) so it makes your stop on the relaxation train that much easier.

Wanna hear the best best BEST part??? 30 minutes is only $17 and one full hour is only $27. Money well spent if you ask me!

Foot Inspiration
14322 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 461-9241
Monday-Sunday 10am-9pm
*Appointments Recommended*

No Dairy Queen

Every once in awhile I will be driving in the beautiful 818 and a newfound spot will catch my eye. (Note: this is very rare, because duh - I know everything.)

So when I spotted KindKreme on Ventura Boulvard the other day, I figured it was just another Pinkberry knock off. Once I took a closer look I couldn't believe my judgmental eyes... was I really seeing a vegan, raw, organic dessert shop in the Valley?! I just HAD to pull over and check this place out.

I know what you are thinking. Vegan ice cream = barf. You must trust me on the deliciousness of this place! Not only does KindKreme not taste like ass, but they have some of the most incredible flavor options. (Ginger Basil, Beet Ginger Grapefruit, Loquat Carrot Lemon) The Dirty Chai instantly caught my eye (intentional rhyme) and it did not disappoint. What makes it dirty you ask? Espresso:) I truly did not miss the dairy one bit. (As you know by my previous cheese post- dairy and I are pretty tight.)

They also offer Banana Splits, Sundaes, Smoothies, Cold Pressed Coffees, Fresh Juices, and Shakes made with their house made almond milk. (I mean, house made almond milk!? Can this place get anymore amazing?)
Topping options include: Fresh Seasonal Fruit, Raw Caramel Syrup, Dagoba Chocolate Chips, Newman O's & Raw Cacao Nibs. Everything at Kindkreme is hand crafted daily in small batches in their on site kitchen.

I am so grateful to have found this non dairy frozen heaven before the valley summer heat kicks in!

KindKreme
3701 Cahuenga Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 308-6758
kindkreme.com

Hours
Mon - Thurs: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

New Format

The Valley is just too good--- instead of calling certain places "The Best" I'm going to just keep you in the loop and let you know what you shouldn't be missing out on. Good? Good.

Best Cheese Shop

My job as the valley's resident blogger is to bring you the hidden gems that are generally off the beaten path. We all know that Nozawa has delicious sushi, Aroma Cafe is an awesome breakfast/lunch spot, and that Casa Vega is a dark enough venue to be drunk and unrecognizable - so there really isn't any point in me blogging about them.

But I literally couldn't sleep at night knowing that I haven't given a shout out to the Artisan Cheese Gallery. I mean, this place holds such a special spot in my triple cream heart- I just can't ignore it any longer.

Proudly displayed on Ventura Boulevard, Artisan Cheese Galley is a crack den for cheese and food lovers alike. Yes, their cheese selection is extraordinary and the service could not be friendlier- but let's get serious here and talk about their insanely yummy sandwiches. Dilly Egg Salad, Prosciutto & Brie, Duck Confit, Garlic Roasted Lamb, Bacon & Cheddar....the list is endless. Although, the star of the show in my not so humble opinion is the ACG Muffaletta. This delicious creation is filled with salami, spicy capacolla, mortadella, fresh mozzarella, olive relish & dijon mustard. (Excuse me, you're drooling) Top that off with a glass of Pinot Noir (yes, they serve vino) and you are not allowed to complain about anything, ever.

If you are having a dinner party or just a people who want to eat cheese party, I highly recommend their incredible platters adorned with nuts and dried fruit. You surely can't step foot in the Hollywood Bowl this summer without a basket of goodies from The Artisan Cheese Gallery.

Artisan Cheese Gallery
12023 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 505-0207
www.artisancheesegallery.com

**Check their website for information on monthly cheese & wine tasting events**