First of all, some exciting news: I am super stoked to be kicking off a new column  over at Apartment 34 today called “Life {& Style} Imitating Art”. I’ve been a fan of Erin and Apartment 34 long before I started writing my own blog so this is truly an honor! I hope you guys head on over to lovely Erin’s and check it out!

We were expecting a dreary, rainy day yesterday and I was totally content spending a mellow birthday at home. So imagine my surprise when I woke up to a beautiful sunny day. Hubby and I spent the day together, brunching at one of my favorite places in L.A., Joan’s on Third (I know I say that a lot, but this place is the real deal) and taking a mini-road trip to the Los Angeles Arboretum in Arcadia – an absolutely perfect day. Oh, and in case you guys missed it I’m doing a fun little Diptyque candle giveaway, you can enter to win here!

Joan’s on Third is a one stop shop for everything gourmet and delicious. The dishes on the cafe menu and take home options are simply perfect, made from  ingredients carefully chosen from all over the world. The bakery case is my happy place. I’ve never been able to visit Joan’s without ordering the pretzel croissant, it’s my weakness.

I stumbled upon The Arboretum while on a search for quickie getaways in L.A. I had no idea just what a gem this place would turn out to be. The first thing I saw when we pulled in to the parking lot was a real live peacock. A PEACOCK people!!! I’ve never seen one up close before and spent a good 30 minutes snapping picture after picture of the stunning bird and his technicolor tail while he hung out in the parking lot. I was wondering why the staff were giggling but quickly learned that there are peacocks roaming free all over the grounds.  We spent the next few hours exploring the lush, beautifully landscaped gardens and pathways before heading back for a relaxing dinner.