Los Angeles — Page 3

Toast Bakery Cafe in West Hollywood

March 5, 2017

The best meal of the day. 🍳☕️ #brunch

A post shared by Olivia Frescura (@oliviafrescura) on Jan 4, 2017 at 1:52pm PST

If you follow me on instagram, you know I’m a brunch queen. One of my favorite local spots for brunch is Toast Bakery Cafe because the food is great and not too expensive for the area, at about $15 a person. I like how they have a broad menu- breakfast is available all day and they also have a lot of savory lunch options. I can’t review the whole menu because I literally get the same thing every time: Berry Wonderful French Toast and an Iced Vanilla Latte. I always want something sweet at brunch, so I usually go for a french toast…and theirs is amazing. I’ve also tried their bacon, potatoes, and eggs benedict and it’s all great.

New Year’s Eve brunch with @haleyh22 👯🍾☕️ #newyearseve #brunch #nye2016

A post shared by Olivia Frescura (@oliviafrescura) on Dec 31, 2015 at 12:33pm PST

They’re situated super close to the Grove & Beverly Center, and in a really great shopping area, so it’s a fun place to go to on the weekends. You’ll often see a little crowd waiting at the front, so I would say the earlier the brunch the better. If you’re stuck waiting, you can always just browse what’s around.

Also, if you’re an LA local, they deliver on Postmates! I’ve gotten breakfast from them on a work from home day and it was amazing. If it’s your first time on Postmates use my promo code NYSBD for $10 off delivery!

Toast Bakery Cafe
8221 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Pressed Juicery at The Grove

February 23, 2017

Something I never thought I would get into that’s huge in LA is juicing. And while I can’t say I have or will ever do a juice cleanse, who doesn’t love an occasional juice? One of my go-to juice places is Pressed Juicery, because their location at The Grove is pretty close to me (and the closest juice spot to me, in general). They started off as a truck, which is pretty cool, because now they have numerous locations both in and outside of Los Angeles. All of their juices are cold-pressed using fresh farm produce, so you know you’re getting a quality product. I also appreciate that all of their nutrition facts are included, so you can make sure you stay on track with calories, if that’s something you’re into.

I don’t really have many requirements for juice, other than that it tastes good- which pressed juicery’s does. At home I only use my protein shake blender sometimes, that is all, simple way, simple ingredients. They have different categories of juice including greens, roots, citrus, fruits, etc. Additionally, they have their freeze, which is a healthier soft serve (which I have yet to try, but it’s on the list). My regular order is the citrus 2 with a wellness shot. The juice is pretty sweet, but, I love the spice of ginger, so I usually add half or all of it to my juice after taking a few sips to customize my juice to my taste. If you’re new to juicing, head to one of their locations and try out some juices- they will let you sample to decide what you like!

If you’re an LA local, you can also check them out on Postmates and get some juices delivered straight to your home! Use my code NYSBD for $10 off your first delivery!

SKINxFIVE Infuser Facial Review

November 17, 2016

This week I had the opportunity to check out SKINxFIVE and receive one of their facials. The space, located in Pacific Palisades, was started by celebrity dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. Like the name suggests, there are 5 treatments you can get, and I tried The Infuser facial.

The facial was unlike any other facial I’ve received. It’s unlike a traditional spa facial. Come without makeup, because you’ll have to remove it yourself. Another thing to note is that they don’t do extractions, so, if that’s the dreaded part of a facial for you, you’re in luck.

The Infuser is a facial featuring some microdermabrasion. Additionally, I got a peel mask that exfoliates but isn’t a traditional peel, as, no skin will be peeling. The treatment was really quick, and cost effective at only $99.

With no down time and minimal redness, my skin felt baby smooth after the treatment. I think this is a great treatment to treat your skin to when it’s feeling quite lackluster. If you’re LA based, check out SKINxFIVE and tell them I sent you!

**This post contains services that I have received for free-for more information, please read my Disclosure Policy**

The Now Massage in West Hollywood

June 17, 2016

Something I’ve taken a liking to in 2016 is getting massages. I’ve gotten two so far this year, and I see more in my future for sure. I bookmarked The Now Massage Boutique in West Hollywood after seeing Marianna Hewitt post on Instagram it (p.s. follow @oliviafrescura on instagram if you aren’t yet!). After checking out their site and prices, I was pleasantly surprised that they offer affordable massages in such a luxe space.

Something that stood out to me was their add ons- including an eye mask, aromatherapy, or abdominal massage. I opted to do some aromatherapy as it was cheap and I love a good fragrance. They use Jiva-Apoha oils, which seem really high end, and the scent I picked was Baby Jiva which had lavender and chamomile to add to the relaxation factor. The massage that I got was their signature Now massage, a swedish inspired massage. I got 50 minutes for $60, which is 10 minutes less for the same price of the last massage I got, but in a much better environment. They have massages for children, athletes, travelers, anyone!

The receptionists are very welcoming, I had read a few yelp reviews that stated otherwise, so I was a bit nervous, but I didn’t have a single issue. I would just recommend that you show up at least 10 minutes early in order to fill out their form. If you show up late, they aren’t going to extend your time slot so you’ll likely get a shorter massage!

The massage rooms are not individual rooms, but one large room separated by cloths. So, you can hear the occasional noise like coughing, but I didn’t find it irritating. I thought my massage was great. My first massage experience was a lot more painful, but after my massage at The Now I felt a lot more relaxed and rejuvenated! I’ll admit that massages are pretty painful for me- but the results are great. If you’re in the West Hollywood area, definitely check out The Now, as I will for sure be going back!

Verve Coffee in Downtown Los Angeles | Espresso Fix

May 10, 2016

Verve Coffee is definitely one of my favorite places to get coffee in Los Angeles. What makes them special is that they actually roast their own coffee. There are probably a ton of cafés here with a good cappuccino that just use Stumptown- but that makes them just like everyone else. So, I try to find places that have different coffee so I know it’ll be worth my time.

I’ve only been to Verve a few times- but I love the ambiance there from the plants on the wall inside, to the very lofty & clean interior. I’m a classic cappuccino + croissant type of gal, and walking down the street with the Verve versions in hand definitely took me back to studying abroad in Italy.

The great thing is now they have a location closer to where I live, in West Hollywood, so I’m definitely adding that to my list! They also serve nitro cold brew (something I want to try although I prefer espresso), tea, and juice from Juice Served Here. They have Juice Flight that I’m dying to try! If you’re looking for a cool & trendy coffee spot to try- definitely hit up Verve, whether you’re a local or just visiting!