Thursday Linky Love 3:44 PM

It's been a long week people. I'm on my umpteenth cup of coffee and I started writing this post as though it was Friday. It's Thursday.

But I wanted to share a few links I found throughout the week

1. How to Conquer That Monster To-Do List (SavvySugar)
2. Most Awkward Move at the Gym (Peanut Butter Fingers)
3. Gaining Weight in Your 20s (Health.com)
4. Five Ways to Recharge Without Taking A Vacation (Yahoo! Hotjobs)

It seems like all these posts apply to my particular place in life this week. A lot to do--no time--can barely think straight.

But these are the challenges recent graduates have to face.

Sunday Review Double Feature: Umami Burger & Bar Covell 2:18 PM

Wow what a weekend! I don't think I've been so busy since I've moved to LA. On that note, I'm pleased to present my first Sunday Review Double Feature.

First stop:

Umami Burger (yelp)
4655 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027

The burger that is taking over LA certainly didn't disappoint. I first heard of this infamous establishment on KIIS during Ryan Seacrest's morning show. I STILL don't know what an actual Umami burger is but I know any of the restaurants four LA locations are worth the treat.

Moderately priced, I had the Manly Burger with Sweet Potato Fries. Great choice.

The burger was savory and the bacon bits were thicky. I'm glad I got it cooked medium well though because it was a little on the pinker side. Still delicious.

But the sweet potato fries took the cake. It wasn't just the type of potatoes that made them sweet. They fries were also lightly dusted with Brown Sugar and served with the perfect garlic aeoli sauce. Yum.

After dinner, I headed to stop two for a friend's birthday.

Stop Two:
Covell (yelp)
4628 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027

A wine bar. A good wine bar. The atmosphere was dark and sort of earthy--decorated with browns and built mostly out of wood. A welcome change from the industrial factory look from New York.

I have to say, I don't know much about wine...so I can't really speak to their selection. But this is a great bar for you if you know nothing about wine. The bartender was super friendly and you would tell him the flavor range you were looking for and they would find the perfect mix for you.

Though I wish I wrote it on a card or something.

All in all, this was a great Saturday night combination. Getting in and out of Los Feliz was a bit of a pain due to Sunset Junction (I got turned around and ended up in Glendale), but on the upside, street parking was plentiful and Covell also offers valet.

Until next time.

Sunday Review: Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetary 1:15 AM

Despite last weekend being very eventful, nothing was particularly review worthy. But this weekend, my friends and I hit up the movies...outside. In a cemetery!

Cinespia screenings @ The Hollywood Forever Cemetery (Yelp)
6000 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Nothing creepier than watching a movie in a graveyard with at least 1,000 living and more dead people. I don't know who came up with this concept, but they must make a killing.

It's $10 a person plus $5 for parking to see old favorites such as Goodfellas and All About Eve. My friends and I saw The Sting. It was definitely strange to watch a slow paced con movie from the 70s but Paul Newman and Robert Redford made it better.

The big attraction to this Hollywood event is that it's an outdoor movie and you are expected to picnic. My friends and I are classy--we brought real wine glasses and salami and cheese. Plus strawberries from my trip to Costco for a Friday night party. Though we were more amused by looking up pictures of Paul Newman in various get ups for his Newman's Own pasta sauce than the film itself, we can write this event off as a success.

Tip: Get there before 7pm and hang out on a side street, cars start lining up on Santa Monica at 7 ish and they get let in around 7:30. It's also good to have a friend on a scooter who can cut the cars and grab a seat by the hedge (where you can have chairs)!

Survey Says: A Little About Me 8:54 PM

In the name of procrastination...here is a little survey I found via Peanut Butter Fingers:

Four Jobs I Have Had:
* Executive Assistant in Movies
* Production Assistant on Morning News
* Subway Sandwich Artist
* Waitress

Four Places I Have Lived:
* Ohio
* New York
* Connecticut
* California


Four Television Shows I Love:
* Make It Or Break It
* Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations
* The Amazing Race
* The Good Wife

Four Places I Have Traveled To:
* France
* Argentina
* Toronto (for the film festival)
* London

Four Blogs I Visit Weekly:
* Fab and Frugal
* The Wrap
* Peanut Butter Fingers
* Fit Sugar

Four of My Favorite Foods:
* Cherries
* Peanut Butter Cups
* Cheese
* Peaches

Four Places I'd Rather Be:
* home watching Make It Or Break It or home with the family
* In New York City
* Travelling around the world
* Toronto

Your turn. Four places you've been. Four of your favorite foods. Go!

Sunday Review: The Rumor Mill 1:58 AM

I have to admit this weekend was not a very social weekend. I spent most of my days running errands, hitting the gym and working on various projects.

I rewarded myself with breakfast out on Sunday, by myself with my journal and a cup of coffee.

The Rumor Mill (yelp)
11739 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066

I took a nice long walk to the Rumor Mill. My favorite coffee shop in Los Angeles--it reminds me of the good ol' days at Think Coffee. Back in the day before it got all crowded and high-faluting.

The coffee is amazing and has quite the kick. I also am a big fan of "The Bukowski," which is basically a ham bagel sandwich.

There is free internet and they occasionally host open mics, readings and other artsy things. It's low-key and a great place to go do some work. And there is a laundromat next door.

On the weekends service can be a little slow, but I always find the staff to be very friendly. And this morning, they were up against some pretty impatient and rude customers.

In conclusion, if you want to run in and out with your coffee, go to the Starbucks over by Costco. But if you want to enjoy a good cup of joe and get the creative juices going, this is your spot.