Few things are as depressing as coming home from vacation. I wish we could have spent more time together in LA, but we loved every second!

As soon as we arrived at LAX, we had to rush to get our rental car so we could get over to the Staples Center for the Clippers game. They were playing the Wizards (with my man John Wall) and we were both excited to see the Slam Dunk Champion, Blake Griffin.

We scoped out our Clippers gear: naturally I got a Griffin T-Shirt, while Zach got some random player he didn’t recognize. Turns out his players jersey he picked was the lurpiest human being I have ever seen. We laughed so hard realizing that Zach picked possibly the nerdiest player in the whole NBA.

We had awesome lower bowl seats on the 6th row, and the game ended in a Clippers’ victory after double overtime!
It was a blast!

After the game we decided to find a grocery store near our hotel so we could get some snacks and breakfast food. WARNING: Never go to the Food 4 Less on Century. We got what we needed, but not without a few hood rat encounters.

The next morning we slept in (big surprise) and made it out in time for lunch. Yeah, we’re that bad. When Zach and I go on vacation we never wake up before 9:00 am…unless we are on a hard core visit like a Euro trip or in a foreign country. We put on our sun attire and even lifted a few towels from the hotel pool with every intention to visit Zuma Beach.

Unfortunately the weather was deceiving and we got hungry. We went to this place called Tart. It was really great food, and the atmosphere and building were just as fabulous. The rest of the day we spent shopping at a local mall. Don’t feel bad for Zach, he loved it! We had dinner at Sushi Roku in Santa Monica and ended the night at Pinkberry at Zach’s request.

The next day we hit up the Santa Monica Pier for some strange street performances and delish Mexican food.

Then we strolled over to the Third Street Promenade: like The Gateway but worse…for your credit card. Zach’s favorite part of California is Malibu (he served his mission in Ventura, California) so we made the drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to see the glamorous shore houses.

After Malibu we drove to Beverly Hills for dinner at The Ivy. Sadly, there were no celebrity sightings for us. Zach was especially disappointed he didn’t see Justin Bieber. The food was really good! Some even argue it’s the best in LA.

We had a great time and then stopped at Pinkberry…for the second time. We’re creatures of habit….what can I say?

Our last full day we woke up a little earlier and ate breakfast at the Farmer’s Market. We both loved it. Zach had a monstrosity of a waffle and I ate some of the best fruit I’ve had in ages. You should have seen the mangos and avocados! The cupcakes, the Greek food…I would go again just for all the delicious smells. Nothing like our Farmer’s Market in SLC.

Our next stop was the Griffith Observatory. Even though the weather got foggy, the views of the city, the hills, and even the Hollywood Sign was gorgeous. The observatory was amazing too. I loved how Art Deco and glamorous it was.

On our way back to our hotel, we stopped to see Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. He is one of my favorite architects and Zach was so patient to stop with me to check it out.

When we left the concert hall we realized we hadn’t had a bite to eat for lunch. We were so worn out from walking and hiking all day that we decided to stop at Pizza Hut and dine in….in our hotel room that is. Yes, I carried a Pizza Hut box through the Westin lobby because my husband was too embarrassed.

Later that night we went to The Grove for dinner and a movie. The Grove is my favorite shopping plaza in the whole city. It has this gorgeous fountain and a Trolley Car that takes people for rides through the area. They have lights strung through the courtyard and amazing window displays.

Sunday morning we had a few hours before our flight departed, so we rented bikes and cruised down Venice Beach. One of the highlights for us of the entire trip!

I love people watching on Venice. We rode down to muscle beach, checked out the skaters at the skate park, and browsed through the stands of art and hand made jewelry. Then it was off to the airport.

Overall, a great trip! We’ve both been to LA a few times (never together) and have done the tourist route – the Walk of Fame, Capital Records and such – but this time was more our kind of trip (with the required sporting event and architectural landmark). It was hard to come home to the freezing cold rain, but we’re grateful to be back safe!  We heart LA.