Should I Buy Organic?

It can be quite confusing to know whether you should buy organic fruits and vegetables. The term organic means that the produce is grown without chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides or chemically based food additives. Foods certified organic are easy to find at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, local farmers markets and even grocery stores. They are  more expensive but the extra money is well spent in most cases. 
Below is a list of produce that you will want to buy organic  as well as items that are not affected by the farming methods used as significantly. All of us at Pryor Events try to consume organic products whenever possible. 

The following foods are grown with dozens of pesticides and even sewage run-off!
Much of  the residue stays in the food you eat.

Apples
Blueberries
Celery
Cherry Tomatoes
Collard Greens
Cucumbers
Grapes
Hot Peppers

Kale
Lettuce
Nectarines 
Peaches
Potatoes 
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet Bell Peppers
Zucchini 
These foods are a bit safer to eat as the pesticides do not penetrate the food as easily.
Organic is still preferred.

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Avocados
Corn
Eggplant
Kiwis 
Mangoes
Onions
Pineapples
Papayas

Watermelon

BHLDN – Beverly Hills

When Anthropologie does something they do it right. Their bridal and party line BHLDN is no exception. BHLDN is mainly sold online but us lucky Angelenos now have the chance to shop at their store inside the Anthropologie shop on South Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills. The top floor is dedicated to the BHLDN collection which includes bridal gowns, bridesmaid’s dresses and wonderful accessories. 
Pryor Events are big fans of BHLDN. 

Many of their items are as appropriate for an evening out as they are to wear to a wedding. 
Their super helpful stylist Sommer is excited about one of the newest dresses in the collection  

Even the mannequins look great in BHLDN’s dresses

Willow Spa Santa Monica

There are many spas in and around Los Angeles. 
Willow Spa in Santa Monica is my personal favorite.
I love everything about Willow – from the amazingly talented people who work here to the nourishing and effective products they use to the sheer tranquility of the space.
 
 

Hidden behind the unassuming entrance is a tropical oasis.

 
 

The “waiting room” at Willow is soothing and relaxing. Every time I enter I feel as if I am thousands of miles away from L A – not steps from Santa Monica Boulevard.

Each treatment begins with a luxurious foot soak and scrub and soothing ginger tea.

There are spas and then there is Willow Spa.
To my knowledge, no spa in L A provides a similar experience.
It may sound like a cliché but when you walk into Willow you are transported. Before I even begin my treatment I begin to relax.
I have not been to Thailand but this is how I imagine it feels.
From the soothing colors of the décor to the plump cushions and drapey fabrics overhead, Willow feels as if it was plucked straight from the tropics.
All of their services are of the highest quality.
I am partial to their Eminence line of skin care – perhaps because my grandmother was from Hungary which is where the line is made. The facials at Willow are not only relaxing and soothing but really make a difference. There are many to choose from and their facialists are expert at recommending ad-ons that work for your particular skin type. If you decide to indulge in a massage you will not be disappointed.
Willow employs some of  the very best masseuses. They really listen and tailor each massage to your preference and needs.
I do not have the time to indulge often but when I want a true treat Willow is where I head.

Pryor Events are big fans of Willow Spa.

The Beach Comes Inside

Pryor Events are big fans of bringing the outdoors in and bringing the inside of a home outdoors.
This lovely beach setting is a perfect example of creating such a space. It’s casual, eclectic and oh SO inviting.

Flores on Sawtelle

 
 
 
I have enjoyed lunch as well as several dinners at this welcome newcomer to the mostly Asian stretch of Sawtelle Boulevard  known as West L A’s Restaurant Row. Flores is pleasant and inviting, the staff is attentive  and friendly and everything is delicious. Angela Hernandez and Rob Lawson know their way around a kitchen. I have enjoyed mussels, charcuterie, deviled eggs, pulled pork, meatballs and macaroni and cheese. Everything has been absolutely delicious. One of my favorite dishes has also been the most simple – a  Strawberry Ice cream Sandwich. Think strawberry ice cream made in house, sandwiched between two fluffy vanilla bean  macarons. You can actually taste the ripe strawberries in the ice cream. All of the flavors go together quite nicely and the dish has just the perfect amount of sweetness. Looking forward to trying many more dishes at this wonderful new restaurant.
Pryor Events are fans of Flores. 
 

The perfect dessert for summer – the strawberry ice cream sandwich at Flores

Yellow, Green & oh so Pretty

 
We love the colors in this table set-up from our friends at Blueprint Studios. So light & pretty.
 

If you like Pina Coladas

If You Like Pina Coladas…

 

 While I am not typically a fan of sweet drinks, one of my favorite drinks is a Pina Colada. The icy coconut tastes perfect and it doesn’t hurt that it reminds me of a tropical beach. I even like them without rum!
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The first Pina Colada was supposedly served at The Caribe Hilton Hotel’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico. There are many variations. The version below is a classic. It can be served in a tall glass or a scooped out pineapple.

  • 1 cup of Ice
  • 1 1/2 ounces rum
  • 2 ounces Coco Lopez cream of coconut
  • 2 ounces pineapple juice
  • fresh pineapple slices
 

Directions ~

Puree ice, rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice in a blender. Serve garnished with a slice of fresh pineapple .

ENJOY.

Wild Flowers at Floral Art

I just love this picture!
You can almost smell the lilacs that appear to have been picked moments ago.

Floral Art on Abbot Kinney in Venice is a delightful shop filled with amazing works of “floral art”. In addition to their gorgeous flowers available for your home or event they have one of a kind furniture and great gifts. The owner and lead designer Jennifer makes sure everything that leaves her unique shop is extraordinary. While Jennifer has a special touch with modern, architectural arrangements her romantic and traditional creations are equally as lovely.

Another vibrant arrangement by Floral Art.
The colors really pop. Textured Monstero Leaves create the perfect balance to the white, orange and pink tulips, hydrangeas and ranunculus.
All of us at Pryor Events love working with  Floral Art.

 

Harry’s Berries Farm Dinner

If you frequent Farmers Markets in Southern California, chances are you have enjoyed the sweet, juicy goodness of Harry’s Berries
Their strawberries taste as if they have been injected with sugar.
All of their products are delivered to local farmers markets within a day of being picked so they are fresh and delicious.
 
 
 
I recently had the pleasure of attending  Dinner on  Harry’s Berries Farm in Oxnard.
The dinner consisted of Harry’s Berries products such as their green beans, several varieties of their tomatoes, fresh salads, squash quesadillas – even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made with their homemade strawberry jam. Of course there were also huge bowls of different varieties of their prized berries.
 
Dinner was topped off by delicious Dandy Don’s Strawberry Ice Cream and sorbet made from Harry’s Berries and fresh strawberry pie
 

Harry’s colorful, delectable Strawberries.
Pryor Events are definitely fans of Harry’s Berries.
                                        

A view of Harry’s Berries Farm as night falls over Oxnard.

Summer Flowers

Love the crispness of these summer flowers from Hidden Garden.
Amy and her team always design the most stunning creations.
Pryor Events are big fans of Hidden Garden