Willow Spa Santa Monica

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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

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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

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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

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

If you like Pina Coladas

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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

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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

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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

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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

Tea at Hotel Bel-Air

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Afternoon tea is a special treat that is nice to share with dear friends.
Pryor Events is  partial to the tea at Hotel Bel-Air – one of our favorite locations. Hotel Bel-Air is a tranquil oasis that is part of the city yet worlds away. Every meal is prepared and presented with the highest level of care. Tea is served every Friday and Saturday afternoon.

Their afternoon tea consists of an array of savory and sweets.
The delectable bites include Maryland blue crab with herb remoulade,  house cured smoked salmon with dill cream on brioche, applewood smoked pork belly with wild mushroom duxelle and grilled gruyere on sourdough with shaved black  truffles. Your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied with sour cherry, blueberry and buttermilk-almond  scones with homemade jam and delectable dark chocolate and burnt caramel tarts. Of course there is an incredible selection of loose tea as well.
Enjoy!

Orcas Island

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I do not typically Blog about personal vacations, however I  wanted to share this magical island. I just returned from spending a few days on Orcas Island. Orcas is part of The San Juan Island chain. Orcas is off the coast of the state of Washington and reached via ferry service, boat or seaplane.
 
 
We spent a couple enjoyable days in Seattle and then took a ferry from Anacortes, Washington – an easy drive from Seattle. It was fun driving our rental car right onto the huge ferry.
   
 We stayed at Rosario Resort. Rosario was everything you would hope to find in an island hotel.
This stunning property was originally built as a private home by  Robert Moran. Moran was the former mayor of Seattle and founder of a huge ship building firm. After he was told he was very ill and would die within a year, he moved to Orcas Island. Mr. Moran thrived on this tranquil island and he lived for many more years. He was a huge presence on Orcas. He built roads and bridges and made sure that much of the island would remain untouched.  
 
 
Rosario provides the perfect blend of comfort and beauty without feeling like it’s trying too hard as many hotels do. We had an extraordinary view of the sea. It was especially wonderful in the evening as the lights of the boats anchored in the harbor complemented the sky full of stars.  
You can explore the original rooms of the mansion which now serve as a museum. The resort boasts  a full spa and  indoor and outdoor pools, yet the hotel manages to capture the unassuming feel of this island. Deer roam the grounds, wildflowers bloom and the magic of the sea is within reach.
I was told that the current private owners adored the resort so much they bought it from a large hotel management company several years ago.
My hope is that the room rates will not go up and that the owners will continue to preserve the original charm.
Pryor Events are big fans of Orcas Island and Rosario Resort.
                                       

A very friendly deer enjoying a snack.

A view from the highest point on the islands –  Mt. Constitution on Orcas
 
 The island is  larger than I expected it to be. There are quaint shops and wonderful cafes and restaurants. All of our meals were good but our favorites were Allium and Olga’s Café. Our dinner at Allium was quite perfect. Much of the incredibly fresh produce is grown on the island. You will not see a single chain business. After seeing a Starbucks nearly every two blocks in Seattle this was a welcome relief. I am looking forward to returning to this special island.