When my best-girlfriend was having a birthday and I wanted to send flowers to her work (a very stylish and famous salon in town), I knew that the flowers had to be special not just for her but also look good on her table since her high-paying clientele would be staring. I needed a statement. I needed same day delivery. I needed it all with a budget under $100.

Over an hour of surfing online and phoning, I found Tick Tock Florals. I emailed them the photo above and asked if I could have a similar arrangement for around $85 plus delivery. They said, of course! And a few hours later I received a gushing call from my girlfriend who could. not. believe. the. flowers.

They were beautiful, arranged amazingly, unique and special. And they were there at her table only a few hours after my call and within my budget. And her guests? Equally impressed!

Tick Tock Florals may cost more than picking up a bouquet at the grocer or by ordering from a generic 1-800 flower company, but the difference in price, personal service and experience in receiving are certainly worth the extra money. The next time you have a special someone to celebrate and want to make a statement, try sending an arrangement. Actually, why not just send one to yourself? You know you deserve it.

Tick Tock Floral
1603 N. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Toll Free: 800-893-6688

On arriving at Compartes I was really impressed with it’s decor. I had decided that I needed inspiration while I was writing and I was in deep need of a chocolate fix. So with lap-top in hand I curiously entered the store. Straight away I felt at home as it a has a very European ambiance to it. The owner Jonathan has gone for a lounge vibe to the interior. It feels very relaxing and straight away I knew I would be happy there for an hour or two.

With rows upon rows of chocolate, it’s hard to decide but thankfully with a bit of guidance I sampled quite a few before I made a choice! All the old favorites are here like milk chocolate truffles, caramel and coffee. However the store has gone above and beyond to push the boundaries of taste and flavor. I tried a chocolate caramel with sea salt! Apparently the sea salt brings out the true flavor of the caramel, it was divine. I also tasted a mango saffron, cactus blossom and a raspberry pink pepper! Not only are the combination artistic but they have the most amazing prints on the top layer. All these prints are designed and created at the store so they are completely original.

Compartes Chocolatier is a truly magical experience. There are glass window that allows you to view the chocolates been made and decorated. It also serves specialty teas, coffee and hot chocolate. While I was there, I noticed that a lot of the clientele are regulars which is always a good sign.

Lately the store has run specialty nights and on Valentines Day last year they ran a week of romantic dinners with a fanfare of desserts made from chocolate! It would be great for a gossipy girly night were all you do is chat while eating and drinking chocolate. The store is also getting a celebrity following with Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross enlisting them to make treats for her wedding. Birthday parties too are very popular, as you can have any type of chocolate made with names or favorite designs tailored just for you.

All in all I loved the chocolates and I will be back soon, as there were far too many to sample in one day. Compartes is a lovely way to spend an afternoon either with a friend or on your own for some quite time. I think the bigger coffee houses better watch out, as there is a new place on the block and the experience is sweet!

Compartes Chocolatier.
912 South Barrington Ave. Brentwood CA
Tel: 310 826 3380

Sue Balmforth made this dream real when she created her store Bountiful, located in the trendy part of Venice on Abbot Kinney.

Over 12,000 square feet of floor to ceiling antiques – many of them French and hundreds of years old – can be found here, though most of them are found in the back of the store and up rickety stairs here and there. The front carries newer goods such as pretty soaps, shells, linens and pretty kitchen wares (it also smells the best, here) Follow the little pathways around the shop and eventually you’ll be led to Sue’s bedroom, which you can purchase should you wish (and that goes for her living room, too!).

It was, at first, a little overwhelming – so many beautiful things to look at and I had so little time. But I’ll be back. Even if it’s just to pretend it’s actually my place.

Tip: Don’t be intimidated but the shut gate in front; it’s to keep her dogs in, not her customers out. Just ring the bell and voila, you’ll be invited in. Just don’t expect tea – expect to shop.

Bountiful
1335 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice CA

Sitting right on the beach in Santa Monica, Hotel Casa Del Mar screams Old Hollywood but in that chic, polished, attention-to-detail way (we don’t stay in old musty places, dear, trust us). With dark woods and rich colours, the entrance alone is nothing short of spectacular. Then, there are the rooms.

Light, sunny, and oh so breezy; windows with sheers that sway from the ocean wind, glass walls enclose the deep jet tubs so you can view the ocean while you relax and light yellow fabulously deluxe linens make everything feel fresh and cosy. The stereo system and DVD player are nice touches – especially if you have an ipod to plug in and like to boogie a little before drinks in the lounge or if you need to just strike a pose on the chaise a la Marlene Dietrich.

There’s no way you could not feel just a little glamorous and Hollywood when laying out on the pool terrace which overlooks the ocean. Even if you’re not swimming you can sunbathe and have poolside drinks (after all, you’ll need something refreshing when you’re out in the sun). We love the poolside massages and the fact you can get a beautifying facial in the morning so that you’re pretty enough to listen to classic jazz in the lounge come evening. And trust us, you’ll want to look your best when drinking wine downstairs, after all, you never know who you’ll run into. It’s not just old Hollywood that comes here anymore.

TIP: Splurge on the Ocean View room; there’s nothing like it. If staying here isn’t an option at least come for drinks and appy’s in the lounge – especially on Wednesday when amazing jazz is playing and the lounge is packed with people and conversation.

Hotel Casa Del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: 800-898-6999 or 310-581-5533

But once inside, there was no mistaking that this was Prada; the designs, the colour, the prices. But more stunning than the prices was the 3-story building; built out of aluminum and glass, a stainless-steel “time tunnel” showing classic looks, an oiled wood staircase and pink fiberglass shelves. If that wasn’t new age enough, Prada’s combined technology into their store, using “magic mirros” in their dressing rooms, in which customers can switch the glass from transparent to translucent to control the privacy. And the change rooms get even fancier with “Radio Frequency Identity Antennas – which registers merchandise brought into the dressing room and displays an inventory of icons on a touch screen, allowing the customer to request more information on the clothes and search for alternatives.

But of course, the main draw to this store is the beautiful goods it sells. It was over at the bag side that I got into trouble and it was Beatrice Laver, Bag Sales Associate, who encouraged me to get naughty.

Bringing out my favourite bags in every colour, explaining them inside and out and telling me how to work them with outfits, Beatrice really knew how to make a $1000.00 bag seem like a steal. And with a price per wear mentality, it almost made sense. Maybe I should apply this logic to the shoes…

Prada
343 North Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills
310.278.8661

Not only are the couches beautiful, with so many shapes and designs, but they’re all 100% slip covered making them easy to clean or change with your decor. Literally thousands of fabrics are on hand to choose from, allowing customization of every chair and couch they sell. I happened to fall for a floor model, the Tiffany Couch (Britney Spears came in a week before I and had the same reaction) which lead to a discount and quicker delivery (custom couches take 4 weeks).

Pillows and couch bottoms are stuffed with down making them feel like little cosy beds – perfect for watching movies or having an overnight guest sleep on. And the slipcovers make it perfect; having a black cat and white couch causes me no fear. When the mess hits, I unzip and toss in the wash.

Cozi Couch also sells antique tables and lights as well as matching ottomans. Being cosy and stylish was never so easy.

Cozi Couch
700 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica CA
(310)451-7759

With specialties big in the 50′s – sodas, floats, malts – combined with todays fashions of gourmet coffees, fresh, healthy fruit smoothies and homemade baked goods (which are oh, so good), this coffee shop combines historical touches with modern flair.

Restored to its 1950′s glamor, the pink bar stools make you feel like a (pretty) regular and there are, surprisingly, a lot of regulars. They come and read the paper whilst talking to their neighbor or the man behind the counter. Classic soda shoppe feel, right down to the curved counter top.

It’s a historical landmark but don’t focus on that; focus instead on having great food, in a great atmosphere in an extraordinary way. A little flair to the regular burger experience. That’s what life’s about, no?

Beverly Hills Hotel Fountain Shoppe
9641 Sunset Boulevard
Beverly Hills, California
Tel: 310.276.2251

Just a mile west of Beverly Hills, but a world away from the hustle and bustle is the Hotel Bel Air – L.A.’s only hotel to receive the 5 star rating 13 times. And pulling into the valet parking of this 13 acre estate, it’s easy to see why.

Lush gardens, ponds, and outdoor fireplaces create a luxurious but relaxed setting – it’s goal when it opened in 1946 and when it spent over $20 million in 2003 to renovate. The rooms are spectacular and fit for a queen but we wanted to really find out if it was fit for a lady – a lady who lunches on afternoon tea that is.

Despite a rather cloudy, gloomy day, The Terrace Restaurant provided a comfy, upbeat, casual feel with its heated terracotta floors, overhead heating system and pink/rose colored linens (It was also voted most Romantic and Best Decor by Zagat). Sitting in the shabby chic inspired custom-cushioned banquettes, we were able to enjoy the gardens whilst nibbling on amazing tea (Passion Fruit and Jasmine Darjeeling) and scrumptious food (handcrafted little sandwiches, clotted cream and scones and home-made jams).

Chef Douglas Dodd created an afternoon tea celebration that exhausts the senses – from tea that smells divine (and comes in single servings, refreshed throughout your stay) to cream puffs that tickle your tongue. And although there is a wealth of food, the portions are perfect for afternoon tea and satisfying as a light lunch (we were wondering how we’d follow up with dinner!)

The large round tables were perfect for our power meeting but served well for others who were having an intimate date or birthday party. And with the cosy banquettes, we weren’t bothered by anyone else – in fact, the service here made us feel as though we were the only ones.

We dished, dined and sipped for three hours and left feeling definitely like ladies. Perhaps even a bit like royalty.

Afternoon Tea
Monday thru Friday: Seatings between 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday: Seatings between 3:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Hotel Bel-Air
701 Stone Canyon Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90077
310-472-1211

The Wayans Brothers, Larry Flynt, and Rosie Parez (just to name a few) were also there – in fact, it seemed like everyone was here. With its laid back yet high class atmosphere, the lounge could easily cater to high rollers looking to impress (as it often does with top industry people doing power meetings during lunch) or a couple of girls just looking for a glass of wine and a pizza to share.

Two hours later, we were happy, full and ready to call it a night – but the lounge was just getting started. We’ll have to come back again to see what happens later.

Four Seasons Los Angeles
300 South Doheny Drive
(310) 273-2222