Lunch at The Misfit

After biking fifteen miles to Santa Monica a couple of weekends ago, I walked around the Promenade area for a relaxing place to eat lunch. I always, always without fail, yelp every place I go. And that's how I found The Misfit.

The atmosphere is both quirky and inviting, with nude murals plastered above the bar, dark furnishings and modern globe lights, and collections of memorabilia (like old books and vintage cocktail shakers).

The comfort food selections are soo good. Perfect twists on classics. My boyfriend ordered the Ahi Tuna Burger, which comes pan seared and flavored with avocado and lemon aioli. I got the Jidori Chicken Sliders, topped with honey mustard BBQ sauce.

I think the very best part is the FREE, freshly baked chocolate chip sea salt cookies that arrive with your check. I was utterly charmed by this restaurant and can't wait to go back! If you're ever on the westside, visit The Misfit in Santa Monica!

Updates from California {in pictures}

{trying on dresses in vibrant prints}

{overcast mornings at the beach}

{celebrating Oktoberfest, (yes, with margaritas) at Baja Sharkeez in Hermosa Beach}

{seeing the LA skyline from Griffith Park}

{afternoon smoothies with my boyfriend at The Grove in West Hollywood}

{candy red nails and a new cocktail ring from Forever 21}

{spontaneous happy hours}

It's crazy to think that my first full month out here has come and gone. I met Mara and Kim, and have seemingly barely scratched the surface of all there is to do out here! And while there have been lows, like my car unexpectedly breaking down on an off-ramp, I am so glad I came out here. I secretly love that I still have to rely on my GPS to get around town. And that my mind is filled with wonder and intrigue living where I live. I never thought I would love another part of California more than San Diego.

West Hollywood Double Date Night

Meeting a blog friend, eating tasty New York style pizza, and then going to see a concert was a good recipe for a night out! I've been reading Kim's blog for over two years, and within seconds of meeting, it was as if we were old friends. I love that about bloggers! Sprawled out in her cute abode with our boyfriends, we dined on Tomato Pie pizza, wine, and beer.

{Sequins, dots, and florals made up our casual concert attire}

{Kim and Andre}

We saw Reptar, Cults, and Foster the People, who are definitely my favorite band of the moment. Their stage show was incredible at The Wiltern. They played every song off their album, including a dance-infused rendition of "Pumped Up Kicks."

Thus far, this night was probably my favorite in LA :)

Glimpses of My Apartment

I wanted to share some pictures of my cozy little abode in Southern California! When I first moved here, I arrived without furniture and wasn't sure where I wanted to plant my feet - West Hollywood? Orange County? I was clueless. Luckily, I found a charming, furnished sublet for a few months that's close to the beach and idyllically located to the heart of LA. It'll be hard to leave this place when December rolls around!

{A damask lamp from Target brightens up my workspace, as do the pictures of my friends!}

{The closet space is ample, with tons of shelves and room for storage. I will forever dream of someday having my own walk-in closet!}

{This city poster is such a statement piece in the space, and both modern and cheap!}

{Lots of natural light filters through this skylight, as well as a set of doors that open to a modest balcony.}

{The kitchen is compact, but this $3 wine holder from a friend's yard sale fits perfectly! Best deal ever!}

All The Way to Santa Monica

Over the weekend, I did something I've never done before.

I rented a pretty white and blue beach cruiser and biked 30 miles (roundtrip) to Santa Monica! My idea was definitely lofty, but I was determined to do it, even though the last time I was on a bike was for a leisurely four miles! By the end of the day, my thighs were throbbing, I had sunburns in the weirdest places, but I am SO glad I did it!

{The Strand is a beautiful, quintessential biking and jogging path along the ocean, connecting all the West LA beach cities together. We went through Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, Marina Del Rey, and Venice Beach, before arriving in Santa Monica.}

{Taking a break in Santa Monica.}

{The views of the sun starting to set were gorgeous on the ride back!}

{My boyfriend and I at around the 25 mile mark - 5 more to go!}

p.s. - I now want my own beach cruiser. What are you all up to on this fine Monday? I hope you all had fabulous weekends!