Seriously?

Beverly Hills, CA

Ugly Persian Houses.com would have a field day with this one. I tried to enjoy my hike around Coldwater Canyon, but my eyes were burning!

How are we feeling about this?

Big Bear, CA

A part of me loves the upside-down tree, because it arches over your head like a glittering canopy. But more importantly, it fits even MORE gifts under the tree. But I'm on the fence. Thoughts?

Only in Los Angeles

Ahh, it's a relief to know that while life can't be as perfect as an 80's movie, we can still get tiny, vibrant flashes of it in Los Angeles. A convertible cruising the Sunset Strip loaded down with designer gifts in the backseat? Santa wearing shades at night and listening to Adam Ant? Oh yes. Yes, yes, yes!!!

Everything is more beautiful at Christmas

This includes the Canoga Mission Gallery, standing solo on a road you would normally zip by. But we noticed the vintage adobe building with lush grounds and magical lighting inside, and we had to take a look. Upon entering, it was a dark bazaar of Victorian trinkets, old furniture, books and busts. Strands of jewelry, iron chandeleirs and hand-carved toy soldiers waited to be discovered. The place positively sparkles.  It was built in 1936, commissioned by an actor who starred in the iconic film Pandora's Box with silent film star Louise Brooks.

 

We thought the adobe was all to see, but it's part of a greater property. Secret gardens and fountains and twinkly lights lured us around paths outside, where people can throw parties. It's called the Hidden Chateau and Gardens. If you want to feel a million miles away from Los Angeles, which we all sometimes do, come here. Especially at Christmas, where Dickens meets Don Quixote.