H'ween Sugar Rush

October 31, 2009
The very best part of Halloween is all the candy you can shamelessly consume without being judged. This year Teddy and Nibs opted for the basics, like Kit Kat, M&M's, Snickers and Reese's peanut butter cups. Teddy thought it wise to throw in some Skittles for the kiddies. What's in your Halloween basket?

Happy Halloween!

October 31, 2009
The day has finally come: Halloween! Teddy is dressed up as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's and Nibs is Zorro. They plan on staying in their Halloween costumes all day long because they love being something they're not for just one day (being a bear is great but one does get tired of it from time to time). What are you dressed up as?

Goodbye Palisades Park!

October 30, 2009
Teddy had such a stupendous day at Palisades Park with Nibs that she has vowed to return every Sunday for a brisk power walk along their lovely path. By the way, the park has a picnic section full of benches that makes lunch easy. There's also plenty of room to bring your own chairs and spread out. Now Teddy is off to prepare for Halloween. Only ONE day away!

Wood Bends

October 30, 2009
Nibs was fascinated by this art piece named "Baile Oakes" at Palisades Park. As Teddy stopped and smelled the roses, Nibs checked out this odd ball which from a distance looks like it's made of steel but on closer inspection appears to be crafted from gray wood planks. Indeed, the plaque confirms it is bent wood that creates this spherical spectacle. Cool!

Palisades Flowers

October 29, 2009
There are plenty of flowers at Palisades Park, like this fuzzy purple Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia Leucantha). This is a perfect Los Angeles plant because it's drought resistant and hummingbirds love the blossoms.

Rose Garden

October 29, 2009
Palisades Park has a splendid rose garden off the main path. In the center of the garden is a statue of Mrs. Baker. Way back in the late 1800s her husband Colonel Baker donated the strip of land that is now Palisades Park to the city of Santa Monica. He made his money as a farmer. Yes, Santa Monica was once farmland (!) and he owned most of it. Teddy loves the rose garden because she can always find her favorite rose (Annabelle, which is orange with red edges) there.

Palisades Park

October 29, 2009
On this sunny but windy day Teddy and Nibs went outdoors to take in the fresh fall air. Instead of a hike (too dusty) the bears headed to Palisades Park in Santa Monica. Not only does the park have an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean, but it also has nicely landscaped walking paths for romantic strolls (awww). Teddy and Nibs spent an hour looking for dolphins then luckily found a pair swimming up toward Malibu. So exciting! There's nothing like seeing marine life at play. Look for more images of this incredible park throughout the day...

...And Then There Were Three

October 28, 2009
Teddy's cookies turned out to be a major success! Congratulations Teddy. Unfortunately for Nibs she ate most of them, leaving him only three. Maybe next time Teddy should double her batch?

Teddy Makes Her OWN Cookies!

October 28, 2009
Teddy has been on the hunt for the perfect croissant and the tastiest cupcake for years, causing her to search the globe. But when it comes to chocolate chip cookies Teddy likes to make her own right at home. Because Teddy gets cookie cravings late at night she prefers to go the easy route and rely on quickie recipes. The cookie mix from Whole Foods brand 365 is one of the best. Not only is it gluten free (Teddy really has no idea what that means), but it's a cinch to master. Just combine the mix with butter, an egg and some vanilla extract, and, voila! Cookie batter! Here are Teddy's first few steps. Stay tuned for the outcome!

Sprinkles To Go!

October 27, 2009
Yesterday Teddy was in search of the perfect croissant. Today Teddy is trying to find the yummiest cupcake. So she visited Sprinkles in Beverly Hills, which she has heard everyone rave about. Teddy wanted to make sure she got the full Sprinkles experience so instead of ordering just one she got a dozen. At home she sampled their chocolate cupcake. It was heavenly! But she can't wait to get her paws on the red velvet variety. (Yes, she did share with Nibs, but not much.) There are Sprinkles all over the country, including Dallas and Chicago, and they will be doing special cupcakes for Halloween, fyi.

The Perfect Croissant

October 26, 2009
Teddy is constantly in search of the perfect croissant. Today she stumbled upon a new place, the unfortunately named Euro Caffe & Enoteca. That's a mouthful! Located on Lower Santa Monica Blvd. near Rodeo Drive, it's actually not a new spot--it's been there for seven years! But Teddy has never seen it before. Anyhow, Teddy purchased an apricot croissant for $3. The sales lady promised it would be the best Italian croissant Teddy would ever consume. Was she right? Sort of. It was delicious but the truth is French croissants are far better than Italian croissants, which tend to be rather bread-like. So the search continues...

Bacon and Eggs Nibs Style!

October 24, 2009
With Teddy fast asleep Nibs ventured out for some country style bacon and eggs at S and W Country Diner on West Washington Boulevard in Culver City. The atmosphere was pure country--they even had old Coca-Cola tchotchkes on the walls and wooden farm animals for decorations. Nibs thought the bacon and eggs were good but the hashed browns were only so-so. Sometimes it's just nice to get out of the house for your first meal of the day even if the fare isn't four star.

Checkmate!

October 23, 2009
In exchange for piano lessons Nibs gave Mr. Brown some chess lessons. The game is difficult to learn but Mr. Brown picked it up quickly. Nibs is glad he has someone to play chess with now because Teddy has never bothered to get familiar with the game. That Teddy!

Nibs the Next Mozart?

October 23, 2009
While Teddy was at the mall Nibs was getting piano lessons from his good friend Mr. Brown. Nibs would love to be able to play Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 for Teddy by Christmas. So he's working his paws to the bone! But there are still so many mistake. Grrrr. Good thing Mr. Brown is a patient teacher.

Couples Retreat Not a Treat

October 22, 2009
Teddy's final adventure at the Century City Mall was taking in a movie. Too bad she chose Couples Retreat. Being drawn in by the comedy wizard Vince Vaughn was a mistake. He was not in fine form in this film, which he co-wrote with Jon Favreau (!). Teddy almost walked out TWICE but stuck it out mostly because the tropical locale they shot in was dreamy. The only high point was the shark attack scene. Sharks can brighten up any movie!!! Good thing there are some better-looking movies opening soon, like New Moon, which debuts November 20.

Bejeweled Beauties

October 22, 2009
Teddy didn't leave the Century City Mall yesterday without buying something flashy for her footsies. Banana Republic had these wonderful, bejeweled shoes in gold that fit Teddy just so. Called "Nora" the flats cost only $98 and they go with everything! Teddy hopes Nibs likes them though he tends to not appreciate such showy accessories. Oh well.

Tacone For Teddy

October 21, 2009
The Century City Mall food court experience was too much for Teddy. So many choices, from sushi to steak to seafood to sorbet smoothies! After circling the court for what felt like hours Teddy settled on Tacone, known for their tasty wraps and sweet potato fries. Teddy went with the Spa Wrap which was stuffed with grilled vegetables and Feta cheese. She did not regret it.

Teddy's Ride to the Top!

October 21, 2009
After a long morning of shopping, Teddy took the escalators to the second level of the Century City Mall where the food court and movie theaters are. What will Teddy have for lunch? Will she take in a matinee? Not a bad day for Teddy!