Broken Heart, Broken Wallet?

Hollywood may make them good girls go bad, but it also makes them good girls go broke (romantically and financially). One too many bad boy breakups or Betsey Johnson boho bags and bam…you find yourself diagnosed with broken heart/broken wallet syndrome, potentially critical if left untreated. So what’s a Hollywood girl suffering from broken heart/broken wallet to do to get back on the fast track? Besides of course hit up SpeedLA Dating’s next smashing event (hello, duh!).

First order of business is to grab a bite...or channel your inner Elvis and grab a hunka hunka burning cheese fries at Los Feliz’s House of Pies Restaurant & Bakery (1869 N. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles). Whether its early morning or late night (House of Pies is open until 2AM nightly – perfect for those nocturnal nosh sessions, which happen to prevent nocturnal sob sessions), leave your heartache and American Express at the door (prices cap off at $15 and that’s for the ritzy din din options). No matter the hour, the atmosphere is always homey, cozy and cheery…there’s no place like House of Pies, there’s no place like House of Pies, there’s no place like House of Pies. Except maybe of course in Kansas. The crowd is fairly oddjob – both the family style interior and people-watching outdoor patio (be careful of hipster sightings) attract mamabears and papabears, thirty something couples and indeterminate aged artists. The home style menu teases you with everything from pancakes to western burgers to strawberry pies. Shakira may be She Wolf but you get to SheWolfsss at House of Pies.

After your House of Pies binge-a-thon (rest in peace cheese fries), roll your broken heart/broken wallet self on over to Manhattan Beach’s the Strand for your second dose of treatment. The Strand is a three mile (you can make it a little longer or a little less depending on how conscious you are post- House of Pies sugar smackdown) oceanside walk path lining Manhattan Beach’s toniest homes…uh I meant MEGA toniest homes. Prime time at the Strand tends to be around 3pmish and later aka when the stock market closes and stock brokers pound the pavement in their pumas. Park in one of Manhattan’s metered lots adjacent to Manhattan Beach Boulevard or in front of the Manhattan Pier and walk off your heartache…and heartburn. You can recharge while heading north towards El Porto or south towards Hermosa Beach, and while both offer stunning views (of the ocean….although equally stunning views of parked Bentleys), the Hermosa Beach section of the Strand tends to be livelier.

Warning: some Strand-walkers have been known to make a detour to the rowdy Hermosa Pier to hydrate themselves…with Corona. See, exercise is fun. The only thing I would recommend (besides a sun-shielding Dodgers cap, for my fellow Snow Whites – bronze beauties may disregard this suggestion) is to bring a dog on your Strand stroll. Whether it’s a friend’s dog, a stuffed dog or even a robotic dog (arguably the most difficult dog of all to take care of), nothing promotes impromptu Strand convos than a leashed canine. Jogging hedge fund managers trip over each other (they travel in packs) to chat up girls with a pup in tow. There can be absolutely no canine substitutions, I once tried bringing a gigapet with zero success. Perhaps it was Comic-Con weekend.

So bye bye broken heart and broken wallet and bonjour happy stomach and happy Strand suitors.

Written by: Meredith McKenna - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

A Night For Suzanne...

November 30th 2009, is a very special night dedicated to all those who have been affected by or lost someone close to Cancer. Suzanne was the epitome of all we at SpeedLA strive to be; a true class act, always graceful and always cheeky! A victim of Lung Cancer in 2003, this is a night to celebrate her life and all those that were taken far too soon.

A night for love and a night to give back. For those that have their own Cancer charity of choice, simply make a donation to your charity, e-mail Anoush, let her know you did and you are all set. SpeedLA is donating our hosts, our make-up artists, the venue, the appetizers and of course, our Marley prize so that 100% of your donation goes straight to Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Foundation. Simply put Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Foundation in the memo line of your purchase for a lovely tax deduction to boot.

You can donate by purchasing your tickets here or by going straight to http://jglcf.org/give.aspx. If you choose to donate directly, e-mail us with confirmation and you are on our Guest List. To read more about the Joan Gaeta Lung Cancer Foundationyou can visit http://jglcf.org/home.aspx

Same great fun, same charming hosts, same gorgeous nibbles and same cheeky-fun!

"New York's famed One Group (One, Coco de Ville, Tenjune) have launched this two-story spot that's ripe for the Hollywood crowd's picking." CitySearch.com

"I walked through the venue without even noticing the tables of daters; SpeedLA events are so chic and low key you might just walk right by." LA Talk Radio.com

SpeedLA Dating - 'A Night For Suzanne - Charity Event

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

The Perfect Gift

The Holiday's are upon us and the great search ensues for that elusive, "Perfect Gift", for that Date-Mate in your life. Something fun, something original and something cheeky. I think I may have found the perfect answer.

This year we had the pleasure of commissioning a bright young talent, ArtofMondo.com, to design and draw our Holiday card. From the Otis College Of Art and Design, is Armando Elizondo who heads ArtofMondo.com and brings his unique style to every illustration he creates. Maybe it is Armando's approach or his approachability, but something quite lovely occurred to me...

I thought it a fabulous gift idea to be able to design someone their own, personalized cartoon. Maybe it's the two of you on the sofa - plaid sweats and all... flipping through the channels with that perfect - personal caption above you - that only the two of you get. Something that says ... I notice the little things... I notice you and I can't help but notice how much I like you.

It's also a great idea for family and friends. Part of the appeal of ArtofMondo.com is his ability to translate ideas onto paper. Tell Armando - or even send a pic - of that Uncle everyone makes fun of or that Aunt - that no one would dare make fun of and let's all have a laugh at ourselves through that perfect illustration. From cartoons to illustrations, to art that redefines imagination, ArtofMondo designs it all.

ArtofMondo typically charges $40 an hour. Rest assured, Armando makes full use of your time. The process includes pencil sketches or rough sketches, to let you know your on the right track. Once approved, Armando continues on with the color. All whilst taking your input and translating it to perfection.

ArtofMondo.com

Armando Elizondo - Illustrator / Head of ArtofMondo.com

Written by: SpeedLA Dating

Child's Play

Let's face it, sometimes being an adult kind of sucks. We have bills to pay, careers to manage, obligations to keep. Sure, being an adult has its upside too -- legal drinking anyone? But, at the end of the day, it's hard to deny that little voice buried deep under the layers of your power suit that's still quietly singing 'I don't wanna grow up, I'm a Toys 'R Us kid...'

Personally, I've always found that the best relationships tend to be with guys whose proverbial inner child plays well with mine. After all, if the guy won't play a little footsie with you under that fancy white tablecloth, do you really want to sign yourself up for a lifetime of stuffy dinners with him? That's why I love taking dates to Castle Park in Sherman Oaks. What better way to test your long term compatibility than to challenge your man to a game of air hockey and see how he reacts when you score on him?

Of course, Castle Park is way more than just air hockey. There's an arcade full of favorites from the mid-nineties, everything from Street Fighter to skee ball, with token prices also taking a recession friendly trip back to a time when $5 actually bought you a few hours of fun. Cozy up to your date in the photo booth, win some prizes for your paramour and snack on a slice of greasy pizza -- all for less than the cost of the gas it took to get there.

There's also medieval-themed miniature golf, complete with water features, drawbridges and plenty of cute, kitschy places to steal a mid-put kiss. Or, rent a helmet and take your best shot in the batting cages. For just $3, the castle staff will set you up with everything you need to live out 30 pitches worth of all your world series fantasy moments -- or just remind your man that you know how to handle a bat and balls.

Castle Park - Sherman Oaks

Written by: Mollie Vandor - SpeedLA Dating Resident Blogger

Sweet Love Hangover @ Playhouse

Fabulously flirty ... seductively romantic... playfully chic. This is what has come to define the undefinable, Playhouse. Set within this fantasyland of fun and wonderment, is the ground floor - Sweet Love Hangover.

With a wink to pop culture and a nod to the classics, Sweet Love Hangover is one part play, 2 parts cheeky with a twist of curiousity.

Mingle with SpeedLA Dating at Sweet Love Hangover and come back to Playhouse - with our compliments. Along with our usual Signature Perks, each dater will receive their own exclusive pass for Playhouse.

Sip on Sweet Love Hangover's dreamy Martini's while you take in the intoxicating moment. Chat up our personable British hosts while you mingle, mix and match - UK Style. Find your playful side in one of LA's hottest spots - All the exclusivity minus the attitude - Sweet Love Hangover @ Playhouse Hollywood.

"The buzz on Playhouse has been building for years, with longtime L.A. club stalwart Elie Samaha and his Muse Lifestyle Group" Metromix.com

"Smack dab in the middle of Hollywood’s burgeoning nightlife scene. The nearly 13,000-square foot nightclub (designed by the same design firm behind STK and Villa, Manhattan-based Icrave), aims to dazzle." Los Angeles Times 2009

"I also tried some other companies, though I preferred Anoush and SpeedLA (call it first timer’s loyalty, the cute accents, I don’t know)" LA2DAY

"SpeedLA Dating is the hippest way to meet quality singles." LA Talk Radio.com

SpeedLA Dating @ Sweet Love Hangover at Playhouse - November 4th 2009

POP - Licious

Few things are as fabulous as a lovely bit of champagne and the most decadent desserts, paired to perfection. No where does this better, than the sinfully delightful, Pop Champagne & Dessert Bar in Pasadena.

Join SpeedLA Dating and Pop Champagne & Dessert Bar for a night quite unlike any other. Nibble on treats from the Chef's menu, mingle with our British Hosts, pamper yourself with tips and touch ups from our certified make-up artist or find Marley, our resident bear, and win $50. All with our compliments.

"With all that champagne and all those desserts on the menu, it's unsurprising that Pop's clientele is mostly women. The atmosphere is a mix of modern wine bar and vintage speak-easy." Los Angeles Times

"Every week, the house chef whips up three different specials to serve in addition to the savory soups and salads that are always available." Metromix.com

"This sweet little spot on Union Street attracts a fun crowd. To sweeten the deal further, desserts range from roasted lavender strawberries and Meyer lemon tart to profiteroles and churros with spiced warm chocolate." CitySearch 2009

"Even as I stepped out from this session of bites and sips, I'm already looking forward to my return visit here." Urbanspoon.com

POP Champagne & Dessert Bar - Pasadena

SpeedLA Dating @ POP - November 18th 2009

SpeedLA Holiday Bash @ POP - December 9TH 2009

Ask Anoush! All Things Dating Advice

Ask Anoush! Have a dating question? Need help navigating the dating world? Simply e-mail Anoush atanoush@speedladating.com with your question and she'll answer it right here.

• Jocelyn – Redondo Beach
  Lately, when I go on dates they never get past the 3rd date. The first and second dates seem like their going well but for whatever reason, they fizzle out. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. Any advice?

Hi Jocelyn,
Thank you for your question; it is not an easy one as everyone’s situation is different. The one thread that is true for all of us is that the first date is very much a ‘honeymoon’ date. We rarely tread too deep and it’s easy to feel ‘drunk’ in the moment of someone new showing interest in us. The second date is really the true test. It’s the second visit to that house you might want to buy, the second test drive on that new car and the second dinner with that guy you think you remember liking from a couple of weeks ago. If you do not feel a ‘click’ of any kind, chances are he doesn’t either, or worse he does and senses that you don’t! It’s very important that we put as much effort into that second date as we did the first and don’t assume he will do all the running. Men stress so much about securing that first date, that after the second he may feel it’s time you chased a bit.

• Stephanie – Long Beach
  I work with guy I really like. I know that dating someone you work with is almost an oxymoron, but I don’t know what to do. I feel like if we both approached it like adults, it could work and if itdidn’t, we could still be co-workers. Am I dreaming?

Hi Stephanie,
Thank you for your great question, you are not the first to ask and I am sure you won’t be the last!
Indeed this can be approached like ‘adults’ as you say, but invariably, the problems do not lay in the approach but rather in the outcome. You do not mention if there are any seniority issues, this will inevitably lead to problems. If one of you answers to the other in the workplace I would most certainly say leave well alone. However, if you are on the same level and your workplace is not an overly-serious one, then there is hope. Let’s face it, most of us spend more time at work then we do anywhere else. We see our co-workers more than our friends and family. This doesn’t necessarily mean though that you know someone all that well; remember if he is like most of us at work, you are seeing his best side in that 8-10 hour window. Another reason for concern is that you must think about what your job means to you, if say, things don’t work out. Will you be able to face him every day? Or what if you have a fight the previous night; can you behave cordially at work the next day for the sake of your co-workers?
This is an age-old question for a darn good reason. There are many options to weigh and each situation is unique to the individuals. If you can answer the above questions and feel that you can do this with no regrets, why not give it a go? Please tread carefully Stephanie and do weigh all of the possible outcome scenarios first. If things don’t work out, SpeedLA Dating is always here for you.

• Lori – Hollywood Hills
  I’ve been dating this great guy for about 4 months now. Everything is going good but I have yet to meet any of his family or friends. Every time I ask I feel like I’m pestering him. He’s been telling me next week – next week for more weeks than I can count. Is he embarrassed of me or hiding something of his own?

Hi Lori,
Thanks for your great question, this is an interesting one. First of all, I would like to know a bit more about how much you actually do know about the family of this great guy. Is it a case of, you have seen pictures, you know their names and his general feelings towards them, you just haven’t met them yet? Or…is it that you have been to his apartment several times, there are no signs of any family pictures, he clams up like a frightened crab at the very mention of family and his speed dial and email inbox are completely empty?! If we are talking about the latter, then there might be some serious red flags here. He could have some commitment issues, or he may be hiding something from you. Of course, there are those that have had problematic upbringings and a complicated family. They just don’t want to talk about family until they are ready. This can be a sign of tremendous baggage and depending on your needs and how much of a shoulder you are willing to be, this could be a road you may not want to go down.
If, on the other hand, we are talking about my former suggestion, then I really feel that there is no need for alarm, not at this stage. Plenty of us love our family…but like them at arm’s length. We have their pictures up, enjoy once a month phone calls and getting together with them is a special occasion akin to Leap Years'.
It’s only been 4 months – if things stay the same after the first year, then I would start to be concerned.