Move over Caitlyn Jenner, Treyoncé has Arrived!

Treyoncé | 2015

yasssss hunny, yassss! by far, my best photo ever taken  by someone other than me. i'm really surprised that i didn't blink the photo turned out so well. now, this was my second set of that day. the first set was done with hair pinned up [showing below, with +Adam Bouska  - founder of the NOH8 campaign]. as soon as that was done, i was ready to peace out when i realized the theme behind the theme of +NOH8 Campaign - to express yourself in a photo to show who you are and what you are proud of. for me, that's my hair. yes, i have accomplished many things others may consider to be more important, but this was for me. most men of color can't/never grow out their hair, let alone know what it may look like beyond the standard fro. so, i went back in line for a second set, with my hair whipping back and forth. 

was i nervous? HELL YES a bit, mainly because i never wear my hair out like this. yes i am proud of it, but there is indeed a lot of it, that likes to do it's own thing. was this whole thing shallow? maybe to some, yet in the end, the money spent on my glam shots goes towards an extremely selfless goal for everyone, especially the LGBTA+ community. great experience, great people, and officially added to my calendar for next year! also, this was one of the largest shoots held by the +NOH8 Campaign campaign - original shoot was back in March. due to the capacity of people, not all of photos have been selected for upload yet, roughly 3/4 have been uploaded as of today, June. thus, only one photo is up for me for now - will post an update once it's ready!

Me | Adam Bouska

T-Tips

• get there early - the shoot was held at a church in the north Dallas area, so parking was not too much of an issue. however, there was indeed an endless amount of people. 
• how does the photo-shoot work? 
• you fill out a waiver in the first line to receive your group number. i was group 500 and arrived barely an hour after the event start
• from here, you go into a waiting area, where there are snacks and drinks until your group is called - more like waves since there were groups of groups.
• once your wave is called, you enter into the tattoo area to get as many NOH8 tattoos as you like
• wait for your actual number to be called, then proceed to the line where you will pay 40$ for your photo
• roughly 4-8 shots are taken, with only one selected as the final shot which you receive after edits have been made
• 40$ gets you the one final shot, however, you are allowed to pay for an additional head shot if you like [which i did for my Treyoncé masterpiece]
• group shots are cheaper i believe, but you only get one photo. now, keep in mind, these are digital copies posted on the NOH8 site aka, there's no need for multiple copies. everyone will receive a link to the wave-gallery, where you can save your image [just like solo shots]
• wear something white - this was one of the only requirements [beyond da moolah] for the shoot. some people did try to wear tie-die shirts, all black, etc. but they were told to either put on provided white shirt [all 3XL] or to go home and change

Granada Summer Mockbuster - Mean Girls

hello, hello! though it doesn't happen often, +Facebook's "Suggested Events" actually turn out to be quite fun and relevant. backed by +D Magazine was the case with a throwback screening of Mean Girls at the amazing +Granada Theater . located just around the corner from SMU on Greenville avenue, this time-capsuled theater doubles as a venue for concerts.  

of course i didn't learn this until after i got there, since this was my first time here and what-not. the theater itself reminds me of and old Hollywood theater that was thrown into a wonderpalooza at some point in it's life - which makes the place that much cooler!

now, because this is mainly a spot for concerts, the seating sitch does not follow the status quo for regulat theaters - aka, you get stadium chairs. fear not! this actually makes the experience feel more open to the cash bar people around you. a unique feature for this place is the promotion of live-tweeting via the side screens - anyone in the audience can make quick comments/jokes/call-outs, scene-by-scene. this screening also featured an old-timey intermission. whaaat? that's right! an intermission. how dare they interrupt Regina George long did it last? about eleven minutes or so - just enough time for a bathroom break, quick drink, or to see if your car got towed. 

yep - towing is a slight possibility given the minimal free parking spaces offered. Granada does have its own 8$ entry parking lot, but since i am cheap like to look for options, i was able to park behind the restaurant next door. now, that lot in particular usually is valet only once the evening rolls in. how did i sneak by? no clue, but i certainly didn't ask questions [however, i did listen in on others that parked there while i was waiting in line for 85% confirmation i wouldn't get towed to see what the actual deal was ]. overall, this was a fun experience, definitely repeatable, and of course Mean Girls gave me life, as always. [if you have not watched/do not like this movie, you can't sit with us]

T-Tips:

• buy tickets in advance -  the tickets sold out the day of the screening[though not everyone showed up]
• i bought mine right way, 2 weeks in advance - just do it, they're only 3$
• get there early - beyond the parking sitch, seating is first come, first served. if you're very particular like me [i like to sit above the peons up high] or have a large group, try to get there right when the doors open
• bring a light jacket - remember, this place is normally used for concerts aka, cold blasting air to counter large crowds. however, it's a little over the top just for a movie. i was semi-freezing the entire time [even though it was +Nick Lachey  all day outside] 

Ego, Ipse - I, myself

Monterey Bay, California

Let's keep it short and simple (as a refresher for the nubies)!

W h a t : 

travel tips | life of a post grad | men's hair and style

ego ipse is a latin phrase that loosely translates to "i, myself" - a close phrase to match my own catch phrase "i'll do it myself", backed and trademarked by the 'rents since age 3 #AriesFTW

and what does the blog address "espioge" have to do with "egoipse"? try saying it backwards

W h o :

that's right, who am i! friends, family, and strangers usually call me trey. once a nickname, now my actual name that can rarely be said without a smile. dallas based corporate america YP by day | slightly overactive kid by night (and sometimes afternoon).  there's more to me than a paragraph alone can define, that's why this blog is here to help!

W h y :

the travel bug has bit me and my fever is rising! each trip has inspired me to do more and help other beginning travelers do the same by offering advice, and learning from you as well! though it is still forming, my personal style is something that reflects who i am, whether it be my clothes or hair. in all, just offering insight into the elusive life of a postgrad with his first job :)

Handstands in the Sand - Haulover Beach!

Haulover Beach, Miami 

located on the northern tip of Miami, this beach has expansive white sand dunes and deep blue water that offers a relaxing escape, when compared to most tourist beaches. though i went on a monday, the beach was still slightly crowded, with fun locals enjoying one of the sunshine state's best nude beaches!.......what?? that's right, this beach has a nude section for those wanting an "all over" tan. 

why would i choose a nude beach when there are plenty of clothing required beaches elsewhere? simply because....why not! i had never been to one, and figured i would give this new bucket list item a try. as you can see, i was rocking my awesome core vibe yoga shorts from +Eros Sport  [good enough to be featured on their Instagram page!]- but did i partake in the clothing optional, un-dress code? i sure did! - for all of ten minutes, ha. it is one thing laying nude on a beach, but an entirely different experience walking to/from the water, or anywhere else for that matter. 

now when i asked exiting beach-goers where this section was, i was informed that the nude beach sits between the two pink lifeguard booths. honestly i thought it would be pretty obvious to find the section, but this beach is over a mile wide. most married couples lounge on the right hand side of the beach [if facing the water], while a large majority of single males claim the left hand side of the beach. this divide was by no means set in stone or clearly defined, simply how a majority of locals choose to enjoy beach. if you choose to layout in the area, you can plant your towel or mat anywhere you wish, regardless of your Facebook status. i also asked if you are required to be nude to enter the nude section and the answer was - no! bearing it all is entirely up to you. no lifeguards or birthday suit police patrol the area to scare off wary visitors. 

for those worried about being unwanted eye candy or advances, fear not! though you may choose to bare it all, rules of conduct still apply. no means no, same with any other beach, sauna, swimming pool, or where you would wear minimal clothing. lifeguards do monitor for any "extracurricular" activity as well. no matter what you choose, always remember there is no pressure - the beach offers plenty of  places to relax away from the skinny dippers  

T-Tips:

• if you're beach hopping (like i was) use a ride share service such as +Uber  or +Lyft . fast pickup and only costs $15 from south beach - whoa!
• bring a beach towel AND hand towel. although great for laying in the sun, beach towels usually lack in brushing off sand when it's time to go. 
• use a marker to know where your belongings are (colorful umbrella, etc.)
• watch for underwater and over-water wild life 
• don't be alarmed if you see anyone [guy/girl] topless - this is officially legal in Dade county Miami
• double check umbrella/chair rentals before leaving your stuff

Calle Trece - South Beach

Port of Miami

from great people, amazing views  and tons of places to relax beach side - south beach miami truly is the place to be . since i only had a day, i decided to spend all of the daylight hours on the beach, because dallas is currently lacking in the beach department (at least until an earthquake brings the atlantic a little closer)

Calle Trece - South Beach

i chose a lovely AirBnB condo for my one day stay that was right on 13th Street [Calle Trece] - less than a 5 min walk from south beach and local cuisine! this was my second time using the new service, and i have not had a reason to complain just yet. beyond the location, the room itself was shared with the host, though i was given a key to come and go - excellent for a one night stay! 

the area itself is very active, with most people in some sort of beach attire during the day. all of the food places are interconnected outdoor seating, with shade umbrellas color coded to designate the end/start of the particular restaurant. lots of music and people of all ages, making for a slightly upscale urban beach feel 

South Beach

oh, south beach. clear water, endless beach space and lively people......take. me. back! this was my first time going to the beach to actually swim in over a decade. i was hesitant of diving in because of my hair, but after the first overwhelming wave, that anxiety went out the window [along with my up-do]. serfbort > hair.....to an extent, but fear not my #LHDC team members! you can keep your up-do from forming into a do-not by using well placed bobby-pins, a visor, or both! if you plan on staying in shallow areas, you will be fine for sure. 

there are a few vendors that sell food & drinks. though the area is relatively safe, there are dollar locker rentals if you want to secure your belongings while enjoying the warm water. the best way to avoid any major loss potential is to minimize what you bring to the beach. for me, i only brought my room key, driver's license, debit card and phone - all stored in a phone sports sleeve/case. all items, including my galaxy s5, are waterproof! again, this is entirely up to you and who you are with. 

T-Tips

• double check umbrella/chair rentals before leaving your stuff
• bring a beach towel AND hand towel. although great for laying in the sun, beach towels usually lack in brushing off sand when it's time to go.
• use a marker to know where your belongings are (colorful umbrella, etc.)
• watch for underwater and over-water wild life 
• don't be alarmed if you see anyone [guy/girl] topless - this is officially legal in dade county miami
• lastly, try to walk, carpool or uber to the beach. traffic in the area can be a nightmare, especially if it is your first time to the area

Tea time

it's the last day of my cruise!  so bittersweet, but I'm ready to get some real beach time. i will admit, i was slightly frustrated that instead of staying another day in the Bahamas, the cruise planners decided to have us "park" midway between my new favorite island and Miami, but i'm sure they have their reasons...

so! i decided to try out bingo for my last day. i felt like burning money/there was nothing else to do...until i re-read the itinerary for the day and saw there was tea time at 3pm!!! problem: bingo also started at 3pm. which did i choose? por que no los dos!? 

i figured tea time wouldn't last too long, so i power walked on over to the wonderful Windsong dining room and found [for once] there was no line. just like at dinner, i was escorted by the wonderful wait staff to my seat, then another followed with a box of tea bags and mini-tea pot! the only de-caffeinated bouquet available was chamomile, but that worked for me.  

salmon bruschetta, chocolate macaroon, strawberry, lemon scone

an assortment of cakes, cookies, brownies, fruit, and macaroons!! wheeled by shortly after. i died a little; it had been far too long since i dined on this delicacy. sadly, the macaroon was crunchy aka stale. thankfully, the smoked salmon bruschetta and lemon scone made up for it big time. not to mention my fancy little tea pot! overall, the whole ten minutes was surprisingly relaxing [and filling] with the ocean view and quiet company. i definitely understand why this is so popular over seas [ba-doom-pshh].

as for bingo, i thought i would be too late, but the event didn't actually start until 3:30. though i didn't win any of the 5 games of bingo, i did win 5$ from a tear-off card #ballin [similar to scratch off, except you tear off ribbons to reveal your prize]

T-Tips:

    Tea-Time

• sit near a window - nothing is more relaxing than sipping tea while enjoying an amazing ocean view
• try at least one of every treat/food item - then order seconds thirds of your favorites
• ask for honey - i personally enjoy a little sweetness to my teas and prefer honey over sugar for almost everything.
• take it all in - tea time is a mental time out, don't rush it!
• yes, i needed to get to bingo, but this was a higher priority

    Bingo

• order a few tear-off cards [they are only 1$]
• check the price of bingo cards before purchasing - oops
• use your hotel room pen to mark the numbers - bingo daubers [markers] add extra excitement to game, but unless you plan on re-using them, save your 5$ [unless you brought your own]

DTown Bahamas!

 

woohoo, i passed through gate - what now Gandalf!?! now, i have found the one area with free Wi-Fi and making this hodg-podge collage post of  +Nassau. my excursion starts in just under 2 hours, so i sadly can't go into full descriptive detail at this point, but i will return!

horse-drawn carriages are lined and ready to go for those wanting a relaxed tour of the city, or island style drop off to your food destination!

one of the oldest sections of the island, the town hall area is spacious, rich with history, and...no shade at all. i know, i know - i'm on a tropical island and should not be complaining about the sun but i'm only pointing this out for the photos. since the sun was so high, i could barely see what was captured on my phone. thankfully, these shots turned out well, though slightly more angled than usual 

a small shopping area next to a McDonald's that looked rather neat to this tourist, though the McDonald's did not make the shot because....my phone, bleh

 

feeling slightly medieval-regal with this patterned pathway. there's only banks here, but still a very intriguing design

a church with features that reminded of a scene from a movie that i do not recall..oops

pirate mural outside of a pirates museum - most people take a photo in front of the mural, but since i was sans-selfie stick/no peeps around, i am not featured. i know, it is indeed one of the potential shortcomings treycationing solo, but i will be fine

lastly, the picturesque shopping alley near the beach!

T-Tips

• bring a glare proof photo capable device
• stay in populated areas
• hats/sunscreen 
• find da wifi

The Ship - as Promised!

dis my boat [which i sadly did not swim out to touch]. still working on getting that full angled photo, but i have more fun things to do than capturing the perfect close up for this ship haha.  

i will say that +Norwegian  [below] had the best artwork for their fleet

B~A~H~A~M~A~S

i'm in the BAHAMAS!! i never imagined myself going on a cruise to a tropical island for my birthday weekend, especially at 23! for the most part, i'm not a big celebratory person when it comes to my bday. even when i was three, all i wanted were the gifts   i just wasn't a big party person. yes, my parents still splurged on the skatium a few times, but that wasn't for me. 

when "sweet 16" hit, i definitely tried to turn this around, with plans of going all out on a tent/band/100+ people. sadly, the rents declined my +MTV inspired fantasy. the whole idea of a big bash was postponed to "semi-sweet 17." though the house party was great for a bubble child [small group|iTunes|rents "sleeping" upstairs], i began to consider accept that maybe, just maybe, a big celebration wasn't for me.

- Definitely not feeling 22 - [2014]
c/o: Priya P.

fast-forward to a year ago, i finally leaped into my bday-partizzay niche: flying solo, literally [seriously, look how i flew into 22^^]. 

what? how does that even make sense? who wants to be alone on their birthday? why am i using 90's slang?? apparently, i do. now technically, i was not entirely alone [had le-besties of le-besties with me for an ATX adventure], but i didn't have a huge crowd either. at that time, i realized that to enjoy another year of life means enjoying my life, for me. so! i set out to to carry this new mantra on daily instead of once a year. aka #treyday was born - eventually evolving into #treycation after my first solo trip

now to the present - here i am, freshly docked in +Nassau, ready to kick-off T23, party of one. am i nervous? not as much as my LA trip, but nervous nonetheless. standing at the edge of the pier, taking everything in, tears began to flow. that's right - tears. living in that moment of self-accomplishment/realization/mild dehydration [this is when i realized i lost my water bottle] completely overwhelmed me - and i was not prepared. it hit me hard and fast, but i could feel a weight off of my shoulders and an amazing sense of relief; a lot of self-doubt has built up over the years that could no longer be contained. i will always remember this moment - especially my hair

real-talk aside, it is time to explore this amazing city! check-out my tips for getting on/off the cruise ship below 

T-Tips:

• Driver's License and ROOM KEY
• security will not let you off of the ship without swiping your room key, however, your driver's license will be what gets you through customs
• you could bring your passport instead, but it is not necessary. you run the risk of losing it or water damage if you plan on when you go to the beach. 
• if you have a passport ID/card [like i did], that will work best
• eat breakfast and dinner on the ship. yes there are plenty of places to eat on the island (including McDonald's), but food is included in you cruise. why not eat for "free?"
• Carnival Ecstasy has a 24hr buffet, so load up a bag with fruits and other snacks for your day trip
• BRING A WATER BOTTLE - i almost died without mine
• cash. though major credit cards are accepted on the island, there's no guarantee that everyone uses them. many vendors are cash only, and accept US currency [i am not sure about other currencies, but there are exchange areas]
• how much? that is entirely up to you. i brought around $150 because i knew my excursion [post coming soon] souvenirs would cost near to that amount, but i was extremely nervous carrying around that amount with me. mainly because i am not a cash person, was alone
• $50-$100 should be pretty solid, unless you plan on doing heavy shopping
• sun glasses/hat/visor/breathable clothing - the weather that day was not entirely humid, but the sun is direct.
• sunscreen/block as well, though i didn't have any
• hand and beach towel - Carnival includes beach towels with every cabin, so feel free to bring them along
• sling bag for all above items
• i used a runner's arm band/phone case for my passport ID and room key, along with my phone. this way, my most important items are always on me
• keep your phone in airplane mode - APM
• unless you your cellular plan is not brutal for international calls/data/text, you will want to keep you phone in APM to avoid any surcharges
• with my carrier, incoming texts/calls are charged at a higher rate - so even if you have told your mainland peeps to avoid contact, it is better to be on the safe side
• also [if you have the capability] turn off mobile data before going into airplane mode. this ensures that if you accidentally turn off APM, your data will still be nixed [data charges are at their highest when going internationally]
• if you absolutely need to tap into the interwebs or need to make a phone call, the cruise ship does offer cellular/data plans utilizing their personal towers, but this usually costs more than what your carrier would charge
• leaving you phone on the ship would be best, but this only works if you don't plan on taking any photos or if you have a separate digital camera

Booze Cruise!! [not really]

guess who's going on a cruise!!! i'm extremely excited to be sailing on the high seas for the first time evaaaaa. i never realized just how complicated i can make things  it can be getting onto a cruise ship! good thing is, +Carnival  is excellent with logistics, especially with their shuttle service readly available to transport you from the airport to you docking area. without this (and some other tips below), i would have surely arrived to my ship late and/or gotten lost on the way. destination?  let's just say....this B island ain't fo yo mamas! 

T-Tips:

• set-up your account and complete initial check-in on Carnival's website at least 2 weeks before your departure. 
• You automatically do this when booking directly with +Carnival, but i used +Expedia for a better deal on excursions
• make sure when booking to pre-pay for gratuity if you can 
• at the end of the cruise, you will be asked to pay an additional gratuity/tip for the maid services, staff, etc. that amount can vary a lot BUT pre-paying gets you out of that [i decided on $30 for 3 nights]
• if you are sailing solo [like i did] be sure to have your bed converted to a king size, unless you like switching beds [no judgement]. to do this: you can either call or check the box online 
• print everything! boarding pass, luggage "tags" [actually just slips of paper] and anything else you may need a ticket/pass to get into, since there's no guarantee of cellular reception, internet access and/or printer access
• the luggage tags are crucial to getting your luggage on board safely and to your cabin. 
• if you are flying in, check-in at the airport ground-transportation area. this ten minute stop will save you an hour or more instead of checking in at port.
• this is also where you take the reserved shuttle to port. +Carnival recommends reserving a spot on the shuttle at least 3 days in advance in case shuttle fills up, but i waited until i got there haha. [$16 one-way and i believe $30 for round-trip]
• this is also where you take your first photo [not the glamour shots above] for identification purposes by all of the cruise staff, so freshen up in the restrooms! 
• when you arrive at port, your luggage will be loaded onto the ship separately [just like airport baggage check] so take a photo of your luggage tags, and make sure they are secured! 
• if you completed your initial check-in online: you get to zip on through the express security lane! 
• there is a priority express as well for those who purchased preferred tickets, but they both lines went by pretty fast. 
• this is also where you will receive your room key. room key = your life. 
• after passing through security, check for any missing loose items on the belt. i sadly did not do this, and was without my trusty water bottle for my entire trip.
• if you are still in bedroom-chic/airplane attire, you might want to change in the restroom before moving forward. pre-cruise photos [above] will be taken here
• if you did not complete the initial check-in, you will go through the general boarding area. 
• this section was beyond crowded. think of TSA delays at an airport, times 10
• after security comes check-in. again, this area was extremely crowded, more so than the security check point. there were 32 lanes but the projected wait time from entry was still an hour. 
• once you are on the ship, ask someone where to find your room and relax! any of your over-sized luggage that was checked-in will be sitting outside of your room roughly an hour before departure.

• do not lose your room key!! not only is it expensive to replace, but it is also the one thing that will get you on/off the ship and proves your identity. Carnival security does a good job of reminding everyone of this, but be responsible
• your key is also how you access and pay for anything extra on the ship [souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, etc.]
• T A K E    A    N A P!

Alll Aboard!!!

South Beach Harbor

i'm officially on board this magnificent cruise ship, though my photos of the ship upon boarding were not as magnificent. just thought i'd share a quick view of South Beach - full details of the cruise thus far are in my previous post, so check it out!

also, this towel animal literally gave me a delayed min-heart attack! i walked into my cabin, turned on the bathroom light whilst searching for the main light through the darkness [window curtains were installed with no window, harty har har]. when i found the switch, i noticed the animal, but my body took a second to fully register this thing [with eyes] and i definitely did a shriek-back-pedal-cat-swat combo. 

i get that it looks cute in the photo, but the thing was made using beach towels aka semi-life-size animal on my bead. as a person who does not scare very easily, this was highly upsetting. 

2 | | 3

guess what day it is......my birthday!

excited to say i have crossed into the realm of almost old-personess with a giant smile. not because this is my special day (although that is part of it) but because my passport arrived in time for my bday trip! a very special gift to ipse, from ipse!

where to? let's just say this B island ain't fo yo mamas.........keep an eye out tomorrow :)

JOY Macarons - YUM!

chocolate chip | rose & lychee | raspberry | vanilla bean | pistachio | honey & lavender

it may just be me, but i have found that Dallas is seriously lacking in the macaroon department. yes, there are a few grocery stores and donut shops that offer them, but few actually specialize in this delectable treat. enter Liz, creator and founder of +JOY Macarons. she recognized this as an opportunity to officially "import" the pastry into Dallas - and she has done a +Beyoncé level job!  

located a few minutes south of downtown near Kessler Park, this petit shop has wide array of flavors and colors sure to tickle everyone's fancy. not to mention the are mobile! typically announced on their social media pages [i prefer their instagram] you can find them at the farmer's market, opening events, and more! 

if you are ever in Dallas/live in the DFW area (or Texas in general) you should  need to stop by! definitely my one source of these treats :)

839 West Davis Street, Dallas, TX

 Store Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-5

 214.434.1922

info@joymacarons.com

T-Tips:

• order 6, any flavor, daily :)

Man-bun Monday | Attempt I

cheers to this bunning trend, and cheer to me actually having enough hair to do so! ok, this is more of a ponytail ponytuft, but not bad on the first try. i don't think i will be rocking this hair style outside the confines of my room anytime soon BUT you never know. i can definitely see this as a go-to workout style

T-Tips:

• carefully smooth everything back
• if you're feeling fancy, use an oil
• don't pull back too hard - the goal is to keep the hair that is on your head
• with your trusty ribbon-hair tie, wrap around once, then twice and bun!

The Getty Villa - LA

The Getty Villa - Pacific Palisades

i can't believe my trip is almost over! three days is definitely not enough time, but i am actually surprised by how much i was able to do. possibly something to do with my body not adjusting to the time difference for sure. although.....with the two hour difference, i was early to everything instead of late....perhaps my body is naturally on Cali time.....#noted.

post brunch, i decided to travel to the outer rim of the LA area to the amazing +Getty Museum Villa! since it was technically winter, the pond was turned off, and some flowers had yet to bloom, however the artwork and sculptures were superb. not to mention the view! of course you can take a peek on their website for the Roman-Greco wonders they have to offer, but i was able to snap a few of my fav shots

if you have never been here, like myself, you'll first notice a few flower beds and a wisteria laced stairwell leading up to the above view in the photo. absolutely b r e a t h t a k i n g 

 - like taking a huge step back in time [first thought was of Pompeii with the mountain in the background, oops]

again, given the time of year [and drought] the pond was not filled with water, but the blue coating gives a glimpse of what to expect. luscious green shrubs and trees strike a brilliant contrast against the halls and garden sculptures. 

though not mandated, everyone remained pretty quiet while walking through the museum, minus those on the guided tours. i opted out because i get bored with slow moving groups would rather walk on my own, but i have read that they are very informative.

overall, i'd say this is much better than most museums. a good mix of your typical indoor exhibits with a picturesque outdoor area sure to amp up your selfie game make you appreciate the wonders of nature

T-Tips

• reserve your ticket online - there is no entry fee for the villa, however, you will need a time-slotted ticket to enter. they do have a limit
• tickets must be printed out
• depending on your feet sensitivity, you may want to wear comfortable shoes. the villa is expansive, and lots of walking/stair stepping is involved, but still accessible for handicap individuals [elevators, ramps, wide hallways, etc]
• kleenex - remember, this is mostly a garden, so if you visit during the flowering season, be prepared for pollen attacks if you have seasonal allergies
• take an +Uber/+Lyft if you are nearby. you'll save time/money looking for a parking spot. even if you live close enough to walk, you still need a vehicle since walking entry is not allowed
• keep your camera/phone charged! you will take plenty of photos, #trustme

Sunday Brunch - VanderPUMP WeHo

ahhhh, the refreshing taste of virgin mimosa in the morning is absolutely delectable, in addition to my personal bottle of +VOSS Water. following suit of +Bravo style eating venues, i decided on Vander PUMP in West Hollywood (WeHo) for brunch! i did make my reservation a good month in advance, and even then the time slots were limited. if you have ever watched +Vanderpump Rules, you may be shocked to learn this place is not as spacious as it appears on camera, and the outside looks slightly like a warehouse. do i have evidentiary support for this? no - i refuusssed to be that person in a celeb locale eating area, but trust that i'm keeping it wun-hunned   

beyond that, the place is quite gorgeous. ancient fig trees, attractive staff, all of these menus - the places definitely grows on you [and i have learned to accept the narrow table space aka you got neighbors]. i dined on the very scrumptious Seared Salmon Scramble from their Sunday brunch menu, and i was not disappointed. no celebs, but i made some cool friends again! Lisa, you have proven to me that your restaurants are open and highly social.

T-Tips

• +Uber/+Lyft /Walk if you can because, as with most of WeHo, there is no open parking beyond valet. 
• make a reservation ahead of time - i used +Open Table Inc. via +Google Maps , and i am very glad that i did. nothing is worse than arriving at brunch time and waiting in line until dinner time
• order something with salmon