Les Lalannes

When I was in Santa Monica last month, I was intrigued by two dinosaur sculptures covered in ivy in the 3rd Avenue mall. What I didn't know is that I was looking at the work of two living legends in French sculpture, who I serendipitously happened across again on my visit to Serenbe where artist-in-residence Tom Swanston showed me a book on their works.

The Lalannes, Claude and Francois-Xavier, live on a 30-acre farm outside Paris and sculpt anthropomorphic animals out of bronze, primarily. I love anything animal, but these exquisitely detailed and beautiful pieces set off a totally different sort of creative gene in my brain. Take a look and get your creative juices flowing.

Ga Ga for LA LA

Coming back from the Left Coast can be exhausting - that time change doesn't seem like much, but it hits you like a ton of bricks on your first Monday back in the real world. I'm a little overdue here, but wanted to give a quick rundown of my Top Five Los Angeles must-dos:

1. Santa Monica - Take a run in Palisades Park overlooking the beach - it's doggy and people-watching heaven. Afterwards, grab a cup of coffee at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and if it's a Saturday, head on over to the farmer's market. Next time, I'm staying at the Fairmont.
2. Sushi at Sushi Katsu-ya - Yum. Spicy tuna on crispy rice, red wine. Yum.
3. Brentwood Country Mart - I'd live here if I could.
4. Drive by the Playboy Mansion - you can't see much but it's still pretty darn neat and you might see a bunny or two stumbling in...or out.
5. Rodeo Drive and beyond - any shopaholic has to at least take a gander. Have a glass of wine on Via Rodeo, watch the hordes of people and then head over to Neimans, Saks and Barney's for some real shopping.