The Snack Whisperer

I did laundry; I thought I'd throw that out there because I know you were all very concerned for me. I left the niece home alone (insert Macaulay Culkin-esque scream) and when I returned she was clean, prettified and had invented a new snack. Honey on pretzels, except I don't have honey so it was Agave Nectar on pretzels. Yum. It being the day before payday, I had to find something fun but free. I turned to Twitter where Annika had some fine suggestions. We decided to walk Hollywood Blvd to see the stars--on the sidewalk, that is. We strolled along until some police activity made us cross the road. We crossed back over at Highland to cruise past the souvenir shop and so Lisi could be inappropriate with Mickey Mouse.

You know what you don't notice after having lived here for a while? You don't notice how many stores on Hollywood Blvd sell stripper attire and hookah pipes. Nice. You also don't notice the little courtyards and other cool shops. Good thing I had the young one with me. We found a hat shop where the niece looked positively adorable in every hat she tried on. We found an alley with a movie poster shop and rare records shop, and this sweet old couple having a moment by a fountain.And we found a vintage clothing store (one of her requests this week) where Lisi bought this awesome leather jacket and the sweetest yellow dress with daisies. I told her I'd disown her if she didn't buy it, it looked that good on her. The prices were reasonable for most things, but the rock Ts were way overpriced.

Upon our return home, Lisi whipped up yet another snack sensation--homemade honey mustard for dipping pretzels (can you tell the pretzels were on sale?), which again was made with agave nectar. It was delicious and just the perfect snack for watching a movie. I have dubbed Lisi "The Snack Whisperer." Now, we're off to take a picture of Zakk Wylde's hand prints at the Rock Walk for her boy.

Meanwhile, back in Illinois, the younger niece (left) was doing this. I'm not sure, but I think I heard an evil giggle when I showed Lisi this photo. (Sent by my sister. Thanks , Katie)

[Update] So after wandering around Guitar Center, we headed up the street--to Hustler. What? You don't take visiting relatives to a porn shop? A boy, who probably thought I was Lisi's mom and wanted to shock me, decided to give me a lesson on Pyrex phalluses. They are dishwasher safe and can withstand pressure up to 2000 pounds. He said a bunch of other stuff but I was still back at 2000 pounds of pressure. "2000 pounds? Are they using a jackhammer?" I made the boy giggle. He suggested one with varying textures and "more bang for your buck." (so to speak) I thanked him for his time and walked away nonplussed. Then I came outside to find a parking ticket because West Hollywood sucks and makes you feed the meter until 10pm.