McCoy’s MeCations: The Orlando Hotel & West 3rd Street in Los Angeles

It was time. Time for what? A MeCation, naturally. My spring has been the busiest yet, and I was in need of a little R&R.

My week is usually filled to the brim with activities and events, all in the name of work. But this McCoy’s MeCation with The Orlando Hotel on West 3rd Street in Los Angeles, was a little different. This was the FIRST time that a number of my girlfriends actually wrote me to say they were jealous. While I don’t like anyone feeling jealous of anything I’m doing, in this case, I could certainly understand. I felt utterly treated and pampered to the best of what LA has to offer, and all right down the street from me, on my favorite street!

We started out by checking into our rooms at The Orlando Hotel on West 3rd Street.

Welcome to The Orlando!

Welcome to The Orlando!

When I found out I would be staying in their Entertainers Suite – complete with an extra room for entertaining, and a large balcony, overlooking West 3rd Street, I knew I had found my home for the next two days.

 

The balcony of The Entertainer suite at The Orlando

The balcony of The Entertainer suite at The Orlando

I was in heaven.

Heaven, overlooking West 3rd Street

Heaven, overlooking West 3rd Street. (Editor’s note: While this looks relaxing, every single girl on that balcony was SO nervous I would fall)

But, as gorgeous as the room was, I couldn’t rest on my laurels, or on the luxurious linens, in this case.

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No, we had a jam-packed agenda ahead of us, and we had places to go and people to see!

Bloggers on the loose!

Bloggers on the loose!

First up on our day of pampering?

Bedhead Pajamas, where they had champ and super comfy pjs, waiting for us.

Always the hostess with the mostest…yep, even when it's not my party. It's what I do.

Always the hostess with the mostest…yep, even when it’s not my party. It’s what I do.

We all loved the pajama party-meets-British-boho bedroom vibe of the store, so of course, we snapped a pic or two.

On the bed at, um, Bedhead

No, we don’t normally snuggle on the bed at events. On the bed at, um, Bedhead.

We shared one more toast outside in the beautiful Bedhead courtyard, but there was no time to waste.

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Next, we were off to Murad to have relaxing hand massages, and face mapping to tell us how our skin was looking!

Relaxxxxxed at Murad

I was thrilled that my skin only read a low “13” on the damage scale, so with proper skincare, my skin is aging right on time.

Fear not. It's just my face being mapped for sun damage, and (gasp!), signs of aging. Not too shabby.

Fear not. It’s just my face being mapped for sun damage, and (gasp!), signs of aging. Not too shabby.

We then headed right next door to get gorgeous blowouts at one of my favorite salons, Spoke And Weal.

Hair done? Check.

Hair done? Check.

Then, we headed back to The Orlando for dinner at The Churchill.

The food and handcrafted cocktails were delicious! And we actually got to taste EVERYTHING on this menu, as it was served family style.

Delicious possibilities at The Churchill

Delicious possibilities at The Churchill

 

But, my favorite part  was when I asked everyone to go around the table, and say what they admire about each of our dinner dates. I love doing this with my girlfriends – new and old – as everyone leaves the table, feeling uplifted. I wish all women would do this!

Happy & hungry girls.

Happy & hungry girls.

 

After dinner, we headed upstairs and changed into our Bedhead pjs, where Rachael and I were so excited about my bathtub, that we hopped right in! You know. Totally normal.

Can't have a proper me cation without bathtime!

And then, inspired by our pretty pjs, we opted for a pillow fight photo session.

Pillow fight!

Pillow fight!

As a bedtime treat, the sweet folks at Sweet E’s had left us some sweet nothings on our bedside tables. Sweet dreams, indeed.

Look at the custom BeautyFrosting cupcake and Orlando cookie! Swoon.

Look at the custom BeautyFrosting cupcake and Orlando cookie! Swoon.

Next? SLEEP. Contrary to what I’ve always thought, pampering can be exhausting.

The next morning, I kicked off the day with a little me-time meditation on my balcony.

Head in the clouds, heart in the right place

Head in the clouds, heart in the right place

Then, it was Clover Juice morning happy hour with my fellow editors and bloggers.

These robes were just as comfy as they look.

These robes were just as comfy as they look.

Followed by pool time, naturally.

Sunday Funday

Sunday Funday: Sun bathing at its best in the middle of the city

It was one of my all-time favorite weekends. But it’s not just for me! If you’re feeling a little rundown – or just in need of a break – head to West 3rd Street, and stay at The Orlando for your own little mecation. All of this pampering is merely steps away. And trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

 

xoxo,
Dawn

Editor’s Note: As per all my McCoy’s MeCations, this post was sponsored by the participating host hotel – in this case, The Orlando Hotel (8384 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles CA 90048). All accommodations, services, fare and beverages were provided by the host hotel, and their associates.

Tress Tuesday: Honey, I’m Home – Welcome DryBar on West 3rd Street!

In December, Drybar moved near my ‘hood on West 3rd Street – which is basically like that guy you’ve always had a crush on moving right down the street from you and making your dreams come true…all while giving you a beautiful blowout and serving you mimosas.

Drybar in my hood? Honey, I'm home!!

 

Yep, I’ve had my share of other blowouts in the area over the years but none really compare to the original Drybar. They’re consistent, they’re stylish, they’re friendly, they’re effective and I always leave all relaxed, coiffed and comely in less than an hour for only $40.

Lovin' my Drybar hair…and my margarita at the airport… (my Mai Tai 'do styled by Jud Ashouri at Drybar on West 3rd Street in Los Angeles)

Another bonus? They don’t charge extra for hot tool use (curling irons, rollers, flatirons, etc.) so you don’t feel like you’re getting overcharged.

Plus, how can you not feel heavenly and happy with all that cheerful yellow? Add in the fact that the new location is next to both a Benefit boutique and Magnolia Bakery and you can color me one happy girl.

All that yellow AND Magnolia Bakery and Benefit Cosmetics as neighbors? Color me one happy girl!

Of course, I’ve already been to this location quite a few times and found my favorite stylist…Jud Ashouri.

With my Jud at the new Drybar on West 3rd Street

Jud not only gives a great blowout and style but she’s cool, stylish, honest, witty, and wise way beyond her years. Like I want to be friends with her because I feel like I could learn a lot from this girl. And the scalp massage I got from Jud? Killer. Like dreamy.

My faaaaaaaaaaaaaavorite part - the $10 scalp massage...

And her blowouts? They last me around 3 days so I feel like I’m getting more bang for my beauty buck.

My fave ‘do that we do is the Mai Tai – messy beach hair – which is perfect when I have an event, party or show to attend. The waves last and make me feel darned downright sexy. Something I can never accomplish at home when it comes to my coif.

And right now, they’re extending a verrrry special “Friends with Benefits” deal to my BeautyFrosting readers and social media followers! Now, get your heads out of the gutter, it’s not that kind of “friends with benefits.” After all, we all know that nevvvvver works. Nope, when you call to make your appointment, just mention the code #FWBDawn to receive $5 off your blowout all day Monday-Thursday. To make an appointment, just visit www.TheDrybar.com or call (310) 442-6084.

A special for BeautyFrosting readers - Mention that you're a BF reader or Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest follower and get $5 off your blowout at this location all day Monday-Thursday.

 

It’s the one Friends with Benefits relationship that actually works because at the very least, you’ll get a beautiful blowout and at the best, you’ll be inundated with compliments and stares from strangers. I do believe that my crush has evolved into a full-on monogamous relationship.

 

xoxo,

BF
BF Asks: What’s your favorite style at the Drybar?