Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjak: The mean reds? You mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you’re getting fat and maybe it’s been raining too long, you’re just sad that’s all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid and you don’t know what you’re afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?
— Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Feeling down lately? Sometimes living in L.A. you can feel a little lonely in a crowd. When that happens, I like to do the following:
Go on a hike: Not only will this get your endorphins up but you get to “escape city life” for a little bit and commune with nature. I like hiking around Temescal Canyon, Solstice Canyon Falls and Will Rogers Park. But remember: Don’t hike alone.
Go shopping: Fred Segal is having its annual sale (10/7-10/13) at both its Melrose store and Santa Monica store. Nothing cheers you up like treating yourself to nice clothes that look reallly good on you. And Fred Segal has a wealth of designer clothes, accessories and even furniture, all at 50% off during the sale–of course, though, at Fred’s, “sale” price can mean about $200.
_500 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8100
Cross Street: 5th Street
8100 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 655-3734
Cross Street: N. Crescent Heights Blvd.
Treat yourself to a day at the spa: Get a massage, soak in the jacuzzi, sit in the steam room…it makes you feel like you’re taking care of you. Trilogy Spa in Hermosa Beach sounds lovely with its Hawaiian theme.
From CitySearch:
This intimate South Bay spa maintains the laid-back feel of the Pacific Islands while tending to lavish extras. Treatment rooms contain floating hibiscus blossoms and flickering votives, and the “body bar” indulges guests with custom salt scrubs that can be taken into the grotto-like waterfall shower.
1301 Manhattan Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 318-3511
Cross Street: Pier Avenue
Surround yourself with friends: Nothing puts things in perspective better than surrounding yourself with loved ones. Things aren’t so bad after all when you have friends like yours. I like grabbing drinks at the campy Bigfoot Lodge where you get strong drinks, an eclectic crowd and even more eclectic music. Last time I went, my friends serenaded me with “Sweet Caroline.” I never felt more loved. “So good! So good! So good!”
3172 Los Feliz Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(323) 662-9227
Change your look: So I’m thinking of dying my hair purple…or maybe I’ll just get a haircut. Say good-bye to the mean reds by saying so-long to the old you. Walk out of the salon with a new look and a skip in your step because you look too good to be sad.
Do something good for others: Stop focusing on your own problems and think of someone else for a change. Volunteer in a soup kitchen or help out at a kennel by walking dogs. You’ll feel good that you did. Volunteermatch.org makes it easy to find just the activity that would interest you. You can landscape a community garden, teach kids photography or even work backstage at a theater.
If all else fails, bail: Escape L.A. and drive up to San Francisco for some NorCal fun, over to Las Vegas for some sinful fun or San Diego just ’cause. Sometimes you just need to leave your troubles behind and get a fresh perspective.