My Angeles City

Weekend Getaway to Napa Valley

admin — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:36:11 +0000

If you are a resident of California, or if you have ever been, you might be familiar with some of the California stereotypes that go around. Even the state’s visitors bureau has taken advantage of some of the things non-Californians tend to believe about the state’s residents in their advertising. Just like any other state, we do have to work, but unlike some we also take our playtime seriously.

Weekend getaways, adventures outdoors, and trying new things is just a part of living the exciting California lifestyle. I got a chance to embrace another part of California over the weekend, and to say I was thrilled is an understatement. I have lived in Los Angeles for quite a while, and I like to explore the city often just because there is always something new and fun to do and see. But when I get the chance to jet off to Northern California I just get giddy. Northern California is like another place entirely, and I have to admit I love it. I might love it even more than I love LA.

Anyways, back to my getaway. I set off to Napa Valley for a weekend full of wine, wine, oh and more wine. It was wonderful. Our B&B had the most amazing memory foam mattress on our bed. It was heavenly! Of course, the beauty surrounding the wineries was just as incredible as the wine I was tasting. If you live in California, or anywhere in the United States really, and have yet to visit Napa Valley, I highly recommend you do. Here are some highlights from my weekend getaway to Napa Valley (and the surrounding area).

Francis Ford Coppola Winery – My favorite wines happen to come from this winery. The Diamond Collection Black Label Claret is quite possibly the best red wine on the entire planet. The food was delicious too. A fun fact for you to know and share with others, Francis Ford Coppola is Nicholas Cage’s uncle. Now when you bring some Coppola wine to a party or serve it up at home you can be a real enthusiast.

Robert Mondavi Winery – Another one of my favorites. You simply cannot go wrong with a wine from Robert Mondavi. Here I took at tour of the winery and did some tasting, and it was amazing.

If you ever get the chance, Napa Valley is truly a must visit spot. You will be delighted by the enchanted wineries and impressive scenes all around you.

A Los Angeles Christmas

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:29:16 +0000

Christmas is this weekend, and let’s face it not everyone is in the mood or ready for it. It seems like this year the holiday just snuck up on everyone. We all need to get in the spirit though, and Los Angeles has plenty of fun that will be sure to get you in your best holiday mood. Take a look at some of the holiday fun you can have in Los Angeles!

Take a trip to Disneyland to enjoy the Christmas Fantasy. There are holiday decorations all over and there is even a snowfall nightly.
Universal Studios in Hollywood also has some fun for Grinches from nearby. Grinchmas at Universal Studios Hollywood lets the Whos have reign at the park and entertain the crowds.
If being forced to be merry be characters is not your thing, maybe you would prefer the boat parades that show off boats decked out in all sort of lights and decorations that glimmer off the waters of the coast.
Check out a show to get your holiday spirit on. The good thin about LA is the fact that there are so many theaters and companies that offer up special holiday productions around this time of year. Check out a ballet company’s “The Nutcraker” or go catch a performance of “A Christmas Carol.”
Los Posadas is a Mexican-American tradition in LA that many people will find moving and intriguing. Singers, musicians, and people from the community go looking for a home symbolic to the Bible story of Mary and Joseph, only to be turned away.
Don’t let the warm weather keep you from feeling that holiday cheer! Outdoor ice skating has recently become a reality in Los Angeles. So lace up those skate and hit the rink.
For culture lovers, the LA County Holiday show features local acts that represent the many varying cultures and backgrounds found in the area. It is a impressive show to see.

Chinatown LA

admin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:51:26 +0000

Living is Los Angeles can be fast paced and hectic most of the time. When my friends and I do get some down time, you are likely to find us at some of our favorite restaurants or just hanging around a certain part of town. One of our favorite areas in LA has got to be Chinatown. There is something there for everyone, and the dining makes the trip there worth it alone. If you have yet to experience LA’s Chinatown, you are missing out. This is the first modern Chinatown in the United States, and it was home to the first mall too.

The shopping is exquisite. Chinese themed products are not the only things that you can pick up in Chinatown. Unique home stores and centers give you all sorts of ideas for souvenirs and things to take home with you. Did I mention that the fortune cookie was invented here too? That’s right, you can get authentic Chinese food and delicious and fresh fortune cookies. If you love good food, shopping, attractions, and history put Chinatown on your list of places to check out when you are in the LA area. Watch the video below to learn more about the wonders of Chinatown.

South LA Bans Fast Food

admin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:03:02 +0000

Fast food restaurants are not welcome in South Los Angeles. Pre-made dishes and a limited menu will get your restaurant turned down for a business permit in the district, with the aim of cutting down on fried, processed foods. The hope is to raise the availability of fresh produce and foods. But is this a good thing, or too much government control? Some people who work in the area installing ADT enjoy a nice burger during the lunch hour, and despite the ban by the local government officials in South Los Angeles, there is probably a very good chance they can still locate a fast food restaurant somewhere nearby. Still, the decision has been controversial.

Small business owners say this makes it very difficult for them to make a living in southern LA; places like Tommy’s Burger Shack can’t compete with the influx of sit-down restaurants in the area since new fast food establishments cannot be built. Check out the video below for and explanation of what is going on in Los Angeles.

Taking Advantage of Your Beach Day

admin — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:48:44 +0000

When people find out that you live in California they probably assume that you see the beach all the time and they begin to rave about how jealous they are of your lifestyle and how lucky you are. But as hard as it may be to believe, not everyone in the Golden State can live the life of a stereotypical beach bum. We too must take advantage of those beautiful days on the beach, just like the throngs of tourists who swing by to soak up some Western rays. If you are heading over to a beach for a day trip, make sure you are prepared and that you know just the right spot to make the most of your free time.

If you are new to your area or just never venture out to one of the beaches nearby, I would recommend inquiring with friends or coworkers about which spots are the best in terms of crowding and uniqueness. There are plenty of amazing little niches along the coast that have not been tapped by the tourist industry but are still accessible to the public. These are often my favorite places to go to because they are calm and peaceful, allowing me to appreciate the area instead of fight for a spot in the sand. Also ask around about local restaurants and ocean side bars that others have discovered along the beach. These small locations can be hit or miss so it’s best to scout them out first to learn which ones are worth the extra drive.

Try to be at the beach either when the sun is rising or when it is setting. Not only will there be fewer people there in the early morning, but the scenery is breathtaking and it is something that only a true California resident can appreciate. If you are interested in surfing, there are some great waves in the early evening that can give you a real rush. Instead of staying home and watching your Dish Network packages and wandering how the beach would be, go out and make it a reality!

Once you do decide which spot you’re are going to and you make the journey to your destination, the most important thing for you to do is wear sunscreen. A wonderful day at the beach can be ruined by a painful sunburn the next day and you won’t want to go back. Take all of the proper gear so you can protect yourself and make the most out of the experience: sunscreen, oversized beach towels, a book or magazine, a pillow and your favorite sunglasses. Show those tourists that you know exactly how to rock a day at the beach.

Moving to Los Angeles

admin — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 17:50:12 +0000

I have lived in the fabulous city of Los Angeles for the last ten years, and I must say I love everything about it. There is always something going on and something to do in the city. Last time my good friend was in town she decided that it was time for her to get a place and move to LA too. She packed all of her stuff, had the moving company LA help move her in, and that night we got right down to the specifics of LA. Anytime you move some place new or travel to a new destination, then you surely need someone to show you the ropes. Here’s my insiders guide to Los Angeles. Whether you are moving to stay or just stopping by, these are good things to know.

Dining and Food

Dining out in Los Angeles can sometimes seem overwhelming. If you are looking for dinner with friends then the best place to go is Cafe La Boheme in West Hollywood. This place has been around for over twenty years, and the food is incredible. On top of that, the service is always exceptional.
For happy hour and drinks after work, Cafe Sevilla in Long Beach is the best spot. The ambiance is contemporary with Spanish influences and the tapas bar is ideal for a group of people wanting to just relax. I recommend the anchovy stuffed olives, and the happy hour drink menu is full of great drinks. (Hot Sauce Planet).

Activities and Fun

If you are new to the LA area, then I certainly recommend visiting the local museums and shows. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is amazing, and there are new exhibits often.
After you have been in the area for a while, you will find that there are so many parks and things for you to do outdoors. There are numerous lakes and waters, parks for hiking and camping, and even equine trails.

There is something for everyone in Los Angeles!

Welcome To Los Angeles

admin — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:46:44 +0000

As you know, I love my city. Los Angeles is a fantastic place to live, work, and play. There are so many types of people and place here that the energy and excitement is completely undeniable. People who visit typically find that they would rather stick around, and those who have to move away will surely be homesick. That is just how it is though. I actually live in Downtown LA, or DTLA, and for some reason that is surprising to many people. When you see some of the facts though you might be a bit surprised to find out that DTLA residents are all a lot like I am.

A demographic study was recently composed by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District, and it was one of the most all-encompassing studies done for the demographics of Downtown. Even I was a bit startled (good startled) about some of the statistics that were discovered. For instance 43% of people living in DTLA are pet owners. Also, despite having all kinds of things to do right at the tips of the fingers, most DTLA-ers are pretty chill when it comes to going out and doing things like sporting events and seeing museums. Have a look for yourself to find out som more about the residents of Downtown LA, and you can find out more about the demographic survey at this site.

Beach Bums and Incense

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:57:41 +0000

Oh man do I love living it up at the beach! I have yet to find anything as relaxing and exciting as hanging out at the beach in our new beach house. In fact, I made it official just the other day that I am now a beach bum. I guess my friends have also known, since years ago they dubbed me with the title of ‘sand hippie,’ but I suppose that I am just now accepting the fact. If you are in need of some relaxation, I certainly suggest that you take a trip to the beach and become a beach bum, like me. Why is the beach so wonderful, you may ask. It allows me to let go of frustrations and cares, and when I return home I work better.

Relaxing can be difficult for a lot of people to do. Think about this though, do you ever come across uptight and frustrated people when you are on the beach? I didn’t think so. People who are at the beach, or live at the beach have sort a laid back outlook on life. It is almost as though these people have nary a single care in the world. I want that for real. Beach bums have really got the right idea. People who live at the beach still have to work full-time jobs, but they are at the beach, so that in itself is like a reward for working hard. A stress free life is a happier life indeed.

After a trip to the beach I come home recharged and ready to work. I get more done the week I return from the beach than I typically do in two weeks. I allow myself to get some creative energy flowing while I am at the beach. When I return, that creative just keeps on going. One of my favorite things to do after coming back from the ocean on a warm day to to burn some incense while I shower off the sand. For some reason that is when I can get the most creative ideas and thoughts.

If you are feeling tense, stressed, angry, uptight, or anything opposite of happy and positive, I definitely recommend a beach trip. If you find that you simply cannot get away, then grab some bulk herbal incense to mellow you out. Seriously, it’s time to start living life like a beach bum, you will be a lot better off mentally.

Vacation Musts

admin — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 22:25:19 +0000

I cannot think of anything that is more wonderful than vacationing. Taking off a week or more from working and going to a destination that you love or have never been to is thrilling. My husband and I wait all year for our weekly vacation, and once we get to the little spot we like to think of as our home away from home, we simply feel the best. When we first started traveling together, we used to think that we had to do all sorts of things on our vacation, but the more we did it, the more we realized that there are just five key things that everyone absolutely must do on their vacations. Anything more than that could be overkill or taking time away from your relaxation. Here are the five things that my husband and I decided that we have to do on all of our vacations.

Stay up late and sleep in. When we were younger, we would stay up almost all night, and then pry ourselves out of bed at the butt crack of dawn to get to work, only needing a cup of coffee. Now, waking up seems harder to do, and with our demanding schedules we are typically up late and up early the next day. On your vacation, take some time to enjoy the company of those you are with well into the night or early morning hours, and do not make any plans for the next morning except to sleep through it.

Enjoy the local fare. When we do our vacation, it usually involves a beach. There is nothing tastier than fresh caught seafood. No matter where it is that you are vacationing, find out if there are local restaurants that serve up some local cuisine that you can enjoy. You will surely love learning about the local flavors, and probably meet some nice locals while doing that.

Take a trip to the spa. Our friends always laugh at us and say that we can visit the spa when we are home, but we found that there is no better way to start off a vacation than with a massage. We have had local themed massages, massages on the beach, and typical relaxing massages, and the thing is, they were even better because we were on vacation.

Enjoy some TV. Direct TV Los Angeles has some of the best packages around if you don’t have cable already. Spend some time catching up on your favorite tv shows or movies.

Whenever you go and wherever you go, make your vacation about you and those that you are sharing it with. be sure not to over schedule everyone including yourself, because everyone needs a little rest and relaxation. v

Solving Parking Nightmares At SoCal Beaches

admin — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:16:31 +0000

Hey there surf and sun seekers in Southern California. Let’s face it, heading for the beach is not what it used to be with traffic jams and scrambling to get the last parking space. If it’s not restrictive parking signs, its miles of parked cars so far from the sand that you’re exhausted by the time you reach the beach. To get the best chance of landing a parking space you can either leave at the crack of dawn or work smarter about where you leave your car.

Santa Monica
If you are tempted to use the metered parking along Santa Monica or Wilshire Boulevard, don’t. These meters are going to click off and set you up for a parking ticket before you have a chance to tan your backside. The parking garages on 2nd Street are great, but those of you who know the area realize they are tough to find a space in. The parking laws in Santa Monica are very strict and if you put your car on a street in a restricted zone, the city parking ticket penalty is sky-high. Try parking in the easy access Venice Beach area and taking a city bus to Santa Monica Pier. You can hop on the Metro Rapid Line 733 or take the Santa Monica 1 or 2 lines (the big blue bus) back and forth from the two beaches on a fifteen minute ride.

Bolsa Chica and Huntington Beaches
Now, for all you wise guys that want to beat the heat and escape down south to the Orange County beach scene, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the Seal Beach area has very limited parking, so be prepared to venture way out into the residential communities and make a long walk to the pier. A few miles down is the sparkling clean Bolsa Chica Beach, however, this secluded stretch of sand is quite short and the parking is extremely limited.

You may come across someone who has filled the meter with quarters, then wants to sell you the space at a double or nothing price. This is not only annoying that they are taking up precious parking spaces, but their activity to selll the space is illegal. If you take the bait and buy the spot, you may spend the day in jail. Please be advised that neither Bolsa Chica or Huntington Beach has much in the way of street parking, as they are located on busy highways and bordered with gated homes and a wild life bird sanctuary across the streets. For best results to beat the heat at the beach, check with the local Orange County transit authority for bus lines heading down PCH from the inland areas where you may park your cars.

Securing a safe and dependable parking space for some of the top beaches in Southern California can be like going on a treasure hunt. Maybe you will strike gold or maybe you are going back home for the day and watch your DVR Los Angeles. Just because the beaches are overcrowded does not mean that you can’t win at the parking game. Be creative and resourceful, and above all, don’t be too proud to take public transportation to the sand. All you have to do is study a Google map, plug in your beach destination and starting point and then get the bus route while leaving your car in a nearby residential area. Just remember where you stashed your car and that you are always carrying a round trip bus fare, and yes, you can make it to the beach on time.