Down Around L.A.

San Diego, California

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:46:00 +0000

I've been neglect. The truth is, I thought I accidentally deleted this blog. I'm glad that I didn't. Let me share a little bit about San Diego with you. I went to San Diego over a week ago for a little job training and was able to experience a little of the city. It is so close my trips to San Diego rarely wind up with overnight stays. This trip I stayed in Downtown San Diego and I would happily stay there again.

The trolley was right behind my hotel and for $5.00 you can have unlimited use of it for the day. I took it to Old Town and to Seaport Village. What a relaxing way to travel once you figure out how to use it and where it goes.

Approximately a two hour drive from Los Angeles, if you haven't made a trip to San Diego I highly recommend it. There are many places to go. I will even suggest that on your way home you plan to stop at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, about half an hour outside of San Diego as you head back to L.A. Check out of your room early, spend most of the day there and then continue your ride home.

Tournament of Roses Parade Preview

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 17:58:00 +0000

One of the biggest things people from all over the United States looks forward to is the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. Today and tomorrow you can actually go to Pasadena and Irwindale to preview the floats as they're being decorated. You can even volunteer to help decorate the floats. Click here for more information if you're interested.

I went for the first time and had fun taking photos and I'm looking forward to both the parade and going to view the floats after. In case you're interested and don't know, you can also view the floats after the parade. It's the Showcase of Floats and they are on view January 1st through the 3rd and if you haven't gone I'd recommend it. Leave early. There is nothing like seeing these up close and in person.

If you'd like to go see the link above for the locations. It is $7.00 and the ticket is good for entry to all float decorating locations. Parking is free and wear comfortable shoes.

The Flower Mart

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:39:00 +0000

If you like flowers or have been looking for flowers for someone and you've never been to the Flower Mart near downtown Los Angeles, you don't know what you're missing.

Open for both retail and wholesale business you can find the largest selection of flowers and plants you could ever hope for. It's located on Wall Street between 7th and 8th Street. There are a few individual shops on the street then one open marketplace with numerous vendors with varied flowers and plants for sale.
You can buy individual bunches of flowers to create your own arrangment or purchase one of many bouquets of flowers ready to put in a vase. On my trip I spent $18.00 and had enough flowers to fill two vases. They have everything you need to create the floral arrangement of your choice and at a lower price than buying them from a local flower shop.

The visual allure and the intoxicating aroma will hook you!

Ports O'Call Village

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:33:00 +0000

Ports O'Call Village is located in San Pedro, CA about 20 miles from Los Angeles depending on what part of L.A. you leave from. When I was younger is was a place we used to visit frequently. It's changed a little, or maybe I'm just seeing it through older eyes. It's definitely aged but still has plenty of places to eat (fast food or restaurants), places to shop, places to sit or stand and watch the boats or people watch. Always a nice place for a date giving you the chance to walk and sit and talk as well as take in the ocean air.

Ports O'Call is just a hop skip and a jump from Cabrillo Beach and The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, both of which I've also posted about in this blog. If planning for a long day you could easily hang out at Cabrillo beach then cross the parking lot (more or less), to hit the Aquarium and then hit Ports O'Call for something to eat. Maybe you'd even like to take a boat ride around the harbor or do a little shopping.

It's straight out the 110 (Harbor) Freeway near the end of the freeway. Parking is free. If you make a day out of it, parking at Cabrillo beach rarely cost me more than $3.00 for a few hours and it covers both the beach and the aquarium and donations for the aquarium is $5.00. It cost more to go to the movies for just an hour and a half entertainment. Get out, get some air, hit the beach.

Auto Show - Los Angeles Convention Center

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:03:00 +0000

I can't think of the last time I've been to the Convention Center. My mouth dropped open when I drove by yesterday. They've really expanded and that place is HUGE! In fact, that entire center is going through major changes. It is now right next to the Staples Center, the Nokia Theatre and... well, I have to go back one day just to see all that's going on in that one area.

I went to the Auto Show that is being held there. It started yesterday and will be there through November 30, 2008. The L.A. Convention center is home to many large events and functions such as auto shows, career fairs, home expos, etc. It would be a good idea to check their schedule regularly just to see what's coming up in the future. You never know what you might stumble upon.

I took so many pictures I put some of them in a video for you to view. If you'd like to visit the auto show make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes. I was there three hours and that was without stopping to partake in some of the wonderful food I saw and smelled. Make a day of it. Adults - $10, children under 12 - free. Parking in the convention center lot $12.00 but you may find cheaper parking in the lots around the area.

Autry National Center of the American West

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:40:00 +0000

The Autrey National Center is located directly across the street from the Los Angeles Zoo. It's actually a very nice little center with the Museum of the American West, the Wells Fargo theater, museum gift shop and a cafe. It cost $9 for an adult with free parking.

On display at the museum is art, artifacts, old clothing, and lots of clothes, guns and other items used in famous television shows and movies. On display and not pictured here are the costumes from shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger, and ornate costumes of country western stars and singers.

On the weekend you can even experience panning for gold it the quaint little courtyard made to look like a small mining area complete with waterfall. If you're wondering what to do for the day and don't want to spend a huge chunk of money, this might definitely be worth a trip for you.

Los Angeles County Fair 2008

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:00:00 +0000

The Los Angeles County Fair opened this past Friday, September 5, 2008 and will be open until September 28, 2008. Opening day, admission was only $1.00 so I took advantage of it but believe me, what I save in admission I lost in time just sitting in my car waiting to get to the parking lot. I live down the street from the fairgrounds, not even a mile. It opened at 11:00. I left at 11:10 and it was 12:10 when I pulled up to the gate to pay for parking. Parking - General $10.00 (I think it was $10.00), Preferred $15.00 and V.I.P. $20.00).

Visiting the county fair is what you make of it. There is definitely something there for everyone and how long you stay depends on what you want from it. Usually, because I live so close, I just visit one section where all the vendors and crafters are, so I go shopping and browsing. There are about 4-5 buildings with vendors from front to back and vendors between each building.

This year my visit lasted six hours and all I did was wander around through the 4 buildings/barns of animals snapping pics to my heart's content. Sheep, cows, horses, turkeys, goats, pigs. The little ones can ride a pony or walk around in a pen and pet the little goats and sheep. There are contests, demonstrations and I even had the opportunity to watch a horseback riding game.

After leaving this area my only other interest this trip was the Home & Garden section where in one building were plants, Hawaiian flowers, floral displays and displays of ideal patio settings. Wandering through the green and shady hills are more varieties of plants and flowers and garden/patio displays to dream about or purchase.

Please click here for all information regarding the fair for complete information on all of the things I left out like the horse racing, carnival rides, game booths, food and entertainment including nightly concerts.

L.A. County Fair
Fairplex in Pomona
September 5-28, 2008

Descanso Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:47:00 +0000

If you're looking for someplace to go, would like to take a walk among beautiful flowers and trees, consider the Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge, just north of Pasadena. Of all of the botanical gardens I've been visiting, to date the Descanso Gardens is my favorite. 160 acres of nature and beautiful landscaping with plenty of ponds, waterfalls big and small, ponds, flowers, trees and more Koi than I've ever seen.

Imagine walking through a forest of trees shading you against the sun. In the midst of this forest you might find a bench to sit and soak in the sound of birds or a waterfall or small pond. Or wander along the grass paths in the five acre International Rose Garden with over 3,000 rose bushes and other plants and flower complete with benches, fountains, a running stream near a bench while dragon flies glide around looking for a spot to land.

What I like about Descanso Gardens is that unlike some of the other botanical gardens you don't have to walk past massive lawns or down long paths before you get to the next garden area. At Descanso Gardens, except for the Camelia Forest, there is a continuous flow of flowers, plants, ponds and water to engage your eyes and interest. For those who have a little problem walking you won't feel the strain of your walk because there are plenty of places to stop to admire flowers or sit and admire a running stream or pond filled with Koi.

Parking is free and admission is $8.00. Not bad for a place that has entertained me for a minimum of three hours per visit.

Walking With Dinosaurs

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:14:00 +0000

Image from www.la.com

If you like dinosaurs and want to experience something that seems to take you into the Jurassic Park movie when it comes to life size, moving dinosaurs, look into buying tickets to Walking With Dinosaurs at the Staples Center September 25-28, 2008. Tickets range from $26.00 to $89.00 depending on day, time and seat section. I can't tell you about the show or whether or not it will be worth the price of the ticket but I'll be going. I think that if nothing else, it will be worth it to see these life size dinosaurs walking around and moving.

African Marketplace & Cultural Affair

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:02:00 +0000

The African Marketplace & Cultural Affair is a three week-end event that began the weekend of August 16th, is currently happening this weekend, and will end the weekend of August 30 and 31st plus September 1, 2008. I wish I could cut and paste the information regarding the wide variety of different music from Nigeria, Fiji, Senegal, Ethiopia and more that will take place on seven stages. There is plenty to see, plenty to shop for, beautiful hand-crafted and hand-carved items, and plenty to eat.

I only made a pit stop on my way somewhere else but I wish I could have stayed to hear the music. I did purchase a couple of things and my eyes feasted on all of the wonderful items for sale.

Looking for something to do? Check it out!!

Location: Rancho Cienega Park at Rodeo Dr. just west of La Brea in Los Angeles, California.

Hosted by: African Marketplace, Inc..

Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 03:46:00 +0000

I found out that there was an aquarium at the Santa Monica Pier. On my last visit to the pier I didn't even now it was there so I thought, great! I love aquariums so I make a special trip, some 60 miles or so, lug my camera along and finally make it in after waiting for it to open. I paid $10.00 to park and $5.00 to get in. There was one room with two large tanks and three flat ones where you could touch some star fish. I was SOOOO disappointed. I wasn't in there five minutes so I don't even have any pictures to post with this.

Now, I understand that this is an organization dedicated to helping keep our oceans and shores clean and that maybe my $5.00 went towards a very good cause. Heck, I would have given them $10.00 if they'd said it a donation toward keeping our oceans clean. But I don't know what that $5.00 was for, at least not when they took it. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium only suggests a $3.00 donation.

Don't get me wrong. I understand that it's non-profit and I'm not telling you not to go. What I'm saying is, don't go unless you're also going to enjoy the pier and you've already spent enough money that another $5.00 is no sweat off your nose. The kids might get a kick out of it and I understand they have events or things that they do for the kids. What I'm saying is don't drive 60 miles to visit, waste all that gas plus $10.00 for parking. You won't be happy.

At one point I nicely asked one of the people if that room was all there was. I wasn't mad and I'm still not mad now, just disappointed. My point in asking was that I just didn't want to miss another room because I didn't see it. I was told that was all there was and though it wasn't the Long Beach aquarium it was local and featured only fish off the local coast. My thought was, "It wasn't local for me."

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:37:00 +0000

I headed out thinking I was going to the same little museum at Cabrillo Beach that I went to as a kid on a field trip. Wrong! The building is still there but it's an office. What is now there in another building is the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and I actually enjoyed it and would recommend it not just for something to do but for the kids.

The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is hardly as big or as pretty as the Long Beach Aquarium but to me it was a more personal experience and not as crowded. You could literally put your nose to the glass and enjoy the different fish and sea life as if they were in a huge aquarium in your house. The plus to visiting this museum is the beach is right there to enjoy so you can really just make a day of it. Another plus is it is there is only a $5.00 donation and parking for the few hours I was there was only about $3.00. For me, someone who enjoys taking pictures, I didn't have to fight or wait to see anything then I got to go outside and take pictures of the beach and birds.

There may not be as many fish as the Long Beach Aquarium but they definitely have a few things the Long Beach Aquarium doesn't have like these beautifully colored sea slugs. Again, the kids there were having a ball and I've never seen so many star fish in my life of all varied colors and sizes.

At scheduled times they open up a section of the aquarium where you and/or the kids can pet the many star fish and anemone. From what I saw, the kids love it. There is also an exploration center.

INLAND EMPIRE JAZZ FESTIVAL

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:27:00 +0000

The Inland Empire Jazz Festival is coming up August 22-24, 2008. This is the 2nd Annual festival. I missed the first one last year and am hoping the entertainers this year will be just as noteworthy. From looking at the website it appears some of them are still up in the air but if you're looking for a jazz concert in the park you might want to check this one out. Its at Guasti park in Ontario, about 40 miles east of downtown Los Angeles off the 10 fwy on Archibald, two exits before Ontario Mills.

JAZZ FEST WEST 2008

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:50:00 +0000

The Jazz Fest West, formerly the Old Pasadena Jazz Fest, was hosted by Omega Events, and held this past weekend July 19-20, 2008. If you're familiar with the Old Pasadena Jazz Fest, last year it was moved to Bonelli Park in San Dimas right next to Raging Waters. I didn't attend last year but I did this year and Wow! Judging by the turn-out I can see why they moved it. I'm sure it outgrew the small park in Pasadena.

The section of Bonelli Park where it was held was huge and there were people everywhere and still it wasn't even one tenth of Bonelli Park. From this area you couldn't even see the massive lake which is sectioned off into three sections - beach, boating and fishing.

I didn't attend both days and decided to go at the last minute. I even missed the first few performances but there were plenty the rest of the day to happily entertain me and a large number of vendors for shopping and to supply anyone with hats, umbrellas, concert t-shirts and plenty to eat and drink.

The performers this year included:

The Sax Pack
Gail Johnson
Patti Austin
Fourplay
Lao Tizer Band w/Chieli
Minucci & Karen Briggs
Norman Brown with Chante Moore
Paul Taylor & Alex Bugnon
Pete Escovedo Orchestra
w/Sheila E

Marcus Johnson
Brian Simpson,
Jonathan Butler,
George Duke
Lima
Wayman Tisdale
The O'Jays

I had the extreme pleasure of watching and listening to Fourplay.

I had to post the picture below so you could see what I had to work with camera wise. The "priority" section was gated off so there was only so close I could get. This was taken from where I was sitting on the cement edge of the play area in the park. The yellow high-lighted square in the picture is the stage. Believe it or not, the picture above was taken with my zoom through the poles of the tent in the picture.

Next I thoroughly enjoyed getting front row seat at the Garden stage to listen to and watch the Lao Tizer Band and Chieli Minuccia and Karen Briggs:

Then it was back to the main stage for Norman Brown's Summer storm featuring Paul Taylor, Chante Moore and Alex Bugnon.

If you didn't get there this year, you missed out. But there is always next year and rumor has it Maze just might be there. If you go next year I'd highly recommend parking at Fairplex and taking the shuttle that made trips every 15 minutes throughout the day. It was practically car to entrance delivery whereas priority parking in the park still had you walking a ways to get into the fest.

UPCOMING CONCERT

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:30:00 +0000

If you like rock and alternative music concerts I just received some information on a concert coming up sponsored by myAWOL. You can check out the links to hear samples of the artists and their music. The concert information is below:

July 18, 2008
The Roxy Theatre
9009 West Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
All Ages cover is $13.50 / $16.50 under 21

The featured performers are:

HAZELDEN at 8:15

REPEATER at 9:00

AUGUST HOUSE at 9:45

and headliners:

INTERCEPTat 10:30

i94 at 11:30

Click here for more information

Long Beach Aquarium

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:55:00 +0000

I actually enjoyed the Long Beach Aquarium but wasn't that thrilled that of all the places I've ventured to this was probably the most expensive at about $21.00 for an adult to get in and I believe it was $7.00 for parking. Still, one must consider that these aren't just paintings on a wall or cars on display. These are living animals that need to be cared for, fed and cleaned up after. Let's face it that takes money so what they charge is pretty reasonable.

Fair warning: though adults will enjoy this visit to the Aquarium, each time I've been there it has been riddled with kids. Though I love kids they do have a tendency to push and shove their way into little nooks and crannies to get a view so if your patience is a little thin, don't go until you've nerves are in tact because the adults aren't always much better than the kids. Sometimes you have to wait to get close to the window to get a good view especially if you're taking pictures. For as bad as I'm making this sound, don't mind me. It's actually a great outing and you'll enjoy it.

If you're going with the kids in mind, they will love it and there is a certain joy in watching children get excited as they look, learn and try to pet a live sting ray as it swims in the open tank. Maybe they'll have fun trying to find the rock fish that look more like the other rocks in the tank than an actual fish.

My personal favorites were the jelly fish and the aviary that contained the Lorikeets. For $2 you can buy some nectar and enter the aviary where the beautifully colored little birds will come eat the nectar from the tiny cup you hold. It is a heavily misted aviary so ladies, beware of your curls.

PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:26:00 +0000

My latest little trip was to the Petersen Automotive Museum. I actually found out about this place from my sister who went with her son (my nephew) and her grandson. My great nephew loves car so he had a great time. I thought I would go and check this place out for myself. Besides, I love taking photos and I thought these classic beauties would make for some great pictures. I neither wrong or disappointed and highly recommend this little trip.

This exhibit lasts only through November 2, 2008 so if you have an interest in seeing some of the beautiful classics I'll be posting, make sure you plan to go before then.

Anyone familiar who has been in L.A. a good little while will know where this is located when I say it's located in the old Orbach's building on Wilshire and Fairfax.

The cars are absolutely beautiful! They even have some classic motorcyles for the bike fans and a Hot Wheels section including many little hot wheels on display and this life sized one:

i. CUGINI's

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 03:21:00 +0000

I had a really nice birthday. I was taken to dinner on Friday and went to Benihana's. In case you don't know what or where Benihana's is, it's a Japanese chain of restaurants where they cook your meal in front of you. Wonderful food! If you've never been, you've got to go at least once for the experience. But this post is about i. Cugini's so I digress.

Image from www.rentacarinlosangeles.comToday I went to i. Cugini's. It's pronounced eee-koo-gee-nee. I learned about this place on our local jazz station 94.7 The Wave . The have a D.J. there on Sundays for their Sunday champagne brunch with a live jazz band. Man, the food is out of this world and they have a little bit of everything from cute little round waffles to octopus salad and everything in between!

Whether you sit inside where you might find the band just a little loud or whether you sit outside and enjoy the beautiful day and the view of the Santa Monica beach and the pier across the street, the food is marvelous. Even though my sister calls me a waste at a buffet because I fill up too quickly, I managed to sample everything I wanted to (and I did say sample) - waffles, egg potato suffle, onion and bell pepper with chicken sausage, garlic chicken, garlic potatoes, ham, salmon, chilled crab legs, bread. I personally wasn't interested in (even though you might me) the oysters, different pastas, omelette and other dishes they had that I can't even remember.

And yes, I had my fill of champagne, orange juice and coffee which was excellent as well. Should I mention the dessert bar? Yummmmm! Lots of chocolate!

And if you attend for a special event there is someone there to take a picture and place it a really nice paper frame it if you wish. I highly recommend taking a trip to i. Cugini's and expect to spend about $40.00 but I personally think it was well worth it!

And believe it or not, I didn't get any pictures. I was a little embarrassed and didn't want anyone to think I'd never been to a restaurant before. I think I should make a sign for myself that reads "Taking Pictures for My Blog". LOL!

VENICE BEACH

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:25:00 +0000

When I visited the Santa Monica Pier I basically went down the street to visit Venice Beach. It is only a hop, skip and a jump east of Santa Monica.

Venice Beach is quite an adventure. If you're going to go I suggest heading out early because it can get quite crowded and finding parking is a zoo. I tried to vist Venice Beach about a month ago and was stuck probably 10 minutes getting down one block. This time I went during the week and parking was wonderful BUT some of the little stores were closed and it didn't offer the same variety or volume of people and things to see.

You'll find the touristy type of things to buy (t-shirts, beach clothing, trinkets, jewelry, sunglasses and some art), entertainers hoping you'll leave a tip or two. You can get a henna tattoo at several places along your walk, maybe watch or join a game of basketball, maybe the muscle builders are still there showing off their pecks in their own little corner. Or maybe you'll rent a bike or take your skates and get a little exercise as well.

Stroll the walkway of entertainment or venture across to the beach and enjoy the ocean view, maybe take a dip after passing the grafitti covered statues before you reach the sand. Venice Beach is definitely not just your average beach.

SANTA MONIA PIER

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:16:00 +0000

The Santa Monica Pier is located where the 10 Freeway ends and Pacific Coast Highway begins. It's free but parking is currently 7:00. Actually, the pier isn't "all that" but it is still a nice place to go. There is a separate costs for entering Pacific Park which is located on the pier and includes rides. I didn't research whether there is an admission cost or you just purchase tickets for the rides but you can purchase them in advance online.

There are a few places to eat including Bubba Gump's at the beginning of the pier:

and Mariasol's at the end of the pier:

If you're looking for a place to go on a date, you'd like to throw a fishing line off the pier:

or you're someone who likes arcade games and a take in a few amusement park type rides, it's definitely worth taking a stroll on the pier.:

Another reason I recommed the pier is that who doesn't like the beach? If you don't like trekking across the sand your feet don't ever have to touch it. You can lean on the rail that lines the pier and still enjoy the breeze and the view:

watch the waves crashing and just enjoy a lovely day at the beach.

INDIAN CASINOS

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Sun, 04 May 2008 16:49:00 +0000

I like to play the machines once in a while and used to hit Las Vegas once or twice a year. A friend of mine was talking about the local Indian casinos and since I ventured out to visit them my trips to Vegas are minimal. Vegas is way too expensive. If you're like to do a little gambling but don't feel like taking that four hour drive let me turn you on to some of the "local" casinos.

I'll just give you a preview of the caninos I visit. For a complete list of California casinos, links, directions and more information, check out 500 Nations website.

SAN MANUEL CASINO

San Manueel is located in the San Bernardino/Highland area. I remember when San Manuel was what my friend called "the ghetto casino". It was almost smack-dab in the heart of the community, it was composed of a few building that were put together as they expanded, cramped, crowded, difficult to find parking, etc. That place is gone and a new hotel and huge casino are in its place. I miss the old casino but the new hotel/casino is something to be seen and they now host concerts of some famous entertainers.

MORONGO RESORT & CASINO

Morongo is another one that has drastically changed since I first visited. The machines are so tight, or maybe it's just my luck (smile) that I haven't been back since their grand opening but again, it's worth a visit and maybe your luck will be different. Morongo is located right on the 10 Fwy not far from Palm Springs in Cabazon on the same exit as the Cabazon shopping outlet.

SOBOBA CASINO

Soboba Casino is located in San Jacinto/San Bernardino (or maybe it's Riverside) not that far from Morongo. It is a large casino with no hotel. Though they haven't expanded since I first visited they have revamped and upgraded. It is ALWAYS crowded and they do have an occasional concert or comedian. The comedian Sinbad was there last year. They also have a huge non-smoking area in the back and if you take the little cart that will take you from the parking lot to the casino it will take you directly to the back so you don't have to walk through the smoky casino.

PAUMA CASINO

Pauma is probably the casino I have visited most. It's a smaller casino with no hotel and the odds are better than the others. I'm hoping they don't redevelop and expand. It's located in San Diego after Pechanga and Pala and before Harrah's and Valley View, all of which I'll mention following this one. All of these casinos are off the 15 Fwy and the S-16 in a 15 mile radius of each other. If you don't like the big casinos and are looking for something a little more quaint and personal, I'd recommend Pauma.

PECHANGA RESORT & CASINO

Pechanga is a monster of a casino/hotel and is another one that I haven't visited since they first expanded. For my personal taste it is simply too big but well worth a visit so you can decide for yourself. They had to expand because the casino simply could not contain the amount of people who frequented, especially on the weekend which was a complete sea of people coming, going and inside the casino. If you want a Vegas style casino/hotel without going to Vegas, this one is definitely the place to go - restaurants, karaoke, what seems like miles of casino floor. It's big and beautiful.

PALA RESORT & CASINO

Pala is another hotel/casino about 6 miles past Pechanga on the S-16 if you take the two-lane windy road through the mountains. They have a nice food court, two stages where bands may play and they also continuously hold concerts of famous entertainers. If you stay at Pala you also have the option of visiting the other casinos that are within 5-6 miles - Pechanga to the north and Pauma, Harrah's and Valley View to the east.

HARRAH'S RINCON/SAN DIEGO

Harrah's Rincon is another resort hotel/casino and they also have ongoing concerts of famous entertainers allbeit sometimes they are more often the less known or nostaligic entertainment. They've also done some renovating and expanding and can get quite crowded. My recommendation for any of these is that if you don't like the casinos when they're really crowded hit them early, before nine in the morning or hit them late.

VALLEY VIEW CASINO

Valley View is a non-hotel casino. They've just recently undergone major renovations and expandsion but personally, I miss the old casino. I personally think the machines are so tight it's not funny but again, worth the visit and trying their restaurant which is supposed to be excellent and always had a line. It's about 2-3 miles past Harrah's up the hill. I've got to say they do have the most comfortable chairs I've ever sat in but what good is comfort if you're only in them for a minute. LOL!

All in all if you're looking for something to do and want to take in a nice drive, set out early and visit a couple of "local" casinos - about an hour and a half drive from L.A.

L.A. COUNTY ARBORETUM

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Thu, 01 May 2008 05:21:00 +0000

I haven't been to the Los Angeles County Arboretum since I went as a kid in elementary school on a field trip. All I remember was being on the tram, the peacocks and a whole punch of trees and plants. Its about the same but as an adult I appreciate it in a different way and I think that much like the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens it is a photographer's dream location.

There is a difference between the Arboretum and the Huntington Library in that the Huntington Library seems more funded, more manicured and they have more buildings. It is a museum/library and research center. The Arboretum is strictly botanical gardens. The truth is, I actually enjoyed the Arboretum more. First of all it was less crowded. Second, I so enjoyed the peacocks that were just everywhere. I saw more birds, butterflies, ducks, geese and squirrels than at the Huntington.

Before I even got to the entrance building there was a peacock out front that had all of the little snaggle toothed kids who just got off the bus in awe. I was in awe too and happily took a few pictures of this beautiful bird strutting it's stuff. I paid, walked through the door and didn't get a few feet before I saw another peacock perched in a tree.

If the amount of pictures I took is anything, I took 468 pictures by the end of my little adventure and a lot of them were peacocks. The tram wasn't working today. If you're going to go and you don't want to walk a lot, please call in advance and check to see if their tram is running. They were doing a lot of work and planting so roads were restricted for tram use. I walked, and walked, and walked but probably saw a lot I would not have seen otherwise.

My favorite part of the Arboretum was the Tropical Forest around Baldwin Lake. For a short while it was easy to feel that I had actually stepped into a tropical forest. The drop in temperature was immediately felt - cool, tranquil and quiet except for the squawking birds. Take a little walk with me and see some of what I saw....

I thorougly enjoyed my day out at the Arboretum. If you're looking for something to do put on your walking shoes, take your camera and venture out to the L.A. Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Its $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for the tram and parking is free. It's directly across from the Santa Anita racetrack. Get up to the 210 and exit on Baldwin. It's about 2 blocks south of the 210.

THE ROSE AWARD

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:03:00 +0000

I'm really touched to have been passed along The Rose Award which was given to me by Edagowa over at Black Tennis Pro. This rose award has been passed along by some lovely women that I'm going to acknowledge here:

Sojourner's Place
Opinionated Black Woman
Coffee Stained News
360 Degreees of Diversity
Black Factor
Vanessa: Unplugged

Thank you SO much for this award. In turn I'm going to pass along this wonderful Rose Award to:

Iriegal at Time To Eat Mon for always making me hungry

Raw Dawg Buffalo for keeping it real and stroking the wrinkles in my brain

A-6 Dude over at The Dry Martini for all of his great martini recipes.

Have a wonderful day everyone and thanks for making me smile.

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:12:00 +0000

I started to do the lazy thing and stay home. I mean, it was cloudy, kind of chilly and it was a perfect day to stay home, stay inside and do nothing. But at the last minute I decided to go to the 7th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles.

I'm glad I decided to go. It only cost me gas and $5.00 for parking. I met a fellow blogger/crafter who gave me a lesson in a form of japanese fabric painting called shibori. Check out her blog and the clip below:

I saw Ernest Thomas who you might remember from the t.v. show What's Happening. He's producing a rather good looking man named Une (pronounced yoo-nay), who has a CD coming out in about a week (I think), and sang the national anthem:

I didn't stay for a long time so I didn't see any of the shows or entertainment that was planned outside of the opening ceremony and the martial arts demonstration. Still, I love the vendors and the wide variety of things to see, buy and eat. I hope you enjoy my pictures of my day at the festival.

Get out and see L.A. There so many cultures to experience and so many things to enjoy.

THE LOS ANGELES ZOO

noreply@blogger.com (2sweetnsaxy) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:26:00 +0000

Image from http://www.lazoo.org

With all of the pictures I took I completely forgot to take one of the front entrance so I borrowed one from the Los Angeles Zoo website.

I don't think I've been to the Los Angeles Zoo since I was in high school on a field trip with my Biology class. The reason I specifically remember is that our bus was detained leaving because a couple of the kids broke into one of the vending machines and got caught. Just stupid!

The day was overcast and the mood of the rather cloudy day seemed to live in the animals because they were all either sleeping or lazy.

Some were complete no-shows and reminded me of the first Jurassic Park when they were taking the first tour and none of the animals were around. Thankfully it picked up and even though many were sleeping or lazy, I still got some really great photos.

Rather than do a slide show I put together a video of some of the pics. I hate that I had to leave so many of them out to narrow it down to 10 minutes. All in all, I hope you enjoy it and if nothing else, it makes you feel the need to visit your local zoo.