Catching Up...

So, Baker Mom went on break for awhile (a long...while it seems) she suddenly realized... she wrote some and never posted and then lost track of time and didn't write...wasn't home...didn't bake... time to get back to it all she thinks. ;-) 

After a hectic summer which included 3 weeks in SoCal (thanks to my daughter) and a quick trip to visit my folks in LA (read: Louisiana heat :)) I'm finding myself needing to play catch up.

So, here goes... you may wonder why my family moved itself to beautiful SoCal for a stint, well... the kiddo applied and got into the summer program through John's Hopkins University, Center for Talented Youth.  She chose to go to a camp called "Be A Scientist." Hence we decided to head out to LA, the closest place offered near home for her age and grade level. Road Trip!!!

Here's some tidbits that I'd written while there...enjoy!    :)   

Being here in LA has been awesome! We are thoroughly enjoying the summer, the beaches, the food and of course the myriad of outings possible.

My daughter is enjoying her classes, the projects and activities at camp during the day and the outings in the evening are fun for her too. :)

So, here's my little guide to LA; the places we've been to and the things we've done. Maybe you or someone you know will find it helpful in some way. :)

Places:

Santa Monica - Pacific Park & Pier, Farmer's Market (a must to check out!), Santa Monica Place, 3rd Street Promenade
Hollywood - Walk of Fame, Kodak Theater, Disney Soda Fountain and Shoppe
Manhattan Beach - We stayed close enough for several evening outings, enjoyed the beach atmosphere a lot
El Segundo - has all your usual stores and restaurants, of course a Costco with gas too...
Thousand Oaks - nice residential area... just stayed with family so didn't go out.  But, I did hear that there is a Charming Charlie there, but didn't check it out...

Restaurants: 

Corner Bakery - Manhattan Beach
LA Food Show - Manhattan Beach
Cozymel's - El Segundo
The Farm - The Grove
Islands - Manhattan Beach
Panchanga - Manhattan Beach
Healthy Hummus - Manhattan Beach
Cafe Crepe - City Walk
Louie's Pizza - Universal Studios
Pizza Anitca - Santa Monica Place
Disney Soda Fountain & Shoppe - Hollywood
La Monica's Pizza -  Westwood
Diddy Reese - Cookies!!!   - Westwood
The Natural Cafe - San Luis Obispo

Coffee Shops:

Peet's - San Luis Obispo
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf - (2 locations: Manhattan Beach (nice) & The Grove (not so nice))
Intelligentsia - Awesome coffee!!  -  Venice, CA
Groundworks - Hollywood

Farmer's Markets: 

Thousand Oaks - kid & hubby went with my cousin... so don't know first hand... but, they came back with delicious strawberries so thumbs up for it 

Santa Monica - went twice - on my own and then made the hubby take some time off from work to go again  :)  -  Amazing place!  Heard that I'll see chefs stop by to pick their produce but, didn't believe it until I actually saw them there.  Great place to hang out, people watch, oh ya and of course shop.  Since we had a kitchen, I was able to cook meals with my fresh produce - could really taste the difference  :)

Shopping:

The Grove - American Girl Place - My daughter couldn't wait to go here!  Ok, that is an understatement to say the least! As her father will tell you.... 3+ hours and a Personal Shopper later!!!  The American Girl Place is not for the faint of heart!!  ;-)  In more ways than one....  she enjoyed every minute of it though... and so we came home with a new friend....Kanani.  :) 

Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive
Westfield Culver City
Santa Monica Place
The Market @ Santa Monica Place
Third Street Promenade
Manhattan Village

Frozen Yogurt / Treats:

Yogurt Creations - San Luis Obispo - we stopped both ways  :)
Popcornopolis - really never knew one could have popcorn in THAT many flavors!!

Activities/Amusement Parks:

Universal Studios:  Had a blast! It was my 8 year olds first time and I think it was the perfect age to take her... she knew enough about movies, etc... and was game to go on all the rides... helped that she had her older college-aged cousins spend the day with us too - so Jurassic Park ended up being her most favorite ride!!

Sea World:  Lotsa fun!  Enjoyed the shows.  Shamika and I rode Atlantis!! Awesome! We soo would have gone again had the lines not been 1.5 hours+!! long.
Disneyland & CA Adventure:  Our SoCal trip concluded with a 3 Day Park Hopper to the "Happiest Place on Earth!!"  Enjoyed every minute of it because it's one of my favorite places to go to  :P  Also helped that the 405 freeway was closed on Day 1 and Day 2 of said 3-Day Park Hopper. ;)

Beaches:

Manhattan Beach - spent lotsa time here - great place :)
Redondo Beach - caught a mini-concert here on our last night - was great way to end our SoCal stay!