Smart & Final Downtown Los Angeles Grand Opening!

Downtown Los Angeles has been undergoing a much needed revitalization and it is always exciting to learn about a new business opening.  I know the general area because my dad worked out of Downtown LA - there are a bunch of different districts: art district, flower district, jewelry district, fashion district and the most popular but not a "district" at all is the LA Live area.  This is home to the Staples Center and Nokia Theatre!  Los Angeles is extra busy with business and tourists so opening a warehouse store in the bustle of it all is smart.  We went to check out the grand opening of the Smart & Final Extra! store on Figueroa (between 8th & 9th streets) on Thursday and was seriously oohing and ahhing at how close it was from LA Live.

Going to a game at Staples Center but spent too much on tickets and parking?  Walk a couple blocks and pick up some grab & go sandwiches, salads or even sushi!  Grab yourself a drink from Downtown Grind inside the new Smart & Final Extra! store - it features Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf!  There is even an outdoor patio with FREE wifi!  But let me tell you what impressed me the most and if you are from a big city I know you'll agree --- FREE 90 MINUTE PARKING!  

Not only is parking FREE for 90 minutes but the parking garage is well-lit, secure and you don't have to fight/wait for a space!

I had no idea Smart & Final was born in Los Angeles in 1871!  Knowing history of businesses is important to me - I love to spend my money at companies financially vested locally!

Colorful veggies always signals me that a grocery store is good!  Variety is another sign of a good grocery store!

Meat.  I love you.  Rib Eye Steaks are dreamy.  This would be perfect for people who work in the city to grab a steak on the way home from work!  (Remember - FREE parking!)

My second favorite - flap meat aka skirt steak aka CARNE ASADA!  That's right people, get it and grill it!

Didn't get a chance to text your love when you were busy all day at work?  Bring her home flowers!

Grab and go sushi is a big deal to me.  If I worked in the city, I would eat this everyday.  I kid you not.

Maybe you fancy soup, salad or sandwiches?  Smart & Final has you covered!

And you cannot forget an ice cold bottle of Mexican Coke!  What's the secret?  REAL SUGAR!

Downtown Grind featuring The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is right inside!

Check out the Downtown Grind outdoor patio with FREE wifi!


Smart & Final Extra! is officially open!  
845 S. Figueroa St., #100
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 629-0039
(213) 629-0045

Open 7 days a week from 6am - 10pm 

Remembering Huell Howser

I first heard about Huell Howser when I was a teenager.  I caught parts of his public TV show, "California's Gold" and loved that he highlighted California people and places.   His signature "that's amazing" even has a small hand in influencing my genuinely enthusiastic "awesome".  Before reality tv shows and YouTube, there really were some kickass public access shows.  I dabbled in public access tv in the 90s and it was all because Huell Howser's Lowrider Magazine Show episode.  I was sold.  I had never seen anything like it but I knew I wanted to cover events and show what I loved about California.  It started with me going to events in 1997, taking pictures with my film camera, scanning 'em and putting them on my Geocities hosted website.  Those were the days... and what kicked off my future on the Internet.

So THANK YOU Huell Howser!!!  Rest in Peace XOXO    

Santa Will Be At Macy's Santa Ana Mainplace Mall Tonight!

Join Macy's for festive holiday fun when Virginia, Macy's Santa and his entourage of elves roll into town on their magical holiday tour bus! Hear Virginia's story as she crosses the country with Santa, then tell Santa what's on your wish list. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment, as the Big Man is only at Macy's for a limited time, so catch him while you can!

While you're at Macy's, help make wishes come true!

Bring your stamped letter to Santa with you, addressed to Santa At The North Pole, and drop it into Macy's special Santa Letterbox. We'll count up everyone's letters and for each letter received, Macy's will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish(R) (up to $1,000,000) and deliver them to the Post Office, to be mailed to Santa!

For more info on all of Macy's Holiday Events, visit macys.com/holidayevents


December 3rd at 6pm
Macy's Santa Ana Mainplace 2850 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92705
Third Floor
Santa will arrive at the Courtyard Doors

Long Beach Antique Market Giveaway

I am so excited about this giveaway because I love the Long Beach Antique Market and know you will too!  November 18th is perfect for you to get your Holiday shopping started or finished!  Check out my tips for antique / flea market shopping!   I hope I see you there!

Long Beach Antique Market happens every 3rd Sunday of the month.
FREE PARKING
Children under 12 FREE
Rain or Shine
No Pets Allowed
Admission $5 6:30am -2pm
Early Admission $10 5:30am-6:30am
The Box Office closes at 2pm but shopping goes till 4pm!

Long Beach Antique Market at Veterans Stadium 
4901 E. Conant Street
Long Beach, CA 90808 

Long Beach Antique Market on Twitter / Facebook / Google+ / Pinterest



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  This is not a compensated post.  All thoughts are our own.

Save on Family Fun At Boomers

If you know me, you know I love a good deal.  Nothing is more satisfying than stretching my dollar especially when it comes to family fun.  A fun day can run a family hundreds of dollars so coupons are great (and much appreciated)!  Now I get to surprise the kids and Hubby with a trip to Boomers!  I'm so excited!!!  

When it comes to fun, Boomers is a blast! Whether you're celebrating a birthday party, doing corporate events and team building, or spending quality time with family and friends, Boomers makes everything easier and hassle free. With attractions like Batting Cages, Miniature Golf, Inflatable Water Slide, Go Karts, Bumper Boats, Bowling, Laser Tag, Rock Wall, Arcades, and a Kid's Playland, Boomers is the perfect place for fun!

11 California Locations

• Fresno
• Livermore
• Modesto
• Palm Springs
• Santa Maria
• Upland 
• Fountain Valley    
• Irvine
• El Cajon   
• San Diego   
• Vista 

Coupon: Check out today's special offer at Boomers

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post.  All thoughts are my own.

.60 Tacos Wednesday

Tacos are serious business.  I don't know one person that doesn't like tacos.  Not one person.  In Southern California, we have all kinds of tacos.  You think of it and we have probably put it in in a tortilla.  There are blogs just about tacos.  And blogs about tacos in LA, blogs about taco trucks and even blogs just about carne asada.  There is never a shortage of taco talk.

I've been known to pay overpay ($4 cough, cough) for a taco but sometimes you just crave a good, cheap one or even one from Taco Bell.  Tacos Mexico in Buena Park has .60 Tacos Wednesday from 8am-8pm, you can get Asada, Cabeza Al Pastor, Pollo, Carnitas, Tripas y Lengua!  (I could have sworn Buche was on the menu too)

The rice and beans is good stuff too - see that plate? Only $2!  They keep a condiment bar open with limes, chiles and carrots.  Lunch for 3 of us was under $10!  

Tacos Mexico

7695 Knott Ave.
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 690-1257

California Must-Do: Long Beach Antique Market

Even if you aren't into thrifting or antiquing, the Long Beach Antique Market is a must-do.  There is something for everyone.  My 6 year old Duke is used to being dragged around to thrift stores, antique malls, flea markets and swap meets so he loves checking out all the cool "vintage" stuff.  My teenagers love going too and taking them reminds me of the times I went when I was a teenager.

Over 800 vendors, winner of Los Angeles Times Reader's Choice 2012 Favorite Place to Shop in SoCal, Long Beach Antique Market happens every 3rd Sunday from 6:30am-4pm.  Admission is $5 but you can win passes or get a coupon on the Long Beach Antique Market site.  FREE Parking.  Kids under 12 FREE!

We really should have bought that Black Velvet Bob Marley painting.  It was incredible.

I was walking through the aisles and reversed.  Funny!

I love vintage scraps!  Making ephemera packs make me happy!

OG Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and other figures!

This painting gave me a Dr. Seuss vibe.  Love all the frames!

I wanted some!

These pieces were so cheap!  Kinda sad I passed on them!

I like booths like this!  Reminds me of mine at community!


Check out photos of my July 2012 Trip to the Long Beach Antique Market

Antique / Flea Market Tips:

• Get there EARLY!
• Do not pass something up - if you want it, get it right then and there.
• Bring CASH!  
• Haggle with the seller but don't lowball - don't be insulting!
• Go through all the rows and dig through crates!
• Keep an eye out for "specials"!  - There were different vendors that had $1-5 boxes.  I found a vintage Wonder Woman mask for $1!  
• Wear comfy shoes and sunscreen!  Bring snacks and drinks too, you'll be there for at least 2+ hours!
• Ask around.  Most of the time, these vendors sell at the same places and have known each other for years - if you are looking for something they might have it or know someone that does!
• Go there with a budget.  You know how much you want to spend total and you know how much you want to spend on certain things so stick to your budget!  I have heard stories how people start saving for a few months and returning armed with a list.  Be that person.  

What are your tips for tackling antique / flea markets?

Meet Macy's Culinary Council Chef Ming Tsai in Costa Mesa!

I am so excited for this event, I grew up watching Chef Ming Tsai!  Come join me, I really hope to meet some of you there!

Meet celebrity chef and award-winning television personality -- Macy's Culinary Council Chef Ming Tsai.  Ming will demonstrate some favorite recipes from his latest cookbook, Simply Ming In Your Kitchen:  80 Recipes to Watch, Learn, Cook & Enjoy.  Following the demonstration, Ming will greet guests and sign copies of the cookbook.

Saturday, October 20th, 2pm

Macy's South Coast Plaza

Home Demonstration Kitchen, Level 1

3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Reservations are not required.  Seating begins at 1:30pm.  First-come, first-served basis.  Admission for each class is a $5 donation to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Macy's Culinary Council.  However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.