The Self-Realization Temple and Lake-Shrine

What: An outdoor, nature secret to explore, hidden in the peaceful setting of The Self-Realization Temple and Lake Shrine.

Where: 17190 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

When to go: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. As long as the sun is shining, there is no wrong time to go. The mornings during the week are typically more quiet than weekends though and it is a nice time to have it almost to yourself.

Who should go: All ages. Babies will enjoy the peace, toddlers will enjoy the soft walking path and animals, and older kids will like the lake and nature too, and adults will love the peace.

Mama of L.A. Review:
Pulling into the parking lot of the Lake-Shrine, you feel that you are in for something special. The air is peaceful and people walking around seem to have a calm around them, even those with strollers and running toddlers, like my own. Walking just a short walk, you clearly see why people are enjoying themselves. Your welcoming view is a pretty lake, with shrines surrounding it and two beautiful swans swimming about. The path is covered in soft wood chips and my 21 month old daughter ran and ran and ran and ran, pausing here and there to look at blooming flowers or climb stairs that lead to quiet meditation outlets. I was a little nervous that her loud giggles would disturb people seeking a quiet outlet, but everyone just smiled and seemed to enjoy what she brought to the place. About half way around the lake, (8 minutes into the walk), there is a small dock that holds healthy fish food for kids to feed the gigantic Koi. Kids love this (as do the fish). Continuing on the path, you will find turtles sunbathing around the lake, plenty of ducks and even a few lizards.
Overall, the Lake Shrine is a secret oasis that is refreshing for both you and your children. A place in Los Angeles that shouldn't be missed.

Extra Tips: The Lake Shrine takes about 20 minutes to get around, going slowly. It is only .25 miles from the beach, so pack a picnic, bring a blanket and head to the beach for a full day's adventure.

Click Here for more information on the Lake Shrine Self-Realization Temple

All of your comments and suggestions about Lake Shrine are welcome and helpful!

Santa Monica Beach Outing

What: A morning out on Santa Monica Beach

Where: Santa Monica Beach, just south of the pier. I like to park at Shutters Hotel, valet is $7 with validation. Beach parking at the base of the pier is $8, and if you don't have cash you have to walk to the ATM and then walk back (a pain if you are usually unprepared in the cash department, like myself).

Shutters Hotel Parking: From the 10 west, exit 4th/5th st. Make a Left on 4th st. Turn Right on Pico. Shutters valet parking is on the right hand side just before you hit the beach.
Address: 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310)458-0030

When to go: Mornings on a weekday around 10a.m. are perfect. The beach is freshly combed, the only sunbathers are a few brave spring-breakers, and the dolphins are close to shore skimming the surface.

Who: First-time walkers will love the safe sand to topple in and older kids will love to play in the sand and watch the dolphins.

Mama of L.A. Review:
This morning my daughter, my dad, my grandma, and I, all headed down to the Santa Monica beach. Not something I would typically think of doing, but because my family is from MN, any chance to catch a little sun and see the ocean is more than welcome. We got to Santa Monica at about 9:45a.m., parked at the Shutters Hotel, and immediately headed directly out to where the waves crash. My daughter loved the long walk on the sand, frequently stopping to scoop it up, toss it in the air, and inevitably landing some in her eyes. We walked north for a while, watching dolphins the whole way and only had a dozen people sharing the beach. Just before the pier, we headed back to the boardwalk, and we ran right into a cute park set up for little ones. It had toddler and adult swings, large rocks to climb and sit on and a few more places for kids to explore. My daughter loved it and it was nice to stop for a break after walking on the sand for a while.
After playing for almost 2 hours, we stopped to have lunch at the lovely Shutters on the Beach. They have an amazing fish & chips and my daughter was entertained by the water fountain and people walking by on the boardwalk the entire lunch. They also bring crunchy breadsticks that kids love to snack on while waiting for their food.
Overall, going to the Santa Monica Beach in the morning, on a weekday, is a really nice and easy way to spend time at the beach with your kids. With the kid parks and natural entertainment the beach provides, your kids will have a blast enjoying the fresh air and be exhausted from running around in the sand all morning.

Extra tips: Bring a washcloth for sand in the eyes, sand toys, a light blanket if you want to hang out and sunscreen.
Shutters lunch is on the expensive side, so a good option is to pack sandwiches and have a picnic on the beach.
The Pier has A LOT of fun games and rides for kids. Click Here for a time schedule and list of activities.
Heal the Bay aquarium is a great small aquarium for kids to see sharks, jellyfish, large fish and touch starfish. Click here for their hours of operation and information.

All comments and suggestions about Santa Monica Beach are welcome and helpful!

Creation Station, dance class review

What: Creation Station
They offer classes in dance, music and movement, and karate.

Where: 11239 Ventura Blvd. #206, Studio City, CA 91604
(818)509-8888
http://www.creationstationstudiocity.com
There are other locations in Canoga Park and Culver City, although they are not affiliated
with the Studio City location.

When: Classes are offered Monday - Saturday at all different times.

Who: 18 months - 12 years for numerous types of classes.

Mama of L.A. Review:

What can I say, I LOVE the Creation Station. After experiencing way too many boring mommy & me classes (for both my daughter and I), the Creation Station is the first that is a total hit! I enrolled my daughter in a "Happy Feet" dance class just before she turned 18 months. The class is for 18 month - 2 years and my daughter was SO shy compared to the other kids. For the first few classes she clung to me and stared in awe as the kids danced with toys, spun around on a parachute, chased after bubbles and sang along to "wheels in the bus". And then, one day, my daughter showed up to class and started dancing along with the others. She now listens to the teacher when she says to "turn turn turn" and "kick and "march" and "point your toes" and even runs around our house yelling out dance moves (my favorite of which is wiggle wiggle wiggle).

The Creation Station class is not just about dance, it teaches kids valuable lessons as well. They learn to share toys, put them away when asked, and follow instructions. My favorite part of the class is when each student goes to the front of the room, one by one, and performs a task the teacher asks of them. Usually a turn, followed by "jumping" over little toys. When they are finished, they receive a big round of applause. It is amazing to watch each child as a huge smile spreads across their face, the confidence boost is huge!

This class is a wonderful way to watch your child grow as she/he has a blast with other kids as they dance, sing along to songs, and play with fun interactive toys. And, as an added bonus, the parents I have experienced are great too!

extra tips: If you can go during the week, it is worth it! Saturdays are really full and the room gets a little hot.
Call to schedule a free trial class.

A new resource for Mom's in Los Angeles

Welcome to the very beginning of a blog that is hopefully going to become a great resource for moms who live in Los Angeles.
As a mom of an almost 2 year old, I am constantly looking for new places for kids to go and explore, learn, laugh, eat, play, and everything else in between. And, as I experience these places around Los Angeles, I will give you my complete unbiased review. Of course, without other moms' opinions and comments, no review is complete, so I would love to hear any advice you would like to share!