L.A. Mama's Date Night

We went to dinner at La Bruscetta in Westwood located at 1621 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles CA. They have scrumptious food as well as an "old world" work ethic. The staff treat each customer with diginity and respect and make an effort to go the extra mile. The owners, Angelo and Suzanne, are the most authentic people that one would ever have the pleasure of meeting. They have a way of making each and every customer feel like family. Bruschetta is served as a complimentary appetizer and it is the best! Call 310-477-1052 to make a reservation!



After dinner we went to the Crest Theatre to see a movie called "The Informers". Click HERE to read about the history of this theatre which dates back to 1941 and HERE to read about the turmoil has surrounded this theatre lately.



I wish I could say that I could give the movie that we saw four stars...but I can't even give it one. "The Informers" could have been a great movie if there was an ending...unfortunately, we were left wondering what happened to every single character in the movie. There was no closure whatsoever. This movie was originally a book that was written by the same author who wrote "Less Than Zero" and "American Paycho"...

Science & Math & Art OH MY

As noted in our 'about us' section, we homeschool here at Raising California. Today was a day of amazing discoveries and meaningful, hands on learning. We began by reading A Seed Is Sleepy,with such wonderful illustrations and poetic delivery that made the life of a seed seem like a fairytale. Then we went out to the garden and planted our own seeds(see slideshow below). We talked about the elements that seeds need to grow into strong, beautiful pants and inspected the stems, leaves and flowers of the plants already growing in our garden.

Later on in the day, California incorporated Math with Art. Go to Raising California Homeschool to read more about this!!!

Meet Each Need with Dignity

There are many reasons why we love L.A., but the fact that we have the first gourmet soup kitchen in the United States is one of the reasons why this city continues to tug at our heartstrings. Watch the video clip below to find out more about L.A.'s gourmet soup kitchen, the chef who has a heart of gold and the community that appreciates his random act of kindness.

This is what the world needs more of...pay it forward.



The chef who prepares these gourmet meals volunteers his time with a non-profit group called Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND). Click MEND to learn more about this organization and/or to get involved. Namaste.

What is your "walk score"?

Are you planning to move any time soon? If you live in a large metropolitan area like Los Angeles, you should consider the walkability of your future neighborhood. Why?

1. Less time sitting in traffic & searching for a parking space, more time to live life to the fullest. Choose a neighborhood that has a few restaurants, a grocery store, a coffee shop and a convenience store within walking distance. My neighborhood (Santa Monica 90404) is so walkable that I have all those things and more, including TWO vets, a liquor store, a pharmacy, two major hospitals, two parks, an elementary school...

2. It is better for the environment. Living in a walkable neighborhood cuts down on gasoline consuption, emissions and all of that icky stuff that is bad for the Earth. Remember to carry reusable shopping bags with you...

3. You get to know your neighborhood. This is very important. A neighborhood that has residents who are aware of their surroundings and observant of daily activity has less crime. Getting to know your neighborhood also instills a sense of belonging, which is a necessary component for ultimate happiness.

4. Exercise! Need I say more?

Click HERE to get your walk score.