Highlighted by the beauty of the Pacific coast, Long Beach is a relaxing getaway destination, ideal to visit any time of the year. Discover some of the hidden locations that have become favorites for both locals and visitors alike.
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By Jessi Soporito Despite what you may believe, good cheesecake does extend the Cheesecake Factory in your local mall. Don’t play it safe and instead hit up one of your local bakeries for some of the best slices of heaven you can find. Here are some of the best cheesecake spots to settle your sweet tooth in SoCal. Hidden in Inglewood, Harriet’s Cheesecakes Unlimited offers over 60 different flavors of cheesecake, like Kahlua, Citrus Cooler and Pumpkin Praline. The handcrafted, gourmet cakes is a family business, so you know you’re not only getting freshly baked cheesecakes, but state-of-the-art service along with it. Stop by, before a long line keeps you in the heat, and enjoy the wide variety of flavors Harriet’s has to offer. Rocco’s Cheesecake, in Santa Monica, has more of a messy, home-like vibe to it. The pink walls, matched with plaid black and white table cloths, pair well with a 50’s theme of home cooking. Mr. Rocco may even be there to greet you himself, and offer some gluten free and vegan options as well as gourmet, exotic and black label cakes. Based in San Diego, Extraordinary Desserts also offers vegan and gluten…
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Tips to Make Air Travel Tolerable The ability to afford air travel is a privilege. Although you may not consider a plane ticket as luxurious as a Louis Vuitton handbag, it is still a luxury that many cannot afford. For those of you that are lucky enough to afford air travel, there are a few issues that need to be addressed: 1. Don’t Forget the Headphones: Etiquette on Personal Electronic Devices With rules appointed by the FAA, you now have the ability to listen to your personal electronic device (PED) throughout the entire flight. While that is great for you, the rest of the plane may not share your enthusiasm for the latest episode of “Orange is the New Black”, or hit song from Jay-Z, while they are trying to sleep. Please be courteous and wear headphones while using your PEDs or if you do not have any headphones, you must turn your volume off. Keep in mind that not all airlines provide headphones, so please come prepared. 2. Don’t Be a Space Invader: Who Gets the Armrest? Picture this scenario: The last passenger to board is a small woman and the last seat on the plane is nestled between…
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It’s hard to believe that we are already in the middle of November. I love this time of year for many reasons, not the least of which are the smells that surround us and the flavors that consume our palate. So, naturally I’m thinking about all my favorite holiday dishes. This holiday creation is a family favorite and it’s too easy and healthy not to share. Caramelized Butternut Squash with Red Onions Ingredients: 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed or cut in moons 2 large red onions, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced Sprigs of fresh rosemary 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (bruschetta seasoning is a great compliment) Directions: Position a rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 450°F. Combine squash and onion on a parchment-lined baking sheet or piece of foil. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss evenly to coat. Spread in an even layer and scatter rosemary on top. Put baking sheet on top rack and reduce heat to 375°F. Roast, flipping vegetables once, until browned in spots, about 45 minutes. Serve warm or chilled – either way is delicious. This makes a beautiful…
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By Baraa Alkassir Museums are more than places to preserve art and collect cultural objects. They also help us reconnect with our predecessors and learn about technologies and stories. Interactive collegiate museums in SoCal allow visitors a peek into collections that may be lesser known but no less innovative. Visiting these venues is sure to inspire and motivate art lovers.
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By Maria del Cisne Vital Camping is a great way to teach your kids the importance of the outdoors and to spend some quality time together. Ditch the technology, take in your surroundings, and become one with nature at these kid-friendly SoCal camping spots: Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree National Park One of two camping sites that can be reserved at Joshua Tree, Black Rock is a great place for family camping because of its beauty and accessibility. It is located on the edge of the park, and it lies within one of the thickest Joshua tree forests. It is ideal for RV camping, but also has amenities (showers and laundry) within five miles. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive desert tortoise and other desert creatures! Waking up for an early morning hike will be a truly breath-taking experience for the whole family as you watch the sun rise over the desert. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/black-rock-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70953 Crystal Cove State Park’s Moro Campground Who needs a white noise app when you can get the real thing at Moro Campground? Fall asleep and wake up to the beautiful sounds of the Pacific at this campground. You can enjoy the beauty…
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