El Capitan Theatre

As a single parent of a 7 year old, I am always on the lookout for something I can take him to that won't rot his brain. And since he ALWAYS has to see the new Dsney movie the weekend it comes out, this was a good find for me. I guess Disney bought the theatre and you can do a VIP ticket buy which includes the ticket, choice seats, early admission and your refreshments.

The prices are actually more than a regular theatre, but if it make your child happy, then it's worth it. And the theatre has been redone, so it's a pleasurable (and VERY comfortable)experience. After (or before) the movie, you can go to some other places in the area and make a whole day of it without going too many places.

PROS:
CONS: Cost more than other theatres

Isoplex

Being from the East Coast, I am used to being able to go ice skating outside at Rockerfeller Center around Christmas. My son misses the snow and being able to ice skate. So I've been looking for a place to that I can go to with him and brush up on my skating.

The prices here aren't bad at all, but then again, it's in Panorama City, not Bel Air. It's a great place to get out of the heat of the Valley and take the kids and not spend a lot of money. They have people here to keep everyone safe, so if you're not that great at skating, you dont' have to hurt yourself trying...

They also have leagues for the kids, lessons and you can throw your child a party here if you wish.

Swordplay LA

I have been involved with fencing since I was 14 (women's epee). I love this sport and when I found out about this place, I immediately wanted to get my child involved. I went in to see how much the owner knew about it, and I was very impressed. My son has been talkign about his birthday coming up in four months and we will be having it here. He will be able to pick from being Darth Vader or a pirate or a knight.

Fencing is physical chess and is not an easy sport to master. I am more than excited to show my child this world, especially with someone so well known in the USFA.

PROS: Being taught by those that are deeply involved in the world of fencing.
CONS:

It's a Wrap Productions

This place is great to get that shirt that you saw on tv but can't find anywhere. Why? Because that IS the shirt you saw on tv. The tags even say what show you saw them on. The clothes have only been worn once,maybe twice, and then brought here. So if you're on a budget but have to look good, forget the mall. Someone might even mistake you for someone on tv. LOL!

The salespeople are very knowledgeable and helpful. And the store is open until 8 during the week.

Tom's Toys

He is a large child himself, so he used to come here and buy things for my son and pretend he wasn't buying them for himself. For every building set he bought my son, he bought himself a remote controlled car. I was happy to find this place here, since I was used to places like FAO Schwartz back home. He tried to get my son a life sized (kiddie) sports car for Xmas, but I made him change his mind.

But dont' get things wrong, this is a place that anyone can find something to give a child (or themselves).They even gift wrap for free.

Lolli Cut

I used to take my son to another place to get his hair cut. I've always driven past this place, but never stopped until one say he REALLY needed a haircut, I coudln't take it any more. So we stopped here.

They have a LARGE tv with movies constantly palcying for the children and 2 tv's with PS2 for them to play on and many toys on a large rug as well. I have to practically beg hm to leave.

But the haircuts are good (he even got a mohawk last time) and I have no complaints. They dont' let you leave unsatisfied. And Appointment or not, they will get you in as fast as possible.

PROS:
CONS: They have so many great thing for the kids to do, they dont' want to leave

Popcornoplis

I like candy. Popcorn. Licorice. Chocolate. So when I saw this place tonight, I went nuts. Literally. They have so many kinds of just POPCORN (hence the name) I tend to do crazy things with my popcorn (ever had it with brown sugar? Mmmm-they make something kinda like it here-churro corn) They make stuff constantly, so it's fresh. And OMG, Cracker Jack and fiddle faddle have nothign on this place. I'll pay the darn $8 parking just for some fresh caramel corn.

Cafe Tu Tu Tango

This is a tapas style place. They have artists outside (and inside) creating some gorgeous works while you eat. You can get a painting that is absolutely extraordinary of Angelina Jolie, Al Pacino or yourself. The prices are good, you can get a good drink (alcoholic or not) and eat many different things for not a lot of money.

My friend brought me here. When I saw alligator bites on the menu, I thought it was something like buffalo wings. NOPE! It wasn't bad, though. Tastes like chicken. No, really, it does.

When you turn your parking reciept you get a $10 to use here (or anywhere else on CityWalk), But don't try to split the bill into 2 checks and use 2. It won't work.

PROS: great artistic ambiance
CONS: the food is not for everyone's tastes

Na Hoku

Every time I am in the Northridge mall, I go by here. For some reason, when i look at the jewelry, it makes me smile. I have been to Hawaii and this store truly captures the essence of the islands.

They have the cutest little things, like a gold and diamond encrusted flip fop that hangs on a gold chain. Or the most beautiful things, like a lei-like gold necklace of flowers. I'm not one for pearls, but they have a way of setting them and not using the normal pearls, but tahitian ones that are just breathtaking.

The customer service also seems to carry over from the islands, as they are all very sweet and helpful.

PROS: Gorgeous jewelry
CONS:

ProfessioNail Salon & Day Spa

I have been going here for 5 years. I always get compliments on my brows. The older lady does them perfectly. I always wait for her. The one time I didn't , a new younger lady did my eyebrows and she burnt me. But they made it right when I went back and informed them of what had happened, giving me a free wax next time and putting some salve on it that made it better in a day. I've had my nails done there, but I didn't really care for the way they looked.

PROS: Best eyebrow wax in L.A. and for only $10
CONS: slight upsell for other services