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[ - ] How many of you out there have had twins and truly got your body back? I know I am vain, but I am terrified of what my twin pregnancy is going to do to my currently flat stomach. Any of you avoid the dreaded "twin skin"? Any tips? 8 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 02.17.11, 05:14 AM Flag
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I've got horrible twin skin, just horrible. My babies were full-term and 7 lbs 8 oz and 7 lbs 4 oz though, I was huge. The good news is that they were born healthy, thriving, went home with me right away, great nursers etc. The bad news is that my body took such a beating. Not just twin skin but also some major lower back issues. My advice is to stay as active as possible (listen to you doctor) and eat VERY healthy, whole foods to avoid excess weight gain. You need to eat a lot and gain with twins but eat whole grains, fruits/veggies, lean proteins and dairy. Tons of fluids. GL! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.17.11, 05:34 AM Flag
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Those are amazing stats for twins. Wonderful. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.17.11, 06:32 AM Flag
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Thanks! They are 9 years old now but I still remember the 2 of them snuggled into one bassinet. Twins are amazing. :) The twin skin is worth it. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.17.11, 06:49 AM Flag
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I'm a twin and my mom is the skinniest thing in town. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.17.11, 05:53 AM Flag
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Skinny is one thing. Twin skin is another. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.17.11, 06:41 AM Flag
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I had my twins 4 years ago at 37 weeks (by c-section), born at 6.11 and 5.9. I gained almost 60 pds. I am back to my original weight, have no stretch marks and while I wouldn't say I have "twin skin" per se, I definitely have a looser abdominal area/pooch. I don't think there's much you can do except try to eat healthy foods and pray for good genetics. In the end, carrying twins is just not your normal pregnancy, for better or worse, and there are a lot of things out of your control. Focus on carrying your babies for as long as possible and believe me when I say, when you are holding them in your arms, twin skin will be the last of your worries :) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.17.11, 06:45 AM Flag
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this! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.17.11, 06:51 AM Flag
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Yes. Vaginal delivery. 5 wkd premature. No twin skin but I was young (26). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.17.11, 11:55 AM Flag
[ - ] Can anyone recommend a good LA area plastic surgeon for undereye cosmetic fillers? so worn out looking. 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 12.28.10, 09:47 AM Flag
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Dr. Haworth is supposed to be terrific. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 12.28.10, 12:25 PM Flag
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have you/friends gone? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 12.29.10, 12:04 AM Flag
[ - ] Check out this new player from Baby Age. 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 11.29.10, 09:22 AM Flag
[ - ] Check out this new player from Baby Age. 0 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 11.29.10, 09:22 AM Flag
[ - ] Has anybody been to South America on vacation? Thining of Costa Rica and/or Patagonia this xmass. Know it is last minute but lots of stuff seems to be open still. Traveling with DC's ages 8 and 9, but they are hardy souls... 15 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 11.09.10, 09:46 AM Flag
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Costa Rica is great. It's an easy trip if you keep it simple, or you can travel around and get as adventurous as you like. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 09:48 AM Flag
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Can you recommend a hotel or itinerary? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 09:48 AM Flag
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I would look in fodors message boards for trip reports for up to date info. When I went we went to Arenal (volcano) and Manuel Antonio (beach). The Peace Lodge also seems to be a popular destination for those with kids. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 09:51 AM Flag
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np-Si Como No, in Manuel Antonio [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 09:51 AM Flag
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We stayed at the Four Seasons Papagayo on the Pacific coast and did day trips through the hotel. They have a ton of options: zip lines through the rainforest (kids can do it as well-they are attached to a guide), boat trips, etc. If we were to go again, I'd travel around. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 09:52 AM Flag
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Patagonia on honeymoon 12 years ago. Staggeringly beautiful, long distances between areas of interest so lots of driving. We totally dream of going back, but if your 8 yr old is anything like mine (up for adventures but not necessarily into hiking for miles and miles) I might wait until they're teenagers. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 09:55 AM Flag
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CR is not in south america. maybe a peek at an atlas is warranted before you plan your trip [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 10:00 AM Flag
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snarky and unnecessary. OP was just looking for some vacation ideas. Don't be jealous just because she wants to go somewhere nice!! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 10:37 AM Flag
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Oh please. This is just another dumb American who doesn't know anything about the outside world! So annoying. She will end up at some cheesy all inclusive resort someplace and her kids won't see anything of the country they are going to [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 10:55 AM Flag
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yes they should go to mexico [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 10:56 AM Flag
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hardy souls should definitely not go to costa rica. better go to the bahamas [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 11:23 AM Flag
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Why, are the Bahamas more "rough" than Costa Rica? Sounds like her kids are up for adventure [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 11:58 AM Flag
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OP here: So sorry that I forgot to include "centra" along with South America! I really don't think that deserved such a slam. FYI, we have lived in Europe, the middle East and Asia so I really don't think I am that unsophisticated, but perhaps in too but a rush when I type messages on Urbanbaby. Bad, bad me!! here: So sorry [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.09.10, 12:01 PM Flag
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We stayed at Four Seasons Papagayo this year and LOVED it - super easy to get to, amazing and wonderful. Take me with you. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.14.10, 11:35 AM Flag
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Costa Rica is in CENTRAL America. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.14.10, 11:37 AM Flag
[ - ] Any L.A. moms on? Looking to relocate to L.A. area due to DH's job. He will be working downtown (financial district). Can anyone recommend good neighborhoods to look into for public schools (and not totally crazy commute for DH)? 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 11.03.10, 11:39 AM Flag
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What's a totally crazy commute? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.03.10, 03:19 PM Flag
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Would love to keep it under an hour with regular commuting time traffic...realistic? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.03.10, 06:58 PM Flag
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I'd try Pasadena, although the summers are so freaking hot you might melt. La Canada has good schools, I hear. Stay out of LA Unified if possible. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.03.10, 03:30 PM Flag
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santa monica [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.04.11, 10:49 AM Flag
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Hancock Park is FANTASTIC [ Reply | More
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General Topics 04.15.11, 07:02 PM Flag
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Agreed! Love the Larchmont area of Hancock Park. You can also look at Larchmont Charter as a public option. Very easy commute downtown. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.16.11, 01:22 PM Flag
[ - ] My extended family wants to take a vacation. We have kids ranging from 2.5-6 and need a direct flight from LA. The vacation will be on the East Coast and needs to be somewhere kid friendly, but also nice. Grandparents are paying so it can be a bit pricey. We want to go early winter, so somewhere warm is preferable. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 09.16.10, 03:06 PM Flag
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if you want east coast in early winter your only choices are Florida (I'd recommend Fla Keys) or Georgia (check out Cumberland Island) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.16.10, 03:27 PM Flag
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east coast or "eastern" as in can be Mex/Car? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.16.10, 04:19 PM Flag
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I don't know the LA flight patterns, but... Disney (although you have it in LA), Ritz Carlton Naples, Palm Beach's Breakers? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.16.10, 07:25 PM Flag
[ - ] LA moms I have a question. We currently live in NYC and I want to make the move to LA next year. Is LA any cheaper? How much is childcare out there? We would have to get a live who drives because of our work hours. I know we will have to do private schools and we have two kids. I want to live on the westside, but not sure we can afford it. Here in NYC people are talking about needing a HHI of 500K just to makes ends meet with two kids. Is it cheaper to live in LA? I always thought life was easier out there. 11 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 09.11.10, 04:58 PM Flag
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Some things are cheaper but you have to do the math. You will get more for your money in housing most likely. But you definitely need two cars and their related expenses. Groceries and staples will run about the same as here. People always told us it would be cheaper, but in the end I find what you might save on housing is spent on transportation, and the rest is just about equal. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.11.10, 05:16 PM Flag
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Do feel like your life is easier in LA? I just feel like I am working all the time and can't enjoy my life. I really miss LA, but I have a strange feeling it won't be as easy out there. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.11.10, 07:02 PM Flag
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How much is childcare in LA? For example how much would a full time live in nanny that drives and works 50 hours a week cost? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.12.10, 11:03 AM Flag
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Why is it always NY or LA? There are some incredible burgs that exist as bedroom communities/suburbs in Orange County which is right next to the county of LA and therefore easy for a commute. An hhi of 500k in those communities would net you a nice quality of living. Beyond Orange Co. you have San Diego Co. and 500k could definitely net you a nice quality of living complete with some stunning beaches. LA's beaches are crappy and the smog levels are almost as bad as on the east coast thanks to all of the driving. And no one is telling you about the crazy traffic. You'll spend most of your life in your car. LA is all of the negative stereotypes of CA living(too much flash, shallow & wierd people,pollution, crime ridden areas, etc.) with not a great many of the positives but since it is such a large urban area it is nice to be within driving distance for the shopping & business opportunities but to live there?? Nah. You'd basically be trading NY for a sunnier version of NY. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.11.10, 07:38 PM Flag
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I grew up in the SF valley moved to the westside while I was in HS. I really love the area, but home prices still seem a little too high for me. If we do make the move to LA, I will probably get a pay increase after a couple of years, while my husband, if he gets a job will have to take a pay cut. We would have to have a live, and I don't know how much that costs. We would need two cars and we would live rent free for 6 months to build up a down payment while we live with my parents. I am just sick of NYC at the moment and want out. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.12.10, 08:47 AM Flag
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anyone else? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.12.10, 04:36 PM Flag
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NP: I don't feel like it's easier. It might be a little cheaper, depending on where you live, but as the other responder said, you have to add in costs like cars, insurance, car repairs, etc. If you're in a house, you have all that upkeep, gardener, maybe a pool guy. Water/power here is expensive if you have sprinklers, etc. It adds up. Traffic sucks, drivers out here are crazy, LAUSD sucks. Private school process sucks, and there are fewer schools than NY (at least within reasonable driving area of wherever you live) so there are fewer choices. They are full of siblings and celebrities and then a few diversity admits. If you are white and unconnected, good luck with the most popular schools. On the next tier, you can find spaces, though. On the plus side, private schools are a bit cheaper, more like $22-$27K in lower school instead of $35K (bumps up to $30s-$35 in middle, upper school). Bus service however might tack on another $3-$5K if you need that. I want to go back to NY, so maybe I'm not the right person to talk to! The weather, however, is great, and I feel like it's easier to deal with young kids here. I don't think childcare is cheaper, but I guess it depends. I think it usually starts at around $12/hr for non legal, non driving with one child, and goes up. Most people I know pay between $15 and $20 an hour, live out, for 2 kids plus driving. The live ins I know are cheap but usually they are illegal and don't drive. I guess you can find someone to do it, or maybe do an au pair. You would likely need a car for that person (live in or au pair) to drive too. Live outs are more likely to have their own car, live ins less so. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.13.10, 12:03 AM Flag
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(continued), however. On the plus side, privates are cheaper - $22-$27K instead of $35K for lower school, although you might possibly add bus service on top for $3-5K for certain schools. Bumps up to $32-$35K in middle school, I believe. I dunno, I'm bitter, I want to be back in NY. The weather here is great, though, I never thought I'd say it, but it's pretty great and I don't miss the seasons as much as I thought I would. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.13.10, 12:11 AM Flag
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You don't NEED private schools. Thats a big difference between LA and NYC. If you live in a nice suburb your kids can go to a great public school. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 11.17.10, 02:45 PM Flag
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I grew-up in LA you do need good private schools in LA [ Reply | More
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General Topics 01.29.11, 06:24 PM Flag
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LA Unified is awful. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 01.29.11, 07:30 PM Flag
[ - ] Thoughts on Lagouna beach? Moving there with a 2 year old and a 4 year old. How family friendly is it? activities for kids? thanks! 7 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 08.06.10, 12:11 PM Flag
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opps **laguna beach** [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.06.10, 12:26 PM Flag
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Dunno, but it sounds fab to me! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.06.10, 12:33 PM Flag
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maybe your kids will grow up with their own reality show too. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.06.10, 03:12 PM Flag
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and maybe we could all watch your kids on NYC prep [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.07.10, 09:09 AM Flag
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One of the kids in my office grew up there--it's very beautiful, wealthy, outdoorsy, big beach culture. She's a very smart and normal person. Don't know if she's unusual. I've been there many times for business-related things and it is gorgeous. Some BIG houses, though. Kind of outlandish. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 08.07.10, 09:31 AM Flag
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Its family friendly and very tourist friendly. It has a pretty ocean, but its got a small narrow beach, frequently crowded. It is tough to get in and out to other places in the OC. Good camps, good schools. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.27.12, 04:54 PM Flag
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Make sure to join a MOPS mothers of preschoolers group- that is the fastest way to acclimate and get in with the in crowd. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.27.12, 04:56 PM Flag
[ - ] We're from NYC and need a hotel in LA for two nights. My dd is 17 months old, so while we don't necessarily need a kid themed hotel, we would like it to at least be kid friendly and have a pool. A lot of the places that say they're kid friendly seem really posh and I'm worried that we'll disturb the peace at the pool. At the same time, this is the tail end of our vacation, so we would like it to have ammenities too. We'd like to stay under $300/night. Any suggestions? Thanks! 18 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 07.27.10, 11:10 AM Flag
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There's a hotel that's right on the Fox lot on Ave of the Stars . . . can't remember the name. It's exactly what you're looking for. Wish I could remember the name. Haven't been in 2 yrs but used to stay there for business. Great pool, some rooms have balconies with views. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 11:14 AM Flag
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LA is a big place can you be more specific? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 11:24 AM Flag
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as mentioned above, it's on the Fox lot. there's only one Fox Studio. and also per above, it's on Ave of the Stars. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 11:26 AM Flag
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InterContinental in Century City (West LA) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 03.09.11, 09:47 PM Flag
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where in LA do you want to be? Santa Monica? West Hollywood? Downtown? Pasadena? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 11:29 AM Flag
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OP: Thank for the resposes. I'll check out the hotel on the fox lot. I realize that LA is huge. That's why I'm having trouble narrowing down an area. I guess Santa Monica would be fun, but I worry it's too far from downtown for when we want to go into the city. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 11:54 AM Flag
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In LA you don't really "go into the city." It's very spread out and you may want to go different activities in different areas. For this reason, I would stay somewhere central (Beverly Hills or West Hollywood). [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.04.11, 11:16 AM Flag
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Do not stay downtown unless you have a specific reason to, its dead after 5 p.m. downtown and on the weekends. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 12:05 PM Flag
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OP: Ok. Great advice. Thanks. Is the hotel on fox studio the Hyatt Century city? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 12:07 PM Flag
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NP, here is not much to do in Century City. That said, the poster is probably referring to the Hyatt Century Plaza (formerly just the Century Plaza) [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 12:28 PM Flag
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See if you can get a deal at the Beverly Wilshire or the Loews in Santa Monica [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 12:26 PM Flag
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^^ the Ritz Carlon in Marina Del Rey is great as well and has specials for under $300 [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 12:30 PM Flag
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Go to Santa Monica, plenty of nice hotels near the beach (Loew's, Viceroy, Shutters, Casa del Mar). Activities: 3rd Street Promenade, SM Pier, Venice boardwalk, a nice bike path on the ocean that goes all the way up to Malibu, and a short drive to Beverly Hills & West Hollywood. If you're only there for two days, LA is too spread-out to cover much else. Signed, former LA mom. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.27.10, 12:33 PM Flag
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NP also in LA. Agreed with this rec. Lots to do in SM and surrounding areas plus family friendly. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 03.09.11, 09:49 PM Flag
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Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. YOu have the beach, bike paths, sand, views, the Annenberg Community Beach House close by, merry-go-round, etcetcetc [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.04.11, 10:58 AM Flag
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I love Shutters, but it's really pricey. Loews is nearby and cheaper. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.04.11, 11:04 AM Flag
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Disneyland Resort Hotel. About $305(inc tax) a nite for 2+infant [ Reply | More
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General Topics 02.07.11, 09:46 AM Flag
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Le Parc in West Hollywood. I always have my out of town guests stay there. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 04.15.11, 07:01 PM Flag
[ - ] I am spending a few weeks visiting my mother in Los Angeles. Does anyone have any suggestions for activities and things to do out here with my year old son? We are in the Manhattan Beach area and my son seems totally bored without his usual playdates, storytime and music classes. Any suggestions (particularly free/cheap ideas) would be much appreciated. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 07.13.10, 11:33 AM Flag
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He's 1? No offense, but how "bored" can a 1-year-old possibly be? [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.13.10, 02:11 PM Flag
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there's a place in mahattan beach called adventureplex that has a big indoor play area suited to little kids. my kids always had fun there and it's not too pricey. when the june gloom lifts, the beach is fun and free! [ Reply | More
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General Topics 06.14.11, 10:18 PM Flag
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California Discovery Science Center. They have great interactive for 1+ and up. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.27.12, 04:58 PM Flag
[ - ] Can anyone recommend a reliable moving company for a cross-country move (NY to LA)? TIA. 4 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
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Los Angeles 07.07.10, 07:36 PM Flag
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Cross country moves are tough because most subcontract. We used Belkins and had a good experience and a driver who was personally carrying the load and gave his cell. But there are few laws governing this and it's a difficult area. If you can find a local mover willing to do the entire thing themselves, you'll get reliability but a much higher price. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.07.10, 07:41 PM Flag
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^oh and check movingscam.com for some personal reports. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.07.10, 07:42 PM Flag
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Did not know this. Thanks. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 07.07.10, 10:25 PM Flag
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I used belkins. went well. [ Reply | More
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General Topics 09.27.12, 04:57 PM Flag
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