SUE G.

Whimsic Alley

Whenever our family goes to Santa Monica, we always visit Whimsic Alley. Our kids love to buy the Harry Potter licensed candies. They have the wooden wands, too. My son has the Harry wand; and my daughter has the Hermione wand. Last time we went there, we bought a Hogwarts electric train set. The store is an experience in itself. It looks just like Diagon Alley -- with a lot of little shops inside.

PROS: A great place to find every sort of Harry Potter item!
CONS:

HARRY POTTER Store

I had been planning a trip to this store since I first heard they opened. I'd been reading about it in newsgroups and chat rooms frequented by Harry Potter fans like me. I finally got my opportunity last week. My anticipation was so high, I felt I could only be disappointed. But I wasn't. This may be the best store of ANY KIND I have ever been to. It's more than a store--it's almost like a Harry Potter theme park. They have about a hundred times more Harry Potter things than I've ever seen anywhere. Plus they have all the stuff that Harry himself would use--like wands, and quill pens and sweaters and things. The owner was so friendly, we talked for nearly an hour. The place looks just like I would imagine Diagon Alley looking and they had no problem with my taking pictures there. I even took one with the owner. And here is what totally floored me. It's as though they knew what I love besides Harry Potter. They have a room with Nightmare Before Christmas and one with The Simpsons and Family Guy. I will definitely be back--again and again.

PROS: Unbelievable selection, 1 of a kind stuff, friendly, great prices.
CONS: They are only in Los Angeles (although they also have a website)

Rite Aid

this store is very convenient to our house and has lots of free parking. they have most things you could want for your house, as well sa a great pharmacy. we go there at least once a week.

Walgreens

great selection of everything you could possibly use at home. we go there at least once or twice a week. they have great rebates, too. my kids love to buy cold drinks from there.

Office Depot

the store could use some fixing up on the outside, but on the inside it's great. we buy all of our school supplies from there. the staff is very nice, too.

Petco

the staff at this petco is very helpful and very friendly. we have gone to them for advice many times. they can always tell you which food is best or which supplies you should buy.

PETCO

we have been shopping at this petco for years. sometimes, we just go in and browse around. my kids love to see the birds and reptiles there. they have a great selection of fish, too.

Temple Emanuel Nursery School

temple emanuel nursery school has a great program run by an awesome director (stacey). the teachers are first rate. my daughter loved it so much -- she never wanted to come home when it was time to!!

Mordigan Nurseries

we hve been buying our plants from mordigan's for years. they really know what they are talking about! their staff can tell you what is best to plant and how to plant it. we have lots of their plants in our backyard!

Marlborough School

my daughter has been at marlborough school for a few years now. she really loves it. she has made lots of friends and has learned how to study and be responsible for her own studies.