Hometown Tourists


We live in an awesome area for tourists and attractions– Southern California. But do we ever take advantage of the things we have in our own backyard? I'm not talking Disneyland and such. I am talking about cool museums, gardens, historical downtown areas, and other great attractions we take for granted in my family. With all of Xaver's talk of moving out of state over the last year or two it has really got me thinking we need to “see it all” before we make the big move, whenever that may be.

So today we hopped in the car and took a little trip down to explore Old Town Pasadena. Why Pasadena? Well, my friend Trisha was talking about how she wanted to go to The Container Store out in Pasadena just yesterday. I hadn't been for a long long time and at that, the last one I went to was in San Diego. So Pasadena was fresh in my mind!

First I went on their web page and plotted out a little tour of the sights we wanted to see. Gotta think like a tourist, right? Then I printed a map of downtown with addresses of the sites all of which the city web page helped with. Then I realized we would be driving right by Scrap N Yap. Yes, it is a scrapbook store that I have been meaning to visit after hearing rave reviews from Trisha. A newer online scrapping pal of mine, Ching, also started teaching there so I have been hearing things about it here and there. And of course Miss PJ had already scoped it out and filled me in.

Scrap n Yap was great and Elizabeth was so nice and welcoming. I even saw Ching there–she was cropping! I got some really cool Anna Griffin paper for my Christmas cards–everything was 20% off for Scrap Pink–SCORE! I also got some other fun goodies I hadn't yet seen at any of the stores I teach at. It was a nice atmosphere and Xaver really dug the bike shop a couple doors down in the same shopping center.

After that we hit the road to Old Town. This is when we first got there:


We went to the Container Store first where I got this really awesome punch I can't wait to use on a page!!!! I also got some monkey hooks — 3 for $9.99. Um, I bought a single hook back in San Diego earlier this year at a boutique–ONE hook for $7.99. I was a little PO'd to discover I had been taken advantage of but hey, now I know where to get the hooks myself! I was a little disappointed but The Container Store because I remember it being way cooler but it just might have been a case of time embellishing my memories, you know? I am still quite a bit fonder of the items at Ikea and definitely of the Ikea prices.

Here we are just walking around on Colorado St.:


After the Container Store we did some more window shopping and got gelato at this fun little shop:

Xaver got peach, I got strawberry lemonade flavor, Katie got peanut butter cup and Matt sampled all three! LOL


Katie eyed some yummy candy and fudge, and we even saw what I call the “It's About Time” Bakery. It totally looked like IAT but with baked goods inside. We didn't get pics of the inside but here is the outside of Aux Delices:


We also hit up Blick Art Supplies, a really cool Floral Supply place with cool Christmas decor, some stationary shops, and then kicked back at the park. I got my first Copic Marker at Blick. They were really fun to play with but $5 a pen scared me off so I got just one to try for journaling. I am sure I will like it but you know, gotta be frugal and such these days.

Katie took this pic of us in the park:
These two are so silly together!



After this we made the trek back to the car and stopped on the way home to get me some new clothes. I just let them get all old and thread bare because I can think of a million other thing si would rather spend money on. And I hate buying “fat lady” clothes but I can't go around looking like a bag lady all the time either so I got a couple pairs of jeans and some pajamas. It just so happened they were having a sale and I saved $50 right off the top. And the lady was so nice too–it was a pleasnat experience, which clothes shopping usually is not for me, so that was refreshing.

All in all, it was a fun day! I know we will definitely head back when Xaver's mom comes out to visit because she would just die at that Christmas store. Can't wait to scrap these pics!!

Author: Jennifer Priest

It started with jewelry, beading, sewing, home decor, painting, basket weaving, pottery, and cross-stitch. Marry that to an entrepreneurial spirit & at 9 years old a girl is selling her wares at craft fairs as far as her parents and grandparents would drive her. These days, Jennifer enjoys crafts of all genres from sewing to scrapbooking to jewelry with a little dabbling in the mixed media world. Her style is approachable and she wants everyone who sees her work to feel that they too can embrace creativity and make their home and life beautiful.

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4 thoughts on “Hometown Tourists

  1. I was just down there to Old Town on Saturday browsing through the Pottery Barn. But hey, you did not mention the Paper Source with all of there way cool Halloween papers, stamps, and unique embellishments. That is a MUST see when you are down there.

    Posted on September 29, 2008 at 3:13 am
  2. Yeah I totally forgot about Paper Source!! I’ve heard alot about it but never been. I know, I am sheltered! hehe We didn;t makeit to everything and Xaver plans to take a weekday off soon for us to go to the Huntington Library so we’ll go back to downtown again then too. Thanks for the reminder!!

    Posted on September 29, 2008 at 3:18 am
  3. i’m glad you guys had a fun day down there. out and about in my neck of the woods. i can’t wait to see all the stuff you made at your crop on saturday. your space looks great! talk to you soon…

    Posted on September 29, 2008 at 3:50 am
  4. Sounds like you had a good time! I should had made myself a part of the family for the day and joined you guys! Glad you were able to make it to Scrap & Yap!

    Posted on September 29, 2008 at 2:51 pm