Yes, I know this post is a bit late. I started a new job towards the end of March and since then my spare time has been seemingly nonexistent. I’ve been doing a lot of writing for LOCALE so any time I’m not at work or lesson planning I’m writing. Adjusting to the new schedule took a lot out of me and I didnt have the time and energy to get this posted. However, it’s here! If you’re new to the whole “52 New things” challenge check out my other posts here! Otherwise, continue reading to learn all about my new things for March.
#9 “90’s Nite” Disney After Dark (Activity)
For my birthday (in December) my brother got us both tickets to the 90’s themed Disney After Dark event. I was so excited I had been wanting to visit the park for one of the After Dark events and this one was the perfect theme. Three months later Daniel and I dressed up, got to the park early and started exploring. Upon entering Disneyland we were gifted memorabilia maps and 90s themed fanny packs. The park closed at 8 for regularly ticketed guests and once the event started at 9 rare 90s characters came out for photos, DJs set up and began playing 90s, pop, rock and R&B. Daniel and I headed straight for the Indiana Jones ride to pick up our decoder cards one of the many things we were excited for. Then it was all about taking photos. The lines were LONG and unavoidable, probably my only complaint of the night. We waited about 2.5 hours to see Max, worth it, but also not the best. We made friends in line while we waited making the wait way more tolerable. Towards the end of the event it rained on us, and we ended the evening wet and cold and walking to the parking structure at 2AM because we missed the last tram but we had so much fun. I would do this event again if the theming was right but it’s a little bit pricey for the amount of lines and waiting that we did.
#10: Tour of the Central Library (Things to See)
During March I was a top candidate for a job at the Los Angeles Library Foundation. I spent a few days driving to the library for meetings and I finally decided that I wanted to take a tour of the historic building. Docent led tours are free and they guide you around the library, take you to the current art exhibit on display for about an hour and give you the history of the building. I joined three other people for the tour and it was great. If you ever get the chance I suggest you take the train out to the library and spend 2 hours at the library. The tour was about 90 minutes, and explained the fire that ripped though the old library as well as the architecture of the newer side of the library.
Before the tour I didn’t know that the library had a HUGE collection of family records and maps all available for free in the library. The nerd heart I have went a little crazy as we toured this section. Its a really fun way to spend the day for very little money.
#11: Griffith Park Hike (Outdoors)
Because of all this rain I wanted to get out on a hike and explore some of the flowers wildflowers around Southern California. I didn’t want to visit the overpopulated, and to be frank, horribly treated Lake Elsinore area. So I headed to Griffith park for a hike. I’ve never hiked in Griffith before, even though there are so many wonderful trails.
I opted to try out the ‘Riverside Trail’, which is a short 1.2 mile trial with some great views of Los Angeles and the park. Parking was free and right across the street from the trailhead. The hike featured some steep uphill portions. With all the rain the wildflowers made the hillsides unbelievably green with glorious little pops of color from the various flowers that littered the landscape.
It’s a pretty popular trail with a lot of other hikers and dogs around. I’m more of a quiet, low-traffic hike kinda gal but this one was worth it for the views. The trailhead is also right next to the shuttle that takes you up to the Griffith Observatory. After a picnic, at the park next to the parking area, I hopped on the shuttle and visited the observatory for a while. The shuttle is 50 cents each way and the Observatory is free to get into; so three cheers for inexpensive things to do in LA!
#12: Croquettes (Food)
I’m working on a little project for myself and I wanted to develop a recipe for it. I figured I’d make something I really enjoyed while traveling in Europe. I opted for Croquettes. Simple to make and so tasty.
I’ll share the recipe once that project is released but it was a whole lot of fun and stupid easy to make, especially if you have leftover mashed potatoes you want to use up. I made some creamy garlic mashed potatoes, chilled them for a bit then rolled them out to a size I was happy with, popped them in flour, egg wash and then a mix of breadcrumbs, fresh parm and spices. Fried them up in a shallow pan of oil and chowed down.
Not great for those of us that are supposed to be eating healthy but what’s life without enjoying a little bit of good food? One thing this 52 new things project has made me realise is how much I enjoy cooking. I’m not the best at it, I have so much to learn but it brings me happiness and this project has taught me that perfection isn’t always necessary to have fun.
Additional New things!
- Made homemade Jambalaya. Surprisingly simple to make, and it yields a large amount of food, perfect for dinner parties.
- Ate at Cole’s French Dip in Los Angeles. I’ve gotta say, it was only okay. I LOVE french dip sandwiches. I’ve had my fair share of them and if I had to make a list ranking them, Cole’s would be pretty low.
- Had my friends over for a Crafternoon. We made rings and necklaces and had a lovely time soaking up some sun, catching up and trying our best at being crafty. I’d say it worked out for the most part. If you’ve never gathered your friends for some quality time being creative together then you should. It was such a sweet way to spend the afternoon and the possibilities are endless.
- Visited the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, in Claremont and it was so lovely! I will 100 % be back to explore some more when I’m less hungry. I’ll be doing a post about this soon, stay tuned.
The Great Big Wonder 
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