Tomorrow morning I’m flying to Los Angeles.
I’m headed there for the day to attend a food photography workshop put on by the wonderful White on Rice Couple and hang out downtown with a handful of talented food bloggers. We’re going to learn about photography, eat delicious food and talk about fun elements such as composition, lighting, editing and exposure. I’m thrilled to be a part of it!
But here’s why I’m nervous:
I’ve never been to Los Angeles before. What if I get lost downtown, go the wrong direction and end up in Mexico?
My flight leaves at 6:40 in the morning. There’s a chance I will oversleep my alarm and miss the entire thing.
My flight back leaves at 6:30 tomorrow evening. What if I forget to take the mace out of my purse and get stopped at security? It’s happened before.
I’m from The South. I don’t know how to deal with all the hip people in Southern California and we all know what happens when I get in large crowds.
There’s a chance I will run into one of the following: Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt or Ryan Reynolds.
Last week, I sat on my only pair of big sunglasses and broke them. This marks the seventh pair of sunglasses that I’ve crushed with my behind. And how can one go to Los Angeles without oversized sunglasses?
If you happen to live in Los Angeles and see a petite blonde girl in dorky tennis shoes with a large map, a backpack and a Southern accent looking confused on a street corner, please help her.
She’s out of her element and needs to go home.
{ 116 comments… read them below or add one }
Avoid Mexico!!!!
But if you end up there, definitely buy sunglasses.
Have a great trip–look forward to hearing what you learn. Your photos are already pretty darn good.
Do you really carry mace in your purse? Remind me if I ever meet you to approach in a obvious and non threatening manner.
I really do!
I used to too…except that I also forgot to take it out before airport security and understandably, they threw it away. Embarrasssssiiiinnng!
I had a hard boiled egg in my bag last time and it spurred a bag check. Pulling out packets of oatmeal and dried fruit, they soon realized I was a threat to no one but the person I was sitting next to on the plane.
HAHA! I think you must be my long lost twin-I got stopped for the EXACT same thing last time I flew!
The smell of a hardboiled egg would ward me off as fast as mace.
i keep mace in my purse too (on my keychain). but i’ve never had it taken away in the airport (i’ve flown with it at least 4 times) – crazy!
This comment made me LOL Evan
I seem to always break my sunglasses with my toosh, too….but anywho have a blast! and maybe come back with some tips?
Maybe you should pack a jar of Nutella with you to help calm your nerves?!
Great idea! But make sure you eat it all before you go through security or it will be confiscated as a “gel”!
What a fun trip! It’ll be so much fun! The White on Rice couple are very talented.
Enjoy
haha! If you get lost and wander into the west LA area I can rescue you and bring you to Susie Cakes for baked deliciousness.
I might intentionally get lost if that’s the case!
Can you be any cuter? I mean seriously!
I once forgot to take the pocket knife out of my purse before going through security. Thankfully my mom was still standing on the other side of the checkpoint and took my knife for me. I obviously wasn’t using it anyway. I did, however, remember to take the hand lotion out of my purse. Women.
Oh please do share what you learn. And you will be awesome – enjoy the 12 hours!
You won’t end up in Mexico… it’s San Diego that’s pretty close to Mexico! I think you’ll really like LA, there’s plenty to see and do. Have fun!
ha! you’ll be fine
Sounds like an exciting adventure! Boost your confidence with nutella shots before hand and you’ll do great, though I don’t know about you going without oversized sunglasses. I’m thinking they’re critical.
Haha. No worries, in order to get to Mexico, you’d have to get through San Diego first. In case I see you wandering, I’ll send you back in the right direction! Enjoy DTLA (and the delicious eats of my former city)! Looking forward to reading about your adventure.
And yes. You do need a pair of big sunglasses. Haha. You have one day to procure a pair!
oh my gosh! if i saw you i’d totally stop and help! i’m semi scared of la too… i live just south of la (am i hip?? – i think not, i play video games w.the boys lol!?) and have only been there a few times on my own (when not visiting my g-ma who lives right by lax). too many people! ahhh!! i’m like an indoor house cat that makes her excape and then wonders why on earth she ran out the front door when the first big truck rattles by HAHA! good luck tmr jenna!!
I’m a small town girl from Rock Hill, SC and I have called Los Angeles home for 15 years. You’ll do fine! (Downtown L.A. is nothing like the Hollywood scene.)
Good luck and have a great time! And make sure to eat as much Mexican food as you can:)
you’ll love exploring the new corner of the world! have a great time
I had mace taken out at the airport before! Interesting, though, that it was on my trip back…. the first airport didn’t catch it!
Ha! This cracked me up.
I lived in L.A. for eight years, trust me — you won’t run into Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Reynolds or Brad Pitt. You might run into that guy who plays that person on that one CBS crime procedural, though.
I was totally TERRIFIED when I moved to Los Angeles!! But you know what? It’s not as bad as I expected, and now that I’ve lived here for nearly 4 years, I’m kinda starting to like it! Go figure.
Let me know if you need any help, and avoid Hollywood at all costs!! (seriously, the block that has the Chinese, Kodak, and El Capitan theaters is the ONLY block of Hollywood worth seeing!)
You’re in great hands at the workshop (I’m so jeal!), but I’ll be on the lookout for you. I live near LAX and work downtown, and would be happy to rescue you, i.e., escort you to Babycakes, Bottega Louie (hello macaron!), Mendocino Farms, etc., etc. Have a fantastic trip and workshop!
did I understand that right, you are only going to be there for 12 hours? But you won’t even get to see the city….. I vote that you get lost on your way back to the airport and take a tourist detour. Was this a vote?
EEEK! Definitely avoid Mexico at all costs!! But I don’t think you will have a problem with that one. Have fun!!! I can’t wait to hear about what you learn!
Mexico can’t be that bad… haha good luck!
Awe, Wish you stayed down here longer!! You’ll love LA, it’s a great little (or not so little) town. =)
Ah! You would be having loads of fun! Enjoy and don’t worry, you would do just fine
Hahahah from a Southern California college student originally from the Bay Area…LA is not that bad I promise. It’s actually really cool and fun with lots of sweet, creative people! And realllllly good food and shopping. And the weather’s amazing, too. Have I convinced you yet? And I promise you won’t get to Mexico without knowing you’re heading for Mexico…but if you accidentally head that way make a pit stop in San Diego and meet me!!
Have fun!
Hi Erin or anyone from San Diego!
I’m going to San Diego with my fiance next Thur (17th) until Monday. Do you have any recommendations of must see places (food, towns, etc.)?
Thanks so much!
M
You need to go get fish taco in Ocean Beach and resturant near the end of the pier called South Beach.
you’re petite? what is your height?
We Angelinos really aren’t that hip, I promise! San Francisco is much more hip than LA. Oh and the US/Mexico border is a good 2.5 hour drive (without traffic, which, good luck with that!) from downtown LA.
LOL, you’ll be fine. This cracked me up though. I grew up in San Diego and do modeling in LA and it always makes me laugh how people think everyone in southern Cali sees famous ppl all the time. Unfortunately, you most likely won’t see anyone famous, after living here my whole life the only famous ppl I’ve ever seen are Jessica Biel and the writer of star wars.
How funny you don’t see anyone famous? Yesterday I saw P. Diddy at Houston’s. And after he left I saw Rick Fox there. And that was just yesterday!
well darn, now I just think I have bad luck lol
Too bad you aren’t going to be down here longer – it would have been nice to meet up!
And don’t worry – there are no crowds of people down here. Just cars. Lots and lots and lots of cars. You’ll be fine!
Bwahahahah! I went to UCLA & lived on the Westside, baby. Cut my teeth on 6AM flights.
Big Shades: Don’t leave home without ‘em. You’ll be fine…LA loves a pretty face.
If you run into Reece, she’ll be so nice. She’s a southern girl, too.
I mean Reese.
Have so much fun – LA is not that scary!
Oh, and I’ve broken many a pair of sunglasses with my toosh.
Don’t worry, you will have an amazing trip!! What a great experience to learn about food photography…now I’m gonna look to see if there is one in my area
Aw it’s not so bad here! I’m an upstate NY girl and move here about 6 months ago and it’s not nearly as crazy as you might think. Not a ton of people walking around either because everyone is in a car driving somewhere!
As far as famous people, in just the 6 months I’ve lived here I’ve seen tons of em. It’s kind of thrilling in a weird feeling like a stalker way!
You don’t have anything to worry about. I’m from Arkansas, and moved to LA about 15 months ago, and people love my accent. Also, there is ALL kinds here, from stylish to don’t-give-a-crap, and it takes a lot to stand out from all the crazies. So, I think you should blend in with all the other transplants that make up this city, no problem. Have fun and enjoy all the good eats this diverse city has to offer!
That is exactly why I have never splurged on sunglasses! In fact, there is an inverse relationship between price of sunglasses and how long they last. I think it’s a scientific fact.
Haha, you definitely sound nervous! You’ll have a great time, though
Can’t wait to hear all about it!!
If someone can pick you up & drop you off @ the Union Station, taking the Flyaway bus to and from LAX will guarantee that you won’t get lost. Have f un!
Lmao. I think you’d notice if you were that far out of LA to hit Mexico. You have to go through (my town) San Diego first! lol.
Big sunglasses are required in LA – hurry, go to Target! They have everything!
Hahahaha, will do, Jenna. Will do.
Have fun in LA – it sounds like a blast!
Gorgeous photos!
This is too funny! Good luck and have fun!
What a fun event! I live in San Diego and had I known something like this existed, I would have loved to go! Not sure if it’s a small thing and invite-only (probably)…but it sounds wonderful!
If you need a So Cal tour guide, there are plenty of people who would help a blond girl with a Southern accent…including me
You probably have your poor Mom scared to death now of losing you somewhere in L.A!!
Your going alone I take it? Good LUCK! Sounds fun.
Have a great trip! I hate big cities because I get lost so easily, but it can be managed!
haha we are really friendly and welcoming!!!! Flip flops and jeans will totally work
Besides the weather is beautiful!!! Have a great time!
Things that create this type of anxiety are the types of things we should do all the time! Everything will most likely go smoothly, or it won’t but you’ll figure out how to work it out, and afterwards you’ll feel like you’ve really accomplished something. Have fun!
Hi Jenna!
I live literally 5 minutes away from DTLA. I wish you were having a blog meet up.
Los Angeles is really not that bad, and native angelinos such as myself are nice and friendly. We have great Mexican food down here, so if you get a chance you should try some.
so jealous of the photography seminar! I’ve been to one with todd and diane before and they are incredible. completely changed the way I take pictures. Can’t wait to hear what you learn, I hope you share about it on the blog!
You’ll have to first go through San Diego to hit up Mexico. Heck, you might just want to “get lost” in SD because it’s such a beautiful city. Beaches, sun, food and an incredible sunglasses store where I basically get all mine. Off Garnet next to PB Bar and Grill. …. ah another trip. Used to go to school there before moving back to the Bay Area. whoops off topic.
and don’t worry about accidentally leaving things in your carry on. Husband was pulled out of the security line for a bag check due to some handcuffs accidentally left in his bag. He had completely forgotten about them and when he was asked if he was in law enforcement and he said no, they pulled out the cuffs and asked what they were for. . . . and he pointed at me.
it could be worse
hah!!
Don’t be nervous- you’ll have a fantastic time with awesome people and you’ll learn a ton!! I’m from the deep South, too..and LA’s not *that* bad.,
oooh Mr BBB and I are planning a trip to the States this year – so I can picture something similar happening (hmm well with an Aussie accent instead lol!)
We actually moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta. LA is fun….a really fun place to visit. I enjoy going now as a “tourist”, but all my in-laws are still there scattered around. I imagine you will really enjoy it. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures, and see some glorious food pics!
ah, you’ll be fine. us socal people don’t have our fangs out…all the time at least.
enjoy LA! just don’t get stuck in traffic!!!
How on earth would one end up in Mexico from Los Angeles? Lol.
Jenna, be prepared for people speaking and moving very fast! I’ve lived in LA all my life except for these last few months that I’ve been in the Bay Area and I have the hardest time being patient here because everyone seems to move a lot slower compared to the speed of things in LA! Have fun and take lots of pics!
I’m a Bay Area native and it’s too slow even for me. LA traffic was terrible to drive through to SD but at least So. Cal people know how to drive! (except when it rains, lol)
I currently live in LA (USC!) and I’m from the South (Texas!). I PROMISE you will love it! Say y’all to as many people as you possibly can (trust me, they love it), and keep your eyes peeled for celebs–they really are everywhere! If you need any advice on fun things to do or places to eat, I’ve got tons!
Don’t you worry … I will be in your pocket
CUTEST COMMENT EVER!
HAHAHA, end up in Mexico! You’re hilarious.
Oh, stop. You are adorable and they will love you in L.A. even with dorky tennis shoes.
I live pretty close to LA and I rarely go because of the traffic! Good luck
So, there are many different “LA”s! My personal recommendation – Abbot Kinney in Venice which is a funky and designy part of town. It sounds like you will be in downtown, which has cool elements like the Disney Concert Hall (of course).
As for ending up in Mexico – it’s a fairly long way from LA to Mexico. You might notice that you end up in San Diego well before you cross the border.
Can’t wait to read how it goes!
I just did a “secret stairs” walk of downtown LA. You will love it! Go to Phillippe’s near Union Station…you will LOVE it…
Could this post be any more amusing? Mexico?! Oy, Jenna!
Have a great time in LA! Maybe you’ll get to bring home a sunglasses souvenir? I got the cutest pair of oversized maroon sunglasses on the boardwalk in Venice Beach on a business trip in 2007, and they’re still my faves.
Awwwww Jenna! you’re going to have an amazing time in LA
Learn all you can & come back with new, yummy recipes to share!!!!
Okay, I haven’t read all of the other comments yet, but when I read “hang out downtown” I wondered, “has she ever been to LA before?” Then I read your comment about not having been there before. I admit that I haven’t been there in 5 years, but what struck me most about LA is how different it is from almost every other city I’ve visited. I’ve been to all the major east coast cities… Boston, New York, Philadelphia, DC…. I’ve been to San Francisco. I’ve been to Chicago, Miami, New Orleans, London, Paris, Dublin, Cork, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Amsterdam… and LA is not like those cities. At least when I was there, “downtown” was not the place to hang out. “Downtown” was really a business district which was absolutely DEAD on weekends. It was not the cool hybrid of residences and shops which give the downtown areas of other cities energy and life. It was a place to work, not hang out.
Maybe you don’t actually mean “downtown.” There are cool places, they’re just all reeeaaaaaaaaaally spread out and it’s really not walkable and yet only homeless people and kids seem to take public transportation. Personally, I like a nice compact walkable city which is alive at all times, so I didn’t love LA. I stayed there for 2 weeks and have never been back and never wanted to go back. But, there are still a lot of cool, individual areas you can visit, and a number of good museums. Just on the whole, it didn’t seem like a “city”… it seemed like sprawl with some individual neighborhoods. The beach is cool, though.
Still… do all the tourist things. You won’t regret it. It felt cheesy to take the Hollywood tour, and the Beverly Hills tour, but it was cool to see what those places are like in real life (and they’re really NOT the way you imagine them to be.)
Scratch that – I just reread and saw you’re going for one day. No time for tours! That’s too bad… I really feel like LA is one city of which you can’t get a real sense unless you’re there for a significant period of time.
Welcome to SoCal. I’ve been reading White on Rice Couple’s blog after I got into reading your blog. You’ll have a great time in SoCal. There’s so much to see and do but definitely get your EAT on! We’re in the midst of Chinese New Year with the year of the Rabbit (for Chinese)/Cat (for Vietnamese) so hopefully Diane and Todd can show you some Chinese NY celebrations/restaurants.
Too bad you can’t stay longer. It’d be nice to meet with you w/ a blogger meet up! Enjoy your time in SoCal and can’t wait to see all the photo’s! =)
Aww I’m sure you’ll do fine! Have fun!!
I stepped on brad pitt’s foot in a coffee shop when I was there. I blushed, said sorry, and stared. I am from the south too and couldn’t help it. My thoughts are with you. It is an awesome crazy town.
Honey.
I’m from Iowa and I didn’t get lost enough on my trip to LA to end up in Mexico. You’ll be fiiiiiiiiiiiine.
I did, however, have a pair of big sunglasses to hide behind when I made some small-town faux paux!
Good luck!
If you run into Ryan Reynolds, could you do me a favor and give him my number? haha
Have a great trip. It sounds like it will be a cool experience!
Dude. I’m in LA right now. For work. And it’s OK. You can deal. It’s nice here.
And if you can get to Beverly Hills, I have two chocolate shops you must, yes must, go to.
You will have a great time in L.A. I am looking forward to seeing all the places you end up going out to eat!!
Cute post
Have a fun trip! There’s nothing like SoCal… ( I like the area where you live in CA better).
You are adorable, and could never be out of place! Enjoy your day down here in LA, the weather should be nice!
I’m surprised you haven’t been to LA since you live in California. Have a good time.
I can’t wait to read about your L.A. adventures! Hopefully they have internet access in Mexico
seriously Jenna you will be fine! I live and work in Long Beach and my fiance works in Hawthorne (both are in LA county). Los Angeles has this reputation but it is much more laid back than any of it. you will do great!! I wish you were down here longer so we could do a meet up!
Just beware of all the one-way streets in downtown LA, and don’t end up in the shady areas! Skid Row is nearby, and that is not a good place to be. Not trying to scare you, but just letting you know. Where exactly will you be? Keep in mind that traffic in LA is horrible – leave enough of a cushion to make it back to the airport. You’ll be heading out during rush hour.
Being a former SoCal resident, it’s not as bad as the stereotypes make it seem! You’ll have a blast! And if you want some good wine in a great atmosphere, check out the “Otherroom” in Venice.
Have a blast!!
~Jill
Too bad you won’t be here longer! It looks like you have several readers here, and it would be so much fun to have a blog meet up. There are so many fun things to do in LA!! Have a great time!!
First of all, you have to drive pretty far from LA to hit Mexico. And there is a big sign before the border that says “Last u-turn to US.” If you see that, turn around!
Secondly, pack flipflops, not sneakers. It’s 75* here…you can wear them!
Don’t worry about the sunglasses. There’s only about a billion pairs here for sale.
And if you run into Ryan Reynolds, hold on to him until I get there!
I love Los Angeles so, so dearly. I don’t know much about downtown though. It deserves a longer trip, so you can visit Westwood/Brentwood/Santa Monica. You will fall in love I think
Haha, as a Southerner who once lived near L.A. for a few years, it was QUITE the adjustment. Strangers in the South will just chat with you randomly, and it’s charming. If someone does that in L.A., it’s SCARY. Stay away from the Sunset Blvd are at night, it sketched me out. Safety in numbers!
Oh, and eat some In-N-Out for me
. Mmm, tasty greasy local fast food.
Don’t worry LA isn’t such a scary place. You’ll have a great time.
You don’t need to be so worried about bumping into Reese AND Ryan as they will not likely be in the same place…
You don’t need to be worried about bumping into Reese AND Ryan as they will not likely be in the same place…
Haha, don’t worry, you would have to go a long way to hit Mexico. Start to get worried if you hit San Diego!
Have fun and fly safe!
Have fun girl! You’ll do fine. If you get in a bind, whip out the Southern accent. Works every time for me.
Sounds like a great whirlwind trip!!
lol!
wow, sounds like a fun trip! have a good time in LA!
I live in Philly and carry around pepper spray
This post made me smile!
I hope your flight was good! I have actually never been there but I’m sure you’re going to have an incredible time!
We traded!
I left yesterday from Orange County for a school tour of the CIA campus in St. Helena, and really don’t want to leave any time soon.
Sadly, I doubt you’ll see any celebrities, but bring mace for sure
It’s just funny because people only see how Los Angeles is on the t.v. when really most of it (no offense to people living there) isn’t very glamorous. THere are really nice areas and it is a fun place to go, I hope you have a lot of fun! It sounds like a good time! When I get back from college, I am making those brownies! I feel like I say that about a lot of your recipes, they all look so good and without a kitchen I sometimes forget which ones I want to make:/