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Located in The Grove, next to the LA Farmers Market, this American Girl Store in Los Angeles is one of three major emporiums in the U.S. There are seven American Girl stores in all.

Selling for roughly $100 each, American Girl dolls are one of the country’s hottest collectibles. Even Oprah Winfrey is a fan.

Set aside at least 3 hours to tour this amazing complex, which is packed to the rafters with American Girl dolls, books, clothing, and accessories. On the weekends, there are always fun crafts and activities going on.

In the Doll Hair Salon, your child’s American Girl Doll can receive a new hairstyle, or get her ears pierced. There are more than 50 hairstyles to choose from! Well-loved dolls in need of special treatment can check in to the American Girl Doll Hospital for a 2-week stay.

In the American Girl Photo Studio, your little girl can get her picture on a souvenir copy of American Girl Magazine. For the ultimate day trip, enjoy a meal at the American Girl Cafe, one of the signature experiences at the store. Your child’s American doll girl gets her own Treat Seat. And she doesn’t have a doll, there are plenty to borrow.

Each meal begins with a warm cinnamon roll, and your choice of drink. The pink lemonade is always a hit! Kids can enjoy entrees like hot dogs, pizza or buttered noodles, while grown-ups can order more sophisticated fare such as Pasta Pomodoro or Cornmeal-Crusted Tilapia. Every meal ends with a delicious Flower Pot Chocolate Mousse, served with a sugar cookie and heart-shaped cake. There’s even a souvenir hair bow to take home.

One of the most popular features at the store is the Just Like You Boutique. Kids can buy a doll that resembles them most, and then get kid-sized pajamas, dresses or outfits to match. You can even buy coordinating swim suits! The second level is home to the adorable Bitty Baby Dolls and American Girl Character Boutique, where you’ll find historical displays about American Girl dolls like Kaya, Felicity and Julie, the 1970s girl. Each 18-inch doll comes with a matching book, and you can go wild with the matching accessories.

We were in love with the cool tree house for Kit Kittredge, and camper set for American Doll of the Year, Lanie Holland. If you want to make a weekend of it, several Los Angeles hotels offer special American Girl Los Angeles hotel packages that include a bed for your doll! Participating hotels in LA include London West Hollywood and The Orlando, among several others. The store’s concierge can assist with suggestions. Be sure to ask for a personal shopper, which is a complimentary service at the store. You even get your own private check-out room.

For more California travel videos, travel deals and advice, log on to http://www.CaliforniaTravelExpert.com

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Congratulations to their successes in food business and grand openings in Santa Monica and Long Beach! Check them out if you have a chance! Huge w/ Bar and Dancing Floor!!!!!!!!!!
Note: these yummy photos were taken from Burbank branch.

Here is the lyrics for the first sone/opera. Love this one so much!

BRINDISI
Giuseppe Verdi – LA TRAVIATA

Libiamo, libiamo ne’lieti calici
che la belleza infiora.
E la fuggevol ora s’inebrii
a voluttà.
Libiamo ne’dolci fremiti
che suscita l’amore,
poiché quell’ochio al core omnipotente va.
Libiamo, amore fra i calici
più caldi baci avrà.

Tra voi tra voi saprò dividere
il tempo mio giocondo;
Tutto è follia nel mondo ciò
che non è piacer.
Godiam, fugace e rapido
e’il gaudio dell’amore,
e’un flor che nasce e muore,
ne più si può goder.
Godiam c’invita un fervido
accento lusighier.

(Godiamo, la tazza e il cantico
la notte abbella e il riso;
in questo paradiso ne sopra il nuovo dì.)

La vita è nel tripudio
quando non s’ami ancora.
Nol dite a chi l’ignora,
e’ il mio destin così …

Godiamo, la tazza e il cantico
la notte abbella e il riso;
in questo paradiso ne sopra il nuovo dì. THE DRINKING SONG

Let us drink from the goblets of joy
adorned with beauty,
and the fleeting hour shall be adorned
with pleasure.
Let us drink to the secret raptures
which love excites,
for this eye reigns supreme in my heart…
Let us drink, for with wine
love will enjoy yet more passionate kisses.

With you I can spend
the time with delight.
In life everything is folly
which does not bring pleasure.
Let us be happy, fleeting and rapid
is the delight of love;
it is a flower which blooms and dies,
which can no longer be enjoyed.
Let us be happy, fervent
and enticing words summon us.

(Be happy … wine and song
and laughter beautify the night;
let the new day find us in this paradise.)

Life is nothing but pleasure,
as long as one is not in love.
Don’t say that to one who is ignorant.
That is my fate …

Be happy … wine and song
and laughter beautify the night;
let the new day find us in this paradise

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