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Well…full disclaimer – there is still a lot of the plastic in Los Angeles, but the recent rejuvenation of its downtown, the breathtaking views from its cliffside hikes, and the enduring quirkiness of its surfside communities made me rethink LA as just a plastic jungle – and might make you rethink it too.

To start with, Santa Monica is not to be missed. The pier has retained its unique charm populated with boardwalk performers, acrobats, and beachfront muscle men. An excellent way to pass an afternoon is cruising the boardwalk on a rented bike, taking in the sights – which certainly will not disappoint. To end the day, head down to the tip of the Santa Monica pier to Mariasol Cocina Mexicana for margaritas as the sun goes down.

Laguna Beach is another ‘can’t miss’ spot in the LA area. This Orange County community has kept its beachside and historical charm, nowhere more evident than at The Beach House – Laguna Beach’s converted old Hollywood getaway turned brunch and dinner destination. The Beach House is only metres from the shore, and during high tide the waves lick the restaurant’s balcony, showering unsuspecting diners with sea spray. Throughout Laguna Beach are exceptional hikes, both along the shore and along the cliffs overlooking the waves – and sometimes, amongst the waves, you can even see dolphins.

Another welcome surprise is LA by night – a different and charmed place. Cruising down Sunset Boulevard (especially at sunset) is an enthralling drive as you pass by iconic landmarks like the Chateau Marmont, the Los Angeles Film School and the Whiskey A Go-Go. After that drive, nothing is more fitting than a visit to the Griffith Observatory – right from Rebel Without a Cause. The recently renovated observatory is extraordinary for evening star gazing and for looking upon the Hollywood sign.

My last nighttime suggestion would be to visit the Hollywood hotspots, the Walk of Fame, the Grove, and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre – all within a few blocks of each other. LA is cooler, even breezy, in the evening, and there are significantly fewer tourists at that time, turning what in daylight hours might be a dreadful experience into a magical and thrilling adventure. The Chinese Theatre shines at night illuminating the many stars’ footprints in its foreground.

While the nearby outdoor shopping mall, The Grove, is an exceptional venue in its own right, it is most famous for the adjoining Kodiak Theatre, home of the Oscars. On a evening like this, even the most apathetic LA visitor will be titillated by ascending the Oscar stairs – and trying to fit their shoes into Darth Vader’s foot prints on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This was my LA trip – a peaceful, exciting, and altogether unexpected vision of LA far from the Plasticland of my worries (…though there are an alarming number of plastic surgery clinics everywhere!)

But before you go, 3 tips:

1. Get focused: LA county is vast and a little overwhelming - Frommer’s Editor Matthew R. Poole’s calls it a “circus-without-a-tent” (2009). Given this (and the excessive traffic) focus your trip on what side(s) of Los Angeles you want to see – the glamorous glitz of Hollywood and Rodeo Drive, the sandy beaches of Orange County, the animated excitement of Disneyland and Universal Studios – but don’t try to do it all on one trip. At the library we have LA guidebooks focusing on the micro and specific (such as Top 10 Los Angeles and The L.A. musical history tour: a guide to the rock and roll landmarks of Los Angeles) and on the macro and overarching (such as Fodor's Los Angeles or Frommer's Los Angeles) to help you get started.
2. Get inspired: through music and movies. Rent LA classics like Rebel Without a Cause or Sunset Boulevard from the library, and before you leave don’t forget the soundtrack to your LA trip! The library has the greatest hits from the Beach Boys to make sure you have the right tunes and the right tone for your LA trip.
3. Get a GPS: it will make your LA trip so much easier. As Frommer’s points out, most car rental agencies offer GPS rental now, or you can get a GPS app for your iphone or ipod touch. Either way it is well worth it.

Amie visited Los Angeles a year or two ago, but her impressions still hold true.

Join us on Saturday, February 23rd and Sunday, February 24th as the Calgary Public Library presents our Mind, Body, Spirit Weekend. It is a weekend full of insight, rejuvenation, and inspiration held in the John Dutton Theatre at the Central Library. Over the last four weeks we have interviewed four of the nine presenters. This week we have Dana Hansen, who will be presenting Improving Metabolism and Weight Loss on Saturday, February 23rd from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. If you missed the first three interviews, don't worry, you can still see them on our Good Life blog. For more information on our Mind, Body, Spirit Weekend and to register please see our program page.

What is metabolism and what is the connection with weight loss?

Metabolism refers to the series of chemical processes that convert the food we eat into energy for the body. When the metabolism is sluggish, the body is slower to burn ingested calories and weight gain can result, as these calories are stored as fat. Simply put, boosting metabolism means greater calorie burn throughout the day!

It’s clear that genes play an important role in metabolism. We can’t change our genes but can metabolism be influenced by environmental factors such as diet and exercise?

Making changes to our diet and level of physical activity are the two single most powerful tools we have for boosting our metabolism. In my program, I provide a variety of tips on research-proven methods on how to eat and exercise for maximum metabolism-revving effect.

Dana, you have a business helping people live healthy and full lives. What brought you to this point in your life?

As a pharmacist, the more I've learned about treating disease with medication, the more interested I've become in preventing the lifestyle-related chronic diseases that are currently plaguing our society. I truly believe that wholesome nutrition and regular physical activity are key to living a life full of health and vitality.

For Mind, Body, and Spirit you’ll be talking specifically about metabolism and weight loss. Do you cover other topics in your practice?

In my consulting practice, I tailor my services to meet the needs of the individual client or group. For example, I have helped clients enjoy a reenergized general health by guiding them through improvements in their nutrition and lifestyle habits. I also offer nutritional coaching combined with a personalized training program for clients with specific physical performance goals. In the group setting, I deliver engaging seminars for businesses or in private homes on a variety of topics ranging from healing inflammation to mood-boosting foods.

Dana Lee Hansen, PhD, is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, certified fitness instructor and practicing pharmacist who is passionate about empowering others with the tools they need to achieve their health and wellness goals.

Let's face it, we are all busy. Trying to balance kids, life, work and exercise can be exhausting. Sometimes it is much easier to swing by the drive through and pick up a quick, inexpensive meal rather than cook when you get home from a long day. The good news: there are healthier options available when we are in a rush. Check this series out for tips!

Eat This, Not That! The No Diet Weight Loss Solution! by David Zinczenko is a popular series that comes out every year. Have you ever been standing in line at the local fast food joint wondering what your healthy options are? Well, look no further. Eat This, Not That! lists fast food restaurants in alphabetical order and gives you recommendations for the healthier option. It lists calories, grams from fat and mg’s of sodium contained in the not so good option and the healthy alternative. They should really make this book in pocket size. Each page gives you tidbits of information on other menu items such as fries, gravy, and salad dressing. Other sections include "At the supermarket", "holidays and special occasions" and "cook this, not that!". The one downfall for Canadian readers is that some of the restaurants/supermarket items are not available on our side of the border. That being said, there LOTS of healthy tips that can be applied. The Eat This, Not That! series comes in “Supermarket Survival Guide” and “Restaurant Survival Guide”.

Join us on Saturday, February 23rd and Sunday, February 24th as the Calgary Public Library presents the Mind, Body, Spirit Weekend. It is a weekend full of insight, rejuvenation, and inspiration held in the John Dutton Theatre at the Central Library. Over the next four weeks we will interview four of the nine presenters. This week we have Joanne Graham, who will be presenting Introduction to the Labyrinth on Sunday, February 24th from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. If you missed the first two interviews, don't worry you can still see them on our Good Life blog. For more information on our Mind, Body, Spirit Weekend and to register please see our program page.

Are there different types of labyrinths?

There are two main types, or designs, of labyrinths: classical and cruciform.

The classical design is also known as Cretan or Minoan and is like a simple spiral in which there is a continuous circular path towards the center. Its existence dates back to 1530 BCE on the Isle of Crete.

The best example of the cruciform design is the eleven circuit labyrinth laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral, France. Developed by Christians, and installed c. 1200CE, it has a cross in the pattern. The path takes one closer to then away from the center whilst constantly moving in to the central space. There are many turns and changes in direction, requiring one to give up to simply follow the path to the heart (center). This design employs sacred geometry and proportion for its whole.

What will your program at Mind, Body, and Spirit include?

I am thrilled to be introducing the labyrinth to you as a presenter during the Mind, Body and Spirit Weekend, late February. I will be taking you on a short, but packed, journey through the history of the labyrinth as it is found throughout the world. I bring my own portable labyrinths for you to walk, and a resource table to appeal to your senses.

What are some more famous labyrinths?

Some famous cathedral labyrinths include:

Chartres, Amiens, Rheims, and Bayeux; all located in Europe.

Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, has both an indoor and an outdoor permanent labyrinth.

Saffron Walden, UK, has a turf labyrinth on its central common.

The outdoor labyrinth at Milton Keynes, UK, is made of paving stones.

Glastonbury Tor, UK (think Arthurian legends and Camelot) has a labyrinthine path leading to the medieval chapel at the top.

Labyrinths are often associated with Christianity. Are they found in other faiths and cultures?

Labyrinths are found around the world. They were used throughout the Baltic, Mediterranean, India, Afghanistan, the British Isles, and North America to tell a story.

In Scandinavian countries there are many of turf and stones, usually beside the water. Since the 1300's CE sailors have been walking them to entrap bad weather and bring them good luck before sailing.

Many stories of pagan (of the earth) rituals, celebrations for birth, fertility, good crops, come with the variety of turf and stone labyrinths located throughout the British Isles.

In North America they are used as pathways for rites of passage by the Pima and Hopi Indians of Arizona.

In India they have been used as both a protective symbol in childbirth and as plans of military defences of cities and armies at war.

Documented information from the early 20^th Century shows how the Zulu tribes of south Africa used labyrinth games to prepare boys for hunting and herding in adult life.

Joanne Graham lives in Edmonton and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics as well as a Holistic Health Practitioner Diploma. She was introduced to labyrinths through her local church prayer circle as a meditation tool. They quickly became one of her life’s passions.