Westside Envy

I think I've visited Santa Monica more times over the last month than I did all last year. This was due in part to my decision to get out to more bloggy events -- most of which seem to occur over on the Westside. But the big thing was my new bi-weekly Wednesday morning date with my friend Deena to shop for produce at the Santa Monica Farmers Market. Thanks to the addition of a diamond lane on the 405, we usually arrive at the destination by 9:00 AM, finish our shopping by 11, grab a light lunch and are back home in Northridge before noon.

More check-ins at santa monica farmers market Powered by Whrrl

Yesterday, it was really tempting to stick around a while. Deena wanted to see what was on sale over at cooks' paradise Sur La Table, and there are lots of other stores that beckoned -- not to mention the Burke Williams spa (where I obtained a pre-OSCAR manicure last week, thanks to one of those aforementioned blogger events hosted by the Disney site, Family.com).

In fact, spending so much time in Santa Monica -- where there are wonderful restaurants and shops and galleries and energy all within walking distance -- reminds me of how dreary it can be to live in the San Fernando Valley.

Don't get me wrong - I think people underestimate the Valley's strong points. It was an idyllic place to grow up and it's a good part of the city to raise a family. This is why my grandparents and parents made the decision to settle here 50 years ago.

But I think geography shapes us as much as nature and nurture. I'm convinced that if my family had bought homes near the beach, I would have turned out more confident, more successful, prettier and ... just cooler.

Based on real estate values, I know we all would have been richer.