Tournament of Roses Parade Preview

One of the biggest things people from all over the United States looks forward to is the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. Today and tomorrow you can actually go to Pasadena and Irwindale to preview the floats as they're being decorated. You can even volunteer to help decorate the floats. Click here for more information if you're interested.

I went for the first time and had fun taking photos and I'm looking forward to both the parade and going to view the floats after. In case you're interested and don't know, you can also view the floats after the parade. It's the Showcase of Floats and they are on view January 1st through the 3rd and if you haven't gone I'd recommend it. Leave early. There is nothing like seeing these up close and in person.

If you'd like to go see the link above for the locations. It is $7.00 and the ticket is good for entry to all float decorating locations. Parking is free and wear comfortable shoes.

The Flower Mart

If you like flowers or have been looking for flowers for someone and you've never been to the Flower Mart near downtown Los Angeles, you don't know what you're missing.

Open for both retail and wholesale business you can find the largest selection of flowers and plants you could ever hope for. It's located on Wall Street between 7th and 8th Street. There are a few individual shops on the street then one open marketplace with numerous vendors with varied flowers and plants for sale.
You can buy individual bunches of flowers to create your own arrangment or purchase one of many bouquets of flowers ready to put in a vase. On my trip I spent $18.00 and had enough flowers to fill two vases. They have everything you need to create the floral arrangement of your choice and at a lower price than buying them from a local flower shop.

The visual allure and the intoxicating aroma will hook you!