u/pasta-syndrome

I grew up in the North Valley in the 90s/00s and have since moved away, but noticed some changes when visiting my parents. I don't remember what the demographics were like in Granada Hills when I was younger, but the Arnenian community is really growing out there. Had fun browsing the new markets to see what Armenian food is like. Porter Ranch got way more built out with luxury housing and a ton of new shopping, dining, fitness studios, and a movie theater. Mostly chains, but it's cool to see some growth because it was kind of boring before. Northridge also has a lot of mixed-use development now near the mall and tons of new restaurants. Curious what changes other people are noticing, for better or worse.

In one neighborhood of your choice, recommend one (or two) spots for each category: breakfast, coffee/tea, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Feel free to suggest your favorite thing to order.

I'll start with Hermosa Beach:

Breakfast: Quick pastry at Tommy & Atticus or sit-down breakfast at Martha's for peek-a-boo ocean views (try the cornmeal pancakes!).

Coffee: Offset

Lunch: Proudly Serving for smash burgers and duck fat fries

Dinner: Barsha for Middle Eastern/Mediterranean small plates

Dessert: Creamy Boys for Hokey Pokey ice cream

I started playing tennis at around 10 years old, did lots of coaching/clinics growing up, and played JV/varsity tennis in high school. I played on and off since then and haven't done much match play. I hit with my husband a couple times a week, mostly just rallying and playing some points. He's a 4.0/4.5 player and I hit really well with his pace and topspin.

I don't have an actual rating as I never play matches, but a couple people suggested that I start around a 3.5 level. I recently started playing doubles matches with women around 3.0/3.5 level and I make so many errors. They tend to hit with less pace and chip everything back. The balls typically bounce low, so I get in a bad loop of hitting into the net and then overcompensating by hitting up and out. When the ball is in my hit zone, I'm usually able to hit deep shots with enough pace and topspin to end the point.

I know that I need to get more match play experience, but wanted some advice on specific things to try when playing matches (especially handling low and slow balls). My main goal is to make less errors and build confidence in match play so that I can be comfortable playing mixed doubles with my husband. Thanks!

We are a mid-30s couple planning our first trip to Iceland in early September. I wanted to avoid having to change hotels every day and give ourselves buffer in case of bad weather, so I am planning to focus our stays in Reykjavik and along the South Coast. I'm looking for feedback on whether this itinerary is realistic and if you have suggestions for improvement. We are looking for a balance of hiking/adventure, nature/wildlife, wellness, and art/culture. I read that the puffins usually leave in mid-August, but was wondering if there is any place we might be able to see some stragglers. And of course, would love to see the Northern lights if we are lucky! Thank you!

Day 1: Arrive to Reykjavik in morning and pick up car rental. Walk around city center and Sky Lagoon in afternoon/evening. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 2: Golden Circle (Þingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Bruarfoss, Kerið). Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 3: Drive from Reykjavik to Vik, stopping at Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Gljúfrabúi. Overnight in Vik.

Day 4: Deciding between Sólheimajökull guided hike or Katla Ice Cave tour in morning, then Reynisfjara Beach, Reynisdrangar, and Dyrholaey in afternoon. Overnight in Vik.

Day 5: Drive to Jökulsárlón area, stopping at Fjaðrárgljúfur, Skaftafell/Svartifoss, Svínafellsjökull Glacier. Overnight in Jökulsárlón area.

Day 6: Zodiac boat tour of Jökulsárlón lake, Diamond Beach, Hofn, and Stokksnes. Overnight in Jökulsárlón area.

Day 7: Return from Jökulsárlón to Reykjavik, stopping at Kvernufoss. Any other good pit stops to break up the drive? Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 8: Reykjanes Peninsula: Seltún Geothermal Area, Gunnuhver, Bridge Between Continents, and Blue Lagoon. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 9: This day is unplanned, so I am open to suggestions. I was considering a few options: whale watching tour, Glymur hike, Raufarholshellir, or museum (or some combination of those activities as time allows). Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 10: Depart

Looking for book recommendations! Lately I've been starting books, but then I lose interest and don't finish them. Right now I'm looking for something that's easy to read and not overly long to get me out of a reading rut. My favorite books I've read recently are memoirs (Stay True, Crying in H Mart, When Breath Becomes Air), but I'd also like to start reading more fiction. Some recent fiction books that I've enjoyed are All the Light We Cannot See, Middlesex, and Kite Runner.