Spring Break Edition
Updated: Mar 17
Foodie Files Spotlight
"Would you eat fried bugs?"
Coyoacan Market, Mexico City
(Daddy/Daughter spring break trip)
This spring break, Lila and I traded roller coasters for creepy crawlies at Mexico City’s Coyoacan Market—and let me tell you, this was a fear factor foodie adventure we’ll never forget!
We bravely chowed down on:
✅ Fried scorpion—like a potato chip with extra legs!
✅ Giant cockroach—tastes like chicken… if chicken had an exoskeleton.
✅ Ants—tiny but tangy, packing a lemony zing.
But when it came to chocolate tarantulas, we chickened out. Even a sugar coating couldn’t make that eight-legged treat less horrifying! Lila was the true MVP—she even laughed as I tried not to scream with every crunchy bite. It’s the best daddy-daughter memory: bonding over bravery, bug guts, and a lot of laughter. If you’re in Mexico City, dare to taste—but maybe bring a side of bravery (and a palate cleanser).
Flexner’s Family Fun Guide
Madame Tussaud's WAX MUSEUM
(Wait....whaaat???)
Normally we steer clear of tourist destinations, but on a recent search for something fun and different to do with the kids, we decided to throw caution to the wind and visit Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in Hollywood. After many years in LA, it was really fun to find ourselves posing with stars present and past. The coolest part for us is that since they are life size, we could see how tall they are in person. John Wayne was huge! Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande are TINY! There were lots of smiles and laughs while we sidled up to Simon Cowell, chatted with Jack Nicholson, high-fived with Charlie Chaplin and Edward Scissorhands, and karate kicked with Bruce Lee, among countless others. To our surprise, it turned out to be a fantastic destination for a family outing!
The museum offers a blend of entertainment, pop culture, and hands-on experiences that appeal to all ages. From the moment you walk in, the lifelike wax figures create a sense of wonder and excitement, making it feel like you've stepped into a world of celebrities, historical icons, and cultural legends.
One of the highlights for us was the interactive nature of the museum. Nothing is behind a velvet rope...you are encouraged to pose with the figures, take photos, and even step into themed sets — from movie scenes to sports arenas. Lila (12) loved seeing her favorite superheroes, singers (well hello, Taylor, who is not tiny!) and animated characters, while I got a kick out of spotting legendary actors, musicians, and political figures. There is plenty of space to explore without feeling rushed, and we had a grand time snapping silly photos and gawking over how unbelievably realistic the statues were. There were a few statues that missed the mark in terms of accuracy, but the laughs that those brought were part of the fun. :)
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is more than just a tourist stop — it's an interactive, fun-filled experience with plenty of photo-worthy moments and exciting exhibits. There is a newly opened Rooftop Restaurant & Bar for drinks and snacks, as well as a Marvel Universe 4D movie and a new Robot Riot 7D motion simulator game that are optional add ons to your ticket price.
Madame Tussaud's Hollywood is open 7 days a week from 10am - 8 pm. Tickets prices start at $26.99 for CA residents, $31.99 for visitors. Paid parking is available under the museum, off of N Orange Dr. Alternatively, paid parking is available at Ovation Mall, previously Hollywood and Highland Mall, which is just a short walk away.
Overall, highly recommended for anyone looking to spend quality time with loved ones in a unique and memorable setting.
ERIK AND JENNA'S
ENTERTAINMENT PICKS
Little House on the Prairie
An an oldie but a goodie!
(by Jenna)
When I was a little girl, LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE was my absolute favorite. I DEVOURED the books, and subsequently adored the TV show. Did you hear that Netflix is rebooting it??? Yup...it's happening. Alice Halsey (Lessons in Chemistry) has been cast as Laura Ingalls, and it is set to start production this month. Considering that "Little House on the Prairie 2" is slated for release in early 2026, I thought this would be a fine time to revisit the beloved original.
Little House on the Prairie, which ran from 1974 to 1983, remains one of the most cherished family dramas in television history. Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s autobiographical books, it chronicles the life of the Ingalls family as they navigate hardships, joys, and moral dilemmas in the late 19th century American frontier. Check out the trailer below if you need a little refresher. :)
About 3 years ago, when our kids were ages 9-14, I thought it would be really fun for us to all watch it together. I thought I might have to drag them along since the show is so old, but much to my shock and delight, it became am instant hit with ALL of them! We watched all nine seasons, and were all sad to see it go when we finished the last episode. Our daughter Tessa even dressed up as Laura Ingalls for Halloween! The show teaches so many life lessons, and when having a hard parenting moment, Erik and I sometimes ask ourselves, "WWCD?", as in, "What would Charles do?" :) I was surprised to discover that over 50 years later, the show stands the test of time and is great family entertainment (with just a few caveats).
Why It Still Works Today
1. Strong Moral Core and Family Values: At its heart, Little House on the Prairie is about love, perseverance, kindness, and integrity. Each episode typically centers around a moral lesson or ethical dilemma — from the importance of honesty to standing up for what’s right. These values transcend time, making it a solid foundation for family discussion and bonding in today’s world.
2. Relatable Life Lessons: Despite its historical setting, the series deals with universal themes: grief, poverty, bullying, disability, prejudice, and forgiveness. These themes are presented in a way that’s accessible to children while still offering depth for adults, encouraging empathy and emotional intelligence.
3. Simpler Times, Slower Pacing: In contrast to the hyper-stimulated content children often consume today, Little House provides a gentler, slower-paced viewing experience. For families looking to unplug and enjoy something wholesome together, it’s a refreshing alternative.
4. Exceptional Performances: Michael Landon (Charles Ingalls) and Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls) give heartfelt performances that remain engaging even decades later. Their emotional authenticity makes the series accessible and enduring.
How It Shows Its Age
1. Limited Diversity: The show is very much a product of its time — both the 1800s setting and the 1970s production era. While it attempts to touch on issues of racism and inclusion, its portrayal of Native Americans, African Americans, and other minority groups can feel outdated and sometimes stereotypical to modern viewers.
2. Idealized Gender Roles: While Laura is a strong character in many respects, the show largely reinforces very traditional gender roles. This might spark productive conversations with children (yay!), and may be important for parents to contextualize these portrayals.
All in all, Little House on the Prairie remains a beautiful, earnest series that offers meaningful family viewing — a rarity in any era. It can serve as both entertainment and a springboard for deeper conversations about ethics, history, and values. While some of its content requires modern context or thoughtful parental framing, its heart is in the right place. It's warmth, lessons, and nostalgic charm still shine brightly for families seeking substance and soul.
Time will tell if the new version hits the mark, but in my opinion, the original is a keeper and worth revisiting, and a must see before embarking on Part 2.
We love hearing from past clients, and meeting new ones! We are happy to be a resource for any real estate needs, so don't hesitate to reach out.
Until the next adventure,
- Erik & Jenna
ERIK AND JENNA'S CONTRACTOR LIST
-Would you like a copy of our newly updated recommended contractor list of service providers? (75+ good people) Just CONTACT US for a copy! (snippet below)
-Let us know if you need anything else!
Erik Flexner
DRE# 01352476
Broker Assoc.
M: 310.254.2285
Jenna Flexner
DRE# 01779858
M: 310.367.8280
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