The best things to do in L.A. after Dark

Congratulations: You picked the right time to live in Los Angeles. LA currently has what might just be the best food scene in the whole country, not to mention a killer cocktail scene, so it’s understandable if most evenings out are dedicated to working your way down your list of new openings, hotspots, and old favorites to revisit.

But if you want to shake up your after-dark agenda a bit and are in search of something new and unexpected, LA’s got a whole world of other interesting nightlife options to explore. From studio tours and storytelling sessions to magic and Mexican wrestling, here’s a solid selection of alternative activities to consider for your next night out.

Out and About: Pasadena Edition

While Pasadena may not come to mind as your Mecca of Hollywood hustle and bustle, the picturesque city in San Gabriel Valley is every bit as delightful. Especially in the fall.

Pasadena

Nestled amongst the San Gabriel mountains, Pasadena provides its locals as well as visitors with plenty to do from shopping, to shows and all the small town tourist vibes in-between. Tour turn of the century mansions or hike the Echo Mountain trail, spend a little time exploring an area outside your usual neck of the woods. Read below for our guide of a perfect day in Pasadena!

Old Town Pasadena

At Dawn…

Start your morning off strolling through Old Town Pasadena where you will find Southern California most walkable downtown district. Along Colorado Boulevard is historic Route 66 and a bounty of shops, restaurants and bars hosted in turn of the century brick buildings. Stop by Miller Alley to wander the courtyard at One Colorado or pop into Indiana Colony for a perfect morning pick me up from Russells or a famed breakfast burrito from Lucky Boy.

Midday delight…

Once your AM is filled up with food and a bit of light fun(or shopping), an afternoon in Eaton Canyon Falls-Pasadena’s most easygoing nature trail is the perfect next stop. Follow the sound of running water to find your Kodak moment at its waterfall.

Afterwards head to Gamble House, originally built for one of the heirs of the Procter & Gamble fortune. The home is one of the best examples of the Arts and Crafts movement. Tours through the house range from the art glass to minute details of the homes construction. They even have Brown Bag Tuesday where visitors can bring their own lunch  for a picnic on the grounds followed by a 20 minute guided tour.

If you prefer to have your nature and art all in one, Pasadena has that too at Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens. I know what your thinking. Why would I spend my afternoon at a library of all places? Huntington is anything but just a library. The grounds include a 120 acres of over a dozen different types of gardens from Tropical to Japanese. Have afternoon tea in the Rose Garden. Stroll past the Greek statues that line the precisely manicured courtyard. Spend the midday trailing through as much of the outdoor scene as your phone battery can take. One will likely not tackle all of the famed destination in one day. But that being said, you can find art and nature equally placed throughout.

Before your day reaches the evening portion, be sure to make a stop at Bungalow Heaven. The singular, leafy and quit neighborhood is comprised of over 800 homes from the Arts and Crafts movement. Bordered along Orange grove and Washington Blvd, the mostly intact bungalows are a true showcase. Bungalow Heaven is full of astonishing craftsmanship that flowed through Pasadena during the early point of the 20th century.

The Pasadena Playhouse

Evening Soiree…

So night has befallen and depending on the day of the week or the time of the year, you have a few options to properly conclude your time in Pasadena. If time slots you, it is most recommend to take in a show at the 20’s built Pasadena Playhouse. Revived during the 80’s, the Playhouse has a profound line-up of new plays and musicals. While outdoors, the Spanish Colonial courtyard plays home to neighborhood events. Other show options in the home of the Rose Parade including taking in laughs at the famed Ice House. A comedy mainstay since 1960, the Ice House provides it patrons an intimate no-frills room with big name comics and evening debauchery(comical debacuhery to be exact).

After you’ve entertained, you certainly should feast. So much in one day leaves one quite famished, Im sure. We recommend dining at the Fried Chicken Dinner at Colette(one of their more famed entrees) or the tagliatelle with pork ragout and gremolata at Union restaurant. Either establishment is the perfect send off to what we hope was the ideal Pasadena day!

Economic update for the week ending October 27, 2018

Stocks suffer a turbulent week:

A positive GDP report showing that the economy grew at 3.5% in the third quarter, inflation was tame, and consumer spending was up, could not keep the markets from continuing to slide. This week. third quarter profits were reported that were below expectations. Those were mostly in the technology sector. Even Amazon did not hit their numbers. On the other hand, some companies like Ford and Tesla exceeded expectations. All in all, fears in the technology sector hit the NASDAQ hard. It lost 3.8% for the week and is now up just  3.8% for the year after being up 20% for the year just one month ago. The Dow and S&P also got hit hard down 3% and 3.9% respectively for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 24,688.31, down from 25,444.34 last week. It is down 0.1% year-to-date.  The S&P 500 closed the week at 2,658.69, down from 2,767.78 last week.  It’s down 0.6% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 7,167.21, down from 7,449.03 last week.  It’s up 3.8% year-to-date.

Treasury Bond Yields lower this week:

The 10-year Treasury bond closed the week yielding 3.08%, down from 3.20% last week. The 30-year Treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.32%, down from 3.38% last week. We watch treasury bond yields because mortgage rates follow bond yields.

Mortgage rates almost unchanged this week:

The October 25, 2018 Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 4.86%, almost unchanged from 4.85% last week. The 15-year fixed was 4.29%, slightly up from 4.26% last week. The 5-year ARM was 4.14%, up from 4.10% last week.

GDP up 3.5% in third quarter:

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced that the first reading of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 3.5% in the third quarter of 2018.  That beat expectations of a 3.4% rise, but was well below the 4.2% increase registered in the second quarter of 2018. The report also said that The PCE price index, a key indicator of inflation, rose at a 1.6% annual rate in the quarter. That was well below the 2.2% annual increase analysts forecasted. Consumer spending, which accounts for about two thirds of the U.S. economy, grew by 4% in the third quarter. That marked the largest increase since the fourth quarter of 2014.

September Nationwide Existing Home Sales:

Data released this week from The National Association of Realtors showed that total existing home sales fell again in September. The number of existing homes sold in September fell 3.4% from August, and are down  4.1%  from one year ago. The median price paid for a home in the U.S. was up 4.2% from last September. That marked the 79th straight month of year over increases. The unsold inventory index is at a 4.4 month supply, up slightly from a 4.2 month supply one year ago. 

September California Existing Home Sales:

The California Association of Realtors reported that existing single family home sales totaled 382,550 in September on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. That was down 4.3% from August and down a staggering 12.4% from last September, when sales totaled 436,920 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. The median price paid for a home in California was $587,850, up 4.2% from September 2017. On a more regional level, the median price increased 4.7% in Los Angeles County, 10.6% in Ventura County, and 3.3% in Orange County from one year ago. Inventory levels continued to rise after hitting historic lows in 2017. The unsold inventory index in California stood at a 4.2 month supply in September, up from a 3.3 month supply in September 2017. Inventory levels have now increased for 6 straight months and are up 20.4% from one year ago. Listings are at the highest level in 31 months. Los Angeles County has a 4.4 month supply, up from a 3.1 month supply last September. Orange County has a 4.3 month supply,  up from 3.1 months last September. Ventura County had a 6.3 month supply of homes, up from a 4.7 month supply one year ago. 

Have a great weekend!
Syd

Your Halloween Event Round-up

If you’re brave enough to venture out on a weeknight we’ve got you covered. We scoured the dismally long list of Halloween events happening throughout L.A. this Wednesday. So sleep well on Hallows Eve because this round-up is sure to keep you jolted till dawn.

Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids

DTLA Halloween Festival

Location: Grand Hope Park, DTLA

Getting to downtown for trick-or-treating may seem like the real Halloween scare but its worth it when you make it to The Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids! The locals know how to throw quite the shindig and the event continues to thrive as parents celebrate the spookiest night of the year with bounce houses, puppet shows and faux trick-or-treat-doors.

More info

Vampyr + Halloween After-Party

Vampyr + Halloween After Party

Location: Theatre at The Ace Hotel, DTLA

Menace lurks behind every shadow in a remote village filled with secrets. The LA Opera’s annual Halloween mash-up of opera and cinema returns to the spectacular Theatre at Ace Hotel with filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer’s surreal 1932 masterwork, one of the most unsettling vampire movies ever made. LA Opera and The Theatre at Ace Hotel invite you to be their guest immediately following ‘Vampyr’ for a Halloween party with music and cash bar. Entry to the party is included with ticket to the October 31 ‘Vampyr’ performance.

More info

Mickeys Halloween Party at Disneyland Park

Mickey’s Halloween Party

Location: Disneyland, Anaheim

Perfect for all ghouls and goblins is this Halloween Extravaganza at the Happiest Place on Earth. ‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ brings out all your favorite villains from ‘Cruella’ to ‘Lady Tremaine’. Delight at a ghostly ‘Space Mountain’ and Tim Burton-ized ‘Haunted Mansion’ as lively Jack-O-Lanterns line Main Street. Trick-or-Treat throughout the park until the evening hours end with a spectacular ‘Halloween Screams’ firework show. Be sure to arrive early if you’d like a true thrill on any of the rides up to three hours prior to the event.

More info

West Hollywood Carnaval

West Hollywood Carnaval

Location: Santa Monica Blvd (starting at Doheny), West Hollywood

Considered the largest Halloween street party in the world, there isn’t really a better place to be for the true costume aficionado. Yes the crowds are massive and to some quite rowdy but the amazing display of themed attire and general merry-making spirit deem it as at least a worthy stop along your way. Enjoy dancing in the streets, festive beverages in the bars and a night full of spooky fun!

More info

Cabaret de L’Enfer

Cabaret de L’Enfer

Location: The Edison, DTLA

Spend your Halloween underground (a little closer to the dearly departed) at The Edison. The clubs’ Cabaret L’Enfer will feature DJ sets, live performers, stilt walkers, tarot card readers and an “extraordinary selection of Attractions Diaboliques”. Like most other parties at the Edison, expect an old-time but sleek subterranean shindig. Costumes are not required but recommended (come on it’s Halloween)!

More info

Haunt Massive

Haunt Massive at Avalon

Location: Avalon, Hollywood

Since coming back from the dead a few years ago, Hollywood and Vine’s historic playhouse ‘Avalon’ has put on a ghoulish extravaganza each All Hallows’ Eve. Break out your provocative costumes and make your way to the dance floor and four themed areas!

More info

 

DIY: Making your home smell like fall

7 DIY Ways to Make Your Home Smell like Fall

With the most festive season upon us, you’ll find your self scouring Diptique for the best fall scent. Rather then opt for your usual, why not try out your creative side. These 7 DIY air fresheners are a fun and organic way to give your home that perfect pumpkin or apple scent without the headaches for asthma that artificial candles and sprays can bring. Using essential oils, real fruits, and whole spices is the perfect way to achieve that classic smell you love while giving yourself a fun afternoon activity in the process. 

Pumpkin Spice Room Spray

Ingredients:

Directions

In a 4-ounce glass spray bottle, add water and essential oils. Shake well before each use and you’re ready to start spritzing your house!

Fall Simmer Pot

Ingredients

  • 4 apple peels
  • 2 orange peels
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2-3 star anise (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves (optional)

Stovetop Directions

Add ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow to simmer uncovered for as long as you like, adding water as needed so the pot doesn’t run dry.

DIY Reed Diffuser

Ingredients

  • Carrier oil: 1-2 inches safflower oil – this is your carrier oil, almond oil or baby oil can be used as well
  • Essential oil: 15-20 drops essential oil – for aromatherapy and fragrance
  • Jars: any jar will work with a small opening at the top
  • Sticks: Cinnamon Sticks or Rattan Reeds
  • optional: 90% proof alcohol – helps the oil travel up the sticks faster

Directions

  1. Pour your safflower oil into your jar, 1-2 inches high from the bottom. You don’t need too much oil, just enough for the oil to travel up your sticks. For the jars, you can use anything you have around the house – a vase, a recycled jam jar, even a plastic or metal container will work. I found these jars at the thrift store and they have small openings to help my sticks stand up tall.
  2. Add in 15-20 drops of essential oils and stir them in or swirl them around. You can add more or less depending on your level of fragrance.
  3. Add your sticks to the jar and space them out. You can use them to stir the oil again. TIP: flip your sticks after a day or so to help the oil distribute faster.

Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones

Tools

  • an oven
  • cookie sheet
  • ziploc bag
  • spray bottle (I love my glass spray bottle from Grove!)
  • glue and a paintbrush, if you’re doing the ground cinnamon method

Materials

Directions

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with foil. Place the cleaned pinecones on the cookie sheet on their side. Bake the pinecones in the oven for about 45 minutes.

Use ground cinnamon to add that fall scent to your pinecones. Pour a little bit of all purpose glue into a small container and thin it just a little bit with water. You don’t want it completely liquid, but you need to be able to brush it on with a paint brush.

Add a bunch of ground cinnamon to a ziploc bag.

Take your pinecones and gently brush them with a very light coat of the watered-down glue so that all of the nooks and crannies are covered. Set the pinecone aside for a few minutes so that the glue can dry a little bit. You want the glue to be tacky, not totally dripping wet.

Then add the pinecones to the bag of cinnamon, close it up, and shake well to make sure cinnamon gets everywhere! Gently tap the pinecones over the bag to help shake off any loose cinnamon, then set them aside to dry for a few more minutes.

Autumn Scented Linen Spray

Use a fall-friendly DIY linen spray to freshen up folded towels and bedding. Just mix 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup inexpensive vodka (yes, vodka!) in a clean spray bottle and swirl with essential oils. Choose 3-4 oils and add 10 drops of each. Have fun experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite! Here are some ideas:

  • Clove
  • Sweet orange (or wild orange)
  • Cardamom
  • Cinnamon bark
  • Cedarwood
  • Ginger
  • Sandalwood
  • Rosemary
  • Lemon
  • Fir
  • Bergamot

Fall Diffuser Recipes

If you own an aromatherapy diffuser, a fall-themed recipe is a must. We’re loving these blogger blends that incorporate classic autumnal scents. They’ll fill your home with the relaxing smells of the season for hours on end, no candles required.

Homemade Fall Wax Scents

Make a batch of spicy fall wax melts for your warmer without unknown chemicals. These easy melts are made with coconut oil, beeswax, and spices from your pantry poured into an ice cube tray—you don’t even need to have essential oils on hand. We think these would look adorable poured into a leaf-shape mold!

Materials

Ice cube trays or small mold
Glass jar with lid

Directions

    1. Place coconut oil and beeswax granules in a small pan over low heat. Stir until completely melted.
    2. While mixture is melting, chop orange peel into very small pieces.
    3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and diced orange peel.
    4. Pour into ice cube trays or another small mold.
    5. Allow to sit until completely cooled and firm. I usually let mine sit overnight even though it only takes a couple hours to set up.
    6. Pop gently from tray/mold by flipping over and tapping firmly on the counter. Store scented wax melts in a glass jar with a fitted lid. If your home gets very warm you may want to consider storing your jar in the refrigerator as the coconut oil has a low melting point.

 

 

Courtesy of: Better Home and Garden

Your Fall Cleaning Checklist

With the seasons changing(somewhat here in L.A.), it is so essential to have your go to list for keeping you home tidy through the fall. Thats why we’ve put together a checklist of “musts” for your seasonal cleaning. Our simple room by room guide will get you through the cleaning blues and onto more important things like whether its too soon to play holiday music(it is).

The Kitchen

1279 Ozeta Terrace, Los Angeles

Here we are, in the melting pot of the home. This is your domain, your midnight snack store, your morning cup of Joe. With the Kitchen being the center of the home, its easy for it to be the least cleanly. And with fall weather comes natures elements from muddy shoes to California dust. The chilly weather also means your more likely to stay inside for your meals then venture into the brisk outdoors. Being inside more this time of year means you’ll have to be more watchful of tidying up, especially in places food come into contact with. 

Find a few minutes a day after dinner to make your kitchen cleaning a breeze. The three tasks below can be dine in no time and work seamlessly with your evening routine.

  • Clear off and wipe down counters
  • scrub sink
  • sweep floor for crumbs
They may sound obvious but those three task are the most overlooked when it comes to your kitchen space, so show your “la cuisine” some TLC.

The Bathroom

3274 Coldwater Canyon Ave. Studio City, CA

This rooms a given as being an area you want to clean regardless of the time of day or year. Your bathroom is where you refresh and rejuvenate so it should get the same treatment right? One of the things we overlook in this area is the dust buildup, especially in bathrooms that have windows. It is so easy to miss the window sill or areas around the bathroom where dust can pile on. While you there anytime of day, find a few moments to do whats suggested below.

  • Clean off counters
  • Wipe down shower walls while showering
  • wipe out sink
**An extra quick tip for when guest stop by. Put out a new hand towel after each guest and once it has been used you can use it again to wipe down the sink afterwards. Use a little of any type of soap on hand to do a quick scrub and wipe of the toilet bowl and seat and your all set!

The Living Room

603 North Sierra Drive, Beverly Hills

Fall and Winter is the best time of year to cozy up into your living room. Sitting fireside with family under warm blankets and a cup of warm tea sounds idyllic and also like a Martha Stewart Ad. The living room can also be a place where clutter can happen between couch pillows and throw blankets. Family nights can leave behind drink rims and crumbs. Stay on top of the tidiness by the following quick fixes during that commercial break!

  • Do a quick pickup
  • Spot-clean any spills (wipe away and food residue or cup marks, coasters are your best friend!)
  • Straighten pillows (use an ottoman or basket to store your coach pillows and throw)

For after after family time:

  • Wipe those distracting finger prints off with your own solution of distilled white vinegar and distilled water
  • Rid your living room of stale smells by sprinkling baking soda on upholstery with a cheese shaker. Let it sit at least 15 minutes or overnight then vacuum.

The Bedroom

1506 Sorrento Drive, Pacific Palisades

With fall comes time change and with time change comes shorter days and longer nights. As the weather changes we keep our windows open less and our heat on more leading to another area for dust buildup. Keeping your sleeping quarters tidy for when you need to unwind gets to be tideous but it doesn’t have to be. Get into the habit of doing the following:

  • Make your bed as soon as you wake, even if your running out, carving a few minutes into your morning routine to straighten up where you lay your head will be worth it when you come home to clean instead of clutter
  • Launder your sheets once a week. Dust and all other kinds of bedroom buildup can leave your sheets feeling more dingy than relaxing. Be sure to change it up weekly for a fresh feel.
  • Every coupe months rotate your mattress. Thus helps you reset as much as it helps your bed. By rotating your mattress, your allowing the cushion to be adjusted to your fit on any side so your bedtime is always blissful
  • Reduce allergens by dusting ceiling fans as often as possible. You’d find quite a fright if you turn your fan off and see how much dust can buildup there when its not tended to. Additionally while your up there, during fall and winter its wise to flip the switch and have your blades moving clockwise to better circulate heated air.

And your last few household tips are…

1041 N. Hillcrest Road, Beverly Hills

With all your other household tasks it is easy to forget about other areas of your home needing maintenance too. Whether your spending your time during the chilly season indoors or outdoors be mindful of the following:

  • Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned before use
  • Change your furnace filter every month
  • Clean out the gutters after leaves fall

Happy cleaning!

Top 5 Sports Bars in L.A.

Alright Angelenos’ the times has come. The Dodgers have made it to the World Series and only one question remains.

Where can I watch the game? Well if your wanting to venture out if your abode we have gathered up the best sports bars in town where you can don your best white and blue. So batter-up and read below!

World Series 2018

Busby’s West

Busby’s West

Westside sports fans have flocked to Busby’s since its 2003 opening. With 50 TVs tuned to every available game, at least one will likely be showing yours. Food is solid if not revolutionary—the large menu features sandwiches, salads, burgers, pizzas and the usual bar apps.

3110 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica,   310.828.4567

Goal Sports Cafe

Goal Sports Cafe

The name Goal Sports Cafe really says it all. If your goal is to watch sports, eat and drink all day then chances are if you come here, you’ll leave happy. There’s a giant 12-foot projection TV (with regular ones ringing the entire restaurant) and big booths to hang and take in all the action. Food-wise, you can custom-build a burger or choose from the menu of tacos, salads and bar apps. The beer selection is solid, too.

8334 W. Third St., Beverly Grove.,   323.655.5955

Rocco’s Tavern

Rocco’s Tavern

Come for the football, stay for the pizza. Rocco’s New York-style pies are the real deal with the perfect ratio of thin crust to gooey cheese and generous toppings. The chicken wings, hero sandwiches and pasta creations are also solid options. With big TVs occupying nearly every inch of available wall space, you can get a good view of your game no matter your seat.

3843 Main St., Culver City, 310.559.5500; 1000 Gayley Ave., Westwood, 424.248.3145

Boneyard Bistro

Boneyard Bistro

This Valley “bistro” feels a bit more like a pub, although the food is plenty up to the task. From hulking $22 “OMG” burgers to all the ribs you’ll ever need, it’s a great place to catch a ballgame and decent eats in the Valley.

13539 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, Ca. 91423.   818.906.7427

Brack Shop Tavern

The Brack Shop Tavern

Come dressed in your best Dodger gear on game day to score a free appetizer for the table at craft cocktail haven Brack Shop Tavern. Talk about a home run. Classic cocktails, craft beers, warm people, and great food are the cornerstones. At Brack Shop Tavern, you can replace gridlock with happy hour, challenge friends to a game of  Pac Man, or enjoy a night out with live music and good drinks.

525 W 7th St. Los Angeles, CA 90014.   (213)232-8657

Continue reading “Top 5 Sports Bars in L.A.”

Luxe Digs feat. Rodeo Realty Agent Michelle Graci’s listing

The former home of silver screen actress Lana Turner, 1279 Ozeta Terrace is a true oasis in the hills.

Luxe Digs Oct. 19, 2018 feature

Featured in the October issue of Luxe Digs, Michelle Graci’s listing has it all. Just minutes from the Sunset Strip, the French influenced property encompasses 2,000 plus sq feet bright naturally lit space with soaring ceilings throughout.

Additional highlights mentioned in the article include a chef’s kitchen with Viking appliances and a master suite sporting a spa like bath with steam shower and Roman Tub.

Enjoy easy access to the hottest spots along the strip like Tower Bar, Soho House and the Viper Room.”Shopping, drinking, and the raw, wild nightlife of the Sunset Strip located just mere minutes away” says Graci.  “elevate the juxtaposed experience of this  beautiful home so rich with Hollywood history”.

Listed at $2.8 Million, this private celebrity oasis has also been a home to Liza Minnelli, Lindsay Lohan, & Diana Agron just to name a few. With 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths plus bonus room, this house is a must see! All appointments must be scheduled with listing agent. Click here for more information this listing.