Recharge in 2019!

Still getting over the holiday hump from 2018? Starting your new year off recharged and refreshed is crucial to a happy and successful 2019. While there are many ways to accomplish this, the team at Four Seasons Westlake has the perfect staycation retreat.

California Health & Longevity Institute at the Four Seasons Westlake Village defines refreshment.

The wellness center helps those who want to live longer, healthier lives—all in a hospitality-forward setting. For the last 12 years, the wellness center has brought world-class science to everyone from C-level executives to everyday individuals looking to make a lifestyle change.

Over four days, a bevy of workshops, meals, hikes, and daily meditation and yoga are interspersed with spa and relaxation time. Registered dietitians, sustained living chefs lead you through cooking classes. While exercise science coaches and psychotherapists provide guided meditations body testing and more to put together a personally tailored experience in a small group setting. It is revelatory to be able to ask direct questions to these experts.

For four days, you focus on yourself and resetting your lifestyle—and with a team of experts focusing on you too. The concepts they teach are not complex—the simplicity of it all is astounding. To have several days devoted exclusively to you is a revelation. There truly is nothing more luxurious than taking the time—in style, of course for yourself. 

Courtesy of: Angeleno Magazine

New Year’s Resolutions for your Home

1: Streamline the stuff

One of the best and least expensive ways to feel better about your home is to clear it of clutter.

Each year most of us acquire a mountain of stuff. Without some regular purging, cabinets and drawers get jam-packed and it becomes hard to find the things you use and enjoy the most. (All that clutter also makes your house look dated and dirty, designers say.)

This year resolve to go room-by-room periodically clearing anything that you don’t use, wear or love and donate it to charity. After that, think twice about what you bring in, says Antoinette Nue, an Atlanta consultant who specializes in helping people simplify and go green.

“Fill your home with the things that raise your energy level and make you feel good, and get rid of the things that drain your energy or are broken,” she says.

Stash useful (but not beautiful) items such as DVDs, remotes and those kicked-off shoes in simple woven baskets. Group similar items together on sleek trays, says Stuart McCormick, a designer with Liz Levin Interiors in Washington D.C.

Clear your counters of everything you don’t use on a daily basis. And get ready to breathe a little easier in your own home. 

2: Make it safe and sound

Your home may be beautiful, but is it safe?

First, check your house for radon. This colorless, odorless gas causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year from the radioactive particles it traps in your lungs as you breathe, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One in every fifteen homes has elevated levels. And with test kits costing as little as $20 at your local hardware store, there’s no reason not to get right on that.

While we’re on the subject of deadly gas, make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector on every bedroom floor in addition to fire detectors. If a chimney flue or furnace vent gets blocked or leaks, carbon monoxide could back up in your house and kill you. Like a radon test, this is a small investment — $40 or more — for such an important safeguard.

Watch out for dryer lint. We know you clean the little trap inside the door, but most people neglect to clean the vents and ducts behind the dryer. Lint may seem innocent, but it’s highly combustible, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, accounting for more than 15,000 building fires a year.

Make sure your house can breathe. Many people’s bathrooms and attics aren’t vented to the outside (or the vents are covered over with shingles.) This makes you a prime candidate for mold.

And if you’re considering a remodel — and your home was last built or remodeled before 1978 — consider testing for lead paint and asbestos flooring. It will have to handled properly during removal, or particles can be released into the air for you to ingest.

3: Shrink your bills (and your carbon footprint in the process)

When people think of going green, they often think it takes solar panels to make a difference.

Not so, says Bob Schildgen, who wrote the “Hey Mr. Green” column for Sierra magazine. It just takes a little old-fashioned common sense.

The best place to start is by cutting your energy usage in your home:

– Remember your mom’s advice and switch off the lights when you leave a room.

– Turn off your air conditioner when you leave the house and dial your heater down to 55 degrees at night.

– Install LED bulbs and low-flow showerheads.

– Turn off your power strips and/or set your home computer to revert to sleep mode when not in use.

– Water your yard less. Put in drought-tolerant landscaping if necessary.

– Give composting a try. Your garden will thank you.

4: Work out a weekly system for keeping your house clean

Here are a few tips for keeping the mess under control from Jeff Campbell. He is the author of the book Speed Cleaning and owner of the Clean Team housekeeping service in San Francisco.

Daily: Dishes go in the dishwasher every night – no excuses! Dirty clothes go in the hamper and jackets or clean clothes are hung in the closet. Bring everything back to its assigned place.

Weekly: Clean your entire house, using these tips:

– Keep all of your cleaners in a portable carryall that moves with you from room to room.

– Focus on one type of cleaning at a time. It’s faster, Campbell says. Wipe down fingerprints on all of the cabinets, for instance, before moving on to spraying and wiping counters. Then move on to windows and mirrors and appliances. Once that’s done move on to sweeping and then mopping floors.

– For optimum efficiency, enlist the help of your family. If you can, divide the jobs among at least three parties. One of you can do the dusting/vacuuming and changing beds. The other can do the bathroom cleanup, leaving only the kitchen and trash emptying for you to handle. The upside? You can get the whole house done in 45 minutes, Campbell says. Leaving more time on the weekends for the park or the movies.

5: Get your place ready for entertaining

Each year most of us vow to spend more time with family and friends. To make you feel like inviting people in, why not give the areas you entertain in a little update?

You don’t have go for broke here and invest in a new kitchen remodel. All it takes to get a fresh new look is a little bit of rearranging and a few updates, says designer McCormick.

One easy update that makes your home seem more “finished” is the addition of plants, she says.

“They bring in new energy and help clean the air,” she says. “And it’s a great way to decorate if you’re on a budget.”

Pulling out a new accent color from your existing decor can make the whole room seem fresh. Pick an underused color in the room and add more of it in the form of a new pillow or throw to update your look, McCormick advises. A colorful rug or runner can also help anchor your space.

Lastly, take some time to rearrange your furniture so it is oriented in conversation groups and not just facing the television. That just might up for chances for real conversation and connection in the New Year.

Courtesy of HGTV

Your New Years Eats of the Week

For this savory edition we’re rounding up the best places in the city of LA to dine 2018 away and brunch 2019 in! So if your more excited about five course menus versus full open bars then this is the list for you. But scroll and secure quickly, because NYE is a mere week away and reservations are filling up fast!!

Dine the Night Away!

Simone

DTLA

Nine-course Chef’s Table preview is $195/pp.

Majordomo

DTLA

Five-course Chef’s Tasting menu is $95/pp.

The Belevdere

Beverly Hills

1st Seating is $165/pp.

2nd Seating-Five course menu is $195/pp.

Fogo De Chao

Beverly Hills

The Fogo Churrasco Experience is $63.95/pp.

Hinoki & The Bird

Century City

Hinoki & the Bird

1st Seating-Four Course menu is $95/pp.

2nd Seating-Five Course menu is $115/pp.

Rosaline

West Hollywood

1st Seating-Three Course menu is $95/pp.

2nd Seating-Three Course menu is $105/pp.

The Henry

West Hollywood

Four Course Pre-Fixe menu is $75/pp with a la carte options available.

Gwen

Hollywood

1st Seating-Three Course menu is $85/pp.

2nd Seating-Four Course menu is $165/pp.

3rd Seating-Four Course menu and Champagne Toast is $195/pp.

Cassia

Santa Monica

Three Course Family Style menu is $135/pp with Vegetarian Options available.

Openaire

Santa Monica

1st Seating-Three Course menu is $68/pp.

2nd Seating-Five Course menu is $135/pp.

Felix

Venice

Four Course menu is $225/pp.

Five Course menu is $295/pp.

Vespertine

Culver City

Chefs Tasting menu is $350/pp.

Baltaire

Brentwood

Five Course menu is $250/pp.

Tavern

Brentwood

1st Seating-Four Course menu is $95/pp.

2nd Seating-Four Course menu is $125/pp with a Champagne Toast and Party Favors.

Providence

Los Angeles

Seven Course menu is $250/pp without wine paring, $350 with wine pairing, and $445/pp with premium wine pairing.

A.O.C.

Los Angeles

Four Course menu is $140/pp with $50 supplement for wine pairing.

Mirabelle

Valley Village

Three Course menu is $35/pp.

Bourbon Steak

Glendale

Bourbon Steak

Three Course menu is $105/pp with $60 supplement for wine pairing.

The Raymond

Pasadena

The buffet style menu is $175.00/pp and includes tray passed appetizers, buffet stations (9:00 pm to 11:00 pm), all-inclusive beverages (specialty cocktails, wine, beer and Champagne toast at Midnight).

Saddle Peak Lodge

Calabasas

1st Seating-Four Course menu is $95/pp.

2nd Seating-Four Course menu is $150/pp and includes Champagne Toast and Live music.

Rise and Shine to A New Year!

Animal

Los Angeles

Animal will be offering their regular brunch menu a la carte.

Casita del Campo

Silverlake

Your choice of entree for $17.95 with choice of Mimosa, Bloody Mary, or Margarita included.

Freedmans

Silverlake

Freedman’s will offer their regular brunch menu a la carte.

Castaway

Burbank

Castaway will offer their regular brunch menu a la carte.

Culina

Beverly Hills

Culina New Years Day speciality brunch menu is $55/pp.

Polo Lounge

Beverly Hills

Polo Lounge will offer their regular Sunday Jazz brunch menu for $95/pp.

Jon & Vinny’s

West Hollywood

Jon & Vinny’s will offer their regular Breakfast and Lunch menu a la carte.

Viale dei Romani

West Hollywood

Viale dei Romani will offer a courtyard buffet with a carving station, eggs, smoked fish, and more for $75/pp and optional $12/pp bottomless mimosas.

Kismet

Hollywood

Kismet will offer their regular menu a la carte.

Esters Wine Shop & Bar

Santa Monica

Esters Wine shop will offer a “Boozy New Years Day-Brunch” with a la carte options.

Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe

Santa Monica

Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe will offer the regular menu a la carte.

The Exchange

DTLA

The Exchange will offer their regular brunch menu a la carte.

The NoMad

DTLA

The NoMad will offer a prix-fixe New Year’s Day brunch for $50/pp.

 

 

 

 

LA’s Best NYE 2019 celebrations!!

With the year finally coming to an end, the last great fete is always the most important. Don’t leave your New Year’s planning down to the last minute. Read our guide below of LA’s best celebrations to welcome in 2019!!

Prohibition NYE

Prohibition NYE

Party like Gatsby at Union Station’s NYE celebration! The roaring 20’s inspired soiree will take place in the transportation hubs historic ticket concourse. So don your best digs and enjoy a night of live music, entertainment and a premium open bar. You’ll be ringing in the new year as the 60 foot ball drops. Click here for more info!

NYE at the NoMad

NYE at The Nomad

What could be better then a NYE celebration that also serves as a good cause? The answer is nothing is better and the place is the NoMad in DTLA. Serving as the stunning hotels first NYE celebration, the entire lobby level will be transformed for the midnight rendezvous. Enjoy open bar, live music, and gourmet food stations from the Chef Daniel Humm run establishment. Ticket proceeds will go to benefit Chrysalis a non-profit that helps the homeless and low-income with job placement. Click here for more info.

Brew-All-Night at Bluebird Brasserie

Bluebird Brasserie

Wanting a NYE thats a bit more low-key? Maybe your not the fancy cocktail and champagne type. Well that’s ok because Belgian-style restaurant and Brewpub is offering a all-you-can-drink craft beer extravaganza. Enjoy a cold one along with passed appetizers, a photo booth, and a beer toast at midnight! Beer-lovers click here for more info.

“Aught Rock”-out at Honeycut

The Honeycut

Ring in the new year like it’s 2005! Honeycut in DTLA is known for their NYE Champagne Supernova bash but this year will be dishing out the greatest hits the 2000’s had to offer. With an open bar and free-flowing bubbly, you’ll “Fergie-liciously” dance the night all the way into the new year. Click here for more info.

Black & White Masquerade Ball at The Chapel at The Abbey

NYE at The Chapel at The Abbey

On any given night this WEHO hot-spot could make one assume every day is NYE. With that party-level in mind, the LA’s most iconic gay bar takes it up a notch with this years Black & White Masquerade Ball. What will not be typical of the event is the dress code, as formal attire is required. So find the most mysterious mask you can find(leftover from Halloween or otherwise) and sip on GH-Mumm while you dance until the morning hours. Click here for more info.

N.Y.E.L.A. in DTLA

N.Y.E.L.A.

Perhaps you wish to enjoy a dry New Year and for that your in luck! Make your way to N.Y.E.L.A. for this massive alcohol-free party in the park. The shindig is put on by Grand Park and the Music Center and features fun for all ages. Enjoy Food Trucks, photo booths, art, and multiple stages of live entertainment! Click here for more info.

Monday Night Fever at The Varnish

The Varnish-Cole’s Speakeasy

Enjoy the best era that vinyl can offer at this downtown speak-easy style bar behind Cole’s. Dj Max Maxey will be spinning all the Disco hits for you to boogie to. Guest can enjoy table service tickets that include cocktails, beer, wine and midnight champagne along with French Dip Sandwiches and other tasty snacks. Click here for more info.

Glow Party at Burton Chace Park

Glow Party-Burton Chace Park

Looking for family friendly on the Westside? Swoop up the family and head to Burton Chace Park’s Glow Party. The evening festivities will include music, face painting, food trucks, giveaways and more. Can’t make it until midnight with the little ones? No worries, as the event will feature two fireworks displays at 9pm and midnight. Click here for more info.

Revel at Redbird’s

Redbird NYE

This NYE Redbird’s in DTLA will open up its private rooms to the general(paying) public. As you celebrate the end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 in the eateries East and West Rooms, Chef Neal Fraser will be dishing out an array of hors d’oeuvres. Sip on Moet Hennessy featured drinks and their tune spinning DJ until your complimentary midnight toast. If your need a more substantial meal, Redbirds will also be offering a multi-course menu to start off your evening. Click here for more info.

9021-Only in Beverly Hills

Polo Lounge-Beverly Hills Hotel

While each soiree in LA’s most posh zip code is deserving of their own feature, we’ll spare you the scrolling to narrow down which ones. Enjoy not one but two evening options at the Pink Palace as the Beverly Hills Hotel will offer their annual luxe countdown in the Polo Lounge and a reasonably priced option at Bar 1912. Or ring in the new year privately in your own cabana at the Peninsula! While the Belvedere and the Living Room will offer their own fine dining and fun, what could be better for two then a five course menu and your own private space atop this lush hotel rooftop? Other BH celebrations can be found here.

Culture yourself at Walt Disney’s Concert Hall

Pink Martini

Ring in 2019 to the smooth sounds of latin/jazz/french instrument ensemble Pink Martini. The musical act will be serenading at two times, 7pm and 10pm with special guest appearances. Your sound senses will thank you! Click here for more info.

Rooftop Renegades

Spire 73

The best part of living in LA is enjoying city views without the winter chill. While it is still coat weather, there are a number of rooftops citywide offering NYE celebrations without the sub-zero temps those east-coasters deal with. Hotel Shangri-La in Santa Monica will be hosting High-Rise fun at ONYX Rooftop Lounge or a little down the way in Venice, Hotel Erwin High Rooftop Lounge is quite the bash as well. Prefer the hills over the sea?

L.P. on La Cienega is hosting a masquerade ball on their Hollywood rooftop. For our Downtown destinations, Spire 73 sits upon the Intercontinental’s 73rd floor, serving as the Western Hemispheres tallest open-air bar.  Enjoy music, Moet, and bites from high above! Or keep it retro at the Ace Hotel’s Disco Ball Drop that is free for all get-down with cash bar and zero dollars charged at the door.

No matter how you chose to spend your NYE, we at Rodeo Realty wish everyone all the best in the year to come!