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Weekend Events: November 8-November 10

From the Los Angeles Coffee Festival to a Food & Wine experience (presented by USA Today) to The Thanksgiving Play at the Geffen Playhouse Los Angeles, this weekend’s events have got you covered for all things fall. Embrace the changing of seasons, grab a friend, cozy up, and enjoy your weekend!

Friday November 8th, 2019

The Los Angeles Coffee Festival
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Location: Magic Box at the Reef – 1933 Broadway, Los Angeles 90007

The Los Angeles Coffee festival will be returning this fall from November 8th-10th at Downtown LA’s Magic Box at The Reef. The weekend long event will feature not only stellar coffee but also delicious local food, cocktails, live music film and art. This is an event not to be missed regardless if you’re a coffee aficionado or a beginner. The three day festival will include a wide variety of coffee vendors and other exciting brands including Bluestone Lane, Black & White Coffee Roasters, Minor Figures, Califia Farms, Rishi Tea, Truth Coffee and Roasting and so many more! What’s more? This festival will also debut the Coffee Masters USA competition, where 16 baristas will showcase their skills head-to-head across a broad range of disciplines.

COCO at the Hollywood Bowl
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Hollywood Bowl

To celebrate Dias de los Muertos, the Beloved Oscar- winning Disney and Pixar Film is Reimagined at the Legendary Hollywood Bowl. Amazing love-to-film concert experience will feature live orchestra and digital projection on the shell of the historic venue.

Los Angeles Philharmonic
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall

The incomparable Yuja Wang plays John Adams’ newest piano concerto, and Gustavo presides over Stravinsky’s pulse-pounding vision of pre-historic Russian rituals. Programs, artists, dates, prices, and availability subject change.

 

 

Saturday November 9th, 2019

Martha Stewart’s Wine & Food Experience presented by “USA TODAY”
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Los Angeles Center Studios – 1201 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Tickets: HERE

The USA Today Wine & Food Experience presents rich and colorful moments for guests to taste, savor, and explore the Los Angeles culinary scene, from local trends to regional traditions. Enjoy the Grand Tasting: a gourmet showcase by local chefs, emerging talent and nationally renowned culinary leaders who mix with patrons in a convivial setting. Lively cooking demonstrations, chef meet and greets, and seminars deliver unforgettable experiences for fans, connoisseurs, partners, purveyors, and industry personalities. Indulge in the VIP experience for an hour early admittance into the experience, plus a chance to mix and mingle with chefs.

Opening Night of Moonlight Forest Lantern Art Festival
Time: 5:30PM, 7:00PM & 8:00PM
Location: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden – 301 N Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007

The 2019 festival will be more spectacular than ever with dazzling new lanterns and interactive experiences. Step into the jaws of a humongous shark or dive under the sea with fantastic fish in Ocean Visions. Experience a winter wonderland in our new Polar Dreams display. Children will find bright circular swings and other interactive delights in Children’s World. Visit with your family, friends, and holiday guests for a highly memorable evening.

Created by skilled artisans from China’s Sichuan province, the Arboretum has partnered with Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc. to celebrate the time-honored tradition of lantern art.

**The festival will run through January 12th, 2020.

Dessert Goals Festival Weekend 1
Time: 12:00PM – 6:30PM
Location: Evolve Project LA – 1921 Blake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Because dessert is always a good idea, Dessert Goals is back in LA for our Tie Dye Tiki edition presented by Chase Sapphire®! Get your tie-dye and tropical prints ready and head to Evolve Project in Echo Park on November 9 & 10 + 16 & 17 for all of the desserts!

Vendors Include:

  • Afters Ice Cream
  • Colorado Donuts
  • Sweet n’ Hollow
  • The Pie Hole
  • Stuffed Cookies
  • Pop’t By Lily
  • The Dirty Cookie
  • Pacific Organic Pops
  • Amborella Organics
  • Fancy Flavors
  • Lee’Poof
  • Jessie’s Nutty Cups
  • Churro Service
  • ChilOSO Gummy Bears
  • Pops Artisinal Creamery
  • Small Cakes OC
  • Bearology
  • Cookie Dough Dreams
  • Drunken Cake Pops
  • TeaArias
  • Famous Apples
  • Ubatuba Acai

Sunday November 10, 2019

Griffith Park Harvest Festival
Time: 11:00AM to 7:00PM
Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Griffith Park Harvest Festival offers family fun, with a day of Kidzone activities, music, pie-eating contest, games, and a screening of “Coco” under the stars.

Food trucks offer food for purchase. The beer garden offering local craft brews is curated by the L.A. County Brewers Guild.

The Festival is held below the merry-go-round. All proceeds benefit L.A. City parks.

Exhibition – Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Time: 9:30AM
Location: Natural History Museum of LA – 900 Exposition Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90007

Trace the footsteps of the explorers who made this dangerous journey a century ago, and join scientists from our Museum and Chicago’s Field Museum as they dig for fossils today! Then step through a portal into Antarctica’s past and discover a lush continent full of trees, giant amphibians, and dinosaurs—including the 25-foot-long, “cold-crested killer,” Cryolophosaurus. Meet 4 new species of dinosaur, all discovered within the last 30 years.

The Thanksgiving Play at Geffen Playhouse
Time: 2:00PM
Location: Geffen Playhouse Theater – 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles CA

How does one celebrate Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month at the same time? In Larissa FastHorse’s biting satire, this is the question facing three “woke” white thespians tasked with devising an elementary school pageant about the first Thanksgiving while avoiding any culturally appropriative missteps. A roast of the politics of entertainment and well-meaning political correctness alike, The Thanksgiving Play puts the American origin story itself in the comedy-crosshairs.

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Out and About: Brentwood Edition

Those most familiar with LA will know that there are few areas as affluent as Brentwood with it’s quaint shops and lush greenery, it’s no wonder it ranks as one of L.A.’s most idyllic neighborhoods. Amongst the perfectly tailored lawns and architectural masterpieces is a day full of art, culture, sites, and bites.

Take some time to step outside your neck of the woods…

In the morning hours…

Mornings are best spent starting off with a perfect caffe au lait, in Brentwood there is no shortage of options. Stop by Caffe Luxxe and get your morning pick-me up within the historic Brentwood Country Mart.

Caffe Luxxe

The eatery picks and roasts their own coffee giving new meaning to hand-crafted. Select from freshly baked delights courtesy of Red Rooster Bakery and be on your way.

After your AM charge, explore some of Brentwood’s architectural masterpieces for a light dose of dream home FOMO.

For afternoon reprieve…

George Sturges House

Between the Hunt, Sturges, and Nesbitt house, you’ll have quite the day exploring these post-war artfully designed properties.  A Paul R. Williams design, the Hunt Residence was built in 1921 with elements of the Regency Revival style. The George Sturges house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built in 1939 features Wrights Usonian style.

The Getty Center

After geeking out on home design of the retro times, venture off to see a different style of art at the Getty Center. A wonder on the scale of both culture, art, and design, the 24-acre Richard Meier designed campus boasts panoramic city views and renowned collections. Once you reach your afternoon craving stop point then have a seat in their lush garden for a midday picnic. The Getty Center boast exceptional dining options and a plethora of seating choices.

Farmshop

If one prefers to head back into town for their afternoon meal, the Farmshop is the perfect destination. Founded by Chef Jeff Cerciello, the eatery is a staple of the Brentwood Country Mart. With imaginative recipes and locally sourced ingredients, its the best afternoon pick me-up.

Your evening adventure…

Skirball Cultural Center

Once, day turns to night, a show at the Skirball Cultural Center is almost a given. Just north of the Getty, the center explores heritage, culture and ideals through permanent collections, rotating exhibits, film screenings and live performances.

Tavern

Finally, we recommend for your evening conclusion to dine as locals do, at Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne’s acclaimed Tavern. The destination restaurant features a tastefully prepared seasonal menu with a who’s who of patrons.

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Tesla Unveils New Version of Their Solar Panel Roof

Tesla Unveils New Version of Their Solar Panel Roof

For the past three years, Elon Musk’s vision for a fully-integrated solar panel roof has been delayed repeatedly. Tesla encountered some production issues at the beginning. Then, of course, aesthetic issues came into the play. Now, Tesla is unveiling a third iteration of its solar roof tiles, and this time the company believes it has a winner.

The new Tesla Solar Roof features dark tempered glass shingles. These innovative shingles are bigger, cheaper to produce & install, have fewer parts, and can capture more energy than previous versions. “We changed some of the materials in use, changed some of the methods, and the technology we are using to something that is more scalable” Musk explained on a recent conference call, as reported by PV Magazine.

The aesthetics remain more or less similar to that of their competitors—steely gray rectangles that sit flush with the roof. The upside, Musk claims, is that the install time has been vastly reduced by the tiles’ increased simplicity. The goal is to complete a roof install in just eight hours. The tiles will come with a 25-year warranty.

For now, Tesla is exclusively offering the dark gray version of the solar roof. However, Musk announced the company is aiming to roll out new and improved versions of the other roof styles they have teased. This includes a Mediterranean Clay roof in six to nine months! The website estimates that a 10kW solar roof for a 2,000-square-foot house will cost $33,950 when factoring in federal tax credits.

“We can make roofs come alive” Musk stated on the call, as reported by PV Magazine. “There are all these roofs out there just gathering sunlight, but not doing anything with it. In the future it will be odd for roofs to be dormant, or dead, or not gathering energy.”

The company expects to start rolling these new roofs out in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

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Home Tips: 10 Home Décor Crafts to Turn Your Home Into an Autumnal Oasis

Transforming your home into an autumnal oasis could be as simple as focusing on the small accents you’re bringing into each room of your home. When it comes to the changing of seasons, there is nothing more exciting than when summer fades into fall. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling down, and your coffee order changes from iced to hot. Fall is a time to put your beach towels back in storage, and get back into regular routines. Thus, making it the ideal opportunity to return to your crafting room with these 10 Fall DIY crafts in mind.

1. Fabric Pumpkins

Fabric pumpkins are a fresh way to display seasonal gourds. You can pair sewn faux pumpkins among real ones (some of which you can spray or sponge paint) during this fall season. Imagine — spare branches, scattered leaves, and these pumpkins displayed in your home. Autumnal oasis dreams.

Home Décor Craft: Sew linen, silk, and velvet into adorable faux pumpkins that can be displayed and reused every year.

2. Wheat Cluster

For an easy, lightweight decoration that still evokes the glorious fall harvest, try these dried wheat bundles.

Home Décor Craft: Begin by bundling together three to ten stalks of wheat. Then, wrap the stalks of wheat together in twine. Leave about three feet of twine hanging off the bunch in a tail. Next, cut the stalks to approximately three-inches in length. Repeat for as many bundles as desired. Then, push the separate tails on the twines through a chosen bead, loop all at the end, and tie it into a knot. Hang it upside down on your front door as a creative way to say hello to the fall season!

3. Rustic Woven Lanterns

Thinking of dressing your dinner table with fresh center pieces this holiday season? Look no further with this eco-friendly and chic way to upgrade your dinner table.

Home Décor Craft: Upcycle old mesh placemats by cutting & rolling them into tubes and stitching them along the seams. Place cylinder shaped votives around candles. Wax, soy, or electric candles – your guests won’t be able to spy the difference! Candlelight will gracefully flicker through the loose weave of the hurricane lanterns as you entertain over dinner.

4. Soft Seats

With this DIY craft, dinner isn’t going to be the only warm thing at your table. With these simple slipcovers, you can instantly reinvent dining chairs at your formal dining table over the holidays.

Home Décor Craft: To start, simply drape a finished sheepskin over the back of the chair before securing it with Ultrasuede-tape or cord. Extra fall points for choosing a contrasting cord color. Next, finish securing them to the chair by threading the tie through the sheepskin on each side with a tapestry needle (that will help you create a cuff over the chair’s top). Knot the ends and let them hang loose. Voila!

5. Gingham Knit Blanket

Believe it or not, you don’t need to be an expert knitter to tackle this DIY project; you can make this cozy throw blanket with quick-to-knit strips.

Home Décor Craft: Gather scarves in the colors you want, and sew them together. That’s it! Below, scarves of alternating stripes are sewn together to create a unique gingham pattern.

6. Harvest Branches

We love how easy these fleeced branches are to put together. Specifically how they have the power to add a touch of warm color to any setting you place them in.

Home Décor Craft: Simply pull a bit of fleece roving off a ball, and then press the end of the fiber against the branch. Start wrapping tightly, gently pulling the fleece apart (without tearing it) as you go. Wrap the branches until the piece of fleece runs out. Add more fleece as needed to cover the branch. When adding, wrap over the last inch of wrapped fleece with e.

The friction of your fingers on the fibers and the natural oils form your skin help the fleece stay on the branch and adhere to itself.

7. Pumpkin Spice Scented Candles

If you’re among the camp that counts down the days until you can sip a classic pumpkin spice latte once again, these homemade candles are for you. Poured into orange-tinted mason jars, they throw off an especially autumnal glow in any area you might have in mind.

Home Décor Craft: Hot glue candle wick to bottom of festive colored jar. Bring water to a boil in a pot (filled half way). Reduce to a simmer. Place a different jar with broken up candle wax inside into the pot of simmering water. Water should be about 1/2 way up the side of the jar. When the wax becomes liquid add a heaping tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice. Mix. Carefully pour the liquid wax into the festive colored jar. If the candle wick starts to tilt, secure the wick between two sticks or pencils. Set aside to cool overnight. Trim the wick. Light it up!

8. Nut Wreath

Celebrate fall’s abundance of almonds, hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts with this festive decoration. Use any hard-shelled nuts, including acorns you gather from your own backyard.

Home Décor Craft: Gather all your nuts, small and large. Begin hot gluing the large ones together to form the shape of your wreath. Add in the small nuts as you go to fill in the spaces. Let cool, and hang on door. Ta da!

9. Embroidered Throw Pillows

Upgrade a pair of store-bought wide-weave cushions by tricking them out with bright neutral yarns sewn directly into the weave.

Home Décor Craft: Grab some of your favorite colored yarn and sew in fun patterns and fringe with a tapestry needle. That’s it. Truly. 

10. Block-Printed Linens

Block-printed linens are costly to buy, but surprisingly simple to make. With some textile paint, muslin fabric, and woodblock stamps, you can create linens that are exclusive and unique.

Home Décor Craft: Begin by layering a paper towel on top of a foam sheet; lay pre-washed muslin fabric on top, and smooth out any wrinkles. Then, pour your choice of textile paint on a plate. Next, dab a sponge in the paint and smooth it evenly onto a wooden printing block with a unique pattern. Stamp it on the muslin fabric. Let dry. Pictured are indigo shades, but you can substitue for any color of your choosing.

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LA Eats: Top 10 Gluten-Free Restaurants

Satisfying your hunger isn’t as easy as going to your local sandwich shop down the street to grab a bite to eat when you’re following a strict gluten-free diet. So, my fellow gluten-free people, we put together a list just for you! With all of the gluten-free eateries we found in Los Angeles, you’ll have difficulty deciding where to get that sandwich sushi or pizza fix! Our list includes gluten-free donuts. Yes, you read that correctly: Gluten-free donuts!

1.Kitchen Mouse

Location: 10889 Lindbrook Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Quinoa salad, rice cakes, and pesto bowls are some of the fan favorites at Kitchen Mouse. This restaurant is located in Highland Park, and there is a play area for the little ones! Mickey’s Chilaquiles are a must-try! This dish consists of corn chips covered in enchilada sauce with black beans, cilantro sauce, pepitas, vegan cheese sauce, serrano slaw, and avocado! Hungry yet? See the menu here

2. Crossroads Kitchen

Location: 8284 Melrose Ave

The upscale Mediterranean restaurant makes it one of the more popular destinations in that area. The trendy spot is run by famed chef Tal Ronnen and is a restaurant where vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores happily dine together. The menu at Crossroads Kitchen is comprised of small plate items perfect for sharing and allows you to try many more dishes. Full plate meals are also offered and consist of assorted soups, salads, pastas, and “comforting classics”. Click here for the menu!

3. 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria

Location: 10889 Lindbrook Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90024

This pizza joint claims that your pizzas are cooked within 60 seconds, sounds like a pretty sweet deal! With classic meatballs, cheese bread, topped with garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, and truffle flavored Boschettos al Tartufo cheese, wood-roasted broccolini with garlic, snappy Calabrian peppers and olive oil you won’t want to miss out on a delicious pizza pie. The most important feature of this pizzeria? The gluten-free crust! See the menu here

4. M Café

Location: 7119 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, CA 90046

This healthy spot in Beverly Hills has a number of gluten-free dishes, including crispy rice avocado toast, grain bowls, sandwiches and salads that can be prepared with gluten-free ingredients. This spot specializes in plant-focused and minimally processed food, staying away from artificial ingredients. Tip: make sure you also grab a free turmeric refresher shot on your way out. Click here for the menu!

5. Flower Child

Location: 1332 2nd St., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Just steps away from the Santa Monica beach this stellar gluten-free eatery is Instagram photo-worthy every way you turn. In close proximity to the hustle and bustle of the Promenade, this is the perfect pit stop on your Saturday shopping trip in Santa Monica. The menu is loaded with rare gluten-free items you won’t find just anywhere, like gluten-free mac & cheese, pitas, and cookies. Get the menu here

6. Mendocino Farms

Location: multiple

That hearty sandwich fix can’t be found just anywhere when you are on a gluten-free diet. Good news! We found your new sandwich spot! Mendocino Farms has got you covered with gluten free bread for most of their subs. The tasty long list of their vegan banh mi, a steak BLT, the modern tuna “almost a melt” and a caramelized Kurobuta pork belly. These sandwich shops are just about everywhere from Marina Del Rey to Sherman Oaks, so you won’t have to worry about driving too far in the dreaded LA traffic. Click here for the menu

7. Fōnuts

Location: 8104 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

FOMO over Krispy Kreme no more Fōnuts is here! This little west Hollywood donut shop has a full slate of gluten-free options from churro to strawberry buttermilk. All of their donuts are baked and/or steamed and never fried. Tip: don’t wait until the end of the day, donuts start selling out towards the late afternoon. Get the menu here

8. Hugo’s Restaurant

Location: multiple

A mix of comfort food, healthy salads, and hearty sandwiches can be found at Hugo’s. This joint has been in West Hollywood since the ’70s and has expanded with shops in Valley Village and Agoura Hills. Take one look at the menu and you’ll see that almost everything at Hugo’s is free of gluten. Want mac & cheese? You got it!  Click here for the menu!

9. Shojin

Location: multiple

A vegan and gluten-free Nobu, not exactly but close enough! This plant-based and gluten-free sushi joint serves the most creative rolls in a dimly lit setting. Everything on this menu is irresistible, including the dessert menu! Matcha Green Tea Cake is a sweet tooth’s dream come true! Get your gluten-free sushi fix at Shojin’s two locations in Downtown LA and Culver City! Get the menu here

10. Blue Jam Cafe

Location: multiple

The popular Melrose Ave eatery (also in Tarzana) offers several gluten-free menu options that are so tasty that this will become your new go-to brunch spot! Take your pick between numerous unique scrambles, chilaquiles with corn chips, or fresh greens like the strawberry salad. Click here for the menu!

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Weekend Events: November 1-November 3

From wine tasting to movie nights to Dia de Los Muertos! We have the perfect medley of things to do this weekend for you! Halloween events will be over soon, so what better way to spend that freed up time than at these fun-filled events to unwind from your hectic weekly schedules. Take a look!

Friday November 1, 2019

1. Substance Music Festival
Location: Los Angeles Theater. 615 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Time: 7:00 PM

This fall Spaceland Presents and Restless Nites are proud to bring to Los Angeles a unique two-night event that will transform the historic Los Angeles Theatre into a tightly curated sonic oasis featuring some of the very best electronic, post-punk and darkwave acts around.

2.  Dark Karnival: Dia de Los Muertos
Location: The Mayan. 1038 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Time: 9PM

Opulent Temple and The Cruz Coalition present the 7th Annual Dark Karnival 2019: Dia de Los Muertos Edition at The Mayan Theatre, LA on Friday, November 1, 2019. Featuring 3 rooms of music and dancing with a supernatural lineup of Guest DJs and Local Heroes.

Get your tickets here

3. A Night of R & B
Location: Apt 503 Lounge. 3680 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Time: 10 pm

For two years, our company’s primary focus has been to create a safe, interactive, loving & fun space for lovers of R&B to party, drink & network. On November 1st, we celebrate our return to Los Angeles, R&B music & most importantly YOU (yes, you reading this!). Without you, none of this is possible.

Saturday November 2, 2019

1.Dia de Los Muertos
Location: Hollywood Forever. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Time: 12 pm- 11:59 pm

Hollywood Forever’s 20th annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration will take place on Saturday, November 2nd, 2019. This year, our guiding theme is the Monarch Butterfly and its winter home, the Mexican state of Michoacán. Michoacán is also one of the two cultural heartlands in Mexico where the ancient traditions of Dia de Los Muertos have been celebrated the longest and most vibrantly.

Get more information and tickets here

2. Craftsman Weekend
Location: Pasadena, CA
Time: 9 am

A tribute to Pasadena’s unique contributions to the American Arts & Crafts Movement, Craftsman Weekend is the largest most comprehensive celebration of the Craftsman Movement in the Western United States. The Weekend’s offerings will include a tour of significant Craftsman-era houses, a variety of bus and walking tours, an Exposition Show & Sale of over 40 exhibitors featuring antique and contemporary furniture and decorative arts, a silent auction, presentations and exclusive receptions at historic sites.

Get more information here

3. Float Like A Butterfly- Irish Screen America
Location: 8556 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Irish Screen America, in conjunction with Ireland Week is delighted to invite you to our Los Angeles screening of Float Like A Butterfly & Local Short Film Showcase. The film will be preceded by a welcoming reception at 6:30pm, local short films, and the feature will be followed by a Q&A.

Get the schedule and tickets here

Sunday November 3, 2019

1. Raw Wine
Location: 1145 South San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Time: 10 am- 6 pm

Raw wine is a celebration of some of the best wine talent in the world. They produce natural, organic and biodynamic wines, all with few if any additives in the cellar. They are pure, kind to the planet, very possibly better for your health and best of all absolutely delicious.

Get more information here

2. Friendship Buddies
Location: 3408 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Time: 8 pm

Friendship Buddies is a stand-up comedy show featuring the best comics in Los Angeles & from all over. Starting at 8PM, come enjoy comedy & craft beer & cocktails & friendship!

3. Melrose Rooftop Theatre
Location: 603 N La Cienaga Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Time: 8 pm- 10 pm

The Melrose Rooftop Theatre is a unique outdoor movie experience attached to the property occupied by E.P. & L.P. with entry via the lobby at 603 N La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood.

Get your tickets here

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LA Eats: Top 10 Coffee Bars in LA

Now that the days are getting colder, a delicious cup of coffee to warm you up sounds really nice. The ambiance of the coffee shop is just as important as your cup of joe. We selected 10 coffee bars in the Los Angeles area that we feel will not only get you the best coffee in town but also that homey autumn vibe that makes us all feel warm and snug this time of year!

1. Coffee Commissary
Location: 3121 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91505 (& six others)

The Burbank location is the only branch that has a full kitchen, meaning you can find fried chicken sandwiches, breakfast burritos and impressive house-baked goods on a daily basis! The growing chain now keeps studio workers well-caffeinated throughout TV, film, and radio production. It roasts mostly West Coast roasters and serves all cups with foamy panache.

 

2. Eightfold Coffee
Location: 1294 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This coffee bar looks like it is was made to appear on lifestyle blogs. The kind you just want to cozy up in with a book and a cup of joe, especially on these cold autumn days! The airy space, sports white walls (including white brick), a tile-backed marble bar, and wood-bench seating. Baristas brew Heart Coffee in vac spots, with a La Marzocco espresso machine. The cold brews are served in glasses big enough to keep you awake for two days straight!

3. Espresso Cielo
Location: 1431 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Espresso Cielo has two locations, each just a few blocks from the beach. With an antique clock, marble countertops and sky blue styling this will quickly become your new coffee oasis.

4. Intelligentsia
Location: 3922 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

The coffee is roasted in nearby Glassell Park, the quality remains good given the high volume, and the signature Angeleno beverage is as popular as ever, featuring a quadruple shot of espresso shaken with milk, agave, and ice.

5. Rubies & Diamonds
Location: 6115 Sunset Blvd #150, Los Angeles, CA 90028

LAMILL co-founder Jean Shim went solo in 2015, debuting her fashionable coffee bar in Hollywood’s Columbia Square complex, in a space that features blue-grey and red walls lined with art and two elaborate chandeliers, including one crystal and another that resembles spaghetti. This coffee bar promotes BKON vacuum processed RAIN technology for coffee and tea, and they have nitro drinks!

 

6. Verve Coffee Roasters
Location: 8051 W. 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048 (& two others)

This Santa Cruz import made a great first impression, with its first LA shop brightening an emerging part of downtown, and others popping around the city. The mid-city outpost on Third Street is the most ambitious to date, with a round copper and marble bar, exposed wood rafters and a Farm-level Bar in the back featuring rare coffees that showcase “ethics & excellence”.

7. Woodcat Coffee Bar
Location: 1532 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Reclaimed wood, box seating, and red walls give life to this neighborhood favorite. It also helps that this place brews expertly roasted beans from San Francisco’s Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters on their sleek Faema espresso machine.

8. Bar Nine
Location: 3515 Helms Ave, Culver City, CA 90232

The owners of this coffee joint work with Ninety Plus Coffee Agents to source coffee beans from Panama and Ethiopia, and then roasts them in house. Bar Nine’s baristas use the shop’s high-tech Modbar system with Chemex coffeemakers to get the precise cup of joe. It’s all about the little details, too. You can’t help but “aww” at the adorable to-go glass jars with lids. Try the creamy hazelnut milk latte, and don’t forget about breakfast!

9. Paramount Coffee Project
Location: 456 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

The concrete and wood space features a multi-roaster lineup that rotates beans from American coffee powers like Heart and George Howell, plus coffee from roasters back home. The food program is more ambitious than most coffee bars, featuring plates like a burrata that’s accompanied by pistachio dukkah, kale, and eggs; and a Superfood Bowl that comes with quinoa, candied beets, lebni, blueberry, and cocoa.

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10. Alfred Coffee & Kitchen
Location: Beverly Grove (& other locations)

Alfred’s iconic sign “but first, coffee” is Instagram post-worthy and reinforces the shop’s core focus: pumping out plenty of espresso drinks and cold-brew coffees, all using Stumptown beans.

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Out and About: Day of the Dead in Los Angeles

Day of the Dead in Los Angeles is definitely one of the most interesting holidays to celebrate locally. The festival of the deceased isn’t about haunted spirits or drawn-out grieving, rather offers a solid viewpoint on existence in the wake of death. Participants of the Mexican holiday (customarily held after Halloween) visit friends and family’s headstones as a part of open get-togethers: you’ll find cultural affairs around the city with dance rituals, musical performances and plenty of calaca (skeleton) costumes. Get a taste of the holiday with some of our favorite Day of the Dead events, as well as the tastiest Mexican food in town.

What is Day of the Dead?

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday that involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and helping support their spiritual journey. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle. Mexicans view it not as a day of sadness but as a day of celebration because of their loved ones awake and celebrate with them.

Day of the dead begins October 31 and ends November 2, 2019.

Día de Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever

Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hollywood

Nov 2, 2019

Hollywood Forever Cemetery claims to host the largest Day of the Dead celebration in California, and we wouldn’t doubt it. The cemetery grounds are covered with art exhibitions, dance rituals, musical performances, children’s arts and crafts projects and food vendors (and crowds) aplenty. You’ll see altars to the dead created by community artists, and can either watch or participate in the calaca (skeleton) costume contest. This year’s theme honors sacred migrations and the monarch butterfly. It’s sure to be a spectacular display, as always. And there’s something to be said for a Halloween-time event that respects and celebrates the very (and often forgotten) roots of the holiday.

The event turns out to be exceedingly packed after sunset. Plan on arriving before 4pm if you plan on parking in the neighborhood.

Grand Park Downtown Día de Los Muertos

Grand Park, Downtown

Until Nov 3, 2019

Join Grand Park and Self-Help Graphics & Art for a nine-day display of altars erected within the park alongside large-scale art installations curated by LORE Media and Arts. The altar displays kick off on October 26 with a traditional Noche de Ofrenda ceremony to pray for and honor the dead, featuring a communal circle and blessing led by the indigenous community. The festivities culminate in Selena for Sanctuary, a free concert on November 1 that features Empress Of, San Cha, Ceci Bastida and more.

Self Help Graphics & Art, Boyle Heights

Nov 2, 2019

Boyle Heights’ Self Help Graphics & Art has presented this Day of the Dead celebration for over four decades. The event begins at Mariachi Plaza, where a handful of theater groups lead an animated procession to Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez High School. Here, you’ll find local food and craft vendors. In addition, the arts center hosts free community art workshops on Saturdays in October as well as a Day of the Dead-themed art exhibition.

Day of the Dead at El Pueblo

Olvera Street, Downtown

Until Nov 2, 2019

Peruse altars in the plaza of El Pueblo at this Day of the Dead celebration. Expect plenty of festive wares from the merchants on Olvera Street, along with children’s crafts in the morning and a candlelight procession every night. Stop by during weekends for face painting, mariachi bands, Aztec dancers and more.

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Top 12 Halloween Games!

We all know kids love games, but Halloween games? They’ll love you for putting these games together for their crew! Squeeze in some fun playtime before heading out into the neighborhood to trick-or-treat. The best part? These games are easy enough to make in the comfort of your own home!

 

1. Eyeball Hunt:

Think along the lines of an Easter egg hunt and have the kiddos collect as many googly eyes hidden around the backyard as they can! Turn up the intensity by timing the eyeball hunt to see who can snatch the most for even more fun! Click here for the DIY instructions!

 

2. Pumpkin Patch Stomp

Fill orange balloons with candy, or other treats. Trick-or-treaters can then clobber the “pumpkin patch” in your backyard to claim each prize inside! Click here for the DIY instructions!

 

3. Skeleton Scavenger Hunt

How fun were scavenger hunts back in college? We thought it would be fun to make one for the kids for a bit of Halloween fun! Grab a few plastic skeletons from your local dollar store, snap the pieces apart and create a scavenger hunt for the kids and their friends on your street! Click here for the DIY instructions!

4. Jack Stack

Split the little ones into teams and have them race to complete this puzzle crafted from disposable orange cups. Click here for the instructions

5. Autumn Tick Tack Toe

Use mini pumpkins as the pieces (one color for Xs and another for the Os) for this spirited take on the classic kid’s game. Get the tutorial here

6. Feed the Monster

This one is easy to make and so much fun to play! A win-win as the monster doubles as a winning Halloween decoration. Click here to get the tutorial!

7. Poke-A-Pumpkin

Poke the pumpkin to get a special surprise! Click here for the DIY instructions!

8. Pumpkin Toss

The best part about this easy-to-assemble competition? It’s edible, too! Click here for the tutorial

9. Halloween Mini Piñata

Substitute the one big Piñata for these smaller, personal ones! That way, every kid can pull their own string and collect their own candy without any fuss! Click here for DIY instructions

10. Ghost and Pumpkin Bowling

Sacrifice a few toilet paper rolls or white paper cups to convert into ghoulish bowling pins. Cut the stem off a pumpkin and you’re all set with the perfect festive ball! Click here for the tutorial

11. Halloween Bean Bag Toss

 Source a few pieces of leftover wood to DIY this fa-boo-lous yard game, complete with pumpkin and ghost-shaped bean bags. Click here for the tutorial

12. Pumpkin Chunkin’

Rather than tossing real pumpkins, cover toilet paper rolls in orange felt for a much lighter (and cleaner) prop! Click here for the tutorial

 

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Home Tips: 14 Fall Harvest Decorating Ideas for Your Home

When summer fades, many of us are ready to welcome the fall season. Pumpkins, gourds and other decorative squashed are in abundance this time of year! Why not use them as inspiration for your fall harvest decorating project? Browse our best fall harvest decorating ideas over the years – they’re made to last from the first changing of leaves through the Thanksgiving feast.

  1. Wheat Wreath with Wooden Beads

A wreath is a lovely way to welcome guests into your home. This wild wonder owes its elegant good looks to the natural materials that embellish its standard straw base. We added wheat stalks laced with wooden beads and sculptural bleached seedpods.

 

  1. Corn Husk Garlands

At the front door, visitors to your home will marvel at this outdoor display. Decorative Indian corn is a farm-stand staple at this time of year and can be used in all manner of home décor projects: dye them, bath style, in a rainbow of dye colors or braid the husks to create a seasonal garland that drapes around your doorway.

  1. Pear “Welcome” Display

Once inside, guests will be greeted with a friendly, fragrant greeting using the season’s abundant Forelles and Anjous pears. Simply arrange seven pears on a mantel. Then, with a fine-tipped washable marker, write letters on the front of each pear. Press whole cloves into the flesh along the lines and the sweet aroma will be as welcoming as the message itself.

  1. Lamp Chimney and Candle Centerpiece

Many people say grace at dinner, but you’ll feel thankful well before if you prep the table with this easy yet eye-catching centerpiece. Incorporate the lamp chimneys at varying heights for a high-low look and better ease for guests to converse across the table.

 

  1. Wheat Centerpiece

Summer flowers may have wilted with the changing of seasons, but wheat stalks – with their delicate, golden form – are long lasting. Arrange an armful of tall stalks into a vase, cropping the ends and fluffing the tops, and display your glorious autumnal bouquet.

  1. Squash-and-Pumpkin Flower Arrangements

Squashes and pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, and when paired with seasonal blooms, they add character to your table. Combine a large greenish Hubbard squash paired with bittersweet branches and a white “Baby Boo” pumpkin with bright orange mums for a unique floral display.

  1. Turnip Votives

In a season of abundance, make full use of those richly colored vegetables that flourish in the transition from autumn into winter. Amid a set of gray-washed baskets on the table, turnips – in varying sizes – can be scooped out to hold votive candles that provide a soft glow.

 

  1. Cabbage Bowls and Cups

Bring in new colors and textures to the dinner table with heads of cabbage. Hollow out whole cabbages with a paring knife and spoon and use them to hold appetizer dips. Then, wrap the remaining leaves around glasses to hold crudités, cheeses, and breadsticks.

 

  1. Sprout Napkin Ties

Small Brussels sprouts and sage leave combine to make a charming addition to each guest’s place setting. For each napkin tie, sandwich one end of a ribbon between a sprout and a pair of sage leaves. Use a sequin pin to secure, pinning through the leaves first, then the ribbon, then into the sprout. Repeat on the opposite end of the ribbon, and tie it around a napkin in a loose knot. The sage leaves aren’t just a pretty addition – they’re fragrant, too.

 

 

  1. Hanging Basket of Fall Flowers

Assorted pinecones, pods, acorns and other natural decorations all make for a wilt-proof wall hanging. Treat them with a few coats of golden yellow paint, then hot-glue them to dried twigs gathered from the yard.

 

  1. Glittered Corn Centerpiece

A few organic elements, touched with a bit of gilding, evoke fall’s abundance. For an eye-catching centerpiece, turn a glass compote into a horn of plenty with glittering Indian corn and squash.

 

  1. Tabletop Baskets

Baskets are good for more than bearing fruit! Make use of them on the dinner table as centerpieces, salt and pepper cellars, or and added touch to your guest’s place settings. For each place card, cinch a napkin with a waxed cord and tie the ends around the basket’s handle.

  1. Bar Cart

Pumpkins, gourds and another harvest bounty need not be limited to the front porch or dinner table either – try interspersing them throughout your home, as shown on this rolling bar cart. It doubles as both a way to greet your guests with cocktails and a decorative statement.

 

  1. Cornucopia

For the piece de resistance of your fall harvest décor, why not consider the universal symbol of bounty? The cornucopia, that is. This raffia cornucopia lined with a bed of dried wheat stalks holds an abundance of golden squashes, apples, and pears. This is a natural Thanksgiving decoration that radiates good fortune!