Goat Yoga, The BH Art Show and Jurassic Park | Weekend Events May 14-16

Don’t miss out on this weekend’s best events! It’s a jam-packed week in the city of angels, so we’re sharing the best things to do in L.A., the westside, and the valley. From finding your zen with goats at the Gamble House to the bi-annual BH Art Show. Enjoy all that your community has to offer with these family-friendly activities!

Los Angeles

Goat Yoga at Gamble House

When: Until July 10, 2021

Where: Pasadena

What: You’ve probably already heard of the goat yoga craze, well now you can take part in it at the famed Gamble House. Get your zen on while a trip of goat’s throat around during this relaxing series on the front lawn of one of SoCal’s most beautiful homes. Presented by Pasadena’s Arts and Crafts, you’re invited to get in touch with your inner yogi through stretch and practice. Oh, and did we mention you’ll have 15 minutes for petting and pictures with the goats in attendance.

Hildur Guðnadóttir Gallery Talk

When: May 18

Where: Virtual

What: Hildur Guðnadóttir, the Oscar-winning Joker composer, joins Academy Museum curator Jenny He to discuss her work. Join them in conversation about Guðnadóttir’s compositions and her approach to designing the museum’s composer’s inspiration gallery.

The Beverly Hills Art Show Online

When: May 10 – 16, 2021, 24/7

Where: Virtually

What: The BH Art Show goes virtual this year for the bi-annual event. Enjoy interviews with artists, painting instruction, and more! The virtual online gallery will provide the chance to view artwork from over 200 artists from around the country. As in previous years, the BH Art Show will showcase a selection of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more. Also, like in previous years, artists will have artwork for purchase as well.

Westside

Ai Weiwei: Trace

When: May 15-Aug 1

Where: Skirball Cultural Center

What: Chinese artist Ai Weiwei brings his Alcatraz exhibit “Trace” to the Skirball Cultural Center in this limited engagement. The exhibition displays portraits of activists and prisoners of conscience made from millions of LEGO bricks. Ai Weiwei was inspired to create this installation after being imprisoned in Beijing due to his political activism.

Rooftop Cinema Club – Final Dates

When: Until May 31, 2021

Where: Santa Monica and El Segundo

What: Everyone’s favorite outdoor cinema experience has just a few more showings left before summer officially kicks off. The masters of alfresco rooftop movies have a range of flicks that you can catch outdoors on the big screen, from Mean Girls to Grease. Choose between the Santa Monica drive-in and a new rooftop in El Segundo for your weekend movie fix.

Mesopotamia: Civilization Begins

When: Until August 16

Where: Getty Villa, Pacific Palisades

What: Take a trip back in time, a few millennia, to be exact, for the Getty Villa’s latest exhibit. View ancient jewelry, sculptures, and cuneiform writing from the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. The objects on loan from the Louvre are broken up into three galleries. Because tickets must be timed for social distancing purposes, be sure to book your spot in advance.

The Valley

Street Food Cinema Presents Jurassic Park

When: May 15

Where: King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas

What: Let’s all head to the movies! Enjoy outdoor movie season at the drive-in with Street Food Cinema. The beloved summer series has made some friendly-socially-distanced tweaks for their current schedule. You can bite into this weekends showing with Jurassic Park and their range of delicious food trucks.

Old Town Newhall Farmers Market

When: May 15, 2021, at 8:30 am

Where: Old Town Newhall Library

What: If you are searching for some of your fresh market favorites, look no further than this weekend’s Old Town Newhall Farmers Market. Specialty food purveyors and California farmers come together each Saturday, rain or shine, to bring you the finest in fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables. At this local event, you’ll also be able to pick up baked goods, flowers, herbs, cheeses, and prepared foods. The Market offers locals a chance to come face to face with their food source. And the parking… it’s free and plenty.

We Rise

When: Until May 31

Where: Various locations

What: Don’t miss the ‘Celebration of Wellbeing’ for May’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Taking place at various locations throughout the Valley and Los Angeles, you can participate in various activities and information related to mental health.

David Ruggeri: Call of the Wild Exhibit

When: Until May 31, 2021

Where: San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center

What: ‘Call of the Wild’ and exhibit by artists David Ruggeri is in its last two weeks at the San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center. This installation, SCORE (Southern California Open Regional Exhibitions), celebrates the artistic relationship with flora and fauna in nature.

Sound Mind Mental Health Music Festival

When: May 20, 2021

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura

What: While this event is not taking place until next Thursday, we wanted to give you the heads up so you can reserve your spot. Enjoy music from artists like All Time Low, Fitz, and the Tantrums, lovelytheband, and Charlotte Lawrence for this drive-in concert. Taking place at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, proceeds from the event support the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ventura.

May 12, 2021May 12, 2021

Tech News: Space X, Apple AirTag, and Clubhouse on Android

In 2021, every day brings a new advancement in technology. With so much to keep up with, we’re sharing the latest tech specs so that you can keep current in the 21st century. From Apple’s newly unveiled AirTag to Dogecoin on the moon, dive into this week’s tech news below.

Apple Air Tags

We’ve all been there, whether it’s misplacing your keys, wallet, remote, or just an endless list of easily losable items. Well, Apple has joined the tracking game after unveiling their Apple AirTag during last month’s summit. The AirTag went on sale April 40 and start at $29, with the option to add Hermes accessories for a heftier price tag. While earlier this week it was reported that a security researcher was able to hack into the tags, it seems that they remain a rival competitor to Tile. This is due to the AirTag using the ‘Find My iPhone’ network and Apple’s privacy commitment. With any new product, only time will tell how well the new product fares.

Clubhouse on Android

If you have heard of Clubhouse but have not used it, you are probably an Android user or a social media minimalist. Either way, the announcement from the popular app that they will be expanding availability to the Google Play store is significant news. After almost a year of iOS exclusivity, the social media audio app Clubhouse remains in high demand. Clubhouse gained traction by giving users the chance to speak to and learn from power-players and celebrities in a forum that combines the style of Ted Talks and Q&As into joinable rooms. The app has also stated the platform will remain invite-only for now, meaning it’s still not open to just anyone, “as part of the effort to keep the growth measured.”

Twitter Updates

While Twitter’s updates this week do not include an edit button (someday!), they do include new features that user’s have already begun to enjoy. On May 5, the social media app ditched Twitter cropping (although you can still use it if you prefer) and added TipJar and Spaces. While the latter two are currently only available to specific users, they mark a much-needed upgrade for the app. With Twitter crop gone, users on iOS and Android will be able to upload 4k images without any worry over cut off and quality. The TipJar feature provides users with a new way to send each other money via CashApp. Spaces will likely serve as a competitor to Clubhouse as a drop-in audio space, but currently, the feature is only for users with followings of 600 or more. Send Tweet ➡️

Space X

Elon Musks’ hosting duties for the May 10 episode of SNL was not the only breaking news of the day for the space company CEO. On Saturday, Space X conducted its 10th launch of a reused rocket. While the report would not necessarily be placed in the recycling category bin, it does mark a new record for the orbital booster. In the case of Space X, they serve as a shift in the space race from disposable to reusable rockets, with overall less hassle for all.

Dogecoin on the Moon

The internet meme turned cryptocurrency has shifted from taking the world by storm to launching straight to the moon. It was announced earlier in the week that Space X is now accepting Dogecoin, which will exclusively pay into launching DOGE-1, an upcoming satellite. The proposed launch will gather “lunar-spatial intelligence” using onboard cameras and sensors. Geometric Energy Corporation is footing the bill and take-off, which will be flown up on a Falcon 9 rocket in the first quarter of 2022.

Zoom Launches Immersive New Background

Do you miss sitting communally with colleagues, family, or friends? Well, Zoom, thought you did and created a new immersive experience for your next Zoom meeting. The new background places you virtually next to the rest of your party. The latest update is something to be seen in what will surely change the dynamic at Thanksgiving should you choose to attend as an avatar. According to CNET, “The feature, called Immersive View, can place up to 25 participants in one meeting space.” If anything, the new background feature will serve as a needed break from feeling like you’re on an episode of ‘Hollywood Squares.’

May 12, 2021May 12, 2021

LA Eats: Local Favorites in LA, the Westside and the Valley

With as many restaurants as there are Bird scooters, we’ve decided to simplify your options of the week by dishing out the best places to grab a bite from power lunches to elegant fare. Read below for our nosh-worthy spots throughout L.A., the Westside, and the Valley of local favorites.

Area: Los Angeles

Soulmate

Location: West Hollywood

Set in the heart of West Hollywood, this modern eatery draws its inspiration from the Spanish Mediterranean. Soulmate and Chef Rudy Lopez utilize SoCal’s best local ingredients set against the backdrop of a live-fire and open-air concept setting. The dishes are as stunning as the restaurant itself, with choices like their Uni Toast and Vegetable Fiduea. Just make sure you end the evening with what is considered one of the best Vodka sodas in WeHo from their hand-crafted cocktail collection and you can’t go wrong.

Big Boi

Location: Sawtelle-Los Angeles

If you are a fan of B Sweet Dessert Bar, then your in for an equally sweet treat with their newest venture Big Boi. The restaurant offers Filipino comfort food by Chef Barb Batiste. While they are currently only offering pick-up, their menu is perfect for a night in. The Chicken Adobo is their most popular dish and rightly so, with its ideal combination of garlic, soy, vinegar marinade. You can also treat yourself to their famous butter selection for a tasty morning spread. Choose from flavors like Ube, Buko Pandan, or Ensaymada.

Meals by Genet

Location: Little Ethiopia

Rated with a Bib Gourmand by Michelin, Meals by Genet has been a long-standing city gem. The restaurant is perfect for a date night or evening out and offers fare that is ‘stunningly good’ as the Michelin guide suggests. Enjoy the pan-fried freshwater trout or Hirutye’s yebegsiga alitcha, a lamb dish featuring tasty and slightly spicy berbere and awaze paired with spongy injera. With every item on the menu being as delicious as the next, you can do no wrong.

Area: Westside/Beach Communities

Reel Inn Malibu

Location: Malibu

While a far less formal option for dining, the Reel Inn serves up seafood fare that has placed it on the list of local favorites year after year. The restaurant offers a fresh selection of seafood options from Lobster to Mahi Mahi and no shortage of seating in their sprawling seaside eatery.

Gracias Madre Newport

Location: Newport Beach

Do you love Gracias Madre West Hollywood? Great, because the local favorites Newport Beach location is just as delicious with a slightly different setting. Their Heart of Palm Ceviche Toast is a perfect lunchtime choice for a sunny day, with ingredients like roasted coconut, mango, banana pepper, jicama, cucumber, coconut milk, and fennel. If you prefer something heavier, we suggest the Crab Cake Torta or Mole and Mushroom Tamale.

Ollo

Location: Malibu

Another perfect local favorites spot for lunch, brunch, or even dinner, Ollo offers dishes using ingredients sourced from various local farms. Opt for one of their delicious artisan pizzas like the Burrata or Wild Mushroom and Spinach. Equally delicious choices also include the Zucchini Pasta or Tandoori Spiced King Salmon. We don’t have favorites because we genuinely love every dish on their menu, and we’re sure you will too!

Area: SFV, Conejo, Santa Clarita

Chick Next Door Hot Chicken

Location: Glendale

Chick Next Door Hot Chicken comes from the mind and skills of award-winning Chef Steven Velichnian. Their Chicken Sliders are some of the best that can be found on the west coast, turning comfort food into a destination for the taste buds. If you’re feeling a little chicken about spicey food, they have other options for you that are equally delectable. You can do no wrong with an order of Cheese Fries as long as you finish everything off with a churro or two.

Szechuan Place

Location: Northridge

There is something about hidden restaurant gems in strip malls that always deliver, and that is, even more, the case with Szechuan Place. Considered one of the best Chinese restaurants in Northridge, they could easily be called one of the best in the valley. Try the Scallion Pancake or Cumin Beef, and then make it a point to try everything else on their menu because every dish is that good.

Mizlala

Location: Sherman Oaks

Offering elevated Middle Eastern dishes in a simple modern setting, Mizlala is a vegetarian-friendly neighborhood delight. The restaurant now offers three locations, and it is easy to see why. Any selection from their range of family-style dishes proves nosh-worthy. The Lamb Shewarma served on mini laffa with harissa, lebane, and tahina is a perfect selection for dinner. If you prefer to share, you can do no wrong with the Greek Grilled Octopus cooked with vinaigrette, capers, yogurt, crispy peewee potato.,

Feu Pho Kitchen

Location: Studio City

Known for serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Feu Pho Kitchen is a local favorite and star in Studio City. Specializing in Pho, the restaurant ups their game with ‘highly curated fresh ingredients. The Chilled Papaya and Mango salad make for a perfect starter. We recommend pairing it alongside popular pho dishes like the Ribeye Beef or Jidori Chicken. Either way, you’ll enjoy what you find in cuisine at Feu Pho Kitchen for lunch or dinner.

Firefly

Location: Studio City

Firefly delivers on ambiance, cuisine, and service, making it a must for those seeking the best evening setting. Offering a seamless melding of refined and rustic, vintage and contemporary, Firefly serves delectable dishes for both brunch and dinner. The Mushroom Pappardelle is exquisite, as is the Atlantic Salmon pan seared with summer squash, corn, shiitake mushrooms, edamame, red onion agrodolce, coconut curry broth.

May 11, 2021May 12, 2021

Out & About | Staycation in Solvang

Windmills, delicious pastries, and a charming main street in a picturesque Danish town. You won’t need your passport for a staycation in Solvang. “A little slice of Denmark in Southern California,” the city of Solvang certainly makes for the perfect local getaway. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, this historic Danish town is perfectly situated in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Depending on where you are driving in from and, of course, LA traffic, you’ll be whisked away by the charm of this city within a 1 ½ to 2-hour drive. So what exactly do you do once you arrive? We’re sharing a few of our favorites ways to stay, eat and play in California’s favorite (and only) Danish village.

Stay Awhile

Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort

Located on a 10,000-acre private ranch, the Alisal is ideal for those seeking a dose of western culture. Considered a world-class resort, the hotel is considered one of California’s premier guest ranches. During your stay, you can enjoy horseback riding, (2) 18-hole golf courses, tennis, or even fly fishing.

Hotel Ynez

If you would like to add a bit of the french countryside to your danish excursion, Hotel Ynez serves as an excellent choice. The hotel, which opened earlier this year, is as tranquil as it is stunning. Located on two private acres, Hotel Ynez is the perfect escape from the urban hustle and bustle/ The property features lush gardens, bonfire pits, a pool, and an inviting outdoor pavilion where you can take in a night under the stars.

The Landsby

If you prefer accommodations with a modern touch, The Landsby is ideal. This beautiful boutique hotel offers contemporary designs with the ambiance of Scandinavian aesthetics. Moreover, their remodeled guest rooms are bright and open, with comfortable hand-crafted furnishings and breathtaking artwork commissioned by regional artists.

Hotel Corque

A Triple AAA – Four Diamond awarded hotel, Hotel Corque is one of Solvang’s newer properties. The hotel features a modern and rustic design that highlights the relaxed nature of wine country. Hotel Corque is located in downtown Solvang, placing you steps away from all that Santa Ynez Valley has to offer.

Wine Valley Inn & Cottages

Located in the quiet downtown neighborhood, Wine Valley Inn & Cottages offers the quintessential ambiance of Solvang. With 56 spacious guestrooms, 6 charming individual cottages surrounding a private garden, and one grand suite, you have a range of options to enjoy your stay. The inn is also within walking distance of wine tasting rooms and a short drive to Santa Ynez Valley’s best wineries.

Dine and Sip

Olsen’s Bakery

At one of the two major bakeries in Solvang, you’ll enjoy delicious kringles, cakes, cookies, and breads at Olsen’s. The bakery has been turning out delicious treats since 1970. Just make sure you arrive early if you want to grab a pastry for breakfast. As one of the town’s main attractions, they are known for having lines that stretch around the corner.

Mortensen’s Bakery

One look at the website for Mortensen’s will have you making a drive to Solvang just for their Bear Claws. The other beloved bakery in town (there are over five authentic bakeries), Mortensen’s, is another must. In short, you can’t go wrong with choices like their Pistachio Square or Danish Butter Cookie.

Actors Corner Cafe

A family-run eatery, the Actors Corner Cafe makes for an ideal evening destination. The charming eatery and boutique wine pairing restaurant serves upscale Italian cuisine made with locally sourced, organic ingredients. Their dishes are seasoned with the flavors and spices of old Europe, and they are open Thursday-Friday only.

Mad & Vin

If you are staying at The Landsby, you won’t have to go far for Danish dining. Mad & Vin is the hotel’s charming, elegant wood-clad food and wine bar serving a seasonal menu of wine-country-inspired farm-to-table fare prepared with regional ingredients.

Aly’s by Alebru Restaurant

Featuring exquisite wine country cuisine, Aly’s has all that you could want in fine dining. Serving a seasonal menu of market-driven fare, their dishes feature local ingredients such as fresh seafood, prime beef, and housemade pasta with from-scratch sauces.

Stroll and Play

Shopping

Treat yourself and browse through 150 boutique shops for unique treasures.

Wine Sampling

Enjoy the region’s best and sample wine & beer at 20 downtown tasting rooms offering the products of over 125 area vineyards.

Discover Danish & American Culture

Take in the culture of this quaint Danish town. Explore any of the following local museums: Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, The Wildling Museum of Art & Nature, Hans Christian Andersen, Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, Old Mission Santa Inés, plus Amber Museum & Hall of the Danes.

May 10, 2021May 10, 2021

Home Tips: The Best Cost Effective Home Security Systems

When it comes to your home, keeping your family and your abode protected is a top priority. With so many options available on the market these days, it helps to know the difference. Whether you’re seeking something budget-friendly or prefer all the bells and whistles, there is a security system that is right for you. We’re sharing some of the best on the market that you can set up on your own. Keep your home secure with our list of the best cost-effective home security systems.

SimpliSafe

While SimpliSafe is on the pricier side of cost-effective systems, it is still simply a great deal. If you are seeking a system without extra add-ons, look no further. With SimpliSafe, there are no installation costs or monthly fees. Are you worried about contracts? There isn’t one. This is a system that gets right to guarding your home and skips all of the extra costs and frills.

Monthly Plan Price: $14.99 p/mo.

Full Kit Set-up Price: starting at $229

Smart Home Capability: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Ring

The Ring system is an automatic go-to, and with most households having an Alexa device, it makes sense as a top choice. What is excellent about the Ring security system is its cheap monthly monitoring cost and 60-day cloud storage. Not to mention, with Amazon’s friendly warranty and return policy, it’s as easy to get product assistance as it is to ask Alexa what the weather is today.

Monthly Plan Price: $10.00 p/mo.

Full Kit Set-up Price: starting at $199.99

Smart Home Capability: Amazon Alexa, Z Wave

Kangaroo

Kangaroo jumps right onto the list of cost-effective home security systems as the cheapest on the block. But affordable does not mean less secure in this instance. The monthly monitoring fee clocks in at the same rate as Ring, and it does the job well. The Kangaroo system is an innovative choice for those looking for a simple package option.

Monthly Plan Price: $10.00 p/mo.

Full Kit Set-up Price: starting at $79.00

Smart Home Capability: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Wyze Cam Pan

If you prefer to simplify your monitoring system even further, the Wyze Cam may be your best bet. This single-camera option remains effective with a free mobile app and custom alerts. Did we mention they also provide 14 days of free cloud storage?

Monthly Plan Price: n/a

Full Kit Set-up Price: starting at $37.98

Smart Home Capability: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Abode

Abode made the smart move in upping its innovative home capabilities, and what’s not to love about that? This is the only security system on the market that can connect to Alexa, Apple Hoemkit, Google Assistant, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. So basically, almost every smart home system that there is.

Monthly Plan Price: $20.00 p/mo.

Full Kit Set-up Price: starting at $199.00

Smart Home Capability: Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assistant, Z-Wave, Zibbee

Cove

Not only is Cove considered one of the best cost-effective home security systems, they dont skimp on features for their budget pricing. All you have to pay for is the wireless equipment and choose your plan (both are affordable), and you are ready to go. With no contract, the only long-term deal you’ll have is the peace of mind that will come from securing your home.

Monthly Plan Price: $14.99 p/mo.

Full Kit Set-up Price: starting at $150.00+

Smart Home Capability: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Brinks

When it comes to security systems, Brinks has been a long-term go-to for households and the world throughout the years. That’s why it should come as no surprise that while they have been around, their system is certainly not outdated. Brinks offers homeowners a reliable, high-quality system with a competitively priced live monitoring tool and built-in home automation.

Monthly Plan Price: $39.00 p/mo.

Full Kit Set-up Price: starting at $199.00 (+$19.00 activation fee)

Smart Home Capability: Amazon Alexa, Z-Wave

May 6, 2021

LA & Valley Eats

Here is a list of places in Los Angeles where you can go out and dine this weekend!

Nusr-Et Steakhouse, Beverly Hills

Where: 184-88 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Nusr-Et Steakhouse is known for its top-quality steaks, unprecedented service, and boutique concept. You may also recognize the owner, internet celebrity Nusret Gökçe, also known as #SaltBae.

Spago – Beverly Hills

Where: 176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

This is the flagship restaurant of Wolfgang Puck. It’s among the most famous restaurants in Los Angeles. It is located at 176 N Canon Drive which is just north of Wilshire Boulevard in the famous Beverly Hills Triangle. Not only do they serve an iconic menu, the service, presentation, décor, and layout of the restaurant are second to none!

Peddlers Fork

Where: 23504 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302

Locally sourced New American meals served in a rustic space with an adjacent bike shop.

The Six Chow House Calabasas

Where: 23536 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302

Modern locavore eatery doling out inventive American grub & booze in a cool, casual environment.

May 6, 2021

Summer Vacation: Santa Barbara

Summer Vacation: Santa Barbara

Want to take a vacation but don’t want to jump on a plane? Sometimes what we are looking for is right in our own backyard!

For over a century Santa Barbara has famously been referred to as The American Riviera as early visitors saw so much of a resemblance to the French Riviera. There is so much to do in Santa Barbara! Here are some five-star world-class hotel choices and a couple of four-star choices.

Belmond El Encanto

Belmond El Encanto

This five-star resort advertises itself as one of California’s most indulgent hideaways and it’s true! It’s an architectural masterpiece. Every part of its original 1920’s glory still remains, but it’s been meticulously restored. It boasts separate bungalows with fireplaces and patios, a full spa, dramatic pool and lounge areas overlooking Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean, award wining dining and more. Peached in the Santa Barbara foothills just above State Street it’s a quite forest setting just above downtown!

San Ysidro Ranch

San Ysidro Ranch

Located in the historic Montecito area of Santa Barbara this five star resort boasts 41 individually decorated private cottages winding along San Ysidro’s hillside creek. This romantic getaway has a rich history. It was the spot John and Jackie Kennedy chose to spend their honeymoon! Just because it’s close doesn’t mean it’s not among the best in the world!

The four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara The four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara

It doesn’t get better than this! The Biltmore is a five star resort tucked in between the beach and the San Ynez mountains spanning 22 acres! Its Spanish colonial villas and bungalows are updated but, are still reminiscent of what made this historic landmark a Hollywood favorite since the 1930’s.

The Ritz Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara The four Seasons Biltmore Santa Barbara

Located adjacent to the famous Sandpiper Golf Course this five star resort will match the best Hawaiian resorts without the flight! It spans 78 beachfront acres on the Gaviota Coast just north of Santa Barbara. Here you can escape to its two beaches, three pools or you can pamper yourself in the resort’s 42,000 square foot spa!

Fess Parker Santa Barbara Doubletree Hotel by Hilton Fess Parker Santa Barbara Doubletree Hotel by Hilton

The Fess Parker Santa Barbara is in a great East Beach location. This four star resort is close to everything and has been a favorite for years. It’s convienent of Cabrillo Pavillon, Presidio Santa Barbara, The Mission, Downtown and more!

Fess Parker Santa Barbara Doubletree Hotel by Hilton Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecoto

This five star hotel was just completed and sits on the former site of the Miramar By The Sea Hotel. It is a luxury resort with 124 rooms, and 37 spacious suites, a full wellness center and cabins lined pools, sitting on the beautiful Miramar Beach. This Caruso developed resort offers true pampering and luxury!

May 6, 2021

Weekend Events: May 7 – May 9

Weekend Events: May 7 – May 9

Check out these events happening in Los Angeles this weekend May 7 – May 9!

The Comedy Store Reopening “Best of the store”

The Comedy Store is a world-famous comedy club located in West Hollywood at 8433 Sunset Boulevard on the Sunset Strip. The reopening of comedy’s capital is a fantastic way to spend a Saturday Night laughing at some great jokes. Tickets for this indoor seated live event must be purchased in advance. There will be no tickets sold at the door and no stand-by lines. No parties over 4 people.

First Fridays at the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum’s in-person First Fridays may have gone the way of the dodo, but the museum isn’t letting the after-hours event go totally extinct-instead, it’s digging it up and brushing it off for an online presentation. NHM First Fridays Connected will assemble speakers for Zoom webinars alongside a dance party on YouTube. And best of all: It’s all entirely free to attend (though reservations are required).

Rooftop Cinema Club

The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned, with both a Santa Monica drive-in and a new rooftop in El Segundo (the typical Hollywood and DTLA locations are still on hold for now). You’ll find the rooftop screenings in a warehouse district of El Segundo, on the fourth floor of a parking garage (1310 E Franklin Ave) that’s been remade into socially distanced alfresco cinema. You’ll find all of the RCC fixtures here, including wireless headphones, lounge seats (or loveseats), popcorn, a full bar, lawn games and pizza from the Urban Oven.

Transcend time and space with immersion into Elsewhere at the Madcap Motel

There’s no better escape from the mundane than exploring a mystical submarine inside a time portal, right? Not just another “selfie-museum,” Elsewhere at the Madcap Motel combines experiential trends such as Instagram playgrounds, escape rooms, and immersive theater into a wondrous, ethereal experience. Through a seemingly normal 1960’s-themed motel room, guests merge through different dimensions to uncover an interactive series of 19 whimsical and thought-provoking adventures.

May 4, 2021

Home Tips: Interior Design Trends For Summer 2021

There is something so beautiful about summer decor. Those breezy fabrics, muted color palettes, and boho influences associated with the season make it feel like you’re bringing the sunshine indoors. Check out the latest interior design trends that will help you preserve that summery vibe in your home for the rest of the year!

Tip #1: Natural Wood

Rattan, cane, wicker, and other wood of similar hues can make any space feel bohemian and summery. Boho decor is most closely associated with the summer season, but we’re here to tell you it works all year round!

Tip #2: Natural Elements

Of late, people are becoming obsessed with being plant parents. There’s something so incredibly enriching about the experience of helping a plant grow. Luckily, greenery is a big part of boho decor. Incorporating plants and succulents into your decor can be life-changing. We recommend going for the real thing, unless you want to keep up with seasons and trends, in which case, faux plants might be better suited to your needs.

Tip #3: Blue Tones

If summer had a color, we’re willing to bet it would be a beautiful blue! It’s no wonder the who’s who of interior designers voted this color as one of the top summer interior design trends for 2021. We recommend using richer blues as an accent wall in your living room or trying lighter blue linens and decor pieces paired with a white backdrop to give your space that effortless Grecian vibe.

Tip #4: Light and Airy

Light, airy fabrics are usually associated with seasons when you can keep the windows open, but it’s easy to keep those textures on display year-round. The easiest way to do this is with your curtains and throw blankets. Pick out pieces made of lighter material like linen for your throw blankets so that they provide the warmth you need while still looking casual draped over your couch. For curtains, look for fabrics like cotton voile, flax linen, sheer silk, or something similar to get that airy feel in your home, no matter the time of year.

Tip #5: Go Neutral

White, ivory, pale gray, and beige are all colors usually associated with summer beach homes. But, neutral colors are gorgeous all year round, which is why they’re one of the biggest interior design trends for 2021. The thing about neutrals they give you an excellent base and backdrop for whatever color scheme you want to switch over to as time goes by while also holding their own with ease.

May 3, 2021

Economic update for the month ending April 30, 2021

Stock markets – The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the month at 33,874.85, up 2.4% from 33,066.96 at the end of March. It is up 10.7% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the month at 4,181.17, up 4.6% from 3,958.55 last month. It is up 11.3% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the month at 13,962.68, up 7% from 13,045.29 last month It is up 8.3% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the month yielding 1.65%, down from 1.74% last month. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the month at 2.30%, down from 2.41% last month. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow treasury bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The April 29, 2021, Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 2.98%, down from 3.18% last month. The 15-year fixed was 2.31%, down from 2.45% last month. The 5-year ARM was 2.64%, down from 2.94% last month.

The April jobs report will be released next Friday. These are March’s results.

U.S. employers added 916,000 jobs in March – The Department of Labor and Statics reported that 916,000 net new jobs were added in March. That number exceeded Dow Jones analysts’ expectations of 675,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate declined to 6% in March, down from 6.2%, in February.

Home sales are released on the third week of each month for the previous month. Below are the March sales results.

U.S. home sales and prices – March 2021- The National Association of Realtors reported that the number of existing-home sales rose 12.35% in March from the number of sales in March 2020. The median price paid for a home in March rose 17.25% from the median price one year ago. That marked 109 straight months of year-over-year increases in the median price. Inventory levels totaled 28.2% fewer homes on the market than one year ago. There was just a 2.1 month supply of homes for sale, down from a 3.3 month supply last March. First-time buyers accounted for 32% of the home sales. Second-home (vacation home) and investor purchases accounted for 15% of the sales. Foreclosure and short sales accounted for less than 1% of sales.

California existing home sales in March – The California Association of Realtors reported that existing, single-family home sales totaled 446,410 on an annualized basis in March. That represented a year-over-year increase of 19.7% from the 373,070 annualized rate of homes sold in March 2020. The median price paid for a home climbed 8.6% month-over-month from the median price in February. The median price paid for a home in California was $758,990 up 23.9% from the median price of $612,440 last March. There was just a 1.6 month supply of homes for sale in March, down from a 2.6 month supply one year ago. Below please find a graph of regional statistics for Southern California.