Category: activities

Posted on

Halloween Themed Drive-Ins This Weekend

Poolside Dinner and a Movie Series at L.A. Live

When: Friday, October 23, 2020 @ 7PM

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poolside-dinner-a-movie-series-at-la-live-weekends-through-112820-tickets-121292813069?

We might be passing go-in-the-pool season, but the sit-by-the-pool season isn’t going anywhere. You can do just that—and eat dinner and watch a movie while you’re at it—during this poolside screening series at Downtown’s JW Marriott. Each $45 reservation includes one appetizer or snack, one entrée, and unlimited popcorn. Hocus Pocus starts at 7PM!

GHOSTBUSTERS & BEETLEJUICE Two Feature Halloween-O-Thon at Glendale Sears Parking Lot

When: Saturday, October 24, 2020 @ 7PM

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ghostbusters-beetlejuice-two-feature-halloween-o-tickets-123401097003?

ELECTRIC DUSK DRIVE IN & SECRET MOVIE CLUB present PARKING LOT CINEMA! First, Ghostbusters will play at 7PM. Next, Beetlejuice will play at 930PM. IMPORTANT NOTE: Gates will open for our First Movie at 5:30pm. If you are just attending the second movie, please arrive no earlier than 8:45pm so we can allow all FIRST FEATURE only attendees to leave and get you in quickly!

San Fernando Valley Summer Drive-In at Westfield Center

When: Saturday, October 24, 2020 @ 7PM

Tickets: https://tickets.myvalleypass.com/

Even before the resurgence of drive-ins, this summertime tradition has been bringing screenings from the comfort of your car to the Valley for the past few years. Typically held at Lake Balboa, this year’s iteration—with includes The Sandlot, Grease, Jurassic Park and La Bamba—is making the jump to Sherman Oaks’ Westfield Fashion Square Mall. As a result, you’ll be able to order takeout options from the mall’s food court to eat in your car as you watch each flick on a 60-foot screen. Hotel Transylvania at 7PM and Scream at 10PM!

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Family Sunday Glendale Sears Parking Lot

When: Sunday, October 25th, 2020 @ 7PM

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-nightmare-before-christmas-family-sunday-tickets-123402284555?

ELECTRIC DUSK DRIVE-IN & SECRET MOVIE CLUB present PARKING LOT CINEMA! Family Sunday Halloween-O-Thon consists of The Nightmare Before Christmas! Get there early to reserve your spot, and pre-order your concessions when buying tickets!

Spooky Sunday’s The Drive-In at The Hollywood Roosevelt

When: Sunday, October 25th, 2020 @ 630PM & 930PM

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spooky-sundays-at-the-hollywood-roosevelt-drive-in-theatre-tickets-124187661639?

The iconic Hollywood Roosevelt is transforming their valet parking lot into a Drive-In Theatre! This weekend they are showing The Addams Family and Halloween 2. All guests receive complimentary popcorn and they have a full menu and a Stella Artois Airstream!

Posted on

Home Tips: Spooky Decor Ideas

Your front door is brimming with Halloween décor potential – all you need is a little imagination. Decorating your door requires a bit of creativity, especially if you’re hoping to forge a festive but sophisticated entry display. Below are some spooky Halloween front door décor ideas that don’t sacrifice an inch of style. You can still impress your neighbors who drive by or walk by during these socially distant times!

Spooky Greeters

A little lighting goes a long way when it comes to decorating your door for Halloween. This bat-clad light-up wreath is composed of rattan branches and features glowing LED lights for added eeriness.

Sticky Bats

For a foolproof way to bring an unexpectedly spooky element to your front door this Halloween? These easy-to-use vinyl bats cling to the glass of windows and mirrors and don’t leave any residue behind.

Pretty Pumpkins

Said Halloween décor can’t be chic has never seen these hand-punched ceramic pumpkins. Place a couple of these terra-cotta candleholders on your front porch to create a warm, ambient glow on All Hallows Eve.

Halloween Classic 

For a wreath that captures the playfulness of Halloween? This nostalgic wreath made of natural air-dried maple leaves comes clad in vintage-inspired ghosts, candy corn and jack-o-lantern ornaments for added charms.

Pumpkin Planters

You can always count on pumpkin-shaped planters to make a festive statement at your front door on Halloween. These faux pumpkin planters are composed of weatherproof plastic so they’ll look great on your porch all season long.

Posted on

Streaming: The Mandalorian Season 2

Without a doubt, the most anticipated streaming series of the year—  “The Mandalorian” will be returning with its second season on October 30th to Disney+. To gear up for the release, we suggest you not only watch the first season (if you have not already), and watch these other Star Wars spin-offs to get you even more excited for the new season releasing incredibly soon! 

Mandalorian Season 1 

Where to Watch: Disney+ 

A lone gunfighter makes his way through the outer reaches of the galaxy, far from the authority of the New Republic. While on his way, he encounters enemies and unlikely allies. 

Solo: A Star Wars Story 

Where to Watch: Disney+ 

Young Han Solo finds adventure when he joins forces with a gang of galactic smugglers and a 190-year-old Wookie named Chewbacca. Indebted to the gangster Dryden Vos, the crew devises a daring plan to travel to the mining planet Kessel to steal a batch of valuable coaxium. In need of a fast ship, Solo meets Lando Calrissian, the suave owner of the perfect vessel for the dangerous mission — the Millennium Falcon.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 

Where to Watch: Disney+ 

Set just before A New Hope, Rogue One is the first of the spinoff movies. It tells the story of a group of rebels on a risky mission to steal the plans for the Galactic Empire’s super-weapon, the Death Star.

Original Star Wars Trilogy

Where to Watch: Disney+ 

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977)

The first Star Wars movie ever made, A New Hope follows Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi on their journey to free Princess Leia, the leader of the Rebellion, and destroy the Death Star.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

The second installment of the classic trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back, focuses on the Galactic Empire’s pursuit of Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance. Set three years after the events of A New Hope, the movie follows Luke as he studies the Force under the guidance of Jedi Master Yoda.

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

Taking place one year after the second movie, Return of the Jedi focuses on the Galactic Empire’s attempt to build a second Death Star and the Rebel Fleet’s plan to foil it.

Second Set of Star Wars Trilogy

Where to Watch: Disney+ 

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)

Set 32 years before the first Star Wars movie, The Phantom Menace tells the story of how Qui-Gon Jinn, the Jedi Master, and Obi-Wan Kenobi, his apprentice, protected Queen Amidala in an attempt to end the interplanetary trade dispute peacefully.

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)

Taking place 10 years after the events of The Phantom Menace, this movie follows Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala as the trio witness the onset of the Clone Wars.

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Set three years after the events of Attack of the Clones, Revenge of the Sith follows Obi-Wan Kenobi in his journey to eliminate the leader of the Separatist army, General Grievous.

Last Installment of the Star Wars Trilogy

Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015)

The first of the sequel trilogy, The Force Awakens, is set 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. It follows Finn, Han Solo, Poe Dameron and Rey in their search for Luke Skywalker. The movie introduces a new antagonist, Kylo Ren.

Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (2017)

Taking place right after the events of The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi follows Rey as she seeks Luke Skywalker’s help to defeat Kylo Ren and the First Order. Meanwhile, Finn, General Leia Organa and Poe Dameron try to fend off an attack on the Resistance. This movie features the first posthumous performance by Carrie Fisher and honors her memory.

Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) 

The final installment of the sequel trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker, is set shortly after the events of The Last Jedi. It follows Finn, Poe Dameron and Rey as they lead the fight against Kylo Ren. Although this movie isn’t yet available on Disney+, you can expect to see it on the service by the end of the year.

Posted on

Weekend Events: Oct 9th – Oct 11

There is plenty to do out and about in Los Angeles and the Valley socially distant. Check out our round-up of some events perfect to attend or celebrate with your quarantine pod!

The Magic Castle

When: Friday, October 9-Sunday October 11

Where: The Magic Castle (Hollywood)

Cost: $125 per car for up to 5 people

There’s so little live comedy right now in LA that this bi-weekly drive-in series at the Magic Castle almost seems like a miracle. This weekend’s lineup includes a slew of Improv/Comedy Store regulars including Sarah Tiana, Preacher Lawson, Jamie Kennedy, and a ton more. There’s food available to order, too, including fried chicken sandwiches and burgers from the Magic Castle kitchen.

Screamfest Screenings

When: Tuesday, October 6-Thursday, October 15

Where: The Regency Van Nuys 

Cost: Varies

The longest-running horror film festival in the U.S. is back again, with in-person drive-in screenings at the Regency Theaters in Van Nuys. Screenings include a bunch of new low-budget horror shorts and features, as well as some of the classic “Halloween” films and a free screening of the new Steven King thriller, “Mr. Mercedes.”

Celebrate Filipino American History Month

When: Saturday, October 10

Where: Your Home!

Cost: $20-90

October is Filipino American History Month, and the Filipina-owned gin bar Genever has teamed with HiFi kitchen for a one-off dinner/cocktail/show extravaganza, featuring a traditional Kamayan feast (Chicken adobo/saltado/sisig/fixings), a cocktail by Genever’s Jesse Smith, and the hosts of This Filipino American Life podcast schooling viewers on Filipino history. Food is available for pickup or delivery for an additional fee.

Golden Road’s Oktoberfest Pop Up

When: Saturday, October 10-Sunday October 11

Where: 1300 Glendale Ave, Echo Park

Cost: $40-$75

Raucous Oktoberfest parties may be off the menu this year, but that’s not stopping beloved local-gone-national brewery Golden Road from celebrating the season: in addition to a new Oktoberfest Bier, they’ve collaborated with ultra-colorful clothing brand The Quiet Life on a capsule collection. Order any of the clothes to pick up at their popup this weekend (ranging from a logo-heavy hat to tie-dye shirts) and they’ll throw in a 6-pack of the new beer as well as a limited edition tote.

West Adams Ballot Party

When: Sunday, October 11

Where: Delicious Pizza (West Adams)

Cost: Free

Hip-hop inspired, party-hearty pie-slinger Delicious Pizza is getting civically involved with this socially-distant get-out-the-vote event. Bring your ballot by for a pop-up photo booth, voter guides to help you figure out how/who you’re going to vote for, and DJs all day.

Posted on

Home Tips: Pumpkin Painting Ideas

It’s time to get into the Halloween spirit! A fun family activity (that is less messy than carving pumpkins) is painting pumpkins! Check out these creative ways to paint pumpkins for the interior and exterior of your home this season.

Chalk-Painted Pumpkins

The chalk paint trend is ever strong, has inspired us to create a set of these elegant floral pumpkins. We love the combination of a matte chalk finish and these large stencil designs! Thy match any fall décor perfectly.

Glittered Pumpkins

There’s no denying it – everything is better with glitter. Both pumpkins are coated in a fine sprinkling of shimmer – gold and copper, respectively – and one is polka-dotted while the other is crafted with the visual effect of dripping in luxury.

Falling Leaves Pumpkin

Autumn-inspired silhouettes add simple charm. To paint this pumpkin, adhere the leaf stencil to the pumpkin and pounce the inside of the stencil with white craft paint. Slowly, peel off the stencil and re-adhere it to a new spot on the pumpkin. Repeat this method until the pumpkin’s entire rounded surface is covered in leaves.

Abstract Expressionist Art Pumpkins

Abstract Expressionist artists – Pollock, Rothko, and Franz Kline – all use sophisticated designs. Similarly, the trio of pumpkins pictured here is inspired by some of the greatest artists of our time.

Skeleton Pumpkin

A skeleton with a devilish grin like this is just the thing your front porch needs this Halloween. Kids will love to help come up with their own spooky, silly, up-to-no-good expressions.

Content Sourced from: Martha Stewart Living
Posted on

Home Tips: Indoor Plant Care

A huge trend during the pandemic is buying houseplants! Some of us already had numerous “plant children” while others are just discovering the beauty that is an indoor plant. Indoor plants can elevate the mood and look of any room in the interior of your home along with naturally purifying the air. Check out our basic tips on how to maintain your new indoor houseplants!

MODERATION

Our most crucial tip before jumping into plant parenthood would be– everything in moderation. All plants require water, light, and food, but the trick to success is to practice moderation! Additionally, let’s think about the native climate for the majority of our houseplants. Your goal is to imitate that environment as closely as possible without going overboard.

SOIL

Contrary to popular belief, there is not a one size fits all soil for plants. Most plants do thrive in an organic soil, while orchids are incredibly picky when it comes to soil. Make sure you do research on the most ideal soil specific to your houseplant breed.

WATERING

Most of the time, people are concerned they aren’t watering enough, when in fact they are watering far too much! Unless noted otherwise, most houseplants would prefer being slightly dry than soaking wet. That means a watering schedule of once or twice a week is suitable for most plants, where you water the plant thoroughly but infrequently. It is best to pour water onto the soil at a slow, deliberate pace, until the water starts escaping from the drainage holes of the container. That’s your signal to stop watering!

LIGHTING

Light is just as important as water. All plants need light to carry out their necessary biological processes. It is a process called– photosynthesis. Although all plants need some light to grow, some plants require a lot less than others. Think again of their native habitat and imagine the dark undergrowth where these plants thrive. They receive heavily filtered light but still keep on kicking.

FERTILIZING

Although plants carry out photosynthesis to process the sugars they need to survive, they also need a more direct form of food to carry out growing processes. Providing fertilizers to your houseplants helps ensure they will remain happy and healthy. The food can be delivered via a granule that breaks down over time, or it can be added more directly via a water soluble fertilizer. Granules generally need to be applied once every few months, while water soluble fertilizers should be applied every two weeks or so. Read the directions on a specific fertilizer to see what is recommended.

TEMPERATURE, AIR FLOW, & ROTATING

Aim to keep the plant in a warm environment with some air circulation, and rotate its face. Almost all houseplants need a minimum temperature of 55ºF to survive. Keep plants away from areas of cold drafts in the winter. The warmer it gets for houseplants, the happier they are! Rotate your plant every few days to keep everything in balance.

 

 

Posted on

Streaming: Father’s Day Movies

Some of us are spending more and more time with our families during this quarantine while others may be physically far away from their families under different circumstances. Nonetheless, these Father’s Day Movies can be watched together, separately, or just for kicks. Fathers and father figures look different depending on the family, but there are enough movies to celebrate all these differences. Check out our list of movies that celebrate the dads in your life, no matter what “dad” means to you! 

 

Daddy Day Care 

This early 2000s comedy stars Eddie Murphy as the ultimate stay-at-home dad. After losing his job, Charlie Hinton (Murphy) is conflicted about how to care for his young son, and settles on starting a home childcare center for him and other neighborhood children. He might have to deal with overprotective parents, mischievous kids, and the threat of getting shut down by the authorities, but he still gets to spend quality time with his son.

 

Father’s Day 

Jack (Billy Crystal), a cynical lawyer, and Dale (Robin Williams), a depressed writer, have one thing in common: Collette (Nastassja Kinski), the woman they each dated. When Collette enlists them to help her search for her runaway teenage son, Scott, there might also be a little paternity issue at stake.

 

Cheaper By the Dozen

An iconic American family manages to steal our hearts despite their crazy antics in this 2003 comedy. Steve Martin stars as the head of an unusually large household, which has to relocate thanks to his character’s new job. After settling into a new town, new house, and a new school, the kids face the challenge of making friends, battling bullies, and sticking together as a family.

 

Big Daddy 

Sonny (Adam Sandler) is 32 but doesn’t act his age. That is, until he has to care for an abandoned five-year-old (played by baby Dylan and Cole Sprouse), who turns out to be the biological child of his out-of-town roommate. Sonny fills in as a paternal figure in the meantime and ends up teaching the kid some, um, unconventional lessons. But it’s Big Daddy who does most of the growing up.

 

Mrs. Doubtfire

Sometimes fatherly love means dressing in drag to get to spend more time with your children. When divorcé Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) is given limited face time with his children, he comes up with a plan to still be their parent—kind of. He dresses up as an old woman and gets hired as their nanny, of course. Mrs. Doubtfire is one of Williams’ iconic roles, and it’s still a squirmer to watch him switch between his dad self and his alter-ego, getting in and out of wigs and sticking his face in cakes.

Posted on

Status on Reopening of Gyms, Movie Theaters, and Schools

As we enter the next phase of the reopening of California within Los Angeles, there are many guidelines unique to the particular place of interest that we will need to follow. The Mayor of Los Angeles issued a statement on social media regarding what will be open on June 12th, and what he is holding off on. 

“In alignment with the County of L.A., gyms and fitness centers, museums, galleries, hotels for leisure and day camps, and their pools within the City of L.A. may reopen Friday. Film, TV, and music production can resume. Stadiums and arenas can resume without spectators.

Every business that is reopening is required to implement the County’s detailed public health protocols. Physical distancing and wearing face coverings will be required. Protocols and guidelines can be found at Coronavirus.LACity.org/Business.

There are still many types of businesses and activities that will remain closed: nail salons, tattoo shops, bars and wineries, movie theaters, concert halls, arcades, and bowling alleys. All gatherings and parties, inside or outside, are still not allowed.”

OPEN IN LOS ANGELES:

Gyms

In order to reopen, fitness facilities are told that they should require patrons to wear face coverings (at least while they enter and exit the facility). During the work out it is optional to wear face masks but encouraged to do so if they can do so. It was common courtesy at the gym is for the patron to wipe down the equipment after they use it — this is something that is now required. Equipment is required to be spaced out by at least six feet. 

See more guidelines here: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-fitness.pdf 

Have yet to open in LOS ANGELES:

Movie Theaters (and other family entertainment establishments) 

Movie theaters, bowling alleys, miniature golf courses, batting cages, and arcades are allowed to reopen on Friday, June 12th in the state of CA. However, the city of Los Angeles is postponing the opening of these establishments. When they do open, they are all required to cap their capacity at a much lower rate. For example, movie theaters are limited to 25% of the theater or a maximum of 100 people — whichever number is lower. Theaters are encouraged to promote physical distancing, use disposable or washable seat covers, and provide the means to disinfect hands for patrons. 

See more guidelines here: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-family-entertainment.pdf 

Schools 

Schools in California will be allowed to reopen on June 12th, but most won’t reopen until the next school year as most are already out on a summer break. School districts are currently convening to make sure they are in compliance with the list of health and safety guidelines released by the Department of Education. Within the list of guidelines that they must remain compliant on are keeping students spaced out by at least 6 feet in the classroom, staff to wear a face mask or shield, eliminating self-service buffets, and implementing a staggering of start times by grade or class to lower the number of bodies passing by others. 

See more guidelines here: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/documents/strongertogether.pdf

 

Posted on

Out and About: Santa Ynez Valley Wine Trip

With your vacation plans on hold perhaps you’re up for a day trip!  Many Santa Ynez Valley wineries are open and waiting to host you. It’s been a tough, lonely time in the wine country.
On May 29 they were permitted to reopen! Many wineries are open. Traditional tastings are not permitted. What is permitted is even better. Wineries must serve food, so relax and enjoy it! Rather than traditional tastings, there is wine by the bottle or glass. Some wineries have wine flights. The County of Santa Barbara helped wineries that have not traditionally served food to get rushed permits. If you have been to the Santa Barbara wine country, we are sure you’re ready for a trip back!  If not your in for a treat. The food and wine are great, but the real treat is the beauty of the area and the short drive! Hotels are open as well.

Below is a list of some of the wineries that are currently open. Most are only open Friday to Sunday. To maintain proper social distancing they are limiting the number of guests, so check their websites and make an appointment!

Alma Rosa Winery
Babcock Winery & Vineyards
Brick Barn Wine Estate
Casa Dumetz Wines
Dierberg & Star Lane
Epiphany Wine Co.
Hitching Post Wines
Laetitia Vineyards and Winery
Jamie Slone Wines
Lafond Winery & Vineyards
Margerum Wine Company
Melville Winery
Pence Vineyards & Winery
Presqu’ile Winery
SAMsARA Wine Co.
Santa Barbara Winery
Stolpman Vineyards
Photo by George Rose/Getty Images
Sunstone Winery 
The Vincent Family Estate Vineyards & Winery
Posted on

Streaming: Newly Added Movies on Major Streaming Platforms

When it comes to streaming services, each major streaming platform offers a large variety of movies and television shows to stream. As things get more and more competitive than ever with streaming viewers on the rise, these platforms are constantly adding more and more content to their platforms to remain up to date with their competitors. Check out these movies coming to the major streaming platforms in June 2020. 

Knives Out 

Available on Amazon Prime to stream June 12th.

Storyline: When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death. Written by Lionsgate

 

Ad Astra 

Available on HBO Max to stream June 6th. 

Storyline: Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his missing father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet. His journey will uncover secrets that challenge the nature of human existence and our place in the cosmos.

 

Shirley

Available to stream on Hulu June 5th. 

Storyline: As renowned for her morose nature as she is for her horror fiction, writer Shirley Jackson (Elizabeth Moss) is crafting yet another masterpiece when the arrival of newlyweds Fred and Rose disrupt her creative process and marriage to a literary critic – and philandering professor – Stanley Hyman (Michael Stuhlbarg). As Stanley spars to maintain academic dominance over his would-be protégé Fred, Rose attempts to dampen her own ambitions and adjust to married life while living under the roof of their fiery intellectual hosts with quicksilver loyalties and myriad neuroses. When the motives of Shirley’s literary muse prove elusive, Rose’s curiosity and trusting nature make her tender prey for a brilliant author whose only allegiance is to her work. Written by Mae Moreno

 

Lady Bird 

Available to stream on Netflix June 3rd. 

Storyline: Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) is a high school senior from the “wrong side of the tracks”. She longs for adventure, sophistication, and opportunity, but finds none of that in her Sacramento Catholic high school. This movie follows the title character’s senior year in high school, including her first romance, her participation in the school play, and most importantly, her applying for college. Written by Dehlia

 

Artemis Fowl 

Available to stream on DisneyPlus June 12th. 

Storyline: Artemis Fowl, a young criminal prodigy, hunts down a secret society of fairies to find his missing father. Perfect movie for the family that will be premiering on DisneyPlus! 

 

Proudly powered by WordPress