Category: activities

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Weekend Events: December 6 – December 8

With the holidays just a short time away, you won’t want to miss out on these events to get you in the mood! From fun-filled events like live performances at Wallis Annenberg to beautiful museum exhibits at LACMA!

Friday December 6, 2019

Handmade Ornaments Show

Location: iam8nit, Echo Park

Artists from around the world have crafted hundreds of original ornaments in an assortment of mediums, from plush to metal, and most are affordably priced. The pop-up market kicks off with an opening reception on December 5 (7-10pm) and continues during regular gallery hours through December 22.

For The Record: Love Actually Live

Location: Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Beverly Hills

Throughout December, cult-favorite musical series For the Record presents a stage show based on one of the world’s most beloved holiday movies, Love Actually. Using a multimedia set, a 15-piece orchestra and songs from the film, the show will turn Beverly Hills’ Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts into a feel-good winter set for musical numbers and scenes of the movie’s intersecting love stories.

“Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again”

Location: The Broad, Downtown

This exhibition will make you angry, angry about the subjugation of women around the world, angry over entire populations being unwelcome to their own homelands and angry that such a beautiful body of work from Shirin Neshat hasn’t been on display in Los Angeles before. Covering 30 years of the Iranian-born artist’s photo and video works the Broad is a must-see.

Saturday December 7, 2019

“Julie Mehretu”

Location: LACMA

A co-presentation with New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art, LACMA takes a first-ever mid-career look at the Ethiopian-American artist’s striking large-scale abstractions, with 35 paintings and 40 works on paper.

Artisanal LA Holiday City Market

Location: Multiple Venus

L.A. markets is a 30 vendor pop-up at Bunker Hill’s Bank of America Plaza, a gathering of 75- plus markets in the parking lot behind the Pasadena Playhouse.

Sparkle DTLA

Location: THE BLOC

Sparkle LA is setting up shop at the Bloc through the end of December, and it’s bringing a bunch of programming along with it, including a holiday card and wreath making workshops.

Sunday December 8, 2019

W | ALLS: Defend, Divide, and the Divine

Location: Annenberg Space for Photography

The latest challenging exhibition from the Annenberg Space for Photography examines the real and imagined barriers that have separated societies and ideas for centuries, from the Roman Empire to the U.S.-Mexico border.

 

“Loitering is Delightful”

Location: Barnsdall Art Park & Hollyhock House, Los Feliz

Loitering is delightful celebrates the process of taking your time and enjoying your surroundings without any particular aim.

 

Rose Bowl Flea Market

Location: Rose Bowl

The world-famous Rose Bowl Flea Market takes place on the second Sunday of every month! Come shop from over 2,500 vendors selling everything from coveted antiques, rare vintage finds, and today’s most up-to-date trends!

 

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Home Tips: Easy Decoration Ideas That’ll Holiday Up Your Home

This holiday season, consider these charming touches when decking out your own halls. Classic in inspiration and modern in execution, they bring cheer to nearly every room in the house and are as easy to implement as one, two, three.

Cue the Conifers

Make your mantel look amazing with a colorful assortment of vintage and inexpensive evergreens. The bottle-brush variety are readily available online and at craft stores; the miniature ones were plucked from a model train set. Votives make the snow-dusted landscape sparkle.

Jingle all the Way

To make comings and goings much more festive, gather a variety of craft-store bells and string them onto two loops of wire. Mold them into a cluster shape, twist the ends of the loops together and tie a big bow. Hang the ornament from a doorknob with a piece of cord.

Fake a Flame

Enjoy candlelight without the fire hazard by placing LED votives on windowsills, mantels, and stairs!

Stock up on Stockings

Nope, they’re not just for kids. These John Robshaw beauties add texture and color to any space and can be put to new use. Fill sachets with fallen pine needles, tuck them inside the stockings and perfume your home in a stealth way.

Go out with a Bang

Christmas crackers date back to mid-19th– century Great Britain. These crackers are prettily wrapped cylinders that hold tiny gifts and emit a loud pop when pulled apart. Place a pile in a bowl by your front door and send guests home with a jolly, fun party favor.

Spread the Love

Rather than tucking mistletoe in a doorway, make family meals warn and fuzzy with an overhead centerpiece. Wrap wreath frame with fresh eucalyptus and faux mistletoe (toxins in the real berries can harm kids and pets) and attach ornaments with floral wire.

Light the Way

To set up this modern menorah, arrange eight bud vases in a row, with a taller one in the middle, and place tapers inside. For added stability, put a bit of candle glue in the bottom of each vase. Post-holiday repurpose the vessels for greenery or small garden clippings.

Count Down TO HOLIDAY OF YOUR CHOICE

The whimsical Advent calendar comes together in a few basic steps. First, paint a two-by-four foot pegboard slat; let dry overnight. Using stencils, craft paint and a brush or sponge, paint the numbers you would need on muslin gift bags; let dry overnight.

The next day, evenly space small wooden pegs in the board; fill the bags with little toys, candy and handwritten messages and hang the bags in order. Then, just place it on a console table or ledge, lean it against the wall (or mount it, if you have small children), and let the anticipation build to your favorite holiday.

**IDEAS Sourced from MarthaStewart.com
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Weekend Events: November 29 – December 1

Holidays are around the corner and it is time to enjoy some time with your family, but if you will find some time to explore Check out some current weekend events happening in t Los Angeles area.

Thursday, November 26th, 2019

MOONLIGHT MADNESS AT cITADEL OUTLETS

Shop deals on deals at one of LA’s most concentrated shopping centers. The Citadel Outlets offer over 130 different brands in their center. While pausing to rest and refuel between deals, shoppers are invited to pose for holiday photos in front of the World’s Tallest Live-Cut Christmas Tree adorned with over 18,000 twinkling lights. They are also encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy in the toy drive bins at the Customer Service Center. You can even snap a shot of the World’s Biggest Bow from the palm tree-lined Citadel Outlets Drive.

Friday, November 27th, 2019

Friday Night Flights at GRAND CENTRAL MARET

Join Angels Flight Railway and select Grand Central Market vendors every Friday for a true DTLA experience with a flight of drinks or light bites and round trip ride on the historic Angels Flight. Every Friday · 12 PM – 10 PM Tickets for Friday Night Flights can be purchased on site at the following Grand Central Market business: DTLA Cheese – Golden Road Brewery – Horse Thief BBQ – The Oyster Gourmet.

Friday, November 27th, 2019

VIEWS Friday Night Swim at SkyBar In The Mondrian Hotel

Party Tonight LA is proud to present its new weekly party VIEWS: Friday night at Skybar featuring great music, an amazing crowd, & the best view of the entire city! Doors open at 9 pm & the party rages on until closing at 2 am. If you want a night out surrounded by Hollywood’s most beautiful and interesting people, perhaps to run into a few well known faces, then you need to check out the SkyBar, one of LA’s best celebrity bars, with all the luxury and class that the city is known for.

Saturday & Sunday, November 28/29th, 2019

los Angeles Auto Show at Convention Center

Drift into the Convention Center for the 10-day L.A. Auto Show with cars that would even make Bond drool. If you’re a car nerd, get behind the wheel to test drive one of the cherry rides, while celebrities meet and greet at the manufacturer exhibits.

Saturday & Sunday, November 28/29th, 2019

Gabba Gallery’s Wishlist at Westlake

Each year, HiFi’s Gabba Gallery presents a gallery show with works that are all actually affordable. Prices start at just $50—a steal for a quality piece of art—and never exceed $1,000. But you’ll have to move quickly: Once a piece is bought, it’s immediately removed from the wall and replaced with another. This year’s show, the seventh annual one, kicks off with an opening celebration on November 16 (7–11pm) and then runs through December 21.

Saturday, November 29th, 2019

Festy Baby at lodge room

Festy Baby is back for its 3rd year in a row! An annual mini music & arts festival that supports local artists and gives back to our local community. Festy Baby was founded in 2017 by Ashley Elizabeth of Baby Collective. This year 25% of ticket proceeds will benefit Renaissance Arts Academy, a non-profit, tuition-free K-12 public school focused on the arts.

Sunday, November 30th, 2019

Hollywood Christmas Parade

Gateway is the exclusive travel planner of the Hollywood Christmas Parade, a nationally-televised event that has kicked off the holiday season for over 80 years. Each year, selected marching bands play their way up and down iconic Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards, spreading holiday cheer along with nearly 100 celebrities. The parade takes place annually the Sunday following Thanksgiving Day.

Sunday, November 30th, 2019

Explore Metro Art, explore Los Angeles! – Union Station

Metro Art Moves is a free series of regularly scheduled and special tours of artwork in the Metro Rail system. Regular tours are led by trained Metro Art Docent Council volunteers and provide insights into the artworks, artists and art-making processes. Special tours heighten the passenger experience in novel and engaging ways through the perspective, experience and knowledge of artists and cultural experts. Tours are free. Reservations are not required but are appreciated.

Sunday, November 30th, 2019

The Rock ‘N’ Roll Flea Market at the regent

The first Sunday of every month. $2 cover, Free if you eat at Prufrock. The RnR Flea will bring together a collection of impressive hand-picked vendors including vintage collections and antiquities dealers, vintage clothing, jewelry makers, music memorabilia, vinyl, local food vendors, food trucks, craftsmen and used musical instruments dealers.

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Home Tips: 8 Ways To Elevate Your Thanksgiving Tablescape

What makes a Thanksgiving table memorable to the guests? At first you may think it would be the turkey or other holiday fixings. However, it really is in the atmosphere you create. A traditional Thanksgiving consists of the standard foods: turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, ect. You have a similar meal year to year. To make it a memorable one, elevate your tablescape and create a unique experience for your guests. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a formal affair, with each plate flanked by a platoon of flatware. Instead, your table can highlight your personal style. Choose colors, textures, and patterns to set the scene in a welcoming homecoming for your loved ones.

Indigo Table Setting

Take a break from fussing with formal floral centerpieces and display wispy dried branch stalks in different vases instead. For a snow-kissed look, lay them on paper and spray them with white floral paint before arranging. Block-printed linens are costly to buy but surprisingly simple to make using little more than textile paint, muslin fabric, and woodblock stamps.

Dried Flowers Table Setting

The key to keeping your Dried Table Setting breezy yet modern is to stick mostly to one variety per vase (the mashup of white stoneware also stands out nicely on a rust tablecloth), and line them up loosely. The spare palette will work all winter; for a change of scenery, just swap out the vessels.

Fall Harvest Table Setting

This is debatably the easiest and most eye-catching, wilt-proof centerpiece. Simply place candles on small glass dishes, and cover them with curvy lamp chimneys (which you can find for dollars at hardware or antiques stores). Fill in spare spaces with fruit and foliage. When guests arrive, light the wicks and bask in the glow.

Cozy Rustic Table Setting

Feelings of gratitude come naturally in autumn, peak season for ethereal light, rich colors, and happy homecomings. This Thanksgiving, play up those elements with a simple yet special table that celebrates great food and close-knit company. Pull up a cushioned bench to a spread of easy earthly delights.

Soft Metallics Table Setting

In this Soft Metallics setting, glints of gold and silver play off of soft pink and yellow colors throughout . Positioned on and around the mantel, arrangements of carnations, mums, scabiosa seed heads, and grasses bring natural beauty to the setting. Especially… without crowding the table.

Bright Yellow Table Setting

Working with a golden yellow palette, the look was anchored with a table runner made with metallic glazed linen. The mix of old and new pieces of ceramic vintage dinnerware are all shades of creamy white, which makes for a unique tablescape.

Pattern Play Table Setting

Botanical dinner plates were the starting point for this table. A fresh color palette pulled from the floral pattern—yellow, lavender, brown, and gray—ties everything together. Sleek gray side plates are a contemporary counterpoint to the vintage pattern on the dinner plates.

Richly Colored Table Setting

Sometimes, simplicity is key. This was the thematic vision from Deputy Creative Director Ayesha Patel on this Thanksgiving table, which incorporates natural materials and textures: burlap for place mats, a leather tie for the carafe, and block-printed napkins.

 

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Agent Story: Agents Devin McNichol and Aaron Bernbach Give Back During the Holidays

Devin McNichol and Aaron Bernbach (of the McNichol Bernbach Group of Rodeo Realty), hosted their first annual McNichol Bernbach Group Thanksgiving Food Drive. They hosted the event on Saturday November 23rd, 2019 in front of the Rodeo Realty office based in Pacific Palisades.

For those who brought more than two cans or packages of non-perishable food items to the drive, they qualified for a token. This token was good for a complimentary lunch, catered by Ortiz Kitchen (a Los Angeles based gourmet food truck).  Along with a complimentary lunch, those who donated received a raffle ticket to enter into a drawing for gift cards to local businesses in the Pacific Palisades area.

The first two people who showed up to donate ended up having their complimentary lunch together, realized they were neighbors, and made coffee plans for the following week. Both McNichol and Bernbach were “thrilled to hear about this” as their mission for the event was “all about bringing the community together and giving back” as stated by Bernbach.

The McNichol Bernbach group shared they “had over 100 people donate and collected over 800 pounds of food” – talk about making a difference! All donations were sent to the Westside Food Bank. The Westside Food Bank provides more than five million pounds of food each year for those in need.

On top of hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive, the McNichol Bernbach group recently delivered 500 pumpkins throughout Pacific Palisades in October. These two are not shy about giving back to the community.

To view their listings, click HERE.

To learn more about the Westside Food Bank, click HERE.

 

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LA Eats: Best Coffee Bars in Los Angeles

With the days getting colder you’re probably in the mood to curl up with a good book, and a cup of the best coffee in town in hand. Whether you’re located in downtown Los Angeles, out west in Santa Monica, or in the suburbs of Studio City. We’ve got all the right places for you to sit down and enjoy your cup of joe to warm up on these chilly winter days!

The Daily Dose
Location: 1820 Industrial St., Los Angeles, CA 90021

This little coffee shop, hidden down a brick-lined alley of Industrial Street, serves a variety of coffee and tea beverages, as well as a seasonal food menu with whimsically-named dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Don’t forget to try “The Farmer” one of L.A.’s best sandwiches, described “vegetarian behemoth that weighs a full pound and packs a rainbow’s worth of ingredients between slices of Kalamata olive bread from nearby Bread Lounge”.

Zinc Cafe & Market
Location: 580 Mateo St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Here you’ll find favorites like avocado breakfast toast (smashed avocado, butter, radish salad, chives, lemon zest, various egg dishes, and omelets.  Locals will stop by throughout the day, whether it’s an alfresco lunch of wood-fired pizza beneath olive trees or an after-work cocktail at Bar Mateo.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Location: 806 South Santa Fe Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90021

Located just steps from Bestia and Bread Lounge, Stumptown features a retail bar, roastery, training lab, and warehouse. Espresso shots are pulled from in the front bar from a custom La Marzocco Strada MP. Stumptown has been ahead of the game with the latest coffee trend, nitro cold-brew coffee, which is served on tap or available in cans. What’s more? The free coffee tastings at noon on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Groundwork Coffee Arts District
Location: 811 Traction Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Groundwork Coffee is the latest outpost of L.A.’s homegrown coffee and tea destination, originally founded at Venice Beach in 1990. In addition to its signature organic coffees, Groundwork offers an expanded food menu featuring house-made baked goods, salads, sandwiches and more.

La Colombe
Location: Multiple

The Silver Lake location has a bold, Instagram-friendly mural on the side of the building and many LA-only offerings. In addition to the regular coffeehouse offerings, mango rooibos chili iced tisane and hemp “mylk” for vegan drinks.

Bluestone Lane
Location: 12186 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA 91604

Bluestone Lane originated in New York City, where it’s been on the scene since 2013, with other locations around Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. The cute little location just started brewing in Studio City with a flagship expected in West Hollywood soon. With their sights set on taking over Los Angeles, the brand hopes to have six locations soon!

Dinosaur Coffee
Location: 4334 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Laptop lingerers and chatty post-yoga meetups, if these sound enticing then head over to dinosaur coffee, of the best coffee spots in Silver Lake. The sleek space is heightened by a wood sculpture hanging from the ceiling that resembles a skeleton, and you may or may not see origami dinosaurs around the shop.

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

This space in the Hayden Tract area of Culver City is hidden, minimalist by design with low-slung counters and Modbar espresso systems. The daily coffee (out of three roasted every season) and the latte with house-made hazelnut milk is a must-try! Grab delicious cookies and/or pastries while you’re here!

Civil Coffee
Location: 5629 N. Figueroa St.  Los Angeles, CA 90042

At their stylish Highland Park coffee shop with high ceilings, beautiful Mexican tiled floors, and a walnut-topped bar they feature single-origin beans from Coava, Heart, and others. Try the “The Figueroa” made with espresso, condensed milk and cinnamon the menu also features everything from toasts with myriad toppings, salads, sandwiches, and sweets.

Blue Bottle
Location: Multiple

In 2014, the Oakland-based shop set its sights on Los Angeles and it’s now grown to 12 hyper-chic locations across town, including Venice, Beverly Grove, Culver City, Echo Park, Los Feliz and beyond. All serve blue bottle coffee and espresso drinks made with a rotating selection of blends and single-origin beans. Try the sweet, unique New Orleans-inspired cold brew with chicory, milk, and sugar!

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Out and About: 6 Eclectic Escape Rooms in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has much to offer when it comes to entertainment. It comes as no surprise that Los Angeles is known as the “Escape Room Capital” of the world. These LA-based escape rooms are created by prominent set designers, storytellers, industry creators, and most importantly… their entertainment-loving customers. If you enjoy what Hollywood has to offer when it comes to immersive entertainment based experiences, then you can’t miss these.

We have compiled a list of Escape Rooms that will satisfy any of your “puzzle-hungry” needs. Check them out!

Lab Rat – Los Angeles

Voted #1 by Escaperoomtips.com, Lab Rat by Hatch Escapes is a staple in the LA escape room scene.

The gist: Your group plays as human test subjects held captive by Timothy Ratkenstein, a maniacal researcher who is willing to do whatever it takes in order to complete his dissertation. Every part of this escape room is unique, with immersive storytelling, impressive engineering, a custom soundtrack, and a plethora of unforgettable moments.

Magical Kingdom – Koreatown

If wearing wizard robes (yes, they do provide them) and living in a Harry Potter-esque world is your thing, then don’t miss Maze Room’s Magical Kingdom.

The gist: Watch a cozy bedroom slowly transform into a clockwork fairylike escapade. The technology is immersive, and the payout is worth every penny. The Magical Kingdom set is very well-made, encourages and rewards curiosity, and comes with several fun surprises.

 Doggy Dog World – North Hollywood

Have you ever been curious of what is it’s like in the day and life of your four legged friend? Doggy Dog World allows you to live out this fantasy, while integrating thought provoking puzzles along the way.

The gist: This escape stands out as a real treat especially if you are looking to experience an escape room with the whole family. The age policy is 12+ (with parental supervision), and any child younger than 12 is allowed if you reach out via email them beforehand. The games are private to respect the privacy of your children and family as well.

Murder Co – Upland

For any fans of the Clue Universe, Murder Co is as good as it gets.

The gist: The actors of Murder Co exhibit performances that are masterful and make this escape room top tier when it comes to immersive theatre. The actors will interact with you, frighten you, and direct you, all with a fairly dark sense of humor. It’s a fresh take on the escape room genre, melding “immersive theatre” elements into the room. The adventure is exhilarating, entertaining, and more of an action/adventure rather than a bone-chilling experience.

A.I Tech Integration – Monterey Park

Dive into the digital unknown with A.I by Exit Game.

The gist: A corrupt A.I. has taken over the room, and you have to fight for control before getting permanently “deleted”. The room itself has an atmosphere of a Tron-like world. The advanced use of technology in this digital space leaves the player with a sense of immersion that they may have never experienced.  A.I. Tech Integration offers an overwhelming densely-packed assortment of puzzles with a fun futuristic atmosphere.

Zoe – Fullerton

Zoe gives the horror fan their gruesome fix.

The gist: This haunted house inspired escape room provides an arsenal of horrific puzzles. It does not help that the cast of actors are dedicated to scaring the daylights out of you.  Zoe is known as the “scariest escape room” in LA. Proven to not disappoint even the bravest of souls. Each confrontation within the incredibly detailed set is different than the last. The maze is paced in a way that will keep you on your toes.

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Weekend Events: November 22- November 24

From museums to the grove, to quaint coffee shops and the hustle and bustle of the tourist-packed Hollywood and Vine, the heart of Los Angeles has endless options for you to fill up your weekend.

 

“Julie Mehretu” until May 17, 2020

Los Angeles County Museum of Art – 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90036

A co-presentation with New York’s Whitney Museum of American Art, LACMA takes a first-ever mid-career look at the Ethiopian-American artist’s striking large-scale abstractions, with 35 paintings and 40 works on paper. Active since the mid-’90s, Mehretu uses ink and paint to create captivating and chaotic scenes that capture the – often unforgiving – march of geopolitics and displacement through abstraction, architecture, landscape, movement, and figuration.

 

 

Second Home Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano until November 24, 2019

La Brea Tar Pits Museum – 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles 90036

Each summer, a different world-renowned architect constructs a short-lived immersive pavilion in London’s Kensington Gardens. Now, for the first time, one of those fleeting structures is headed stateside: SelgasCano’s crisscross of airy rainbow tunnels will welcome visitors who are looking for colorful photo ops and free performances, hosted by coworking space Second Home and the Natural History Museum. You can swing by daily from 11 am to 7 pm (and until 9 pm on Fridays), though timed express entry tickets will be released. While you want to visit when there’s ample sunlight to make the iridescent exterior and its colorful shadows more vibrant, do note that it can get pretty toasty inside under the midday sun.

 

 

Los Angeles Auto Show from November 22, 2019 – December 1, 2019

Los Angeles Convention Center – 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles 90015

Drift into the Convention Center for the 10-day LA Auto Show with cars that would even make Bond drool. If you’re a car nerd, get behind the wheel to test drive one of the cherry rides, while celebrities meet and greet at the manufacturer exhibits. With the world and North American debuts from BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and more, rev up for the machines of the future.

 

The Great Los Angeles Walk, November 23, 2019

Various locations in LA

Every year on Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Great Los Angeles Walk debunks all of those clichés about walking in LA. Hundreds of walkers start the free urban hike on one side of the city and nine hours and 18 miles later end up at the other. You can hop on or off the walk whenever you’d like, and though no reservations are required, RSVP’s are appreciated. This year’s route starts in Arcadia and makes its way through Pasadena, down along Arroyo and into Downtown LA.

 

 

Artists & Fleas Venice, November 23 – December 21, 2019

Abbot Kinney Blvd, Los Angeles 90291

The newest flea market on the block, the Venice outpost of this artisan/craft-focused flea market mini-empire is bringing records, vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, cosmetics, jewelry and more to the Westminister Avenue Elementary School. A handful of small-batch confectioners provide sweet treats to snack on or take home, while food trucks and nearby restaurants provide heartier bites. Though relatively small in size, owing perhaps to its prime location bookending the neighborhood’s famed Abbot Kinney stretch, vendors hawk a diverse range of hand-made and expertly curated wares that seems to simultaneously fit in and stand out in one of the nation’s most unusual neighborhoods.

 

 

A History of Disneyland & Walt Disney World, November 19 – December 6, 2019

Van Eaton Galleries – 13613 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles 91423

Somehow each Disneyland-inspired auction at Sherman Oaks’ Van Eaton Galleries is seemingly bigger than the last. While that may not be true in terms of floor space this time around – the massive, museum-like That’s From Disneyland! filled a big box in the store in the Valley last year – it certainly is in terms of inventory.

 

Dogs! A Science Tail until January 5, 2020

Exposition Park – 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles 90037

Learn about the unique bond between dogs and humans at this exhibition, which explores how pups see, hear and smell the world. “Dogs! A Science Tail” takes a colorful, hands-on approach to its subject and mainly targets kids. Be sure to catch daily live demonstrations of dogs’ rescue, agility, sensory and service skills. The exhibition also includes a selection of dog-featuring works of art, mostly Norman Rockwell paintings and Charles Schulz Peanuts strips, on loan from the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art.

 

 

Neil Simon’s ‘Musical Fools’ until December 1, 2019

Atwater Village Theatre – 3269 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles 90039

In the 1890s, a young tutor arrives in a cursed village where everyone is “as dumb as a bag of rocks.” This world-premiere musical adapts the Neil Simon play Fools, with book and lyrics by Simon, music and lyrics by Phil Swann and Ron West.

 

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Home Tips: 10 DIY Thanksgiving Wreaths

The very first thing you’ll do this Thanksgiving as a host is greeting your family, friends, and guests as they arrive at your front door. With fall foliage in the air and dried florals abounding the countryside, harnessing the natural materials of the season is the first step towards creating a memorable Thanksgiving wreath. These handcrafted decorations can be displayed right on your front door, above your Thanksgiving spread in the dining room, or directly over a crackling fire on your mantel.

Ombre Fall Wreath

Parts farmhouse tradition and ombre obsession, this whirl of wreath ripples from rust to beige to gold to blond. Wire small single-color bundles onto a circular metal form, working from bottom to top (light to dark). For an abundant, untamed look, tuck in longer straws and fronds and finish with a thin velvet ribbon.

Wheat Wreath with Wooden Beads

Dried wreath embraces a wildly elegant motif that hinges on natural materials found in your locale. Building on a standard straw base, add wheat stalks laced with wooden beads and sculptural seedpods to add a dimensional flair to your entryway.

Nut Wreath

Fall’s abundance by creating a unique wreath made of hard-shelled nuts, including almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, and walnuts. You can mix the nuts in with acorns from your backyard to fill out your wreath form; you’ll need a pound of each kind of nuts you choose to use.

Asymmetrical Foliage Wreath

Au natural wreath isn’t rigid whatsoever; it embraces the loose nature of autumnal leaves, pinecones, and other dried florals. Feel free to add leaves and other elements collected outside your home on a natural wreath frame fashioned from supple branches and twigs.

Dyed-Cornhusk Wreath

Corn husks take a decorative turn when dyed a rich burgundy shade and looped around a wreath frame. The resulting display makes a radiant Thanksgiving welcome.

Gold Wreath

Gold satin sheen perfectly accentuates sparkling gold fir and boxwood leaves. Begin by cutting your faux gold leaves and branches into 4-to 6-inch long pieces. Make bundles using one of each type, then bind them with 26-gauge gold wire. Attach one end of the wire to the wreath form. Add another below the first, overlapping them, and bind them. Repeat this process until the entire form is covered.

Sweetgum-Fruit Wreath

Simple wreath, this idea doesn’t require perfect symmetry or bending of boughs. Rely on spray paint, a hot-glue gun, and floral wire. The gentle coating of white conjures the season’s first snow. Begin by cutting floral wire into 2- to 3-inch-long pieces. For each sweetgum fruit, remove stem, dab hot glue into its opening and insert a length of wire; let dry. Push the wire end of each fruit completely into a wreath and attach ribbon to the top with floral pins for hanging.

Gold-Leaf-Accent Pine Cone Wreath

Nut-and-pinecone wreath was made more special with an application of acorns and seed pods painted white, as well as gold and copper leaves. Begin by zigzagging floral wire between the rails of the form to stabilize pinecones when attaching them. Then, cut a 12-inch piece of wire and loop it around a pinecone. Press both ends of the wire together, creating one thick tail. Wrap this tail around wreath form to connect pinecone to wreath. Repeat with more pinecones until the wreath is mostly covered, placing smaller ones were needed to fill in the gaps.

Apple Wreath

Taking advantage of the fall’s vivid palette of reds and golds for as long as they remain ripe for picking by using natural fall elements. This wreath may seem elaborate, but all it requires is some patient repetition of a simple technique.

Gold Leaf-Sticker Wreath

The smaller wreath is adorned with gold leaf-stickers and is made specifically to adorn the surface of a mirror, as shown here. Begin by painting your wreath form in gold, and letting it dry completely; then, apply your leaves to the wreath in the desired pattern. Once you have the placement you like, use a glue gun to further secure leaves. For more dimension, gently bend up edges of the leaves on the form. Finally, tie a ribbon around the top of the wreath to hang it later.

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LA Eats: Best Asian Restaurants

If you’re in the mood for something seriously flavorful, you can’t go wrong with Asian food! Whether it’s Chinese sweet and sour orange chicken, Indian spicy creamy chicken tikka masala or Japanese salty-sweet teriyaki chicken; we’ve got every corner of Asia covered in our list of top 10 Asian restaurants in Los Angeles!

Tasty Noodle House
Location: 8054 W 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90048

The San Gabriel Valley’s Tasty Noodle House has been making a big push westward from West Third on to Lomita. There may be no better place on the westside for the restaurant’s signature made-to-order Shanghai pork bao!

Yang Chow Restaurant
Location: 819 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012

Chinatown classic Yang Chow is a hit with the tourists and anyone needing a nostalgia kick! This place does classic Chinese- American dishes with swift, friendly service—including the iconic and addictive slippery shrimp

Bombay Palace
Location: 8690 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90211

With dishes like tandoori prawns, deeply flavored curries (including the fiery chicken vindaloo and a wonderful plate of bhindi dopiaza)  and fresh okra with onions and tomatoes pack some serious star power. Another star attraction at Bombay Palace is the clay tandoor oven that chef Harman Singh has been using to expertly prepare meats and seafood since day 1!

Avara Thai Cuisine
Location: 6245 W 87th St. Los Angeles, CA 90045

The extensive menu is plenty solid, and its faithful Westchester clientele appreciates an experienced kitchen that’s quick to accommodate various dietary requests. Who can’t love the Thai Iced Tea? We love this drink from the bottom of our hearts, and at only $2 you’ll be asking for seconds and thirds!

Soban Restaurant
Location: 4001 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Soban has an amazing array of banchan to start the meal. The menu features raw crab in one of two forms: a garlicky soy sauce or thick spicy red pepper sauce. This restaurant excels in all things seafood! Ask for the special squid tossed with julienne vegetables if they’re available.

Jun Won Restaurant
Location: 414 S Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90020

The classic restaurant serving a wide range of Korean food is in a bright new location along Western Avenue. The menu is essentially the same, with possibly the best bossam and spicy braised black cod in town to go along with stellar banchan.

All India Cafe
Location: 316 N Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91203

After a decade of serving Pasadena residents, All India Café relocated to Brand Boulevard in 2018 and is still serving its tried and true menu of masala dosas, samosas, chapati and tandoori dishes.

Lal Mirch
Location: 11138 Ventura Blvd Studio City, CA 91604

This restaurant’s friendly owners and attentive staff bring out flavorful plates of Southern Indian food including naan, korma, biryani, sag paneer, and masala! If the timing is right, freshly made chai tea might be on the menu! If you can’t find at the Studio City restaurant you’re not out of luck because Lal Mirch is also located in Agoura Hills.

Chateau Hanare
Location: 8097 Selma Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046

Traditional Japanese modern, sustainable California flavor at this intimate bungalow on the edge of Chateau Marmont. Restaurateur Reika Alexander shaped her Sunset Strip restaurant into a whimsical, low-lit hideaway. Here you can choose a la carte items such as delicate sashimi, A5 wagyu, and Japanese fried chicken; build your own bento box with items like truffled tofu and miso black cod.

Inn Ann
Location: 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Take the elevator all the way up to the top floor of the Hollywood & Highland shopping center just off the Walk of Fame and, wedged into a front corner, you’ll find Inn Ann. The restaurant perches over Hollywood’s sprawl, with long, spanning windows that peer out onto the twinkling lights of Los Angeles.

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