Category: activities

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The Best Paint Color for Your Mood

You feel it when you walk into a room. The colors on the wall almost instantly evoke a certain feeling. So when it comes to your abode why not paint your home to fit your mood? Make your house a true sanctuary. Read below for a list of colors to match every emotion!

Mood: Warm and Cozy

Reds, yellows, and oranges are considered warm colors and draw inspiration from elements in nature like fire and the sun. Layering warm tones—think: terra cotta or coral—with a honey-hued wood creates an inviting and cozy feel in any room.

Mood: Relaxed

A color palette of beige, warm whites and green mixed with natural wood feels relaxed and grounded. Bringing the outdoors in is a popular design mantra for a reason—we crave nature’s lush hues. Greens, in particular, remind us of spring and enliven us with a feeling of renewal.

Mood: Refreshed

There’s no more refreshing color than soft blue-green. Expansive and boundless, like the sky and the ocean, this hue gives us room to breathe.

Mood: Playful

Whimsical and cheerful, a full-spectrum color palette emotes the energy of a magical rainbow. A crisp white background keeps a multi-colored palette from feeling too heavy and cluttered. Who says we can’t be surrounded with all the colors we love at once?

Mood: Glamorous

For a touch of glamour, look no further than richly saturated colors. Paired with gold metals and a soft hue, like blush-pink, an otherwise serious navy becomes sophisticated but not stuffy.

Content Curated from: Martha Stewart Living
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Clean Air Solutions for Your Home

Nothings better than a breath of fresh air. So why not make sure it stays that way inside your home. Alleviate those pesky dust mites and household allergens. Read below for a list of clean air solutions to use throughout your abode!

Every Day
Open the windows
hand open white plastic pvc window at home

The simplest way to improve your air is to let some in from outside, says Barlis. This is important when you’re air-drying laundry, taking a shower, cooking, or cleaning — even in kitchens and bathrooms built with ventilation systems that exhaust directly to the outdoors. If yours feature only recirculating fans, be sure to leave the nearest window open as they run. Scrub the filters and degrease screens every six months.

Switch on an air purifier

It may be worth the investment if letting in a breeze is problematic (if you have seasonal allergies, for instance). This device fits into a central-air system and can catch up to 99 percent of large particulates like pollen and dander. Look for one rated MERV-13 or higher. (MERV, which stands for “minimum-efficiency reporting value,” is a measure of filtering efficiency.) For those without central air, a freestanding HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration unit can be very effective within a room, though not over the entire house. Place one where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom or living room.

Twice a Week
Patrol for dust

While modern houses built away from or high above busy streets may need a dusting just once a week, grime builds up more quickly in older structures or those with poor ventilation. These homes require more-frequent wipe-downs. Make sure to dampen your rag — dust and water molecules conveniently latch onto each other. For wood surfaces and antiques, break out a microfiber cloth. Don’t forget windowsills, shower rungs, and shelves. Always start high and finish low, says Sabrina Fierman of New York’s Little Elves, a fine interior cleaning company, to get every last speck. Another tip: Adopt a minimalist look—clutter-free surfaces are speedier to tidy.

Wash towels and mats

Air-dry them well after each use (when wet, they breed mold). Toss towels into the machine every three or so days; mats half as often. Avoid those with rubber backings, which don’t weather washings. A no-fuss alternative? Lightweight machine-friendly towel mats.

Weekly
Grab a mop

“The most effective way to clean the air is to clean the floor,” says Derrick A. Denis, vice president of indoor environmental quality at Clark Seif Clark, a Chandler, Arizona, consulting firm. After all, gravity pulls down particles, which then swirl back up with the smallest crosscurrent. Brooms get at crumbs, but to rein in the teeny-tiny particles that irritate your respiratory system, swab down or squeegee once a week. To reach tight spots effortlessly, choose a mop with an articulated, telescoping handle and a removable machine-washable top.

Vacuum with a vengeance

For rugs and upholstery, use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; this ensures that what you just sucked up (at least, 99.97 percent of it) doesn’t go right back into the air. Snap on attachments to target furniture, and the small brush for tops of books along your shelves. Then go for the floors. Dense carpets trap more dust — and require several passes with the machine. Lighter weaves or bare floors make the task easier, as does choosing covered shelves instead of open ones for your library.

Launder your linens

They trap skin cells that slough off while you sleep, as well as dust and the mites that feed on it. These pests then generate by-products that can trigger allergies. To get rid of them, wash sheets and pillowcases at the hottest setting. Stick with machine-washable bedding. Keep extra pillows in a closet, and minimize decorative ones. Dust mites love bedrooms (and beds) because they tend to be especially warm and humid. Bring in a dehumidifier during the summer, or turn on your AC — cold air is inherently drying.

Each Season
Wash your pillows

Dust and dust mites love the insert, too. Fortunately, you can obliterate them in your washer (check the care label). Do two per load to keep it balanced—once with detergent (use liquid; powders can leave residue), and again without. Then tumble-dry on no heat, with tennis balls to keep them fluffed. To reduce the chore to twice a year, protect pillows with anti–dust mite encasings.

Strip the window dressings

Curtains and drapes are huge dirt collectors, so cleanse regularly, following care instructions. Custom treatments, especially those with elaborate detailing such as pleats, can often only be dry-cleaned, even if crafted from a typically resilient material like cotton. Vacuum them instead. For the fastest cleanups, opt for blinds; those with smooth textures trap less dust. With a wet cloth, you can restore them to their original glory — no heavy lifting required.

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Out & About: Summer Family Fun

Summer is finally here! To kick things off right, why not opt for LA’s essential summer fun? Whether it’s a family affair or a few friends, we have rounded up the city’s best that are fit for all to enjoy! Read on for the top ten activities throughout L.A. to add to your bucket list this summer!! Spend some time Out and About!

 

  1. OC Fair & Event Center: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

July 12 – Aug 11, 2019

The annual fair is coming back to town! Don’t miss the food, entertainment, rides and more this summer at the OC Fair.

https://ocfair.com/

 

  1. Kidspace Children’s Museum: 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena 91103

Bring your kids to this museum where they can explore their creativity through fun activities and workshops! You’ll leave Kidspace with new knowledge and a fresh perspective on nature.

https://www.kidspacemuseum.org/

 

  1. Roxbury Park: 471 S. Roxbury Dr., Beverly Hills 90212

Plan a fun, family picnic day at the park this summer. Visit their website to check out classes offered during summer!

http://www.beverlyhills.org/departments/communityservices/cityparks/roxburycommunitycentermemorialpark/

 

  1. Santa Monica Pier: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica 90401

Catch some waves, ride some rides, play some games or soak up some sun at the Santa Monica Pier this summer. Don’t miss out on Pier 360, one of their major events, this Saturday and Sunday!

https://santamonicapier.org/

 

  1. Getty Villa: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Los Angeles 90272

Experience the beautiful gardens, courtyards and Mediterranean antiquities at the J. Paul Getty museum. Make your free reservation to enjoy the views from this faux villa located on a Malibu clifftop.

https://www.getty.edu/visit/villa/

 

  1. Pyramid Lake: Pyramid Lake, Los Angeles County

Pyramid Lake is the perfect place to getaway! This lake offers spaces for picnics, fishing, boating, jet skiing and more.

https://pyramidlake.us/

 

  1. Catalina Island: Santa Catalina Island, California 90704

Escape to this private island this summer if you’re looking to getaway! Travel by ferries from Long Beach or San Pedro to participate in water-related activities on this island.

https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/

 

 

  1. Watts Towers:

This historical landmark displays hand-crafted architecture by Italian tilesetter, Simon Rodia. Experience the unique details and vivid imagery found throughout the exhibit.

http://www.wattstowers.us/

 

  1. Skyspace LA: 1727 E. 107th, Los Angeles

Purchase tickets to enjoy LA’s unparalleled 360 degree views from the tallest open-air observation terrace in California. These views extend as far south as Catalina Island!

https://oue-skyspace.com/

 

  1. LA Zoo: 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles 90027

Bring the family to the zoo this summer to learn more about animals and nature. Shows and activities provide an intimate experience with these creatures.

https://www.lazoo.org/

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Grilling Safety Tips

Summer is officially here! Well, come Friday it is. With that in mind one of the joys of summer is firing up your outdoor grill. And although you may be a grilling pro, cooking safety should still be a top priority. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments visit an average of 9,600 homes per year due to barbecue-related fires. So throw on your cliche chefs apron and  grab your grilling gear. It’s time to fire up the barbie ( that’s Aussie for barbecue of course) with these grilling safety tips!

1. If you’re using a propane grill, check for gas leaks first. Here’s the deal: Propane is highly flammable, which is why gas grills are responsible for significantly more fires than ones that use charcoal. Always check for gas leaks before cooking. You can do this by applying a mixture of soap and water onto the hoses and connections. Next, turn on the gas, making sure the grill lid is open. If the soap forms bubbles, that’s a sign that the hose is leaking or the connections are not tight enough. In this case, you should turn off the tank and have it serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department.

2. Be careful when lighting and relighting propane. When lighting a propane grill, make sure the cover is open. If the flame goes out while you’re cooking, turn off the grill and the gas, and wait at least five minutes before relighting it.

3. If you have a charcoal grill, prepare the charcoal properly. There are several ways to prepare charcoal for grilling. If you use starter fluid to get your flame going, make sure the liquid is made specifically for charcoal and not, say, car engines. Make sure to keep the container away from heat and flame. Electric charcoal starters do not use fire, but if you use an electric starter, make sure that your extension cord is designed specifically for outdoor use, which will be equipped with better insulation to protect against the sun, moisture, and temperature changes.

4. Place the grill in the right location. No matter what type of grill you use, place it as far away as possible from your house, deck railings, and any overhanging plants or branches, since a fire can flare up into these.

5. Keep kids and pets away from the grill area. Children under 5 account for 35 percent of non-fire grill burns, which typically happen when they bump into or touch grills. As a rule of thumb, keep a 3-foot safety zone around the grill area. This goes for pets, too, as you could easily trip over your dog begging for scraps next to the barbecue.

6. Never leave the grill unattended. Fires grow quickly, so make sure an adult is always at the grill when you’re using it. Prep and bring out as much as you can beforehand; i.e., if you’re making cheeseburgers, bring out the meat, cheese, tools, and a clean plate before you get cooking. If you forget the buns, deputize someone else to go get them for you.

7. Clean your grill after each use. You don’t just leave your pots and pans without cleaning them after use, right? Treat your grill the same way. Allowing grease and fat to build up on your grill provides more fuel for a fire. Remove buildup from both the grill and the trays below following each use. Side note: Overloading your grill can cause the same problem, as an abundance of fat from meat can drip onto the flames at once, causing a fire. And if you use a charcoal grill, put the coals in a metal can with a lid once they’ve cooled.

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Weekend Events: June 14-16

The weekend is finally here and so is our list of the best things to do throughout L.A.! While there’s plenty of binge-worthy shows on your streaming apps, why not press pause for some city fun? Check out our round-up below of activities to enjoy whether it’s just you or the whole family! And be sure to read our Out and About: Father’s Day Edition for all the fun things to do with dad this weekend!!

Discover your inner Angeleno!!

Friday, June 14
K-Town Night Market

Location: Koreatown

For the 5th year in a row, the KTOWN Night Market is returning to Koreatown June 14-15. Enjoy a weekend of live music performances, delicious food offerings and trendy Korean-beauty shopping.

Click here for more info.

Shakespeare By The Sea

Location: Point Fermin Park, San Pedro

Shakespeare By The Sea will once again offer a ten-week program of admission-free performances. The event will feature two productions: The Comedy of Errors and Henry V at a variety of venues across Los Angeles. Kicking off the series is The Comedy of Errors at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Click here for more info.

Hollywood Fringe Festival

Location: Various venues, Hollywood

Over three dozen venues such as 2nd Stage, Hudson Theatres, The Broadwater and the Underground Annex Theater host comedy, ensemble theatre, dance and immersive performances during the annual Hollywood Fringe Festival taking place June 13-30.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, June 15
Taqueando

Location: Skylight Row, DTLA

Bill Esparaza, the James Beard award-winning author and taco expert who formerly curated LA Weekly’s Tacolandia, is back with a brand new all-you-can-eat taco festival of his own: Taqueando.  The list of participants includes Amor y Tacos, B.S. Taqueria , Carnitas El Momo, Guerrilla Tacos, Tacos Kokopelli (Tijuana), and MORE!

Click here for more info.

Bread Festival

Location: Grand Central Market, DTLA

Grand Central Market’s annual Bread Festival returns for a day of celebrating SoCal’s artisanal bread movement. The event is free and open to the public showcasing local bread bakers, as well as bread workshops and demonstrations.

Click here for more info.

Petersen Automotive Museum Block Party

Location: Petersen Automotive Musem, Los Angeles

Peterson Automotive Museum is hosting a family-friendly block party this Saturday to celebrate the museum’s 25th anniversary. Activities include exclusive Petersen vehicle display, historical video projection, live music by KCRW DJ, Anthony Valadez, and more.

Click here for more info

Sunday, June 16
KCRW’s World Festival

Location: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood

Chromeo, Toro y Moi, Noname and Ian Isiah will take the stage of the Hollywood Bowl when KCRW’s World Festival returns for the 21st year at the popular outdoor concert venue.

Click here for more info.

Bloomsday 2019

Location: The Hammer Museum, Westwood

The Hammer will honor James Joyce by hosting Bloomsday 2019. The event features a dramatic reading by veteran actors Síle Bermingham, James Gallo, James Lancaster, John Lee, Johnny O’Callaghan, and Sonya Macari. Guinness and live music by Rattle the Knee will keep the party going in the courtyard.

Click here for more info.

DAD: A Paternal Immersive Experience

Location: SJU Theatre Group, NoHo

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre Group will take participants through the trials and tribulations of being a DAD raising a child. In this immersive-theater production the audience will interact with a wild cast of coming-of-age characters. The show is directed by Brandon Slezak and produced by Zombie Joe. Running Sundays and Mondays through July 1.

Click here for more info.

 

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DIY Gifts For Dad

Sometimes the best gift to get Dad is the old-fashioned DIY kind. While we aren’t talking about Macaroni necklaces and hand print paintings (although those were simpler times), this selection of gifts made by Y.O.U. is the perfect wallet safe alternative. So break out your crafting tools and get creative with our list of the best DIY Gifts for Dad this Father’s Day!

DIY Candy Dispenser

Does Dad have a sweet tooth? Let him satisfy his cravings with this nifty DIY candy dispenser (you can even pick and choose from his favorite candies to “personalize” it further).

Get the tutorial at The House of Wood.

DIY Paintable Wooden Mason Jars

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$4.50
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These paintable wooden mason jars can be customized however you please. The best part: They’re crazy affordable, but way more meaningful than a typical card.

Customizable Father’s Day ‘Coupons’

$5.00
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These printable Father’s Day coupons are not only completely customizable; they’re also perfect for a last-minute gift that doesn’t feel last-minute in the slightest. Simply personalize, print, punch a few holes, then tie the bunch together with a ribbon and call it a day.

Beer Bouquet

Dad might not care for a dozen roses—but he’ll definitely love this super simple present.

Get the tutorial at Unoriginal Mom.

Dad’s Stache Jar

This blogger offers a fun free printable for her cute craft.

Get the tutorial at Alice Wingerden.

Hand-Stamped Handkerchief

Dad will feel oh-so-dapper in a handkerchief made just for him.

Get the tutorial at Paper and Stitch.

Bottle Cap Fishing Lures

Dad will be reel-y thrilled to receive these homemade lures.

Get the tutorial at 2 Little Hooligans.

SHOP HOOKS

Golf Headcover

A cool retro headcover will have Dad as excited as ever to hit the links come springtime.

Get the tutorial at Positively Splendid.

SHOP OUTDOOR VINYL

Monogrammed Leather Dopp Kit

If your father is a frequent flier, he will definitely get good use out of this toiletry bag.

Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.

SHOP CANVAS

Grill Scraper

Not only does this DIY scraper look neat, but it’s also a safer cleaning option than a brush since grill brushes can leave behind bristles that can be ingested and cause health problems.

Get the tutorial at The Art of Doing Stuff.

SHOP OAK BOARDS

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Out & About: Father’s Day Edition

Father’s Day is nearly here! If you haven’t quite figured out where to take Dad, no fear!! We narrowed down and compiled together the best activities throughout town this Father’s Day so you don’t have to. From the outfields to classic cars down Rodeo Drive, there’s fun for all to enjoy! So read on for Out and About: Father’s Day Edition.

LA Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs Father’s Day Game

When: June 16, 4:05 p.m.

Where: Dodger Stadium

The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are two of the most exciting teams in Major League Baseball, and it is always a pleasure when the two match up. Great pitching, some of the best sluggers in the game, and an energetic crowd: these are just a few things that make it so great when the Cubs and Dodgers go toe to toe. You can expect a great time at the park during Cubs vs. Dodgers games. All fathers in attendance for the nationally televised game this Sunday are encouraged to hang around the ballpark for a special Father’s Day catch on the field.

26th Annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance

When:  June 16th, 10 a.m.-4p.m.

Where: Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

A Father’s Day tradition for 26 years, the annual Rodeo Drive car show is free and open to the public. The coveted automobiles are displayed along iconic Rodeo Drive for auto-enthusiasts of all kinds to admire up close. This year, the event will celebrate 100 legendary years of British marque Bentley. See some of the rarest and most historic Bentley vehicles in the world, alongside some of the brand’s latest creations against the backdrop of the city’s most famous street. Named one of the “300 Unmissable Events & Festivals Around the World” by top travel publisher Frommer’s, the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is an event you won’t want to miss!

Tiki Father’s Day

When: June 16, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Where: The Propagator, Venice

It’s a tiki party for DAD this Father’s Day as The Propagator host an outdoor celebration. Join them for tiki-inspired beers, tiki vendors and fun for the whole family! No tickets required, limited edition Mai Tai glassware available while supplies last. So grab your favorite aloha shirt and a lei because tiki-attire is highly encouraged(and your Dad likely has a collection)!

Pasadena Chalk Festival

When: June 15 and 16th, 10 am-7 p.m.

Where: The Paseo, Pasadena

The Paseo, together with the Light Bringer Project, will host the 27th annual Pasadena Chalk Festival. The 2019 event, which explores the history and impact of the centuries-old artistry of street painting, will feature the spectacular work of nearly 600 dedicated and talented chalk artists. FREE and open to the public, the event is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors as artists use more than 25,000 sticks of pastel chalk to create hundreds of life-sized murals.

Father’s Day Celebration

When: June 16, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Where: Ronald Regan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum is pleased to offer the father in your family a day of fun-filled activities.  Enjoy a delicious barbeque buffet of tri-tip, charbroiled marinated chicken, old fashioned macaroni and cheese, barbeque beans, coleslaw, and garlic rolls.  Finish your lunch with old fashioned fudge brownies and oatmeal raisin cookies.  Spend the rest of the day touring the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum grounds and their amazing Air Force One Pavilion. Check-in will begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m.  A professional photographer will be available to take your picture to commemorate this Father’s Day.

Father’s Day 5k, 10k, 1k, Half Marathon

When: June 15(Long Beach) 7:30 a.m., June 16 (Van Nuys) 7:30 am

Where: 5400 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, 6350 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys

For all our health guru Dads that aren’t very keen on the indulgent brunch options, heres an activity for you! This low-key clock timed course is the perfect way to spend your morning and is open to the entire family!

Escape Room

Where: 120 E. 8th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014

If your dad likes a good mystery or horror movies, he’ll love Escape Room LA. Guests are offered a chance to experience living through a horror movie and find a way to escape!

Go-Kart World

Where:  21830 Recreation Rd., Carson, CA 90745

Satisfy dad’s need for speed this Father’s day at Go-Kart World. Race around the track competing to the finish line!

Alondra Park Lake

Where: 3850 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Lawndale, CA 90261

Connect with nature this Father’s day! Spend some time fishing by the lake with dad bonding over food and great conversation.

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