Category: celebrity real estate

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Out & About: Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue is one of L.A.’s most famous streets, featuring a medley of dining, entertainment, and shopping destinations. The street begins at Santa Monica Boulevard where the cities of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills meet. Start your day off by shopping at the world-famous boutiques, enjoy lunch at one of the numerous top-ranked eateries and end the night by laughing yourself silly at The Parlor featuring newcomers and famous comedians or enjoy the many art galleries the famous street has to offer!

Gallery 1988 (Art)
Location: 7308 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046

Gallery 1988 has continued to host awesome exhibitions focused on pop culture after launching the “iam8bit” art shows. Since opening in 2004, the gallery has mounted solo shows by popular artists like Luke Cheuh, Joe Ledbetter and Mike Mitchell. In 2007 they opened a second location further up Melrose!

 

The Parlor (Comedy)
Location: 7350 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046

Booker and producer Jay Davis knows how to put together a solid lineup, often getting his famous buddies to come down for a show but also giving chances to funny unknows on the same stage. If you stop by this upscale bar on a Monday, grab a cocktail sit back and enjoy the show!

 

The Reformation (Shopping)
Location: 8253 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90048

Designer Yael Afalo takes diamonds in the rough and makes them shine, cutting vintage garb and surplus fabric into modern silhouettes, from cropped blouses to breezy maxi dresses and shorts.

JapanLA (Shopping)
Location:  7320 ½ Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

The cute culture shop on Melrose specializes in Japanese crossover collections. It’s a go-to destination for products from kawaii brands like tokidoki, Sanrio, San-X and Pokémon as well as occasional pop-up collections

Paul Smith Los Angeles
Location: 8221 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

A “so British” atmosphere is cultivated with old books, wood paneling, and antiques. But most know this outpost for its electric pink exterior, one of the hot spots for instagrammers.

Helmut Lang
Location: 8808 Melrose Avenue. Los Angeles, CA 90069

Shop for modern pieces for men and women, mostly in black, white and cool neutral colors. The Helmut Lang was created by Austrian fashion designer Helmut Lang in 1986. The Helmut Lang brand still exists today without Lang’s involvement since 2005.

Crumbs & Whiskers
Location: 7924 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

This cat-friendly coffee stop has set up the first permanent operation in the city Founder Kanchan Singh describes the D.C. based café as a place where you can grab a cup of coffee and cuddle with some cats. There is a small catch: you can’t prepare food in the same place as you house animals. So, Crumbs & Whiskers sources its drinks and snacks from the nearby Open Space.

 

Hollywood Improv

Location: 8162 Melrose Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046

The flagship Improv on Melrose is one of the most legendary clubs in Los Angeles, as well as all of America. On any given night, walk in to see one of your favorite comics from TV at the bar, the acts are never a letdown! The shows are an exciting mix of independently produced, and experimental with frequent appearances by respected and well-known comedians.

Blue Jam Café
Location: 7371 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

At Blue Jam Café, your table will be worth the wait with the best eggs benedict in town and delicious mouthwatering French toast. The Melrose location as been open since 2006, its fantastic service adds a neighborhood feel to the chain.

Tatsu Ramen
Location: 7111 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

Tatsu Ramen brings traditional Japanese ramen to LA. Tatsu means dragon in Japanese and Ryu (the owner) being born in the Year of the Dragon, found the perfect name for his restaurant. Walking into Tatsu is like walking into the future. Rather than waiting in a long line at the counter, smart tables line the interior wall. Each customer places their order from the simple menu, which gives you an option to choose from six different ramen, 3 rice side dishes, pork bums and most recently the ramen burger!

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Weekend Events: December 13 – December 15

Enjoy the weekend before the hustle and bustle of the holidays with these fun-filled events! Help Mickey look for clues in his search for Tinker Bell on ice or have a snowball fight with the kids in Los Angeles’ very own Winter Wonderland. From live performances to holiday markets and parades, we’ve got it all covered for you.

 

Friday December 13, 2019

Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party Los Angeles
Location: STAPLES Center
When: 7:30 pm

 

Join Mickey Mouse and his friends at this brand-new adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics, and unexpected stunts! Help them follow Captain Hook’s treasure map and look for clues in the search for Tinker Bell! Make precious memories with your whole family during Aladdin,  Toy Story, and Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out magical celebration on the ice, in the air, and all around!

Los Angeles Philharmonic
Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
When: 11 am

 

LA Phil features Michael Tilson Thomas as the conductor and Daniil Trifonov as the pianist. Trifonov has the reputation of taking a beloved classic like Tchaikovsky’s popular Piano Concerto and imbuing it with fresh new life. L.A. favorite Michael Tilson Thomas also leads Copland’s Third Symphony, built on the composer’s stirring Fanfare for the Common Man.

Taco Tour
Location: 1001 N. Alameda St. Los Angeles, CA
When: 10:30 am

 

During this bicycle tour, you will be taken to what we consider are some of LA’s best taco spots. You will experience a taco tour of Los Angeles that takes your body and taste buds on an unforgettable ride to some of LA’s hidden gems. This tour rides through different neighborhoods, historic sites, and they’ll stop at various taco stands and trucks so you can experience one of LA’s most popular on the go foods.

Saturday December 14, 2019

 

Winter Wonderland
Location: Baldwin Hills Crenshaw
3650 West Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 9008
When: 3 pm- 7 pm

 

Winter Wonderland is an opportunity for families across City Council District 8 to meet each other and celebrate the holidays with some fun in the snow! Councilmember Marqeece Harris-Dawson and Baldwin Hills Crenshaw invite you to join a day of holiday celebrations including music, food, and a toy giveaway. Performances begin at 4:30 pm, Grammy-nominated soul singer and songwriter Marsha Ambrosius will headline the free holiday concert. You won’t want to miss out on this!

Moonlight Forest Lantern Art Festival
Location: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
301 North Baldwin Avenue Arcadia, CA 91007
When: 5:30-10pm

 

The 2019 festival will be more spectacular than ever with dazzling new lanterns and interactive experiences. Children will find bright circular swings and other interactive delights in Children’s World. Visit your family, friends, and holiday guests for a highly memorable evening.

 

Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
 Location: 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
When: 5:30 – 7:00 pm

 

Arrive early to grab a spot on the lawn at Chace photo or a good photo spot at Fisherman’s Village, two of the most popular viewing places. The 2019 parade theme is “Kids Make Holidays Bright”. A brief firework show at 5:55 pm announces the start of the parade, which lasts until about 8 pm.

Sunday December 15, 2019

The Nutcracker
Location: Royce Hall-UCLA
10745 Dickson Court Los Angeles, CA 90095
Time: 12 pm

 

Los Angeles Ballet continually brings exciting ballet productions in Los Angeles, and their annual Nutcracker is no exception. In this production, LAB has stayed true to their classical roots with a little spin: the show is set in LA in 1912. This LAB performs The Nutcracker at five different venues throughout the Southland, so there’s plenty of opportunities to catch a performance without having to sit in too much traffic.

 

 

Unique LA Holiday Market
Location: Santa Monica Pier, Downtown Santa Monica

The annual holiday market features clothes, accessories, and art pieces from a number of quality handmade brands. Check out local products and rub elbows with the different designers and artists showcasing their work.

Frozen
Location: Pantages Theatre, Hollywood
6233 Hollywood Boulevard
Time: 1pm and 6:30 pm

 

Do you want to build a…rainy day fund to save up for tickets to a smash hit Disney-inspired Broadway musical? Good, because Frozen is coming to L.A. The Broadway musical based on the 2013 animated Disney film, will kick off a national tour with strong fall 2019 performances at Hollywood’s Pantages Theatre.

 

 

 

 

 

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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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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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Top 10 Apps & Software for Realtors

Cold calls, listing appointments, inspections, meetings, escrow, holiday cards, social media. Oh my! As a realtor, you are running your own business and if you’re just starting out, you’re building your brand. This career can quickly become overwhelming. But have no fear, PropTech is here! We created a medley of apps and software for all your gadgets to make your job run more smoothly! Check them out!

Freshchat

Freshchat is an advanced chat software that you can easily plug into your website. If gives your visitors exactly what they want: instant gratification! Get a notification on your phone whenever someone has a question, or better yet, easily program a chatbot to engage them until they’re ready to talk to you!

Focus Booster

Instead of giving yourself a few hours (or even worse) an unlimited amount of time to work, Pomodoro makes you limit your work in just 25 minutes. After that 25 minutes, no matter what you have cooking you will take a five-minute break. When you complete 4 Pomodoro cycles of 25 minutes of work split by 5-minute breaks, you take a real, 10-20-minute break to eat lunch, chat with coworkers, or head out for coffee.

HouseCanary

HouseCanary’s home valuations are based on dozens of data points both public and private and instead of going back a year or two, actually, consider trends from the past few decades when coming up with their valuations. While HouseCanary’s valuations are the most accurate many in the industry have seen, they’re not out to replace agents anytime soon. In fact, they offer affordable valuations that you can use to supplement your own hard work.

Feedly

Since you don’t have to read the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Real Deal, and your local paper every morning, Feedly can help! Enter in a few websites or news categories you want to follow and Feedly sends you a nice curated list of the top stories every day.

Avochato

Avochato gives agents, ISAs, or other team members a fully-featured desktop dashboard to text with many leads and clients at once. You can access easy-to-use message templates, send texts one-to-many, and of course click-to-dial for hot leads or clients that need extra help. They can also give you ten unique phone numbers so you can easily segment leads from online sources, signage, open houses, etc.

 

NodalView

NodalView lets agents use their own smartphone, and a few smart odds and ends like a wide-angle lens attachment to create their own 3d tours to give the other 3D tour companies a run for their money. For a few hundred bucks and a plan starting at $59 per month, you can start making as many 3D tours as you want. With a team plan, you can use up to five devices at once, effectively making 3D tours for large apartment complexes to massive multimillion-dollar mansions!

Expensify

Expensify automatically scans and tags your receipts, so you don’t have to. Ditch the shoebox, manila folder, or whatever you use to keep your receipts! This app will make your life a lot easier!

Trello

This app lets you create and keep track of long-term projects and to-dos with your entire team. It’s also super easy and intuitive to use.

Redx + Storm Dialer

If you’re trying to cold call (you should in this market) without using an autodialer like Storm Dialer, you’re leaving money on the table. First, there is just no way you’re going to keep up with the volume of numbers you need to dial, not to mention with voicemails, hang-ups, or wrong numbers. In addition, stopping to dial your phone every 30 seconds will slow you down to a crawl and kill your momentum. Set yourself up REDx + Storm Dialer.

Buffer

If you’ve already dipped a toe into social media only to get turned off by the constant demand to post, then Buffer is for you. Do you want to reach your Instagram followers at 7:30 am even on days you sleep in? Buffer lets you figure out what times and types of content your leads on each platform respond to, then helps you create a posting calendar loaded with content.

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Agent Story: Equestrian Estates Director Jay Geisenheimer Sells Estate of Singer Leona Lewis

British pop chanteuse Leona Lewis has quietly sold an equestrian estate in Glendale, CA for $2.25 Million. Jay Geisenheimer, Rodeo Realty’s own Equestrian Estates Director, represented Lewis when she purchased the estate for $1.2 Million back in 2013. The equestrian estate was listed for sale by another agent at $2.9 Million and sat on the market for 2 years. Lewis returned to Geisenheimer, who sold the property at $2.25 Million in two months!

This is an absolute gem of a property in the Rancho. It sold for the highest price the Burbank/Glendale area has seen– more importantly to Jay, it sold to an equestrian with horses.

Jay commented: “I have been riding in the Rancho for 30 years and have lived here for 22. With deep roots in the equestrian world, I am able to bring horse people to horse properties time and time again. I sold to a horse person, something VERY important to my world” – she continued with “we do not have prices like this in my world, so this was a huge accomplishment and opener for the few remaining large properties in the Rancho” 

Please see the property here: www.154AllenAvenue.com

For more of Jay’s listings, click HERE.

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Out and About: Burbank

Burbank is known as the Media Capital of the World and it is home to the headquarters of Warner Bros Entertainment, Disney, Cartoon Network, and many more large production companies. From film studio tours to comedy clubs to outdoor movie screenings to museums, Burbank has it all!

Warner Brothers Studio

If you love films then you can’t come to Burbank and not visit the Warner Bros Studio! Take a guided tour around the Warner Brothers production lot where you will get to go behind the scenes and learn all about the famous movies that have been produced and filmed here. You might even run into a superstar! What’s more? There is a special exhibition dedicated to one of the studio’s most famous franchises, yup you guessed it, the Batman movies!

 

Flappers Comedy Club

For those looking for some laughs in Burbank, Flappers Comedy Club is the ideal spot to find them! There are over 40 standup comedy shows a week for you to choose from. Wash down the laughs with drinks from the bar, and grab dinner while you’re at it. As such, know that you are experiencing a little bit of comedy gold here. If you are planning on bringing the kiddos along, there are also shows that are suitable for the little ones called “Two Milk Kids”- they are a must see!

Burbank Farmer’s Market

The Los Angeles region is known for its farmer’s markets, but Burbank Farmer’s Market is said to be a cut above many other options that you will find in the wider area. Nestled behind Burbank City Hall, the market could not be more centrally located but still keeping that small-town feel. Baked goods from local bakeries in Burbank are also highly represented here and are said to be a highlight of the market. Be sure to get there early before the avid-farmers marketers grab all of the best stuff!

Walt Disney Studios

Another one for movie lovers! At Walt Disney Studios, you can learn all about the history and movies of Disney. The studios here also offer a guided tour that will fill you in on movie trivia, you can also opt for a private tour of the Walt Disney Archives. Through its colorful history including original songbooks, music sheets and other memorabilia this studio will take you down memory lane!

Starlight Bowl

The Starlight Bowl is the place to come for a less crowded and more intimate concert experience. Every year, big name performers will make an appearance! So, check the local listings because you may just get to see one of your favorites!

Woodbury University Nan Rae Gallery

Art lovers should not miss the chance to check out this quirky gallery in Burbank. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing works of art that run from highly experimental contemporary art pieces to classic traditional works, which makes this such an interesting place to visit!

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Home Tips: 10 Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids Seated at The Thanksgiving Table

When you stop and think about it, Thanksgiving is a time for holiday inspiration. It is the holiday that kicks off the rest of the holiday season. As with any day of the year, kids find inspiration in all sorts of arts and crafts. Keep your younger guests happily occupied ahead of the family feast with these challenging, fun, and entertaining arts and crafts.

 

1. Cornhusk Dolls

As harvest-time icons go, we much prefer the simple beauty of corn-husk dolls. They’re understated, easy to make (even for children), and truly ingenious – requiring not much more than some husks, twine, glue, and felt.

2. Leaf Leis

Give “aloha!” an autumnal twist: embellish string necklaces with paper leaves (cut out a big pile with a craft punch) and colorful organic pasta. Cut leaves out of butcher paper with punches. Show kids how to sandwich twine between two leaves with glue, thread twine through pasta, and secure it with knots to create necklaces.

3. Mini Mayflower

Tip your hat to the Pilgrims with a ship constructed using a simple origami boat fold and stocked with tools for decorating the butcher paper “tablecloth” that you set on the kid’s table.

4. Pop-Cornucopias

Kids’ hands and mouths will be occupied until the turkey’s sliced by creating these amazing snack-filled cones from two different colors of butcher paper. Cut two sheets of butcher paper in different colors into fan shapes, one larger than the other. Trim edges with pinking shears. Roll each fan shape into a cone, sealing with a glue stick. Nest long cone inside short cone, bending horn up at the tip. Fill with popcorn and let the kid crafters munch to their heart’s content.

 

5. Coloring Place Mats

The clock is always ticking when kids are expected to sit down for a holiday meal. Eke out a little peace with these clip-art placemats! Trim craft paper to 11 by 17 inches and run the sheets through your printer like regular paper. Set the placemats out on the table with some cups of crayons and encourage the kids to have at it.

6. Acorn Dolls

A little craft project can keep the kids who opt out of helping cook the holiday meal entertained.  This acorn family is fun to decorate and customize – also, just as fun to play with. To make, collect a bunch of acorns in a variety of sizes. You can turn mini acorns into babies and bigger ones into adults. Pop off each cupule “hat” and hot-glue it to a wooden ball. Then, hot-glue the ball to the nut. Have the children use colored pencils or markers to draw on facial features and hair.

7. Kiddie Cups

This year decorate the kids’ table with pilgrim-hat serving cups and Mayflower-sail straws. Start with nine-ounce paper cups in black and gold. For the sails, cut them out and punch holes as indicated. Write a name on each and slide it onto a straw. For the hat, use a craft knife to cut away the bottom of a black cup. To add detail, cut a brim, trace it onto black paper, and cut it out. With glue, attach it to the cup rim. Voila!

8. Paper Turkey Hats

This festive hat features a turkey plume fit for the holiday spirit. Print out a handful of template copies and they’ll be ready to “gobble-gobble” around the house!

9. Colorful Paper Turkey Place Cards

Your kids can help you set the Thanksgiving table with these simple and adorable colorful turkey-shaped place cards. Attached an accordion-folded piece of colored construction paper to a cut-out turkey template. Add your guests’ names on the body of the turkey and arrange them on your table.

 

10. Pilgrim Hats

Easily crafted with a few folds, these paper hats and bonnets get kids into character as Pilgrims. To make the hat, download our template from the internet for the hat front and buckle, and trace them onto drawing paper. Cut out the silhouette of the hat, then fold up the brim. Cut out the headband; rest it inside the fold of the brim, and secure with a dot of glue. Note that cutting the gold buckle can be tricky; it’s best done by an elder of the settlement (aka an adult). Glue buckle onto hat, above brim. Wrap headband around head, and secure with a dot of glue (or tape).

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