Category: events

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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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Weekend Events: November 8-November 10

From the Los Angeles Coffee Festival to a Food & Wine experience (presented by USA Today) to The Thanksgiving Play at the Geffen Playhouse Los Angeles, this weekend’s events have got you covered for all things fall. Embrace the changing of seasons, grab a friend, cozy up, and enjoy your weekend!

Friday November 8th, 2019

The Los Angeles Coffee Festival
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Location: Magic Box at the Reef – 1933 Broadway, Los Angeles 90007

The Los Angeles Coffee festival will be returning this fall from November 8th-10th at Downtown LA’s Magic Box at The Reef. The weekend long event will feature not only stellar coffee but also delicious local food, cocktails, live music film and art. This is an event not to be missed regardless if you’re a coffee aficionado or a beginner. The three day festival will include a wide variety of coffee vendors and other exciting brands including Bluestone Lane, Black & White Coffee Roasters, Minor Figures, Califia Farms, Rishi Tea, Truth Coffee and Roasting and so many more! What’s more? This festival will also debut the Coffee Masters USA competition, where 16 baristas will showcase their skills head-to-head across a broad range of disciplines.

COCO at the Hollywood Bowl
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Hollywood Bowl

To celebrate Dias de los Muertos, the Beloved Oscar- winning Disney and Pixar Film is Reimagined at the Legendary Hollywood Bowl. Amazing love-to-film concert experience will feature live orchestra and digital projection on the shell of the historic venue.

Los Angeles Philharmonic
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall

The incomparable Yuja Wang plays John Adams’ newest piano concerto, and Gustavo presides over Stravinsky’s pulse-pounding vision of pre-historic Russian rituals. Programs, artists, dates, prices, and availability subject change.

 

 

Saturday November 9th, 2019

Martha Stewart’s Wine & Food Experience presented by “USA TODAY”
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Los Angeles Center Studios – 1201 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Tickets: HERE

The USA Today Wine & Food Experience presents rich and colorful moments for guests to taste, savor, and explore the Los Angeles culinary scene, from local trends to regional traditions. Enjoy the Grand Tasting: a gourmet showcase by local chefs, emerging talent and nationally renowned culinary leaders who mix with patrons in a convivial setting. Lively cooking demonstrations, chef meet and greets, and seminars deliver unforgettable experiences for fans, connoisseurs, partners, purveyors, and industry personalities. Indulge in the VIP experience for an hour early admittance into the experience, plus a chance to mix and mingle with chefs.

Opening Night of Moonlight Forest Lantern Art Festival
Time: 5:30PM, 7:00PM & 8:00PM
Location: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden – 301 N Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007

The 2019 festival will be more spectacular than ever with dazzling new lanterns and interactive experiences. Step into the jaws of a humongous shark or dive under the sea with fantastic fish in Ocean Visions. Experience a winter wonderland in our new Polar Dreams display. Children will find bright circular swings and other interactive delights in Children’s World. Visit with your family, friends, and holiday guests for a highly memorable evening.

Created by skilled artisans from China’s Sichuan province, the Arboretum has partnered with Tianyu Arts & Culture Inc. to celebrate the time-honored tradition of lantern art.

**The festival will run through January 12th, 2020.

Dessert Goals Festival Weekend 1
Time: 12:00PM – 6:30PM
Location: Evolve Project LA – 1921 Blake Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Because dessert is always a good idea, Dessert Goals is back in LA for our Tie Dye Tiki edition presented by Chase Sapphire®! Get your tie-dye and tropical prints ready and head to Evolve Project in Echo Park on November 9 & 10 + 16 & 17 for all of the desserts!

Vendors Include:

  • Afters Ice Cream
  • Colorado Donuts
  • Sweet n’ Hollow
  • The Pie Hole
  • Stuffed Cookies
  • Pop’t By Lily
  • The Dirty Cookie
  • Pacific Organic Pops
  • Amborella Organics
  • Fancy Flavors
  • Lee’Poof
  • Jessie’s Nutty Cups
  • Churro Service
  • ChilOSO Gummy Bears
  • Pops Artisinal Creamery
  • Small Cakes OC
  • Bearology
  • Cookie Dough Dreams
  • Drunken Cake Pops
  • TeaArias
  • Famous Apples
  • Ubatuba Acai

Sunday November 10, 2019

Griffith Park Harvest Festival
Time: 11:00AM to 7:00PM
Location: 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Griffith Park Harvest Festival offers family fun, with a day of Kidzone activities, music, pie-eating contest, games, and a screening of “Coco” under the stars.

Food trucks offer food for purchase. The beer garden offering local craft brews is curated by the L.A. County Brewers Guild.

The Festival is held below the merry-go-round. All proceeds benefit L.A. City parks.

Exhibition – Antarctic Dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Time: 9:30AM
Location: Natural History Museum of LA – 900 Exposition Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90007

Trace the footsteps of the explorers who made this dangerous journey a century ago, and join scientists from our Museum and Chicago’s Field Museum as they dig for fossils today! Then step through a portal into Antarctica’s past and discover a lush continent full of trees, giant amphibians, and dinosaurs—including the 25-foot-long, “cold-crested killer,” Cryolophosaurus. Meet 4 new species of dinosaur, all discovered within the last 30 years.

The Thanksgiving Play at Geffen Playhouse
Time: 2:00PM
Location: Geffen Playhouse Theater – 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles CA

How does one celebrate Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month at the same time? In Larissa FastHorse’s biting satire, this is the question facing three “woke” white thespians tasked with devising an elementary school pageant about the first Thanksgiving while avoiding any culturally appropriative missteps. A roast of the politics of entertainment and well-meaning political correctness alike, The Thanksgiving Play puts the American origin story itself in the comedy-crosshairs.

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LA Eats: Top 10 Gluten-Free Restaurants

Satisfying your hunger isn’t as easy as going to your local sandwich shop down the street to grab a bite to eat when you’re following a strict gluten-free diet. So, my fellow gluten-free people, we put together a list just for you! With all of the gluten-free eateries we found in Los Angeles, you’ll have difficulty deciding where to get that sandwich sushi or pizza fix! Our list includes gluten-free donuts. Yes, you read that correctly: Gluten-free donuts!

1.Kitchen Mouse

Location: 10889 Lindbrook Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Quinoa salad, rice cakes, and pesto bowls are some of the fan favorites at Kitchen Mouse. This restaurant is located in Highland Park, and there is a play area for the little ones! Mickey’s Chilaquiles are a must-try! This dish consists of corn chips covered in enchilada sauce with black beans, cilantro sauce, pepitas, vegan cheese sauce, serrano slaw, and avocado! Hungry yet? See the menu here

2. Crossroads Kitchen

Location: 8284 Melrose Ave

The upscale Mediterranean restaurant makes it one of the more popular destinations in that area. The trendy spot is run by famed chef Tal Ronnen and is a restaurant where vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores happily dine together. The menu at Crossroads Kitchen is comprised of small plate items perfect for sharing and allows you to try many more dishes. Full plate meals are also offered and consist of assorted soups, salads, pastas, and “comforting classics”. Click here for the menu!

3. 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria

Location: 10889 Lindbrook Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90024

This pizza joint claims that your pizzas are cooked within 60 seconds, sounds like a pretty sweet deal! With classic meatballs, cheese bread, topped with garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, and truffle flavored Boschettos al Tartufo cheese, wood-roasted broccolini with garlic, snappy Calabrian peppers and olive oil you won’t want to miss out on a delicious pizza pie. The most important feature of this pizzeria? The gluten-free crust! See the menu here

4. M Café

Location: 7119 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, CA 90046

This healthy spot in Beverly Hills has a number of gluten-free dishes, including crispy rice avocado toast, grain bowls, sandwiches and salads that can be prepared with gluten-free ingredients. This spot specializes in plant-focused and minimally processed food, staying away from artificial ingredients. Tip: make sure you also grab a free turmeric refresher shot on your way out. Click here for the menu!

5. Flower Child

Location: 1332 2nd St., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Just steps away from the Santa Monica beach this stellar gluten-free eatery is Instagram photo-worthy every way you turn. In close proximity to the hustle and bustle of the Promenade, this is the perfect pit stop on your Saturday shopping trip in Santa Monica. The menu is loaded with rare gluten-free items you won’t find just anywhere, like gluten-free mac & cheese, pitas, and cookies. Get the menu here

6. Mendocino Farms

Location: multiple

That hearty sandwich fix can’t be found just anywhere when you are on a gluten-free diet. Good news! We found your new sandwich spot! Mendocino Farms has got you covered with gluten free bread for most of their subs. The tasty long list of their vegan banh mi, a steak BLT, the modern tuna “almost a melt” and a caramelized Kurobuta pork belly. These sandwich shops are just about everywhere from Marina Del Rey to Sherman Oaks, so you won’t have to worry about driving too far in the dreaded LA traffic. Click here for the menu

7. Fōnuts

Location: 8104 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

FOMO over Krispy Kreme no more Fōnuts is here! This little west Hollywood donut shop has a full slate of gluten-free options from churro to strawberry buttermilk. All of their donuts are baked and/or steamed and never fried. Tip: don’t wait until the end of the day, donuts start selling out towards the late afternoon. Get the menu here

8. Hugo’s Restaurant

Location: multiple

A mix of comfort food, healthy salads, and hearty sandwiches can be found at Hugo’s. This joint has been in West Hollywood since the ’70s and has expanded with shops in Valley Village and Agoura Hills. Take one look at the menu and you’ll see that almost everything at Hugo’s is free of gluten. Want mac & cheese? You got it!  Click here for the menu!

9. Shojin

Location: multiple

A vegan and gluten-free Nobu, not exactly but close enough! This plant-based and gluten-free sushi joint serves the most creative rolls in a dimly lit setting. Everything on this menu is irresistible, including the dessert menu! Matcha Green Tea Cake is a sweet tooth’s dream come true! Get your gluten-free sushi fix at Shojin’s two locations in Downtown LA and Culver City! Get the menu here

10. Blue Jam Cafe

Location: multiple

The popular Melrose Ave eatery (also in Tarzana) offers several gluten-free menu options that are so tasty that this will become your new go-to brunch spot! Take your pick between numerous unique scrambles, chilaquiles with corn chips, or fresh greens like the strawberry salad. Click here for the menu!

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Weekend Events: November 1-November 3

From wine tasting to movie nights to Dia de Los Muertos! We have the perfect medley of things to do this weekend for you! Halloween events will be over soon, so what better way to spend that freed up time than at these fun-filled events to unwind from your hectic weekly schedules. Take a look!

Friday November 1, 2019

1. Substance Music Festival
Location: Los Angeles Theater. 615 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Time: 7:00 PM

This fall Spaceland Presents and Restless Nites are proud to bring to Los Angeles a unique two-night event that will transform the historic Los Angeles Theatre into a tightly curated sonic oasis featuring some of the very best electronic, post-punk and darkwave acts around.

2.  Dark Karnival: Dia de Los Muertos
Location: The Mayan. 1038 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Time: 9PM

Opulent Temple and The Cruz Coalition present the 7th Annual Dark Karnival 2019: Dia de Los Muertos Edition at The Mayan Theatre, LA on Friday, November 1, 2019. Featuring 3 rooms of music and dancing with a supernatural lineup of Guest DJs and Local Heroes.

Get your tickets here

3. A Night of R & B
Location: Apt 503 Lounge. 3680 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Time: 10 pm

For two years, our company’s primary focus has been to create a safe, interactive, loving & fun space for lovers of R&B to party, drink & network. On November 1st, we celebrate our return to Los Angeles, R&B music & most importantly YOU (yes, you reading this!). Without you, none of this is possible.

Saturday November 2, 2019

1.Dia de Los Muertos
Location: Hollywood Forever. 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Time: 12 pm- 11:59 pm

Hollywood Forever’s 20th annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration will take place on Saturday, November 2nd, 2019. This year, our guiding theme is the Monarch Butterfly and its winter home, the Mexican state of Michoacán. Michoacán is also one of the two cultural heartlands in Mexico where the ancient traditions of Dia de Los Muertos have been celebrated the longest and most vibrantly.

Get more information and tickets here

2. Craftsman Weekend
Location: Pasadena, CA
Time: 9 am

A tribute to Pasadena’s unique contributions to the American Arts & Crafts Movement, Craftsman Weekend is the largest most comprehensive celebration of the Craftsman Movement in the Western United States. The Weekend’s offerings will include a tour of significant Craftsman-era houses, a variety of bus and walking tours, an Exposition Show & Sale of over 40 exhibitors featuring antique and contemporary furniture and decorative arts, a silent auction, presentations and exclusive receptions at historic sites.

Get more information here

3. Float Like A Butterfly- Irish Screen America
Location: 8556 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Irish Screen America, in conjunction with Ireland Week is delighted to invite you to our Los Angeles screening of Float Like A Butterfly & Local Short Film Showcase. The film will be preceded by a welcoming reception at 6:30pm, local short films, and the feature will be followed by a Q&A.

Get the schedule and tickets here

Sunday November 3, 2019

1. Raw Wine
Location: 1145 South San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Time: 10 am- 6 pm

Raw wine is a celebration of some of the best wine talent in the world. They produce natural, organic and biodynamic wines, all with few if any additives in the cellar. They are pure, kind to the planet, very possibly better for your health and best of all absolutely delicious.

Get more information here

2. Friendship Buddies
Location: 3408 Verdugo Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Time: 8 pm

Friendship Buddies is a stand-up comedy show featuring the best comics in Los Angeles & from all over. Starting at 8PM, come enjoy comedy & craft beer & cocktails & friendship!

3. Melrose Rooftop Theatre
Location: 603 N La Cienaga Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Time: 8 pm- 10 pm

The Melrose Rooftop Theatre is a unique outdoor movie experience attached to the property occupied by E.P. & L.P. with entry via the lobby at 603 N La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood.

Get your tickets here

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LA Eats: Top 10 Coffee Bars in LA

Now that the days are getting colder, a delicious cup of coffee to warm you up sounds really nice. The ambiance of the coffee shop is just as important as your cup of joe. We selected 10 coffee bars in the Los Angeles area that we feel will not only get you the best coffee in town but also that homey autumn vibe that makes us all feel warm and snug this time of year!

1. Coffee Commissary
Location: 3121 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91505 (& six others)

The Burbank location is the only branch that has a full kitchen, meaning you can find fried chicken sandwiches, breakfast burritos and impressive house-baked goods on a daily basis! The growing chain now keeps studio workers well-caffeinated throughout TV, film, and radio production. It roasts mostly West Coast roasters and serves all cups with foamy panache.

 

2. Eightfold Coffee
Location: 1294 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This coffee bar looks like it is was made to appear on lifestyle blogs. The kind you just want to cozy up in with a book and a cup of joe, especially on these cold autumn days! The airy space, sports white walls (including white brick), a tile-backed marble bar, and wood-bench seating. Baristas brew Heart Coffee in vac spots, with a La Marzocco espresso machine. The cold brews are served in glasses big enough to keep you awake for two days straight!

3. Espresso Cielo
Location: 1431 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Espresso Cielo has two locations, each just a few blocks from the beach. With an antique clock, marble countertops and sky blue styling this will quickly become your new coffee oasis.

4. Intelligentsia
Location: 3922 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

The coffee is roasted in nearby Glassell Park, the quality remains good given the high volume, and the signature Angeleno beverage is as popular as ever, featuring a quadruple shot of espresso shaken with milk, agave, and ice.

5. Rubies & Diamonds
Location: 6115 Sunset Blvd #150, Los Angeles, CA 90028

LAMILL co-founder Jean Shim went solo in 2015, debuting her fashionable coffee bar in Hollywood’s Columbia Square complex, in a space that features blue-grey and red walls lined with art and two elaborate chandeliers, including one crystal and another that resembles spaghetti. This coffee bar promotes BKON vacuum processed RAIN technology for coffee and tea, and they have nitro drinks!

 

6. Verve Coffee Roasters
Location: 8051 W. 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048 (& two others)

This Santa Cruz import made a great first impression, with its first LA shop brightening an emerging part of downtown, and others popping around the city. The mid-city outpost on Third Street is the most ambitious to date, with a round copper and marble bar, exposed wood rafters and a Farm-level Bar in the back featuring rare coffees that showcase “ethics & excellence”.

7. Woodcat Coffee Bar
Location: 1532 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Reclaimed wood, box seating, and red walls give life to this neighborhood favorite. It also helps that this place brews expertly roasted beans from San Francisco’s Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters on their sleek Faema espresso machine.

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

The owners of this coffee joint work with Ninety Plus Coffee Agents to source coffee beans from Panama and Ethiopia, and then roasts them in house. Bar Nine’s baristas use the shop’s high-tech Modbar system with Chemex coffeemakers to get the precise cup of joe. It’s all about the little details, too. You can’t help but “aww” at the adorable to-go glass jars with lids. Try the creamy hazelnut milk latte, and don’t forget about breakfast!

9. Paramount Coffee Project
Location: 456 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

The concrete and wood space features a multi-roaster lineup that rotates beans from American coffee powers like Heart and George Howell, plus coffee from roasters back home. The food program is more ambitious than most coffee bars, featuring plates like a burrata that’s accompanied by pistachio dukkah, kale, and eggs; and a Superfood Bowl that comes with quinoa, candied beets, lebni, blueberry, and cocoa.

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10. Alfred Coffee & Kitchen
Location: Beverly Grove (& other locations)

Alfred’s iconic sign “but first, coffee” is Instagram post-worthy and reinforces the shop’s core focus: pumping out plenty of espresso drinks and cold-brew coffees, all using Stumptown beans.

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Home Tips: 14 Fall Harvest Decorating Ideas for Your Home

When summer fades, many of us are ready to welcome the fall season. Pumpkins, gourds and other decorative squashed are in abundance this time of year! Why not use them as inspiration for your fall harvest decorating project? Browse our best fall harvest decorating ideas over the years – they’re made to last from the first changing of leaves through the Thanksgiving feast.

  1. Wheat Wreath with Wooden Beads

A wreath is a lovely way to welcome guests into your home. This wild wonder owes its elegant good looks to the natural materials that embellish its standard straw base. We added wheat stalks laced with wooden beads and sculptural bleached seedpods.

 

  1. Corn Husk Garlands

At the front door, visitors to your home will marvel at this outdoor display. Decorative Indian corn is a farm-stand staple at this time of year and can be used in all manner of home décor projects: dye them, bath style, in a rainbow of dye colors or braid the husks to create a seasonal garland that drapes around your doorway.

  1. Pear “Welcome” Display

Once inside, guests will be greeted with a friendly, fragrant greeting using the season’s abundant Forelles and Anjous pears. Simply arrange seven pears on a mantel. Then, with a fine-tipped washable marker, write letters on the front of each pear. Press whole cloves into the flesh along the lines and the sweet aroma will be as welcoming as the message itself.

  1. Lamp Chimney and Candle Centerpiece

Many people say grace at dinner, but you’ll feel thankful well before if you prep the table with this easy yet eye-catching centerpiece. Incorporate the lamp chimneys at varying heights for a high-low look and better ease for guests to converse across the table.

 

  1. Wheat Centerpiece

Summer flowers may have wilted with the changing of seasons, but wheat stalks – with their delicate, golden form – are long lasting. Arrange an armful of tall stalks into a vase, cropping the ends and fluffing the tops, and display your glorious autumnal bouquet.

  1. Squash-and-Pumpkin Flower Arrangements

Squashes and pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, and when paired with seasonal blooms, they add character to your table. Combine a large greenish Hubbard squash paired with bittersweet branches and a white “Baby Boo” pumpkin with bright orange mums for a unique floral display.

  1. Turnip Votives

In a season of abundance, make full use of those richly colored vegetables that flourish in the transition from autumn into winter. Amid a set of gray-washed baskets on the table, turnips – in varying sizes – can be scooped out to hold votive candles that provide a soft glow.

 

  1. Cabbage Bowls and Cups

Bring in new colors and textures to the dinner table with heads of cabbage. Hollow out whole cabbages with a paring knife and spoon and use them to hold appetizer dips. Then, wrap the remaining leaves around glasses to hold crudités, cheeses, and breadsticks.

 

  1. Sprout Napkin Ties

Small Brussels sprouts and sage leave combine to make a charming addition to each guest’s place setting. For each napkin tie, sandwich one end of a ribbon between a sprout and a pair of sage leaves. Use a sequin pin to secure, pinning through the leaves first, then the ribbon, then into the sprout. Repeat on the opposite end of the ribbon, and tie it around a napkin in a loose knot. The sage leaves aren’t just a pretty addition – they’re fragrant, too.

 

 

  1. Hanging Basket of Fall Flowers

Assorted pinecones, pods, acorns and other natural decorations all make for a wilt-proof wall hanging. Treat them with a few coats of golden yellow paint, then hot-glue them to dried twigs gathered from the yard.

 

  1. Glittered Corn Centerpiece

A few organic elements, touched with a bit of gilding, evoke fall’s abundance. For an eye-catching centerpiece, turn a glass compote into a horn of plenty with glittering Indian corn and squash.

 

  1. Tabletop Baskets

Baskets are good for more than bearing fruit! Make use of them on the dinner table as centerpieces, salt and pepper cellars, or and added touch to your guest’s place settings. For each place card, cinch a napkin with a waxed cord and tie the ends around the basket’s handle.

  1. Bar Cart

Pumpkins, gourds and another harvest bounty need not be limited to the front porch or dinner table either – try interspersing them throughout your home, as shown on this rolling bar cart. It doubles as both a way to greet your guests with cocktails and a decorative statement.

 

  1. Cornucopia

For the piece de resistance of your fall harvest décor, why not consider the universal symbol of bounty? The cornucopia, that is. This raffia cornucopia lined with a bed of dried wheat stalks holds an abundance of golden squashes, apples, and pears. This is a natural Thanksgiving decoration that radiates good fortune!

 

 

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Top 12 Halloween Desserts

Halloween is the beginning of the sweet holiday season. Whether you’re having a formal dinner party or a casual get together for this spooky October night, our list of top 12 Halloween desserts has something for everyone!

 

  1. Marshmallow Ghost Brownies

Kids will love piping the friendly marshmallow ghosts on top of these brownies! These adorable brownies will make for a delicious addition to the Halloween dessert table! Get the recipe here

 

2. Spooky Forest Pudding Cups

Chocolate trees and candy pumpkins add Halloween vibes to pudding cups. Get the recipe here

3. Cookie Skulls and Pumpkin Sugar Skulls

Don’t be intimidated by the intricate designs on these cookies—the recipe tells you simple ways to channel your inner artist.  Get the recipe here

 

4. Candy-Covered Apples

Create a bewitching version of this beloved candy-coated treat by dipping small Red Delicious apples in a bright red syrup flavored with red cinnamon candies. Get the recipe here

 

5. Boo-scotti

Get some help from your kids when party prep mode is in full swing to make these boo-tifully decorated recipes. Get the recipe here

6. Frankenshake and Bride of Frankenshake

His and hers Halloween shakes (one mint, one vanilla) are made in a single batch, then dressed up for the holiday in this ultimate trick-or-treat. Get the recipe here

 

7. Spooky Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

These spider cookies are entertaining for the little ones and adults to make together! From pushing chocolate candies into warm cookies to drawing spider legs with chocolate and making silly eyes! There is plenty of fun for everyone! Get the recipe here

8. Candy Corn Pops

You either love or hate candy corn. For those of us who love candy corn, try these adorable candy corn pops.  Get the recipe here

9. Spider Bites

Three ingredients are all you need to make Sandra’s easy spider bites. The chocolate-covered pretzels are just creepy enough for young kids to enjoy. Get the recipe here

10. Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin anything is a must during Halloween season. Sometimes it’s the simple desserts that are the most impressive. The flavor of these cupcakes and their minimal pumpkin décor say everything that needs to be said! Get the recipe here

11. Squirm Jello Shots

This adults-only dessert will make everyone feel like a kid again. Vodka-spiked Jell-O is filled with gummy worms, then chilled until set into one squirmy, squiggly treat! Get the recipe here

12. Spiderweb Cake

Who would think that cake and spiders could be this stylish? It’s as tasty as it is pretty with its dark-cocoa batter and orange-flavored buttercream. Get the recipe here

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