Category: feature

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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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LA Eats: Best Cool Desserts for Summer

Los Angeles is home to a multitude of cool dessert destinations. These sweet shops are innovating and reinventing ordinary tasty treats. These creative concoctions have people traveling far and wide! It’s no wonder they top our list of the best uniquely flavored combinations in and around LA. Enjoy choices from extravagant donuts to revamped macarons. Our selection will help you uncover your newest craving and keep you cool all summer long.

Humphry Slocombe

Location: Venice, CA

Inspired by the owners love of British comedy, Humphry Slocombe is named after the two lead characters (Mr. Humphries and Mrs. Slocombe) from the fabulous 1970’s sitcom “Are You Being Served?”. With unlimited samples, you are welcome to try all the bizarre and delicious flavors they offer.

Wanderlust Creamery

Location: Various L.A. Locations

If the name doesn’t say it all, the reason behind it and the flavors they offer seal the deal. Try flavors like Thai Tea, pretzel and rye crumbs (Iceland) or their signature purple flavor, Ube malted crunch (Philippines). With Four locations within Los Angeles there’s no reason not to stop by!

Ginger’s Divine Ice Cream

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Ginger’s is a relatively new addition to the LA ice cream scene, but this corner shop in Mar Vista has become a local favorite. This is thanks to the huge number of flavors, flexible tasting policy, and super creamy and smooth ice cream. They’ve got everything from raspberry panna cotta to Vietnamese coffee, but you’ll probably find it hard to go past the Billionaire Brownie. You can get your ice cream in sandwich form, or you could go the ice cream pop route. Live your truth.

AFTERS ICE CREAM

Location: Sherman Oaks

Afters is a truly unique ice cream experience to the streets of Los Angeles. Through a creation of a bevy of uniquely inspired flavors of ice cream, made in small batches to deliver a rich and creamy flavor profile from first bite to last, the only “After”s thought we have is “Can we have more”? Their flavors are a unique palate-pleasing experience. From milk and cereal and jasmine milk tea to Vietnamese coffee, s’mores and acai blueberry, it’s a sweet treat for all to enjoy. The star of the menu is their trademarked Milky Bun, a glazed bun stuffed with your choice of ice cream, sealed and heated back up for a hot/cold sensation you won’t find anywhere else!

Pops Artisanal Creamery

Location: San Fernando

Pops Artisanal Creamery is located in San Fernando, CA which, according to our ice cream GPS, is about 15 minutes north of Burbank. A small trek for a big reward. The ice cream coming out of this place is good enough to drive twice that distance. The family running Helados is from Belize, and they’ve integrated Latin American flavors into the majority of their ice cream – and the result is out of this world. There’s the insanely sweet zapote, the nut-flavored lucuma, and a coconut ice cream we want to fall asleep next to every night. Skip the cone and cup, and put it all in a hollowed out half-coconut husk to make your friends even more jealous they still haven’t come here.

MILK

Location: Los Angeles

MILK is well known for its signature macaron ice cream sandwiches that combine rich ice cream flavors with handmade macarons. Patrons have the option to have their delicious macaron sandwich half dipped in white chocolate and extra toppings like Fruity Pebbles as a sugary finishing touch. The macaron ice cream sandwiches come in flavors like grasshopper, dulce de leche, salted caramel, and Thai tea flavors. In addition, MILK serves strawberry shortcake bars, cupcakes in a cone, and a spin on a household favorite cake: Blue Velvet Cake. This popular dessert destination has both indoor and outdoor seating.

B Sweet Dessert Bar

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Be on the lookout for the Halo Halo at this confectionary shop. Translating to “mix-mix”, Halo Halo is a classic Filipino dessert. The sweet treat consist of shaved ice with 13 layers of flavor, including leche flan and decadent Ube ice cream on top. Another favorite among guests is the signature Ube Halo, a delicious pressed ice cream sandwich with purple ice cream goodness at its core. This fun dessert destination offers classic baked goods like hot bread pudding, floats, nitro coffee, and brownies.

SOMISOMI

Location: Koreatown

Located in the heart of Koreatown, this modest little shop focuses on perfecting the matcha soft serve. You can get matcha on its own or in a milk swirl. Each “cone” is expertly put together by placing the soft serve on a mochi fish shell called taiyaki filled with your choice of nutella, custard or red bean. The chewy texture of the taiyaki and the sweetness of the filling is perfectly balanced by the subtle flavors of the matcha ice cream. Definitely a Los Angeles must try!

Mashti Malone

Location: Los Angeles, CA

This nearly 40-year-old Iranian ice cream shop inside a two-story strip-mall on La Brea is an LA institution and home to some of our favorite ice cream in the city. They serve flavors like saffron, rosewater, and roasted pistachio, and they taste like you are licking potpourri. But once you get over that surprise, you’ll realize this stuff is incredible.

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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

etsy.com

$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
SHOP NOW

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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Bye Bye Clutter: Home Organizational Tips

With Marie Kondo’s philosophy of “sparking joy” and the jump into summer, the time to cut clutter is ever present. “Clutter-free” are the two most beautiful words in the English language. Why not try these tips to help you tackle the mess? Spruce up your living space — one room at a time!

The Living Room

Start off in the living room, to get a clear-eyed view of your clutter and how it impacts your everyday life.

  • Consolidate all of your electronics in one custom cabinet and use linen panels to conceal the television when it’s not in use.

  • Keep your bookshelves just for books. By stacking sturdy wooden benches to make a streamlined shelf, you can keep your extra treasures in this space.

The Bathroom

A space where you go to freshen up should reflect cleanliness. Think open space, clean lines, and a minimal amount of stuff.

  • Give your medicine cabinet a makeover with an assorted collection of vintage cups and glassware. These can hold your toiletries such as cotton balls, bobby pins, and brushes.

  • For bigger necessities, a three-tiered vertical basket is ideal for grouping bottles, brushes, and rolls of toilet paper.

  • Too many towels? A trio of bars affixed behind the door is a great way to use a small amount of space efficiently.

The Office

A cluttered desk often reflects a cluttered mind. Clear it and you’ll feel more at ease to be creative, productive, and to fly through that to-do list.

  • To get started, tackle those piles of paperwork. Organize receipts, lists, and other items in a notebook that can accommodate papers of different sizes. You can also scan them in for storage on an electronic device in order to preserve them digitally.

  • Take this opportunity to go through your personal library: Keep only the books you truly love and purge the ones you will never read again. If you’re on the fence about getting rid of a book, check if it’s available as an e-book or still in print.

The Kitchen

Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, or entertaining a close group of friends, the work of a kitchen is never done (making it the last place clutter should be).

  • Every year, take an inventory of all utensils, cookware, and dish-ware. Get rid of unnecessary duplicates, items that are damaged beyond repair, or things no longer used. Group like items together — such as all wooden spoons in the same ceramic crock or all spices in the same cupboard.

  • Make the most of your countertops by using a cake stand to hold olive oil, salt, pepper, and other frequently used seasonings. You can arrange even more around the base of the pedestal.

  • Don’t let damp rags and dishwashing gloves clutter the sink area. Instead, hang them from hooks screwed to the inside of a cabinet door, where the items can stay hidden as they dry.

The Bedroom

  • Start by putting things out of sight to keep them out of mind. The space under your bed can be put to sensible use with bins, made by attaching casters to a wooden box, a drawer from a chest, or a wine crate.

  • Display your shoe collection like a work of art and keep the floor clear. To do this: Line the walls of your closet or with picture-rail molding. Buy pre-primed pieces, and have them cut to length at the store. Paint before installing, either the color of the wall or a bold accent shade. Space the rails a foot apart, and attach them to the wall with construction adhesive. Hammer finishing nails every 18 inches (you don’t have to hit studs), countersink nails, spackle, and touch up with paint.

  • Untangle a heap of belts and arrange them neatly on rack that matches your other hangers. To do this, pre-drill a row of holes in alternating spots on both sides of a wooden clamp hanger, and screw in cup hooks.
Content Curated from: Martha Stewart Living
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LA Eats: Top Michelin Rated

The Michelin Guide has returned to L.A.! After almost a decade long hiatus from the city of stars, the premier list of fine dining by the worlds leading cuisine connoisseurs was unveiled this month. While Los Angeles did not snag any 3-Star accolades, it did rank in 2 and 1-star ratings. For those not familiar with the Michelin Guide ranking system, the list, that originated in Europe is what fine dining establishments view as a career milestone. Even 1-star is considered winning an Oscar to well-established chefs. So treat yourself this week to what the Michelin Guide considers the best restaurants throughout L.A!

One Star

Bistro Na’s

CUT

Dialogue

Kali

Hayato

Kato

Le Comptoir

Maude

Mori Sushi

Nozawa Bar

Orsa & Winston

Osteria Mozza

Rustic Canyon

Q Sushi

Shibumi

Shin Sushi

Shunji

Taco Maria

Trois Mec

Two Stars

n/naka

Providence

Somni

Sushi Ginza Onodera

Urasawa

Vespertine

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Rodeo Realty’s Father and Son Duos

Here at Rodeo Realty, we’re proud of our agents and all that they do. And when it comes to hardworking teams, our Father led duos truly make Rodeo one big family.  So we’d like to take the time to wish a Happy Father’s Day to all the Rodeo Realty Dads, from father and son teams to the entire family. You ARE Rodeo Realty!

Happy Father’s Day from Rodeo Realty!

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