With the most festive season upon us, you may be finding yourself shopping online for a new duvet blanket, more sweaters, and candles to create a cozy environment as the weather is getting cooler. Instead of searching for the perfect candle, why not try out your creative side and create your own organic smells? Check out these DIY projects you can do to organically create that comforting fall smell you’ve been longing for.

Pumpkin Spice Room Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup distilled water
• 3 drops Cinnamon Bark essential oil
• 3 drops Ginger essential oil
• 3 drops Cardamom essential oil
• 5 drops Wild Orange essential oil
• 5 drops Clove essential oil

Directions

In a 4-ounce glass spray bottle, add water and essential oils. Shake well before each use and you’re ready to start spritzing your house!

Fall Simmer Pot

Ingredients

• 4 apple peels
• 2 orange peels
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 star anise (optional)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves (optional)

Stovetop Directions

Add ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow to simmer uncovered for as long as you like, adding water as needed so the pot doesn’t run dry.

DIY Reed Diffuser

Ingredients

• Carrier oil: 1-2 inches safflower oil – this is your carrier oil, almond oil or baby oil can be used as well
• Essential oil: 15-20 drops essential oil – for aromatherapy and fragrance
• Jars: any jar will work with a small opening at the top
• Sticks: Cinnamon Sticks or Rattan Reeds
• optional: 90% proof alcohol – helps the oil travel up the sticks faster

Directions

1. Pour your safflower oil into your jar, 1-2 inches high from the bottom. You don’t need too much oil, just enough for the oil to travel up your sticks. For the jars, you can use anything you have around the house – a vase, a recycled jam jar, even a plastic or metal container will work. I found these jars at the thrift store and they have small openings to help my sticks stand up tall.
2. Add in 15-20 drops of essential oils and stir them in or swirl them around. You can add more or less depending on your level of fragrance.
3. Add your sticks to the jar and space them out. You can use them to stir the oil again. TIP: flip your sticks after a day or so to help the oil distribute faster.

Autumn Scented Linen Spray

Use a fall-friendly DIY linen spray to freshen up folded towels and bedding. Just mix 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup inexpensive vodka (yes, vodka!) in a clean spray bottle and swirl with essential oils. Choose 3-4 oils and add 10 drops of each. Have fun experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite! Here are some ideas:

• Clove
• Sweet orange (or wild orange)
• Cardamom
• Cinnamon bark
• Cedarwood
• Ginger
• Sandalwood
• Rosemary
• Lemon
• Fir
• Bergamot

Homemade Fall Wax Scents

Make a batch of spicy fall wax melts for your warmer without unknown chemicals. These easy melts are made with coconut oil, beeswax, and spices from your pantry poured into an ice cube tray—you don’t even need to have essential oils on hand. We think these would look adorable poured into a leaf-shape mold!

Materials

• ½ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup beeswax granules
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp. whole cloves
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• Peel of 1 orange, diced

Ice cube trays or small mold
Glass jar with lid

Directions

1. 1. Place coconut oil and beeswax granules in a small pan over low heat. Stir until completely melted.
   2. While the mixture is melting, chop orange peel into very small pieces.
   3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and diced orange peel.
   4. Pour into ice cube trays or another small mold.
   5. Allow to sit until completely cooled and firm. I usually let mine sit overnight even though it only takes a couple hours to set up.
   6. Pop gently from tray/mold by flipping over and tapping firmly on the counter. Store scented wax melts in a glass jar with a fitted lid. If your home gets very warm you may want to consider storing your jar in the refrigerator as the coconut oil has a low melting point.

Wouldn’t it be fun to pretend you are vacationing in the place you already live in? We have created a “First Time” eater’s guide to LA for us, locals, to use to staycation in LA and the Valley OR for those who actually are just moving to LA and haven’t tried these spots yet. Check them out below.

Gjusta – Venice

People who have lived in LA for a while like to talk about how LA is a city of neighborhoods. There’s no neighborhood that provokes more of a reaction than crystal-and-startup-filled Venice, and if you want to understand why, go eat lunch at Gjusta. This deli a few blocks back from the beach is big, busy, and kind of a pain in the butt. You have to take a number, wait approximately an eternity, order your food, and then wait an eternity again, but by the time you’re eating house-made cured fish and a burrata and tomato sandwich, you’ll have forgotten all about that. And probably be completely sold on Venice.

Mh Zh – Silverlake

This Mediterranean restaurant in Silver Lake is basically a glorified sidewalk cafe, with tiny wooden boxes to sit on and a menu written on the back of a brown paper bag. But the real selling point here is the food. Whether it’s hummus with pickles, grilled beets, or a perfectly-cooked ribeye, this is one of our favorite meals in the city and one that won’t break the bank, either. They don’t take reservations, but you can grab a drink at Cliff’s Edge next door while you wait.

Leo’s Tacos – Mid Wilshire

Make Tacos Leo a priority. This taco truck, located in the parking lot of a gas station at La Brea and Venice Blvd., has great tacos across the board, but everyone’s here for the al pastor. Cooked on a rotating spit outside the truck, people stand and stare at this thing like it’s the Mona Lisa of meat. And it basically is.

Portos – Glendale

Porto’s is a family-run Cuban bakery that’s been around since the 1970s. From guava pastries to potato balls to our favorite Cubano in the city, Porto’s food is fantastic across-the-board, and it’s an ideal lunch spot when you don’t want to have another fight with your family about what to eat. With locations in Burbank, Glendale, and Downey, you’re never too far from one of these LA institutions.

Sugarfish – Sherman Oaks

Los Angeles is not Los Angeles without eating sushi, and Sugarfish is a perfect place to start. Started by the man who created the legendary Sushi Nozawa, Sugarfish now has locations across the city, each serving incredibly high-quality sushi that you’ll pay far below market for. As a matter of fact, at $33 for eight courses ($27 at lunch), this is the best deal in town and one you should cross off your list.

Neptune’s Net – Malibu

Your first move should always be Neptune’s Net when you’re venturing towards the ocean out of the valley. The Malibu landmark is a PCH road trip fixture and has the lines to prove it. But its good seafood, great ocean views, and ’50s Americana feel make it all worth it.

With Carl’s Jr. offering a Beyond Burger and Umami and Fat Burger advertising the Impossible Burger, vegans have a large amount of options when it comes to burgers. Whether you just want an alternative on Meatless Monday or you like your summer sandwich meaty, beany, or tasting of vegetables, there’s a grill near you, ready to serve.

Monty’s Good Burger 

Located at: 516 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90020 

The menu in this tiny Koreatown grill is as simple an In-N-Out Burger’s, but everything here is plant-based. Get a double or single Impossible Burger, a side of tater tots with your choice of dipping sauces, a coconut-based shake and a hearty chopped kale Caesar salad to balance it all out.

Burger Lords 

Located at: 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles 90012

Get a vegan cheeseburger or make it a double. This Chinatown walk-up – which recently opened a Highland Park location – makes their own delectable patty with mushrooms, eggplant, cashews, barley, garbanzo beans, celery, leeks and a top secret spice blend, topped with Follow Your Heart vegan American Cheese. Shoestring fries, tofu nuggets and a Topo Chico make it a meal worth sharing.

Fred 62 

Located at: 1850 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles 90027

This Los Feliz staple has long offered their tasty, grainy No Animal Burger—order it without the Thousand Island dressing and voila, it’s vegan. Jalapeño pickles, avocado and the potato bun make for a mouthwatering, messy mouthful. 

Follow Your Heart Cafe

Located at: 21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park 91303

Opened in 1970, this small market/café is internationally known as the company that created the Vegenaise ® brand of eggless condiments and vegan cheese products. They have many variations of burgers, while their “beet burger” remaining one of the most popular. 

O’cado Restaurant

Located at: 14568 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91403

Plant-based fusion with sustainable wine, craft beer, and fresh cocktails is the name of the game at this Ventura Boulevard restaurant/bar featuring Latin, Mediterranean, and American flavors. This spot has an impossible burger that will blow your mind! 

Sun Cafe Organic

Located at: 10820 Ventura Blvd, Studio City 91604

Located in a former 1920s house, the ambiance at SunCafe Organic is as big a draw as the menu. Co-owners Ron Russell (also a chef) and Rebecca Smith retained the building’s architectural integrity complete with a glorious front patio perfect for a date or gathering. Because they are one of the original vegan cafe’s in the valley, their burger is one of the most refined and classic out there. 

Talking about “the best” restaurants in LA during a pandemic seems entirely unfair, and frankly irrelevant, considering what the industry is facing at the moment. At the same time, restaurants have never been more important. They’re an essential escape from the monotony of quarantine, and an inextricable part of what makes Los Angeles great. Check out our favorites in LA and the Valley!

Katsu Sando – Chinatown 

Chef Daniel Son helped turn his father’s Sunset Strip sushi bar, Kura Fine Japanese Cuisine, into a destination until it closed last November. Thankfully, he had this formidable back-up plan. Katsu Sando started as a popular Smorgasburg LA stall selling their take on the namesake Japanese konbini snack (more about katsu sandos here) before Son partnered with James Lee on this fast casual-sandwich spot on Broadway.

Kismet Rotisserie – Los Feliz 

Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson’s latest addition to the Kismet restaurant family already appears to be an industry favorite, drawing chefs to shaded sidewalk tables and counter seats during simpler times.

Olivetta – West Hollywood 

Michael Fiorelli previously thrilled Manhattan Beach with modern Italian food at Love & Salt. By teaming with Marissa and Matt Hermer, one of LA’s best Italian chefs managed to expand beyond the boot to Mediterranean neighbors like France, Greece, and Spain. A-listers and studio heads are already regulars. Oliveta is currently “on vacation” at nearby La Peer Hotel.

Hummus Yummy – Valley Village 

You won’t miss meat at this fast-casual Israeli restaurant near Los Angeles Valley College. Haifa native Tony Weiner graduated from a food truck and celebrates the humble chickpea by crafting exquisite hummus with a choice of toppings.

Tel Aviv Fish Grill – Tarzana 

Tel Aviv Grill is one of LA’s leading shawarma practitioners, with three locations across the San Fernando Valley, but spit-shaved meat wasn’t enough. The founders refocused their original Tarzana location to fish in late 2018.

Petit Trois – Sherman Oaks 

When Ludo Lefebvre, wife Krissy and their high-profile partners first opened in Hollywood, they didn’t even have a sign, but people still swarmed their shoebox-sized French bistro. Petit Trois Le Valley is larger and more visible, with a snail logo ushering diners to a space that now serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

**Content Sourced From Thrillist.

We can now dine in at restaurants who are compliant with the rules of a safe reopening as we move into the next phase of Reopening California. Without further ado, there are many restaurants that are now open for dine-in customers! A true adventure (and a sigh of relief) for those of us who were getting tired of cooking/cleaning and ordering take out. 

We have rounded up a list of restaurants that are open for business. All restaurants below are available on the dining reservation app, OpenTable. Download the app, make some reservations, and enjoy the adventure. Happy eating! 

Noi Due – Agoura Hills 

An authentic Italian Trattoria in the heart of Agoura Hills. Some would say it is arguable the best Italian food in the Conejo Valley…Southern California… and even Italy! Make a reservation by calling or on OpenTable, and try it out for yourself! 

Montrose Town Kitchen & Grill – Glendale 

Owned and operated by two longtime community members, Montrose Town Kitchen and Grill offers delicious fare in a friendly atmosphere. The menu incorporates fresh ingredients and features creative takes on comfort food favorites such as crab cakes, toasted brussels sprouts, lamb chops and good old-fashioned lasagna. Montrose Town Kitchen and Grill’s carefully curated wine list centers around vintages made in many of the bountiful American Viticultural Areas of California. A variety of microbrew beers and signature cocktails are also available.

Panzanella Ristorante – Sherman Oaks 

Panzanella Ristorante features delicious Italian and Sicilian cuisine of the Drago family in a modern, yet elegant setting. At Panzanella, they bring you an extensive choice of fine wines to compliment your palate. The warm, professional and knowledgeable staff invites you to return often for superb dinner experiences.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Woodland Hills 

Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Woodland Hills, CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged. 

The Front Yard – Studio City 

The Front Yard at The Garland in North Hollywood fully encapsulates guests in an authentic Southern California dining experience. The thoughtfully crafted menu celebrates the Los Angeles food scene. Upscale décor, stunning outdoor patio, hip bar serving “modern classic” cocktails, and a lively ambiance combined with the genuine warmth of dining at a close friend’s home creates a social atmosphere.

Solita Tacos & Margaritas – Valencia

Solita is a simple, sophisticated neighborhood Mexican restaurant built around a custom wood grill. It is inspired by the best of our travels through Baja California and Mexico. Solita’s Mexico is fresh and delicious, simple and light. It’s made from scratch, often carrying a whiff of smoky flavor from the wood or charcoal grill, full of flavor from fresh salsas, corn tortillas, limes, dry and fresh chiles, crushed herbs, fruit and spices, mole sauces and cheeses. Solita brings the fun and authentic flavors of street food to the American table. All is fresh and healthy, and skillfully cooked. Many unique and authentic touches are added to the menu items, such as the duros in the chip basket, a salsa made mostly of tomatillos, slices of radish with the onions, and red chile salsa made with Mexican red chiles and a touch of beer.