Category: fun

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Perfect Recipes for Fall

Halloween is right around the corner and we’ve got the perfect recipes for your holiday get together! Whether you are having a gathering for the kiddos, friends over for some cocktails, or a more formal three-course meal. With these mouthwatering recipes your guests will leave with a full belly and a smile on their face! We put together a list of appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts! Pick and choose or mix and match for a Halloween feast!

Appetizers:

7-Layer Spider Web Dip:

Start your Halloween fiesta with a flavorful chip dip. Perfect for everyone, including the kids! The black olives and sour cream give it that spooky Halloween look.

 Ingredients:
  • 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
  • A single packet of taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup mild or medium chunky salsa (make sure it’s not watery)
  • 3-4 green onions, diced
  • 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar or colby jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup sour cream, separated
  • 1/2 can drained olives, separated
  • 1 cup prepared guacamole
  • Tortilla Chips
  • 1 (10-12 inch) round plate, pie tin, or tart dish 
Instructions:  
  • 1 cup mild or medium chunky salsa (make sure it’s not watery)
  • A single packet of taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar or Colby jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
  • 3-4 green onions, diced
  • 1/2 can drained olives, separated
  • 1 cup prepared guacamole
  • Tortilla Chips
  • 1 cup sour cream, separated
  • A (10-12 inch) round plate, pie tin, or tart dish

 

 

Charcuterie Board:

Give your guests plenty of options to snack on while dinner is finishing up with a charcuterie board. Make it a colorful autumn mix with cheddar cheese, black grapes, red pepperoni slices, green celery, red meat slices, and a little pumpkin to give it that Halloween pop.

 Ingredients 
  • 8 oz Italian dry salami sliced
  • 4 oz uncured Salame di Parma
  • 6 oz smoked prosciutto
  • 4 oz sliced prosciutto
  • 8 oz Apricot Cherry Cranberry Goat’s Milk Cheese
  • 4 oz pepper jack cheese sliced
  • 8 oz traditional French Brie
  • 11 oz fig butter
  • 8 oz 1000 day hard gouda cheese
  • 5 oz sweet and spicy pecans
  • 4 oz pumpkin spice pumpkin seeds
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 Granny Smith apples sliced
  • 2 Honey Crisp apples sliced
  • 1 bunch Concord grapes
  • 1 bunch Champagne grapes
  • 6 fresh figs sliced in half
  • 10 oz Stone Ground Wheat Crackers
  • 2 11 oz French baguettes sliced
  • 11 oz naturally flavored candy corn
  • fresh lemon juice as needed
Instructions:

 Assemble on a 20 inch round platter.

If assembling ahead of time, brush apples lightly with lemon juice to avoid browning.

Pumpkin Soup:

The perfect way to warm up on a chilly autumn night is with of course, soup! Soups are the perfect appetizer, they are light and fill your tummy up just enough to save your big appetite for the main dish.

Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 leeks
  • 3 large Garlic cloves
  • 2 medium bell peppers
  • 2 1/4 lb. pumpkin
  • 1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh majoram
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/4 c. frozen corn
  • 6 c. vegetable broth 
Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add leeks and cook until very soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in green peppers, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until peppers soften, about 8 more minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and cook until pumpkin is tender, about 30 minutes.

Main Course:

Cider Scalloped Potatoes with Smoked Gouda:

Potatoes are the perfect comfort food. Take one scoop and place it on your plate, take a bite and enjoy the crispy outside and moist inside of the potato, the apple cider adds just the right amount of kick!

Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 c. apple cider
  • 1/2 c. chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 c. shredded smoked Gouda cheese
  • 1/2 c. shredded Jarlsberg cheese
  • 2 lb. Yukon Gold or Yellow Finn potatoes
Instructions:  

Adjust an oven rack to the center position and heat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly butter a 10- by 2-inch round baking dish or a 8- by 12-inch rectangular baking pan; set aside.

Place flour in a medium-heavy saucepan; gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Whisk in cider, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, whisking constantly. Cook for 1 minute more and remove saucepan from heat; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine Gouda and Jarlsberg cheeses. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes, slightly overlapping, in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese mixture. Arrange remaining potatoes on top. Pour cider mixture over potatoes.

Bake 25 minutes. Remove baking dish from oven. Using a metal spatula, press down on potatoes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture; return to oven. Bake until potatoes are fork-tender and the top is crusted and lightly browned — about 20 minutes more. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.

 

 

Pumpkin Baked Ziti With Sausage:

Ziti noodles, and baked? Sounds like a mouth watering combination. What’s more, sautéed in garlic, bay leaf, safe leaves, nutmeg, pumpkin puree, and red pepper flakes. Hungry yet? This rich medley of flavors is pretty amazing! Add sausage or go vegetarian!

Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ziti or rigatoni noodles, cooked to al dente
  • 1 pound sage sausage (can substitute for sweet Italian)
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 sage leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • pinch of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like chardonnay)
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 15 oz can pumpkin puree
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350

Brown the sausage in a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium high heat until the fat is rendered and the sausage is no longer pink. Transfer to a bowl and reserve.

In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bay leaf. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the sage leaves, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt / pepper to taste. Cook one more minute.

Add the wine and cook until reduced by half. The heat should remain to medium high. Add the stock and stir in the pumpkin puree. Mix until everything is incorporated. The pumpkin will thicken the sauce.

Stir in the sausage and transfer to a large bowl with the pasta. Mix until combined.

Transfer back to your cast iron skillet (or a baking dish) and top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-35 minutes until bubbly.

Garnish with sage and parsley. Fried sage is good too! Enjoy this with a nice glass of white wine, preferably the one you used earlier

 

 Tex-Mex Lasagna:

 This tasty entrée is a great follow up meal to the chip dip appetizer; following the same flow of flavors, this lasagna will send your tastebuds on a savory ride!

 Ingredients:
  •  1 pound of lean ground beef/chicken/vegetarian meat
  • A 1 cup of frozen diced onion red and green bell pepper, and celery
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt-free chipotle seasoning blend 1 (24-oz.) jar mild salsa
  • 1 (15-oz.) can dark red kidney beans, drained 1 (10-oz.) can enchilada sauce
  • 4 cups (16 oz.) shredded Mexican four-cheese blend Toppings: sour cream, chopped tomatoes
  • 1 (10-oz.) package frozen whole kernel corn, thawed 16 (6-inch) fajita-size corn tortillas
Instructions:

Cook first 5 ingredients in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender and beef crumbles and is no longer pink.

Stir in salsa and next 3 ingredients. Cook 5 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Layer 1 cup beef mixture, 2 tortillas (overlapping edges), and 1/2 cup cheese in a lightly greased 7- x 5- x 1 1/2-inch baking dish. Repeat layers once. Repeat procedure with 3 additional 7- x 5- x 1 1/2-inch baking dishes. Cover dishes with nonstick aluminum foil.

Bake, covered, at 350° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 5 more minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve with desired toppings.

Note: To use a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish, prepare recipe through Step Omit 4 corn tortillas. Layer one-third beef mixture, 6 tortillas (overlapping edges), and 2 cups cheese. Repeat layers with one-third beef mixture, remaining 6 tortillas, remaining beef mixture, and ending with remaining 2 cups cheese. Bake, covered, at 350° for 40 minutes; uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

 

Drinks:

Blood Orange Blackberry Rum Punch:

This delicious treat can serve as a dessert, with a tangy kick to finish off your meal if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth. The ruby red blood orange juice, and blackberries give it that dark spooky Halloween feel.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup chilled blood orange juice
  • 4 (12 ounce) chilled natural blackberry sodas
  • 1 cup rum
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1 blood orange thinly sliced
  • pansies to garnish (optional)
Instructions:

In a large pitcher filled with ice combine all of the ingredients. Stir gently to combine.

Add several blackberries and an orange slice to each glass and pour the punch into the glasses. Garnish with a pans if desired and serve immediately.

 

Spiced Warm Cider

What better way to ring in the holidays than with some warm cider on a cold evening? Garnish your drinks with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

 Ingredients:
  • 64 oz. apple cider
  • 6 chai tea bags
  • 2 Cinnamon sticks
  • 1 vanilla bean, split
  • 1/4 c. lemon juice
  • Apple sticks, for serving
  • Cinnamon sticks for serving
Instructions:

Combine apple cider, chai tea bags, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla bean in slow cooker. Cook on low 3 to 4 hours. Discard tea bags; stir in lemon juice. Serve warm with apple slices and cinnamon stick.

Good and Evil Potion

 If you’re in the mood for something cold, go with the good and evil potion. This cocktail is just as pretty as it is delicious!

Ingredients:
  • 1 oz. vodka
  • 1 oz. ApplePucker
  • 1 oz. Midori
  • 1 oz. triple sec
  • 1 handful ice
  • pineapple juice
  • Sierra Mist
  • lemon slice, for garnish
Instructions:

Combine vodka, ApplePucker, Midori, and Triple Sec in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake.

Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass, then top with pineapple juice and Sierra Mist. Garnish with a slice of lemon (optional).

Dessert:

Strawberry Ghosts:

Our most adorable treat on the list are these strawberry ghosts! This treat is as easy to bake as it is to eat! The kiddos will definitely have fun with these precious little treats!

Ingredients:
  • 2 c. strawberries
  • 1 1/2 c. white chocolate, melted
  • 1 tsp. coconut oil
  • 1/4 c. mini chocolate chips
  • 1 c. chocolate chips, melted
Instructions:

Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine melted white chocolate and coconut oil and stir until combined. Dip strawberries into white chocolate and place two mini chocolate chips on the top half of the strawberries for eyes. Place strawberries on prepared baking sheet and place in the refrigerator to harden, about 10 minutes.

Place melted chocolate chips in a ziploc bag and pipe mouths on the strawberries.

Let cool again in the refrigerator, 5 minutes. Serve.

Pumpkin Spice Cake:

 Nothing screams Halloween more than pumpkin spice, and in a cake?  Yes you read that correctly, a pumpkin spice cake! Alas, your wildest dreams have come to life!

Ingredients

Cake:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 15 oz. can pumpkin NOT pumpkin pie filling
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/8 tsp ginger
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp real maple syrup

Frosting:

  • 6 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp real maple syrup
Instructions:

Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 or 10 x 15 pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.

Make the cake: In a large mixing bowl, mix eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin with electric mixer until just combined. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt. Add dry mixture to the wet ingredients in 2 additions, mixing well after each. Add the TBSP of maple syrup and mix.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. (It may have some moist crumbs on it – but shouldn’t have wet batter). Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Make the frosting: While the cake bakes, make the frosting. Soften cream cheese and butter together in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. (See note if browning the butter). Cream well with mixer. Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and maple syrup and mix until combined.

Serve + Store: Frost the cake when cool. Use the back of a dinner spoon to make swirls in the frosting, if desired. Store leftovers, covered tightly, in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Make ahead tips: The cake can be made a day in advance. Bake as directed, and let it cool completely. Cover well with plastic wrap/foil and leave at room temp. Frosting can be made a day ahead too – cover well and store in the fridge. Let frosting sit out for 10 minutes before frosting so it’s pliable. If the top of the cake tears a little when you try frosting it, cover it and chill in fridge for 15 minutes.

Spider Pumpkin Cake:

This delicious dessert could very well serve as your center piece as it could a delicious finish to your meal.

Ingredients:
  • 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 1 c. good-quality cocoa
  • 2 tbsp. good-quality cocoa
  • 1 tbsp. baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp. fresh-grated nutmeg
  • 3/4 c. buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 c. pumpkin purée
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • stick unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 c. dark brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • Orange Cream-Cheese Frosting
Instructions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter three 8-inch cake pans and fit each bottom with an 8-inch circle of parchment paper. Lightly butter the parchment paper. Set aside.

Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl and set aside. Combine the buttermilk, pumpkin, and vanilla in a medium bowl and set aside. Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl, with an electric mixer set on medium speed, until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, until the mixture is smooth and light. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture, blending well after each addition.

Divide the batter among the pans and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean — about 35 minutes. Cool the cakes in the pan for 20 minutes. Remove cakes and cool. (For cupcakes: Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Place cupcake liners in standard cupcake tins and fill each with 1/4 cup of batter. Bake for 22 minutes.)

Trim each of the layers. Place one layer on a cake plate and top with one third of the frosting. Repeat with the second and third layers. (To ensure that the cake layers do not shift, cut three skewers to 1/4 inch shorter than the full height of the cake and insert them before icing the top layer.) Refrigerate until ready to serve.

                 

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Home Tips: Best Painted Pumpkin Ideas

Designing pumpkins is one of the many ways to decorate for this Halloween season. What should your pumpkin decorating kit contain? You’ll want to have a set of assorted craft paints, adhesive tape, gliding liquid, decoupage medium, glitter, foam figures and other miscellaneous materials that can be used to accent your pumpkin. What’s left is your imaginative ingenuity.

  1. Stained Glass Window Pumpkin

It’s a jewel-toned, geometric masterpiece inspired by stained glass windows! To paint this pumpkin, use stenciling tape to cover an all-over overlapping pattern on its rounded surface. Paint inside each taped area with in contrasting colors, being careful not to cross over the lines. Let your paint dry, then slowly peel back the tape to reveal the fun pattern and orange lines underneath.

  1. Chalk-Painted Pumpkins

The chalk paint trend is ever strong, having inspired us to create a set of these elegant floral pumpkins. We love the combination of a matte chalk finish and these large stencil designs! Thy match any fall décor perfectly.

  1. Glittered Pumpkins

There’s no denying it – everything is better with glitter. Both pumpkins are coated in a fine sprinkling of shimmer – gold and copper, respectively – and one is polka-dotted while the other is crafted with the visual effect of dripping in luxury.

  1. Falling Leaves Pumpkin

Autumn-inspired silhouettes add simple charm. To paint this pumpkin, adhere the leaf stencil to the pumpkin and pounce the inside of the stencil with white craft paint. Slowly, peel off the stencil and re-adhere it to a new spot on the pumpkin. Repeat this method until the pumpkin’s entire rounded surface is covered in leaves.

  1. Chalkboard Menu Pumpkin

If you’re a hostess, you’re bound to throw at least one dinner party sometime this season. As for your décor? Turn your plain pumpkin into a chalkboard menu for the guests. Because a coat of chalkboard paint turns it into a writing surface, the sign can be written on, wiped clean and written on again to cover every event from Halloween trick-or-treating to your Thanksgiving feast.

  1. Typography Pumpkin

We love the art of typography, and what better words to use than the wonderful, spooky phrases of Halloween? This pumpkin is dark and spooky – just how we like out Halloween celebrations.

  1. Abstract Expressionist Art Pumpkins

Abstract Expressionist artists – Pollock, Rothko and Franz Kline – all use sophisticated designs. Similarly, the trio of pumpkins pictured here are inspired by some of the greatest artists of our time.

  1. Glamorous Spider Pumpkin

The glamorous pumpkin dons a blinged-out spider that’s too chic to be scary. To paint this pumpkin, coat the entire surface in a high-gloss black. Let dry, and then map out a spiderweb using adhesive gems. As the finishing touch, a faux spider can be painted, glittered and given a pair of stick-on gem eyes.

  1. Skeleton Pumpkin

A skeleton with a devilish grin like this is just the thing your front porch needs this Halloween. Kids will love to help come up with their own spooky, silly, up-to-no good expressions.

  1. Cheshire Cat from “Alice in Wonderland” Pumpkin

Oh, that grin. It’s unmistakably the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. This modified take on a classic children’s book character is painted on a pumpkin freehand style and the result is just purr-fect.

Content Sourced from: Martha Stewart Living
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Weekend Events: October 4-6

It’s officially the spookiest time of the year and fall came in with a hurry. With so many fun things to do this season, we’re rounding up this weekends top choices. From a Dumpling Festival to GOT at The Hollywood Bowl, the options are endless! Spend some time out and around L.A. and discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, October 4
San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest 2019

Location: Historic San Gabriel Mission District

The City of San Gabriel is proud to present the 5th Annual award-winning Dumpling & Beer Fest! The event will feature dumplings, craft beers, desserts, DJs, and live entertainment! Foodies and beer enthusiasts are invited to partake in experiencing a local twist on Oktoberfest. The event is free and open to the general public. Wristbands can be purchased online  in advance until October 4th.

Click here for more info!

2019 Pacific Park World Taco Eating Championship

Location: Pacific Park

Join us for the 2019 Pacific Park World Taco Eating Championship in honor of National Taco Day on Friday, October 4th at 11AM at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Watch Joey Chestnut, the number-one ranked competitive eater in the world, compete against 14 other Major League Eaters to see who can chow down on the most LA street-style carnitas tacos in 8 minutes!

Click here for more info!

2019 Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show

Location: 2019 Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show

The 2019 Ventura Harvest Festival® Original Art & Craft Show, is coming to Seaside Park at the Ventura County Fairgrounds October 4-6, complete with Kids’ Zone with a pumpkin patch, an outdoor stage with live entertainment, and three buildings brimming with hundreds of captivating arts & crafts and specialty foods.

Click here for more info!

Saturday, October 5
4th Annual Say NO Bullying Festival

Location: Griffith Park

Come ALL! 4th Annual Say NO Bullying Festival is an outdoor extravaganza which empowers and educates the entire community (all ages). The festival will feature messages from bully prevention influencers, some of today’s hottest musical talent, exhibit/resource booths, food, celebrities and a massive group of supporters. The event is hosted by the Human Growth Foundation.

Click here for more info!

Game Of Thrones Live Concert Experience – Music By Ramin Djawadi

Location: The Hollywood Bowl

The critically acclaimed Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience will return this fall, bringing the music of Emmy® Award-winning Game of Thrones composer Ramin Djawadi to stunning new life at outdoor theatres across North America. As we say goodbye to one of the biggest shows and scores in television history, relive the greatest musical pieces and footage from all eight seasons in an immersive outdoor concert experience.

Click here for more info!

33rd Annual California Avocado Festival

Location: Downtown Carpinteria on Linden Avenue

Why avocados? Well, Santa Barbara County is the third largest avocado producer in North America, with Carpinteria being a major contributor. It’s all good (fat, that is)! The 33rd Annual California Avocado Festival takes place in Downtown Carpinteria this weekend only. Admission to the Festival is FREE. There are four entertainment stages with over 75 acts in total as well as dozens of arts and crafts vendors, commercial vendors and food booths. The festival is home to the world’s largest vat of guacamole! Other activities include Best Guacamole Contest, Avocado Auction and more.

Click here for more info!

Sunday, October 6
CicLAvia—Heart of LA Celebrating UCLA100

Location: Hollywood/Highland Metro Station

Don’t miss a special edition of CicLAvia’s beloved Heart of LA route, presented by Metro and celebrating UCLA’s centennial. Come along for the ride as they explore Westlake, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Boyle Heights, and DTLA (where UCLA originally began as a teachers college), by bike, board, or foot.

Click here for more info!

Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music

Location: Dolby Theatre

Join the Nick Jr. Live at this day of fun for the whole family! VIP Experience premium main floor seating and Meet and Greet with Dora the Explorer and Rubble from PAW Patrol. Don’t miss an Exclusive photo opportunity with Blaze from Blaze and the Monster Machines, a VIP merchandise item, a souvenir lanyard, and more!

Click here for more info!

14th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars for Autism

Location: 14th Annual Denim, Diamonds & Stars for Autism

This star-studded, red carpet charitable event raises funds to provide direct care and treatment to children with autism. Event will The fundraiser will feature a VIP & general cocktail reception, silent & live auctions, live entertainment, seated gourmet dinner catered by Four Seasons Hotel award-winning chefs, and an exciting program of celebrity presenters, live entertainment, and a special tribute to 2019 honorees.

Click here for more info!

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Rodeo Realty Celebrates Fall with Family Fun in Malibu

Over the weekend Rodeo Realty held its End of Summer/Fall Family Picnic. It was an event full of family fun for all ages in the heart of Malibu. Held at the Saddlerock Ranch and Vineyards, Rodeo agents, staff and their loved ones enjoyed great food and live entertainment. While children enjoyed activities like a bounce house, face painting and carnival games, adults were able to mix and mingle with their fellow agents.

The highlight of the day came when kids and adults had the chance to partake in a speed bingo raffle, taking home fun prizes like a 50 inch flat screen TV and Restaurant.com giftcards.

Rodeo Realty President Syd Leibovitch (aka the Host) enjoys going above and beyond for his agents. With so many agents and their continued success, tis is just one of the great ways in which they enjoy a day just for them…until Christmas that is.

Check out pictures from this years Family Picnic!
If you’re interested in being part of the Rodeo Realty family, visit www.rodeore.com/careers or call your local branch office!
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The Best Places for Apple Picking Near L.A.

You’ve seen the Instagram photos, perhaps even the SNL sketch. It is officially apple picking season! While you may not know it, this seasonal fun isn’t just for the East Coasters. Check out this round-up of places to go apple picking this fall and have a ripe ol’ time!

Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho

Location: Oak Glen

Ripe apples are in full bloom at Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, from now through Thanksgiving. There are multiple varieties available for u-pick and bulk purchase, including Macintosh, Gala and Spartan, but be sure to check online to find out which types are ripe and ready to be picked. Meander past the petting zoo, or stop in for a full meal at the onsite Country Kitchen. Fresh pressed cider is available, too, and a necessary way to end your time spent in the orchard. The farm is open for apple picking on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 6pm, and on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11am to5pm.

Willowbrook Apple Farm

Location: Oak Glen

Do more than just pick your own apples at Willowbrook Apple Farm, where the fun continues beyond the field. After picking from their century-old Stayman Winesap apple trees, you can then press your own cider, indulge in a tasty caramel apple or hitch a tractor ride. The farm opens on Labor Day, but U-pick apples are available Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, typically late September through November.

Riley’s Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard

Location: Oak Glen

The first weekend of October is when the grounds of Riley’s Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard open up for apple picking. Their field of heirloom Stayman Winesap trees ripen throughout October and, during a good season, bear fruit into November. The apple orchard itself is 130 years young, but you’ll also find storied plots to pick your own pumpkins, herbs and flowers. Before filling up your bags up, you’ll get a brief lesson from a farmhand on the history of Riley’s, how to properly pick the apples and helpful tips on tasting. While admission is free, you pay for what you pick at $3.50 per pound.

Riley’s Apple Farm

Location: Oak Glen

Spend an afternoon at Riley’s Apple Farm (not to be confused with Riley’s Farm) for a blast from the past. Pick from different varieties of apples for around $3 per pound starting Labor Day weekend, all the way through October or November depending on the season. On the weekends you can partake in a number of different activities, including archery, cider pressing and knife throwing. Be sure to stop into the Trading Post for home goods and to-go items like jams and jellies, and check out their site to see which apple varieties are ready for picking.

Brian Ranch Airport U-Pick Orchard

Location: Antelope Valley

After going for a spin in the air, spend some time picking your own apples in the orchard at Brian Ranch Airport. There are a handful of apple varieties available at different points in the season—which began late-August this year—and you can find out what’s available by calling (661) 261-3216 ahead of your visit. During apple picking season, hours are Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 2pm, as well as other times by appointment. Be sure to enjoy your pickings in their picnic area afterward.

Riley’s Farm

Location: Oak Glen

With more than 30 different kinds of apples and trees that are more than 100 years old, Riley’s Farm (yes, that other Riley’s) is a great place for those who want a large assortment during their u-picking adventures. The farm specializes in heirloom apples, old varieties that you often won’t find in the grocery store. Now through typically November, you can head to the farm to get picking, but if you’re looking for the widest variety, stop by in mid-October for a huge array of pre-picked apples. Check online for the crop status and varying u-pick hours, which often fall on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. Want something, uh, different? Riley’s also hosts an array of historical reenactments, to keep things interesting, not to mention it’s home to a colonial bakery.

Content Curated from: TimeOut LA
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Out and About: Pumpkin Patches in and Near L.A.!

Looking for the perfect pumpkin? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re looking for a quaint patch or a massive farm featuring family games, there are plenty of patches in LA to suit your fancy. Every October, tiny parking lot patches sprout up all over the city and local farms bring out their best orange squash – from tiny little fellas to massive twenty-pounders.

 

  1. Tanaka FarmsLocation: Irvine

Want to take your pumpkin picking up a notch? Make your way to Tanaka Farms in Irvine for a Hello Kitty-themed farm experience (admission is $4) featuring festive activities like wagon rides, a corn maze, petting zoo and sunflower fields. Just note that this themed patch gets very busy, so parking reservations are required in advance on weekends ($10).

  1. Bones Pumpkin Patch

When it comes to celebrity sightings, you probably wouldn’t think of visiting the local pumpkin patch. But at longtime favorite Mr. Bones, Hollywood stars and their offspring can’t stay away from the Halloween fun. This family-owned, Los Angeles mainstay would pop up every year in Beverly Hills before recently moving to its new location in Century City.

  1. Tapia Brothers FarmLocation: Van Nuys

Get lost. No really, get lost in Tapia Brothers Farm’s epic corn maze (an entire lot across from the patch itself) with a much-needed map and a sheet full of trivia questions. Scavenge through the maze for the answers and once you’ve found them all, submit your name in a drawing for a chance to win a cash prize – an early treat for your navigation efforts.

  1. Forneris FarmsLocation: San Fernando Valley

Forneris Farms is back again with a four-acre cornfield maze, weekend pony rides, live entertainment and of course, an impressive selection of pumpkins. Tractor rides will take pumpkin patch goers on a narrated tour through the cornfields and around the farm. Kids can enjoy their own harvest haven by running through a hay bale mini maze, climbing the hay pyramid and getting wild in the giant pumpkin jumper.

  1. Underwood Family FarmsLocation: Ventura County

Every October, Underwood Family Farms becomes an autumnal wonderland as it celebrates its annual Fall Harvest Festival with different events every weekend ranging from Western Weekend to All About Pumpkins. For the entire month, guests can come and be entertained by live music, animal shows, corn mazes and an endless amount of pumpkins. Admission is $16 per person for the first two weekends and then $22 for the following weekends in October.

 

  1. Tina’s Pumpkin PatchLocation: Sherman Oaks

There’s something about encountering a friendly llama that makes the trip to this tiny but charming patch so worth while. Maybe you’re not into the whole pumpkin picking thing – or even Halloween at all – but interacting with these highly entertaining petting zoo animals is one memory you need to create.

 

  1. Shawn’s Pumpkin PatchLocation: LAX/Westchester

Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch is definitely the spot for you. Like most patches, admission is free and activity prices usually range from $3-$9 with most falling toward the cheaper end. If it’s anything like past years, the massive size of this pumpkin patch, guarantees tons of pre-Halloween fun.

  1. Pa’s Pumpkin Patch

Who said county fair season is over? There’s no reason a pumpkin patch can’t bring back the same memories of booth games, carnival rides and sugary indulgences. Treat yourself to a weekend of classic festival favorites like giant slides, fun houses and more – all harvest-themed, of course. The patch is also full of haystacks, corn stalks and gourds.

  1. Whittier Pumpkin PatchLocation: San Gabriel Valley

If you’re an SGV dweller looking to entertain your youngsters, head to Whittier Pumpkin Patch. Pick a pumpkin with your family and enjoy their petting zoo, inflatable jumpers and pony rides.

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Weekend Events: September 27-29

It’s the last weekend of September and the first weekend of the maximum amount of fall fun kicking off in L.A. From scary pop-ups to retro-arcades, the city of stars in showing out this weekend. Spend some time out on the town and discover your inner Angeleno!

Friday, September 27

I Like Scary Movies

Location: 2118 East Seventh Place, Los Angeles

Artist Maximillian’s popular horror-themed pop-up I Like Scary Movies returns for Halloween season September 20 through November 17. The detailed and beautiful series of installations is a love letter from the artist to iconic horror films like The Lost Boys, Beetlejuice, and The Shining. Runs Wednesday through Sundays.

Van Nuys Art Festival

Location: Civil Center, Van Nuys

The third annual Van Nuys Arts Festival showcases the artistic talents and skills of local residents. This years theme is “The Glow Up” and the Van Nuys Civic Center will be transformed into an outdoor virtual forest with interactive art installations, live music, a 3-D maze and more.

Park After Dark Program

Location: Paramount Ranch, 2903 Cornell Rd, Agoura Hills

The Stars of Paramount Ranch – Go behind the scenes with a ranger and explore Paramount Ranch at night! See the eerie remains of Western Town. Stand on a dangerous, abandoned racetrack. Gaze into the sky to see the stars that still shine here. Bring a flashlight, water, and wear sturdy shoes. Stargazing will be available if the sky is clear.

Saturday, September 28

Union Station’s Retrocade Experience

Location: Union Station, DTLA

Enjoy free play of over 50 classic arcade games from the 70’s-90’s during Union Station’s Retrocade Experience happening September 28-29. Guests will also get to enjoy classic arcade food, 80s soft drinks, a Pac Man competition, along with beer, wine and specialty-themed cocktails. Admission is $5 to the experience.

Fantail Wine, Beer & Food Festival

Location: USS Iowa Battleship-250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro

 

Relive the 1940’s aboard the historic Battleship USS IOWA when 40’s On The Fantail Wine, Beer & Food Festival takes over the ship for a day of live music, swing dancing, food and drinks all to raise funds for Mission 22, a non-profit working to combat veteran suicide. Check for discount tickets before making your purchase.

14th Annual Wag ‘n Walk

Location: Rancho Simi Community Duck Park amphitheater, 1765 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley

Wag ‘n Walk is a three-mile fundraising walk for you and your dog. Vendors, music, prizes, dog adoptions, and silent auction/raffle items. Event T-shirt and goodie bag for walkers that raise at least $100. Registration is FREE.

Sunday, September 29

Mexico in a Bottle: South to North

Location: LA Plaza De Cultura y Artes-501 N Main St.., Los Angeles

 

 Mexico in a Bottle: South to North is a special tasting event that explores Mexico’s regional spirits and flavors through craft spirits, art, food, and music. Over 100 expressions of spirits will be offered plus bites from several restaurants including Guelaguetza and Madre.

Abbott Kinney Festival

Location: Abbott Kinney

The Abbot Kinney Festival in Venice has been dubbed the coolest block in America by GQ Magazine. Enjoy over 350 vendors, eclectic boutiques, artisan eateries, food trucks and booths, kids’ rides and games, four music stages, three beer gardens, and more along the mile-long street.

28th Annual California Lemon Festival

Location: Girsh Park, Goleta

As always, the Lemon Festival will feature the most extensive ‘Safety Street’ in the county. Stop by for their wildly-popular pie-eating contests, arts and crafts vendors, and more food than you can shake a lemon-scented stick at. A petting zoo and amusement park rides add to the many things that make the California Lemon Festival fun for the whole family.

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