Your Halloween Event Round-up

If you’re brave enough to venture out on a weeknight we’ve got you covered. We scoured the dismally long list of Halloween events happening throughout L.A. this Wednesday. So sleep well on Hallows Eve because this round-up is sure to keep you jolted till dawn.

Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids

DTLA Halloween Festival

Location: Grand Hope Park, DTLA

Getting to downtown for trick-or-treating may seem like the real Halloween scare but its worth it when you make it to The Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids! The locals know how to throw quite the shindig and the event continues to thrive as parents celebrate the spookiest night of the year with bounce houses, puppet shows and faux trick-or-treat-doors.

More info

Vampyr + Halloween After-Party

Vampyr + Halloween After Party

Location: Theatre at The Ace Hotel, DTLA

Menace lurks behind every shadow in a remote village filled with secrets. The LA Opera’s annual Halloween mash-up of opera and cinema returns to the spectacular Theatre at Ace Hotel with filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer’s surreal 1932 masterwork, one of the most unsettling vampire movies ever made. LA Opera and The Theatre at Ace Hotel invite you to be their guest immediately following ‘Vampyr’ for a Halloween party with music and cash bar. Entry to the party is included with ticket to the October 31 ‘Vampyr’ performance.

More info

Mickeys Halloween Party at Disneyland Park

Mickey’s Halloween Party

Location: Disneyland, Anaheim

Perfect for all ghouls and goblins is this Halloween Extravaganza at the Happiest Place on Earth. ‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ brings out all your favorite villains from ‘Cruella’ to ‘Lady Tremaine’. Delight at a ghostly ‘Space Mountain’ and Tim Burton-ized ‘Haunted Mansion’ as lively Jack-O-Lanterns line Main Street. Trick-or-Treat throughout the park until the evening hours end with a spectacular ‘Halloween Screams’ firework show. Be sure to arrive early if you’d like a true thrill on any of the rides up to three hours prior to the event.

More info

West Hollywood Carnaval

West Hollywood Carnaval

Location: Santa Monica Blvd (starting at Doheny), West Hollywood

Considered the largest Halloween street party in the world, there isn’t really a better place to be for the true costume aficionado. Yes the crowds are massive and to some quite rowdy but the amazing display of themed attire and general merry-making spirit deem it as at least a worthy stop along your way. Enjoy dancing in the streets, festive beverages in the bars and a night full of spooky fun!

More info

Cabaret de L’Enfer

Cabaret de L’Enfer

Location: The Edison, DTLA

Spend your Halloween underground (a little closer to the dearly departed) at The Edison. The clubs’ Cabaret L’Enfer will feature DJ sets, live performers, stilt walkers, tarot card readers and an “extraordinary selection of Attractions Diaboliques”. Like most other parties at the Edison, expect an old-time but sleek subterranean shindig. Costumes are not required but recommended (come on it’s Halloween)!

More info

Haunt Massive

Haunt Massive at Avalon

Location: Avalon, Hollywood

Since coming back from the dead a few years ago, Hollywood and Vine’s historic playhouse ‘Avalon’ has put on a ghoulish extravaganza each All Hallows’ Eve. Break out your provocative costumes and make your way to the dance floor and four themed areas!

More info

 

Weekend Events: Oct. 26th-28th

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

The time has finally come. You’ve picked up your costumes and allotted yourself at least a handful of candy this weekend. Halloween may fall on a Wednesday but the main events are just a round the corner. So don’t stay inside and cue on the slasher films, you’ve had all month for that. It’s time to throw on your Dracula cape and paint the town red. Read below for our round up events happening this weekend!

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Oct. 26th-28th.

friday oct. 26th

Disco Dining Club’s The Flowering of the Strange Orchids

The Flowering of Strange Orchid Presented by Disco Dining Club
The Flowering of Strange Orchid Presented by Disco Dining Club

Date: Oct 26, 27, & 28, 2018

Location: Private residence in Pico-Union

“Botanical horror’ and man-eating plants are at the center of this elevated Halloween dinner party. The lofty price tag of $300 will provide you with a tantalizing 5 course meal from Chef Laurent Quenioux, cocktail pairings and wine, coffee and tea service, desserts, and optional edible bug pairings by Bugible. Lavish set design by The Grim Weather will sprawl indoors and outdoors of the secret location,. This will be complimented by theatrical activations, puppets, live music and dance performances throughout the evening. Your favorite holiday…exaggerated with all the opulence, grandeur and hedonism of any Disco Dining Club soiree.

Click here for more information

Pageant of the Monsters

Pageant of the Monsters-Laguna Beach, CA
Pageant of the Monsters-Laguna Beach, CA

Date: Oct 26, 27, 28, 31, 2018

Location: 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach

Patrons of Pageant of the Master’s will know this live performance as artwork coming to life. Pageant of the Monsters is the ghoulish re-enactment of notable tableaus that awakens from their slumber every 5 years. This year’s theme is “Raiders of the Lost Art”. The fest includes a haunted house, Halloween arts and craft, and activities for children. The haunted house is suitable for even the tiniest of terrors, sans gore and recommended for children 5 and older. Food and non-alcoholic berates will be available for purchase.

Click here for more information

saturday oct. 27th

KCRW Masquerade Ball

KCRW Masquerade Ball

Location: Downtown LA Historic Core

While this isn’t quite the traditional masquerade, one can expect all the treats and tricks customary with an extravagant night on the town At the KCRW annual Masquerade  Ball patrons will be priledged to enjoy the soiree at a new location in DTLA. From themed rooms to various DJ sets and costumes galore, what more can you ask for in the spirit of Hallows Eve.

Click here for more information.

The Fanged Fete

The Fanged Fete

Location: Downtown L.A. at The Ace Hotel

If you haven’t gotten your fill at the masked ball above, there are plenty of parties to go around in DTLA. The Fanged Fete at The Ace Hotel’s lavish theatre warrants you arrive in your best fangs and vampiric couture(or just vampire-ish clothes). This swanky event will feature Restless Nites DJs, drinks and “dark arts”. Be advised to wake from your crypt early if you’d like to catch the screening of the 1932 surrealist horror film Vampyr alongside a reimagined live score courtesy of the LA opera before the festivities commence.

Click here for more information.

Haunted Hotel at Viceroy Santa Monica

Haunted Hotel at The Viceroy

Location: Viceroy Santa Monica

Spend your ghoulish activities on the westside at the Viceroy Santa Monica’s annual soiree. Over 1,000 guests descend upon the “haunted” hotel(Three Rule has been hired to deck out the entire property from the lobby to the drinks). Wander between to realms..sorry dance floors and lay your stake at a chance to win one of the amazing prizes being served out to the best costumes around(well at the party that is). That being said, costumes are required so you can’t just go as “a mouse..Duh” open to all 21 and over.

Click here for more information.

NoHo Monster Bash

NoHo Halloween Party

Location:  The Federal, North Hollywood

The Valley needs its go-to Halloween bash to which is what you’ll find at the Federal this year with a promise of performances on its main stage every half hour. Patrons can expect costume contest, eerie cocktails and an evening of ghastly fun. Bonus: This years theme is Pirates of The Caribbean. Perfect chance for you to bust out that Johnny Depp impression you’ve been “working on”.

Click here for more information. 

A Night of the Macabre with Poe and Gorey

Drama After Dark at The Huntington Library

Location: The Huntington Library, Pasadena

If your less for the partying and more for the ghoulish tales, then don’t miss this frightening telling of the famed poets held at the Huntington Library. Thrill to the tales of Edgar Allan Poe and Edward Gorey in an evening of chilling drama presented by the actors of the Guild of St. George. Haunting works will be enacted throughout the moonlit grounds, including “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Gashlycrumb Tinies,” and more. Ages 10 to adult. (May be too intense for younger children.)

Click here for more information.

sunday oct. 28th

Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever

Dia de los Muertos

Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetary

Billed at the largest Day of the Dead celebration in California, Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s event is a Halloween must. The grounds of the cemetery are covered with art exhibitions, dance rituals, musical performances, and children’s arts and crafts spread throughout. While you enjoy the bounty of food vendors, peruse through the altars created for the departed by community artists. Patrons can also take part in the calico(skeleton) costume contest if they so please. This years theme, Coatlicue “Mother of Gods”, honors the Aztec goddess mother of the moon, sun and stars. For more information click here.

Pumpkin Festival

Pasadena Pumpkin Patch

Location: Pasadena

Bring the whole family and explore the Pasadena Pumpkin Patch and Costume Parade. This fun event includes a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce castles, carnival games and seasonal crafts with all proceeds benefitting the Kidspace Children’s Museum. Kidspace Children’s Museum Kidpspace works to provide free and discounted admission to all programs for those in undeserved communities. Click here for more information.

Halloween & Mourning Tours

Heritage Square Museum

Location: Heritage Square Museum, NE DTLA

You probably spent the majority of the weekend getting glitter spray out of your hair. If thats the case spend Sunday with educational frights instead of fruit cocktails at Heritage Square Museum’s annual Halloween celebration. This Victorian era event takes you through a true horror. Life before iPhones. Enjoy period games, 19th century harvest crafts and spooky stories that even the kid swill enjoy.

Click here for more information. 

The Nightmare before Christmas at the Hollywood Bowl

Nightmare Before Christmas

Location: The Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood

“This is Halloween, this is Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! “

Don’t miss the 25th Anniversary concert special of The Nightmare Before Christmas at The Hollywood Bowl. Danny Elfman along with Catherine O’Hara and Ken Page will be leading the evening soiree. Arrive early for a fun themed costume contest and enjoy the spectacular light projections while singing along to this Halloween Classic. Friday and Sunday tickets are still available.

Click here for more information 

 

DIY: Making your home smell like fall

7 DIY Ways to Make Your Home Smell like Fall

With the most festive season upon us, you’ll find your self scouring Diptique for the best fall scent. Rather then opt for your usual, why not try out your creative side. These 7 DIY air fresheners are a fun and organic way to give your home that perfect pumpkin or apple scent without the headaches for asthma that artificial candles and sprays can bring. Using essential oils, real fruits, and whole spices is the perfect way to achieve that classic smell you love while giving yourself a fun afternoon activity in the process. 

Pumpkin Spice Room Spray

Ingredients:

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.

Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones

Tools

  • an oven
  • cookie sheet
  • ziploc bag
  • spray bottle (I love my glass spray bottle from Grove!)
  • glue and a paintbrush, if you’re doing the ground cinnamon method

Materials

Directions

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with foil. Place the cleaned pinecones on the cookie sheet on their side. Bake the pinecones in the oven for about 45 minutes.

Use ground cinnamon to add that fall scent to your pinecones. Pour a little bit of all purpose glue into a small container and thin it just a little bit with water. You don’t want it completely liquid, but you need to be able to brush it on with a paint brush.

Add a bunch of ground cinnamon to a ziploc bag.

Take your pinecones and gently brush them with a very light coat of the watered-down glue so that all of the nooks and crannies are covered. Set the pinecone aside for a few minutes so that the glue can dry a little bit. You want the glue to be tacky, not totally dripping wet.

Then add the pinecones to the bag of cinnamon, close it up, and shake well to make sure cinnamon gets everywhere! Gently tap the pinecones over the bag to help shake off any loose cinnamon, then set them aside to dry for a few more minutes.

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

Fall Diffuser Recipes

If you own an aromatherapy diffuser, a fall-themed recipe is a must. We’re loving these blogger blends that incorporate classic autumnal scents. They’ll fill your home with the relaxing smells of the season for hours on end, no candles required.

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

Ice cube trays or small mold
Glass jar with lid

Directions

    1. Place coconut oil and beeswax granules in a small pan over low heat. Stir until completely melted.
    2. While 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.

 

 

Courtesy of: Better Home and Garden

Rodeo Realty Agent Jennifer Meyers gives back

Over the weekend Rodeo Realty’s Jennifer Meyers held her jewelry launch event with a percentage of proceeds going to benefit Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Rodeo Realty’s Jennifer Meyers

Jennifer was inspired to start the line by heirlooms from her Grandparents. Keeping that sense of family and familiarity in mind, she wanted the launch event to celebrate her heritage while honoring and supporting those impacted by Breast Cancer.

Held at the Sixty Hotel Beverly Hills, sponsors included Nate N Al’s, Aura Yoga, St. Supery Wine-Rodeo Drive, Yojisan, Sweet Beverly, Rumble Boxing, Mini Luxe, Raymond Wine, Ruinart & Beverly Hills Dental Care to name a few.

The event served as one of many examples of commitment to creativity and community that Jennifer prides herself on.

As a member of our Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills office, Jennifer Meyers uses her overall experience and knowledge to create the perfect experience for clients. She gets to know exactly what each client is looking for, and feels there is no greater satisfaction then to find the perfect home. Jennifer is very passionate in supporting numerous charities by hosting and producing various benefits all around Los Angeles, along with raising thousands of dollars. She is dedicated, sincere, and has worked with clients from all over the world!

If you are looking to buy, sell or lease, contact Jennifer Meyers!

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH HONORS SURVIVAL, DETERMINATION AND COMPASSION OF THOSE FIGHTING BREAST CANCER.

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Month

VISION

A world without breast cancer.

MISSION

Save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.

GOAL

Reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50% in the U.S. by 2026.

To get involved or contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness month click here. 

Rodeo Realty Day at The Races 2018

Rodeo Realty once again held it’s annual Day at the Races on October 18, 2018.

Rodeo Realty Day at The Races

The event took place at  Santa Anita Park-Horse Track and brought out a slew of Rodeo’s top-producing agents and team members from each of the company’s office locations. Guest were treated to a day full of food, drinks, and sportsman like fun.

 

Rodeo Realty Day at The Races

To view images from the event click here.

Weekend Events: Oct. 19th-21st

Dear Evan Hansen at The Ahmanson Theatre

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

The pumpkins are lined by the walkway with care in hopes that Jack Skellington will..sorry wrong holiday.  It’s 2 weeks until Halloween. By now you should have figured out your costume and party plans. The last worry you should have is scouring event pages for the best things to do in the weekends leading up. Well, we thought so too and rounded up another segment of this weekends top activities. So no fret, read below and….

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Oct. 19th-21st.

FRIDAY OCT. 19TH

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Baader Ginsburg

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Location: Skirball Cultural Center

Regardless of what side of the aisle your on, we can all mostly agree that RBG(Ruth Bader Ginsburg if your not for the slang) is a political Icon. And as such many works have been created in her likeness. Starting this Friday through Nov. 18th,  your invited to explore an original exhibition based on the book of the same title while viewing a range of contemporary art, archives, and more at the Skirball Cultural Center. Each gallery section will also feature a song by another cultural icon–the Notorious BIG showcasing a playful similarity between the two. For more information on the exhibit click here.

Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen at The Ahmanson Theatre
Dear Evan Hansen at The Ahmanson Theatre

Location: Ahmanson Theatre, DTLA

The Broadway show everyone’s been talking about finally debuts in L.A. at the Ahmanson Theatre! In this captivating original musical, high school student Evan Hansen is thrust into social relevance after a classmate’s suicide. Benj Pasek and Justin all’s score combine well-crafted lyrics and an exciting pop sound, and Steven Levenson’s book gives all the characters shaded motives.

More info

“Photo Ark”

“Photo Ark”

Location: Annenberg Space for Photography, Century City

Seasoned photographer and author Joel Sartore has contributed to National Geographic magazine for over two decades. Now, Angelenos will have a chance to see a glimpse of his stunning photos of some of the world’s most threatened species with this selection of 100 large-format prints. Sartore’s Photo Ark project has brought him to over 40 countries to capture portraits of 8,000 species in his quest to catalog all of the world’s animals before they disappear. For more information click here.

SATURDAY OCT. 20TH

Harry Potter-Inspired HIGH TEA

HiSocieTea Presents Harry Potter High Tea

Location: HiSocieTea @ The W Hollywood

Suitable for Wizards and Muggles of all ages, the W Hollywood is hosting a HP Inspired High Tea this month only. With three seatings to chose from (12pm, 3pm, and 6pm), be treated with three tiers of Great Hall favorites. Sip on Liquid Luck(for adults) or Triwizard Tea for the wee ones while you enjoy Rock Cakes and themed sweets. Guest are encouraged to dress in their best magical or house pride attire. For adult libations it is $75 pp and $60 pp without. Send your owl to RSVP or click here for more info.

Oktoberfest at Pershing Square

Oktoberfest at Pershing Square

Location: Pershing Square

Don’t miss the 3rd annual Oktoberfest at Pershing Square. Taking place Oct 20-21st, the two event will feature local and Californian brews along with authentic German Ales for tasting and purchase. Of course traditional sausages, pretzels, and more tasty best will be onsite to cater the experience along with live music. General Admission is FREE, with pre-purchase and VIP tickets available here.

Front Porch Cinema Presents: The Addams Family 

The Addams Family @ Front Porch Cinema
The Addams Family @ Front Porch Cinema

Location: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, Mysterious and spooky, They’re altogether ooky, The Addams Family! Now that that’s stuck in your head make your way to the Santa Monica Pier enjoy this film classic under the stars and with the ocean as a backdrop. The event will allow guests to relax on the Pier, with access to all the fun amenities.  This is including rides, games, food and more! So grab put on your best Wednesday or Cousin It attire and head to the pier for the ultimate movie night. Just don’t invite Debbie! Click here for more info!

SUNDAY OCT. 21ST

LA CANCER CHALLENGE 5K WALK/RUN

LACC Annual 5K

Location: UCLA

October 21, 2018 marks the 21st Annual LA Cancer Challenge 5K Walk/Run, the signature fundraising event of the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Held on the beautiful campus of UCLA where much of the foundation’s research is conducted, So Cal’s best Halloween-themed fitness event includes a Fit Family Expo with food & beverage booths, activity tents, a stage with a huge video screen, a Candyland Kids Zone and more.  General registration includes a chip-timed event, commemorative t-shirt and custom runner’s bib. For more information and to register click here.

The Beverly Hills Art Show

BH Art Show

Location: Beverly Gardens Park

On the final day of the semi-annual BH Art Show, enjoy 4 block of art by over 245 artists from around the nation. The FREE showcase features work in painting, sculpture, watercolor, photography, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry, drawing and printmaking. It doesn’t hurt that the event also features a Beer & Wine Garden along with Top Choice food trucks. Skip the usual Sunday brunch and culture yourself in the 90210! Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Click here for more info.

 

What Happened When

What Happened When Presented by the Echo Theatre Co.
What Happened When Presented by the Echo Theatre Co.

Location: Atwater Village

It was a dark and stormy night for three siblings—and for audience members gathered around them. Written by Rattlestick Playwright Theater’s Daniel Talbott, this peace is described as part ghost story, part memory play. For more information click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Out and About: East L.A. Edition

We know what your thinking, East L.A. edition? Isn’t that a bit broad. And where is East L.A.? Isn’t everything past WEHO just L.A? This edition is for the locals, your where’s where of places to dine, shop, and see as a true Angeleno would care to do.

On the list of up-and-coming neighborhoods you can relocate to, we share with you East L.A.’s most noteworthy stops to the best restaurants in Los Feliz.  You’ll wonder why you don’t step outside your zip code more often.

Morning

Skylight Books

Swing by the airy Skylight Books and peruse the independent shop’s well-curated staff picks for some morning reading material, then take your paperback of choice up the street to the small patio at caffeine-fix mainstay Bru Coffeebar. If you’re after a decadent breakfast, claim a booth and order up something from the griddle at 24/7 throwback diner Fred 62. Wait out your inevitable food coma with a $6.50 early matinee in the plush, Egyptian-style Vista Theatre.

Vista Theatre

Afternoon

Soap Planet Wacko

Work your way down Vermont Avenue and its collection of shops, from radical decor courtesy of queer feminist-owned Otherwild to an indescribable assortment of pop culture at Soap Plant Wacko. Then cross over Hollywood Boulevard and climb up to Barnsdall Art Park for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark, the temple-like Hollyhock House.

Hollyhock House

Make your way back to the other side of town and into Griffith Park for a sandwich and slice of pie from the Trails Cafe, which overlooks the lovely Fern Dell, a shaded, rustic oasis equally stocked with relaxing strolls and hiking trailheads.

Evening

Feeling intrepid? Hike the two-mile trail up to Griffith Observatory. Otherwise, drive up and settle in for a sunset with shimmery city views from the Art Deco hilltop observatory.

Alcove Cafe

Trek back down for dinner on one of L.A.’s most idyllic patios at Alcove Cafe and Bakery, which serves up large, unfussy plates in its twinkle-lit courtyard, with top-notch whimsical cocktails at the adjoining Big Bar. Afterward, make sure to visit lounge legends Marty and Elayne at the Dresden before swinging by House of Pies for a midnight slice of banana cream pie.

House of Pies
Courtesy of: Time Out L.A.

Treat yourself: Top 5 Spas in and around L.A.

You’ve worked hard, whether your on the 9-to-5 or somewhere in between, pampering is more a necessity then a treat. With the year winding down and the workload ramping back up, we decided to round together the top 5 places to treat yourself this fall. Whether your needing a rejuvenation or relaxation, the spas below are sure to help in achieving the most zen like state.

THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA, LOS ANGELES

The Ritz Carlton Spa

Downtown Los Angeles get its on own oasis of calm at this 8,000 square foot luxury spa. There are nine treatment rooms and a luxe couple’s suite, relaxation spaces and aromatherapy rooms with private plunge showers. Neutral tones accented by gold and silver embody the classic Hollywood theme. This spa sparkles, and so will your body. Take the Champagne and Shimmer Body Treatment, which begins with with an organic scrub made from the seeds of champagne grapes, followed by an application of 24- karat gold shimmering powder.

Click here for more info.

TOMOKO JAPENESE SPA

Tomoko Japanese Spa

There are some spa experiences so unforgettable, it’s hard to imagine having a better experience elsewhere. Tomoko Japanese Spa in Beverly Hills is one of those places. Founded on the principles of Japanese healing and renewal of the spirit, Tomoko offers treatments that aim to not only release tension, but renew the body with “khi” (energy). Couple treatments include sushi from Sugar Fish, a well-loved restaurant chain in Los Angeles. After treatments, guests can retreat to the main room to enjoy tea and mochi.

Click here for more information.

LARCHMONT SANCTUARY SPA

Larchmont Spa and Sanctuary

Though not as showy as its counterparts, Larchmont Sanctuary and Spa is just as special, with treatments to match. Located in a 90-year-old building under a beautiful tree, the spa feels like a cabin retreat in the heart of the city. Eight treatment rooms (2 outdoor) offer guests an opportunity to experience truly impressive pampering with all organic products. Wood tones and vibrant orange color accent the property, giving its outdoor spaces the feel of a chic cabana on the beach.

Click here for more information.

CIEL SPA at SLS Beverly Hills

Ciel Spa

From its plush white furniture to minimalist yet welcoming decor, visitors are whisked away at Ciel Spa by Pearl Wellness in the SLS Hotel. Located on one of Los Angeles’ busiest streets, the 5,000 square foot getaway provides ample opportunity to forget city life. The signature Ciel massage is otherworldly, and you can be assured that every tense spot will not stand a chance.

The Spa by Joanna Vargas at The Sunset Tower Hotel

Joanna Vargas Spa

The Spa by Joanna Vargas at Sunset Tower hotel is 2,025 square feet with six treatment rooms and five aestheticians, led by Vargas veteran Asia Vereline. Along with a celebrity clientele that counts the likes of Elizabeth Moss, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Naomi Watts as patrons, the services offered reach new heights of luxury skincare. On the menu are LED light therapy sessions, which are said to boost collagen production and promote healing; eight types of facials that use tech gadgets; green tea-spiked oxygen; and body treatments, including microdermabrasion, sunless tanning, cellulite-targeting radio frequency and L.A.-exclusive scrubs, wraps and bath soaks; as well as massages.

Click here for more information.