Rodeo News: Syd Leibovitch Recognized in Swanepoel Power 200

The 2020 Swanepoel Power 200 list is out and Rodeo Realty’s President, Syd Leibovitch, is once again recognized. Year after year, Syd has been recognized as one of the most powerful people in the residential real estate brokerage industry.

Out of hundreds who were considered, Syd was one of 200 who made it onto the SP200 list.

“The SP200 is based on a great deal of research,” said Stefan Swanepoel, Editor-in-Chief of the Swanepoel Power 200. “We send hundreds of requests for additional information, personally verifying announcements, stats, and actions that took place over the past year.”

The 2020 SP200 ranks Syd Leibovitch at #113 among the 200 recognized.

“Leibovitch founded Rodeo Realty in 1986 and today heads it as one of the nation’s largest brokerages. The company has 12 offices across Los Angeles and Ventura counties with 1,223 agents who do over $4.9 billion in annual sales.” said the SP200.

January 30, 2020

LA Eats: For Vegans and the Vegan-Curious

The plant is having a moment. From the Impossible Burger to Beyond Meat, plant-based protein is sweeping menus and diets alike – a trend expected to only grow in 2020. Fortunately for locals, Los Angeles, the Westside and the Valleys offer no shortage of delicious culinary options for long-time vegans and the vegan-curious alike.

Los Angeles and Westside

Un Solo Sol

1818 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA

This plant-based spot sits across from Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights. The atmosphere and downtown location are as flavorful as the food, which ranges from nopales salad and potato or chicken taquitos to the Mushroom and Cheese Pupusa Plate and fajitas with organic tofu. Plus, don’t forget the black beans and rice!

Green Table Cafe

5998 W. Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

Formerly known as Real Raw Vegan, this eatery specializes in vegan Italian dishes. Start off with one of their signature juices such as the Bella Vespa (orange, carrot, ginger, cayenne, lemon and aloe vera). Then bite into their B…Special Panini (sautéed baby mushrooms, red bell pepper, eggplant, olives, sliced avocado with in-house almond cream cheese and Thousand Island sauce) or a Spinach Artichoke Melt (vegan sausage, marinated artichoke hearts, vegan cream cheese, spinach, garlic and olive oil on a toasted garlic bun). In the mood for pasta? Lasagna options are eggplant, zucchini, cauliflower or polenta. Lastly, their plant-based dessert list includes banana nut muffins and oatmeal cranberry cookies.

Monty’s Good Burger

516 S Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

Describing itself as “for carnivores who care about the environment,” Monty’s has locations in Echo Park (1533 W Sunset Blvd), Riverside (3605 Market St.) and this spot in Koreatown. Have your burger, featuring the plant-based Impossible patty, with shoestring fries or a chopped kale Caesar salad, then wash it down with an organic craft soda.

Seabirds Kitchen

975 E 4th Street, Long Beach, CA

In 10 years, Seabirds has expanded from a food truck to three spots, including this Long Beach location. Sample a beer-battered avo taco (fried avocado, Seabirds sauce, cabbage, red onion, lime) before moving onto a Beets Me Burger (house-made shiitake, beet and chia patty) or the Jackfruit Nachos.

Pura Vita

8274 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA

The first completely plant-based Italian restaurant in the country, Pura Vita marries New York City wine bar atmosphere with Southern Italian cuisine. Plant-based dishes range from the Giambotta (Calabrian vegetable stew, macadamia Parmigiano and grilled ciabatta) to the Caprese (house-made cashew mozzarella, heirloom tomato, basil, and balsamic reduction) to the Linguine di Mare (garlic white wine sauce, king oyster mushroom scallops, and toasted breadcrumbs).

San Fernando Valley

Vinh Loi Tofu

18625 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA

We could tell you what’s on the menu of this Vietnamese vegan eatery, but as customers know, owner Kevin Tran might as easily cook up something especially for you. Just tell him what you’re craving. For folks with trust issues, the menu offers such favorites as the Tofu Robot Soup.

Sun Cafe

10820 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA

They don’t just serve vegan dishes like the Zucchini Lasagna (zucchini slices layered with walnut pesto, spinach, cashew ricotta, SunChorizo, marinara, and cashew cheese) or the Tempeh Stir Fry (cauliflower, zucchini, bok choy, and carrots, in pineapple chili, teriyaki tempeh and lime juice), but they’ll teach you how to cook it yourself. A 90-minute vegan cooking class happens every Saturday morning at 9 a.m., except on some holidays. Cost is $40 at the door.

Follow Your Heart

21825 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA

What began in 1970 as a seven-seat, vegetarian food bar now offers both a full vegan menu and an SOS menu, which means “no Salt, no Oil, and no Sugar.” SOS selections range from the White Bean Kale Burger (patty made from kale, brown rice, white beans and oats) to the Super Green Pasta (zucchini noodles, served with steamed kale, spinach, broccoli, and white beans).

Conejo Valley

Norte-Sur Mexican Grill

2950 Johnson Drive, Ventura County, CA

Located just off the 101 freeway in Ventura, Norte-Sur’s owners are as proud of their home-made salsas and Aguas Frescas as they are their Mexican vegan cuisine. Have a soft taco or sizzling fajita with their gluten-free vegan soyrizo, for example. Or order their vegan mole taquitos, rolled with mole-mashed potatoes, cabbage, and pico.

Hip Vegan

201 N. Montgomery Street, Ojai, CA

Expect fresh vegan cuisine and a laid-back atmosphere befitting Ojai. If you’re feeling like something light, there are wraps, sandwiches, bowls and salads. If you’re hungry for food that’s more filling, try the veggie pasta with garbanzo bean meatballs.

Karma Baker

1145 Lindero Canyon Road, Ste D3, Westlake Village, CA

Skip the meal and go straight to organic, kosher, vegan and gluten-free desserts. Their not-so-guilty pleasures range from pastries and custom-made cakes to hot pockets and hand pies.

Santa Clarita

Thai Chefs Restaurant

28014 Seco Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA

Thai Chefs owner has cooked traditional Thai cuisine for more than two decades, first at a restaurant in Thailand. This family-restaurant offers several vegan options for some of its most popular dishes, including the stir-fried chicken and yellow curry with coconut milk, potatoes, carrot, and onion.

Manoushee Mediterranean Restaurant

27131 Sierra Hwy #100, Santa Clarita, CA

Among such traditional Mediterranean plates as shawarma are several vegan options. The Lebanese Hash Falafel, for example, features patata harra (or spicy potatoes) on lettuce and tomato, and your choice of protein. An extra portion of falafel can be substituted for the fried egg that usually tops the dish. If you have stew in mind, they have an Egyptian Fava Bean Stew served with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. And for dessert, try the vegan carrot cake.

Tomato Joe’s Pizza Express

27732 McBean Pkwy, Valencia, CA

Hankering for a vegan pizza with a beer-battered crust? Tomato Joe’s provides no shortage of mix-and-match options. And if you’re not hungry for a slice, sample their vegan meatballs, with melted vegan mozzarella, and served with vegan garlic bread. Tomato Joe’s also has a second Santa Clarita location at 19167 Golden Valley Rd.

January 29, 2020January 29, 2020

Tech News: How AI Can Help Humanity

Whether it’s from watching humans being hunted by terminators or ensnared in the Matrix, many have been programmed to fear the machines of the future. And it’s not only science fiction creators sounding alarms. Most recently, Google CEO Sundar Pichai issued a red alert, coming out in favor of strictly regulating the new technology. This echoes similar warnings from Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking.

But is AI really all doom and gloom? In fact, there are several ways in which AI could potentially benefit humanity, rather than harming or obliterating it. If you’re not exactly sure what AI is, it essentially describes machines that think and act as well as humans. Applied AI is already here, enabling Internet searches, for example. The next advancement is called artificial general intelligence, which will allow systems to do anything a person can do.

Before you despair that your phone will soon make you its pet, let’s break down some of the areas in which AI could improve all our lives.

Global Epidemics

During an outbreak, every second counts. Which makes AI uniquely suited to identifying hot zones and helping health officials get ahead of a virus. At the outset of the coronavirus crisis, for example, a Canadian monitoring platform, Bluedot, was the first to identify the outbreak, using an AI algorithm that scans news reports and airline ticketing data to track diseases. Bluedot had already predicted the location of the Zika outbreak in South Florida.

Medicine

The potential benefits are here obvious: faster and more accurate diagnosis, as well as more targeted medical treatment. AI may also bring medical knowledge and treatment to populations with limited access to health care. Currently, AI informs Radiosurgery, which helps surgeons operate on tumors without making an incision.

Quality of Life

AI can make life simpler and easier by freeing people from tedious tasks, say its proponents. As an example, they point to the financial sector and how AI applications have made banking faster and simpler for everyone.

Weather Forecasting

AI has been critical to climate forecasting and the area of Climate Informatics. And new data-powered models are helping forecasters track and identify severe storms more accurately before they strike.

Disaster response

In addition to improving and powering early-warning systems as well as identifying areas of vulnerability, AI algorithms can be used to simulate conditions, improving disaster preparation plans and leading to more effective, life-saving response strategies. This could prove especially useful in California, considering the threat of wildfires and earthquakes.

Exploration

As humans push further to explore not only hostile areas of our planet, but space itself, AI and robotics will be critical to traveling to environments where people can’t survive.

January 28, 2020January 28, 2020

Out and About: Oak Glen Edition

For urban dwellers ripe for a change of scenery, Oak Glen represents the perfect rural respite. Imagine orchards instead of freeways. Picture serene nature trails that remain gloriously unpaved. Nestled in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, this small agricultural community offers an abundance of pleasures, ideal for a day trip. Or make it a few days. Complete with cider.

Morning

Riley’s Farm

This working apple orchard offers much more than the chance to pick your own fruit. It also stages educational historical tours, based on such events as the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Activities do vary depending on the season, and the farm is closed Sundays, so be sure to check their site ahead of time before firming up plans.

Oak Tree Village Oak Glen

Among the shops and vendors of this family destination is Apple Annie’s Restaurant, famed for its five-pound “Mile-High Apple Pie.” Additionally, there’s an animal park, a petting zoo (with baby animals for your kids to bottle feed), pony rides and trout ponds. Be sure to check out what seasonal events Oak Tree Village has available for families.

Moms Country Orchards

Ten miles off the I-10, east of Redlands and Yucaipa and north of Beaumont and Cherry Valley, Moms Country Orchards is open year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day. On top of the produce, you can have your pick of its wide selection of honey, jellies, and jams.

Oak Glen Preserve and Southern California Montane Botanic Garden

Once you’ve sampled the local produce, you may be in the mood for a hike or picnic. Look no further than this 909-acre preserve, where you will find the Conservancy’s Southern California Montane Botanic Garden and Children’s Outdoor Discovery Center. Best of all: it’s open to the public, free of charge.

Afternoon

Greenspot Farm

Getting hitched for a hayride or for the rest of your life? In addition to offering everything from school tours to horseback riding lessons, Greenspot also bills itself as a perfect wedding venue. Depending on what time of the year you drop in, you can find a pumpkin patch and haunted hayride at Halloween or a tractor ride through a Christmas farm.

Yucaipa Regional Park

Boasting views of the San Bernardino Mountains, this park features fishing, water slides and activities that run year-round. The beach area is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, so be sure to check out their schedule for details if you’re planning ahead.

Parrish Pioneer Ranch

Open year-round, but closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December to August, Parrish Pioneer Ranch is another scenic mainstay. In addition to the picnic area, the main barn includes shops where you can browse for antiques, décor and even vintage toys.

Evening

Nostalgia Furniture and Decor

As you wind down from a day of nature trails and other activities, why not drop into this antique shop, located five miles from the Village at Oak Glen in the foothills community of Yucaipa? Known for its vintage home furnishings and décor, it’s sure to offer a discovery or two.

Yucaipa Performing Arts Center

Lastly, before you call it a day, consider taking in a show at the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center with its large outdoor stage. Located about five miles from the Village at Oak Glen, it’s close to restaurants and shops, potentially making for a perfect evening out with friends and family.

January 28, 2020

Home Tips: Brighten The Mood During Winter

Just because residents of the Los Angeles and the Valley don’t have to winterize their homes against ice storms and nor’easters doesn’t mean the season can’t take a toll. For one thing, nothing saps the soul like shortened, grey days – especially when you’re accustomed to the blazing sun and blue skies. With a few weeks of winter left, here are some simple steps you can take around the home to keep winter gloom at bay as we all await brighter days ahead.

COLOR CORRECT

Switching up the palette of your home – from the walls and furniture to the window coverings and artwork – is a sure-fire way to jolt you out of a wintery-funk. Try coordinating the color of the space with its function. For example, add bright reds or yellows to active rooms like the kitchen. Conversely, warm tones of green or blue in the bedroom should soothe you to sleep.

LIGHTEN THINGS UP

When sunlight is spare, make sure you make the most of it. Ditch dark window coverings and blinds for clear, pale ones, keeping them open for as long as possible. And when night falls early, flip a switch. Make sure you have enough lamps and internal lighting to illuminate your surroundings. Just because it’s dark outside doesn’t mean you have to live in darkness.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

While decluttering always feels satisfying, don’t store away the things you love. Instead, display them in prominent places where they can bring into focus what you’re most proud of and what you’ve accomplished in life. Cherished memories and possessions with sentimental value can generate positive feelings as powerfully as unvarnished sunlight.

TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR

We all remember the question: “Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” But as a decorative choice, mirrors aren’t about vanity at all. Rather, they act to play tricks with light: reflecting what little there may be, as well as creating the illusion of greater space. You’d be surprised at how much brighter and bigger a room feels when you add a mirror to it.

EXPLORE WINDOWS

A little (or a lot of) glass cleaner can go a long way in illuminating your home. Wipe them down and watch the sunlight pour in without dirt, dust, and grime muddying the way.

POWER DOWN BEFORE YOU GO TO BED

Nothing makes you feel like you can tackle the world like a good night’s rest. One simple way to help you sleep? Keep the personal electronics out of the bedroom. (We said it was simple, not necessarily easy.) Embracing your sleeping space as a technology-free zone will let your mind unwind. And yes, that includes avoiding watching TV before your head hits the pillow.

January 16, 2020

LA Eats: Local Pizza Places

A good slice of pizza is a powerful thing. May that be one slice of five slices, pizza is your friend. It is important to support local restaurants and businesses as a way to feed into your local economy. Check out our round-up of our favorite pizza places throughout Los Angeles and the Valley.

Los Angeles

Numero Uno Pizza

5044 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

They specialize in Chicago Style Deep Dish Pizza & Classic New York Style Thin Crust Pizza. They are also known for their Chicken Wings and Large Salads. Numero Uno Pizza was founded in 1973 with its first store in Northridge, CA. The company features a casual dining restaurant famous for its deep-dish pizza with its unique flavored crust and savory sauce.

All’ Angolo

4050 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA

Small, but charming restaurant serving northern Italian pizza, pasta & salads. Don’t let the size or location put you off; these guys are serving up some great Italian food. Simple ingredients with great taste. They have a small but complete menu of apps, salads (a soup d’ jour), pasta and pizzas; and don’t forget the daily blackboard specials.

Gracie’s Pizza

4330 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA

Opened in the Summer of 2016 with the goal of creating a true New York-style neighborhood joint. They create meals from scratch; with love, integrity, and pride. Their focus is to give back in a measurable way to their tightly knit block at Heliotrope and Melrose.

Westside

LA MORRA PIZZERIA

5125 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

These Neapolitan-style pizzas are made in a handmade oven by Zach Swemle & Marlee Blodgett, built especially for the ingredients of a Neapolitan pizza. La Morra’s simple and ingredient-driven Italian cooking and impressive crusts are offered weekly at the wine bar Tabula Rasa.

VITO’S PIZZA

846 N LA Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Vito’s Pizza is a local favorite. Their east coast inspired pies, perfectly crafted dough, and tomato sauce has its patrons traveling to all three of its Los Angeles locations. The pizza is ultra-thin, with a crisp underside and a good, chewy crust, and you can order by the slice. Vegetarians will appreciate the combination of fresh spinach, tomatoes, and broccoli with mild ricotta cheese.

Pizzeria il Fico

310 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Sleek, rustic-chic Italian eatery specializing in dishes from Puglia, with an extensive wine list. Despite the name, Il Fico is not strictly a pizzeria, it also turns out some Apulia-accented antipasti and most especially pasta dishes. At Vincenti, Mastronardi does the whole “elegantissimo” thing with an ambitious menu and polished and subtle cooking.

Valley

Chi-Chi’s Pizza

9080 Tampa Avenue, Northridge, CA

Local pizza chain for custom-made pies, plus pasta, antipasti & more in a casual, no-frills space. Great local spot for pizza at a reasonable price. Do yourself a favor, once you have had your Italian/Pizza fix, try the Golden Pressure Fried Chicken and Golden Potatoes. The salads and dressings will please also.

LBK Pizzeria

359 Tujunga Avenue, Studio City, CA

At this Studio City outpost, there’s no place to sit inside, where the line to order pizza is endless. But there are some very pleasant picnic tables in front, making a fine pie on Tujunga Avenue a very pleasurable family experience.

Pasadena Pizza Co.

336 N. Allen Avenue, Pasadena, CA

You get a choice of thick crust, thin crust and gluten-free at Pasadena Pizza Co. The pies are big, and even bigger. The toppings are many, but mostly classic, except maybe for the ones with pastrami and with Alfredo sauce. While you’re waiting, there are video games, and pinball machines, which take me back to my misspent youth.

Lamppost Pizza

1145 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA

Lamppost Pizza offers great food, a friendly approach and a family-oriented atmosphere. Their community involvement includes being a proud supporter of the many youth athletic leagues in the area. Their team pizza parties are popular with all ages and sports. Bring your kids and family if you are local and are looking for tasty pizza!

Toppers Pizza

18417 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA

Family-friendly pizzeria chain known for unusual toppings & dough made daily. Toppers Pizza Place has been the winner of Best Pizza Category for both East and West Ventura County Every Year this Century! If you are in the area, come and experience great pizza.

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020

Weekend Events: January 17 – 19

Looking for something to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered. We pick out the best things to do in Los Angeles, the Westside, and throughout the San Fernando, Conejo, Santa Clarita, and San Gabriel Valleys. Check out our weekend events list that includes concerts, culture, cuisine, and more!

Los Angeles

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17^TH, 2020

Frozen (Touring)

LOCATION: Hollywood Pantages Theatre

Elsa, Olaf, and the rest of the characters living in the wintry kingdom hit the stage with more songs and thus more magic. The fanciful stage sets, hardy heroines, and inspiring musical selections will be sure to captivate you and your little ones. A confirmed hit on Broadway, the show will run in Los Angeles through February 2. Get Tickets: HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Chinese New Year in Beverly Hills

LOCATION: Saban Theatre

This Chinese New Year Event is divided into three parts: a variety show, a “Jing-Jin-Ji” photography exhibit, and a cultural heritage crafts display and demonstration. The show features groups from Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei including Chinese acrobats, martial arts, folk dance, and Peking opera. Get Tickets: HERE

Paolo Ventura’s First Solo Exhibit in Los Angeles

LOCATION: Gallerie XII Los Angeles

“An Invented World” spans six series and the most comprehensive overview of the celebrated Italian artist’s opus on the West Coast to date, including the debut of new works. This celebratory exhibit runs from January 18 to March 14 with a public opening reception with the artist on January 18, 4PM – 7PM. Tickets: FREE!

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2020

Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

LOCATION: Pershing Square Park

This is the last weekend to pretend there’s snow on the ground in Downtown L.A. Go for the skate session, stay for the good eats nearby. One hour session for $9 and skate rental for $5 makes an affordable date. Get Tickets: HERE

Pasadena Comic Con

LOCATION: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena

The Pasadena Comic Con and Toy Show is a one-day superhero culture event highlighting comic book and toy vendors, artists, creators, and celebrity guests and panels. Featured artists include Rikki Simons (Invader Zim), Phil Ortiz (The Simpsons), Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh). Get Tickets: HERE

Westside

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2020

Special Dinner Cruise – dineLA Restaurant Week

LOCATION: 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey

Enjoy the only dineLA experience happening on a yacht! This specially priced cruise includes a four-course seated dinner, boarding glass of champagne, DJ entertainment and dancing, and cruise enhancements. To book, call 1-800-668-4322 and learn more HERE.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Santa Monica Symphony MLK Concert

LOCATION: SGI Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Symphony celebrates the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Featuring music from African American composers, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and William Grant Still, the program will include a traditional audience sing-along of “We Shall Overcome”. No tickets necessary, opening seating.

Marion Davies Guest House & Docent Tours

Explore the rich history of the Beach House with Santa Monica Conservatory docents. No charge to visit and no reservation required. Stop by any time 11am- 2pm when docents are available. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and accommodate up to 15 people.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19TH, 2020

Southern California Slack Key Festival

LOCATION: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center

Since 2008, the Southern California Slack Key Festival has been the largest Hawaiian music concert in the mainland US. Hawaiian ki ho’alu is one of the great acoustic guitar traditions of the world. If you’re looking to vibe to some music and explore the island marketplace, this is where you want to be. Get Tickets: HERE

Sonoma Wine Garden – dineLA Restaurant Week

LOCATION: 395 Santa Monica Place Suite 300, Santa Monica

Enjoy fall menu favorites for lunch or dinner in a two-three course meal – vegan options available. For an advanced view of the menu: reservations@sonomawinegarden.com

Valley

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH, 2020

American Theatre Guild Presents Finding Neverland

LOCATION: Fred Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks

Think happy thoughts while leaning into this timeless story brought to life. From the imagination of Tony-award winning director Diane Paulus, you’re brought enthralling visuals, irresistible songs, and laugh out loud comedy. Get Tickets: HERE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18TH, 2020

Barbie Truck Totally Throwback Tour

LOCATION: 24201 West Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA

Barbie is on the road, celebrating her 60-year iconic heritage. Check out limited edition retro-inspired Barbie merch and customized air-brushing only available at the truck. Registration not required.

Coffee With a Scientist

LOCATION: 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302

The King Gillette Ranch Visitor Center is proud to host “Coffee With…” featuring local scientists, professors, and experts. Spend an hour casually discussing social and environmental issues while tasting locally roasted coffee. Register: HERE

Sunday, January 19th, 2020

Turn Around in Burbank

LOCATION: TAG Studio Theatre

Spend the evening with the winner of the 2019 TAG Solo Festival, written and directed by Sarah Frutig. “A woman’s circular ceremonial journey of the heart […] with her father’s spirit bearing silent witness” – Get Tickets: HERE.

Annie

LOCATION: SANTA CLARITA Performing Arts Center

Set in the 1930s, starring a plucky little orphan, and featuring your favorite Annie songs: “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow”. This production is sure to lighten your mood and weekend. Get Tickets: HERE

January 14, 2020

Home Tips: Hosting a Housewarming Party

Hosting a housewarming party is a great way to bring your friends and family together for a few hours of laughing, eating, and drinking while showing them your new digs. Below are a few tips and tricks to set you up for success in hosting a housewarming extravaganza.

Figure out how much you want to spend

Before you make any decisions about your housewarming party, you need to know how much money you have to work with. Don’t feel any sort of obligation to spend big—a great housewarming party can be a totally casual affair. Most important is knowing what you’re comfortable spending, be it $50 or $500. From there, you can dive into all of the other details.

Set a reasonable date

Many people wait a few months in-between moving into their new home and throwing a housewarming party. Planning a housewarming party on a budget is all about working within parameters that you’re comfortable with. That applies to timing as much as money. Figure out a date that will give you enough time to recover financially from the move, letting go of the pressure to do it within the first month or two of settling in.

Be realistic

Party planning usually starts out with grand ideas that gradually get edited into something more reasonable. That’s totally okay! Nobody is going to come in expecting a Pinterest-worthy soiree or something out of the pages of Martha Stewart Living. Set realistic goals for your housewarming party and don’t worry about meeting some sort of idealistic, unnecessary standard.

Use washable plates and utensils

It’s always tempting with a party to go the easy route and purchase paper plates and plastic utensils, but ultimately that just ends up being a waste of money. Use your own plates, utensils, glasses, etc. instead, which will cost you in time when you eventually have to do the dishes, but won’t put a hole in your wallet. If you’re planning to have more people than kitchen items, go out and buy special hosting plastic plates and cups instead of paper, since they can be washed a reused – keep the environment in mind.

Play games

If you want to offer a little bit more in terms of entertainment, create your own free housewarming party games, like a scavenger hunt of items in the house, trivia about your town or city, the in-app game: heads up, or a scramble with words related to your new place. You can find game printable online or just make your own.

Congrats on your new home! Hopefully, these tips and tricks help keep you organized during a time a transition!

January 9, 2020January 9, 2020

LA Eats: Your Guide to Restaurant Month

Los Angeles Restaurant Month is an event hosted semi-annually, with over 400 participating restaurants showcasing prix-fixe dining menus to foodies and self-proclaimed food lovers, for a lower than expected dining rate. We cover places in Los Angeles, the Westside, and the Valley. Enjoy one of these premier dining destinations from our guide below, or all of them!

Valley

Sherman Oaks

Mistral

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 13422 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks 91423

Dinner Menu: $35

Having opened our doors in 1988, Mistral has consistently been recognized as among the San Fernando Valley’s best restaurants. Set within an elegant French bistro, guests are welcomed by seasoned and experienced staff members all charged with the sole purpose to provide you and your guests with an unparalleled dining experience.

Calabasas

SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas 91302

Lunch Menu: $20

Dinner Menu: $39

SUGARFISH was created Kazunori and Tom Nozawa and the four other founding partners of the Sushi Nozawa Group. The legendary chef Kazunori Nozawa only served traditional-style sushi (i.e. no California rolls or spicy tuna rolls). His menu was only omakase (“leave it to the chef”).

Agoura Hills

Cafe Bizou

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 30315 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills 91301

Dinner Menu: $29

At Café Bizou, they pride themselves in providing top quality service and delicious food in a family-friendly restaurant. Café Bizou Restaurant is the perfect setting for Business Meetings and Events, Family Reunions, Birthday celebrations or Rehearsal dinners.

Burbank

Castaway

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 1250 E. Harvard Rd., Burbank 91501

Dinner Menu: $59

Cape Grim Steaks. Pasture Bird. Mishima Wagyu. These are some of our culinary stars. Castaway will offer seasonally-inspired cuisine with a steak-forward focus including interesting cuts from the world’s best butchers and dry-aged in our in-house aging room with a Himalayan salt wall.

Calabasas

Saddle Peak Lodge

When: January 17 – January 31

Where: 419 Cold Canyon Rd., Calabasas 91302

Dinner Menu: $59

Part roadhouse, Pony Express stop, hunting lodge, European auberge, perhaps even a hint of a bordello, Saddle Peak Lodge has been many things to many people in its long history. For 100 years—some say even more—Saddle Peak Lodge has been a place of enchantment, romance and great dining for generations of those who seek a unique experience.

Westside