One thing that has been really spicing up the found time at home would definitely be new streaming releases. Check out a few of February’s Top Streaming Picks!

The Real Prince Philip

Where to Watch: Acorn TV

This documentary celebrates the life and achievements of Prince Philip, emphasizing the role his military experiences played in his later achievements and suggesting that his admirable ethos of “service” and “duty” was forged during his impressive Naval career.

The New York Times Presents: Framing Britney Spears

Where to Watch: Hulu

This documentary explores the pop star’s meteoric rise, public fall from grace and the ongoing battle for control of her conservatorship.

The Book of Life

Where to Watch: Disney+

In this animated film, a young man is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure.

Pelé

Where to Watch: Netflix

This documentary tells the story of world-renowned footballer Pelé, his quest for perfection and the mythical status he has since attained.

National Love Your Pet Day is celebrated on February 20, 2021! Use a few of these ideas to give your pet a little extra love from home. 

Give a Gift

It’s time to buy that super-awesome dog or cat toy that you’ve been eyeing online! Some pets will even unwrap gifts themselves, but be sure to supervise and make sure they don’t swallow the paper or ribbons

 

Bake a Pet-Friendly Cake

Whether you look up a pet-friendly cake recipe, or just hold a candle upon your pet’s food, your pet is certain to enjoy this special meal. Cakes for dogs and cats are a great way to make furry friends feel like the VIPs they truly are.

 

Donate to Charity

Give back to needy pets by donating to a local pet shelter or charity in your pet’s name. What better way to honor your pet than by giving to pets that are less fortunate?

 

Snuggle Time

Take an afternoon catnap or dog snooze to spend some downtime with your pet and allow them to rest after all of the day’s excitement.

 

Get Creative

Get in touch with your creative side by making something for your pet! Some ideas: Knitting, crocheting, or sewing a special pet blanket. Build a dog house. Make homemade pet toys. We recommend finding more creative ideas on Pinterest!

Check out these La & Valley Eats that are perfect for all occasions. Ranging from early morning breakfast staples to late-night dessert runs, these restaurants will be sure to satisfy every craving. 

 

Alcove

1929 Hillhurst Ave, 

Los Angeles, CA 90027

Alcove is one of LA’s most essential everyday cafes. From an early breakfast to a late-night dinner run, all of your needs can be fulfilled within Alcove’s always-welcoming confines. The expansive menu has some definite highlights, but you’ll also be hard-pressed to find anything disappointing. Prices are reasonable and portions are hearty. 

 

Tuscan Son

10700 Santa Monica Blvd #150, 

Los Angeles, CA 90025

At Tuscan Son, they are busy crafting delicious food in their bustling, open kitchen. Enjoy the feel of contemporary Tuscany in their bright and airy urban café filled with vibrant sunflowers.

Whatever you’re craving, they have the perfect fix for a casual meal, quick bite, friends and family dinner, take out, or catering.

 

Les Sisters Southern Kitchen & BBQ

21818 Devonshire St, 

Chatsworth, CA 91311

Labeled as “The Valleys Best New Orleans & Southern Style Cooking since 1986”, Les Sisters Southern Kitchen & BBQ isn’t a place you want to miss! Our favorites are the Beignets, Corn Muffins, Crawfish Jambalaya, and the mouth-watering fried chicken.

 

Forma

1610 Montana Ave, 

Santa Monica, CA 90403

Like most Italian joints of its kind, Forma nails the staples. But what separates them from other restaurants is their expansive menu that also caters to the ones wanting a “healthy option”. At Forma, there’s hardly a weak spot on the menu. Everything from their starter charcuterie/cheese combos, to authentical dente pastas, to main entrees, is worth ordering and will keep everyone happy.

 

Mizlala

4515 Sepulveda Blvd

Los Angeles, CA

Mizlala is a casual Mediterranean spot that works for just about every occasion. If you’re craving Moroccan chicken, a tasty vegetarian meal, or artichoke hummus, this place is for you. 

 

Pedalers Fork

3504 Calabasas Rd, 

Calabasas, CA 91302

Pedalers Fork is a local scratch restaurant, genuine bar, 10 Speed Coffee Shop, and a boutique bike shop – in one delightful sitting. Enjoy lunch + dinner daily. Make sure to join them on Sundays for Beers and BBQ Sandwiches to-go!

Moving into a new space can be one of life’s great joys, but it can also be a time of uncertainty, especially when it comes to decorating. How do you make the best use of your space while still keeping your personal style? With these helpful tips and a little bit of planning, you’ll have a much greater chance of success. 

Tip #1: Know Your Measurements

Before you start designing, measure the length and width of each room you intend to decorate, along with the ceiling height and elements that could get in the way – stairs, columns, radiators, etc. It’s also a good idea to measure window openings, along with the wall space below, above and to the sides of each one, to get ready for window coverings. Do yourself a favor and hold off on furniture shopping until you fully understand each room and its measurements.

Tip #2: How Do You Want To Live?

This is always the tricky part, and there are no right or wrong answers. Rooms can be traditional or modern, formal or relaxed, and visually warm or cool. A few questions to start asking yourself are, “What will you be doing? How many people live there? Are there children? What are your ambitions for how you would like to live?”. Start by mapping out what you do on a weekly basis and decorate accordingly. If you tend to host lavish dinner parties, then your living room might look a little different than if you are more of a tv and lounge type of individual. 

Tip #3: Copy The Pros

Look in design books, online resources, and tv shows to sharpen your personal style. Take pictures and save them in a custom folder on your phone to refer back to. Once you’ve spent a decent amount of time gathering ideas, look at what stands out to you the most or what you have naturally gravitated towards. Be mindful of patterns that work or where solid colors fit in best. These saved pictures and ideas will also help inform everything from the type of furniture you might like to a potential strategy for window coverings.

Tip #4: Develop a Budget

You always want to make sure you’re being strategic with how you spend your money. There’s no getting around the math: if you splurge on an overly expensive chair, you will have less money available for the rest of your home. A budget gives you a road map for how to divide the cost of things between rooms. You can still make an exception for a one-of-a-kind furniture piece, but in order to pay for it, you have to be thoughtful of where else you can cut back.

Tip #5: Tape It Out

Take your decor ideas one step further and map things out. Use painter’s tape in the real space to outline where the furniture will be placed on floors and against walls. Where will the rug be? Does it need to be cut? How far is the coffee table coming out? Even though you probably have everything down to a sixteenth of an inch on a furniture plan, there’s something helpful about visualizing it in your space, and being able to walk around.

Check out some fun things to do this weekend with anyone you love!

Hike

Taking a scenic hike is a great way to unplug and unwind this Valentine’s Day. Maybe there’s a favorite spot where you live, or you might want to try one of the best hikes in the U.S. Either way, you’re bound to have a fun time because you’re in great company.

Take an online mixology class

Learn how to craft cocktails with a James Beard honoree who has been at the forefront of the NYC craft cocktail movement and the founder of the world’s best bar, and become each other’s favorite bartender.

Set up a waffle bar

Is brunch your favorite meal to eat together? Build the waffles of your dreams by setting up a DIY waffle bar. All you need is some waffle batter, a waffle maker, and all the toppings your hearts desire. Try the Sautéed Apples, Pear & Cranberries shown here.

Go for a drive

No destination? No problem. All you need for this fun Valentine’s Day activity is a sense of adventure and a full tank of gas! You’ll both get out of your comfort zones while you explore new terrain. There’s no telling what you might stumble across.

With the Hallmark holiday just around the corner, here are some films you can stream to celebrate love for yourself, your partner, your family, and even your pets! Check them out below.

To All The Boys: Always And Forever

Where to Watch: Netflix

It started with an old love letter — and turned into a new romance. What does the future hold for Lara Jean and Peter?

Cheaper By the Dozen

Where to Watch: Disney+

A dad finds it’s not that easy to care for his 12 children while his wife is out of town. 

Just Wright

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

Queen Latifah and Common star in this romantic film which comes just in time for the month of Valentine’s Day.

A Dog’s Purpose

Where to Watch: Hulu

A devoted dog (Josh Gad) discovers the meaning of its own existence through the lives of the humans it teaches to laugh and love. Reincarnated as multiple canines over the course of five decades, the lovable pooch develops an unbreakable bond with a kindred spirit named Ethan (Bryce Gheisar).

Give your special someone the gift of food on this Valentine’s Day! Check out some of our favorite 2021 Valentine’s Day Take-out specials or outdoor dining (if you’re comfortable with that).

Baltaire

11647 San Vicente Blvd

Los Angeles, CA

Baltaire, a popular Brentwood steakhouse, has a $220 four-course menu for two. Dishes include tuna poke, endive salad, roasted vegetables, two different desserts, and your choice of either Chilean sea bass or filet mignon and lobster tails. The best part, however, is that the package also comes with a bottle of Champagne. Available for takeout and delivery.

La Morra Pizzeria

8022 West 3rd Street 

Los Angeles, California 90048

Nothing says Happy Valentine’s Day quite like a heart-shaped pizza from La Morra. It’ll come cold and sealed up; all you have to do is heat it up whenever you’re ready! You can order your pizza online and pick it up at their pop-up location.

 

Tartine

3921 Sunset Blvd, 

Los Angeles, CA 90029

Tartine Valentine’s Day pizza kits are available for pre-order. The kit includes Tartine’s signature dough, toppings, salad, and a pastry, with the option to add on a bottle of wine. 

Nothing Bundt Cakes

14622 Ventura Blvd Ste 104 

Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Top your Valentine’s Day evening off with a mouth-watering delicious bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes! They offer traditional sized bundts, slightly smaller ones, bundtinis, and little mini-cupcake sized ones. Flavors vary from white chocolate raspberry, classic vanilla, red velvet, pecan praline, and more.

SALT

26500 Agoura Rd

Calabasas, CA 91302

SALT is a full-Service Restaurant serving Rustic California Cuisine. They feature local farmer’s market produce and seasonal ingredients. They are currently taking limited reservations for Valentine’s Day Chefs Tasting Menu! Contact them at info@eatatsalt.com for reservations and more information!

Love Ramen

18635 Soledad Canyon Rd, Ste. 104, 

Canyon Country, CA

Love Ramen not only warms our bellies but also our hearts! Known for their 12-hour slow boiled tonkatsu miso, finely-sliced pork chashu, and scratch-made miso tare, you will be sure to impress your loved one with this restaurant choice.

 

Starting to get cabin fever with the family? Check out these fun and low budget things to do with the kids at home!

Zoom around in cardboard race cars

Let your kids zoom through the living room in their very own race car.

Make a portable art easel

Don’t throw away that cardboard box! Make a sturdy and portable art easel for your mini Monet.

Play a game of hopscotch

You might think this game is too simple, but it’s always a great time-killer and super fun to play at any age.

Collect and paint rocks

Go to a nearby park and collect rocks, then make a craft day out of it. Paint them with whatever paint you have at home.

Do a puzzle

Exercise those creative, cognitive and problem-solving muscles with a good puzzle. You can use a store-bought variety or have the kids make their own. Have your children draw a picture on a sturdy piece of cardboard or Bristol board. Then use a pencil to outline puzzle pieces directly on their drawing. Cut out the pieces with a good pair of scissors, mix them up and get solving. Indoor games and craft in one fun activity!

We have almost finished off the first month of the new year. Time flew! If you are looking to get organized at home over the weekend, check out these tips of can-do tasks to get organized!

Create a Command Station

Add a Towel Rack to the Linen Closet

Invest in Drawer Organizers

Teach the “One In, One Out” Rule