Looking for something to stream after stuffing your face with all of the Thanksgiving food? We have got you covered.

Happiest Season 

Where to watch: Hulu

Release date: November 25

What’s that you say? Make the Yuletide gay? That’s exactly what Clea DuVall has done with her spin on the classic “home-for-the-holidays” Christmas movie genre. Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis star as Abby and Harper, a couple who head back to Harper’s hometown in suburban Pennsylvania to meet the parents over Christmas.

Stardust 

Where to watch: VOD & Theaters

Release date: November 25

Otherwise known as the David Bowie movie without any David Bowie songs, Stardust is a bit of a stretch for true fans. The movie gets around that particular hiccup by having the protagonist (Johnny Flynn) sing covers of other band’s songs that the real Bowie would have performed at the time. This biopic follows the singer through Bowie’s 1971 tour of America and his creation of the now-iconic Ziggy Stardust alternate personality.

Superintelligence 

Where to watch: HBO Max

Release date: November 26

Directed by Ben Falcone, this HBO Max original marks Melissa McCarthy’s fourth collaboration with her husband. McCarthy plays Carol Peters, a former executive (now unemployed) who is contacted by the first-ever super-intelligence — an AI trying to assess whether Earth deserves to be saved. James Corden, Bobby Cannavale, and Brian Tyree Henry also star.  Who doesn’t need a laugh, after all, that stuffing?

Black Beauty

Where to watch: Disney+

Release date: November 27

Ashley Avis’ take on Anna Sewell’s 1877 book of the same name casts Kate Winslet as the voice of the titular horse, small comfort to those of us who were left traumatized by the story in childhood. Black Beauty is a scary book, full of trauma and despair, but this sixth film adaptation offers up a charming twist: both the horse protagonist and her young owner, played by Mackenzie Foy, are women!

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warning of the risks of Thanksgiving travel, many families are opting for a virtual Thanksgiving this year. Zoom, the go-to video conferencing system for many during the pandemic, has even announced it’s waiving its usual 40-minute meeting limit on free accounts during the holiday so families can stay connected. Below are a few ideas for games and other activities you can play with your family across the country or the world on this unusual Thanksgiving.

BUILD A SHARED VIDEO MESSAGE FOR YOUR FAMILY

Share some updates on what you and your relatives have been doing during the pandemic or what you’re feeling thankful for. The best part? You can also include family members who might not be able to join a live video call. You can have everyone submit a video from their phone or computer to a service such as Tribute or build it yourself with your favorite video editing or presentation tool.

ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO PICK FUN VIRTUAL BACKGROUNDS

For an easy conversation starter, you can highlight family photos, inside jokes, or whimsical images found online through your video background. For a seasonal look, try gathering in front of festive decor in your home. You can also get creative with Zoom-based activities that take advantage of what’s around your houses, such as an ugly sweater contest or an in-home scavenger hunt.

SET UP A FRIENDLY TRIVIA GAME

Buy a set of questions from a company such as QuizRunners, use the questions from a board game such as Trivial Pursuit, or make up your own questions about your family and activities you’ve done together.

WATCH A MOVIE OR TV TOGETHER

Use an app such as Teleparty, which lets you synchronize watching a movie on services such as Netflix or Hulu and chat about what you’re watching, or Watch2Gether for services such as Vimeo and YouTube. To keep things simple, just stay connected through your favorite video chat app while you watch a football game or classic movie on TV.

PLAY A PHYSICAL BOARD GAME REMOTELY

While not every game lends itself to remote play—it’s going to be hard to play Scrabble without access to a shared pool of letter tiles—plenty of games, from Monopoly to chess, can be played with each player using their own board or, if you prefer, giving instructions to a single player who can manage a communal game. It’s a good way to bring family game traditions into the virtual world without having to download an app.

Stock markets almost unchanged this week – Investors bought stocks based on positive news showing that several COVID-19 vaccines are close to being approved for distribution, and sold based on the fear that surging COVID-19 cases were causing further restrictions that will curtail business growth throughout the country. Unemployment claims unexpectedly rose this week which was further evidence that the re-opening of the economy has begun to show some signs of a slight reverse. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 29,293.48, down 0.7% from 29,471.81 last week. It’s up 2.5% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 3,557.54, down 0.8% from 3,585.15 last week. This is a record close. It’s up 10.1% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 11,854.97, down 0.2% from 11,829.28 last week. It’s up 32.1% year-to-date. U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 0.83%, down from 0.89% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 1.53%, up from 1.65% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow treasury bond yields. Mortgage rates – The November 19, 2020, Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 2.72%, down from 2.84% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.28%, down from 2.34% last week. The 5-year ARM was 2.85%, down from 3.11% last week. The California Association of Realtors reported that existing, single-family home sales totaled 484,510 on an annualized basis in October. That represented a year over year increase of 19.5% from the number of homes sold in October 2019. The median price paid for a home in California was $711,300, up 17.5% from the median price last October. Inventory levels were lower than one year ago. There was just a two-month supply of homes for sale in October. That is unchanged from September, as new listings also increased to meet demand. One year ago, the unsold inventory index stood at a 3-month supply. Below please find regional statistics for Southern California.

If 2020 gave us anything, it was more and more bakers starting businesses out of their homes. From the ultra viral Olive Oil cake to Philly pretzels, the creatives in Los Angeles and the Valley have found success in selling baked goods on social media that have now turned into full-blown businesses with commercial kitchens and brick and mortar shops. It is more important than ever to support local businesses during this time, check out these amazing bake shops + consider them for the holidays!

Little House Confections

Little House Confections started as a charitable campaign in the founders during COVID-19 to raise money and awareness for Covenant House of California. It has since grown beyond their wildest dreams. Each month, a portion of our profits are donated to a different local charity in an effort to support our local communities.  The cornerstone of LHC will always be charitable giving. This olive oil cake has caught the eye of essentially all the celebrities in Los Angeles due to their partnership with Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh.

Shappy Pretzel Co.

Actor Adam Shapiro and his wife actress Katie Lowes started a Philly soft pretzel company here in Los Angeles during quarantine called Shappy Pretzel Co. The company has caught the attention of big-name celebs like Busy Phillips, John Legend, John Hamm, and more. Shappy Pretzel Co. now has a pop up at Gourmet 47 in Studio City. You must pre-order your pretzels. You can do that by visiting their website or follow them on Instagram @ShappyPretzel.

Loria Stern Cookies

Loria is a chef and caterer who loves creating delicious and healthy foods using local, seasonal and highest quality ingredients. Her food is always full of eye-popping color and unforgettable taste and often, many of the herbs, edible flowers, fruits and vegetables that she uses in her dishes come from her home garden. You can order flower pressed cookies on her website for delivery.

Meet The Source

Meet The Source is a whole foods bakery and distributor of “good for you” specialty items. They believe in products that you can feel good about using and consuming and sell you only the best quality. They offer organic, gluten-free + vegan products that are perfect for people with and without sensitivities. As health advocates, their goal is to give their customers options that they can feel good about.

Pretzelette

Pretzelette is an incredible local baker who creates amazing pretzels but also stunning Challah bread! You can get your challah bread the original color or with some food coloring. 20% of proceeds go to charity as well.

Check out these socially distant things to do this weekend! From shopping to a food festival to a drive in movie, we have you covered.

Friday, November 20, 2020

FastAF Pop Up Shop @ Abbot Kinney 

A new delivery app (FastAF) that promises delivery of curated goods in under 2 hours. They just launched a pop up shop on Abbot Kinney from now through the end of the year to give everyone a chance to shop these exclusive and well loved brands. No tickets necessary. 

Saturday, November 21st, 2020

Toy Story Drive In @ The Roadium 

The Roadium has revived its classic 1950’s drive-in for a one-of-a-kind movie-going experience once a month during fall and winter months. Guests can enjoy a great film in this throwback retro setting, along with hot food, movie concessions, and more! Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/roadium-open-air-market-and-drive-in-30426837310 

Fair Foodie Festival @ LA Coliseum

Enjoy all your favorite CRAVE-ABLE fair foods like GIANT TURKEY LEGS, FUNNEL CAKES, DEEP FRIED OREOS, CHOCOLATE COVERED BACON and SO MUCH MORE (all available for purchase). You can even pay to play ring toss from your car for chances to win awesome prizes. No tickets necessary. Open from 12PM-10PM. 

Sunday, November 22nd, 2020  

Breakfast Club Cruise In @ Miracle Mile 

Immersed in the heart of Los Angeles’s Miracle Mile, extraordinary cars will be gathered at the Petersen Automotive Museum for our monthly Breakfast Club Cruise-In. Join us for a morning of cars, conversation, and social distancing. No tickets necessary, but RSVP is encouraged.

Drive In Movie Theatre @ Hollywood Roosevelt

The iconic Hollywood Roosevelt is transforming their valet parking lot into a Drive-In Theatre. 5:30PM – Caddyshack and 8:30PM – Groundhog Day. Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/november-drive-in-theatre-at-the-hollywood-roosevelt-tickets-127386565647? 

Every week we round up the top films and tv shows that are getting a lot of traction across all streaming platforms. These are some of the most buzzed about this week! 

The Princess Switch: Switched Again

Where to Watch: Netflix 

When Duchess Margaret unexpectedly inherits the throne to Montenaro and hits a rough patch with boyfriend Kevin, it’s up to her double Princess Stacy of Belgravia to get these star-crossed lovers back together.  

A Teacher 

Where to Watch: Hulu 

A young teacher at a suburban Texas high school and her student navigate the complexities and consequences of a more than professional relationship. 

Christmas Cookie Challenge Season 1

Where to Watch: Hulu 

Tis the season to celebrate the holidays and what better way than by watching people try to outdo themselves baking and decorating cookies? 

Water for Elephants 

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime  

Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson star in this film about a man who works in a Depression-era circus. 

We Are The Champions Season 1

Where to Watch: Netflix

From executive producer Rainn Wilson, this series explores the quirkiest, most charming, and oddly inspirational competitions you never knew existed. 

Because everyone is staying at home more, the design world has been flourishing. From interior design updates to exterior design updates, you name it, many are actively working on some type of upgrade at home. Check out these 5 design trends that are “in” in 2020.

INTEGRATED HARDWARE

“A design trend I see for 2020 is fully integrated hardware. It conveys a minimal, seamless, and sleek look while still offering a sense of design. The vertical lines of the hardware emulate molding lines, creating a calming and ordered visual effect.” —Karen Williams of St Charles New York

GRANDMILLENNIAL STYLE

“As evidenced by the recent viral House Beautiful article, ‘Grandmillenial style’ is having its moment. The look is a traditional design with a twist: blending elements of classic design like chinoiserie, scallops, natural fiber rugs, topiaries, and more, with a contemporary edge (think: modern art and clean-lined furniture).” — Ariel Okin of Ariel Okin Interiors

LAYERING OLD AND NEW

“Our clients are over the ‘one-stop-shop’ design resources and are taking the design of their homes to the next level by getting comfortable with mixing and matching old and new and even purchasing locally made souvenirs while on their travels to help tell the story of who they are.” — Lauren Buxbaum Gordon of Nate Berkus Associates

EARTH TONES

“Say goodbye to the cool tones that have ruled for so many years. Shades of chocolate brown, wine, olive green, and yellow ochre are all taking over in homes. We love substituting these warm, natural colors for a neutral on the sofa or walls.” — Marika Meyer of Meyer Interiors

RATTAN AND WICKER FURNITURE

“Rattan/wicker is having a resurgence; it warmly reminds me of my childhood and has evolved in fresh and exciting ways whether, in chairs, tables, or lighting, it is the perfect layer to balance modern and traditional style.” — Nicole Fuller of Nicole Fuller Interiors

**Quotes sourced from Elle Decor.

 

Stock markets – Stocks advanced further this week after the announcement that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine had proven to be 90% effective. By week’s end, other vaccine manufacturers also reported that they were experiencing similar results. The Trump administration announced that the vaccine will be available to the most vulnerable by the end of the year. Despite COVID-19 cases spiking across the country, and Europe, the threat of stay at home orders in some states, anticipation of a vaccine kept investors optimistic. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 29,471.81, up 4.1% from 28,343.40 last week. It’s up 3.3% year-to-date. (The all-time record high for the DOW was 29,553 on 12, 2020.) The S&P 500 closed the week at 3,585.15, up 2.2% from 3,509.44 last week. This is an all-time record close. It’s up 11% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 11,829.28, down 0.6% from 11,895.23 last week. It’s up 31.8% year-to-date. U.S. Treasury bond yields – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 0.89%, up from 0.83% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 1.65%, up from 1.60% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow treasury bond yields. Mortgage rates – The November 12, 2020, Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported mortgage rates for the most popular loan products as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate average was 2.84%, up from 2.78% last week. The 15-year fixed was 2.34%, almost unchanged from 2.32% last week. The 5-year ARM was 3.11%, up from 2.89% last week (this is not a popular product and not many lenders are offering it). California third-quarter home affordability report – Every quarter the California Association of Realtors issues a housing affordability report. They have reported that a surge in home prices made homes less affordable in the third quarter of 2020. They reported that 28% of California households could afford to purchase a $693,680 median-priced home in the third quarter of 2020. That brought home affordability down from 33% in the second quarter. It was 31% one year ago. A minimum annual income of $127,200 was needed to qualify for a monthly payment of $3,180. The California Association of Realtors always uses the same formula to remain consistent. It is the principal, interest, property tax, and insurance payment on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with 20% down. The average interest rate in the third quarter was 3.15%. Condominiums and townhomes were more affordable. They found that 42% of California households were able to purchase a $512,000 median-priced condo or townhome. An annual income of $94,000 was needed to qualify for the monthly payment of $2,350. Rates were lower at the end of the quarter, but prices were higher. It will be interesting to see what the fourth-quarter figures are.

With most of us spending so much time at home, we may want to spice up our lives and learn to cook new meals that are not in our usual rotation. The perfect way to discover new recipes is through meal kit delivery services. Here are some of the most popular throughout LA & the Valley.

Blue Apron

Why: Blue Apron was the first to popularize the whole meal-kit delivery service thing—and now it’s got plenty of competition. Blue Apron’s recipes—like vegetable pad thai and harissa-baked chicken—are developed to keep cooking and prep time to an average of 45 minutes. In fact, the directions are so easy to follow our editor had her six-year-olds help her out. The company has a mission to improve our country’s food system at large by focusing on sustainable farming, direct shipping, and less food waste. Its chefs work directly with farmers to create their meal plans and provide the stories behind the ingredients so you know where your food actually came from.

Cost: $60 per week for three meals for two people; $96 per week for three meals for four people. Other plans are available on the site. Right now through Monday, May 25, Blue Apron is having a Memorial Day sale where you can take $60 off your first three boxes.

Green Chef

Why: Green Chef offers the first keto meal kit on the market: It sells USDA-certified organic meal kits, aiming to make sure that at least 90% of the ingredients it sends you are organic. The color-coded recipe cards are easy to follow and make fancy meals quick. All Green Chef meals are meant to be ready in 30 minutes. In addition to carnivore, omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan options, there are Paleo, keto, and gluten-free menus to choose from. We loved the vegan Moroccan Cauliflower and Cuban Tofu with chimichurri.

Cost: From $79 per week for three meals for two people (including shipping, though some dietary options are more); $95 per week for two meals for four people (including shipping)

Home Chef

Why: Home Chef allows you to choose from nearly a dozen meals each week, and in about 30 minutes or less, you can whip up tasty dishes that work with your cravings and dietary restrictions. Meat or veg? Avoiding dairy? Cutting out nuts? Soy? Wheat? Home Chef has you covered with fresh ingredients for meals such as shrimp scampi pasta, farmhouse fried chicken, and tomato risotto. Menus are set five weeks ahead, so you can know what’s for dinner more than a month ahead of time.

Cost: Meals start at $7 per serving (choose from two or four servings) and can even be customized for an additional fee; other meal options are available on their site. Delivery is free for orders over $49, and $10 for anything less than that amount.

Every Plate

Why: EveryPlate prides itself on delivering affordable, delicious meals that even cooking novices could whip up by themselves. Meals on the basic plans net out to $5 per serving, and you can choose between enough to serve two or four people per meal. The goal is to make getting dinner on the table less complicated, so don’t expect gourmet meals—as it says on the company’s website, “Our aim is to bring tasty value and convenience, not make you a chef.” Even so, the selection looks as delectable as any meal kit service. Sample recipes include a Beef Bibimbap Bowl, Apricot Sriracha Pork Chops, and Garlic Rosemary Chicken.

Cost: $39 per week for three meals for two people; $70 per week for three meals for four people (both prices include a delivery fee).

Sun Basket

Why: The folks at Sun Basket prioritize quality ingredients above all else, and it shows. The produce is all organic, the meat is antibiotic-free with no added hormones, and the seafood is fresh-caught in the wild. On top of that, they offer a variety of different meal-plan options catering to special diets such as Paleo, vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian (you can opt to mix-and-match recipes from all of these different menus too!). All meals are nutritionist-approved. Fans of the program love how fresh everything tastes and note that the recipes are simple enough for weeknights (but never boring or run-of-the-mill).

Cost: $72 per week for three meals for two people; $88 per week for two meals for four people. Other plans are available on the site.

See some of what’s in the top of the streaming world on Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+ and more in November!

Inside Pixar

Where to watch: Disney+

A documentary series of personal and cinematic stories that provide an inside look at the people, artistry, and culture of Pixar Animation Studios.

Hillbilly Elegy

Where to watch: Netflix

Based on the bestselling memoir by J.D. Vance, this film is a modern exploration of the American dream and three generations of an Appalachian family as told by its youngest member, a Yale Law student forced to return to his hometown.

Ocean’s Eleven

Where to watch: Netflix

This heist comedy boasts a star-studded cast and pays homage to the 1960 original.

Killing Eve – Season 3

Where to watch: Hulu

The story of two women, bound by a mutual obsession and one brutal act: Eve, an MI6 operative, and Villanelle, the beautiful, psychopathic assassin that she has been tasked to find.

As Good As It Gets

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

Jack Nicholson stars in this dramedy about an author with an obsessive-compulsive disorder whose orderly life changes after he becomes involved with a waitress who is also a single mother.