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Home Tips of the Week: The Mulch Must-Knows

The best mulch can make all the difference in your yard. With so many types of mulch available, it can be difficult to choose one. From shredded bark to compost, we cover the mulch basics to help you select which one will work best in your landscape.

While mulching may seem like a basic part of gardening, there is so much to learn about the different types of garden mulch and what benefits each type provides. We’ll show you how to compare and contrast the different types of mulch and what situations to use them in.

Mulch Benefits

There are a number of advantages to adding mulch in your garden. In the summer, mulch helps the soil hold moisture so you don’t have to water your garden as often. In the hot sun, soil also tends to dry out faster and harden. Mulch will help with this by protecting the soil from direct sunlight.

Mulch also prevents weeds. Adding mulch to your planting bed will block light from openings in the soil, therefore inhibiting weed germination. By adding a thick layer of mulch, you’ll ensure that the weeds never see the light of day!

Types of Garden Mulch
Shredded Bark

Shredded bark is one of the most common and least expensive types of mulch. It comes from a variety of sources, including cedar trees. Shredded bark is one of the best mulch types to use on slopes and it breaks down relatively slowly. Some shredded-bark products are byproducts from other industries; they’re considered environmentally friendly. Check the mulch packaging for more information.

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Out and About: Botanic Gardens to Visit this Earth Day!

Monday is Earth Day and what better way to celebrate our planet than with a stroll through LA’s nature scene? With a bounty of botanical gardens to visit, spend some time exploring our city’s best gardens. Not just on Earth Day but every day, any day of the year!

Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens

Location: San Marino

You’ll find cultural glories inside the library’s impressive book collection—the bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington—but the Huntington’s true highlights are outdoors in its vast jigsaw of botanical gardens, arguably the most glorious in the entire Los Angeles region. The acres and acres of public gardens are divided into a variety of themes, including a prickly desert garden, a serene Japanese garden and bamboo forest, as well as an ever-expanding assembly of Chinese pagodas, pavilions and bridges.

Descanso Gardens

Location: La Cañada Flintridge
This delightful tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California includes more than 600 varieties of camellia (these are best seen between the middle of February and early May, when there are around 34,000 of the plants in bloom) and some five acres of roses. There are also lilac, orchid, fern and California native plant areas, as well as a tea house—flanked by seasonal cherry blossoms—donated by the Japanese-American community.

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Location: Arcadia
These gorgeous grounds in Arcadia have been designed as an educational facility (the plants are mostly arranged by region, and tours are available), but many people simply come here for a little peace and quiet. You could wander these gardens for hours, taking in tropical forests and waterfalls, trees and fish. Plus, be on the lookout for wild peacocks.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Location: Griffith Park
The L.A. Zoo’s greatest asset is its location in the isolated hills of Griffith Park. It’s a pretty popular place, but the zoo’s size—80 acres, plus a huge parking lot—means that, like the park itself, it rarely feels busy. There’s not a separate botanical garden here, but you will find over 800 different plant species, from native succulents to prehistoric cycads, labeled and catalogued throughout the zoo’s continentally-themed habitats.

South Coast Botanic Garden

Location: Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates
This South Bay botanical garden covers 87 acres on the northeast side of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. You’ll find a mix of Southern California flora, from fuchsia to the tangled roots of Moreton Bay Fig trees, alongside more specialized areas like small Japanese and desert gardens. It may not be as grandiose as some other gardens, but it’s well worth the reasonable price of admission.

James Irvine Japanese Garden

Location: Downtown
This small, tranquil garden is one of Little Tokyo’s best-kept secrets as the urban oasis isn’t accessible from the street. According to the adjoining community center, gardens carry great importance in Japanese culture. Caring for the grounds is a form of art and spending time among the flora encourages harmony with nature. So walk the outer path for a complete view of the garden’s foliage, babbling stream and cascading waterfall.

The Japanese Garden

Location: Van Nuys
This appropriately titled Japanese garden sits just across from the Sepulveda Basin on the border of Van Nuys. The stony bridges and footpaths wind along a central pond, flanked by by rock work, manicured trees and tea houses. Of course, this wouldn’t be the Valley without a bit of an industrial edge—the garden is irrigated by the adjacent Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant.
Courtesy of : TimeOut LA
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LA Eats: Passover and Easter Edition

No matter which day you celebrate, LA has a bounty of dining options to chose from. From luxurious brunches to decadent dinners, we’ve rounded up the city’s best. With only a week away to book, time is of the essence. Spring is in the air and you cookware can stay in the cupboard next weekend. Read below for our LA Eats: Passover and Easter Edition.

Passover Seder in LA 2019

Akasha

In the historic Hull Building in downtown Culver City, Akasha will offer Passover Seder on Saturday, April 20. Author and spiritual leader Rabbi Mark Borovitz of Beit T’Shuvah will preside. A reception (6:15 p.m.) precedes Seder and dinner (7 p.m.), which will include dishes such as Akasha’s matzoh ball soup, red wine-braised brisket, and dessert presented family-style. Cost is $110 for adults (includes wine or juice, coffee or tea) and $55 for children under 10 (includes juice).

AR Cucina

Celebrate Passover at AR Cucina in Culver City. From 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20, the restaurant will complement its regular dinner menu with holiday specials such as matzoh lasagna with spinach and ricotta; grilled lamb chops paired with vegetables and Sardinian olive oil smashed potatoes; and Passover.

Jar

Chef-owner Suzanne Tracht’s California chophouse offers Passover Seder on Friday, April 19, at 5:30 p.m. Officiating the Seder service will be Rabbi Ellen Nemhauser, with the four-course dinner to follow. Guests will encounter tray-passed items, then choices such as butter lettuce salad with asparagus, radish and egg; and sautéed Alaskan halibut. The meal ends with lemon cheesecake, chocolate covered matzah and ice cream sandwiches. Cost is $120 for the menu, coffee, tea and Passover wines; $55 for children 12 and under.

Kali

Larchmont’s Kali will offer Passover dinner on April 19-20. The family-style meal starts with matzoh ball soup and moves on to ancient grains and shaved radish, shawarma spiced lamb shanks, chocolate macaroon cake and more. Cost is $70; à la carte is available, too.

Spago

Saturday, April 20, will bring Spago Beverly Hills’ annual Seder dinner (5:30 p.m.; $195 per adult, $80 per child under age nine). The evening will go on for about three hours with a plated dinner in communal tables.The event will feature the West Los Angeles Children’s Choir.

Click here to book online or call in to make a reservation.

To view the full menu click here.

Easter Brunch and Dinner in LA 2019

Brunch at The Biltmore

Celebrate Easter Sunday amid the historic glamour of the Crystal Ballroom at the Millennium Biltmore, which is serving a special Easter Brunch Buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Buffet highlights include Eggs & Pancakes live station, Breakfast Favorites, Small Plates, Chilled Antipasti, Seafood Selections, Carving Stations, Dessert Display, and Kids Easter Buffet. There’s also an Egg & Cookie Decoration Station with attendant. Pricing is $69 per person and half-price for kids ages 5-11. Free for children 4 and under. Reservations are highly recommended.

Sunday Supper at Lucques

The flagship restaurant opened in 1998 by Suzanne Goin (named Outstanding Chef at the 2016 James Beard Awards) and James Beard nominee Caroline Styne offers a warm and inviting setting for a special Easter Sunday Supper. Featuring an ever-changing menu that showcases the best seasonal ingredients, the legendary Sunday Suppers are the inspiration for Goin’s cookbook of the same name. The weekly Sunday Suppers are served from 5-9:30 p.m. and priced at $52 per guest.

Jean-Georges Beverly Hills 

New York mega-star Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings his globally informed French cuisine to his eponymous restaurant at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills hotel. Available starting at noon, the Easter Brunch Menu starts with grilled baby artichoke, Thai spiced broccoli soup, ahi tuna tartare, and grilled octopus. Entrees include ora king salmon, seared black cod, parmesan crusted organic chicken, roasted wagyu beef tenderloin, and Veal Milanese. Brunch also features family style sides and a decadent dessert buffet. Pricing is $155 per guest and $75 for children.

Spago Sunday Brunch

One of L.A.’s most iconic restaurants, Spago Beverly Hills is the flagship restaurant of legendary chef Wolfgang Puck’s culinary empire. On Easter Sunday, Spago is hosting the inaugural Easter Brunch with a three-course, prix fixe menu from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Easter Dinner will likewise be served in a three-course, prix fixe format from 5:30-10:30 p.m. Brunch and Dinner will both welcome the Easter Bunny for a special visit! Pricing for Brunch or Dinner is $145 per person and $65 for children age 12 and under.

Catch

Enjoy a coastal Easter Brunch or Dinner from Catch at the Hotel Casa del Mar, which serves fresh local fare from land and sea along with panoramic ocean views. Catch is featuring a three-course, prix fixe Easter Brunch from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m and Dinner 5-10 p.m. Pricing is $110 per person for brunch or dinner. A Kids Brunch Menu is also available 11 a.m. – 4 p.m for $45.

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Weekend Events: April 12-14

While half of LA will be making the trek to Coachella Weekend 1, the rest of us are looking forward to…less traffic. But also our own weekend fun outside of Indio. While we don’t have Ariana to headline our city events, this round-up is Angeleno approved. So read on for the top things to do this April 12-14!

Friday, April 12

Game of Thrones Party

Location: Alcove, 1929 Hillhurst Avenue., Los Angeles

Brace yourselves GOT fans, an epic themed party is coming! Hosted by Alcove and Big Bar is a fete fit for the Dragon Queen. The venue will be transforming into Westeros for the evening. Enjoy a night filled with immersive experiences, entertainment, cocktails and food.

Click here for more info.

For an extra special GOT treat check out Wanderlust Creamery and their Game of Cones Ice Cream line-up. Click here to learn more.

Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Premiere Night

Location: Universal Studios

Ready your wands for Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle Premiere Night. Universal Studios will be putting on quite the spectacle this weekend to celebrate the brand-new Dark Arts light show. The celebration will be two days of festivities that include photo-ops, a catered dinner and wizardly entertainment.

Click here for more info.

The Toyota Grand Prix

Location: Long Beach

Speed over to Long Beach for the Toyota Grand Prix this weekend. The annual event will feature live street racing, music, a lifestyle expo, contest, food and more! The event is sponsored by Acura and takes place over 4 days.

Click here for more info.

Saturday, April 13

Los Angeles Dance Festival

Location: 5151 State University Drive., Los Angeles

Don’t miss out on an exciting showcase of talent! The LA Dance Festival brings attention to the best contemporary dance in the city. In partnership with the Luckman Fine Arts Complex and Cal State University-LA, the event features a wide range of concert dance.

Click here for more info.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden Wildflower Week

Location: Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Wildflower Week kicks off this Saturday through April 21st. Enjoy a nine-day celebration of California’s wildflowers at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens. Along with a display of california poppies and lupines will be an art exhibit, cocktail party and guided tours.

Click here for more info.

L.A. Times Festival of Books

Location: USC, University Park Campus

Let your inner bookworm roam free at the L.A. Times Festival of Books. The annual event will feature over 500 authors, celebrities, chefs, musicians and artists. Among the literary stars and celebs scheduled to appear are Ali Abbas, Stephanie Abraham, Kwame Alexander and many more.

Click here for more info.

Sunday, April 14

Gelateria Uli 5th Anniversary Party

Location: Spring Arcade, DTLA

In celebration of their 5th Anniversary, the Gelateria Uli at DTLA Spring Arcade will host a bubbly party from 2-5 p.m. Stop by for drinks, music and tours of the gelato kitchen along with gelato and sorbet of course.

Click here for more info.

Dodgers Vs. Brewers

Location: Dodger Stadium

As Dodger season continues to ramp up towards our hopefully inevitable victory, the boys in blue take on the Milwaukee Brewers this Sunday. Enjoy a good ol’ day at the old ball game and be sure to bring the little ones for the Dodgers ‘Kids Run The Bases’ day. Kids AGE 14 and under will get the chance to run the famed field after the game alongside a silent auction put on by the Dodgers Foundation.

Click here for more info.

Silent Sundays at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

Location: San Gabriel Playhouse

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse welcomes back the Silent Sundays series. This Sunday will feature Alfred Hitchcocks 1929 thriller Blackmail alongside a Wurlitzer organ accompaniment. This film is considered one of his earliest masterpieces. Quoted by TCM as a “beautifully crafted early exercise in nail biting suspense from Hitchcock’s pre-Hollywood canon”.

Click here for more info.

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A Tax Day Guide

Filing your taxes can be…taxing. Whether you opt for the DIY way online or a quick trip to HR Block, there’s no shortage of options. Make sure you prepared for Tax day by reading below for your go to resources straight from the IRS. We can’t say we wish everyday was Tax Day but we certainly are counting down until refund season!

Discover your Tax guide below!

Find a Tax Professional

Tax professionals have varying levels of skills, education and expertise. And, not all tax professionals have the right to represent taxpayers before the IRS, such as during an audit. You should know the credentials, qualifications and extent of service each prospective professional provides before obtaining their service.

Free Resources

  • Free Tax Return Preparation: Find out if you are eligible to get free help preparing your tax return from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs listed here.
  • Free Help To Resolve Tax Disputes (not tax return preparation): Find out if you are eligible to get free help resolving tax disputes with the IRS from a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC).

Paid Preparers and e-File Providers

Prepare Your Own Return

Electronic filing is the easiest way to file a complete and accurate tax return. You can use Free File or commercial tax prep software and file your taxes electronically. You can pay electronically, too.

Free Resources

  • Free File: Find out if you are eligible for free file software or if you can file your return using free fillable forms.
  • Pay Electronically:  Find options to pay your taxes electronically.

Commercial Software

  • E-file Option: This page explains your options for e-filing, including commercial software.
Courtesy of IRS.Gov
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10 Tips to Relieve Your Tax Day Stress

Don’t let Tax season get the best of you! Around 70% of Americans feel stress or anxiety daily. While this time of the year is always a bit taxing, our stress free tips will get you through it. Read below for 10 ways to relieve stress this Tax Day and relieve those filing jitters!

Exercise

Take some time to stretch it out! Whether you prefer a quick yoga session or something more active. Exercise is a perfect way to relieve stress. In the words of Elle Woods “Exercise gives you Endorphins. Endorphins make you happy…”.

For quick at home routines, read our Exercise Blog here.

Light a Candle

This may sound obvious but a lot of times we forget that our wax decor serves a greater purpose. Opt for scented candles like Lavender, Sandalwood or Yland Ylang to calm your senses through smell.

Meditate

If you have a quiet spot in your home and a few minutes, a quick meditation is the perfect way to calm the nerves. With apps like Breathe or an Amazon Echo device, meditation has never been easier. Download one of these free apps on your mobile device to get started!

Breathe Deeply

Mental stress activates your sympathetic nervous system, which leads to stress related symptoms. By practicing deep breathing exercises like diaphragmatic breathing or paced respiration you can help relieve this.  Take time to focus your breath when under stress by breathing deeply through your nose allowing your belly to rise. This will help slow your heart rate and get you through those anxious humps.

Decompress

Taking to to physically roll built up stress from your body is another way to tackle anxiety and achieve relaxation. Decompressing is a great way to combat stress and is easy to do at home. Start by placing a warm heat wrap around your neck and shoulders for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and relax your face, neck, upper chest, and back muscles. Remove the wrap, and use a tennis ball or foam roller to massage away tension.

Laugh Out Loud

Not in the scaled down text message sense of LOL but in the actual audible laughter way we do on humorous occasions. Laughter can’t cure all ailments but it can certainly help cure a case of stress. Laughter lightens your mental load and causes positive physical changes to the body. Turn on your favorite comedy show for a little release or a funny youtube video. It pays to laugh every once and awhile, especially during tax season!

Music

No matter which genre of music soothes you most, playing a relaxing melody is an ideal way to alleviate stress while staying productive. With so many free music streaming services, you have endless options to keep your cool. Turn on a mellow beat and let your mind absorb the sounds.

Sleep Well

A good nights rest is truly the best medicine to battle stress during the day. When you are well rested, your mind and body know it. Study’s show that getting an average of 7-8 hours of sleep every night helps maintain your overall function. If setting up a set sleep schedule is on the tougher side, getting at least a 20 minute nap during the day helps too! Less than that and you’ll feel you didn’t rest at all, and more than that can cause a dent in your sleep pattern. So take a break while filing and opt for a quick recharge, just be sure to set an alarm so you don’t sleep the day away!

Drink Tea

While some of us may be more of a coffee fan, there are relaxing caffeinated ways to keep going through the day. Instead of your routine Carmel Macchiato, opt for a cup of Green Tea or Yerba Mate instead. Herbal Teas that are naturally caffeinated can help your body with stress from the inside out. In fact, one study found drinking black tea leads to lower post-stress cortisol levels and greater overall feelings of relaxation.

Art

While mid-taxes you cant walk over to your nearest Pottery class, taking a break using art is a great way to draw out stress. Something as simple as an adult coloring book and a handful of colored pencils works well as an anxiety aid. Art therapy has been proven to reduce stress-related behavior and symptoms.

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Nadia Emelia list Alice Eve’s Hollywood Dell Home

Rodeo Realty’s Nadia Emelia has listed British Actress Alice Eve’s Hollywood Home.

The listing recently received coverage in Variety’s Real Estate column-Real Estalker which highlighted the homes stylish features. The 1,230 Square foot 1940’s bungalow is on the market for $1.5 million.

The publication describes the homes allure of privacy noting its “graveled driveway. It further notes it’s location “behind a thick privet hedge amid a jungle-like tumble of leafy trees and dense foliage.”

Stunningly renovated additional features of the home include designer touches like the kitchens stainless Smeg appliances. The abodes hillside location allows for it’s perfect sun-splashed roof deck to be an ideal entertaining or lounging spot.

Variety also touches on other home attributes like the “light-filled living room…vintage brick fireplace and gigantic bay window.”

Alice Eve is known for her roles in “She’s Out of Your League”, “Iron First” and the upcoming untitled biopic about the late Roger Ailes.

Read the original Variety article here.

See more of Nadia Emelia’s listings here.

 

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LA Eats: Healthy Eats of the Week

Sunday is Earth Day but for us Angeleno’s we’re pretty good at spreading green initiatives all year round. We lead the forefront of organic and vegan dining options, and live off kombucha and kale. With healthy eats being such a major part of our diet, this weeks restaurant round up is fresher then our jokes!

Read below for the top 10 Organic restaurants to try in LA and discover your inner angeleno!!

Akasha

Location: Culver City

Between the organic spirits and California-Mediterranean menu, Akahsa is setting the bar for healthy sips and bites. “The Akasha” for example is a Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka thats every bit as refreshing as it sounds. Try that alongside their Turkey Burger topped with Jalapeno and red pepper for simple perfection.

Elf Cafe

Location: Los Angeles

This quaint dinner-only spot is both soulful and satisfying. A vegetarian gem for Angeleno’s, Elf Cafe creatively nods to the Middle East. The Moroccan vegetable tagine on a bed of quinoa is deliciously welcoming to even the most timid taste buds. Or go for a savory tart with crimini mushrooms and braised leeks. Either way, your appetite wont be disappointed.

Neighbor

Location: Venice

Neighbor seeks to eschew typical borderlines like the South or even California, opting instead for a roster of dishes from chef Joshua Luce. The menu moves from garden peas and burrata with flowering mint to turmeric and yogurt-laced broccolini. There’s also the buckwheat noodles with black garlic and scallions. Or the salmon with miso mustard, the requisite Mary’s chicken, and steak for those in need. We’ll go on but I’m sure your hungry!

Local

Location: Los Angeles

At this laid back spot, you can tuck into a crisp, whole wheat Belgian waffle topped with chunky homemade fruit compote or indulge in dangerously good spicy fries served with spicy ranch dressing. (Order them extra crispy.)  If you’re in a hurry, you can hit the salad bar for sesame kale, or tomatoes with feta. Dinner recently received an  overhaul. With homemade sausages, Cuban sandwiches, fish and chips. The most popular offerings will make the cut.

Mohawk Bend

Location: Los Angeles

Mohawk Bend doesn’t look like what you might think of an organic-type restaurant. It’s hip, but not hippie. But the restaurant’s most notable feature is its beer. There are a whopping 70 offerings on tap, two more in casks, and beer paraphernalia everywhere you look. The kitchen uses organic flour and organic tomatoes for their pies. They come out of the oven nice and chewy with a blistered crust. Offerings range from the classic Holy Trinity, with a choice of standard mozzarella or vegan cheese, to a vegan banh mi pizza with Sriracha aioli.

SunCafe Organic

Location: Studio City

Kale is the celebrity at this sweet cafe. It is star of the popular “sweet kale shake,” along with banana, cashew and agave. And it is a popular side with the pizzas and burgers, all of which are vegetarian and available raw. The pizzas, for instance, can be had on either whole wheat flatbread or raw “SunCrust,” a combination of nuts and seeds. But not everything contains kale. Lettuce tacos, listed as a starter, make an ample lunch.

Tar & Roses

Location: Santa Monica

If carrots could be anything, they would want to land in Andrew Kirschner’s kitchen. At Tar & Roses, they are charred to almost burnt, soft and sweet and caramelized, and topped with a dollop of lush crème fraiche touched with chermoula. Like the carrots, the “pho” paccio on the menu packs big flavor. Think of it as pho without the broth: paper-thin rounds of meltingly tender beef finished with sambal, Thai basil, cilantro and red jalapeno.

Sqirl Kitchen

Location: Los Angeles

Vegans and vegetarians are as happy here as meat-loving restaurant critic Jonathan Gold, who has a namesake sandwich: prosciutto and fennel on burnt baguette. Regulars at this tiny, toast-forward, breakfast-all-day café in Silver Lake are a loyal bunch, lining up for thick slices of burnt brioche slathered with ricotta and pretty housemade jam, bowls of “kaboulleh” (kale, raw cauliflower, and crispy fried rice), and jam-filled French toast with crème fraîche. The creative seasonal food is kinda healthy, kinda decadent, and definitely delicious.

Flower Child

Location: Santa Monica

We’re pretty sure Santa Monica did not need another fast casual spot, but we’re also sure we could do a lot worse than Flower Child. There are plenty of salads and vegan options on the menu, as well as heartier dishes that will mean you’re not hungry again in an hour. We’re also appreciative of the table service that happens after you place your order, making the whole place feel less like our high school cafeteria.

Crossroads Kitchen

Location: Los Angeles

It seemed Impossible that a restaurant could make even the heaviest carnivore question whether they’re eating plant or meat. The folks at Crossroads took that challenge and delivered 1000x over. Home of the famed “Impossible” burger, a 100% plant based gourmet take on the American classic is a dream. Take that alongside their extensive menu of all plant based bites and you’re in a vegan paradise whose doors are open to all.

 

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