Weekend Events: April 5-7

April is a busy month for Angeleno’s. Between Coachella and every other music festival gearing up now through the summer, what is there to do for those staying in town? No fret! We have you covered. No we don’t have a way to get you to Palm Springs. But we do have a weekend round-up worthy of staying out in the city of stars. So forget about listening to unheard of bands in the middle of the desert and discover your inner angeleno!

 

Friday, April 5th
I Like Scary Movies Experience

Location: The Desmond, Los Angeles

Fans of the horror film genre can rejoice at this eery pop-up. See, smell, hear, and feel iconic moments from some of Hollywoods scariest motion pictures. From IT to A Nightmare on Elm Street, this multi-sensory experience is not for the faint of heart. Running April 4-June 16, Thursday-Sunday.

Click here for more information.

All Space Considered

Location: Griffith Observatory

Explore the phenomena’s of the universe at Griffith Observatory’s monthly forum. This exciting free public program is hosted by the observatory’s curatorial staff. Join them as they explain the most talked about subjects in astronomy and space science.

Click here for more information.

First Fridays in Long Beach: County Fair

Location: Long Beach

Don’t miss the Long Beach County Fair at First Fridays! This version of the popular First Friday event in Long Beach will feature a bounty of family friendly fun. Enjoy fair food, contest, local vendors, art, live music, storytelling and more!

Click here for more information.

Saturday, April 6th
Huntington Library: Shakespeare Day

Dost thou wand’rest where yee may find a celebration of Shakespeare? Well your in luck! Luck being that we wont use anymore old timey jargon  but also that it’s Shakespeare day at Huntington Library! Partake in an afternoon of family friendly performances and fun.

Click here for more information.

Corgi Beach Day a.k.a. Corgchella

Location: Main Street, Huntington Beach

Does this event even need explaining? Corgchella (insert elated happiness) comes to Huntington Beach this Saturday. The event is an afternoon in the sun honoring and hanging out with these precious pups. While this is a corgi-centric event, all pups and humans are welcome. Stop by and find out why the Queen prefers these furry friends.

Click here for more information.

Foodie Con

Location: The Reef, Los Angeles

Fellow Foodies unite! Foodie Con returns to the Magic Box this weekend only for a two-day extravaganza of food-centric fun. Event highlights include, a silent disco, cooking demos, vendors, alcohol samplings and more.

Click here for more information.

Sunday, April 7th
Masters of Taste

Location: Pasadena Rose Bowl

Yes there are a ton of food festivals this weekend, but who is complaining? Partake in the fourth annual Masters of Taste at Pasadena’s historic Rose Bowl this Sunday! Nosh on samplings from over 40 culinary Masters and restaurants while sipping on craft cocktails. 100% of the days proceeds will go to Union Station Homeless Services, a nonprofit that assists homeless individuals rebuild their lives.

Click here for more information. 

6th Annual Montrose Craft Beer Fest

Location: Glendale

The 6th annual Montrose Craft Beer Fest returns on April 7 to showcase its brewers and breweries from the Los Angeles area. Attendees can taste some of the best local brewers paired with delicious food samples, to enhance their experience. This one-block festival includes various vendors and booths, a photo station activation, lawn games, music from DJ Chloe, and more.

Click here for more information.

8th Annual Earth Day Celebration-Taste of Toluca

Location: Toluca Lake

Greater Toluca Lake Neighborhood Council (GTLNC) is hosting its 8th Annual Earth Day Celebration, featuring Taste of Toluca. While Earth day is a couple weeks ago, why not celebrate our planet a little earlier? Over 40 booths offering green living products, information and services will be on hand. Concurrently, Taste of Toluca will offer complimentary small plates from a wide variety of local purveyors. There will also be a kids’ activity corner, live music and entertainment on the center stage throughout the day.

Click here for more information. 

At Home Exercises to Stay Healthy

This Sunday is World Health Day, so aside from green eats and electric cars, maintaining your health applies at home too. Thats why we are rounding together a handful of easy exercises you can do from the comfort of your abode. Stay healthy the Rodeo Realty way!

FITNESS BLENDER

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/FitnessBlender
The husband and wife team behind Fitness Blender, offers a wide selection of full-length videos that allow you to exercise at home without equipment. You will find fat-burning workouts, kickboxing routines, total body strength training, workouts for boosting metabolism, stretching sequences, and more.

Sweaty Betty

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/SweatyBettyUK
This resource offers wonderful online classes that are full of easy exercises to do at home. Sweaty Betty provides yoga workouts, HIIT routines, and many other types for you to try. No matter whether you have experience doing fitness classes or are a complete beginner, Sweaty Betty has something that will get you working at an appropriate level.

Turbulence Training

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/cbathletics
Craig Ballentyne of Turbulence Training provides an in depth collection of no-equipment bodyweight workouts designed to help you burn fat and get lean. These instructional videos are mostly short ones (i.e. under 10 minutes) and can be used to create your own home workouts.

POPSUGAR FITNESS

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/popsugartvfit
The excuses are over! Popular fitness channel Popsugar Fitness offers total body workouts that are quick and effective for the time poor. Every single workout will challenge your entire body and will include elements of cardio, strength, and core conditioning.

Bodyrock.tv

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/user/charliejames1975
Bodyrock.tv is one of the forerunners in online exercise videos. This popular health and exercise blog is dedicated to weight loss, fitness, beauty, and food. Find daily at-home workouts that are laid out with descriptions and pictures or in video format. All of the online workouts can be done with minimal equipment.

Body Project

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFjc9H89-RpWuIStDqhO7AQ
The Body Project specializes in high-intensity fat-burning workouts that can be done from home. Their workouts have some creative moves that are fun and effective. The low-impact cardio workout is a great place to start.

Household Tips for Water Conservation

Tips for Conserving Water this Spring

Small measures in your home can save hundreds of gallons for the community

 

INDOORS

  • Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes. Running your appliances more often than necessary wastes up to 50 gallons of water a week.
  • Check your pipes and faucets for leaks. Even small leaks can waste 20 gallons a day. Reviewing your water meter after a period of inactivity will tell you if hidden leaks exist.
  • Insulate your water pipes. Insulated pipes heat water faster, and waste less water in the process.
  • Take shorter showers and utilize low-flow shower heads. Inefficient showers can use up to 10 gallons a minute.
  • Don’t use your toilet as a trash can. Flushing garbage wastes 5-7 gallons each time.

OUTDOORS

  • Limit the number of times you water your lawn. Most grass requires only 1 inch of water per week.
  • Water your lawn in the early morning. Midday watering leads to evaporation; evening watering fosters fungus growth. Avoid watering on windy days.
  • Check your sprinkler system for leaks and broken sprinkler heads. Assure that water is being sprayed on grass and plants, not driveways, sidewalks, and gutters.
  • Plant drought resistant plants. Add organic material to soil and mulch to the surface to reduce evaporation.

LA’s Best Comedy Clubs

April is National Humor Month, but here in LA we can have a good laugh all year round. With famed comedy clubs like The Laugh Factory or the Comedy Store, there is no shortage of humor. So have a laugh today or any day of the week with our round-up below of LA’s best Comedy Clubs!

The Comedy Store

Location: 8433 W. Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood, CA, USA

The Store was started by comedian Sammy Shore and his wife Mitzi, parents of Pauly Shore. At the original location on the Sunset Strip, the Belly and Main rooms feature lesser-known talents, while the Original Room hosts frequent visits from nationally recognized comedians. Many famous faces have graced the stage at The Store – Dave Chappelle, Chelsea Peretti, Gallagher, Judy Tenuta, Andrew Dice Clay, Leslie Jones, Andy Kaufman, and Chris Rock, just to name a few. As if your night couldn’t get any happier, they even offer discounted parking, which is virtually unheard of on the Strip.

Click here for more information.

The Groundlings

Location: 7307 Melrose Ave., Fairfax, CA, USA 

The Groundlings is an improv school and theater that boasts a trove of famous alums like Melissa McCarthy, Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, John Goodman, and Jim Rash – the list goes on. They offer totally improvised shows as well as sketches that have been practiced and perfected. Audience participation is integral to improv, so get ready to interact! But if that’s not your thing, hit up a Sunday show, where you simply kick back, relax, and laugh your face off.

Click here for more information.

 

The Hollywood Improv

Location:  8162 Melrose Ave., Beverly Grove, CA, USA 

One of the many great things about The Improv is that big names drop in all the time. Any night of the week, patrons are pretty much guaranteed a stellar line up, with the possibility of someone like Louis C. K. or Dana Carvey stopping by for a set. Check it out during the week, and make sure to show up early to hang out by the bar for Happy Hour. Nothing is better than half-priced drinks and a night of laughs.

Click here for more information.

The Laugh Factory

Location: 8001 W. Sunset Blvd., W. Hollywood, CA, USA

Los Angeles comedy and The Laugh Factory are synonymous with each other. An appearance by a vet comedian can be guaranteed on the bill almost any night of the week. Rest assured, the rotation of regular local comedians is sure to leave you breathless in your seats. Speaking of seats, they’re all pretty close to the stage, making it easy for comics to include the audience in their acts.

Click here for more information.

The Second City Hollywood

Location: 6560 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA, USA 

Alan Alda, Dan Aykroyd, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey and Keegan-Michael Key have all graced the stage at the Second City Hollywood, the L.A. spin-off of the original Chicago comedy team. Known best for their classes, SC Hollywood also offers structured and improv comedy shows. What makes them unique is their focus on creating a theater experience, whether it be improv, sketch, or even musicals.

Click here for more information.

The Upright Citizens Brigade-Hollywood

Location: 5919 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, CA, USA

UCB holds up as one of the best places to see improv and sketch in Los Angeles. Like many other clubs on this list, this place has spawned talents that have gone on to join shows like SNLThe Daily Show, and Parks & Rec. UCB puts no limit on who can enjoy a show there as all ages are welcome. Every member of the family can enjoy a show for less than $10 per person.

Click here for more information.

Brendan Barry sells Vintage 1930’s Spanish to Comedian Chris O’Dowd

Rodeo Realty’s Brendan Barry recently closed sale on a 100-year-old Spanish bungalow to comedian Chris O’Dowd.

The sale picked up media coverage in outlets like Variety and Architectural Digest. Both publications focused on the homes Old-Hollywood charm. Originally built in 1930, the two-story residence was on the market for the first time in 50 years. Located in the affluent Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles’ Mid City West, the home sold for nearly $2.15 million.

It boast almost 3,000 square feet of living space and features authentic details throughout. From its hand-forged wrought iron accents to a gently curved stone staircase that ascends unto the terra cotta tile foyer is golden era glamour.

The home also features natural light that floods in through the living rooms multi-colored stain glass window. While stunning accents like the antique crystal chandelier hanging in the homes formal dining room add a touch of elegance.

This is the second piece of U.S. real estate for U.K. Actor/Comedian Chris O’Dowd and his writer/TV Presenter wife Dawn O’Porter. Their first home on this side of the pond is a mere few blocks away from their new abode.

O’Dowd is most notable for his role in Bridesmaids and Sundance TV’s State of the Union. He will also be featured in the CBS All Access upcoming reboot of The Twilight Zone hosted by Oscar Winner Jordan Peele.

Variety article-click here.
Architectural Digest article-click here.
To view Brendan Barry’s current listings click here.

10 Perfect Plants for your Home

With Spring in bloom, there is one thing you can expect… a lot of blogs about spring. But with all of that seasonal jargon comes some helpful house tips to give your abode a spring touch. Read below for a top 10 list of the hanging house plants for your home and have your neighbors green with envy on your eco-friendly decor.

English Ivy

Also known as common ivy, English ivy (Hedera helix) is a gorgeous, deep green, glossy plant. This classic plant is one of the best indoor plants for low light. Suspend a basket of English ivy from a ceiling and admire the elegant, cascading vines.

Burro’s Tail

Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) is one of the most unique plants around. Because it’s a succulent, burro’s tail is extremely low-maintenance and great for indoor spaces. This funky plant is often confined to small tabletop pots, but it truly thrives when its thick foliage can run wild from a hanging pot.

Spider Plant

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a classic houseplant that earned its name from its spindly leaves. As a low light indoor hanging plant, this beauty will feel at home in almost any space—just be sure it’s out of direct sunlight. Spider plant’s bright green foliage effortlessly enlivens any space.

Bird’s Nest Fern

Add some edge to your space with bird’s nest fern (Asplenium nidus). This hanging plant has gorgeous, curvy leaves that change shape depending on the amount of light exposure. Too much light will make the leaves crumple and turn them yellow, so keep out of direct sunlight.

Chenille Plant

Chenille plant (Acalypha hispida) makes an impression immediately. Fuzzy red flowers trail down from deep green foliage, earning the houseplant the nickname red-hot cat’s-tail. Take advantage of this plant’s vibrancy and hang it somewhere that needs a little color. Prune chenille plant to keep it healthy longer.

Maidenhair Fern

This indoor hanging plant has delicate foliage that trails down in graceful waves. Sometimes indoor environments are too dry for maidenhair fern (Adiantum), so be extra aware of your watering habits. Spritz this houseplant a few times a week to keep the humidity levels up. This is one of the best houseplants for living rooms because the wispy light green leaves will match most decor.

String of Pearls

String of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) is one of the most distinct indoor plants with its plump, round ‘pearls’ that resemble peas. These beads are actually filled with water to help string of pearls survive periods of drought. The vibrant green color lights up a room and looks dramatic when spilling out of pots.

String of Hearts

We’re obsessed with this lovely indoor hanging plant that grows long and intricate foliage. String of hearts (Ceropegia woodii) has variegated green and silver leaves with hints of purple. The thin heart-shape leaves romantically dangle off fine vines. Suspend string of hearts as high as you can and let it grow!

Orchid

The unique shapes of orchids (Orchidaceae) make for dynamic indoor hanging plants. Their beautiful flowers will add a pop of color and sophistication to your home. Make sure to hang your orchids where they’ll get enough sunlight to thrive—ideally in front of a window. Try this hanging orchid planter for a modern take on an orchid display.

Air Plants

Air plants have quickly become an indoor gardener favorite as of recent, and it’s no secret why. These wispy plants require little maintenance and can be displayed in creative ways. Air plants work well as hanging plants in glass capsules, mounted on walls, or in macrame hanging plant holders. Every gardener should try air plants in their home.

Courtesy of: Better Homes & Gardens

LA Eats of the Week: Game Day Bites

While you can always opt for a “Dodger Dog” at the stadium, sometimes game day has you craving a bit more. No fear, your local expert is here! We’ve rounded up the top rated foodie spots near Dodger Stadium so you won’t have to! Don’t waste time searching for where to grab a bite. Use our guide to sort through the food clutter so you can cheer on our team to World Series victory (or like as close as we can get).

Chinatown

Chimney Coffee House

Location: 1100 N. Main St., Los Angeles

Fuel up before the game at Amnaj Bholsangngam’s speciality coffeehouse. Enjoy breakfast combos like their Chimney Pancake Breakfast and Waffle Platter. The Belgian waffles are served alongside sage-black truffle pork sausage, herb roasted breakfast potatoes and a bacon-wrapped egg. Can it be game day all the time?

Burgerlords

Location: 943 N. Broadway, Los Angeles

A game day meal isn’t complete without something from the grill. Brothers Fred and Max Guerrero are serving up burgers steeped in tradition. Their father founded The Oinkster so naturally the siblings have found success with their grab and go window–Burgerlords. Bite into their double cheeseburger featuring thin, griddled patties crafted from chuck, brisket, and short rib. All orders come with a melted American cheese blanket, lettuce, tomato, onion, and thousand island dressing on a sponge bun.

Howlin’ Rays

Location: 727 N. Broadway #128

Howlin’ Rays started as a food truck run under the craftsmanship of chef Johnny Zone and his wife Amanda Chapman. The pair studied hot chicken straight from the source–Nashville–and it shows. Enjoy their speciality fried chicken alongside a buttered bun and cabbage slaw, pickles and spicy “comeback sauce”. If you’re catching a weekend game go for the chicken and waffles topped with Bulleitt bourbon syrup. Need we say more?

Echo Park

Ostrich Farm

Location: 1525 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

Ostrich Farm dishes out as your gourmet option for an early dinner or weekend brunch before the game. The menu frequently changes but features starters like salt cod croquettes or chicken liver mousse. Afterwards you can move onto entrees like the wild mushroom risotto and grilled Pacific salmon. If you arrive on the earlier side of the day your brunch options range between smashed egg with feta or smoked salmon tartine.

Brite Spot

Location: 1918 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

Brite Spot has been an Echo Park favorite since 1949 with a makeover courtesy of former owner Dana Hollister in 2013. Now under new ownership, Brite Spot features new dishes sure to add some shine to your day. Menu options include the Fried Green Tomato Benedict and the Southern Decadence (buttermilk biscuit, fried chicken, bacon cheddar, pork sausage gravy, sunny side up egg and home fries).

Guisados

Location: 1261 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

The renowned eatery is known for their homestyle braises served on handmade corn tortillas made to order from fresh ground masa. The menu includes steak picado, mole poblano, tinga de pollo and chorizo to name a few. If you can’t decide on which to try, their sampler plate features six mini-tacos you can mix and match.

Silver Lake

Alimento

Location: 1710 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles

Inspired by Italy’s regional traditions, Alimento breaks the mold of not strictly adhering to them. Chef-owner Zach Pollack’s menu consist of small plates, pastas and large platters for sharing. For an Italian take on the Dodger Dog is their “Pig in a Blanket” made with mortadella, spelt pastry , brovada and stracchino.

Night + Market Song

Location: 3322 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

A major hit in West Hollywood, the Silver Lake edition of Night + Market also delivers. Chef Yenbamroong’s adventurous northern Thai street food is served sharing style alongside sticky or coconut rice. Dine on gaeng khua pak boong (southern style coconut curry) or khao soi neua-mae sai (curried noodles with braised hanger steak).

MH ZH

Location: 3536 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles

A newer entry in L.A.’s thriving Middle Eastern culinary scene is Mh Zh (pronounced mah zay). The reasonably priced menu offers hot and cold options that showcase uniquely plated vegetable-driven choices. Enjoy dishes like the branzino alongside potato with charred lemon and greens in tarragon butter. For a dish on the cooler side Bub & Grandma’s Bread with herb techina pairs perfectly to their grilled beet and hazelnuts.

Weekend Events: March 29-31

With all of the hustle and bustle in Los Angeles, narrowing down your weekend activities can be more of a jam than traffic on the 405. Thats why at Rodeo Realty, we sort through the event clutter to provide you the top choices. So add some spring to your step as you dive into LA’s best weekend events happening this Friday, March 29 through Sunday, March 31st!

Discover your inner Angeleno

Friday, March 29

LA Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks(Friday Night Fireworks)

Location: Dodger Stadium

The Dodger’s new season officially kicked off this week and with that a line-up of home run game-day events. Enjoy a Fireworks spectacular as you cheer on the Dodgers to victory this Friday. Read through our Out & About: Dodgers Game Day Guide for how to spend your day at the old ball game!

Click here for more info.

Maren Morris- GIRL The World Tour

Location: The Wiltern

Watch country music’s newest star Maren Morris take the stage at The Wiltern this weekend only. After rounding out a worldwide tour as Taylor Swifts special guest, Morris leads her first solo World Tour. Cassadee Pope is also in the lineup as Morris’s special guest.

Click here for more info.

7th annual Latin Food Fest

Location: LA State Historic Park

The 7th Annual Latin Food Fest returns to LA Historic State Park to celebrate hispanic culinary excellence. Don’t miss Fridays kick-off party “Chefs Night out” where you’ll enjoy cocktails, music, a silent auction and raffle to attend Saturdays “Gran Tasting”.

Click here for more information.

Saturday, March 30

Grease: 50’s Prom presented by Street Food Cinema

Location: Million Dollar Theatre

Grease is the word this Saturday at the Million Dollar Theatre. Hand Jive your way downtown for a 50’s Prom themed screening of the Hollywood classic with special guest and Pink Lady Jamie Donnelly in attendance. The event will feature food from the Grand Central Market, speciality cocktails, prom photo booth, DJ and more!

Click here for more info.

Native American Festival

Location: Shoreline Village

Native American Festival comes to Long Beach this Saturday for it is annual family friendly celebration. The festival will include live performances, dream catcher making for kids, artist exhibits and other activities. The event is free and open to the public.

Click here for more information.

Half The Story: Self Portrait Workshop

Location: LAMAG, Los Angeles

“A picture is only ever half the story”. Join LAMAG, David Alekhuogie and Mariah Garnett as they create a mixed media self-portrait of your personality, talents and experience. The programming supports the solo exhibitions of both artists focusing on the various perceptions of the self through photography.

Click here for more info. 

Sunday, March 31st

Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival

Location: Columbia Park, Torrance

Spring bloom is everywhere-meaning it’s cherry blossom season! The Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival takes place this Sunday. Don’t miss an array of crafts and fun centered around the blooming cherry blossom. The event will also feature delicious cuisine, performances and activities like origami making.

Click here for more info.

Pasadena Festival of Tea

Location: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

It’s Festival season! No not the palm springs party kind, we’re talking about the cultural line up closer to home. Pasadena Festival of Tea returns for their third annual celebration of tea and garden lovers alike. Local vendors will be serving up tastings alongside tea ceremony demonstrations, artists exhibits and a tea marketplace of course.

Click here for more info.

8th Annual European Car Show

Location: Petersen Automotive Museum

The 8th Annual European Car Show drives into the Petersen Automotive Museum this Sunday. Presented by California Car Cover, dub-nation Events and HRE Wheels is an amazing lineup of cars, raffle prizes and more. The show is open to all European automobiles new and old.

Click here for more info.