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.

There are some fun and socially distant events throughout the month of November and we will be rounding them up every week. Grab your quarantine pod and go on a COVID safe adventure!

WonderLAnd

When: November 30, 2020 – December 30, 2020

Where: Westfield Promenade – Topanga Canyon

For a few weeks this winter, Woodland Hills is turning into the North Pole. The crafty team behind the sold-out Haunt’Oween is bringing us WonderLAnd next, flipping its jack-o-lantern tunnels and spooky surprises into a drive-thru holiday experience that involves millions of Christmas lights, a holiday-tree forest, and even an appearance by Santa. Throughout most of December, the site of the former Westfield Promenade (6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd) will go snowy, tinseled, and festive with immersive holiday-themed installations and even a few elves. The colorful event will be family-friendly, and entry is priced per car.

Holidays in Your Car

When: November 22, 2020 to Jan 2, 2021

Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds

It’s hosted drive-in movies and concerts, and now the Ventura County Fairgrounds is adding another car-friendly series to its lineup: Christmas lights. Starting November 22, Holidays In Your Car will, well, do exactly that and bring some seasonal festivities into a drive-thru setting. The mile-and-a-half-long trail includes millions of LEDs, laser light shows, and projections all set to holiday tunes. Timed tickets cost $49 for a vehicle with up to four people in it and $64 for five or more passengers. And if you’re farther south, lookout for a similar event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds starting December 5.

Street Food Cinema 

Where: King Gilette Ranch, Santa Monica Mountains

When: November 14, 2020 – December 12, 2020

Outdoor movie season isn’t canceled—it’s just headed to the drive-in. Seasonal fave Street Food Cinema is making some social-distancing–friendly tweaks to its schedule and parking itself at a few locations for drive-in movie screenings. There are some important rules you’ll need to follow: Guests must remain in their vehicles (except for when going to the restrooms or food trucks) and wear masks when interacting with staff. Cars must park one space apart from each other. And though outside food and beverages are permitted, dogs are not.

The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey

Where: Fairplex, Pomona

When: November 12, 2020 – January 3, 2021

From November 12 through January 3, you’ll be able to drive through the Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey​ at Pomona’s Fairplex. The hourlong experience is set to include all sorts of glittering holiday scenes (conjured up by Broadway set designer David Korins), like a toy workshop, gingerbread village, and “Santa’s magical grotto” (for which, uh, we have some questions). And of course, there’ll be a drive-through gift shop at the end.

South Coast Botanic Garden’s GLOW

Where: South Coast Botanic Garden

When: November 21, 2020 – January 10, 2021

Take a twinkly walkthrough South Coast Botanic Garden during this illuminated, after-hours installation, which kicks off just before Thanksgiving and runs until after New Year’s. Since it’s the first time the Palos Verdes Peninsula garden is staging GLOW, we don’t know what exactly to expect. But we are told that the rose garden, banyan grove, desert collection, and the living wall (a vertical assembly of succulents and ferns) will all be illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights and casts of color. It’ll all be set to an electronic soundtrack created for the event by DJ Jerzy, plus an, uh, eclectic mix of tunes that makes room for Baja surf music, Train and Vivaldi.

There are some fun and socially distant events throughout the month of November. Grab your quarantine pod and go on a COVID safe adventure!

Poolside Dinner and a Movie Series at L.A. Live

Where: LA Live

When: November 6, 2020 – November 14, 2020

We might be passing go-in-the-pool season, but sit-by-the-pool season isn’t going anywhere. You can do just that—and eat dinner and watch a movie while you’re at it—during this poolside screening series at Downtown’s JW Marriott. Each $45 reservation includes one appetizer or snack, one entrée and unlimited popcorn.

Street Food Cinema 

Where: King Gilette Ranch, Santa Monica Mountains

When: November 14, 2020 – December 12, 2020

Outdoor movie season isn’t canceled—it’s just headed to the drive-in. Seasonal fave Street Food Cinema is making some social-distancing–friendly tweaks to its schedule and parking itself at a few locations for drive-in movie screenings. There are some important rules you’ll need to follow: Guests must remain in their vehicles (except for when going to the restrooms or food trucks) and wear masks when interacting with staff. Cars must park one space apart from each other. And though outside food and beverages are permitted, dogs are not.

The Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey

Where: Fairplex, Pomona

When: November 12, 2020 – January 3, 2020

From November 12 through January 3, you’ll be able to drive through the Elf on the Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey​ at Pomona’s Fairplex. The hourlong experience is set to include all sorts of glittering holiday scenes (conjured up by Broadway set designer David Korins), like a toy workshop, gingerbread village, and “Santa’s magical grotto” (for which, uh, we have some questions). And of course, there’ll be a drive-through gift shop at the end.

South Coast Botanic Garden’s GLOW

Where: South Coast Botanic Garden

When: November 21 2020 – January 10 2021

Take a twinkly walk through South Coast Botanic Garden during this illuminated, after-hours installation, which kicks off just before Thanksgiving and runs until after New Year’s. Since it’s the first time the Palos Verdes Peninsula garden is staging GLOW, we don’t know what exactly to expect. But we are told that the rose garden, banyan grove, desert collection, and the living wall (a vertical assembly of succulents and ferns) will all be illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights and casts of color. It’ll all be set to an electronic soundtrack created for the event by DJ Jerzy, plus an, uh, eclectic mix of tunes that makes room for Baja surf music, Train and Vivaldi.

With the world’s current events, it is safe to say we are all looking for a little comfort. May that be through listening to music, petting your dog, watching a show, or eating food that brings you comfort! We have rounded up some of our favorite restaurants for delivery of delicious comfort food.

Teddy’s Red Tacos – South Los Angeles & Echo Park

This Tijuana-style taco truck (and their brick-and-mortar spot in Venice) will give you a life-affirming assortment of cheese-encrusted molitas, quesadillas, tostadas, pozole, and birria-stuffed tacos, plus, an 8 oz. cup of consomme. Their South LA and Echo Park trucks are only available for pick-up, and Teddy’s Red Tacos’ Venice location is available via various delivery platforms.

Badmaash – West Hollywood & DTLA 

Chicken Tikka Poutine– Salty, savory, and covered in cheese curds, this dish from Badmaash is basically Priority Mail heaven-sent. Yes, it’s as messy and caloric as it sounds, but when something tastes this good, who even cares? Plus, the rest of their menu, from saag paneer to chili cheese naan, is also available to-go. Both locations of Badmaash (Fairfax and Downtown) are available for takeout and delivery via various platforms.

Papa Cristo’s Catering & Greek Taverna – Westlake & Koreatown

Part-deli, part-bakery, part-Greek grocer, Papa Cristo’s is, to borrow a very niche industry term, a “triple threat.” And while we can no longer loiter like truant teenagers in their spacious dining hall, even to-go, their fantastic Greek food is still good for almost any occasion, like a quick lunch, celebratory dinner, or for when you glanced at a calendar then accidentally thought “What is time, really?” for, like, way too long. So order some moussaka, “spanakopita” pizza, and double the amount of saganaki (fried cheese) you think you can eat. Papa Cristo’s Greek Grill is available for takeout and delivery, call (323) 737-2970 or find them on various delivery platforms.

Petit Trois – Sherman Oaks 

Now that they’ve transitioned into a market, for the time being, Petit Trois le Valley has all sorts of well-curated goods for sale, like Comté cheese, Madagascar green peppercorns, and rose-infused vodka. But whenever life seems to be full of constant anguish, there’s no better way to go full Sartre than with their pre-made French foods. From escargot to apple tarts to kits full of ingredients to recreate their legendary Big Mec (one of our favorite burgers in LA), this incredible Sherman Oaks restaurant still has everything you need for an existential spiral – all of which you can now enjoy from your own home. Petit Trois is available for takeout and delivery, preorder through their website.

Brents Deli – Northridge & Westlake Village

This iconic Jewish deli has been serving The Valley since the ’60s and has over 650 dishes on its menu that are guaranteed to bring you back from any existential spiral. The matzo ball soup is a must, the stuffed cabbage is too, and make sure to get at least one order of their black pastrami Reuben – served on rye and topped with crunchy sauerkraut and house-made Russian dressing, this massive sandwich can go head-to-head with any pastrami in town, and most importantly, can be served with curly fries. Both their Westlake and Northridge locations are available for takeout and delivery, call (805) 557-1882 or (818) 886-5679, or find them on various delivery platforms.

Check out November’s streaming releases– coming to your couch… near you! From action to comedies to holiday films, we have you covered.

Bombshell 

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie star in this film which offers a fictionalized look at life at Fox News under the leadership of the late Roger Ailes.   

Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square 

Where to Watch: Netflix

A rich and nasty woman returns to her small hometown after her father’s death to evict everyone and sell the land to a mall developer — right before Christmas. This holiday film features 14 original songs with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.

I Am Greta

Where to Watch: Hulu

The story of Greta Thunberg, the Swedish teen leading the global school strike for action on climate change.

James May Oh Cook!

Marvel’s 616

Even though Californians don’t need to brace themselves for a cold season with plush sweaters and puffer coats, a new season comes with a new wardrobe. Time to put away your denim shorts and sundresses. However, this does not mean cramming stained or unloved items into a box and stowing them away under your bed.

For clothes to look their best—and to ensure they last for seasons to come—it’s important to prep and store them the right way. Here, we’ve rounded up a few tips for sorting out the items you don’t want, cleaning the ones you do, storing them in a way that won’t ruin them, and unpacking your in-season wardrobe no matter what time of year it is.

Follow these tips to seamlessly transition your wardrobe from warm weather to cold and back again.

Spruce Up Your Shoes

Be vigilant with your shoes. Mucky sandals will rub off on other items and packing away smelly sneakers is a recipe for disaster. Use a soft bristle brush to rub off any caked-on dirt, then clean the shoes with detergent and water, baby wipes, or with a cleaner made specifically for the material. Check the brand’s website as most provide detailed cleaning instructions.

Donate, Recycle, or Resell Unwanted Items

While it’s still fresh in your mind, sort out the old or unwanted items. Not loving that shirt or bathing suit anymore? Find a new home for it. Clothing free of stains, holes, or rips can be donated or sold. The rest can be dropped off at textile recyclers—if your local community doesn’t have one, H&M and other stores will take them off your hands, and some might even give you a discount on future purchases. In any case, you should wash and remove stains beforehand. Once you’ve gone through your collection, you’ll most likely have a lot less to store.

Store Clothing in a Dry, Dark Space

Storing your out-of-season clothes in a clean, unused suitcase is a great use of space, as is sticking them in attractive storage containers on the upper shelves of your closet. In order to prevent delicate dresses and blouses from getting crushed, hang them in a single garment bag to keep them protected and contained. Never store the item in a dry-cleaning bag as they trap in moisture. 

Unpack In-Season Clothes

If you didn’t do a thorough review of your winter wardrobe last year, do it before putting the clothes back in your closet. Check for stains and tears, and determine whether someone else might get more use out of the items.  Utilize Marie Kondo’s “spark-joy” test to make sure you are keeping items for the right reason. If you’re cramming your coats and boots back into your closet, it might be time to give something up.