LA Eats: Ring in the New Year at These Restaurants

Looking to ring in the new year with great food and entertainment? From a celebratory meal in Downtown Los Angeles to a Southeast Asian inspired meal in Santa Monica to a time traveling meal in Glendale… look not further, we have got you covered!

Abernethy’s at The Music Center

220 N Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Located at The Music Center Plaza, Abernethy’s invites Angelenos to ring in the New Year with a celebratory meal featuring Chef Jason Fullilove’s Modern Soul Food. Fullilove’s five-course prix fixe menu highlights dishes that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, including Shrimp Bisque, Parsnip Soup, Crab Toast, Grilled Little Gem Salad, Curry Fried Cauliflower, Roast Free-Range Chicken, BBQ Bone-in Short Rib, Shrimp ‘n Grits, and Squash Agnolotti. Pricing is $79 per person. Reservations available on OpenTable from 5pm to 10:30pm. A limited a la carte menu will be available at the bar for walk-ins and those seeking a more casual experience.

AKASHA

9543 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230

On New Year’s Eve, AKASHA in Culver City rings in 2020 with a la carte specials, including Roasted Oysters, Iceberg Wedge Salad, Parker House Rolls, Bone-in-Ribeye for Two with Salsa Verde or Mustard Cream Sauce; and John Dory with Melted Leeks and Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette. Sides include Loaded Pommes Purée with Cheddar Cheese, Bacon and Chives; or a Mushroom Sauté of King Trumpets, Beech and Cremini. Complete your NYE dinner with a dessert of Olive Oil Cake with Schaner Farms Lemon Curd and Tangerines. All holiday specials are served in addition to AKASHA’s daily market-fresh menus.

APL Restaurant

1680 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Adam Perry Lang first built a following in Hollywood by serving “Serious Barbecue” on Jimmy Kimmel’s backlot. He switched from smoked meats to house-aged steak and opened a restaurant down Hollywood Boulevard in 2018. On New Year’s Eve, APL is offering three prix fixe menus and an a la carte Small Bites Menu. The Three-Course Menu features Burrata, Wet-Aged Ribeye (Dry-Aged available for $20), family-style sides (Broccolini, Pomme Purée), and Chocolate & Cognac for dessert. Pricing is $75 per person. The Five-Course Menu ($125) adds Beef Tartare to start and Seared Scallops with crab bisque and butternut squash. Priced at $175, the decadent Seven-Course Menu starts with Oysters & Champagne and adds Meyer Lemon Sorbet to the feast.

Bourbon Steak Los Angeles – “Odes to Epicurean Eras”

237 South Brand Boulevard, Glendale, CA 91210

Located at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, Michael Mina’s modern steakhouse is serving a special “Odes to Epicurean Eras” prix fixe menu with dishes spanning the 19th and 20th centuries. Starters include shrimp cocktail (1960), Bibb Lettuce Waldorf (1893), Little Gem Caesar Salad (1924), truffle artichoke veloute (1820), Oysters Rockefeller (1889), and the supplemental Michael Mina’s Caviar Parfait ($70, 1990). Main course selections feature Surf & Turf (1950), Wagyu Flat Iron Steak Diane (1950), aged duck breast & duck leg confit (1960), Colorado rack of lamb (1930), red snapper bouillabaisse (1980), Salmon en Papillote (1840), and two supplements: 20 oz prime bone-in ribeye ($16, 1822) and 2.5 pound Lobster Thermidor ($28, 1896). For dessert, choose from chocolate cream pie (1897), lemon sorbet (1670) or go all the way back to 776 B.C. for cheesecake. Pricing is $105 per person, with optional wine pairing available for an additional $65.

Cassia

1314 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Taking its roots from Bryant and Kim Ng’s culinary heritage and experiences, Cassia celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. Cassia is serving a family-style New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu for $95 per person. Alongside Cassia signatures like Chickpea Curry and Whole Grilled Sea Bass, new dishes include Caviar with salted egg yolk crackers, seaweed crème fraîche & red onions; Smoked Beef Short Ribs with spicy Chinese BBQ sauce, Bibb lettuce & herbs; Spicy Duck Dry Sesame Noodles with scallions and more. Sommelier Marianna Caldwell is offering a $20 beer flight featuring Bryant’s favorites; $45 wine pairings and sparkling sake to pair with caviar. There’s also a limited a la carte menu on the covered and heated patio for walk-ins and those seeking a more casual experience.

Rodeo Realty Events: 2019 Holiday Party

To celebrate the stellar year that 2019 was… Rodeo Realty’s founder, Syd Leibovitch, threw a grand holiday party for all of the agents and staff on the team. The private event took place at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood. The event was set to host more than 1,000 individuals.

Upon arrival, invitees were personally greeted by Rodeo’s Branch Managers before checking in. Then, guests had the opportunity to take photos on the step and repeat (otherwise known as the red carpet) with members of Rodeo’s Digital Marketing Team. This was all to be done before immersing themselves into the 13,000 square-foot restaurant.

Once inside, there were multiple bars with free-flowing drinks and waiters constantly passing around hors d’oeuvres. From chicken sliders (this year is undoubtably the year of the fried chicken sandwich) to wagyu beef sliders to freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, the food at BOA did not disappoint.

It was a fantastic event that wrapped up the end of the year.

Take a peek at more of the photos from the event HERE!

Weekend Events: Holiday Edition

Looking for great things to check out during your Holiday weekend? We’ve got you covered from ice-skating under the sun to snow days in LA to all of the festive happenings at our local theme parks. This weekend is filled with fun holiday events that keep the spirit going for everyone in the family. Check them out below!

Friday December 27th, 2019

Queen Mary Christmas

LOCATION:  Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802)

WHEN: 6:00 PM-10:00 PM

TICKETS:  HERE 

The Queen Mary invites you to embrace the holiday spirit at the Queen Mary Christmas celebration. Begin your adventure at the outdoor North Pole Village, which includes ice skating at the True North Ice Rink, circling a 26-ft Christmas tree. Next, jump aboard the QM Express Train or the Grand Carousel. Don’t miss out on the performers, gingerbread house making, stocking decorating, or a sweet treat as you watch live entertainment on the outdoor stage before climbing aboard the Queen Mary to take in the enchanting festive lights.

Friday December 27th, 2019

Snow Day LA

LOCATION: The Old Lodge at Montecillo De Leo Politi Park (located on Stadium between Scott Road & Academy Road)

WHEN: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (also taking place at the same time on Saturday & Sunday)

TICKETS: HERE

Snow Day LA is a winter wonderland in Elysian Park featuring snow tubing, a captivating new Crystal Winter Garden including 30 plus giant glowing crystals, an interactive light-show where guests control the lights with musical instruments, an animated penguin holiday-themed light path, and even a giant glowing mountain light show! The event also includes food trucks, snacks and hot drinks. Tickets start at $12, with optional Penguin VIP Pass.

Friday December 27th, 2019

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK

LOCATION: Six Flags Magic Mountain (26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355)

WHEN: 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (also taking place at the same time on Saturday & Sunday but Sunday ends at 8:00 PM)

TICKETS: HERE

Six Flags Magic Mountain lights up your holidays as the park transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Featuring festive shows, activities, and seasonal treats. Noteworthy experiences you must participate in are the… personalized meet-and-greet with Santa and his helpers, making s’mores in the fire pit, and watching the Winter Wonderland lightshow.

Saturday December 28th, 2019

Experience floats before they debut in the 2020 Rose Parade!

LOCATION: (1001 Rose Bowl Drive Pasadena, CA 91103)

WHEN: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (also taking place at the same time form 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Sunday)

TICKETS:  HERE

This one’s a local gem. Have you ever wanted to see how those amazing floats come together? Check out the magic of the floats before they make their debut in the 2020 Rose Parade. During the final stages of preparation, you are able to witness a variety of seeds, bark, fruits, vegetables, grass, and (of course) flowers, get applied to the floats. Experience these professionals at work.

Saturday December 28th, 2019

Holiday Ice Rink

LOCATION: Pershing Square (532 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013)

WHEN: Daily

TICKETS: HERE

 You can’t miss out on LA’s most popular holiday tradition! Ice skating is available at the various outdoor locations throughout the city. However, the Pershing Square location is one of the most popular. Take advantage of the Los Angeles winter weather and skate on a sunny afternoon. To really embrace the “winter” in LA, bundle up and enjoy the crisp night air while skating under the stars and lights of the city!

Saturday December 28th, 2019

Experience The Magic of The Holidays in Harry Potter’s World

LOCATION: Universal Studios Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608)

WHEN: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

TICKETS: HERE

See Hogsmeade transformed with festive décor and enchanting spirits! Also, go and experience the magic of the holiday at Hogwarts Castle featuring festive lights and music that were produced specifically for the holidays. This immersive experience includes Holiday Frog Choir and Harry Potter-themed holiday food and gifts. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, you’ll appreciate the care to detail they put into bringing you into this world at this special time of year.

Sunday December 29th, 2019

Yuletide Cinemaland – Heritage Square Museum

LOCATION: Heritage Square Museum (3800 Homer St, Los Angeles, CA 90031)

WHEN: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Explore picturesque Victorian-era homes at Heritage Square Museum authentically dressed for the holidays, join piano sing-alongs in the Perry Mansion ballroom, sign up for Scrooge’s Victorian Dance Lessons in the old church, and experience the Holiday Light Tunnel. Each event features two outdoor holiday movie screenings in the middle of the historic town square at Heritage Square.

Sunday December 29th, 2019

Enchanted: Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens

 LOCATION: 1418 Descanso Dr. La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

WHEN: 5:30 PM and 10:00 PM (also taking place at the same time on Friday and Saturday)

TICKETS: Can only be purchased for members but you can get tickets at the gate.

Enchanted Forest of Light is an original interactive, nighttime experience unlike any other festive lighting show in Los Angeles. The main attraction is a one-mile walk through a unique lighting experience in the Descanso Gardens. There are a variety of large-scale light displays, many of which are interactive, allowing visitors to manipulate the lights and sounds.

Sunday December 29th, 2019

Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s Holiday Classics Show

 LOCATION: Miracle Mile Toy Hall (5464 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036)

WHEN: 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM

TICKETS: HERE

How about something small, but big picture? Bob Baker Marionette Theater returns to the Miracle Mile Toy Hall with a special show of our favorite holiday classics! Check out a heartfelt puppet show followed by a meet and greet with your favorite puppets. This is vintage LA at its very best – truly a great time for the kids!

Tech News: Autonomous Delivery Vehicles

Autonomous Delivery Vehicles Authorized For Commercial Use In California

Are you ready to be stuck in traffic behind armies of autonomous delivery robots? If you live in California, you can have all your online orders delivered by autonomous delivery robots. Starting January 17, California’s Department of Motor Vehicles will start approving permits for self-driving delivery vehicles. These permits allow for testing and commercial use. There are separate permits for vehicles with and without backup drivers.

“The adoption of these regulations means Californians soon could receive deliveries from an autonomous vehicle provided the company fulfills the requirements” DMV Director Steve Gordon said.

The requirements for testing with a driver include certifying that the vehicles have been tested in controlled conditions, maintaining a training program for test drivers, and ensuring that the drivers have a clean record and are capable of taking over manual control.

Requirements for driverless testing include certifying Level 4 or 5 autonomous capability, having a remote operator, and having a “law enforcement interaction plan” among other things.

This comes after Waymo and other AV companies urged the state’s DMV to allow autonomous delivery vehicles at a hearing earlier this year. Just over a year ago, Waymo got the first permit from the state to test driverless vehicles without a backup driver.

What happens if you get into a wreck with an autonomous delivery vehicle? Do you just sharpie your insurance information on the damaged part of the vehicle? No word yet, but the delivery company should have all the video data they need to protect themselves.

Out & About: Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue is one of L.A.’s most famous streets, featuring a medley of dining, entertainment, and shopping destinations. The street begins at Santa Monica Boulevard where the cities of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills meet. Start your day off by shopping at the world-famous boutiques, enjoy lunch at one of the numerous top-ranked eateries and end the night by laughing yourself silly at The Parlor featuring newcomers and famous comedians or enjoy the many art galleries the famous street has to offer!

Gallery 1988 (Art)
Location: 7308 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046

Gallery 1988 has continued to host awesome exhibitions focused on pop culture after launching the “iam8bit” art shows. Since opening in 2004, the gallery has mounted solo shows by popular artists like Luke Cheuh, Joe Ledbetter and Mike Mitchell. In 2007 they opened a second location further up Melrose!

 

The Parlor (Comedy)
Location: 7350 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90046

Booker and producer Jay Davis knows how to put together a solid lineup, often getting his famous buddies to come down for a show but also giving chances to funny unknows on the same stage. If you stop by this upscale bar on a Monday, grab a cocktail sit back and enjoy the show!

 

The Reformation (Shopping)
Location: 8253 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90048

Designer Yael Afalo takes diamonds in the rough and makes them shine, cutting vintage garb and surplus fabric into modern silhouettes, from cropped blouses to breezy maxi dresses and shorts.

JapanLA (Shopping)
Location:  7320 ½ Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

The cute culture shop on Melrose specializes in Japanese crossover collections. It’s a go-to destination for products from kawaii brands like tokidoki, Sanrio, San-X and Pokémon as well as occasional pop-up collections

Paul Smith Los Angeles
Location: 8221 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

A “so British” atmosphere is cultivated with old books, wood paneling, and antiques. But most know this outpost for its electric pink exterior, one of the hot spots for instagrammers.

Helmut Lang
Location: 8808 Melrose Avenue. Los Angeles, CA 90069

Shop for modern pieces for men and women, mostly in black, white and cool neutral colors. The Helmut Lang was created by Austrian fashion designer Helmut Lang in 1986. The Helmut Lang brand still exists today without Lang’s involvement since 2005.

Crumbs & Whiskers
Location: 7924 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

This cat-friendly coffee stop has set up the first permanent operation in the city Founder Kanchan Singh describes the D.C. based café as a place where you can grab a cup of coffee and cuddle with some cats. There is a small catch: you can’t prepare food in the same place as you house animals. So, Crumbs & Whiskers sources its drinks and snacks from the nearby Open Space.

 

Hollywood Improv

Location: 8162 Melrose Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90046

The flagship Improv on Melrose is one of the most legendary clubs in Los Angeles, as well as all of America. On any given night, walk in to see one of your favorite comics from TV at the bar, the acts are never a letdown! The shows are an exciting mix of independently produced, and experimental with frequent appearances by respected and well-known comedians.

Blue Jam Café
Location: 7371 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

At Blue Jam Café, your table will be worth the wait with the best eggs benedict in town and delicious mouthwatering French toast. The Melrose location as been open since 2006, its fantastic service adds a neighborhood feel to the chain.

Tatsu Ramen
Location: 7111 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046

Tatsu Ramen brings traditional Japanese ramen to LA. Tatsu means dragon in Japanese and Ryu (the owner) being born in the Year of the Dragon, found the perfect name for his restaurant. Walking into Tatsu is like walking into the future. Rather than waiting in a long line at the counter, smart tables line the interior wall. Each customer places their order from the simple menu, which gives you an option to choose from six different ramen, 3 rice side dishes, pork bums and most recently the ramen burger!

Home Tips: Protect Your Home While Out of Town

Protecting your home while on vacation is just as important as protecting the items you bring with you. This must-read guide will help keep your home safe! To fully enjoy your trip, plan appropriate home security and maintenance with this checklist. Of course, it is impossible to cover all the bases as life is unpredictable, but at least you can leave town knowing you did all that you could.

Get a Home Monitoring System

Home security is absolutely essential and there are many options (varying in cost) to choose from, so make sure you opt for one that fits your home/ needs. Some home security systems allow you to view live video remotely from your phone, so you are able to see what’s happening in real-time. This small investment is well worth your peace of mind!

Leave a key with a friend or family member

While you can put a hold on newspapers and mail (which you should do), you can’t predict when random flyers or forgotten Amazon orders will be left at the front door. By having a trusted friend or family member stop by every day or two, you can avoid unexpected deliveries being left out. This trusted individual can also maintain your normal routines such as watering plants, bringing trash cans to the curb, etc.  Don’t forget to compensate them with love and appreciation for their help!

Install an outdoor sensor light

It’s simple install for those of you who aren’t tech-savvy, and you can pick one up on Amazon for less than $20. Motion-sensor flood lights prove to be useful year-round for general home security whether you’re home or not, and often are equipped with technology to have them turn off and on at certain times of the day.

Disconnect your garage door

It’s no secret that technology can be easily hacked, especially by more experienced or motivated criminals. Garage door openers (depending on what brand they are) can sometimes be opened by universal remotes. Yep, you read that correctly. You must be proactive! Disengage your garage door opener and opt for a manual lock.

Advertise Your security

Having a security system will most definitely deter burglars, so advertise it! Post these stickers near your most obvious and accessible entry points like your front and back door, as well as side doors off your garage. You can even buy a pack of stickers online (Amazon has many options) if you haven’t been able to implement your security system before your next trip.

Use lights to create the illusion that someone’s home

Darkness is another trademark of an empty house — it also allows thieves to sneak in undetected. Nix that vulnerability by leaving a few lights on. Better yet, use motion detector lights to illuminate any intruders, or opt for smart lighting so you can set the lights to a timer and control them remotely.

Don’t broadcast your plans online

One of the most popular green lights for those savvy burglars are social media. Yes, you read that correctly. Avoid posting about your vacation on social media until after you return (make sure your kids avoid doing so as well). By sharing travel plans, you’re advertising that your house will be empty. You can never be completely sure who sees that information, especially if you have many followers or a public profile.

Adjust the thermostat

Adjust the thermostat to prevent the HVAC system from needlessly heating or cooling empty rooms. Programmable smart thermostats make this a lot easier, and you can remotely adjust them to comfortable temperatures for when you get back.

 

Weekend Events: December 20th – December 22nd

With the holidays coming up just around the corner, this weekend is the perfect time to check out some terrific holiday experiences! From light shows and gift markets to lowkey unique handmade ornament displays, this weekend has so much to offer. Be sure to make time for one of these memorable events before the holidays kick-off!

Friday December 20th, 2019

 L.A. ZOO LIGHTS

LOCATION: Los Angeles Zoo (5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027)

WHEN: 6:00 PM-10:00 PM (also taking place at the same time on 12.21.19 & 12.22.19)

TICKETS: https://lazoo.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=49

Take a self-guided 60- to 90-minute stroll through amazing glowing animals, giant illuminated snowflakes, a disco ball forest, and a tunnel filled with dynamic swirls of color. The journey also includes the world’s largest illuminated pop-up storybook and a unique high-tech interactive display where dancing lights respond to guests’ voices. You’ll be sure to walk away with fun photo ops and seasonal magic!

Friday December 20th, 2019

 Disney Junior Holiday Party!

LOCATION: Fox Performing Arts Center (3801 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501)

WHEN: 5:00 PM (also taking place at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM on 12.21.19 and at 12:00 PM on 12.22.19 both at the Orpheum Theatre)

TICKETS: https://www.ticketmaster.com/disney-junior-holiday-party-tickets/artist/2644426

Looking for something entertaining for the kids? Sing and dance along to classic holiday hits with your favorite Disney characters. This immersive live concert experience features appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Vampirina, Elena of Avalor, and many more. The performance is by live actors without molded heads, similar to what you would see on Broadway. The show last 75-minuets long with a 30-minute first act, followed by a 15-minute intermission.

Friday December 20th, 2019

 The Unique One-of-a-Kind Handmade Ornaments Show

LOCATION: iam8bit (2147 W. Sunset Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90026)

WHEN: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (also taking place on 12.21.19 form 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM & 12.22.19 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM)

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/iam8bits-6th-annual-unique-one-of-a-kind-handmade-ornaments-show-tickets-82064133031?aff=ebditotimeout&city=LosAngelesUS#

Free admission show featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade ornaments. Hundreds of high-quality ornaments, hand-crafted by amazing artists. From fiber and ceramic arts to painting and sculpting, artists translate their unique styles into ornaments via a multitude of creative media. Each ornament showcases a unique approach to holiday decor, a big difference from the mass-produced, uninspired decorations found in supermarkets.

Saturday December 21st, 2019

 Grand Central Market Holiday Marketplace

 LOCATION: Downstairs Event Space (317 S Broadway Los Angeles 90013)

WHEN: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (also taking place at the same time on 12.22.19)

Still in need of some of that last-minute holiday shopping? Consider checking out this year’s annual shopping event for unique kitchen, pantry, and tabletop gems. The marketplace also offers all sorts of food goodies for everyone. This year, GCM focuses on Artists & Fleas so the marketplace is a great place to check off all those gifts on your list!

Saturday December 21st, 2019

 2019 Beach Winter Wonderland

 LOCATION: Dockweiler Youth Center (12505 Vista Del Mar Los Angeles, CA 90293)

WHEN: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-beach-winter-wonderland-free-tickets-79824875351

 Check out this free event for the whole family. Enjoy bouncers, live music, face painting, winter activities, and even REAL SNOW on the beach! Complete the liability waiver form on Eventbrite for a faster entry into the event.

Saturday December 21st, 2019

 Exhibition – Antarctic Dinosaurs

 LOCATION: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles (900 Exposition Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90007)

WHEN: 11:30 AM

TICKETS: https://nhm.org/plan-your-visit/nhm-buy-tickets

Trace the footsteps of the explorers who made this dangerous journey a century ago, and join scientists from our Natural History Museum as they dig for Antarctic fossils this Saturday. During your visit you’ll see artifacts from early Antarctic expeditions, take a virtual ride in a replica LC-130 aircraft as you fly over Antarctica, and watch as the team excavates fossils and prepares them back at the lab. In addition, you’ll meet 4 new species of dinosaur that were all recently discovered!

Sunday December 22nd, 2019

 111th Holiday Boat Parade Newport Beach

 LOCATION: Newport Harbor (309 Palm St, Newport Beach, CA 92661)

WHEN: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (also taking place at the same time on 12.20.19 and 12.21.19)

Every year this holiday tradition lights up the harbor and draws supporters from across the region. Residents and visitors can enjoy the Christmas Boat Parade from a variety of public viewing locations including Marina Park, which offers 177 parking spaces, nautical-themed playground, and picnic area and sailing center which is also the largest public viewing area along the parade route. Visit ChristmasBoatParade.com for a map that shows times the route for each destination point. Stick around after the parade for fireworks at Balboa Pier and Corona del Mar High School Drum Line accompanied by Sugar Ray’s Stan Frazier!

 

Sunday December 22nd, 2019

 White Christmas Sing-Along

 LOCATION: Walt Disney Concert Hall (111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012)

WHEN: 3:30 PM and 8:00 PM

TICKETS: https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/679/2019-12-22/white-christmas-sing-along

Get dressed up as your snazzy best and be ready to sing along with Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and the film’s remastered soundtrack! This special holiday screening of this classic 1954 film with lyrics on screen has hundreds of your fellow snow-dreaming Angelenos singing along with you.

Sunday December 22nd, 2019

Santa’s North Pole Village

 LOCATION: Wisdome LA (1147 Palmetto Street Los Angeles, CA 90013)

WHEN: 11:00 AM and 11:00 PM

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/santas-north-pole-village-at-wisdomela-tickets-80620360669

Discover the fun and magic of Santa’s world at Santa’s North Pole Village at Wisdome LA! This first-ever immersive holiday extravaganza takes place inside of four geodesic domes making it the largest holiday installation in Los Angeles ever! Journey through a village of life-size elves’ homes and see the magic that surrounds Santa. Also, watch a splendid snow show of the Northern Lights and enjoy the fresh smell of pine while listening to your favorite holiday tunes all of which is just the tip of the iceberg at this massive holiday experience!

Home Tips: Incorporate Pantone’s Color of the Year in Your Home

The “it” color of the year has been announced, and it is Pantone 19-4054. Otherwise known as… Classic Blue. Classic Blue is a color that is both genderless in look and seasonless in endurance. It is a color that we respond to viscerally as being trustworthy. Because of this, it is the ideal color to incorporate into any home renovations, home re-designs, and more in 2020. Check out a few ways to include Pantone’s color of the year in your home!

Paint an Accent Wall

A fun thing to do every few years is spruce up the color energy your home creates. Classic Blue is a great choice of an accent wall color because of it’s tradition and elegance. Unexpectedly, it is an incredibly bold color as well.

Get a new couch

How long have you had the couch that is currently sitting in your living room? Is it time for a new one? If so, this Classic Blue couch is incredibly clean and inviting. Your living room will be sure to include an everlasting impression on your guests.

Add a rug into the mix

Whatever decor you currently have in your home, a rug will always tie in the furniture in any given room. Elevate your home with a Classic Blue rug that even your furry friends will love!

Get Crafty through Art

Include pops of Classic Blue through prints on your home’s gallery wall. If you do not already have a gallery wall, this is the perfect chance to incorporate Classic Blue in your home. For those of you who already have a gallery wall, switch out the prints that are currently in the frames to inject creative confidence onto your wall.

Pops of color through statement pieces

If you can’t commit to painting a wall, or purchasing new furniture, you can purchase Classic Blue decor like flower vases, pillows, etc. This way you can incorporate the “it” color of the year without commitment. Transform your space through creating unique color combinations and tonal statements by intertwining Classic Blue with pieces you already own.

 

 

Out & About: Places to Give Back This Holiday Season

Family time, presents, bright lights, and plenty of delicious food to go around the table are what we know as the holidays. However, many people are not so fortunate, especially here in Los Angeles where the homelessness crisis has continued to worsen over the last year. From cooking meals to spending time with terminally ill children, to donating baby supplies to parents in need. Your helping hands and most importantly your time and smile are needed to brighten up the holiday season for someone this year!

Midnight Mission

Downtown’s midnight mission offers counseling education, and job placement to the city’s homeless population, as well as food, shelter, personal hygiene, and medical care. For the holidays, the Mission holds special events in addition to regular meal services and food donation drives. Note: Midnight Mission asks that female volunteers come with a companion since this is an all-male facility.

Union Station Homeless Services

San Gabriel Valley’s largest social services agency, offers year-round community meal programs and other services for the area’s homeless population: including emergency shelter, children’s education and recreational activity and adult classes in parenting, nutrition, and money management. Union Station Homeless Services has also hosted Dinner in the Park for over four decades, named the biggest potluck in the nation by the Los Angeles Times: This organization helps give warm holiday meals to more than 7,000 homeless, low income, and senior citizens.

Fred Jordan Mission

The Fred Jordan Mission has provided clothing, blankets, and food to the homeless for more than 50 years. For the holidays, volunteers hand out food bags, toys and blankets, and sing carols!

Food on Foot

Donating gently used clothing, shoes, blankets as well as food! You can sign up to volunteer anytime, and it usually costs $25 (which serves as funds to feed about five people per day).

L.A. Regional Food Bank

Come help distribute food this holiday season with L.A. Regional Food Bank. Volunteers are needed for special events, food sorting, and food drives: including the organization’s yearly Operation Gobble, where volunteers will help inspect, sort and repackage food for delivery during the holiday.

Holidays From the Heart (CHLA)

This program aims to lighten up the holidays for chronically ill children and their families. There are a number of ways you can help, including sponsoring a family or providing bulk gift items (clothing, diapers, making a monetary donation, or serving as a volunteer (shopping for gifts, distributing gifts).

Baby2Baby

This organization works year-round to ensure that no child is without the basic necessities of childhood; accepting donations all year long for items that will benefit children (infants to age 12) including but not limited to car seats, clothing (children’s and maternity), hygiene items (toothpaste, soap, sunscreen), coats, and more.

Crayon Collection

Upcycle gently used crayons, providing children with crayons and saving our landfills. Being a part of Crayon Collection allows families with children of all ages an easy way to volunteer and make a difference.

Brighten the Holidays (Salvation Army)

This program helps families who are experiencing hard times due to unemployment, medical issues, homelessness or other challenges. From generously providing family dinners to donating toys to put under the tree, help the Salvation Army lend a hand with holiday events to those who need it most.

 

 

 

Tech News: Streaming Wars… What To Watch And What Is The Price?

The next few years will be marked as “revolutionary” for anything in regards to entertainment and television. Almost every big television platform is going to launch their own streaming service to compete with the three largest tech giants: Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Here’s what you need to know about the new and existing players in a game of the television Streaming Wars!

 

Netflix

Price: $8.99 for its basic plan, $12.99 for standard, and $15.99 for premium

What it offers: Netflix is arguably the streaming king of them all thanks to an expanding archive of content and global subscriber base that is 150 million strong. Netflix’s library includes its original series such as “Stranger Things,” “The Witcher” and “The Umbrella Academy,” plus original films like “Always Be My Maybe” and the Oscar-winning “Roma.” It also has comedy specials from the likes of Dave Chappelle, Netflix Originals like Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis, upcoming films from Martin Scorsese and Michael Bay and series from Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy — two of television’s most successful producers. Netflix is losing beloved classics like “Friends” and “The Office” to competitors, but it’s now the exclusive global streaming home to “Seinfeld” starting in 2021. So, yes, Netflix may have competition waiting at the gates, but it’s still synonymous with streaming.

 

Apple TV+

Price: $4.99 a month or a free year when you purchase a new iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac or Apple TV.

What it offers: Apple TV+ may be short on content, but it undercuts many of its streaming competitors in price with its $4.99 monthly fee (and you get a year free when you buy a new Apple product from Apple or licensed retailers). Apple TV+ also includes content from some heavy-hitters in Hollywood. There’s “The Morning Show,” a series about the news industry starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carrell (CNN’s Brian Stelter is a consultant on the project, for which his book was used as background). Apple also struck a multiyear deal with Oprah Winfrey in June of 2018 to create documentaries and a book club.

 

Disney+

Price: $6.99 or $12.99 when bundled with ESPN+ and commercial-supported Hulu

What it offers: Disney+ is the exclusive home for some of the most popular franchises in Hollywood for a low price. While Apple is promoting names like Oprah, Disney+ has brand names like Star Wars and Marvel. There are multiple series from Marvel, a few original Star Wars series including “The Mandalorian,” Pixar films and shorts, Disney animated classics, and documentaries from National Geographic. The service is also the exclusive home to all 30 seasons of “The Simpsons” — TV’s longest running primetime scripted series. Much of Disney+ caters to children, but that’s still a lot of content for $6.99 – about half of what Netflix charges for its standard plan.

 

HBO Max

Price: $14.99 a month

When does it launch?: May 2020

What it offers: HBO Max’s best selling point is it’s variety. The upcoming service from WarnerMedia, which also owns CNN, has content for all ages — Looney Tunes, Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network and “Sesame Street” for the young and HBO series, TNT and TBS for adults. All 23 seasons of “South Park” will also be exclusive to the service. For cinephiles, HBO Max offers Warner Brothers’ deep film library, The Criterion Collection and Turner Classic Movies. The service will also have television favorites such as “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and “The Big Bang Theory.” The iconic “Friends,” which Warner Bros. had licensed to Netflix, is coming home to WarnerMedia and will live exclusively on HBO Max for five years starting in 2020.

HBO Max has also successfully courted J.J. Abrams in a wide-ranging production deal with WarnerMedia, as well as Greg Berlanti and Reese Witherspoon, who will produce original films for the service.

 

Hulu

Price: $11.99 without ads, $5.99 with ads

What it offers: Hulu has the Emmy Award winning “The Handmaid’s Tale,” current television episodes available on-demand (the day after they air), and is now fully controlled by Disney. The service, which has 28 million subscribers, has greenlit a bunch of new series including “The Dropout,” a limited series about rise and fall of Theranos CEO, Elizabeth Holmes, that stars Kate McKinnon as Holmes, as well as two new live-action Marvel series, “Ghost Rider” and “Helstrom.” Hulu is a big part of Disney’s streaming strategy along with ESPN+, which the company plans to bundle together.

 

Peacock

Price: TBD

When does it launch?: April 2020

What it offers: Do you like to laugh? Well, NBCUniversal has the streaming service for you. Peacock will offer a full lineup of comedy hits including “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” (both of which will be exclusive to the service) “30 Rock,” “Cheers,” “Frasier” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Every season of “SNL” will be available on Peacock and there will be reboots of classic series like “Saved by the Bell” and “Battlestar Galactica.” Peacock will have blockbusters from Universal Pictures such as the “Fast & Furious” series and classics like “Jaws” and “Back to the Future.” Universal, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation will also create original films for the service, and Alec Baldwin and Demi Moore will star in original series as well.