Top Paint Color Trends of 2022 | Home Tips

Just because we are midway through the year doesn’t mean you can’t switch up the paint color in your abode. For the top color trends of 2022, read one below and give your home a fresh new look!

Pantone’s Very Peri

Of course, the color to kick off our top paint colors of 2022 list would be Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year ‘Very Peri’. The hue made history as the first ever to be created specifically for the Color of the Year. Very Peri (17-3938) is a brand-new blue — mixing vivifying violet with electric red undertones to create the ultimate chic shade. This hue can be ideal for an entire room or accent wall. 

 

Sherwin-Williams’ Evergreen Fog

Reminiscent of nature, the soft green tones of Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) have made it a popular paint color for 2022. The color itself gives feelings of both revitalization and growth with a natural emblem of newness. As Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, explains, “From a color psychology standpoint, Evergreen Fog signals growth, emergence, and new beginnings.” All the more reason to give the right space in your home it’s a new beginning as well.

Sherwin-Williams’ Aleutian

As a stunning light-washed shade of indigo, Aleutian (HGSW 3355) promotes balance and wellbeing through its gentle hues. Aleutian is part of the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams collection and provides a crystalline calm that can easily complement any setting. This paint color works well with natural wood and rooms with rich sunlight. 

Behr’s Breezeway

Say hello to Breezeway (MQ3-21), a soft, silvery-green shade with cool undertones. The paint color brings to mind the thought of sea glass, making it ideal for an ocean-side abode. This color embodies both outdoors and nostalgia that one can find inspiration from. From casual to coastal and modern to vintage, this paint color works great for home offices and living rooms.

Valspar’s Gilded Linen

 For a more organic paint color of 2022, consider Gilden Linen from Valspar. This hue offers a warm natural white that works in multiple spaces. Valspar color marketing manager Sue Kim notes the following: “A simple neutral like Gilded Linen emphasizes our desire to have a clean and organized home. It is a great transitional color and is perfect for entries and hallways connecting spaces throughout our home.” Make your home extra cozy with Gilded Linen.

Economic update for the week ending July 23, 2022

Stock markets ended the week higher – Most companies that have reported second-quarter profits beat earnings estimates. That gave a boost to stocks this week. Even tech stocks, which have been beaten down significantly, had a great week. The news was not all good for tech stocks. Tesla beat expectations but Snap did not. Snap dropped 39% on Friday which spilled over to other sectors and stock markets ended lower on Friday, ending a three-day rally. Investors were also feeling optimistic that dropping gas prices, some settling in food prices, easing of supply-chain shortages, and some economic data indicating that businesses may be pulling back on spending may keep the Fed from being as aggressive with interest rate hikes as thought just a week ago when the CPI report was released. Some feared a full point rate hike at the next meeting. That seems very unlikely now. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 31,899.29, up 1.9% from 31,288.26 last week. It is down 12.2% year-to-date. The S&P 500 closed the week at 3,961.63, up 2.5% from 3,863.19 last week. The S&P is down 16.9% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 11,834.11, up 3.3%from 11,452.42 last week. It is down 24.6%, year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields higher this week – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 3.00% down from 2.93% last week. The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.10%, down from 3.10% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow treasury bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates as of July 21, 2022, for the most popular loan products were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 5.54%, up slightly from 5..51% last week. The 15-year fixed was 4.75%, up from 4.67% last week. The 5-year ARM was 4.31%, down from 4.35% last week.

U.S. existing-home sales – The National Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 5.4 million units on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in June, down 5.4% month-over-month from the annualized number of sales in May. Year-over-year sales were down 14.3%from the annualized rate of 5.97 million in June 2021. The median price of a home in the U.S. in June was $416,000 up 13.4% from $366,900 one year ago. June marked a record 124 consecutive months of year-over-year increases in the median price. There was a 3-month supply of homes for sale in June, up from a 2.5-month supply last June. First-time buyers accounted for 30% of all sales. Investors and second-home purchases accounted for 14% of all sales. All-cash purchases accounted for 25% of all sales. Foreclosure and short sales accounted for less than 1% of all sales remaining at a historic low.

California existing-home sales – The number of single-family homes sold in June declined 21% year-over-year -The California Association of Realtors reported that existing- home sales totaled 344,970 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in June, down 8.4% from May, and down 20.9% from last June. Excluding two months during the pandemic shutdown, this marked the fewest number of homes closed escrow in a month since April 2008. Existing-home sales through June are down 10.9% from the number of homes sold in the first half of 2021.

The statewide median price paid for a home in June was $863,790, up 5.4% from $819,630 in June 2021.

There was a 2.5-month supply of homes for sale in June, up from a 2.1-month supply of homes for sale in May, and a 1.7-month supply in June 2021. While up slightly, a 2.5-month supply is still a low level. A normal market has a 5-6 month supply of homes on the market.

We have seen more homes come on the market in the past few weeks. Perhaps sellers feel that prices have topped out. Those listings are selling quickly if they are priced correctly. The vast majority of the homes sold are still receiving multiple offers, but they are not receiving the number of offers that they would have received a couple of months ago. We are seeing two to four offers, not twenty! The homes priced too high are sitting. Once reduced to the correct price those are selling as well, but not with the excitement and urgency a new listing gets. These new listings will begin to close in August. I expect that the number of sales will increase in August from the anemic number of sales we saw in June and that I expect in July, which seems to also be shaping up as a month with a low number of sales. June and July should be the fewest number of sales we see in a month for a long time. That’s what I am seeing on the street.

The graph below shows regional figures by county in Southern California.

Weekend Events: July 22 – July 24

Enjoy all that the weekend has to offer with fun events happening around town this July 22 through July 24.

LOS ANGELES WEEKEND EVENTS | JULY 22 – JULY 24

Zoo Friday Nights

When: July 8 – July 29 

Where: Griffith Park

What: On select Fridays, the L.A. Zoo invites you to spend the evening enjoying music, dancing, and more under the stars. This twilight animal viewing opportunity will also include educational talks and a cash bar for those 21 and over.

KCRW Summer Nights

When: Until September 29 

Where: Various locations

What: Summer is better with KCRW Summer Nights. Enjoy open-air tunes on select nights from July through September at various locations. Some of the spots for sounds include the Hammer Museum, CAAM, and more!

Outfest Los Angeles

When: July 14 – July 24 

Where: Various Locations 

What: The world’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival returns for two weeks this summer. Take part in a slew of parties, screenings, and galas happening in varying locations around town. This year’s event brings dozens of screenings from outdoor to indoor and, of course, online!

 

WESTSIDE & BEACH COMMUNITIES WEEKEND EVENTS | JULY 22 – JULY 24

Off the 405 

When: until August 27 

Where: The Getty | Westside

What: One of the westside’s best summer traditions returns to The Getty! Enjoy stunning hilltop sunset views and music at Off the 405. The annual event returns for the first time since 2019 for a lineup of delightful free Saturday night concerts. In addition, you’ll get to visit the exhibits, which stay open late for the music series. 

Cutwater Classic: Pickleball Tourney

When: July 23 

Where: Venice

What: The pickleball craze is making its way to Venice! Don’t miss this weekend’s Pickleball Tourney presented by Cutwater Spirits. Enjoy Yeastie Boys, music from DJ Sean Patrick, and some Cutwater Spirits beverages. Admission is free (with proof of GoPuff app on your phone) and for 21+ with proceeds going towards the Labelle Foundation.

Love Long Beach

When: July 23 – July 24

Where: Long Beach

What: If you love Long Beach, then you will love this weekend’s art, wellness and dance music fest. Love Long Beach will feature sounds from Ardalan, Öona Dahl, Kevin Knapp, and more at Shoreline Aquatic Park this Saturday and Sunday only.

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | JULY 22 – 24

Movies on the Roof

When: until August 27

Where: Fashion Square Mall | Sherman Oaks

What: Westfield Fashion Square invites you to a joy-filled alfresco film series this summer. Catch flicks like Back to the Future and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, with ticket sales in support of Hope of the Valley.

Valley Relics Museum Experience

When: Every Saturday and Sunday

Where: 16781 Stagg Street Hangar C3 & C4 | Van Nuys

What: Visit the Valley’s beloved museum of Pop Culture this weekend! The Valley Relics Museum invites you to join them for a day full of nostalgia and fun. Their one-of-a-kind museum features neon signs, classic cars, a playable retro arcade, and more! Tickets for Valley Relics Museum can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Portrait of an Unknown Woman: Daniel Silva Interviewed by Henry Winkler

When: July 24 

Where: American Jewish University, Gindi Auditorium

What: Live and in person in AJU’s Gindi Auditorium, #1 New York Times Bestselling author Daniel Silva shares his spellbinding new masterpiece. Portrait of an Unknown Woman is Daniel Silva’s latest thrilling crime mystery combining art and high finance.

 

CONEJO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | July 22 – July 24

Heritage Square Concert Series

When: through August 19 

Where: Oxnard

What: With the arrival of summer you can always expect one thing…summer concert series! Heritage Square invites you to join them for the return of their 10-week music series run. Enjoy musical styles ranging from Reggae to Latin, Jazz, and rock. This weekend features the musical stylings of Los Cool Arrows (Cumbias, Rock en Espanol). 

Free Screening of The Secret Life of Pets 2 

When: July 23

Where: Westlake Village

What: Enjoy a free screening of The Secret Life of Pets 2, presented by the City of Westlake Village, on Saturday, July 23. For bites, there will be food trucks will be on hand at 6pm. Well-behaved and leashed pets are welcome. In addition, attendees can also bring lawn chairs and blankets. 

Seaside DJ Saturdays

When: July 23

Where: Ventura Harbor Village

What: Music, fun, and more! Ventura Harbor Village will be hosting Seaside DJ sets all summer long. Enjoy the outdoors accompanied by great sounds this Saturday.

 

From big AI news to Amazon Acquiring One Medical and More! | Tech News

Another week, another tech news round-up! Read on and stay connected with all of the latest tech news happening around the world. From big AI news to Amazon Acquiring One Medical and more, we have you covered with the week’s major headlines!

Zoom has an unlikely new competitor — Snapchat

For over a decade, Snapchat, unlike many other social media platforms, has been only available, on mobile, since its launch. Recently, however, the company launched a web-based version of the very popular messaging application. Though not its most popular feature, Snapchat said its app hosts more than 100 million video calls each month with up to 15 participants each. The company reports that its goal is to give users the freedom to switch between their phones and computers, allowing continuing conversations while on the platform. The new web-based version could help Snapchat take on Zoom.

AI image generator lets you type in words and get weird pictures back

A 19-year-old from the United Kingdom hit a million followers on Twitter in about a month. All it took was sharing a steady stream of the most outlandish computer-generated images. A freely available artificial intelligence (AI) system called Craiyon made the stunning images. Craiyon is popularizing a growing trend in AI. Computers are becoming at taking in words and producing generating realistic-looking images in response.

Meet andobil MagStick, the world’s first MagSafe tripod

There’s a new way to take selfies. The company, andobil, has just released the world’s first MagSafe tripod/ selfie stick – andobil MagStick. According to the company, the MagStick allows a quick snap of your smartphone onto the mount of the tripod. No need for clamps or screws. The magnetic visual positions your device eliminating the worry of it falling off or getting damaged. The company has designed additional security, the one-touch clamping mechanism, to ensure optimal protection against falling, according to andobil. Furthermore, the tripod is made of aviation-grade aluminum alloy and PC material.

TikTok Expands Closed Caption Feature

Popular video sharing app TikTok is making its closed caption offering more encompassing for all users. The app will now auto-generate captions for videos with audio instead of leaving it up to the creator of the video to do. Prior to this update, creators had to select to enable closed caption before posting. If the creator failed to include closed captions, they would not be able to add them afterward. The new update brings the option for both users and creators to turn on closed captions. In addition, TikTok will also be launching a translation tool. Likewise, this feature will do as it sounds, which is to translate video captions and descriptions to the user’s preferred language.

Amazon to Acquire One Medical for $3.9 Billion

According to reports, Amazon will soon make its third largest acquisition in its history. The company is set to close on a deal to purchase One Medical for $3.9 billion. The company, which is a $199 subscription primary care provider, has been billed as “healthcare for Millenials”. Currently, the company is backed by Alphabet’s GV unit (formerly Google Ventures). One Medical includes an app and 24/7 access to on-demand telehealth services vide video. In addition, One Medical also offers same or next-day appointments for subscribers across 125 offices. This latest acquisition will give Amazon another avenue into the medical sector. “We think health care is high on the list of experiences that need reinvention,” senior vice president of Amazon Health Services Neil Lindsay said in a statement.

Google Wallet Now Available for All Users

It’s official; Google Wallet is now available for all customers. The app, which began rolling out earlier this week, can be found in the Google Play store. The news comes as Google expands on its payment app variations. In 2018, Google combined Google Wallet and Andriod Pay to create Google Pay. This merger allowed created a single app that included tap-to-pay, tickets, and loyalty programs all in one. The Google Wallet comeback was announced in May at the Google I/O event. The move will allow the company to create a dedicated home for payment cards, airplane tickets, government ids, and more.

The Top Chinese Restaurants Around Town | LA Eats

From soup-filled dumplings to hand-pulled noodles and more, we have you covered this week with the top Chinese restaurants around town. Read on for our list of the best places to dine around town!

RiceBox

Location: Los Angeles

For a hip and modern approach to Cantonese cuisine, look no further than RiceBox. This LA eatery is the perfect place to enjoy custom rice. Take a bite out of dishes like black soy-poached chicken or crispy seven-spice pork belly. As far as Chinese restaurants go in Los Angeles, you won’t be disappointed with the array of options at RiceBox.

Hui Tou Xiang

Location: Los Angeles & San Gabriel

Known for its namesake hui tou dumpling, Hui Tou Xiang has perfected the pan-fried dumpling. Their rendition is a delectable dumpling stuffed with pork or beef with chile oil that’s scratch-made and available for sale by the jar. In addition, the Hollywood Hui Tou Xiang location offers a full cocktail menu and a speakeasy vibe.

Lan Noodle

Location: Arcadia

If you are looking for Lanzhou-style noodles, make your way to Lan Noodle in Arcadia. This Chinese restaurant bowls are made to order, with customers able to watch the noodle master pull and stretch from scratch. The noodles at Lan Noodle require a special kind of wheat flour to get the perfect ‘QQ’ (chewy) texture. In addition, LAN sources local beef to make a broth that is simmered for 10 hours every day and topped with housemade chile oil.

Bistro Na’s

Location: Temple City

As the only Michelin-starred restaurant in San Gabriel Valley, Bistro Na’sis also the first American restaurant to serve China’s imperial cuisine. The recipes at this Temple City eatery were originally intended for royalty. In addition, all of the recipes have been passed down through generations of chefs who worked in the imperial kitchen. 

Chengdu Taste

Location: Alhambra

For fiery Sichuan cooking, make your way to Chengdu Taste. Enjoy signature dishes like the diced rabbit with “younger sister’s secret recipe.” This Chinese restaurant’s Sichuan-style mung bean jelly noodles with chile sauce are also a must. In addition, there are other great dishes like mapo tofu, and toothpick lamb with cumin. 

Sichuan Impression

Location: Alhambra & West L.A.

When it comes to Chinese restaurants with a wide selection of Sichuan dishes, Sichuan Impression tops the list. From hot-and-numbing wontons to noodles and entrées like kung pao chicken or harder-to-find items like mung bean jelly tossed in chili oil, there are many options to choose from. In addition, Sichuan Impression has tasty desserts, like a brown sugar rice cake and pumpkin mochi wrapped around red bean paste.

Din Tai Fung

Location: Glendale & Century City

We could not have a list of the best Chinese restaurants around town without Ding Tai Fung! The restaurant is always busy and buzzing, and for good reason. The eatery has multiple locations around town with a wide variety of bites to choose from. Enjoy tasty soup dumplings, plates of noodles, rice dishes, stir-fried vegetables, and more.

California Existing-home Sales

California existing-home sales – The number of single-family homes sold in June declined 21% year-over-year.

The California Association of Realtors reported that existing-home sales totaled 344,970 on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate in June, down 8.4% from May, and down 20.9% from last June. Excluding two months during the pandemic shutdown, this marked the fewest number of homes closed escrow in a month since April 2008. Existing-home sales through June are down 10.9% from the number of homes sold in the first half of 2021.

The statewide median price paid for a home in June was $863,790, up 5.4% from $819,630 in June 2021.

There was a 2.5-month supply of homes for sale in June, up from a 2.1-month supply of homes for sale in May, and a 1.7-month supply in June 2021. While up slightly a 2.5-month supply is still a low level. A normal market has a 5–6-month supply of homes on the market.

We have seen more homes come on the market in the past few weeks. Perhaps sellers feel that prices have topped out. Those listings are selling quickly if they are priced correctly. The vast majority of the homes sold are still receiving multiple offers, but they are not receiving the number of offers that they would have received a couple of months ago. We are seeing two to four offers, not twenty! The homes priced too high are sitting. Once reduced to the correct price those are selling as well, but not with the excitement and urgency a new listing gets.   I expect that the number of sales will increase from the anemic number of sales we saw in June because of the increased number of new listings hitting the market. June should be the fewest number of sales we see in a month for a long time. That’s what I am seeing on the street.

The graph attached shows regional figures by county in Southern California.

Economic update for the week ending July 16, 2022

Stock markets ended a volatile week slightly lower – Stocks dropped and interest rates jumped after the June CPI report was released on Wednesday. The Report shocked experts who had previously seen signs that inflation may have been moderating. To their surprise, the CPI report showed that consumer prices jumped from 8.6% in May to 9.1% in June, the highest reading since 1981. Mortgage interest rates, which had dropped about ½% from their peak on June 14, started to rise last Friday after the June jobs report showed that hiring had beat expectations by over 100,000 new jobs and continued to rise following the CPI report. The brisk rate of hiring, low unemployment, and soaring inflation disappointed investors who had hoped that interest rate hikes and other tightening measures would begin to cool the overheated economy and curb inflation. Due to inflation, good news is bad news, as the stronger the economy is the more people spend which causes inflation. On Friday, stocks surged on good news, which has not been the case lately, when it was announced that Retail Sales increased 1% month-over-month in June and rose 8.4% from one year ago. The report showed that consumers have not been swayed by negative economic predictions and are not cutting spending because they have a high amount of savings and their wages are rising. Early second quarter corporate profits have also beat expectations. The Fed reported that import prices fell slightly in June as the strong dollar and moderating oil prices may be helping inflationary pressures. Fed officials also made comments which dispelled investors’ fears of a full one percentage point interest rate hike at its next meeting. That does not seem to be their plan based on their comments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed the week at 31,288.26, down 0.2% from 31,338.15 last week. It is down 13.9% year-to-date.  The S&P 500 closed the week at 3,863.19, down 1.1% from 3,899.38 last week. The S&P is down 19.0% year-to-date. The NASDAQ closed the week at 11,452.42, down 1.6% from 11,635.31 last week. It is down 26.8% year-to-date.

U.S. Treasury bond yields higher this week – The 10-year treasury bond closed the week yielding 2.93%, down from 3.09% last week.  The 30-year treasury bond yield ended the week at 3.10%, down from 3.27% last week. We watch bond yields because mortgage rates often follow treasury bond yields.

Mortgage rates – The Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey reported that mortgage rates as of July 14, 2022, for the most popular loan products were as follows: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 5.51%, up from 5.30% last week. The 15-year fixed was 4.67%, up from 4.45% last week. The 5-year ARM was 4.35%, up from 4.19% last week.

California home sales statistics for June will be released next week from the California Association of Real Estate. U.S. home sales will be released by the National Association of Real Estate the week of the 21st. You can get local sales statics for June on my website. You can search the market report tab for your city or zip code.

Get an Instant Market Report for Your City or Zipcode

From the James Webb Space Telescope Images to TikTok Changes and more | Tech News

Keep up with the latest in the world of tech by reading our weekly tech news roundup. From the James Webb Space Telescope Images to TikTok Changes and more, we have you covered!

James Webb Space Telescope Releases Stunning First Shots

The James Webb Space Telescope released its first full-color images this week. The stunning photos give the world an otherworldly view of what’s happening beyond our blue planet. The telescope (JWST) is considered the new heavyweight of space telescopes, so likewise, such images were to be expected. Already hailed as the future of astronomy and astrophysics, the telescope is bringing footage to earth from nearly a million miles away. Prior to the JWST, it wax the Hubble Telescope played the leading role in space exploration. With only the first few images shared, the rest of the world waits eagerly for more postcards from space.

Alphabet Works on Larger Drones to Handle Heavier Deliveries

Wing, which is the drone delivery company operated by Google parent Alphabet, is working on a new prototype. The company this week unveiled a series of new drone aircraft meant for handling a variety of payloads. Likewise, the drones will share the same components as the current aircraft in operation. At this time, they have been used in delivering pharmaceuticals and other small packages in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Wing CEO Adam Woodworth stated the following, “Just as the ideal vehicle for carrying a ton of gravel would be a dump truck rather than a sedan, the ideal aircraft to carry a bottle of medication is not the same as the best one to deliver a gallon of milk, and neither is suited to deliver a refrigerator.”

Match Group Brings Tinder’s Background Check to More Dating Apps

In case you didn’t know, the biggest player in the dating app game is Match Group; now you know. Likewise, with the success of Tinder’s background check feature, Match Group has announced plans to bring the same feature to its other dating apps. The feature will now be available on Stir (the app for single parents) and, of course, Match. Similar to Tinder, the app will allow users planning to meet up to use the 3rd party service Garbo to run a background check. The feature adds another level of safety for app users and gives valuable information and safety tips. 

Instagrams Latest Update Allows Users to Publish Feed Posts Exclusively for Subscribers

As major social media platforms look for ways to monetize besides advertising, Instagram has unveiled its latest series of tools. The social platform will now allow creators on the app to publish content that is strictly for paid subscribers. This feature had previously been made available for stories, but now users can give paying supporters even more content. Likewise, the update will add a new subscriber hone tab on creator profiles that will allow subscribers to filter photos and Reels. In addition, subscriptions range based on the user from $0.99 to $99.99. Along with providing exclusive story and feed content, creators can also go live exclusively with subscribers. 

WhatsApp Support comes to Meta and Ray Ban’s Stories Glasses

Meta is bringing you even more ways to see the world. The company has announced that WhatsApp support will be coming to its Ray-Bans Stories glasses. Likewise, this latest update will allow users to make calls hands-free and send texts all via your eyewear. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated this week that users will also be able to directly apply to messages from WhatsApp and Messenger using voice commands. These updates will now allow the company to integrate Stories further into the Meta ecosystem. Of course, Stories will continue to maintain its main feature, which is to take video and images.

TikTok Adds New Ways to Control For You Page

Users of TikTok will have a new way to control the For You page. The popular video platform announced this week the ability to block certain words and hashtags from your feed. This latest feature will automatically filter out any selected words or tags users do not want to allow for a more focused scroll. The platform is also rolling out two new automated moderation and filtering tools. One, called Content Levels, ranks content based on “thematic maturity” and is designed to keep mature content of all types from being shown to young users.

 

Weekend Events: July 15 – July 17

It’s time for a weekend full of fun! Don’t miss out on all the great happenings this July 15 through July 17. From music to county fairs and more, there is plenty to do in your neck of the woods. 

LOS ANGELES WEEKEND EVENTS | July 15 – July 17

KCRW Summer Nights

When: Until September 29 

Where: Various locations

What: Summer is better with KCRW Summer Nights. Enjoy open-air tunes on select nights from July through September at various locations. Some of the spots for sounds include the Hammer Museum, CAAM, and more!

Outfest Los Angeles

When: July 14 – July 24 

Where: Various Locations 

What: The world’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival returns for two weeks this summer. Take part in a slew of parties, screenings, and galas happening in varying locations around town. This year’s event brings dozens of screenings from outdoor to indoor and, of course, online!

Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome

When: October 2 

Where: Angeles National Forest

What: Enjoy jazz in the mountaintop dome of the Mount Wilson Observatory. This monthly hosted concert brings music one mile above L.A. for an enchanting afternoon of sound. 

 

WESTSIDE AND BEACH COMMUNITIES WEEKEND EVENTS | July 15 – July 17

MLB All-Star Week

When: July 15 – July 19 

Where: Downtown Santa Monica

What: The MLB All-Star Game heads back to Dodger Stadium for the first time in four decades. Enjoy a weekend filled with activities in celebration of the upcoming week. There will be a baseball-themed carnival and yoga on the beach at the Santa Monica Pier, and more!

B-Boy Summit

When: July 16 – July 17 

Where: West Hollywood

What: DJ sets and dance battles! That is what you can find this weekend. The weekend summit will bring beats and moves to WeHo’s Plummer Park and DTLA’s Grand Park. There will also be workshops and panels for the WeHo.

OC Fair

When: July 15 – August 14 

Where: Costa Mesa

What: Fried food, carnival attractions, and the occasional rodeo or demolition derby, and you’ve got the OC Fair. This quaint fair which started in 1889, is a monthlong fest of fun you won’t want to miss. 

 

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | July 15 – July 17

Movies on the Roof

When: until August 27

Where: Fashion Square Mall | Sherman Oaks

What: Westfield Fashion Square invites you to a joy-filled alfresco film series this summer. Catch flicks like Iron Mand and Swingers, with ticket sales, support Hope of the Valley.

Moonlit Saturdays

When: July 9

Where: The Nitecap | Burbank

What: Treat yourself to some comedy and laughs this weekend. Head to The Nitecap for Moonlit Saturdays. The comedy show features LA’s best comedians, many of whom have appeared on HBO, Netflix, and Showtime. Don’t miss out!

Valley Relics Museum Experience

When: Every Saturday and Sunday

Where: 16781 Stagg Street Hangar C3 & C4 | Van Nuys

What: Visit the Valley’s beloved museum of Pop Culture this weekend! The Valley Relics Museum invites you to join them for a day full of nostalgia and fun. Their one-of-a-kind museum features neon signs, classic cars, a playable retro arcade, and more! Tickets for Valley Relics Museum can be purchased on Eventbrite.

CONEJO VALLEY WEEKEND EVENTS | July 15 – July 17

Surf Rodeo Music & Surf Festival in Ventura

When: July 15 

Where: Pierpont Beach, Ventura

What: A surf rodeo competition, 40 bands, beer, wine, and over 70 vendors are what you’ll find at the Surf Rodeo Music and Surf Festival. Surf Rodeo prides itself on being a platform for world-renowned surfers, musicians, and artists.

Music Under the Stars at the Olivas Adobe Ventura

When: July 16 

Where: 4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura

What:  The City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Division presents the popular Music Under the Stars series. Enjoy a range of sounds each weekend of the summer outdoors at the historic Olivas Adobe.

Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival – “As You Like It”

When: July 15 – July 17 

Where: CLU

What: CLU Kingsmen park invites you back to their much beloved Shakespeare Festival. The university will host The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company as they perform “As You Like It”. The final performance of one of the Bard’s most popular comedies concludes this weekend. 

The Best Tips for Polishing Your Homeware | Home Tips

Metal accents can complement the home in a myriad of ways. From pots and pans to statues and table accents it’s important to keep the shining. When it comes to your metal decor and polishing your homeware, we have some helpful tips. Read on for this week’s blog on the best way to keep your metal decor shining in style!

What to Use:

When it comes to metal homeware items like copper, you can polish them with products you may already have in your home. Items like baking soda, lemon juice, and even ketchup can work as a polish alternative. For deep cleaning, baking soda will want to be your go-to, although acidic fruits can be the most simple choice with just a dash of salt.

When it comes to brass items you will want to take a different three-step approach. This is when your DIY skills will once again come in handy. To make the solution, dissolve one teaspoon of salt into one-half cup of vinegar, then add flour until the mixture becomes a paste. Once you have mixed your oast together, rub it onto the brass. From there you will want to leave it on the metal for about 10 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water and using your hand or a soft cloth and buff it dry.

When to Use:

It is always best to have preventative measures when polishing your homeware. One great way to get the jump on any potential tarnish is with baby or mineral oil. Of course, you will want to have cleaned your metal homeware items before polishing them. Likewise, once you have done so, you can almost instantly see the difference.

When it comes to the frequency of how often you clean your homeware items, it will always be based on how much you use them. For items that are stationary, there is not always a need for frequent cleaning. 

You always have the option to buy storebought products as well! If DIYing is not your thing there are plenty of alternatives that you can purchase to use.

At the end of the day, how you clean your homeware products is up to YOU. We hope these helpful tips will add some ease to your household cleaning routine.