Goals can be as short-term as buying a new pair of shoes next week, or as long-term as going on vacation next spring. Regardless of what your goals may be, the only way to achieve them is to start planning them out now.
INVOLVE YOUR ENTIRE HOUSEHOLD
If it’s just you, great. But if you have a spouse and/or child, create a budget together, and explain to everyone that they may be asked to make sacrifices. When you plan together, you succeed together.
BUDGET IN FUN
A budget that leaves no money for an occasional dinner out or for a family outing at an amusement park is designed to fail. Your budget should help you, not put you in a bind. When you decide on a budget that works for you and your family, you’ll be able to enjoy the simple things like a trip to the movies, or more lavish like a trip to Paris.
MAKE THE EFFORT TO SAVE
Most people look at saving as putting away money for a rainy day. But a better way to look at it is putting away money for a nice vacation or something on your wish list. Start with the spare change you have after a cash purchase or connect with a financial advisor that can help you start putting away towards your monetary goals.
TAKE INVENTORY
If you don’t know where your money goes, how do you expect to manage it? Keep track of your savings. Make sure you know where your money is being invested whether it’s your savings account, 401k, or IRA.
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN WANTS AND NEEDS
Buy what you need first. The wants belong in the “what’s left over” category. If you can’t decide what a Want versus a Need is, the best way to look at it is what would improve your life long term, not temporarily. Consider the differences between needing a new computer or wanting a designer accessory.
EXPECT CHANGES
Look down the road and get into the habit of thinking ahead. Life happens, especially as a homeowner. That’s why you should always plan for life changes, big or small.
FIND A SYSTEM THAT WORKS FOR YOU
It could be the envelope system, a bank or a credit union. If it works for you, use it. With today’s technology you can save seamlessly from the palm of your hands.
Regardless of how you save or for what reason, it is important to make efforts towards the future now, no matter how close or far down the road. Save towards fixing up your kitchen. Save towards a family vacation. Or save for the simple things like a fun night out. Build the perfect budget for your household today!
March is many things. Spring…Leprechauns…and for sports fans March Madness. With the highlight of College Basketball Season kicking off and our brackets breaking down potential winners one question remains. Where does one watch the big game? Read below for LA’s best sports bars to cheer on your team because this round-up is a guaranteed 3-pointer!
Clearman’s Galley
Location: San Gabriel, CA
San Gabriel bar and restaurant Clearman’s Galley is not only offering tons of TVs for catching all the March Madness action, they’re also doing a bracket that customers themselves can enter, with the winner earning a $200 gift certificate to the restaurant.
Rocco’s Tavern
Location: Pasadena, CA
With locations from Westwood to Pasadena, Rocco’s Tavern is obviously doing something right. The Green Street location in Pasadena is small but mighty, and for March Madness is doing limited happy hour deals starting at 9 a.m. Thursday for the early games.
Mr. Furley’s Bar
Location: Glendale, CA
Inexpensive cocktails, comfort food, and lots of TVs make Mr. Furley’s a natural place to catch all the college basketball action in Glendale.
Barney’s Beanery Burbank
Location: Burbank, CA
Barney’s Beanery is a staple mini-chain across Southern California. The places are always bustling with sports fans and casual drinkers just in for a nightcap, and the hearty familiar fare keeps everyone happy.
Common Space Brewery and Tasting Room
Location: Hawthorne, CA
Common Space is one of the more talked-about breweries in Southern California right now. The casual Hawthorne warehouse space is kitted out with lounge seating, communal tables, and a few well-placed TVs for catching the action. Everyone loves the beer too, of course.
The Fields LA
Location: Los Angeles, CA
There may be no better place to catch the NCAA tournament action than at the Fields, attached to LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium just southeast of Downtown. With multiple vendors to choose from, loads of TVs, and the upstairs Free Play restaurant from Tim Hollingsworth, this place has it all.
Hi Tops
Location: West Hollywood, CA
San Francisco export Hi Tops is now in West Hollywood, turning on the TVs for big night games and offering a variety of cocktails and beers in addition to some pretty awesome nachos.
Bludso’s Bar & Que
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Bludso’s is a must for any sports fans. The casual spot for brisket, sausage links, and drinks is wall-to-wall with televisions, and it’s not uncommon to find fans of different teams crowded together around the same tables, yelling at the action on the screens.
Busby’s West
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Busby’s is synonymous with Westside sports watching. The anchor bar has for many years seen fans come to cheer on their squad, especially during the busy March Madness tournament.
Beer Belly Long Beach
Location: Long Beach
Long Beach has really embraced the second location of Beer Belly. The popular comfort food and craft beer corner spot isn’t as rowdy as some other local hangs for watching the games, but the menu and design still make this place a must for locals looking to watch some college basketball.
If you don’t know from the crazy amount of butterflies migrating through the city last week, spring is in bloom. With such is the arrival of California’s Wild Flowers. A site to see for those visiting the sunnier side of Cali, the wild flowers are experiencing a Super-Bloom this year. An event not to be missed as this only occurs every 10-15 years. If you’re looking for the best way to really ring in the floral season, we have the City-Guide for you. Get some instagram-able photos and spend some time Out and About with Spring in SoCal.
From Arcata to San Diego the state flower is in full bloom and so is our guide of where to find them.
Death Valley National Park
Here is where you will find the full super bloom experience. The Mojave Desert is home to the wildflower event, although this years scarce rains did not result in its usual bloom, it’s still a sight to see.
Joshua Tree National Park
While in Death Valley, you can make your way to Joshua Tree which happens to be part of the Mojave. Blooms have already started here near the park’s south entrance and are expected to last longer thanks to cool temperatures.
Channel Islands National Park
These five islands that make up the park 25 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara coastline have a bounty of unique wildflower offerings. On Anacapa, Santa Barbara, and San Miguel islands, yellow coreopsis began blooming in January and will last through the month. The flowers are endemic to the Channel Islands but only found now on Santa Rosa Island.
Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area
In late March, the flanks of this summit (50 miles northwest of Santa Barbara) and nearby Grass Mountain begin bursting with a range of wildflowers. Hyacinth, shooting stars, buttercups, milkmaids, Johnny-jump-ups and poppies are just a few of the many flowers found here.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
At this nearly 1,800-acre reserve about 75 miles north of Los Angeles, are rolling hills blanketed in poppies. The season for these hillside foliage’s begins in April, lasting through early May. While the poppies are the showstopper here, keep your eye out for other wildflowers like California Aster and blue lupine. Since this area received several more inches of rain then usual in 2019, a super bloom is expected here too.
Pinnacles National Park
Around 8-miles south of San Jose is Pinnacles National Park. The wildflowers here can be seen in March, showing most in May. Depending on rainfall and temperature one would find a mix of milkmaids, shooting stars bush poppies and orchids.
Here in California, we lead the forefront in the nation for our clean energy initiatives and green living. It should come as no surprise then, that so many people are switching over to Solar Power for their homes. Sunny California is home to the top two solar installers(Telsa/SolarCity) as well as the world’s most efficient solar pane manufacturer(SunPower). Factor that in with the state’s high cost of electricity and notably lower solar prices and its a no brainer. Read below for our tips on switching over to Solar Power and save your energy of searching the web on your own!
1. Compare all your options: get as many quotes as possible
If you are considering installing solar, research and consider every option that you can. Various resources such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the California Solar Initiative and others can offer pricing data. Additionally, there is a long list of companies in the state that can provide free PV quotes.
2. The largest installers will not necessarily offer the best price
Although large companies will often bring out superlatives like ‘biggest installer’ in their sales pitches, this does not mean that they offer the best value. The premise is simple: massive installers already have market share and brand awareness and thus do not need to offer the best prices and value. When small installers compete in a price auction, on the other hand, the result is some of the lowest bids you can find in the U.S. for a PV installation. Make sure you price compare to ensure your getting the best value!
3. Different products for different people
Just as a Lamborghini might not be the right choice for everyone in the market for a car, the same concept applies with solar. Not everyone needs to shop for the most expensive solar PV equipment. There are many different types of solar panels and inverters for different needs and preferences. For the price-oriented, value-focused consumer, it is easy to save thousands simply by choosing standard solar panels instead of a premium top-of-the-line brand.
There is a hefty list of solar panel brands that offer a wide range of features and prices.
How much could I save?
Solar panels offer homeowners a wide range of financial benefits. This is largely based on the sizes of the rooftop solar systems, average electricity rates, and local incentives.
As an example, let’s assume that you live in Los Angeles and fit the average profile for an L.A. homeowner:
You are paying 20.3 cents per kWh (48.2% more than the national average)
You’ll purchase 7,200 kWh of electricity each year
You pay an average of $92 per month for your power bill (but that’s climbing)
If you were to install a 2.4 kW solar power system on your home, you could see the following savings over the course of the system’s 25- to 30-year lifetime:
Monthly Savings: $80-$145 (more over time depending on rate hikes)
Lifetime Savings: $25,000-$43,000 (more over time depending on rate hikes)
Investing in your home
Saving on power bills isn’t the only financial benefit to going solar. A commonly overlooked personal benefit is how it affects your property value.
While some expect rooftop solar to devalue a home, it actually increases your home’s value. Most homebuyers save on electric bills with a solar home and are willing to pay more for it.
The National Bureau of Economic Research found that solar panels add, on average, between 3% and 4% to a home’s value. In fact, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make on your home.
Rodeo Realty’s Leslie Kavanaugh has acquired the listing for an extraordinary property in Malibu’s most desirable neighborhood–Point Dume.
The estate is offered at $8,888,888 and has received an influx of media coverage in various publications. The estate is located steps away from one of Malibu’s most pristine beaches. It is truly an exceptional opportunity to reside in the coveted Point Dume neighborhood.
Fox 34 News has named the listing “one of Malibu’s Best Homes” on the market right now.
6950 Point Dume Drive sits on over one acre of land with Smart Home technology. It comes equipped with all the entertainment necessities one could ever need.
From a 10-seat theatre to it’s woodwork office, private gym and swimming pall, this estate has it all. Designed by renowned architect Douglas Burdge, this stunning abode is a seaside dream!
More about Leslie Kavanaugh:
A native Californian, Leslie Kavanaugh began her real estate career in 1979. A top-producing agent, Leslie specializes in the Westside communities of Bel Air, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Beverly Hills.
She has received both the California 100 and the Circle of Distinction awards, President’s Elite Circle and National President’s Circle in recognition of her sales record and extensive experience, having served as a sales associate, estates director, marketing director and training director as well as in management for several major real estate firms.
Leslie has personally represented more than 200 estate sales in the Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Malibu area, and Rodeo Realty is very proud to welcome her to our Beverly Hills office.
As multiple media publications have reported , Josh Flagg of Rodeo Realty has sold Actress Lily Collins Sierra Towers West Hollywood abode.
Representing both the buyer and the seller, Flagg recently closed on the Jack A. Charney- designed condominium. The sale received coverage in the LA Times, Variety and Architectural Digest. The listing came up for sale in 2018 and boast 1,700 square feet of living space.
It is a tenth-floor corner unit one-bedroom, two bathroom with a private terrace that spans the length of the unit. Additional features include floor-to-ceiling windows, a wet bar and an updated kitchen with builtin seating. The master bedroom also includes a walk-in closet and office with the unit offering spectacular views of the DTLA cityscape.
Lily Collins is the daughter of musician Phil Collins and antique dealer Jill Tavellman. Collins is most known for her role on Amazons “The Last Tycoon” and can be seen in the upcoming Ted Bundy Biopic “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile” as well as BBC’s remake of “Les Mis”.
To read the media articles that covered this sale click the links below:
Boost your home’s curb appeal without draining your wallet. These simple, budget-friendly fixes—like adding a wreath, painting the front door, or tending to the landscape—will make your home look like a million bucks.
Refresh a Planter
Pay attention to your planters. Add character and interest to your home by planting flowers in salvaged or repurposed containers, like barrels, birdbaths, and wheelbarrows. Look for inspiration in items you already own and at flea markets.
Have a Seat
Seating can add major curb appeal without much cash. Look for something simple and eye-catching, like a pair of chairs found on Craigslist or a repurposed wooden bench. Add color with cushions and bright pillows—just be sure to use durable, weather-resistant fabrics.
Lantern Light
Flea market finds—like these majestic lanterns—add rustic beauty at little cost. Keep your eyes open at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales for statement pieces that can flank a front porch.
Add a Wreath
Wreaths aren’t just for the holidays. Dress up your front door year-round with wreaths in a variety of fun textures and designs. Snag decor at a discount by planning ahead and buying items well in advance. Fall wreaths, for example, go on sale in November and December, so buy at a reduced price, then store until September rolls around.
Keep It Bright
Make a statement with a colorful front door. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders on any surface, and a bright hue ensures that your home will stand out in a sea of neutral colors. Simple materials you likely already have on hand—paint, primer, and brushes—keep costs low.
Light It Up
Warm lights and lanterns give off a homey vibe without much effort. You likely already have some sort of porch lighting, but consider adding a spotlight on a favorite tree or lanterns along a walkway.
Simple Symmetry
Symmetry is pleasing to the eye, but it can be difficult to obtain in home design—especially if your home wasn’t built with balance in mind. Capture the effect without a remodel by creating a symmetrical front porch or walkway. Matching potted plants flanking a set of stairs or identical rocking chairs on each side of your front door will do the trick.
Build Character
High-end curb appeal lets your home stand out—in a good way. The key is to play to your home’s strengths and architecture. If you’re on a budget, pick one feature to home in on—like shrubbery, lighting, or the front door—and make it the focal point of your exterior.
Change of Season
Seasonal decor changes your home’s look every few months without much work. Plus, you can decorate without breaking the bank. Just opt for simple, fresh accents. Try picking up pumpkins, squash, and gourds for fall, and go for evergreen boughs and red ribbons in winter. Bright, seasonal blooms do the trick in spring and summer.
There’s more to this month then March Madness. With so many fun activities in LA we thought you might need more then the weekend round-up. Read below for a collection of events happening throughout the month and discover your inner Angeleno!
The Other Art Fair is Coming to Downtown L.A. (March 28-31)
The Other Art Fair Los Angeles returns to Magic Box at The Reef. The Fair takes place March 28-31 for the 3rd edition of its independent artist showcase. See a curated selection of over 140 independent artists and check out thousands of pieces for every budget in one space. -> More information
The Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival (March 31)
The Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival comes to Columbia Park on March 31 for a unique blend of cultural performances with a fun variety of crafts by local artisans, centered around the blooming cherry blossom. -> More information
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes Celebrates César Chávez Day (March 31)
This free celebration features a guest speaker from the Cesar Chavez Foundation, Xipe Totec Aztec dancers, live music by Lorenzo and the Carnales, plus art, garden, and culinary workshops -> More information
With all the hustle and bustle in LA, narrowing down the best places to grab a bite can be tricky. Rather then making your routine stop at Panera Bread, why not try something new. LA has more restaurants then there are Bird scooters. With that in mind we’ve narrowed down the best places to nosh this week.
While most restaurants don’t put too much creativity into their brunch menus, chef Jonathan Whitener is bringing fresh ideas and energy to the table. Take for instance his coconut waffle with koji, blueberries, ume (Japanese salty plums), and smoked maple syrup.This dish is far more interesting than it needs to be, going above and beyond the brunch-time status quo. Respect the waffle.
The menu weaves across the hours with a mix of rethought American classics. From breakfast bowls with activated charcoal or a smoked salmon tartine with yuzu cream cheese. To lighter lunches like grilled tuna salads or hummus and steamed mussels. For dinner there’s a full bar run by lead bartender Jamie Clark and surprises like an all-vegan beet-based bao, or a throwback filet mignon atop wasabi mashed potatoes. Throw in a daily happy hour, and it feels like Pikoh really can do it all.
Lately’s menu is an all-day savory jaunt, with their breakfast sandwich sporting an organic fried egg, gouda, and oven roasted tomato on an English muffin. They also serve biscuits, a soft scrambled toast, a heaping avocado toast, salads, breakfast bowl, and a country-fried steak sandwich.
Urban Radish, the healthy-eating oasis in the Arts District is the perfect lunchtime spot. The outdoor grill is hidden behind a row of water-circulating vertical planters brimming with kale and other greens. Look through the foliage to find one man and a stack of tickets. Skirt steak, salmon, chicken; it all hits the hot metal and gets served over healthy grains and greens to a slew of daytime diners. Yum!
LA’s best new taco stand has landed a highly visible location in Koreatown. Meaning it’s the best time to stop by during weekdays. Ask nicely for the chicharron de queso con hongos, paired with the stand’s excellent mushrooms. The best part about Tacos 1986 is its accessibility, placed right in the heart of Koreatown. Located at a crossroads for anyone traveling to Hollywood or Downtown, South LA, or Mid-City. What’s better than a taco pit stop?
With open seating and rapid rounds of sushi hitting plates, KazuNori is the place to find some of the LA’s freshest fishes. It’s not uncommon to find a long line, which can be surprisingly short thanks to the restaurant’s efficiency. Choose from three to six hand rolls, which are made in plain view. The chefs transform the sea bream’s tender flesh and shiny silver skin into an elegant and perfect hand roll. Order a Sapporo and watch the chefs do their magic.
Newly opened, Tartine Bianco is a hot ticket dining spot. The chicken liver toast is an early stand out and quite possibly the most thoughtful dish. The base of the matter, a crusty slice of the restaurant’s famous bread, sturdily held onto the pretty pink liver, as well as dollops of kumquat puree and blood orange segments. Balance comes among the varied components, hitting the brightest of notes with just enough richness to bring it home.
Jame Enoteca is well on its way to becoming a new kind of standard for the city of El Segundo. The corner strip mall option makes all of its pastas in-house and keeps a cozy but refined sort of vibe. Of particular noteworthiness (though all of the pastas seem to be pretty delicious) is the off-menu occasional lasagna with assorted foraged mushrooms. Pair it up with some vegetables to start and maybe a glass of wine, and be well on the way to a very full and very relaxed time in the South Bay.
The chefs at Atrium have whipped up pristine dishes with flavors that are unique and strong, just the way Angelenos like it. The beef carpaccio, inspired by the chef’s love of carne asada, is topped with crispy potato matchsticks, a thick salsa macha, and avocado crema. Those crunchy, salty, and savory layers makes for fun eating, but one plate might not be enough.
As we settle into the shortest month of the year, our weekends shouldn’t be cut short on lack of fun. With so many activities to chose from in and around LA, fill your time with the events we’ve rounded up below!
Friday Feb. 8th, 2019
Groundlings & Groundlings, Attorneys at Law
Location: The Groundlings Theatre, Los Angeles
The legendary Groundlings Theatre troupe presents its latest and greatest main stage show. It’s an evening of sketches and some improvisation, always original and always hilarious. Groundlings & Groundlings, Attorneys At Law Opening Night Party is Friday, February 8th. Tickets are $50 and include two drink tickets (specialty cocktails, beer, and wine), catering from The Darkroom, and an awesome show! This event is 21 and over only. ID required.
Lookin’ to groove right into 2019? One Love Cali Reggae Festival returns to the Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach on February 8 – 10 for its fourth annual music fest with all of your favorite bands and artists. This three-day festival boasts a long line-up of musicians. Performers include Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Sublime with Rome, Dirty Heads, and more. Attendees can also enjoy nightly after parties on the water with Don Carlos on Friday, February 8, Collie Buddz on Saturday, February 9 and Fiji on Sunday, February 10.
Michael Ealy, Joy Bryant, Regina Hall, producer Will Packer and Kevin Hart arrive at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival Premiere of Screen Gems’ “About Last Night”.
The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) returns to Los Angeles February 7-18. Now in its 27th year, the 12-day festival is the largest black film festival in America. PAFF’s legacy is evidenced by the success of storytellers and talent who’ve contributed works to the festival such as Will Packer, Kevin Hart, Jamie Foxx, Ryan Coogler, Berry Jenkins, Taraji P. Henson, Ava Duvernay, and countless others. This year’s program features a robust schedule including the Filmmakers Brunch, ARTFest, PAFF Institute Panels, StudentFest, LOL Comedy Series, Children’s Fest, SpokenWord Fest, Seniors’ Connection and much more.
Come help the Hammer Museum celebrate their newest winter exhibitions with an opening-night party on February 9. From 8 to 11 p.m., attendees can view these brand-new exhibits during late-night hours, enjoy music by DJ Nubar and DJ ShyBoy from MaDonna Summer and Bootie LA/SF. See works by Los Angeles-based artist and view are newly acquired works. There will be a cash bar and The Original Grilled Cheese food truck will be parked on Lindbrook Drive if you want to grab a bite. As always, Hammer Museum events are free until they reach capacity.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce presents the 120th Golden Dragon Parade along North Broadway in Chinatown on February 9. The celebration centers around the Lunar New Year, which is one of the biggest holidays of the year for nearly 1.5 million persons of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese descent in Southern California. Gathering thousands of individuals, this parade will include almost two dozen floats, multiple marching bands, government officials, various dignitaries, entertainers, local business leaders and cultural groups. The overarching theme of the parade is ethnic diversity, Chinese culture and exposure to Chinese-American businesses.
Spend an evening with your favorite animal friends after hours aboard Noah’s Ark. Wear your favorite PJs (adults, too!) and play with puppets, tell stories, make new friends, and celebrate the winter. Enjoy a tasty dinner together and have loads of fun!
Location:City Council Chambers (at the West Hollywood Library)
The City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division and the West Hollywood Library present the 2018-19 Winter Sounds FREE Indoor Concert Series. Zetz Klezmer is a delightful ensemble whose show weaves together music, stories, history, educational demos, and jokes. Their original and traditional music is rooted in klezmer traditions of European Jews, but also fuses sounds from across the globe.
Location: Audubon Center at Debs Park, Los Angeles
On Sunday, February 10 the second annual Forge Festival celebrates the art of blacksmithing through live demonstrations, hands-on activities, musical performances, tomahawk throwing, artisan metal and craft marketplace and other family-friendly activities. Hosted by Adam’s Forge, a blacksmithing school founded 2002, The Forge Festival takes place from noon to 4 p.m. at the and tickets are $25 (children 12 and under are free).
Watch Healthy Spot’s Grooming team go paw-to-paw to transform some of Annenberg PetSpace‘s adoptable pets in hopes of helping them find their furever homes. This Japanese style grooming competition will be judged by celebrity guest, Kenichi Nagase! Kenichi is a renowned Japanese Pet Grooming Stylist, recently featured in the Netflix docuseries, Dogs. Your pet is more than welcomed to join you! Stop by and enjoy: A friendly grooming competition, Q&A with Japanese Style Grooming experts, Kenichi Nagase, Jess Ronaand Patricia Sugihara, Adoptable pets from Annenberg PetSpace, Treats and takeaways, Raffle prizes and giveaways!
Location: Tarzana Community and Cultural Center, Tarzana
Treat your little ones to A Fairy Tea Party! Each table will be hosted by one of A Faery Hunt’s charming faeries. English Tea Sandwiches, shortbread cookies, faery fruit and veggies, and Fairy Tea will be served; catered by their amazing Fairy Caterer. Come dressed in your faery; prince or princess finest attire. Enjoy circle-time story time with the faeries, music, dancing, and surprises. Space is limited for the Fairy Tea Party, so get your tickets now for this catered event.
Location: The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts
Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen returns with the 4th season of FREE, outdoor dance events for the whole family. This weekends event will feature BREAK THE FLOOR: HIP HOP! An introduction to Hip-Hop class with a fun and energetic routine taught by Chantel Heath.
