Tag: discoverla

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Home Tips: 14 Fall Harvest Decorating Ideas for Your Home

When summer fades, many of us are ready to welcome the fall season. Pumpkins, gourds and other decorative squashed are in abundance this time of year! Why not use them as inspiration for your fall harvest decorating project? Browse our best fall harvest decorating ideas over the years – they’re made to last from the first changing of leaves through the Thanksgiving feast.

  1. Wheat Wreath with Wooden Beads

A wreath is a lovely way to welcome guests into your home. This wild wonder owes its elegant good looks to the natural materials that embellish its standard straw base. We added wheat stalks laced with wooden beads and sculptural bleached seedpods.

 

  1. Corn Husk Garlands

At the front door, visitors to your home will marvel at this outdoor display. Decorative Indian corn is a farm-stand staple at this time of year and can be used in all manner of home décor projects: dye them, bath style, in a rainbow of dye colors or braid the husks to create a seasonal garland that drapes around your doorway.

  1. Pear “Welcome” Display

Once inside, guests will be greeted with a friendly, fragrant greeting using the season’s abundant Forelles and Anjous pears. Simply arrange seven pears on a mantel. Then, with a fine-tipped washable marker, write letters on the front of each pear. Press whole cloves into the flesh along the lines and the sweet aroma will be as welcoming as the message itself.

  1. Lamp Chimney and Candle Centerpiece

Many people say grace at dinner, but you’ll feel thankful well before if you prep the table with this easy yet eye-catching centerpiece. Incorporate the lamp chimneys at varying heights for a high-low look and better ease for guests to converse across the table.

 

  1. Wheat Centerpiece

Summer flowers may have wilted with the changing of seasons, but wheat stalks – with their delicate, golden form – are long lasting. Arrange an armful of tall stalks into a vase, cropping the ends and fluffing the tops, and display your glorious autumnal bouquet.

  1. Squash-and-Pumpkin Flower Arrangements

Squashes and pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, and when paired with seasonal blooms, they add character to your table. Combine a large greenish Hubbard squash paired with bittersweet branches and a white “Baby Boo” pumpkin with bright orange mums for a unique floral display.

  1. Turnip Votives

In a season of abundance, make full use of those richly colored vegetables that flourish in the transition from autumn into winter. Amid a set of gray-washed baskets on the table, turnips – in varying sizes – can be scooped out to hold votive candles that provide a soft glow.

 

  1. Cabbage Bowls and Cups

Bring in new colors and textures to the dinner table with heads of cabbage. Hollow out whole cabbages with a paring knife and spoon and use them to hold appetizer dips. Then, wrap the remaining leaves around glasses to hold crudités, cheeses, and breadsticks.

 

  1. Sprout Napkin Ties

Small Brussels sprouts and sage leave combine to make a charming addition to each guest’s place setting. For each napkin tie, sandwich one end of a ribbon between a sprout and a pair of sage leaves. Use a sequin pin to secure, pinning through the leaves first, then the ribbon, then into the sprout. Repeat on the opposite end of the ribbon, and tie it around a napkin in a loose knot. The sage leaves aren’t just a pretty addition – they’re fragrant, too.

 

 

  1. Hanging Basket of Fall Flowers

Assorted pinecones, pods, acorns and other natural decorations all make for a wilt-proof wall hanging. Treat them with a few coats of golden yellow paint, then hot-glue them to dried twigs gathered from the yard.

 

  1. Glittered Corn Centerpiece

A few organic elements, touched with a bit of gilding, evoke fall’s abundance. For an eye-catching centerpiece, turn a glass compote into a horn of plenty with glittering Indian corn and squash.

 

  1. Tabletop Baskets

Baskets are good for more than bearing fruit! Make use of them on the dinner table as centerpieces, salt and pepper cellars, or and added touch to your guest’s place settings. For each place card, cinch a napkin with a waxed cord and tie the ends around the basket’s handle.

  1. Bar Cart

Pumpkins, gourds and another harvest bounty need not be limited to the front porch or dinner table either – try interspersing them throughout your home, as shown on this rolling bar cart. It doubles as both a way to greet your guests with cocktails and a decorative statement.

 

  1. Cornucopia

For the piece de resistance of your fall harvest décor, why not consider the universal symbol of bounty? The cornucopia, that is. This raffia cornucopia lined with a bed of dried wheat stalks holds an abundance of golden squashes, apples, and pears. This is a natural Thanksgiving decoration that radiates good fortune!

 

 

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12 Halloween Costume Ideas for the Whole Family

When trying to come up with ideas for a group Halloween costume, it is best to start with a theme! Costumes that have things in common can also work well together. The good thing is that they can be modified to fit your family size. You can easily and quickly put together a family costume with these ideas.

 

Sloth and Tree Costumes

There’s no trick-or-treater too small for Halloween. The trick to this duo? We used a baby wrap carrier to disguise a smiling little one as a sloth slinging from a tree branch. To create this costume, print the template onto 8 ½ by 11 inch paper and cut out. Use the template to cut out felt shapes, then glues the pieces together and pin them to baby’s wrap and hat. Mom can wear brown and tuck leaves in her hair.

Bluebird and Birdwatcher Costumes

As an avid birdwatcher, your little bird is never far from sight with a pair of binoculars. Other than the hat and a canteen (available at camping-suppl stores), this costume can be assembled entirely from clothes from your closet. Choose an outfit that consists of neutral, outdoorsy pieces, such as the safari-style jacket and brown pants shown, and don’t forget a pair of sensible shoes. For the bluebird costume, use our pattern and basic sewing supplies to create a pair of detachable wings.

Under-the-Sea Costumes

For a family of little ones, the ocean still holds a depth of mystery and awe. Designate one of your kids as the Mermaid, encouraging her to make her own whimsical accessories like a seashell crown and a tail of satin, tulle and metallic trim. Meanwhile, the rest of the kids can dress up as their favorite undersea creatures: a goldfish, a snappy Lobster, an eight-legged Octopus or a Jellyfish. You can even join in the fun as a scuba diver or an ever-watchful lifeguard at the shore.

Three Musketeers Costume

All for fun, fun for all! A night of trick-or-treating awaits the dashing Three Musketeers. If you’re a family of three- or have three little ones – then why not embody the legendary literary trio? Give everyone a pullover vest, a collared cape, and a Fleur-de-lis insignia – and the evening will be full of swashbuckling adventure and candy treasures.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf Costumes

Embrace the charm of classic storybook characters with these easy-to-make costumes for Mom and Dad or son and daughter. For her, a gown and namesake hood are cut and sewn from a length of crimson jersey and tied with a wide ribbon at the waist. For him, the dapper wolf wears a suit with a red cravat, and his fur is styled from two shaggy wigs. (To make the wolf head, cut 2 large triangular sections – as ears – from one wig and hot-glue them in place to the second wig.) Faux fangs are the only sign of his true nature.

Storm Chaser and Tornado Costumes

As siblings, they can have an admittedly stormy relationship at times, but they complement each other well as a storm chaser and tornado. A younger sister can be a great storm chaser with some hair gel and a flipped umbrella. All you need is a tornado and that’s easy enough to create with a tomato cage and tulle.

Lion and Gladiator Costumes

They tussle in roughhouse play as it is, so why not personify their sibling rivalry? Dress one as the stalwart gladiator and the other as a courageous lion. Construct the gladiator’s costume using hardware store supplies: museum board, a window shade, and prong fasteners. Similarly, the lion’s costume is a clever assembly of fringe garlands and a hoodie. For both, there are no sewing skills required.

 

Napoleon and Josephine Costumes

For a sibling costume that is simple, as the French say, “incroyable”, pair brother and sister together as Napoleon and Josephine. He may not have learned his French history yet, but a boy would love dressing up in Napoleon’s regalia nevertheless. And, similarly, a girl will love dressing up in Josephine’s glamorous Empire-style gown with period jewelry and a fancy updo.

 

Lamb and Chicken Costumes

This funny farm duo – a chicken and a lamb – pair up together in the cutest costume idea for siblings, cousins or even best friends. Both costumes use wearable patterns in simple soft materials to ensure that the kids feel comfortable for a night of trick-or-treating. A parent can keep a close watch over the flock as they make their rounds through the neighborhood as Old MacDonald.

Tulip and Rose Flower Costumes

A blooming crepe-paper tulip cap and rosebud headband – each in pastel hues turn a mother-daughter dup into a sprightly pair.

Superhero Costumes

Every kid is a superhero and parents can join in as well. Start with t-shirts and leggings as the base for the costume. Then add headbands and belts and other accessories to make your own unique superhero.

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10 Halloween Finger Food Recipes

Halloween is all about the eerie, scary and downright creepy. When you’re hosting a Halloween party, make a variety of sweet and savory finger foods for guests to enjoy – just be sure to get a little creative with the decorations atop these skull-tacular snacks.

Prosciutto- Wrapped Fig Hearts

Savor the taste of these rich and indulgent fig bites. They offer a sophisticated combination of tangy goat cheese, salty prosciutto, and sweet dried figs it for a Queen.

 

Wavy Grissini

Ready for a hair-raising snack? These breadsticks are nothing like the kind you’ll find at an Italian restaurant; mix the dough with black squid ink for a devilish hue and serve alongside Black-Tahini and Eggplant Dip.

 

Popcorn on the Cob

Popcorn balls are a popular snack to serve to trick or treaters. Give them a fall twist by forming the popcorn, marshmallows and colored candy into the shape of flint corn. It’s a simple, sweet treat perfect for the harvest season and just right for Halloween.

 

Crudites with Miso-Yogurt Dip

Swap out brightly colored vegetables for dark, creepy colors such as red cabbage, purple carrots, purple potatoes, and black olives. This appetizer has a seriously dark side.

 

Brain Cupcakes

This is a fun, freaky dessert that’s a Halloween must-make. Use Swiss Meringue buttercream to create the squiggles and wiggles of a brain on top of a rich chocolate cupcake.

 

Deep-Sea Specimens with Devilishly Hot Cocktail Sauce

This spooky presentation of elegant seafood looks like the crab legs and poached shrimp are coming alive right before your eyes. The spicy cocktail sauce may frighten your taste buds, but it’s so good that you won’t resist a double-dip.

 

Sweet Bones

No bones about it: These are some seriously spooky meringues. Dip in chocolate, or shape into ghosts and add chocolate chips as eyes.

 

Rest in Peas

Use Halloween-shaped cookie cutters – gravestones, bats, witch hats, skulls, and pumpkins – to create festive croutons for this most unusual dip. A creamy mixture of cooked peas mimic the appearance of graveyard grass, but tastes so much better!

 

Black-Widow Spider Bites

Real spiders would not be welcome at the Halloween celebration but this savory rendition – made with sweet potato chips, avocado, and olives – makes perfect horror d’oeuvres. Dig into this creepy crawling snack before it bites you back!

 

Caramel Apples

Caramel apples are essential to Halloween as ghosts and goblins galore. Sprinkling flaky sea salt on the rich caramel cuts the sweetness and adds a crunchy texture, making this a scary good treat.

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Weekend Events: October 25-27

It has been a busy week, so all you want to do is put your feet up and relax. But, do you? You’ll miss out on all of these fun-filled weekend events! Food trucks, a spooky orchestra, scary museums, a concert, and a Día de Los Muertos celebration! Still want to hang out on the couch? We didn’t think so. Put on something comfy and head out that door! We’ve got the perfect weekend events for you before the hustle and bustle of Halloween weekend.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 25, 2019

Food Tour of Downtown Los Angeles

Location: Sidewalk Food Tours of Los Angeles

This guided Downtown LA food tour includes six unique stops showcasing the best of the growing, diverse DTLA food scene. Our expert foodies have done extensive and delicious research to offer you the ultimate best-of food tour of DTLA.

Natural History of Horror

Location: Natural History Museum, USC/Exposition Park

The Natural History Museum is taking a look at the science and history that inspired some of the film’s most iconic, hideous creatures. “Natural History of Horror” will tackle scientific discoveries, like the excavation of King Tut’s tomb, and explore how they influenced the classic Halloween movies, like The Mummy and Frankenstein.

Source: Los Angeles Daily News

 

‘Psycho’ Live Orchestra

Location: The Theatre Ace Hotel, Downtown Historic Core

The LA Opera and the Theatre at Ace Hotel join forces once again for a spooky mash-up of film and opera. Hole up in the Ace’s gothic auditorium for a screening of the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock classic, Psycho, complete with a live accompaniment from LA Opera Orchestra. Stick around after the October 26 performance for the Ace’s “A Hitchcock Halloween,” a haunted costume party in the hotel theater’s cathedral-like lobby.

Saturday October 26, 2019

Morrissey + Interpol

Location: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood

The Los Angeles love affair with Morrissey continues. Due to popular demand, Morrissey has announced a final show of his arena headline run at the Hollywood Bowl. British national treasure Morrissey brings his Smiths and solo hits to Los Angeles, with support from moody aughts post-punk band Interpol.

Grand Park Downtown Día de Los Muertos

Location: Grand Park, Downtown Los Angeles

Join Grand Park and Self-Help Graphics & Art—which hosts its own Day of the Dead celebration—for a nine-day display of altars erected within the park alongside large-scale art installations curated by LORE Media and Arts. This holiday originates in Mexico. The multi-day holiday involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died, and helping support their spiritual journey. With stunningly decorated Calaveras, and delicious food you won’t want to miss out on Día de Los Muertos at Grand Park!

True Crime of Los Angeles/Ghost Tour

Location: Heritage Square Museum, Montecito Heights

Step into the sordid history of Victorian love triangles, a deadly party at a speakeasy and the suspect circumstances surrounding a riot as part of this turn-of-the-20th-century true crime tour at Heritage Square. In addition to the daytime walking tour, the museum will also host an after-dark ghost tour, in which small groups will retrace the stories of the families who once lived in the houses at Heritage Square.

Sunday October 27, 2019

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Location: Old Zoo, Griffith Park

Like seemingly all pop culture horror experiences right now, this year’s Haunted Hayride will set the action in the mid-’80s in the fictitious town of Midnight Falls. This Hayride is a Los Angeles Halloween classic that you cannot miss!

Second Home Serpentine Pavilion by SelgasCano

Location: La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Miracle Mile

Each summer, a different world-renowned architect constructs a short-lived immersive pavilion in London’s Kensington Gardens. One of those fleeting structures is headed stateside: SelgasCano’s crisscross of airy rainbow tunnels will welcome visitors who are looking for colorful photo ops and free performances. Hosted by coworking space Second Home and the Natural History Museum.

Rooftop Cinema Club

Location: NeueHouse Hollywood

The masters of alfresco rooftop movie viewing have returned for another season of screenings in Hollywood and Downtown L.A. Rooftop Cinema Club is your comfortable and less stressful alternative to other outdoor movie screenings. Rooftop Cinema Club provides you with your very own comfy lawn chair, as well as blankets on request for the ultimate cozy experience. What’s more? You’ll get a set of wireless headphones so you never have to miss a word.

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Top 10 Halloween Movies

Grab a bowl of buttery popcorn, light the fireplace and cozy up in a blanket because it is Halloween movie night! We put together a medley of the best Halloween movies to date! Whether it’s a family movie night or if you’re looking to get seriously spooked, we have all the right choices for you!

 

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Rating-PG

Witchcraft, black cats, and one spooky neighborhood! Three witches (played by Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler, and Kathy Najimy) return 300 years after being hung for their 17th-century spell work in Salem, Massachusetts. These three sinister women must take the life of a child and three kids who also happen to have resurrected the witches by accident. The kids go on a mission to stop the witches from returning Salem to the way it was when they first lived.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Rating-PG

After dying in a car crash, the ghosts of Adam and Barbara Maitland are informed that they have to remain in their house for 150 years. Which is fine, until the house is sold to a family they can’t stand. The Maitlands love their home and don’t want Deetz living in it! The couple hires freelance bio-exorcist Beetle Juice to scare the Deetzes away. See this family-friendly Halloween classic to find out what happens next!

Halloween (1978)

Rating-R

A serious spine-chilling suspense, this 70s classic will scare you out of your wits! You might want to keep a light or two on for this one. A murder, stalking, and institutionalization. Have you gotten goosebumps yet?

The Conjuring (2013) 

Rating-R

A freaky looking house in Rhode Island, and paranormal activity inside those four walls. What’s more? This movie is based on a true story. The Perron family moves into this frightening looking house. When increasingly scary things continue to happen to them, they call the Warrens to investigate. Their findings are straight out of your nightmares!

Halloweentown (1998)

Rating- PG

This classic is perfect for a family movie night. Marnie and her kids are in for a surprise when they follow their grandma home to Halloween town. They find out that they are from a family of witches! Halloweentown is the only place where supernatural beings can lead a normal life. With monsters of all sizes roaming the streets going about their daily lives. Marnie soon discovers that she and her family are involved in a fight against the very same evil that is threatening to take over the world.

The Strangers (2008)

Rating-R

Kristen and James head out for a vacation stay in a cottage nestled in the woods. However, their stay turns out to be anything but peaceful. The eerie nature of this film is so spine chilling you may want to watch the lights on.

House on Haunted Hill (1999)

Rating-R

Stephen Price, a millionaire with theatrical tendencies invites several people to stay in a giant creepy building formerly an insane asylum. The millionaire is accompanied by his bitter wife Evelyn, Stephen offers a million dollars to anyone who can stay the whole night without leaving out of fear. Stephen and Evelyn become trapped with their guests and very angry spirits. 

IT Chapter Two (2019)

Rating- R

This time around, the grown-up losers must find a way to defeat IT and end its cycle of terror once and for all or else die trying. The sequel clocks in at just under three hours so clear up your evening and strap in for a scary adventure!

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Rating- R

A creepy killer who stalks you through your unconscious mind, scared yet? Caution: this movie may give you nightmares. The slasher film rests on the notion that not even your dreams are safe from Freddy Krueger.

Scream (1996)

Rating-R

This film is the perfect mix of funny, clever and scary, as fright-masked knife maniac stalks high school students in middle-class suburbia. Scream follows the character of Sydney Prescott, a high school student in the fictional town of Woodsboro, California who becomes the target of a mysterious killer in a Halloween costume known as Ghostface.

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Out and About: Trick or Treating in LA

Trick or treating can be tricky, especially in a massive metropolitan area like our very own Los Angeles. We’ve handpicked the best neighborhoods to get your favorite treats! Gather your little goblins and ghouls, witches and princesses, Batman and Wonder Woman and get ready for buckets of delicious chocolate, candy and sweets!

1. Walden Drive, Beverly Hills

Walden Drive in Beverly Hills is the best spot for family-friendly trick or treating! The owner of the famous storybook “Witch House,” Michael Libow continues a decade-long tradition by handing out 5,000 custom-labeled chocolate bars.

2. Carroll Avenue and Douglas Street, Angelino Heights

Known as the Haunted District, Angelino Heights is the perfect setting for a spooky Halloween night. The street is lined with antique craftsman bungalows and Victorian mansions making it a great destination for families to go door to door to fill their buckets with candy!

3. Brentwood Glen

The Westside of Brentwood Glen, the walkable neighborhood is a slice of Americana. Residents are generous with their candy and their Halloween spirit, making it the ideal spot for little trick-or-treaters who are new to the tradition. Beware the spookily decorated homes and glowing carved pumpkins!

4. Grand Hope Park at the Fashion Institute of Design Merchandise, Downtown

Downtown is not the easiest place to go trick or treating, but the local community knows how to throw a great event! The Annual Halloween Party at Grand Hope Park is a fun-filled evening for the whole family! Bounce houses, caramel apples, “trick-or-treat-doors” and lots of candy! The event will be held October 31st, from 5 pm to 8 pm and tickets cost $8 in advance, $10 day of.

5. Dell and Venice Boulevard, Venice Beach

The canal neighborhood of Venice Beach goes all- in every Halloween. Take your little zombies and witches and walk around the bridges, soak in the spooky decorations and twinkly lights!

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Home Tips: 10 Spooky Décor Ideas

Your front door is brimming with Halloween décor potential – all you need is a little imagination. Decorating your door requires a bit of creativity, especially if you’re hoping to forge a festive but sophisticated entry display. Here are ten somewhat spooky Halloween front door décor ideas that don’t sacrifice an inch of style.

1. Knock Knock

For a stylish, but a slightly spooky way to greet guests this season? This aged iron owl door knocker will be a real hoot with trick-or-treaters on October 31.

2. Spooky Greeters

A little lighting goes a long way when it comes to decorating your door to Halloween. This bat-clad light-up wreath is composed of rattan branches and features glowing LED lights for added eeriness.

3. Welcome to the Bat Cave

Out your current doormat for a festive style to welcome visitors on Halloween. This spiderweb-inspired half-round mat is mad of black coconut husk bristles so it’s every bit as durable as it is creepy.

4. Bat Attack

For a foolproof way to bring an unexpectedly spooky element to your front door this Halloween? These easy-to-use vinyl bats cling to the glass of windows and mirrors and don’t leave any residue behind.

5. Beetlejuice Inspired Banner

Your Halloween door décor to make a statement? This sleek-but-spooky banner will do the talking for you on your front door this season.

6. Pretty Pumpkins

Said Halloween décor can’t be chic has never seen these hand-punched ceramic pumpkins. Place a couple of these terra-cotta candleholders on your front porch to create a warm, ambient glow on All Hallows Eve.

7. Enter at Your Own Risk

Underestimate the impact of a creepy front door wreath on Halloween. This eye-catching metal wreath is decorated with dozens of individually crafted and welded black bats – with red eyes to boot.

8. Halloween Charm

For a wreath that captures the playfulness of Halloween? This nostalgic wreath made of natural air-dried maple leaves comes clad in vintage-inspired ghosts, candy corn and jack-o-lantern ornaments for added charms.

9. Go with the Classic

You can always count on pumpkin-shaped planters to make a festive statement at your front door on Halloween. These faux pumpkin planters are composed of weatherproof plastic so they’ll look great on your porch all season long.

10. The Witch is in the Details

Spooky scary goblins, spiders and bats aren’t your thing, keep your décor classy with a fun little message for visitors.

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Weekend Events: October 11-13

The air is getting chilly, well…for Los Angeles, which means it is nearly sweater weather! Grab a hot pumpkin spice latte,  put on your favorite fall sweater and get ready for a fun filled weekend! We have a list of both indoor and outdoor events, festive and non festive. Scroll down and check out our favorite event picks to help you unwind after a long work week. Enjoy!

Friday October 11th, 2019

Pie Night at 189 by Dominique Ansel

Location: 189 by Dominique Ansel, Fairfax District

Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm or 7:30-9:00pm

The world famous all you can eat pie night is back! With the leaves rupturing into ruby reds and bright orange, Halloween decorations going up, and shorter days. What better time of year to ring in pie season than the crisp autumn days of October? Every ticket includes unlimited slices of 10 different pies, including sweet and savory options from Ansel his 189 by Dominique Ansel team and few other lauded chefs (Wolfgang Puck and BBQ champ Aaron Franklin). Did we mention that there will be ice cream?

“The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China”

Location: LACMA, Miracle Mile

 Time: 10am-7pm

Wu Hang, exhibition organizer from the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum has categorized the creators at the center of “The Allure of Matter”. The 21 featured artists all employ unconventional materials to create their works. For example, Zhang Huan used temple incense ash to form a landscape of field workers or Wang Jin’s imperial robes made from PVC. Unwind after a long week at work with some artistic inspiration from the far east!

Cinema Phantasmagoria

Location: Million Dollar Theater

 Time: Depends on show, see website

What screams Halloween more than Hocus Pocus, Halloween, or Beetlejuice? We’ve got just the right place for you to catching screenings of all your favorite Halloween flicks! Head over to Million Dollar Theater to unwind with one of your favorites. Guests are welcome to bring food from the neighboring Grand Central Market into the theater, and can embark on a backstage ghost tour. There is an early and late screening each evening, what’s more? Your single ticket gets you into both of them!

 

Saturday October 12th, 2019

Halloween Horror Nights

Location: Universal Studios

Time: 6:30pm-2:00am

In the mood to get spooked? Enter a world more terrifying than you can imagine at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights, now with more mazes than ever. You can run but there’s no hiding from the screams of five new scare zones, each with spine tingling hair raising monsters and unimaginable horrors. Finish off the evening with watching out of this world moves from the Jabbawockeez.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Location: Griffith Park OLD ZOO

Time: 7:00pm

Your pre-Halloween scare awaits! The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride presents: midnight falls, an eerie and mysterious village set in 1985 where time is at a halt and its always Halloween!  Newly reimagined attractions include Trick or Treat haunted maze, Roadkill Ranch open air maze and Midnight Falls town square!

 

All star comedy night @ The laugh factory 

Location: Laugh Factory

Time: 9:30pm-10:45pm

Got a favorite comedian from Hulu, HBO, Netflix or TV shows and films? Well grab a friend and go see all your favorites at Laugh Factory this Saturday night. Be sure to put your name on the guest list as it closes 15 minutes prior to show time! Saturday Nights line up features  Jay Davis, Dom Irrera, Dean Delray, Orny Adams, Gina Yashere.

Sunday October 13th, 2019

Maple BlocktoberFest 

Location: Maple Block Meat Co. Culver City

Time: 12pm-4pm

Enjoy an all you can eat BBQ, Biergarten featuring four craft breweries (Boulevard Brewing, Ommegang, Boomtown Brewery, and Shiner Beer) pumpkin decorating, music, cornhole, games, a raffle a bounce house for the kids; the ticket includes all of the above including unlimited craft beer tastings from all four breweries (selection of 14-16 beers).

Farmers Market Bakery Pop-Up

Location: Beverly Hills Farmers Market

Time: 10am-2pm

Cater to your sweet tooth after that brunch date. Come and taste some of the best French Pastries in LA! Anyone who RSVP gets a dollar off on anything they purchase from the vendors. Macarons, Eclairs, Opera Cakes, Mille-Feuille just to name a few! They’ve got all your favorite mouth watering pastries!

Sisters in Law at The Wallis 

Location: The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Time: 2:30pm & 7:30pm

This new production, based on Linda Hirshman’s New York Times bestseller, celebrates the friendship – and conflict — between two modern-day legends who became the United States Supreme Court’s first female justices. Sisters in law transcends party, religion, and culture with a tale of Democrat Ginsburg and Republican O’Connor, two polar opposites, as they grapple with matters of the law and personal belief.

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Perfect Recipes for Fall

Halloween is right around the corner and we’ve got the perfect recipes for your holiday get together! Whether you are having a gathering for the kiddos, friends over for some cocktails, or a more formal three-course meal. With these mouthwatering recipes your guests will leave with a full belly and a smile on their face! We put together a list of appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts! Pick and choose or mix and match for a Halloween feast!

Appetizers:

7-Layer Spider Web Dip:

Start your Halloween fiesta with a flavorful chip dip. Perfect for everyone, including the kids! The black olives and sour cream give it that spooky Halloween look.

 Ingredients:
  • 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
  • A single packet of taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup mild or medium chunky salsa (make sure it’s not watery)
  • 3-4 green onions, diced
  • 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar or colby jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup sour cream, separated
  • 1/2 can drained olives, separated
  • 1 cup prepared guacamole
  • Tortilla Chips
  • 1 (10-12 inch) round plate, pie tin, or tart dish 
Instructions:  
  • 1 cup mild or medium chunky salsa (make sure it’s not watery)
  • A single packet of taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar or Colby jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
  • 3-4 green onions, diced
  • 1/2 can drained olives, separated
  • 1 cup prepared guacamole
  • Tortilla Chips
  • 1 cup sour cream, separated
  • A (10-12 inch) round plate, pie tin, or tart dish

 

 

Charcuterie Board:

Give your guests plenty of options to snack on while dinner is finishing up with a charcuterie board. Make it a colorful autumn mix with cheddar cheese, black grapes, red pepperoni slices, green celery, red meat slices, and a little pumpkin to give it that Halloween pop.

 Ingredients 
  • 8 oz Italian dry salami sliced
  • 4 oz uncured Salame di Parma
  • 6 oz smoked prosciutto
  • 4 oz sliced prosciutto
  • 8 oz Apricot Cherry Cranberry Goat’s Milk Cheese
  • 4 oz pepper jack cheese sliced
  • 8 oz traditional French Brie
  • 11 oz fig butter
  • 8 oz 1000 day hard gouda cheese
  • 5 oz sweet and spicy pecans
  • 4 oz pumpkin spice pumpkin seeds
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 Granny Smith apples sliced
  • 2 Honey Crisp apples sliced
  • 1 bunch Concord grapes
  • 1 bunch Champagne grapes
  • 6 fresh figs sliced in half
  • 10 oz Stone Ground Wheat Crackers
  • 2 11 oz French baguettes sliced
  • 11 oz naturally flavored candy corn
  • fresh lemon juice as needed
Instructions:

 Assemble on a 20 inch round platter.

If assembling ahead of time, brush apples lightly with lemon juice to avoid browning.

Pumpkin Soup:

The perfect way to warm up on a chilly autumn night is with of course, soup! Soups are the perfect appetizer, they are light and fill your tummy up just enough to save your big appetite for the main dish.

Ingredients
  • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 leeks
  • 3 large Garlic cloves
  • 2 medium bell peppers
  • 2 1/4 lb. pumpkin
  • 1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh majoram
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/4 c. frozen corn
  • 6 c. vegetable broth 
Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add leeks and cook until very soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in green peppers, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until peppers soften, about 8 more minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and cook until pumpkin is tender, about 30 minutes.

Main Course:

Cider Scalloped Potatoes with Smoked Gouda:

Potatoes are the perfect comfort food. Take one scoop and place it on your plate, take a bite and enjoy the crispy outside and moist inside of the potato, the apple cider adds just the right amount of kick!

Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp. unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 c. apple cider
  • 1/2 c. chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 c. shredded smoked Gouda cheese
  • 1/2 c. shredded Jarlsberg cheese
  • 2 lb. Yukon Gold or Yellow Finn potatoes
Instructions:  

Adjust an oven rack to the center position and heat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly butter a 10- by 2-inch round baking dish or a 8- by 12-inch rectangular baking pan; set aside.

Place flour in a medium-heavy saucepan; gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Whisk in cider, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat, whisking constantly. Cook for 1 minute more and remove saucepan from heat; set aside.

In a small bowl, combine Gouda and Jarlsberg cheeses. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes, slightly overlapping, in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese mixture. Arrange remaining potatoes on top. Pour cider mixture over potatoes.

Bake 25 minutes. Remove baking dish from oven. Using a metal spatula, press down on potatoes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese mixture; return to oven. Bake until potatoes are fork-tender and the top is crusted and lightly browned — about 20 minutes more. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.

 

 

Pumpkin Baked Ziti With Sausage:

Ziti noodles, and baked? Sounds like a mouth watering combination. What’s more, sautéed in garlic, bay leaf, safe leaves, nutmeg, pumpkin puree, and red pepper flakes. Hungry yet? This rich medley of flavors is pretty amazing! Add sausage or go vegetarian!

Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ziti or rigatoni noodles, cooked to al dente
  • 1 pound sage sausage (can substitute for sweet Italian)
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 sage leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • pinch of cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like chardonnay)
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 15 oz can pumpkin puree
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350

Brown the sausage in a skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium high heat until the fat is rendered and the sausage is no longer pink. Transfer to a bowl and reserve.

In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bay leaf. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the sage leaves, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt / pepper to taste. Cook one more minute.

Add the wine and cook until reduced by half. The heat should remain to medium high. Add the stock and stir in the pumpkin puree. Mix until everything is incorporated. The pumpkin will thicken the sauce.

Stir in the sausage and transfer to a large bowl with the pasta. Mix until combined.

Transfer back to your cast iron skillet (or a baking dish) and top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-35 minutes until bubbly.

Garnish with sage and parsley. Fried sage is good too! Enjoy this with a nice glass of white wine, preferably the one you used earlier

 

 Tex-Mex Lasagna:

 This tasty entrée is a great follow up meal to the chip dip appetizer; following the same flow of flavors, this lasagna will send your tastebuds on a savory ride!

 Ingredients:
  •  1 pound of lean ground beef/chicken/vegetarian meat
  • A 1 cup of frozen diced onion red and green bell pepper, and celery
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt-free chipotle seasoning blend 1 (24-oz.) jar mild salsa
  • 1 (15-oz.) can dark red kidney beans, drained 1 (10-oz.) can enchilada sauce
  • 4 cups (16 oz.) shredded Mexican four-cheese blend Toppings: sour cream, chopped tomatoes
  • 1 (10-oz.) package frozen whole kernel corn, thawed 16 (6-inch) fajita-size corn tortillas
Instructions:

Cook first 5 ingredients in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, 10 to 12 minutes or until vegetables are tender and beef crumbles and is no longer pink.

Stir in salsa and next 3 ingredients. Cook 5 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Layer 1 cup beef mixture, 2 tortillas (overlapping edges), and 1/2 cup cheese in a lightly greased 7- x 5- x 1 1/2-inch baking dish. Repeat layers once. Repeat procedure with 3 additional 7- x 5- x 1 1/2-inch baking dishes. Cover dishes with nonstick aluminum foil.

Bake, covered, at 350° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 5 more minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve with desired toppings.

Note: To use a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish, prepare recipe through Step Omit 4 corn tortillas. Layer one-third beef mixture, 6 tortillas (overlapping edges), and 2 cups cheese. Repeat layers with one-third beef mixture, remaining 6 tortillas, remaining beef mixture, and ending with remaining 2 cups cheese. Bake, covered, at 350° for 40 minutes; uncover and bake 10 more minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

 

Drinks:

Blood Orange Blackberry Rum Punch:

This delicious treat can serve as a dessert, with a tangy kick to finish off your meal if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth. The ruby red blood orange juice, and blackberries give it that dark spooky Halloween feel.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup chilled blood orange juice
  • 4 (12 ounce) chilled natural blackberry sodas
  • 1 cup rum
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1 blood orange thinly sliced
  • pansies to garnish (optional)
Instructions:

In a large pitcher filled with ice combine all of the ingredients. Stir gently to combine.

Add several blackberries and an orange slice to each glass and pour the punch into the glasses. Garnish with a pans if desired and serve immediately.

 

Spiced Warm Cider

What better way to ring in the holidays than with some warm cider on a cold evening? Garnish your drinks with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

 Ingredients:
  • 64 oz. apple cider
  • 6 chai tea bags
  • 2 Cinnamon sticks
  • 1 vanilla bean, split
  • 1/4 c. lemon juice
  • Apple sticks, for serving
  • Cinnamon sticks for serving
Instructions:

Combine apple cider, chai tea bags, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla bean in slow cooker. Cook on low 3 to 4 hours. Discard tea bags; stir in lemon juice. Serve warm with apple slices and cinnamon stick.

Good and Evil Potion

 If you’re in the mood for something cold, go with the good and evil potion. This cocktail is just as pretty as it is delicious!

Ingredients:
  • 1 oz. vodka
  • 1 oz. ApplePucker
  • 1 oz. Midori
  • 1 oz. triple sec
  • 1 handful ice
  • pineapple juice
  • Sierra Mist
  • lemon slice, for garnish
Instructions:

Combine vodka, ApplePucker, Midori, and Triple Sec in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake.

Pour the mixture into a cocktail glass, then top with pineapple juice and Sierra Mist. Garnish with a slice of lemon (optional).

Dessert:

Strawberry Ghosts:

Our most adorable treat on the list are these strawberry ghosts! This treat is as easy to bake as it is to eat! The kiddos will definitely have fun with these precious little treats!

Ingredients:
  • 2 c. strawberries
  • 1 1/2 c. white chocolate, melted
  • 1 tsp. coconut oil
  • 1/4 c. mini chocolate chips
  • 1 c. chocolate chips, melted
Instructions:

Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine melted white chocolate and coconut oil and stir until combined. Dip strawberries into white chocolate and place two mini chocolate chips on the top half of the strawberries for eyes. Place strawberries on prepared baking sheet and place in the refrigerator to harden, about 10 minutes.

Place melted chocolate chips in a ziploc bag and pipe mouths on the strawberries.

Let cool again in the refrigerator, 5 minutes. Serve.

Pumpkin Spice Cake:

 Nothing screams Halloween more than pumpkin spice, and in a cake?  Yes you read that correctly, a pumpkin spice cake! Alas, your wildest dreams have come to life!

Ingredients

Cake:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 15 oz. can pumpkin NOT pumpkin pie filling
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 and 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 1/8 tsp ginger
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp real maple syrup

Frosting:

  • 6 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tbsp real maple syrup
Instructions:

Prep: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 or 10 x 15 pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.

Make the cake: In a large mixing bowl, mix eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin with electric mixer until just combined. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt. Add dry mixture to the wet ingredients in 2 additions, mixing well after each. Add the TBSP of maple syrup and mix.

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. (It may have some moist crumbs on it – but shouldn’t have wet batter). Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Make the frosting: While the cake bakes, make the frosting. Soften cream cheese and butter together in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. (See note if browning the butter). Cream well with mixer. Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and maple syrup and mix until combined.

Serve + Store: Frost the cake when cool. Use the back of a dinner spoon to make swirls in the frosting, if desired. Store leftovers, covered tightly, in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Make ahead tips: The cake can be made a day in advance. Bake as directed, and let it cool completely. Cover well with plastic wrap/foil and leave at room temp. Frosting can be made a day ahead too – cover well and store in the fridge. Let frosting sit out for 10 minutes before frosting so it’s pliable. If the top of the cake tears a little when you try frosting it, cover it and chill in fridge for 15 minutes.

Spider Pumpkin Cake:

This delicious dessert could very well serve as your center piece as it could a delicious finish to your meal.

Ingredients:
  • 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 1 c. good-quality cocoa
  • 2 tbsp. good-quality cocoa
  • 1 tbsp. baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp. fresh-grated nutmeg
  • 3/4 c. buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 c. pumpkin purée
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • stick unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 c. dark brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • Orange Cream-Cheese Frosting
Instructions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter three 8-inch cake pans and fit each bottom with an 8-inch circle of parchment paper. Lightly butter the parchment paper. Set aside.

Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl and set aside. Combine the buttermilk, pumpkin, and vanilla in a medium bowl and set aside. Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl, with an electric mixer set on medium speed, until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, until the mixture is smooth and light. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk mixture, blending well after each addition.

Divide the batter among the pans and bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean — about 35 minutes. Cool the cakes in the pan for 20 minutes. Remove cakes and cool. (For cupcakes: Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Place cupcake liners in standard cupcake tins and fill each with 1/4 cup of batter. Bake for 22 minutes.)

Trim each of the layers. Place one layer on a cake plate and top with one third of the frosting. Repeat with the second and third layers. (To ensure that the cake layers do not shift, cut three skewers to 1/4 inch shorter than the full height of the cake and insert them before icing the top layer.) Refrigerate until ready to serve.

                 

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Home Tips: Best Painted Pumpkin Ideas

Designing pumpkins is one of the many ways to decorate for this Halloween season. What should your pumpkin decorating kit contain? You’ll want to have a set of assorted craft paints, adhesive tape, gliding liquid, decoupage medium, glitter, foam figures and other miscellaneous materials that can be used to accent your pumpkin. What’s left is your imaginative ingenuity.

  1. Stained Glass Window Pumpkin

It’s a jewel-toned, geometric masterpiece inspired by stained glass windows! To paint this pumpkin, use stenciling tape to cover an all-over overlapping pattern on its rounded surface. Paint inside each taped area with in contrasting colors, being careful not to cross over the lines. Let your paint dry, then slowly peel back the tape to reveal the fun pattern and orange lines underneath.

  1. Chalk-Painted Pumpkins

The chalk paint trend is ever strong, having inspired us to create a set of these elegant floral pumpkins. We love the combination of a matte chalk finish and these large stencil designs! Thy match any fall décor perfectly.

  1. Glittered Pumpkins

There’s no denying it – everything is better with glitter. Both pumpkins are coated in a fine sprinkling of shimmer – gold and copper, respectively – and one is polka-dotted while the other is crafted with the visual effect of dripping in luxury.

  1. Falling Leaves Pumpkin

Autumn-inspired silhouettes add simple charm. To paint this pumpkin, adhere the leaf stencil to the pumpkin and pounce the inside of the stencil with white craft paint. Slowly, peel off the stencil and re-adhere it to a new spot on the pumpkin. Repeat this method until the pumpkin’s entire rounded surface is covered in leaves.

  1. Chalkboard Menu Pumpkin

If you’re a hostess, you’re bound to throw at least one dinner party sometime this season. As for your décor? Turn your plain pumpkin into a chalkboard menu for the guests. Because a coat of chalkboard paint turns it into a writing surface, the sign can be written on, wiped clean and written on again to cover every event from Halloween trick-or-treating to your Thanksgiving feast.

  1. Typography Pumpkin

We love the art of typography, and what better words to use than the wonderful, spooky phrases of Halloween? This pumpkin is dark and spooky – just how we like out Halloween celebrations.

  1. Abstract Expressionist Art Pumpkins

Abstract Expressionist artists – Pollock, Rothko and Franz Kline – all use sophisticated designs. Similarly, the trio of pumpkins pictured here are inspired by some of the greatest artists of our time.

  1. Glamorous Spider Pumpkin

The glamorous pumpkin dons a blinged-out spider that’s too chic to be scary. To paint this pumpkin, coat the entire surface in a high-gloss black. Let dry, and then map out a spiderweb using adhesive gems. As the finishing touch, a faux spider can be painted, glittered and given a pair of stick-on gem eyes.

  1. Skeleton Pumpkin

A skeleton with a devilish grin like this is just the thing your front porch needs this Halloween. Kids will love to help come up with their own spooky, silly, up-to-no good expressions.

  1. Cheshire Cat from “Alice in Wonderland” Pumpkin

Oh, that grin. It’s unmistakably the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. This modified take on a classic children’s book character is painted on a pumpkin freehand style and the result is just purr-fect.

Content Sourced from: Martha Stewart Living
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