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.

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

Out and About: Spring Bloom in SoCal

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.

10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home

Now that spring is officially here the time to tidy up around the home has also arrived. As cliche as it sounds to “Spring Clean” there is no better time to clean house and spruce up in and around your abode. That’s why we have rounded up 10 of the best tips to clean your home for the Spring Equinox!

 Bye, Bye Dust Bunnies!

  • Use a sticky lint roller to clean dirt and pet fur off the lower parts of drapes. For a deeper clean, take the drapes down, remove the hooks and run them through an air-fluff cycle in the dryer with a damp towel for 15 minutes. Rehang immediately after.
  • Dust blinds often with a microfiber cloth, swiping left to right and blade by blade from top to bottom on each window.
  • Spring is allergy season so dust end tables and shelves in your home thoroughly to keep allergies at bay.

The Rinse Cycle

  • Wash out trash cans. To really clean garbage cans, spray them thoroughly with a hose and then dump the water out. Afterwards use a disinfectant spray on the inside, then scrub the trash can with a handled brush and rinse it out again. Leave the trash can upside down to thoroughly dry.

Kitchen Kleanse

  • To clean glass, chrome or steel appliances, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of 50 percent rubbing alcohol and 50 percent water. Then use a dry cloth to polish and clean the surfaces to remove spots and fingerprints.
  • The refrigerator can become an unexpectedly cluttered place. Organize it once it’s had a thorough cleaning. Keep highly perishable food front and center and sort the longer-lasting ingredients and toppings by category.

 Scrubba-Dub the Tub

  • Maintain the tile surfaces of your bathroom, especially the shower by spraying the surface with generous amounts of cleaner. Allow the cleaner to sit while cleaning the rest of the bathroom, then go back to start scrubbing. If the grout is dirty with mold or mildew, make a paste of washing soda and peroxide to deep clean and disinfect.

Bedhead

  • On average we spend about 3,000 hours a year in our beds, almost the equivalent of four months to be exact! With that in mine, keeping our mattresses clean is as easy a flip of a coin. Rotate your mattress a few times a year and vacuum the surface. Afterwards sprinkle a mixture of baking soda and a few drops of essential oil. Let the mixture sit for a couple hours then vacuum the mixture away.

Office Space

  • Spend the day getting your files organized and space decluttered. Aside from going through papers on your desk, you should also take the time to back-up files on external or cloud devices so they’re secured. Have a lot of documents to toss? Make sure to shred anything personal before throwing it in the bin!

Outside and over Yonder

  • Cleaning your outdoor furniture is incredibly simple, but easily forgotten. While the rain can wash away some dirt and pollen, a thorough wipe down with a mild detergent goes a long way. Make sure to check your furnitures manufacture guidelines if a special care routine is required.

 

 

 

 

Leslie Kavanaugh list home in Malibu’s coveted Point Dume

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.

For more information on this listing. 

Fun things to do in LA this March

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

Courtesy of: WeLikeLA

Home Security Tips and Tricks

Your home is your sanctuary. It is a place where fond memories are made and relaxing evenings are spent after a busy day. Your home is a safe haven where you and your family most feel at ease. If your home is under-protected this may compromise the security you feel in your own home.

Using a few simple home security tips and tricks, you can protect your belongings, thwart would-be thieves and increase your feeling of security while home and away.

Prevention begins outside your home from the minute it comes into view. Take a walk around your property with a critical eye to see what changes it needs.

Consider these tips to help keep you and your family, and your possessions, safe and secure:

Icon of fenced yard.

  • Landscape with safety in mind. As you walk around your property, look for areas that could be potential hiding spots for thieves, who prize the privacy they provide. Try and clear away any overgrown areas.

Icon of shield.

  • Talk with your local police department. It can offer insight on past break-in trends in your area.

Icon of home with shrubs out front.

  • Get to know your neighbors. Take the time to meet and engage with people on your street and encourage them to watch out for any suspicious activity when you’re not home.

  • Lighting matters. Lighting can set the right ambiance inside your home, but outdoor lighting can be the difference between your home being targeted – or not – by thieves. Motion-sensitive fixtures can help add security and provide light when needed.Also consider using automatic timers or smart lightbulbs that can be controlled remotely to turn lights on and off in various parts of the house to help make it seem like you are home.

  • Avoid advertising that shopping spree. Thieves look for and steal newly delivered boxes on your front porch, a method called porch pirating, so consider having them delivered elsewhere or requiring a signature for delivery. Thieves may also look at clues provided by your trash or recycling, which may indicate the new computer or flat-screen television inside.

Icon of padlock.

  • Set a safety routine. Make sure you establish a routine where you regularly lock all doors, shut windows and turn on your alarm system every time you leave your home. Avoid leaving spare keys outside, under a planter or under a welcome mat, as thieves know most of the potential hiding places.

  • Manage visibility. Make sure you can see who is at your front door without opening it. Avoid placing valuables where they will be visible from the street, and do not place your home alarm panel in a place where people can see you arming it from the outside.

  • Protect your outdoor valuables. Burglars also target sheds, garages and other outdoor buildings. Secure your grill, lawn mower, bicycles and other outdoor gear.

Icon of watchful eye.

  • Create a plan for when you are away. Hold your mail, stop your papers and ask a friend or neighbor to remove flyers from your property. Arrange for snow removal and lawn mowing so you do not advertise when you are away from home.

  • Install a home alarm system: While an alarm may not keep burglars from getting inside your home, it will deter some and bring the police to your home quickly, limiting what a thief is able to take. Home security systems will only work if you always remember to engage the alarm. You should have your alarm engaged while you are away or while you are at home as many thieves will attempt to break into one part of your home while you are busy in another. Also, some insurance companies may lower your home insurance premiums for having a home alarm system installed.

Icon of broken glass.

  • Take precautions to protect windows: If you are purchasing new windows for your home, it might be worth the upgrade to buy shatterproof glass. This would prevent anyone from breaking a window to gain access to your home. If new windows aren’t in the budget, consider adding a security film to windows. This will prevent the glass from shattering upon breaking and may deter thieves from continuing their attempt to break in.

Icon of open sliding glass door.

  •  Secure sliding glass doors: Sliding glass doors have incredibly flimsy locks. A thief can easily pop them in an instant, giving quick access to your home. Installing a security bar for sliding doors would make gaining access to your home more difficult. This measure of protection is a must-have for all sliding doors and windows.

Icon of key.

  • Change the locks as necessary: If you’ve just purchased a home from someone, your first order of business should be to meet the locksmith at your new home. You have no idea who is out there with a key just waiting for the moment to use it. In addition, if you’ve had a breakup recently, it is time to change the locks. The person may give you the key back, but you have no idea how many copies are out there. Having the locks changed is good for the peace of mind.

Keeping your family, your belongings and your home safe and secure does not involve a lot of money. A few simple changes such as the home security tips mentioned above can protect everyone and everything for years to come.

LA Eats of the Week

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.

Breakfast is the most Important meal of the day!

Here’s Looking at You

Location: Koreatown

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. 

Pikoh

Location: Los Angeles, CA

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

Location: Chinatown

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.

Power Lunch

Urban Radish

Location: Arts District

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! 

Tacos 1986

Location: Koreatown

 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? 

KazuNori

Location: Los Angeles

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. 

What’s for dinner?

Tartine Bianco

Location: Los Angeles

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

Location: El Segundo

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. 

Atrium

Location: Los Feliz

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.

 

Weekend Events: February 8-10, 2019

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.

Click here for more info!

One Love Cali Reggae Festival

Location: Queen Mary, Long Beach

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.

Click here for more info!

The Pan African Film Festival

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”.

Location: Cinemark Rave 15 Theatres, Baldwin Hills

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.

Click here for more info!

Saturday Feb. 9th, 2019

Hammer Museum: Winter Exhibition Opening Night

Location: The Hammer Museum, Westwood

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.

Click here for more info!

120th Golden Dragon Parade

Location: Chinatown, DTLA

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.

Click here for more info!

Noah’s Ark After Dark Pajama Party

Location: Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles

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!

Click here for more info!

Winter Sounds Weho: Zetz Klezmer Ensemble

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.

Click here for more info!

Sunday Feb. 10th, 2019

Second Annual Adam’s Forge

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).

Click here for more info!

From Rescue to Runway

Location: Annenberg Petspace, Los Angeles

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 NagaseJess Ronaand Patricia Sugihara, Adoptable pets from Annenberg PetSpace, Treats and takeaways, Raffle prizes and giveaways!

Click here for more info!

A Faery Hunt: Valentine Faery Tea Party

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.

Click here for more info!

Dance Sunday with Debbie Allen & Friends

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. 

Click here for more info!

Valentine’s Day: The Family Edit

While Valentine’s day means many things for different people, single, coupled or married, it all started with those cartoon cards of our childhood days. So this Valentine’s day, show your little ones what the holiday is all about with kid-approved v-day fun!

Lady and the Tramp screening

Where: El Capitan, Hollywood

When: February 11- 14, 2019

It’s famous for that spaghetti kiss—a legendary scene that Walt Disney almost cut out. But Lady and the Tramp has many other charming moments: the script evolved out of years of personal pet stories shared by the studio’s animal-loving writers and executives. A true labor of love. See it at El Capitian around Valentine’s Day and you’ll be treated to a candlelit dinner before the movie, catered by Miceli’s (sold separately; call 818-845-3110).

Pretend City Valentine’s Day

Where:  29 Hubble  Irvine, 

When: Thursday, February 14, 2018 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Many people think of Valentine’s Day as a Hallmark holiday, but Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine is fighting against that at their Valentine’s Day event. With the goal of helping children understand the meaning behind the holiday, the museum will educate children on the symbols related to the holiday and what they represent, as well as host story times, games and more.

Valentine’s Pop-Up Shop & Playdate

Where: Park 101 3040 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad

When: Tuesday, February 12, 11:00am-2:00pm

Come socialize, shop, & play at a Valentines Themed Playdate! There will be a Mommy & Me Art Project by Fillthatspace, Valentines Mini Photoshoots, 2 Usborne storytimes, & Childrens Yoga by Aloha Kids Yoga. There will also be sensory tables by Brander Blooms & Moms With Groms. This event is completely free! Enjoy Mimosa specials for the moms and free cotton candy for the kids with food purchase! Please register so event organizers know how many kiddos are coming!

A Valentine Fairy Tea Party

Where: 19130 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana

When: Feb. 10; 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

A Fairy Tea Party, is a magical event, especially for a week filled with love. For this specially-themed event, 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 an amazing Fairy Caterer. Circle-time story time with the faeries, music, dancing, and surprises.

Click here for a list of more family friendly events for Valentine’s Day!