Best places for Thanksgiving Dinner in L.A.

Alright, so your no Curtis Stone in the kitchen and thats ok. With Thanksgiving creeping up sooner than Holiday songs on the radio, we’ve rounded up your go-to “go out” options to spare you the culinary turmoil. So put the deep fryer back in storage and ditch your Mom’s famous stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving the L.A. way.

Akasha

Culver City

This Thanksgiving-Akaska in Culver City is dishing out their take on modern California inspired fair. The menu is pre-fixe and full of items like the persimmon-and-pomegranate salad, gluten-free cornbread and herb-roasted organic turkey. In the mood for dessert, enjoy an entire “pie buffet”. Need we say more? Reservations are from 1-8pm and prices are listed as $80 for Adults; $35 for Children (10 and under).

Polo Lounge

Beverly Hills

Nothing is more quintessential Beverly Hills then the Polo Lounge and Thanksgiving in the Pink Palace is nothing short of luxury. Also offering a pre-fixe menu selection(like most restaurants in L.A. on a holiday), the pairings do not disappointment. Opt for the traditional Turkey-organic of course-or take a chance with something outside the box, there menu always pleases. And be sure to save room for dessert as the Sweets buffet will be serving a range of customer confectionaries courtesy of their in-house pastry team. Their Brunch will be hosted 11am-3pm with dinner commencing at 5pm-8pm, with the fixed menu priced at $175 per Adult, $60 per Child.

Bourbon Steak

Glendale

If Glendale is your local, Bourbon Steak is your destination this Turkey Day. Their three-course dinner will feature traditional-roasted heritage turkey with sage stuffing and cranberry compote. Or opt for the exotic like pan-seared scallops with roasted cauliflower and tamarind brown butter. Not feeling the bird, there’s also an 18-ounce dry-aged, bone-in ribeye. If that catches your feasting eye, reservations are available from 2-8pm at $75 with wine pairings available at an additional cost.

Craft

Century City

Tom Colicchio’s acclaimed restaurant rings in the day of thanks with family-style starters like their pork belly with butternut squash and sage, and entrees like braised lamb, fish and pasta. Share a range of family-style sides such as sausage-and-raisen stuffing and Brussels sprouts. Lastly is of course a premium selection of Fall-inspired desserts, artfully whipped up by pastry chef Shannon Swindle. Reservations are available 1-8pm with menu pricing offered Ala Carte.

Crossroads Kitchen

Melrose

For the none Turkey-Eaters (and just non-meat eaters in general), Crossroads is a perfect plant based option. While the idea of such may seem oft for this particular Holiday, Crossroads is a cut above the rest in offering dishes that beguile its patrons as to wether or not its just plants. This year’s menu is four courses of autumn-appropriate dishes like butternut squash bisque with nutmeg creme fraiche; spiced chickpea cake with cranberry cabernet sauce, and mashed potatoes with porcini gravy. Stimulate your dessert senses with delights like their pumpkin mousse verrine. Hours for the evening are noon-5pm with the menu priced at $75 pp.

Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant

Hollywood

You didn’t think we’d mention the famed chef with out spotlighting his holiday menu? Chef Curtis Stone’s Hollywood outpost-Gwen already amazes with decadent classic fare every day of the week and the Thanksgiving Menu holds to that tradition. Dishes like the white onion veloute pair perfectly with traditional heritage turkey and his green bean casserole. Finish off the evening with a selection of perfectly prepared pies and your absolutely acceptable 4th glass of wine. This festive fete is offered 2-6pm at $75 pp.

Cecconi’s

Melrose

Your possibly thinking, Italian for dinner how strange? While the famed West Hollywood eatery dishes out the best southern Italian fare in the L.A. area, their thanksgiving feast is every bit as traditional as you would hope and savor over. Served family style, the courses provide the same familiar heartiness found in their comfort dishes mixed into America’s favorite cuisine. Indulge on porcini corn bread stuffing, squash tortellini and truffle mashed potatoes, as well as a selection of seasonal sweets including apple-pecan crostata. Thanksgiving with an Italian touch is served at $95 pp from noon-10pm.

Cafe Pinot

DTLA

This California-French restaurant with a gorgeous, tree-dotted patio will be serving your choice of a three- or four-course prix-fixe dinner with both traditional fare and a few brow-raising dishes, to boot. Find sliced turkey breast with heirloom cauliflower and mole; sunchoke soup with a red wine and shallot jam; and filet mignon au poivre. Finish with pumpkin mousse or an apple crumble to really get into the fall spirit. Dinner is served 2-8pm, with a $70 per three-course meal, $90 per four-course meal; and $29 per child 10 and under.

Playa Provisions

Playa del Rey

Take Turkey to the beach at Playa Provisions, which is offering a downright steal of a meal: just $38 to feast on roast turkey or honey mustard ham, plus a variety of sides, including chicory salad, roasted acorn squash and cranberry sauce. Finish with a selection of seasonal desserts including but not limited to pumpkin pie and cran-apple pie. This is a highly kid-friendly option, but if you’re looking for something a bit more adult, round the corner to Playa Provisions’ whiskey bar, Grain, which will be offering à la carte holiday specials in liquid form. Satisfy your turkey cravings from3-8pm at $38 per adult, $20 per child.

Saddle Peak Lodge

Calabasas

Head to this rustic mountain lodge for a four-course meal that lets you choose from hearty dishes like buffalo tartare, seared elk tenderloin with a foie gras and mushroom sauce, roast turkey with sausage-and-apple stuffing, and grilled quail with spiced cherries. Pro tip: Don’t leave before the pumpkin pie or banana-huckleberry bread pudding. Start off the day from noon-8pm, with the menu priced at $105 per adult, $65 per child 12 and under.

Tavern

Brentwood

Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and chef de cuisine Joel Walsh are bringing a little something for everyone to their Thanksgiving table, with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Settle in for a three-course meal that offers herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with mint and orange, sweet potatoes with sherry, and sourdough stuffing with turkey sausage. There’s even the “vegan thanksgiving extravaganza” option, which offers sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, Italian broccoli and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild-mushroom persillade. Your day at the Tavern starts serving 1-8pm, with pre-fixe at $95 per adult; $45 per child 10 and under; free for children four and under.

Catch

Santa Monica

Enjoy your Turkey Day seaside at Catch in the Hotel del Mar, because chef Gemma Grayis whipping up all the classics and even a few contemporary plates right at the beach. Look for a prix-fixe involving slow-roasted organic turkey with apple and chestnut stuffing, as well as roasted cauliflower pie with wild mushrooms, and Japanese snapper crudo with pumpkin vinaigrette. Spend the day seaside from 11am-10pm at $110 pp.

November 3, 2018November 3, 2018

This week at Rodeo Realty: SFV and Ventura County Newsletter Oct. 29th-Nov.4th

Click the image below to view our SFV and Ventura County Rodeo Realty weekly newsletter Oct. 29th-Nov. 4th!!!!

November 2, 2018

Giving Back: Your L.A. roundup of Charitable Organization

Already synonymous with the Holiday season is the urge to give back. With November being the start of our season of giving, we present to you some of L.A’s charitable organizations to lend a helping hand to.

Rodeo Realty’s Betty Galvan Host Blood Drive

OPEN HEARTS FOUNDATION

Jane Seymour and daughter Katie Flynn carry on a legacy of community giving.

“If you can find a way to help somebody else, it’ll take you out of your own cycle of challenges, so you can find a purpose and impact others,” says Jane Seymour, OBE, and Emmy Award-winning actress, of her Open Hearts Foundation, a social impact accelerator providing resources and tools to nonprofits. Seymour passed along the legacy of giving to her daughter, Katie Flynn, who co-founded Young Hearts with friends Ella Freyinger and Adee Zach. An auxiliary branch of Open Hearts, Young Hearts aims to support young philanthropists.

HOLA

Quinn Ezralow is committed to improving quality of life for all Angelenos.

Co-chair of LACMA’s Director’s Circle, third-generation Angeleno Quinn Ezralow is passionate about giving back to L.A. “I hope to improve lifestyle, health and education for anybody and everyone in the Los Angeles area,” she says of her work with a variety of charities, from the Junior League of Los Angeles to USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center to Heart of Los Angeles, the latter of which provides over 3,500 underserved youth with nurturing programs in academics, arts and athletics. HOLA is currently partnering with the Department of Recreation and Parks to build the environmentally friendly HOLA Arts and Recreation Center, where the Ezralow Family Pavilion will boast an indoor-outdoor multifunctional performance space.

EARTHECHO

Conservationists Philippe Cousteau and Ashlan Gorse Cousteau raise environmental awareness.

Grandson of legendary explorer Jacques Cousteau, Philippe Cousteau grew up with adventure in his bones. “My grandfather pioneered the environmental movement of the 20th century,” says Philippe. In addition to their conservation work and a forthcoming documentary on the future of Earth’s oceans, Philippe works with EarthEcho, founded in honor of his father, Philippe Cousteau Sr. The group seeks to bring youth awareness and activism to the conservation movement.

CAM

CBS executive Catrice Monson is passionate about community outreach, helping others and… candy.

As senior vice president of corporate diversity and inclusion at CBS, Catrice Monson holds a critical role: helping attract a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive work environment. “It allows me to combine community outreach and my passion for working with people,” she says. That passion was instilled in Monson by her family. “Community, public service and caring for others was part of my DNA from the beginning,” she explains. Today, her nonprofit, Community Academics Mentoring emphasizes the importance of education, advocacy and outreach for the underrepresented. “My dad originally started a nonprofit called NEED, which focused on low-income housing and education,” she explains.

EIF

New EIF CEO Nicole Sexton brings fresh ideas to a charitable Hollywood powerhouse.

Marking its 75th anniversary this year, Entertainment Industry Foundation has raised over $1 billion for health, educational and social issues by harnessing the power of celebrity to raise awareness and funds. EIF’s VP of development and corporate relations, Tracy Paul—whose company Tracy Paul & Company Inc. is a strategic alliance partner with EIF—adds, “EIF serves as a gateway to giving for the entertainment industry.” The depth and breadth of EIF’s reach means they’re behind powerhouse programs like Stand Up to Cancer, Hunger Is, and Revlon Run/Walk for Women. Their newest initiative finds the group partnering with Linkin Park on Music for Relief.

COURTESY OF: Modern Luxury's Angeleno Magazine

November 2, 2018November 7, 2018

Weekend Events:Nov. 2nd-4th

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

Okay, so haunting season is officially over and now begins the most frightening time of the year. Thanksgiving with your in-laws is around the corner!!!!(Insert Jaws Theme song). Just kidding. But it is still a month of daunting task from choosing to cook your turkey or order in(thank you Whole Foods) and all the home prep in between. Even with this task at hand, you should take some time to explore your neck of the woods. Check out our event round up for the most #thankful time of the year and…..

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Nov. 2nd-4th

Friday Nov. 2nd

First Fridays-Long Beach

Long Beach’s First Fridays returns this fall with one goal: to bring you the best in local artists and musicians all in one night. Every first Friday of the month, participating Bixby Knolls businesses will come together to promote local artists and musicians with extended operating hours. In offering this monthly gathering they hope tp encourage a dialogue between businesses, artists and the community. Click here for more information.

First Fridays-Abbott Kinney

With the same vision in mind as the Long Beach edition, Abbott Kinney’s First Friday aims to unite the best of the best in art, music, and products in the Venice hotspot area. The trendy thoroughfare of AK runs diagonally through Venice. With local charities benefiting as art junkies and the neighborhood patrons descending upon the always funky beach community, its sure to be an ideal evening. Oh, and theres adult beverages too! Click here for more information.

Jerry Seinfeld Live at the Pantages Theatre

The famed comedian, producer, and household name-Jerry Seinfeld-descends upon the Pantages Theatre this weekend only. With his return to the Pantages stage, is his signature stand-up routine along with new quips and jabs one could expect from the legendary comedian. His latest projects include the Emmy nominated web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and his Netflix special Jerry Before Seinfeld. Seinfeld continues to perform both nationally and internationally. Click here for more information.

Sat Nov. 3rd

Smorgasborg at Santa Anita

Also the location of Rodeo Realty’s annual Day at the Races, Santa Anita turns into a “Smorgasburg Meltdown” this Saturday only. The foodie favorite event returns with all things cheesy, offering the best in food vendors and fun that Santa Anita has to offer. Don’t miss out on this showcase of ooey-gooey goodness while you enjoy your own Day at the Races! Various packages available, click here for more details. Click here for more information.

Grand Ave. Arts All Access

This diverse program of family friendly fun returns for its 4th annual, one-day only free community event. The Grand Ave Arts: All Access is a showcase of activities, interactive workshops and tours highlighting the world class arts and cultural programs of DTLA. Established to celebrate their commitment to the cultural landscape of LA, is a range of events. All the while showcasing the world-class architecture and programming that define the Grand Avenue corridor and LA’s cultural center. From The Broad to LA Phil, don’t miss out on this day of artful entertainment. Click here for more information.

Dan Guerrero Artist & Icons Event

The City of West Hollywood Arts Division presents the return of their Artists & Icons session: A Conversation with Dan Guerrero. The Artists, Educator and Activists sits down for a Q & A moderated by Tony Estrada. Dan Guerrero-and award winning producer of diverse programming for network and cable Television has been part of the West Hollywood community since 1982. The eclectic artists brings his worldly experiences to this one-time sit down put on by the West Hollywood Chamber of commerce. Click here for more information.

Sun Nov. 4th

10th Annual Malibu Half Marathon

The Malibu 5k and Half Marathon returns to the beach city this Saturday and Sunday. A phenomenal beach course that starts and ends at Zuma Beach in Malibu brings together nearly 4000 patrons. Saturday event will feature a Health & Fitness expo while Sunday will kick-off the storied run down PCH(horrible traffic not included). Along the way, participants will see some of Californias most scenic views and stunning homes. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Malibu are the beneficiary’s of the weekend event aiming to significantly enhance the lives of Malibu youth through new programming. Click here for more information.

Griffith Harvest Festival

There is no better way to celebrate autumn then at L.A’s ;argued urban park! The Griffith Harvest festival will play host to a slew of live music, local craft beers and a Kid Zone. The entire event is presented by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation and City of L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks. Sure to be fun for the entire family, don’t miss this fall fest in L.A.’s most famed park location. Click here for more information.

Bowies Piano Man-San Pedro

Able Arts Work Presents: Bowie’s Piano Man

Presented by Able ARTS Work is Bowie’s Piano Man + Symphonic Suite for Healing 2. The inaugural benefit concert will feature world renowned pianist Mike Garson and some of his newest work while also highlighting the artistry of David Bowie and his belief in betterment for mankind. The first alf of the matinee will showcase work by Garson from his newest Symphonic suite, with the second half featuring hits by Bowie like “Life on Mars”, Five Years”, and Garson and Bowies most famous collaboration “Aladdin Sane. . Garson will be join don stage by world-class musicians like Gaby Moreno, Denny Seiwell and Brett Hook to name a few. Click here for more information.

November 1, 2018

The best things to do in L.A. after Dark

Congratulations: You picked the right time to live in Los Angeles. LA currently has what might just be the best food scene in the whole country, not to mention a killer cocktail scene, so it’s understandable if most evenings out are dedicated to working your way down your list of new openings, hotspots, and old favorites to revisit.

But if you want to shake up your after-dark agenda a bit and are in search of something new and unexpected, LA’s got a whole world of other interesting nightlife options to explore. From studio tours and storytelling sessions to magic and Mexican wrestling, here’s a solid selection of alternative activities to consider for your next night out.

Hike by moonlight

Hollywood
We Angelenos love our bright-and-early hikes — just try to find parking at 8am on a weekend at Runyon Canyon. Even if you’re a serious morning person, though, it’s worth giving a post-twilight trek a go; you can make the hike up Griffith Park’s Mt. Hollywood since the park is open to the public until 10pm, or you can hook up with the Sierra Club, which leads two-hour hikes of various skill levels on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm (as well as a moderate-to-advanced-only hike on Wednesday evenings). Also, check out the group’s 2 1/2-hour Monthly Moonlight hike set for the Friday closest to the full moon, when participants bring snacks for a potluck they take down at the top.

Have a tech-heavy carnival game night

Downtown
After years in the works, Two Bit Circus — Downtown’s 38,000-square-foot “micro amusement park” — is up and running, blending cutting-edge technology with old-school arcade and carnival games, to create a wild wonderland of interactive action. Play competition games like Skee-Ball and balloon pop (real ball, virtual balloons) helmed by carnival barkers at The Midway; hunt down a lost treasure or take on supernatural swamp creatures in the virtual reality story rooms; get in on a game show; or grab a drink crafted by a robot bartender. Basically, there’s a ton to do here. Entrance is free, and you pay to play.

Go for a group run after dark

Various locations
Yes, hitting a happy hour is always a tempting after-work option, but your body will thank you if you strap on your sneakers and get a little exercise come evening instead. Blacklist LA organizes 3-to-4-mile Monday Night Art runs, where 200+ participants run from a meeting point to a public art piece and learn a bit about it before high-tailing it back. Good for stuck-late-at-the-office types, the weekly runs start at 10pm and take place Downtown six months out of the year, with runs through other neighborhoods happening every other month. For those who want to reward themselves after a workout, a club called Electric Flight Crew (which you’ll need to join in order to participate) holds weekly runs and workouts in the South Bay, Santa Monica, and WeHo that are followed up by a convivial “No Shower Happy Hour.”

Take in a creepy midnight movie

West LA
The historic Nuart Theater is already a solid venue for film buffs, screening classics as well as new indie films and documentaries, sometimes accompanied by Q&As with filmmakers and movie subjects (Joan Jett recently performed at a screening of her doc Bad Reputation). You can also settle in for a — usually — scary movie screening on Fridays at 11:59pm.

Settle in for story time

Various locations
If you’re one of those people who can totally transcend cocktail party fodder with an actual entertaining story that warrants gasps and guffaws, you just might want to try spilling your guts to a real audience at one of the open mic StorySLAM sessions held weekly around the city, as part of long-running series The Moth. Not into public speaking? Simply buy a ticket and watch as a slew of storytellers get five minutes each, telling tales centered around a single theme ranging from fear to scandal to joy. Venues, dates, and pricing vary, but you can buy tickets online.

Find yourself stupefied inside a magic castle

Hollywood
The legendary Magic Castle is, sleight-of-hands-down, one of the coolest venues in LA. You’re inside an old Victorian mansion stuffed with antiques and artifacts, and there’s entertainment lurking around every corner. From a ghost taking requests on the piano to Houdini séances to roving magicians blowing your mind with card tricks. Then, there are the wow-worthy scheduled shows that take place in various spaces around the castle all night long. Before you insist you don’t know a single real-life magician, though, start asking friends and friends of friends now. You’d be surprised how often someone like Blake in accounting’s husband’s childhood friend can totally get you in.

Expand your kitchen capabilities with a mellow cooking class

Woodland Hills, West LA, and Lincoln Heights
Yes, you’ve got your go-to pasta dish and those special burgers you grill every Fourth of July, but wouldn’t it be great to have something a bit more impressive in your repertoire? Hipcooks’ hands-on cooking classes focus heavily on multicultural cuisines so you can take on Thai, master Moroccan, and slay sushi depending on what you’re into. The format is casual, the teachers are laid-back, and each session is paired with wine, beer, or cocktails and ends with you getting to eat what you made (we’re imagining hangry chaos ensuing if that wasn’t the case).

Take part in a public star party

Hollywood
One Saturday a month the Griffith Observatory, which sits on the south side of Mount Hollywood, hosts a free public star party. While there you can try out a gaggle of telescopes and peer at the all the celestial stuff out in the universe. In case you’re not an astronomer yourself, volunteers from smart-people clubs Los Angeles Astronomical Society, the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers, and The Planetary Society will be on hand to answer questions.

See art while walking

Downtown

While monthly events like this one are often summer-only or have morphed into food truck-line-fueled sidewalk gridlock (we’re looking at you, Abbot Kinney), DTLA’s Art Walk takes place on the second Thursday evening of the month all year long. The event often includes pop-up shops, activities, and live entertainment. Hit up the Art Walk Lounge — currently located at The Last Bookstore (worth a separate visit if you haven’t been) for maps and info about what’s going on that night.

Tour a movie studio After Dark

Hollywood
The After Dark Tour focuses on scandals and mysteries, while making a trip through the adjacent Hollywood Forever Cemetery, with Champagne, popcorn, and movie candy — our favorite combo. Those looking to buy tickets for tours taking place between now and November 3 (Thursday-Saturday evenings only) will get a somewhat spookier seasonal version. The less Halloweeny After Dark studio tour returns in December. Tours are $99 a person.

Courtesy of: Thrillist L.A.

November 1, 2018November 2, 2018

Tales of Halloween at Rodeo Realty

“From my laboratory in the castle east, To the master bedroom where the vampires feast, The ghouls all came from their humble abodes, To get a jolt from my electrodes, They did the mash, They did the monster mash.”

Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills Halloween Luncheon 2018

Once upon a time on Canon Drive…

Rodeo Realty Beverly Hills held their own Monster Mash for All Hallows Eve yesterday.

Donned in their most ghoulish attire all came out to a friendly office feast where agents turned witches and ghosts mingled with tennis stars and aristocrates alike.

Their Branch Manager John Gould was nowhere to be seen but a curious Captain Hook had assumed his place. How strange that they appeared to be the same at a glance.

A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018-Branch Manager John Gould(Capt. Hook)

Wandering the halls of the office abode, what a site to see was Phantom”James Richmond”of the Opera arising from his lair, mingling with Groovy”Barabra Stover”Gal and Red”Heather Witt”Riding Hood.

A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018-James Richmond

A Rodeo Realty Halloween 2018: Reds On Rodeo Duo from left: Martine Zoller and Heather Witt

As the middy fete came to a close Marie”Suzette Kitselman” Antonette descended upon affair. Before the revelers could return to their crypt, the pumpkin throne must be claimed.

A Rodeo Realty Halloween-from left: John Gould and Suzette Kitselman

With Captain “John Gould” Hook having the declared thrice the worthy guest, it twas Mario and Luigi at 3rd rank with the Wicked Witch of the West as a second hand. And who do you ask would assume the thrown? Well of course none other than the Royal herself. HRH Marie”Suzette Kitselman” Antonette.

A Rodeo Halloween 2018-Costume Contest Winners

Continue reading “Tales of Halloween at Rodeo Realty”

October 26, 2018April 23, 2019

Your Halloween Event Round-up

If you’re brave enough to venture out on a weeknight we’ve got you covered. We scoured the dismally long list of Halloween events happening throughout L.A. this Wednesday. So sleep well on Hallows Eve because this round-up is sure to keep you jolted till dawn.

Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids

Location: Grand Hope Park, DTLA

Getting to downtown for trick-or-treating may seem like the real Halloween scare but its worth it when you make it to The Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids! The locals know how to throw quite the shindig and the event continues to thrive as parents celebrate the spookiest night of the year with bounce houses, puppet shows and faux trick-or-treat-doors.

More info

Vampyr + Halloween After-Party

Location: Theatre at The Ace Hotel, DTLA

Menace lurks behind every shadow in a remote village filled with secrets. The LA Opera’s annual Halloween mash-up of opera and cinema returns to the spectacular Theatre at Ace Hotel with filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer’s surreal 1932 masterwork, one of the most unsettling vampire movies ever made. LA Opera and The Theatre at Ace Hotel invite you to be their guest immediately following ‘Vampyr’ for a Halloween party with music and cash bar. Entry to the party is included with ticket to the October 31 ‘Vampyr’ performance.

More info

Mickeys Halloween Party at Disneyland Park

Location: Disneyland, Anaheim

Perfect for all ghouls and goblins is this Halloween Extravaganza at the Happiest Place on Earth. ‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ brings out all your favorite villains from ‘Cruella’ to ‘Lady Tremaine’. Delight at a ghostly ‘Space Mountain’ and Tim Burton-ized ‘Haunted Mansion’ as lively Jack-O-Lanterns line Main Street. Trick-or-Treat throughout the park until the evening hours end with a spectacular ‘Halloween Screams’ firework show. Be sure to arrive early if you’d like a true thrill on any of the rides up to three hours prior to the event.

More info

West Hollywood Carnaval

Location: Santa Monica Blvd (starting at Doheny), West Hollywood

Considered the largest Halloween street party in the world, there isn’t really a better place to be for the true costume aficionado. Yes the crowds are massive and to some quite rowdy but the amazing display of themed attire and general merry-making spirit deem it as at least a worthy stop along your way. Enjoy dancing in the streets, festive beverages in the bars and a night full of spooky fun!

More info

Cabaret de L’Enfer

Location: The Edison, DTLA

Spend your Halloween underground (a little closer to the dearly departed) at The Edison. The clubs’ Cabaret L’Enfer will feature DJ sets, live performers, stilt walkers, tarot card readers and an “extraordinary selection of Attractions Diaboliques”. Like most other parties at the Edison, expect an old-time but sleek subterranean shindig. Costumes are not required but recommended (come on it’s Halloween)!

More info

Haunt Massive

Location: Avalon, Hollywood

Since coming back from the dead a few years ago, Hollywood and Vine’s historic playhouse ‘Avalon’ has put on a ghoulish extravaganza each All Hallows’ Eve. Break out your provocative costumes and make your way to the dance floor and four themed areas!

More info

October 26, 2018October 27, 2018

Weekend Events: Oct. 26th-28th

With all the hustle and bustle of our weekday routine we bring you a curated list of the weekends top activities happening throughout the city of stars.

The time has finally come. You’ve picked up your costumes and allotted yourself at least a handful of candy this weekend. Halloween may fall on a Wednesday but the main events are just a round the corner. So don’t stay inside and cue on the slasher films, you’ve had all month for that. It’s time to throw on your Dracula cape and paint the town red. Read below for our round up events happening this weekend!

Discover your inner Angeleno!

Limited engagements taking place this Oct. 26th-28th.

friday oct. 26th

Disco Dining Club’s The Flowering of the Strange Orchids

The Flowering of Strange Orchid Presented by Disco Dining Club

Date: Oct 26, 27, & 28, 2018

Location: Private residence in Pico-Union

“Botanical horror’ and man-eating plants are at the center of this elevated Halloween dinner party. The lofty price tag of $300 will provide you with a tantalizing 5 course meal from Chef Laurent Quenioux, cocktail pairings and wine, coffee and tea service, desserts, and optional edible bug pairings by Bugible. Lavish set design by The Grim Weather will sprawl indoors and outdoors of the secret location,. This will be complimented by theatrical activations, puppets, live music and dance performances throughout the evening. Your favorite holiday…exaggerated with all the opulence, grandeur and hedonism of any Disco Dining Club soiree.

Click here for more information

Pageant of the Monsters

Date: Oct 26, 27, 28, 31, 2018

Location: 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach

Patrons of Pageant of the Master’s will know this live performance as artwork coming to life. Pageant of the Monsters is the ghoulish re-enactment of notable tableaus that awakens from their slumber every 5 years. This year’s theme is “Raiders of the Lost Art”. The fest includes a haunted house, Halloween arts and craft, and activities for children. The haunted house is suitable for even the tiniest of terrors, sans gore and recommended for children 5 and older. Food and non-alcoholic berates will be available for purchase.

Click here for more information

saturday oct. 27th

KCRW Masquerade Ball

Location: Downtown LA Historic Core

While this isn’t quite the traditional masquerade, one can expect all the treats and tricks customary with an extravagant night on the town At the KCRW annual Masquerade Ball patrons will be priledged to enjoy the soiree at a new location in DTLA. From themed rooms to various DJ sets and costumes galore, what more can you ask for in the spirit of Hallows Eve.

Click here for more information.

The Fanged Fete

Location: Downtown L.A. at The Ace Hotel

If you haven’t gotten your fill at the masked ball above, there are plenty of parties to go around in DTLA. The Fanged Fete at The Ace Hotel’s lavish theatre warrants you arrive in your best fangs and vampiric couture(or just vampire-ish clothes). This swanky event will feature Restless Nites DJs, drinks and “dark arts”. Be advised to wake from your crypt early if you’d like to catch the screening of the 1932 surrealist horror film Vampyr alongside a reimagined live score courtesy of the LA opera before the festivities commence.

Click here for more information.

Haunted Hotel at Viceroy Santa Monica

Location: Viceroy Santa Monica

Spend your ghoulish activities on the westside at the Viceroy Santa Monica’s annual soiree. Over 1,000 guests descend upon the “haunted” hotel(Three Rule has been hired to deck out the entire property from the lobby to the drinks). Wander between to realms..sorry dance floors and lay your stake at a chance to win one of the amazing prizes being served out to the best costumes around(well at the party that is). That being said, costumes are required so you can’t just go as “a mouse..Duh” open to all 21 and over.

Click here for more information.

NoHo Monster Bash

Location: The Federal, North Hollywood

The Valley needs its go-to Halloween bash to which is what you’ll find at the Federal this year with a promise of performances on its main stage every half hour. Patrons can expect costume contest, eerie cocktails and an evening of ghastly fun. Bonus: This years theme is Pirates of The Caribbean. Perfect chance for you to bust out that Johnny Depp impression you’ve been “working on”.

Click here for more information.

A Night of the Macabre with Poe and Gorey

Drama After Dark at The Huntington Library

Location: The Huntington Library, Pasadena

If your less for the partying and more for the ghoulish tales, then don’t miss this frightening telling of the famed poets held at the Huntington Library. Thrill to the tales of Edgar Allan Poe and Edward Gorey in an evening of chilling drama presented by the actors of the Guild of St. George. Haunting works will be enacted throughout the moonlit grounds, including “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Gashlycrumb Tinies,” and more. Ages 10 to adult. (May be too intense for younger children.)

Click here for more information.

sunday oct. 28th

Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever

Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetary

Billed at the largest Day of the Dead celebration in California, Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s event is a Halloween must. The grounds of the cemetery are covered with art exhibitions, dance rituals, musical performances, and children’s arts and crafts spread throughout. While you enjoy the bounty of food vendors, peruse through the altars created for the departed by community artists. Patrons can also take part in the calico(skeleton) costume contest if they so please. This years theme, Coatlicue “Mother of Gods”, honors the Aztec goddess mother of the moon, sun and stars. For more information click here.

Pumpkin Festival

Location: Pasadena

Bring the whole family and explore the Pasadena Pumpkin Patch and Costume Parade. This fun event includes a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce castles, carnival games and seasonal crafts with all proceeds benefitting the Kidspace Children’s Museum. Kidspace Children’s Museum Kidpspace works to provide free and discounted admission to all programs for those in undeserved communities. Click here for more information.

Halloween & Mourning Tours

Location: Heritage Square Museum, NE DTLA

You probably spent the majority of the weekend getting glitter spray out of your hair. If thats the case spend Sunday with educational frights instead of fruit cocktails at Heritage Square Museum’s annual Halloween celebration. This Victorian era event takes you through a true horror. Life before iPhones. Enjoy period games, 19th century harvest crafts and spooky stories that even the kid swill enjoy.

Click here for more information.

The Nightmare before Christmas at the Hollywood Bowl

Location: The Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood

“This is Halloween, this is Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! Halloween! “

Don’t miss the 25th Anniversary concert special of The Nightmare Before Christmas at The Hollywood Bowl. Danny Elfman along with Catherine O’Hara and Ken Page will be leading the evening soiree. Arrive early for a fun themed costume contest and enjoy the spectacular light projections while singing along to this Halloween Classic. Friday and Sunday tickets are still available.

Click here for more information

October 25, 2018

DIY: Making your home smell like fall

7 DIY Ways to Make Your Home Smell like Fall

With the most festive season upon us, you’ll find your self scouring Diptique for the best fall scent. Rather then opt for your usual, why not try out your creative side. These 7 DIY air fresheners are a fun and organic way to give your home that perfect pumpkin or apple scent without the headaches for asthma that artificial candles and sprays can bring. Using essential oils, real fruits, and whole spices is the perfect way to achieve that classic smell you love while giving yourself a fun afternoon activity in the process.

Pumpkin Spice Room Spray

Ingredients:

Directions

In a 4-ounce glass spray bottle, add water and essential oils. Shake well before each use and you’re ready to start spritzing your house!

Fall Simmer Pot

Ingredients

4 apple peels
2 orange peels
2 cinnamon sticks
2-3 star anise (optional)
2 bay leaves (optional)
1/4 teaspoon whole cloves (optional)

Stovetop Directions

Add ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow to simmer uncovered for as long as you like, adding water as needed so the pot doesn’t run dry.

DIY Reed Diffuser

Ingredients

Carrier oil: 1-2 inches safflower oil – this is your carrier oil, almond oil or baby oil can be used as well
Essential oil: 15-20 drops essential oil – for aromatherapy and fragrance
Jars: any jar will work with a small opening at the top
Sticks: Cinnamon Sticks or Rattan Reeds
optional: 90% proof alcohol – helps the oil travel up the sticks faster

Directions

Pour your safflower oil into your jar, 1-2 inches high from the bottom. You don’t need too much oil, just enough for the oil to travel up your sticks. For the jars, you can use anything you have around the house – a vase, a recycled jam jar, even a plastic or metal container will work. I found these jars at the thrift store and they have small openings to help my sticks stand up tall.
Add in 15-20 drops of essential oils and stir them in or swirl them around. You can add more or less depending on your level of fragrance.
Add your sticks to the jar and space them out. You can use them to stir the oil again. TIP: flip your sticks after a day or so to help the oil distribute faster.

Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones

Tools

an oven
cookie sheet
ziploc bag
spray bottle (I love my glass spray bottle from Grove!)
glue and a paintbrush, if you’re doing the ground cinnamon method

Materials

pinecones
tin foil
cinnamon essential oil, or ground cinnamon (learn more about essential oils here)
water

Directions

Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with foil. Place the cleaned pinecones on the cookie sheet on their side. Bake the pinecones in the oven for about 45 minutes.

Use ground cinnamon to add that fall scent to your pinecones. Pour a little bit of all purpose glue into a small container and thin it just a little bit with water. You don’t want it completely liquid, but you need to be able to brush it on with a paint brush.

Add a bunch of ground cinnamon to a ziploc bag.

Take your pinecones and gently brush them with a very light coat of the watered-down glue so that all of the nooks and crannies are covered. Set the pinecone aside for a few minutes so that the glue can dry a little bit. You want the glue to be tacky, not totally dripping wet.

Then add the pinecones to the bag of cinnamon, close it up, and shake well to make sure cinnamon gets everywhere! Gently tap the pinecones over the bag to help shake off any loose cinnamon, then set them aside to dry for a few more minutes.

Autumn Scented Linen Spray

Use a fall-friendly DIY linen spray to freshen up folded towels and bedding. Just mix 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup inexpensive vodka (yes, vodka!) in a clean spray bottle and swirl with essential oils. Choose 3-4 oils and add 10 drops of each. Have fun experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite! Here are some ideas:

Clove
Sweet orange (or wild orange)
Cardamom
Cinnamon bark
Cedarwood
Ginger
Sandalwood
Rosemary
Lemon
Fir
Bergamot

Fall Diffuser Recipes

If you own an aromatherapy diffuser, a fall-themed recipe is a must. We’re loving these blogger blends that incorporate classic autumnal scents. They’ll fill your home with the relaxing smells of the season for hours on end, no candles required.

Pumpkin Pie: 5 drops Cinnamon + 1 drop Clove + 1 drop Nutmeg
Chai Tea: 3 drops Cassia + 3 drops Clove + 2 drop Ginger
Fall Forest: 4 drops Cypress + 2 drops White Fir + 2 drops Sandalwood
Apple Cider: 4 drops Wild Orange + 3 drops Cinnamon + 3 drops Ginger

Homemade Fall Wax Scents

Make a batch of spicy fall wax melts for your warmer without unknown chemicals. These easy melts are made with coconut oil, beeswax, and spices from your pantry poured into an ice cube tray—you don’t even need to have essential oils on hand. We think these would look adorable poured into a leaf-shape mold!

Materials

½ cup coconut oil
½ cup beeswax granules
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. whole cloves
2 tsp. vanilla
Peel of 1 orange, diced

Ice cube trays or small mold
Glass jar with lid

Directions

1. Place coconut oil and beeswax granules in a small pan over low heat. Stir until completely melted.
2. While mixture is melting, chop orange peel into very small pieces.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, and diced orange peel.
4. Pour into ice cube trays or another small mold.
5. Allow to sit until completely cooled and firm. I usually let mine sit overnight even though it only takes a couple hours to set up.
6. Pop gently from tray/mold by flipping over and tapping firmly on the counter. Store scented wax melts in a glass jar with a fitted lid. If your home gets very warm you may want to consider storing your jar in the refrigerator as the coconut oil has a low melting point.

Courtesy of: Better Home and Garden

October 25, 2018

Your Fall Cleaning Checklist

With the seasons changing(somewhat here in L.A.), it is so essential to have your go to list for keeping you home tidy through the fall. Thats why we’ve put together a checklist of “musts” for your seasonal cleaning. Our simple room by room guide will get you through the cleaning blues and onto more important things like whether its too soon to play holiday music(it is).

The Kitchen

Here we are, in the melting pot of the home. This is your domain, your midnight snack store, your morning cup of Joe. With the Kitchen being the center of the home, its easy for it to be the least cleanly. And with fall weather comes natures elements from muddy shoes to California dust. The chilly weather also means your more likely to stay inside for your meals then venture into the brisk outdoors. Being inside more this time of year means you’ll have to be more watchful of tidying up, especially in places food come into contact with.

Find a few minutes a day after dinner to make your kitchen cleaning a breeze. The three tasks below can be dine in no time and work seamlessly with your evening routine.

Clear off and wipe down counters
scrub sink
sweep floor for crumbs

They may sound obvious but those three task are the most overlooked when it comes to your kitchen space, so show your “la cuisine” some TLC.

The Bathroom

3274 Coldwater Canyon Ave. Studio City, CA

This rooms a given as being an area you want to clean regardless of the time of day or year. Your bathroom is where you refresh and rejuvenate so it should get the same treatment right? One of the things we overlook in this area is the dust buildup, especially in bathrooms that have windows. It is so easy to miss the window sill or areas around the bathroom where dust can pile on. While you there anytime of day, find a few moments to do whats suggested below.

Clean off counters
Wipe down shower walls while showering
wipe out sink

**An extra quick tip for when guest stop by. Put out a new hand towel after each guest and once it has been used you can use it again to wipe down the sink afterwards. Use a little of any type of soap on hand to do a quick scrub and wipe of the toilet bowl and seat and your all set!

The Living Room

Fall and Winter is the best time of year to cozy up into your living room. Sitting fireside with family under warm blankets and a cup of warm tea sounds idyllic and also like a Martha Stewart Ad. The living room can also be a place where clutter can happen between couch pillows and throw blankets. Family nights can leave behind drink rims and crumbs. Stay on top of the tidiness by the following quick fixes during that commercial break!

Do a quick pickup
Spot-clean any spills (wipe away and food residue or cup marks, coasters are your best friend!)
Straighten pillows (use an ottoman or basket to store your coach pillows and throw)

For after after family time:

Wipe those distracting finger prints off with your own solution of distilled white vinegar and distilled water
Rid your living room of stale smells by sprinkling baking soda on upholstery with a cheese shaker. Let it sit at least 15 minutes or overnight then vacuum.

The Bedroom

With fall comes time change and with time change comes shorter days and longer nights. As the weather changes we keep our windows open less and our heat on more leading to another area for dust buildup. Keeping your sleeping quarters tidy for when you need to unwind gets to be tideous but it doesn’t have to be. Get into the habit of doing the following:

Make your bed as soon as you wake, even if your running out, carving a few minutes into your morning routine to straighten up where you lay your head will be worth it when you come home to clean instead of clutter
Launder your sheets once a week. Dust and all other kinds of bedroom buildup can leave your sheets feeling more dingy than relaxing. Be sure to change it up weekly for a fresh feel.
Every coupe months rotate your mattress. Thus helps you reset as much as it helps your bed. By rotating your mattress, your allowing the cushion to be adjusted to your fit on any side so your bedtime is always blissful
Reduce allergens by dusting ceiling fans as often as possible. You’d find quite a fright if you turn your fan off and see how much dust can buildup there when its not tended to. Additionally while your up there, during fall and winter its wise to flip the switch and have your blades moving clockwise to better circulate heated air.

And your last few household tips are…

With all your other household tasks it is easy to forget about other areas of your home needing maintenance too. Whether your spending your time during the chilly season indoors or outdoors be mindful of the following:

Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned before use
Change your furnace filter every month
Clean out the gutters after leaves fall