Happy Thanksgiving!

Gobble Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving from Wine Country!

Pop Up-Pickle-Shop

If you're not careful, life could pass you buy without ever trying BACON JAM...... DON'T LET THIS BE YOU!  Some of my favorite ladies, Chicks with Knives, are at it again with  PERISHABLE: A Pop-Up Pickle Shop on Dec 2nd from 7:30 to 9pm at 8500 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90069.  This is your chance to experience their famous BACON JAM along with 12 varieties of their organic pickles.  There will be samples, drinks and door prizes too - sounds like a PARTY to me!  Whew, now you can cross that one off your bucket list!

Tiny Bandit at Molla Space

Tinsel Time!

It's Tinsel Time folks!  The Holidays are all about getting your sparkle on and my daughter is no stranger to showing off her holiday locks.  Grace Nicole at Auburn Salon on 10th Street in Santa Monica is the one to make the bling happen - she keeps everyone in town shining by putting tinsel in our hair.  Give her a call and book your appointment now - you don't want to be the last one on the block to get it done - do you?

Mummies Of The World

"Mommy, when I die, I want everyone to see me too."  These are the words coming from my daughter as she is staring at a deceased female's body, well preserved, encased in glass.  Every bit the attention seeker, even after death apparently, she wants to insure that she too will be on display for everyone to enjoy.  I'm sure you're wondering "Where in the world ARE they?"  We were at The California Science Center for the Mummies Of The World Exhibit!  Honestly, bringing my children here was a bit of a selfish act - I REALLY wanted to see the mummies.  They are extraordinary!  It's the largest exhibition of mummies ever assembled and contains both naturally and intentionally preserved mummies.  This exhibit is in it's final days - it closes on November 28th.  Be sure to make your reservations in advance to insure your spot - DON'T MISS IT - you won't be sorry.

Bakelab - Holiday Baking Time!

Homemade marshmallows, cookies, gingerbread men, cakes, pies...... ahhhhhh, the Holidays are here and it's time to dive into some delicious baked goods!  When I was at Artisanal LA this year at their fall inaugural show, I stepped into the wonderland that is Bakelab.  Bakelab is an online and wholesale bakeshop that that makes EVERYTHING in-house - they also offer classes and private parties.  Currently they are offering 2 amazing classes:  Holiday Classics on December 4th, and Cupcake Decorating on December 11th.  What is special about Bakelab classes is that they have their own teaching philosophy.  They believe that focusing on the science (and it IS a science) of baking, the whys and hows, ingredient function and good technique you will gain an understanding of how a technique or ingredient works and from there you will be able to translate your knowledge to any recipe with confidence.  I LOVE this!  Giving the gift of something homemade during the holiday season is special.  Taking the time to prepare a delicious confection shows you care!  You're so sweet!

Winterlit Santa Monica

Here's the thing, it's always difficult to get in the holiday mood in Santa Monica.  Since we moved here my kids have asked me the same question around this time each year "WHEN is it going to snow here???"  Well, we may have to keep waiting for that one, but there is no shortage of things to do to put us in the holiday mood.  This year it's 6th anniversary of Winterlit, a Holiday Celebration in Santa Monica.  The Kickoff is Black Friday - be on the lookout for Santa's Little Savers!  Santa and one of his elves roaming around the promenade just may cover the cost of your purchase - up to $100!!  Each night during Hanukkah (December 1-8), celebrate the lighting of the Menorah on the 1200 block, Third Street Promenade.  On Sunday, December 5th, the day will be filled with family activities and the evening will culminate with the lighting of the Menorah and Christmas Tree along with a performance by recording artist Jared Lee.   Lastly, don't forget to have your picture taken with Santa.  There are photo opportunities December 11-12, 18-19 Noon-4pm!  Happy Holidays!!!

Ahoy! The Story Pirates have landed in Los Angeles!!

We had THE MOST AMAZING day today with the kids at Story Pirates!!   Here's who they are:  a group of fantastic adult actors, that take stories written by elementary kids and turn them into delightful works of art to be performed on stage!!  Our son's friend wrote a story and it was accepted and we were invited by his lovely parents to see the play today - I think the adults had more fun than the kids - it was nothing short of fabulous!  Laughter all around!  They must of acted out 20 stories and there wasn't one moment of boredom.  Story Pirates was founded in 2003 to celebrate the words and ideas of young people while promoting literacy - I can't think of a better confidence builder than to be a child and see YOUR story acted out onstage and see and hear people enjoying it!  Brilliant!  The award winning show has been described as "Monty Python meets Schoolhouse Rock."  It's a must see!  You can get involved as well!  You can see a show, submit a story, donate items, adopt-a-school program, bring them to your school, volunteer..... the list goes on and on!  They are a NYC based company and their website reflects that - but keep checking it for more info about their events in Los Angeles!  For now, you can see them at the Geffen - show times are here.  Enjoy!

Harvest Day in the Kinder Garden!!

Friday was harvest day in the Kinder Garden!!  The kids then made beautiful salads with their lettuces for the Thanksgiving Feast which took place in the Kinder yard!  We are so lucky to be part of such a wonderful, caring community of people!  Now THAT'S something to be thankful for!

Making A Difference Is Easy As Pie!

Come on, be an Angel this year  - buy your Thanksgiving pie from Project Angel Food!  Every purchase will fund a free nutritious meal to five of their most vulnerable neighbors struggling with HIV/AIDS, cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.  Apple, chocolate and pumpkin  - the choice is yours!  Each comes in a travel safe box with enclosed tent cards noting that you're helping someone in need.  Order today HERE or call 323-845-1800 ext 255.  It's as easy as pie!

Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival

Oooooohhhh.... another craft fair is in our mist!!  That one little word makes it cool, EVEN for you - "Indie"!  So off you go to Long Beach where you will put your hard earned money to use purchasing independent, non-conformist and high-quality goods at the Patchwork Indie Arts and Crafts Festival - you're such a rebel!  Among the crafters, delicious food and music will be me!!  See you there!

Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

It's the Nutcracker like you've never seen it!  Debbie Allen (famous choreographer, Tony Award Nominee and Emmy Award winner) has revamped the holiday classic and given it a new, multicultural look, fantastic modernized music, dance numbers and a fresh new context.  This show is sure to be amazing!  Set in 1950's Harlem, the story takes us on a journey around the world in a dream.  You'll go from Harlem to Egypt to West Africa; from "The Rain Forest" to "The Land of Funk" and "Jazz Land".  Debbie Allen, along with her co-chairs (Quincy Jones, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith and Denzel & Pauletta Washington) are throwing a Gala  performance December 9th.  There will be an additional public performance December 11th at 2pm and 7pm at UCLA Royce Hall.  All ticket information can be found here.  Feel good knowing that 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit the children of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, a nonprofit organization committed to expanding the reach of dance and theatre arts to enrich, inspire and transform the lives of thousands of people in the Greater Los Angeles Area, across America and around the world.  Shake ya tailfeather and get your tickets now - time is running out!

Dream Big!

Dream big and don't ever give up - now those are rules to live by!  Dallas Clayton, a California native and author of An Awesome Book does just that.  Originally a book written for his son, it immediately found a much larger audience.  You see, Dallas put the book online and it kept selling out!  It sold out ALL OVER THE WORLD - so, he took the book on tour, reading to children all over the United States.   Inspired by the kids he met, this LA author decided to go one step further and set up The Awesome World Foundation.  For every book he sells, he gives one away delivering them to schools, hospitals, libraries, camps and shelters, domestically and worldwide.  All this is done to promote children's literacy and encourage them to dream big and dream often.  What a grand idea!  Dallas Clayton is so thankful for the opportunity to do this with his life that he wrote a second book titled An Awesome Book Of Thanks - it's about being thankful for everything you have.  You can buy these awesome books here.  They make great gifts and you can feel good about giving back as well!

Small Gift Los Angeles: Celebrating 50 yrs of Sanrio!

Oh boy, this is too cute for words.  It's positively delightful and we must be part of it!!  We have the chance to immerse ourselves in the playful world of Sanrio for the Small Gift Los Angeles event at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica today, November 12-21st.  To celebrate 50 years of Sanrio's fantastical characters such as Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars, My Melody, Chococat and more, the Hanger, inspired by Sanrio's "small gift, big smile" philosophy will transform itself into a wonderful whimsical wonderland.  There will be a Midway Carnival with interactive games and rides, a ferris wheel, two 9-hole miniature golf courses, dress up photo booths, Japanese activity corner; There will also be an extensive Art Exhibition curated by Jamie Rivadeneira, owner of JapanLA that will showcase 50 top artists original works along with eleven unique installation rooms that transform Sanrio characters into original works.  Adding to the fun are scores of workshops to participate in such as: Sushi Bento Box making, Japanese sand art, cupcake decorating, jewelry and craft making with participating artists - tickets are available for purchase for these prior to the event here.  Fans will be able to view various models of the newly launched Hello Kitty Smart Cars and get a peek at Sephora's soon-to-launch "Hello Kitty Beauty" collection.  If all this isn't enough, take a stroll through the Pop Up Shop where you will have the opportunity to purchase specially created collectible pieces including iPhone cases, laptop cases, t-shirts, tin lunch boxes, tote bags, etc.  I'm sure you will have worked up an appetite after all the activities of the day - don't fear, there will be a mobile food court of food trucks on hand!!  What a great event!!!  Be sure to join the Cute Culture Community for this 10 day carnival-style event!!  It's open to the public Friday November 12th through Sunday November 21st and entry to the venue is free of charge - tickets for games and activities will be available for purchase.  Check out their schedule of events and I'll see you there!

The Thankful Tree

This is our Thankful Tree.  It's a new tradition we've started in our family and I'm crazy about it!  Each year, on Veterans Day we will go for a hike and talk about all the things we are thankful for.  This year I took the kids to Malibu Lagoon State Beach where we hiked all over the preserve collecting sticks and leaves.  When we got home we put the sticks in a vase and traced the leaves onto construction paper.  Each day, until thanksgiving, the kids will write down something they are thankful for on a leaf and tie it to the tree.  On Thanksgiving day, we'll take down the leaves and read them to one another, giving us time to share all the things that are important to us.  Today's leaves say "Family", "Soldiers", and "The American Flag".  I think that is a great beginning. 

New Mural Installation by Art Of Chase

The Art of Chase is at it again! This time he has just completed a new mural installation in Long Beach's East Village - I can't wait to see it - I LOVE his work - so full of positive energy!  The man himself is an amazing individual as well - while he was painting his mural he arranged for various groups of school kids to visit him for an artist's talk and customization session.  He spoke with them about the importance of staying in school and following your passion then customized anything they brought: T-shirts, backpacks, notebooks, etc!!

If you are in the Long Beach area this Saturday evening, November 13th, be sure to check out his artist's reception at Gallery AD+D from 7-10pm - you'll be able to see his new mural as well which is painted on the side of the gallery!

Race To Nowhere

I was talking to a teacher at my children's school the other day and she said something that really made me think: "The children here are overachievers, they are WAY ahead of students at other schools, however, they have no confidence."  Interesting.  As we talked more, I realized that the pressure to succeed was so great that these kids were terrified of failing or doing anything the slightest bit wrong for that matter.  Scary thought.  I've seen first hand the pressure these kids are under and it scares me.  Race To Nowhere is about these pressures and what they are doing to our children.  In Director Vicki Abeles documentary she takes a look at our culture - one that is obsessed with the illusion of achievement, competition and the pressure to perform.  I believe our job, as parents, is to engage our children, help them WANT to learn and learn how to have fun doing it.  I haven't seen Race To Nowhere yet, but I plan to.  There are screenings all over California - click here to find one close to you.  I believe it's the EXPERIENCES we have that make us who we are.  It's through our experiences that we find out what we are most interested in, what we will excel at and what we won't.  I'm hoping my love for taking my kids on vacations, adventures, museums, art classes etc will help them acquire a thirst for life - something I think will take them a lot further than any test score!

Artisanal LA Done Holiday Style

You sure are lucky!!  You thought you missed the event of the year when you couldn't make it to the Artisanal LA Inaugural Fall Show - well you're in luck - Artisanal LA is at it again - Holiday Style.  Save the Date and keep your eyes peeled for updates on this site!!  

Chicks With Knives

I am one lucky bitch!  I've scored a space at Chicks With Knives newest event/class!  On November 14th, 11:30-2pm,  I'll be spending the day with lovely ladies, sharp knives and lots of meat in my favorite professional cooks shop of all time - if all this doesn't sound exciting to you, then you and I are not living on the same page!  I'm going to take a stab at Butchery 101 hosted by Chicks With Knives (aka Rachael Narins and Suzanne Griswold) partnering with LA's new favorite sustainable butchers Lindy and Grundy (aka Amelia Posada and Erika Nakamura) at Surfas in Culver City.  Lindy and Grundy will have a demonstration on how to break down a lamb (this Albanian girl grew up on lamb and it's my favorite), followed by a hands-on class with Chicks With Knives.  They'll be showing us proper knife sharpening, maintenance and care, how to cut up a  whole round fish and how to butcher a chicken.  If this lovefest interests you, get your tickets on Eventbee now because spaces are filling up fast!  Cost is $125 per person.  There will be light appetizers and drinks (for those of you with strong stomachs) during the demonstration, each participant will get to take home some lamb, chicken and fish and you'll receive a Surfas discount coupon for shopping on the day of the class.  Come sporting your best apron and your sharpest knife ready to rock!  See you there!

Happy Birthday To Me!

Yesterday was my Birthday and it was the most perfect day EVER, thanks to my most wonderful husband who knows all my favorite things!  We started the day at Malibu Kitchen and Gourmet Country Market - picked up some amazing pastries and make our way to Point Dume.  Point Dume is my favorite beach.  It actually smells like the ocean - which, believe it or not is a difficult thing to find around here!  We sat on the beach, delved into our pastries and watched the dolphins play in the surf.  Wonderful.  On the way back we made a stop at Malibu Market and Design to shop for the house - if you haven't been here you MUST take the drive and go.

What looks like a small boutique from PCH is really a mulit-teared extravaganza featuring high end furniture and landscape design items.  I could walk the grounds daily and fantasy shop.  It's an amazing place to get inspiration and ideas on how to design your own home.  They are still in the process of trying to get a permit to make a section of their outdoor space a tea spot and when they do, I will be a regular!  Next stop?  The Getty Villa!  I hesitate to even post photo because it won't be able to capture how extraordinary this place is.  You have to see it to appreciate it - but for those of you that need a visual, here is a taste:





The Getty Villa is J. Paul Getty's recreation of the Villa of the Papyri from the ancient Roman city of  Herculaneum.  It is an educational center and museum dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome and Etruia and it holds antiquities from Getty's vast personal collection - its LOVELY!!  Now, we're famished and a stop at Gladstones for a snack is in order:

 I've never been a big fan of Gladstones in the past, however, recently SBE purchased the site and there has been a huge improvement in it's ambiance and cuisine - not to mention, there has to be a worse way of spending your afternoon than drinking an ice cold beer while staring at the ocean!   After this fantastic morning and afternoon, home to nap, then out to dinner with great friends and family to Izaka-ya by Katsu-ya in Manhattan Beach - perfect end to a perfect day.


 I have the most wonderful husband, children and friends and as you can tell by the smile on my face, I am one gloriously Happy Birthday Girl!

Taco Taco Taco

Is there anyone out there that doesn't love a good taco?  Our partners from Detroit flew in to go on a little taco hunt with us - the goal?  To find the perfect little bundle of joy.  So, here we go....First stop?  Loteria:

Now, I'm going to be honest, for all the hype Loteria is not the BEST but it's pretty damn good.  The best thing we had here was the Cochinita Pibil - pork slowly roasted in a banana leaf for 12 hours, served with citris-pickled red onion and chile habanero.  Delicious but a bit wet for my taste.  Up next?  Tinga!

WOW!  Tinga has something special going on.  It's not your typical street taco - it's a bit gourmet.  Our favorite here was the 48 Short Rib - Short rib with salsa verde and pickled red cabbage, raw tomato salsa, papas bravas, queso fresco and crema.  AMAZING.  I really think it could be even better without the potatoes, but that is just my humble opinion.  Second favorite was the Pibil - long and slow cooked achiote and bitter orange rubbed pork with pickled cabbage, salsa habanero - the Pibil was not just slow cooked but thrown on a plancha to give a charred taste as well - the salsa was SUPER spicy and SUPER fabulous!  I can't not mention the corn - it's grilled corn, cut off the cob with creamy lime, chile and pompano puree - orgasmic!  Next...Teres Tacos:

Tere's is an all time favorite of mine.  When I say they have THE BEST Verde sauce I am not exaggerating one bit.  It is spicy goodness.  Nothing comes close.  Period.  My favorites are the pork verde tacos and their carne asada - which is seasoned perfectly.  This place rocks.  Moving on...Cactus Taqueria #1:

Cactus Taqueria #1 is a taco shack in Hollywood that we frequent often - why?  Because it has reliable, straight forward good food.  Cactus has wonderful el pastor and equally as good carne asada.  Pinche Tacos was next....

Ech, what's to say?  Standard.  The carne asada was very good but the rest?  ech.  No reason to go back really - not when there are so many other options in Los Angeles.  Now it was time to go home and take a rest and digest.....

Oh, you didn't think we were done, did you?  Taco trucks don't open until 9pm.... First stop of the evening was Leo's.   Yuck - that's about all I have to say.  Nothing special here - let's keep it moving...

BA-BAM!!  This is it - no need to go any further!  This truck has it going on!  The wait was forever but worth every damn minute.  This, in my opinion is the perfect LA Street Taco.  The hunt is over.  There is a great taco blog called The Great Taco Hunt and I'm compelled to end this post with a quote and some pictures from his site: "if I had to choose one taco truck to represent LA and say , here this is an LA street taco, it would be El Chato. El Chato does it right. These tacos are beautiful little bombs of flavor that come on your plate hot and greasy topped with grilled onions and chiles."

Street Taco Perfection.  Time to roll my full belly into bed.  Whew - GREAT DAY!

Best Spooky Spectacular Weekend Ever!!

I had the most amazing weekend - it all started Thursday with Big Daddy and I's anniversary.  We celebrated by attending The Rocky Horror Tribute Show to benefit the Painted Turtle and it was AMAZING!  Jack Nicholson was there for God's sake!!  So was Tim Curry!!  I'd forgotten how hot (in a not hot kind of way) Tim Curry was in The Rocky Horror Picture Show movie!  The cast was spectacular (Julian McMahon in particular) and the party afterwards was phenomenal!  What a blast!  Next up to plate:  the Haunted House put on in our neighborhood by the Talbert Family Foundation.  The festivities began Friday after school - it was the perfect beginning to a spooky, fun filled weekend:

Next up: scary movies and building cookie graveyards at home:

Bedtime came late and goblins kept the kids from sleeping in their own beds - but we all managed to get up the next morning to attend Dia De Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery - this is a fantastic event!!  If you missed it this year, be sure to put it in your calendar for next - it was truly exceptional - we had a blast, the kids had blast - great food, wonderful music, amazing artists, face painting, people watching..... I could go on and on!!

All of this was just leading up to the finale - the cour de gras - HALLOWEEN!!  Hope you all had a Happy Halloween - we did!