Hubbuzz's Los Angeles, CA Blogs

What's Shakin' in your LA Neighborhood

CityBuzz — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:10:58 -0600

EAT
• Larchmont Bungalow Café at 107 N Larchmont Blvd in Hancock Park – Overslept and wondering where you can still grab breakfast? Head to this new eatery that serves up decadent morning delights such as red velvet pancakes and custom espresso blends all day long.

• Marché Restaurant at 13355 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks – Check out this new French spot when you get a hankerin’ for some cold weather comfort food. Slide into a dark wooden booth and try the spectacular tomato soup.

SHOP
• Asweet Boutique at 253 S Beverly Dr in Beverly Hills – Swing by this saccharin shop to get a fix for you sweet tooth (and your clothing fetishes).

PRIMP
• Polish Parlor at 8590 Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood – Forget unsanitary conditions and environmentally un-friendly chemicals found. This nail salon uses natural and organic products and materials to pamper your piggys.

Visit Hubbuzz.com for more information about Los Angeles, including neighborhood profiles, interactive maps and apartment rental listings!

This Weekend in your L.A. Neighborhood

Murphy Applegate — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:45:05 -0600

The Daily Candy, an uber-cool, witty and sometimes cheeky urban newsletter, has sought out the top to-do's this weekend in Los Angeles. Check out our modified list below to see what's going on in your L.A. 'hood:

THURSDAY OCT. 8

Build your own plate of ribs, burgers, cornbread, grilled veggies, salad and more at the BLT Cookout in Sunset Plaza in Silver Lake.

SATURDAY OCT. 10

"The Americans and Beat Poetry" intensive poetry writing workshop at MOCA in Downtown Los Angeles. 11 a.m. Contact education@moca.org for more info and to register.
"Genesis for the Art of Elysium" benefit featuring music, art and other interesting perks at HD Buttercup in Culver City. 8:30 pm - 2 a.m.

SUNDAY OCT. 11

Flea Market by Taku features Japanese homegoods, gifts and other various wares at the Tortoise General Store in Venice. Cash Only. 12-5pm

For details about this Daily Candy edition and to signup for a variety of newsletters to help you stay in the know in L.A. visit the Daily Candy website.

For more information about Los Angeles neighborhoods and apartments, visit hubbuzz.com.

How to Avoid the Swine Flu for Apartment Dwellers

CityBuzz — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:43:08 -0600

The ever-so-scary swine flu is really just an intense and elusive version of the regular flu that we have all had at some point in our lives. However, because the swine flu is more resistant to medicine and is highly contagious, it’s important for people to be aware of how to prevent any type of cold or flu—especially those living in close quarters with many other people, such as apartment renters.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe and healthy at your apartment this flu season:

1.) By far the #1 most important and effective way to prevent illness is to wash your hands. And not just after you go to the bathroom, either. Make sure you thoroughly wash your hands after working out at the community fitness center, shooting pool in the clubhouse and using the business center computers, too.

2.) It’s one thing if you want to cover your own apartment in germs, but PLEASE, if you have to cough or sneeze in the hallway, laundry room or any other public areas of your apartment building, make sure you turn your head into your elbow or shoulder! No, it is not sufficient to use your hand to cover your mouth because then you will spread your germs to the next surface you touch (unless, of course, you run straight to a bathroom to scrub your hands ?)

3.) Get a regular flu shot. There is much debate about what time of the season you should have the flu shot administered, but most health professionals agree that getting a flu shot is a solid step towards preventing illness. Go one step further and work with your apartment manager to organize a flu shot clinic at the community to encourage your neighbors to get one, too.

4.) If you live with roommates, make sure you all pitch in to clean your apartment at least weekly. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters with an anti-bacterial cleaner and a clean sponge and/or paper towel. Also, regular vacuuming and sweeping cuts down on dirt particles that can aggravate allergies (which cause sneezing and germs).

If you still get sick this fall, do your best to stay at home so you don’t infect your neighbors and/or co-workers! Don’t use the community amenities during your down time, including the fitness center, hot tub or TV/game room, and make sure to wash your bedding and toss your toothbrush once you’re back on your feet again.

And, if you're really worried about getting H1N1, maybe you should invest in a neat face mask like the one in this picture haha.

You can find more information about swine flu on the Center for Disease Control website.

Looking for an apartment to rent in Los Angeles? Search apartment rentals by neighborhood now on hubbuzz.com!

LA Design Sales This Weekend

Murphy Applegate — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:38:46 -0600

• Home Ec. Grand Opening Party: Come celebrate the grand opening of this DIY crafting shop in the Silver Lake neighborhood from 7-10pm. You'll get a sneak peek at what's available as well as snacks, drinks and great giveaways. [where: 3815 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90026]

• Matteo Home Sample Sale: Half off textiles including bedding, tablewear and clothing items. [where: 912 East Third Street, Los Angeles 90013 in Downtown LA neighborhood]

• Gallery of Functional Art Secret Sale: 11a - 6p tomorrow head down to the Bergamot Station to receive 20% off all flatware, lighting and other furnishings over $100. [where: 2525 Michigan Ave. E3, Santa Monica, CA 90404 in Santa Monica neighborhood]

• Pasadena Museum of California Art presents Edith Heath: Exhibition of "Edith Heath: Tabletop Modernist" explores the life and impact of Edit Heath on your own dinner table. Available until 9/20. [where: 490 East Union Street , Pasadena, CA 91101]

Reform School Back to School Sale: Online sale is still going on through 9/4! Use the code "COOL25" at checkout to get 25% off $150+.

• Zelen Home Summer Sale: Up to half-off collection of home decoration and gifts, including rugs, ceramics and furniture through September 15. [where: 8055 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, 90048 in the West Hollywood neighborhood]

New map sites help you navigate your Los Angeles neighborhood

Murphy Applegate — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:15:59 -0600

I’ve noticed a lot of new mapping tools floating around the Web lately and a few of them seem like they would be very handy for people living in apartments and/or people who are living in a new city or neighborhood.

One is YardSaleTreasureMap.com which lets you enter an address, search radius and day of the week to generate a list and a map of local yard sales taking place around Los Angeles that day. The listings are pulled from craigslist ads and not only show the location of the sale but also details about what sort of items will be up for grabs.

If you have recently moved into a new house or apartment in Los Angeles and need some new furnishings this could be a very helpful tool that will save you time and money. And if you’re not familiar with Los Angeles don’t worry, the site helps you map a route and lets you print directions so you don’t get lost.

Another great site is MapMyFitness.com which has a ton of fitness tools, including articles from popular fitness magazines, local running paths, fitness plans, and a ton of other cool tools for fitness buffs.

This tool would be especially helpful for someone who has just moved to a new Los Angeles neighborhood and needs to create a new fitness routine, or even for someone who travels a lot and needs to change their routine often for different locations.

You can also hook up with other members to join fitness groups in Los Angeles on the ‘community’ tab. There are so many links and resources on this site that you could spend hours browsing and planning. Related sites include MapMyHike.com, MapMyRide.com and MapMyTri.com.

Apartment Furnishings on the Cheap

Murphy Applegate — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:36:57 -0600

Thanks to the design-savvy team over at apartmenttherapy.com you can get details about all the top design sales and events going on this weekend without spending your day surfing the web.

Below are the top picks for design steals and deals you can find this weekend. For more details, dates, times, etc visit Apartment Therapy L.A.

THIS WEEK

• Designer Tag Sale - Furniture and accessories starting at just $5! Cash only. $10 entry fee. Located in Venice.

• LAXseries Sample Sale - Selection of chairs, tables and benches. Located at Mash Studio in West L.A.

• 'Shelter' Storewide Sale - 20 - 70% off local, handmade, modern furniture and accessories. Located at Shelter in West Hollywood.

• 'Happy' Summer Sale - Home, garden, baby gifts & accessories up to 50% off storewide. Pop in during the Los Feliz Art Walk at Happy in Los Feliz and Griffith Park.

• "Leaf Cutouts" at Tortoise - Opening of Mitsuru Koga exhibition of Leaf Cutout artwork. Located at Tortoise in Venice.

• Liquidate the Liquidator Sale - Up to 80% off housewares and home decor that is regularly offered at 50-80% below retail prices. Talk about cheap! Located at California Closeouts in Downey.

• EQ3 Summer Sale - Furniture, upholstery and home accessories on sale while supplies last. Located at EQ3 near the Burbank Town Center in Burbank.

Photo of Shelter modern furniture boutique.

Reading in Book Soup's Bathroom in West Hollywood

Savarin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:03:24 -0600

There's no doubt that the book and bookstore business is being challenged all the time, so what's a small indy bookstore to do? Be different - because that's what matters.

Kudos to Book Soup [where: 8818 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069] for the differences they bring to browsing and buying books - lots of readings and book signings by authors, a great staff of smart people and, just for the record, very smart marketing...all the way into the loo.

In the bathroom, they've included individual pages of reading material, the better to entertain, educate and pass the time. Who knows what you might find to pass the time as you do your business? And who knows how much it helps business to provide the pastime that they do? It certainly can't hurt.

There are author events here all the time - so stop in and hear someone read from their "life's work", check out the bathroom and for heaven's sake, buy something!

Photo courtesy of Book Soup website

A new way to turn trash into treasure

Murphy Applegate — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:40:32 -0600

Check out this article in the New York Times about a group of New Yorkers who turned an empty (but small) Brooklyn space into a "lo-fi urban country club." It's amazing what you can do with a little creativity and a few industrial dumpsters!

Article: Forget the Trash Bag, Bring a Towel

The best Mother’s Day gift, guaranteed response

TipsnTricks — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:45:37 -0600

Stop procrastinating.

Go to your local bookstore.

Buy a copy of a Billy Collins book of poetry – check the table of contents to make sure it includes the poem, “The Lanyard.”

Choose a nice little bookmark, something that your mother will like.

Insert the bookmark into the book at the page where the poem appears.

Have the bookstore wrap this up, if you can’t do it yourself.

Buy a card.

Sign it with love.

It’s a guaranteed win.

No kidding.

Here are some flickr photos of a lanyard, in case you don’t remember making these in Cub Scouts or Brownies or whatever group you were in when your parents were still trying to socialize you.

Musicians On A Mission

sticky — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:42:02 -0600

Today's music does not excite me. That was until a good friend of mine, Andrew Scott, who is a publicist, introduced me to a new group he is representing named The Green Children. Their name is definitely intriguing so I said, "What the Hell...send me some of their music." The first song that arrived in my Inbox was titled, "Life Was Beautiful". The song opens to the beautiful voice of Milla Sunde, the singer of the group singing:

Can't say much bout politics/religious fairs and historic...

I was sold by the third line. The Green Children are my favorite new group! The European duo are signed to Universal Motown and working on their debut album with Grammy Award winning producer, Brian Kennedy who produced "Disturbia" and "Forever" for Chrihanna (which is another story in itself).

More interesting is the group's behind-the-scenes philanthropic work. The Green Children Foundation, founded by the two members, Milla Sunde and Tom Bevan and Noble Peace Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunis, focuses on micro-credit, education and healthcare in rural countries. The team has built an eye transplant hospital in Bangladesh raising funds through their music.

Their song, "Hear Me Now" speaks about a woman that has been granted the gift of sight because of the hospital.

If this is any indication of what their album will sound like, sign me up. And if you want, you can become a Green child too.

Visit their website: www.thegreenchildren.com for more TGC news.

If you can't recycle it, FREEcycle it instead

Murphy Applegate — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:45:07 -0600

If eliminating junk mail has inspired you to un-clutter your life in other ways, you may find yourself jettisoning some "stuff" that doesn't fit neatly into a donation category.

Before you haul it out to the recycling bin, you may want to acquaint yourself with one of the MailStopper team's favorite networks: Freecycle™. Even if you regularly tote loads to The Salvation Army or Goodwill, there are some things they won't take - but people really do want!

Among the things that we at MailStopper have freecycled from our respective homes: boxes of packing peanuts, a bag of used corks, mismatched Tupperware tops and bottoms (really!), back issues of cooking magazines... the list goes on.

So this spring, before you recycle, check for a Freecycle group in your neighborhood.

A Great Play in the Hollywood area

chickfilay — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:29:46 -0600

Buzzworks Theater Company, the group that produced sell-out hits like “Bad Seed,” “Pete’s Garage,” “Only You,” “Eight Ways to Meet Your Neighbor,” “Invasion of the Minnesota Normals,” and a host of other award-winning productions, proudly announces the Los Angeles Premiere of “Münched,” written by Kim Porter and directed by Duane Daniels.

“Münched” investigates the life of Marybeth Paxton, who is convicted of poisoning her daughter and sent to prison for her crimes. After her release, her daughter, Katie, now grown, finds a secret box of letters her mother had written her.

Part medical mystery, part family drama, “Münched” investigates Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy with compassion, warmth and humor. The evening represents a profound dialogue between mother and daughter.

When: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays March 26 – May 2 All shows 8:00pm

Where: El Centro Theatre. The Chaplin Stage 804 N. El Centro Ave. Hollywood, CA 90036 (see a map of Hollywood, CA)

Tickets: $25 Call 323-960-5771 or www.plays411.com/munched

How to downsize to a downtown studio apartment

CityBuzz — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:39:56 -0600

Here’s how you’re going to start – in your closet.

Pick a Saturday morning and have a good breakfast so you have lots of energy. Pick out some music you really like. Make your bed, because that’s going to be your organizational landing pad. Open your closet door and stand there for a moment. What’s most out of control? For some, it’s the shoes. For others, it’s the purses and bags. Whichever it is for you, start there. There’s great strength to be gained in starting with what’s obviously your weakness.

Take that particular pile of shoes or purses or lingerie, regardless of what it is, and put it on the bed. Organize it into groups that make sense to you. For instance, maybe you have dress shoes, business shoes, workout shoes, casual shoes, summer shoes and winter shoes. Now comes the decision time. Make LESS of all of your shoes! You’re going to have to find a new home for some of them, because you need the space they’ve been taking up for some other stuff that isn’t fitting in your new smaller closets.

How? Can you combine categories? That helps cut down on duplicate colors and styles. Can you identify shoes that really don’t fit or don’t feel good? They just have to go, period. Do you still need those winter boots that you bought before you moved to L.A.? Figure out what your secondary storage area is (like under the bed in a stylish storage container) and face the fact that winter boots take up too much room when your flip-flops are what really get the workout. You can do this. You’ll also learn some things about yourself, like what really matters.

When you’re done paring back the pile to something more manageable, take them back in the closet and put them away. Can’t do that successfully? During lunch, sit down at the computer and take a look at The Container Store website. They have ideas that can make organized closets easy. If you don’t have the money to do something like that, get a smaller packing box or a bunch of shoe boxes and put them away in that.

Then move on to the next pile. Are you getting the hang of this? You know that you’ll be better for being smaller – we’re all going to have to get small. And you’ll save the things that really matter, that look good on you or that serve a specific important need. The rest of it’s gotta go! And think about how happy someone else will be when they find your winter boots at the Goodwill store – where they’re shopping for their move to Minneapolis. You know that’s the way it works.

Need help finding a downtown studio apartment in Los Angeles? Click HERE!

Kabbalah The Best Kept Secret

sheila — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:58:04 -0600

Over 5 million people have discovered Kabbalah and improved the quality of their lives dramatically. The timeless principles of Kabbalah are for everyone who will not settle for second best. It’s an incredible system of logic and a precise technology that will completely change the way you view your life.

· Understand the nature of the universe and why you are here
· Take away practical real life tools that will help you deal with current challenges
· Learn your true destiny and start to live the life you were born to live

If you believe in your power to do great things, you will.

No matter what your religion, race or background, Kabbalah: The Best Kept Secret will give your life new meaning and fulfillment.

Call 1-877-528-3367 for more information
www.kabbalah.com

M O V I N G O U T SALE!!!

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:10:11 -0600

Upstairs Downstairs is moving out soon!

Everything must go!

MOVING OUT SALE FROM FEBRUARY 1 TIL MARCH 31, 2009 ONLY!

3131 Santa Monica Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90404
310.264.1730

Store Hours: M-F 11am to 6pm, Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun 11am to 5pm

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS FURNITURE

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:52:12 -0600

UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS FURNITURE 8918 Venice Boulevard Culver City, CA 90232 310.253.9994

DreamWorks Animator Devin Crane Showcase at the Corey Helford Gallery in Culver City

sticky — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:40:24 -0600

First, I have to say I am an avid aficinado of visual and fine art. One particular artist whom I became an instant fan of was that of Mr. Devin Crane. I stumbled across his site a few months back (www.devincrane.com) and was smitten by his pieces. There's just something about the way he captures his subjects...nevermind that.

For those of you who believe you have never heard of the guy, hearing is only half the battle. You have definitely seen his work on the Silver Screen. Devin Crane is responsible for creating some of the characters in big animation hits, "Kung Fu Panda", the "Shrek" films (my all-time favorites) and "The Iron Giant" to name a few. His resume is quite impressive.

His latest work of art, "Love and Tears" explores the endless quest for love and our fixation with material possessions as an attempted coverup. Through 15 works of art, I hope there is a happy ending.

Devin's work is amazing! But don't take my word for it. Check it out yourself on Saturday, January 24, 2009. Information below:

Corey Helford Gallery
[Where: 8522 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232]
310-287-2340
www.coreyhelfordgallery.com

And shout out to Andrew Scott for providing us with the pics!

Nic Harcourt's Top Ten Albums of 2008

elizabeth — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:02:33 -0600

Yay! That time of the year again, to digest Nic Harcourt's Top 10 Albums of the Year. Now, the sad news is that Nic Harcourt is no longer the music director and host of Morning becomes Eclectic. Jason Bently is now the host of the show, on KCRW, Santa Monica's Colleges NPR station.

The show is still great, but I will always admire Nic Harcourt's picks. The good news is that Nic is now the Music & Culture editor for LA, the monthly magazine for the Los Angeles Times. Harcourt will contribute a monthly column, "Listen Up," which will feature a playlist, picks for upcoming local shows and events and Q&As with emerging artists. His first column is set to debut Febuary 8th.

Here are Nic's 2008 picks:

1. Adele - 19
2. Mates Of State – Re-Arrange Us
3. Coldplay - Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
4. Ting Tings – We Started Nothing
5. The Raconteurs – Consolers of the Lonely
6. The Broken West – Now or Heaven
7.Dandy Warhols – Earth to the Dandy Warhols
8. Duffy – Rockferry
9. Tilly and The Wall – o
10.Emiliana Torrini – Me and Armini

Check out the summary of Nic Harcourt's Top Ten Albums of 2007 - which I posted this time last year. Salt & Samovar's Old Joy, New Joy is still a joy!!

Photo from the LA Times

Holiday Gift Ideas That Give Back To Your LA Community

hubbuzz — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:21:27 -0600

Give the gift that keeps on giving! Check out these fun holiday gift ideas that benefit your local Los Angeles community.

Gift Idea: Plant a tree in someone's name
Benefits: Los Angeles
Details: In effort to make Los Angeles greener, cleaner, healthier and more beautiful, the city of LA is on a mission to plant 1 million trees over the next several years. Give your friends and family a gift that keeps on growing by donating a tree in their name.
Learn more: Million Trees LA

Gift Idea: Junior League shopping mall
Benefits: Junior League of Los Angeles
Details: The Junior League shopping mall is an online shopping mall where purchases to your favorite stores (like, Apple, Target, REI just to name a few) benefit the JLLA.
Learn more: Junior League of Los Angeles

Gift Idea: Marked down designer products at Project Angel Food's Divine Design 2008
Benefits: Project Angel Food who helps those affected by HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses.
Details: You're sure to find something for everyone, including yourself, at Divine Design. Top designers have donated men, women, and children's fashion, home furnishing, toys, cosmetics, accessories and spa products all at 50%-90% off retail price. Proceeds from the event benefit Project Angel Food. Tickets to the general shopping days are $25 and takes place Dec. 5 - 8 in Beverly Hills.
Learn more: www.divinedesign.org

Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains

elizabeth — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:52:24 -0600

When I think of Bel-Air and Hollywood, I think of the rich and famous usually, but despite all their fame and fortune, not to mention sprawling freeways and bumper to bumper traffic, these areas of Los Angeles are actually quite close to beautiful canyons, secluded trails and recreation-filled wilderness.

The Santa Monica Mountains drive right through the LA neighborhoods of Bel-Air, Hollywood, Los Feliz and Griffith Park.

Franklin Canyon Ranch, located near the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, offers trails of different difficulties.

Runyon Canyon Park, just north of Hollywood Boulevard, offers paved and unpaved trails and beautiful views

53-miles over 4,000 acres make up Griffith Park, at the far eastern edge of the Santa Monica range. If you start at the Griffith Observatory and head towards the summit of Mt. Hollywood you can find the iconic view of the Hollywood sign.

Photo from SierraDescents.com