Best Places For Halloween In 2016

Halloween Horror Nights - Universal Studios

When in LA, you’ve got to experience the best of Hollywood. When Universal Studios transforms into a Halloween wonderland, you get to celebrate with all your favorite shows like The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, and The Purge. Go through the seven mazes and scare zones, and try and remind yourself that it’s all make believe - you just might forget.

Haunted Hay Ride - Griffith Park

With ghostly spirits at every turn, the haunted hay ride at Griffith Park turns the classic fall activity on its head. With multiple scare zones and a new addition where riders leave the wagon, this is a great place to get scared the old-fashioned way.

Creep LA - Glassell Park

Not just a haunted house, this fully-immersive experience puts you in the heart of the most twisted nightmare you’ve ever experienced. There won’t be anyone jumping out at you with a chainsaw here - it’s all much more sinister.

Halloween I and II Screening - New Beverly Cinema

For film buffs, the Quentin Tarantino-owned movie theater is a must-see. They’re celebrating Halloween the only way they know how - with a back-to-back screening of Halloween I and Halloween II on 35 for two nights only. The perfect LA Halloween.

Trick or Treat - Hancock Park

Hancock Park is known as one of the best places to trick-or-treat in LA. Whether you have kids  or are just a kid at heart, a stroll through this neighborhood to see the amazing decorations and costumes is well worth it. You’ll want to concentrate on Arden Boulevard, Rossmore Avenue and the Larchmont shopping district for the best Halloween spirit.

Alone: An Existential Haunting : Various Locations

If you’re here to get scared, make Alone your destination. Alone takes equal parts interactive theatre and psychological haunting to craft a solitary experience of survival in the dark. This is one of those haunted houses where the where the performers will touch you, so be prepared for a seriously terrifying evening.

Whether you love tricks or treats, have a happy Halloween this year!

My Review Of The LACMA / Guillermo del Toro Exhibit

Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters - Los Angeles County Museum of Art 

When I heard that LACMA’s latest exhibit was curated by Guillermo del Toro I knew I had to go. I took my son Harry along because we both appreciate the creepy and macabre, and we like to watch horror films together, and at this point I am lucky he wants to do anything with his mom.

If you don’t know who Guillermo del Toro is, he is a director/creator/writer of such films as Pan’s Labyrinth, Crimson Peak, Hellboy, Pacific Rim, and the TV show “The Strain”.  He creates alternate realities that pull you in and leave you asking bigger questions of reality, mortality, good/evil.  I was at the exhibit for 2 hours, could have stayed another, and plan to see to it again. 

Upon entry we were “greeted” by the satyr, a movie prop from “Pan’s Labyrinth” as well as a video clip of a scene from the film.  As I walked throughout the exhibit I heard sounds which I attributed to the video screen throughout the exhibit. Then there was a loud “bang” which actually startled me. I searched for the source, presuming some exhibit has fallen on a patron - nothing.  Odd, I thought, but this whole experience was odd.  Again I heard another crash, listening I realized that there were sequences of sounds, and strains of chords being played. It was the soundtrack!  A backdrop of weird black noise, menacing tones with occasional bangs and booms.  It was created especially for the exhibit by composer Gustavo Santaolalla, making this a truly multi-media, immersive experience.

The exhibit was mostly pieces from his personal collection accompanied by pieces from his films and some from the LACMA archives. The exhibit was an exploration of del Toro’s influences, telling the story of his life and creative process. Rooms had themes like: the innocence of children, magic and the occult, and comics and pop culture. 

The photo of me standing in front of the room with the Frankenstein head is a shot of the foyer in his personal home!, which he refers to as “Bleak House”.  This guy is not playing - he lives what he loves- and that authenticity is one of there things I find most appealing about him.

The exhibit showcases pieces from his vast personal collection of classic movie memorabilia, books he read as a child, Hitchcock and Disney items, personal diaries, items collected from his travels, etc… accompanied by pieces from the LACMA permanent collection, befitting the theme.  On display were his journals that he had been creating since age of 10. It was really powerful to see his childhood dreams made manifest into the exhibits right before my eyes.

 The exhibit was an exploration of del Toro’s influences, telling the story of his life and creative process. Rooms had themes like: the innocence of children, magic and the occult, comics, pop culture, insects, to name a few.  It was as if you were visiting his mind.

Gahan Wilson

 One of my favorite places in the exhibit was the rain window. It was apart of the Edgar Allan Poe exhibit and was used to create a morose ambiance with soundtrack of rain and lightning. The rain effect was made up of thousands of tiny lights. The story behind it was a childhood fulfillment for del Toro. When he was a child he wanted to write next to a window that was always dark and stormy. Later, in his adult life he created it for himself. It makes you want to put on a sweater and eat soup - I too will be doing that in my next house!

I also enjoyed the Ray Harryhausen set pieces, skeleton argonauts and the claymation dinosaur models - all from the earliest stop-animation monster movies I watched as a child. 

Harry liked the Pan's Labyrinth items best and he was real patient with me, as i read EVERYTHING.  Please enjoy the photos of him standing in front of kindred spirits - thats usually how he looks after I drag him to LACMA.

So drag your kids and go - I highly recommend it!

How to stay cool this summer

LA is a great place to spend the summer, except when it gets so hot all you want to do is run around naked and sit in an ice bath. Luckily, there are more than a few ways to stay cool, both indoors and outdoors this summer. Here are some ideas you may not have heard of.

Grab a scoop

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! But we’re not talking about your typical chocolate and vanilla flavors. LA’s newest - and coolest - frozen treat spot is Magpie’s Softserve in Silver Lake. They make their soft serve mix and toppings in-house, and their flavors change daily. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to try a limited summer treat, like Sweet Corn and Honey or Strawberry Rhubarb.

Take a Swim

If you don’t have a pool at your house or apartment this summer, there’s still a few places you can take a dip. One of the best swimming pools in LA is The Annenberg Beach House, just up the PCH from the Santa Monica Pier. With spectacular views, playground, gallery, Marion Davies Guest House, community/cultural events, historic pool, free Wi-Fi and more- there's something for everyone to enjoy! Three times this summer they offer Sunset Swim for adults, with fun activities and complimentary fruit bars.

Hit up a Pool Party

You don’t even have to get in the pool to enjoy the epic pool parties at Skybar at The Mondrian Hotel. This Sunset Strip hot spot has poolside day parties, “Dive In” movies, and concerts all summer long. You can also get creative with their “Creative Hour,”a weekly event with programs from local artisans such as Succulent 101 from Rolling Greens Nursery to Mixology from Cocktail Academy. Skybar is a place to see and be seen, so grab your trendiest bathing suit and head to the pool for a cocktail and tunes.

Just bowl with it

When the heat gets to be too much, look for the air conditioning. LA’s newest oldest bowling alley, Highland Park Bowl, just reopened earlier this summer. Established in 1927, it was recently lovingly refurbished to the tune of $2 million, and it’s positively gorgeous. Adults only after 8 pm, this stunning piece of LA history offers amazing signature cocktails and wood-fired pizza. Even if you don’t like to bowl, it’s worth a trip for the decor alone.

Go local

Farmers Markets will never be the same once you visit the famed Larchmont Market, everySunday from 10am to 2pm. Casablanca lilies, Bonsai trees, organic Asian vegetables and homemade apple pies are among the treats for sale- Your Sunday mornings will never be quite the same! While it’s open year round, there’s nothing like the Southern California summer bounty. Pick up ingredients for a Sunday dinner alfresco or just enjoy the sunshine as you sample fruits and tempt your senses.

Mid-Century Modern Cat Houses

Bonus! Read to the end of the article for a special surprise gift for our readers!

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Meet Tom Davies whom I had the pleasure to meet and discuss his fabulous feline houses. When Tom Davies of Davies Décor realized his cat needed its own place to hang out, he was unable to find an option he liked at pet stores or online. So, Davies took it upon himself to design a custom bed for his cat that was comfortable, practical, and stylish. Now, Davies Décor manufactures a variety of designed Mid-Century Modern Cat Houses. We sat down with Davies to learn more.

What inspired you to create these houses?

When we brought our cat home, we quickly realized that he loves to get into small spaces. Every time we came home from shopping we would leave the shopping bags and boxes on the floor for him to curl up in. Before long the house was a cluttered mess. 

I wanted the cat to have a place to chill out, but I also wanted it to be something more pleasing to the eye than a bag or box. So, I designed the Post and Beam Cat House, the Googie Cat Bed and the Oscar Cat Rest, comfy spots for the cat to chill out that are also uniquely designed modern pieces of furniture. 

The designs combine three big interests of mine: mid­century design/architecture, woodworking, and cats. 

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What would be the dream cat architectural style that you would like to build? 

I get a lot of suggestions from people about what architectural style to base my next design on including Victorian, Craftsman, and Tudor. But I think it would be cool to try to make something resembling Frank Gehry's great design of Disney Hall in Downtown LA. 

 

Do you offer custom homes?

I am now moving into the world of designing custom cat furniture specifically designed to suit my clients' individual styles. 

Where can people find you next? 

As you know, I recently showed my products at CatConLA and the Hauspanther Style Lounge at the BlogPaws conference in Phoenix. My work will be featured in the upcoming Fall/Winter issue of Modern Cat magazine. 

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What sets your cat homes apart?

Inspired by architectural styles popular in the mid­-Twentieth century, these beds are 100% handmade by me, the designer, and offer a level of craftsmanship you won't find in other cat enclosures. 

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After meeting Tom and seeing his work I decided to partner with him. Now, when we stage your home for sale, if it strikes your fancy, you can have one of these posh and whimsical cat post & beam homes in your home. To me, it strikes just the right chord of fun while still maintaining a well-designed environment and I may even wear my cat ears! If you’re looking for a unique piece for your home to be enjoyed by your family and feline, check out Davies Décor! 

Bonus! If you leave a comment on this article you will be entered into a drawing for this fun Japan Movt cat watch!

Here is a video of Tom making his cat dream homes!

Here are some other great people doing fun things for cats.

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Leave a comment below for a chance to win the watch! Oh, and comments need to be actual comments. "Nice article" and "fun" aren't going to get you entered in the drawing. K, bye.

So You Think You Want To Flip A House

Ever since the market crashed in 2008, buying homes to flip and sell for a profit has increased in demand. Investors and entrepreneurs alike are taking advantage of the opportunity to flip homes for a profit. Flipping homes is a great way to make a large profit in a small window of time. 

What is House Flipping?

House flipping is the process of buying a home in need of repairs, doing renovations and upgrades to the property and selling it for a profit. The homebuyer is typically a real estate investor with the intention of flipping and selling the property. 

Can Anyone Flip Houses?

Not everyone can flip houses and make a profit. It takes someone who has access to financing, a strong business acumen and thorough real estate knowledge to successfully flip houses. Renovating and flipping houses is a time-consuming endeavor that takes money and real estate savvy to do well.

However, anyone can get into the house flipping business. You do not need to have a business degree or a real estate license to successfully flip houses. Understanding the real estate market and doing thorough research will definitely help! A good network of real estate professionals and access to financing can make your flipping goals a reality. 

Finding Good Investments

Finding the right property for a house flip needs to be done with precision. First, get a real estate agent who knows the current inventory, market trends, unlisted properties. They will walk you through the process of identifying the property with the most upside. Not every home that needs repairs is worth the investment. Go look at homes with your agent and estimate the amount of work needed, the amount of time it will take to complete everything and how much it will sell for. Don’t forget to factor in closing costs and agent commissions in your calculations. 

You can tell a good investment from a bad one by the extent of the repairs it needs and the strength of the real estate market in that area. Do some research before making an offer on a house and leave yourself a cushion for unexpected repairs and expenses. 

Home Improvements That Yield a Strong Return on Your Investment

Most people believe that every home repair increases the value of a house. This is not true. Maintenance repairs such as replacing a roof or fixing the foundation do not increase the value of a property. These repairs are necessary to keep the value of the house from decreasing. 

Home improvements that yield return on an investment are renovating kitchens and bathrooms. Homebuyers like to see these areas of the home upgraded are critical in getting top dollar. New flooring and carpeting also make a big impact on buyers. Always paint every wall in a home in neutral tones for a fresh and clean look. Painting is an inexpensive repair that really helps sell a home. And don't forget landscaping! The front yard is the 1st impression. Curb appeal gets buyers in the door.

Prime Los Angeles Areas for House Flipping

This year Los Angeles ranked seventh in the nation for house flipping activity. In fact, according to Redfin, three neighborhoods in LA were listed in the top ten hottest flipping neighborhoods. 

The national average for a flipping profit per house is $102,400 and the following three LA neighborhoods well surpassed that number:

Mt. Washington: $312,000 (on average)
Silver Lake: $307,000 (on average)
Loz Feliz $241,000 (on average)

These are the prime areas in LA to flip a house today. Furthermore, Los Angeles in general yields a higher profit than the national average.

Time for my shameless plug!

Using a Real Estate Agent During House Flips

There are many benefits to using a real estate agent throughout the house flipping process. They will save you time, money and headaches. They have the professional expertise to help you negotiate a lower price when buying and yield a higher price when selling. They can provide you with comparable properties in the area so you know what your competition is. They've seen successful flips and really bad flops. They can provide useful advice on how to maximize your investment. 

Questions to Ask Your Realtor:

What are some comparable upgraded homes in this area?
What is the average length of time on the market for a house in this area?
What demographics of homebuyers can afford houses in this neighborhood?

Some other real estate professionals to build a network with:

Home Inspectors
Home Appraisers
General Contractors
Mortgage Brokers

5 Things to Do With Your Dad on Father’s Day

Dad's been working hard all year for his family. He has been giving you great advice, letting you keep your stuff in his garage, helping you fix your broken everything. This year, give him what he really wants: quality time spent with his family. Check out the events below for some fun ways to spend your Father’s Day!

Pasadena Chalk Festival 

This annual event happens each year on Father’s Day weekend, but if you haven’t been, it is well worth your time. Head on down with your dad to Paseo Colorado on Saturday and Sunday for live music and entertainment, beautiful chalk art, and an area for kids to create artwork for their dads. Find more info at http://www.pasadenachalkfestival.com/.  

Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance

Is your dad a car enthusiast? If so, he would probably love the chance to spend time reveling in the beauties at the annual Rodeo Drive car show. This Beverly Hills Father’s Day tradition is sure to delight your dad this weekend with its mix of classic cars and new releases. Check it out from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday in the heart of Beverly Hills. 

The Larchmont Sanctuary Spa

If your dad is overworked and overstressed, he might want a bit of time to relax. Send him to the Larchmont Sanctuary Spa for a special Father’s Day spa package that pairs massage and relaxation with a cold beer. Take him out to dinner after at the unique République in Hancock Park to make this Father’s Day one to remember. 

Brunch at The Langham

For the food connoisseur dad in your life, consider taking him to the exquisite Langham hotel in Pasadena. The Langham has special Father’s Day dining events including a Whiskey & Cigar Brunch, a Dim Sum Brunch, or a Daddy & Me Chocolate Afternoon Tea. One of these three experiences is sure to delight his palate. Click here for website and details.

The Dodgers vs. the Brewers

Take dad out to the ballgame this Father’s Day and watch the Dodgers (hopefully) trounce the Milwaukee Brewers in the last of a 4 game series. The game starts at 1:10 in the afternoon, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy popcorn, hotdogs, and quality time with your dad. 

Taking Dad to one of these events will really let him know how much you appreciate him and love to spend time with him. Happy Father’s Day!

L.A. River is now almost a real river!

When most people hear the phrase "L.A. River" they also expect to here the words "dead body". It has a horrible reputation for being a cement pit better suited for teen drag races (Go Grease Lightning) than for a white water kayak destination. That's because you haven't been to the Glendale Narrows recently.

This stretch of the LA River is natural-bottomed and a great place to see wildlife, go fishing and go kayaking. You can bring your own kayak or rent one from one of the tour guides along the banks. The recreation areas of the L.A. River open this Memorial Day and are open from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. If you are lucky you may see a deer, egret, beaver or an unlucky kayaker flipped upside down in her kayak (me).

The L.A. river is expanding the number of recreation zones and adding constant improvements to make the river more of a destination for people and wildlife. You can visit this website for more information on L.A. River rec locations. Check it out at least once each summer to see how the river transforms from concrete into natural beauty.

There is a great group of LA River enthusiasts who organize fun events, schedule kayak trips, and improve the river. You can find out more by visiting their website here - Friends of the LA River.

I challenge you this summer to go see the natural places in your own city. Checkout these kayak tours where you can rent a kayak or take a guided kayak tour.

My Picks for Memorial Day in Los Angeles 2016

Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer here in L.A. and there is no shortage of festivals, parades, and fairs for you to attend. So, throw on some flip-flops and grab the biggest most colorful pair of sunglasses you can find and head to one of these great parties!

Jazz Reggae Festival

Are you in the mood for a little music this Memorial Day? Head on over to UCLA for the 30th annual Jazz Reggae Festival. This festival is fun for the whole family and includes tasty food, inspiring art, and of course, live music. Different booths will be set up with crafts, Henna tattoos, and live art demonstrations. Some of the featured artists this year will include X Is The Weapon, Stoopdown Photography, and Andrew Dupas- I am not hip enough to know who any of these bands are but I’m sure it will be fun! Bring a blanket, your shades, and your dancing shoes for a fun-filled afternoon. Tickets are $20 for the public, and kids 5 years and under get in for free. Doors open at 11:00am and events take place from 12:00pm-6:00pm. Check out www.jazzreggaefest.com for more information.

The Geeky Craft Faire

Do you anxiously await Sunday nights so you can watch the latest installment of Game of Thrones? Do you have kids that can quote you lines from Harry Potter or have ringtones set to theme music from Lord of the Rings? If so, you should consider spending part of your Memorial Day weekend at the Geeky Craft Faire at Whimsic Alley, located just 2 miles outside of historic Larchmont Village. Whimsic Alley is a locally owned business that specializes in all things fandom. In just the past 3 months alone they have hosted an Outlander Dinner, a Feast of Thrones, and a Time Travel Craft Fair. This weekend’s Geeky Craft Faire supports local artists and crafters who create everything from jewelry and clothing to kitchen supplies and stationary. The Geeky Craft Faire will take place May 28th and 29th from 10:00am-6:00pm and May 30th from 11:00am-6:00pm at 5464 Wilshire Boulevard. Check out Whimsic Alley on Facebook for a sneak peak at the vendors! 

Clifton’s Canteen

If you and that special someone in your life are looking for a fun evening out that also pays tribute to the men and women who give meaning to Memorial Day, look no further than Clifton’s Canteen. Creating Arts Studios has paired with Clifton’s to produce an extravagant throwback USO party on Sunday night, the 29th. The evening will feature dancing and drinks, and you are encouraged to dress up in your best 1940's gear to join in on the fun. The party will last from 7:00pm-10:00pm at Clifton’s Downtown. Tickets are $10. Visit https://www.cacstudios.com/uso/ for more info!

Coyote

I woke bright and early. Went outside to get the paper and noticed something black on my lawn adjacent to the curb. Upon further investigation I noticed it was in 2 parts: a portion of a tail and a part of a leg. Both which belonged to a poor kitty cat. At that moment in the midst of my shock, my neighbor across the street greeted me and said “yes, I am sorry to tell you I awoke early this morning and saw a coyote attacking a cat on your front lawn.” After doing a full cat inventory of our block. We determined that it was a poor little feral kitty cat that lived in a neighbor's backyard. The lesson here is: coyotes don’t always attack later in the day, they are up having breakfast with the rest of us.

It is easy to forget that we are in a desert here in L.A. Every once in a while nature will find it’s way back into our busy city. There has been an increasing number of reports in the community of coyotes in the Hancock Park and Windsor Square area.

Image by Distinguished Company

Here are the reports:

A coyote walked up to a front porch on the 700 block of S. Mansfield grabbed a small sleeping dog with it’s jaws and started to carry it off.  Another neighbor saw the incident and started screaming, which caused the coyote to drop the dog and run.  The dog suffered puncture wounds but is expected to make a full recovery.

There have been several recent reports of three or four coyotes roaming the area together packs, seen by various neighbors at 2nd and Norton, 9th and Hudson, and 12th and Citrus.   

Jason Greenman a Lorraine Blvd. resident reported: “We were faced with a coyote on our front lawn last night at 6:45 when we arrived home. He was definitely very healthy (well fed) and not at all skittish. I chased him all the way down the block.”

Mary Pickhardt reports that a coyote “seems to be very comfortable on the 100 and 200 S. blocks of Irving Blvd. There are several properties with dense foliage and he/she is often seen bouncing in and out of the shrubs.”

Julie Stromberg, a board member of the Windsor Village Association who lives two blocks south of Wilshire Boulevard tells how her dog, Elvis, was attacked by a coyote eight months ago and subsequently died. 

Amy Cohen, of Brookside, reported that three coyotes had been seen early in the morning at the corner of Longwood Ave. and Olympic Blvd.

Now the question is: What is the community supposed to do about it?

Los Angeles Department of Animal Services Officer Hoang Dinh, here quoted by the Windsor Square Association.

“I have been and will continue to patrol your area, especially 9th and Lucerne. This is the time of year where all the wild babies born in spring are now juveniles and learning the terrain. It may seem like more, but it is temporary (67% mortality rate for coyotes naturally) unless there is enough food to sustain them.  The most important thing to realize is this is also a very impressionable state, which we “Humans” should take advantage and haze without harming them.  If the juveniles want to learn, teach them that your residential area is no place for them.  Do not provide any source of food, such as access to garbage, uneaten fruits, pet food left outside and unfortunately even small pets left unattended, clutter and dense brush (the latter 2 harbors rodents).  Make sure if you all have holiday guests, to advise them to do the same. This is also a very good time to walk your pets with other people. Have at least one person carry a good size stick, to even throw towards the coyotes. Let’s give them little reason to hang around and remind them to stay naturally afraid of us.”

That being said, do not use poison on the coyotes. It is illegal and can end up killing other animals who find the poison. If you have a coyote problem call California Wildlife Services state office at 916-979-2675. I provide this information to my readers in hopes that you keep yourselves and our community safe.

These reports were gathered from pieces published by the Larchmont Buzz and the Larchmont Chronicle.

3 Premiere Architectural Works of Art For Sale

2500 Briarcrest - Trousdale - Beverly Hills

At first glance it looks like a spaceship that took design cues from mid-century modern architects of the 1960's. The striking design is balanced with functionality. The home sits atop the highest ridge above Trousdale Estates in Beverly Hills. The view is accentuated and interpreted by the design. Notice the faux wall balcony with the midsection cut-out. This subtle detail frames the view in a cinematic wide shot. Exposed steel beams add strong dynamic texture to the space. Zoltan Pali, F.A.I.A. bring as much light into the design as possible. Glass walls create dynamic backdrops of mountain ranges and ocean vistas. 

4 Beds  6 Bath 4,700 Sq. Ft. $7,500,000

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3763 Fredonia - Hollywood Hills

Harwell Hamilton Harris, Architect's created this home with design that feels natural and liveable. The wood exterior and clean lines make for a modern zen inspired artist retreat. Animator and concept artist Mary Blair worked for Walt Disney Co. and on Disneyland's "It's a Small World" attraction. The multistory residence and Studio has been restored and brought back to its original design.  Glass walls and doors look out onto terrace gardens and take in city views from the Hollywood Hills. Following a meticulous multi-year restoration the property reflects it's original design and use of space. The home is a one of a kind and currently waits for it's next inspired resident.

2 Beds 1 Full Bath 1,254 sq. ft. $1,545,000
 

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The Thorgusen Residence - 9029 Hollywood Hills Road 

Thorgusen flexed his creativity with this design. The home was created in tandem with Garrett Eckbo the landscape artist. To me, this home looks like it was designed specifically for Tim Burton I can't help but think of the movie Beetlejuice when I look at it. This mid-century work of art has been meticulously restored with some reinterpretation. Sitting on a secluded lot, the home's walls of glass and unique folded-plate, roof-line are hidden from street view. The home feels vast inside with 14 foot high ceilings in the living room and in the bedroom. Large family room opens to an indoor/outdoor koi pond. The landscape design must be mentioned as there are so many great elements from the wrap around pond to the stepped plant beds and the wall planters make this home a living one of a kind beauty. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice ;)

2 Bed 2 Full Baths 2,326 sq ft home 14,938 sq ft lot $2,500,000

An Understated Masterpiece in Brentwood

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Brentwood is known for it's posh and mature architectural personality. A home has just come on the market that personifies this feeling from one of the premiere residential architects in Los Angeles, Gerard Colcord. Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart purchased the residence for $1 million in 1983 and sold it for $8.2 million in 2012. Quite a profit right?

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A private and gated driveway winds up to a red brick facade and creates a classic first impression. My favorite features of the home are the dark hardwood floors, the 4 fireplaces, with the trademark Colcord beam, making each room a cozy and inviting experience. The living room fireplace is two sided, the opposite side faces outside to a patio lounge. The kitchen is chic with white marble countertops and large matching backsplash along the walls. Large vaulted ceilings and lots of light make for grand living with a connection to the views and foliage outside the estate.

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The pool is large & has a pool house with a bathroom and kitchen, an outside cooking area and below the pool house is a gym. At the top of the driveway is a 2-story guest house with a bedroom & bath on each level. 

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This Country Colonial residence originally designed in 1951 by master architect Gerard Colcord is now available for $12.75 million.

Contact me for more details (323) 842-1980

5 Fun Spots for Your Next Date Night

1) Republique, Hancock Park 

If you are wondering what to do for your date night, wonder no more and take your date to an unforgettable Sunday brunch at one of the best and most rated trendy restaurants in Hancock Park. Republique is not only known for their food presentation but also for their very well made food. They also have a full bar incase you wanted to spice things up on your date with a mimosa or two. Make sure to make a reservation.

2) Genwa Korean BBQ, Hancock Park

If your thinking lunch or dinner and perhaps something different, you can’t go wrong with Genwa Korean BBQ. This place is known for their quality food, their pre-set course variety, and their on point service. Wine & beer are served, so bring your appetite and get ready to eat, laugh, and eat some more. Oh, and don’t worry, unlike traditional Korean BBQ you will only have to do the cooking yourself if you want to, they will do it for you if you ask them.  

3) Lucques, West Hollywood 

It is time to impress, and a dinner for 2 at Lucques might just do the job. Dress up and be as classy as you like at this place, it is your night after all. This is an attractive restaurant with top-notch cuisine and extremely attentive staff. The steak for 2 and a bottle of wine can be just enough to leave you and your date happy and healthy all at the same time.  

4) Paint & Sip Studio, Mid. Wilshire

Perhaps you want to stay away from the usual dinner dates, and explore something new. At Paint & Sip Studio, you certainly can. BYOB and tap into your creative side while enjoying a glass of wine with your date. This is a fun, light and exciting way to spend with your date if you want something colorful, different and casual. 

5) L&E Oyster Bar, Silver Lake 

There are many great restaurants and bars in Silver Lake, however if you are looking for a hip and casual place and you love oysters (I hear they are an aphrodisiac), then this is the place to go. The restaurant has an upstairs for happy hour purposes and downstairs for seated dinner (you have a choice of inside or outside). At this place you can’t go wrong with an icy tray filled with a fresh array of oysters in the daily dozen. Some even call it “Silverlake’s Oster Gem”. Valeting is highly recommended.

Get out there and make some romance!

4 Fresh Places To Experience In Los Angeles

It's the beginning of the new year and while you have been kicking back drinking champagne and eggnog new and creative places for you to eat and shop have popped up around town. All of the following are brand new ventures with creative people driving them. They are excited to share their talents for a new and wonderful experience to kick-off 2016.

Otium

This is your next fine dinner spot. Created by Chef Timothy Hollinsgworth the restaurant has a rustic feel inspired by the 100 year-old olive trees living next door at the Broad Museum. They feature an open kitchen that merges the indoor and the outdoor space creating a sense of community with the other diners as well as the chefs. The menu is versatile, wood fired and local. Vegetables are grown on the roof of the restaurant, it doesn't get more local than that. Great taste seeps into every nook and cranny of this place. http://otiumla.com/

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Cake Monkey Bakery

You know how cake is delicious but there is always way too much cake to eat by yourself? Cake Monkey solves this age old dilemma with the 3” cake. Bite size cake = great idea. This place is brand new. They just opened their first brick and mortar location on December 27th 2015. They have lots of great stuff like breakfast pastries, pies and cakewich’s. Does Brown Butter Pecan Pie sound good? Stop in and give them a friendly welcome to the neighborhood. They are on Beverly Blvd. across from the CBS Studio. http://cakemonkey.com/menu

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H.D. Buttercup

Do you love interior design? Looking for something new for the home? Check out H.D. Buttercup. They are new to Downtown Los Angeles and only in California. They have a swanky upscale style with a slight 70’s retro vibe. I really like their lighting and chandeliers. They have a sale right now for 20-70% off the entire store. On 7th Street in the Fashion District. http://hdbuttercup.com/

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Corey Helford Gallery

CLOUD DEER by Ron English

The famed gallery has moved from it’s Culver City locale to it’s new Downtown digs. The gallery is much bigger than it’s predecessor and it fits in perfectly with the burgeoning art scene in downtown. The opening exhibit is NeoNature: We Are the New They by Ron English. A vibrant, whimsical start for the new gallery. The great artists of our time walk through this gallery and hang from these walls. http://www.coreyhelfordgallery.com/

Aaroe Concierge

Part of my job as a real estate professional is to help my clients prepare their property for sale, or perhaps an emergency fix or a last minute inspection. For these reasons we rely heavily on the plumbers, contractors, HVAC specialists, roof repairmen and many more who consistently provide dependable, quality work. Therefore, in conjunction with my commitment to helping you in all phases of home ownership I would like to introduce the Aaroe Concierge app. 

This is an app which offers you a master list of vetted and reputable home service specialists that our agents have personal experience with. In the app you can find, interior designers, locksmiths, cleaning services, gardeners, movers, and even things like website design and real estate attorneys. The app is simple to use. Just download it, scroll to the category you are looking for, find a provider and call directly from the app! You can also view their website, send them an email or send the contact to one of your friends. With one click you can save the contact to your phone contacts if you like. For some services there is also a link to their reviews on Yelp. Go ahead, try it out and let me know what you think. Your feedback is appreciated!

The Greatest Gift of All

Can’t quite think of the right gift for that very special loved one? Is there someone that you appreciate so much that no thing could possibly represent it? Well, then consider buying them a house!

Brad Pitt once said 'While acting is my career, architecture is my passion.’ In 2006 Brad and Angelina went on a date to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Falling Water in Pennsylvania and Brad fell hard for it. He said it changed his life. So eventually Angelina bought Brad his own waterfall and land enough for him to build his own version of Falling Water in California.

Then for Brad’s 50th birthday she bought him a heart shaped island 50 miles off the coast of New York. The island has two Frank Lloyd Wright homes on it.

There is a cottage built in 1950, nine years before Wright’s death. The main house was built in 2008 from one of Wright’s most spectacular plans.

Taylor Swift is known for being generous to her staff and fans alike. But she is most generous to her family. Four months after buying a$1.4million new home for her parents Taylor Swift gifted them another $2.5million new mansion in Nashville. All at the age of 21.

The vast estate spans nearly six acres of beautifully landscaped hillside. 

Have you ever seen the look on someone’s face when they are gifted a house?!

It looks like this.

This Rihanna’s Mom when she found out that her daughter had bought her a mansion in Barbados where they are from. Rihanna told her Mom that Oprah wanted to do a segment on Rihanna and her family and where they grew up. Little did she know that she would be getting the keys to her new home. 

Whatever you get for your loved ones this Christmas, aim to make them the happiest that you possibly can. After all, that is what the holiday is for right? And if you want to get that special someone a new house then call me. I know just the right one and I will put a giant bow on it for you.

Top 5 Christmas Destinations in Los Angeles

1) Ice Skating at Pershing Square

Ice skating is a great place to bring the family or go on a fun date. It's also quite novel to go ice skating in Los Angeles. Its just such a luxury to be able to go ice skating in a light sweater and still be comfortably warm. Pershing Square is in the center of Downtown which is a great place to see Christmas decorations and go gift shopping.

2) Pitchoun Bakery

This French bakery is to die for and it's right across the street from Pershing Square. They always do specialty desserts for the holidays, some traditionally French and some just fun concoctions like these Holiday Eclairs. Everything is delicious. If you get lunch get the Southwest Baguette with duck prosciutto. Also, buy a baguette and take it home. They are the best in town and you can even freeze the baguette, then take it out in a couple of days put in on the counter and once it thaws it still tastes delicious. They keep saying they are not but I am pretty convinced they are witches.

3) Wild for Lights: Los Angeles Zoo

At night time the zoo turns into a winter jungle wonderland. You can pet real reindeer! There are laser light shows, dancing snowflakes and Santa himself (but only on the weekends...he's very busy). I think this is extra cool because you get to see all of the nocturnal animals out and about that are usually asleep during the day.

4) The Tallest Christmas Tree in Town

There is something about seeing a giant Christmas tree that makes the holiday for me. I think it has something to do with authenticity and a feeling of community. Like we are the little Who's down in Whoville who came together to make Christmas happen. Anyway, the tree is at The Grove in Hollywood and it's 100 feet tall. There is all kinds of great Holiday themed happening there like the water show set to Christmas music, tree lighting ceremony and visiting Santa in his Christmas gingerbread house.

5) Las Posadas on Olvera Street

There is no place more historically Los Angeles than Olvera Street so if you want authentic Los Angeles Christmas then here is the place and it's always dripping with culture...and great food. Las Posadas is a fun street event where kids march into stores (Posadas) dressed as shepherds, angels and other Christmasy biblical characters and ask to be admitted via song then they are denied entry by the owner via song in a back and forth until they are finally allowed in and given champurrado (a hot beverage) and pan dulce (sweet bread). It's very fun to watch or you can join them. They sing and dance and hit piñatas. All are very welcome here.

Top 5 Christmas Events in Los Angeles

Marina Del Rey Boat Parade

Fisherman's Village , Los Angeles Saturday December 12 2015

If you love the peace of the ocean and the bright lights of Christmas then this delightful boat parade is the perfect event for a romantic evening or a family get together. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa and a blanket.

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Hollywood Christmas Parade

Various locations in Los Angeles Sunday November 29 2015

Christmas Parade Hollywood Style with bands, floats, horses and B list celebrities. Good fun to meet friends at or bring the kids. All proceeds go to Toys for Tots.

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Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

Downtown Thursday December 24 2015

This is one of LA's biggest holiday shows with more than 20 choirs, dance troupes and bands of all types all parts of the city. A celebration of LA's multicultural holidays with acts like an all-female mariachi ensemble to a Korean dance troupe. It also happens to be 3 hours of free entertainment.

http://www.lacountyarts.org/holiday.html

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The Nutcracker - The Los Angeles Ballet

Multiple venues Saturday December 5 2015 - Sunday December 27 2015

Los Angeles is known for the hip and now but it is also known for it's peak level of performing arts. Enjoy this Holiday classic with one of the best productions in the country. It will warm your heart and leave you energized.

http://losangelesballet.org/the-nutcracker

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HOLIDAY SPIRIT ON THE BIG SCREEN 2015

Egyptian and Aero Theatres Hollywood & Santa Monica Wed, Dec 16, 2015 - Sat, Dec 26, 2015

Go see a holiday classic in the big theaters. The Egyptian will be showing a wide selection during the final weeks of December. I suggest Elf, a very funny film that is still family friendly and will get you in the right mood.

http://americancinemathequecalendar.com/content/holiday-spirit-on-the-big-screen-2015

Get out there and make some memories!

Home for the Holidays

My favorite things about the Holidays is having family and friends over to my place, having delicious meals, drinking wine by the fireplace or hanging out in the backyard California Christmas style.Here are my top picks for holiday entertainment spaces. 

All of these homes are currently for sale in Los Angeles.

A formal dining room is a classic way to celebrate in an intimate and elegant setting. The chandelier is an elegant touch that provides an ambient light that makes the food taste better and the guests more attractive

Another great location for Holiday dining. Is the great outdoors. We are blessed in California to have temperate weather around. So let's take advantage of it. This large grassy area is perfect for a game of croquet, or even a full on soccer match! We are not be able to make snow men but we can make wonderful memories.

No matter what winter Holiday you celebrate a nice fireplace will make everything more comfortable. Some of my best memories are curled up in front of the fire with a warm hot chocolate conversing with loved ones.

A great kitchen makes preparing a great meal fun. Get the kids involved, have grandma mix the sauce. With this gorgeous large kitchen you can have half the party in here helping you prepare the meal. I always love it when part of the party is all of us making dinner together.

What I always want to do once I have had too much to eat is…absolutely nothing. Wouldn’t it be nice to retire with the fam to this comfortable movie room and watch a Christmas classic?! 

All of these homes are currently available to tour. Give me a call me for more details and to arrange a visit. No matter what area you live in; I will find the right home for you. Happy Holidays!

Welcome to Frogtown

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Damon Robinson www.nomadlosangeles.com

Frogtown may sound like a village in a muppet movie but is actually a refreshing neighborhood just east of Silverlake. The best way to describe Frogtown is a rare place in Los Angeles where a sense of community still exists and peace and quiet can be found.

The town got it’s name because it sits along the Los Angeles river. Back when the river actually had a grassy bank and fish; it also had frogs, lots of frogs. a 3.2 million dollar revitalization effort is years into the work of transforming the river back to it’s once vibrant state. Now the Glendale Narrows is a great spot to go fishing, kayaking and bird watching, you may even see a deer, egret or a beaver.

Frogtown’s official name is Elysian Valley. You won’t find fancy coffee shops, bars or grocery stores. What you will find is ice-cream vendors selling nachos, yard sales and a healthy neighborhood watch. The residents like it this way.

Frogtown is a great buy if you are in the market for a home. Not only because of the reasons above but because of the value and projected value. As the L.A. River becomes more and more walk able and beautiful the property value will rise. New businesses are attracted to the area and the environment is ripe for Real Estate appreciation. 

If you are starting your home search I recommend touring the neighborhood. Get a bite to eat at the Frog Spot a cafe on the riverfront, go visit the Nomad Art Compound for a one of a kind experience, I can’t really describe it properly but you can go swimming, see live music, buy books, even rent a bedroom, then go kayaking or walk along the river.

https://folar.org/frogspot/

If you do decide to move to Frogtown, get to know the neighbors. A lot of them have been living there since the ‘60s or grew up there with their parents and really care about the neighborhood. It is an insular community and it is important to respect the culture that makes the area unique and add to it in your own way.

If you are interested in opportunities to purchase property in Frogtown, contact me directly. Now that the secrets out about this unique spot there are becoming more opprotunities to live the Frogtown life.

7 ways to prepare for that big wet baby: El Niño

The National Weather Service has stated that there is a greater-than-90 percent chance that El Niño will arrive in full force during the 2015-16 winter. Side note: The California graduation rate average is 80%. So, there is a greater chance that El Niño will come our way than your kid is likely to graduate high school. By average of course, I am sure your kid is a genius.

The biggest threat is a mudslide and this is a very real threat for Los Angeles which has many areas with varied elevation. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center is warning that this year’s El Niño could be as costly and devastating as the one that drenched California in 1997-98. Back then, devastating storms caused $550 million dollars in damages.

Here are some things you can do to prepare your home

1) Do a property check

Clear out drains, rain gutters and downspouts of debris; better yet, hire the neighbor kid to clear them out for you. Clearing this out will save the rest of your home from rot and damage. 

2) Check your roof

If you want to do it right, hire a roof inspector to make sure your home can weather the storm. If you want to inspect yourself, look for loose tiles or shingles. Are the valleys where the roof angles meet clear of leaves and debris?

3) Use the rain to your advantage

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You can take advantage of El Niño by collecting rain in barrels or a sump feeder system. That’s when a buried 55-gallon drum collects water from drainage systems and distributes the water through connected perforated flexible drain or EZ Flow pipes. You can then regulate the water that is on your property very effectively and use the rain instead of wasting it down the drain. Now you are drought tolerant and flood tolerant. 2 big gold stars for you.

4) Get flood insurance

If you already have it, check your policy to make sure you have enough coverage

5) Save your valuables

Make copies of all your important documents and make sure the originals are stored safely somewhere outside of your home (like a safe deposit box)

6) Document your possessions 

Take photos of your possessions (furniture, collectibles, electronics) and store the pictures along with your important documents outside of your home. This way you have definite proof for recovery insurance.

7) Prepare emergency provisions

Buy 20 cartons of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and as many In-N-Out double doubles that will fit in your freezer. No, I am just kidding. Since electric power may be affected, store up plenty of flashlight batteries and if you are on a well or booster pump, store several gallons of bottled water. Also store some "long life" non- refrigerated provisions. This is for the worst case scenario of course but that is what being prepared is all about.

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Once you are prepared you can relax and enjoy the weather! 

If you have any other tips please leave a message below.

I also like this picture of a frog but I didn't know where to put it so here it is at the end.

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