Support Fair Trade at Ten Thousand Villages

In keeping with Your Daily Thread’s devotion to making this a Fair Trade week, I encourage you all to make your way over to Ten Thousand Villages in Pasadena and trade in those dollars for some fair trade products! Ten Thousand Villages is a “fair trade retailer” and founding member of IFAT – the World Fair Trade Organization. Ten Thousand Villages has worked to form relationships with artisans throughout 38 countries, and has implemented a fair trade policy, in which artisans receive a “fair price” for their unique, handcrafted items. Whether you are in need of some accessories, an accent piece for your home or you’re just dying to get your hands on a “handcrafted Indonesian handbag,” Ten Thousand Villages is the place for you.

Location:  Ten Thousand Villages 567 South Lake Ave  Pasadena, CA 91101   Hours:  Thurs, Fri & Sat: 10am-7pm  Sun: 12pm-5pm  Web: http://pasadena.tenthousandvillages.com/

Evening Hike in Griffith Park

Give yourself a chance to reconnect with nature, improve your health and enjoy the fresh night air of fall by joining the Sierra Club fr a guided night hike, Thursday, October 8, in Griffith Park. Sierra Club works to preserve all natural species and the environment, and practices and promotes the “responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources.” Meet in the Merry-Go-Round parking lot #2, wearing comfortable shoes and bring: a reusable canteen and flashlight (optional). “Leashed well-mannered dogs” are welcome at the discretion of the leader.

Location:  Griffith Park 4730 Crystal Springs Drive Los Angeles, CA 90027  Date/Time:  Thursday, October 8 at 7pm  Cost: Free  Web: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/outingsDB/index.aspx

DJs & Drink Hour at Akasha

Move over cupcake, the DJ is coming through. Every Friday and Saturday night, Akasha restaurant transforms its bakery into a lounge complete with a DJ and all. Offering up some great drink specials and scrumptious munchies, their food is brought in from different ranches, farms and fisheries that are “guided by the principals of sustainability” as well a number of local family farms that serve Southern California. Choose from one of their many organic, bio-dynamic spirits, wines and beers. Most of their cocktails are made with freshly squeezed juice and paired with an array of organic spirits, such as: Juniper Organic Gin, Square One Vodka, 4 Copas Tequila and VeeV, the world’s first antioxidant spirit.

Location:  Akasha 9543 Culver Boulevard Culver City, CA 90232  Date/Time:   Friday, October 9 & Saturday, October 10 from 6-10pm Web: http://www.akasharestaurant.com/

Good Beer = Los Angeles Oktoberfest

Beer! Need I say more? Well, I am going to. Los Angeles’ first ever Oktoberfest is happening Saturday, October 11. Featuring a wide selection of traditional German beers, foods, wines and spirits this celebration is sure to awaken the beer maiden in you. Not only will there be a Polka Band, Bavarian Dancers, a men’s and a women’s stein holding contest, but a beer pong tournament as well! Feeling guilty about drinking your money away?  Don’t get your Lederhosens in a bunch. Los Angeles Oktoberfest helps to raise funds for local charities.

Location:  LA Mart 1933 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90007  Date/Time: Saturday, October 10, 2009 1-6pm  VIP admission at 12pm Web: http://www.laoktoberfest.com/

Ticket Info:

1. Admission ^$15  - Includes a 1/2 Liter Souvenir Glass Stein
2. Admission ^$20 – Includes a 1 Liter Souvenir Glass Stein
3. All Inclusive Tickets ^$75 -  1 Liter Souvenir Glass Stein, Included all day Drinking and Food.
4. VIP Tickets  ^$100 – admission to Oktoberfest 1 hour before regular guests. 1 Liter Souvenir Glass Stein, Included all day Drinking and Food.

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Eco-logical Art Returns

After having your beer and brats-ful, head on down to the Eco-logical Art Gallery for the premiere of “Taking if Off For Art/3″.  After the success of last year’s exhibit–the Eco-logical Art Gallery returns with a new  exhibit that features a “live” curtain drop to reveal a breathtaking 14’ by 48-foot art piece painted on a recycled billboard.  Come support your fellow local green artists and check out the show.

Location:  Eco-LogicalART Gallery 4829 West Pico Boulevard (2 blocks east of La Brea) Los Angeles, CA 90019  Date/Time:  Saturday, October 10, 2009 6 to 10 p.m. Admission:   Free

Grand Opening of The Hill’s Farmers’ Market

Free reusable tote? Free bike valet? “Locally grown, pesticide-free, and organic produce?” Um, yes please! The Hill’s Farmers’ Market is opening on Sunday, October 11^th at the Cahuenga Plaza Shops. People who ride their bikes, instead of driving a car will earn “Market Money” which can be used at any one of the vendors. Hungry for some tamales, crepes and/or organic cheeses? The Hill’s Farmers’ Market has got you covered. Don’t miss out on the organic goodness this Farmers’ Market has got to offer!

Location:  3270 W. Cahuenga Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90068  Date/Time:  Sunday October 11, 2009  8am-1pm   Web: www.thehillsfarmersmarket.com

Blending Bash at Mindful Nest

Does the sweet smell of pure essential oils sound tempting to you?  Head over to the Mindful Nest this Sunday and learn how to mix, match and blend your own creative and truly natural scents.  You’ll get fragrance roll-on, lotion and get to much on yummy appetizers and drinks.  Space is almost completely filled, so if you want in RSVP now.

Location:  Mindful Nest 3319 West Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA   Date/Time:  Sunday October 11, 2009 from 5 to 7 p.m.  Tel:  (818) 840-0123   Call today reserve your spot!

Taste of Encino and Abbot Kinney

Hungry? Looking to get out of the city? Head over to the Valley for a “Taste of Encino.” Presented by The Encino Chamber of Commerce, the 22^nd Annual Taste of Encino event offers attendees a day of like, total fun! With a variety of ethnic and American food, musical entertainment, a beer and wine garden, arts and crafts items and even a hot dog eating contest, how can you resist?

Location:  Ventura Blvd  (between Balboa & Amestoy)  Date/Time:  Sunday, October 11, 2009  10am-5pm  Admission: Free web: http://www.tasteofencino.com/

Feeling like visiting the Westide?  Eat, shop, drink, walk, and repeat. Take part in “A Taste of Abbot Kinney,” a walking, eating, drinking and shopping “urban adventure” to benefit Inside Out Community Arts. Sample tastes from some of Abbot Kinney’s most eclectic dining and take pleasure in a beer or wine tasting at participating restaurants, including The Other Room, Primitivo Wine Bistro and Capri. Ticket holders are also entitled to enjoy discounts at stores, such as eco-chic boutique Vert, ecookie and Heist.

Location:  Various restauarants on Abbot Kinney (See Web for details)   Date/Time:  Sunday, October 11 2pm-7pm  Tickets: $60web: http://tasteofabbotkinney.com/

Tags: Abbot Kinney, Eco Art, Fair Trade, Farmers' Market, Green LA, Green Los Angeles, Green Weekend, Griffith Park, LA Oktoberfest, Organic