Your Daily Thread » Green LA

Your Cure For The Winter Blues

Sara Roderick — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:30:22 +0000

From biking to swapping and bread pudding too!

INDULGE

You love baking, but let’s face it: you’re no Betty Crocker (are cupcakes supposed to be runny?).

Put the box of brownie powder down and head to: Schulzies’ bread pudding shop in Venice.

Why? 108 flavors of gooey goodness made with locally sourced, organic and natural ingredients – like those purchased from the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.

Location: 1827 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, 90291 (map). Web: schulziesbreadpudding.com.

SWAP

Your go-to outfit: black blazer, skinny jeans and a tank top.

It’s time: to change things up, by swapping your beloved uniform for some brand spanking new wear (okay not quite new, but new to you) at Saturday’s Green the Red Carpet Sip & Swap presented by swap.com.

Why? Enjoy the perks of free entry, bubbly, snacks, take-home goodies and perhaps even a new wardrobe for you and a friend when you enter to win two tickets to this event by signing up for our daily email or inviting friends to join if you’re already a subscriber!

Location: 633 N. La Brea, West Hollywood, 90036 (map). Date/Time: Saturday, February 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. Cost: Take $5 off admission when you use the code DAILYTHREAD. Web: lasipandswap.eventbrite.com.

Tackle Our Weekend Guide

Sara Roderick — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:30:58 +0000

It’s game thyme!

EAT

Super Bowl Sunday: it’s just not for you.

Instead: plan a light brunch or lunch for you and your not-into-sports BFF at Olive & Thyme – the newly opened family-owned spot in Toluca Lake.

Why? Watching guys beat each other up over a ball is so overrated. A grilled cheese sandwich with a side of white bean salad and a glass of wine, however, is not. Touch down!

Location: 4013 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake, 91505 (map). Web: oliveandthyme.com.

SAVOR

You’re looking to: add a little flavor to your weekend.

Stop into: Thyme Café and Market in Santa Monica.

Why? Their seasonal-inspired menu features bites like a pressed tomato and mozzarella sandwich, curried chicken salad and freshly baked key lime pie – no penalty here!

Location: 1630 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica, 90405 (map). Web: thymecafeandmarket.com.

DO IT ALL

You have: one jam-packed weekend (Valentine’s Day shopping, time with the girls, the Chinese New Year and Super Bowl Sunday).

Your perfect solution: The LA Craft Experience in Chinatown.

Why? Cover all of your to-dos on Saturday (pick up a goody for your sweetheart from the participating vendors), have the girls meet you for a bite to eat from any of the food trucks in attendance, take part in the New Year celebrations and use the entire next day to drink – er, watch the game with friends! Is there a flag on the play…we think not.

Location: 947 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90012 (map). Date/Time: Saturday, February 5 and Sunday, February 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days. Web: laceevent.com.

On our radar:

BALANCE

You’re looking: to do something a little bit different for Valentine’s Day this year.

Try: Nancy Besser’s “Duet Class,” a private session for you and one other, which, through a combination of Pilates arm and leg movements, will invigorate and re-energize your sweetie and you. The chocolate and champagne you’ll receive at the end of the session will make the hurt feel so good!

Why? Share your ideal Valentine’s Day date in the comments section below, and you could win this private class for you and another person!

Location: Balanced Place, 11712 Moorpark St, Suite 208, Studio City, 91604 (map). Date/Time: Saturday, February 12 and Saturday, February 19 on the hour, starting at 8 a.m. with the last class being offered at 5 p.m. on both days. Cost: $45.00/person; $90.00 for two. Please call (818) 915.0166 or visit their website to reserve a time. Web: balancedplace.com.

Images via Flickr user ETSU Photos and Pinterest.

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Grab A Slice Today

Sara Roderick — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Graze your way through L.A.

EAT

You love: pizza.

Get a slice: at Pizza Fusion on Vegan Pizza Day and receive 10% off your order of vegan pie, beer, wine, brownies, etc. at both its Hollywood and Santa Monica locations.

Why? Allergies and lactose-intolerance? Fear not! Opt for gluten-free crust along with your casein-free soy cheese and organic veggie toppings. Yum!

Locations: Pizza Fusion in Hollywood and Santa Monica. Date/Time: Saturday, January 29, open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Web: pizzafusion.com.

TRIPPIN

You are: a foodie fanatic always on the lookout for your next fix.

Take a: field trip in Old Pasadena to sample over 20 tastes from 6 eateries including vegan eats at Green Earth and Argentinean appetizers and wines at 1810.

Why? Field trip passes and parent signatures not required.

Location: You will receive details once you have purchased your ticket(s). Date/Time: Saturday, January 29 from 9:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Cost: $60 per person (all food and beverages included in price). Purchase your ticket(s) online. Web: foodyfieldtrips.com.

BEAUTIFY

You’re in need of: a day of beauty.

Go to: the Americana at Brand for the grand opening of Sephora’s “gorgeously green” Glendale store (it sports low energy, low impact lights, for starters!).

Why? Schmooze with green gal creator and founder of Josie Maran Cosmetics, Josie Maran herself! Plus get your makeup done by Sephora’s team, then pick up natural beauty goods like Organic Argan Oil or volume boosting mascara.

Location: Sephora Americana – Glendale at The Americana at Brand, 230 Americana Way, Glendale, 91210 (map). Date/Time: Friday, January 28 with the ribbon cutting ceremony taking place at 10 a.m. and Josie Maran staying on -site until 12 p.m. Web: sephora.com.

MOVE

You have: a little less than three weeks to squeeze into that sexy number for Valentine’s Day, date or none.

You need: to get your body in tip top shape and your mind focused (on the prize-a svelte and confident you) with a 30 minute hike through Griffith Park followed by a 60 minute yoga session.

Why? Whether you’re going on a date or hitting the town with friends, you’ll be looking good and feeling energized!

Location: Meet at the tall statue in front of Griffith Observatory. 2800 E. Observatory Ave., Los Angeles, 90027 (map) Date/Time: Saturday, January 29 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Cost: $20. Schedule your hike online. Web: hikingyoga.com.

On our radar:

PARTY FOR A CAUSE

You want: to breathe easy.

Purchase your tickets: for Breathe LA’s “Attire to Inspire” fashion fundraiser hosted by Nick Verreos of Project Runway (season two), featuring a fashion show, sample sales, cocktails and more!

Why? Breathe LA promotes the need for clean air to tackle some of the leading chronic lung diseases in America, such as COPD and asthma.

YDT Giveaway: enter to win two free tickets to this event by “liking” Your Daily Thread and Breathe LA on Facebook. Then be sure to mention you heard about the giveaway via “Your Daily Thread” on Breathe LA’s Facebook wall in order to be eligible.

Location: Hollywood’s Siren Studios; 6063 W. Sunset Blvd., Tower 2, Los Angeles, 90028 (map). Date/Time: Thursday, February 24. Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m., with the fashion show beginning at 7 p.m. Cost: $125. Please purchase your tickets here. Web: breathela.org.

Climb L.A.’s Historic Hidden Stairs

Guest Contributor — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:30:33 +0000

New York may be known as the walking city, but the Big Apple has nothing on Los Angeles’s “Secret Stairs.”

The holidays are long gone and your new year’s resolution is teetering. But relax—there’s a great way to stay in shape without that gym membership. It’s good for the environment and your stubborn thighs. Oh yeah, and it’s one of L.A.’s best secrets.

According to Charles Fleming, author of Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles, many stairways were built in the 1920s when highways and hybrid cars were kooky-future-talk. They made L.A.’s hillsides accessible from transit lines without forcing people to wind around the roads to get home. Fleming states there are hundreds of staircases in L.A., and he highlights 42 of them from Pasadena to Santa Monica.

Fleming gives readers an easy to read map for each route as well as fascinating history, like which steps were used in a Laurel and Hardy film, the old hotel turned home to Paramahansa Yogananda, architectural and fauna and flora information and of course, celebrity digs. He always includes how many steps you’re about to ascend or descend.

Walking 10,000 steps daily (roughly 5 miles) is ideal for maintaining health according to a study by the Department of Exercise and Wellness at Arizona State University.

And let’s not overlook the fact that all those fancy machines at the gym are a manufacturing nightmare. Not exactly organic…and that canned air is no match for fresh outdoor oxygen, even if it’s partially smog-filled.

YDT giveaway: Enter to win a free copy of Secret Stairs by commenting below telling us why you most want to hike L.A.’s hidden staircases by tomorrow, Tuesday Jan. 25^th at 5:00 p.m.

Jill Ettinger is a Los Angeles based writer and photographer focused on wellness and world cultures. She is regularly featured on Reality Sandwich, Organic Authority, We Are Goodkin, She Knows, Modern Mystery, The Daily Glow, MTV and The Village Voice. Jill was published in the anthologies “Toward 2012: Perspectives on the Next Age” and “What Do You Believe?” jillettinger.com.

Images via Provider Mag and Los Angeles magazine.

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Ditch The Pounds, Ditch Pollution

Eat, Drink, Detox

Sara Roderick — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:30:34 +0000

A weekend fit for a health nut.

Get Your Fix

Eating right in the New Year is easier than you think—especially with Veggie Grill’s newest location in Santa Monica. Westsiders can now get their fill of the same delicious vegetarian grub L.A. city folk have gotten used to. Why? With dishes like Papa’s Portebello and Chop Chop Chef, getting the recommended five servings of veggies a day is easier than steamed kale.

Location: 2025 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 90403 (map) Web: veggiegrill.com.

Get Juiced

Offering freshly squeezed, organic, raw and unpasteurized juices, Pressed Juicery in Brentwood is one flavor-filled find! Detox with any one of its cleanse programs or opt for seasonal picks like Greens 2 or Apple Lemon Ginger a la carte. Go in or order online to have juices delivered daily to your home! Why? You’d be hard-pressed to find another juice bar like this.

Location: 13050 San Vicente Blvd, #120, Los Angeles, 90049 (map) Web: pressedjuicery.com.

Detox

Purge yourself of toxic and chemical-laden beauty and food products by picking up some matcha green tea, ChocoVivo chocolate (you must try the vanilla and ginger flavor) and more at The Detox Market on Abbot Kinney. Why? This pop-up shop has extended its lease for another four months of clean, green, eco-goods.

Location: 1524 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, 90291 (map) Web: facebook.com.

Work it Out

This year, resolve to stay away from the gym! Instead we encourage you to stay fit and active with Angela Parker’s Body Inspired Fitness program. Hit the beach for a Saturday morning sweat sesh or sign up for the Body Inspired Camp. Why? Through January 31, enter the Body Inspired 2011 Makeover contest and you could win big with a week of personal training with Angela and all the fixins of a fit 2011! *See below for details.

Location/Date/Time: Please see online schedule for details Web: bodyinspiredfitness.com.

Stimulate Your Mind and Appetite

Curious about stinky cheese and fragrant cider? Then you’ll love The Curious Palate. This artisanal market, kitchen and café offers finds from local Farmers’ Markets, specialty items like olive oil and hard to come by chocolates, and seasonal dishes – which you can get a peek at here. Why? Inquisitive minds want to try.

Location: 12034 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, 90066 (map) Web: thecuriouspalate.com.

Looking for even more ways to stay fit in the New Year? Get moving with some of our other favorite L.A. workouts, as well as these recommended by Exercise L.A.!

*Entry details: Sign up at bodyinspiredfitness.com and then send an email to: Makeover2011@bodyinspiredfitness.com with your name, address and date of birth (you must be 18 years of age or older to win), stating why 2011 is YOUR year, as well as what inspires you. Please be sure to include a current full body photo of yourself. The winner will be notified via email by Angela herself.

Images via Pinterest, The Detox Market, Flickr user twicepix, Etsy user sixthandmain, and The Curious Palate.

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Have Your Bread And Weekend Fun Too

Sara Roderick — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:52:37 +0000

Pour on the sauce and get farm fresh.

Your Daily Bread

A taste of Mexico comes to Santa Monica in the form of pan dulce, or sweet breads, like Croissants filled with Dulce de Leche, Vanilla Conchas and traditional Mexican dishes like Telera and Poblano Chicken Mole. At La Monarca Bakery on Wilshire, you will also find a variety of coffees made with organic and fair trade beans and “hard-to-find” items like Guava Marmalade, which comes directly from a “family-owned orchard in Aguascalientes, Mexico.” Why? Prepared daily and delicioso!

Location: 1300 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, 90403 (map) Web: lamonarcabakery.com.

Eat and Shop Farm Fresh

Straight from the farm to FarmShop’s charming wooden tables come fresh eats, warm pastries, roasted coffee and freshly steeped tea for breakfast, brunch and lunch (check out some of their delicious bites here). Come spring, you can look forward to an Artisan Market and prix-fixe family-style dinners featuring menus that will change with the seasons. Why? Nibble a Chocolate Hazelnut Danish as you stroll around the Brentwood Country Mart.

Location: 225 26th Street, Ste. 25, Santa Monica, 90402 (map) Web: farmshopla.com.

Green Cleanin’

It’s a new year, yet clutter from years past still lurks in drawers and corners. Let Julie Naylon, “Professional Green Home Organizer,” help you sort through the stuff and teach you ways to live more efficiently, as well as eco-friendly. Why? Out with the old and in with the new, more organized you!

Location: Silver Lake Branch Library, 2411 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, 90039 (map) Date/Time: Saturday, January 8 at 11 a.m. Web: sustainablesilverlake.org.

Feeling Saucy?

Head into Sauce on Hampton, just off Main Street in Venice, for a savory winter meal. Fill up with an egg white Garden omelet or chow down on a Grilled Salmon Wrap, all made with organic ingredients – many of which were purchased at the Farmers’ Market. Why? Their roasted yellow sweet potatoes will have you coming back for more.

Location: 259B Hampton Dr., Venice, 90291 (map) Web: sauceonhampton.com.

On Our Radar:

Visit any museum, gallery or theater during the month of January for Los Angeles Arts Month! Enjoy the work of local artists and performers while supporting your community and local businesses all month long. Why? There’s something for every aesthetic.

Web: laartsmonth.com.

Images via La Monarca Bakery, Sauce On Hampton, FarmShop, Etsy user SimpleShapes and anythinggoeshere, and Flickr user John McNab.

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Your Holiday Weekend Guide

Sara Roderick — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:30:40 +0000

There’s something for everyone this (almost) holiday weekend.

For the Wannabe Olympic Figure Skater

Move over Kristi Yamaguchi, eat your heart out Oksana Baiul, ‘cause this girl is skating through. Hit the ice (hopefully not literally) and show off your skills at any one of the skate rinks around town. Why? Where else are your nylon leggings and sequined tops not only appropriate, but part of the actual uniform?

Location: Visit one of these outdoor ice skating rinks in Los Angeles.

For the College Kid in You

Relive the good old days with warm beer, crowded bars and quirky songs by Neil Diamond (Sweet Caroline anyone?) during The 2^nd Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl. Select your preferred route of the evening and dress in Holiday gear (think: Santa Claus get-ups, elf overalls, etc.) for a night of merriment, drinks and food specials. Why? Through a partnership with the Westside Food Bank, this event will help to raise money and food for those in need during the Holidays.

Location: Routes vary. Date/Time: Saturday, December 18 at 5 p.m. Cost: You must bring a minimum of three cans of non-perishable food items to one of the official starting locations. For more details and to sign up please click here. Web: santamonicapubcrawl.com.

For the Valley Girl

The Valley isn’t all heat waves and malls – as if. Head down Ventura Blvd. and you’ll find yoga studios galore, eco-boutiques and splendid eateries like Sweet Butter Kitchen, Café & Market. This three-in-one spot comes complete with an herb garden, hand-selected specialty items from the marketplace and fresh coffee via Intelligentsia. Why? Perfect for a light breakfast after your Pilates class or great for lunch after some miniature golf at the Sherman Oaks Castle Park.

Location: 13824 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks 91423 (map). Web: sweetbutterkitchen.com.

For the Last Minute Shopper

Potluck dinners and office parties gotten in the way of your holiday shopping, have they? Don’t settle for a plain ol’ gift card – instead, head to Montana Ave. on Saturday where stores will host all day specials on items you know your BFF, mom and aunt will love. Why? After grabbing some great pieces at delightful prices, stop into Kreation Kafe for an order of organic blueberry pancakes and a cup of organic Blooming White Tea.

Location: Montana Ave., Santa Monica 90403 (map) Date/Time: Saturday, December 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Web: montanaave.com.

For Mom & Tot

Step out of the holiday madness and into the sweet serenity that is Bloumebaby in Manhattan Beach. This recently opened earth-friendly retail store has everything a busy mom and her babe could need: from slings and carriers to toys and bedding. Why? Take 15% off your in-store purchase when you mention Your Daily Thread.

Location: 1300 Highland, Store #103, Manhattan Beach 90266 (map) Web: bloumebaby.com.

Images via Sweet Butter – Kitchen, Cafe & Market, Bloumebaby.com and Flickr users paper_plane, shandeh and carbonated.

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Girls, Goats & Gifts

Sara Roderick — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 16:00:23 +0000

All the fixings to one “bazaar” weekend.

They go together like…

As applesauce is to a latke and ornaments are to Christmas trees, cocktails, sweets and pampering are essential to a spectacular girls’ night out. Join YDT and The Green Life as we celebrate the launch of our favorite Santa Monica green store’s two newest beauty lines, W3ll People make-up and Priti NYC nail polishes. Why? Mini makeovers, treats from Luscious Organic Desserts and 20% off both beauty brands.

Location: The Green Life, 2409 Main St., Santa Monica 90405 (map). Date/Time: Thursday, December 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Web: thegreenlifecostore.com.

It’s Bazaar

Eight nights of Chanukah, twelve days of Christmas and one week of Kwanzaa make for a hefty holiday gift list. Pick up a dazzling array of festive goodies at Spork Foods’ Holiday Bazaar this Sunday. Why? Vintage jewelry, eco-friendly beauty products, original artwork and gift certificates for cooking classes for every guy or gal on your list.

Location: 7494 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 302, West Hollywood 90046. Date/Time: Sunday, December 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. RSVP: Email Heather at heather@sporkfoods.com Web: sporkfoods.com.

Holiday Open Farm

Welcome to the land of goats’ milk, orange spice and everything nice, aka Chivas’ Holiday Boutique. For its fifth year in a row, Chivas Skincare invites you to tour their new farm and soap workshop in Filmore. Attendees will be treated to complimentary chair massages, yoga classes and mini facials from Soma Get Fit, as well as a delectable menu of farm-fresh delights. Why? Meet YDT founder and co-owner of Chivas Skincare, Lauren Johanson along with her furry friends!

Location: 2220 Bardsdale Ave. Filmore 93015. Date/Time: Sunday, December 5 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. RSVP: Please email info@chivasskincare.come, call 805-559-9553 or visit http://event.pingg.com/ChivasOpenFarm. Web: chivasskincare.com.

On Our Radar

Got Gifts?

Hundreds of artisan vendors, free craft workshops, live photo booths, DJs, gourmet food trucks and restaurants, and a partridge in a pear tree – not even Santa and his elves could pull off a fete this big. Why? It’s Unique!

Location: California Market Center’s Penthouse 110 E 9th St., Los Angeles 90079 (map) Date/Time: December 11^th & 12^th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (both days) Cost: $10 at the door or in advance (kids 12 and under are free) Web: uniquela.com.

Related Articles

Your Daily Thread » Green LA

Your Cure For The Winter Blues

SPONSORED LISTING

Tackle Our Weekend Guide

Grab A Slice Today

SPONSORED POST

Climb L.A.’s Historic Hidden Stairs

Eat, Drink, Detox

Have Your Bread And Weekend Fun Too

Your Holiday Weekend Guide

For the Wannabe Olympic Figure Skater

For the College Kid in You

For the Valley Girl

For the Last Minute Shopper

Girls, Goats & Gifts

They go together like…

It’s Bazaar

Holiday Open Farm

On Our Radar

Got Gifts?