CONSIGN

You finally: cleaned out your over-stuffed closet but aren’t sure what to do with all of that still-in-great-shape-but-just-isn’t-me-anymore wear.

Bring it to: Ampersand Boutique, Larchmont’s newest consignment shop.

Why? Profits from all items sold are split 60/40 and non-sold items are donated to Dress For Success – a worthy investment, indeed.

Location: 658 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, 90004 (map).  Web: ampersandboutique.com.

SHOP

You have: cleaned out your closet, but after consignment (see above) you’re due for new threads.

Stop by one of Melrose’s newest vintage shops: L.A. Rose Boutique to find some new additions to your wardrobe.

Why? Their selection of sequined frocks, boho dresses, and skin tight denim duds are sure to put a spring in your step – and wardrobe!

Location: 8064 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 90046 (map).  Web: laroseboutique.com.

SIP

You are open to: trying new things.

The newest thing: Wine Riot.

Why? Started by a group of twenty-somethings, Wine Riot is a two-day event which will feature over 250 local and international wines for the sipping, 20-minute crash course wine seminars, a photo booth, restaurant food pairings, and a DJ – yeah, it’s going to be a riot. Oh, and did we mention that $1 from every ticket sold will go to the non-profit 826LA?

Location: Santa Monica Place, 315 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, 90401 (map).  Date/Time: Friday, March 25 from 7 to 11 p.m. and Saturday, March 26 from 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 11 p.m. Web: secondglass.com.

PARK

You love: food trucks, but hate having to follow them all over the city only to be met by a 40-minute line.

Park it at: Breadbar on the last Thursday night of every month for their gastronomical affair, the “Hatchi Truck Stop”, featuring dishes made by a different food truck chef each month.

Why? Cool Haus, Gastrobus and Frysmith are just a few of the “gastrotrucks” scheduled to roll through!

Location: 10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90067 (map).  Web: breadbar.net.

WEAR

You dream of: racks of vintage clothing, handmade jewelry from local designers, classic handbags and one-of-a-kind antique furniture.

Dreams do come true at: The Warehouse LA.

Why? In addition to an entire warehouse full of vintage finds, this space plays host to DIY classes, custom tailoring and more.

Location: 1197 W Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90026 (map).  Web: thewarehousela.com.

Image via Adore Vintage.

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He loves me. She loves me not…regardless you’d better go on a darn good date, right?  Here are five green dates to try with that special (or not so special) someone:

Bicycle Through L.A.

Seeing the city on two wheels instead of four certainly changes your view and perspective.  Fortunately huge chunks of L.A. are flat so why not try bicycling from Downtown L.A. to Venice?  Believe it or not, it only takes about 2-3 hours.

Kayak for a Cause

Renting kayaks on the Marina is a great way to spend an afternoon, but doing some good while you’re out paddling is even better.  Try a kayak for two, paddle along the Marina and pick up any trash you see floating by.  Your date and you will feel better about yourselves (PLUS you’ll get a great arm workout!).

Explore With Metro

Let’s face it; most people in L.A. don’t use the metro.  Why not be adventurous and hop on a line (subway or bus) and see where it takes you? The metro stops in many L.A. neighborhoods like Hollywood, Downtown, Chinatown and more.  The best part is you won’t have to worry about parking.  Still hesitant? Watch our video on how to take the bus in L.A.

Farmers’ Market Kitchen

There is something quite intimate about preparing a meal together.  Head to your local farmers’ market, pick up whatever tickles your fancy then head home and cook.  You’ll get to see your partner’s savvy skills in the kitchen and show off your inner chef.

Sample Local Wines and Brews

Fortunately Angelenos don’t have to venture too far for local wines and brews.  Malibu wineries are giving the Central Coast vintners a run for their money and L.A. based beer makers are having their brews requested nationwide.

Don’t have a date to take with you on all this fun? Visit HowAboutWe.com and propose one of these ideas to find your perfect eco-curious mate.

Images via ginnerobot and Kent Ng.

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Roses are red, violets are blue, you forgot to plan something for Valentine’s Day so what can you do? Fear not, we’ve got five ideas for you to do tonight.  Don’t say we don’t love you.

XOXO

For Romance: Gaze at the stars at the Griffith Park Observatory.

For Arts and Culture: Take a nighttime stroll through the LACMA lanterns.

For Sea Breezes: Enjoy the view of the Pacific and the LED lights that adorn the Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier.

For Adventure: Jump on the Metro and get off in a new part of town and see what you discover.

For Simplicity: Pack a picnic with your favorite food and wine, jump on your bikes and head to your favorite park.

*Remember if you do spend the night with that special someone, always practice safe green sex.

Image via weheartit.com.

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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.

SPONSORED POST

Images via Pinterest user bud png and Seamus O’Conner.

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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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You want: more food for less money.

Sign up: for dineLA restaurant week and treat yourself to three-course meals at some of the best eateries around town.

Why? White truffle oil and mushroom mac and cheese from Taste; winter wild mushroom cappuccino soup from LA Market by Kerry Simon; or fresh fettuccine with roasted butternut squash, baby broccoli and garlic confit at The Little Door – take your pick!

Dates: Sunday, January 23 through Friday, January 28 and Sunday, January 30 through Friday, February 4 Web: discoverlosangeles.com.

TREAT

You crave: a cool treat for these warm winter days.

You must try: Carmela’s farm-to-scoop batches of creamy goodness made with fresh produce from the Farmers’ Market and Clover Organic Dairy.

Why? Rich flavors like Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Cacao Nib and Spiced Strawberry Sorbet will scoop you away.

Location: 2495 E Washington Blvd., Pasadena, 91104 (map)  Web: carmelaicecream.com.

LAVISH

You’re desperate for: sun-kissed bronzed skin without harmful UV rays.

You need: a custom airbrushed tan from Lavish Tan in Venice that uses an organic, brown-sugar based solution.

Why? 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Skin Cancer Foundation. You glow, girl.

Location: 1636 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, 90291 (map)  Web: lavishtan.com.

LOOK AND COOK

You’re hungry for: a taste of history.

Take a bite: out of American Art at the LACMA museum, as ARTBITES leads a tour and discussion on the influence other cultures have had on American artistic and culinary traditions.

Why? Learn how to cook a good ol’ “modern meal” using recipes from historic cookbooks.

Location: Please register here to receive location details.  Date/Time: Tonight, Thursday, January 20 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost: $100 (includes everything from museum entrance fee to wine with dinner)  Web: artbites.net.

Image via Pinterest.

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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.

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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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.

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.

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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