YOGA

You: have a killer downward dog.

Show off: your skills at this weekend’s Wanderlust Yoga in the City event.

Why? Sign up for one of their three complimentary yoga sessions or find your SEVASANA in their “stress-less” lounge.

EAT

You: know that the key to a good meal begins with the ingredients.

Visit: Fundamental, one of Westwood’s newest eateries, where they have covered the basics from the market-fresh ingredients used in their Chicken Torta and Egg Salad sandwiches to the quality service they provide.

ADOPT

Your: hissy fits, tantrums, bribing and bargaining have paid off – your roommate(s) have finally caved and are OK with you getting a pet.

Stop by: G2 Gallery’s 3^rd annual pet adoption this Sunday and find that furry friend to call your own.

Why? Over 10 million dogs and cats are sent to animal shelters every year, so what’s one additional member of your household?

DINE

You: have had an attack of the munchies.

Get your fill at: California Monster Salads in Santa Monica where you can order one of their signature salads made with organic ingredients all wrapped in a bread cone, or create your own bowl of greens.

Why? If their leafy dishes don’t curb your cravings, perhaps a bowl of vegetable lentil soup and glass of Kale Lemonade will.

Location: 411 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 90401 (map).

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CELEBRATE

You: love French everything – French fries, French men, French women, French accents – the list goes on.

Celebrate:  Bastille Day with a complimentary French wine and cheese tasting at Fig & Olive on Melrose.

Why? Your French accent may not be great, but the restaurant’s Gorgonzola Tartlet and Striped Bass Papillote (offered on their prix-fixe menu) will be.

Location: 8490 Melrose Place, West Hollywood, 90069 (map).  Date/Time: Thursday, July 14 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.  RSVP: Please email RSVP@figandolive.com or call 310.360.9100.  Web: figandolive.com.

(DON’T) DRIVE

You: have stocked up on canned goods, freeze-dried foods and plenty of toilet paper and are ready for whatever Carmageddon may throw your way.

Stop: panicking and try to enjoy all that this wacky weekend has to offer, like free yoga classes, spa discounts and drink specials being offered around town.

 Why? Drive your fears away with $3.00 “Flat Tire” Beers, $5.00 “Traffic Jam” Shots and $7.00 “Car” Jack & Cokes at the Car-mageddon.com Kickoff Party at Wokano in Santa Monica.

Web: car-mageddon.com.

GET (REAL)

You: try real hard to eat real healthy, to cook with ingredients that were grown real close to home and to be real conscious of the impact your habits have on the planet.

Bearing all that in mind: we have a feeling you will be real interested in this weekend’s local food event, the Eat Real Festival.

Why? Their artisanal treats, hearty eats, Beer Shed and Wine Barn will make you real happy.

Location: Helms Bakery, 8758 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, 90034 (map).  Date/Time: Saturday, July 14 from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Web: eatrealfest.com.

TASTE

You: had no intention of leaving your house this weekend – that is until you realized that the LA Street Food Fest’s 2^nd Annual Summer Tasting Event takes place on Saturday.

Grub on: eats from some of Los Angeles’ best food trucks, chefs and purveyors, followed by a tequila tasting, frozen treats from the ice cream social and more.

Why? Not even a major freeway closure can stand between you and your Habanero Chicken Chili Fries.

Location: The Rose Bowl, 360 North Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, 91103 (map).  Date/Time: Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Tickets: Purchase yours here.  Web: lastreetfoodfest.com.

Image via Flickr user biofriendly.

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In a city of glitz and glamour, there’s no reason for you to miss your chance to shine. Add a little sparkle to any outfit with these one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces from some of our favorite jewelers around town!

Mr. Kate

Wear your mustache on your finger, around your neck, or wherever else you so desire. Having first found this collection at Unique LA, we were instantly drawn to Mr. Kate’s ubiquitous nature. Featuring pieces like their decay fragment earrings or blob ring made from recycled brass, Mr. Kate blurs the lines of conformity resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind, and often playful pieces.

Dewi Designs

Do we love Dewi Designs? Dewi ever! Handmade from organic, metallic or colorful threads, line creator, Alexandra Dewey, draws inspiration from nature, street art, art history textbooks and music to create whimsical designs. Opt for a understated piece like this Gold Leaf Necklace or weave a touch of effortless magic into your evening look with these Gold Quartz Entwined Earrings.

Nikki Montoya

Sunless tanning aside, these handcrafted designs by Nikki Montoya are just what you need to add that bit of bronze to your summer style. Inspired by Native American mythology, Montoya’s current collection emphasizes strength, individuality and modern-meets-rustic appeal resulting in pieces like this Bronze Triangle With Drop necklace. Montoya’s line is created in her L.A.-based studio and incorporates vintage charms, keepsakes and other “found objects.”

Image via Mr. Kate.

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Los Angeles is located some 3,500 miles from the North Pole, a region that can easily hit negative 50 degrees Fahrenheit and has experienced fewer than 150 visitors in the last century. And while not a top travel destination per se, the North Pole is neither something to overlook, despite its outlying distance from us. Environmental Director Sebastian Copeland is making sure that never happens with his documentary, “Into the Cold: A Journey of the Soul,” which features Copeland’s on-foot venture to the North Pole.

“The story is really my journal,” he says. “I’m happy and proud to come back with a product that makes people experience the North Pole just short of being there.”

Copeland, an environmental photographer and filmmaker who’s also explored Greenland and the Antarctic, spent eight hours a day skiing, hiking in Runyon Canyon and doing yoga (“The meditation combats isolation,” says Copeland) to prepare for the two-month, 400-mile trek through the arctic.

“The Arctic region is warming at a rate three times faster than the rest of the Earth,” says Copeland, who shares the theory that if humanity is not careful, we might lose the glacial region for good, adding, “If the Great North goes, so does humanity.”

While Copeland enjoys being a Los Angeles resident for its proximity to nature, he acknowledges its disconnected side. “It’s convenient [in L.A.] to think the problems will take care of themselves,” he says. “There’s a sense of disconnect because it’s such an urban environment—it’s an easy place to be distracted.”

With its release last month, the film is aimed to share the message that the planet is forwarding a warning (ice around the world is receding by 95 percent) and that early indicators of what will happen globally are happening right now in the North Pole. “It’s more visceral because it’s melting ice,” he says.

“I hope people will realize the fragileness [of the North Pole],” he says. “Ultimately this is about protecting ourselves from ourselves.”

Check out SEDNA, a foundation Copeland launched in 2010, which discusses global climate change and its damaging effects to our planet’s fragile polar regions.

Image via Sebastian Copeland Adventures.

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PAIR

You believe: that some of the best things in life come in pairs, like your favorite heels and your two cats appropriately named Frick and Frack.

That’s why: Savor Los Angeles’ PAIRINGS! tasting event is just for you.

Why? Some of Los Angeles’ swankiest eateries, like Malo/Mas Malo, will feature their tastiest eats made from organic ingredients, paired with complementing bites (grilled cheese and tomato bisque soup, anyone?) and eco-friendly beverages.

Location: Siren Studios Orange, 1050 North Orange Drive, Los Angeles, 90038 (map).  Date/Time: Thursday, June 2 at 6:30 p.m.  Cost: Tickets can be purchased online for $55, GA or $85, VIP.  Web: parallellines.info.

ATTEND

You are: stoked for TreePeople’s Green City Fair.

While their: sustainability workshops, green eats, nature hikes and arts and crafts excite you, it’s seeing host Ed Begley Jr. that really has your tofu-fed belly in knots.

Why? It will be a fair to remember.

Location: 12601 Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills, 90210 (map). Date/Time: Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Web: treepeople.org.

SPONSORED LISTING

GROW

You have been: stressed.

Unwind: with a new summer hobby like gardening classes at Homegrown in Echo Park.

Why? We think Lewis Grizzard put it best: “It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato.”

Location: 1553 Echo Park Ave., Los Angeles, 90026 (map).  Web: homegrownlosangeles.com.

DANCE

You want to: dance, dance.

And so you shall at: the Official Electronic Music Alliance [EMA] Launch & Benefit Party which benefits Green Wave’s Million Acre Initiative, and features musicians and DJs like Ken Jordan of The Crystal Method.

Why? Your Daily Thread readers will receive $3 off ticket purchases when using the code “YDT” at checkout – now that’s something to get jiggy about.

Location: The Belasco Theatre, 1050 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, 90015 (map).  Date/Time: Friday, June 3 at 9 p.m.  Web: emabenefit.com.

SPONSORED LISTING

On Our Radar:

DISCOVER

You have: met with a life coach, altered your diet and mastered your yoga class, all for the sake of discovering the inner you.

Well, now it’s time to: re-discover your inner child at the reDiscover Design benefit. There you will get the chance to participate in interactive, eco-friendly arts and crafts workshops inspired by the elementary school children that regularly attend the center.

Why? What better way to understand children, than to act like one yourself? Food, music and raffles don’t hurt either.

Location: 12958 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, 90066 (map).  Date/Time: Thursday, June 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.  RSVP: Please purchase tickets online.  Web: rediscovercenter.org.

PAMPER

You have been: so busy entertaining friends and being a social butterfly that your beauty regime has sort of fallen by the wayside.

Get pampered at: Green Lifestyle’s Day of Green Beauty Makeover.

Why? Look great, while feeling great, as your donation to the event will get you a total makeover (think facial, hair, make up, foot bath, hand reflexology, massage and more) and will benefit the Green Lifestyle Film Festival.

Location: Natural Mind Beauty & Beyond, 3607 West Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, 90026 (map).  Date/Time: Tuesday, June 14 from 4 to 9 p.m.  Web: greenlifestyles.org.

SPONSORED LISTING

Images via Savor Los Angeles.

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L.A. is getting greener, thanks to the TreePeople, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to creating a sustainable future for our city. Along with environmental guru Ed Begley, Jr., they are hosting this year’s first annual Green City Fair on Saturday, June 4th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. It is a FREE fun-filled day for the whole family, featuring more than 40 of L.A.’s best sustainable vendors, delicious food from Whole Foods, live music and 30-minute sustainability workshops. Pre-register now and reserve your seat to learn how to harvest rainwater, green your home, apartment or workplace, cook eco-friendly cuisine and much more!

If you just want to be outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and good vibes, then you won’t want to miss delicious food from local green vendors, face painting/Father’s Day crafts for the kids, free live tunes, hiking in beautiful Franklin Canyon Park, and of course prizes and giveaways!

For more details on the Green City Fair, please visit TreePeople.

Location: 12601 Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills, 90210 (map).

Image via TreePeople.

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Warm summer sun has us itching for a vacation. You, too?  There’s no need to venture far. Hidden treasures abound; you just need to know where to find them. From day trips to neighborhood spots, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites.

A proper daycation: means a visit to The Huntington in San Marino (near Pasadena). Stroll through an astounding number of stunning themed gardens, check out the art collections and library, and finish with traditional English tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room (reservations required).

You can always go, downtown! The Los Angeles Conservancy offers docent-led walking tours of historic Los Angeles including the theatre and commercial district, the Biltmore Hotel, and Union Station. If you’d prefer to go at your own pace, you can download the “Strolling on 7^th Street” tour booklet on the website. There’s plenty of fascinating history right here!

For the kids—or the kid in you: head to Griffith Park and visit the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. You’ll be surprised at the number of exotic animals and endangered species including the visiting Elephants of Asia exhibit which helps support wildlife preservation. We recommend going on a mild day as the animals tend to be more active and the crowds smaller.

Bonus: Walk directly across the street and visit the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, a.k.a. the cowboy museum. Enough said!

Rest and relax: in the peaceful natural beauty of Ojai Valley. Just 90 minutes north of L.A., escape the crowds and traffic by heading to the least populated city in the county where art, music and nature thrive. For tranquil panoramic views stay at the Ojai Retreat, a beautiful bed & breakfast nestled on a 5-acre hilltop.

For an adventurous island escape: visit Channel Islands National Park. A short drive and boat ride away, these spectacular preserved islands are perfect for a half day or full day trip. Hike, kayak and explore to see what mainland California looked like 200 years ago. Be warned: the views are so gorgeous you may want to set up camp and stay another day.

Image via Flickr user Martinliao.

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Having taken part in Unique LA’s Spring 2011 Show, this past weekend, Your Daily Thread was privy to two days full of gifts, treats, clothing and accessories! Our writers and editors took their turns perusing the vendors and share their faves with you here.

Sarah McClure, Writer:

“As I have done in the last three years at Unique LA, I visited accessories designer Fahimna, As is always the case, I was welcomed by the beaming and uber-affectionate Bangladeshi model-turned-eco-designer. Fahmina is famous for her Fanny Clutch (a hip version of a fanny pack) and Leather Feather earrings, but since her start, she has produced an ensemble of accessories including belts, headbands, bracelet and necklaces—which she craftily upcycles from leftover leather scraps from local factories.”

Alissa Pittenger, Creative Director:

“My favorite vendor by far was Relight!  Relight candles are made of 100% soy wax and are hand poured into uniquely sourced vintage glassware. Once the candle has burned through, simply wash the container with warm water and enjoy the glass! I loved the individual look of each candle—amazing styles for every home and office.”

Tracy Hepler, Founder:

“I loved Salvage Life.  All the pieces are reminiscent of what my grandma wore, but with a modern and sassy twist.  I could have easily purchased the entire display…sadly all I could afford was a silk blouse.  C’est la vie!”

Sara Roderick, Managing Editor:

“As I rushed past the vendors to grab myself a handmade cup of coffee from Fix, I was instantly detoured from the mission at hand when I saw the oh-so-cute vendor, Purrr. Using collared men’s shirts, Purrr repurposes them into some of the sweetest dresses around (think: candy striper goes boho-chic) all by hand! While I wasn’t able to purchase anything at the time – as I said, I was a girl on a mission – I plan to stop by the Melrose Trading Post where you can find them every Sunday.”

Images via Salvage Life.

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