A place to try in Old Town...with comfy couches.
NeoMeze
LA's 5 Best Easy Hikes....
Malibu Creek State Park
An old swimming hole is the sweet reward for finding your way through the gorgeous rock gorge, so pack your suit. You may also want to take long sleeves and pants, as you’ll likely encounter poison ivy along the way. (Remember leaves of three, let them be; leaves of four, fear no more?) Take the Las Virgenes Road exit off the 101, and then turn left at the park sign.
Runyon Canyon Park
With easy access from Fuller or Mulholland, 360-degree views of the city, and dependably good people-watching, this hike lands at the top of many outdoorsy types’ lists, including locals, fitness trainers, and A-listers whose dogs need to go out to play. Thanks to several route choices, it can be as challenging as you make it.
Temescal Gateway Park
Pack a lunch and follow the PCH to Temescal Canyon Road, where you’ll pay a few bucks to park near the picnic spots. After your snacks, hike under tree canopies until reaching trails that lead to hilltops with views of the azure ocean. Leave Rocky at home — this park doesn’t allow four-legged friends beyond the trail signs.
Griffith Park
Park your ride on Los Angeles Zoo Drive and access the main trails for an only slightly creepy historic adventure across the grounds of the original zoo site, abandoned in 1965. (Perhaps you recognize it from the 1971 film Escape from the Planet of the Apes?) Afterward, rest on the rolling green grass, tuning in (or out) the vintage carousel nearby.
Bronson Canyon
North of Franklin Avenue, the twisting trees make for a perfect cool morning and afternoon hike. Watch the sun rise in the east or warm up to a glowing sunset over the Hollywood Hills. Hit the trails midday and be glad you slathered on the SPF in advance. Share the road with the equestrian center’s trails and an ambling Mr. Ed or two.
Havarti-Stuffed Chicken With Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces dill Havarti cheese, cut into small pieces
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- 4 pepperoncini peppers, thinly sliced
Directions
- Cut a 2-inch pocket in the thickest part of each chicken breast.
- Dividing evenly, stuff the pockets with the cheese and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
- Meanwhile, arrange the tomatoes and peppers on a plate. Drizzle with the remaining oil and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Serve with the chicken.
Click here to find out more! Parchment-Baked Halibut with Sautéed Spinach
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce pieces skinless halibut fillet
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 12 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 small orange, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 10-ounce package spinach, thick stems removed (about 16 cups)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
Directions
- Heat oven to 400° F. Place the fish on one side of four 12- to 15-inch lengths of parchment.
- Season the fish with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Top with thyme and orange slices.
- Fold the parchment over the fish; make small overlapping folds along the edges to seal. Transfer to 2 baking sheets and bake for 12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spinach, basil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Cook, tossing, until just wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Carefully cut the packets open and serve with the spinach.
Grilled Teriyaki Wings
Directions
- Halve 8 chicken wings (about 1½ pounds) through the joint; cut off and discard the wing tips. Grill over medium-low heat, covered, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Brush with ¼ cup teriyaki sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds and serve with additional teriyaki sauce for dipping, if desired.
Shrimp with Ginger Sauce
Directions
- In a small saucepan, cook ¾ cup apricot preserves, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt over medium heat, stirring, until melted, about 2 minutes.
- Place 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp (about 16) on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 3 tablespoons of the apricot sauce, and season with ¼ teaspoon each kosher salt and black pepper. Broil until browned in spots and opaque throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. Serve with the remaining sauce.
Spinach and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells
Ingredients
- 20 jumbo pasta shells (about half a 12-ounce box)
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 2 15-ounce containers ricotta
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces)
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella (4 ounces)
- green salad (optional)
Directions
- Set an oven rack to the highest position and heat oven to 400° F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain and run under cold water until cool.
- Spread the marinara sauce in the bottom of a large broilerproof baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Spoon the mixture into the shells and place them on top of the sauce. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and bake until the shells are heated through, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Increase heat to broil. Broil the shells until the cheese begins to brown, 2 to 5 minutes. Serve with the salad, if desired.
Best Cocktail Mixes
Best Bloody Mary: Dave's Gourmet
Best Mojito: Purista
Best Cosmo: Freshies
Best Margarita: Williams Sonoma Lemon Lime
Best Pina Colada: Roland
Best Fruity Martini: Stirrings Simple Apple Martinia
(Pics here)
Best Mojito: Purista
Best Cosmo: Freshies
Best Margarita: Williams Sonoma Lemon Lime
Best Pina Colada: Roland
Best Fruity Martini: Stirrings Simple Apple Martinia
(Pics here)
Creamy Fettuccine With Leeks, Corn, and Arugula
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine (3⁄4 box)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 leeks (white and light green parts), cut into thin half-moons
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 cup corn kernels (from 1 to 2 ears, or frozen)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby arugula (1 1⁄2 ounces)
- 1/4 cup grated pecorino (1 ounce)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the corn and wine and simmer until the corn is tender, 2 to 3 minutes; stir in the cream.
- Add the pasta, season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and toss to combine; fold in the arugula. Sprinkle with the pecorino before serving.
Desserts using Vanilla Ice Cream
Caramel-Almond Ice Cream Torte
- Press ½ gallon (4 pints) softened vanilla ice cream into a 9-inch springform pan. Freeze until slightly firm, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Top with 1 cup caramel sauce (slightly warmed, if too thick) and ½ cup toasted sliced almonds. Freeze until firm, at least 1 hour and up to 2 days. To serve, remove from pan and slice.
Banana-Rum Sundaes
- Beat ½ cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon sugar until soft peaks form.
- Divide 1 pint vanilla ice cream, 2 sliced bananas, the whipped cream, ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans, and ¼ cup dark rum among 4 bowls.
Fruity Ice Cream Cups
- Dividing evenly, layer ½ cup vanilla ice cream, ½ cup fruit-flavored sorbet, and another ½ cup vanilla ice cream in 4 small paper cups.
- Freeze until firm, at least 10 minutes and up to 4 days.
Creamy Potato Salad With Bacon
Ingredients
- 3 pounds small red new potatoes (about 24)
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tarragon
Directions
- Place the potatoes in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover and bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt, reduce heat, and simmer until tender, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to cool. Cut into quarters.
- Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool, then break into pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Add the potatoes and celery and toss to coat. Fold in the parsley, tarragon, and bacon before serving.
Grilled Buttermilk Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 8 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 6 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
Directions
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, garlic, paprika, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ¾ teaspoon pepper.
- Divide the buttermilk mixture and chicken between 2 large resealable plastic bags. Let marinate in the refrigerator, turning the bags occasionally, for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
- Heat grill to medium-low. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade) and grill, covered, turning occasionally, until cooked through, 30 to 40 minutes.
Removable Tile Decals
Easy patterned vinyl stick-on decals for your bathroom or kitchen tile. And easy, temporary renovation!
Tile Tattoos
Tile Tattoos
Music for your Mood
behind every song there's always an emotion. we don't know why but maybe that's why we love music.
so we've created a way to suggest songs that follow your feelings: stereomood is the emotional internet radio, providing music that best suits your mood and your activities.
how do i feel? what am i doing now? Find it at StereoMood!Last Minute Travel Deals
FareCompare
Choose your departure city and how much you want to spend.
Last Minute Cruises
Reminders: Better deals for leaving on Saturday, Tuesday or Wednesday. And sales are usually announced on Tuesday morning.
Choose your departure city and how much you want to spend.
Last Minute Cruises
Reminders: Better deals for leaving on Saturday, Tuesday or Wednesday. And sales are usually announced on Tuesday morning.
Parchment Paper Liminaries
I have to try this sometime when I need a taller centerpiece that is cheap and easy.
(Punch holes in parchment paper and wrap around a votive.)
Yummy Salad to Try - #2
Romaine Salad with Tomatoes and Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 head romaine lettuce, cut into strips (6 cups)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 scallions, sliced
- 4 to 6 tablespoons Creamy Parmesan Dressing
- or bottled Caesar dressing
Directions
1. In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Break into pieces when cool.
2. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, tomatoes, scallions, and bacon with the dressing.
Tip: Croutons add extra crunch to this salad. Use store-bought or make your own: Toss bread cut into cubes with olive oil and salt. Bake at 400° F on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes.
Creamy Parmesan Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- kosher salt and black pepper
Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, Parmesan, sour cream, vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
Tip: This dressing will keep for 5 days in a jar in the refrigerator. If it becomes solidified, run the jar under hot water.
Yummy Salad to Try - #1
Boston Lettuce Salad with Herbs and Toasted Almonds
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 large head Boston or Bibb lettuce, leaves torn (6 cups)
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 10 chives, cut into 1-inch lengths
- 4 to 5 tablespoons Lemon and Shallot Vinaigrette
- or bottled Italian vinaigrette
Directions
1. Heat oven to 400° F. Spread the almonds on a rimmed baking sheet and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden, 5 to 6 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, parsley, cilantro, chives, and almonds with the vinaigrette.
Tip: Use scissors to snip the chives into long pieces; a knife can sometimes bruise delicate herbs.
Lemon and Shallot Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
Directions
1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the oil, lemon juice, honey, shallot, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
Tip: This dressing will keep for 5 days in a jar in the refrigerator. If it becomes solidified, run the jar under hot water.
5-Minute Hummus
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed
- 1 clove garlic
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste; optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Directions
1. In a food processor, puree the chickpeas and garlic with the olive oil, lemon juice, tahini (if using), cumin, and ¾ teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water as necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
2. Transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the paprika before serving.
Tip: This dip can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Cheddar Chicken
Ingredients
- 16 buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about 3⁄4 cup)
- 6 ounces sharp Cheddar, grated
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- wild rice pilaf and steamed green beans (optional)
Directions
1. Heat oven to 350° F. In a bowl, combine the crackers, cheese, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
2. Dip the chicken in the butter, then in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere, and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle any remaining cracker mixture on the chicken and drizzle with any remaining butter. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve with the pilaf and green beans, if using.
Asparagus
I LOVE asparagus but can never get it to come out right when I cook it. Here are some tips and recipes I'll try.
Potato Chips Ranked
Best Original: Lay's Kettle Cooked
Best Salt and Pepper: Dirty Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt
Best Crinkle Cut: Ruffles Original
Best Jalapeno: Deep River Zesty Jalapeno
Best BBQ: Lay's Kettle Cooked Mesquite BBQ
Best Cheese: Kettle New York Cheddar with Herbs
Best Salt & Vinegar: Dirty Sea Salt & Vinegar
Best Sour Cream & Onion: Cape Cod Sour Cream and Green Onion
Healthy Best Plain: Ruffles Baked
Healthy Best Reduced Fat: Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt
Healthy Best Lightly Salted: Boulder Canyon 50% Reduced Salt
Healthy Best BBQ: PopChips BBQ
Healthy Best Cheese: Kettle Baked Aged White Cheddar
Healthy Best Salt & Pepper: Popchips Salt & Pepper
Healthy Best Salt & Vinegar: Kettle Baked Sea Salt & Vinegar
Best Salt and Pepper: Dirty Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt
Best Crinkle Cut: Ruffles Original
Best Jalapeno: Deep River Zesty Jalapeno
Best BBQ: Lay's Kettle Cooked Mesquite BBQ
Best Cheese: Kettle New York Cheddar with Herbs
Best Salt & Vinegar: Dirty Sea Salt & Vinegar
Best Sour Cream & Onion: Cape Cod Sour Cream and Green Onion
Healthy Best Plain: Ruffles Baked
Healthy Best Reduced Fat: Trader Joe's Reduced Guilt
Healthy Best Lightly Salted: Boulder Canyon 50% Reduced Salt
Healthy Best BBQ: PopChips BBQ
Healthy Best Cheese: Kettle Baked Aged White Cheddar
Healthy Best Salt & Pepper: Popchips Salt & Pepper
Healthy Best Salt & Vinegar: Kettle Baked Sea Salt & Vinegar
Frozen Blueberry Lemondae
Good recipe for frozen blueberry lemonade. And you can add 1/2 cup vodka for a cocktail.
Beach Tips
Use metal grilling skewers to hold down the corners of your towel or sheet.
Take a bottle of baby powder to the beach, shake a little on your legs and Voila! the sand rubs right off.
Take a bottle of baby powder to the beach, shake a little on your legs and Voila! the sand rubs right off.
Private Sales for Hotels
Sign up for a free account at Tablet Hotels and get weekly private sales up to 60% off of hotels.
Gifts by Text
Choose a gift card or movie tickets at Giiv, enter person's cell phone and they receive a text message to redeem your gift!
Golf Tees
Great idea to mark food at parties: Use colored golf tees!
Pink for cranberry, blue for blueberry, etc.
Or pink to mark rare hamburger patties.
Pink for cranberry, blue for blueberry, etc.
Or pink to mark rare hamburger patties.
Party Playlist
The average number of songs needed for a three-hour party playlist? 40.
And for more fun, get an account at Songvote and have friends vote and submit on songs for the party. Then it links to iTunes to create the playlist.
And for more fun, get an account at Songvote and have friends vote and submit on songs for the party. Then it links to iTunes to create the playlist.
Pasadena Farmer's Markets
If you have never been to a Farmers' Market, you are in for a real treat. You'll love the experience of buying directly from the farmer that grows the food. What you'll love even more is the fresh, delicious taste of locally grown, nutritious fruits, vegetables and farm products.
Camping Spots?
Possible Beach Camping Spots:
Sycamore Cove
Thornhill Broome Beach
Leo Carillo State Park - Site 138 or any along that edge
Reservations can be made here...although many of the tent sites are not reservable!
Sycamore Cove
Thornhill Broome Beach
Leo Carillo State Park - Site 138 or any along that edge
Reservations can be made here...although many of the tent sites are not reservable!
Email Invitations
Everyone knows about Evite but here are a few others I try to remember:
PaperlessPost
Pingg (they will also mail paper cards for a fee)
Cocodot
PaperlessPost
Pingg (they will also mail paper cards for a fee)
Cocodot
The Whole Enchilada
Played a new game this weekend and need to remember the rules.
1-take no tricks. 10pts each
2-take no hearts. 10pts each
3-take no queens. 25pts each
4-take no king of spade. 100pts each.
5-don't take last pack. 100pts each.
6-whole enchilada.
1-take no tricks. 10pts each
2-take no hearts. 10pts each
3-take no queens. 25pts each
4-take no king of spade. 100pts each.
5-don't take last pack. 100pts each.
6-whole enchilada.
Ravinia-Style at the Rose Bowl
Lawn Concert at the Rose Bowl...I'm so there!
Fireworks POPS Spectacular
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Come celebrate with the Pasadena POPS as we inaugurate our new summer home located on the spacious Lawn adjacent to the Rose Bowl! We’ll fill the sky with an explosion of color and delight your senses with a feast of musical favorites from Carmen, Firebird and Swan Lake to Bohemian Masquerades, Saber Dances and Toreadors. The POPS and the world-famous performers of Cirque de la Symphonie will dazzle you with a display of thrilling acrobatics and breathtaking theatrics set to music.
I ♥ NY
Saturday, July 17, 2010
No need to take a holiday. Let the Pasadena POPS put you in a New York state of mind! Experience the glamorous and spectacular sounds of the Big Apple performed by famed Broadway singers Lisa Vroman and Doug Labrecque. Selections from West Side Story, Ragtime, and The Lion King plus favorite hits by Berlin, Bernstein, Porter and Gershwin will make want you to be a part of it—unforgettable musical moments from the city that never sleeps.
All That Jazz
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Pasadena POPS has arranged a cool-cat night just for you with Cuban jazz sensation Alfredo Rodriguez performing Rhapsody in Blue. The orchestra will paint a symphonic portrait of Porgy and Bess and you’ll shimmy and shake with jazz vocalist Valarie Pettiford to hit songs All That Jazz, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore, Come Rain or Come Shine and much more.
Hooray for Hollywood!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
The POPS issue you a backstage pass to the nostalgic sounds of Old Hollywood and the glitz and glamour of the New. Explore the artistic and musical geniuses that connect films with their audiences through the magic of music. Jodi Benson, the voice of the Little Mermaid, will enchant you with songs from Titanic, The Wizard of Oz, Nine and other blockbusters. The orchestra will sweep you away with beloved film moments by Henry Mancini, Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams including a special tribute to Star Wars. We’ll provide the POPcorn!
BEST Grilled Cheese? Yes, Please.
BEST GRILLED CHEESE in LA? Others claim it, we OWN it - the DA VIN CHEESE @LOCALI, 1st place award winner, 2010 Grilled Chesse Invitational!
In Hollywood...5825 Franklin Avenue
In Hollywood...5825 Franklin Avenue
Beachy Cream
Another for the LaLa List...
At its best, it’s a Ginger Wipeout. The perfectly proportioned hunk of candied ginger ice cream smushed between molasses spice cookies started it all for Beachy Cream. Sugar cookies get loaded with strawberry balsamic swirl ice cream for Strawberry Surfer Girl, while coconut oatmeal cookies are piled high with tart citrus ice cream for Key Lime Cowabunga.
At its best, it’s a Ginger Wipeout. The perfectly proportioned hunk of candied ginger ice cream smushed between molasses spice cookies started it all for Beachy Cream. Sugar cookies get loaded with strawberry balsamic swirl ice cream for Strawberry Surfer Girl, while coconut oatmeal cookies are piled high with tart citrus ice cream for Key Lime Cowabunga.
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