Reader Michelle wondered if I knew of a New Year's Eve tracker similar to NORAD'S Santa Tracker. I'm looking but so far nothing as cool as watching Santa land over and over again on Christmas Eve. Still, there are a few interesting things going on around the web.
Click here for the Earthcam 3D Countdown to the ball dropping in Times Square. You can wear your 3D glasses or choose 2D mode. Either way, enjoy the broadcast which begins tonight at 10:00pm (7 out here in the west.)
The Huffington Post has a great slide show of celebrations around the globe which I'm sure will be updated as the day goes on.
Finally, I got a kick out of this list from Parents Magazine which describes New Year traditions around the world. This is a fun thing to share with your kids. Happy New Year!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Back Home From Seattle
A quick post just off the plane for Seattle-
We've been going for years and it's one of the great pleasures of my life to be able to visit so often.
How I love the Space Needle.
I love the water and the mountains, ever present, their wild beauty serving to keep us small, human creatures firmly in our places.
And I love me in Seattle. There, with my uncolored roots and a makeup-free face, my feet toasty in thick, warm socks, stomach remarkably untroubled by yet another coffee, I don't think about my weight or my age or any of the silly things that can seem important in LA ( and will feel very important in about, oh, let's give it 29 hours.)
Now, make no mistake. Seattle has a large and varied population and there are certainly many women (and not a few men) who spend quite a bit of time thinking about what to wear verses the size of their butts. The Seattle area is home to Mario's, a Barney's New York, a Neiman Marcus and several small, terrific boutiques carrying beautiful clothes. You can be just as well dressed and just as neurotic there as you can be anywhere. And then, on the other end but still playing the same game, there are all those people trying to out-flannel and out-Birkenstock each other. Seattle has its share of men in sandals and socks who have never set foot in a kayak (There are lots of men who are the real deal too, so, if the rugged just going to catch us a big fish before I come home to roast it in the wood burning oven I installed in the house I built for us honey man is your type, and you're looking, get thee to Seattle) We're all human, right? No matter where we are, we dress for our environment, for each other, and, maybe most significantly, for our dreams of ourselves. Up there I'm "Northwest Girl."
I hope to be back in Seattle this summer. Filled with people I love and good bakeries, surrounded by mountains, water, tall green trees, smelling of coffee and fish, and just a short, beautiful ferry ride to the San Juan Islands, I am blessed to be able to visit as often as I do. I send wishes for a very happy New Year to my Seattle readers. And, for those of you who have not yet had the pleasure, perhaps this is your year to make your first visit to the vibrant, beautiful Northwest.
Wishing all of you the happiest year yet!
We've been going for years and it's one of the great pleasures of my life to be able to visit so often.
How I love the Space Needle.
And I love me in Seattle. There, with my uncolored roots and a makeup-free face, my feet toasty in thick, warm socks, stomach remarkably untroubled by yet another coffee, I don't think about my weight or my age or any of the silly things that can seem important in LA ( and will feel very important in about, oh, let's give it 29 hours.)
I hope to be back in Seattle this summer. Filled with people I love and good bakeries, surrounded by mountains, water, tall green trees, smelling of coffee and fish, and just a short, beautiful ferry ride to the San Juan Islands, I am blessed to be able to visit as often as I do. I send wishes for a very happy New Year to my Seattle readers. And, for those of you who have not yet had the pleasure, perhaps this is your year to make your first visit to the vibrant, beautiful Northwest.
Wishing all of you the happiest year yet!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Where Is Santa Now?
A quick must share - you can track Santa! Click on the link and find out where Santa has already been today - and where he will be next.
Noril'sk, Russia - in 2 minutes!!!!!!!!!!
Yikes - I just clicked over there again and, with my passion for maps coupled with the fact that when I woke up this morning I felt about 6 and a half years old, I am in danger of being on this thing all day. I've got to figure out how to get it on my phone. Go right now!
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Happiness Inducing Christmas Eve Cheesecake
I am a little sad so I just put a cheesecake into the oven. It's okay. The sad, I mean (the cheesecake is awesome.) It's Christmas and, you know, you think about the past, people you have loved who are gone, all that stuff. Making things helps and making things with cheese helps a lot, so - this afternoon it was a macaroni and cheese and, at 9 o'clock at night, I put a cheesecake in the oven. I realize that "Sad Cheesecake" isn't the most appetizing name for a dessert. So, let's not call it that. But just so you know - if you're a little blue too, you're not alone. I'm sad because I loved. And, well, "'tis better to have loved ..." right? I am going to focus on counting my blessings, especially the beloved people who are here to share Christmas with me. And you, my dear, dear readers, are among them. Merry Christmas.
Happiness Inducing Christmas Eve Cheesecake - 2 versions.
Tonight's cheesecake was made using what is basically the simple, perfect Gourmet Cookbook recipe garnered from the long-closed Three Cities Of Spain coffeehouse in Santa-Fe, NM. However, I toss a 1/4 cup of walnuts into the food processor with the graham crackers because they add a richness to the crust that I just love. There are only a few ingredients in this cheesecake, so their quality is everything. Organic dairy, fresh eggs, real vanilla - these are the things that will make the difference. Here is the recipe:
Filling
3 8 ounce packets cream cheese ( full fat and NOT whipped) softened
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Topping
1 lb sour cream
1Tbs sugar
Crumb Crust
1 1/2 cups (about 5 ounces) finely ground graham crackers
OR
you can use chocolate wafers (yum) or vanilla wafers (which I think are disgusting but it's your cake)
5 Tbs butter, melted
1/8 tsp salt (I like a bit more plus my butter is salted. I know, I know... )
1/4 cup walnuts
1 9-91/2 inch springform pan, bottom inverted so the cake is easier to cut later.
Preheat oven to 350
Make the crust first. Put the crackers, walnuts and salt into the food processor and mash them up until fine. Mix with melted butter in a bowl and press into the bottom of your springform pan, going up the side about a half inch or so. Put the crust in the fridge until your filling is ready.
Make the filling. Put the cream cheese into a bowl and mix it with your hand mixer until it's fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg. Add sugar and vanilla and mix well, scrapping down the sides to be sure you get everything. Pour filling into crust.
Bake until cake is set three inches from edges but center is slightly wobbly, about 45 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack for 5 minutes ( Leave the oven on, you're going back in.)
Mix the sour cream and 1 Tbs of sugar together and drop by spoonfuls around the edges of the cake and then spread evenly over the top. Bake the cake for 10 more minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven and run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it, then cool it completely in the pan on a rack. Cover it loosely and put it in the fridge AT LEAST 6 hours. Remove side of pan, transfer to a pretty plate and bring to room temperature before serving.
Tomorrow we are spending Christmas Eve with some of our oldest and closest friends. She is Italian and her mom is making the dinner. Platters of peppers and olives and cheeses, linguine with shrimp, a big salad and my cheesecake. Because dear mama is very traditional, I made a traditional cheesecake (though not an Italian one, no ricotta.)
On Christmas Eves past I have made my very favorite cheesecake variation: chocolate espresso. I found this recipe several years ago on Epicurious. It's official name is Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake Harris.
Make this cake at least one day before you want to serve it.
Preheat oven to 325
Make the crust (pretty much same as above) using
1 and 1/2 cups finely ground chocolate wafers
6 Tbs melted butter.
Mix both ingredients in a bowl and place into the bottom of a 9 - 91/2 inch buttered (bottom inverted) springform pan smoothing the bottom and running the crumbs about a half inch or so up the side. Bake in the middle of the oven for 10 minutes. Remove.
When the crust is cool, wrap the bottom of the pan in heavy-duty foil and crimp the foil around the bottom and up the side of the pan to secure.
Make the Filling, using
4 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
3 8 ounce packets (full fat NOT whipped) cream cheese
2 Tbs cornstarch
1 Tbs plus 1 tsp Vanilla
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbs instant espresso powder
12 ounces best quality bitter-sweet chocolate, chopped fine, melted and cooled
1/2 cup chilled heavy cream whipped into soft peaks.
In a large bowl beat eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. Add cream cheese and beat until very smooth. Sift cornstarch into mixture and add 1 tsp vanilla and the sour cream. Beat filling until very smooth. Put 2 cups of filling into a small bowl.
In a small cup, stir together the espresso powder and the rest of the vanilla (1 tsp.) Stir until the espresso is completely dissolved. Stir the espresso mixture into the 2 cups of filling in the small bowl.
Now, add the melted chocolate into the remaining filling in the large bowl, stirring until well combined, then fold in the whipped cream. Pour this chocolate filling into the crust. Next, spoon the espresso filling evenly over the chocolate filling and carefully spread it to make an even layer. Try not to mix the fillings.
This cheesecake does best in a water bath so place the springform pan in a larger, shallow baking pan and pour in enough hot water to reach half way up the springform pan. Bake the cheesecake in the middle of the oven for 1 1/2 hours. Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake rest in there for 15 minutes. Don't even open the door!
Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan on a rack. Chill the cake, covered loosely, at least a day and up to 2 days before running a knife around the edge and removing the cake from the pan.
Last time I made this I really had some fun decorating it.
The leaves are from my garden. Nothing specific, just leaves I thought were beautiful. Melt chocolate in a pan and pour over some leaves you have placed on wax paper. You can also see that I added some seasonal cranberries. Isn't it pretty? Of course, the leaf decorations are just that - decorations. Don't let anybody try to eat them! You can also sprinkle powdered sugar through a stencil or (and what I will probably do tomorrow as I don't have a stencil) use a cookie cutter held just over the top of the cheesecake through which I will pour...something. Crushed graham crackers? Colored sugar? Happy, delicious Christmas Eve.
Happiness Inducing Christmas Eve Cheesecake - 2 versions.
Tonight's cheesecake was made using what is basically the simple, perfect Gourmet Cookbook recipe garnered from the long-closed Three Cities Of Spain coffeehouse in Santa-Fe, NM. However, I toss a 1/4 cup of walnuts into the food processor with the graham crackers because they add a richness to the crust that I just love. There are only a few ingredients in this cheesecake, so their quality is everything. Organic dairy, fresh eggs, real vanilla - these are the things that will make the difference. Here is the recipe:
Filling
3 8 ounce packets cream cheese ( full fat and NOT whipped) softened
4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Topping
1 lb sour cream
1Tbs sugar
Crumb Crust
1 1/2 cups (about 5 ounces) finely ground graham crackers
OR
you can use chocolate wafers (yum) or vanilla wafers (which I think are disgusting but it's your cake)
5 Tbs butter, melted
1/8 tsp salt (I like a bit more plus my butter is salted. I know, I know... )
1/4 cup walnuts
1 9-91/2 inch springform pan, bottom inverted so the cake is easier to cut later.
Preheat oven to 350
Make the crust first. Put the crackers, walnuts and salt into the food processor and mash them up until fine. Mix with melted butter in a bowl and press into the bottom of your springform pan, going up the side about a half inch or so. Put the crust in the fridge until your filling is ready.
Make the filling. Put the cream cheese into a bowl and mix it with your hand mixer until it's fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg. Add sugar and vanilla and mix well, scrapping down the sides to be sure you get everything. Pour filling into crust.
Bake until cake is set three inches from edges but center is slightly wobbly, about 45 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack for 5 minutes ( Leave the oven on, you're going back in.)
Mix the sour cream and 1 Tbs of sugar together and drop by spoonfuls around the edges of the cake and then spread evenly over the top. Bake the cake for 10 more minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven and run a knife around the edge of the cake to loosen it, then cool it completely in the pan on a rack. Cover it loosely and put it in the fridge AT LEAST 6 hours. Remove side of pan, transfer to a pretty plate and bring to room temperature before serving.
Tomorrow we are spending Christmas Eve with some of our oldest and closest friends. She is Italian and her mom is making the dinner. Platters of peppers and olives and cheeses, linguine with shrimp, a big salad and my cheesecake. Because dear mama is very traditional, I made a traditional cheesecake (though not an Italian one, no ricotta.)
On Christmas Eves past I have made my very favorite cheesecake variation: chocolate espresso. I found this recipe several years ago on Epicurious. It's official name is Espresso Chocolate Cheesecake Harris.
Make this cake at least one day before you want to serve it.
Preheat oven to 325
Make the crust (pretty much same as above) using
1 and 1/2 cups finely ground chocolate wafers
6 Tbs melted butter.
Mix both ingredients in a bowl and place into the bottom of a 9 - 91/2 inch buttered (bottom inverted) springform pan smoothing the bottom and running the crumbs about a half inch or so up the side. Bake in the middle of the oven for 10 minutes. Remove.
When the crust is cool, wrap the bottom of the pan in heavy-duty foil and crimp the foil around the bottom and up the side of the pan to secure.
Make the Filling, using
4 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
3 8 ounce packets (full fat NOT whipped) cream cheese
2 Tbs cornstarch
1 Tbs plus 1 tsp Vanilla
1 cup sour cream
2 Tbs instant espresso powder
12 ounces best quality bitter-sweet chocolate, chopped fine, melted and cooled
1/2 cup chilled heavy cream whipped into soft peaks.
In a large bowl beat eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. Add cream cheese and beat until very smooth. Sift cornstarch into mixture and add 1 tsp vanilla and the sour cream. Beat filling until very smooth. Put 2 cups of filling into a small bowl.
In a small cup, stir together the espresso powder and the rest of the vanilla (1 tsp.) Stir until the espresso is completely dissolved. Stir the espresso mixture into the 2 cups of filling in the small bowl.
Now, add the melted chocolate into the remaining filling in the large bowl, stirring until well combined, then fold in the whipped cream. Pour this chocolate filling into the crust. Next, spoon the espresso filling evenly over the chocolate filling and carefully spread it to make an even layer. Try not to mix the fillings.
This cheesecake does best in a water bath so place the springform pan in a larger, shallow baking pan and pour in enough hot water to reach half way up the springform pan. Bake the cheesecake in the middle of the oven for 1 1/2 hours. Turn the oven off and let the cheesecake rest in there for 15 minutes. Don't even open the door!
Remove from oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan on a rack. Chill the cake, covered loosely, at least a day and up to 2 days before running a knife around the edge and removing the cake from the pan.
Last time I made this I really had some fun decorating it.
The leaves are from my garden. Nothing specific, just leaves I thought were beautiful. Melt chocolate in a pan and pour over some leaves you have placed on wax paper. You can also see that I added some seasonal cranberries. Isn't it pretty? Of course, the leaf decorations are just that - decorations. Don't let anybody try to eat them! You can also sprinkle powdered sugar through a stencil or (and what I will probably do tomorrow as I don't have a stencil) use a cookie cutter held just over the top of the cheesecake through which I will pour...something. Crushed graham crackers? Colored sugar? Happy, delicious Christmas Eve.
Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration at The Music Center
This is truly one of the most wonderful holiday events in the city. Singers and dancers from many different neighborhoods and cultures perform. Where else can you see Columbian Folk Accordion music, The Jung Im Lee Korean Dance Academy and The Gay Men's Chorus, all in one place?
If you can't make it down to the Music Center tomorrow you can still enjoy the program. KCET will air the celebration live at 3pm with a re-broadcast at 8pm, as well as stream the show live at KCET.org Or, you can listen to KPFK ( 90.7) on your radio to hear the entire show.
Click here for full information.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
In The Dictionary
After going to Miriam Webster to look up the word pusillanimous (lacking courage and determination; marked by contemptible timidity - which, p.s., makes me happy because I now know that the word "pussy" - which I love as a term of derision, but never use due to the fact that a) it's rude and b) I thought it came from the slang for vagina and I am certainly not going to call someone that as if it's a bad thing - actually must come from this word pusillanimous. Now I can use it with abandon!*) I continued reading and, in one of the special end-of-year word roundups, learned that the 3rd most looked up word for 2010 was - Love.
*kidding - one of my New Year's resolutions (I realized sometime in November that I'm going to need more than one year for this) is to continue to try to stop swearing (so much)
*kidding - one of my New Year's resolutions (I realized sometime in November that I'm going to need more than one year for this) is to continue to try to stop swearing (so much)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Mr Magoo in Santa Monica
Tomorrow, Saturday, December 18th The Aero Theater on Montana Ave. in Santa Monica is showing Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. This 52 minute cartoon, which first aired on NBC in 1962, was the first animated Christmas special. The show starts at 4pm.
I am a big fan of the Aero and if you have not yet been it's really a treat. The theater is the westside home of American Cinematheque, the alternative (to mainstream Hollywood, that is) screening organization that offers a fantastic film and video program with selections from all over the world. American Cinematheque has a permanent home at The Egyptian Theater in Hollywood but we are lucky to have a branch over here. Though our little Aero can't compare with the majesty of the restored Egyptian (and the seats at the Aero are a tad uncomfortable - upon winning the lottery I will immediately donate an entire theater of new seats) they play such wonderful films. Where else on the westside of Los Angeles can you see Lawrence of Arabia on the big screen?
Know a cinefile? A membership to Cinematheque, with its discounts and invitations to special screenings, would be a great Christmas gift.
The Aero is showing several fun, family friendly films this season.
The Family Holiday Film Screening Schedule is as Follows:
Mr. Magoos' Christmas Carol - Saturday the 18th 4pm
It's A Wonderful Life - Sunday the 19th at 4pm and 7:30pm
White Christmas - Wednesday the 22nd at 7:30
Elf - Thursday the 23rd at 7:30 ( this is a double feature with the Director's cut of Bad Santa but, duh, that's not for kids)
And head's up for New Years Day and a double feature of the Marx Brothers:
A Day at the Races and A Night at the Opera, beginning at 5pm!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Bring Out Your Best
Tomorrow night, Thursday, December 16th at La Grande Orange in Santa Monica - The Ugly Sweater Contest. Not any old sweater - they are looking for the ugliest Christmas sweater. Or ugliest Hanukah or Kwanza sweater if there are any such things. Heck, if you have one you should really try to be there, you'll probably win. La Grand Orange has a good menu and good energy. There is a happening bar scene but it's so big (and kinda' loud) that it's also a great place for families. Click here for menu info including the kid's menu. Now, I must admit, I have a soft spot for things like Christmas sweaters. This happens to people born in Buffalo and there's nothing you can do about it. But, if you see me at the ugly sweater contest, I will be pretending I am wearing my sweater ironically so don't give me away.
The ugly sweater contest starts at 8pm
La Grande Orange
2000 Main Street
Santa Monica
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Santa And Winter Fun In Culver City
Santa visits a different Culver City neighborhood every night this week. His sleigh will pull up at 5pm and stay until 9pm. Children can step into the sleigh and have a meeting with the big guy. This event is supported by the Culver City Police Department. Santa's visits continue through December 19th. Click here for a complete schedule and location information.
If you'd like to go down to Culver city Saturday afternoon, be sure to stop by the Julian Dixon Library for the annual Snowless Snow Party. The FREE event runs from 2:30 - 4pm. There will be arts and crafts stations and treats to welcome Winter.
Culver City Julian Dixon Library
4975 Overland Ave.
If you'd like to go down to Culver city Saturday afternoon, be sure to stop by the Julian Dixon Library for the annual Snowless Snow Party. The FREE event runs from 2:30 - 4pm. There will be arts and crafts stations and treats to welcome Winter.
Culver City Julian Dixon Library
4975 Overland Ave.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
TONIGHT is the 47th annual Holiday Boat Parade in Marina Del Rey. Fireworks are scheduled for 5:55. The parade begins at 6 and goes until approximately 8. For full details click here. For viewing spots click here and click here for parking.
If you'd like to make a night of it, there are several restaurants in the area. Shopping plaza Waterside - Marina Del Rey, directly across from Burton Chase Park has a few options including A California Pizza Kitchen, a Chipotle Mexican Grill and a branch of hamburger favorite, The Counter. Click here for more information on the Waterside.
For a nearly complete list of restaurants in the Marina Del Rey area click here.
My favorite place in the Marina is Alejo's in a dumpy shopping mall on Lincoln Blvd at the S. E. corner of Washington Blvd. Typically I would not eat in a place that looks like this. I am really nice but I'm kind of fussy about cleanliness, hand washing, not getting robbed in the parking lot, things like that. I'm not proud of this, but I usually won't even eat at a "B. Now, I'm not saying Alejo's isn't clean - it is. And I'm not saying you'll get robbed in the parking lot (watch yourself.) I'm just saying it looks like that. But the food is fresh and good (the shrimp al diablo is so awesome, I LOVE it) and they give you these dishes of fresh, minced garlic to dip your soft italian bread in. Oh, it's sooooo delicious you will not be able to stop eating it and you will stink like garlic for 3 days. I love that part too. The place is small and it's tight so consider that before taking little kids in for dinner - head down the road a mile or so to the Westchester branch for the same menu and more space if you've got kids with you. But, if you're on a date and you've stood together, snuggling and watching the boat parade and now you want good (it's not Angelina Osteria) inexpensive, casual Italian, check out Alejo's. Wow, I just made myself wish I was doing this tonight.
Alejo's
4002 Lincoln Blvd.
310 822-0095
The Marina branch doesn't appear to have their own website so click here for the Westchester branch. The menu seems to be identical.
If you'd like to make a night of it, there are several restaurants in the area. Shopping plaza Waterside - Marina Del Rey, directly across from Burton Chase Park has a few options including A California Pizza Kitchen, a Chipotle Mexican Grill and a branch of hamburger favorite, The Counter. Click here for more information on the Waterside.
For a nearly complete list of restaurants in the Marina Del Rey area click here.
My favorite place in the Marina is Alejo's in a dumpy shopping mall on Lincoln Blvd at the S. E. corner of Washington Blvd. Typically I would not eat in a place that looks like this. I am really nice but I'm kind of fussy about cleanliness, hand washing, not getting robbed in the parking lot, things like that. I'm not proud of this, but I usually won't even eat at a "B. Now, I'm not saying Alejo's isn't clean - it is. And I'm not saying you'll get robbed in the parking lot (watch yourself.) I'm just saying it looks like that. But the food is fresh and good (the shrimp al diablo is so awesome, I LOVE it) and they give you these dishes of fresh, minced garlic to dip your soft italian bread in. Oh, it's sooooo delicious you will not be able to stop eating it and you will stink like garlic for 3 days. I love that part too. The place is small and it's tight so consider that before taking little kids in for dinner - head down the road a mile or so to the Westchester branch for the same menu and more space if you've got kids with you. But, if you're on a date and you've stood together, snuggling and watching the boat parade and now you want good (it's not Angelina Osteria) inexpensive, casual Italian, check out Alejo's. Wow, I just made myself wish I was doing this tonight.
Alejo's
4002 Lincoln Blvd.
310 822-0095
The Marina branch doesn't appear to have their own website so click here for the Westchester branch. The menu seems to be identical.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Unique LA- Independent Design And Gift Show
Don't miss a really special way to finish* your Holiday shopping, this weekend, December 11th and 12th at Unique LA - the independent design and gift show. Unique LA is the largest independent design show in the country and visitors get the opportunity to meet and shop directly from over 300 designers and artists. There will be things for the home, for bath and beauty, pets, toys, stationary and clothing for everyone in the family. Plus lots of treats! Click here to see all the fabulous participants. The event features free drinks and a cash bar, a kid activity and seating zone, a variety of workshops plus giveaways and door prizes. One admission allows unlimited access all weekend and all attendees receive a unique tote bag from an LA designer.
The event is being held at:
The California Market Center's Penthouse - 110 E. 9th street - map it here
Hours are 11am - 6pm both Saturday and Sunday
Admission is $10 either online or at the door - kids 12 and under are free
click here for directions and parking information
and here to buy tickets on line
* Finish? Ha! I am present-less. PRESENT-LESS! Anyone else? Yesterday I was yelling at someone - not my kids so that really narrows it down, doesn't it... "Christmas doesn't just happen you know! I have to MAKE it happen!!!!" That's the holiday spirit. I guess I'm a little over-whelmed this year.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Holiday Parties With Kids - Fun Things To Do And LA Treats
I am not giving a Holiday party this year - I am too busy trying to get my kid into middle school and at the same time telling myself (over and over and over) that it's nothing to panic about, that the right thing will happen and above all that I am not one of those mothers (but if you are, and you know some secrets to getting you kid into middle school, send me an email.)
Even though I am not hosting a big party I want to share with you a few things that have made past large parties with kids successful. My goal is to buy you time to enjoy your own party. Let's start with the big stuff-
One of the best "keep the kids busy at a big party" things I ever did was to hire Kids On Stage to come for a few hours and work their magic. Kids on Stage is a Santa Monica based kids acting group that runs camps and classes throughout the year. They also do parties. They'll come to your house, bringing a lot of costumes, wigs, hats etc. The kids can try on a bunch of stuff and run around and then the leaders will get everybody organized into some kind of performance. The kids might put on a play or a variety show, it all depends on what they decide to do. At the end of the designated time ( 2 or 3 hours, how ever long you hire them) the kids will do the show for everyone. It's really great, and it keeps everybody busy. because it's loud and a little chaotic it's ideal if you have a separate space but we had them in our "back room" which is really a semi-converted garage. If you are having my favorite kind of party, a big, all-day open house, you'll want to make special mention on the invitation of the hours kids entertainment will be offered. That way, families will concentrate their visiting during those hours and, after the entertainment is over and the people with kids go home, you can put your own kids down for a movie and drink some more champagne with your child-free friends.
Kids on Stage is also running 4 camps in Santa Monica over the upcoming winter break. Take a look here for full details.
Kids on Stage is going to cost you - I don't know how much - but something substantial. It's worth it. But, what if you don't want to spend a couple of hundred dollars? Well, I am going to try to convince you to hire a least one person to be help with all the kids. Really, it is your party. You've been planning it for weeks, you look fabulous and you deserve to have someone there to at least help occupy the children in a fun and festive way. You know you don't want them them all vegging out in front of the TV or sitting next to each other but totally disengaged playing their DS things. Here are a few inexpensive suggestions for keeping kids engaged and happy, with or (God bless you) without any help, while you're hosting a party.
Cookie decorating - pre-made cookies, frosting, sprinkles candy etc.
Chain making (my oldest could do this for an hour.) Have a lot of pre-cut strips as well as tape and staplers available and scissors and extra paper if you have kids who are old enough to cut strips.
If you are having a tree -trim consider getting a second, smaller, scragglier kids tree that they can have all to them selves and decorate in any crazy way they want to. This might sound too expensive at first but if you think about how long it could occupy several children, and you get a real Charlie Brown kind of tree, it shouldn't be too bad. Separate your ornaments first so kids can't get their hands on anything fragile and provide easy ornament making materials for those who want to make their own.
Bingo with Christmas candy or Hanukah gelt as markers (not for little ones for choking reasons) You get to keep one piece of candy per game - that should buy you at least a half hour.
I know you are going to think this is crazy but it's so much fun and it's not that much of a mess to clean up so just listen. Give the kids rolls of inexpensive streamers in holiday colors and tell them to "wrap" things outside. Plants, rocks, bikes, the car, the house. Tell them to go crazy and wrap whatever they want. They'll have a great time and, unless you have kids old enough to throw the streamers into trees, it really won't be terrible to clean up.
One more thing - According to yesterday's news letter the Sweet Rose Ice Cream cart is up and running and available to come to your house for your Holiday Party. Sweet Rose is offering a 20% discount for first time renters during the months of December and January. Call 310 260 2663 and ask for Julia to talk about pricing and availability.
Even though I am not hosting a big party I want to share with you a few things that have made past large parties with kids successful. My goal is to buy you time to enjoy your own party. Let's start with the big stuff-
One of the best "keep the kids busy at a big party" things I ever did was to hire Kids On Stage to come for a few hours and work their magic. Kids on Stage is a Santa Monica based kids acting group that runs camps and classes throughout the year. They also do parties. They'll come to your house, bringing a lot of costumes, wigs, hats etc. The kids can try on a bunch of stuff and run around and then the leaders will get everybody organized into some kind of performance. The kids might put on a play or a variety show, it all depends on what they decide to do. At the end of the designated time ( 2 or 3 hours, how ever long you hire them) the kids will do the show for everyone. It's really great, and it keeps everybody busy. because it's loud and a little chaotic it's ideal if you have a separate space but we had them in our "back room" which is really a semi-converted garage. If you are having my favorite kind of party, a big, all-day open house, you'll want to make special mention on the invitation of the hours kids entertainment will be offered. That way, families will concentrate their visiting during those hours and, after the entertainment is over and the people with kids go home, you can put your own kids down for a movie and drink some more champagne with your child-free friends.
Kids on Stage is also running 4 camps in Santa Monica over the upcoming winter break. Take a look here for full details.
Kids on Stage is going to cost you - I don't know how much - but something substantial. It's worth it. But, what if you don't want to spend a couple of hundred dollars? Well, I am going to try to convince you to hire a least one person to be help with all the kids. Really, it is your party. You've been planning it for weeks, you look fabulous and you deserve to have someone there to at least help occupy the children in a fun and festive way. You know you don't want them them all vegging out in front of the TV or sitting next to each other but totally disengaged playing their DS things. Here are a few inexpensive suggestions for keeping kids engaged and happy, with or (God bless you) without any help, while you're hosting a party.
Cookie decorating - pre-made cookies, frosting, sprinkles candy etc.
Chain making (my oldest could do this for an hour.) Have a lot of pre-cut strips as well as tape and staplers available and scissors and extra paper if you have kids who are old enough to cut strips.
If you are having a tree -trim consider getting a second, smaller, scragglier kids tree that they can have all to them selves and decorate in any crazy way they want to. This might sound too expensive at first but if you think about how long it could occupy several children, and you get a real Charlie Brown kind of tree, it shouldn't be too bad. Separate your ornaments first so kids can't get their hands on anything fragile and provide easy ornament making materials for those who want to make their own.
Bingo with Christmas candy or Hanukah gelt as markers (not for little ones for choking reasons) You get to keep one piece of candy per game - that should buy you at least a half hour.
I know you are going to think this is crazy but it's so much fun and it's not that much of a mess to clean up so just listen. Give the kids rolls of inexpensive streamers in holiday colors and tell them to "wrap" things outside. Plants, rocks, bikes, the car, the house. Tell them to go crazy and wrap whatever they want. They'll have a great time and, unless you have kids old enough to throw the streamers into trees, it really won't be terrible to clean up.
One more thing - According to yesterday's news letter the Sweet Rose Ice Cream cart is up and running and available to come to your house for your Holiday Party. Sweet Rose is offering a 20% discount for first time renters during the months of December and January. Call 310 260 2663 and ask for Julia to talk about pricing and availability.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Great Kid's Books in English and Spanish with Free Shipping through X-Mas
Barefoot Books is running their free shipping with purchase of $60 or more offer through Christmas. As you know, I am a big fan of these beautiful books. I want to make special mention of their large selection of books in Spanish as I had a reader looking for Spanish language books last week. Barefoot offers over 30 books in Spanish including classic stories like:
Juan y los frijoles magicos (Jack and the Beanstalk)
and
Los Tres chivitos Gruff ( 3 Billy Goats Gruff.)
Barefoot also has their entire, beloved Bear in the Square series in Spanish for toddlers and early readers-
And the beautiful holiday story
Check out the entire selection of books in spanish here. Enjoy!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Westside Holiday Walks - All Weekend Long
Tonight is the monthly First Friday down on Abbot Kinney - a little different this month without all the food trucks. I can't get down there tonight but if you go let me know how you find the change. The Food Truck vs. Restaurants vs. People Who Need to Park controversy is an ongoing thing and we will all need to weigh in (and work together) to keep our vital, exciting food culture alive.
There are several Holiday walks going on here on the west side tonight and through the weekend.
Up in the Palisades tonight, December 3rd, is the annual Holiday Ho Ho Ho.
The Oom Pa Band starts playing at 4:30 and Santa parades along Sunset Blvd from Fire Station 69 at 5pm. The event takes place on Swarthmore Ave which will be closed to traffic for the occasion. Choirs are singing, local dance students will entertain and can kids line up to visit Santa and Mrs. Clause. Santa must leave promptly at 8pm so if you want a chance to ask for your perfect present leave yourself plenty of time.
If you'd like to eat in the Palisades before seeing Santa good places to try are Kay and Dave's Cantina, Beech Street Cafe, Cafe Vida and The Village Pantry which is right on Swarthmore and will give you a front row seat to all the action.
Also tonight, Dec 3rd, Montana Ave in Santa Monica hosts their annual holiday walk. Up and down the street shops will be offering music, cookies and cocoa as well as all kinds of coupons and discounts for your holiday shopping. For details on discounts click here.
Saturday December 4th from noon to 9, the Pico Improvment organization presents the Pico Holiday Art Walk. Events include food, music and specials at local shops and restaurants. Click here for the link to a complete schedule.
Also tomorrow, December 4th, at the California Heritage Museum on Main Street in Santa Monica the tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6pm. Santa will be there beginning around 5:30 and, after the tree is aglow, he will lead a walk down Main Street to the very cool "shopping cart tree" at the Edgemar Courtyard. Click here for full details.
On Sunday Abbot Kinney hosts their holiday walk from 3-8. Santa will be there and stores will be offering specials and discounts.
Happy Holiday Weekend!
There are several Holiday walks going on here on the west side tonight and through the weekend.
Up in the Palisades tonight, December 3rd, is the annual Holiday Ho Ho Ho.
The Oom Pa Band starts playing at 4:30 and Santa parades along Sunset Blvd from Fire Station 69 at 5pm. The event takes place on Swarthmore Ave which will be closed to traffic for the occasion. Choirs are singing, local dance students will entertain and can kids line up to visit Santa and Mrs. Clause. Santa must leave promptly at 8pm so if you want a chance to ask for your perfect present leave yourself plenty of time.
If you'd like to eat in the Palisades before seeing Santa good places to try are Kay and Dave's Cantina, Beech Street Cafe, Cafe Vida and The Village Pantry which is right on Swarthmore and will give you a front row seat to all the action.
Also tonight, Dec 3rd, Montana Ave in Santa Monica hosts their annual holiday walk. Up and down the street shops will be offering music, cookies and cocoa as well as all kinds of coupons and discounts for your holiday shopping. For details on discounts click here.
Saturday December 4th from noon to 9, the Pico Improvment organization presents the Pico Holiday Art Walk. Events include food, music and specials at local shops and restaurants. Click here for the link to a complete schedule.
Also tomorrow, December 4th, at the California Heritage Museum on Main Street in Santa Monica the tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6pm. Santa will be there beginning around 5:30 and, after the tree is aglow, he will lead a walk down Main Street to the very cool "shopping cart tree" at the Edgemar Courtyard. Click here for full details.
On Sunday Abbot Kinney hosts their holiday walk from 3-8. Santa will be there and stores will be offering specials and discounts.
Happy Holiday Weekend!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A Shiksa's Guide to Perfect Latkes
I was in New York for Thanksgiving last week - it was perfect. The projected rain held off. It was cold but not too cold, just right for my new coat. We took our boys to see Billy Elliott (a must see - I basically cried for 3 hours, but in a good way) then bundled them and their hot chocolate into a hansom cab for a ride through Central Park. The next morning we stood practically underneath the balloons for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, before heading to family just north of the city.
It was a gorgeous, leaf-strewn, brisk, east-coast Thanksgiving and it really put me in the holiday spirit. I hope, where ever you were and whatever you did, that you had a wonderful Holiday too.
Now - to Hanukah and Christmas in California. My husband is from a Jewish background and I am not. We try to give our boys the best of each of our family traditions with plenty of California, new-thought stuff thrown in just to really enlighten (or confuse) them. I love holidays of all kinds, especially when you can see the wild, ancient origins behind them. I love reminders of the light in the darkness of winter and I love food with spiritual significance. Of course, one look at a Seder plate and I knew that one was too much for my vegetarian leanings. But fried potatoes? Doughnuts? Yes, please. So I took Hanukah, with its light, its miracle and its food, right into my heart and I determined to make a big first night dinner every year for my family. Well, I am happy to report that I made beautiful latkes last night. Finally. After trying to get it right for 20 years. Thank you (once again) Gourmet Cookbook! Here is their easy, perfect recipe with attendant necessary commentary and additions -
1 lb potatoes (russet are ideal because the more starch the crispier the latke)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 large egg
pinch salt ( up to 1/2 teaspoon)
Olive oil
Peel potatoes and grate them on the large holes in a box grater or, do what I did and use the large grating thing from your food processor. This made my potato strands so long and lovely that I definitely I recommend it. Put potatoes into a bowl of cold water for 2 minutes. Drain well.
Put potatoes and onion into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze the heck out of them. Squeeze until your hands are aching and you can't take it any more. Rest a minute and squeeze again ( I used 2 towels last night) You really want them as dry as possible. Put mixture in a bowl and add egg and salt. You can try to mix with a spoon but nothing works as well as your hands.
Put oil in your frying pan to completely cover the bottom and reach up a little bit. I can't tell you how much oil because I don't know how big your pan is. You will know what's right.
Heat the oil until it's hot but don't forget about it while you're making the salad and hurrying your kid to finish his homework so we can sit down and have a family Hanukah already! In other words, keep an eye on it and don't let it smoke.
Put a pretty, heat resistant platter in your oven on 250-300 degrees. Working in batches, spoon the potato mixture into the oil and flatten with your spatula. Fry until the underside is the color you want then flip over. When the latke is done, transfer to the platter in the oven and repeat until you have as many as you want.
A don't panic tip - just like with pancakes, the first latkes won't be quite right. I don't know why this is but it is. Just accept that and know that as you keep making them they will get better and better.
Latkes make a great vegetarian dinner. Serve with veggies (green beans, roasted brussel sprouts, curried carrots are all great choices) and a big salad. Be sure to have sour cream and apple sauce on the table. I think Pinot Noir goes great but I am not a wine expert. Of course, latkes make a great side dish too, with a roasted chicken or some red meat. You can enjoy them any time but they are especially nice now and for the next 7 nights.
If it's a part of your tradition, I wish you a wonderful Hanukah celebration. And, as always, light in the darkness and something delicious to eat.
It was a gorgeous, leaf-strewn, brisk, east-coast Thanksgiving and it really put me in the holiday spirit. I hope, where ever you were and whatever you did, that you had a wonderful Holiday too.
Now - to Hanukah and Christmas in California. My husband is from a Jewish background and I am not. We try to give our boys the best of each of our family traditions with plenty of California, new-thought stuff thrown in just to really enlighten (or confuse) them. I love holidays of all kinds, especially when you can see the wild, ancient origins behind them. I love reminders of the light in the darkness of winter and I love food with spiritual significance. Of course, one look at a Seder plate and I knew that one was too much for my vegetarian leanings. But fried potatoes? Doughnuts? Yes, please. So I took Hanukah, with its light, its miracle and its food, right into my heart and I determined to make a big first night dinner every year for my family. Well, I am happy to report that I made beautiful latkes last night. Finally. After trying to get it right for 20 years. Thank you (once again) Gourmet Cookbook! Here is their easy, perfect recipe with attendant necessary commentary and additions -
1 lb potatoes (russet are ideal because the more starch the crispier the latke)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 large egg
pinch salt ( up to 1/2 teaspoon)
Olive oil
Peel potatoes and grate them on the large holes in a box grater or, do what I did and use the large grating thing from your food processor. This made my potato strands so long and lovely that I definitely I recommend it. Put potatoes into a bowl of cold water for 2 minutes. Drain well.
Put potatoes and onion into a clean kitchen towel and squeeze the heck out of them. Squeeze until your hands are aching and you can't take it any more. Rest a minute and squeeze again ( I used 2 towels last night) You really want them as dry as possible. Put mixture in a bowl and add egg and salt. You can try to mix with a spoon but nothing works as well as your hands.
Put oil in your frying pan to completely cover the bottom and reach up a little bit. I can't tell you how much oil because I don't know how big your pan is. You will know what's right.
Heat the oil until it's hot but don't forget about it while you're making the salad and hurrying your kid to finish his homework so we can sit down and have a family Hanukah already! In other words, keep an eye on it and don't let it smoke.
Put a pretty, heat resistant platter in your oven on 250-300 degrees. Working in batches, spoon the potato mixture into the oil and flatten with your spatula. Fry until the underside is the color you want then flip over. When the latke is done, transfer to the platter in the oven and repeat until you have as many as you want.
A don't panic tip - just like with pancakes, the first latkes won't be quite right. I don't know why this is but it is. Just accept that and know that as you keep making them they will get better and better.
Latkes make a great vegetarian dinner. Serve with veggies (green beans, roasted brussel sprouts, curried carrots are all great choices) and a big salad. Be sure to have sour cream and apple sauce on the table. I think Pinot Noir goes great but I am not a wine expert. Of course, latkes make a great side dish too, with a roasted chicken or some red meat. You can enjoy them any time but they are especially nice now and for the next 7 nights.
If it's a part of your tradition, I wish you a wonderful Hanukah celebration. And, as always, light in the darkness and something delicious to eat.
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