Great Holiday Side Dishes

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Do you have your holiday meals planned? Whether you are bringing a dish or making everything, planning your holiday dinner can be stressful. However, the most important part of a holiday meal is being together with your friends and family. We have a few easy creative dishes that will be a hit this holiday season. Take an hour or two and make these delicious dishes, we are positive they will be a hit with your holiday party. 

Sweet Potato Casserole

A great classic holiday side dish is the sweet potato casserole. This holiday classic is one that everyone looks forward to this time of year. You only need a few ingredients and 45 minutes to make your tastebuds happy. Do you want to make this, but you do not have a dish? Head to Williams-Sonoma to grab a 9 by 13 glass baking dish. Check out All Recipes to find the whole recipe to this delicious dish 

A Holiday Salad

Salads always seem like the easiest thing to make for a pot luck. However, take some time this year and get creative with a unique and handmade winter salad. We are so excited to try this Winter Salad with Avocado, Pomegranate and Almonds. This easy recipe is done in 30 minutes and feeds eight people. You can even find the fresh produce locally at Whole Foods. You can even pair this salad with a Citrusy Chilean Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal. See the easy steps to your delicious salad at Food and Wine. 

A Festive Chocolate Lollipop 

Cookies are what everyone craves at Christmas, but you can always mix it up with a delicious chocolate treat. Stick with the theme and make these Nutter Butter Reindeer Pops. These adorable lollipops involve taking a nutter butter dipping it in chocolate then adding decorations. These delicious treats end up looking adorable and tasting delicious. You can find candy to decorate with at Rocket Fizz Westwood. We think loved ones of all ages will like these adorable treats. You can find the recipe at Country Living. 

We hope everyone at Palazzo Westwood has a great holiday!

Last Minute Gifts

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It happens to the best of us. You’ve made a list and checked it twice, but you left off your second cousin...and now you need a gift with very little time to get just the right thing! Whether you’ve been invited to a last-minute party or you have unexpected guests, sometimes you need a last-minute gift. And if you don’t have time to go shopping or order something online, it can be a big challenge!





Fortunately, there are plenty of places you can go for a nice last-minute gift. Why not try…

Make Your Own Unique Wall Art


A wonderful gift that you can wrap up and put under the tree is a piece of totally unique handmade wall art. You’re probably thinking, “But that will take forever!” Fortunately, this DIY magazine wall art has a big impact and doesn’t take long at all. So head over to Dick Blick, grab a canvas and a stack of old magazines, and get to work on an unforgettable art piece your giftee is sure to love.

Everyone Loves a Tasty Treat


If a yummy edible gift is more up your recipient’s alley, delightful holiday chocolates make a tasty gift that they’ll love. Of course, you can’t just zip down to the mini-mart and grab a Hershey’s. We suggest Godiva for upscale chocolates that look as good as they taste. If you want to get even more caffeinated, take a visit to Peet's Coffee and Tea, where you can buy a variety of coffees and teas for a gift or yourself.

Give the Gift of Beauty


Flowers don’t have to be a boring, impersonal gift. A gorgeous arrangement can make a lovely hostess gift, or can even work well for a variety of other holiday occasions. Consider getting a bouquet from local florist Empty Vase Florist Florist. They create totally unique and amazing floral arrangements that are sure to please your giftee.

And If All Else Fails?


The best part about living in Los Angeles is the wide variety of delightful restaurants serving cuisine from all around the world. Take your lucky last-minute giftee for lunch or dinner at any of the great restaurants around the city. After all - what better gift is there around the holidays than the gift of time? Spending an hour or two together over a lovely meal is a great way to cement your relationship this holiday season.

Kick the Gym Goodbye in 2016 with LA’s Awesome Hikes

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New Year’s is right around the bend and for many of us this means a resolution of getting back in shape. However, when the gym becomes a zoo and you lose your “mojo” staring into the devil mirror of a wall, the outdoors can provide the perfect platform to get fit and actually enjoy it too.


Discover Los Angeles uncovered some of the city’s most awesome hikes to keep the New Year’s fitness resolutions alive in 2016:





Runyon Canyon: The trail they recommend is called the Runyon Canyon Loop and it is about a 3 mile roundtrip hike. The excursion allows for awesome people watching (maybe even a celebrity), provides a chance to view Hollywood Hills and the mansion that dot the plains, and features the amazing trail summit view otherwise known as Cloud’s Rest.


Griffith Park Trails: The trail feature is Bronson Canyon and the full roundtrip hike is less than a mile long. “Short and sweet” is the motto here, because you’ll get to explore “the bat cave.” The cave and its remote looking setting is a widespread destination for filmmakers, and makes for a perfect short hike to immerse yourself in a movie-like setting.


Wilacre Park: How does a two mile Betty B. Dearing Trail hike sound? It may start off steep, but not to fret - the path will flatten out after a quarter mile. Trail along another ¾ mile and you’ll be at Coldwater Canyon Park, home of Tree People, a nonprofit environmental organization. This is an awesome trail to enjoy with your dog, so be sure to share the fresh air and wonderful views with your four-legged friend.

Eaton Canyon: In just under 4 miles, the Eaton Canyon Trail will lead you to a 40 foot waterfall if you’re willing to do some a little extra boulder hopping. Eaton Canyon’s Natural Area is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve that is open from sunrise to sunset. Hiking and picnicking is the perfect combination here.


Not being confined to a gym for a workout thanks to a climate that supports exercising comfortably outdoors year-round is something to celebrate. Who doesn’t want a full body workout while taking in America’s most scenic views located right outside your doorstep? That is the California dream.

Holiday Decor In Your Home

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Thanksgiving and Black Friday events are over, this means that it is time to decorate for the holidays. Living in an apartment can provide you with many options to decorate. You can create a perfect winter wonderland in any space with a little creativity and work. We have gathered a few apartment holiday decorating ideas that we love. Make sure to share your holiday photos with your Palazzo Westwood neighbors on our Facebook Page.

Windows

The windows in your apartment may be a favorite for you. Do you have a great view of the city or community? Use this space to start your holiday decorating. First, you need to gather some materials. Go to Pier 1 Imports and purchase some icicle lights and window snow paint. Hanging the lights while giving the illusion of snow on your windows (even if you are in a warm climate) is the perfect way to jump start your holiday spirit. Apartment Therapy can give you a few more ideas on how to make this look perfect.

Tree, Mistletoe, or Wreath?

The classic holiday items are perfect for any space, but deciding what is appropriate for your space is important. Mistletoe will fit in any apartment, all you need is a doorway or archway. Grab some mistletoe from Target and hang it in a high ceiling area in your house. Also, to add some holiday scents to your home, you can purchase a wreath. Even if you are not able to hang a wreath in your apartment or doorway, you can lean it against the wall on top of a cabinet or dresser. We recommend purchasing or making a wreath with scented pine cones in the arrangement. This gives you a nice holiday smell in your home all December long.

Be Creative

Getting in the holiday spirit is about your personal preferences. Do you have any decorations that are sentimental? Make sure to prioritize and put these up before anything else. These items will end up becoming your favorite pieces, and they will be displayed in every home that you live in.

DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece

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Thanksgiving is almost here. If you are hosting Thanksgiving or helping out, there are plenty of things to do to be ready for Thursday. Food preparation, cleaning, dessert baking and of course setting the table. The table may seem like the least important task, but with a few creative touches you could have a gorgeous holiday table that all of your friends and family will remember. Keep reading to learn how to make the perfect centerpiece for your new Thanksgiving tradition.


Flowers

The staple of any centerpiece are the gorgeous flowers. For a Thanksgiving centerpiece, we recommend sticking with browns, golds, oranges and reds. Apartment Therapy recommends using mums, goldenrods, hypericum and mystery greens. Instead of getting these flowers at the big superstore, head to your Westwood Flower Garden for fresh gorgeous flowers. Westwood Flower Garden is located at 1091 Gayley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024 just 3 minutes from your home at Palazzo Westwood.

Accessories
Whether you live in the city or in the country, you can always find creative ways to use what is available outside. Head to Irving Schachter Park and pick up some branches, pine cones or leaves from the trees. This is the perfect accent to your completed centerpiece. You may not use everything you find, but it is better to have extra than not enough.

Gather Your Supplies

You will need glue, rubber bands, scissors and more for your centerpiece. Head to Michaels to gather your supplies. You can even get creative with what you want to include in the centerpiece. If you want to add some glitter or a coat of paint to stick with a theme, you can pick that up at Michaels also. The final look of the centerpiece is all up to you.

Put It Together

Start by putting one stem and laying another across it. Make sure to continually attach your stems together. You keep doing this process in a clockwise motion. Once you have a few basic stems and flowers attached, start inserting leaves, branches or anything else you have gathered. Keep building this way until you have a bouquet that you are happy with. You can then insert the bouquet into a vase, or build a base out of the leftover supplies that you have.

We hope your new centerpiece comes out beautifully. If you want detailed instructions and images, please go to Apartment Therapy to learn more.

Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities

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Thanksgiving is a great day to spend time with friends and family. Every year we say what we are thankful for, as we have a day or two off work to relax and enjoy our time together. However, not everyone has a place to go on Thanksgiving. Los Angeles has many organizations that raise money or collect donations for this specific time of year. Here are a few organizations that will let you give back this Thanksgiving. 

Midnight Mission

This historic organization offers counseling, education, training, job placement and more to the city’s homeless population. They also provide food, shelter, personal hygiene and medical care. This organization started in 1914 when Tom Liddecoat provided a meal at midnight after church for the men of skid row. This organization, 100 years later, now provides all of these services plus special Thanksgiving and Christmas events for the homeless of Los Angeles. If you would like to volunteer, learn more at their website. 

Union Station Homeless Services

Union Station Homeless Services is San Gabriel Valley’s largest social services agency. This program provides year-around community meals and other services for the homeless population. These services include emergency shelter, community shower programs, children’e education and recreational activity and adult classes in parenting, money management and nutrition. USHS accepts donations and volunteers for their many programs. You can learn more at their website. 

One Voice

Santa Monica-based One Voice does a little it of everything to help our community. They provide emergency relief for families in crisis, a scholars program for low income students and a Holiday Food Program to distribute Christmas Food Baskets, toys, books and more to 2,500 families in LA poverty. The Thursday and Friday before Christmas, more than 2,000 volunteers come together to prep, sort and package food. It is a lot of work, but many volunteers have a great time socializing and getting into the holiday spirit. You can learn more about this organization and how to volunteer at their website. 

We are so thankful for our family, friends and residents at Palazzo Westwood. Do you have any volunteer opportunities? You can share them on our Facebook Page.  

Winter In Los Angeles

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Los Angeles might stay pretty warm in the winter months. However, we still like to celebrate the changing of seasons with the rest of the country. Los Angeles is home to some great fireplace bars. Wait until it get’s dark and cozy up with your friends and loved ones at these LA fireplace bars. We love a way to celebrate winter without having to deal with the colder temperatures in the rest of the country. 

The Wellsbourne

The Wellsbourne features wood accents and weathered leather-bound books. This atmosphere gives this bar a cozy library-like feel. This space was designed to resemble a 19th century English manor. You can pick your favorite cocktail while sitting next to the roaring fireplace. You can find The Wellsbourne at 10929 W Pico Blvd. 

The Churchill

This unique gastropub has great drinks and cocktails. However, it is also the perfect place to hang out during one of those rare chilly LA nights. This indoor and outdoor restaurant offers sliding glass walls that open up into a lush garden with a beautiful fire place. This gorgeous restaurant with iron table tops and Edison bulb lights is located at 8384 W. 3rd Street in West Hollywood. 

Terranea

Terranea is one of the best staycations in Southern California, but there is more to this place than the perfect getaway. The Lobby Bar’s fire roars during the winter nights. There are fire pits and fireplaces throughout the area to keep you warm during the slight chill of LA nights. You can even head down to Nelson’s for a beach vibe and a giant outdoor fire pit with live entertainment on Saturday nights. Terranea is located at 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes.

1886

The well trained staff at this Pasadena bar will make your favorite drink or a new seasonal cocktail every visit. You can sit next to their stone-hewn fireplace while you sip your cocktail on a breezy fall or winter night. You can find 1886 at 1250 S Fair Oaks Avenue in South Pasadena.

Grab a few of your friends from Palazzo Westwood and warm up at these gorgeous LA bars. It might still be 75 outside, but you can enjoy the perks of winter like the rest of the country.

Nachos in Los Angeles

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Nachos, cheese and guacamole sound pretty delicious on this Friday afternoon. We want to celebrate National Nacho Day with all of our favorite toppings on tortilla chips. Lucky for us, Los Angeles has so many great restaurants to choose from for our nacho lunch or dinner. If you don’t feel like trying one of these delicious restaurants, you can celebrate by making your own nachos while relaxing at Palazzo Westwood. 

The Lobos Truck

You might have to find the truck throughout Los Angeles, but it will be worth it. You must try their green dragon wachos. What are wachos? Nachos are waffle-fried nachos. Your wachos include sauce-tossed waffle fries, guacamole, scallions and ranch dressing. This sounds like the perfect Friday lunch treat. 

El Flamin’ Taco

This great food truck in Los Angeles has the famous carne asada nachos.  You can find them outside of the bars after closing time. These nachos are perfect for when you are hungry late at night or during the day. The carne asada nachos include refried beans, cheddar, avacado, jalapeños and sour cream. 

TLT FOOD

How do pork belly nachos sound? TLT Food is one of the only restaurants that makes this delicious unique take on nachos. You get tortilla chips with braised pork belly and more. This unique recipe is thanks to the Chef Daniel Shemtob.

Tacos Villa Corona

Tacos Villa Corona in Atwater Village will be tempting for your tastebuds. You can order the Chilaquiles. These are delicious breakfast nachos for your commute to work. This morning restaurant closes at 2pm so make sure to get there early in the day. You can even switch it up by trying their chilaquiles burrito. 

HomeState

HomeState in East Hollywood is a place we recommend for everyone to visit. What can you get at HomeState to celebrate National Nacho Day? Their specialty is Frito Pie in a bag. This recipe is Fritos topped with chile con carne or black beans, cheddar cheese, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, pickled jalapeños and pickled red onions. 

Candy Everyday

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Boo! It is almost Halloween, and we are ready to inhale as much candy as possible. Chocolate, pixie sticks and gummy worms are plentiful on this spooky holiday. We are glad we have these classic treats, but Los Angeles has many unique candy shops that we are also excited to try on this “cheat day” every year. Head out with some friends from Palazzo Westwood and try this unique candy on Halloween this year. 

Sweet!

Sweet! in Hollywood is a giant store with a sweet theme. This candy store boasts different boutiques and regions of candy that will defiantly let you explore new flavors. This 30,000 square food store has over 300 types of chocolate bars, 860 chocolate products, 200 types of gummies, 140 flavors of gum, 250 lollipops and more. Make sure to save some time for the “Wonka Inventing Room”. You can try every single Wonka Candy creation that has ever been created. If you want to make your own chocolate bar, head to the “Chocolate Lab” to put your candy flavor skills to work. These are just a few of the features to this unique and giant candy space. 

Dylan’s Candy Bar

This coast to cost candy phenomenon is located in the Los Angeles Grove outdoor shopping mall. This store may be a child’s dream, but it also has many things for adults too. You can look at more than 5,000 types of candy which is stacked from the floor to the ceiling. Whether you are choosing your own selection or purchasing a pre-packaged option, you will have plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth on Halloween. They also have many themed candies in stock from Hello Kitty to Wizard of Oz. 

Sugar Factory

The Sugar Factory is located next to the famous TCL Chinese Theater. This three story candy filled shop has a wide variety of sweets for you to choose from. If lollipops are your thing, you can get various themed pops throughout their store. This variety includes everything from Marilyn Monroe to Hello Kitty lolipops. You can also sample their variety of milk shakes and ice cream sundaes. If you are brave enough, make sure to try their King Kong, which includes 16 scoops of ice cream plus sprinkles and more. 

Happy Halloween in Los Angeles

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Are you excited for Halloween? Whether you are dressing up as a devil, a witch or a celebrity, Los Angeles has some amazing events for you to celebrate the night of the living dead. Palazzo Westwood is in a great location to be able to get to all of these local events. Check them out and have a great Halloween in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

This is not the kid-friendly hayride that you remember. There will be no pumpkins or silly scarecrows making you laugh. This Haunted Hayride brings together every fear you have as you ride throughout Griffith Park. This long hayride takes you on a journey themed around "Boogeyman". These nightmarish characters can surprise you from anywhere throughout your ride. It also many scare zones and a pitch black maze for you to add to your adventure. 

Halloween Horror Nights

This is not just your typical haunted attraction. This is Halloween Horror nights at Universal Studios. There is a Crimson Peak: Maze of Madness based on the new Guillermo del Toro film. Visitors will explore the decaying remains of a Victorian labyrinth. You can also experience the classic Halloween attractions such as Insidious, Halloween and The Walking Dead. Do not forget to make time for the Terror Tram through the backlot. That is an attraction you will never forget.

West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval

Do not forget about the largest Halloween street party in the world. This is one of the best places to be on October 31st. Over a half million people gather in their favorite costumes to celebrate this spooky night once a year. There is dancing, drinking and parade costume contests. Make sure to see the crowing of the "Queen of the Carnival". Also, don't be surprised if their are special guests. In 2011, MTV surprised the crowd with a pop-up Robyn concert. 

These are just a few of the great events throughout Los Angeles. This city really knows how to celebrate this spooky night once a year. Do you have an event that you are attending? Share the details on the Palazzo Westwood Facebook Page. 

Day Trips From Los Angeles

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Do you need to escape for a day? We have all wanted to just take a weekend and get away from the busyness of life. Lucky for you, Los Angeles and Palazzo Westwood are a short distance from many great California day trips. Pile in the car for a mini adventure on this gorgeous California weekend. We think this will give you a little boost of energy to start the work week on Monday.

The Painted Canyon

Take a 2.5 hour drive to Mecca, California and explore the Painted Canyon. The walls of the canyon are mineralized, which is what makes the breathtaking colors that you see when you are hiking through the canyon. You can also take a second hike to the Ladder Canyon, which is a loop hike that takes you through a slot canyon with ladders at steep points. This adventurous hike will be both gorgeous and fun.

The Cabazon Dinosaurs

Just 98 miles from Los Angeles is Cabazon, California. This town may be small, but it has the Cabazon Dinosaurs which everyone must see at least once in their lives. These dinosaurs are from Pee-wee's Big Adventure. The collection includes a three story concrete T-Rex, a 150ft-long Apatosaurus that you can go inside and more. You can also interact with animatronic dinosaurs in the museum.

The Salton Sea

161 miles from Los Angeles is an accidental man-made lake that is a little different than what you normally expect. This old flooded town is the perfect place to work on your Instagram or photography skills while still exploring a part of history. This old tourist mecca flooded and overtook everything from houses to gas stations. There are only a few hundred people left, but it is a spooky way to spend a weekend before Halloween.

Fort Tejon

Do you want a little history in your weekend trip? Just 73 miles from Los Angeles is Fort Tejon. This fort was built in the 1850s, but it is now the home to Civil war reenactments. You also can celebrate Halloween with their candle-lit ghost tours in October. This might not be your typical getaway, but you will have fun exploring history in a new way.

Best Cookies in LA

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If you’re a fan of cookies (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), this month is for you! In celebration of National Cookie Month, we’re giving you a list of some of the best places for you to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Diddy Riese

Delicious cookies come with a price, but at Diddy Riese that price happens to be very affordable. You can get three cookies for $1.25. Some of their flavors include Peanut Butter, Oatmeal Raisin with Walnuts, Chocolate White Chocolate Chip, and more.

Platine Sweets and Savories

At Platine Sweets and Savories, you can place your order online and get it shipped right to your home at Palazzo Westwood. Not only are the cookies delicious, but you can choose your cookie package online or join the cookie of the month club!

Huckleberry

If you are looking for a healthier cookie or have special dietary needs, Huckleberry is the spot for your cookie craving. They offer whole wheat options such as Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip and Whole Wheat Shortbread. They also offer a Vegan Peanut Butter cookie and the choice of a Gluten-Free Coconut Macaroons cookie.

The Sycamore Kitchen

The Sycamore Kitchen is the spot for anyone who is looking for original cookie flavors. Sink your teeth into any of the delicious options: Rice Crispy, Oatmeal Toffee, Chocolate Chip Rye, Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge, Rosemary Sugar, Flourless Chocolate Brownie, Fluffed Butter, and Fennel Butter.

Valerie Confections

Valerie Confections is another place that will deliver right to you at Palazzo Westwood! Milk chocolate chips, roasted almonds, and cocoa nibs, and Durango hickory smoked salt gives the Durango a taste like no other. Also try their Gingersnap or Sugar cookies.

Milk Jar Cookies

At Milk Jar Cookies, they make homemade, unique, and delicious cookies. They keep the batches small, so you’re guaranteed to get a cookie that is fresh. Give the Rocky Road or Banana Split cookies a try and you won’t be sorry.

With all of the great choices for cookies, you can turn National Cookie Month into your own National Cookie Year. Give them a try and share notes with your neighbors about your favorite places and favors.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month all across the nation. There are hundreds of events designated to raise money for the research and treatment of breast cancer. There are many things you can do to help prevent breast cancer and help people see a few more birthdays each year. The Making Strides Foundation is focused on raising money for this cause.

Saturday October 17th at Microsoft Square at L.A. Live will be a walk to raise money for breast cancer research in hopes to make breast cancer eradicated in this century.  These Making Strides walks are the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. You can sign up for a three to five mile walk and start to raise money for this cause. Your contributions will be helping those who are currently dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, people who may face them in the future and research in hopes to find a cure.

Check in starts at 7am with the walk beginning at 8am. However, due to the number of participants please make sure your group is at the starting line by 8am. Opening ceremonies start at 7:15am and they are held to symbolize the commitment each of us makes to eradicate breast cancer.

If you are a survivor, make sure to check in at the tent to receive American Cancer Society information and a free gift plus a massage! There is also entertainment throughout the day on the main stage starting at 8am. Since the walk is not a race, the walk will be completed when the final person crosses the finish line. You do not need to finish the walk if you are unable. After the walk, come to the walk for refreshments, entertainment and snacks.

This event takes place rain or shine so make sure to check the weather and dress appropriately. There is parking available, but please arrive early so you can check in on time.

This is just one of the many events that are held to raise money for breast cancer. Get a team together with your friends at Palazzo Westwood and go support this amazing cause.

Fall in LA

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It might not feel like fall in Los Angeles, but fall is technically here. Just because we are experiencing hot temperatures this time of year, does not mean we cannot enjoy the cool weather activities that the rest of the country experiences. Oktoberfest, festivals and concerts are just a few of the ways we can celebrate the change in seasons. Invite your friends from Palazzo Westwood and see what you can find in our gorgeous city. 

Los Angeles Oktoberfest

Happening a little later in the season is the Los Angeles Oktoberfest. This event is held October 16th-18th at the Beverly Hills Country Club. For $100 dollars per person, you can acquire glass bier stein that gives you unlimited refills throughout the festival. You also can enjoy food and entertainment throughout the three day event. The best part about this event is that it raises money for local charities in the region.

Farm Pumpkin Patch

The Tapia Brothers Farm Pumpkin Patch is not just a quick way to buy a pumpkin. You can literally get lost in the famous Tapia Brothers Farm epic corn maze. This maze is so big it is in a separate lot across from the pumpkin patch. You can run through the maze with a map and a sheet full of trivia questions. As you run around the maze, you can find the answers. If you complete the maze and the answers you can submit your name to win $100. After you complete the maze, go pick out a pumpkin or five to carve for your Halloween celebrations. 

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

The famous Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is back for this Halloween season. This is not a kid-friendly ride through a pumpkin patch. This hayride includes everything from demons to monsters all throughout Griffith park. There is a pitch black maze and scare zones just waiting to help your Halloween spirit. This year’s theme is “Boogeyman”. This event happens all throughout October. You can learn more on their website. 

These are just a few of the great fall events occurring throughout Los Angeles. What is your favorite fall event?

Pumpkin Flavor in LA

Image From Wikimedia and Evan Swigart

It may still be warm in Los Angeles, but everyone is already craving pumpkin flavored everything. From lattes to cheesecakes, you can find people looking for pumpkin flavor in even the most obscure foods. This is even true in a variety of restaurants throughout Los Angeles. We have found a few dishes that we are so excited to try. Do you have any pumpkin flavored recipes? Share them with your friends at Palazzo Westwood.

Messhall Kitchen on Los Feliz Blvd has a delicious menu that we love to sample and try. However, their pumpkin items are the reason we are so excited to go there this fall. We want to start with a roasted pumpkin bisque with black truffle and fresh mozzarella grilled cheese. This is just the main course. Dessert is what we have been craving all day. Make sure to try their pumpkin cheesecake, that is made with a gingersnap crust.

Stir Market is one of the newest restaurant concepts in Los Angeles. This is a modern take on the European food hall experience. It is part retail space and part dining area. We are heading their this fall to try the small red-orange pumpkin salad. This salad has a butternut squash, pumpkin seeds and pomegranate all mixed into it. This is the perfect lunch to hit all of our pumpkin cravings. You can find the Stir Market at 7475 Beverly Blvd.

Maybe a salad is not enough for your pumpkin cravings. Fig and Olive on Melrose Place will give you a slice of France in Los Angeles. They are serving a pumpkin sage ravioli that is made with free range chicken, ricotta and charmoula, topped with a pumpkin olive oil emulsion, toasted pumpkin seeds, parmesan and an aged balsamic Frantioio olive oil. Make sure to try their other fantastic dishes during your next visit.

These are just a few of the many Los Angeles restaurants that will help you satisfy your pumpkin cravings. We want to know what your favorite pumpkin item is? Comment on our Facebook Page with your favorite pumpkin drink or food item and where to get it!

Other Sources:
CBS Local

Remember 9/11 in Los Angeles

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14 years have passed since September 11th. We can all remember exactly where we were when the terrorists attacks started in NYC that morning. Even though it has been over a decade since that faithful day, we will never forget friends, family and citizens that we lost in the attacks. Los Angeles has many ways to remember 9/11 through events and memorials around the city.  After you leave your home at Palazzo Westwood tomorrow, stop by one of these events before you make your way to work.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University will display 2,977 flags to remember the 2001 terrorist attacks. These flags represent each victim in all four of the attacks on our country. The flags will be on display until September 23rd at Alumni Park on Pacific Coast Highway.

LAFD

There will be a small memorial tomorrow from 7-8:30am at the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society Museum and Fallen Fighters Memorial. This ceremony will be held at 1355 N. Cahuenga Blvd.

Memorial Garden Ceremony

The Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial Garden Ceremony will take place at 5:30 pm. A floor beam from one of the twin towers is displayed in the garden's center. This garden is located at the Beverly Hills Fire Department.

Los Angeles Fire Department Station 88

This ceremony will start at 7pm at Station 88 in Los Angeles. Many government officials are scheduled to attend along with the Sweet Adelines chorus. The memorial fountain in front of the station has a piece of the world trade center that weights 750 lbs. It also has a piece of limestone from the Pentagon.

The Los Angeles Fire Department also has a few other events of remembrance that you can attend. The Los Angeles Fire Department official event will be at 1700 North Stadium Way from 10am-11am. Operation Valley Bureau will also be hosting "9/11/15 Fourteen Years Later" at 7pm in Sherman Oaks. You can learn more about these two events at the LAFD website. 

If you can not attend these events, the LAFD asks that you take a moment of silence for all of the victims of the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

 Sources:

Daily News

LAFD

Labor Day in LA

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Los Angeles is a great place to spend your three day weekend. Labor Day is quickly approaching and we can not wait to spend a nice relaxing weekend at home. However, you can still go out and enjoy the sun without traveling too far. There are so many great Labor Day events around Los Angeles it might be hard to choose just one.

The Taste

This entire weekend is your chance to try the Los Angeles Times’ annual food and wine festival. You will be able to taste test the best food in the city while experimenting with some new flavors you may not have tried. The festival is Sept 4th-6th, and the tickets cost between $100-175. 

E.T 

“ET Phone Home” Everyone knows this iconic phrase from the Drew Barrymore classic 80s film.  The Hollywood Bowl is adding this film to it’s live-scores for Labor Day weekend. You can watch the movie in HD while listening to the L.A. Philharmonic provide the live score. This movie will be shown all weekend. September 4-5 at 8pm and Sept 6th at 7:30pm.

Craft Festival

Maybe you want to do a little shopping during your long weekend. Sept 5th-7th is the Fiesta Hermosa, which is one of the largest arts and crafts fairs in the country. This fair is held in downtown Hermosa Beach. It features more than 300 artisans plus live food and entertainment. You can head to the fair this weekend from 10am-6pm. 

BBQ at Terrine

Get some of that last summer food in your stomach before fall starts. Sept 7th there will be an all day BBQ on Terrine’s back patio. You can enjoy everything from fried chicken to classic sides as you enjoy the California sun. Reservations are recommended and the BBQ costs $35 a person. You can call 323-746-5130 to get your spot today. 

These are just four of the many great Labor Day events happening in Los Angeles. Whether you want to lay in the pool at Palazzo Westwood or eat corn on the cob, we hope you have a great long weekend. 

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Celebrate Your Dog

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Woof woof! It is #NationalDogDay, and we do love our furry four legged friends at Palazzo Westwood. Dogs can be your best friends and protectors through many years of your life. They always know how to make their owner’s day a little bit better with some cuddling and playtime. Here are a few ways to spoil your furry friend on National Dog Day. 

Let Them Run Free!

Start by taking your dog to Hermon Park in the Arroyo Seco Dog Park. This park is an off-leash park for your pets. Your dogs can run free through the off-leash area and play with their dog friends. To get to the dog friendly area: Follow the park lane from the park entrance to the Avenue 60 Bridge. Then, you will pass the tennis courts and children’s play area.You can then walk under the bridge and the path leads you to the dog park. Finally, if your dog is smaller or a bit shy, there is a separate area for those furry friends too. Remember food is not allowed in the dog park for safety reasons.

Make Them Feel Gorgeous

D Pet Hotels Hollywood knows how to make your furry friend feel like a movie star. Give your dog the day it deserves by booking a grooming appointment at D Pet Hotels Hollywood. You can give your dog a fresh hair cut or color, or you can even sign them up for a pet massage. Do your dog's nails need a little love? Give them a pawdicure and buff and clean those nails to perfection. Finally, finish your dog’s relaxing day with a D-Wrap. This thermal wrap detoxifies your dogs body and fur to a clean and healthy state. 

After you and your furry friend complete your day, you can come back home to Palazzo Westwood. Curl up on the couch and watch AirBud to cap off your special day. Palazzo Westwood loves our pets so make sure to take a selfie with your furry friend and post it to our Facebook page after your day. We hope you and your forever friend have a great day.

Great Nights Out In LA

Image From Wikimedia

We all can all call ourselves “foodies” from time to time, but Los Angeles has so many events that are in the foodie mecca. Every type of food and drink you can imagine is served at various events through the year. We have found a few events that we think you should defiantly try on your next free weekend or free night. 

Wine Night

You still have a few more weeks to experience the Barnsdall Art Park Friday Night Wine Tastings. This event is hosted on Frank Lloyd Wright’s newly restored Hollyhock House, and the evening’s music is provided by KCRW’s DJ Dan Wilcox. For $30, you can sample four selections of artisanal wines and local gourmet cheeses. Also, for an additional $12, you can take a curator-led tour of the House. These Friday Night Wine Tastings are from 5:30pm-8:30pm until September 4th. 

Taco Festival

If you are looking for an event of the free variety, it is happening downtown Grand Park on August 22nd. This park is home to two great events; the L.A. Taco Festival and a series celebrating the LGBTQ community. The L.A. Festival features tacos from Kogi, Tacos El Gallito, Homeboy Industries, Danny’s Tacos, Los Ruizeñores, Zingo and more. Also, you can hear music from California-based Afro-Latin influenced Quinta Penas. After you grab your tacos, head to the PROUD Picnic which will feature food trucks, music and games from 1pm-5pm. The Taco Festival will be from noon to 7 p.m..

Mixology Dinner

The Queen Mary’s dinner series is adding a new addition to their popular date nights. They will feature a Mixology Dinner and Competition in the Barrel Dinner Series. Four mixologists will be on hand to impress guest tastes and a chance to win $2000. The challenge is to pair a cocktail with a select dinner course made by the Queen Mary’s executive chef. The evening also includes welcome cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, the main course and dessert. This special event will be held on August 27th at 6pm. You can purchase tickets here for $130. 

All of these great events are close to your home at Palazzo Westwood. We hope you can grab some friends or that special someone and check out all of these great events that Los Angeles has to offer.