Holiday lights(and boat parades!) in the Los Angeles area - where to go to see the shows!

Sometimes it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit when it is sunny and 70f - even if they do pipe holiday songs over the loudspeaker at Perry's on the boardwalk at the beach. If you need to jolt yourself into holiday mood - going to see some lights is a perfect way to make it happen. Of course, this list is just as good for someone who is a Christmas freak and has been in the spirit since before Halloween (why not make it a quest to see all of them?).

Here are some of the best places to see Holiday lights in Los Angeles:

1. Zoo Lights at the LA Zoo - This is one of the best events in our area for lights. Head over to the Zoo Lights at the LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens for a night to remember. A couple of things to know in advance - there are fees for this event, and tickets can usually be purchased online. This is a fantastic show with reindeer, Santa (on some occasions), as well as snacks and goodies.

2. Beverly Hills - This is a potential "killing two birds with one stone" trip as you can enjoy the city lights, the holiday decorations, and get some shopping done as well! Beverly Hills has swooping lights and a sleigh with reindeer, gifts, and Santa crossing overhead. The palm trees are all lit up on Rodeo Dr, and there is a walk through light display along Santa Monica Blvd across from the lighted sign. Head to the Farm of Beverly Hills for an amazing homemade oreo cookie and coffee afterwards to make the trip complete.

3. Marina Del Rey Boat Parade - This is an incredible event! this year marks the 52nd Marina Del Rey Holiday Boat Parade. It is December 12, 2015 at Burton Chace Park. Fireworks kick off the event at 5:55 and the parade begins at 6:00 and runs through 8:00. This year's grand Marshall is none other than Florence Henderson! Free to the public, this event is held rain or shine. Get there early to get your seats, and be ready to see the magic.

4. Venice Christmas Boat Parade - this event is always the first Saturday in December (rain date is the next day) Make your way to the Venice canals for this imaginative and fun boat parade. It has been going since 1989, and in addition to seeing the boats, you can enjoy the decorations of the canal bridges, bedecked in their holiday lighting. Their philosophy is "no boat is too small" so if you have a boat and would like to enter, there is a spot for you! 

5. Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills

This is like a Hollywood movie brought to real life. This wonderful display has neighbors playfully attempting to outdo one another as they create a magical winter wonderland in what is one of the hottest locales in our entire area! It begins the second weekend in December and goes through the end of the year. On weeknights, the lights are on from 6:00 until 10:00; weekends from 6:00 until 11:00. This is predominantly a driving event and the hosts ask for drivers to be polite and sensible. Santa has been sighted here on occasion as well. Candy Cane lane is located at the intersection of Lubao and Oxnard Streets near Pierce College. 

6. Sleepy Hollow Christmas Lights in Torrance - This is a neighborhood that definitely gets it's groove on for the holidays! You can walk or drive through this neighborhood - if you want pictures I definitely recommend walking. There are homeowners that get out and sell hot chocolate, baked goods, and churros, so bring a few dollars with you if you want to partake of the goodies. This display runs from early December until New Year's Eve, and is on from about 6:00 p.m. through 10:00 p.m. each night. You can park on PCH, Calle Mayor, or Prospect and walk, or take Robert Road for the driving. 

7. Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena - If you want to see something that is truly historical AND totally holiday mood inspiring - you must go to the Lighting of Christmas Tree Lane! It is the OLDEST and LONGEST RUNNING large scale Christmas Lighting spectacle in the United States!! It is located on Santa Rosa Avenue between Woodbury Avenue and Altadena Drive. This year will be the 95th Christmas Tree Lane Lighting and Winter Arts & Crafts Festival. The Arts & Crafts Festival starts at 2:00 p.m. and the lighting Ceremony is at 6:00. After the lighting has taken place, you can drive down Christmas Tree Lane every night and take in the glory of the incredible trees and lights until the end of the year.

8. Upper Hastings Ranch in Pasadena - This is another opportunity to either drive or walk through a jaw dropping neighborhood full of Christmas Lights! They kick off with a Holiday Light Up on December 12. you can enjoy the lights from 6:00 until 10:00 every night through New Year's. Upper Hastings Ranch homeowners coordinate this fabulous display with a different theme on different blocks. After the neighborhood, you can swing over to the Balian Mansion at 1960 Mendocino Lane for a spectacular house display.

These are some of the best Holiday light displays in our beloved Los Angeles. Yes, I know about the incredible Newport Beach Boat Parade.....but that is in Orange County. Also, I have heard that Santa Clarita has wonderful neighborhoods full of Christmas lights well worth checking out. If you have a favorite that I have left off of this list, please let me know.

Let's Talk About the Weather......because it is FANTASTIC!

Many people wonder about what makes Pacific Palisades, California so special. The people, the sense of community, the beautiful houses, the vibrant local business scene all come to mind. However, one thing trumps nearly all of the others, and that would be the average weather in Pacific Palisades! It is, quite frankly, one of the most pleasant climates in the world.

The average temperature in Pacific Palisades varies to some degree throughout the year, with March being the coldest month of the year with an average high of 62f and the hottest month being September with an average high of 71f.. These averages do not convey the whole story though - There are usually several days in August and September when the temperatures get up in the higher 70s.

One of the most pleasant parts of the average weather in Pacific Palisades - which contributes to one of the greatest concerns as well - is that it hardly ever rains (and of course, it never snows.) Pacific Palisades gets only 13 inches of rain per year on average. For contrast - the US average is 37 inches of rain. There are 29 days with precipitation on average per year - a full 71 days less than the US average. You might think that means that we have 336 Sunny Days per year, however, this is not the case. We only have 265 sunny days per year on average. This is significantly better than the US average of 205 per year!

The weather in Pacific Palisades - and the rest of coastal California in Los Angeles - can be surprisingly cooler than people think it will be, especially in May and June. Tourists come to visit thinking it will be hot summertime weather, and they are shocked when it is in the mid sixties. The average high for May is 64f and the average high in June is only 66f. In the evening and at night, it is even cooler, typically dropping down to the 50s.

In addition to cooler weather than you may expect in late Spring early Summer, there is also a fairly consistent marine layer every morning in May and June, often referred to as the May Gray or the June Gloom. This is present along the shoreline nearly every morning, and sometimes does not burn off until after noon.

For more detailed information regarding the weather history in Pacific Palisades, CA, click here. The Intellicast website has great information regarding weather and climate in all areas.

To sum up the weather here in our area - it is superb. Moderate, predominantly sunny, blue skies and sunshine for all. Come and check it out for yourself!

Fifteen Things to Do in Pacific Palisades, California!

Want to have some fun in your own backyard? Pacific Palisades is a Los Angeles County gem for many, many reasons - and one of the reasons is that there is so much to see and do in this inviting town. If you want a break from your normal routine, or if you are visiting the Los Angeles area, here is a list of 15 awesome things to do in Pacific Palisades, CA. *Local tips in italics

1. PRETEND TO BE IN EUROPE! Visit the Getty Villa

* Best day - Thursday or Sunday

If you want to feel like you have left the West Coast and landed in Europe, take PCH to the Getty Villa! The Getty Villa combines architecture, art, and beautiful gardens for a breathtaking visit. (And all of this with an ocean view to boot!) The villa itself is a recreation of an ancient Roman country house. The art showcased is Greek and Roman art from 6,500 b.c. to 400 a.d. If gardens tickle your fancy, the four gardens at the villa will enchant you with their fountains, arbors, reflecting pools, and plants from the ancient Mediterranean world.

*Kudos to the Getty Villa - in awareness of the drought in California, they have turned off the water features currently. It could go without saying that there are shops and restaurants to round out your experience.

One of my favorite things to do at the Getty Villa is to go for tea. Every Thursday and Sunday at 1:00 you can enjoy 'Tea By The Sea". To make a reservation for tea, click here. 

THE ADDRESS OF THE GETTY VILLA, AS WELL AS THE HOURS, ARE AS FOLLOWS: WEDNESDAY–MONDAY 10:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.CLOSED TUESDAYSOPEN TUESDAYS, DECEMBER 22ND AND 29, 2015HOLIDAY CLOSURES: THANKSGIVING, DECEMBER 25 (CHRISTMAS DAY), AND JANUARY 1. 17985 Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

2. Hike Temescal Canyon! (and maybe even Get Married!) Temescal Gateway Park

*Dog friendly
Pacific Palisades is the home to Temescal Gateway Park, which truly is a gateway to the "Big Wild", and connects to both Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Park. It is one of the most popular parks in the Santa Monica Mountains. There are miles of hiking trails here with many levels of difficulty (including EASY! - most are moderate) which take advantage of the incredible ocean and city views from the crest lines while offering shady retreats and grassy areas too. This park has it all: restrooms, picnic tables, meeting rooms, a camp store, and even overnight accommodations. 

Temescal Gateway Park has retreat facilities and wedding services. There is even a honeymoon bungalow! If you have a business or a group that you would like to hold a memorable retreat, click here for more information. Your employees/colleagues/clients will thank you.
For more information and to plan your visit, click here.
Address for Temescal Gateway Park is Address: 15601 Sunset Blvd., Pacific PalisadesPhone: (310) 454-1395.

3. Ride a HORSE and visit a COWBOY's ranch! Will Rogers State Park

*Dog Friendly - leash must be 6' or less

This is a step back in time....to a simpler day....when Will Rogers would gather with family and friends to enjoy his favorite things in life - horses, roping, and relationships. This is definitely a 'must go to more than once' park! You can hike moderate to difficult trails, ride your own or their horses, learn about life in Coastal Southern California in the 1930's, take a tour (or do the self guided tour), or just plain hang out. Inspiration Point is a must see for anyone in the Los Angeles area. For serious hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, you can access the fantastic Backbone Trail which you can take all the way to Point Mugu (*no dogs on Backbone Trail).

Open daily, including holidays. Parking lot from 8:00 a.m. - Sunset. Parking is $12.00, Seniors parking is $11.00.

For Horseback Riding, click here for information and to make reservations.

4. See your reflection as you Reflect in the Self-Realization Lake Shrine!

* This is a MUST VISIT attraction in our town.

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles without having to get sand in your shoes? Then head to the Self-Realization Lake Shrine ASAP! It is a secluded enclave with a spring fed lake, gardens, a quiet trail, and a windmill. One of the special features of the shrine is the Mahatma Ghandi World Peace Memorial (which houses some of his ashes). The Court of Religions honors the 5 main religions of the world, and offers you the chance to meet and speak with people from all of them.

This is a place where losing track of time is not only possible...it is probable. If you hang out here long enough.....you will forget that you are even in Los Angeles county.

Located at 17190 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 310-454-4114
Gardens are open Tuesday - Saturday ffrom 9:00 a.m. -4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 - 4:30 pm.

5. Hike what is considered by many to be the BEST hike in Los Angeles County - Los Liones Canyon!

Like many of the parks and paths in Pacific Palisades, this hike will meet up with the Parker Mesa Overlook, Topanga State Park, and accesses other parks in the region. The views from the top of this hike are second to none - on a clear day, you see everything that our area has to offer - islands, ocean, beaches, cities, canyons - it is breathtaking. There are so many options for hikers - from a 1.5 mile quickie to a 10.3 mile trek to Mulholland Drive. 

566 Los Liones DrPacific Palisades, CA 90272

6. Get Beautiful! (This is the land of beautiful people; as they say - when in Rome.....) Michele International Salon, Beauty Supply, and Blow Dry Bar

If you are looking to change up your hair, or just need a trim - you cannot beat the crew at Michele International. Anne is my go-to hairdresser, however, they are all excellent. In addition to the salon, they also have a Beauty Supply shop and a Blow Dry & Braid Bar further up Swarthmore Ave. Anne Egan and Marice McRory-Irwin are the co-owners of this salon, and they work hard to take care of their clients each and everyday.

They are located at 1016 N Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. Give them a call at (310) 454-1885 to schedule your appointment today.

7. What good is great hair without great nails? Bellagio Nails & Spa

My favorite nail salon in Pacific Palisades is Bellagio Nails & Spa, hands down. (pun intended). They meet or exceed my expectations at each visit. The salon is always clean, and they take special precautions regarding sanitation (liners in the foot spas, autoclaving tools, etc). They offer organic polish options, massages, waxing services, and of course all manner of manicures and pedicures. 

The staff is attentive and focused on a good customer experience. I go in and bring photos of what I want my nails to look like, and they have always recreated the look I wanted.

They are located on the second floor at 970 Monument, Pacific Palisades, CA. Easy parking in the garage under the building. You can call ahead to reserve a seat and or a particular manicurist at (310)454-8841. 

8. EAT! EAT! Then EAT some more!

Okay - so there are more great restaurants in Pacific Palisades than I can put on this list - so I am going to list (in no particular order) several of my favorites with links to their websites. Please share your favorites with me too!

French - Maison Giraud - I left my heart at Maison Giraud.....don't miss the Lavender Blue shop next door. *Go on the first Thursday of the month for the Oyster Bar....you will not regret it! 
1032 Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310)459-7561   
 



Fast - Palisades Garden Cafe - when I am in a rush and still desire excellent food at a great price served by engaging staff - I look no further than the Palisades Garden Cafe. 
*The freshness factor is consistently high!
15231 1/2 La Cruz Drive
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310)459-6160

Long lunch with colleagues - Beech Street - yes, we will have the large bottle of Pellegrino and the goat cheese appetizer to start! Your business will have no choice but to improve if you strategize here. the atmosphere is conducive to long conversations. 
863 Swarthmore, Pacific Palisades, CA. 

Italian - Vittorios - a locally owned, family run gem. * They will substitute steamed asparagus or broccoli for pasta!! Makes this low starch lady very happy. 
Located at 16466 Marquez Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 

American - Taste - make this a regular stop. It is excellent food and drink served by gracious staff in an inviting atmosphere. *Go on Wednesdays for the Farmer's Market Dinner - it is beyond compare.
538 Palisades Dr, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310)459-9808

Sushi - Pearl Dragon - nothing more really needs to be said. In my dreams of heaven, Pearl Dragon is there. *The Jetty Special Roll is a delight.  
Located at 15229 West Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA. For reservations, call 310-459-9790

9. Make your own food! Go to the Farmer's Market!

Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1037 Swarthmore Ave, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. The Pacific Palisades Farmers Market is a California Certified Farmers Market. 
Like their Facebook Page to stay up to date on vendors and special events.

10. Go to a play! The Theatre Palisades

Since 1963, Theatre Palisades has entertained and enthralled theatre goers with wonderfully produced plays. They have 5 productions each year, with 18 show times per production. In addition, they have a youth program, Theatre Palisades Youth. For more information on the youth program, click here. The Theatre Palisades is membership and subscription based, however you can also buy tickets per show. Call (310)454-1970 for more information or visit their website and go see a show!

The playhouse is located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

11. Play some tennis, chase your kids, watch a game at the Palisades Park & Recreation Center!

The park & Rec center has it all - facilities, fields, a playground, classes, events, league play, anything and everything you would want in a local Parks & Recreation. From preschool to basketball leagues - check everything out here.

12. Learn to SURF! Always Summer Surf Lessons

Why the heck not? Always Summer Surf School can get you up and hanging in no time! They also offer refresher/enhancer classes for their students after they get the hang of things. They offer a personal touch in their service that adds to the overall experience. Become a fan at their Facebook Page. If you want to go old school, you can call them at 424-234-3161. *If you have dreamt of learning to surf since you were a kid - make this the year that it actually happens. You will not regret it.

13.Go Shopping! Vivian's Boutique

Pacific Palisades has a broad range of shopping options. There is a boutique on Via de La Paz that is worth the stop for ladies - Vivian's Boutique. Vivian (who is there most days) has been a stylist, business woman, and enhancer of people's self esteem for decades! Vivian's Boutique is a way to incorporate the most current trends in dressing while still developing your own individual look. She has everything from day to day basics (tanks and leggings) to formal dresses and just right jackets. *She has the ability to get you to try on things that you would not normally try on, and often fall in love with the results. Next time you are in town, stop by and see Vivian.  Located at 875 Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades, CA.

14. Go to  Polo Game! Will Rogers Polo Club

Pacific Palisades is home to Los Angeles County's one and only Polo Field! If you have never been, it is a fun way to spend the weekend! Who knows, you may become a regular attendee. Check out the schedules and events here.

15. Hhhmmm.....there seems to be something I am forgetting....oh yes, how about go to the beach? Will Rogers State Beach

This beach is paradise. With expansive views of Malibu and Santa Monica, it is one of the best beaches in the area. *Less crowded than most of the Santa Monica and Venice Beaches, it offers convenient parking (for a fee - there is some free street parking with a short walk), restrooms, snack bar, volleyball courts, a bike/walk path, and sunsets you will remember your entire life. Located where Temescal Canyon Road meets PCH. This cannot be missed.

Okay, so here are fifteen things to do in beautiful Pacific Palisades, California. Of course, there is so much more! Please feel free to share your favorite thing to do, place to go, or people to see in our lovely area.

Bridget Ann Stuart
ca bre #01723176
REALTOR, Keller Williams Palisades | Malibu
310-909-6769

Taste - a Slice of Culinary Heaven in Pacific Palisades

Are you in the mood for an inviting atmosphere, delicious food presented beautifully, and friendly service? Then you need to go to Taste, a fantastic restaurant here in Pacific Palisades that offers all of that and more.

This is one of my go-to restaurants for lunch whether business or casual. I go for dinner less frequently, however, it is always superb when I do.

It has a rather unassuming curb front. However, when you walk inside, you are greeted by warm smiles and a beautifully appointed decor with an understated appeal. You are vaguely reminded of a bistro you may have been to in Paris, or a cozy hideaway in Washington DC. You cannot quite put your finger on it....but the vague and pleasurable instant of deja vu is nice.

This is not the be all and end all though - after all, you are there because you are hungry! Let me assure you, as a pseudo regular that has sampled slightly more than half the menu - you will not be disappointed. From appetizers to dessert - the food is fresh, flavorful, delightfully combined and presented, and customized graciously to your tastes.  Here is a link to their menus.






A few highlights include the Chopped Sabrosa Salad with black tiger shrimp, the kobe beef burger, and the Crispy Chicken Paillard. In terms of appetizers, I cannot get enough of the Artichoke. No, I do not want to share one with you. Get your own, dagnabit.

If you have stumbled into Taste because you are thirsty more than hungry - great news - they now have a full bar, and fantastic cocktails. I am biased as a lover of Maker's Mark, but believe me when I say that the Fall Guy is a magical drink. (excuse me for sounding somewhat Barrymoreish.)


If you are on a cheat day from your typical "I live in SoCal" eating regime, I encourage you to splurge on the magnificent White Truffle Mac and Cheese, and/or the Chocolate Decadence. Let me just say that both are quite literally moan inducing as you eat them. I was going to take a photo of the Chocolate Decadence last Friday.....alas, my had was too quick to the fork and not the camera.

On that note - and I believe my lunch companion Craig White will agree - the mood, ambiance, and relaxing environment that Taste has created is conducive to talking with each other...setting our technological balls and chains to the side for an hour or so....and actually engaging in a real conversation with the humanoid in front of us.

I encourage you to give Taste a chance if you haven't already. If you have, please share your favorite dish with me, and I will try it next time I am there. Ask if Courtney, one of the managers is there - she always has a welcoming smile and recommendations for a great meal.

For more information regarding this restaurant, their upcoming events, and to sign up for their newsletter, click here.

P.S. Another great appetizer.....seared tuna with cucumber and avocado.......

QT Fitness....refreshingly transformative!

So in my quest to learn about as many of the locally based business in Pacific Palisades, I encountered Danielle Robinson, owner and trainer at QT Fitness. Of course, I had to stop by and check out their facilities, class offerings, and staff. I am happy to share what I discovered at the boutique fitness studio at Highland Shopping Center.

First of all - great concept. QT Fitness is a boutique studio focusing on spin, barre, and yoga for women. Danielle Robinson met me at the studio for a tour and a chat. She asked me if I ever did spin classes. As the question left her lips, she noticed the change in my demeanor and face. "I went a few times back in 2007...." I replied with a look of dread and as if I had just tasted something horrible. Danielle chuckled softly and asked if they yelled at me and the rest of the class. I shared with her that they did -  that the level of intensity was set at fanatic and lowering it was not an option. And I am no wuss - I have completed P90x and am currently doing T25, so I can handle intensity.....spin class in 2007 was beyond my limit. "We don't yell and scream here. We encourage in a positive yet still powerful way." She went on to explain how spinning can be an integral part to an overall fitness plan, and can help women like me make progress to their overall health goals.

We then ventured into the back part of the studio where the yoga classes and the barre classes are held. As a former (lifetime ago) ballet dancer, the barre classes are very appealing to me. The space is inviting, and has a welcoming vibe. Danielle let me know that they limit the size of their yoga and barre classes so that the instructors can pay more attention to each of the participants. So.... no over stuffing of the room with 60 people fighting for space and getting lost in the back left corner of the room? No, not at QT Fitness.

The yoga offered at QT Fitness is focused on flexibility, balance, and stretching. It is an option for all levels of experience as the teachers are able to help you modify the moves if it is too advanced for you. When I asked Danielle if there was a lot of "showboating" in the yoga classes, she assured me there is not. Having the smaller class size allows the instructors to create an environment where the yoga experts can shine and provide an excellent role model for newbies, while having the newcomers feel comfortable progressing towards their best work. Nice.

I was impressed with QT Fitness's focus on the scope of what they deliver - they know their niches and they execute them well. Spin - Barre - Yoga. Clear, concise, and with enough variety to make it your entire workout regime as well as being a versatile addition to a traditional gym or workout routine. Danielle and her team will meet with you to see what your goals are - whether they be reducing/relieving stress, losing weight, gaining strength/flexibility/balance, overall well being - they can put together a plan for you that will help you work towards your desired outcome. "We encourage progress over perfection" according to Danielle.

Second of all - great location. QT Fitness is located at 542 Palisades Drive in the Highlands Shopping Center, right near Starbucks and Happy. Easy parking, easily accessible, and ten minutes from every school in town - no matter which direction! This location is perfectly suited for those who live in Pacific Palisades, the east end of Malibu, and Santa Monica north of Wilshire (although of course it is available for anyone!).

Third of all - great people. All of the instructors at QT Fitness are certified, experienced, and committed to having a positive impact on the well-being of all of their clients. In addition to Danielle - Jenna, Lola, Staci, and Whitney all teach a variety of spin classes, each with their own personalized stamp. As far as yoga and barre, Danielle, Gabrielle, Jordan, and Star are at your service. Having such a broad range of fitness professionals working at one location offers a depth of opportunity for you and allows Danielle the ability to fulfill her commitment to helping women reach their fitness goals beyond just being a "QT". If you click here, you can read about each instructor's credentials, experience, and forte. There is also a link that takes you to there class schedules.

Last but not least, they have several items of convenience (and panache) for purchase, in the event you need footwear for barre class, or something to restrain your mane, they have some point of sale products within easy reach.

So are you ready to check out QT Fitness? To make it even more irresistible, Danielle offers a Diva Pass to anyone who wants to try out the studio. The Diva Pass gives you your first class free. QT Fitness offers several options for taking classes - pay as you go, prepurchase a set number of classes, or monthly passes. They also offer discounts to businesswomen who work in Pacific Palisades.

I will close up this review with the following observation - Danielle was engaging, knowledgeable, and down to earth. She had a natural smile and grace. When I asked her about other gym and studio options in town, it was clear that she has a deep knowledge of what is available for women's fitness in our area, and she was happy to share that information in a positive way. That shows me that she is a businesswoman with integrity, and confidence in her product. I will be back to QT Fitness for barre class......and she may have convinced me (without any yelling) to try a spin class again.