Entertainment

If you thought last weekends Entertainment was fun, wait till you see what we found for you this week.

Enjoy an evening of Christmas magic at The Americana at Brand Tree Lighting November 18 at 7:30pm. See Cirque du Santa, a winter wonderland of magical elves, flying reindeer, dancing snowmen, plus Santa Claus and fireworks finale!

Don't forget to check out the 100 ft. Christmas Tree, Dancing Fountains, Holiday Melodies, Snowfall Twice Nightly and much more.

Support the SPARK OF LOVE toy drive! Take a new, unwrapped toy to Concierge Services if you can. 

This is one Entertainment that's a must. Every year The Americana Tree Lighting gets better, and bigger. 

NOVEMBER 15 - JANUARY 21, 2013   DOWNTOWN ON ICE, L.A. PERSHING SQUARE

Get your glide on for the holidays at DOWNTOWN ON ICE -- cool fun at LA’s biggest outdoor rink with the smallest admission price, open everyday November 15, 2012 through January 21, 2013. Framed by towering trees and skyscrapers, the rink is all aglow in celebration of its 15th season as a favorite holiday happening with free events like the winter concert series, championship skating exhibitions, broomball games, and Winter Holiday Festival adding to festivities. 

The stunning Pershing Square facility is centrally located in the heart of the City of Angels at the Pershing Square Metro stop, easily accessible by car, bus or train. 

I think that this is the “hot ticket, must-do family activity for the season.”

TICKETS AVAILABLE ON SITE
$6 per one-hour skate session
$2 for skate rental

 

OPEN EVERYDAY
General Schedule
Monday – Thursday: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday – Sunday: 10:00am to 10:00pm

 

Special Extended Holiday Hours will apply
Hours for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day & Martin Luther King Day 
12:00pm to 10:00pm

 

LOCATION
Pershing Square
532 South Olive Ave (across from the Millenium Biltmore)

 

*****IF YOU'RE PLANNING ON VISITING SAN DIEGO FOR THE WEEKEND, HERE'S SOME UNIQUE ENTERTAINMENT TO EXPERIENCE THERE.******

November 14-18, 2012 SAN DIEGO BAY WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL

Foodies and wine enthusiasts flock to San Diego for this culinary celebration. The event includes wine tasting seminars and cooking classes taught by winemakers, sommeliers, and celebrity chefs. Plus a tasting event with wineries area restaurants, and gourmet food companies. For more specific information please visit their site at http://www.sandiegowineclassic.com/

November 18, 2012  THE OLD GLOBE'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

THE OLD GLOBE'S COPLEY PLAZA

Family friendly event features live performances by cast members of Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Christmas carols and delightful holiday snowfall. RSVP is required for this free event. 

Call The Old Globe Box Office at (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623) or send an email to Tickets@TheOldGlobe.org to make reservations. Reservations are limited to four per household.

You must have a confirmed reservation to be admitted. Space is limited and tickets will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

In the News

Toyota Recalls Nearly 3 Million Vehicles Due to Water Pump and Steering Issues

Toyota is recalling 2.77 million cars over a water pump problem and faulty steering issues.

The recall was prompted by a problem with the steering intermediate extension shafts, which can suffer damage if sharp turns are made at slow speeds.

Apparently the steering problem "is a design-related issue -- insufficient hardness on the specification," Brian Lyons, Toyota's spokesman for safety issues in the U.S told USA Today.

A second problem was reported with electric-powered water pumps, which may result in a failure of its hybrid systems.

Affected models include the Prius hybrid, Corolla, Wish and other models produced from 2000 to 2011 in Japan, and from 2000 to 2009 overseas.

The recall marks its second in as many months - in October, 7.43 million vehicles were flagged for a faulty power window switch that could cause fires.

The auto giant says no accidents have been reported related to the latest recall. Toyota says owners of vehicles covered by these recalls will receive an owner notification starting in December. Customers can get detailed information at www.toyota.com/recall and the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1 (800) 331-4331.

Beauty/Fashion

The Holidays are around the corner and we have compiled some fabulous and festive nail styles.

Check them out and let us know what's your favorite??????

Entertainment

Rain or Shine, we all love to go out on the weekends and have a Unique experience with our families.

It's also a great learning experience for children to explore, learn, have fun and spend quality time with their parents. Therefore, we bring you the best Entertainment for this weekend.

November 9-10, 2012  

PILGRIM PLACE FESTIVAL, Claremont

Sing along, a craft fair and marketplace, food, train rides, and kids activities. Pilgrim Place. 

909-399-5500

November 10-11, 2012

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS, PERRIS

An Imagination Station, train rides with Thomas the Tank Engine, and storytelling. Plus get your picture taken with railroad superintendent. Sir Topham Hatt. Location is at the Orange Empire 

Railway Museum.  

951-443-3264

November 11, 2012  7:30 - 9:30pm

THE GROVE'S TENTH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING   

One of the biggest spectaculars of the year is the tree lighting at the Grove every year; and it's this Sunday.

There are going to be many performances. Here are

some:

Backstreet Boys

Colbie Caillet

Scotty McCreery

Philip Phillips

Michael Bolton with Melanie Fiona

Far East Movement

Rickey Minor and His Band

DJ JibbJock

In the News

Nestle Recalls Nesquik Due to Salmonella Risk

Nestle USA is recalling some of its Nesquik chocolate powder because of a possible salmonella risk.

The food maker said Thursday that the Nesquik involved was in 10.9-, 21.8- and 40.7-ounce canisters produced in early October and sold at retailers across the country.

Nestle says it is issuing the recall after its ingredient supplier, Omaya Inc., decided to recall some of the calcium carbonate used in the product due to possible Salmonella contamination.

The company says there are no reported illnesses associated with the product.

The affected products have a ‘‘Best if sold by’’ date of October 2014.The recall includes the following products and unit production codes, which are located on the bottom of the canister.

-40.7 ounce powder with UPC 0 28000 68230 9 2282574810 2282574820

-21.8 ounce powder with UPC 0 28000 68090 9 2278574810 2278574820 2279574810 2279574820 2284574820 2284574830 2285574810 2285574820 2287574820 2289574810 2289574820

-10.9 ounce powder with UPC 0 28000 67990 3 2278574810

No other varieties of Nesquik powder are in the recall.

Health/Wellness

Ever since I can remember, I was told to eat honey every morning by my grandparents. My grandfather swears by it and says that it's the best medicine, sugar, dessert that  you can have. Even as a child my mother would always make us toast with butter and honey for breakfast. Taking their advice, I have also made it a staple in our household. Benefits of honey are many and I've done extensive research on honey and want to bring my finding to you.

The 3 key health benefits of honey are related to the fact that: 

1. Honey is nature's energy booster

2. Honey is a great immunity system builder

3. Honey is a natural remedy for many ailments

Read below for details.

Nature's Energy Booster

The benefits of honey go beyond its great taste. A great natural source of carbohydrates which provide strength and energy to our bodies, honey is known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting the performance, endurance and reduce muscle fatigue of athletes. Its natural sugars play an important role in preventing fatigue during exercise. The glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained energy. It is known that honey has also been found to keep levels of blood sugar fairly constant compared to other types of sugar. So, to experience these health benefits of honey, here are a few tips for you:

 1. Next time before you go for a workout, take a spoon of honey to enable you to go for the extra mile.

2. If you are feeling low and lethargic in the morning, instead of reaching out for a can of carbonated energy drink, try honey. Spread it on hot toast or replace the sugar in your tea with it for a refreshing surge of energy.

3. If your kids are finding hard to cope with the physical strain from the buzzing activities at school, prepare them some sandwiches with honey, butter and ham to make sure they have enough energy to sustain through the day. My kids are delighted when they see me prepare warm honey water in their bottles. They couldn't care a bit about the health benefits of honey, but simply love the taste of it!


Immunity System Builder

Amongst the many health benefits of honey, what is most impressive to me is that honey can be a powerful immune system booster. It's antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help improve digestive system and help you stay healthy and fight disease. Start every brand new day with this cleansing tonic if you want to see this health benefit of honey: before breakfast, mix a spoonful of honey and lemon juice from half a lemon into a cup of warm water and drink it.

Honey is Anti-Cancer!

Honey does not cure cancer but what many people don't think enough of or have overlooked is - honey possesses carcinogen-preventing and anti-tumour properties!

Honey Remedy for Ailments

FOR CUTS AND BURNS:

For thousands of years, honey has been recognized as one of the most natural home remedies to treat a wide range of ailments and complaints including yeast infection , athlete foot , and arthritis pain. Its antiseptic properties inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and helps keep external wounds clean and free from infection. Honey has been used as a natural cure in first aid treatment for wounds, burns and cuts as it is able to absorb moisture from the air and promote healing. Its antibacterial properties prevent infection and functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing both swelling and pain, and even scarring. It is widely believed that UMF Manuka is the preferred honey for wound dressing due to its strong antibacterial property.

FOR HANGOVERS:

When you get a hangover from drinking too much alcohol, combat its effects by applying honey remedy. Honey is gentle on the stomach and contains a mix of natural sugars such fructose which is known to speed up the oxidation of alcohol by the liver, acting as a 'sobering' agent. Follow this recipe: 15ml of liquid honey with 80ml of orange juice and 70ml of natural yogurt. Blend them together until smooth.

FOR SORE THROATS:

One of the better known health benefits of honey is that it is able to help treat sore throats. Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, honey not only soothes throats but can also kill certain bacteria that causes the infection. Professional singers commonly use honey to soothe their throats before performances. The Chinese believe that excess "heatiness" in the body causes sore throat and taking honey drink can be helpful. Direction: Take a spoonful of honey to soothe the inflammation or gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of honey, four tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Personally, whenever I have a sore throat or cough, I especially like to take warm water mixed with Manuka UMF honey which is well-known for its anti-bacterial healing properties.

For SLEEPLESSNESS:

Unable to sleep? Use the famous Milk and Honey Remedy. Take a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of honey to calm the soul and induce sleep. Or, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey to a cup of chamomile tea and sip.


One way that you can incorporate honey in your diet is by mixing some honey with chopped walnuts. Every morning have 2 tablespoons on an empty stomach and then start your day; it does wonders and you will see it in no time. This recipe is passed on by my grandmother who used to make it for me every saturday morning :)  Enjoy and here's to your health.

Entertainment

As moms we always plan ahead. Now that Halloween is over, it's time to get into the holiday spirit and plan some unique outings for the entire family. We have some of the really fun Entertainment ideas for this weekend worth experiencing.

November 2, 2012 - January 22. 1013   ICE AT SANTA MONICA

Every holiday season, Downtown Santa Monica brings a little ice skating to the beach side community and transforms the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue into ICE at Santa Monica, a premier outdoor ice skating rink. The 8,000 square foot rink by the beach offers residents and visitors a little taste of winter without the bite.

A great location for holiday play, ICE at Santa Monica is the perfect place to hang out with friends and family, throw a party in a private event cabana, enjoy a first date or sign up for skate lessons. Join the fun and visit Downtown Santa Monica this season to experience ICE.

Location
1324 5th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue in Downtown Santa Monica)

Hours of Operation
ICE at Santa Monica opens in early November and runs through Martin Luther King Day in January. The rink is open daily, including holidays, with extended hours of operation during holiday breaks.

Rates: Skate Rental $12        Lockers Rentals: $5

Monday-Thursday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday: 2:00pm - Midnight
Saturday: 10:00am - Midnight
Sunday: 10:00am - 10:00pm

November 1, 2012 - February 18, 2013    Holiday Ice Rink, Irvine

Orange County's only outdoor Holiday Ice Rink is a tradition the whole family can enjoy, located in Giant Wheel Court adjacent to Nordstrom and Macy's; Irvine Spectrum Center.

NOVEMBER 1, 2012 - FEBRUARY 18, 2013:   OPEN DAILY

Session Times (Ice resurfaced between each session):

11:00 am - 12:15 pm
12:30 am - 1:45 pm
2:00 pm - 3:15 pm
3:30 pm - 4:45 pm
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
8:00 pm - 9:15 pm
9:30 pm - 10:45 pm (extended session available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Nov. 11, Nov. 18-21, Nov. 23-24, Dec. 23, Dec. 26-30, Jan. 1-5, Jan. 21, Feb. 18)

Holiday Schedule:

November 22 (Thanksgiving Day) - CLOSED
December 24 (Christmas Eve) - Closed at 6:15 pm
December 25 (Christmas Day) - CLOSED
December 31 (New Year's Eve) - Closed at 9:15 pm
January 1 (New Year's Day) - OPEN 

Pricing:

ADULTS/CHILDREN:

$14.00 daily

TODDLERS:

$12 daily, includes skate rental

(sizes 5T - 12T only)

HELMETS:
no charge (recommended; available upon request)

SKATE RENTAL:
New skates for the 2012-2013 season! 
$3.00

November 3-4, 2012     Japanese Garden Festival, La Canada Flintridge

Descanso Gardens celebrates the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun with the Japanese Garden Festival. The autumn tradition returns on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3 and 4.

Enjoy Japanese music and traditional arts with activities for the whole family. Activities are presented both Saturday and Sunday, and are free with admission, unless noted.

Ikebana Display
9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Minka
Ikebana, the art of flower arranging, is perhaps the most famed and actively practiced of Japan's traditional arts. The Sogetsu School of Ikebana promotes a contemporary and international understanding of this art form, and meditations on plant life are reflected in these arrangements on display for your inspiration. Free with admission.

Admission 

General $8. Senior/Students $6. Children (5 to 12 years) $3. Guild members and children under 5 free.

escanso Gardens is located near the intersection of the 210 and 2 freeways. It is a 20-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles.

1418 Descanso Drive,
La Cañada Flintridge 91011