Category Archives: festivals

The Ultimate Guide to the Catalina Wine Mixer

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The Ultimate Guide to the Catalina Wine Mixer

By Monica

*We were invited as media to attend this amazing event. All thoughts and opinions remain our own!*

Of all the Southern California places I’ve visited, I have to say Catalina Island is one of the most relaxed and most welcoming. I love the serenity of the island. The island of Catalina is an hour-long ferry ride from Los Angeles. When you arrive to Avalon, which is a resort community on Catalina, you will find a very cute town surrounded by tourist shops and restaurants. The Island has an Italian Coast feel to it, which makes it a staycation dream destination.

Last weekend we took advantage of the insanely beautiful 90-degree weather and boarded the Catalina Express from Long Beach towards Catalina Island to enjoy the famous Catalina Wine Mixer.

Inspired by the hilarious “It’s the %$#&*@ Catalina Wine Mixer” scene from Will Ferrell’s comedy classic Step Brothers, the real-life Catalina Wine Mixer at Descanso Beach Club started back in 2015 and since then it has evolved into a 3 day event, featuring wine-tasting, live bands, DJs, fun cocktails, delicious food, crafts, and dancing.

Here’s a useful guide that will help you plan the perfect Catalina Wine Mixer experience:

1. Get there early: If you can go on Friday night for a viewing of Step Brothers and other fun activities, do it. If you are only going for Saturday, then make sure you board the first ferry towards the Island so you can enjoy a variety of land tours, boat tours, or even adventure tours such as zip lining.

2. Wear cute but comfortable clothes and shoes: The live entertainment takes place on a sunny beach and on soft grass. Casual is recommended. If you want to wear your Step Brothers inspired clothes that is fine as well. If you are planning to enjoy the water at Descanso Cove, you are going to need a swimsuit. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

3. Eat, Drink and be Merry:  The Catalina Wine Mixer is not a fancy wine-tasting event, it is more like a fun beach party, and however, I can assure you will find good wines! You can sample a variety of offerings from notable West Coast wineries.

4. Get the VIP pass: Besides entrance to the party area at Descanso Beach Club you get access to Saturday Wine Lunch at Descanso Beach Club and Saturday Evening Lounge (includes snacks, dinner, house wine and no host bar) at Descanso Beach Club plus 5 Wine/Micro Beer Tastings

5. Take advantage of the other activities available at Descanso Beach Club: For an additional fee you can enjoy some cool activities such as Paint & Sip workshop, Outrigger Canoe Races, Paint your own rock and even charms making.

6. Book a hotel and stay for the weekend: If you want to make the most of your trip to Catalina Island you can make it a weekend getaway with your friends. Book a hotel; you can normally find amazing specials at the Catalina Island Company website.

To see more highlights from the Catalina Wine Mixer Click Here!

This is an event you do not want to miss. If you want to find out about next year’s dates then visit: Catalina Wine Mixer! 

Indulge LA: Chocolate & Pastry Show!|@IndulgeLA #IndulgeLA

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Indulge LA: Chocolate & Pastry Show!

By Erin

*I will be attending this event as media. All thoughts and opinions remain my own*

pastry LA

I love chocolate. And wine. Which is why I am so excited to be covering The Indulge LA Chocolate & Pastry Show, coming to Los Angeles on December 27th. If you haven’t already indulged in enough Christmas treats by then, you’ll have one more chance here before the new year rings in, when we’ll all be trying to stick to those new years resolutions to go back to eating healthier and all that. You have to treat yourself every once and awhile to something special like this though right? AND it’s for such a GREAT cause as this event also benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Another reason why I am so very excited for the Chocolate Festival and Pastry Show to hit Los Angeles is because Celebrity food critique Sophie Gayot will be here hosting the event. I recently had the chance to meet her and sit next to her at a very special media dinner at the Bel Air Bar and Grill (post to come soon about this magical experience. I say magical as it has ties to Disney) and she is a very amazing woman. I was honored to be in her presence, and to hear her words of wisdom, her fiery spirit, and words of inspiration, especially in light of the events that had just so recently happened in Paris. When I read that she was going to be here, it just made me that more excited to go.

Celebrity Dating Expert Brooke Lewis will also be in attendance to host the 7th Annual Indulge Los Angeles at the Olympic Collection.

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*Sophie Gayot*

The event will feature celebrity & top chocolatiers, pastry chefs and confectioners from across Southern California, New York, Washington DC, and Las Vegas. They will come together to put on a visual heaven in Los Angeles filled with sweet delights paired with the world’s top champagnes, wines, and spirits.

Among the celebrity chefs this year are MOF World Pastry Champion Stephane Treand, and World Champion Chocolatier Jean Marie Auboine.

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In years past, Indulge Los Angeles has attracted thousands of chocolate and dessert lovers from across the country, and this year is expected to have another great turn-out for this holiday season.

Indulge Los Angeles 2015 also benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Where: Olympic Collection 11301 Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064

When: December 27, 2015 1pm – 4pm   

Tickets:  $45-$95 Available at www.indulgela.net

Indulge LA on Social:

Indulge LA Website 

Indulge LA Facebook 

Indulge LA Twitter

Instagram

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What are some of your favorite chocolate treats to Indulge in? Hope to see you there!!! 🙂 

Wordless Wednesday: Cambria’s Scarecrow Festival!

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Wordless Wednesday: Cambria’s Scarecrow Festival!

By: Erin

I recently went on a trip to Cambria (another post to follow on the amazing Blue Dolphin Inn and The Wine Wrangler) and we were greeted by many friendly folks along the side of the road upon our arrival. We soon realized that these friendly creations were scarecrows and that the scarecrow festival was going on right now in Cambria until October 31st!

The first Cambria Scarecrow Festival  was back in 2009, starting out with only 30 scarecrows. Now in 2013, over 400 scarecrows line Cambria’s business district. Cambria is a perfect year-round escape, with October being one of the best times of all to visit.  The warm October sun brightens the quaint seaside village. Hundreds of unique  scarecrows are displayed throughout Cambria’s East and West Villages and along Moonstone Beach Drive.

Here from October 1-31, the Cambria Scarecrow Festival will wow and amaze you while on your next visit. While here, also be sure to check out the cute boutiques, tasty restaurants, and don’t forget about the wine and beer tasting too. 😉 Take a stroll on the magical beaches or hike the many trails that wind their way from the beaches into the pines. You will soon see why I love the Central Coast so much with a visit here!

Enjoy!

 Cambria!

1 Cambria Ocean

1 Cambria Scarecrows

 

1 Cambria Scarecrow

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