Posted on

LA EVENTS: NYE 2013 Alternatives

LA Babies, usually at this time of year there is one incomparable body rock going down that we help promote, but this year our favorites are taking a break. Furthermore, with so much tragedy in recent weeks it seems like most people are keeping celebrations close to home with family and friends. Finally, we are having a true winter for Angelenos – rain whenever and wherever – and most of us are trying to stave off colds or get over one. With that said, consider these alternative New Year’s celebration ideas:

Top Chef (in the family): Invite family and friends over with each bringing their “signature” dish for the holidays. Lay out dishes anonymously and let guests vote for their favorites. This event can be themed (i.e. mac and cheese battle, desserts only, etc.). Hand out candy cane awards to all participants!

Hot Toddy Party: This event might require folks to bring sleeping bags. Have family and friends brew up their special warm drink concoctions of the holidays including spiked cider, adult hot chocolate, coffee-based cocktails, etc. Serve with small bites and sweet treats!

Movie Marathon: Didn’t make it to the theater as much as you intended to this year? Work together with family and friends to get the 2012 blockbusters that are now on DVD (or streaming) and host a movie marathon! Break out that Xmas tin of three-flavored popcorn, or have a selection of the microwave variety on hand! Take advantage of Christmas candy on sale and have your own concession stand going. Got kids? Play family-friendly films early in the day and save the adult content for the evening!

Happy Holidays!

 

 

 

Posted on

LA EVENTS: New Year’s Eve Celebrations

2012 is a little more than a week away and right about now is when folks scramble to figure out where to be and what to do to bring in the new year. Of course Los Angeles will offer a myriad of options but this LA baby has a few suggestions for parties she can vouch for. Depending on how good 2011 was to you and your pocketbook, you can decide which one of these quintessential LA events fits your personality.

SHOT CALLER: If money is no object then KCRW’s NYE Twenty Twelve bash at the Viceroy hotel in Santa Monica is where you want to be. The incomparable Garth Trinidad is booked to DJ this set which already makes it a cut above the rest. Further, the Viceroy is one of LA’s sexiest backdrops for a party and it’s guaranteed to be stocked with beautiful people. For $175 price tag (you read that right) you get access to a premium hosted bar, hors d’ oeuvres, and the opportunity to dance the night away and hob nob with the who’s who of LA’s elite social circle. Parking is an additional $20, but who’s counting?

BALLER: My favorite LA party, Kiss N’ Grind is back with its NYE edition in an undisclosed location somewhere in the hills of Hollywood. As usual this party is guaranteed to be a soulful body rock and the mansion location turns it into one of the illest house parties you will ever attend. Rocked by master DJ Vikter Duplaix, the $100 price tag boasts an open bar and a Caribbean Soul Cuisine Buffet dinner prepared by Chef Stacy Barthe (not certain if this is singer/songwriter Stacy Barthe – that would be amazing). Also, KNG doesn’t play – this party won’t stop until 5 am so you’re going to get your money’s worth. Neighborhood restrictions require that you park near the Hollywood Bowl for $10 and take a shuttle to the party. Lastly, but most importantly, there are ONLY 400 tickets for sale to this event and once they are out, that’s it.

DIPPIN IN THE BENZ WITH THE SPOILERS: If you wanna see and be seen, but keep a little change in your pocket, the Carnivale celebration at Little Temple is for you. Booked to spin at this event is KCRW’s Anthony Valadez, another gem of a DJ who will most assuredly set it off for the night. For a mere $20 bucks, you get to jam in both rooms of Little Temple where champagne is said to be “free-flowing” and experience an authentic Brazilian drumline at midnight complete with authentic Brazilian dancers. Chances of your having that experience elsewhere in the city? Slim to none.

No matter your plans, be safe and don’t drink and drive or text. The point of all this partying is to live to see another year. Give thanks!