Travel Around the World Without Ever Leaving L.A.

Land of the Free

With all the exotic locations around the world, we often forget the unique culinary cuisine that is special to our country. That is why this week we are going straight to the heart of America to reconnect with all of our favorite comfort and specialty foods and the fabulous entertainment that is native to the states.

As highlighted in the latest issue of Westlake Magazine, Wood Ranch in Agoura Hills is the ideal spot  to embrace a major aspect of American life, family. And what better way to enjoy quality family time than over a flawless meal that captures the heart and excellence of American food. Wood Ranch specializes in barbeque. Just one bite of prime top sirloin or baby back ribs will leave you craving for more and what really sets these dishes over the top is the one of a kind sauce. This sweet and tangy sauce along with the unforgettable garlic bread rolls puts Wood Ranch on the top of my list for authentic American food and you should definitely make this a priority stop, as it truly captures the image of a family environment and delicious food.

 More and more now, Americans are looking for both a tasty meal but more importantly, a healthy dish. Here in L.A. especially, this has become a staple of the American way of life. This is why Urth Cafe in Santa Monica is the perfect place to go for a gourmet meal that is both “delicious and nutritious.” This café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner but what makes it truly unique is that all of the ingredients are fresh and organic. From the freshly squeezed orange juice and organic teas and coffee to the freshly made sandwiches and salads, Urth Caffe is the ideal restaurant to embrace both quality American favorites while receiving necessary nutrients and maintaining the perfect beach body. Enjoy the sea breeze as you dine on a divine meal and with so many options on the menu, you are bound to want to come beck after just one bite.

Americans are known for their notorious shopping habits and sense of fashion. Here are a few of the most popular and unique places to shop while in Los Angeles. Third Street in Santa Monica is a beautiful outdoor shopping mall where you can find an eclectic mix of classy ensembles, casual everyday wear and quirky pieces that can only be found in true L.A. style. In addition, the Venice boardwalk is one of the most unique shopping experiences you will find here. From one of a kind art pieces and knick-knacks to authentic beach wear, this boardwalk, directly on the beach, is perfect for a summer’s day of sun, fun and shopping. If you are looking for a more urban atmosphere, the Universal city walk is the perfect place to go. Filled with many delicious eateries, clothing stores and live entertainment, the city walk is a great place to go to with friends for the day. Finally, the Promenade in Westlake is the epitome of a grand shopping mall. It is the perfect place to go to with the family on the weekend, as everyone is sure to find a store and restaurant that fits to their liking. Shopping has become an important aspect of American life and as many natives would say, shop till you drop!

Sports and Gaming

Let the Games Begin

After several months of anticipation, the long-awaited Olympics are less than two weeks away. Several athletes from the Westlake area such as Lenny Krayzelburg are preparing to compete in this year’s Olympics.

In addition to the 2012 London Olympics, the Junior Olympics have already passed for many young athletes. Taylor Foley, an Oaks Christian sophomore who played the opposite position, recently competed in the Junior Olympics (or JO’s) with her club, LAVA (Los Angeles Volleyball Academy) South. Taylor competed with her 15-1 Brad (players aged 15 and below) teammates this year in Columbus, Ohio, and finished in the top 25 within the 15-American division. Her team won 7 matches over the course of 4 days in Columbus, while providing valuable experience for her and her teammates as they prepare to move to the “16’s” level next year.

These Junior Olympics have a characteristic that is unlike the regular Olympics, as they are played every single year during the first week of July. Taylor was only one of many athletes that come from the Westlake area to compete in the Junior Olympics, as she was joined by her fellow Oaks Christian teammates, Veronica Sams and Madison Kousi.

On a final note, these Junior Olympics force individuals who may see themselves as opponents when they play for their schools, be it Westlake or Oaks Christian, to put aside their differences and play together as a team. In a sense, that is truly what the Olympics should be about, making new connections while competing with integrity and honor to better instead of trying to impress others who may have been an opponent in the past. Truly, Taylor and other Junior Olympians have shown that this is how a sport should be played and exhibit characteristics of what it takes to be an Olympic athlete.

DIY

Distressed Denim Blues

Summer is definitely a time to choose comfortable shorts and tank tops to bare the climate that we all endure in the lovely yet ridiculously hot San Fernando Valley. Every summer I become obsessed with one pair of shorts that I choose to wear several days of the week. After half the summer has gone by and I have become so familiar with the appearance of the same shorts I have been wearing so often, I get extremely bored of them. A fun way to spice up your favorite pair of shorts to give them some fun summer flair is to distress the denim. Below are the directions to distress your favorite pair of jean shorts!

What You Need:
A pair of jeans or jean shorts (make sure the fabric is stiff)
A pencil
A piece of cardstock paper
Scotch tape
A razor blade (Exacto Knifes are perfect)

How to Create:

First step is to lay the denim on a flat surface where there is good lighting. Decide which places on the denim that you would like to have distressed. With a pencil draw two horizontal lines. Keep in mind that these lines will be the markers that will indicate the top and bottom of the distressed area. Pick several areas on the shorts or jeans to place the lines in preparation for the distressing. Once your lines are established, fold the cardstock piece of paper in half and tape the edges so it does not come unfolded. Take the folded piece of cardstock paper and place it under an area you would like to distress by sliding it from the top of the shorts or jeans down through the pant leg. Once you are sure your cardstock is secured inside the shorts take your razor blade and find the center between the two horizontal lines that are establishing the area that you are distressing. Hold the jeans tight so that the fabric is completely stiff and make a horizontal slash in the center of the lines. The slash should be a clean, neat line. You won’t see the slightest bit of distressed jean until the process is completed! Make several slashes ¼ inch apart within the designated area. Repeat this process until you have completed each of the areas. Once the denim is fully prepared, throw them in the washing machine at the same setting that is normal for the piece. After the jean is washed, put it in the dryer until they are fully dry. Repeat this washer and dryer cycle twice. After the second cycle the jeans are finished and ready to be worn!

This is a really fun summer activity that could be done in one afternoon! Try finding jeans at a local thrift shop for a more authentic feel. Enjoy your revamped style to your favorite pair of shorts!

Some thrift shops to search in:

Salvation Army Thrift Store

2400 West Hillcrest Drive

Newbury Park

(805) 375-6980



Mad Attic

(805) 497-1990

226 N Skyline Dr, #A,

Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Fashion

Eco Fashionista

Hey Westlake readers! You might remember my post a few weeks ago about being fashionable without burning your wallet. I touched on the point of going to consignment and vintage stores in order to fulfill this seemingly impossible dream. But Westlake Magazine has found the answer: Eco Fashionista. A great local store located on Thousand Oaks Blvd. The store not only carries vintage and consigned clothes but new ones too! Owner Cholique Escobar-Miller studied fashion, ventured into the real estate business, then ended up following her passion by opening up Eco Fashionista in November 2011. She intended for her store to be a place for fashionistas of all ages, sizes and styles to be able to shop at while saving the planet! Not only are eight-year-old girls going in to grab a new mini skirt but their bringing their ninety-year-old grandmothers to browse the impressive selection as well. If you're looking for a place to find unique, fashionable items Eco Fashionista is the place for you!

Xx

Hannah

Eco Fashionista is advertised in the new July/August Issue of Westlake Magazine! Remember to pick up your copy!!

Eco Fashionista
1610 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. # J
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(805)-777-8884
EcoFashionista77@aol.com
Follow them on Facebook!

Love, Life & Literature

Life Done Well 

In the new July/August summer youth & the sports issue, Dr. Christopher Fulton reveals in his article “Living Healthy in the Summertime” the steps for developing a healthy lifestyle for your family—particularly your children. With childhood obesity on the rise, instilling responsible lifestyle choices in your children is crucial. As Dr. Fulton noted, parents who exemplify a healthy lifestyle are more apt to have children who choose to do the same. There are plenty of fun ways to spend time together as a family while being active this summer. Scale the walls at Boulderdash Climbing in Westlake Village or hit a local gym together! Eating habits are certainly another factor to be conscious of in your quest to cultivate a healthful life for your family. Be aware of portion size, and avoid junk food. It’s summer; take advantage of the fresh produce at one of Westlake’s neighborhood grocery stores like Sprout’s Farmers Market! For more tips, pick up Westlake Magazine’s July/August issue, and begin your family’s journey toward a life done well. 

Happy Summer!

-Bailee Ahern




Sprout’s Westlake Village
1012 S. Westlake Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Westlake Blvd. & Agoura Rd.


Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing
880 Hampshire Road, Suite A
Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

Travel Around the World Without Ever Leaving L.A.

For week three, we are leaving the European shores behind and traveling to the Middle East. With exotic flavors, rich colors and beautiful sites to see, this is definitely a breathtaking place filled with history, culture and amazing food that appeals to every palate.

The Hummus Bar and Grill- in Tarzana has the perfect balance of a family environment and a sports bar. Whether you decide to sit at one of the booths or at the bar, the authentic Middle Eastern food served at this restaurant is one that is not easily forgotten. With meat as the primary ingredient in most Middle Eastern delicacies, the chefs here bake, grill, and barbeque the wide assortment of meat daily to provide hungry customers with the best tasting dishes. As the name suggests, the Hummus Bar and Grill also specializes in fresh, homemade hummus. From mushroom hummus to hummus with beef, you can never get enough of this flavorful dip, especially with the never-ending supply of freshly baked Laffa to accommodate the generous portion of hummus. As you travel through the beautiful Middle East, this is definitely a destination worth stopping at to replenish your appetite and get you in the spirit.

The Middle East is also known for its unique and exquisitely crafted and tasteful desserts. You can find remnants of these wonderful ingredients in local bakeries that specialize in a wide array of desserts. Sweet Arleen’s Bakery in Westlake features cupcakes that possess Middle Eastern ingredients that are incorporated into an Americanized dessert. Nuts are a large part of Middle Eastern desserts and Sweet Arleen’s is not afraid to mix in this rich ingredient into multiple cupcakes on the menu. From the carrot walnut to the pistachio and praline toppings, this community-oriented bakery takes a prime ingredient from traditional dishes, such as baklava, and integrates them into an American classic. To satisfy any sweet tooth, visit Sweet Arleen’s and make sure to look in the July/August issue of Westlake Magazine for more mouthwatering details about this one of a kind bakery.

Los Angeles is a place full of surprises and hidden nooks and crannies filled with hidden treasures. St. Vincent’s Court in downtown L.A. is no exception. This small Middle Eastern/Persian town is nestled away amidst the chaos of downtown Los Angeles. Located in the jewelry district of the city, St. Vincent’s Court truly is a hidden gem perfect for a Middle Eastern getaway. You can find delectable treats, specialty jewelry and beautiful souvenirs to take home from your vacation.


- Julia Shapiro

Sports & Gaming

Diablo III

Summer time (May-August) for the gamers of Westlake and surrounding areas usually marks a period in gaming that can best be described as a lull. A period when developers are preparing for game launches in the fall and winter “boom” periods for gaming. This summer has been no different for most console gamers, who already received their blockbuster game title in “Max Payne 3” in May, but for PC gamers, a game was released in May that perhaps can steal away an entire summer’s worth of gaming.

May 15th feels like an eternity ago to most people, but to PC gamers playing Blizzard’s new game, “Diablo III”, it feels like yesterday. “Diablo III” launched with various bugs that nearly crippled the seemingly endless fervor that had been building up in the fan base for the past 11 years since “Diablo II: Lord of Destruction” had been released. Blizzard eventually righted the ship as the summer went on by fixing various reported bugs and releasing the auction house for players to bid on and sell items within the game. As of right now, “Diablo III” has sold over 3.5 million copies since its release, setting the record for fastest selling PC game all-time, and it seems like there is no shortage of stopping anytime soon.

However, the game seems to stir up a range of opinions from two anonymous gamers in the Westlake area: “it is hard as hell, but I feel accomplished after I complete every dungeon and get my loot.” On the contrary, on gamer stated, “I feel like I wasted my money playing this game. I’d rather be playing Diablo II, at least that game gave me a challenge”

Diablo III can be purchased at Gamestop in North Ranch Mall, 3955 E Thousand Oaks Blvd in Westlake Village or it can be purchased online at amazon.com.