Sale up to 50% Off at Kolu on Abbot Kinney!

Ladies, this is your chance to get some summer clothes on Sale up to 50% Off at Kolu on Abbot Kinney (a few doors down from Lemonade.) The dresses, shoes and jewelry I saw last week are cute, casual and sophisticated and at a great price point for Abbot Kinney. Plus new merchandise  comes in every week.


Owner, Canadian Jane Mifflin has been in the fashion business for over 26 years. Winning awards for her Unique taste and buying style, Jane absolutely knows what a women wants in a wardrobe.

Carrying designs from all over the world with such names as Young Fabulous and Broke, Parker, Liebeskind, Avante Garde, Free People, Coclico and the list goes on....

Kolu Clothing  (right next to Lemonade)

1653B Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA 90291
310-452-4900

Shout out of the Week!

The AK Blog is starting a new feature, Shout out of the Week that features one of the many local events that we check from the previous week.

The first shout out from the AK Blog goes to Ecookie at 1639 Abbot Kinney Blvd. for their awesome anniversary party last Thursday! Guests were treated to sushi from How do you roll in the Marina, plus wine from One Hope and yummy low calorie margaritas and mojitos too from Refine Mixers! Plus, we were all truly styled out with complimentary beauty services: brows from Kelly Baker Brows on Abbot Kinney, and great hair styles by Jordana from Lorraine Color Bar  (Jordana did my hair and made it look so much better in just 5 minutes!) and Gina from Oceana Salon (Gina did my friend's hair and it looked smashing!) both in Santa Monica and there's more... and nails from NCLA, dressed up in fun and funky purple leopard print, my favorite. Check out Ecookie for a great summer sale on cute dresses, tops and skirts and their website for their Ecookie Dough coupon!

Eco-Elegance in Venice: Open House Sunday

Experience eco-elegance on one of the best streets Venice offers. Enter the privatized gated walkway & into a light infused, immaculately designed home by Melinda Gray. An open, expansive main floor that is completed w/ a spacious gourmet kitchen w/ beautiful cabinetry & Caesarstone counters. Environmentally conscious design which include a 2-story voluminous space w/ open joist ceilings, solar panels & a living & dining space surrounded w/ floor to ceiling windows & a roll up glass garage door that gives it the perfect modern touch. Continue upstairs where an evolved green loft separates the master & 3rd BR. Sprawling master BA w/ soaking tub & over sized shower & walk-in closet. Full basement filled w/ built-in's, ample storage & surround sound- perfect for an office/media room. A bonus studio space- a true artists' retreat. Peace & tranquility is achieved w/ a lush landscaped outdoor space w/ a fabulous central courtyard. This is your true escape in the heart of Venice.
Open on Sunday 827 Milwood Avenue, Venice  $2,885,000 Get Listing Details >

Summer Fun with Venice & Santa Monica Events!

 Week of July 24 - 29

Here's something you can do every day of the week! Zumba, Yoga and Dance at VMAC, the hot new studio in Venice (across the street from Whole Foods) is the place for getting energized and relaxation, plus getting fit and feeling good! The Zumba classes held Monday thru Saturday and Alexandria teaches the yoga classes held Monday thru Sunday.  In addition, there are hip hop classes for kids and teens, plus jazz and ballet.  All classes at VMAC are $15. The space is also available for rentals for workshops and other events.

Call 310-450-7770 for more information.
Visit the VMAC website for class schedules

Venice Movement Arts Center 122 S. Lincoln Blvd. Suite #105, Venice, CA 90291

Wednesday: Come experience the Velvet Guerilla Cabaret at the UnUrban Cafe in Santa Monica. It's an open mic show featuring spoken word and poetry along with occasional stand up comedy and live music. Regular performer Tryg Hanson will be there with new material and crowd favorites, along with an eclectic mix of performers. It's fun and free. Signups 8:30 pm. Show 9:00 to 11:30pm
UnUrban Coffeehouse 3301 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405

Thursday: Book signing event with Leon Hendrix, brother of Jimi Hendrix at Small World Books in Venice. Leon was the younger brother that toured with Jimi and whom Jimi took care of as a child. He has an interesting and tumultuous life that includes going to prison and battling his step sister who won the entire Hendrix legacy. Book signing 6-8pm.
Small World Books 1407 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, California 90291

Friday & Saturday: Time for some laughs! Santa Monica's own Paul Lyons will perform comedy at Earth, Wind & Flour starting at 9pm. $10.00 cover
Earth, Wind & Flour 2222 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90403
 

Start the week out Living the Boating Lifestyle!

Live the boating lifestyle in this remodeled Marina condo with views of the boats. Building has been completely renovated. Smooth ceilings & laminate floors. One level with no stairs. Remodeled kitchen opens to the dining and living rooms . Bosch cooktop. Master bedroom with wrap around closets and attached master bathroom with double sinks & two separate showers. One is a steam shower. 

There is an additional bedroom/office with large closet that can open to the living room. Central air and heat. Stack washer/dryer in unit. Brick fireplace. Wetbar. Enclosed patio adds additional living space. Two side by side parking spaces- subterranean garage. Special Assessment has been completely paid off. Tenant Occupied- 24 hour notice to show.  4350 Via Dolce #110, Marina Del Rey $525,000 View the Property

Henry Rollins Rocks the House with his Photography!

 

 On Thursday night July 19, Henry Rollins, best known for seminal LA punk band Black Flag  talked to a packed house at the Annenberg Space for Photography about his photography. The crowd hung on to his every inspired word about his photography from across the globe, including India, North Korea, Sudan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and some very remote places that few people get to see.

 There was never a dull moment with Rollins, who spoke at length, about 90 minutes, showcasing his amazing photos that communicate his love of  humanity seen with dignity and respect, in addition to his great stories he had to tell us. He's a passionate, funny and edgy speaker, never at a loss for words who just released a book of his photographs, available at the Annenberg. He also answered questions from the crowd during the presentation and afterward, graciously posing for pictures, answering questions with everyone who stayed  to meet him and chat with him, folowed by a book signing.

Venice & Santa Monica: Sizzling Summer Events!

There are some amazing summer events happening this week from July 18-22 by the beach!

Venice Art Crawl:This monthly event in Venice on and near the Boardwalk is a must see art extravaganza! 1320MAIN presents the artwork of Mark Satterlee with an artist reception Thursday July 19th, 2012 from 6:30-10:30pm with beats by DJ Pistol Pete  at 1320 Main St. near Windward Circle. Mark's art combines painting, mixed media and photography in a truly creative way.  Plus, Late Night with David Letterman photographer Marc Karzen will exhibit his art in back of the Canal Club called Luminous at 2025 Pacific Ave. See the Search Box on right for previous posts on where to go at the Art Crawl.

Performance - Open Mike - Standup:

This weekly event on Wednesdays, aka the Velvet Guerilla Cabaret features  a lineup of talented performers . An evening of poetry, spoken word, comedy, music, performance and swashbuckling theatrical adventure will be presented to delight all your senses, starting at 8pm. Unurban Coffeehouse, 3301 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA, 90404.

Live Music:

Thursday night is the Santa Monica Pier Concert & on the pier & beach - a big party with 2 live bands from 7-10pm. Music from Haim and Wildcat! Wildcat! this week. While we don't know  what kind of music it is, it's all good and free at the Pier!
Friday brings the Gumbo Brothers back to Venice at the Venice Bistro from 5-10pm and it's free! It's great music in a fun dive bar where  it's recommended if you're going to get a drink there to stick with the beer selection while shakin' your ass to the music! 323 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291 Suzy Williams & Brad Kay sing it and bring it at the Moose Lodge in Santa Monica starting at 8pm for  a few hours of inspiring music. $10 cover charge. 1600 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Festivals, Concerts & Art, Oh My! Venice & Santa Monica

July 12-15: It's a great week to be by the beach in Venice and Santa Monica, filled with free events from art to the Pier Concert and a festival! While you're at it, you may want to check out this beautiful beach property for sale:

Best BEACH in all of Santa Monica!

Literally, at the Best BEACH in all of Santa Monica! This stunning three story townhome with ocean views sits between the white sandy beach and Main St.'s cafe's, restaurants & eclectic shops. Completely remodeled with extraordinary attention to every detail. Custom mood lighting & hardwood floors. Enter the bright, open living/dining/kitchen area with soaring ceilings & expansive walls for art. Enjoy the European custom Kitchen with Poggenpohl cabinetry, industrial stove & exquisite Italian marble counter tops. Third story loft overlooking the waves is perfect for a home office. The romantic private master suite has a huge custom walk in closet, jaw dropping master bath & built-ins. Additional bedroom & bathroom on same level. Two attached private garages.

118 1/2 Pacific Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405 $1,295,000 Check out the Listing >

Santa Monica Pier Concert: The summer pier concert is in its second week already! Every Thursday, starting at 7 until around 9/10pm thru September 6 is a fabulous and free live concert. This week features reggae bands, so get ready to start jammin at the beach! 

Venice Beach Biennial: This is the AK Blog pick of the week hands down! The Hammer Museum has branched out to the beach and this is a part of the Made in L.A. 2012 show! This outdoor art exhibit features local Los Angeles artists from Friday  to Sunday, starting at 11am to sunset each day, filled with temporary sculptures, installations, and performances plus vendor booths. This will be on the boardwalk aka Ocean Front Walk adjacent to the Windward Circle area.


Festival in Venice: Believe it or not the LAPD is hosting a festival in the Windward Circle area, Friday to Sunday from 12 noon-11pm. Make sure to have fun and be on your best behavior!  Family oriented and lotsa rides for the kiddies! Note that the Circle is cutoff to traffic and parking on the streets directly off the circle is not allowed in the block closest to it.

First Fridays Video at The Brig: Cooking Channel Show

 

The 1st Fridays Blog crew was out on Abbot Kinney for, you guessed it - First Fridays! The Brig hosted an awesome event promoting the Cooking Channel's show with host Baron Ambrosia, seen in an interview here. Thanks Baron for chatting with us and thanks to the Cooking Channel for the delicious sliders, fish tacos, thai noodles, red velvet cupcakes along with wine and beer. Wow, what a great event!

One of a Kind Home in Windward Circle Neighborhood

Exquisite new construction craftsman home nestled in Venice's prime Windward Circle neighborhood! Enter into the main level and enjoy an open floor-plan consisting of a spacious, bright living room w/ cozy fireplace, high ceilings w/ skylights, over sized windows & accordion doors that fold away, infusing the space w/ natural light.  Gourmet kitchen features custom wood cabinets, Ceserstone counters, & built-in Thermador ProSeries appliances. Stained glass touches, crown molding & oak hardwood floors throughout.

 Kitchen & Dining room open out to the patio/yard complete with natural rock water feature, firepit & built in heaters. Second level is perfect for families: 2 ample sized bdrms, each w/a balcony & a master suite w/ fireplace, balcony & handmade built-ins. Flex space on the 3rd floor perfect for art studio, office or 2nd master. Spiral staircase leading to roof deck w/ views! Gorgeous vintage design details marry old world charm to modern convenience in this one of a kind home.

1210 Cabrillo Avenue $2,345,000

See Property Listing

Fireworks, 1st Friday, Fitness & Fun! Special Deals!

Week of July 4th! The AK Blog wishes a Happy & Fun Fourth to all! 

Fireworks:

We all love fireworks and you'll want to skate, bike or walk your way over to the Marina del Rey Fireworks- back this year!  The traffic is pretty fierce and while there's parking in county lots from $7 - 10, why get stuck in traffic and suck in fumes all night! The beach is the AK Blog's recommendation for viewing the fireworks and having a blast! Check out the beach near Washington Blvd., border of Venice & the Marina.




First Fridays, Fitness & Fun:

Maria Gray, Zumba Instructor

Get Energized b4 First Friday, Burn Calories While Shakin Your Booty!
Create some fireworks of your own and look better at the fun Zumba Classes at VMAC! Instructor Maria Gray says, "Every class feels like a party! Come join me and you’ll see what I mean. You don’t even have to know how to dance. Just move your body and follow my lead. It’s easy! "  This is the hottest new dance & yoga studio in Venice, across the street from Whole Foods. Zumba Classes are $15: 9:15am Monday - Friday, 10:00am Saturday.
Venice Movement Arts Center 122 S. Lincoln Blvd. Suite #105, Venice, CA 90291
Visit the VMAC Website for more info.

Ask for Bee to style you out at Euphoria!

Special Deal from Euphoria Salon:
$20 Haircuts, & $50 Haircut & Style
This is the scoop: ask for Bee, she will treat you right and give you a fab new look. She did a great job for the Editor of the AK Blog! Cut & Style Regular Price $75. 1351 Abbot Kinney Blvd. (The $20 cut does not include style or blow dry, the $50 cut & style does not include blow dry.) Visit Bee's website to find out more.