After braving the crowds at those big shopping events and pop-ups all weekend, we feel we've put in some good time as far as this whole gift-giving thing goes. And while we can't complain -- these events are super fun and generally have great deals to boot -- we are ready to take a break and return to normal, non-holiday life (albeit briefly).
This week, we'll be checking out a new restaurant, going to a concert or two, hitting up a great spa event... and watching John Waters' own Christmas spectacular after hitting up the 3rd Street Holiday Fair. (Hey, it's December. We can't completely avoid the C-word.) And if the uber-relaxing pampering event we're about to lead the week off with isn't enough of a carrot to get you amped to conquer your Monday, think about this: Three weeks from today, you -- whoever you are -- will be on vacation. Deep breath and... go!
Monday
Start your week off very, very right by making it your business to be at Spaphile and Three Day Rule's Night of Beauty at the Viceroy in Santa Monica. The evening is stacked with fantastic beauty treatments from the likes of Bliss Spa, Blushington, Bellacures, and tons more.
Once you're pampered to perfection, take your show on the road by grabbing food and drinks nearby at BGG favorite Bar Pinxto. Then, wind down your Monday with a cocktail at Blue Plate Taco.
Hit play: Little Boots -- Remedy
Tuesday
After work, go to MOCA for a stirring and super-timely conversation exploring how gaming might change the way we learn, presented by Zocalo Public Square. Then, head deeper into Downtown to check out Guild, the New American comfort food restaurant restaurant that will have just started dinner service last night.
Later, make your way to Echo Park to the Bootleg Theater for a performance by country pop singer Lindi Ortega who's in town from Nashville. Then, grab a nightcap nearby at 1642, a cozy beer and wine bar that's just a hop-skip from the venue.
Hit play: Lindi Ortega -- Little Lie
Wednesday
Fulfill your midweek need to pizza and do a little give-back by getting dinner from Pitfire in Mar Vista. Tonight only, 10 percent of proceeds (delivery or otherwise) will benefit the YWCA Family Community Preschool.
If you're feeling spendy and boozy ('tis the season, we suppose!), you can party with Los Angeles magazine and learn some cocktail tricks of the trade tonight--but it'll cost you! Instead, we'll probably head to the Standard in West Hollywood for KCRW DJ Valida's Desert Nights. In addition to live acoustic performances, Valida will be spinning between sets for a cozy and intimate night of music. No matter which event you choose, however, there will be a crazy-cheap drink deal waiting for you at the end of the night. Because today is Repeal Day (or at least, it was in 1933), you'll find special one-night-only cocktails for the Prohibition-era price of 50-cents a piece at Sassafras, Thirsty Crow, Bigfoot Lodge (and West), Oldfield's, and La Cuevita.
Hit play: Solange -- Lovers in the Parking Lot
Thursday
Walk around West 3rd after work today -- they're hosting their annual Holiday Street Party wherein most stores will stay open late and offer various goodies and discounts. Later, stick around for an after-party at Mercedes Benz Driving Academy for more cocktails and a raffle.
Nothing really screams strange and extremely colorful so much as the holidays, so it's the perfect time to engage in some John Waters entertainment. Tonight at the Wilshire Ebell Theater, he'll be performing his one-man show, A John Waters Christmas, which has us so insanely curious we absolutely have to go. If we don't need to go home and delouse ourselves after that, it's off to The Fonda to see Polyphonic Spree perform songs off their Christmas album, Holidaydream.
Hit play: The Polyphonic Spree -- It's Christmas