momsla.com | Apr 3, 2023

This year, Easter Sunday is April 9th. Many of our favorite springtime events are back this year with in-person celebrations!

Easter is such a fun time, whether you’re coloring eggs at home or joining an Easter Egg Hunt out and about, we hope you have fun! These Spring rituals are such a fun part of being in Los Angeles.

You may also be planning to have a special Easter Brunch, and some local restaurants will be offering outdoor dining and delicious meals to go. Scroll down to see all the deliciousness.


Los Angeles

Family Easter Brunch at Fairmont Century Plaza
2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Be Egg-stra this Easter Sunday (April 9th) with a delightful brunch at Lumière Brasserie at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. Begin with a welcome Mimosa followed by prix fixe selections such as Biscuits and Caviar, Crab Benedict, Duck Confit as well as a bountiful dessert station. Includes an egg hunt with the Easter Bunny filled with treats, sweets, and furry surprises. Bunny will happily pose with families and each child receives a colorful basket to take home. Seatings at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. $125 per adult, and $65 per child between the ages of 5 and 12. Children under 5, eat free. Children’s menu, vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Blessing of the Animals
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Blessing of the Animals is an annual tradition that has been celebrated here since 1930. On the Saturday before Easter (April 8th) from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, families are invited to bring their pets to be blessed. The festivities also include live musical entertainment, food, and fun. Check the website for information about street closures to make your arrival easier.

Meet the Easter Bunny
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA

From Thursday, March 23rd through Sunday, April 9th (10 am to 6 pm each day) families can hop over to the Bunny Bungalow to visit with the Easter Bunny. A variety of photo packages are available. Reservations may be made online.

Egg Hunt in the Park
Memorial Branch Library
4625 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019

The Memorial Branch Library invites families to its Egg Hunt in the Park event happening on Saturday, April 8th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Children will hunt for eggs in the park, and after the egg hunt, enjoy a special story time.

Spring Egghunt Bash
Chevy Chase Recreation Center
4165 Chevy Chase Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90039

Visit Chevy Chase Recreation Center on Saturday, April 8th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for a Spring Egghunt Bash. This free event features egg hunts, arts and crafts, games, face painting, music, refreshments, and more. Check the website for the list of egg hunt times (grouped by ages).

Spring Egg Hunt
Mar Vista Recreation Center
11430 Woodbine St., Los Angeles, CA

Mar Vista Recreation Center is the place for a Spring Egg Hunt happening on Saturday, April 8th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Children will enjoy games, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, a visit with Spring Bunny, egg hunts, and more. Don’t forget to bring your own basket.

Easter Brunch | Baltaire Restaurant
11647 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049

Enjoy a decadent Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet on April 9th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM – perfect for enjoying time with loved ones in the airy dining room or on the beautiful, expansive outdoor terrace. Executive Chef Samuel Jung will be pulling out all the extravagant stops that Baltaire is known for, with a carving station featuring USDA Prime Rib, Glazed Spiral Ham, and Scottish Salmon; iced shellfish station with fresh oysters, shrimp, and Peruvian scallops; a stunning display of freshly made sushi selections; a variety of breakfast dishes including French Toast, Eggs Benedict, Shakshuka, Chilaquiles & more; a variety of greens and side dishes; and freshly baked assorted pastries and desserts. Price: $150 for adults, $50 for children

Prix Fixe Easter Brunch at Redbird
114 East Second Street Los Angeles, CA

A special prix fixe brunch menu from Chef Neal Fraser and team with featured wine selections from Wine Director Matthew Fosket on Sunday April 9th from 10am-2pm in the Main Dining Room (open-air weather depending) and Lounge. Additionally, a plethora of brunch cocktails by Bar Director Tobin Shea will also be available. Menu highlights include: Cinnamon Crunch French Toast with cereal milk ice cream and spiced maple syrup, Harry’s Berries Tartine with strawberry, lavender goat cheese, fennel pollen and spiced honey, Scotch Egg with duck sausage, garden greens and roasted shallot vinaigrette, Congee with maine lobster, charred corn, soft egg, burdock, scallion and sichuan chili oil, and Spring Pea Cavatelli with speck, pea tendrils, truffle butter and lemon. *$65 plus tax and gratuity per person. **Separate/special children’s menu for $21++ for those under 10 years old

Easter Pre-Fixe Menu at The Cat and Fiddle Restaurant & Pub
742 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, CA 90038

Join us at the Cat and Fiddle Easter Sunday, April 9th. We are offering a Pre Fixe menu with choices of soup or salad, entrée and dessert. The menu is available for dine in, reservations strongly suggested, or pick up on 4/9. Pre-order by 4/8 on our website to guarantee availability. Start with our Curried Carrot Soup and enjoy mains such as our popular Traditional Sunday Roast and other roast options such as Australian Leg of Lamb Stuffed w/ Spinach & Kale or our vegetarian option, Nut Roast Wellington. Finish with our delicious Chocolate Mousse. Whether you’re looking to celebrate with family or friends, you’ll enjoy the cozy environment and our private patio and indoor pub.

Spring Festival and Crafters Fair
Rustic Canyon Recreation Center
601 Latimer Road, Santa Monica, CA

The Spring Festival and Crafters Fair is happening at Rustic Canyon Recreation Center on Saturday, April 8th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The festivities at this free event include games, prizes, contests, egg hunts (at 1:00 pm), and more.

Easter Premier Brunch and Dinner Cruises
Departs from Fisherman’s Village
13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA

Celebrate Easter Sunday while cruising on Marina del Rey Harbor. On Sunday, April 9th, the two-hour Brunch Cruise offers a buffet brunch, live onboard entertainment, a visit from the Easter Bunny, and more. The 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise offers a plated dinner, live DJ entertainment, and spectacular views. Details and booking information are available online.


Pasadena, Arcadia and Altadena

Easter at the Langham Huntington, Pasadena
1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena, CA 91106

Celebrate Easter with beloved traditions at the historic Langham Huntington, Pasadena resort on Sunday, April 9th, including stunning brunch buffet displays in The Huntington Ballroom and The Terrace, and a vibrant springtime Easter Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Lounge. All dining guests will enjoy admission to a bevy of family-friendly activities, including an Easter Egg Hunt on the sprawling Horseshoe Garden, a live petting zoo, and kids’ train rides. Plus, ballroom brunch guests will enjoy photos with the Easter Bunny himself! Prices, menus, and booking information are available on their website.

2023 Spring Eggstravaganza
Garfield Park
1000 Park Ave., South Pasadena, CA

The Community Services Department of South Pasadena is hosting its Annual Spring Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The fun includes inflatables, games, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and egg hunts. Ticket information is available online.

Santa Anita Park Spring Carnival
285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007

Santa Anita Park is hosting a Spring Carnival on April 1st and 2nd (11:00 am to 7:00 pm), April 8th (8:30 am to 7:00 pm), and April 9th (10:00 am to 7:00 pm). This special event features carnival games and rides, bounce houses, food, pony rides, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. Check the website for all the details as well as ticket information.

The Bunny Museum
2605 Lake Ave., Altadena, CA 91001

At The Bunny Museum, it’s all bunnies all year long. The Museum was founded in 1993 and currently houses more than 45,000 “bunny works of art from antiquity to contemporary art.” The Museum, also known as “The Hoppiest Place on Earth,” is open Monday-Saturday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. (Admission is $12 for adults; $10 for seniors and military with ID; $8 for children up to 13 years old; free for children 4 and under.) No reservations are needed.


Long Beach and South Bay

Hoppin’ Photos with Bunny
2nd and PCH
6400 Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803

2nd & PCH invites the community to Hoppin’ Photos with Bunny on April 1st and 2nd (11:00 am to 5:00 pm) and April 8th (12:00 pm to 4:00 pm).  Hoppin’ Photos are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A photographer will not be present. Capture memories and grab a selfie in front of a spring-themed backdrop. And on Sunday, April 2nd from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Silent Bunny is available for “quiet one-on-one time for children and adults of any age with sensory sensitivities.” Silent Bunny is a reservation-only event. All the details are available online.

Egg Hunt and Camp Expo

The City of El Segundo will be hosting an Egg Hunt and Camp Expo on Saturday, April 8th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Check the website for more information as it becomes available.

Underwater Eggstravaganza
El Segundo Wiseburn Aquatics Center
2240 E. Grand Ave., El Segundo, CA 90245

El Segundo invites you to an Underwater Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8th from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. “Join us as we dive-in to some fun and catch those floating eggs.” Space is limited; be sure to reserve your spot by calling 310-524-2738.

A Special Visit with Caring Bunny
Del Amo Fashion Center
3525 Carson St., Torrance, CA 90503

Caring Bunny will also be at the Del Amo Fashion Center on Sunday, March 26th from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. “Caring Bunny is a special, sensory-friendly experience – exclusively for children with special needs and their families.” Reservations are required and are available online.

Easter Brunch
La Venta Inn
796 Via Del Monte, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Enjoy Easter Brunch at La Venta Inn. Two brunch seatings are available — one at 9:30 am and one at 12:30 pm. In addition to the brunch buffet, children will enjoy a “hunt for treat-filled Easter eggs and pose for photos with the Easter Bunny.” Reservations may be made online.

Easter Dining at Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA  90275

Terranea Easter Champagne Brunch in the Palos Verdes Ballroom
Sunday, April 9, seatings at 9:30, 10 and 10:30 a.m. and at 1, 1:30 and 2 p.m.

This lavish annual event is presented by the resort’s Executive Chef Andrew Vaughan and his culinary team. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance and the Kids’ Buffet will offer their favorites. Among the many delicious choices are Asian Kitchen Station serving Pan Seared Local Snapper with black bean sauce and Crispy Tofu Tao Si with Char Sui Style Pork Butt. Chilled Seafood features Jumbo Shrimp and Oysters, Chilled Crab Claw and Smoked Salmon. Traditional Honey Glazed Ham Leg and Tandoori Yogurt Fed Leg of Lamb are at the Carving Station. In addition, there will be Pasta and Risotto, a Salad Bar, Charcuterie and Cheese and classic breakfast options. For the decadent finale, guests will love the house made Pastries and Ice Cream Sunday Station. An array of bottomless mimosas will be made to order and of course, there is Champagne and a cash premium bar available. $129 for adult guests, $59 for kids (five to 13), $15 for kids (two to four); exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations available online.

Mar’sel Easter Sunday Brunch
Sunday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; live entertainment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

With breathtaking views of the Pacific, dining indoors or al fresco overlooking the ocean is a lovely, getaway experience at mar’sel. Award-winning Chef Fabio Ugoletti always delights guests with his inventive twists on Mediterranean cuisine, using the very best locally sourced products from the ocean, resort gardens and surrounding peninsula. For his Easter Brunch, he will be serving Course One of Asparagus Salad with quail eggs, prosciutto Parma, Parmigiano fondue and black truffle; Course Two is Cavatelli with lamb ragu, whipped ricotta, fava bean and parsley; Course Three is a choice of Deconstructed Carrot Cake with cream cheese drops and butter pecan gelato or Coconut Cream Roulade with mango gelato. Wine pairing from the restaurant’s Wine Spectator Award of Excellence list is available. Three-course Brunch is $125 per guest, wine pairing is $65; exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations available by calling 844-242-0967.

Catalina Kitchen Easter Brunch Buffet
Sunday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; live entertainment from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Discerning families appreciate panoramic views, ocean breezes and delightful food and drinks at the spirited casual eatery catalina kitchen– inside or on the terrace. The Buffet Brunch features a From the Raw Bar Station, Donut Wall Display, Farm Stand Greens, Crepe Station, Outdoor Pancake Station, Eggs Every Style and Hand Carved Salt Crusted Prime Rib, Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb, Grilled Tri Tip and Spicy Chicken Sausage, Bratwurst and Andouille with mustard. From the Stone Oven comes catalina kitchen’s Three Cheese Pizza, Carne Asada Pizza and Caprese Pizza. Mouthwatering Desserts presented by Chef Pierino Jermonti are Orange Scented Ricotta Cannoli, Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Strawberry Almond Torte and more. There will be a Farm-To-Table Bloody Mary, Mimosa and Margarita Bar at an additional $25. $119 per adult guest, $45 for kids (five to 12) exclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations available by calling 844-242-0967.

Easter Weekend specials will be honored at other resort restaurants at Terranea. At Nelson’s spectacular cliff-top setting, the specialty menu on Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 9, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. will offer jumbo crab cake benedict served with a house salad, white chocolate raspberry pyramid and for sipping, Prosecco punch or house made white sangria. At bashi April 8 to 9, from 12 to 9 p.m., guests may savor sizzling Korean beef short ribs with garlic green beans and kimchi or pepper crusted ahi with crispy rice, as well as its Jessica Rabbit cocktail, which is perfect for Easter and composed of Ketel One, carrot, ginger, tarragon and egg whites. During Easter weekend, the Lobby Bar, from 3 to 11 p.m. on Saturday and 12 to11 p.m. on Sunday, will be concocting aCottontail Martini shaken with Absolut Elyx, coconut, honey and vanilla, and serving Rack of Lamb. During the holiday weekend, sea beans’ special desserts are Mango Coconut Roulade, White Chocolate Raspberry Pyramidsand decorated Easter Cookies. There’s also decadent vegan chocolate and passion fruit compote and for breakfast and brunch a Waffle Station.


Orange County

Easter Hilltop Luncheon
Tanaka Farms
5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine, CA 92612

Bring the family to Tanaka Farms for a special Easter Hilltop Luncheon on Sunday, April 9th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Attendance also includes a visit with the Easter Bunny as well as an Easter egg hunt. Details and menu are still to be announced. Check the website for details as they become available.

Easter Eggstravaganza 
Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

From Saturday, March 11th through Saturday, April 8th, families can have some springtime fun at Irvine Park Railroad. The Easter Eggstravaganza includes many fun activities such as egg hunts, games, and train rides, as well as the chance for children to meet and have their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny. Details are available online.

Easter Celebration
Tustin Sports Park
12850 Robinson Dr., Tustin, CA 92782

Enjoy a special Easter Celebration on Saturday, April 8th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The festivities include a Pancake Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at 9:00 am. Be sure to check the website for more details as they become available.

Egg Hunts
Pines Park
34942 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point, CA and
Sea Canyon Park
33093 Santiago Dr., Dana Point, CA

“Hop on down with your family to our annual egg hunts and discover a treasure of hidden candy and plastic-filled eggs.” These Dana Point Egg Hunts are offered at two locations and are designed for children 10 and younger. A pancake breakfast will also be available at both locations from 8:00 am to 11:00 am, with proceeds going to “Monarch Beach Sunrise Rotary’s charitable efforts.” The Easter Bunny will visit both locations for photos, and a magic show is planned as well. Check the website for details.

Spring Egg Hunt
Oak Knoll Park
5700 Orange Ave., Cypress, CA 90630

The City of Cypress invites families to its Spring Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8th. The fun includes egg hunts and spring activities for children ages 3-11 including crafts, games, and more. Pre-registration for egg hunts is required and is available online.

Spring Eggstravaganza
Boisseranc Park
7520 Dale St., Buena Park, CA

The City of Buena Park is holding its annual Spring Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8th. The fun starts at 8:00 am with a pancake breakfast. Families will also enjoy bounce houses, games, crafts, candy hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, and much more.

Easter Celebration 
Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

Celebrate Easter at Pretend City Children’s Museum on Saturday, April 8th. Hop on over for some Easter fun including constructing egg carton creations, story times, an egg hunt, and more. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand. All activities are included in general admission. Ticket information is available online.


La Habra

Egg Night
La Bonita Park
1440 W. Whittier Blvd., La Habra, CA

The City of La Habra is hosting its annual Egg Night event on Friday, April 7th from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This special event is open to children ages 7-13. “The cost is $10 per child, which includes all activities and glow in the dark items to help you hunt.” Be sure to bring an empty basket and a flashlight. Pre-registration is required. Call 562-383-4200.

Spring Family Eggstravaganza
La Bonita Park
1400 W. Whittier Blvd., La Habra, CA

The City of La Habra is hosting its annual Spring Family Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 8th from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. This special event will include egg hunts, a balloon artist, games, crafts, face painting, inflatable attractions, vendors, and more. A helicopter Easter egg drop is scheduled for 9:30 am. A pancake breakfast may be purchased separately. Details are available online.


Inglewood

Eggcelent Easter Pop-Up
315 S. Market St., Inglewood, CA 90301

Eggcelent Easter Pop-Up is happening on Saturday, April 8th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The fun includes pictures with the Easter Bunny, vendors, an egg hunt, and more. Register online for this free event.


Pico Rivera

Easter Eggstravaganza
Pico Park
9528 Beverly Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA

Pico Park is generally the location of the City of Pico Rivera’s Annual Easter Eggstravaganza. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 8th. Be sure to check the website for more information as it becomes available.


West Covina

Easter Wonderland
Plaza West Covina
112 Plaza Drive, West Covina, CA 91790

Easter Wonderland comes to Plaza West Covina on Saturday, March 18th at 10:00 am. Celebrate the Easter Bunny’s arrival with face painting, arts and crafts, a bunny petting zoo, and more. The Easter Bunny will be taking photos from March 18th through Saturday, April 8th. Reservations are required.


Downey

Downey Easter Eggstravaganza
9001 Paramount Blvd., Downey, CA 90240

The Downey Easter Eggstravaganza is happening on Saturday, April 1st from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Described as “our biggest egg hunt yet,” the fun includes “a field filled with over 10,000 Easter eggs!” The egg hunt is designed for children 12 and younger. Be sure to register your child online for this free event.


La Mirada

Easter Egg Hunt
La Mirada Regional Park
13701 S. Adelfa Ave., La Mirada, CA 90638

The City of La Mirada’s annual Easter Egg Hunt is happening on Saturday, April 8th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Have fun with arts and crafts, games, music, and photos with the Easter Bunny. A low-cost pancake breakfast will also be served during the event. Check the website for additional details.


Cerritos

Photos With the Bunny
Los Cerritos Center
239 Los Cerritos Center, Cerritos, CA 90703

The Easter Bunny is at Los Cerritos Center and ready to take a picture with your kiddos. Pre-booking is recommended. The Bunny is available seven days a week through Saturday, April 8th. (Monday through Friday 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 7 pm.) Additionally, Sensory-Friendly Bunny will be available on Sunday, March 26th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Reservations are required for Sensory-Friendly Bunny.


San Gabriel

Egg’straordinary Pancake Breakfast
Smith Park
232 W. Broadway, San Gabriel, CA

The 78th Annual Pancake Breakfast and Egg Hunt is happening at Smith Park on Saturday, April 8th from 7:00 am to 11:00 am. In addition to the yummy breakfast (a $5 donation is requested for the pancake breakfast), there will also be games, crafts, an egg hunt (for children 12 and younger), a visit from Mr. Bunny, and more.


El Monte

Easter Breakfast
South El Monte City Hall Front Lawn
1415 Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte, CA

Enjoy an Easter Breakfast in South El Monte on Saturday, April 8th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The fun also includes an egg hunt (for children ages 1-10), games, a petting zoo, and a visit from Peter Cottontail. (Breakfast is served until 11:30 am.)


For the entire list of events in cities surrounding Los Angeles and Orange County, visit https://momsla.com/fun-ways-celebrate-easter-around-los-angeles/ 

The Spruce | Updated on 01/31/23

cleaning a window valence
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t always work when it comes to cleaning. Sure, you can pretend that those areas you can’t easily see or reach are immaculate. But, deep down you know the truth and it is to everyone’s benefit to clean these spots periodically. You’ll reduce dust that can trigger allergies and asthma, kill some bacteria that can cause illness and make your mother proud.


1)  Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

cleaning a ceiling fan
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

You don’t have to sit on someone’s shoulders to clean a ceiling fan or high-up light fixture (nor is that a good idea). A disposable duster with an extendable handle is a much better way to capture dust and spider webs. Choose a disposable duster over a feather duster because the disposable dusters are made of materials that cause the dust to cling rather than simply be scattered around.

If you don’t have a disposable duster, use a clean microfiber cloth and secure it to a broom or mop handle with a rubber band.

And if you must use a ladder, it’s a good idea to have another person to brace the ladder and come to your aid if you slip or fall. Using a ladder when you’re home alone is never a great idea.


2)  Ceilings and Moldings

cleaning the ceiling
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Take a minute to look up; you may be shocked to see all the dust and spider webs that have taken hold near your ceiling and crown moldings. Use a long-handled duster, clean and dry sponge mop, or broom to whisk down the dirt. Always do this first when cleaning a room so you can vacuum up the fallen debris.


3)  Cabinet Tops and Tall Furniture

person cleaning above cabinets
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

When you buy a disposable duster with an extendable handle, be sure to get one with a pivoting head so you can adjust the angle to reach to the tops of cabinets and tall pieces of furniture.

If you have allowed dust and particles of grease to accumulate on kitchen cabinets, use a sturdy step stool and clean with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of two cups warm water, one teaspoon dishwashing liquid and one teaspoon household ammonia. Wipe away the soil and then rinse with a cloth dipped in plain water. Dry with a soft clean cloth.


4)  Window Blinds

person cleaning blinds
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

When you dust blinds with a static duster, remember to close them and clean one side and then reverse the direction to clean the other side.

Or, to clean both sides of the slats at once, wrap two microfiber cloths around each end of a pair of kitchen tongs and secure with a rubber band. Then simply slide the tongs along each slat to wipe away the dust top and bottom. Toss the microfiber cloths in the washer and you’re done.


5)  Window, Sliding Door and Shower Door Tracks

cleaning window and sliding door tracks
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Window, sliding door, and shower door tracks attract dust and dirt in amazing amounts and cleaning them can be difficult because of the tight spaces. When it’s time to clean, you may need to remove screens and give them a good cleaning. Then, start by using the crevice tool on your vacuum or making a custom crevice cleaner. Removing as much loose dust and grime will make the rest of the cleaning easier.

After vacuuming, mix a solution of two cups warm water, one teaspoon dishwashing liquid and one teaspoon household ammonia. Use a flexible stiff-bristled brush to scrub out the tracks and then rinse with plain water. You may have to use some vinegar and extra care to remove soap scum on shower door tracks depending on the type of metal.

Here’s an extra tip on cleaning outside window and door tracks: if you have a pressure washer or pressure nozzle for the hose, a good burst of water can often make tracks sparkle.


6)  Behind the Toilet

cleaning behind the toilet
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Unfortunately, the floor and wall behind the toilet are very difficult to reach since most mops and cleaning tools simply won’t fit the space.

This is when it’s time to grab some knee pads and rubber gloves and get down to work. Start by using a dry stiff brush to remove loose dust, hair, and soil (don’t forget the baseboard). The crevice tool of your vacuum is useful to suck away the debris. Then use a soft brush or sponge dipped in warm water and a disinfectant cleaner to wipe down the area including the back of the toilet base. Rinse with a sponge or cloth dipped in plain water and dry with a soft cloth.


7)  Refrigerator Coils

Dust and debris on refrigerator coils raise your utility costs and keep your refrigerator from performing efficiently. With just a couple of tools and a little effort, you can clean the coils easily. You don’t even have to unplug the refrigerator.

The coils that condense and cool the refrigerant are located on the back of the appliance or underneath. For coils located on the back, simply roll out the refrigerator and use the vacuum upholstery brush attachment to vacuum away dust.

For models with coils on the bottom, unsnap the ventilated grill. Use a long-handled stiff brush and the crevice tool of your vacuum to remove dust and debris. Use the brush to reach into all corners where dust bunnies may have collected. While you’re there, also clean the condenser fan so the blades are dust free and turn easily. You may need to remove a separate panel on the back of the refrigerator to access the fan.


8)  Dishwasher Filter

cleaning a dishwasher filter
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

Most dishwashers have a filter that catches food particles and prevents small objects from being flushed away. Cleaning the filter regularly is the best way to have both sparkling clean dishes and no bad odors. Check your appliance manual to locate the filter–usually on the floor of the dishwasher–in your model.

For easy access and cleaning monthly, empty the dishwasher and remove the bottom rack. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean around the area. Some filters cannot be removed, only lifted, so be sure to clean under the cap. If you have a removable filter, unscrew and soak in warm soapy water then wipe down with a soft cloth to remove debris before replacing.

To remove any interior build up in your washer and deodorize, pour one to two cups of distilled white vinegar in the bottom of the empty washer and allow to sit overnight. Replace the bottom rack and run a short cycle in the morning for a fresh smelling dishwasher.


9)  Garbage Disposal

cleaning the garbage disposal
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

With all of that water traveling through, you would think in-sink garbage disposals wouldn’t need to be cleaned. But just one whiff of a dirty one and you’ll know that cleaning is necessary.

Start by using the disposal correctly by running it with a full stream of cold water and allowing the water to run for ten seconds after turning off the disposal to flush all the debris away. If you smell bad odors, either grind some citrus peels while running cold water or add some ice cubes sprinkled with baking soda and grind with cold water.

NEVER place your hand or a scrubbing brush down into the disposal unless the electricity has been turned off–not just the switch–on the electrical breaker. At that point, you can use a stiff scrubbing brush and baking soda to give the interior a good cleaning. Switch back on the electrical breaker and run the disposal with plenty of cold water.


10)  Heating and Air Register Covers

cleaning vent covers
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo

If your HVAC register and air return cover look like they’re wearing a heavy winter coat, it’s time for some heavy duty cleaning. If possible, remove the vent–usually just a couple of screws–and take the covers outside to spray away the mess with a water hose. Or, you can rinse in a sink or soak in some hot, soapy water because the dust often contains accumulated grease particles from the kitchen.

To prevent this mess, use the upholstery brush attachment of your vacuum to clean the vents and change or clean the filters at least monthly. You’ll have cleaner air circulation and your HVAC system won’t have to work so hard.


11)  Computer Keyboards

cleaning a laptop with compressed air in a can
The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Think about what you touch before you use your computer keyboard; not to mention all the things that land on it when you’re double-tasking a meal and work.

For safe cleaning and getting into all those nooks and crannies, disconnect your keyboard from the computer or turn off your laptop completely. Turn the keyboard upside down and give it a good shake over a trashcan.

Next, grab some compressed air and use it with the keyboard tilted at about a 75-degree angle so the dust and small particles can be easily blown away. Finish by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to clean between and the tops of keys. Grab a new swab as each one becomes soiled. This will remove body soil and grime and disinfect any hidden germs.

Cleaning the keyboard once a week is a good goal. If someone has a cold or virus, it should be cleaned after every use.

While you’re cleaning electronics, don’t forget your cell phone and those accessories like a computer mouse and earbuds.

HouseBeautiful.com | Mar 16, 2023 

When it comes to cabinets, you think, out of sight, out of mind, right? Wrong—especially if every time you open a cabinet, all the baking pans and lids fall out. This year start spring cleaning with a focus on organizing your kitchen cabinets. Create a tidy storage space and maximize every square inch of your cabinets. And don’t forget cabinet organization can be more than just a bland exercise in getting organized; it can also be a lot of fun. You can use this challenge to wallpaper or paint your cabinet shelving, color coordinate your dishes, and toss anything that doesn’t serve you. We will give your cabinet organization tips and design inspiration to make your kitchen functional and stylish.
spring cleaning tipsSara Tramp for Emily Henderson

1.  STORE HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS

Carve out a space in your kitchen cabinets like designer Emily Henderson to hold your daily cleaning supplies. Everything is at arm’s reach the next time you need to clean up a mess.

kitchen interior shavonda gardnerKatie Newburn

2.  HANG POTS AND PANS

If you’ve run out of cabinet space to store your pots and pans, put them on display like small space design expert Shavonda Gardner when she renovated her kitchen bungalow. What makes this design work so well is that all the pots and pans are the same finish and are arranged by size.

kitchen, room, cabinetry, furniture, kitchen stove, kitchen appliance, oven, major appliance, countertop, interior design,Sara Tramp Ligorria for Emily Henderson Design

3.  DESIGN VERTICALLY

It feels like there are never enough cabinets in the kitchen. So take advantage of vertical space like designer Emily Henderson did with her home in Los Angeles. Pans can be stored below the oven, and above, there’s an open cubby for cookbooks and entertainment pieces.

Eve Wilson via The Design Files

4.  ABOVE CABINET STORAGE

Take advantage of the unused space between your cabinets and the ceiling to add cookware. You can also display your cookbooks, but just make sure you have a ladder handy to reach them.

stackingcabinetshelvesstore
House Beautiful

5.  ADD POP-UP SHELVES

Pop-up shelves will optimize the unused space in cabinets, especially those that only hold primarily horizontal things, like dishes.

shelf, shelving, furniture, room, yellow, pantry, wall, cabinetry, interior design, building,
DeVol Kitchens

6.  REPURPOSE CRATES

All it takes is a wood crate to spice up some exposed shelves and help you hide some unsightly essentials. Give your open storage shelving some style with vintage crates to store reusable totes and nonperishable food.

kraftmaid pantry cabinetsKraftmaid

7.  DOUBLE CABINET SPACE

Having super roomy, deep cabinets is always a blessing in storage space, but sometimes little items can get lost. These inserts solve that problem.

food network star molly yeh drew on years of experience to make her farmhouse kitchen function effortlesslyChantell & Brett Quernemoen

8.  ORGANIZE COOKBOOKS

If you love cooking like chef Molly Yeh, follow her vision of a farmhouse-style kitchen with function. She stores her favorite recipes in the built-in bookcase. “I wanted it to almost feel like a kitchen/library hybrid,” she says.

kitchen pantry storage ideasCourtesy of Fantastic Frank

9.  USE CONTAINERS WITH HANDLES

Instead of open shelving, why not opt for a built-in storage unit? All your food is on display and easy to access for meal prep by simply pulling them out.

sunnypoint heavy duty kitchen countertop cabinet pantry pan, pot lid, and pot organizer rack holderAmazon

10.  STACK-UP POTS

Home cooks, stop breaking your arm trying to lift the pan you need on the bottom of a heavy stack. Instead, opt for a stand that’s accessible and a space-saver. Plus, it’ll stop your pans from getting scratched up all the time too.

fridge organizationThe Container Store

11.  ADD CLEAR CONTAINERS

Don’t forget about organizing your refrigerator shelves too. It’s so important to keep it tidy so you don’t forget about those leftovers way back on the shelves. Going with clear containers allows you to see everything easily.

food organizerBloomingdale’s

12.  USE TIERED ORGANIZERS

Add tiered organizers to your shelves, and you can easily move them around as your needs change. They’re ideal for storing canned goods, spices, and more.

linen drawer kitchen organization
Williams Sonoma

13.  ADD A KNIFE DRAWER

If you are limited on counter space, consider storing kitchen linens and knives in a drawer. You can easily access them, and it keeps them out of reach from kids.

hidden cabinet storageMeghan Beierle-O’Brien

14.  USE WIDE CUSTOM DRAWERS

Instead of stacking our pots and pans, build extra-wide drawers so you can easily find your cookware at a glance.

tile, drawer, room, table, furniture, material property, flooring, floor, shelf, rectangle,Douglas Friedman

15.  ADD A BUILT-IN MINI FRIDGE

If you have a large family and the main fridge is overflowing with items, consider adding a mini-fridge to store extra beverages or perishable items.

storage cabinet, pet friendly kitchen
Wellborn Cabinet

16.  CONCEAL TRASH

Save your floor space by building a pull-out cabinet designated for your garbage. To make it even more efficient, opt for a design with two openings, one for trash and the other for recycling.

kitchen drawer pulloutJason Donnelly

17.  USE A NARROW DRAWER FOR SNACKS ONLY

The snack cabinet can become a big temptation for everyone in the house. So pair it down to a few containers, and get rid of all those clunky bags that eat up a ton of cabinet space.

pegboard shelving in a kitchenChantell & Brett Quernemoen

18.  CUSTOM PEGBOARD

Instead of stacking heavy pots and pans on top of each other (and using up valuable shelf space) just install a pegboard on a free wall. Suddenly your heavy-duty items are on display and easy to grab. Marianne Evannou added some hooks and shelves for various kitchen and pantry essentials here.

chalkboard on fridge
Laura Moss Photography

19.  KEEP TO-DO LIST ON A CHALKBOARD

Chalkboards aren’t just for the classroom—you can install one on your cabinet door to keep track of everything you have in stock.

white, room, furniture, property, interior design, door, building, floor, house, material property,
Studio DB

20.  ORGANIZE WINE COLLECTION

If you host parties, you quickly accumulate a lot of wine. An efficient way to store your wine and maximize your space is a temperature-controlled refrigerator. Studio DB designed cabinetry with storage options that can double as a home bar.

fake drawerFlickr User Litlnemo

21.  INSTALL A FAUX DRAWER

If you don’t have room to store a full-scale ironing board in the kitchen, think outside the box by building a fold-out ironing board from a fake cabinet drawer.

furniture, countertop, room, kitchen, cabinetry, interior design, property, floor, yellow, home,Sara Tramp Ligorria

22.  USE PULL-OUT CABINETS

In this kitchen designed by Emily Henderson, spices, dry goods, and other cooking essentials are stored in a pull-out “pantry.” This keeps them tucked away but still provides easy access. Organize each one by item type.

They will quickly fill up if you just toss everything loosely into your cabinets. Not to mention, it’ll be impossible to find everything. Instead, break items up by type and then put them into baskets and organizers.

shelf, furniture, shelving, bathroom, room, wall, yellow, turquoise, table, bathroom accessory,Courtesy of Sugar & Cloth

23.  CLEAN UP YOUR CLEANING SUPPLIES

You’re going to be less inclined to actually want to clean if you can’t find any of your cleaning products. Use a lazy susan to hold spray bottles, then contain sponges, towels, and trash bags in plastic containers.

See more at Sugar & Cloth.

countertop, shelf, room, kitchen, cabinetry, furniture, property, tile, shelving, interior design,
deVol Kitchens

24.  ALTERNATE BETWEEN CLOSED AND EXPOSED

In this deVol Kitchen, the prettiest items are displayed on the exposed wall-to-wall reclaimed wooden shelves and cubbies so the less attractive essentials can be tucked away in the cabinets. The color-coding adds a soothing sense of rhythm to the space, too.

the home editThe Home Edit

25.  COLOR COORDINATE

Clutter just looks more soothing when it’s all color-coordinated. Rearrange your stuff and you’ll find it straight-up therapeutic to look at your closet.

shelf, furniture, room, product, shelving, interior design, home, material property, house, floor,Courtesy of Aubrie Pick

26.  USE VERTICAL SEPARATORS

When it comes to finding genius storage and organization inspiration, there’s nowhere better to look than the Williams Sonoma test kitchen. This is the designated cutting board cabinet complete with vertical slot separators to prevent a messy pile-up. This makes them much easier to grab and go than they would be piled up on each other horizontally.

font, stationery, design, material property, watercolor paint, cutlery,Courtesy of Sugar & Cloth

27.  USE STACK AND PULL BOXES

Stack and pull boxes will save your life when it comes to baking tools, crafting supplies, or even jewelry.

See more at Sugar & Cloth.

28.  USE A LABEL MAKER

If you weren’t already convinced that the Williams Sonoma test kitchen is the most organized kitchen on the planet, here’s additional proof. Clear tops and labels make for easy identification in the spice drawer.

room, bulletin board, wall, display board, design, interior design, furniture, shelf,
Two Twenty One

29.  HANG A CORK BOARD

The back of a cabinet offers a convenient spot to create a small command center. In the kitchen, you could also use the cork board to hang recipes, or add hooks to keep measuring cups organized and within reach.

Get the tutorial at Two Twenty One.

tile, floor, property, room, wall, flooring, kitchen, furniture, interior design, cabinetry,
Dries Otten

30.  TRY ENMESHED CLOSURES

The clay-hued enclosed cabinets ground this kitchen designed by Dries Otten. The brass shelf underneath with a sliding perforated door allows for a few special items to stay out in the open. Stack your cups by color for a visually calming effect.

Driven by Decor

31.  REPURPOSE FILE BOXES

To prevent clunky water bottles from falling out of the cabinet every time you open the door, store them on their sides using a magazine file.

Get the tutorial at Driven By Decor.

shelf, furniture, cabinetry, room, shelving, cupboard, hutch, kitchen, wood, plywood,Sara Tramp Ligorria

32.  ORGANIZE BY ACTIVITY

Organizing a kitchen by splitting it into zones based on activity makes it a lot easier to navigate a high-traffic kitchen. In this kitchen designed by Emily Henderson, there’s even a cabinet dedicated to getting your morning started. Even better, the coffee cabinet is near the breakfast table.

cabinetbakingpantryjennysteffens
Jenny Stevens

33.  LABEL YOUR CONTAINERS

Toss out any expired items, then transfer your most-used staples into simple labeled jars or bottles. Without the visual chaos of logos, you can easily find what you’re looking for.

Get the tutorial at Jenny Stevens.

room, kitchen, furniture, cabinetry, shelf, cupboard, countertop, interior design, black and white, tile,Felix Forest

34.  STORE DINNERWARE IN DRAWERS

In this modern monochrome kitchen designed by Arent & Pyke, the dinnerware is stored in sleek drawers rather than hidden away in enclosed cabinets.

porcelain, product, dishware, bowl, dinnerware set, tableware, room, ceramic, cup, cup,
IKEA

35.  USE PEGS

These drawers in a kitchen designed by Krysta Gibbons are outfitted with movable pegs, so they can accommodate various sized dishes as your needs and serveware collections change. Wooden pegs to keep all of your items in order. You can customize the layout to suit your containers — just move the dowels.

kitchencabinetbackgroundlbl
Courtesy of A Lo And Behold Life

36.  ADD A LINER

A liner not only pretties up your cabinets, but the contrasting paper (or fabric) makes lighter-hued items stand out.

Get the tutorial at A Lo And Behold Life.

cabinet storageHomeroad

37.  TRY A TOWEL BAR

Use every inch! A hanging bathroom towel bar doubles as a holder for spray bottles when hung over a cabinet door.

Get the tutorial at Home Road.

pulloutcabinetwwcottage
Courtesy of Whisper Wood Cottage

38.  ADD A PULL-OUT DRAWER

Stacking pans in your cabinet can get chaotic, fast. To keep things organized, add in a pull-out drawer for easier access.

Get the tutorial at Whisper Wood Cottage.

room, property, interior design, bathroom, house, building, architecture, furniture, ceiling, plumbing fixture,Kathryn Wirsing

39.  USE EVERY INCH

This cabinet uses a wire divider to keep cutting boards and pans upright, but that overhead space can do more. Stick on a plastic caddy for things like meat thermometers. You can also go one step further for optimizing this space by adding a hook for ladles and spoons.

topshelfstoragebinstsh
Courtesy of The Social Home

40.  STORE SMALL ITEMS IN BINS

This way, you can pull out the bin to get what you need, instead of having to rifle through the entire cabinet. Just make sure to add a label so you know which bin to grab.

Get the tutorial at The Social Home.

lazysusanchezlarsson
Courtesy of Chez Larsson

41.  SPIN YOUR SPICES

If you’re one of those people that unpacks your entire cabinets contents when searching for something, raise your hand. Then go and get a turnable—you’ll be able to access any jar with ease.

See more at Chez Larsson.

platerackrlc
Courtesy of Remodelando La Casa

42.  ORGANIZE WITH A PLATE RACK

Nix the stacks in favor of an upright rack that makes it easy to grab a dish. Though this particular version is a DIY built-in, a wire plate rack is a store-bought alternative.

Get the tutorial at Remodelando La Casa.

cabinet storage
THAT’S WHAT CHE SAID

43.  CONTAIN CUTTING BOARDS

When not in use, cutting boards tend to topple over in cabinets, or take up tons of space on the counter. Instead, hang a wire rack on the inside of an otherwise unused cabinet door to keep them out of the way.

Get the tutorial at That’s What Che Said.

cabinet organizationPHOTO BY KATHRYN WIRSING; DESIGN BY BETSY FARRELL

44.  NESTLE WINE GLASSES

To make more space in your cabinet, add a riser for plates and bowls, then alternate the direction you stand your wine glasses to fit more onto your shelf.

organizeinzonescands
Courtesy of Clean & Scentisible

45.  THINK OUTSIDE THE CABINET

Don’t ignore oddly sized cabinets—instead, use the space to display pretty items, or set up a station for coffee or tea.

See more at Clean & Scentsible.

46.  SPICE UP YOUR CABINET FRONTS

Who says you have to have wooden or glass cabinets? Spice things up by incorporating metal grates, which will allow you to show off your organized cabinets in a more unique way.

cabinet pastels
Nicole Franzen

47.  CHOOSE AN UNEXPECTED COLOR

While cabinets tend to be the same old neutral shades, try something different and go for a muted pastel, like this subdued pistachio green.

enclosed and open display kitchen cabinetsBrie Williams

48.  MIX UP YOUR DISPLAY

To balance things up, alternate between transparent and enclosed cabinet displays, like Ariene Bethea did in her kitchen. Plus, it offers both a way to display prettier items and a space to stash away the less attractive ones.

49.  STORE UTENSILS TO SAVE COUNTER SPACE

To gain more counter space and reduce visual clutter, designer Shavonda Gardner created a pull-out drawer to store all of her utensils and oversized cooking essentials.

pull out utensil holderJen Feldman

50.  CONCEAL A PAPER TOWEL ROLL

To take your cabinet organization skills to the next level, rethink what could be a pull-out feature in your drawers. Interior designer Jenn Feldman had a clever idea to replace a utensil drawer with a paper towel holder.

nottinghill kitchen cabinet organizationKate Abt

51.  USE GLASS DOORS TO SEE EVERYTHING EASILY

Cabinets don’t have to be closed wall-to-wall; instead, insert a few glass cabinets like Maryland-based interior designer Kat Abt. That way, you can easily see what’s inside.

interiors
Emily J Followill Courtesy of Melanie Millner

52.  HIDE YOUR APPLIANCES

Build into your cabinet organization a shelf for appliances, like the Melanie Millner did here. The microwave is accessible when you need it, and simply close the cabinet door to conceal it when it’s not in use.

spice cabinetLauren Nelson

53.  MAKE USE OF DOOR BACKS

Get creative with your cabinet doors by building shelving on the interior side like Lauren Nelson did here. It’s a genius space-saving idea.

kitchen organizationOliver and Rust

54.  ADD SHELVING RAILS

For awkward or oversized pieces, sometimes you need to think outside the box, like the owners of Oliver and Rust Vintage Interiors did with shelving rails on the side of cabinetry. Keep it looking polished with dishes and objects that are color-coordinated.

kitchen organizationA Beautiful Mess

55.  KEEP EVERYTHING ONE COLOR

You can reduce a lot of visual clutter by color-coordinating your bowls, plates, and cups. The bloggers from A Beautiful Mess made a tiny cabinet stand out with all-white dishware against a colorful background.

produce cabinet
Dura Supreme Cabinetry

56.  STORE BASKETS IN A CABINET

Place baskets for dried goods like potatoes and onions in your cabinets to make sure they’re close at hand for meal prep.

pantry organization in drawersCHRISTIAN GARIBALDI

57.  STORE YOUR WINE COLLECTION OUT OF SIGHT

Instead of a wine refrigerator, store your liquor and wine collection in a drawer, but be sure to add a divider to reduce the risks of the bottles shattering when you open the drawer.

painted interior cabinetTrevor Tondro

58.  ADD A SPLASH OF PAINT

A little bit of color can go a long way to make something that feels cluttered look pulled together. This lower cabinet is a perfect example.

sliding glass doors cabinetZach Callahan

59.  DISPLAY YOUR DISHWARE

Instead of stacking your plates, lean them against the back wall to create some visual interest in your glass cabinet.

interiors
Emily J Followill

60.  GROUP LIKE ITEMS TOGETHER

For your next party, make it easy on yourself and pair your teapot, cups, and saucers together and have everything neatly displayed in groups, so you don’t have to rummage around for anything.

funwithkidsinla.com | Updated for 2023

Where to See Spring Wildflowers Near Los Angeles?

Spring is on its way, and it’s time to grab your picnic baskets and camera because Southern California is about to be blanketed in a sea of color! With the perfect amount of rain in fall and winter, we may be in for a super bloom.

Mid-February marks the beginning of the wildflower bloom, and it’ll last until mid-May, but don’t be surprised if you see some blooms lingering into June or July. To make sure you catch the best of the best, we’ve put together a list of the top locations for spring wildflowers in Southern California. Get ready for a flower-filled adventure!

We highly encourage you to contact each location before starting your journey to check on the status of the blooms. You can also check the status of the wildflowers on DesertUSA.

Wildflower Wonderlands: Southern California's Best Blooms to See!

When is the best time to see Spring Wildflowers in Southern California? 🌷

The best time to see wildflowers in Southern California is usually from mid-February to mid-May, but this can vary based on local weather conditions such as rainfall and temperature. It’s important to check the status of the blooms before visiting, as the timing and intensity of the wildflowers can change from year to year. In some years, with the right combination of rainfall and warm temperatures, the wildflowers can bloom into June or even July. To have the best chance of seeing a wildflower display, it’s recommended to visit during the peak bloom period in late February to early March.


What are the first wildflowers to bloom in spring? 🌼

The first wildflowers to bloom in spring in Southern California vary based on location and weather conditions. However, some of the common early-blooming wildflowers include:

Desert sand verbena: a vibrant purple flower that can cover vast areas in the desert.

Fiddlenecks: a yellow flower that often covers hillsides in early spring.

Sky lupine: a blue flower that grows in open fields and hillsides.

Cream cups: a yellow flower that grows in meadows and along roadsides.

Globe gilia: a small, deep blue flower that grows in large clusters.

California poppies: the state flower of California, with bright orange petals that can carpet hillsides.

These are just a few examples, and the specific wildflowers that bloom first can vary based on location and weather conditions. Keep in mind that the timing of wildflowers’ blooms can be unpredictable, so it’s best to check the status of the blooms before visiting.


Point Mugu State Park

9000 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 457-8143

Pack your hiking boots and get ready for a wildflower extravaganza! Point Mugu State Park is a nature lover’s paradise with 70+ miles of scenic trails and breathtaking ocean views. The park boasts stunning rocky bluffs, pristine sandy beaches, towering dunes, rolling hills, lush river canyons, and sprawling valleys dotted with towering trees.

But the real showstopper is the incredible wildflower display along the Backbone Trail in spring. With jagged peaks of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area in the backdrop, you’ll be surrounded by a sea of vibrant colors and fragrances.

 

Griffith Park

4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688

Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California is a great destination for viewing spring wildflowers. In the spring months, visitors to the park can see scattered patches of wildflowers including poppies and other blooms in shades of yellow, orange, blue, and purple.

The best way to see the wildflowers is to park at the Greek Theater (Lot G), cross the street, and start up the clearly marked Riverside Trail. From there, turn right onto the Hogback Trail and continue towards Dante’s View (1 mile) and the Mt. Hollywood summit (1.2 miles). There are also offshoot trails, which are a bit steeper with some scrambling, along nearby ridgelines that offer additional opportunities to see wildflowers.

It’s important to note that the wildflowers at Griffith Park vary from year to year, and the best time to see them is typically in the spring months.

 

The South Coast Botanic Garden

26300 Crenshaw Boulevard
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
(424) 452-0920

The South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes, California is a stunning destination for viewing spring wildflowers. The garden, which covers 87 acres, is home to over 2,000 species of plants, many of which bloom in the spring, creating a colorful display of wildflowers.

Visitors to the garden can expect to see a wide variety of wildflowers including California poppies, lupines, and other blooms in shades of yellow, orange, blue, and purple. The best time to see the wildflowers is typically from late February to early May, depending on the rainfall in the area.

In addition to the wildflowers, the South Coast Botanic Garden also features a number of other attractions including a lake, a bird sanctuary, a palm grove, and a cactus garden. The garden is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and admission is charged.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the garden and its wildflowers. Guided tours and educational programs are also available for visitors who would like to learn more about the plants and wildlife in the garden.

 

Palos Verdes Peninsula

916 Silver Spur Rd, #207
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Email: info@pvplc.org
(310) 541-7613

With blooms year-round, March and April are the best time to witness a spectrum of colorful flowers in full bloom at this location. From fiddlenecks, poppies, and deerweed on the east side of the Chandler Preserve where monarch butterflies love to flutter, to lupines at White Point Nature Preserve, you’ll be surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Take a walk on the wild side and hike the Mariposa, Flying Mane, and Basalt trails in Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, where you’ll find red paintbrush and more. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for California bush sunflowers, mariposa lilies, and wild hyacinth scattered across the peninsula.

 

Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve

15101 Lancaster Road
Lancaster, CA 93536
661-946-6092

Get ready for a wildflower extravaganza this spring! The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is ready to burst into bloom with a sensational display of colors and scents from the Mojave Desert Grassland. Every year is different, with the wildflower season usually kicking off in mid-February and lasting until May. The variety of blooms changes every day, making each visit a unique and unforgettable experience.

With 8 miles of trails, including a smooth and accessible paved path, you can choose to hike, explore, or simply soak in the peace and quiet of the countryside. Listen to the melodic tunes of the birds and watch in awe as hawks glide silently overhead. Take a break on one of the many benches along the way and keep an eye out for wildlife sightings. You might just spot a meadow lark, a darting lizard, or even a sneaky gopher snake! And if you’re feeling lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a coyote or a bobcat. And let’s not forget about the amazing creatures that call the burrows along the trails home, like mice, gophers, kangaroo rats, beetles, and even scorpions!

If want to check on the progress of the bloom at the Poppy Reserve, you can monitor the wildflowers via their live webcam.

 

Hungry Valley SVRA

Gold Hill Road near N Peace Valley Road
Gorman, CA 93243
661-248-7007

Get ready for a wildflower party like no other at Tejon Pass! These hillsides are famous for their eye-popping displays of color and are covered in a dazzling carpet of wildflowers each spring. From vibrant orange California Poppies to sunny yellow Goldfields, brilliant purple Lupine, and playful Tidy Tips, these flowers transform the rolling hills into a rainbow of hues. Take a stroll on the self-guided tour route starting at the Visitor Center, marked by cheerful blue and white flower signs, and immerse yourself in a world of nature’s beauty. (Download the PDF version of the wildflower tour map.)

 

Chino Hills State Park

4721 Sapphire Rd.
Chino Hills, CA 91709
951-780-6222

March (and sometimes early April) is the best time to witness the spectacular display of bright California poppies and other blooming flowers. Want to take in the full beauty? Check out some of the park’s most popular wildflower trails like Aliso Canyon, Bane Ridge Trail, Bovinian Delight Trail, Telegraph Canyon Trail, and Little Canyon Loop. It’s a nature lover’s paradise!”

Keep your eyes peeled for curious coyotes, graceful deer, sneaky bobcats, and other fuzzy creatures that call these woodlands, scrub, and grasslands their home. You can check out the best 30 Chino Hills State Park trails here.

 

Saddleback Butte State Park

East Avenue J and 170th Street East
Lancaster, CA 93535
(661) 946-6092

Get ready for a wild and colorful adventure at Saddleback Butte State Park! Spring is the prime time to witness the breathtaking display of wildflowers (from February to May). And if you’re lucky, you might spot some amazing desert creatures like coyotes, kit foxes, tortoises, jackrabbits, bunnies, ground squirrels, kangaroo rats, slithering snakes and lizards, and even the rare badger or skunk!

For the status of the bloom, follow their Facebook page.

 

Carlsbad Flower Fields

5704 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-431-0352

This 50-acre wonderland is one of the most popular places to see wildflowers and the blooming of ranunculus flowers is simply unforgettable! Mark your calendars, as The Flower Fields will be open for visitors starting March 1, 2023.

Take a leisurely ride through the fields on an open-air wagon and listen to the fascinating audio commentary on the history of The Flower Fields. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at picking your own blueberries in the U-Pick Blueberry Patch.

With tickets starting at just $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $7 for kids (prices vary on weekdays and weekends), it’s the perfect opportunity to make memories with your family! Also check their 2023 activity calendar for upcoming events.

 

Carrizo Plain National Monument

17495 Soda Lake Rd.
California Valley, CA 93453
805-475-2035

Carrizo Plain National Monument is one of the best-kept secrets in California. Only a few hours from Los Angeles, the Carrizo Plain offers visitors a rare chance to be alone with nature. When conditions are right, numerous wildflowers can carpet the valley floor; although short-lived it can be breathtaking.

For more information about the status of the blooms, please visit their website or contact the park at 805-475-2035, or you can hear weekly recorded wildflower reports at 818 768-1802 ext. 7. New reports are released every Friday, March through May!

 

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

200 Palm Canyon Dr.
Borrego Springs, CA 92004
760-767-4684

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is known for Desert Gold Poppies, Phacelia, and a variety of tiny belly flowers, which start making their appearance near the Visitor Center and on low rocky hillsides. For information on this year’s blooms, you can call Wildflower Hotline at 760-767-4684. The Visitor Center is open Saturdays and Sundays only, from 9 am to 5 pm.

If you are visiting with kids, NARROWS EARTH NATURE TRAIL is the easiest one. This gentle one-half-mile walk is short but sweet. In 30 minutes you can fully explore the many geological processes taking place in this small canyon. Access from Highway 78.

 

Paramount Ranch

2903 Cornell Rd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
805-370-2301

Take a walk on the wild side at Paramount Ranch! Get ready to explore miles of easy to moderate scenic hikes that take you through stunning landscapes, including chaparral, riparian, and valley oak savannah plant communities. Keep an eye out for some amazing wildlife, like red-tailed hawks, acorn woodpeckers, blue herons, and deer, as well as beautiful wildflowers.

When you’re done with your hike, step back in time and visit Western Town. Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the shaded area, surrounded by a real-life movie set that’s constantly changing (but always keeping its western charm). Whether you’re an adventure-seeker or a history buff, there’s something for everyone at Paramount Ranch! For more information about wildflower blooms, please call 805-370-2301 or visit their website.

 

Joshua Tree National Park

74485 National Park Dr.
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760) 367-5522

Get ready to witness nature’s vibrant colors come to life in the Pinto Basin! The lower elevations are the first to showcase their wildflower magic in February, followed by the higher elevations in March and April. If you’re feeling adventurous, head up to the desert regions above 5,000 feet and enjoy a bloom extravaganza that may last until June! So, pack your bags and get ready to be surrounded by beauty at every turn.

Before visiting, please check the status of the blooms here.

 

Death Valley National Park

328 Greenland Blvd.
Death Valley, CA 92328
(760) 786-3200

Get ready to be awestruck in Death Valley! This magnificent park is famous for its breathtaking wildflower displays, which happen about once a decade and are known as super blooms. It’s an ultra-rare event, but one you don’t want to miss! Even in non-super bloom years, the early spring months bring splashes of colorful flowers to the desert floor, before spreading to the mid and high elevations. So buckle up, it’s time to witness nature’s amazing display!

You can check the status of the blooms here.

 

Catalina Island Conservancy

708 Crescent Ave.
Avalon, CA 90704
(310) 510-2595

This island off the coast of Long Beach is a treasure trove for plant lovers, blooming or not. During the months of February to May, the island transforms into a stunning display of wildflowers. And even when the wildflowers aren’t in full bloom, there’s still plenty to explore. As one of only a few Mediterranean regions in the world, Catalina boasts a rich and diverse plant life, including some rare and unique species.

The best way to explore the plant life on Catalina is by scheduling a naturalist guided open-air Jeep Eco Tour by calling (310) 510-2595 ext. 108.

 

Channel Islands National Park

1901 Spinnaker Drive
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 658-5730

This park is a botanical playground, boasting over 800 plant species! When the rain showers are plentiful, the islands transform into a lush green paradise, where wildflowers dance in the sunshine. Don’t miss the showstopping yellow coreopsis flowers that light up the place from late January to March. The best place to catch this breathtaking display is on Santa Barbara, Anacapa, and San Miguel Islands!

For more information about specific island wildflower viewing, click here.

 

Pinnacles National Park

5000 Highway 146
Paicines, CA 95043
(831) 389-4486

Spring has never been so colorful! Get ready to be surrounded by a breathtaking sea of blooms at Pinnacles National Park! From March to May, over 80% of the park’s plants burst into bloom, bringing the place to life. Depending on Mother Nature’s mood, the flowers may stick around until June or, in a super wet year, all the way to July!

January and February bring the early birds like Manzanita, Milkmaids, Shooting Stars, and Indian Warriors. But by March, the Bush Poppies and Buck Brush take center stage, surrounded by a chorus of California Poppies, Fiddleneck, Peppergrass, Filaree, Fiesta Flower, Monkeyflower, and Baby Blue-Eyes. Don’t miss this spectacular show of nature!

 

Walker Canyon

Lake Elsinore, CA
(951) 674-3124

This wildflower wonderland is a top pick for those seeking a burst of color and beauty in the spring months. With fields of cheerful orange California poppies and an array of other wildflowers, the hills of the canyon come to life with a breathtaking display. Though the amount of wildflowers varies from year to year, you can usually expect to see a stunning variety of blooms from late February to mid-April.

To join in on the fun, simply park along Lake Street and take a short hike to reach the wildflowers. The best part? There’s no entrance fee! Just make sure to visit early in the day to avoid crowds and secure a parking spot, especially during peak blooming season. Click here to see the status of the poppies.

 

Figueroa Mountain Recreation Area

Santa Barbara County, California
805-925-9538

Just a 30-minute drive north of Los Olivos lies the Figueroa Mountain recreation area, where you’ll be treated to a panoramic view that’ll take your breath away! From the San Rafael Wilderness to the Santa Ynez Valley, you won’t be disappointed. And let’s talk about the wildflowers! During springtime (February to April), Figueroa Mountain transforms into a floral wonderland. Early March is when the Purple Shooting Stars make their grand entrance, and as the months go by, more and more beautiful blooms join the party – think Chocolate Lilies and Scarlet Indian Paintbrush! Don’t miss this eye-catching extravaganza!

The Wildflowers on the Figueroa Mountain Area web page showcases the wildflowers of Figueroa Mountain.

 

Mojave National Preserve

2701 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311
(760) 252-6100

Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and venture to the peaceful and serene Mojave! This 1.6-million-acre park, located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, is a true gem, featuring singing sand dunes, cinder cone volcanoes, a massive Joshua tree forest, and, of course, a colorful carpet of spring wildflowers!

Every few years, the Mojave gets a little extra love from Mother Nature in the form of rain. And when that happens, get ready for a wildflower extravaganza like no other! Every inch of sand and gravelly soil will be blanketed in a sea of blossoms – it’s truly a magical sight! While it’s not an annual event, with a few well-timed showers, you’ll be treated to a memorable spring wildflower bloom that’ll make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale!

You can check the status of the blooms here.

 

Madrona Marsh Preserve

3201 Plaza Del Amo Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 782-3989

Step into a hidden gem in Los Angeles County – the Madrona Marsh Preserve! This unique spot is believed to be one of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes around, providing a temporary home to a variety of distinctive plants and animals.

Come March, the seasonal wetland transforms into a lush oasis, bursting with water and wildflowers. Look out for the bright yellow Bush Sunflowers, tiny bunches of Golden Poppies, and the cheerful Yellow Deerweed. And the fun doesn’t end there! Across the street, you can take a tour of the Native Garden, where you’ll spot Bushy Black Sage in bloom, along with Cactus Flowers, Deerweed, Flannel Bush, and other local species. Don’t miss this unique and vibrant destination!

 

Fresno County Blossom Trial

2629 S Clovis Ave.
Fresno, CA 93725
(559) 600-4271

Get ready for a mesmerizing experience! Each year in mid-February, a driving path of nearly 70 miles transforms into a fairy tale wonderland with stunning bursts of pink and white fluttering petals. This stunning sight is known as the Fresno County Blossom Trail! From mid-February to the end of March, the trail will be a dreamy display of nature’s beauty. And to celebrate this magical moment, there are tons of festivals and special events to enjoy, like the 10k run and the Kings River Blossom Trail Bike Ride.

Take selfies or professional family photos with an almost make-believe backdrop, walk through the ocean of color, sit back and enjoy the leisurely drive with nothing but petals in sight, or enjoy the view from one of the several stops along the trail—including Simonian Farms, and Circle K Ranch.

 

Blossom Trail At Hillcrest

6943 S. Reed
Reedley, CA 93654
559-638-2762

At Hillcrest farm, you can ride a blossom trial train that operates the first three weekends of March from 10 am to 5 pm. Train tickets are $5 per person for ages 2 and up. (Stand by for the exact dates for 2023).


Tips for viewing Wildflowers

  • We recommend planning your visit during a weekday, especially if you’re visiting in the peak month of March.

  • Consider booking a hotel near where you will be viewing wildflowers so you can take your time and enjoy the beauty of the Spring.

  • Wear comfortable and closed-toe shoes or hiking shoes.

  • Take sunblock, sun hats, and sunglasses with you.

  • If you are viewing with little kids, consider taking child carriers so if they get ted you can carry them easily.

  • Don’t forget to take a camera with you or make sure your mobile phone is fully charged to take awesome photos.

  • Pack lunch and be sure to bring plenty of water.

  • A pair of binoculars may also come in handy.

  • Take a Wildflower Identification book to identify the flowers.


🌺Quick Links to Spring Wildflowers Near Me 🌺

Wildflowers Near Los Angeles

Wildflowers Near Palos Verdes

Wildflowers Near Lancaster

Wildflowers Near Chino Hills

Wildflowers Near Carlsbad

Wildflowers Near California Valley

Wildflowers Near Joshua Tree

Wildflowers Near Agoura Hills

Wildflowers Near Death Valley

Wildflowers Near Catalina Island

Wildflowers Near Ventura

Wildflowers Near Santa Barbara

Map to Spring Wildflower Fields in Southern California

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Pegboard Storage Lead Featured Image

Sliding Pegboard Storage System

Colder, less productive months are a great time to organize all of your tools so that you know where they are when you actually need to use them on outdoor projects. This organizer takes workshop storage to a whole new level, employing both sides of seven pieces of pegboard, all housed inside a compact box.

2 / 10

Clean Your Grout

Cleaning the grout between the tile in your home is a great project you can definitely tackle before the official start of spring cleaning. Make a note to save your worn-out electric toothbrush heads, because they’re great for cleaning the grout between your shower tiles. Just apply a little bit of dish detergent to the head of the brush. This technique works especially well on corners.

3 / 10
behind the door storage shelves laundry room

Behind-the-Door Storage

The space behind a door is a storage spot that’s often overlooked. To take advantage of this neglected space, build a set of shallow shelves and mount it to the wall.

4 / 10
remove tough stains on vinyl flooring

Clean Vinyl Flooring

Sheet vinyl “resilient” flooring is so easy to clean that it may never require anything beyond damp mopping with a cleaner intended for vinyl floors. But if your floor has marks or stains that still won’t come off, you can use stronger stuff.

Isopropyl alcohol, sold as a disinfectant at drug stores, is a mild solvent. It’s the best cleaner for heel marks and works on other tough stains too.

5 / 10
clean dishwasher filter

Clean the Dishwasher Filter

When your dishwasher no longer gets your dishes clean, a food-filled filter is most often to blame. If it’s clogged, water can’t make it to the spray arms to clean the dishes in the top rack. The fix takes two minutes. Simply pull out the lower rack and remove the filter cover inside the dishwasher. (Check your owner’s manual if you can’t spot the filter.) Then use a wet/dry shop vacuum to clean clean off the screen. While you’re there, slide the nearby float switch up and down. If the cover sticks, jiggle it up and down and clean it with water.

6 / 10
Change and clean dryer filterF

Clean the Clothes Dryer Filter

A common cause of poor drying is a clogged lint filter. The filter may look clean, but it may actually be covered by a nearly invisible film caused by dryer sheets. This film reduces airflow and forces the thermostat to shut off the heat before your clothes are dry. Test your filter by pouring water into it. If the filter holds water, it’s past time to clean it. Scrub the filter in hot water with a little laundry detergent and a stiff kitchen brush.

7 / 10
attach towel bar laundry sink

Attach a Towel Bar to the Laundry Sink

Get those messy rags out of the sink and onto a towel bar so they can actually dry and make your laundry room organized. Shop for an easy mounting towel bar that you can shorten if you like. We cut the bar with a hacksaw so it would fit nicely on the side of the sink. While you’re at the hardware store, buy stainless steel mounting bolts, washers and acorn nuts to mount the bar. We used 7/8-in. No. 8-24 bolts.

8 / 10
tongs

Dust Your Blinds

Dusting mini blinds is a pain. It’s difficult to thoroughly wipe both sides of the slats without bending them in the process. A pair of kitchen tongs makes it a lot easier. First, cut a rag (microfiber works best) in half. Then, use twist ties or rubber bands to secure the rags around the ends of the tongs. You can close the tongs around each slat and wipe away the dust.

9 / 10
Cord Rack Featured Photo

Create a Grab & Go Cord Rack

This project takes just one hour and provides a simple way to hang up a variety of things, such as extension cords, rope or air hoses. Most importantly, it keeps them up and out of the way.

10 / 10
drawer

Organize Your Dish Drawers

These drawer inserts come complete with movable pegs, allowing you to customize the arrangement to fit your dishes. By keeping your dishes at a convenient-to-reach height, they are easier to get at and put away.


realtor.com | 02/21/2023

Drywall repairs are something that every homeowner has to tackle at some point. But DIYing it doesn’t have to be messy or painstaking.  Check out Realtor.com’s 2-minute step-by-step video!

 

 

KTLA.com | Dec 18, 2022

As housing and living costs remain unaffordable for many living in Los Angeles, new data shows plenty of residents are migrating to more affordable locales.

A new SmartAsset study shows the migration trend to more affordable cities has created a series of “boomtowns” across America.

These cities saw the largest increase in population, income and available housing over a five-year period from 2016-2021.

Three Southern California cities, in particular saw the largest growth — Menifee, Chino and Victorville.


Menifee

Located in Riverside County, the population in Menifee has increased by 20.21% to around 106,400 residents between 2016-2021. Workers in the city experienced an increase of over 42% in incomes. Housing availability has also boomed, rising by almost 20% over five years.

Residents enjoy the sparse suburban feel with plenty of local parks and outdoor activities. Menifee’s residents are mostly comprised of families and retired folks, according to Niche. Average home prices are $572,051, according to Zillow.

Chino

Chino ranked highest for its five-year housing and income growth among the winner’s list. The number of housing units increased by almost 30% while the median household income increased by around 42% to $97,473. Chino’s population is just under 93,000.

Located in San Bernardino County, locals say the Chino is a suburban town with easy access to dining, entertainment and plenty of outdoor parks. Its residents are a mix of families and young professionals. The median home price is $715,682 according to Zillow.

Victorville

The population in this San Bernardino County has grown by 11% over the past five years while housing units have increased by 15%. Local businesses have also increased by 12%, according to the study.

Locals say Victorville is a great place to raise a family, boasting low crime rates, great schools and affordable housing. The median home price is $415,547, according to Zillow. Its residents are a mix of young families and retirees.

Here are the Top Boomtowns in America in 2022 according to SmartAsset:

  1. Nampa, Idaho
  2. Meridian, Idaho
  3. Murfreesboro, Tennessee
  4. New Braunfels, Texas
  5. Fort Myers, Florida
  6. Conroe, Texas
  7. Menifee, California
  8. Pasco, Washington
  9. Lewisville, Texas
  10. Chino, California
  11. Port St. Lucie, Florida
  12. Rancho Cordova, California
  13. Victorville, California (Tie)
  14. Riverview, Florida (Tie)
  15. Homestead, Florida

To narrow down the final list, researchers analyzed data for 500 of the largest cities using seven metrics:

Thinking of moving to a “boomtown”? Experts say timing is important to reap the most benefits.

“Moving to a boomtown at its earliest stages can be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors, as there’s still plenty of room for growth,” said Edith Reads, senior editor at TradingPlatforms.“ And for those who are looking for a job, there are usually plenty of opportunities available in rapidly growing cities. However, if a city has already reached its peak, it may be too late to get in on the action. In this case, it may be wiser to wait until the city’s growth slows down before making the move. This way, you can avoid getting caught in the midst of a housing or job crunch.”

Check out SmartAsset’s full study of America’s Top Boomtowns in 2022.

sandytoesandpopsicles.com | Feb 1, 2021

ICE CREAM & MORE

à la Minute (Orange) – made with nitrogen
Afters Ice Cream (Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Tustin, Chino Hills & Long Beach) – home of the famous Milky Bun

Afters_Ice_Cream_Milky_Bun

Churned Creamery (Tustin)
Cloud Poke and Snow (Fullerton)
Cream (Aliso Viejo & Irvine) – unique ice cream sandwiches
Coldstone Creamery (Multiple Orange County Locations)
Creamistry (Anaheim, Brea, Cerritos, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Tustin & Corona ) – made with nitrogen
Dad’s Donuts & Ice Cream (Newport Beach) – Famous Balboa bars and chocolate dipped bananas
H2 Snow (Orange)
Honey & Butter (Irvine)

honey_and_butter_irvine
Honeymee
Scoops N Scoops Ice Creams

Honeymee (Buena Park, Cerritos, Irvine & Westminster) – natural milk ice cream with pure honeycomb
La Michoacana Premium (Santa Ana) – Mexican Ice Cream Treats
Milky Snow Bar (Garden Grove)
Nitrolado (Garden Grove) – made with nitrogen
Scoops N Scoops (Irvine & Chino Hills) – made with nitrogen
Shaved Ice Ice Baby (Lake Forest)
Snow Heaven (Lake Forest)
Snow Monster OC (Huntington Beach, Tustin, Westminster, Long Beach & Mini Monster at Anaheim Packing House)
Snow Station (Anaheim, Los Alamitos, Tustin & Westminster)

Snow_Station_in_Tustin
Crafted_Donuts_Fountain_Valley

Snowy Village (Buena Park)
N2 Creamery (Villa Park) – made with nitrogen

DONUTS & MORE

Crafted Donuts (Fountain Valley)
Dad’s Donuts & Ice Cream (Newport Beach) – Famous Balboa bars and chocolate dipped bananas
DK’s Donuts of Orange (Orange)
DK’s Donuts of Tustin (Tustin)
Dunkin Donuts (Garden Grove, Irvine, Santa Ana, Villa Park, Westminster & Yorba Linda)
Krispy Kreme (Orange & Mission Viejo)
Poqet Donuts (Irvine) – customize your own donuts

Orange County Gourmet Donuts

The Donuttery (Huntington Beach)
Sidecar Donuts (Costa Mesa)
U Jelly (Fountain Valley)
Zombee Donuts (Fullerton)

Zombee Donuts of Orange County

BAKERIES & CUPCAKES

Beverly’s Bakery (Fullerton & Yorba Linda)
Blackmarket Bakery (Costa Mesa & Santa Ana)
Creme & Sugar (Anaheim Hills) – Known for their lavender cake, lavender lattes and cookie butter lattes.

Creme_and_Sugar_Lavendar_Cake

Cream Pan Bakery (Tustin)
French’s Pastry (Costa Mesa, Irvine, Mission Viejo & Orange) – Since 1965
Hapa Cupcakes (Fullerton)
Nothing Bundt Cakes (Mission Viejo)
Porto’s Bakery (Buena Park)
The Sugar Me Bakery (Orange) – Giant cupcakes
The Great Dane Baking Company (Huntington Beach & Los Alamitos)

great_dane_baking_company

Rockwell’s Bakery (Villa Park)
Simply the Cupcake Store (Mission Viejo)
Sunmerry Bakery (Irvine) – Asian Fusion style
SusieCakes (Costa Mesa, Laguna Niguel & Newport Beach)
Sprinkles Cupcakes (Newport Beach)
Wonderland Bakery (Newport Beach)
85ºC Bakery (Buena Park, Cerritos, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Irvine & Chino Hills) – Taiwanese fusion

honey_and_butter_irvine_macarons

COOKIES & MORE

Cookie Connection (Irvine)
Cookies by Jess (Orange)
Honey & Butter (Irvine)
Kelly’s Kookies (Brea, Costa Mesa, Irvine Newport Beach & Stanton) – known for their shortbread and lemon cookies
Stax Cookie Bar (Irvine)
The Cookie Element (Yorba Linda)
The Dirty Cookie (Tustin) – Cookie shots!
The Sweet Shot Company (Irvine) Cookie shots!

CHOCOLATE

Luisa Chocolatiere (Laguna Niguel)
Too Sweet (Newport Beach) – Chocolate dipped bananas and Balboa Bars

menchies-laguna-hills-best-yogurt

FROZEN YOGURT

Ice Cap (Placentia)
Menchies (Newport Beach) – fresh made waffle cones
Yogurtland (multiple Orange County locations)

FROZEN CUSTARD & ITALIAN ICE

Confetti Italian Ice & Custard (Costa Mesa)
Frostbites Crepes & Frozen Delights (Cypress)
Joe’s Italian Ice (Anaheim)
Kups (Westminster)
Rita’s (multiple Orange County locations) – frozen ice with frozen custard
Stickland’s (Irvine)

GELATO

Eiswelt Gelato (Westminster)
Mochilato (Irvine) – Japanese fusion – gelato, mochi, macarons, shaved ice and more.

Eiswelt_Gelato

SHAVE ICE

Bahama Bucks (Huntington Beach)
Haole Boys Shave Ice (Huntington Beach)
Hula Girls Shave Ice (Huntington Beach) – fresh made syrups with no preservatives or high-fructose corn syrup

Hula_Girls_Shave_Ice_Huntington_Beach

Oahu Shave Ice (Yorba Linda)
Snow 2 Go (Mission Viejo)
Snowy Village (Buena Park)
Sticky Fingers (Irvine)
Wiki Wiki Shave Ice (Tustin)

best-popsicles-in-orange-county

POPSICLES

Dee-lite Distribution (Fullerton) – Wholesale to the public
Front Porch Pops (Santa Ana & Tustin)
Neveria La Flor De Mexico (Stanton) – yummy paletas
Pop Bar (Anaheim & Huntington Beach)
Paloma’s Paletas (Corona Del Mar)

CANDY STORES

Balboa Candy Store (Newport Beach at the Balboa Fun Zone)
B.Candy Store (Corona Del Mar)

b_candy

Marceline’s Confectionary ( Anaheim in Downtown Disney) – They have Disney treats!
Powell’s Sweet Shop (AlisoViejo)
Rocket Fizz (Irvine & San Clemente)

PIES & MORE

The Pie Hole (Orange)
Marie Callender’s (Multiple Orange County locations)

Coconut Cream Pie

ALLERGY-FRIENDLY TREATS

Sensitive Sweets (Fountain Valley & San Clemente)

Bagels and Brews Unicorn Bagels
The_Loop_Churros

UNIQUE & SPECIALTY TREATS

Bagels & Brew (Aliso Viejo, Lake Forest & Mission Viejo) – known for their rainbow unicorn bagels
Cha2O (Fullerton) – Tea House, Java, Smoothies, Specialty drinks and more
Hello Kitty Cafe Pop-Up (Irvine)
7 Leaves Cafe (Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach & Irvine)
The LOOP (Westminster) – handcrafted churros

Keeping Current Matters | Feb 10, 2023

This infographic shows how to win as a BUYER in today’s housing market.  Main take-aways:

💭 DM us @carealestategroup and let’s chat about the best options for you!

💡 For more home maintenance tips, real estate advice, and fun family ideas, follow us at @carealestategroup — we are more than just real estate!

CA Real Estate Group | KW Realty
@carealestategroup @christine_almarines @michellejeankim_homes @estheroh_realtor @__minheok @singlemomrealtor

Between the parade of cyclones that pummeled California and the record-breaking frigid temperatures in the northeastern United States, the weather this winter has challenged many homeowners. And we’re betting there’s a good chance your lawn has seen better days.

Thankfully, spring is around the corner. And while it’s not time for your lawn mower to come out of hibernation just yet, now is a great time to make a plan to revive your lawn.

In addition to the following lawn maintenance tasks you can tackle right now, there are also a few preliminary steps you can take to nurse your grass back to its former green self. Consider this your lawn fix-it game plan.

 

Mitigate snow mold

Snow mold can destroy your lawn. (Getty Images)

 

Long periods of snow cover make snow mold ripe to develop and spread. The areas most likely affected are where snow piled or accumulated for extended periods of time.

These are some signs you have snow mold:

  • Straw-colored circular patches ranging in size from a few inches to several feet across
  • Grass patches that are matted down and crusty
  • Grass patches with a grayish-white or whitish-pink appearance

To combat the mold, gently rake the grass to loosen it up and allow the soil to dry.

 

Rake and remove thatch

Raking helps dethatch your lawn. (Getty Images)

 

Excessive thatch is a major indicator that your lawn is struggling, says Greg Crouse, product marketing manager at Leaf Home.

“Thatch is layers of dead grass and roots that tangle together along the ground’s surface,” says Crouse. “When there are massive amounts of thatch, the soil and roots below are often cut off from the air, water, and nutrients they need to flourish.”

Thick thatch can also make an ideal home for snow mold to develop.

If you notice a half-inch of thatch or more on your lawn, rake it so that the soil below can get the air it needs.

Raking will also clear your lawn of debris that may damage your lawn mower blade when you first mow, says Craig Elworthy, founder of natural lawn care company Lawnbright. And it can stimulate new grass growth when soils begin to warm from longer daylight hours.

In cold season zones of the U.S., dethatching is best done when the snow melts and air temperatures begin to rise. In warm season and transition zones, start in February before your lawn becomes active again.

 

Consider aerating the soil

Lawn aerating shoes can be used to improve the quality of grass growth. (Getty Images)

 

Winter frost can wreak havoc on your lawn’s soil. You might need to aerate it to ensure it consumes all the water, air, and nutrients it needs to thrive.

“If you stick a screwdriver into the ground and it does not go in easily, your soil is compacted and will require an aeration,” says Elworthy.

Use aeration sandals or boots with tiny spikes on the bottom, or use a manual or electric appliance to puncture the surface.

 

Lower the lawn mower blades on the first run

Once it’s time to break out your lawnmower, experts recommend using a lower blade setting for a closer cut on the first run of the season.

“This will remove dead grass blades, help to improve air circulation, and stimulate new grass growth,” says Brian Feldman, senior director of technical operations at TruGreen.

For the cool season zone, this means mowing (after cleaning up the debris on the lawn) in March or April, after all the snow has melted. For the warm season and transition zones, mow the lawn when grass begins growing again, which is usually around March.

 

Fertilize at the right time

Experts say the best way to enhance your lawn after a long winter is to apply granular or water-soluble fertilizer. (Getty Images)

 

Lawns can take their sweet time to start growing again, and the exact date they shake off dormancy depends on your climate. Applying fertilizer while your lawn is still dormant or partly dormant won’t do much good and wastes money, Elworthy says.

The best way to enhance your lawn after a long winter is to apply granular or water-soluble fertilizer.

“Organic fertilizer should be used for a lawn in need of thicker and more natural-looking grass, because it helps stimulate the soil to better absorb nutrients,” says Crouse.

Granular fertilizers are usually in time-release formulas, while water-soluble fertilizer helps lawns that have trouble absorbing the proper amounts of water needed.

If you know the type of fertilizer your lawn needs, stock up now. Or buy a soil testing kit and use the recommendations to buy the correct fertilizer.

 

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