Start (or Finish) your holiday shopping locally this year by checking out these awesome Mar Vista merchants and manufacturers in my first annual Gift Guide.
Cyber Monday Reminder: Check Out The MVM Holiday Gift Guide
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Monthly Archives: November 2009
House Of The Week
Cool details.
Mar Vista Farmer’s Market Wrap-Up 11/29/09
Today’s shopper is Jenny Yerrick Martin. Jenny and I go way back to our days working on movie sets, but these days, among other things, Jenny writes a blog about entertainment jobs called YourIndustryInsider.com.
And today she’s sharing her recipe for Leek Bread Pudding that she made to accompany last Thursday’s turkey extravaganza.
You’ll need: 2 cups 1/2″ thick slices of leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned and rinsed, 
kosher salt, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, ground pepper, 2 cups 1″ cubed crustless brioche or challah bread, 1 tbsp finely chopped chives, 
1 tsp fresh thyme, 
3 large eggs, 3 cups whole milk, 3 cups heavy cream, Freshly grated nutmeg, and 1 cup shredded emmanthaler or comte cheese. To prepare: Place a medium sauce pan over med-high heat, drain excess water from leeks and add to pan. Season with salt and saute until leeks begin to soften, about 5 minutes, then reduce heat to med-low. Stir in butter. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until leeks are very soft, about 30 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Next, preheat oven to 350. While leeks are cooking, spread bread cubes on a baking sheet until dry and pale gold, about 20 minutes, turning pan about halfway through. Transfer to a large bowl, leaving oven on. Then, add leeks, chives and thyme to the bowl of bread; toss well. In another large bowl, lightly whisk the eggs, then whisk in milk, cream, a generous pinch of salt, pepper to taste and pinch of nutmeg. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese in bottom of a 9 x 13″ baking pan. Spread 1/2 of bread mixture in pan and sprinkle with another 1/4 cup cheese. Spread remaining bread mixture in pan and sprinkle with another 1/4 cup cheese. Pour in enough milk to cover bread and gently press on bread so milk soaks in. Let rest 15 minutes. Finally, add remaining milk mixture letting some bread cubes protrude. Sprinkle with salt and remaining cheese. Bake until pudding is set and top is brown and bubbling. About 1 1/2 hours. Serve hot.
Thanks, Jenny!!
In the Green Booth today, Rob Kadota was showing how easy it is to do worm composting; 
shredded newspaper and food scraps are all it takes to get great compost going in something as small as a plastic bin! 
Here’s a link to a pdf with many more details about worm composting. Probably more than you wanted to know.
Rob was also doing a trash sorting quiz, showing these four options for where to dispose of things. 
Can you guess where to put this item? 
Answer…
Styrofoam is recyclable in Los Angeles. Put it in the blue bin, please!
Mar Vista Mom’s Holiday Gift Guide 2009
Here’s to holiday gift-giving, Mar Vista-Style! I have chosen some of my favorite products made by my favorite local companies to highlight as gift ideas this year.
All of these gracious companies have offered a limited-time discount to you lucky readers of Mar Vista Mom, which will last from Friday, November 27th through Saturday, December 12th, except where noted below. (Please note that this is only a guide; in order to buy any of these products, you’ll need to click through to their websites and use the coupon codes provided.)
Shop Local, Shop Happy!
Soaps and Scrubs by Soaptopia
I have such a special place in my heart for this store and this soap. I remember walking by the store when they were getting ready to open for the first time. I love how it smells when you walk by and how they decorate for the holidays. And boy do I love their soap! 
They’ve made up a special gift box with my 2 personal favorites for the holidays: Candy Cane and Red Hot Lover, all wrapped up in the Double Bubble Soap Box for $12.50. 
Plus they’ve got the Jingle Smells Good Box for $27.50. Either of these would make a great gift for teachers, Mothers-in-Law, or best girlfriends.
Use the coupon code MVMSMELLSGOOD for 10% off online orders. Also, from Black Friday 11/27 through Cyber Monday 11/30 ONLY, the coupon code JINGLESMELLSGOOD will get you free shipping. (Coupons may not be combined; pick the one that works best for your order.) Product information available at www.Soaptopia.com.
Spread Heads by Black Lab
I don’t know about you, but at my house we eat of lot of items that can be dipped in ketchup, so I buy it in bulk at Costco. And since my kids are boys, almost everything we do in life is an opportunity for a gross-out session. Enter the world’s best gift idea for little boys (and those girls who aren’t disgusted by it): Ketchup Charlie, 
from whose nose the ketchup emanates. Good ‘ole Mustard Marvin 
spits the yellow stuff right out of his mouth. It’s heaven on a plate for the picky-eater set. Perfect stocking stuffers for all the kids in your life.
Use the coupon code MARVISTAMOM to receive 10% off orders of $15.00 or more. Plus they’ve got Toothpaste heads as well! Check out their website for more product info: www.TheSpreadHeads.com
(Please note that although two of the heads have the same names as my kids (Charlie and Oscar), I was not influenced in any way by that fact when adding them to my gift list this year. Really, it was just a coincidence.)
Peppermint “h” Bark by Bake Sale 
Even though theirs is a virtual store, the owners of BakeSale are Mar Vista women, through and through. They make all kinds of delicious treats year-round, but at the holiday time they offer Peppermint “h” Bark, which is why it’s on my list this year.
It comes in milk chocolate or white chocolate, which is all the best kinds of chocolate as far as I’m concerned, and there are 2 sizes to choose from: their regular-sized bag for $22 or a holiday tin filled with a pound of bark for $26.50. This is a wonderful hostess gift, especially when traveling; you can give a little bit of Mar Vista while you’re away!
Use the coupon code MARVISTAMOM to receive a 10% discount on all orders of peppermint “h” bark, while supplies last. (Prices do not include shipping.) More products and info available at www.BakeSaleOnline.com.
Chocolate Chip Cookies by Yvonne’s Gluten-Free Goodies 
These cookies are not just delicious, they’re gluten-free as well! Made by Yvonne, and also sold at the Mar Vista Farmer’s Market twice per month, these gluten-free, dairy-free cookies are made with the finest organic and natural ingredients. 
A basket of 18 cookies sells for $32. A perfect hostess gift — or for the choco-holic you know and love.
Use the coupon code MARVISTAMOM to receive 10% off. More product and ordering information at www.YvonnesGFGoodies.com.
Elise Derby’s Massage Gift Certificates 
Elise is a local Massage Therapist and she can make the crankiest muscles feel happy and calm. She always smooths out all of my stress-induced jagged edges, and you know how the holidays can stress one out! (She’s also a blogger and a friend, just so you know…) She’s a fellow Mar Vista mom, and I highly recommend this gift — basically for everyone on your list. I mean, come on, who couldn’t use a little relaxation?
Use the coupon code MARVISTAMOM to receive the special holiday price of $50 for a 1-hour massage gift certificate (regularly priced at $70) — what a deal! Please contact Elise at (310) 308-3188 for more info and to purchase.
Carabeans by Mommy ToolBox 
Ever need an extra hand? Or two or three? Carabeans can help! 
These oval-ish rings snap on to a stroller or a car seat, or whatever you have around and hold onto other things that you just don’t have enough hands for. I’m all done with strollers myself, but back in the day, I could have really used a Carabean or a dozen: I routinely had multiple bags tied on the to stroller handles, and the kids’ toys were forever falling out and getting lost. 
Not if they’d been clipped with a carabean! Perfect gift for the new families on your list (or apparently for the hipster bike riders on your list, too – see their blog page!)
Use the coupon code MVHOLIDAY for 10% off. Please see their site for more product info: www.MommyToolbox.com.
Eco T-Shirts from Inspire The Change 
Founded by two local moms, Inspire The Change aims to create a supportive online community with local flavor to inspire the greening of Los Angeles families. 
These T-shirts are made of 100% organic, soft/lightweight cotton and come in a variety of sizes and styles for men, women and children. Wear one and Inspire Change! Perfect gift for the Greenest on your list. 
Use the coupon code MARVISTAMOM to receive 10% off. More product and ordering info at www.InspireTheChange.com.
Klean Bath and Body Kandles 
This gift idea is last on the list ONLY because the company’s not actually located in Mar Vista (*shudder*). But I couldn’t help myself: These candles make a wonderful gift and I wanted you all to know about them. And trust me, normally the thought of a scented candle has me running out the door the other direction. 
These candles are amazing. They’re made with all-natural soy wax and eco-friendly wicks, and the frosted glass container is so pretty, but the best part is they actually smell fantastic. My favorite, and it’s absolutely made for the holidays, is Perfect Pumpkin. There are plenty of other scents to choose from on their site, including Let it Snow and Holiday Glow. All the candles come in different sizes and the company actually makes tons of other stuff as well, including soaps, scrubs, lotions, etc.. Check it all out. Perfect gift for the moms you know who need a little aroma-therapy in their daily lives!
Use the coupon code MARVISTA20 to receive 20% off all orders on their whole website! An Awesome deal, people! Product info available at www.KleanBathand Body.com.
All images used with permission.
{FULL DISCLOSURE} {These merchants and manufacturers have offered a limited-time discount on their products to readers of this blog who use the coupon code provided. I have received no compensation for this post, nor will I receive compensation if you buy them; I just really like these products.}
Happy Thanksgiving, Mar Vista!
It’s another stunningly beautiful November day in our little neighborhood, and I’m wishing everyone a safe and delicious holiday!
Mar Vista Makeover Mystery
Something’s going on in the storefront next to the Venice Grind, 
but what will it be? Rumors are flying, but nothing’s confirmed yet. Stay tuned.
House Of The Week
I don’t know which is more adorable: the butter yellow color, the shape of the window or the landscaping.
Mar Vista Farmer’s Market Wrap-Up: 11/22/09
Today’s shopper is Amy Jurist, Chef and Caterer (Amy’s Culinary Adventures), 
back again today previewing a dish from her next Underground Dinner, which will take place Saturday, December 5th, and it’s all about Cheese. (I already bought my ticket and I can’t wait, but I know there are a few left. Click here to get more info.) She’s making Yam and Goat Cheese Ravioli with a Sage Butter sauce. Oh Boy!
She starts with 1 pound of yams, 
slicing them in half, rubbing them with a little olive oil, and roasting them, cut side down, in a 475-degree oven for 45 minutes, or until they are very soft. (If they are still stringy when you try to scrape out the flesh, then they are not done enough, she says. And if they’re done, the skin will almost separate form the flesh by itself.) The cut side will be browned, so scrape down for the orange flesh and scoop it all out. Then mash it in a bowl until smooth — it should be about 1 cup of yams. At this point, Amy adds 1 T of butter, 1/2 T of brown sugar, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, and mixes until blended. The she adds 1/2 cup of goat cheese (softened for a few seconds in the microwave), 
and mixes it all together until it is very creamy and fluffy — and she adds a dash of white pepper to taste.
She then takes a package of wonton wrappers and a little water and gets ready to assemble them. Put a little mound of filling in the center of a wonton wrapper, 
brush the water around the edges, put a second wrapper on top and press the edges together well to seal. (A tight seal is very important.) Amy makes 3 – 4 ravioli per person for an appetizer portion, more for an entree, so keep assembling as many as you would need for your guests. As she finishes each one, she dusts it with a little bit of cornstarch so they don’t all stick together. 
To cook, drop them in simmering water and leave them for 3 – 4 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drizzle them with a little olive oil so that they don’t stick together at this point, either.
Meanwhile, for the sauce, finely mince 3 – 4 shallots and chiffonade 1/3 cup of sage leaves. 
Pre-heat a saute pan over medium high heat, then add 1 T olive oil and saute the shallots until translucent, then add 1/2 stick of butter, cook until it melts, being extra careful not to burn the butter. Add the sage leaves and cook for another moment, then toss the ravioli in the sauce to coat and place on the plate. Drizzle with sauce and top with shaved parmesan. 
So elegant and so delicious!!
Today was a big day at the market in general since Thanksgiving is coming up, and many people who don’t ordinarily cook are trying their hand at it this week. Everyone was stocking up on vegetables for their side dishes for the Big Meal, and green beans were at a premium. 
How many people had this dish on their Thanksgiving table growing up? 
(It was one of my Dad’s favorites.)
In the Green Booth today, Anna Cummins, of Algalita Marine Research, was on hand to keep all of us aware of the state of our oceans and just how many floating plastic pollutants there are clogging it all up. 
It’s horrible to think of all that plastic being eaten by marine animals, and I hope their work helps us all be more mindful of what consequences our actions have.
This is an original post by Sarah Auerswald.
{FULL DISCLOSURE} {I’ve attended Amy’s Underground Dinners before and have always paid for my own ticket; “Cheese, Please” will be no exception. I have received no compensation for any aspects of this blog post.}
Photos of ravioli in process courtesy of Amy Jurist; used with permission.
Weekend Plans
Another Big Weekend with lots of activities to tell you about. Plenty of holiday shopping opportunities and family fun to be had. So without further ado…
Thursday evening marks the opening of Mixed Moments II, a photo exhibit by Mar Vista’s own Stephen Boskin, at City Councilman Bill Rosendahl’s West LA office, 1645 Corinth Ave, 90025, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Admission is free.
Also opening Thursday and running through the weekend is the Green Screen Environmental Film Festival & Salon, at the Electric Lodge in Venice. Check their website for showtimes and prices.
Friday morning from 7:30am – 9am, Mar Vista Elementary school Green Dolphins will be holding an eWaste recycling drive as part of their Community Day. The drive will run again on Saturday from 11am – 2pm.
Friday Night at the Fanatic Salon is another All-Girl Revue. Show starts at 8pm, admission is $10.
On Saturday New School West is holding their Holiday Bazaar from 10am – 4pm, and Beethoven Elementary School runs their 6th Annual Holiday Boutique from 10am – 3pm.
Saturday the Electric Lodge will also host an outdoor Eco/Arts Street Festival from 10am – 6pm. Free community event, plus there will be crafts for sale as well.
Also Saturday, take a trip through Mar Vista history by taking one of Mark Crawford’s walking tours. This weekend’s tour will be around the famous Mar Vista Oval, but please check the website of the MV Historical Society to verify times and tour locations.
Sunday is not to be outdone: in addition to the Mar Vista Farmer’s Market (which happens every Sunday, as you well know), there’s another Holiday Gift Sale, this one in a private home: 3410 Granville Ave. from 11am – 4pm.
Congratulations, Mar Vista!
Mar Vista has earned two honors this month, and they both deserve to be acknowledged. 
First, the Mar Vista Community Council was honored by the Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) during their Empower LA 2009: A Congress of Neighborhoods. The MVCC won one of only 8 First Annual Neighborhood Council Peer Awards given in four categories. (That’s out of 89 Neighborhood Councils in total.) 
The MVCC was chosen in the Environmental category, no doubt for the work the Green Committee has done this year on events like the Green Garden Showcase, the Wise Water Use Expo and the Rainwater Harvesting program. Keep going Green, Mar Vista! And Congratulations to the entire MVCC!
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The other notable honor Mar Vista can take credit for this month is the superior baking talent of another Mar Vista Mom, Barbara Treves. Barbara entered her Forever Favourite Apple Pie in KCRW’s 1st Annual Good Food Pie Bakeoff and it was deemed Best in Show! 
Congratulations, Barbara! And for those bakers in the audience, the recipe is available on request.
Yum!