If you like your Greek Mythology as much as I do, you’ll love Percy Jackson And The Olympians: The Lightning Thief. And if, like my kids, you’ve never even heard of a Greek Myth, you’ll still love this movie. It’s full of plenty of action and special effects, and the characters are great.
The film stars Logan Lerman as Percy Jackson, the demi-god son of Poseidon, and he’s a great choice. He’s a little bit adorable, but not so over the top that the movie becomes a total drool fest. Percy must set off on a quest to find and return a very special lightning bolt to its rightful owner, Zeus, who mistakenly thinks Percy has stolen it. (Long story — but watch the movie to find out who really stole it.)
He’s accompanied by Annabeth (played by Alexandra Daddario), the demi-goddess daughter of Athena (and a terrific warrior) and Grover, a satyr who’s been masquerading as Percy’s best bud for years in order to protect him – and Brandon T. Jackson is excellent – he’s funny without becoming ridiculous comic relief, especially considering he spends the entire movie either on crutches or goat legs.
Percy and Annabeth have a little flirtation going, but it doesn’t play out as a romance, which keeps this film more appealing to slightly younger kids, like my 7 and 10-year olds.
Of course the quest takes many turns and the three intrepid teenagers must travel far and face many harrowing challenges – all the while keeping my kids’ interest and mine – AND keeping a PG rating. It’s very exciting and the special effects are great.
My 7-year-old loved the cool gadgets Percy is given in order to fight off attackers, like what appears to be a ball point pen but actually turns out to be a sword when you click it. Or the shield that articulates out when necessary. Very Fun Stuff.
My 10-year-old liked the Medusa scene best, and I can’t blame him: a woman’s head covered in snakes is very compelling, after all.
I loved being reminded of all the myths I loved as a kid – and the things I might have forgotten – like if you cut off a Hydra’s head, apparently 2 grow back in it’s place, so you gotta watch out for that.
And I really loved all the fantastic cameos by terrific actors along the way: Pierce Brosnan plays a centaur named Chiron who’s been passing himself off as a paraplegic teacher of Percy’s in order to keep an eye on him. When he finally can be his true self, in the demi-god woodland safe house and training grounds where they hang out – he is resplendent in his horsiness.
It’s hilarious and I have to respect anyone who’d go from James Bond to “horse’s ass”, as he refers to himself in the film. (Totally off-topic, did you know that Pierce Brosnan designed the Spay & Neuter license plate for California? He did. Check it out.)
More cameos: Uma Thurman plays the coolest Medusa in all of cinema history, I feel pretty safe saying – she looked AMAZING, even with the snake-do. Steve Coogan plays a very funny Hades and Rosario Dawson is his self-actualized sometime prisoner Persephone. Catherine Keener is Percy’s mortal mother, still carrying a torch for Poseidon, but married as a cover to a very smelly Joe Pantoliano.
And in a very nice touch, Melina Kanakaredes plays Athena, Annabeth’s mother, and possibly the only Greek in the entire cast. She is perfect as Athena — just as I always pictured her. We can all recommend this movie very easily — and on DVD and Blu-Ray you’ll get extras like deleted scenes.
{FULL DISCLOSURE} {I was given the DVD to review and given permission to post these photographs from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.}
The LAPD Pacific Division is bringing their Santa Sleigh back to the Westside this December, so get ready to see Santa! Here’s the list of all the stops they’ll be making – dates + locations. Plus scroll down for flyers of each day’s stops.
Ho Ho Ho!
Monday, December 2nd – Venice 4:30pm Oakwood Recreation Center (767 California) 5:30pm Frey at Olive Street 6:30pm Shell Ave at Superba Ave 7:30pm 517 Indiana Ave.
Wednesday, December 4th– Mar Vista 3:00pm Grand View Elementary School 4:00pm Braddock Elementary School 5:00pm Mar Vista Gardens Boys & Girls Club 6:00pm Slauson Park/Mar Vista Family Center 7:00pm Mesmer/Beatrice Garden 7:40pm 3800 Block of Keeshen Drive 8:20pm North Park between Marcasel and East
Thursday, December 5th – Playa Vista + Del Rey 3:30pm Short Ave Elementary School 4:45pm Playa Vista (Concert Park) 6:30pm Oxford Triangle 7:15pm Kenyon Ave and Louise Ave 8:00pm 3600 Wade Street
Monday, December 9thWestchester + Playa Del Rey 4:00pm Playa del Rey Lagoon 4:45pm 8030 Fordham Ave 6:00pm 6907 West 85th Place 7:00pm 7511 Agnew Ave 7:45pm 8040 El Manor
Tuesday, December 10th– Westchester 4:00pm 5962 W. 75th Street 4:45pm 7825 Goddard Street 5:30pm 4821 W. 63rd Street 6:45pm 8937 Fleetwing Ave 7:45pm 8880 Earhart Ave
Wednesday, December 11th – Venice and Mar Vista 3:30pm Penmar Park 4:15pm 2103 Walnut Ave 5:00pm St. Andrew’s Church (National Blvd) 5:45pm 3236 Purdue Ave 6:30pm 3270 Granville 7:15pm 11900 Victoria Ave 8:00pm 3412 Keeshen Drive
NOTE: Santa’s Sleigh does not appear if it’s raining. If you have any questions, please contact LAPD (310) 482-6397
MarVistaMom has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MarVistaMom makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MarVistaMom strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MarVistaMom is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MarVistaMom.
According to Eater LA, Mar Vista will soon have a new German Biergarten-style restaurant and bar, taking over the spot where Louie’s of Mar Vista once was.
Looks like it will be called Rasselbock, and that there will be plenty of beer and schnitzel to go around. Boots full of beer. Look for an opening date in early January 2019.
The fantastic tradition of the LAPD Pacific Division Santa Sleigh is happening in Mar Vista and all over the Westside starting tomorrow! Scroll down to find the dates and locations where the Santa Sleigh will stop for fun, including Venice, Del Rey, Playa Vista, Westchester and Playa del Rey.
At each stop, you’ll be able to see Santa and get a photo. Sometimes people make hot cocoa and snacks for the LAPD Officers, too. Enjoy!
Monday, December 3 – Playa del Rey + Westchester
4:00 PM
Playa Del Rey Lagoon (Pacific Avenue at Convoy Avenue)
Playa del Rey, 90293
5:00 PM
8030 Fordham Ave
Westchester, 90045
6:00 PM
West 85th Pl, west of McConnell Avenue
Westchester, 90045
6:45 PM
7407 Agnew Ave
Westchester, 90045
7:30 PM
8040 El Manor Ave
Westchester, 90045
Tuesday,December 4 – Westchester
4:00 PM
5962 W 75th St
Westchester, 90045
4:45 PM
7835 Goddard Ave
Westchester, 90045
5:30 PM
4821 W. 63rd St
Westchester, 90045
6:45 PM
8937 Fleetwing Ave
Westchester, 90045
7:45 PM
8880 Earhart Ave
Westchester, 90045
Monday, December 10 – Del Rey + Mar Vista
3:00 PM
Grand View Blvd Elementary School
3951 Grand View Blvd.
Mar Vista, 90066
4:00 PM
Braddock Elementary School
4711 Inglewood Blvd
Del Rey,90230
5:00 PM
Mar Vista Gardens Boys and Girls Club
4901 Marionwood Drive
Del Rey, 90230
6:00 PM
Slauson Park / Mar Vista Family Center
5072 Slauson Avenue
Del Rey, 90230
I love living in Mar Vista. You probably already knew that if you’ve been reading this blog for a while. I post about all the great things that go on in this neighborhood, and I’ve been doing it since 2008.
I have supported local businesses as past President and co-Founder of the Mar Vista Chamber of Commerce. I produced the Make it Mar Vista event for the past 3 years, which is held on Small Business Saturday, and is designed to support shopping local and shopping small. The Chamber has no paid staff – we’re all volunteers, by the way – so I’ve been working to help build up local businesses for years just because I believe in it.
I put a high priority on supporting local businesses, and I practice what I preach. Here’s a list of all the places in Mar Vista where I happily spend my money. I guess you could say these are endorsements, because I love all these places.
Hair (alphabetical listing)
Mar Vista Mom and Richard Baier of All About Color
All About Color is owned by Richard, who’s a sweetheart and does a great job on my hair. He’s been a serious pro forever, came up with a great look for my hair, plus he cracks me up.
12324 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Peters Salon decorated for Xmas
Peter’s Salon is not only a terrific place to get a cut, color and style, but Peter is known for his amazing holiday decorations. And he’s a doll. I love his blowouts.
12209 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Floyd’s 99 Barbershop has had a great deal running: $55 for shampoo + cut + blow out. Not bad! And the last lady who cut my hair there was very kind about my roots, so she’s got an A in my book.
12200 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Nails
Nails by Lisa is located within Peter’s Salon and Lisa is terrific, with super loyal clients. I love getting a mani-pedi from her.
12209 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Star Hair & Nails
This is a great little spot to get a mani-pedi, with a nice back parking lot and a super loyal clientele.
4040 S. Centinela Ave., Mar Vista 90066
Vanities
12615 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066 (310)391-4849
Great place for a mani-pedi, hair cut and color. Plus great chit-chat!
Food & Drinks (alphabetical listing)
coffee outdoors at Alana’s Coffee Roasters
Alana’s Coffee Roasters – this newest coffee spot in Mar Vista has a super cute interior seating area, great coffee, and even tables out front where you can sip your beverage and watch the world go by.
12511 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Atmosphere Café patio
Atmosphere Café – I just had breakfast there as a farewell to an old friend who’s moving away. Delicious food – lunches, too. And now they have a wine list!
12034 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Canela Cocina Latina – I love this place. Terrific Mexican food and great prices, plus it’s owned by a wonderful family. Burritos are awesome.
12326 1/2 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Coffee Connection
The Coffee Connection is a non-profit coffee house serving up hot beverages and pastries 6 days a week (they’re closed on Sundays for Church) – and it’s a great meeting place, with multiple rooms available for rent, and ample seating for drop-ins.
3838 S. Centinela Ave., Mar Vista 90066
El Sazón Oaxaqueño
This place has seriously some of the best food in town and at a terrific price. If you like Molé you must try it. Authentic Oaxacan food and panadería.
12131 Washington Place, Mar Vista 90066
posole at Grand View Market
Grand View Market is possibly the best deal in town – great prices on great food. Plus they have a beer & wine license and a market, too. Weekday lunch specials are not to be missed. My fave is Wednesday: Posole!
12210 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Lunch at Little Fatty
Little Fatty – I love Chinese food, and this authentic Taiwanese spot has some of Mar Vista’s best food. I raved about the cauliflower dish so much, my friends made me buy it for them and then shush, once we all agreed it was fantastic. Had a fun celebrity sighting there the last time I went – someone I had worked with years ago, back in my TV days.
3809 Grand View Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Mar Vista, The – My family and I ate dinner there when it first opened last Winter and I’m heading back this week for a lovely patio experience now that it’s Summer time!
12249 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Mar Vista Grab & Go – I had a terrific breakfast there recently and I’m looking forward to a lunch soon. I love that the patio connects with the Venice Grind for coffee, too.
12226 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Mitsuwa Market
Some of the best ramen in town can be found in this food court hidden inside a grocery store. Udon and tempura, too. Plus you can buy prepared sushi to-go from the market. Yum.
3760 Centinela Ave., Mar Vista 90066
Rustic Kitchen (RE-OPENING September 9th!)
This relative newcomer to the neighborhood has delicious food and a great wine list – plus they’ve got a market and terrific pastries. They were sidelined by a fire this Spring, but they’re ready to re-open soon and I’m ready to go back!
3523 S. Centinela Ave., Mar Vista 90066
Rutt’s Café – I grew up in Hawaii and there’s no getting around it: I consider rice with every meal normal. Head there for plate lunch, the famous Royale – and we’ve had them cater a few of our parties as well. Two words: Spam Musubi.
11707 Washington Place, Mar Vista 90066
Venice Grind – this is the stand-by coffee joint in town and where I love to have people meet me: everyone either knows where it is or can easily find it because of the cool sign.
12224 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Yum Yum Donuts – my kids have loved their donuts forEVER, and I can’t help myself but indulge their cravings every now and then.
12201 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Shopping
Brenda’s Flowers – I’ve always shopped here for a hostess gift or bouquet to celebrate with a friend. They even do graduation leis, if you’re in the market.
3827 Grand View Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
a few great bracelets I got at Council Thrift
Council Thrift Store – This place has some of the best clothes anywhere, new or used. I get a lot of my wardrobe here, and quite often they still have the tags on. My favorite thing is the accessories, though: I love scoring a new handbag for $7 or all the jewelry I’ve found there, sometimes on Buy Two Get One day.
12120 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Dick’s True Value Hardware – I always need something that only Dick’s carries. Sometimes it’s a part my plumber tells me to pick up and have ready, or sometimes it’s spare key copies, but I love going in there and I love that I can always count on them.
12216 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
The Hängar
Can I share a secret? I want to live inside this store. Everything is beautiful and there’s a comfortable vibe throughout. The woman who runs this place has a fabulous eye and chooses wonderful pieces, from furniture to art and décor. Great spot for when you don’t want an ordinary gift.
3472 S. Centinela Ave., Mar Vista 90066
Mar Vista Art Department
Mar Vista Art Department
I love the super trendy fashions, jewelry, and gifts I get at this local store. Plus they hold fabulous events and workshops here, and they’ve been helping create some of the cool murals around the neighborhood, too.
12513 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Soaptopia – How many bars of soap does a woman need? Well, I’ve got more than that. I love everything they make and sell! I’ve been shopping at Soaptopia since they first opened and it’s my go-to spot for when I need that perfect gift. Especially good for Teacher Appreciation Week.
12228 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Timewarp Music – OK this isn’t me, but my husband shops here for his guitar babies and has had his amplifiers repaired as well.
12257 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Vintage on Venice
Vintage on Venice – I have the received the most delightful gifts from Vintage on Venice from my sweet family. I love going in the shop – so many wonderful things to look at an choose from!
12218 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Services
ABY Rentals
I don’t own enough tables and chairs for a party, much less a bouncy house or a cotton candy machine. But ABY does, and they’ve rented them to me many times over the years. They’re terrific.
12215 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Celeste’s Alterations – Celeste is an artist and can repair just about anything. She’s taken in some dresses for me – and let out others (it happens to the best of us). We get all my family’s jeans hemmed there, too.
12028 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Mar Vista Service – This tiny service station right on Venice Blvd is just terrific. I’ve taken my 12-year-old car there for many an oil change and I love that I can walk to pick it up.
12100 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066
Mar Vista Cleaners – Matthew is the unelected Mayor of Mar Vista, and is a charming guy to get to know. They will take great care of your dry cleaning and always have a smile for you when you pass by.
3831 Grand View Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
This is the ribbon cutting at Sweet Lucie’s ice cream from Make it Mar Vista 2015. I sure do miss their ice cream!
This post was written by Sarah Auerswald. To be 100% clear about this: none of these businesses has paid me to write this or say these things. I give THEM the money.
A few spots are still available in the Braddock Mandarin Immersion program for kinder fall 2017. There will be one last school tour this Thursday, June 1 at 9am in the school auditorium for anyone interested in enrolling this fall. Please RSVP by calling the school office. (310) 391-6707.
Say hello to some new businesses in Mar Vista – that we actually probably still know pretty well. Status Kuo is becoming two new spots in town: accomplice bar and Little Fatty restaurant. Let’s help welcome them!
accomplice bar is now open, but Little Fatty is coming soon.
If you had told me last week I could fall asleep floating in ten inches of water inside what resembles a small spaceship, and mere yards from the Costco that’s known as the busiest in the US, I would have thought you were crazy. And yet, there I was, being awakened from my slumber by the dulcet tones of the alarm, letting me know my first Float session at Pause Studio was complete.
I was as shocked as anyone, trust me. But my sleeping self hadn’t lied: I was thoroughly relaxed.
In the waiting area at Pause Float Studio
Getting into a pod at Pause Float Studio was a little unnerving at first, and I will tell you honestly, I wasn’t sure it was my cup of tea. (Which, by the way, they serve you after you’re done with your float, in a lovely, calming room where you can transition back into the loud world.)
But apparently it was as relaxing as I needed it to be, because I felt wonderful afterwards and I really want to float again.
I remember when people used to call this kind of thing a “sensory deprivation tank,” which brings to mind something a bit frightening, but that couldn’t be further from the reality of Pause Studio, which is a lovely, calming place and a state-of-the-art facility.
The glowing pod at Pause Float Studio
Self Care is So Important
I have embarked on a bit of a personal challenge; to turn Back to School Time into Back To Me Time. Summer vacation kicked my butt this year and I barely had time for personal grooming, much less time to recharge my batteries and take care of myself.
So I gladly accepted the invitation to sample my first Float.
Preparing for one’s Float is essential. Naked is the preferred way to go, although you may wear a bathing suit if you choose. The idea is to feel the sensations on your skin and so I floated in the nude. The pod is in a private room with a shower, and you must clean off before entering. You also wear ear plugs, so the water won’t get into your ears and so that outside sounds really can’t distract you.
Some of the fabulous beauty products at Pause Float Studio
Inside the pod, floating in water the same temperature as your body, which is saturated with Epsom salt, you are in complete control of the situation: lights on or off, music playing or silence, pod lid open or closed – its totally up to you.
So what was it like? It was very strange at first. I had trouble letting go, even closing my eyes at first. I chose to leave the lid of the pod open, because I worried about feeling trapped, but the downside was I was a little chilly – at least, the parts of my body sticking out of the water were. Poor toes.
I gradually got more comfortable and would close my eyes for a few minutes at a time, trying to meditate, but I would catch myself opening my eyes and wondering how much time had passed! Not relaxed at that point.
Finally, and I have no idea when, I fell asleep, and was brought back to consciousness by a gentle alarm that let you know the 1-hour session will come to an end. As I got out of the pod and took another shower, the filtration system kicked in, automatically replacing the water for the next floater.
Floating Great for Pregnant Women
The most interesting thing about this truly interesting experience was the feeling of weightlessness, that my body was not touching any thing, but was nonetheless supported. It was delightful.
Jeff Ono, owner of Pause Studio, recommends this experience for pregnant women, since they are often not able to lay comfortably on their backs at a certain point in the pregnancy. With nothing to press against, their backs are supported and their babies are not pressing against them.
Pregnant or not, I highly recommend Moms give Pause Float Studio a try.
reception area at Pause Float Studio
I appreciate being a guest of Pause Float Studio to try my first Float. Their hours and prices are listed on their website. 13353 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles 90066
Meet the newest business to open in Mar Vista: Light on Lotus. Offering yoga classes in their brand new studio with a Gold Wall designed by Local Artist DJ Neff, please check out their website for all their classes and scheduling details. And welcome them to the neighborhood!
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