Whole Foods Market West LA, 11666 National Blvd., West LA (Mar Vista) 90064

Music From The Heart to Celebrate National Heart Month

Place your bid in a Silent Auction - Make a toast at the VIP wine reception (6-7pm) AND Listen to some of the best and brightest singer/songwriters in Los Angeles.

Featuring Master of Ceremonies, award-winning composer, Mark Islam, Emily Gold (daughter of Andrew Gold), Marvin Etzioni, Ruby and Summer Spiro, Steve Postell, John Byrd,…

Time:February 11, 2012 from 6pm to 10pm
Location:The Talking Stick coffee lounge and listening room
Street:1411 Lincoln Blvd.
City/Town:Venice CA 90201
Website or Map:http://www.GrassRootsAcoustic…
Phone:310-450-6052
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Picture by Matt Kline.

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Well Baby Center, 12316 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista, CA 90066 (310) 402-2229 ext 101

Tune In, Turn On, Work Out

Channel surfing does not qualify as exercise. Put down the remote and tune into these new health and wellness finds.

Top Chef
One-size-fits-all food-delivery service won’t fly in the land of glutenphobes and nondairy queens. Customized meals from Paleta come with both vegan and vegetarian programs along with a check list that accommodates the pickiest eaters with the busiest schedules. We bet they’d even cut your crusts off if you ask nicely.

Leverage
You’ll have the chia shake with a side of crunches. During M Cafe’s Twelve Days of Detox, 500 bucks gets you five one-on-one sessions with celeb trainer Patrick Murphy. On workout days, stop by the restaurant beforehand for juice or oatmeal, then refuel with one of the seven postworkout meals picked for the program by chef Lee Gross.

New Girl
A virtual wheatgrass shot for your mind, The Chalkboard launches today. The health website from the well-hydrated beverage fanatics behind Pressed Juicery gives you something to read while chugging your Detox 4 (cucumber, pineapple, coconut H20, and aloe vera) juice.

Work It
When the surprise of your veggie CSA wears off (potatoes, again?), make your list, check it twice, and then send it over to the Farmers Market Fairy. The founder hoofs it to the local markets five days a week to make sure you get fresh produce you’ll actually use. Ethical butcher shops and responsible fishmongers are on her route, too.

Modern Family
Throw on your best sweats and head to Fred Segal Santa Monica for Fitist’s Sunday Funday class this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. It’s a free 90-minute workout with trainers from the Fitist network of boutique studios, including Andrea Orbeck, Adam Ernster, Indo-Row’s Josh Crosby, and Ballet Bodies’s Andie Hecker. You might even catch nutritionist Oz Garcia in the parking lot. To R.S.V.P., email rsvp@fitist.com.

Now you’re ready for prime time.

Photo: Courtesy of Paleta

	Stuck in a rut? No sweat. We have more workout gear, fitness books, and wellness products to revamp your routine.

When I was invited to The Ranch at Live Oak, a week-long luxury bootcamp, I jumped at the chance to check it out (and by jumped I mean marked my reply email as "urgent"). Aside from the lack of cell phone reception and wifi, The Ranch attracted me in other ways. Some would label me a health nut -- a label quickly dispelled after seeing the dark side that a good Scotch, a bowl of guacamole and a gelato sundae bring out in me. But it is true that I am always intrigued by the latest and greatest in fitness and wellness.

The Ranch was inspired by the hardcore, no-frills, share-this-bathroom-with-a-stranger-and-like-it Ashram. The people who survive The Ranch often sing its praises (after they finish complaining about everything else). I had heard the food was phenomenal: Chef Kurt Steeber made a name in the Bay Area at Zuni Café. I also loved the idea that most of the produce grows on the premises.

Another draw was the challenge itself. Would I be able to hike twelve miles every day? Even without my iPod? Would my arms give out mid-chaturanga? Could I even do a pull-up? Was the world going to fall apart when I didn't email it back in fifteen seconds? Would people still text me? How many birthdays would I miss without Facebook?

In early November, I gathered my workout clothes, a hydration backpack, hiking socks, broken-in trail runners, and sunscreens for the various circumstances I imagined I'd find myself in (stuck on a mountain, stranded in a valley), and made the 90-minute drive from Silver Lake to Malibu. The Ranch itself is a real beaute. The sprawling 1920s hacienda-style estate, a former boys' summer camp, sits on 100-plus acres and has been transformed into fourteen well-appointed private cabins with common areas, indoor and outdoor dining areas, two workout facilities, a year-round organic farm with goats and chickens, and owners Alex and Sue Glasscock's private home.

Besides the many guests determined to lose a few inches or jumpstart a health kick, there are textbook type As looking for a time out from running the show at home, at work or both. As soon as we arrived, program director Mark Alabanza, a wilderness and wellness expert and Ashram alum who has been with The Ranch since its 2010 opening, encouraged me to reliqunish control and the urge to micromanage or multitask. It's a no-options program: hike during the hikes, eat during meals, participate in the fitness classes. There's no alternative, no opting-out, no skipping, and no quitting. It made sense to me: If I was going to ignore a trainer, eat a burger, and sleep in, I might as well be at home.

Our group of fourteen was all women -- a rarity, we soon learned. Friends had traveled together from Boston, Seattle, and Westchester; a few loners like myself showed up from Canada, Germany, and New York City. Three had done the program before, and I took the high return rate as a really good sign. I definitely had I-wish-so-and-so-were-here moments, but going solo meant I had no one to complain to, which forced me to keep a (mostly) positive frame of mind even when I was sick and tired of walking/stretching/being reminded to hydrate/eating carrot sticks/drinking herbal tea and would have liked to vent. I did tell anyone who would listen that it was annoying to follow a massage with weight training. That just sucked.

Every day was pretty much the same. Around 5:30 a.m., one of The Ranch Hands would come by my room with a chime and a friendly holler. I'd head to yoga, then prep for the Santa Monica Mountain trails by wrapping my feet (blister prevention), eat breakfast, ride in the van, and hike, hike, and hike some more. At some point, we'd stop for a snack. I use the word "snack" loosely, because six almonds with a pinch of salt should be classified as a "bite." Getting a whole crisp apple on the trail felt pretty much like Christmas. It only happened once, but it was a special occasion. (A returning hiker remembered it as a highlight of the year before.) When lunch happened on location, tables were set with rustic linens, the coconut water flowed, and we'd each have a bowl of soup. Back at The Ranch (were you wondering how long it was going to take me to use that phrase?), the mid-day meal was much heartier: beet and bean salad, a wrapless burrito. Look how hearty:

After lunch, there was a little downtime, but everyone was expected to break a sweat at the fitness center during resistance training or circuit class unless they were in a massage (the highlight of each and every day, especially in the life-changing hands of Steve Schwartz). Then, depending on the time, we'd either go back to the workout class or go straight into yoga. I would typically run as fast as I could back to my room to put on a bathing suit, grab a robe, and get in the hot tub. One repeat Rancher told me the hot tub saved her from getting sore on her first stay, and I'm glad I followed her lead.

Dinner was promptly at 7 p.m., during which I savored each and every bite. Evening entertainment consisted of a briefing on the next day's hike, an opt-in session with the chiropractor, a nutrition lecturzzzzzz -- sorry, thinking about reading pasta box labels puts me to sleep. That's about as much as they mixed it up, which was just fine. Because by the end of the day I wanted nothing more than to go back to my zen den, crawl under the fluffy covers, and crash.

Repeat for six days, and you're done. You can shake it up with an as-spiritual-as-you-wanna-make-it meditation class, or an acupuncture treatment with Dr. Shlomit Michaely. You might also want to get in your car and drive away. At some point, you'll want to move in. Daily laundry service and no responsibilities will do that to you.

If you had asked me the value of a trip like this on day one, I would have stared at you blankly and then fallen over because I was so spaced-out and nauseous (totally normal, by the way). By day three, I would have told you the trip was breaking my computer addiction. I did check my email once in the business center, where I found two bits of irritating news that I could do absolutely nothing about, an exercise in letting it go. By day five, I would have happily espoused the The Ranch message of getting back to basics, which is what makes the place unique.

Balancing work and life, as well as a sensible diet and good old-fashioned exercise, goes a long way in the world of overtime, over-indulgence, trendy spins on the food pyramid, and the latest workout craze. As I drove away, leaving the bucolic bootcamp behind me, I felt clear-headed, energized, grounded, and like I really needed to eat more cauliflower. I think it's fair to say I hit the refresh button.

For more healthy travel resolutions (like what to pack for a fitness getaway) visit fathomaway.com.

File photo (credit: AP)

A biking resurgence for both short and long haul trips have two-wheelers taking to the streets and hills of sprawling Los Angeles by the droves. Fun-loving fanatics are flocking to a few trendy and dependable shops for great service and quality equipment. With that in mind, consider the following bike shops next time you are looking for a two-wheeling adventure.

Not only does this little Silver Lake gem, located next to a charming 1920s church, peddle awesome bikes, but Golden Saddle Cyclery is a friendly outpost. Known for fast service done by laid-back pros, the folks who run this place are totally trustworthy. With that in mind, it’s safe to say neophytes won’t be overpaying for this excellent service.

Related: Guide to biking along the LA River.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Call this shop a co-op. Arguably the most notable place in Los Angeles for those who not only want their bikes fixed, but want to be the fixer. Bicycle Kitchen cooks up a great way to get that done. At a recommended $7 per hour donation, clients are privy to the shop materials, tools, and advice. Tons of trading as well as replacing goes on all year long. Biking friendships are sure to be made during this engaging process.

Certain serious cyclers swear by Cynergy, an all-purpose shop that’s super luxurious and filled with enviable eye candy, like the 2012 Venge from Specialize. Not only are the latest and greatest bikes on offer, but the service is one of a kind. This place rocks with mind-expanding expertise and extraordinary product for the two-wheeler set.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

If you like to dig through rusty piles to uncover superior treasures of the two-wheeler variety, this is the place to visit. Customer service at this Pasadena-based spot is short and to-the-point, but the trade in for not being pampered with small talk is finding that illusive bike part. Special knowledge from biking guru Steve, a man who potentially knows more about bikes than anyone else in the Southland, is an added bonus. That said, get ready for the Open Road, a curious sight because this place is meant for getting really down and really dirty–all in the good name of this very on-trend (and on tread) sport.

For bargain prices on repairs and upgrades, Athena Bikes is aces. Howard, the owner, takes care of his customers. Not only does he offer great deals, but he also goes above and beyond to fix bikes and keep his customer satisfied. Howard’s other claim to fame: His assortment of vintage rides that don’t carry ridiculous prices.

Related: Best biking trails in Los Angeles. 

Los Angeles travel writer Jane Lasky contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.

Continuing its commitment to making Culver City more bicycle-friendly, the City plans to install its first ever bicycle corral by the beginning of March.

The corral will be able to house between 20-24 bicycles and will be placed in front of the Coffee Conservatory on Washington Boulevard.

Public Works Senior Management Analyst John Rivera told Patch the racks will be paid for using funds from the City’s 2011 PLACE Grant from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

While the design and construction of the corrals will be done by City staff, to date no design has been chosen. Rivera said City staff would develop Culver City’s corral design based on those being implemented in other communities, such as those in Portland, Ore.

According to the Public Works department only one parking space in front of the Conservatory will need to be eliminated to create the corral.

Be sure to like Culver City Patch on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

Runners may be distracted by the Marina Harbor views

The 13.1 Los Angeles half marathon (13.1 miles) takes place next Sunday, January 15, against “a new scenic backdrop.” The half marathon, part of the “13.1″ series of races in major U.S. cities, starts at 7 a.m. at the Venice Boardwalk (Rose Ave. intersection), winds around the Marina del Rey Harbor, and ends in Playa del Rey. Area drivers should plan accordingly.

In addition to the half marathon, there will be a separate “Karhu 5k” race along Dockweiler Beach, in which racers will compete against — insert joke here — a runner dressed as the Karhu Bear. Runners who “Beat the Bear” will win a pair of Karhu brand running shoes.

The biggest local surf was north of the Huntington Beach pier, where the west swell broke with wave faces as high as 15 feet, a lifeguard representative said.

"It's pretty heavy," Huntington Beach Marine Safety Officer Todd Bartlett told the Daily Pilot.

In Newport, the best waves broke near the Newport Pier. Because of ocean bottom contours, waves there were smaller than in Huntington, said Lifeguard Officer George "Skeeter" Leeper.

The biggest sets Wednesday were about 6 feet, he said.

While the wintertime crowds are more manageable than those in the summer, guards still advised swimmers to keep near lifeguard towers and to avoid wearing clothing in the water, as it can weigh people down.

"Mostly, it's really exciting for the surfing community," Leeper said.

Surfline.com forecasts a stronger swell will hit the Friday, nearly 50% larger than Wednesday's.

ALSO:

2 wounded on Venice Boardwalk in suspected gang shooting

Mobile home burns but firefighters save Chihuahua named Mojo

Suspect in parole agent shooting involved in 2002 SWAT standoff

— Mike Reicher, Times Community News

Photo: Surfer on the Orange County coast. Credit: Times Community News.

STUDIO CITY (CBS) — Sara Acevedo, a beauty consultant and advocate for The Face Wrap, visited KCAL9 Monday to share tips for fixing your skin after a long weekend of New Year’s parties.

Barhopping ’til the wee hours can be fun, but that all-nighter in Margaritaville often comes with a sobering price: “the morning-after complexion”.

“Alcohol is a diuretic and causes your body to lose moisture, so a dry face is the minimal damage to be expected after a night on the town,” says Acevedo.

In addition to sandpaper skin, Acevedo says facial blotches, bumps and puffiness around the eyes are also to be expected after a night of overindulgence.

“Puffiness and inflammation are the skin’s reaction to toxins,” says Acevedo. “Not only is the alcohol itself toxic (a neurotoxin), but most alcoholic beverages contain flavorings, preservatives and additives that can trigger allergic responses like bumps and rashes.

Acevedo says one of the fastest ways to soothe, smooth, and un-puff a morning-after face is by using The Face Wrap, a 30-60 minute all-natural wet mineral application that trims the face by detoxing the complexion.

“The Face Wrap reduces the appearance of facial bloating and puffy hung-over eyes by flushing toxins out of the skin,” says Acevedo. “With the toxins removed, the body then releases the fluids being used to surround and dilute those toxins. The result is a less puffy, slimmer appearing face.”

“The entire face will feel clean and detoxified after this process,” says Acevedo. “Your skin will feel softer, smoother and re-hydrated, and the puffy appearance will look noticeably reduced.

For those who need to shape-up their faces the morning after the night before, Acevedo Suggests the following:

1. Before you crash for the night, remove your makeup and apply a natural facial moisturizer.

2. Drink extra water, and keep a full water glass at bedside.

3. Take B-complex vitamins at night and upon rising.

4. In the morning, exercise if you can bear it or get your circulation going with a hot bath or shower.

5. Apply the Face Wrap per instructions, but use extra minerals when suffering a hangover.

6. Use Cotton pads soaked in the Face Wrap Mineral Solution over the eyes to reduce puffiness and circles under eyes. Hold moist pads under eyes until appearance of puffiness reduces. (Face Wrap minerals are safe enough to use over eyes)

For more information, visit The Face Wrap.

Swimmers run into the chilly Pacific Ocean during the 52nd Annual Venice Penguin Swim on New Years Day- Sunday, January 1, 2012, at the Venice Beach Breakwater.  Water temperature was 56°degrees.

The full Mar Vista Recreation Center Winter Brochure is available online (PDF).

A few activities still have openings or waiting lists at this time.  Available slots are listed below: