ML Interest Tag: in-studio

All New Season of National Geographic’s “Weird But True” comes to Disney+

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Your kids will embark on new and exciting adventures to reveal surprising and interesting facts about the world. Weird But True!, from National Geographic, comes to Disney+ on Fri., Aug. 14.  Children’s entertainers and educators Charlie Engelman and Carly Ciarrocchi are back to host the third season of the Emmy Award-winning series. 

Weird But True

Set both in studio and in the field, “Weird But True!” is a 13-episode series that integrates a mix of arts and crafts, unbelievable facts and real-life exploration. Whether hunting for dinosaur fossils, hiking volcanoes or flying planes, the science-loving duo inspires kids to get excited about the world around them.

Weird But True

This season, Charlie and Carly take a closer look at dinosaurs, national parks, trains, venomous animals, the solar system and more. The weekly series features guest appearances from Nat Geo Photographers and Explorers, including Anand Varma, who teaches Charlie and Carly the correct way to take the perfect photo, and professor and founder of SciStarter Darlene Cavalier, who describes how she is exploring new ways to connect people with science. Renowned astrophysicist Michio Kaku shows up this season as a special guest star, playing fictional character Buster Infinity of the Global Space Administration Interplanetary Expedition. 

 

Seasons one and two of “Weird But True!” are available now on Disney+.

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SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live Launches “Tunetopia” During Free Streaming Period

by Jennifer Swartvagher

⁣If your kids are looking for new music to listen to, then Sirius XM has a channel just for them. “Tunetopia” on Kids Place Live will provide an assortment of fun and educational content for children ages 10 and under. Programming includes interviews, games and in-studio performances from Laurie Berkner, Jack Forman, Lucy Kalantari, Lisa Loeb, Brady Rymer, Danny Weinkauf of They Might Be Giants and more.

kid with headphones

In addition, “Tunetopia” will incorporate a special learning segment with music educators, including Matt Marshak (“Matt The Music Man”) and Darlene Graham of “Rockin Tots.” The teaching features include introducing kids to new instruments, and instruction on how to make drum beats, how to beatbox, and how to keep rhythm, which helps children explore how sounds are made, and shows them how to make music at home using a variety of household objects.

The “Tunetopia” collection of video and audio can be found within the SiriusXM app on Kids Place Live (ch. 78) and is available to subscribers nationwide and to everyone including anyone who is not already a SiriusXM subscriber as part of SiriusXM’s recently announced free streaming access period through May 15.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Alireza Attari on Unsplash

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Want to Live in Retro Cali Style Like the Brady Bunch? Now You Can

by Shahrzad Warkentin

If you ever daydreamed about sharing a room with Marcia, Jan and Cindy you might finally get your chance. The Brady Bunch house is for sale in Southern California, but it comes with a pretty hefty price tag.

For the first time in 45 years the iconic Los Angeles house that served as the exterior of the Brady family home is up for sale. Located at 11222 Dilling Street in Studio City, California, the house has just been listed for a cool $1.885 million. Despite appearing to house the entire bunch, the split-level 2,500 square foot home features just two bedrooms (both master suites) and three bathrooms.

While the interior of the Brady’s home was built on a soundstage, the inside of this famous house has plenty of groovy touches, like wood-paneled walls, floral wallpaper and a MusiCal intercom and whole-house radio. “This is a postcard of exactly what homes looked like in the 1970s,”Ernie Carswell, the listing agent on the property, told The Los Angeles Times.

Tear-downs on desirable properties are popular in the challenging L.A. real estate market, but Carswell says they are definitely taking the future owner’s plans for the home into consideration. “We’re not going to accept the first big offer from a developer who wants to tear it down,” he said. “We’re going to wait a few days, in case there are others who want to purchase it as an investment to preserve it.”

If you don’t happen to have almost 2 million burning a hole in your pocket, you might still get a look inside the residence—which is so famous it has its own Yelp page—by requesting a showing. “We’re preparing for an avalanche. Emails, telephone calls—we may see upwards of 500 calls a day,” Carswell explained, letting would-be buyers know the house will be shown by appointment only.

“I just don’t think we can have a Sunday open house where 1,000 people show up,” Carswell said. “We’d be inviting chaos.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: RetroAlexander via YouTube

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For Mini-Monets: Second Sundays at Cantor Arts Center

by Meghan Kalkstein

If you’ve got a mini-Monet dabbling in art all over the house, and your fridge is starting to look like a museum wall, bring that budding artist to The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University where they can let their inner-artist shine. Second Sundays are all about families, and we have all the details right here! 

Second Sundays
A newly remodeled Sunday program called Second Sundays kicked off at the end of 2016, and they’re a masterpiece. The original program was launched in 2013, but the museum has recently changed up the format so now there’s no waitlist, no registration and no standing in line which—translates into more time to explore art with your pint-sized painter. Oh, and did we mention—it’s free?!

 

Drop-in Studio for Hands-On Art
There’s a different theme each month, and opportunities for curious kids of all ages to learn about art and artists, while trying their hand at new techniques like the masters. In November, the spotlight was on San Francisco painter and graffiti artist Barry McGee. We got a chance to chalk it up, tagging the tables outside using geometric shapes and bright colors, a la McGee. Chalk art also caters right to those big motor skills for the younger crowd, while inside the Drop-In studio, delicate watercolor speaks to those fine motor skills for the older kids—allowing everyone to let those creative juices flow.

Spotlights on Artists to Inspire Kids
If you’re hoping a little undercover art education might slide right on into this day, then head to a docent-lead talk. This isn’t a dry, long talk like your parents might have dragged you to, instead, we’re talking about a 15 minute bite-sized question and answer, interactive, engaging session for curious kids, lead by an expert.  She had us stand back and look at the art, then get close, close our eyes and call out what we noticed first. The kids were hooked, and (shh! don’t tell) learning about art theory—mega bonus points!

Sketch Along the Way with an Art Pack
Another big highlight: check out an art pack, to re-create Rodin or draw anywhere the mood strikes! The kit is easy to carry, and holds a sketch pad, and some colored pencils so your little can lay down while putting down their twist and take on art.  

As you slowly stroll through the museum, if your shorty is getting a tad restless, try out one of the other activity areas among the exhibits.  We stopped for colored pencils, patterned sheets and letters to create our own designs with monikers like McGee, all while learning his style.

Getting off the beaten path from the spotlight artist might leave you meandering through the rest of the museum, and the other 24 galleries and sculpture gardens with art from all over the world, turning this Sunday into a well-rounded, well-worth it trip!

Plan your visit to The Cantor Arts Center:
Second Sundays at The Cantor Arts Center happen on the second Sunday of each month, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

328 Lomita Dr.
Stanford, Ca
Cost: Free
Online: The Cantor Arts Center

–Meghan Kalkstein

 

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LA Made: 7 Local Styles We’re Crazy for

by Shahrzad Warkentin

LA is one amazing place to live, so let your budding fashionistas wear some of their hometown pride on their sleeves, literally. It’s no surprise that this cool city has loads of hip threads for tots, but there even several stylish labels that cater to kids that are completely LA made—and inspired.  These are our favorites:

photo: orangeheat

orangeheat
This Venice company is all about the eclectic beach vibe. It manages to capture all the coolness of skateboarding down the boardwalk in the breeze on a super comfy t-shirt. Printed with water-based ink on cotton and organic fabric that feels like a well-washed favorite from the first wear, these tops are almost too cool for school. The tees and onesies, that come in sizes from newborn to 12, are emblazoned with simple designs, like the Venice sign surrounded by sunglasses and a surf report from Venice Beach. In case you get a little bit jealous or just feel like twinning, orangeheat makes grown-up sizes too.

Where to Buy: orangeheat tees are available in several local boutiques like J & Grey in Culver City, Burro in Venice, Auntie Barbara’s Kids in Beverly Hills, Treehaus in Atwater Village, and Pebbles in Topanga and Calabasas. You can also order online via their website.

Online: orangeheat.com

 

photo: The Wittle Co.

The Wittle Co.
Started by LA mom Erin Fortin who was in search of cooler alternatives to the baby clothes she found in stores after her son was born, The Wittle Co offers baby onesies and toddler tees emblazoned with awesome designs cool enough for any LA mommy and me class. The signature “LA Hands” tee, says it all without the need for words, just two tiny baby hands spelling out L.A. in sign language.

Where to Buy: The Wittle Co. designs are available at Anneise in Long Beach, the LA County Store in Silver Lake, and online via their website.

Online: thewittleco.com

photo: La La Ling

La La Ling
Let your mini-eastsiders rock their home turf in adorable style with La La Ling’s Los Feliz-loving apparel. From onesies reading “Meet Me In Los Feliz” to tees with “LA” spelled out in Palm Tree-shaped letters, your tiny hipster will be the fliest kid on every Los Angeles playground in these digs.

Where to Shop: The La La Ling boutique is located in Silver Lake at 1810 N. Vermont Avenue. With tons of adorable gear, fun toys, and a chalk wall to keep your little shoppers happy, this spot is definitely worth a visit, though you can also shop their awesome wears via their website.

Online: lalaling.com

photo: Monbrigo

Monbrigo
You can inspire your tiny tots with local LA artists and do something good for the community at the same time, all thanks to this must-have line of LA made baby bibs. The stylish and completely functional bibs are adorned with fruits, flowers, and animals all printed from watercolor designs created by LA artists. While your little eaters will look adorable sporting these bibs at the dinner table, you’ll also be helping to give back to the local community as 50% of the company’s proceeds go to supporting community gardens, urban farms, and organizations that support arts education in LA. Your purchase also comes packed with a packet of seeds so that you and your mini-gardeners can plant your own veggies to nibble while rocking that bib.

Where to Buy: Bibs are available online via their website and at local pop-ups, like Unique LA. Use the code REDTRICYCLE on the Monbrigo site for 15% off your order.

Online: monbrigo.com

photo: Sultan Sky

Sultan Sky Tees
This t-shirt company based in Studio City creates simple, adorable designs that your kids will love and you’ll wish came in adult sizes. Every design, like the totally relate-able “Accident Prone” print, is inspired by the adventures of the precocious son of the local husband and wife team that created Sultan Sky.

Where to Buy: Sultan Sky will be printing a new run of tees starting September 1st and will be available at Leanna Lin’s Wonderland in Eagle Rock (which is totally worth a visit just for all their other utterly awesome kid finds and in-house art gallery!) and Trinkets and Treasures in Studio City. Tees will also be available in their online shop. Use the code REDTRILA for 15% off your purchase.

Online: sultanskytees.com

photo: Ultra Violet Kids

 

Ultra Violet Kids
Inspired by LA style and her own mini fashionista, clothing designer Michelle Chapin created this brand of high-fashion duds made just for the playground set. All the clothes are made in LA using sustainable materials and aim to be hip and fashion forward, but still comfortable for active kids.

Where to Buy: The full line is available on the Ultra Violet Kids website. You can also find them in local shops, like Individual Medley in Atwater Village and Shop Sweet Threads in Long Beach.

Online: ultravioletkids.com

 

What are your favorite ways to show off your family’s LA pride? Share any awesome shops and brands we missed.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Paint & Play at the New Glaze Fire

by Christina Montoya Fiedler

This summer-like heat won’t last forever (Right? Please!) and when the promised El Niño brings the rain this winter, you’ll need a new place to keep the kiddos dry and occupied. Welcome to Glaze Fire, a new paint-your-own-pottery studio in the heart of Los Feliz. Glaze lets little artists create one of a kind pieces of art, and the best part is that the mess stays there!

Walk in and you’ll know that this is not your mama’s P(aint)-Y-O ceramics shop. Cutesy is replaced with hipster worthy colors and décor, which soothes parents as it fires up kids. The place, which opened it’s doors in September, has a laid-back, go-with-the-flow vibe that’s perfect for families who are looking for a creative way to spend an afternoon, a spot to make a crafted keepsake for a Grandma holiday gift or a birthday party place for your budding Wedgewood. Here’s how it works:


Pick It
One entire wall of the shop—floor to ceiling—is dedicated to pottery choices. Kids have a hard time picking a piece to paint because there just so much cool stuff to choose from: dinosaur banks, doggie water bowls,  jewelry boxes, planters and more. There are also options for making beautiful footprint/handprint plaques for all ages. Glaze also does a great job of keep a wide selection of seasonal items stocked; we spied Frankenstein steins, skeleton bowls, and other creepy crawly options just for Halloween.

Paint It
Bring your choice to any of the handy Glaze helpers and they’ll help you pick the best colors for your piece. Can’t decide? They make it easy by bunching the colors into complimentary hues.

Then comes the fun part—painting. You’ll get a variety of paintbrushes and tools to help your creation come to life. Kids love using the toothbrush for a splatter effect. Go ahead and get messy. They’ll give you aprons to keep your clothes clean. Plus, all of the paint is totally washable and completely eco-friendly.

Fire It
When you’re done, they come over and write your name or any special message you’d like (neatly) on the bottom of your piece. While you head over to wash your hands at the clean up station, they put your painted piece in the queue to be fired. You’ll get an email when it’s ready to be picked up and you can swing by any time. They’re open from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week, so finding a time that works is pretty easy.

Pricing
The price of each ceramic is located at the bottom of the actual item. Just flip it over to find the price tag. They range from $10 for smaller items to $40 for larger items. There is also a ten dollar painting fee to cover the cost of unlimited use of paint and supplies. It feels a little steep at first, but everything is high quality (much better than you would get at an average paint your own pottery shop) and it’s all eco-friendly, which is worth the extra cost.

You can hold your next party at Glaze for up to 10 guests for just $25 a painter (including a ceramic). Wanna go bigger? You can rent out the studio too. Check the website for more details.

Coming Soon: We’re pretty excited about this the planned Glaze Fire parties-to-go. They’ll bring all the supplies so your little party guests can have all the fun of an in-studio day at the location of your choice. It’s $25/painter (which includes a ceramic), plus $20 per employee per hour.  This way you don’t have to schlep all the food, gifts and other entertainment to a store, but can keep the party at your home, and still have all the fun of the crafting adventure.

Parking: There are just two parking spots in the back of the store, so your best bet is street parking.

Good to Know: Hungry? Head on over to The Alcove for vats of fries, platters of hummus and pita, awesome Angus beef sliders and cakes to die for. Have more of a cold sweet tooth? The Gelato Bar scoops up creamy treats in flavors like raspberry mocha and chocolate peanut Jeni’s Ice Cream is right nearby, and Churro Borough is one block over on Vermont.

Glaze Fire
1937 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Feliz
Online: glazefire.com

What are your favorite indoor activities around town? (We’re dreaming longingly of winter, but are using them now to escape the heat!) Tell us in the comments below.

—Christina Montoya Fiedler

photos by Glaze Fire and Christina Montoya Fiedler

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Trash to Treasure: Eco-Friendly Art Studios

by rtelenawf

Green may be a secondary color, but going green is the primary thought behind creating recycled art. Grab your little environmentalist and hit up these art studios where pre-used materials that would otherwise be landfill fodder turn into amazing art and science projects. Say hello to thinking outside the box − then re-use that box to make something special!

photo credit: ReDiscover’s facebook page

ReDiscover
Teach your kiddo about the environment through found art: the ReDiscover Center recycles everyday objects discarded by businesses and gives them a new purpose as hands-on learning materials.  This non-profit in Culver City is a community art center where kids can get their hands on the coolest stuff to build, craft and design. ReDiscover even joins local festivals, where they create Cardboard Playgrounds, which encourage kids to see the never-ending fun in everyday objects. The studio is open every Saturday, so it’s the perfect place to pop in with the fam. (Fine print: Parents need to be present. Each project takes about an hour and is recommended for kids age 4 and up.)  Oh, and drop by Pitfire Pizza next door if all that creating has left you hungry.

When: Studio is open every Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: 12958 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles
Cost: $5 per project
Online: rediscovercenter.org

photo credit: Trash for Teaching

Trash for Teaching
This place is all about minimizing waste and maximizing education. Manufacturing overruns, castoffs and discards are rescued and brought here, to be re-imagined into something truly special. Your kiddos’ endless curiosity will thrive while they experiment with unlikely art materials. All the learning is hands on, and your kids will discover new ways to rethink things that others may dismiss. It’s more than just art – it’s a way to encourage critical thinking and problem solving with a unique approach.

Where: 12815 S. Western Ave, 
Gardena
When: Open workshops are Sundays 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Cost: No charge, but suggested donation is $5 per child. Parents need to stay with their kids while they create.
Online: trashforteaching.org

 

photo credit: CReaTE Studio’s facebook page

CReATE Studio
Mom Jemma Wilermuth wanted to combine her love of arts and crafts with a way to better the enviroment, so she started CReaTE Studio, where materials that would otherwise be thrown away are instead used to make imaginative art. Not only does her studio provide a platform for kid’s expression, but it can help them problem solve. By using unusual materials that might have formerly been seen as useless, they’re training their eyes to think beyond a concrete reason for any one thing. While other recycled art studios use large quantities of discarded materials from companies, CReaTE accepts donations from homes. Find inspiration for your own unique recycled art nook at home by reading the suggested “starter list” on the website. And, instead of tossing those holy socks or old shoe laces, why not start a collection of materials to then donate? Bring your kids and fire up their creativity at walk-in studio times.

Where: 31840 Village Center Rd.,  Westlake Village
When: Drop-in Studio hours are 11a.m.-6 p.m. Tues-Fri and noon-5 p.m. on Sat.
Cost: $7/ages 2-5; $9/ages 6-12; $11/ages 12-19; $13/adult Includes all materials and 2 hours of studio time, and there is no charge for parents who are just assisting their kids with their projects.
Online: createstudiofun.com

photo credit: Trash for Teaching

Where and how do you turn old stuff into new and amazing art? Let us in on your favorite upcycling projects in the comment section.

-Elena Wurlitzer

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Top Ten Reasons Parents Will Love the New Joan’s

by Meghan Rose

There’s a new spot in Studio City, and Valley parents are rejoicing. The ever popular Joan’s On Third in the heart of LA opened a new location and with breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, marketplace, to-go foods and even kid-catering – you’ll find yourself wondering how you fed your family before it opened. While everyone loves Joan’s, read on to find the top ten reasons parents love it the most.

Of course you’re a longtime fan of Joan’s on Third. For years (decades?) you thought it was your secret spot for a Dean and Deluca-like lunch, cupcakes that made work mates swoon, and cocktail hour elegance in an instant. The paparazzi and expansion clued you in that the word was out. But you’ve moved – literally, and figuratively – and with kids (you don’t need those divine Hollywood Bowl picnics anymore) and distance (you moved to the Valley to have a bigger yard and better school) you haven’t been to Joan’s in a while. Joan’s second location has arrived, and with a wide-open seating plan and easy parking, it’s worth the drive for families across LA. Here’s why:

1. Kid Catering: Joan’s has a spectacular catering menu, and it has a whole section just for kids. So next time you want to elevate your birthday party fare, call Joan’s and serve Three Cheese Macaroni, fresh Chicken Tenders, crustless sammies, A Kids’ Garden Basket and mini cupcakes & cookies.

2. Soccer Night: We’ve all been there – you get home from soccer practice at 7:30 p.m. The kids are starving, you’re exhausted and the cupboards are bare. Swing by Joan’s while they’re kicking the ball and pick up Turkey Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes and a side of farm fresh veggies. You can even get wine!

3. Breakfast On the Go: Call as you leave the house and swing by to pick up your fried or scrambled egg and bacon breakfast sandwich or Irish steel cut oatmeal on your way to school. It’s a much better start to a long day than cold cereal. The coffee and croissant are for you.

4. Parking: No one will ever argue the fact that parking in the Valley is SO much easier than parking in town. Plenty of street parking is available, and there’s a valet for when you’re in a rush.

5. Misters: Another indisputable Valley fact of life is heat. The new Joan’s has 30 seats outside on the covered patio, and don’t worry about the heat, they’ll mist you down to keep you cool. Ahhhhh.

6. Open Floor Plan, Open Kitchen: Kids like to run around. They need things to look at. Joan knows (this is a family business, with her kids working alongside her, and grandkids taste-testing the kid menu items) and so the open floor plan affords plenty of room to spread out and makes it easy to keep an eye on them. And the open kitchen gives little peepers something to distract them while they wait for their food – catch the action as chefs serve up salads, sandwiches, cheeses and pastries. In fact, the drool worthy pastry counter will keep them plenty busy, deciding what to eat after lunch.

7. Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger: (Bonus points if you know the classic SNL skit.) What’s new here is the cheeseburger, which is available Mondays only at the original Joan’s, but will be on the menu here every day starting at 3 p.m. It’s the perfect after school or pre-ballet class snack, not to mention dinner (for here or to go!).

8. Float That By Me: Also new for Studio City is the Root Beer Float. Premium ingredients, so while your kid will order it, you get to execute the ‘Mama Tax’ and sneak several sips.

9. Because The Holidays Approach: Need pies, cakes, an appetizer or cheese plate to bring to the pot-luck or family sit down? Why worry? Why work? Just swing and get one to go and guaranteed, your contribution will be the hit of the party.

10. Listen, Cupcake: Before there was a cupcake craze, there were Joan’s cupcakes. They are moist, decadent and perfect. When mini-cake mania moves on, there will still be Joan’s cupcakes. For teachers treats, birthday parties or for after you drop the kids at school and just because you deserve it – you gotta get a cupcake.   We’re nuts for the Marshmallow Cream Filled Chocolate, but we wouldn’t fault you if you prefer Red Velvet.

 

Now open Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Joan’s on Third in Studio City
12059 Ventura Place
Studio City
Phone: 818-201-3900
Online: joansonthird.com

-Meghan Rose

What’s your favorite local go-to spot for each and every meal? Let us know!

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Win a $300 Gift Certificate to Kate Byars Photography

by Abigail Matsumoto

There’s no time like the present for a family photo-op! Local photographer extraordinaire Kate Byars is ready to help you preserve some memories and capture your kiddos before the next growth spurt hits. One lucky winner of Red Tricycle’s Big Peach Giveaway will get a $300 gift certificate to Kate Byars Photography, which may be redeemed for any Kate Byars Photography service or product for an in-studio or location shoot.

What’s the scoop on Kate Byars Photography?

Kate Byars specializes in bringing finished artwork to her clients that is tailored to their personal style and interior design. The process begins with a personalized consultation to capture your vision and ends with a visit by Kate to hang your art pieces in your home.

How to enter:

Enter now by going to the Red Tricycle Atlanta; if you haven’t already, “Like” us and a really short entry form will magically appear! Simply fill it out and you will be entered to win one (1) Kate Byars Photography Gift Certificate valued at $300.  Gift Certificate not compatible with any other offer. Expires one year from validation date. Delivery is included in the prizing (continental US only).

Want to double, triple, and even quadruple your chances to win?

1. Invite friends! For each friend that enters and mentions your name, you will get an extra entry.
2. Tweet this post by simply clicking on the tweet button above.
3. “Like” the Kate Byars Photography Facebook page and leave a comment on this page by using the comment box below.

The Kate Byars Photography Gift certificate winner will be picked on June 1, 2013 at 9:00am PT.

Read itty bitty contest rules

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