Gwendolyn-Mary Candles and Perfumes: From Sherman Oaks to France and Back

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BY KAREN YOUNG Sherman Oaks resident Kathleen Laccinole  has always joked that "in my next life I'll be a perfumer."  As she explains,  "I have an extremely 'emotional' nose and love, love, love scent." In reality, Laccinole spent many … [Read more...]

Food News: Les Macarons Duverger for a Perfect Taste of Paris

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Les Macarons Duverger is now available online for gift packs, buffets, party favors and even wedding cakes!

BY KAREN YOUNG I've loved macarons since I first tasted the delicate almond meringue confection in Paris over two decades ago.  Pronounced mack-ah-rohn, it is not to be confused with the coconut  mound cookie (maca-roon).  The … [Read more...]

Health & Fitness Finds: Fitness Guru Dove Rose-Grennan Talks Juicing

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BY DOVE ROSE-GRENNAN Editor's Note:  We are thrilled to introduce our new columnist, Dove Rose-Grennan (left), who will be curating all the best info about health and fitness. Dove is  the owner and creator of Dove’s Bodies and has been … [Read more...]

Two San Fernando Valley Writers Capture “The Oprah Effect”

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BY KAREN YOUNG The Oprah Winfrey  Show was one of the most successful talk shows in television history with Winfrey inspiring and informing her viewers  on a daily basis.  The show ran  for 25 seasons and won 47 Emmy Awards until Winfrey … [Read more...]

Where to Shop for the Perfect Mother’s Day Gifts in the San Fernando Valley

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BY KAREN YOUNG Looking for a gift for mom? Check out some of these local, independently owned businesses in the 818 where you'll receive personal service and beautiful gift wrap.  These are some of my favorites across the 818. If there’s a … [Read more...]

This Weekend: What’s Happening from the Valley to Downtown to Santa Monica

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Weekend

BY KAREN YOUNG Okay, so  if you're not seeing The Rolling Stones this weekend, or even if you are one of the lucky ones who is, here's a list of more to do.... FRIDAY Dancing Under the Stars: Join Billy Blanks Jr. and Sharon Catherine … [Read more...]

Food Find: Artisanal Bread Handcrafted and Made-To-Order

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BY JUDITH A. PROFFER You’re strolling on the tree-lined street of one of your favorite Sherman Oaks neighborhoods when the yeasty, hearty, warm and swoon-worthy aroma of freshly baked bread stops you in your tracks.  Your head snaps to the … [Read more...]

The Wine Find: The Demise of Two Buck Chuck — and Upcoming Wine Events

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BY BARBARA BARRIELLE As most of you know already, Trader Joe’s pulled an overnight price hike on their (can we say) legendary $1.99 Charles Shaw brand wine.  Now at $2.49 (really TJs, a 25% increase?) I say why bother.  In fact, except for … [Read more...]

This Weekend: What to Do All Over L.A. — MLK Jr. Day, Sales, Photo L.A., National Day of Service, Wine Tasting, Art and More

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BY KAREN YOUNG National Day of Service: President Obama started the National Day of Service four years ago to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. with the belief that service should be part of everyone's life. Be a part of … [Read more...]

Embrace Your Inner Renaissance Self With Classes for the New Year

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BY KAREN YOUNG It's the beginning of the new year and the perfect time to learn something new.  Of course there's yoga, pilates and fitness studios galore at every corner, but here's a handful of alternate ideas for classes located in the 818 … [Read more...]