Show Your Classic Car in SoCal

Show Your Classic Car in SoCal

While we didn’t get the chance to travel to car shows for most of 2020, things are starting to go back to normal. If your quarantine project was restoring a classic car — or you’ve got one in your collection that you’ve been itching to show off — events are starting to show up on the calendar again. If you’re in the SoCal area, here are a few places where you can showcase your classic cars without traveling too far afield.

1. Rendezvous Back to Route 66 – Oct 2, 2021

For decades, a four-day event called the Route 66 Rendezvous brought half a million people into the San Bernardino area. After the event lost the support of the city, the local Chamber of Commerce put together a two-day car show that allows classic car owners to showcase their rides by driving through the streets of San Bernardino. For $40, you can register your car and join the fun. This show accepts custom cars and motorcycles from every year, so register soon before the deadline passes.

2. National Grand Roadster Show – Jan 28-30, 2022

This show used to be called the Oakland Roadster Show and while it may have dropped Oakland from its name, it’s still one of the oldest running indoor car shows in the world. Show vehicles can compete for awards and even if you’re not in the running for the title of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster, you may want to consider registering for the weekend event that goes along with the National Grand Roadster Show, the Annual Grand Daddy Drive-In. The event’s been cancelled for 2021 due to it’s January date but it’s currently on the calendar for the beginning of 2022 so you’ve got plenty of time to prepare.

3. The Classic at Pismo Beach – Sept 10-12, 2021

Is there anything better than spending a weekend on a California beach? Why not add 24 square blocks packed to the eaves with classic cars? This three-day car show has happened every year since 1986 and over the last three decades has raised money for countless charities. Registration will set you back $115 but spaces are limited so if you want to showcase your classic car at this iconic event, make sure you register soon.

4. The Valley Nationals – October 13-14, 2021

October is a popular month for SoCal car shows. Every year, the Valley Nationals happens, hosted by the Hot Rod Coalition, showcasing more than 500 classic cars and bringing together car enthusiasts, owners and vendors in one of the biggest events of the year. The Valley Nationals aren’t limited to classic cars, welcoming all sorts of cars from classics and customs to hot rods and dragsters and everything in between. Pre-event registration is $35 for each vehicle, with the price going up to $40 if you choose to register at the event.

5. Main Street Classic Car Show – Fridays, Continual

If the rest of the shows on this don’t fit your schedule, why not opt for a show that happens every single week, rain or shine? There are roughly 50 parking spaces on Historic Main Street in Garden Grove, so finding a place to park is often challenging. It also means that you’ll be part of a rotating cast of characters that will change every week as people drop out and new car enthusiasts take their place. Both admission and vehicle registration is free for this weekly event, but you might want to check in with the event organizers to ensure that you’ve got a place to park.

6. Gassers 7 – August 28th, 2021

Head over to the Automobile Driving Museum at the end of August for the Gassers 7 Rev Fest, the 7th annual show that focuses on a love of classic cars, from originals to dragsters and anything that screams both speed and style. Parking is first-come-first-served and vehicle registration starts at $20 before the event and climbs to $25 when it’s time to find a parking space.

+ 1 — Join a Car Club

There are so many car shows going on in SoCal every week that we could write a book on it — and then have to keep updating it. If none of these cars shows tick the boxes for you, consider joining a local car club. In addition to getting you in touch with car enthusiasts in your area, these clubs often host their own shows or have a network of shows that they attend. It may not extend beyond your local area but it can be a great way to network and make the most of your weekends instead of scrambling to find a show. Use the resources you have available.

Get Out There and Show Off Your Favorite Classic Car

Whether you’re planning a trip to one of the biggest shows in the state or just sticking to local drive-throughs, the world is returning to normal and it’s time to get out there and start showing off your favorite classic cars.

Cover shot from: Nordic Overdrive

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The Beauty of Breathwork

The Beauty of Breathwork

I‘m sure we can all agree that 2020 & 2021 have been difficult. What made it a little easier for me was stumbling upon Ana Lilia’s online breathwork class. During lockdown, Ana’s Saturday morning class became the highlight of my week. Sometimes, Ana starts her class 10 minutes early, with an uplifting, freestyle dance session, and the moment I see her lovely, smiling face appear on my screen, I feel better. And the music! Ana’s thoughtful playlist is somehow always spot on. In fact, I get so much out of her class, that I asked if I could interview her for SoCal Magazine so that our readers can benefit from Ana‘s healing, too. Here is Ana Lilia‘s insight into breathwork and I highly recommend you give her class a try—you won’t regret it.
1. Why did you start doing breathwork and how long have you been doing it?
I came across a breathwork class 6 years ago during a time in my life where I was depressed, my anxiety was at an all time high and I was feeling lost. I attended a breathwork class, not knowing what it was. During the class, we focused on active breathing for 30 minutes. My body responded in ways I didn’t expect. Not only did my hands cramp up — I started crying. It was so strange to me because I’d never had that kind of reaction before. But it was just the kind of release that I needed. In what felt like an instant of clarity, everything looked and felt different to me. The world felt brighter and lighter. I felt more alive than I’d felt in a long time. Most importantly, I was filled with a sense of empowerment that hasn’t left me since. From that moment on, I knew that breathwork was going to save my life. Shortly after, I decided that I wanted to learn how to facilitate a breathwork session and introduce it to as many people as possible who live with anxiety and depression. I want the world to know about how powerful, transformative and healing breathwork is.
2. What is breathwork?

Breathwork is an active form of meditation where you manipulate your breath to change the way you feel. There are many different types of breathing techniques. And yes, our body knows how to breathe naturally, but a lot of times we aren’t breathing properly. This can create an imbalance in the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. That imbalance can contribute to anxiety, panic attacks, and fatigue. Have you noticed that when you’re anxious, you tend to take shallow, rapid breaths from your chest, and you may even start to hyperventilate? This increases your heart rate and creates muscle tension. Your sympathetic nervous system becomes activated, and there is a surge of adrenaline and cortisol alerting your body that it needs to protect itself.

The breathing technique I use is a two stage pranayama breathing pattern. You take a first inhale from your diaphragm, a second from your chest and then you exhale. It’s a circular breathing technique, where as soon as you exhale, you inhale right away. This breathing practice can help you release tension from your body, clear your mind, and you can also have a deep healing session. Breathwork helps you feel more in control of your emotions and grounded as we navigate these stressful times.

One of my specialities is working with people who suffer from anxiety. Many of my clients would share with me that they have panic attacks often or they have been suffering from anxiety for a long time. I created a program with guided breathing meditations to help them manage their anxiety. The biggest thing I help them with is getting to the core of why they are stressed out. This awareness gives them the power to respond instead of reactivating whey they are getting triggered. They feel like they are in control of their life again. And have practical tools they can use when they are feeling stressed out.

3. Can anyone join your breathwork classes?
Yes! Everyone is welcomed in my breathwork classes. I created Community Gathering right at the start of the pandemic as a way to support my community through the fear and anxiety we were all experiencing due to Covid-19. The isolation was very triggering to many people, and having a safe place where we could meet virtually became something they could look forward to and be reminded that they are not alone in how they feel. Several people have told me that Community Gathering literally saved their life during the pandemic. It’s a diverse community where people from all over the world join to breathe. We have teenagers who breathe with their parents, our oldest community member is in her 90s and we have everything else in between.
4. How much is it? 
As a way to make it accessible to most people, Community Gathering is a sliding scale ticket starting at $10 – $35.
5. How does music play into your class?
Music is a HUGE part of my breathwork classes. My playlists are intended to take my clients on a journey. Every song that I pick tells a story with the lyrics that will resonate with my clients. The song may have them remember an experience or it might encourage an emotion to express more easily. I let my intuition create the playlist. I tap into the energy of my client or the group, and know instinctively if the song is right or wrong for the group or the person. And sometimes, we move so much energy before we go into the active breathing that I’m playing DJ on the spot to better support them while they are breathing. You can find hundreds of my breathwork playlists on my Spotify and Apple Music profiles.
6. What experiences have your clients shared with you that touched you the most?
My clients have had deep transformational healings. After a short amount of time working with me they unpack trauma, disappointments, anxiety and other stressors. They are left feeling refreshed, renewed and empowered. And by doing this deep healing work, it also helps them manifest and get aligned with their goals. My clients have manifested their dream homes, new jobs, launched business, attracted a partner…and this is because they are more confident, they know their worth and are open to receive.
7. What is the most common reaction people have when doing your class?
They can’t believe how different they feel after breathing. The tension their body was holding onto is gone. They gain clarity on why they were stressed. It helps them gain awareness about their thoughts and how it affects their anxiety and overwhelm. That awareness helps them feel back in control. and they know they can change the way they feel by connecting with their breath.
8. What do you have coming up next?

I’m hosting a Fall Retreat the first weekend of November in Los Angeles. I also started hosting monthly in-person events at the beach. To learn more about my offerings you can visit my website www.analilia.net. If you are interested in meditations to help you manage anxiety you can find my 7-day program at www.feelcalmtoday.com And I’m also on Instagram @_ana_lilia

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Meet SunDaze: The 100% OJ Citrus Cocktails

Meet SunDaze: The 100% OJ Citrus Cocktails

Move over, mimosas! With RTD (ready-to-drink) cocktails taking over the beverage world, it’s hard to know which ones are worth the buzz, and which ones aren’t. Well, it’s pretty buzzy around here, and we wouldn’t steer you wrong. If you’re looking for something new, look no further than SunDaze – the refreshing, 100% orange juice canned cocktails for any hour of any day! This isn’t your old average, sugary basic brunch mimosa! 

SunDaze reimagines the classic social drink, breaking citrus-based cocktails out of the brunch category once and for all. A better-for-you beverage, SunDaze’s delicious 100% Valencia orange juice blend is made using an exclusive fermentation process that transforms fruit juice into a flavorful alcoholic refreshment – and by converting the naturally-occurring fruit sugars into alcohol – SunDaze also reduces calories along the way. Each cocktail contains 100% of your daily dose of Vitamin C, antioxidants and probiotics and is also gluten-free, vegan and has no added sugars. SunDaze will be available in three flavors:

  • Classic: reimagines Valencia orange juice at its boozy best with a simple formula and a sophisticated flavor that challenges the best mimosa.

  • Botanical Citrus: a blend of Valencia orange juice, rosemary and ginger root for an aromatic, zingy taste.

  • Spicy Citrus: a blend of Valencia orange juice with jalapeño and Thai chiles for a kick that will have you thinking you’re sipping straight from the spicy rim of a cocktail glass.

 

SunDaze is now available for purchase at all PinkDot & Total Wine locations across LA county, and via DTC online as of August 16th. SunDaze retails at $3.99/can.

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Reader Gift Basket – Cold brew vs Iced Coffee

Reader Gift Basket – Cold brew vs Iced Coffee

Coffee is an all-season drink that can be enjoyed year round with each season presents fitting recipes to indulge in. So while the summer season smolders on, maybe you want your cup of coffee to both pick you up and cool you down. If that‘s the case, here’s what to know about cold brews versus iced coffees.

While both are served cold, chilled over ice, their difference lies in the brewing method. For coffee connoisseurs, this makes all the difference.

The Cold Brew Truth

The name really says it all. Cold brew coffee begins its brewing process with steeping coffee grounds in cold water for twenty four hours. This process and time retains the solubles in the coffee, rather than dissolving them in heat or boiling water while also releasing qualities that attribute to the taste of the coffee with a more sweet and smooth finish and notably less bitter. It tends to be served with ice to balance the stronger flavor of the coffee.

Iced, Iced Coffee

There is far less mystery in an iced coffee. For this drink the coffee is brewed traditionally and served over ice. It is recommended to allow the coffee to cool down before it is mixed with ice to avoid watering it down or diluting the flavor. For iced coffee lovers who enjoy this drink at home, consider freezing your favorite coffee in ice cubes to use in your iced coffee in lieu of regular ice cubes.

Keep Cool with Your Cup

However you prefer to cool off with coffee, you can’t go wrong with either of these choices. Don Francisco’s Coffee, and its varieties of flavors and brews, are made only with 100% Arabica Coffee from some of the world’s best coffee-growing regions to ensure you are getting the best quality coffee in your cup. If you’re trying cold brew for the first time, try out this refreshing recipe below.

Cold Brew at Home

WHAT YOU NEED

  • 1 Don Francisco’s Coffee Organic Cold Brew foil pouch (2 pitcher packs inside)
  • 1 glass pitcher with lid
  • 4 cups of cold filtered water (for steeping)
  • 3 cups of cold filtered water (for diluting)

STEP 1: MIX

Open the foil pouch and gently place 2 pitcher packs into a glass pitcher. We recommend a large, wide, airtight pitcher with a lid.

STEP 2: ADD WATER AND STEEP

Pour 4 (8 fl oz) cups of cold filtered water into the pitcher and close tightly with the lid. (It’s normal for pitcher packs to float). Place your pitcher into the fridge for 24 hours.

STEP 3: REMOVE PITCHER PACKS

Grab the cold brew from the fridge and carefully remove the pitcher packs to avoid tearing. Add 3 (8 fl oz) cups of cold filtered water to the pitcher.

STEP 4: SERVE

Pour into a tall glass with ice, or skip the ice for a bolder taste. Enjoy!

Don Francisco’s Coffee Tip: Cold Brew stays fresh for up to seven days in the refrigerator. For a stronger brew, add less water in the final dilution step.

GIVEAWAY! — Let’s celebrate Summer & Coffee together.

Enter to win a special prize pack of Don Francisco’s Coffee.

To enter:

1. Follow @donfranciscos

2. Share why you love and need coffee.⁠

3. Tag a friend who shares your love for coffee.

*Only comments on this post that include a tag will be considered.

Giveaway closes on Sep 30th at 11:59 PM PST. We will randomly select a winner on Oct 1st 2021.⁠

Valid only in the US.

And visit our Facebook Page to say hi too 🙂

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Waze Partners with Nissan to Highlight LA’s Best Scenic Spots

Waze Partners with Nissan to Highlight LA’s Best Scenic Spots

Last Monday, Waze announced its partnership with Nissan to provide Waze users a list of the most rugged and action packed roads and trails across the U.S. to help point drivers to scenic spots along their drives and road trips. The new experience will highlight popular beaches, scenic points, and natural features in the greater Los Angeles area. 

Available through September 30th, Pathfinder Preferred Terrain Pins in Waze will alert drivers to the most scenic spots along their drives and road trips. The pins are based on the most popular outdoor destinations among Waze users in the U.S from January 2020 to present – including local favorites such as Venice Beach, the Antelope Poppy Reserve and Zuma Beach.

This comes at a time when, for many Americans, the car has become the main transportation option for summer travel and the nation seeks vacation opportunities without going abroad. Seventy-three percent of people recently surveyed by Waze, say they feel safest traveling by car and 33% say they expect to use their car more going forward than before the pandemic.

Catch a glimpse at the top local destinations in the list below so you can plan your next road trip!

Top Los Angeles Beaches

  1. Venice Beach
  2. Manhattan County Beach
  3. Zuma Beach
  4. Will Rogers State Beach
  5. Dockweiler State Beach
  6. Bolsa Chica State Beach
  7. El Matador State Beach
  8. Rosie’s Dog Beach
  9. Dog Beach (Huntington Beach)
  10. Corona del Mar State Beach

Top Los Angeles Forests/Groves

  1. Lake Perris State Recreation Area
  2. Antelope Poppy Reserve
  3. Arroyo Verde Park
  4. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
  5. North Etiwanda Preserve
  6. Sycamore Grove Park
  7. Cougar Crest Trail 1E22
  8. Hickory Park
  9. Park Rangers Headquarters Griffith Park Visitor Center
  10. Wildwood Canyon Park

Top Los Angeles Scenic Lookouts/Viewpoints

  1. Los Liones Hiking Trail
  2. Malibu Pier
  3. Top of the World (Laguna Beach)
  4. Universal City Overlook
  5. Mulholland Scenic Overlook
  6. Mandeville Canyon Park
  7. Angels Point
  8. Lake Hollywood street parking
  9. Sullivan Canyon Trailhead
  10. Jerome C Daniels Overlook above the Hollywood Bowl

 

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Winc Partners with LA: 50% Off Your Ride Alto Trip, Fully Stocked with Winc Wine

Winc Partners with LA: 50% Off Your Ride Alto Trip, Fully Stocked with Winc Wine

We recently featured reasons to visit Sonoma County — which could arguably be one reason: wine. The reasons start and end with wine, with all other reasons in-between. However, there’s even more wine to be enjoyed as summer begins its sunset phase.

If the past year taught us anything, it’s that when we have the chance, we should take advantage of the amazing moments life has to offer by going out, exploring the town and seeing friends. This summer, Winc is making that a little bit easier by helping the city of Los Angeles “Bring the Party” through their partnership with the city’s hottest new car service – Ride Alto.

Starting Friday, August 13th at 5 pm (PST) through the end of day on Sunday, August 15th, Angelenos can book their car service through the Ride Alto app using code WINC for 50% off all Los Angeles rides for the weekend! What’s even better? Each ride will be stocked with Winc’s cult favorite Summer Water Rosé droplets, courtesy of Ride Alto, so you can pregame the party right up to the moment you arrive! Whether you’re headed to a friends BBQ, beach picnic or rooftop party, Winc and Ride Alto have you covered to make sure you arrive in style!

Learn more about Winc and learn more about the summer campaign here!

Date of promotion: Friday, August 13th at 5pm PST through Sunday, August 15th, 2021

Offer: 50% off your ride using promo code WINC in Los Angeles only.

Summer Water Droplets: Summer Water Droplets (187ml) will be in the cars for riders sipping pleasure! 

*Riders are required to wear a mask during the ride unless you are taking a sip of your Winc wine. *If you forget to put in the promo code at the start of your ride, you can still apply it during your ride – as long as you add the code to the ride before it ends.

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