Rediscover Center – a non-profit organization which provides kids, teens, and adults with the resources to engage in creative reuse and self-expression – is opening a new location in Mid City Los Angeles. A special launch event from 11am to 3pm on April 21 for the new imaginative space will coincide with Earth Day (April 22). The new location at 2375 W. Washington Blvd will expand sustainable maker education across Los Angeles and provide makerspace access for youth in Mid City, Koreatown, South LA, DTLA, West Adams, Pico Union, West Hollywood, and beyond.

Featuring shared facilities filled with tools, materials, and a community of makers, the new space features a 2,400 square foot public youth makerspace with an adjacent 3,000 square foot patio for public events. The makerspace offers crafting, sewing, and woodworking facilities that can accommodate up to 50 makers, with toolsets appropriate for 5-8 year olds, 8-12 year olds, teens, and adults. The entire Center is stocked with sustainably sourced “rediscovered” materials, such as cardboard, household recyclables, commercial overstock, and manufacturing offcuts. Rediscover Center is a place for hands-on learning, designing, making, and tinkering.

“This new Mid City location enables Rediscover Center to inspire youth and adults across Los Angeles,” notes Executive Director Jonathan Markowitz Bijur. “We are thrilled to help youth who have never seen the inside of a makerspace use power tools and start building amazing projects.” 

Moreover, Rediscover Center is one of L.A.’s most unique and exciting places for a wide variety of events, including birthday parties and corporate retreats. The Center hosts workshops, camps, field trips, Weekend Family Crafting sessions, tool trainings, upcycled art parties, Scouts badge workshops, team workshops and offsites, and much more.

For more information, please visit http://rediscovercenter.org/ 

Credit: Rediscover Center

There is never a convenient time for someone to have a substance abuse issue. An individual might have one for years, or it might show up if they’re under a lot of pressure. Maybe they’re also hanging out with a crowd that is encouraging them to use illicit substances.

You might also see situations where someone is having a disorder emerge at the same time they’re using substances. This makes sense. The individual might start using drugs as a way to cope with how their condition is making them feel.

Treatment for co-occurring disorders is always possible if someone is struggling with an emerging disorder and substance abuse or addiction at the same time. Let’s discuss a few disorders that are most likely to emerge at the same time as substance abuse.

ADHD

Someone with ADHD may struggle in their daily life if it’s undiagnosed or they are not on the proper medication. They may become argumentative with those they know. They may have hyperactive periods followed by times when they feel very bleak.

The right drugs can even out such a person’s moods in many instances. Don’t be surprised if you see someone struggling with ADHD develop a substance abuse problem, though.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a condition that can completely wreck a person’s life in many instances. In extreme cases, the individual can be a danger to themselves or others if they have it. They may start using substances to try to drown out the voices they hear or visual hallucinations that torment them.

Mood or Personality Disorders

Various mood and personality disorders can start to surface. When they do, the person who’s dealing with them may begin to self-medicate. They might discover a better solution if they speak to a doctor or therapist, but they must first find the motivation to do so.

PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder can come about if someone gets in a bad car wreck, survives a natural disaster, comes back from active duty in the military, or survives a violent crime. Living with this condition can be hellish, so it makes sense that someone in this situation may turn to substances to try to dull the pain and anxiety that they’re feeling. 

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder is difficult to deal with. If you live every day feeling that something catastrophic could occur at any moment, that’s not easy. An individual with this condition might easily turn to alcohol or drugs to try and make themselves feel less on edge.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can wreak havoc with a person’s perception of the world. A chemical imbalance in the brain causes episodes of the most intense depression and mania. People with this condition often feel that self-medicating is the only thing keeping themselves under some measure of control. 

Eating Disorders

Someone with an eating disorder is often very unhappy with how they look and feel. Taking the edge off of reality with substances is a reliable way to avoid wallowing in these feelings.

Are you feeling a little off lately? Maybe you’re more tired than usual, your mood’s been a rollercoaster, or even your body’s changing in ways you don’t quite understand. It happens! Sometimes, those changes can be confusing or even frustrating.

But have you ever wondered why these changes occur? Well, one possible culprit could be hormonal imbalance. Yes, that’s right! If your body’s fluctuations are hormone-related, there’s no need to worry because there’s one effective solution called Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT.

Now, this might sound super technical, but it’s actually pretty cool! Curious to know more? Buckle up! In this blog, we’ll explore everything about HRT!

Understanding Hormones & Their Impact

Hormones are like tiny messengers in your body. They travel through your bloodstream and tell different parts of your body what to do. They’re behind the scenes, making sure things run smoothly. But sometimes, they can get a bit out of balance, and that’s when you might start to feel a bit off.

For instance, when you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol. It’s like your body’s alarm system. A little bit of cortisol is okay and can actually help you, but too much can make you feel anxious and have trouble sleeping.

Or consider insulin. If your body doesn’t use insulin properly, it can lead to diabetes.

Which Hormone Imbalances Need Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a kind of treatment that helps balance hormones in the body. There are a few key situations where HRT can be a big help:

Menopause in Women

For many women, menopause is a time of big changes. As they age, their bodies produce less estrogen and progesterone, two very important ones. This drop can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like feeling really hot all of a sudden, dryness in the vagina, and mood swings. HRT can step in to replace these missing hormones, helping to ease these symptoms and make this transition a lot smoother.

Andropause in Men

Men go through a similar change, often called andropause, where their testosterone levels start to go down gradually. This doesn’t happen to all men, but those who do experience it might feel more tired than usual, notice they’re losing muscle or gaining fat more easily, and have low libido levels.

By using TRT to boost testosterone, men can manage these symptoms, helping them feel more like themselves again. In fact, it was reported that men who got top-rated testosterone replacement therapy in Peak Performax have shown promising results in managing andropause better. And that it helped them gain maximum balance and rejuvenation back into their life.

Other Conditions

HRT isn’t just for menopause or andropause. It can also help people with certain medical conditions that cause hormone imbalances. It could be thyroid disorders or gender confirmation therapy. For those undergoing gender confirmation, HRT is a powerful step. They can achieve this using replacement for estrogen or testosterone to support this transition.

Taking the First Step: Consulting with a Specialist

Deciding to explore Hormone Replacement Therapy is a big step. But before you can start, you need to find the right healthcare provider. Here’s how to make that journey as smooth as possible.

Find the Right Healthcare Provider

Finding a good doctor or specialist for HRT can seem like a big task, but it’s easier if you know where to look. Start by asking for recommendations from friends or family members who have had similar experiences. You can also check with your primary care doctor, who might know a great specialist.

Preparing for Your Consultation

Before your first appointment, make a list of any symptoms you’re experiencing, as well as any questions you might have. This will help you get the most out of the visit. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

• How much experience do you have with HRT?
• What types of HRT do you think could be right for me?
• What tests will I need to start HRT?
• What are the possible side effects or risks of HRT?

Being prepared helps ensure you don’t forget to ask about something important during your appointment.

Understanding the Process

After choosing a healthcare provider, you’ll likely need to go through some tests and evaluations. These tests are important because they help your doctor understand your unique needs. They might check your hormone levels, blood count, and overall health to make sure HRT is safe and right for you.

Wrap Up

Taking charge of your health with HRT isn’t just about feeling better now. It’s about setting yourself up for a healthier, happier future. So, if you think HRT could be right for you, why not reach out to a healthcare provider and start that conversation? Your well-being is worth it, and you have the power to make a change. Here’s to feeling great and living your best life!

The upcoming art exhibition SUMMERTIME, a collaborative project between SUPERCOLLIDER, an art, science and tech curation collective, and students of the Glendale Unified School District will open at the Brand, Library and Art Center on Saturday, March 23. The exhibition will be on view through Saturday, May 18 with an opening reception on Saturday, March 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. 

SUMMERTIME explores the concept of a fictional landscape, analyzing the ways in which humans have altered and divided natural surroundings. The works presented challenges viewers to contemplate the artificiality of the environment and the possibility of alternative landscapes. The exhibition features a series of thought-provoking pieces that create relationships with each other and with the space in which they are displayed.

Self Disclosure: Information was received for posting purposes.

Educator Night  – Saturday, March 28, 2024 at 4:45 p.m.

• Join Laguna Art Museum for our upcoming Educator Night! Educators will have the museum to themselves for an exclusive look at our new museum exhibitions, fun art-making activities and a chance to meet new educator friends. Leave with a free museum catalog, enter a raffle to win more prizes, and sign up free to a museum program. More information can be found at this link.

Jean Stern Presents: The Life and Art of Donna Schuster – Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.

• In this lecture, art historian and LAM Curatorial Fellow Jean Stern will discuss the life and art of Donna Norine Schuster (1883-1953) in a slide-illustrated lecture. Schuster was a superb artist born into a wealthy family in Milwaukee. While many other women artists of her generation could not get steady representation and income from a commercial art gallery, Schuster’s income was secure and as such, she was free to experiment with a variety of artistic styles. She arrived in Los Angeles in 1913 and quickly became a member of the California Art Club and in 1918, the Laguna Beach Art Association. She maintained homes in Los Angeles and for a while in Laguna Beach.  She was proficient in oil paint and watercolor. The Life and Art of Donna Schuster comprises about 85 images and lasts approximately 50 minutes, with time afterwards for questions. More information can be found at this link.

What’s It Worth? – Jewelry Edition – Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

• John Moran Auctioneers & Appraisers, in partnership with the Laguna Art Museum, invites the public to have up to five jewelry items professionally valued. Appraisers at John Moran Auctioneers will provide a verbal valuation of your treasures. Please find below a full list of items that may be valued. Items cannot be left unattended within the museum. Guests to the “What’s it Worth” may bring items (up to 5) including fine jewelry, timepieces, and costume jewelry. Photographs / cellphone images may also be evaluated if items cannot not be brought into the museum. More information can be found at this link.

Panel Discussion: The Fine Art of Jewelry – Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.

• Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring esteemed experts and connoisseurs in the realm of jewelry. Discover the secrets behind what makes a piece of jewelry truly exceptional, learn about the market trends shaping the industry, and gain practical tips on how to protect your jewelry to ensure its longevity and enduring beauty. Whether you’re an avid collector, a budding designer, or simply passionate about the artistry of jewelry, this panel discussion is a not-to-be-missed event. Moran Auctioneers and Appraisers will value your timepieces, fine jewelry, designer jewelry, costume jewelry, etc. More information can be found at this link.

Credit: Laguna Art Museum.

Codependency is an actual mental condition, one that may be severe in one individual and mild in another. This codependent individual relies on another person or people for their sense of self-worth. Over time, this pattern can destroy the relationship and prevent them from leading a normal life.

At times, a codependent person becomes an addict. However, it is usually the addict who becomes codependent on someone else. A person who struggles with both issues must receive treatment for each problem or they will never get better. When looking for addiction rehab in Orange County, ask if they have a dual-diagnosis treatment program to ensure this person receives the help they need to achieve a full recovery.

What is Codependency?

Codependency is a relationship where one person is the giver and the other person is a taker. The giver’s self-worth comes from being needed by the taker, which interferes with their ability to have a healthy relationship. These relationships tend to be one-sided and can destroy the giver emotionally. Often, the relationships are abusive, with the taker manipulating the giver, who enables them.

The taker has a substance abuse problem and manipulates those around them to get a response. The other party sits back passively and accepts this bad behavior, enabling it. They lose their identity to please the taker.

Codependent Relationship Types

At one time, people assumed the taker in a relationship was always an addict and their partner enabled them. Today, experts recognize codependency behaviors may be seen in any relationship. However, in most cases, they tend to involve substance abuse or mental and physical abuse.

When substance abuse plays a role in the relationship, dysfunctional patterns emerge. The enabler supports the addict’s lifestyle and finds it hard to break free of the patterns. If physical or mental abuse is present, there is an imbalance in the relationship. However, the enabler often excuses the behavior of the abuser, saying it isn’t that bad or keeping the abuse a secret.

Signs of a Codependent Relationship

One or both parties in a codependent relationship often suffer from low self-esteem. The enabler may feel guilty when assertive because they want to make other people happy. Poor communication skills are often a sign of a codependent relationship and each party may struggle to identify what they are feeling. Lies are common in these relationships and one or both parties might fear abandonment or rejection.

What Leads a Person Into a Codependent Relationship?

Many codependent individuals learn their behaviors by watching others. They probably grew up in dysfunctional homes where their feelings were ignored. The parent or guardian may have been self-absorbed or absent, so the children were forced to grow up early. Emotional neglect can bring about a lack of self-confidence and lead the person to feel as if what they want or need doesn’t matter.

The Link Between Codependency and Addiction

In codependent relationships, the enabler supports the addict. They think this support will help the addict overcome the addiction, but it allows them to continue the substance abuse. The addict uses the substance of choice to hide their low self-esteem and make themselves feel better. They self-medicate with this substance to relieve the stress of codependency. The substance allows them to feel better for a short period. Over time, however, they find they need more of the substance to achieve this feeling.

Help is available for those struggling with codependency and addiction. Both conditions require treatment for the best chance of recovery. This treatment needs to go beyond the physical and address the emotional and mental factors that play a role in the dual diagnosis. When the treatment does, the patient can overcome their addiction and have healthy relationships.

 Old World Christmas®, the premier brand of Christmas ornaments in the country, is proudly celebrating its 45th year as a leading provider of exquisite handcrafted glass ornaments. Since its inception in 1979, the company has upheld a tradition of craftsmanship, quality, and timeless holiday elegance helping to create memories around the world. To celebrate 45 years of creating holiday magic, Old World Christmas is introducing new products, hosting several contests and ending the year with a big celebration. 

“We take great pride in creating ornaments that capture the magic and nostalgia of the holiday season, as well as adding the pop culture, in the moment happenings of the world. ” said Neal Applefeld, President & CEO, Old World Christmas. “We are grateful for the support of our customers and partners who have made our journey possible for the last 45 years and we look forward to helping them create new memories for another 45 years.”

To celebrate 45 years of creating beautifully crafted ornaments, puzzles, advent calendars, and more, Old World Christmas will be expanding into even more new categories of holiday decor this year, including:

• New Santa Sapphire Collection: The Sapphire Collection features 3 6” Santas that are perfect for ornaments or table decor. Each features the most detailed painting ever offered by Old World Christmas. 
• Candles:  New soy based, exclusive scented candles will fill your home with the scents of the holidays. Sparkling apple cider, vanilla Christmas cookie, fresh balsam, cranberries and spiced pumpkin allow you to smell the holidays all year long. 
• Snow globes: Bring the quaint charm of snow globes to your home. Each snow globe showcases gnomes celebrating each of the four seasons and will be released later this year.
• Lanterns: Brighten up your home with Old World Christmas new lanterns. The lanterns feature beautiful winter scenes that include a continuous motion and add a traditional touch to your holiday decor.
• Greeting cards: Pick out the perfect Christmas cards for friends and family from the new greeting card collection.
• New brand partnerships: AC/DC, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Kentucky Fried Chicken® (KFC), the Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame will each have a line of delicately hand-painted, hand-glittered ornaments created to be released later this year.
• 200+ new handcrafted ornaments: Old World Christmas will release over 200 new ornaments throughout the year, from food to travel to animals to your favorite pop culture moments.

Even with all of the new products coming out this year, Old World Christmas is kicking off the 45th celebration with a contest asking consumers to help create the next great ornament!  Consumers can upload their ideas through an online platform with the top 10 ideas being put to a vote on social media.  The winning idea will be made into an ornament for this holiday season.  More information can be found at bit.ly/ornament2024.

Old World Christmas began as a small family business in Spokane, WA with a passion for preserving the rich heritage of European glassblowing techniques. Over the years, the company has evolved into an industry leader, renowned for its stunning designs, attention to detail, and commitment to creating lasting holiday traditions.

Each Old World Christmas ornament is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans using age-old techniques passed down through generations. From traditional favorites like Santa Claus and snowmen to whimsical designs inspired by nature and pop culture, the company’s extensive collection offers something for every style, occasion, and interest.

Old World Christmas looks forward to continuing its legacy of spreading joy and creating cherished memories for several more years to come. Stay up to date on all Old World Christmas news by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

Credit: Old World Christmas.

About Old World Christmas Founded in 1979, Old World Christmas offers the most extensive and best-loved collection with over 1,700 proprietary designs in styles ranging from traditional to whimsical. The vast selection of heirloom quality and affordable ornaments offers many choices to fit an array of personality or style. For more information, visit www.oldworldchristmas.com.

Regarding Her (RE:Her) will celebrate Women’s History Month with its 4th annual festival designed to support women-owned and led food and beverage businesses. This year, the festival (previously “10 Days”) will grow to span the month of March with events from March 1 through March 31. The festival will kick-off together with the Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival (March 1 – 3) where Regarding Her will be the charitable beneficiary and organization members will be featured.

The festival aims to generate support and camaraderie among women-owned food and beverage businesses from restaurants and bars, to artisan food makers and shop owners. In 2023, Regarding Her membership expanded to include “leaders” who hold executive and management positions as the organization seeks to accelerate the growth of women in the food and beverage industry. Many of the Women’s History Month Festival events will raise funds for member programs, like the RE:Her Academy, member workshops, and programming for the new RE:Her Leaders.

When: Friday, March 1 – Sunday, March 31

Where: The festival will be celebrated throughout the greater LA area

A sampling of scheduled events include:

Friday, March 1 – Sunday March 3

Los Angeles Wine & Food Festival

Participating members include: Bé ù, Caribbean Soul Kitchen, East Side Cheesecake, Holy Basil, Jame Enoteca, Lady & Larder, Lodge at Malibu, Ronan, Sqirl, Uli’s Gelato and more. 

Saturday, March 2

Women Who Rock – Female-fronted Bands with Hotville Chicken and Sad Girl Creamery at Benny Boy Brewery

Enjoy this Hotville Fried Chicken and beer pairing experience with special guests Sad Girl Creamery. Get ready for a night of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion and unbridled energy with a powerhouse lineup of female-fronted bands including rock’n’roll, surf pop, indie, punk, and grunge.

Monday, March 4 – Monday, March 25

RE:Her Female Chef Collab Dinner Series – various dates

A dinner series focused on showcasing the female culinary talent behind your favorite restaurants in Los Angeles. Restaurants include: 1010 Wine and Events, Amiga Amore, Bridgetown Roti, Caldo Verde, Cassia, Cobi’s, Dulan’s, Fishing with Dynamite, Girl and the Goat, Guerrilla Tacos, Hatchet Hall, Hotville Chicken, Mozza, My 2 Cents, pasjoli, Rossoblu, Yangban, and more to come.

Saturday, March 9

RE:Her Comedy Night at The Crow, Santa Monica

A comedy show fundraiser at the female-owned comedy club, The Crow, featuring female comics and dinner by Xuntos, Superfine Playa and Guerrilla Tacos. Drinks provided by Best Coast Beverages, NoAlchCo and more.

Thursday, March 14

ROSE PREVITE X CALDO VERDE for RE:Her

Chef Suzanne Goin and her team at Caldo Verde at the Downtown LA Proper Hotel welcome Rose Previte to collaborate on a four-course dinner featuring dishes from her Maydan Cookbook, in support of Re:Her.

Monday, March 18

FLOUR FIESTA

A Sourdough Bread & Flour Tortilla Class at Joselito’s Tujunga featuring Backdoor Bakery.

Thursday, March 21

HAM PARTY!

Join two of LA’s all star wine professionals for a pop-up they’ve wanted to do since meeting over a piece of ham 8 years ago. HAM! NOMADICA WINE! GREAT TUNES! And some of Nicole and Kristin’s favorite pairings by Chef Asheligh Retzloff.

Friday, March 22

Paella Mexicana: Casa Vega X Gasolina 

An epic Spanish Mexican Paella Party at Casa Vega.

Saturday, March 23

Cultural Cuisine Queens at Cuernavaca’s Grill

Featuring dishes by Cuernavaca’s Grill, Qusqo Bistro, Jitlada, Zingos Tacos, Yuccas, and Boujie Crab.

March 1 – March 31 – Various Dates

Regarding Her Mini Marts

Your favorite women-owned food and drink products will be sold at pop-up markets at Laidrey Coffee Roasters, Carla’s Fresh Market and Hotcakes Bakes. 

New events are being added daily, and will be listed with details on how to attend and participate at www.regardingherfood.org or follow on instagram @regardingherfood.

About Regarding Her:

Regarding Her (RE:Her) is a national nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the growth of women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage. With founding chapters in DC and Los Angeles, Regarding Her supports members from coast to coast. Founded by women chefs and restaurant owners in 2020 to support women in food and beverage negatively impacted by Covid-19, the organization has evolved to become a talent incubator and mentorship organization that champions more than 1,000 women entrepreneurs and leaders in food and beverage through its innovative membership model, projects, and events. Its signature offering, the Regarding Her Accelerator Academy, helps meet the critical business needs confronted by new entrepreneurs. Regarding Her provides up to the minute education, community, and transformative financial resources with a vision for women to create the type of industry in which they and future generations can thrive. Visit www.regardingherfood.org for more info.

Credit: Regarding Her.