Jolly Treats, Crafty Gifts, Winter Reads and More for the Holidays

Holly Jolly Sweets

Far from the saccharine-and-stale cotton candy sampled at fairgrounds, L.A.-based, on-site catering cart The Jolly Sheep prioritizes using organic sugar and flavorings to create its 25 party-ready options, including sangria, churro, rose, and brownie. There’s even a holiday selection—gingerbread, peppermint, apple cinnamon—for a sweet spin on the season. The Jolly Sheep also offers customizable catering menus that include kettle corn, shaved ice, and a hot cocoa bar. The oat milk–based beverage comes in an original chocolate flavor, brown sugar cinnamon, hazelnut, and cheesecake, complete with marshmallows, cocoa powder, and chocolate syrup for a truly indulgent experience. Catering packages from $500

Chic Showroom

Multidisciplinary design and manufacturing company Henrybuilt has gained recognition for its development of an American kitchen system that marries a sophisticated, clean aesthetic with function and quality construction. The brand has expanded both its product line and its footprint along the West Coast as its Los Angeles showroom opens its doors. Nestled in the Arts District, Henrybuilt’s new 4,000-square-foot, by-appointment showroom offers a chance to experience its innovative concepts in person—the adaptable Opencase Wall System, Primary Objects, and Space Theory—and preview yet-to-be-released product lines.

Culture Meets Craft

Shop local this season for artisanal creations and hand-crafted goods at Jackalope Holiday Market at Pasadena’s Central Park, November 19–20. Founders Melissa Kohout and Sara Diederich originally launched Jackalope in their home cities of Pasadena and Denver in 2015. Since then, the indie fair has expanded to other cities around the U.S. and features more than 150 hand-selected and vetted shoppable vendors selling clothing and jewelry, ceramics, artwork, and home decor. More of a last-minute shopper? Jackalope is also hosting a fair in Burbank, December 10–11. Entrance is free

Medical Minded

Pasadena’s La Salle College Preparatory recently received a $1 million grant—the largest one-time gift in the school’s 66-year history—from the Carrico Family Foundation in support of the school’s newly launched CARLOW Center for Medical Innovation. Students participating in the center’s pathway program will receive academic instruction and laboratory skills, training them to act, react, and save lives in all types of emergencies and health care scenarios. The center will also strengthen the school’s relationship with Pasadena City College by providing opportunities for its students to earn college credit through dual enrollment, earning vocational certifications as pharmacy technicians or nursing assistants.

Tranquil Treatment

Enhance your vibration and melt holiday stress away with Burke Williams’ newest offering: the multi-sensory Tranquility Massage. Designed to bring both body and mind into a state of complete deep relaxation, the treatment integrates massage therapy with the healing effects of sound to create a calming experience. The Nepalese, hand-crafted singing bowls’ vibrations bathe the body as the rhythmic movements of a Swedish massage create a blissed-out state of total tranquility. From $215 for members and $280 for nonmembers

Winter Reads

Snuggle in for some reading and writing this November—it’s both National Novel Writing Month and National Family Literacy Month. While we can’t help you with your manuscript, we turned to Pasadena nonprofit Red Hen Press Media Director Monica Fernandez to share what books she’s cozying up with this season.

I Dreamed I Was Emily Dickinson’s Boyfriend by Ron Koertge

South Pasadena Poet Laureate Ron Koertge does it again with this humorous collection of poems that even the most casual poetry reader will love. $17

Drumming with Dead Can Dance and Parallel Adventures by Peter Ulrich

This hefty memoir by former Dead Can Dance drummer Peter Ulrich takes you through his time with the iconic band, as well as an inside look into the UK music industry and his work with major producers and artists. $27

Livid by Cai Emmons

For some meaty introspection about life, love, secrets, and the human experience, Emmons’ story about a woman placed on a jury with her ex-husband will have you wondering what happens next. $18