Click It. BEAT picks of the week.

I didn't have much interest in seeing The Descendants based on the trailer, but after reading and hearing lots of good things (it's a New York Times Critics' Pick), we caught it this afternoon, and I highly recommend it.

Planning your Thanksgiving menu? Order delicious pie(s) from Susina Bakery.

A simple Thanksgiving side dish, Green Beans with Lemon and Brown Butter, a Tori Ritchie Tuesday Recipe.

The Kardashians (Kourtney and Khloé anyway) will be at the Grove's Barnes & Noble tomorrow night for a signing of their new book, Dollhouse.

Latest great Target / designer collaboration: Harajuku Mini by Gwen Stefani. I just wish this dress came in my size!

Clarins and FEED Projects sets at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's (great gift ideas).

Demi Moore's divorce statement. I hope she keeps the house.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: impawards.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, readers! We're so thankful for you.

-- the BEAT

Photo credit: home-and-garden.webshots.com

Do It. Go to Mammoth Mountain and Bear Mountain.

For us sunny-weather-spoiled Angelenos, Thanksgiving weekend is what often marks the beginning of the 'cold' season. And what we've been blessed with this year is a round of rainstorms just prior to it. Why so fortunate? Because rain down here just happens to mean that a couple thousand feet up, in Big Bear and Mammoth Mountain, is fresh, fluffy snow -- and the perfect getaway for your long weekend.

So hurry up and pack those skis, snowboards and big coats -- the mountain resorts are sure to be busy. Mammoth Mountain officially opened up just last week, but will also open the Canyon and Eagle Lodges beginning today. Buy your lift tickets here; they're likely to sell out. Same goes for Bear Mountain in Big Bear, which will be celebrating its opening day today. Get your tickets here.

Some notes: when buying your lift tickets, snoop around for deals -- like buying a hotel package, or Bear Mtn.'s deal for free ticket on your birthday. Travel with a big group: not only will it be more fun (and safe), but you'll save on carpooling and hotel stays. And this is a good time to start considering investing in your set of skis or your own snowboard, instead of opting to pay to rent each time.

Stay warm up there!

For Mammoth Mtn. directions, click here; for Bear Mtn., click here.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Bear Mtn.

Do It. Go to the Hammer Museum for free.

Considering that the Hammer Museum in Westwood is still putting together hip and cool exhibits, and hosting fun nights like sleepovers and free concerts, it can be difficult to believe that it's already turning 20 years old this year. But it's keeping up with the fun by offering free admission for 20 days, starting this Friday, Nov. 26 until Dec. 18.

While you're there, be sure to check out its contemporary collection exhibition, and its new exhibit from L.A. artist Mark Flores, who uses photographs as inspirations for his paintings. You can also stop by on Dec. 14th for a free event on 75 years of DC comics, or on Dec. 15 for a free screening of The Deep, "in which metal objects of the past come to life in the depths of the sea."

This free admission will be a great way to kick-off your long weekend after the stress of Thanksgiving, especially if you want to avoid the crazy Black Friday crowds.

Happy birthday, Hammer Museum! Keep up the great work.

-- Chau Tu

Eat In. Bittersweet Chocolate Pecan Pie.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, I think everyone is getting excited about the feasts full of roast turkey and sweet potatoes on the horizon. One thing about Thanksgiving desserts is, there's usually not a lot of chocolate involved. If the chocolate lover in you wants to change that, try this Bittersweet Chocolate Pecan Pie from the November 2007 issue of Gourmet Magazine.

Full recipe here.

-- Leslie Anne Wiggins

Photo credit: gourmet.com