LA Life: Hollywood, Style, Tastes, Sonnets, Festivals and More
The Hollywood Sign is stunning in today’s cover photo, Hollywood at Sunset, from LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke. LA Life Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin is rockin’ new looks and advice in LA Style Stories. LA Life Tasting Tomato Molly Cheek is talking about steak in Tastes of LA. Life Poetess Lady Penelope serves up another dose of poignant wit in Sonnets from Suburbia and yes, there are plenty of fun and interesting events ahead that might tickle your fancy. Shocking that it’s that time of year again, Tomatoes, but Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Lunar New Year!
Hollywood at Sunset
I caught sight of LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke’s photo “Hollywood and Sunset” and I did a double take. How could I not? We are knee deep in Hollywood awards season after all. But as always I absolutely adore this photo because of it’s profound beauty as I equally love Lorraine’s story behind the Cover Photo…What a remarkable perspective on the City of Angels and Hollywood. Brilliant! Be sure to check out Lorraine Devon Wilke’s marvelous photos on her webpage and browse her entire website as it reveals the vast tapestry of Lorraine’s amazing talents.
Hollywood. Could there be a place more wrapped in contradiction and cliche? It’s been said that Hollywood, Los Angeles as a whole, might be one of the most misunderstood cities in the world, a place where the brand, the image, belies the reality. Yes, its most notable industry, the one that defines it in bold, brassy colors, stars and sparkle, dark tales and sad sagas, is the entertainment industry — film, TV, music, sports — yet according to the 2022 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those industries employ only about 3.6% of the Los Angeles workforce. So what’s everyone else in Los Angeles doing? They’re building small businesses, working in tech, healthcare, aerospace, and agriculture. They’re focused on trade, fashion, biosciences, and construction. They’re raising kids, running Little League teams, attending PTA, and organizing church bake sales. Sure, they can get bedazzled by the relentless parade of award shows, semi-regular celeb spottings, and the buzz that comes from living in one of the most thrilling cities in the world. But if you were to spend time in the surrounds of that legendary sign, what you’d find most often are everyday people doing life: riding bikes in the hills, chasing puppies (and toddlers) at Lake Hollywood dog park; meeting friends at the Beachwood Café, and, as the sun goes down, looking up to enjoy “Hollywood at Sunset.”
LA Style Stories
What’s not to love in our LA Life Stylist’s LA Style Story, “Best Laid ‘Plaids’ and Stripes”. Felicia Arlin says it’s fun to mix large and small patterned prints. And I sure got a kick out of “Suits and Kicks”. Oh, how I love the look of a stylish suit with a pair of sneakers. Remember I only highlight a snippet of Felicia’s amazing cur8edme posts so be sure to follow her on Instagram. And she is the most amazingly insightful guide for helping you to find the right and most flattering style for you. Just sayin’, Tomatoes. GET THE DETAILS.
Tastes of LA: Charcoal Sunset
Our LA Life Tasting Tomato Molly Cheek has done it again! Brought back lovely memories of my own family’s rare and delish restaurant outings. She has made my mouth water and my tummy growl with the thought of a perfect steak dinner…and I’m a vegetarian for goodness sakes. According to Molly, Charcoal Sunset is a special treat, Tomatoes. READ MORE.
Sonnets from Suburbia
LA Life Poetess Lady Penelope praises the power of women gathered together especially in Pussy Hats. And guess who has a brand spanking new book out? Penny Peyser (Lady Penelope) and she has outdone herself with “Sonnets from Suburbia: Romance Dance”. It’s masterful, brilliant and an easy and deliciously entertaining ride that you will adore, Tomatoes. Remember if you haven’t already, don’t forget to order a copy of Penny Peyser’s first brilliant book, “Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake” to add to your collection. And you can always find out more about Lady Penelope on her website Tomatoes. WATCH HER LATEST SONNET.
February 4. Cocktails in Historic Places
The Wolves DTLA is opening their beautiful lair to the Art Deco Society of LA for their Cocktails in Historic Places soiree. The Wolves, a Belle Epoque style bar in 1906 John Parkinson designed Alexandria Hotel, was once the most extravagant hotel in the city. Now’s your chance to sip a cocktail where silent film stars once frequented, Tomatoes.
The gathering was so well attended last year, that they will be opening their additional area for attendees. Traditionally, it is the duty of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles to patronize and gather once a month in an historic building with a bar, to socialize and revel in the beauty of historic architecture. All interested persons are welcome at this no-host cocktail gathering and no reservations are required to attend.
Lunar New Year
The Year of the Dragon not only represents good luck, justice, prosperity and strength but people born in that year are seen to be charismatic, intelligent, confident, powerful, naturally lucky and gifted. And you can celebrate with the Golden Dragon Parade, the Pacific Asian Museum Lunar New Year Celebration, the South Coast Botanic Garden Lunar New Year Celebration, The Huntington Chinese New Year Festival and Santa Monica Place Lunar New Year. Wow! What a list! Kudos to the Dragon, Tomatoes.
The Golden Dragon Parade, on Feb 17, is celebrating the history and achievements of Chinese Americans in Los Angeles. This is the oldest Los Angeles cultural tradition in DTLA celebrating 121 years and is the premiere cultural event in the Southern California Asian-American Community. The USC Pacific Asia Museum Lunar New Year Festival has free admission to the museum, plus special activities including a lion dance, storytelling, calligraphy, crafts, and food trucks on February 10th. South Coast Botanical Garden Lunar New Year Celebration is happening every weekend in February with red lanterns, festive activities and the Garden will host two 30-minute live performances that will include lion dancers, folk dancers and drummers. On February 10th and 11th, The Huntington Chinese New Year Festival will feature lion dancers, a mask-changing artist, martial arts demonstrations, contemporary dance, floral arts, and music. Santa Monica Place Lunar New Year, on February 17, will mark the occasion with seasonal decor including cherry blossom wishing trees, red envelope deals and takeaway craft kits. Angelenos of all ages and ethnicities will enjoy these spectacular, colorful, rich, diverse and free experiences all over town, Tomatoes.
Feb 8. Some Favorite Writers
In this installment of the Some Favorite Writers Series, hosted by the Hammer Museum, UCLA professor and author Mona Simpson will introduce award winning novelist Joan Silber who will be reading from her most recent and NY Times highly acclaimed novel, “Secrets of Happiness”, among others. A great opportunity to hear from this prolific and most esteemed author, Tomatoes.
Joan Silber is the author of nine books of fiction, including Secrets of Happiness. Her novel, Improvement, won the National Book Critics Circle Award and the PEN/Faulkner Award. Her previous book, Fools, was longlisted for the National Book Award and a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award. The Size of the World was a finalist for the LA Times Fiction Prize, and Ideas of Heaven was a finalist for the National Book Award and the Story Prize. The readings will be followed by a discussion with the author and UCLA professor Mona Simpson, who organizes this series. The evening is co-presented by the UCLA Department of English.
Now through April 21. 100 Carats: Icons of the Gem World
Hold your horses and back that pony up! I think I just read the words Rare gems over 100 carats each. Yep, …that’s what it says alright. Holy Cow! Well, get ready to be dazzled, Tomatoes. You don’t want to miss 100 Carats: Icons of the Gem World at The Natural History Museum.
100 Carats: Icons of the Gem World is a first-of-its-kind exhibition featuring over two dozen of the world’s rarest gems over 100 carats each, including the world famous Jonker I Diamond, on display for the first time in decades. Get an up-close view of some of the most magnificent cut gems in existence, as well as a rare glimpse into the geological processes that formed them millions of years ago, only at NHM. Be sure you visit before April 21st, Gals.
Feb 10. South Pasadena Arts Crawl
The Winter South Pasadena Arts Crawl is coming up and it promises to be a fab and FREE Neighborhood-Night-on-the-Town with art, music, shopping and food for your family and friends. South Pas is very cool, Gals!
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, the South Pasadena Arts Crawl welcomes the community to this free event which offers live music, art exhibitions, interactive art activities, open houses, food and drink specials, and sales throughout the business district. Mission Street, and adjacent blocks, will also be lively with event activities.
February 14. A Valentine’s Day Party
“The Notebook”, that timeless tear-jerker flick that you can watch over and over, is turning 20 this year, Tomatoes. Wow! “The Notebook” is the perfect film to watch around Valentine’s Day. Luckily, Cinespia is hosting The Notebook Valentines Party on…Valentines Day at the gorgeous and historic Los Angeles Theatre. Please to take plenty of hankies.
This opulent and exquisite gem of a theatre will be open for you to enjoy its five floors of magnificent treasures and surprises. Besides the film screening, there will be live performances, DJ sets, Free Photobooth and all the bubbly you need, Ladies.
February 14-18. The LA Art Show
The most comprehensive international contemporary art show in America, the LA Art Show is back. The DIVERSEartLA program returns as well to highlight social change through art I love that! See the entire civic celebration of arts for yourself, Tomatoes, and enjoy this very special art show and art lovers’ paradise.
The LA Art Show showcases the very best of Modern, Contemporary, Historic and Traditional art at the LA Convention Center. It brings art to the masses and was designed with the viewers in mind, exposing people to something new and making digital art and technology more accessible. DIVERSEartLA, curated by Marisa Caichiolo, represented by guest museums, institutions, and Non-Profit Organizations brings together leading art experts and thought-provoking scientific figures to generate innovative ideas and drive social change through art.
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The Three Tomatoes LA Life editor, Debbie Zipp is your friendly guide to the best of everything in LA with a tomato style perspective. Debbie is an actor, producer, and writer. She is best known for her recurring role as Donna on the CBS series “Murder She Wrote” starring Angela Lansbury. She has had many other TV and stage roles and has starred in over 300 national TV commercials. As head of In The Trenches Productions, Debbie produced, directed, acted in many short films for her company. Her book, The Aspiring Actor’s Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known is available on Amazon.
The Three Tomatoes LA Life editor, Debbie Zipp is your friendly guide to the best of everything in LA with a tomato style perspective. Debbie is an actor, producer, and writer. She is best known for her recurring role as Donna on the CBS series "Murder She Wrote" starring Angela Lansbury. She has had many other TV and stage roles and has starred in over 300 national TV commercials. As head of In The Trenches Productions, Debbie produced, directed, acted in many short films for her company. Her book, The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known was recently published.
Buy her book: The Aspiring Actor's Handbook: What Seasoned Actors Wish They Had Known
