LA Life Photographer Lorraine Devon Wilke’s gorgeous cover photo & story reflects the Oasis her nearby beach provides.  Introducing Tastes of LA from Molly Cheek, the LA Life Tasting Tomato. The magnificent Molly Cheek is our first food critic! Yahoo! LA Stylist Felicia Arlin’s Style Stories pack a beautiful & powerful punch. In Sonnets from Suburbia LA Life Poetess, Lady Penelope, is back musing about the beach in Beach II. And there’s a boat and a truck load of fun things to do in the next two weeks, Tomatoes.

Oasis: The Story Behind the Cover Photo

Though I do not live near a beach, all I need to do is look at Oasis and reflect on the story shared by Lorraine Devon Wilke https://lorrainedevonwilke.com/  to remind myself that I’m not far from the splendor of an ocean beach. Be sure to check out Lorraine Devon Wilke’s marvelous photos on her webpage, Gals.

There are many joys to living near or spending time at the ocean. The list is as long and varied as the people drawn to its unique appeal and myriad activities. There’s surfing, swimming, skimboarding, and sailing. Picnics with kids under a beach tent, sandcastle design and construction; the delighted watching of seagulls, dolphins, sea lions and seals, even the occasional whale spouting by. There are bicyclists and rollerbladers, skateboarders and wind-gliders, but I remain convinced there is nothing quite like a simple, solitary wander in the early morning hours before the others arrive. With no one near but the patient ships waiting on the horizon to deliver to the El Segundo refinery, a peaceful trek can be had along the Strand in Playa del Rey, winding past empty lifeguard stands to the swishing palm trees and quiet resting spot of this beachside “Oasis,” the name of this week’s photograph. Stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and revel in Mother Nature… aaaaaahhhh.

Tastes of LA

Introducing Tastes of LA from our LA Life Tasting Tomato, Molly Cheek. Has a nice ring to it don’t you think? Molly is the latest addition to our wonderful team of contributors, and we are thrilled the LA Life Newsletter has its very own food critic.  Welcome Molly! You will love her unique and insightful take on her delish & sometimes… not so delish, food experiences.  This week Molly gives you her take on the Propaganda Wine Bar in DTLA.  And I’ll give you the skinny on who Molly Cheek is and why we are so lucky to have her, Tomatoes.

This uber talented Tomato played the mom (she baked the pie) in the “American Pie” film franchise and the “Harry & The Henderson’s” TV series and she also starred in the award-winning TV series “It’s Gary Shandling’s Show” to name just a few of her acting credentials. But Molly is not just an amazing professional actress, she is an Epicurean School graduate who went on to create a catering and home-cooked gourmet gift basket business, placing her baked goods in popular coffee spots and on craft service tables around Los Angeles. Molly is passionate about food and discovering the vast diversity haute and (and not so haute) cuisine available in LA. You will enjoy taking the foodie journey with Molly as she shares her food and restaurant experiences with us in Tastes of LA.  Here’s her take on the Propaganda Wine Bar in the Arts District in DTLA.

LA Style Stories

LA Fashion Stylist Felicia Arlin’s LA Style Story “Pow!” packs a big wow in this beautiful punchy long halter dress. And I bet “Burrito Cravings & Vintage Finds” pique’s your interest, Ladies.  Let’s just say you’ll be nicely surprised at how great getting a burrito and exploring your city will make you feel. Remember, I only highlight a snippet of Felicia’s amazing cur8edme posts so be sure to follow her on Instagram. READ THE STORY.

Sonnets from Suburbia

Yep! LA Life Poetess Lady Penelope, aka Penny Peyser, is, indeed, back at the beach this week in “At the Beach II”. As she trudges through the sand, Lady Penelope muses about nature’s messages via the beach. And don’t forget to order a copy of Penny Peyser’s (Lady Penelope) brilliant newly released book, “Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake”.   Watch her latest video.

August 11, 18, 25 & Sept 1.  Modern Moonlight Tour

I love the LA Conservancy Tours, Gals, and now they are offering a magical summer evening tour. The Modern by Moonlight Walking Tour, a nighttime twist on the LA Conservancy’s Modern Skyline Walking Tour, explores the intimidating skyscrapers combined with the plazas of Bunker Hill and the historical architecture of the area in the soft glow of twilight. Sounds loverly.

The two-hour tour ends at the Bona Vista Lounge at the top of the futuristic Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites for no-host cocktails, dining, and spectacular nighttime views.  A perfect summer outing for a Friday evening, Gals.

August 18.  A Jazz Age Evening

LA’s most historic and extravagant theatre, The Los Angeles Theatre, will open its exquisite doors for an unforgettable and decadent Jazz Age Evening from Alex Mendham and His Orchestra. It is presented by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles and will include a tour of this amazing picture palace.

The downtown Los Angeles Theatre, “Unusual,” was originally a speakeasy uncovered by a curious impresario by the name of Couyon.  This 1931 movie palace, resplendent with glittering fountains and French Baroque majesty, is also where Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights premiered.   Cocktails will be from Sipsmith Gin and there just might be an appearance of a silent film star or two onscreen.

August 20 -Oct 15. Sunday Sessions

Gloria Molina Grand Park, the park for everyone, is hosting Sunday Sessions series which will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of longtime partner Fusicology. Picnic, grab food from the food trucks and enjoy the sounds of summer right in the heart of LA, Tomatoes.

Fusicology provides a platform for Global Soul Music & Culture, bringing an electric mix of local and global DJs who have made significant contributions to the music and club house scene over the last 20 years. It’s free summer fun for all ages, Tomatoes.

Every Sunday through Sept 3.  Ice Cream Alley

What could be better on a warm summer Sunday than ice cream, Tomatoes?!  Well, Smorgasburg LA’s Ice Cream Alley is an ice cream crawl that will keep you deliciously cool with a plethora of epic choices to indulge in. Some of LA’s best known and up and coming ice cream businesses will be there.

This is all in addition to FREE entry and their family-friendly beer garden, DJs, and with over 80 food and shopping at vendors at ROW DTLA. Yum!

Sherman Indian School Exhibition at The Autry

The Museum for the history, art, and stories of the American West, The Autry just opened a significant new exhibition. Step into somber chapters of history with the Sherman Indian School: 100+ Years of Education and Resilience exhibition and explore the complex legacy of Native American boarding schools, a pivotal era in Native American history, with a specific focus on Sherman Indian School.

Discover the stories of resilience, strength, and the pursuit of education that unfolded within these institutions. Through narratives, archival materials, and personal accounts, the exhibit aims to foster understanding, reflection, and healing. Pay homage to the resilience and fortitude of Native American students who have carried their cultural heritage forward, rewriting the narrative of Native American education.

Mkapa African Wildlife Photography

With focus on Conservation Heroes, Coexistence and Conflict, Art in Nature, and more, you don’t want to miss this incredible look at wildlife and the challenges many species face in the present day with the West Coast Premiere of the Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards at The Natural History Museum in partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation and Nature’s Best Photography. The images are beyond stunning, Ladies.

The Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards are named in honor of the late, iconic African leader and former Tanzanian President, H.E. Benjamin Mkapa. The exhibition presents 39 award-winning photographs and 4 videos selected from over 9,500 entries from 57 countries.

Through Labor Day Saber Toothed Summer

A roaring good time is to be had with Saber Toothed Summer exhibition at the La Brea Tarpits! Did you know that the saber-toothed cat, Smilogon fatalis, and Saber-toothed cats were the first fossils discovered at La Brea Tar Pits? Celebrate one of the Ice Age’s mightiest predators and LA’s famous feline with this fascinating and in-depth exhibit, Tomatoes.

Sink your teeth into the Tarpits big cat content, from fossils found right here at the Tar Pits, to new scientific discoveries, live stage shows, and so much more, plus their brand-new on-site exhibition cases focusing on hip dysplasia in saber-toothed cats. Fun fact: In 1974, the saber-toothed cat was officially designated as California’s state fossil. Cool!