Wow! Can you believe it is already 2017?! I feel like I just put up the tree. I hope you will have a hopeful, positive and super 2017. The holidays may be over but the love of chocolate is forever.  So “Indulge” at LA’s Chocolate Festival and Pastry Show.  Yum! There’s a much needed lovely new park in town that just opened tomatoes which happens to be in the DTLA Arts District.  And speaking of art, the LA Art Show is back and the Oshogatsu Festival is another fun opportunity to ring in the New Year Japanese Style. And just a little reminder to check out our new “Giving Back LA Style” page.  It’s a new year but it is always a good time to give.

---

 Jan 8. Indulge

I don’t know about you gals but this tomato can’t get through a single day without chocolate.  Yes, I’m addicted but I won’t be quitting my daily dose of chocolate anytime soon.  So my heart is skipping a beat because the LA Chocolate and Pastry Festival is this Sunday with the best chocolatiers in the world. The VERY best Ladies…I think I might swoon.

And me loves me some pastries too so my heart swells to know that the top pastry chefs in the world, as well, will offer decadent treats along with world renowned champagnes and wines. Celebrity chefs like Lee Smith, Francois Payard, and Kriss Harvey will be offering their amazing creations too. Oh my tomatoes.  It’s a desert haven for us chocolate and pastry aficionados that also raises funds for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for childhood cancer research groups.  I love it when you can indulge and do good tomatoes!

---

 Arts District Park

What could be better than replacing an ugly, crummy neglected cement parking lot in an urban area with a nature park? Nope…can’t think of anything better. With many thousands visiting the DTLA Arts District and thousands of residents living there with more to coming every year is it any wonder that the new park is a very welcome green space in this community.

And it is darn pretty too with lots of amenities.  Despite its small size, half acre to be exact, this pocket park is a first for the neighborhood and is long overdue . A great space where children can play, families can picnic, doggies can walk and poop and people can refresh their souls among the cities buildings and skyscrapers.  Plus, it’s a nice place to take a break when you become overwhelmed browsing all the art in the district ladies.

---

 Jan 8. Oshogatsu Festival

First off I love the Japanese American Museum and I love Roosters.  Guess whose year it is? Yep you got it, it’s the year of the rooster.  Ring in the Year, again, and crow like a rooster in Little Tokyo with Japanese New Year Festivities. The celebration will include free crafts, taiko drum and martial arts performances, origami making, mochi pounding, performances, and cultural activities for people of all ages.

The Japanese New Year festivities continue that day with Kotohajime, a live music and visual performance at the Aratani Theatre. Literally meaning “the beginning”, the Kotohajime performance is a visual and artistic achievement that you will definitely enjoy.

---

Jan 12-15. Art Fair

The Los Angeles Art Fair at the Los Angeles Convention Center is one of the world’s largest and longest running art events in the world.  It is an annual civic celebration of the arts where LA takes its place as a leader in the global art scene in an expansive venue that brings you 90 galleries from 18 countries.  Wow tomatoes…that is some art show.

Featured are bold new art performances and an expanded “Littletopia” and Street Art sections while also showcasing the very best of Modern, Contemporary, Historic and Traditional art. If you love art, then this is the place to be tomatoes.