I’m baaaaaack… for my eighth year…Whoa!!! And it’s 2022 so let’s get movin’ and groovin’ Tomatoes!  I’m changing it up a bit by delivering the newsletter every other Friday, but it will be packed with more ideas of “Things To Do” for you fab Gals. Despite Omicron, there’s still lots to enjoy, safely, in LA. The Getty Center’s Cactus Garden is gorgeous, celebrate Martin Luther King Day, join an informative Webinar series, shop antiques, attend an Art Show and a World Premiere. And you need some get fit motivation, listen in to this week’s Happy Hour Podcast. Hope your New Year is filled with a plethora of blessings, Tomatoes.

Getty Center Garden

The various gardens at the Getty Center are outdoor masterpieces in their own right and the Cactus Garden is no different. If you are craving a dose of art perhaps the living outdoor works of art will suffice. The profound beauty of the eco-friendly cactus garden at The Getty Center’s South Museum Pavilion and the view from it will knock your socks off, Tomatoes!

Since reopening in May of ’21, after a year closure, the Getty’s Cactus Garden is, again, a sight to behold and definitely worth a visit. As you stroll along the raised path you’ll see a variety of cacti, succulents, and other plants, all different shapes, sizes, and colors, as well as panoramic views of LA that may extend to the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. Rest, relax, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, Tomatoes.

Have you resolved this year to get yourself into better shape, and better health? Well listen in to our conversation with fitness guru Joan Pagano. We talked about strength training, preventing osteoporosis and Joan’s 12 Fitness Rules to Live by. You’ll be motivated.  Listen in here.

Aging Parents Webinars through March 1

So many people (especially women) are struggling with finding resources for their aging parents. I know because I was one of those women.  The journey with an aging parent is fraught with conflicting emotions, confusion, guilt, and a sense of being physically and mentally overwhelmed.  It is hard to know where to begin, what path to take and what is the best for your beloved parent. The new webinar series, “Our Aging Parents”, hosted by Aegis Living, can help provide some answers to questions you are asking yourself.

The series kicked off this week but, not to worry Gals, as there are 4 more sessions you can attend.  In the sessions of the webinar series, “Our Aging Parents”, the wonderful and expert speakers will cover what to do when the memory or health of your parent changes, navigating their care and senior living options and how to identify the best fit for your loved one, how to approach challenging conversations, and how to get organized for a move. If you have an aging parent, I highly recommend you learn more about the series and choose the sessions most helpful to you.  It’s always good to have a greater understanding of the situations that may present themselves with your parent in the future and to have plan in place whether you use it or not, Tomatoes.

Vintage and Antique Shopping

Oh boy! Holiday shopping may be gone but there are still wonderful outdoor shopping opportunities that will tickle your fancy.  Nothing better than vintage or antique finds, Tomatoes.  This weekend, January 16, you’ve got the chic and unique “Long Beach Antique Market”   with over 800 sellers and the following weekend, January 23, the “Topanga Vintage Market”  is happening with over 200 flea market wonders.  Yay!

Chic, Cheap, Unique and Vintage, The Long Beach Antique Market is considered The Flea Market With Style. It’s also been named one of the top 10 Flea Markets in the U.S. by Good Housekeeping Magazine and The Best Swap Meet in Los Angeles by L. A. Magazine.  The Topanga Vintage Market will rise up from the asphalt at Pierce College and create a day of outdoor gathering and vintage treasure seeking where Tomatoes can partake and enjoy 200+ vintage vendors, dozens of local artists, and taste pleasing food trucks. Many reasons to get shopping again, Tomatoes!

January 17. King Day & Virtually

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday 2022 will mark the 27^th anniversary of the country’s national day of service, Ladies.  This day not only represents and honors the life and legacy of the activist Dr. King but serves to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Indeed, what an incredible legacy Dr. King left behind. Though many celebrations have been canceled, Tomatoes can commemorate and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a special virtual program, “King Day” hosted by the “California African American Museum” (CAAM).

The “King Day” Virtual Celebration from CAAM will include the King speech, “A Christmas Sermon on Peace”, with a study and discussion group and a performance by members of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), the largest majority African American orchestra in America. ICYOLA will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and a medley of classic spirituals and original compositions. Should truly be an inspiration to lend a helping hand whenever one can to make the world a better place.

LA Art Show Jan 19-23rd

Give yourself the gift of art and culture by attending “The LA ART Show”. Yes, it is back, Tomatoes, with new and exciting programs.  The LA ART Show is considered the most comprehensive and diverse international contemporary art show in America. This annual civic celebration of the arts, at the LA Convention Center, brings you an extraordinary array of works and experiences in specialized sections and a portion of all ticket sales supports the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Wow! That’s some art show Tomatoes.

The kick-off to LA’s 2022 art season comes with the return of DIVERSEartLA, as well, with a new ecological lens. There are 120 featured galleries from 20 countries showcasing the very best of Modern, Contemporary, Historic and Traditional art participating in the LA ART Show.  The LA Art Show is one of the world’s largest and longest running art events over a 4-day period. As part of their efforts to organize an in-person show that is safe for exhibitors and visitors, they will implement mandatory health protocols in compliance with all health and county requirements making is safe to attend this art lover’s paradise Tomatoes.

The Singing Revolution Through Feb 20

 “The Singing Revolution: The Musical” boasts a cast of 20 triple-threat performers, a 5-piece live band and a crowd-pleasing Europop score that is inspired by fascinating and perhaps little-known true events: Estonia’s peaceful, song-filled revolution that led to Estonian independence from the Soviet Union. That is a very unique revolution and it’s a world premiere at the Broadwater Theatre to boot, Gals!

“The Singing Revolution: The Musical” sets a tale of star-crossed lovers against the beautiful, moving, and timeless true story of Estonia’s 1987 song-filled, peaceful uprising against the Soviet Union. Set in Tallinn, Estonia and spanning four decades, Singing Revolution is inspired by actual events that led to Estonian independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The tiny country’s journey to freedom through the power of song acts as a reminder to us all that the power of peaceful resistance can change the world. I love it!

GET THE BOOK.