LA LIFE: Whale Fiesta, Japanese Retreat, Ladies Night Out
The last weekend in January is upon us. Are you ready to ring in February?! But wait! There is still lots to enjoy in LA before the end of January tomatoes. We’ve got some fun picks below. And in case you haven’t heard tomorrow is Museum Free Day. The huge list of participating museums will make your heart skip a beat!
Storrier Stearns Garden open Thursday and the last Sunday of the month
Inspired by their love of Japanese Design the owners of this private hidden away estate hired Kinzuchi Fujii in 1927 to design and build their own heavenly Japanese garden on a plot that was originally two tennis courts. Stunning what a genius can accomplish. This gem, The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden, has been restored for community use and is now open to the public every Thursday. Fujii designed Japanese Gardens all across the southland but this the only garden of his that survived. Aren’t we lucky ladies?
It came close to destruction via freeway extension but the son just couldn’t sell out. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Now it is an enduring gift of history, beauty and serenity to all that stroll through it.
Ladies Night Out: The last Friday of every month
Conceived by Encore Nouveau (one of my fav women’s shops) in 2010, Ladies Night Out is now “Ladies and Gents Night”. Very generous of Magnolia Park in Burbank to make sure the Mr. Tomatoes feel welcome on the last Friday of every month. Oh my! That’s tonight tomatoes!!!! It is worth changing your plans because it is all about shopping (50 participating stores), fun, food, music and supporting the small local neighborhood businesses. A jolly great time to be had by all.
Jan. 31. Whale Fiesta
The Pacific Gray Whales are heading south along our shores as is their tradition this time of year. For all those tomatoes prone to sea sickness there are other ways to enjoy the season besides boarding a whale watch tour boat. You can celebrate the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale and all marine animals at The Whale Fiesta co- sponsored by Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Cetacean Society. I dare you to say that quickly 3 times tomatoes.
More than 20 marine life organizations will exhibit and provide information about their efforts to raise awareness and provide protection for these animals. Throughout the day expert Cabrillo Whalewatch naturalists will give talks on various marine mammals. While there you should also check out the Aquarium’s Exploration Center, Aquatic Nursery and the Library. The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a great destination for all ages any time of year.
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
I followed one of your suggestions and accomplished my least favorite shopping activity with ease. I went bra shopping at “A PRIVATE AFFAIR”, 13720 BURBANK BLVD., SHERMAN OAKS, CA 91401 (818-989-8082). It’s a small shop and owner, Susan Sitarz heard my concerns and had me fitted in five minutes in the most comfortable bra I’ve ever bought. Thank you, Debbie!