Butterflies At Sunset

Photo from a ride up the escalator in Neiman Marcus at the Westfield Topanga Mall.

Floss Silk Trees In Bloom

Whether you call them Floss Silk Trees, Silk Floss Trees or Ceiba Speciosa - They are in bloom all over Southern California right now.

These trees are in bloom all around town. If you take a second look, you'll notice the trunk is covered with thorny protrusions giving the bright green sapling a prehistoric look. You can't tell from this photo, but the next time you notice a tree full of crazy pink blossoms, you'll remember to take a peak at the trunk. Like other fine things in life, the trunk mellows with age. The bright green yields to a tone of grey and the protrusions, once threatening and menacing looking melt into the mature surface of the trunk. I'm not sure what that says about aging, but I also read earlier today that certain jelly fish are actually biological immortal. I'm going with that.

Opening Night: Artist's Reception, September 6th

Currently on exhibit at Los Angeles Art Association's Gallery 825 in West Hollywood: Original works by Encino, Fine Artist, Warren Keating. The show entitled Every Step You Take reflects the artist's ongoing exploration of people in motion viewed from above. Many of the subjects were captured on film in Paris and transported through time and space, translated into Keating's vision of pixel-impressionism.

Other works on display at the gallery include the new body of work; Play Nice by artist Jodi Bonassi and Pop Uber Alles, an all-media exploration of Pop Art juried by Timothy Potts, Director of the J. Paul Getty Museum. The gallery is located on La Cienega in West Hollywood. More info: http://www.laaa.org/pop/index.html

New Restaurant Opening Next Month

Highly anticipated Farm to Table cuisine coming to Ventura Blvd. in October. Have you seen the store front going in near the Whole Foods in Tarzana? Let's meet up for some good eats and a glass of (eco-friendly, organic) wine. You'd never know it, if you didn't hear in advance.

Serving everything from grass fed beef to Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free, this offering from some former MacDonald's exec's comes just in the nick of time. Forks over knives and priced to please!

New Flagship CPK Offers Signature Cocktails

Stop by the new CPK at the Westfield Topanga Mall and check out the bar they've built in front of their restaurant - downstairs from the food court. They've come up with 8 new California cocktails with ingredients like avocado, smashed blueberries and cactus fruit. They are all delicious! Try the Route 1 or one of their Cracked Pepper Margaritas - especially tasty!

Read about their new menu:
CPK

New Salvation Army Donation Center

Across from the park - between the 76 station and The Stand - there's a new Salvation Army Donation Center where the old Christian Science Reading Room used to be.

Vinyl Records And Used Books At Los Angeles' Last Book Store

If you dig old vinyl records and dusty volumes of used books organized by the color of their spines, you'll love downtown's Last Book Store. With some 8000 square feet to wander through this is worth the trip - literally and figuratively.

Ingredients For Salmon With Fennel Recipe

Get the recipe on EncinoMom.com.

The Newly Formed Encino Mom Trio Takes The Stage

The Newly Formed Encino Mom Trio Takes The Stage at 
The Hollywood Fringe Festival

Join us at Fringe Central on Tuesday, June 25th for a LIVE late night recording session! No cover, but you must behave. ;) Can't make it? No worries, we've got you covered with upcoming live engagements and a website coming soon with a calendar, sound samples, photos and more.

Who makes the best Croque Monsieur?

Croque Monsieur at Sweet Butter in Sherman Oaks gets my vote. So good!

Macro of a Rose

These fragrant roses grow in my front yard. The blooms don't last long, but they are gorgeous!

Dancing With The Stars At The Sportsmen's Lodge Events Center

Step back in time with Johnny Holiday appearing with special guest singers, big band and the Satin Dollz. Dancing With The Stars meets the USO tour Vegas style! Three course dinner and two act show with a huge dance floor for your smooth moves. Tickets for the show and dancing $18, with dinner $69. See website for upcoming dates!

Click the photo for a sneak peek at the video.

Photo by: Harvey Branman

Workout A Duex In The Park

They've unveiled the new work out equipment along Burbank Blvd. East of the parking lot for the golf course. For the use of adults and children 13 years and up, the new gear is fun to use and is perfect for workouts with your bestie, hubby or trainer.

Pursecase

Could you use a purse just big enough for your iphone, cash, id and a couple of cards? Check out this Kickstarter from Melrose PR pals Kelley & Jenn.

Two Bunch Palms

 

Enjoy the peace and quiet under your own palapa or join the party by the pool.

My Funny Valentine - Romantic Recordings

Enjoy a little Chet Baker blowing romantic on My Funny Valentine.



Here's his take on the same tune in a 1985 vocal recording.



Which do you prefer?

Best Salted Caramels - Ever!