Affaire in the Gardens...Beverly Hills. Artists ply wares & patrons get tipsy in the trendy Wine garden!

If you're in the mood to take a stroll through a rose garden, or simply reflect on the creations of a handful of artists exhibiting their work in a park-like setting, then take in - "Affaire in the Garden" - in the city of Beverly Hills this sun-splashed weekend. (May 17th - May 18th)

This morning, I strode along the well-worn path along the "flats" to the spritely-decorated exhibit area - amid a gaggle of pristine-white canvas tents - fascinated by the myriad of artistic expressions on display.

While a large percentage of the offerings fell under the category of "Craft" - as opposed to the lofty designation of "Fine Art" - there were a number of original paintings and sculptures that caught my discerning eye, none-the-less.

Just maybe, it's wholly possible to snatch up an obscure piece before the "Gods" smile on an artist - and thereafter - catapult 'em into the nether-regions of the high-brow art collector!
If you're in to chatzkas, though, this is definitely the place for you.
The "affaire" in the "park" is rife with elegant blown glass, bold colorful ceramics, one-of-a-kind delightful ornaments, two-dimensional wall-reliefs rendered with artistic flair - you name it.


Also, there is a kids' alley where the young ones in tow can paint up a storm!

When it's time to relax, hop over to the wine garden where art connoisseurs mix and mingle, and wax poetic on the state of - well - many things!

info: www.beverlyhills.org


Cindy Craig artwork...a distinct naive quality!

Affaire in the Gardens...Beverly Hills. Artists ply wares & patrons get tipsy in the wine garden!

If you're in the mood to take a stroll through a rose garden, or simply reflect on the creations of a handful of artists exhibiting their work in a park-like setting, then take in - "Affaire in the Garden" - in the city of Beverly Hills this sun-splashed weekend. (May 17th - May 18th)

This morning, I strode along the well-worn path along the "flats" to the spritely-decorated exhibit area - amid a gaggle of pristine-white canvas tents - fascinated by the myriad of artistic expressions on display.

While a large percentage of the offerings fell under the category of "Craft" - as opposed to the lofty designation of "Fine Art" - there were a number of original paintings and sculptures that caught my discerning eye, none-the-less.

Just maybe, it's wholly possible to snatch up an obscure piece before the "Gods" smile on an artist - and thereafter - catapult 'em into the nether-regions of the high-brow art collector!
If you're in to chatzkas, though, this is definitely the place for you.
The "affaire" in the "park" is rife with elegant blown glass, bold colorful ceramics, one-of-a-kind delightful ornaments, two-dimensional wall-reliefs rendered with artistic flair - you name it.


Also, there is a kids' alley where the young ones in tow can paint up a storm!

When it's time to relax, hop over to the wine garden where art connoisseurs mix and mingle, and wax poetic on the state of - well - many things!

info: www.beverlyhills.org


Cindy Craig artwork...a distinct naive quality!

Sunglasses...cool, casual, colorful! Out of the shade, into spotlight!

Ah, the lazy days of summer are upon us!

When I zipped into my favorite Starbucks outlet in West Hollywood, I couldn't help but notice the festive eye-catching shades on the snoz of one of the kids who plies the eclectic cafe treats there.

The quirky fun specs were somewhat reminiscent of a pair of poindexters, but the rims screamed out in a pop-inspired fire-engine red!

Very cool!

You know, since I became a transplant to sunny California, it has always surprised me how many people in the BIG ORANGE trounce around town - wearing sandals in open jeeps with T's off or with their top-of-the-line Benz convertible rag-tops down - without donning a pair of sunglasses for protection under the sizzlin' mid-day solar rays.

Vanity be thy name?

Yes, I expect a handful of Hollywood hopefuls are anxious to show off their pretty mugs in tantalizing Tinsel town where an all-elusive break into the biz is just a glance away.

But, for longevity's sake (unless you want to play character actors for the rest of your life) it's always wise to cover up when splashing into the zesty beach days of summer each year.

After all, treks in the scorching sun without shades get 'ya squinting - and over time - etch out some nasty crow's feet up-close and personal to your luminous baby blues.

Notwithstanding, scrutinizing objects in the bright sun without protection may eventually cause irreversible damage to the retina of the eye.

So, it's important to not only sport shades, but ensure the pair you snap up have maximum Ultra Violet (UV) protection!

But, forget rims in "granny styles". After all, wrap-a-round coverage is best.

Of course, there are many brands to choose from!

Ray-Bans, as always, are Top Gun!

And, in 90210 (Beverly Hills, dahlink!) designer shades with ubiquitous logos upfront and screeching "money" are always in vogue.

But, if you're on a budget or continually misplacing your fave pair (like moi!), occasionally - and for a song with a stroke of luck - you'll be able to snatch up a real snazzy pair at the 99 cent store.

But, scan for the UV protection sticker, please!

Another benefit of protection?

In a matter of weeks you'll also notice the texture and tone of the skin around the eyes noticeably improved.

It saves face! Just ask my pals, below.

Beverly Hills...water shortage, dahlink?

Sleek limos purr at the curb, while the tony set perch and sip exotic cocktails at trendy cafes Alfresco. Farther down the expensive landscape, the lush foliage sways in a balmy breeze on a picturesque walkway along the flats...

Beverly Hills, the land of milk and - uh - money!

Soon, there may be a blight on the horizon, though.

Watershed enforcers brought a lawsuit against the Department of Water Resources to protect delta smelt that get snared in treatment equipment.

In response, the Department of Water & Power has shut down pumps in Northern California that supply the Westside Cities.

Environmental Utilities Manager, Sharon Epstein, forecasts serious fall-out as a result.

A water shortage is the worst-case scenario.

So, her office is issuing dire warnings and advice on how to preserve natural resources.

"It is possible to significantly save on water by foregoing on the purchase of watering systems, irrigation devices, and new arrivals in the appliance department."

Experts recommend low-flow toilets and shower heads, for starters.

So, now the upscale moneyed elite are keeping a watchful eye on a potentially devastating situation.

And what of those well-manicured lawns in 90210?

An army of Immigrant gardeners may be spritzing with imported bottled water in the near future.

The thought reminds me of a scene on a Beverly Hills street a few years ago...

Apparently, as the rumor-mongers have it, Tori Spelling was parked at the side of the road, on a blistering-hot summer day, with hood up and an over-heated BMW engine steamin' away.

Out of frustration, and with no ready options beggin' close-at-hand, she allegedly poured the contents of her expensive designer water flask into the thirsty radiator.

Egads, you say?

Well, water is water, when you come right down to it - especially for the rich with oodles of moolah to burn.