What a weekend! There were two major events this is weekend in LA. These events included two major street closures. Both of which I was able to participate in. 

Saturday June 22, 2013 was the LA Culture Festival. A 2.5 mile parade down Hollywood Blvd stretching from  Vermont to Cherokee. The parade is a collaboration of carnival festivities from Central and South America. It's basically 4-5 hours of dancing to soca music with a fantastic feathery carnival costume. At the end of the parade, there is a block party called " Carnival Village" featuring live music, authentic food, vendors, and of course more dancing. Last year was my first time supporting this event in LA. Now I will always support this event. It's just getting better every year!

Sunday June 23, 2013 was yet another Ciclavia event. This time it was 7 miles of the iconic Wilshire corridor that was closed to motorized vehicles and used for bicycles. This was a great way to view this historic part of LA. I got to appreciate the detail in the buildings as well as get to know (new to me) businesses in the area . We rode our bikes all day long. From Echo Park to LACMA to Little Tokyo. I got acquainted with tasty new places to eat in K-town (including 24 hour tofu restaurant and 24 hour coffee shop with wifi),  had a picnic at Hancock Park overlooking the tar pits, and made a personalized bicycle license plate at the Pettersen Automotive Museum. These are just a few highlights. We did so much more while meeting up with other riders and friends throughout the day. I'm always looking forward to Ciclavia. The next event is October 6, 2013, The Heart of LA including Chinatown! See you there.

This beautiful intoxicating flower is one of my favorites. The night blooming Cereus (pronounced like "serious"). A type of tuberous cacti. When healthy, this plant has several flowers that will start to develop  near late spring through early summer. Each flower will bloom for only one night! These past two nights are the beginning of many special nights to come. If we go out to dinner, we arrive home greeted by the strong sweet smell of these giant flowers. They are about 9" in diameter. Each stalk is covered with flowers that will all bloom on different nights. Sometimes I like to sit on my porch with a hot beverage and seriously enjoy the Cereus!
I put a side by side photo below of Monday night flowers and Tuesday night flowers. You'll notice the photo on the left has two flowers that are not open on the right. The photo on the right is of those closed two flowers "open". You can kind of see the flowers wilting in the background from the night before. I find them spectacular and breathtaking! They give me a big smile every time.  
I've attached a quick time lapse video I found. Enjoy. :D

The Local in North Hollywood, CA is a salon dedicated to creating a quality image, eco friendly environment and products, and community. Saturday June 1, 2013 was opening day. I'm proud to be part of this inviting community. The Local is an Organic Systems Concept salon. Organic Systems is a certified organic hair line for ALL services. Every stylist in here is a certified Organic Systems Stylist! 
Downstairs is the Beauty Parlour. Upstairs is the Barber...with their own separate back entrance. This whole salon space is like the "Cheers" of salons. Stylish and laid back. You can come down bring you lunch and simply hang out! On occasion, we feature goods from the local restaurants and cafes. It's always a surprise and a treat when coming to The Local. 
We are continually inspired to feel beautiful. When you feel this good on the inside (we will help you the out), life is a breeze.  The Local will be having its grand opening party Sunday July 14, 2013. Music, refreshments, and other special details to come..so stay tuned to the website or facebook page for details. All are welcome and invited. We're excited and we hope you are too!