War, Art and Getting Inside the Bubble

By: Chaton Anderson - Writer
Contributor's Website: Fusion Integrated


A cool way to spend your Sunday is the 2013 Venice Art Walk & Auctions taking place this weekend. Roam more than 60 local private working studios and homes of artists and private collectors. The artists in attendance love sharing their methodologies and visions— you’ll be inspired by their unique perspectives and artwork.
Hit the silent auction to bid on works of art, sculpture, photography, ceramics and graphics, and then visit the community celebration at Google Los Angeles, where food trucks will tempt and tantalize you.
There are also bike tours, a gallery show, architecture tours and live entertainment. The annual event benefits the Venice Family Clinic, a community health system that provides quality care to 24,000 low-income, uninsured, and homeless families and individuals on the Westside of Los Angeles. Sunday, May 19.

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How about a second home in Montecito?

By: Laura Pardini - Realtor
Contributor's Website: City Style LA

Looking for a quick get-away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles? Escape to picturesque Montecito, Santa Barbara. I think my pulse slows down every time I get close to it. There's something to be said for owning a home close to the the beach, nestled amongst the mountains. The retail section of this community is also beautiful. The commercial sector captures the feel of Spanish architecture...low rise, clean and timeless design, with attention to deal.

No wonder there are so many artists. I know my immediate reaction would be to grab a paint brush and canvas. My husband would be inclined to grab his camera. I have a love for Spanish style homes, so I'd be remiss if I didn't tempt you with one that caught my eye.

Inspired by George Washington Smith, this compound features the main house and a detached Casita and private guest house on an award winning two acre lot rich with gardens accessed via a private lane. This enchanting view estate features vaulted ceilings, intimate spaces and an open flowing floor plan. Stroll the garden walkways or sit back and relax in one of a multitude of patios.

The list price is $2,850,000. Feel free to contact me for more details.

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A Great Place for Moms

By Cindi Lee – Yoga Instructor
Contributor’s website: Cindi Lee Yoga


We all realize EVERYDAY the mothers of the world deserve to be celebrated. Mother’s and or the mother like figures in our lives are the glue that keep us all together.  Mother’s are usually one of the first people in our lives to love us truly unconditionally.

For many of us, Mother’s are the most patient, most understanding, and most compassionate people we will ever know. That is for sure a description of my mom. I know I am blessed.

Do you know what other major attribute Mother’s portray?  Well, my mom, and probably yours too, is an undercover genius and quite frankly, a badass. I would show you her picture so you could see her pure love, however, she is shy (I must honor her wishes of not sharing her photos on the internet).

I recently visited a place I knew my mom would absolutely love, The Self Realization Fellowship in the Pacific Palisades. Of course I had been planning to go there ages!  Every time my neighbor comes back from the center he seems incredibly rejuvenated.  I had the most glorious experience.  Next time mom visits LA I will be sure to take her there.

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Love vs. Anger


By Lisa Haisha - Life Coach
Contributor's Website - Soul Blazing

“It is impossible for you to be angry and laugh at the same time. Anger and laughter are mutually exclusive and you have the power to choose either.” – Wayne Dyer

Lately, my cross-cultural married clients have been struggling with compatibility issues and tempers have been flying. So, I’ve been reading a lot about how people struggle with anger issues. More often the anger people are feeling is towards people they deeply love – we’ve all been guilty of it haven’t we? Through my research, I found this parable, and I love the explanation of the reason why people shout in anger, see what you think…
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Ode to Lily

By: Jennifer Culp –Interior Designer
Contributor's website: JC Design Studios

Although I have never been a “preppy” person myself, I was sad to hear of the passing of Lily Pulitzer. I have the utmost respect for individuals who are able to create an empire out of their style. Her brand was about making a bright and happy mark on the world. She was the creator of the “Palm Beach Style” and notable designers such as Trina Turk and Jonathan Adler have followed suit. Here’s a look at her influence in the interior design world too…

As Lily put it “Style isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about how you live”
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Angelic Antigua

By Natalie Compagno - Travel Expert
Contributor's Website - Traveler's Bookcase


Antigua, Guatemala is a heavenly place, nestled in the mountains thirty minutes above Gautemala City. The clouds that often swirl around the cobbled stone streets complete this ethereal experience. Antigua has everything to offer travelers, whether going for a weekend or for a month long language course. Charming boutique hotels dominate the town and the food is so good you keep thinking you're in five star Michelin restaurants (but for an eighth of the price!). The architecture is lovely, one of the best preserved colonial towns in Central America, the people friendly and the art is stunning. If you love Central American handicrafts then you know that "hecho en guatemala" means quality and beauty and Antigua is the town to buy or view the best of the local artists. Whenever I mention Antigua to someone who's been there they always sigh and get a far away look in their eyes. The magic of it never fades.

Here's the best of the best.

Stay:

Posada Del Angel for cozy charm and antiques and art in every room.

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BAD FENG SHUI - A Desk in the Bedroom

By: Anita RosenbergSpiritualist
Contributor's Website: Anita Rosenberg


Other than Hugh Hefner, going to work in your PJs while sitting on your bed is NOT empowering. I know a lot of people do it. Kids also do homework while sitting on their bed. And many people have desks and computers in their bedrooms. But in Feng Shui – this is not acceptable and I will tell you why.

First of all, the bedroom should be very YIN. Yin is a restful place that you can recharge your battery through sleep and rejuvenate your spirit through romance. Anything YANG does not belong in the bedroom. Yang is seen in televisions, computers, exercise equipment, books, mirrors, and anything active. By placing a desk with a computer in your bedroom it reminds you of all the work have to do. It can stress you out even when sleeping. The electronics on the computer itself emits unhealthy EMF frequencies even when turned off.

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