Not-so-Vanilla Diva

What better way to express how you truly feel on Valentine's day... than with a first class ticket to Europe or some fabulous crazy destination?   Where ever your Valentine's Day takes you this year, there's always room for a little chocolate and flowers.  For us LA divas, there's a great idea for your out-of-the-norm chocolate-and-flower-filled event.  For Valentine's Day, make him work a little harder.. and boys.. she's worth it!  Take a look at the outstanding gifts that are sure to bring asmile to any diva's face! SEED Floral Couture announces their newest Valentine’s Day collection now available, featuring exquisite hand crafted gift boxes for your loved ones. Each gift box features incredible floral designs with romantic color palettes incorporated with gourmet chocolates, scented candles, unique vases and more.  All gift box materials are eco-friendly, and designed with certified organic flowers. Owner of SEED Floral Couture, Stephanie Elhayani is the visionary behind each design and can work with each client to customize their gift box purchase. New customers can receive 10% off their first purchase. Delivery is available in the greater Southern California area only. “Every arrangement, whether romantic, classic or hip should communicate a unique sense of style, ” says ...

Featherless January 16, 2011 7:30 pm at Wordspace 3191 Casitas Ave. #156 Los Angeles Ca 90039 Featherless is a fun, intimate monthly gathering of readers and writers at Wordspace in Silverlake. It features a monthly roster of writers from all writing disciplines and ranges from well-known writers to up-and-coming talent. The space offers a cozy, relaxing atmosphere, free appetizers and a cash bar with wine, beer , and soft drinks. Featherless #7 will take place on January 16th, at 7:30 pm, at Wordspace.  We have three very exciting readers this time, from the bestselling author Thaisa Frank, experimental poet/critic/critical poet Mathew Timmons, and the mysterious spoken word artist m.g. martin.  Come see.three very different voices collide, collude, and inspire....and then stay for handmade nibbles. The readers: Thaisa Frank is the author of two acclaimed short story anthologies SLEEPING IN VELVET and A BRIEF HISTORY OF CAMOUFLAGE.  She also co-authored the nonfiction work FINDING YOUR WRITER'S VOICE, which is taught in MFA programs. Her new novel HEIDEGGER’S GLASSES centers around a secret Compound of Scribes, tasked by Third Reich officials to answer letters sent to the dead in ...

The exhibition Carlos Luna: Los Decorados is comprised of a stunning installation of new oil paintings, works on paper, sculpture, and dozens of ceramic plates by the acclaimed Latin-American artist. Additionally, throughout the gallery, Luna will create custom wall paintings as background designs that will unify the installation into a passionate display of imaginative ornamentation. Born in Cuba in 1969, Carlos Luna has always been an artist; he recalls making a painting of his mother at the age of seven. His prodigious talent was recognized and nurtured from an early age, as he distinguished himself at four successive art schools. By the age of 15 his work was being exhibited in group shows in National Museums throughout Cuba, and internationally a year later. Possessing a strong spirit, and an unquenchable desire for personal growth as an artist, Carlos left Cuba in 1991. He migrated to Mexico and subsequently settled in Puebla, where his career entered a new phase of exploration and growth. Exile can also provide a fresh perspective on one’s roots and the opportunity to expand one’s artistic vision and influence to a wider global scale. After receiving a U.S. EB-1-1 visa for extraordinary ability in 2001, Carlos migrated to ...

Taste of Playa is an annual culinary event in Playa del Carmen that celebrates the creativity and cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya. The event promotes the unique culinary perspectives of local chefs, highlights new event venues and coordinates the efforts of local businesses and municipal governments. In 2009, Taste of Playa captured the attention of national and international media and showed the spirit of multi-cultural cooperation that defines the modern Riviera Maya. International culinary festivals are held throughout the world, with each host city highlighting the chefs, restaurants and retail food outlets that define the culture of the area. Playa del Carmen is renowned for its diversity, its international influences, its culinary expertise and its Caribbean lifestyle. The restaurants and food industry have played a major part in the development and definition of the Riviera Maya. This event provides local businesses with an opportunity to showcase the expertise of their talented chefs. Originally named Xaman-Ha (waters of the north) by the ancient Maya, modern day Playa del Carmen is the heart of the Riviera Maya. Located on the coast 40 miles (60 kms.) south of Cancun, Playa, as it is now commonly known, is the perfect base of operations ...

For divas looking for a luxurious place to have some drinks and chat up a great looking bartender... Firenze Osteria is definitely it!  Alongside Lankershim, one of the busiest streets in the valley, Firenze could go unnoticed if not for the line of great looking singles going in and out of the place. As I sipped my fabulous full bodied red, I hear from the delicious bartender that Firenze has one of the best happy hours in LA every Thursday night from 5-7pm.  They offer 6 flights of wine for $6, and you'll get to hear about the wines from a rep from the winery. The atmosphere is lux-comfy-smooth, and perfect for misbehavior.  Next Thursday night I'll be passing by to taste all the reds. Tip: Firenze's valet parking attendant is extremely nice.  Be sure to tip accordingly and your car will always be very well taken care of. See you Thursday!