How was your summer?

Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California had beautiful weather when I went there this summer with my daughter and friends.

We saw the usual sights, and did the usual things. Loved going to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The celebrity bus tour was amazing.

Being New Yorkers, you know we had to go see LA’s subway system. The metro was very clean and modern. Entrance to the subway is with a tap card. (I hear that may come to New York.)

Stress relief:  jump on the line! These three kind young ladies were giving each other a de-stress conga-line massage. I asked them if I could photograph them and share what they were doing.

We went on thrilling rides at Universal Studios amusement park (Perhaps the recent news reports where doctors recommend riding roller–coasters for kidney stone sufferers could be true!).

We made it to Hollywood, of course!

Stopped by the Wax Museum, Grumman’s Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hollywood Boulevard is very very very very crowded. It is hard to walk and people are constantly walking over stars, making it hard to get a picture.

But I got a picture of one star…

…and here she is?

Of course we spent time at the hotel pool and went to the beach at Santa Monica.A photographer named E.K. Waller saw us taking in the sights at the beach in Santa Monica. She has an interesting photographic style. This was my favorite picture.

I talked to local residents from many walks of life, 18–35, and asked them what they did to take care of their skin. Whether they were in the midst of changing jobs or dealing with hormone changes after having babies, they practiced similar skincare routines: exfoliate, sunscreen, moisturize everyday. Some did cleansing diets. Hydration with lots and lots of water was important for all.

One day we encountered a West Indian Day parade! These women are from Trinidad. Just by the name “Los Angeles”, you know that LA has Spanish Latin flavor. I went to a great Mexican restaurant that had pictures of actress Maria Felix and artist Frida Kahlo.So much to do and see, but we took care of ourselves. I always made sure to rest to avoid bags under the eyes. Always moisturized. I wore sunscreen everyday, along with bronzer, eyeliner and a little blue on the eyes, usually neutral lipgloss or matte red orange lipstick.

Sun, plants and flowers everywhere. Love flowers.

Lots of fun, food and friends in LA.