Artists from all walks of life, in conjunction with Downtown Santa Monica participated in AMP (Arts, Music, and Promenade) set-up small booths to showcase their artwork along the Promenade.

Handmade jewelry, handmade winter hats, paintings, and photography were displayed and for sale for reasonable prices.  

One booth included photographs of the local oceans and the tubes inside the waves.  The photographer, when asked how he photographed such dramatic pictures, he said, “I actually get in the water, with my waterproof camera, and take the photo as the wave crashes over me.”

Music lovers can enjoy the atmosphere as well.  There is a live DJ that is pumping out music that appeals to a wide range of listeners.  There are seats arranged in front of the stage where people can take sip a coffee, watch the happenings, and enjoy the musical and artistic atmosphere.

Mayor Lana Negrete was on site to promote the event. She was overheard saying, “This is a fun filled event….that will help generate revenue for local artists and businesses.”

Getting to and from the event is easy. The Santa Monica bound train terminates at 4th and Colorado. It is a short walk from there. You can also exit the 10 Freeway West at 4th Street and turn right. Parking in downtown Santa Monica is easy too.  Public parking lots are located on 4^th and 2^nd streets.

A post shared by Santa Monica Farmers Market (@smfms) on Jun 13, 2018 at 12:21pm PDT

FARMER’S MARKET

Local food products are a big deal in Santa Monica, and the city of Santa Monica loves to provide opportunities for locals to be able to sell their goods. Santa Monica hosts three farmer’s markets throughout the week for people to enjoy. On Wednesday, the market is hosted on Arizona Avenue and 3rd Street.  It opens at 8:30 a.m. and lasts until 1:30 p.m. The Saturday Farmer’s Market is on Arizona and 3rd street at the Promenade.  On Sunday, the market operates from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 pm in the parking lot at Main Street and Ocean Park.

The markets feature food from local restaurants, produce from farmers in SoCal, and farm-raised meats and poultry. From breakfast to lunch, vendors sell farm-fresh foods for market-goers to enjoy in the outdoor community. Locals enjoy shopping at the market and buying fresh fruits and vegetables.

Today is World Oceans Day! To honor the worldwide celebration here is a photo from the 1940’s. Photo I.D. 3.2.4427. Want to find more photos? Visit http://ow.ly/E7SH30kpnKx. Want to find out more about World Oceans Day? Visit http://ow.ly/N5rA30kpnU9 #FlashBackFriday

A post shared by Santa Monica History Museum (@santamonicahistorymuseum) on Jun 8, 2018 at 10:00am PDT

MUSEUMS

There are several museums in Santa Monica.  If you are interested in history or art, you can easily find the perfect museum. If you are a history buff, be sure to check out the Museum of Flying at the Santa Monica Airport or the Santa Monica History Museum on 7th street. The Museum of Flying tells the beautiful history of aviation and the evolution of aircraft with a special exhibit on California’s Aviation Hall of Fame. Santa Monica History Museum features the history of the city itself. The main exhibit traces the history of Santa Monica, from the cities’ founding in 1875 up to the modern era

Other museums that you may also be interested in include California Heritage Museum and Wonders of the World. There are several major Museums just outside of Santa Monica as well.  The best known is the J. Paul Getty Museum , located just off the 405, and the little known but absolutely incredible Getty Villa located just up Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades. The J. Paul Getty Museum is one of the most critically acclaimed museums in the world and exhibits classic art from different eras including Etruscan, Greek, and Roman.  The Chinese and Japanese exhibits are also impressive.

A post shared by Alex (@alexandertrout) on Jun 4, 2018 at 9:02pm PDT

SHOPPING AND DINING

If shopping, food, and street entertainment are what you are after, the Third Street Promenade is the place to be.  Local clothing designers hang on the racks in stores along the Promenade but there are also the common place stores like Banana Republic and Zara there as well.  There are many restaurants and dining options available if food is what you are after.  Grab a quick bowl of chili at Barney’s Beanery or treat yourself to Italian fare at Trastevere.  The best sushi on the West side is found at Sushi King on Wilshire.  Sushi King is not on the Promenade but worth the walk.

All-in-all, there are too many things to do in Santa Monica.  If none of the above excites, there is always the beach.  After all, isn’t that why you’re here?

Feature photo courtesy of Tom Pascal’s Instagram. In post photos courtesy of Alex Trout, Santa Monica History Museum and Santa Monica Farmer Market’s Instagrams.

While the one piece may have you cringing for many reasons, it’s at least not as unfashionable as they used to be. Instead of a single piece of fabric with holes cut out, fashionistas finally took the time to upgrade the design and make one piece suits go from cookie cutters to cute, fashionable attire that isn’t so embarrassing to walkout in.

A post shared by E’s Life & Style (@eleanagrasso) on Apr 24, 2018 at 1:19pm PDT

The newest trend with the one piece suit specifically has incorporated the front tie that has long been apart of women’s fashion. Instead of a flat piece of fabric, the suit cuts at waist for a high waisted look and gathers the fabric up top to make a tie strapless chest piece.

However, it’s reasonable to say not everyone is a one-piece type of girl, and no matter how in it may be you just refuse to don the solid piece of fabric. No worries though, the fashion world knows and understands this and is working just as hard on its bikini styles.

A post shared by Miami Swim Week by FWO (@miamiswimweekend) on Aug 7, 2017 at 6:51pm PDT

The big bikini trend for 2018 will definitely be this new one-shoulder style. It’s as fashionable as the one-shoulder dress and is probably just as comfortable if not more. The styles within this concept vary from an one-inch strap to a full cap sleeve on one side. Women will be able to find the style and look that truly fits them, and the best part is that mix-and-match bikini’s are also coming back so women can truly customize their beach day outfit.

Photos courtesy of Juan Salamanca and Bruce Mars on Pexels and Miami Swim Weekend and Eleana Grasso’s Instagrams.