THE LONG BEACH DENTIST
Our practice philosophy has been heavily influenced by Dr. Grella’s grandfather, who was a dentist for 40 years and always followed the Golden Rule: He never recommended dental treatments to patients that he would not believe in recommending for himself, and Dr. Grella upholds this same standard at his practice.
Dr. Grella has been practicing dentistry for over 15 years and he has extensive training from the Navy where he did his residency and active military duty.
Our office also has over 700 Google reviews... our patients LOVE our office and you will never find a dentist who is more passionate about Dentistry than Dr. Grella.
We promise if you come to our office you will love your experience and feel right at home.
The Legendary Ladies of Long Beach
Hello, Long Beach!
It’s an honor to present our Ladies issue, where we spotlight the incredible women and female-led businesses making a positive impact in our community.
Today, approximately 40% of all U.S. businesses are owned by women. This remarkable statistic is even more impressive when you consider it’s been just over half a century since women gained access to credit — the essential lifeline for starting a business. We’ve truly come a long way in a relatively short time!
The flourishing of women-owned businesses here in Long Beach mirrors national trends, with women from diverse backgrounds launching ventures across virtually every industry. In this issue, we share the profiles of talented female entrepreneurs using their expertise and vision to add immeasurable value to our city’s economy and cultural landscape.
As a mother who recently stepped into entrepreneurship, I’m especially inspired by women building their legacies while raising families. With Mother’s Day approaching, I feel profound gratitude for my own mother, who has always been my biggest cheerleader. I also reflect on all the women in my sphere who have nurtured me over the years and exemplified the woman I aspire to be. Though not all are biological mothers, each serves as a cherished mother figure in my personal village.
To them, and to every woman reading this issue — whether you’ve brought a child into this world or nurtured in countless other ways — thank you for all you do to inspire and uplift the next generation. Happy Mother’s Day!
ATIRA RODRIGUEZ, PUBLISHER @LONGBEACHCITYLIFESTYLE
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Atira Rodriguez | atira.rodriguez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kat Schuster | kat.schuster@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Nirav Solanki | mail@niravsolanki.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Gia Silva, Melissa Ramsay
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
Proverbs 3:5-6
Lic#01355505
Gia Silva,
(310) 691-8161
ULTRACARESERVICES.NET
AWARD WINNING EXCELLENCE IN HOME CARE
At UltraCare Home Care Services, we are dedicated to providing exceptional non-medical home care services in LA County and parts of Orange County. Our professional team offers personalized home care solutions tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring comfort and peace of mind for both clients and their families. Get started today by booking a no charge home assessment and experience the UltraCare difference in in-home senior care.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
“Queens in the Making” Women’s Empowerment Summit, The Queen Mary, March 15 | 1: Koco McAboy, Samantha Mehlinger and Victoria Walker are powerful in pink. 2: Panelists Victoria Walker, Samantha Mehlinger and District 8 Councilwoman Tunua Thrash-Ntuk discuss women in communications. 3: The event was hosted by Hayley Myles, Special Events Manager for The Queen Mary. 4: Professionals, leaders and changemakers came together to celebrate each other’s success. 5: District 1 Councilwoman Mary Zendejas shared her story of resilience and perseverance. 6: Women of all ages gathered for a memorable day of learning and inspiration. 7: Koco McAboy, Emmy award-winning journalist for FOX 11’s Good Day LA, offers words of wisdom.
Photography by Atira Rodriguez
Want to be seen in the magazine?
“Together We Walk” event, Cancer Support Community South Bay, March 9 | 1: Walkers set off with enthusiasm at the starting line. 2: Famiglia United, the event’s top fundraising team, shows their support. 3: Family and friends of longtime executive director/CEO of CSC South Bay Judith Opdahl honor her legacy. 4: Representatives from sponsor MemorialCare join CSC South Bay Program Director Nancy Lomibao and Harley, CSC’s service dog. 5: The CSC South Bay team comes together at Together We Walk. 6: Kinecta Wealth Management joins CSC South Bay Executive Director Jillian Van Leuven and Board VP Donna McNeely. 7: Urbane Café at LBX served up delicious cookies as one of the event’s supportive vendors.
business monthly
Jennifer Morehouse Dives Full-Time into Interior Design Business
Local interior designer Jennifer Morehouse founded Morehouse Interior Designs in 2023 while balancing a position at another design firm. Since January, she has dedicated herself to her business full-time. With a passion for exceptional design and a commitment to employing individuals facing workplace barriers, Morehouse is strategically developing a business model that harmonizes these two core values.
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Leslee Deanes Wins 2025 CEO USA Award
Leslee Deanes, Founder and CEO of UltraCare Home Services, was recently named as a winner of the 2025 CEO USA Awards. CEO Today’s CEO USA Awards recognize outstanding business leadership among CEOs, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs and thought leaders. These awards honor leaders who drive returns through technology, customer focus, sustainability and innovation, selecting recipients through a comprehensive evaluation of business performance, strategy, operations and human resource excellence.
‘Forgotten Images’ Remembered at Women’s History Month Exhibit
Traveling history museum Forgotten Images highlighted the contributions of African American women trailblazers as a part of the Women Supporting Women exhibit hosted by the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach in March. Through her collection of cultural artifacts, co-founder Sharon McLucas honored her late mother, Long Beach activist Autrilla Scott, along with other notables including Madame C.J. Walker, Billie Holiday and Ruby Hurley.
Shana R. Giles Joins LBCC Foundation Board of Governors
Long Beach realtor Shana R. Giles was recently appointed to the Board of Governors for the Long Beach City College Foundation. The Board of Governors consists of over 70 community leaders who raise funds for the Long Beach Community College District, with the goal of fostering an exceptional learning environment where everyone can thrive.
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A. Fierce Marketing Co. Now Offering VIP Days
VIP Days are now available at A. Fierce Marketing Co., Long Beach’s premiere website design agency. Owner Alanna Singleton is accepting bookings for an entire day to focus on your digital presence, whether you need a full website launch or a refresh. Power through your to do list in 7 hours with services including website design, simple brand design and more.
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Don Temple Storage Voted Best Storage Facility Ten Years in a Row
Don Temple Storage, owned and managed by Sumer Temple, has been voted best self storage facility in the city for the past 10 years. In addition to being a leader in her industry, Temple gives back by partnering with local nonprofits to provide storage needs at a discounted rate. She is also the owner of several commercial properties including The Grand, which recently reopened their Grand Ballroom after an extensive upgrade and renovation.
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PUBLISHER’S picks
2 3 4 5
LB’s Queens of Instagram: 5 Women Worth Your Follow
ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ
1 – ANDREA CRUZ @hungrydreacreations: Drea serves her culinary creations with a healthy side of humor.
2 – BEATRIX WHIPPLE @thewhipplegroup: The real estate maven sprinkles expert tips for both buyers and sellers in between posts of eye-catching listings.
3 – ANGELA KEEN @saludjuice: Her juices are pure goodness and her reels are pure comedy!
4 – LISA PFEIFFER @peaches_skincare: Lisa’s inspiring posts normalize natural beauty and graceful aging through quality skin care.
5 – GIA SILVA @giasilva.lb: Gia’s “Get Localized” series offers quick doses of entertainment while highlighting the best of Long Beach.
ARTICLE BY GIA SILVA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIRAV SOLANKI
The Heart Of Home
What comes to mind when you hear the word “home”? Is it a place, a feeling, or the people who make you feel safe and loved? For me, I didn’t fully grasp its meaning until I left. I moved through different places, different zip codes, building a life of my own. Yet, no matter how far I went, I always found myself drawn back to one familiar place — my mom’s table, with a warm plate of arroz con pollo and the smell of home filling the air.
Gia Silva, president of INTI Realty, honors her mother.
Gia Silva, president of INTI Realty, with her mother Carmen.
When we moved from Peru to the U.S. in the 90s, everything felt unfamiliar. New language, new culture, new routines. But one thing never changed: my mom waking up at 5 a.m. every morning to cook for me and my brothers, making sure we had a warm meal to come home to after school, even when she and my dad worked late. I was the kid who smelled like food at school — my lunchbox filled with homemade Peruvian dishes my classmates mocked at first… until they tasted them. Suddenly, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were being traded for my mom’s cooking.
Her food was more than nourishment; it was comfort in an unfamiliar world. It was her love, her sacrifice, her way of making sure we felt safe and connected, even when everything around us was uncertain. And somehow, even when we didn’t have much, she always found a way to feed not just us, but our friends who couldn’t resist her food.
Cooking for her was never a chore. It was an experience, an expression of love. She’d play music as she worked in the kitchen, singing and dancing to her favorite songs. I’d sneak up for a taste, as she poured her heart into every dish. Now, as a woman, I find myself doing the same — turning on music, tasting as I go, and finding joy in creating something that fills the room with warmth and connection.
That’s the thing about my mom — she doesn’t just make meals, she creates connections. And wherever she is, everything has its own rhythm, its own way of being done. Like the dishwasher, which she refuses to use because, in her words, “it doesn’t wash well.” Instead, it’s packed with pots and pans. It used to make me laugh, but now, I see it for what it is — a reminder that home isn’t about perfection. It’s about the little things — the smells, the traditions, the laughter, the love.
CONTINUED >
Gia and her mom Carmen don smiles and aprons in the kitchen.
“Her food was more than nourishment; it was comfort in an unfamiliar world. It was her love, her sacrifice, her way of making sure we felt safe and connected, even when everything around us was uncertain.”
Cooking together, Mom and Gia turn simple ingredients into cherished moments.
No matter how far I went, home was always waiting, wrapped in the scent of something simmering on the stove.
Now, as a real estate agent, I carry that sense of home with me. I see it in the way a house smells when I walk in — a fresh pot of coffee brewing in the kitchen or something baking in the oven. I notice it when a dining table is set, waiting for a family to gather. To me, a home isn’t about square footage or high-end finishes — it’s about the memories made there, the people who will fill it, and the meals shared.
My job isn’t just about helping people find houses; it’s about helping them find a place where they can create their own traditions, build a sense of belonging, and fill the space with love — just like my mom did for us.
Every Mother’s Day, I’m reminded that home has never been about size or location. It’s a feeling — one of warmth, love and connection. For me, that feeling has always been wherever my mom is. And I hope that wherever life takes you, you find that same feeling of home, too.
Home is the comfort of love, the connection that stays with you.
FROM film TO fairy tales
HOW THEA MERCOUFFER BUILT THE WICKED WOLF INTO A SPACE FOR WOMEN
Thea Mercouffer, owner of The Wicked Wolf.
ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIRAV SOLANKI
Thea Mercouffer never planned on owning a bar. In fact, she resisted the idea at first.
After years as a documentary filmmaker, the Long Beach creative found herself at a crossroads, disillusioned by the administrative grind of fundraising that left little room for actual storytelling. But when she stumbled upon a vacant space in 2022, a different kind of vision took shape — one that would eventually become The Wicked Wolf, a bar that feels like a portal to another world.
“I had many reservations about running a bar,” Mercouffer admits. “I didn’t want the karma of people drinking and causing alcoholism. I don’t even drink myself. But the space felt like it could be more than just a bar — it could be a cultural space.”
Nestled within the Wrigley neighborhood of Long Beach, The Wicked Wolf exudes an enchanting warmth. Velvet armchairs, gilded mirrors and vintage-inspired wallpaper set the tone for what Mercouffer describes as “a queen’s cottage in the woods.”
The name itself stemmed from the building’s fairy-tale aesthetic, and when she stumbled upon an evocative painting of a regal, feminine wolf by an artist called Spiky, she knew she had her theme.
“I wanted it to be an empowered female wolf, not the lecherous fairy tale villain,” she explains. “It had to be posh and special.”
More than just a drinking establishment, The Wicked Wolf functions as a hub for the arts. “The bar was just an excuse to be able to have a cultural space,” Mercouffer says. “I realized, ‘If we went for the bar, we would have a place to do play readings, events, and gatherings.’” That vision has materialized with
Smoke wafts atop a whiskey cocktail.
The painting that inspired The Wicked Wolf theme rests on the backbar amongst the spirits.
everything from literary salons to quiet reading nights in collaboration with local groups like the Long Beach Bookworms.
Even the drinks tell a story. The Wicked Wolf’s menu follows a rotating theme, currently inspired by a mythical fairy court. “We want people to understand what a Sazerac or a Negroni should really taste like,” Mercouffer says. “That way, when they try variations elsewhere, they can appreciate the creativity behind them.”
Navigating the hospitality industry as a woman came with its share of challenges, though Mercouffer says she largely found support in Long Beach’s tight-knit bar community.
“Every once in a while, I’ll wonder, ‘Would they have said that to a man?’” she says. “But for the most part, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed.” She even created a WhatsApp group for local bar owners to share resources and advice, reinforcing the idea that success is built through collaboration, not competition.
From the very beginning, she wanted The Wicked Wolf to be a safe space for women.
“I remember when we were getting ready to open, a few guys laughed and said, ‘You have glitter on the floor — of course it’s a women’s bar.’ But they also told me, ‘You’re making a safe space for women, and guys will go where the women are.’”
Mercouffer calls it “repellent design” — not in the sense of keeping people out, but in naturally weeding out those who don’t respect the space’s energy. “Sometimes people walk in and immediately go, ‘Yeah, not my spot,’ and they walk out. But it’s never women,” she says. “Women always feel welcome here.”
In a city saturated with nightlife, The Wicked Wolf has managed to carve out a niche by offering something more than just drinks. It’s a refuge, a creative incubator and a love letter to the art of storytelling.
“Everything we do here is storytelling,” Mercouffer says. “From the way we decorate to the way we name drinks, we’re giving people an experience, a new story to step into.”
Mercouffer considers herself “artistic director of The Wicked Wolf.”
Beyond the atmosphere and cocktails, the bar’s events foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Mercouffer has collaborated with women-led groups, including the Long Beach Walking Club, a nearly all-female organization that frequently gathers at the bar. “They feel safe, supported, and loved here,” she says. “That’s exactly what I wanted this space to be.”
For women looking to pivot careers or take creative risks, she offers one simple piece of advice: “Pick a spot, keep digging, and eventually, you’ll get to sunlight.”
While Mercouffer’s journey from filmmaking to bar ownership was unexpected, she sees both as an act of storytelling.
“Every detail here — down to the glassware and seating — sends a message,” she says. “When people walk in, they’re stepping into a story that I hope makes them feel valued, inspired and part of something bigger.”
Thea Mercouffer
Every detail inside The Wicked Wolf helps tell the story of the whimsical bar and community space.
Local delivery service to anywhere in Long Beach, plus airport shuttles.
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A Self-Care Revolution
‘Here I Am’ is redefining wellness for women.
When Renee Trepagnier and Robert Dugan founded Here I Am, they weren’t just launching a business — they aimed to create a movement.
“We started with the intention of creating more of a community around self-care,” Trepagnier said. “Most of our society and definitely our economic system is kind of geared against us taking care of ourselves.”
Trepagnier, who worked in leadership roles at major tech firms, said her experiences with pay gaps and limited access to top roles motivated her to build something different. “[Women] do most of the unpaid labor... we’re often paid less,” she said.
Dugan, who came from the healthcare technology industry, added, “The older I get, the more important doing something meaningful becomes.”
Each Here I Am box features sustainably sourced products from small, women-owned brands. “We look for the brands that are both creating amazing products and also using sustainable and ethical practices,” Trepagnier said.
Their mission goes beyond selling products — it’s about empowering women to prioritize their well-being. “The challenge is actually making time for yourself and saying, like, look, my care has to be a priority,” Trepagnier said. “It’s not self-indulgence. It’s a necessity.”
One customer gifted her mother a box during a bout of illness.
“The opportunity to give her something that both supported her mental and physical well-being meant a lot,” Trepagnier said.
“We see self-care as resistance and as a rebellious act,” she added. “This isn’t selfish. This is necessary for you to thrive.”
We see self-care as resistance and as a rebellious act – Renee Trepagnier
Create the perfect at-home BYO experience — ‘build your own’ box and ‘bring your own’ wine.
and
your
your
Rise & Shine Skincare Routine box set by Here I Am.
Teenage Daughter Survivor box set by Here I Am.
Overnight Skin Repair Kit by Here I Am.
Set the mood for peace and tranquility with the Zen Moment Box from Here I Am.
Wind down
evening
set
intentions for the next day with the Pen to Paper Journal Set.
AN AFTERNOON AT COMPOUND
Fay Ray’s “Puerperal” channels the maternal experience at Compound — alongside a nourishing new lunch menu.
ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAT SCHUSTER AND ATIRA RODRIGUEZ
12-inch, hand-built scupltures of mothers embracing their children on display at Fay Ray’s “Puerperal” exhibition at Compound Long Beach. Photography by Atira Rodriguez.
Installation view of Lab, Fay Ray: Puerperal, Compound 2025. Photography by Kat Schuster.
Fay Ray, For Knowing and Being, Installation view, 2025 in Fay Ray: Puerperal, Compound 2025. Photography by Atira Rodriguez.
Compound Long Beach is continuing to morph into one of the city’s most thoughtful and stimulating third spaces — a place to break bread, get work done and explore art that urges reflection.
Its newest exhibition, “Puerperal” by Los Angeles-based artist Fay Ray, offers a meditative journey through themes of motherhood, transformation and physical memory. Ray’s works can be found throughout Compound’s property.
Meanwhile, within the same campus, Union has debuted a fresh, seasonal lunch menu designed to nourish and ground visitors as they explore Ray’s exhibit.
“Puerperal” takes its name from a Latin medical term describing the postpartum period that occurs after birth — a liminal phase that’s often invisible in the public eye yet deeply formative. Ray brings that often-hidden experience into full view through a series of mediums. In Compound’s Lab and Warehouse her steel and metal pieces curve and dangle overhead, embodying both weight and weightlessness. These forms call to mind bodily cycles — of growth, collapse, healing — and create an immersive environment that viewers must navigate bodily, not just intellectually.
Beside the cafe, visitors will find a new series of small ceramic depictions of mothers and children — tender figures created from LiDAR and merged together.
The figures are “reminiscent of the pietà — the iconic image of the Virgin Mary cradling the body of her child,” the gallery wall reads.
Ray doesn’t aim to offer tidy conclusions but instead prompts questions about care, labor and identity. The materials are industrial, even heavy, yet they’re arranged in compositions that feel intuitive and intimate.
“Through her work, Ray asks that everyone consider the possibilities of a postpartum aesthetic, and reflect broadly on the material manifestation of periods of change and transition in an evolving life,” according to Compound.
Just steps from the gallery floor, Compound’s open-concept café and garden courtyard offer a warm invitation to stay awhile.
Opposite Left Top: Fay Ray’s levitating pieces in Compound’s LAB. (Photo by Kat Schuster)
Opposite Right Bottom: Art from Fay Ray’s “Puerperal” exhibition, on display at Compound through Aug. 31.
Opposite Left Bottom: Near the café, small porcelain figures of mothers and children—formed through LiDAR scans and merged forms — offer a tender moment of reflection.
Above: Fay Ray’s “Puerperal” channels maternal energy through several mediums amid the property’s gallery spaces.
Fay Ray, For Knowing and Being, detail, 2025 in Fay Ray: Puerperal, Compound 2025. Photography by Atira Rodriguez.
A new lunch menu reflects the expanding identity of the campus as a third space — welcoming not only art fans but also remote workers and students. Guests are encouraged to grab a bite, bring a book or laptop, and spend a slow afternoon writing, reading or working between moments in the gallery.
The Grilled Cheese, golden and melty with a satisfying depth and crunch, offers a nostalgic indulgence. The protein rich Chicken Salad Sandwich plays well with the Kale Chop salad — a hearty blend of leafy greens, seeds and seasonal crunch. The Crispy Rice Salad adds texture and brightness, with herbs and citrus dressing waking up each taste bud.
Whether paired with a natural wine, or just a quiet hour of screenfree time, an afternoon at Compound feels like part of the exhibition itself — another way to absorb maternal wisdom and comfort.
Open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Zaferia District’s Compound is the place to bring your book, your work or your mother this month. “Puerperal” and the new café menu offer the perfect reason to linger.
The exhibition runs through Aug. 31.
Top: The Kale Chop is served with celery, apple, jicama, radish, grilled asparagus, pepitas and meyer lemon dressing.
Right: The Chicken Salad Sandwich, Crispy Rice Salad, Kale Chop, Grilled Cheese and Roasted Cauliflower bowl for lunch at Union..
Bottom: Union’s Roasted Cauliflower bowl is served chilled, tossed in tamarind dressing with shallots, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs and crispy onion.
The Newly Moderne
An Exhibit of Abstract Expressionism
By Donald Tiscareno
Preview Reception Saturday, May 24 from 12 P.M. to 4 P.M.
The Long Beach Playhouse Gallery 5021 Anaheim Street
Refreshments served. Parking in rear.
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Breakfast fit for A Queen
BERRY & LEMO N CURD DUTCH
Want to impress the special lady in your life this Mother’s Day? Treat her to a gourmet breakfast at home with a Dutch baby – a fluffy, oven-baked pancake featuring crispy edges, bursting with sweet blueberries and topped with luscious lemon curd.
The Blueberry & Lemon Curd Dutch Baby makes the perfect centerpiece for a Mother’s Day breakfast spread. This recipe is simple enough to get the kids involved in preparation, yet so decadent it will make your queen feel like royalty!
ARTICLE BY CHEF MELISSA RAMSAY
Blueberry & Lemon Curd Dutch Baby
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE DUTCH BABY:
• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
FOR THE LEMON CURD:
• Store bought Lemon Curd or your favorite lemon preserve
FOR SERVING:
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh blueberries
• Whipped cream (optional)
DIRECTIONS
PREPARE THE DUTCH BABY BATTER
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven to be heated up.
2. In a blender, combine eggs, milk, flour, sugar, vanilla, salt, cinnamon (if using) and lemon zest. Blend until smooth. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
3. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the butter, swirling to coat
4. Pour the batter into the skillet, then scatter blueberries on top.
BAKE THE DUTCH BABY
1. Place the skillet back in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until it’s puffed up and golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let it deflate slightly.
SERVE
1. Dust with powdered sugar and spoon lemon curd on top.
2. Garnish with fresh blueberries and serve immediately with whipped cream, if desired.
DSF Werks Fundraiser May 17th, 2 - 5 PM
Rev up for a cause!
Silent Auction, Raffle, DJ, Photo-ops, Food & Drinks @ SteelCraft Long Beach 3768 Long Beach Blvd.
DSF Werks is a 501(c)(3) non-profit here in Long Beach that offers paid apprenticeships in vehicle restoration and media arts to under-served youth.
Pit Stop at SteelCraft is a fundraiser to support local youth.
Learn more about DSF Werks at dsfwerks.org. Donate using code below.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings.
As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the superstitions
associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Hanging Florals
Florals and Fruit
Add an extra burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase to preserve their shape. Fill the surrounding space with water and then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
Flower Frogs
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 3RD
George Lopez: Why You Crying?
Long Beach Terrace Theater | 8:00 PM
Comedy legend George Lopez is bringing his Why You Crying tour to Long Beach! Known for his sharp wit and cultural commentary, Lopez continues to be one of the most influential voices in comedy.
MAY 10TH
Long Beach Symphony Pops: Electric Avenue: 80’s MTV Dance Party
Long Beach Arena | 7:30 PM
The ultimate 80’s celebration will have you singing and dancing to music by Kenny Loggins, Tears for Fears, the Police, The Cars, George Michael, Soft Cell, Simple Minds, Bryan Adams, Queen, Lionel Richie, Phil Collins and Bruce Springsteen. Doors open at 6 p.m. for indoor picnicking. Bring your baskets with food, sweets, libations and even costumes and table decorations.
MAY 11TH
Mother’s Day Picnic
Aquarium of the Pacific | 11:00 AM
Indulge in a unique Mother’s Day experience by enjoying a delicious meal served on the outdoor Veranda dining area with picturesque views of Rainbow Harbor. Explore the Aquarium and marvel at the magnificent ocean animals while creating cherished memories. All mothers will receive a complimentary mimosa or soft drink.
MAY 17TH
Long Beach Adaptive Sports Fair 2025 | Powered by Playmakers
Long Beach City College Sports Complex | 10:00 AM
This one-of-a-kind event welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities to experience the excitement and empowerment of adaptive sports. Get hands-on experience with a variety of adaptive sports, including basketball, baseball, boccia, dance and more! Expert coaches and volunteers will be there to ensure a fun and supportive environment for all participants.
MAY 24TH – 25TH
3rd Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival
Shoreline Aquatic Park | 12:00 PM
Celebrate National BBQ Month at the 3rd Annual Long Beach BBQ Festival, hosted by Axiom Kitchen and sponsored by NoahS’s Arc Foundation. The wildly popular food and music event returns for its third year with two days of incredible BBQ, live music and community fun!
MAY 31ST – JUNE 1ST
LAWineFest
Harry Bridges Memorial Park | 1:00 PM
The largest wine fest in the region celebrates its 20th anniversary at Harry Bridges Memorial Park, adjacent to The Queen Mary. Over the course of the two-day fest, guests will have the opportunity to sample from over 200 wines, craft brews and other refreshing beverages. The festival also serves up lifestyle boutiques, artisan vendors and more! (This event is strictly 21+)
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