TYR Query
Shari Beaubien
Shari Beaubien was born in a small town in Michigan and got the heck-outta-Dodge (as she puts it) as soon as possible. Shari moved to California at age 19 and never looked back. She dreamed of pursuing a creative life and has worked really hard to make that dream a reality. It was the best thing she ever did!!
Shari’s award-winning artwork has been featured in galleries, juried competitions and art fairs across the country. Her imaginative artwork is whimsical, hopeful, and straight-from-the-heart. I love her elephants, so sweet and charming – the perfect choice for a child’s room!
Shari shares her home with the love of her life, her husband Steve. Together they have three incredible kids: Montgomery, Audrey, and Bentley (Persian, Himalayan, and Welsh Corgi, respectively.) During her free time you can find Shari shopping at the Rose Bowl flea market or drinking Margarita’s with friends!
To learn more, please visit Shari’s website: http://www.sharibeaubien.com and her blog: http://www.sharibeaubien.typepad.com/. She also welcomes your emails at .
Your favorite place in LA to have a cocktail?
I just discovered the Pagoda Bar at Yamashiro. It's this incredible little outdoor oasis tucked into the hills below the main restaurant. In the evening, the ambiance is simply magical. Plus, they have movie night, fleece blankets, and s'mores! What more could a girl ask for?
Your favorite LA place for bargain shopping?
As an artist, I tend to be fairly mall-phobic. Instead, I gravitate toward unique, one-of-a-kind handmade items. For this reason, I really enjoy shopping for jewelry, clothing, and artwork at any of the numerous outdoor art fairs the city has to offer. You can bring home some really incredible, artsy finds for much less than you'd pay at a gallery or boutique. My favorite art fairs to date are the Calabasas Fine Arts Festival, the Thousand Oaks ArtWalk, and Unique Los Angeles.
You could change one thing about LA - what would it be?
I would love to get rid of the congestion - traffic, noise, people, etc. There is just too much of all of it. But then again, I guess that's what gives LA its buzz of excitement. I'm not sure it would be the same city without the congestion? Still, it would be nice to get across town in 20 minutes versus an hour and fifteen!
You’ve always wanted to go to this LA spot – but just haven’t made it there yet?
I'm not sure if this really counts as a part of LA, but I've always wanted to go to Catalina. It sounds like such a terrific mini-getaway. In particular, I'd like to see the bison, go hiking along one of the numerous trails (perhaps the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden Trail), and take an ocean tour in either a submarine or glass bottom boat. I'll get there one day!
Your favorite LA extravagance?
Sprinkles cupcakes in Beverly Hills! They most certainly qualify as an extravagance, but the folks at Sprinkles have such a commitment to using superior, all-natural ingredients that the taste is worth the drive and price.
Your favorite neighborhood haunt?
Beyond a doubt, my favorite neighborhood haunt is Hacienda Don Cucos Mexican Restaurant in Canyon Country. The staff all know us and they never cease to warmly welcome us as family. The food is superb and the margaritas are to die for. (Try the Carlitos Way margarita, and don't forget the guacamole!) A visit to Don Cucos on Friday night is hands down my favorite way to get the weekend started right.
Your favorite local getaway?
I'm sure I'm not alone when I say Vegas, of course! I just ADORE everything about that city, and I don't even gamble! There is certainly something for everyone there. However, when my husband and I are looking for a getaway that's a bit more relaxing, we head up the coast to Avila Beach. They have some wonderful mineral spas up there, plus terrific jogging/biking trails which lead right to the ocean. It's extremely rejuvenating.
Your favorite place for cheap eats?
I'll be the first to admit that I'm a foodie, so this is a tough question for me. "Cheap eats" conjures up visions of Taco Bell and McDonalds in my mind and I'm sure no one wants to hear me recommend those places. So instead of cheap eats, I'd like to share with you a spot I recently stumbled upon where the food is of truly EXCELLENT quality and the price is more than reasonable. This unassuming, unpretentious little spot is called Aroma Coffee and Tea and it's located in the heart of Studio City. Most of the seating is outside. Guests order at the counter and the staff delivers your selection with lightening speed. The restaurant is pet-friendly and PACKED, but they handle the volume well. And the best part? The food, of course! They serve dishes like a lobster club, a crab cake sandwich, and a Kobe bleu burger - all for under $14. That's a great deal, if you ask me!
You always take out of town guests to this spot?
Our out of town guests seem to really enjoy doing something this city is famous for - seeing a real “live” movie studio! My husband works for Warner Bros., so we like to take them to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and then possibly a taping of a show like "Ellen," if they are interested. For folks who have never seen a working set, this experience proves to be both entertaining and informative. Our visiting friends and family usually rate their day at the studios as the high point of their time spent in SoCal (next to seeing us, of course!).
You're most connected to this charity or your last volunteer experience?
I'm most connected to the Circle of Care Foundation and the various charities they support. This year, I was honored to participate in their Dreams on Canvas art show, their Annual Luncheon & Boutique, and the Leeza's Place Boutique for a Cause. At each event, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of my artwork went to help fund their various programs. I feel blessed to have made this connection and look forward to many more joint endeavors.