Palm Springs!!!

The hubby and I are on our way to Palm Springs!!!
We are celebrating our one year anniversary... which I know was a couple weeks ago... but we are busy people..

So, we are off for a fabulous weekend of massage, laying by the pool and happy hours!!!!

I hope you all have a great weekend!!! And I will see you in JUNE!!!!!

BuFest

Malibu will be hosting a music festival this weekend, the BuFest.
It sounds pretty fun!!!!
Saturday and Sunday from 11:15-9pm There will be music and good times!!!
Plus the Paramount Ranch is beautiful.

Heres some of the lineup:
Saturday:
Rock Nation
Adams Attic
Mozella
The Energy
David Baron

Sunday:
Reel Big Fish
Unwritten Law
The Elevators
From Jupiter
Noise Attack

Plus a ton more!!!

One of the cool things about this festival is that they are going to have a "zero impact" over the weekend, on the environment. They will be using biodegradable supplies, and generators that have the least carbon output. They also support the Cancer Hope Foundation.


Tickets are a bit expensive $35 for a single day, $50 for both... but just get a drink... relax... enjoy the music... and the fact that you are having a good time... and you are being good to the environment.

How to Make a Monster- The art and technology of animatronics

This exhibit sounds really cool.

The Muzeo in Anaheim is hosting: How to Make a Monster. It is an interactive exhibit, good for the whole family that gives you a behind the scenes look at how creatures in movies are made.

There are workshops lead by industry professionals, over 30 creatures to get up close with, and models and sketches. One of the cool things is you can control some of the puppets.

This sounds fun, and I am way older then a kid.

I am totally gonna take the trek down to Anaheim for this.
Tickets are very reasonable too...
Adults $13
Kids $9
plus, if you buy your tickets on their website they offer discounted rates.

This exhibit runs thru September 6 2009. You can find out all the details you need on their website.

Cool Globes!!!

Cool Globes is a traveling art show... with a heart.

50 Globes, made by 50 artists are traveling the country, and they are currently in Los Angeles at the
Exposition Park, Rose Garden thru July 23 2009.

The globes are all inspired by simple ideas to help the earth,
some of the themes are:
Plant a garden
Green communication
Water efficiency
Global Unity
Share a ride
and
Service your car.

There are many more globes on many more topics. From the pictures it looks very interesting, I can't wait to check it out.

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope everyone is having a great day. For those of you 9 to 5ers... I hope you are enjoying your three day weekend.

In honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to post a few pics, of some of the awesome places we have here in the good ol U.S. of A!!!!

Venice Beach, CA- where everyone is welcome, and I do mean everyone.


New York skyline, NY- The city that never sleeps


Lombard St. San Francisco, CA- Only in the U.S. would such a street exist.


Mount Rushmore, South Dakota- Giant patriotic art.


French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisana- Southern hospitality at its best, and the beignets are not too bad either.


Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming- The most celebrated National Park we have... and it smells bad!!!!

Valley Greek Festival!!!! Memorial Day Weekend

What are you doing this weekend? You're staying in town cause traveling on a holiday weekend is expensive? Yep... me too!!!!
I wanna go to a BBQ, spend some time outside, and I def want to go to The Valley Greek Festival.

It sounds yummy!!!! I LOVE GREEK FOOD!!!!!! Hummus, pita, olives, chicken on sticks, baklava, spanakopita and...gyros!!! Bring it!!!




The Valley Greek Festival has all this and more, and a huge bonus, its FREE... the food is going to cost you, but to get in is FREE!!!!!
How awesome is that?

Plus there is more..
There will be Greek music playing all day. There will be dancers, church tours, cooking demonstrations and prizes.

So, why not go. Its at the St. Nicholas church in Northridge. Go, have lunch, learn something about another culture, unless you are Greek and then go and have fun with your peeps.

Man... just talking about this makes me really want a baklava.... I think I might go find me some.

HAVE A GREAT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!!!!

El Bar!!!!

Last night I met some friends at El Bar.
I like it.

El Bar took over the space, when Casting Office changed locations.
Its a nice bar, yes it is in a strip mall... but the whole strip mall received a face lift about a year ago, and the bar is quite snazzy.
The inside is dark, and has textured booths along one wall, while the other has a long bar with a boars head above it. Not a huge fan of the boar, but it adds to the atmosphere I guess.

They have wonderful signature drinks.

I tried their Mojito and it was tasty. I tried a friends Lychee Martini, and was shocked by how yummy it was. Drinks are average Los Angeles prices, about $8-$11 depending. They have a menu for the restaurant next door, so you can have food delivered to you. We didn't get the opportunity to order much, as we didn't know but they were hosting a party for the premiere of the new TV show Glee, and it was blaring...we left shortly after the episode started airing. We tried to stay and tough it out... but we kept getting looks when we had to shout at the person sitting next to us in order to have a conversation.

I will go back, and own the bar. Its one of the nicer, more upscale bars in the valley... yet it doesnt seem to have the attitude of the normal "swanky Hollywood bar."

Whales need love too!!!!

Hey,

So, I came across this awesome sight that combines two things we humans love.

1. Whales
2. Taking pictures of ourselves and putting them on the internet.

Basically, this site Tails for Whales allows you combine your passions. This is how it works, you send a pic in like this:

PICTURE TO COME!!!!
See... see how I am making a whale tail with my arms? Get it? Tails for Whales... okay you do, moving on.

Okay, so you take a picture of yourself making a whales tail.
You send it to the site, once they gather enough they make a book of pictures of people across the world making whales tails. While they are gathering pictures for books to publish and put on government desks, your photo is becoming a part of a "worldwide people power movement." Your photo could be published on their website, as well as commercials, and news segments. See... one person can make a difference.

Another cool thing about the site is, that they have a link on other ways to do good. Thats nice, I like that.

Etsy... my second love.

While trying to stick to a budget, yet trying to get things for the wedding that we really liked and felt represented us... I remembered my old friend.

Etsy.com

Etsy, is an awesome website, that works in the way Ebay works. Individuals can put up goods for sale, except everything is made by the sellers, and they don't have auctions... you just buy. Their tag line is this: Your place to buy and sell all things handmade. Excellent.

I cannot tell you how much I would buy if I had the money. I would seriously have a habit... a serious one. I love love love Etsy. I have gotten tons of cool gifts for people, jewelry for myself, handmade soaps, and hats.

Etsy is the place Eddie and I went to get our wedding bands. We wanted something economical in price, but rockin at the same time. So, I dug a little on Etsy, and came across Studiometalssmiths Shop. We got our wedding bands in the hammered finish. Studiometalssmith, is Kathleen Bosticks, shop and she is lovely to work with, super accommodating and fast. If you are looking for interesting jewelry I would totally take a look at her shop.

I have bought at tons of shops.. so today I will only talk about one more... but they all rock, and you have to give Etsy a gander. I swear you will be hooked.

One other shop that is great is Posh Totty Designz.
Yes, another accessories shop... but this one is different, along with the amazing jewelry the make... they make cuff links!!!!

For an early wedding gift I wanted to get the Hubby interesting cuff links. I wanted to get him cuff links that were Jim Henson inspired...since he is way into puppetry. I looked at tons of cuff links sites and nothing... mostly basic, or lame themed cuff links. So I went on Etsy and looked up the word "Kermit" I came across Posh Totty, and they had a set of Kermit earrings... and I asked if she could turn them into cuff links... and she did!!!!! Again, super fast, super accommodating.

Pace- Canyon dining at its best.

Have you ever been to Pace?
(pronounced Pa Che, as in Che Guevara the revolutionist.)

If not you are missing out. The whole idea of the restaurant is to be as organic and natural as possible while keeping that fine dining italian food experience. Its very good, and good to the environment. Many of the ingredients are bought from local farmers markets, which are shopped twice a week to make sure everything is as fresh as possible. The meat used has no hormones in it. The water is served to you in reusable glass bottles.

The hubby and I have been wanting to go here for a couple of years, and just haven't. We have no real reason, its a little expensive with entrees averaging $22-$25, but not outrageous. I ordered an amazing chicken dish, and the hubby got the Swordfish... both plates were clean when we were done. We were both happy with our dishes. We also ordered the warm chocolate cake... one of the best decisions we have made in a long time. If you go here YOU HAVE TO ORDER THIS DESSERT!!!!!

Pace, is charming. Its tucked away in a hill, under a tiny little Hollywood Hills market (that has a wonderful deli counter, that makes great sandwiches by the way) off of Laurel Canyon. We sat out in the patio with candles and open windows. It was lovely. The place is a bit rustic, there are peace signs etched in windows, and on candle votives, each table has a natural colored paper on it, and crayons!!!! How fun is that... I dont think I have ever seen crayons on the table of a non chain restaurant... don't get me wrong I love me some Red Robin... but I typically stay away from chains when going out.

Pace is awesome, I can't say enough nice things about it. So, if you want to go out for a nice meal, head up to the hills.

I did almost forget to mention that we went to celebrate our one year of wedding bliss.

Its My Anniversary!!!

May 17 2008...
Its an important date to me and the hubby.

We got married that date, in Burbank, with a ton of friends and family.
I loved my wedding... and since I am still a newlywed.... I am going to make this weeks posts Wedding centric... to share with you some of the awesome things we experienced in getting our wedding put together!!!!

But for this post, I will share some pics with you!!!! These pics are some that were taken in the photobooth we rented. Do this for a party... if you ever have the chance, it was super popular at the wedding... Everyone let loose in there!!! It was amazing.

You may be sick of seeing and hearing about the wedding... but come on... Its my blog... and I will do what I want!!!!!


So... until later.... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to me!!!!!!

Have a great weekend!!!!

The Worlds Smallest Ren Faire!!!!

Looking for something to do this weekend?

How about checking out The Worlds Smallest Renaissance Faire in North Hollywood?
Its tomorrow, May 16th at The Avery Schreiber Theater.

Tickets are $10, kids under 7 are free!!!!

It sounds fun, heres some of the stuff thats going on:

Performances:
Sirs Snapper and Buddy- Tasteful bawdy music and comedy. (Im not sure how something can be tasteful and bawdy, but I am definitely intrigued).

Los Ninos de la Tierra- Marionette theatre group.

Shakespeare Idol- actors on stage get judged... (I like it).

Academy of European Fighting Arts- live combat demonstration

Belly Dancing- Celeste a very sought after Belly Dancer will be performing

This is just a small list of perfomances there are many more.
And...
there will be Games!!!

Worlds Smallest Javelin Throw
Tug of War
The Worlds Smallest Boulder Toss
and more.

Plus, these other activities:

Tarot Readings,
Worlds Smallest Petting zoo (with a real bearded dragon)
Face Painting,
Worlds Smallest Round Table


Plus things for sale!!!! puppets, jewelry, artwork....


So now you don't have to drive East on the 210, deal with parking, and then walk a long way into the faire once you do park!!!!
this is a win win situation!!!


Heres a video... watch out for the giant... super scary!!!

Today is Top Gun Day.

Its simple really...sort of like Talk like a Pirate Day!!!

Here are ways to participate:
1. Make your Facebook or Myspace picture something Top Gun related

2. Quote the movie as many times as possible

3. Download the Top Gun game if you have an iPhone or iTouch

Here is the website from the creators of Top Gun Day.

The guys behind today are also on Facebook, and Twitter so you can keep up with all of their shenanigans.

Oh, and I like Val much better then Tom... so you get his hottie black and white still.


Heres Top Gun on Ice...
Enjoy.

Art Party!!!

Forth Magazine will be hosting a Paint, Wine and Cheese party this Friday!.
The event is free, and everyone is welcome.
There will be music, and drinks, you can draw on a collaborative Drawing wall, you can even get painted!!!!

Forth Magazine will provide all the stuff you need to express yourself through art, plus the wine and cheese!
All you need to bring is yourself and some pals!!!!!

This event is hosted every First and Third Weekend.
This weeks party will be at:

Paintlab
2912 Main St.
Santa Monica

From 6pm-10pm

Go, have fun, make something special!

P.S. - Paintlab, is a pretty cool space.
They are a walk-in art studio that provides everything you need to create something great.
Check out their website for upcoming events.

UPDATE on Angel City Drive In

Here is the info I posted before, about this awesome event/business.

To give you a brief overview for those of you who might be a bit lazy and do not want to click on the above link.
Angel City Drive in is a drive in, that moves. They do not have a permanent residence, so they work with local vendors and you get to see a movie in a really cool location. All the info is on the link including prices and locations.


Well,
They have updated their summer schedule, and I wanted to post it.

GATES 7:00P SHOW 8:30P
May 23 - Ferris Bueller's Day Off (Family friendly night - kids 12&under $5)

Gates 7:30p SHOW 9:00P
June 13 - Priscilla Queen of the Desert - Co-promoted by Wig Out
June 27 - Bottle Rocket
July 11 - Wild at Heart

Gates 7:00p SHOW 8:30P
July 25 - Bugsy Malone - (Family friendly night - kids 12&under $5)
August 8 - Secretary
August 22- Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Gates 6:30p SHOW 8:00P
September 12 - Clue
September 26 - Bringing Up Baby (Family friendly night - kids 12&under $5)

You can get ticket info on the website.

Mothers Day Weekend

Tomorrow is Mothers Day!!!!!
Here are some things to enjoy, and think about!!!!

Take your mama out!!!!!!
If you are not in the same city, send her some flowers.
Just show her some LOVE!!!!!!





This is one is pretty hilarious:



And the Holy Grail of all Mothers Day videos:



HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

Desert Rose is yummy!!!!

Okay so yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting my friend Maria for lunch in Los Feliz.

We met at a really cute place called the Desert Rose Restaurant.
One of the things that made us want to come here was this giant glass rose they have going up the front of their building. I have passed it many times, and always thought it looked cute.

The Desert Rose has a great outdoor patio with fountains, and umbrellas. There are a lot of tables both indoors and out, so if there was a wait, I would assume it wouldnt take to long to get a table. We sat outside, and it was a little warm. I really wanted something to drink that was refreshing. I highly recommend the Ginger Mojito. Super yummy!!!!! It hit the spot.

They have a great drink menu, with a lot of wine, and specialty cocktails which I cannot wait to try. There food menu is great too, lots of interesting choices.

We both tried to be good, and got great salads, but we weren't all good... we shared a warm brie cheese, crackers and fruit tray. It was delicious.

If you are looking for a new place to try for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this place is a good one. They also have happy hour M-F 5pm-7pm. Good deals!!!!

Bikes, bikes, bikes and more... silly hats?

Atomic Cycles, a bike repair shop that can fix, paint, cutomize your bike, and they sell vintage bikes will be hosting
their Chopper Cabras 8th Annual Spring Thing, The Silly Hat Ride.

What is this you ask? Total and utter mayhem... filled with good times, and bicycles.

The event starts at noon, on Sunday May 31st, be there by noon or you will miss good times, and you should bring your own bike, and a silly hat. Now come on do not be afraid to wear a silly hat, there will hundreds of people standing next to you wearing silly hats.


Here is a list of whats gonna go down:

Super big figure 8 race:
A lot of small bikes trying to do 15 laps on a figure 8 circuit, all at once.

Pedal n' Puke race:
16" tall bikes, groups of 3 race to one end, get off their bikes do 5 spins with their heads on poles, the goal is to be the first to do 3 laps.

The Big, Bigger, Biggest Battle Royale:
This one is quick and dirty. 20 tall bikes will be in a ring of death. Each rider will have foam weapons.

The Demolition Derby:
This one will hurt. 12 bikes will have metal rams on the front of their bikes, no rules, just win.

after all these events, there will be a bike ride.



The ride will be a leisurely pace, with hundreds of riders riding the streets of North Hollywood. The idea is to sort of have a bike crawl. But, playing it safe is the goal.

When the ride is done, you will be back at Atomic Cycles for a bbq. A FREE bbq.


All of the events besides the ride are volunteer events, you need to sign up before the day of. Check out the website, and click on the flier for more info, and rules and what not.

This really sounds fun. I am so sad I will be outta town that weekend. I mean can you picture it... all these macho people riding tiny little bikes in figure 8's...with collisions happening left and right? Hilarious!!!!!!

I am very sad I cannot make this event!!!!!! Please go, have some laughs, ride a bike and have some bbq.

Wine, Jazz & Moonlight

Tuesday evenings beginning June 2nd, Hollywood and Highland hosts their 6th annual Wine, Jazz and Moonlight Series.

I've never been, but I plan on attending several of these this summer.
Attending the evening is free.
It is hosted in the Central Courtyard of the Hollywood and Highland complex, from 7pm-9pm.
For a $10 donation you get two glasses of wine and cheese and crackers. You can also dine at one of the many restaurants
in the Hollywood and Highland complex, I mean what's classier then Wine, Jazz and a soft pretzel dipped in cheese? I'm being sarcastic.... but I love me a soft pretzel.

But really, the $10 goes to Project Angel Food. It's a good cause, the organization's mission is to nourish the mind and body of men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS, Cancer and other diseases.
Even I would skip the pretzel and go for the wine and cheese. Check out the Project Angel Food website they have many other things going on, auctions, comedy nights at the Improv (great comedy club if you have never been, one of the best in the city), ways to volunteer or donate money or time.

The website Wine, Jazz and Moonlight Series, does not have it's line up yet, but you can bet with a cosponser like KJAZZ 88.1, its gonna be good.

The Hollywood Bowl is back for its 2009 season!!!!

This past weekend The Hollywood Bowl opened their doors (and website) for ticket sales for this season.

They have an amazing line up this year.

Heres some of the ones I am totally down for going to:

June 21- Femi Kuti and the Positive Force, Santigold, Raphael Saadiq
June 26- Aretha Franklin
June 28- Adele, Etta James and the Roots Band, Jenelle Monae

July 7- Death Cab for Cutie with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Tegan and Sara, The New Pornographers
July 12- Ray LaMontagne with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Jenny Lewis, Blitzen Trapper

August 9- Reggae Night VIII
August 19- Pattie LaBelle
August 28/29- An Evening with Liza Minelli (now this is my wild card choice, this could be a really awesome performance)

September 24- Beastie Boys (ALREADY GOT MY TICKETS!!!!!)

A few of the Leased events, which means you can't bring in your own alcohol.

June 30- Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood
July 13- Incubus
August 16/17- Depeche Mode

Heres some videos from some of the above artists:

Santigold:



Adele:



Blitzen Trapper:



Liza Minelli:



If you have never been to the bowl, then you really should go this year. It is so much fun, you can bring your own food and drinks, glass bottles are okay. You sit in a beautiful setting, under the stars and you listen to great music.

I have only listed a few of the shows they are having... they have a ton more, music for every taste.

Last year I was lucky enough to see Diana Ross perform. It was amazing!!!!!!! The woman had about 5 costume changes every change more glamorous then the previous. She can sing!!!! Sisters still got it.

Go, pick a classic, an amazing talent take a bottle of wine, some cheese and fruit... and you have a perfect evening.

Funny Funny Website.

A good friend of mine, has a lot of free time at work. He kills that time by finding funny sites.

He sent the link to me a while ago, and I have been checking it regularly since.

It kills me.

Texts From Last Night, check it out.
I think the title of the site is pretty self explanatory, but to make this entry longer I will explain!

Basically, people can anonymously send in to the site, the texts they either sent or recieved, just include your area code.
There are some pretty funny texts on here. Taken out of context texts are pretty funny.


a couple examples:

(206) I am dying of drunk and no thats not a typo.

(516) If you text me again I will gut all your stuffed animals.

(916) I think I just saw a monkey walking a drunk guy.

(513) Dude someone changed all the contacts in my phone to I like eggs.

(631) Skipping work because i'm still too drunk from last night still. got home
at midnight and passed out in front of my door for 2 hours bc i couldn't find my key
(631) had to call my roomate to let us in. Passed out in my dress and found
the key on my hair tie-in my hair- just now.

So... they can get pretty funny, some are a bit dirty. Def an 18 an older kinda site. But its good times.

It makes ME laugh out loud.

Super Yummy food with a conscience!

Cafe Carolina, in Encino is great.
Its a tiny little place that serves scrumptious Italian food.
Cafe Carolina probably only about 10 to 12 tables. You definitely want to call and get reservations, just in case.

The food is great.
I ordered the Penne Sorrentina.... yummy, a marina with fresh mozzarella.
The hubby ordered Strozzapreti, a gnocchi dish with Ricotta and spinach.

For dessert we had an amazing:
Vesuvio al Cioccolato- Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse...now come on people... TRIPLE LAYER CHOCOLATE MOUSSE!!!!!

But...

I have not mentioned the best part... they do not serve alcohol, so they allow you to bring your own bottles of wine. They do have a $3 corking fee... but you get to bring your own wine!!!!!! This means you can bring in your 2 buck chuck, or some fancy schmancy wine you got from your wine club!!!!!!

The Chef is formerly of Il Fornaio and Prego. So he comes with experience. He wanted something a little more low key, to spend more time with his family, yet wanted a place to bring authentic italian food.

This is definitely a local kinda place, it has the local vibe. Cafe Carolina also uses locally grown ingredients and tries to stay organic, with several vegetarian options. Cafe Carolina is made to serve accommodate, they have no problems substituting and they offer tofu when they have fresh tofu available. I like that in a restaurant, cause I'm a picky eater, and I know what I like. I like Cafe Carolina.

Free Iced Coffee at Coffee Bean!!!!!!

Thats right, Coffee Bean is giving away free 12 oz. iced coffee at all of their California and Arizona locations.
This Thursday May 7th from 4pm-8pm go in and get a coffee on the house!

Another plus, is that for every iced coffee that Coffee Bean gives away they will donate $0.25 to the nonprofit organization
Big Sunday.

So by going into a Coffee Bean, and getting a FREE coffee... you are doing good for the community around you!
This is a win win situation.

A whole day to celebrate Beer, Americas Foundation!

Craft Beer Fest L.A. is coming!!!!!
May 9th from 2pm-9pm
at the Echoplex in Los Angeles, near downtown.

Tickets are $30 BUT....and this is a big BUT

it covers:
Beer
Food
Brewery Roundtables and
Live Music


PLUS:

Proceeds benefit 826LA... a great organization for kids I have mentioned in previous posts.
It is a tutoring and writing program with two locations, Echo Park and West LA.

Okay...the $30... it goes a long way!!!! So... for those of you with a passion for beer, should really go!!! Get out, check it out!!! have some beer, let these beer artists teach you about a beer you've never tried.

There will be 26 handcrafted beers, with chefs giving out beer pairings; nuts, cheese and vegan snacks.
Word is there will also be beer flavored desserts like ale cupcakes and stout ice cream.

IF YOU LOVE BEER THEN YOU ARE GONNA MISS OUT IF YOU DO NOT GO TO THIS!!!!!!