Author Archives: LA Blogger Gal

Not Quite Wordless Wednesday: Sonoma Edition

Consider yourself warned…this is a long post, with photos.

Sonoma was fun. Sonoma was cold. Sonoma was rainy. Herbie was awesome! Really, that’s the trip right there. Fun, but cold and rainy with a great show. We didn’t get to do pretty much anything on our brief list of things to do – no cave tour, no fancy, delicious dinner since we ran out of time on Friday and they only do dinner on the weekends and we were flying out Saturday night. And the camera barely came out of my purse since it was so crappy out. Oh well.

Instead we hung out on the square for the first time. We tasted some chocolate at Wine Country Chocolates – and of course bought some champagne and zinfandel truffles (yum!). We enjoyed some wine with some cheese over at the Sonoma Wine Shop (OMG YUM!). We bought two bottles of wine (an unoaked ’07 Chard from Valley of the Moon and an awesome ’06 Miner Viognier from Simpson Vineyard) and took a ’04 Merlot from Millerick Road from backstage. We also bought some cheese from the cheese tasting – a Humbolt Fog from Cypress Grove Chevre and a killer dry Monterery Jack from Vella Cheese Company – both are absolutely delicious. And I did a little shopping at the outlet center before we left (hello new purse!). So not in the plan, but that rain, well, it messed us up a bit.

If you’re heading out to Sonoma, be sure to stop at the Sonoma Wine Shop – $5 tastings (good pours too and they really take the time to ask what you like) and $5 cheese tastings to go with your wine (and again, they really take the time to ask what you like and pair things up). Best $15 we spent – two wine tastings and some cheese. And again, it shares the courtyard with Wine Country Chocolates. What more could you ask for?!?

As for Herbie’s performance, it was awesome. Probably my favorite so far (and while I’m most definitely not a fan of jazz, I do see quite a few Herbie shows). I chose to sit in the audience instead of hanging backstage. Forty-five minutes or so and he was still only on the second song! It was great though to be in the middle of the audience when he played Rockit. He hasn’t played that song life in years (he said nearly 20, but I believe he’s played it somewhere else – non-US show – a few years back). We’re talking about the crowd just freaking out, jumping up out of their seats, dancing everywhere you looked. It was so cool. For a more musical review (by someone that likes and knows jazz), here you go.

And now for the photographic part of this Wednesday post. Too bad half the photos didn’t upload and dingdong me deleted them from the card already. Oh well, it’s not like I took many pictures to begin with (and it’s not like I won’t be seeing Herbie again…soon).

Writing up the setlist…

During sound check…

During Rockit…

Sex and the City

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I’m feeling a little crappy today (I really, really hope this doesn’t turn into anything), so instead of a deep post, I thought I’d share my SATC thoughts. Two things to keep in mind…one, I tend to get caught up in all the hype around certain movies and then just end up sadly disappointed and two, I finally got around to finishing up the entire SATC series just about this time last year.

So based on those two key factors, I’m actually avoiding ALL talk, write ups, reviews, interviews, you name it. I’m thinking that I’ll take myself to see it once we get back from the wedding in Jersey, so until then, I’ve got to do my best to avoid it all. Of course, my husband finds this amusing as I throw away whole sections of the local paper, turn the channel or radio station, and well, just walk away whenever I hear someone talking about the movie and the gossip.

It can happen. I managed to make it YEARS without ever knowing how the series ended (same with Six Feet Under and the Sopranos – and I’ll eventually get around to finishing up both of those). So I have faith that I can do this.

But why, why do they hype things up so damn much? Two weeks before the damn movie is even due out and there’s already talk everywhere; what they’re wearing, what the twist is, who did what, where can you get the same thing, blah, blah, blah. Please people, let me just watch the movie without having it ruined by everyone else’s impressions and thoughts. Don’t turn this into another Juno or Forrest Gump for me (both movies that I was so excited to see since everyone loved them, and was so sadly disappointed that they didn’t live up to the hype).

And now, I’m off to get my hair done….

I Guess I Should Post Something Already

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I figured that this weekend I was just going to embrace the whole three-day-weekend mentality. Needless to say, I’ve not done a whole lot of anything since returning home (I’ll write a Sonoma update tomorrow, though truth be told, not all too much happened).

Both yesterday and today I did a little bit of shopping. While there are some great sales out there this weekend, nothing really grabbed me but a couple of basic tees from Eddie Bauer. At least today I got to hang with a girlfriend while she shopped. Either way, crazy crowds reminding me why I usually do my shopping during the week.

On to the random thoughts:

* the pup has been doing nothing more than just lying about. I guess a couple of days at doggie sleepaway camp is some exhausting stuff.

* the cat hasn’t been doing much more than the pup, except in his case, he’s all about the snuggling.

* weather has been crazy. We went from cold and rainy in Northern Cali, to cold and gloomy here in LA. We had to use the heat yesterday it was so cold! This, after 95+ days just last week! What the hell?!?!

* I’m looking for some book suggestions. I’ve been pretty focused on reading business books lately, but right about now, I want something good and devourable. You know, something to get lost in for a day or two. Extra credit if I can get it at the library (though I do have some B&N money from a b’day gift I can cash in). I’m also looking for another book to get me through the cross-country flight and back next weekend. Any suggestions?

* I seem to be PMSy and coming down with something. I noticed last night that my throat seems to be hurting. I’m afraid it’s a post-nasal thing, in which case, with my past experiences, might turn into a sinus infection (if not yet, but the time we fly back from NJ next weekend). PMS and chocolate cravings don’t miss so well with the sore throat. Of course, that’s not stopping me 😉

Okay, off to snuggle with my boys. I’ll share some photos (barely took any) and some trip recaps tomorrow.

PS – Julianne Hough’s CD isn’t all that bad – in fact, it’s better than I had expected. How funny that I can just see some of her DWTS moves to the music.

Settling In in Petaluma

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It’s official, our long day is finally coming to a close. I feel like I had a gazillion errands to run today before even leaving to pick up the hubs for the airport. But here we are. Mind you, we called the hotel on the way to the airport to confirm the reservation (as we’re “with the band”) and there was no rez to be found. Our friend fixed that up by the time we got here.

So thanks to our “band” status and our Starwood membership we’re in the “preferred guest” floor. That of course means a fridge in the room – for our wine, no doubt – and our free bottle of water. I believe there’s also the breakfast and happy hour sort of stuff, but I doubt we’ll be up or around for any of that. Oooh and Bliss bath products…mandarin mint. Yummy!

Since we have the world’s smallest bathtub at home, I rarely get to indulge in baths. So you better believe that I packed some fun treats – salts, bubbles and bombs – and ran the bath as soon as we walked in the door! My husband of course just rolls his eyes and gets online. Go figure.

So while I was soaking in my hot, hot, nice and deep tub, the hubs thought it would be the perfect time to run to 7-11 to stock up on sodas and whatnot. I’m telling myself that there’s no need to be offended that he decided to walk out on me – LOL.

So tomorrow we have some wine tasting (of course!), band rehearsal, maybe a little shopping if I can swing it (there’s both a Coach and a Lane Bryant outlet here), and visit to one of our favorite restaurants. Should be a fun day (assuming rehearsal doesn’t go too long). If so, then I guess I won’t be sitting in the audience for the show, I’ll be backstage drinking the wine instead 😉 The hubs will be shooting, of course.

Okay, time to get off the computer. I told myself that I wouldn’t check emails or answer calls from unknown numbers (even managed to put vacation notices on both the email & the cell). More than likely, I won’t be posting again until Sunday.

Have a great weekend!!

PS – old photo from our last visit out this way since 1) it was already dark when we got here and 2) no computer to upload my photos (only the hub’s ‘puter)

Wordless Wednesday: The Winery Edition

Breakfast is For the Birds

The Best of Intentions

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Well, I woke with the best of intentions today. Unfortunately, that seemed to have included a brief little freak out session. You see, I still don’t have a logo just yet. My friend that was making it for me got caught up in other stuff and well, it looked like we were this close to running out of time. Lucky for me, setting some intentions this morning and going with the flow, it’s all working out.

I found another recommended online printing company that has a different printing schedule, a lower price for two sided post cards and is not only local (and allows me to pick up personally thus saving both time and money on shipping), but also has templates if I needed to go that route. The logos are looking so good though that I’m thinking I won’t be using a template. I might still need to tweak things a bit after LWL LIVE event on the 31st, but we’ve got time for that.

Next bit of drama…I realized that I never got around to adjusting my site’s logo for the video interview I did last week. I pulled up the file, but dammit if I couldn’t unlock the layers to get rid of all the unnecessary crap (why I didn’t have a pure, crapless version I have no idea – needless to say, I do now). Luckily, thanks to the Twitter World, I was able to post my plea and Rachael over at antithete.com came to my rescue. Crisis #2 averted!

Then it was on to my main plan for the day…to finally get my interview with Liza edited so I could get that up already. Poor gal, it’s taken me nearly six months to get on it since I kept putting it off. It’s a shame too because not only is the book great, but it’s a great interview as well.

I’m thinking now of editing two versions. One for the site, and a longer, less edited one for my own blog. I know it’s more work (kind of funny that I’m even considering it since I don’t seem to be much of a fan of the editing process), but I’d hate to see some good stuff get cut just so I could make it shorter and easier to listen to.

I had also planned to edit the Lauren & Emira interview from last week as well. Thing is, I just now finally sat down to start the editing and well, dammit if I didn’t completely forget how to use the damn software. So I’ll just have to have my husband walk me through it again (he’ll probably have me use Garage Band instead of Soundtrack Pro – which is probably why I don’t remember how to use Soundtrack Pro). So we all know what I’ll be doing tomorrow.

So yeah, we all know what they say about that road and those intentions…

PS – I just googled my name for the hell of it and lo’ and behold, the article I wrote for the LWL magazine was published this month. Nothing like finding out when the month is half over. Yeah, I’m that behind on my biz & blog reading.

Have you Checked Out Kirtsy Yet?

Must be Quick

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I’m heading out the door in a few minutes. Yes, you’re eyes are NOT deceiving you, it is indeed merely 8:00Am here in the hot San Fernando Valley. My widget tells me to expect 102 today. Yikes!

Well lucky for me, I’ll be out wine tasting in Temecula. Mmmmm….wine. It’s a shuttled trip with a friend from LWL. So basically, we can drink more than we might otherwise and know that we have at least a two hour commute (no traffic) until we get back in front of our cars. Should be fun.

I’m bringing my camera, so hopefully I can get some fun shots. Funny thing, I’ll be up in Sonoma in a few days for still more wine. Yum! You better believe that NO bottles of wine will be coming home with me (today).

And speaking of cameras…I went to the Crowded House show last night at the Orpheum. The Orpheum is one of LA’s art deco style theaters. Absolutely gorgeous. We actually hung out afterwards looking around and taking pictures. So woohoo, looks like I’ll have some fresh Wordless Wednesday material…finally.

The show was quite good as well. The guys were in great form playing off of each other and the audience. I did realize though, Crowded House is much like Toad the Wet Sprocket for me. I love them, and will always recognize their songs, but…I can rarely sing along since I like to listen to them while doing other things. They have great background noise and perfect for driving (not necessarily singing).

Okay, time to head out. Hope you guys have a great Saturday and those of you here in SoCal, stay cool!

It’s All Business Baby

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I was having a recent twitchat with some of my fellow biz friends and mentioned that I had a few book suggestions. I figured it would be easier to just write up a blog post about it, so here we go.

These are the books that have really grabbed me in one way or another:

The Boss of You by Lauren Bacon & Emira Mears – I just did a Skype interview with these two the other day. I’m about 2/3 of the way through the book and I have to say, I love it. They’ve got a lot of info about things we should consider about our business before getting started. They cover all the bases from your business plan, who your clients/customers are and how to reach them, networking, marketing, you name it. Good stuff and easy to read; just like chatting with friends. I’ll post the link to my interview once I edit it.

The E-Myth by Michael Gerber – This book came highly recommended by damn near everyone at SXSW the year I went. I actually drove out that night and picked it up. Heck, even with our partying and the conference, I think I finished it that weekend. Easy read and tons of good information about why many small businesses fail or just become overwhelming.

Awakening the Entrepreneur Within by Michael Gerber – I’m currently reading this one. I was part of a teleconference where Michael was talking about this new book and venture and it was very powerful. I’ve been dying to read it, but I keep telling myself that I’ll get more from it reading it straight through instead of bit by bit so I keep putting it off.

The Savvy Gal’s Guide to Online Networking by Diana K. Danielson – I stumbled upon this book somehow and thought it sounded like a fun topic. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I actually learned from it. It’s a super easy read, great to toss in the purse on the way to waiting somewhere. I really think you’ll learn a tip or too.

Small Time Operator: How to Start Your Own Business, Keep Your Books, Pay Your Taxes and Stay Out of Trouble by Bernard B. Kamoroff – This book was recommended to Lauren & Emira through the genius behind Sublime Stitching, Jenny Hart (heard her speak at SXSW in ’07 and I was blown away by what she and the other biz ladies had to say about being the boss and growing your business your way – here’s a link from that Boss Lady panel discussion). It’s rumored to be one helluva handbook and really touches upon the “what now” sort of issues around growth.

The Innovator’s Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book that Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M. Christensen – This book also came highly recommended (and I’ve yet to read it) from a business workshop I went to a month or so ago. Our “expert” took the time to bring it with him to show us so that we’d all take the time to read it. I hear there are some fascinating stories from many startups.

I’m also interested in checking out Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda. She’s got a real estate background and that’s certainly not me, but it still sounds interesting and useful when it comes to working on that branding thing.

I’ve also started poking around some twitter folks profiles and have found some interesting women in biz blogs and communities that I thought I’d share with y’all. Enjoy.

Divapreneur – this is a Ning community of women in business. First and foremost, what a fun name! They seem to have some fun women signed up and some interesting sub-communities. Might just be worth checking out.

Her Big Idea – these gals also have a podcast that might be worth checking out.

Ms. Biz – I had a lot of hope for this site, but I can’t exactly get past the cartoonish banner. It also seems very momprenuer friendly and they do have a blogroll if you want to find other biz bloggers (or twittergals)

Woman Tribune – this site seems more women-centric than biz women-centric, but it seems to be a pretty good community and gives me some ideas for my own community.

Women Bloggers – another blog ring sort of place where you can possibly find other women bloggers – some biz ladies, some moms, some a bit of everything mixed in.

It’s all a start and just some suggestions. Hope it helps you out as much as it’s helped me out.

My LA Blog

Life & Ramblings of an LA Blogger Gal