Category Archives: LA fun

Sassy City Chicks L.A. Fashion Bash

Sassy City Chicks Spring LA Fashion Bash Ticket Giveaway

Did Someone Say Shopping?

Well what about major designers such as Nanette Lepore, Diane von Furstenburg, Marc Jacobs, Dior, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Juicy Couture, D&G, Norma Kamali, Tory Burch, and so much more at massive discounts? They’ve got it all from designer name-brand jeans, jewelry, clothing, handbags, makeup and much more and we’re talking up to 80% off here!

Did I mention that they also have complimentary spa services, cocktails and goody bags for the VIPs (and anyone can purchase a VIP ticket)?

And of course, there’s the “Chevy Lounge,” which will include a designer trunk show, hot cars and the opportunity to participate in a Chevy “Ride & Drive” preview test drive or stylish ride-alongs before and during the event. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of that Equinox!

What: The Sassy City Chicks LA Fashion Bash will bring casual weekend “Sample Sale” shopping to a hip weeknight happening. In addition to offering an always stunning array of designer duds at reduced prices, Sassy City Chicks will introduce a special shopping bonus to this event with the Chevy Lounge, a shopper’s sanctuary featuring a designer trunk show, hot cars and the opportunity to participate in a Chevy “Ride & Drive” preview test drive or stylish ride-along before and during the event. With great cars, and 30-80% off stylish spring looks, this is a bash you won’t want to miss!

When: Thursday, April 22^ndfrom 5:30-10 p.m

Where: Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

How to get your hands on tickets: Click here to buy tickets directly OR better yet, enter to win one of 10 pairs of VIP tickets directly from Sassy City Chicks.

To Enter: send an email directly to the Sassy City Chicks with the subject “LA BLogger Gal” to enter for your chance to win.

Good luck and maybe I’ll see you there!

For More Information about the Sassy City Chicks Spring Fashion Bash, visit their website.

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Living the Tranquilista Lifestyle: The Artist Date

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As part of the Tranquilista Lifestyle course I’m taking, we had the assignment to plan a solo artist date. It could be anywhere (even your own home) that either inspires creativity or is just, well, artistic. For some of the ladies in my group, that meant browsing in a bookstore, gathering new art supplies, taking time to actually be creative, going to a movie, writing in their journals or spending time outside in nature just soaking it all in. So basically, anywhere where you can be inspired for about an hour or so.

I chose to visit a local museum.

I’ve lived in LA for nearly 8 years now. Many of those years, I either drive by the Autry (or as I call it, “the cowboy museum” – which by the way, turns out isn’t a very accurate description at all), the Norton Simon, the Getty or LACMA. I’ve been to both the Getty (the building itself is absolutely amazing!) and the Autry, so I decided to try something new. I’ve always wondered about the Norton Simon, so that’s where I headed.

I knew nothing about the Norton except where it was located. I headed out around noon figuring I’d get in an hour or so and maybe check out the visiting Divine Demons: Wrathful Deities of Buddhist Art exhibition. Turns out, I never did get around to seeing that exhibit. Actually, I never made it to the other half of the museum (the American side…not really a fan of early American art).

The first thing I noticed when I walked up to the museum were the statues…Rodin statues at that. Then inside, you see a Henry Moore. When you start on the gallery to the left, you are overwhelmed by the Degas statues. I mean TONS of Degas statues, resting throughout. There were also a few Degas oil paintings, pastels, etc.; who knew he was such a dabbler. I sure didn’t. I’ve always loved his ballerina works so I was in heaven.

I should say here that I happen to love, love, love impressionism (and I’m also a fan of some cubism when you get down to it – not that I’d ever see myself owning anything that modern and funky, but I digress). One of my fondest memories of art (in this case, Monet), was seeing one of his water lily paintings for the first time (I think I was at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, but I could be wrong). Being able to see a Monet up close, and then step back to see the image is just amazing.

My mind doesn’t work that creatively, so I can’t even begin to imagine how someone can paint nothing but dots at close range that later turn into a larger image when you just step back a few steps. Just wow. So being in that front room surrounded by works by Degas, Renoir, van Gogh, Pissaro, Cezanne, and so much more. I just loved it.

And I loved how at the Norton, all the paintings are covered by glass (a glass that you can barely see) and you can not only get right up close to it without setting off any sort of sensors (unlike other museums I’ve been to), but you can also take photos. I can’t recommend this place enough. Especially when you get outside and view the sculpture garden. Again, just beautiful.

I’m going to stop here for fear of this getting to be far too long of a post (especially with all my photos). But let’s just say that my artist date didn’t stop at the Norton Simon on Friday…it continued through the entire weekend (but that’s a future post).

To see more photos from the museum, feel free to check out my Flickr set.

One of my favorite pieces - a Degas pastel. It's actually made up of six pieces of paper to give more space and allow for "movement".

Some of the many Degas bronzes. But see that Monet right there in the middle? That's my favorite!

I wish I'd paid closer attention to the artist here - I just loved the couple.

And who does love lotus blossoms

This little girl was sure enamored of them

This Henry Moore reminded me of what I must've looked like when I fell the the other day - though I wasn't naked!

Finished my official artist date with lunch at the local Le Cordon Bleu student-run cafe

Here’s a teaser from my Sunday night.

Herbie having a casual conversation alongside his many awards.

I took this photo towards the end of the night when a few folks were still hanging about. I loved this shot because he was just casually leaning against his collection of awards having a totally casual conversation with his piano guy, Pierre (he’s French…and single…and funny as hell!)

Hanging Out at the Game With the Gang From Carls Jr.

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I haven’t been to a hockey game in a long, long, long time – no really, last game I went to, I was still living in Atlanta. So when I was asked if I wanted to watch the game from the Carl’s Jr suite this past Saturday night, you just know I had to say yes! So I called up one of my friends (and a HUGE hockey fan) and asked if she’d be up for watching the game from the suite.

Hello…we got to hang out with the Carl’s Jr. Star!

I cropped this photo, but just to the left, in the next suite over, you should see all the pointing and funny looks we were all getting from wearing our Slankets and hanging out with a giant, walking star. And we all had to pose with our good friend…in our Slankets. Now I have been lucky enough to hang out with Mr. Star twice now.

In the end, it turns out my friend would have more than likely been watching the game from another suite that night anyway, but we of course, had a MUCH better time. in our suite And we got some fun swag.

Of course, since I left my sickly husband back at home, I made sure to pick up a coupon or two for him. What can I say, I’m that kind of wife…you know, the kind that didn’t even think to invite him along. 😉

It might have been very boring game (and it was), but we had one helluva good time laughing and having fun. Thanks to everyone at Carl’s Jr.

Dermalogica & Clarisonic Unite: Free Micro-Zone at Dermalogica in Santa Monica

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Who wants a free Micro-Zone treatment at Dermalogica on Thursday, March 11th in Santa Monica? I know I do!

When I was invited to the reopening of the Santa Monica Dermalogica last October, I really didn’t know what to expect. That said, I’ve been back three times since.

I love, love, love their Micro-Zone treatments. It’s a quickie (twenty minute) facial targeting just what you need to target. For me that used to be acne and extractions. For my girlfriend, it was this amazing, super-sensitive, cooling treatment that did something amazing to the redness that her face is prone to. They have specific treatments or you can just let the ladies that work there work their magic.

This time around, the Dermalogica gang are uniting with Clarisonic to get rid of the pollution that you mucks up your complexion here in LA. I have heard some amazing things about the Clarisonic and you know I love me some Dermalogic (if you haven’t yet tried it, be sure to pick up their Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover).

Lucky you, they let me invite you all!! Just RSVP to to [email protected] and I hope to see you there*!

Dermalogica Spa
1022 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 260-8682
dermalogicaonmontana.com

PS – I know the image muddles on over into my sidebar there, but I wanted to make sure you had all the info to participate, so I kept it large. I’m sure you’ll forgive me 😉

*I’m not 100% certain that I’ll be able t attend this time around as I’m hosting a networking dinner in Woodland Hills later that night and well, I’m just not sure an hour to get from Santa Monica to Woodland Hills in the middle of rush hour is just possible.

On Location: 24 and My Local Macy’s

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One of the cool things about living in the metro LA area is all the random filming that’s done around town. Where I live there’s actually quite a bit. We’ve seen Family Jewels, CSI, The Closer, The Mentalist, Saving Grace, Super Bad and quite a few other things I either don’t recall or never got around to asking about.

Imagine my surprise when I headed to my local Macy’s today trying to track down a t-shirt that I knew was on sale and I saw this…

Complete with a fake coffee bar (love how the cups are already waiting on the tables)…

It all made for some interesting shopping since they had cable, lights and equipment everywhere. I’m figuring that they’ll be doing some chasing through the plus department there on the right of the coffee shop since that’s where most of the mess was. Made it challenging to find my bargains (but I did succeed – saved $147 & spent only $45). There’s also a few baby strollers stuffed behind the coffee counter, so I’m thinking there’ll be “moms” hanging out drinking their coffee.

And totally unrelated, but the other night we were poking around on the Private Practice sound stage. I didn’t bother taking any photos since it was mostly just hospital stuff (beds, nurses station, hallways). Violet’s house was there as well, but it’s not something you would have recognized from a photo if you saw it out of context. I am glad I didn’t park in their parking space considering at the time we had no idea if they were still filming (we also avoided the Ugly Betty and the Army Wives’ spots) and decided to settle for Peer Music instead (no clue what or who that is).

I Love Supporting Women-Owned Businesses

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So a while back, I mentioned the awesome LA Cupcake Tour I was lucky to go on thanks to the Best of Tours folks and GM/Chevy. This time around, the Best of Tours/Chevy gang were partnering with CraveLA for their take on the Best of Women Owned Businesses in Los Angeles.

A little full disclosure before we even get started…1) I know Nicole, the gal in charge of creating the Crave LA book and 2) I’m actually one of the featured Intelligentsia in the upcoming LA book.

Now that that little bit of clarification is over with, let’s get on with it.

For starters, we have the vehicles: Camero, Avalanche, Equinox and Malibu. Luxury all the way. I wasn’t able to ride in all of them, but I was able to check out both the Avalanche and Equinox. And if I didn’t say it last time…I’m loving that Equinox. And chauffeur driven shopping, who could ask for more (unless we were maybe getting paid to shop too…that would be just too good to be true.).

Onto CRAVE (twitter): It all started in Seattle in 2001 when Melody Biringer realized that she was missing spending time with her friends. Many were being pulled in different directions due to the work, family and social lives. Melody thought a new way to connect was in order and CRAVE was born. To put it in their own words, “CRAVE innovatively connects urban gals to the sassiest, gutsiest, most inspiring people they need to know in town. Soirees, gatherings and online networking—we are your guide to everything you CRAVE in your city.” What a fun concept!

The gang at Best of Tours/Chevy and CraveLA did an amazing job of picking our locations. Of course, out of the possible 125 women owned businesses to be featured in the book, we wouldn’t be able to visit each and every one of them. We started with just four this time around: Calleen Cordero, The Dry Bar, Studio Beauty Mix and Valerie Confections. And what a fantastic group to start with.

I would like to spend a little more time on each business, so for now, I’m just going to keep it short and sweet. That plus, I’d really like to visit each of them another time where I can maybe spend a little more time chatting with the fab women in charge as well as their products and services. Well, that and I don’t want this post to be forever long with photos and rambling.

So until then we’ve got this…

First up, Calleen Cordero (website | twitter) on Beverly. Calleen makes some of the most amazing and fabulous looking shoes and bags you’ve every seen. Everything is made by hand, from the carved wooden soles to the rivets in the design. Just gorgeous.

Onto The Dry Bar (website | twitter) in Brentwood. The Dry Bar is not a bar at all…it’s better! It’s perky salon that only does blow outs. No cuts. No colors. Just a wash and style for $35. What this concept so long to come to be? Definitely worth checking out when you want that fantastic blow out…I was eying the Cosmopolitan, big-curl style myself. I will be back.

Next up, Studio Beauty Mix (website | twitter) at Fred Segal in Santa Monica. Oh.my.god. Why have I never been to this store before? It’s like Sephora meets Lucky Magazine meets Nordstrom with your own personal shopper…but better! This boutique has everything from hair products, skincare, bath products, make up, candles and perfumes (I can’t wait to play around with creating my own fragrance at the Memoire Liquide counter) and even JimmyJane vibrators (I’m sure you’ve heard about their “FU*K LIMITED” 24k gold and stainless steel vibes). I could get lost in this store.

And our final stop after a long drive through the city was Valerie’s Confections (website | twitter) located somewhere between Koreatown and Silver Lake. It may have been a long drive, but it was so very worth it. Valerie let us sample a couple of her handmade chocolates and all I can say is wow! You heard each and every one of us ooh, ahh, mmm or exclaim in delight over how amazing her chocolates were. I can’t decide which I liked best, the caramel, the champagne truffle, the salted toffee or the rose chocolate. I do know that I came home with some toffee bites and two caramels and neither lasted the night. Yes, they were that good.

The day lasted quite a bit longer than I think anyone expected. But I have to say, it was so worth it. All I can say is I sure hope that CraveLA and Best of Tours decide to do a couple more of these tours supporting local women owned businesses. With 125 women in the book, there’s bound to be more stores and restaurants to visit.

Did I shop? You better believe it.

Will I be back to visit each and every store on the tour? Oh, hell yes!

Will I tell everyone about how I spend my weekend? I think I just did. 😉

CraveLA, thank you for introducing me to some fabulous new places to spend my hard earned money. Best of Tours/Chevy, thanks for helping to put it all together.

The Hollywood Sign Goes Political: Save the Peak

This weekend the world famous Hollywood sign went a different way and tried some activism on for size.

The event was to publicize efforts to raise money to acquire Cahuenga Peak, the 138-acre parcel just to the west of the sign, and add the land to Griffith Park. The parcel of land has been sold to the San Francisco-based Trust for Public Land for $11.7 million. And if this sale goes through, the land is rumored to be developed into (still more) luxury homes.

If the community decides to stop the sale and purchase the land and leave it as designated “open space” they will need to come up with $12.5 million to cover costs.

Many locals and city officials assumed that the sign was part of the city’s Griffith Park. At the time it was sold, its history came to light:

Billionaire Howard Hughes bought the land in 1940 with the idea to build a romantic hilltop home for his love, actress Ginger Rogers. “We’ll live up here by ourselves with the world far below,” he told her. The gesture, however, didn’t sit too well with Rogers who feared he would lock her up and never let her see anyone. The two broke up and the land was put in Hughes’ trust for 62 years until it was sold.

As the market began to crash, so did the new owner’s bloated $22-million asking price. Last year, the San Francisco-based Trust for Public Land entered into a one-year due diligence period with Fox River Financial Resources for a total of $12.5 million. The goal is to purchase the land and deed it over to the city’s Griffith Park, but to date, only $6.3 million has been secured. By April 14th, the rest of the money is due or the property risks being sold to other buyers.

This is not the first time this LA landmark, which originally read “HOLLYWOODLAND” has been altered or gone political. It has also been altered to read “CALTECH,” “HOLLYWeeD” and a few other phrases through the years.

You can show your support and donate at The Trust for Public Land – we have until April 14th to save the hill.

Source: LAist

Sometimes I Gal Just Needs a Little Pretty

Beauty Blogger, Lauren Luke is Coming to LA

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I am not a beauty blogger (nor do I pretend to be one). But I do love me some make up. And even more so, I like learn what I can about applying make up.

I recently discovered beauty blogger vlogger sensation, Lauren Luke. She’s a Brit that offers up make up tutorials and can teach you how to recreate celebrity looks. The cool thing about her videos (aside from her adorable dogs nearby) is that she doesn’t edit her videos, so you see how she does her looks in real time. And she’s putting the make up on herself, so you see how you could do it yourself. And that’s some useful information, if you ask me.

This year, she actually got her own line of color palettes that are being sold exclusively at Sephora. And to spread the word, she’s been doing an Inspiration Nation road trip across the US.

This Saturday (tomorrow), she’ll be in LA at the Sephora Century City for the final stop of her tour from 6:00-8:00pm.

This is your chance to check out her line (I’m totally eying the My Vintage Glams kit) and visit with Lauren. And the good news, it’s totally open to the public; you don’t have to be a blogger or in the industry. If I get the chance, I’ll definitely be asking her how she gets those amazingly long and lush eye lashes.

And let’s face it, with all the rain we’ve been having lately, you could do with a pretty little break away, where it’s dry. And did I mention that you’ll feel all sorts of pretty?

My LA Blog

Life & Ramblings of an LA Blogger Gal