Whats TRENDING this summer!

Tis the summer of #HASHTAGS and all things trending!  As July fast approaches and summer swings into full effect I wanted to take a few moments to summarize what is HOT and SIZZLING this summer in Los Angeles!

For fashion, we're going to see a lot of floral prints, denim accents, knuckle rings, and crop tops.  Maxi dresses are still here for another season, but fedoras have just about made their way out.  For bathing suits, I'm still digging a high waisted bottom, but my own wardrobe is full of cheekys!  

Summer nightlife in LA tends to migrate from the dark hollywood clubs to more airy places.  You can find me posted up at Larchmont Bungalow in Santa Moinca, Aventine in Hollywood, Nineteen12 at the Beverly Hills Hotel or the good ol' Abbey in West Hollywood. 

However, it's the summer days that I most look forward to. I adore the rooftop pools of the SLS Hotel, Roosevelt and the London, a brunch at Geoffreys or Gladstones in Malibu, or some day drinking at The Parlour on Melrose. If you're feeling really adventurous, get your name on the list for XVI at Colony for a Sunday day rave that will leave you with more than a case of the Mondays.

The majority of my July and August will be spent at these fine establishments sipping down sangrias and mojitos in a crop top and high waisted cut off shorts.  Despite that the weather is fabulous year-long, summer gives us an excuse to embrace the sun and celebrate lazy long days with the rest of the country.  So log off of instagram, let down your hair and meet me for a fruity cocktail and good company! #HappySummer!

The Actor's Reel

Oh how technology has revolutionized the industry. Long gone are the days of mailing out headshots and having theatre credits merit respect. Today it's reels, Eco casts, electronic submissions, web series and Skype auditions.

Often casting directors narrow down their selections solely based on media attachments. Having a reel gives the actor a great advantage over their reel-less competition. Having an outstanding reel gets the audition.

So what makes a reel outstanding you ask?

1. A reel should be 2 minutes to 3 minutes. Not a second longer. If it has to be shorter that's fine by me but anything over 3 minutes is grueling to watch

2. If you don't have draw dropping credits then pick your typecast and play it out in two or three scenes. Don't try to stretch your limits and play something challenging. Chose characters you can believably play. And run with it. Once you become recognized for having a strong acting skill set, then you can test your limits and try something out of your realm.

3. Ok. You're not going to honestly chose a scene from a famous movie and do your version of the a list celebrity's performance. It will never even come close to comparing. Please chose something unrecognizable.

4. This goes with number 2, but come on. If you're not drop dead gorgeous... Then maybe playing the head turning smoke show isn't your best bet. Try cute best friend?

5. I love seeing recognizable scenes... But if they don't portray you at your best or they're seriously outdated then drop them. Ill see your résumé, don't worry.

6. Lighting is everything. But sound is something too. If you don't have the camera & computer know how then hire a ucla film student for gods sake.

7. No monologues. I want to see you taking and receiving from your scene partner. Don't be afraid of pauses and a little non verbal acting. 2 minutes is plenty of time to hear your voice, don't feel like you have to fill every second of it with a giant run on line.

8. No opening music. No 10 second slide of your name or a montage of photos. A simple 3 second name slate is fine. And that's it.

9. And nothing at the end either unless you're going to tell me a funny knock knock joke or do the robot.

10. Two to three scenes per reel. If you have more than that break up your reels into dramatic, comedy, commercial, text.

Duplex on Third - Restaurant Review

Atmosphere is perfect.  The porch overlooking third street is romantic with rustic wooden benches and marble top tables.  

The inside is a bit more trendy and posh, while the upstairs level feels more sophisticated and classy. To hold a high power business meeting you can't beat the bar upstairs, to grab drinks with friends the downstairs bar is great, and for a romantic date night chose the outdoor patio or a back corner of the downstairs dining area. 

They have an expansive wine menu and drink list.  The food menu is comprised of a bunch of small sharing plates and some main entrees.  

We opted for a handful of appetizers.  The food wasn't necessarily spectacular, but it was enjoyable and worth trying for a second time. 

Menu stand outs:

Crab cakes - mostly crab with little to no filler, just the way my waistline likes it! 

Beets

truffle fries

caramelized brussel sprouts

Everything else we sampled was tasty aside from the tuna tar tar which lacked flavor and substance. 

www.duplexonthird.com 

Nelson J Hair Salon and Products #BeverlyHills

This should be in every blondes emergency hair care kit (and any other non-blonde who destroys her hair with chemicals and heatening tools).  

Not only does the product smell delightful - Pomegranate, Rosemary Mint, or Coconut - but the replenishing mask doesn't leave hair weighted down.  Instead your left with strands that feel and appear healthier and smoother.

Directions say either keep it in for 5 minutes under heat or 1 minute before rinsing -- but iIm more of a 90 minute with a mud mask on my face type of girl, and the extended time worked just great!

Nelson J Salon is located in Beverly Hills. Products can be purchased at his adorable and chic spot or online here: http://www.nelsonjsalon.com/

Type in "freearganoil7" at checkout to receive a free sample!

Madeo Restaurant

BUCCATINI MATRICIANA tops my favorites list for Italian delicacies.  And in my personal opinion, there are only two people that have perfected this scrumptious dish.

1. The head chef at Madeo

2. My boyfriend Matt Breliant (who adapted the restaurant from his straight off the Italian boat mom)

For dining out, MADEO in West Hollywood is absolute perfection.  You can never go wrong with their pastas, carpaccios, fresh dover sole.. but if you're looking for a melt in your mouth pasta that will send your taste buds into elation - then you are going to have to go off-menu. Just ask for the Buccatini Matriciana and make sure you do that cute shake of your hand with your fingers pierced together and they are sure to take care of you.  (sidenote: A great menu choice is the salmon and bowtie pasta in vodka cream sauce).

If you're looking to wow guests who aren't vegan, gluten free, or counting carbs (so if you're looking to entertain a dinner party NOT in Los Angeles), this is the ultimate crowd pleaser.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

1.  Bucatini - a thicker spaghetti perfect for a flavorful thick sauce. Find them at high end supermarkets or specialty shops. Just a box will do.

2. Pomi tomato sauce (or any tomato paste, but I like one with some added sugar)

3. Red cooking wine

4. Heavy Cream

5. chopped and cooked Pancetta (can sub prosciutto, but pancetta gives the pasta a nice bacon flavor & crunch)

6. Olive Oil

7. Onions

9. Garlic Cloves

10. Fresh Herbs (I like oregano and parsley, but really whatever you have)

11. Pecorino 

12. Parmesan 

Optional add ins:  Mushrooms, chopped red peppers, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, salsa, brown sugar

DIRECTIONS:

1. If the pancetta is uncooked, grill in skillet with olive oil, chopped garlic, and one chopped onion until meat is cooked and onions are browned

2. In a separate pot over medium heat a carton of the tomato paste, half cup of cream, splash of red wine (up to 1/4 cup), 1/4 cup pecorino, 1/4 cup parmesan, herbs, 1/4 cup olive oil

3. Slowly stir in the cooked pancetta and onions

4. In a separate pot cook pasta until firm (a tad more firm then you normally like it, as it will continue to cook in the sauce)

5. Drain water from pasta and pour half of the sauce mixture into pasta pot. Stir well.

6. Serve a generous portion of pasta on a plate and top with a spoonful of both cheeses (mixed).  Put the rest of the cheese on the table for guests to help themselves to more.

7. Great Sides:  Last time we made this dish we served it with fresh baked baguettes, a fresh lemon and herb dressing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes and avocados over spring greens and corn on the cob. For appetizers: a truffle dip with crackers and mozzarella, tomato and prosciutto.  Dessert was bright macaroons and fresh fruit!

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

This pasta is AMAZING the next day.  My favorite is to pan fry left overs in a skillet and serve with the extra sauce you saved from the night before.

In my perfect world I would crack two fried eggs over this pasta and serve with french bread for a delightful breakfast feast.

The Next Day - Frying pan delight! 

Best Froyo in Los Angeles! #Frozenyogurt #diy

I'm not a connoisseur of many things.. but I know my frozen yogurt spots.  I've swirled, sampled, topped and experimented my way throughout Southern California and after years of research this is my BEST FROYO list.  Enjoy.

1.  Toppings.  But not the one in Beverly Hills.  You have to take a trip to Pacific Palisades to enjoy the best diy froyo place in the world.  This place is not for anyone suffering from ADHD or you'll also soon be suffering from an intense stomach ache.  They literally have everything from limited edition mike and ikes to potato chips to apple crisp.  Dozens of nuts, candied, granola, fruit - everything you could dream of to put on top of their creamy and delicious rotating flavors. 

2. Toppings.  Beverly Hills.  It's no pacific palisades.  But they have peanut butter sauce.  And I'm a sucker for peanut butter.

3. Menchies.  They'll make you a warm waffle cone dipped in chocolate on command.  Need I say more?

4. Pinkeberry.  Can't mess with a classic.  Plus now they have greek yogurt with a nice protein kick.  And a Kiddie size only sets you back 100 calories or so. 

5. Yogurtland.  Another classic.  Snowflake Mint during the holidays is blissful but I love their tart flavors too. 

There are plenty of other froyo spots -- but I honestly have tried them all and no others are worth mentioning.  If you want good frozen yogurt, the five above will without fail cure your cravings!  

The Best Hair Salon in Hollywood: Nue Studio

Nue Studio & Cafe without fail delivers perfect cuts and color.  Todd is a cutting wizard who can turn the saddest mop into perfection and Loralin? Well lets just say I've never left a bleaching session with bright hues AND shiny healthy hair.

The studio is cutting edge - puns intended.  There is an undeniable edgy vibe to the decor - with a floor made of cds and gemstone bedazzled cutting chairs.    The rockstar environment is offset by a few racks and cases of unique jewelry, earth toned clothing and sneaks for sale.   

But the real kicker is their menu of delightful salads and sandwiches.  You can't beat having the option to nosh on kale and Brussels sprout salad while you enjoy your beauty transformation. 


Oh and did I mention that they'll have their liquor license in a month?  Yes. That means bubbly & bleach.  Which, in my opinion, is nothing short of pure heaven.


Whether you're going in for a purple razor cut or long layers and soft low lights, Todd and his team are sure to deliver. 


http://nuestudio.com/losangeles.html