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

Best Acting Classes Los Angeles

You probably couldn't have come to a better place for ratings on LA's BEST Acting Classes. As a cut throat theatrical agent, I've done extensive research to determine the most accredited programs.  As a hopeful starlet, I've graced the majority of these studios with an open mind. 

There are many amazing acting coaches in Los Angeles, but these names are recognizable and will take your craft and your resume to the next level. 

you're welcome. 

BOOKING THE AUDITION: Brian Reise Studio. Perfect class for someone completely new to auditioning.  You'll learn cold reads, how to audition for the camera, where to stand, how to dress, what headshot is appropriate.  The whole nine yards.  This is a business approach.   http://www.brianreiseacting.com/

TECHNIQUE/SCENE STUDY: Aaron Speiser Studio.  If Brian Reise's classes are book the audition, Aaron Speiser is keep the job. Check my previous rave review on Aarons studio -- These classes go beyond the sides and teach the concrete techniques of how to envelop a scene and get into character without losing sight of your scene objective. http://www.aaronspeiser.com/ 

CASTING DIRECTOR WORKSHOPS: TVI and Actors Key. Both are great, they just get different names.  Shoot for the workshops with CDs and associates currently working on shows you could actually be cast on.  If you're overweight and you have a slight lisp, going to see the casting department for a soap opera or Pretty Little Liars probably isn't going to be that helpful.  Also, chose a scene that is relatable to the CDs current genre. http://www.tvistudios.com/  http://www.actorskey.com/

MEISNER TECHNIQUE: The Ruskin School.    This is for the actor who needs a method and theory, someone with a lot (2+ years) of time on their hands to develop their craft. This is a life changing program for anyone who is ready for it.  Plus the classes are held in a airport hanger turned theater.  bad. ass.  http://www.ruskinschool.com/

IMPROV (Physical): Groundlings.  Let go of your inhibitions, find your voice and live in your actions.  This is an over the top theatrical stage approach to improv, but it breaks down barriers and will have you thinking on your feet in no time.  Plus the recognizable name is fabulous for a resume. http://www.groundlings.com/

IMPROV (sketch comedy): UCB or Second City.  If Groundlings is slapstick humor, UCB and Second City are political science sketches.  Still improv games and fun, but with a bit more wit than Groundlings.  http://losangeles.ucbtheatre.com/  http://www.secondcity.com/

LEGENDARY: Ivana Chubbuck.  While considered a method class, Ivanna will give you it all - and make sure no student is left with an unanswered question.  You don't become a hollywood legend for nothing, right?   http://www.ivanachubbuck.com/

NEW FAME: Anthony Meindl. Fun and fabulous.  Anthony cultivates a comfortable environment where students of any level can feel at home being critiqued on his stage. http://www.anthonymeindl.com/

COMMERCIAL AUDITIONING: Carolyne Barry. A theatrical character study approach to commercial auditioning? ingenious.  This is how you book a commercial.  http://carolynebarry.com/

HOSTING: Marki Costello.  There's no competition when it comes to hosting in Los Angeles.  She will teach you everything from reporting to green screen to actually finding and book the job. http://www.becomeahost.com/

COMMUNITY: Beverly Hills Playhouse.  A serious time commitment, but worth it for a new actor moving to LA and new to the auditioning world.  In addition to the 8-10 hours of class/stage time per week, small groups meet to discuss their progress in LA and map out their plan of action. http://www.bhplayhouse.com/

True Life: I'm a Struggling Actress in Hollywood

Now I get it.  Struggling.  Actor.  Emphasis on the struggle.

I've been neglecting my blog because I've been so absurdly busy.  How naive I was to imagine that quitting my job would free up all of my time.  I imagined I'd be working out twice a day, eating healthy, spending more time socializing, getting more sleep, writing more, but what am I doing instead? Cramming in a week chock full of auditions and juggling meetings, a boyfriend and social outings.

 The lack of a schedule and routine feels more cumbersome than my 9-5 ever did.  I'm so worried about missing out on opportunities.  I spend hours submitting for auditions and castings and then practicing lines.  I rack up miles zig zagging across this city, wait in crammed casting offices for eternities only to be rejected on the spot.  Or worse, think I nailed it then never hear from casting again.

Being an actress sucks.

it sucks worse that I know what I should be doing.

I know I should get new headshots with a clean background.  And then print them out with a professional resume on thick paper.

I know I should get into character, figure out my scene objective and write a back story and moment before for each and every scene I prepare.

I know that I should dress the part, and change my look depending on the audition.  I should look at the reader not at the camera.  Stop saying like and um.  Stop doing that obnoxious deep sigh that no one does in real life but all amateur actors put into their performances. Research the project, director and producer. I should stay thin and ready for a bathing suit shoot.  I should keep my roots dyed, my skin with the perfect tan, should deliver my lines uninhibited and without reservations.

I know all of this, because I've been on the other side.  I've worked in casting, been an agent, given this exact same advice and criticism.

But it's tough!!! I'm running through my savings fast and don't have extra money for nice new headshots and professional resumes! And there are too many auditions, and they're too short notice! And for god sakes I can't stay thin and work out, these auditions are ALL of the time! and i'm stressed.. and stress eating! Give me a break!

Maybe I will catch a break.  Maybe I wont.  But I have a new found respect for the struggling actor trying to make it.  This isn't a profession for the weak of heart. 

Ohh Auditioning.

Since I'm in that self deprecating type of mood, I'd like to share my recent auditioning mishaps.

Today, I went out for:

 a super hero

 a girlfriend who was dumped because she wouldn't have a threesome 

a sorcerer who wanted to deplete my enemy's energy level

& I rounded it out by an interview to be considered for focus groups

Yesterday I graced the audition field as:

a psychopath who cuts off peoples faces and wears them as masks

a pedestrian who gets her hair cut off by a stranger during a prank

& a needy girlfriend who had to actually plant a kiss on my scene partner drug dealer boyfriend

Oh and I took pictures of my feet for a potential spa pedicure commercial

If you know me, you know my inability to act cool, my hopeless jokes, and my clumsiness.  Factor that in with my lack of auditioning experience and you've got one hell of a recipe for disaster.   Lets just pray that none of these audition tapes ever go viral.  Or hell, that I never bump into any of these casting directors in public. 

Le Pain Quotidien, A review

Don't get me wrong.  I enjoy Urth Cafe just as much as the next socialite, but that doesn't mean we should disregard Urth's less crowded (and less pompous) neighbor, Le Pain Quotidien. 

What to order:  I come here for their bread baskets, which are served with signature raspberry and apricot jams and (drum roll) white chocolate, dark and regular hazelnut spreads.  Other signature dishes include the baked goods (with an asterisk on the chocolate croissant), the tartines and the Mediterranean plate. 

Location: the Beverly Hills location is fine.. but the outdoor seating leads much to be desired if you've ever visited the Melrose location.   At Melrose you feel like you're in a bed and breakfast, sitting on a large wrap around porch it's a perfect spot to relax over a latte. The outback patio offers a little more privacy for someone hoping to coop up with their computer or a good read.  Oh and bring fido.  The outdoor seating is very dog friendly. 

Best Rooftop Pool Parties in LA

Ah, summertime in LA is finally here.  Time to agonize over which bathing suit makes my love handles less prominent, sip down frozen beverage after frozen beverage and post filtered pictures that make me look tanner.

Los Angeles is great in the summertime.  You're a quick ride to the beach, but for the lazy and more sceney bunch of us, we're an even quicker ride to a fabulous rooftop pool party.  Tis the season of cookouts, mansion pools and swanky hotel parties overrun by hollywood's socialite packrats.

Here's my top favorite pool parties in Los Angeles, and why.

1. Roosevelt. Yes, it tends to attract a little trashier crowd these days, but the charms there nonetheless.  This iconic hotel boasts a perfect pool and fabulous libations.

2. SLS hotel. Dog friendly.  Actually iguana friendly too, I saw someone bring their lizard last time I visited.  Great views, great company, great drinks.

3. The London. I have yet to grace the London pool, but I've heard nothing but fabulous things.

4. The Thompson. For a more sophisticated crowd who doesn't want to lay out and relax to the sounds of house music this is your spot.

5. Mondrian Pool. Can't beat the atmosphere.  I adore this pool and the people who chose to lay by it and sip their perfect bloody marys.

6. The W Hollywood. A bit more touristy and a smidge more 'edgy' than Roosevelt, to put it nicely.  But great spot regardless.

7. Mr Cs. Recently renovated, they have a Sunday day party, supposedly with brunch.  No views, not a lot of room, but perfect for d list young celeb watching.  

Visit any of these pools on a Saturday or Sunday and you'll most likely have to name drop or buy a table to get in.  Another viable option is to snag a room key card.  

Dress code.  This isn't your backyard shindig.  Get out your heels, throw on some makeup, put on your designer watch and suck in.  This is a full judgement arena where everyone is under each other's scrutinization. 

Hiking in LA: The Big Santa Anita Canyon Loop

What a perfect hiking spot!

The drive to Arcadia took an hour and change but the last leg up the winding mountaintop was absolutely breathtaking. The rolling hills and deep ravines reminded me of a forested Grand Canyon.

PARKING.

There is absolutely no adequate parking. Ever. But drive to the convenience store and purchase your 5 dollar parking pass then pray for someone to leave. Worst comes to worst begin driving back down and park along the winding road. Don't be overwhelmed by the number of parked cars, the trail is wide enough to accommodate all of these hikers!

THE TRAIL.

The trail begins on pavement for nearly the first mile.  You will see a marker to go right towards a dirt path.  Don't be tricked, keep on the pavement towards 'Sturtevant Falls'. This is the 50 foot waterfall you came to see - and the hike will only rack you up 3 miles and change, but there are plenty of add on trails that can bring you closer to a 10 mile hike. The trail will switch off pavement after the initial descent and you'll follow the streaming river to the beautiful waterfall and pool.

The trek down is fairly easy, but don't forget you have to come back up at some point.  The add on hikes can be much more steep if you need the extra challenge.  While there are plenty of additional trails located near the waterfall, a nice option is to hike back up the paved trail and decide at the top if you would like to add on the dirt path I mentioned earlier.  This trail will bring you down to a small pool perfect for taking a dip or enjoying a picnic and adds on another 2 miles.

DOG FRIENDLY.  They should be on the leash, but I left the Golden off-leash and no one seemed to mind (aside from when he shook himself dry next to a picnic-ing family)

CAMPING.  There are cabins doting the trail, which can be rented out for camping.  Seems a little to Blair Witch Project for me, but might be nice for a big group to rent a few adjacent campsites.

Truffle Hunting

On my relentless quest for truffle satisfaction in Los Angeles I have had the pleasure of enjoying quite an eclectic array of truffled dishes.  Here's my short list of favorites thus far. 

PACE: four cheese truffle pizza. swoon.  Only a special so call ahead!

KOI: Salmon carpaccio with black truffles and citrus glaze.

BOUCHON: Truffle popcorn (happy hour special)

UMAMI: Truffle Burger.

BEVERLY HILLS CHEESE STORE:  Truffle infused cheese. literally heaven. 

BLT: Truffle Fries

MAESTROS: Truffle and Crab Gnocchi 

And I'm still on the search for the best truffle mac n cheese.  

Bouchon Bistro: A Review

French fare in the perfect location?  Before I could even drool over the macaroons on display, I knew Bouchon had my heart. 

The location is unsurpassed.  Overlooking a beautiful shared courtyard with the Montage hotel, the day seems to lazily drift by as you enjoy one of their signature cocktails, or better a happy hour priced beer or glass of wine. 

Don't go without getting the truffled popcorn and the pate, but you can't go wrong with their generous raw bar platters, croque madams and steak frites. 

Round out the meal with a salted caramel macaroon and you've just had yourself quite the satisfying and relaxing meal. 

www.bouchonbistro.com

Boston Vs. Hollywood

BOSTON:  Don't look now but he just walked in with his new girlfriend.  Is she fat?  Worse. From the North Shore.

HOLLYWOOD:  Don't look now but he just walked in with his new girlfriend.  Is she fat?  Worse.  From from Calabasas.  

BOSTON:  Can I borrow your burts bees?

HOLLYWOOD: Can I borrow your eyelash glue?

BOSTON: I wish my red sox t wasn't stained.

HOLLYWOOD: I wish my shirt was more ripped.

BOSTON: This music sucks.. I'm going to go request "No Diggity"

HOLLYWOOD:  This music sucks.. I'm going to have my daddy fire the dj.

BOSTON:  I'm over this, lets go to Taco Bell.

HOLLYWOOD:  I'm over this, lets drive to Vegas.

BOSTON: Man we drank a lot of buddy lights.  The bills $120.  we both owe $60 plus $5 dolla tip.

HOLLYWOOD:  We drank a lot of Cristal, the bills $4k.  Hah, sucks to be a guy.

BOSTON:  What do you want for dinner? Pizza or buff tenders?

HOLLYWOOD: What do you want for dinner? aderol or coke?

BOSTON: My boyfriend took me to cheesecake for our anniversary, it was sooooo cute.

HOLLYWOOD: This guy I've been on two dates with got me a new Louie, it was sooooo cute.

BOSTON: I just cant wait to get married and have kids.

HOLLYWOOD: I just cant wait to get married and have a nanny to take care of my kids.

BOSTON: I only like guys that are big sports fans.

HOLLYWOOD: I only like guys that are big sports stars or own a team.

Working as an Extra: The real stoy

Welp. Extra work is a little less exciting than I initially anticipated.

8 am call time. 

Some less than friendly woman corals the downtrodden extras and sifts through their bags of clothes searching desperately for something passable in case we happen to make .01 second of the commercial.  

From here, we sit and watch the principal extras get pampered and swooned over while we roast in the sun.  I stare at them with deep seeded envy, knowing they're making more than my rent money today, and that I'll likely walk away with 100 dollars after taxes.  

After brooding for an hour, the 50 extras and I are herded onto a bus.  Here we chatter back and forth, sizing up one another and guessing which, if any, will be pulled up as a featured extra (and make an extra $200!).

At the first location they fill us in as cookout guests and we have forced conversations and laughter for the next two hours while the principals get their noses powdered and re-do their one simple line over and over. and over. 

Back to the bus to sit.  We aren't needed for this scene. 

Hours later and it's lunch time.  Which is an incredible gourmet feast.  Really, the food is scrumptious and while laden with calories, none of us care too much at this point so we fill our plates high not once, but twice. 

Back to our humble home, the bus.  And it's off to Griffith Park where we sit on the grass, waiting for the shot to be set up.. and in this case the sun to set. 

Sun sets.  it's 8pm and we're ready for our big premiere again.  They chose a handful of us to walk past the camera's wide screen.  Hopefully my leg makes it in as I cross by a woods fire party filled with principle actors. 

Two hours later and we're all crammed into the frame of a concert crowd being instructed to jump up and down singing... yet there's no music.  Glow sticks, laughter, arms waving freely in the air, but the camera is focused on the one principal actress in the crowd who had an 8pm call time and hasn't been melting away on the bus with us all day.  This overpaid princess keeps making the duck face instead of smiling. So we do the shot over and over until she finally cracks a smirk. 

And it's a wrap.

Or is it. 

We all stand single filed waiting for the coveted voucher that proves we suffered through a day of peasant work so we can call and demand our $100 and change check if it never shows up in our mailbox. 

'Tis the sad existence of a commercial extra.  

Arm The Animals Photoshoot

Arm the Animals 5/11 photoshoot: Fashion, celebrities, puppies and mimosas in a loft downtown?  Not sure if a Saturday can get much better than that.

Arm the Animals is a charitable clothing company that makes bad ass tshirts and tanks to raise awareness and funds for struggling animal shelters. 

Not only can you get hipster-approved threads from their website.. but they also have listings for animals in need of a good home.  The profits from their clothing line goes directly to animal shelters.  The more these shelters receive the longer they can keep adoption hopefuls from euthanasia.  Long story short, the hoodie you just bought might have kept a dog alive long enough to be adopted by a loving family.

I feel blessed to have stumbled upon this cause and excited to help spread the word about their mission. 

#ARMTHEANIMALS 

Unique First Date Ideas in Los Angeles

It's Spring, and thus love (or rather lust) is in the air!  For anyone hopeless sap who fails time and again with first date nights, you're in luck for stumbling across my blog.  You won't be torturing your hopeful date at Supperclub or Rock n Reilys this spring.  Nor will you be stuck droning on and on about your botched childhood over a drawn out dinner.  

Not with these entertaining & action packed date night picks. If you fail to secure a second date after wooing and dazzling at any of my date night choices you've got bigger fish to fry. 

For the big drinker: The Vodka Box at Nics Martini Lounge. You get to put on fur jackets and hats and take shot after shot of vodka in a freezer.  Talk about an ice breaker. har har. 

For the artist: Paint Lab: Wine and paintbrushes? And a keepsake to take home?  swoon. 

For the joker: Laugh Factory. Save the improv shows for the 4th or 5th date and take her somewhere guaranteed to have at least one headliner who can crack a smile. 

For the animal lover: Horseback riding at Griffith Park. Guided stress free horseride up to the Hollywood sign. 

For the cooker: Gyu kaku. Grill your own meats, fish, veggies and smores! 

For the experience dazzler: David Dinkin's Evening of Enchantment.  Because lets face it, Magic Castle is impossible to get into. Wine, apps and magic will keep conversation and giggles going. 

 For the foodie dazzler:  The Bazaar.  This meal will cost you, but the presentation and atmosphere is worth it. 

For the romantic: Movie in the Cemetery.  Cheap and adorable. Plus it offers a venue where you can initiate convo, or you can just relax and enjoy the movie. 

For the adventurer: Ifly at Universal Studios. It's skydiving.  For normal people who don't want to jump out of a perfectly good working plane. 

Little Next Door: A Taste of France in LA

So.. I absolutely adore French food.  Maybe even more-so than my obsession with cute animals and Elvis.  And by 'I adore French food' I mean stand between me and a good croque madame and I will unleash my new founded kickboxing skills on you and everyone that has the misfortune of keeping your company.

Anyways, lucky for me, Los Angeles is scattered with delightful little brassieres.. and lucky for you I've eaten at each one of them a dozen times and can accurately recite every single menu highlight to you.  While it's difficult for me to walk away from any French cuisine unsatisfied, there's one restaurant in particular that has no competition in my book.  The Little Next Door.

    I can't explain my affection for a good ol' crock of french onion, a gruyere and ham sandwich, salted caramel macaroon and nutella croissant, but The Little Next Door does it for me.  If I could give up sex for food (and not get fat) I'd sign my soul to LND in a heartbeat.  And here's why.

     The atmosphere is unsurpassed.  A fabulous little bakery with homemade delicatessens, delectable wines, and a quaint outdoor, yet private, seating; LND could easily be stowed away in Nice.  So lets just entertain the dreadful idea that you're only visiting and can only eat here one time.  YOU MUST GET: a lychee mimosa, an order of blackberry jam with your toast, the french onion soup, croque madam, a side of balsamic kale and apple, a salted caramel macaroon, and a chocolat (purposely leaving out the e for effect) croissant.  Throw in a side of the potato gratin, roasted red beets and baked goat cheese salad with orange ginger dressing too.  I have enjoyed every single other thing on the menu.  and this is the best.  Oh, and don't forget to take a gruyere and ham croissant, heated of course, for the road. You'll thank me later.

Pace Restaurant: A true Hidden Gem!

Maybe it’s the suppressed hipster in me, but I love an unassuming hidden gem.  Nothing makes me cringe worse than the glow of Olive Garden’s offensive interpretation of Tuscany.   You couldn’t drag me kicking and screaming into any chain restaurant systematically cranking out dishes drenched in butter and swimming in grease.  Enjoy yourself, I’ll be at the locally sustained restaurant, the hidden gem with an always changing menu, the mom and pop bakery.  Heck, I’ll take a roach coach selling dollar tacos over Olive Garden.

Tangent aside, living in Los Angeles, I’m blessed with an endless array of exquisite restaurants.  And I’m not shy about trying any and all that are suggested to me.  Which brings me to my latest, and most fabulous, discovery to date: Pace Restaurant on Laurel Canyon.  

 Located underneath an unattractive, and dare I say unkempt and shabby, convenience store, Pace takes unassuming to a whole new level.  It’s easy to miss the side entrance to what appears to be a storage area for the shop above.  Sure, the restaurant name is scribbled in a classy graffiti on the brick façade, but there’s not even a streetlight illuminating its existence. 

 The entrance descends to a small foyer with floor to ceiling wine storage and a cramped host stand.  After choosing to sit indoors, we were escorted into the dining area where we nestled into a roomy table with a cushioned bench.  The dim lighting and simplistic decorations created a comfortably warm atmosphere reminiscent of ducking off 5th avenue in January to escape the cold.

  I ordered a glass of organic pinot noir ($16) while our sweet and knowledgeable waitress rattled off the long list of specials then walked us through the house favorites.  Being a truffle enthusiast, I couldn't refuse the special four cheese and white truffle pizza as an appetizer ($30).  Being someone who is also a diehard for the known specialities, I ordered the cedar wood grilled salmon as my entree ($26).  My boyfriend chose the house made tagliatelle with vodka cream sauce and sausage (18).

 True, truffles on anything is delicious, but this pizza was life changing.  The chef was not shy with the tuffles, covering every inch of the rich cheeses blended atop the light crispy crust.  I could have left after the pizza and still had one of my better restaurant experiences in quite some time.  But the salmon, and the apple crisp dessert ($8) that followed, secured Pace a spot on my 'favorite restaurants of all time list'.  Not to mention, the produce is all organic and the meats hormone free.

It's easy to see why their regulars list is comprised of A list celebrities and entertainment professionals. The restaurant could have been located on a bustling street of NYC or overlooking a quiet street in Tuscany.. but it wouldn't have made a difference.  Pace indulges and satisfies your palate while offering a comfortable escape from whatever your reality may entail.

http://peaceinthecanyon.com/