Finding the perfect spot to write & blog in Los Angeles

I made a leap of courage (or stupidity depending on perspective) last week when gave up my job as a theatrical agent to pursue a life of creativity.  Call it a whim, but I’m craving an outlet, and my job was starting to feel unbearably stifling.  I’ll go into more details on this soon, but right now I’d like to focus on my present task: writing.

 I’m an atmosphere whore, who did not quit her job (and paycheck) to sit in my gloomy apartment and stare at my macbook all day long.  Since being freed, I have searched for the perfect writing spots around the city.  This list is a work in progress that I plan to update as I go… but here are my favorites thus far:

1. The courtyard between Bouchon and the Montage hotel.  Beverly Hills has free internet, so you could sit at one of the small tables and let your dog enjoy the grass.  Or you could do as I did and relax at one of the outdoor tables at Parq with, appropriately enough, their most delectable drink: The Agent.  (And a cheeseboard of course).

2.  Javista Coffee shop in Hollywood. Just like Starbucks... except not a headache, overcrowded or over priced.  And their food is organic and delightful.  The desserts come from Urth Caffe (a place where squatting with laptops is frowned upon to say the least) and the salads, sandwiches and drinks are made in house. http://javistacafe.com/

3. Le Pain on Melrose.  A quaint cottage feel where they will fill up your coffee until your hearts content.  The front patio is perfect for car and people watching.. the back for a quitter existence. 

4. Alfred Coffee & Kitchen on Melrose Pl.  What a slice of heaven this little coffeeshop is.  With outdoor seating overlooking the quiet side street and a charming fireplace inside, this place is a writers paradise. http://www.alfredcoffee.com/

5. Palihouse Hotel has a lovely al fresco brassiere in their internal courtyard.  You could stay from morning to night as they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner before turning into a lounge.   http://www.palihousewesthollywood.com/dining.asp

5. LACMA.  Nothing like getting your creative juices flowing quite like being surrounded by creativity. 

6. Roosevelt Hotel.  By the pool or sunk into an oversized couch in the lobby, you can't beat the charm of this hollywood classic. 

Le Fooding Festival at MOCA

It's difficult to get a West Hollywood socialite to head downtown for any reason other than when the Lakers are going to lose to the Celtics, but being a diehard foodie and an art enthusiast can drag even the most reluctant west-sider inland.

I had heard rave reviews for Le Fooding Festivals in the past but never had the opportunity to attend. This year I tried my luck at tweeting for a chance to score two tickets to the Friday night event.  Winning free admittance brings any venue up a few stars in my book, but it became quickly apparent that Le Fooding Festival at MOCA really didn't need the bonus points.

The event was magical.  MOCA in itself is a architectural gem with a gorgeous front courtyard grounds overlooking the cityscape. Add the top chefs from LA and Paris dishing out their most prized fares and Veuve Clicquot champagne and you've got a 5 star rating from me.

After being stamped the coveted FOODING across our hands we were given a handful of tickets redeemable at each of the sponsored vendors food tents.  The food and drink stations were scattered around the perimeters while the Veuve Clicquot bar and a section of long picnic tables took center stage on the grassy grounds.

We headed straight inside to check out the claymation exhibit but got sidetracked at the photobooth.  This was something a little out of the ordinary.  You take the picture yourself then upload it to instagram and hashtag #fooding and it will automatically print out at the kiosk with the Le Fooding Festival border.  Being able to choose which photo, and more importantly which filter, for a printed photo keepsake? Ingenious!

The exhibit was down right draw dropping.   Urs Fischer transformed the museum wing into a physical clay depiction of his imagination, leaving no whim unmolded.  From skulls to cats to entire villages, this was the most expansive and intricate clay exhbit I've ever seen.

Back outside for our glass of Veuve then off to sample each of the dainty yet exquisitely flavorful cuisines.  If I had to chose a favorite, I'd have to give the award to Nancy Silverston from Mozza.  But truthfully each dish was enjoyable.  From lamb shoulder sliders to drinkable pizza paired with french cheeses to an array of rich desserts from Lemonade, the chefs pulled out no stops in bringing decadence and rich flavor to the fanciest picnic I've ever attended.

Aside from the food, the picnic tables and moseying across the lawn created a comfortable opportunity to network with like minded foodies, designers, and art lovers.  A complimentary cup of coffee and one last bite of the salted caramel and fudge sandwich and we left full, happy and a little more cultured.

Thank you Le Fooding, not only for the tickets, but for seamlessly integrating the best of Paris and LA for a night I wont soon forget.

A Weekend in Vegas - The Monday rant list

It's Monday morning.  I can't go back to sleep, but I can't muster the energy to crawl out of bed and face the week ahead.  I've got the post-Vegas blues.

Living in So Cal, I've spent my fair share of time throwing away money on Roulette and slot machines in lovely Sin City.  However, this weekend was the first time I've had the entire Vegas experience: The pool parties. 

I still can't fathom how we drank (and I mean drank) all day poolside only to head back to the hotel room for a measly hour of reapplying makeup then hit club after club until the sun came up. AND THEN GO RIGHT BACK TO THE POOL and do it all over again.  Crazy. ness.

In an attempt to delay getting out of bed, I'm going to recount the stark observations I made over this jam packed weekend.

The Car Ride:

1. Don't be accommodating and say you don't mind sitting bitch.  In traffic this could be a 5 hour drive.

2. Speaking of the car ride. You cannot buy a gas station hotdog, or any other foul smelling food and eat it in the car.  You're also not allowed to eat shit food then whine about being fat for the rest of the trip.

3. I'm excited to see Avicii, Hardwell and Bassnectar too! But there's no reason to blast house music for the entire ride before we get out eardrums blown out by the same music for 72 hours straight.

4. No objections.  We're stopping at Mad Greek and I'm loading my bags with baklava and gyros.  Sorry for partying. 

The Pool:

1. Cheeky bottoms are totally in! But don't wear them if your ass is covered in cellulite.

2. You know what, I don't care if you're addicted to In n Out, but if you're body is not 'bikini ready' why don't you just keep your cover up on? 

This pool doesn't count it was a private cabana!

3. Wedge sandals at the pool - absolute must.  Stilettos?  go to hell.

4. Every girl in Vegas has fake tits.  It literally feels like a playground for girls with boobs.  Check your insecurities about being flat chested at the towel rental.

5. Would I go in the cess-pool where people are blatantly having sex?  Probably not.  Am I judging you for dipping in?  most likely. (this rule especially applies to Wet Republic).

Sin City:

1. Yes the Spearmint Rhino serves food.  No you're not going to order anything to eat a strip club. Slap out of it.

2. If your ass cheeks are showing out of your dress and your strides are a small shuffle, your dress is probably too short and too tight. Oh and just because its Vegas doesn't mean you need to be adorned in glitter and sparkles.  Or (gasp) white eyeliner.

opening weekend at Hakkasan

3. Dear guys from New Jersey who fly to Vegas with their 20 closest meathead friends:  Cat call and whistle all you like, but get your tanned hands away from my ass.  NOT COOL to grab girls when they walk by you.  Ok. I suppose it's probably not just NJ guys, so let me retract that and generalize to all guys. take. note: Sexual harassment doesn't work. even in "Sin City".

4. If you are somewhat attractive, or just one of your friends is cute, a Vegas weekend can be completely free.  This doesn't mean you should act like a entitled bitch and forget to say thank you for the rooms, tables, dinners, gambling money and possibly even flights.

5. Vegas is as fun as you make it.  Despite my stark criticisms, I love a city where everyone is accepted with open arms.  Don't stress over your body or wardrobe or anything else superficial.  Grab a cocktail, roll the dice and fist pump with abandon - what happens in Vegas still stays in Vegas if you spend your time enjoying yourself instead of on instagram.  

Coachella Diaries - The Fashion!

Coachella, for me, isn't necessarily about the music - yet more of a cultural experience focused around the fashion. 

My fashion do's for Coachella 2013 are as follows:

-You must get a pair of high waisted shorts.  these are a necessity. Melrose is overflowing with every possible pair you could dream of - but their pricey and difficult to find the right fit.  My suggestion is to go for fit (you'll need them to be comfy) and then distress them yourself from there with a little sand paper.

- Ankle boots. another must.

- wide brimmed hats and vintage sunglasses

- bangles upon bangles, don't skimp on the jewelry - have fun with it!

- lacey shirts & cover ups

- cropped tanks, tshirts, bathing suit tops

- flowing skirts and dresses

- floral or tribal prints

-bright block of color - think neon shorts

- American flags

When in doubt, distressed t's, hippie inspired flair and hipster threads will work.  As much as its all about the fashion - you still have to dress for comfort, considering it will be 90s during the day and substantially chillier at night.

These are NOT pjs. In fact, they're adorable. hmph

The jean vest I'm wearing?  My mom's from the 70s. Totally. Coachella-esque

A pop of neon, a textured black top, fun prints & shorts? check.

Coachella Weekend: The Parties

If you're from Los Angeles and you're planning on heading to Coachella weekend, listen up.  The concert is a small blip on your radar in comparison to the onslaught of absurdly amazing parties that are at your fingertips. I say 'if you're from LA' because these aren't your run of the mill, 'I'm a cute girl, I'll get in' parties.  These are exclusive, invite only, you've got to be on the list, celebrity laden extravaganzas.  And they are AWESOME.

Luckily for me, I have a few friends and one spectacular roommate who weasel me onto lists, and I can honestly say that the party experience of Coachella, if attainable, should be your main priority.

This is what MY Coachella weekend looked like:

Friday Night -  Wildfox and friends party.  Embodies Coachella - without the dust. You've still got the fashion, the celebrities, the lounging on the grass -- but add free alcohol, a fire pit, makeup touch ups, and photo booth in an intimate setting. After hours had a casual 40 people over the house we were staying in.. which was walking distance to the festival. no. big. deal.

Saturday Day - Chevy Volt Valley Party put on by my dear friends at NIGHT VISION.  The party was larger than life, with a zip line, hot air balloon rides, and free flowing margaritas.  Sponsored by Patron & Bagatelle, there was everything from gourmet burgers to patron infused ice cream and Popsicle to eat.  Oh by the way.  That car was craned onto a little island in the lake for the party.  Oh and they built a bridge across the lake.  ball. er.

 

 

Saturday Night - Started off at the Guess Party (another Night Vision spectacular) where Nervo absolutely killed it in this architecturally pleasing tent venue.

 

Then headed to Neon Carnival (Bolthouse) for a truly adult only carnival.  There were rides, celebrities everywhere, games, free flowing alcohol, and amazing live music until 4AM. 

 

We couldn't stay until 4 though... because we had to get to this mansion with a dj party in an airport hanger.  Felt a little like a college rage - but in a million dollar home with a name dj.  Around 5:30 it was back to our place -- with the celebrity roommates we were staying with had invited over their 50 closest friends.  This party didn't end, the sun just came up.

Sunday day-  back to Chevy Volt Valley, because really, how can a competing party top hot air balloon rides?  

Sunday night - stopped by the actual Coachella festival - to jam out to Red Hot Chili Peppers.  As I posted earlier - the experience is amazing. But it's also freezing, windy, dusty, and you walk for miles upon miles only to elbow and push your way to not even be able to see the performer anyways. Don't get me wrong.  If I never knew of this alternative party weekend, I would have been smitten with Coachella and had the time of my life - maybe even camped!  But mixing the parties and the concert together (with an emphasis on partying) created the perfect weekend.  Maybe if you've got enough stamina you could do the parties the first weekend and the festival the second, but this option is out of the question for me.  Only sleeping under 3 hours for an entire weekend is something I can handle but once a year.

Coachella - What to Expect

Coachella weekend is absolutely magical.  But only in so far as you plan it right.  I've just now come out of the coachella-coma and feel ready to really digest the whirlwind festival.

Tickets.

Lets start from the beginning, shall we?  Tickets sell out fast.  if you're going for the parties, get your tickets the first weekend.  If you're going to camp - well then it doesn't quite matter much as the line up is exactly the same.  Don't panic if tickets sell out, there are desperate ticket holders trying to unload their tickets after the line-up is announced, then again closer to the event.  VIP isn't quite worth doubling the price in my eyes. Sure, there are fenced off areas closer to the stage and it's easier for you to get alcohol and food, but with a little bit of patience (and pushing), general admission can come very close to giving you the same experience.

Packing. 

This can be overwhelming.  Especially for the fashionably conscious, but don't fret.  Truth is, you'll probably only look cute for an hour before you're covered in the dust and filth sticking to your sweat.  This is a boho-friendly, hippie-inspired festival.  Looking unkept is, well, encouraged.  These things however, are MUSTS when packing:

-Sunglasses

-Sunblock

-closed toe ankle boots

-distressed high waisted jean shorts & vintage tanks

-heavy sweaters and jackets

-bathing suit

-bandana

-face/baby wipes

-ATM card

-cross shoulder bag or backpack

-extra contacts/contact solution

-hat

-long pants/skirt

-hairbrush & leave in conditioner

Fashion.

On the packing note, I will be posting my fashion do's and donts for Coachella soon, so stay tuned ;)

Festival.

As a recent festival chaser, I can say I was pleasantly surprised by Coachella.  Despite being owned by the conglomerate AEG, it still held the charm of an indie festival. The waters are only two dollars, there aren't sponsors harassing you, and you can have three koji truck tacos and a beer for under 20 bucks.  Plus they give the option of camping.  In comparison to Insomniac events, they really skimped on sound, lighting, and experience creating, but the layout and staging was definitely on par.  This festival is a well oiled machine from check in to the ease of navigating the massive fair grounds.

If you are going just for the festival and staying at a house or hotel that's a drive away, I would really study the lineup and make a priority list of acts.  You're not going to see it all, and there is by no means any rush to get to the festival early and stay until the very last set.  it is three full days after all.

Transportation.

The cabs back and forth are expensive and sparing, and while some hotels have shuttles, the distance is to Palm Springs is too great to make multiple trips in a day. Parking is free, but the lots are enormous and confusing, so snap a photo of your cars location so you can find it again.  And for God's sake don't drink and drive, there are cops littered everywhere.

Aaron Speiser Acting Studio - A review

I've been taking classes at Aaron Speiser's studio.  More for self exploration and a breather from the stress of office life than for pursuit of an acting career, but my experience has been fruitful to say the least.

I am enrolled under the pseudom of working for an ad agency for the fear that leaking my real identity as an agent would render me as an outsider. (and would consequently lead to "doing favors" to my "new friends" and signing them out of pity).

Every Wednesday, I enter into the safe haven that is Aaron's studio at 6:30pm.  The group of 15-20 starts with improv and loosening up then we delve into whatever the lesson of the week is.   The class plan is a calculated science with an accompanying book (Uta Thurman's to be exact) and binder full of valuable information.

We work on fourth wall and the moment before and all of the nitty gritty that brings a scene to life.  We learn to embody emotional reactions and play off true feelings instead of acting out an adjective. And each class builds upon the last, adding a new tool or insight to your acting repertoire.  The classes are not for the faint of heart, but rather for the actor who knows that being an actor is not booking a national commercial, its having a cultivated ability to bring imaginary circumstances to life in a truthful manner.

While I have dropped in to watch a scene study with Aaron, I have never had the pleasure of enduring his biting critiques.  Nonetheless, I feel indebted to him for developing such a stable foundation for the actors and actresses who are lucky enough to drive too far down La Cienega Blvd.   Susan Rumor and Anthony teach the technique class, and while very much opposites, they share a common passion for teaching that keeps the actors engaged right up until the clock strikes 10.

I recommend the technique, and subsequent scene study, classes to any actor who is looking not to just 'book the job' but to do the job well.   That, my friends, is what acting careers are made of - and that's what Aaron Speisers studio has to offer.