OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT

It’s not really my place to tell you who to VOTE for, but being that this election is so important for the future for this country, I felt the need to at least state my views. You can take my opinions or leave them, but on November 4th (My birthday) get out there and VOTE! If you haven’t been following the election thus far, do some research on the internet, learn what each candidate is about and make an informed decision on whom you want to be the next PRESIDENT. As for me, I believe BARACK OBAMA is FABULOUS!

BARACK OBAMA is a charismatic, intelligent and inspiring man. I am drawn to his idealism, his youthful energy and his political views. This country is in dire need of a change and OBAMA is the change we need. It’s time to bring new energy and new ideas into our governmental structure.

I also appreciate that OBAMA is committed to uniting the country around a vision for the future (a positive message instead of the dirty tactics of McCain’s campaign). We need a president who can inspire people across all lines whether republican or democrat, black, brown, or white, woman or man. I believe wholeheartedly that OBAMA is that person.

I don’t have any strong feelings against McCain. I mean, he seems to me to have pretty standard republican ideals. My problem with McCain is that he is OLD and not a healthy man. If anything god forbid where to happen to McCain during his presidency, his Vice President would have to step in. This is the most dangerous, scary prospect of all. I think that Sarah Palin seems like a friendly enough lady with strong ideals (not ones I agree with in the slightest), but that does NOT mean she is qualified to run this country (particularly in the bad way we are in). Her stance on many of the issues seems so backward it’s shocking. She does not believe in sex education. She opposes abortion rights even in the case of rape or incest. She believes marriage should only be between a man and woman and she has said that the Iraq War was “a task from God.” (Whatever happened to the separation of church and state?) I just don’t think McCain’s camp put enough thought and research into the choice for his running mate. They were just trying to win the female VOTE after Hillary Clinton lost the democratic bid.

“Do not underestimate the power of hope and the power of words that inspire,” BARACK OBAMA said in his speech declaring his win as Democratic candidate.

I have HOPE for a better tomorrow and I am inspired! SO yes, on November 4th I will cast my vote for OBAMA because he is qualified, intelligent, charismatic and competent. BARACK OBAMA is FABULOUS!

Check out this video: YES, WE CAN!

Watch for a quick cameo by my sister Tracee.

LA FASHION WEEK

With an upcoming writing deadline and other projects in the works, I have been a busy, busy girl. BUT last week was LA FASHION WEEK and even though I have work to get done, there is always a little time for fashion, fun and FABULOUSITY!

Saturday, I woke feeling a bit under the weather. I had a sore throat, the sniffles and I felt all achy. I hate being sick! I laid low all day, but still didn’t feel better. SO I stayed home and missed out on the FASHION WEEK opening party hosted by LA DIRECT Magazine at Kress Night Club.

My FASHION WEEK started with the YMI Jeans’ fashion show and party. The show opened with Kimberly Caldwell from American Idol fame striking a fierce pose in a super cute party dress, followed by models in jeans, shorts and cute tops. The show finished with Ms. USA (who is gorgeous) and Ms. Universe strutting in unison. Poor Ms. Universe had to wear a terrible glittered denim dress (Denim should never have glitter!) The show was fun, but the party was not so my friend Sona and I headed to ONE SUNSET where I danced and partied with friends.

Monday evening, I attended the Julia Clancey show at Smash Box Studios in Culver City. Her cute, Grecian inspired minis and headdresses made my heart go pitter-patter. I would love to wear every single one of the dresses. I love dresses! My friend Lesa Amore walked in the show. She is a retired model (still gorgeous) who showed up all the young girls with her strut, spins and poses. SO FUN!

Tuesday afternoon, I went back to the tents at Smash Box for the D’amore Swimwear show. Caroline D’amore, the designer, is a good friend of mine. She is also a well-known model, talented DJ and budding actress (She is FABULOUS)! Recently, she gave me one of her sexy one-piece bathing suits, which I love, so I was excited to check out the full collection on the runway (and pick out other ones that I want). I arrived early and everything was a mess since Caroline wasn’t there. The poor thing couldn’t get away from her movie shooting on the East Coast and had to miss her fashion week debut. Luckily, her friends came out in throngs to support her. Mina Suvari created quite a stir in the front row, as did Kim and Kourtney Kardashian. Slade and Jo from Real House Wives of Orange County / Date My Ex were there too. Although, Caroline was dearly missed on the runway, her curvy models (a rarity in the modeling world) did her proud by strutting their stuff in her sexy suits.

Wednesday night, I had dinner with my friend Dwight at Katsuya on Hollywood Blvd. I’m not a huge sushi fan, but the crispy rice spicy tuna is to die for and the scene at the sushi bar is FABULOUS! (Brody, Lauren and the gang were filming The Hills just a couple tables away).

After dinner, I headed to the Wet in Cement event sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue at Boulevard3. The event was for charity benefiting Operation Smile and hosted by Cat Sadler from E! (I want her job! I should have tackled her to the ground! Haha)! I posed on the red carpet in the black ruffled dress that I borrowed from Jazmin, the designer of Li Cari. I was also feeling a little wild, so I rocked some red lipstick to kick the evening up a notch. Wet Cement clothing showed their hip t-shirts on the runway, then apl.de.ap from the Black Eyed Peas rocked the stage. The party was fun, but I headed home at a decent hour, so I wouldn’t be tired and non-productive the next day.

Thursday, I went to check out the Samora show at the tents at Smash Box. Years ago, I walked in her show and we have stayed in touch ever since. She made a dress special for me to wear to her show. It was bright pink (which is not usually my color of choice), but it was fun and different. Her new collection was Parisian themed, classy, sexy and FABULOUS. I loved the little black body suit and the white pearled peek-a-boo dress.

This is the last season that LA FASHION WEEK will be at Smash Box Studios in Culver City, so I’m glad that I got to be a part of it. IMG (the agency that throws all fashion weeks) has decided to part ways with Smash Box, so there was a big party after the shows and of course I was on hand to bid LA FASHION WEEK as we know it farewell. I look forward to seeing what LA FASHION WEEKS will be like in the future.

Friday night was the end of LA FASHION WEEK. I attended the Li Cari show downtown at The Barker Block Galleries. The designer is a very talented 20 year-old that I met a couple of years ago. I’ve modeled in many of her shows, but decided this time to just be a guest. She dressed me in a cute white and black party dress and I sat front row to view the new collection, “Neon and Nautical.” I loved the opening dress and definitely spotted a couple fun ones that I will for sure borrow for events in the future.

LA FASHION WEEK was FABULOUS, but now its time to get back to work!!

ABBOT KINNEY IN VENICE

Recently, I went to the ABBOT KINNEY Festival in Venice, CA. The Festival is always FABULOUS (check out October 3rd, 2007 blog) and this year was no different. Street vendors filled the blocked off stretch of ABBOT KINNEY, one of the hippest and most eclectic streets in LA. Bands rocked at every corner as people from all over mingled on the streets enjoying fresh foods and partying in the beer gardens.

ABBOT KINNEY is one of my favorite areas. Located just blocks from the beach, It’s filled with unique shops, restaurants and partying locations. Some people say this area is unsafe and infested with drugs and gangs and yes, there is still some of that… but there is so much more!

FAVORITE COFFEE SHOP

ABBOT’S HABIT is a laid-back coffee house located right in the middle of ABBOT KINNEY. The walls are lined with art by local artists and the tables always filled with neighborhood regulars chatting, working on computers or perusing the paper. I can to sit here and write for hours with a steaming cup of Joe and a hardboiled egg (My breakfast of choice lately).

WORKOUT SPOTS

YAS is an awesome new workout regime whose flagship gym is located here. They offer yoga, spinning for athletes and their signature YAS class, which is 30 minutes of Spinning followed by 30 minutes of yoga. I go at least once a week to get a good full body workout and stretch all in just one hour.

CURCUIT WORKS just opened on ABBOT KINNEY. I’ve only done this unique workout once, but I can say for sure that I got one of the most serious workouts that I’ve gotten since my rowing days in college (I rowed CREW at Georgetown all 4 years). You start off with cardio to warm up then move through a series of weight lifting activities, back to cardio and back again to weights. Your heat rate stays pumped way up while strengthening multiple muscles. I was sore for days, but I’ll be back soon for sure!

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

ABBOT KINNEY is known for its antique stores, but I like clothes so PRINCEPESSA and VAMP are two of my favorites. They are connected in the middle and both carry gorgeous dressed and fashion-forward looks. VAMP is a bit cheaper (I’m a bit of a frugal fanny) so you will find me shopping there more often.

FIREFLY is the best shop for unique gifts and books. I’ve bought everything from a book of Venice graffiti art to a fortune telling fish. They recently moved into a new bigger space, so they have more cool stuff than ever!

EQUATOR BOOKS is an edgy gallery and bookstore (and you know I LOVE books)! They have a cool selection of coffee table books as well as a back room filled with vintage records (I’m always looking for old Supremes albums)!

LUNCH

ABBOT’S PIZZA is the best stop for a quick lunch. Delicious bagel crusts and a variety of different pizzas, keep the small space overflowing with locals from morning till night. My favorite is the salad pizza (the crust is slathered with goat cheese, piled high with a vinaigrette tossed salad and topped with avocado slices! YUM!)

DINING

HAL’S BAR AND GRILL has the best steaks, the yummiest French fries (outside of McDonalds) and a cool drink menu. Photos of famous Jazz musicians line the walls and a funky Jazz band plays most nights making HAL’S a rockin’ good time!

AXE is a minimalist, healthy person’s haven. The organic California cuisine is fresh and delicious and paired with organic wines. My sister Tracee had her birthday dinner here a couple years ago.

PRIMATIVO WINE BISTRO is one of my favorite restaurants of all time! It’s a hip and stylish tapas joint that serves great food, delicious wines and the most FABULOUS sangrias (I love the red sangria by the pitcher)! This is a great spot for a ladies night or a date on the romantic back patio. They also have a great lunch!

JOES is the fancier dinner choice on ABBOT KINNEY with delicious French cuisine in a sexy atmosphere. Good for a date night or a special night on the town!

COCKTAILS

THE OTHER ROOM is a very hip local’s bar. They serve only beer and wine, but they have a great selection. In the summer, they open the huge garage style windows, so you feel the ocean breeze as you sip your wine or beer. You can also order take out food and eat it at their tables, which is fun (Abbot’s Pizza will deliver to the window). If your drivers license has a Venice address, you can skip the line like a VIP (and yes, there is usually a line outside on the weekends). Sadly, on the night of the festival two people where shot outside.

THE BRIG is a super cool lounge-y hangout on ABBOT KINNEY. They have a great DJ, a pool table and always a cool crowd. I used to be a regular here when I dated a guy who lived near by. Haven’t been in a while, but I should definitely go back soon. It’s fun!

ABBOT KINNEY also has a super cool history. It was named after the founder of Venice, who was born in 1850 on the East Coast. ABBOTT KINNEY was a well-educated man who traveled the world. When he came to California, he was excited to find a place where his asthma symptoms were alleviated and so he stayed. He then won the area of Venice in a coin toss. ABBOT KINNEY set out to re-create Venice, Italy complete with a network of canals, Venetian style buildings, even gondolas. The town of "Venice Of America" unveiled in 1905. After his death in 1920 (He died of lung cancer), Venice was passed onto the city of Los Angeles, resulting in the filling-in of most of the canals to build streets and the demolition of 550 structures to be upgraded to current standards. Fortunately, a large section of the canals remain intact in Venice.

ABBOT KINNEY (and in fact all of Venice) is FABULOUS!

REGISTER TO VOTE!

VOTER registration deadlines are quickly approaching. In most states, there are only a few days left and still there are many people who haven’t registered to VOTE. Are you registered?

Some people say, “What’s the point? My VOTE doesn’t really matter.” BUT that is so far from the truth. I mean, what if everyone felt that way and no one VOTED? Then, we would never elect a president! Every VOTE counts!

You are an important and integral part of making changes in this country in a time when it’s needed more than ever. Whoever becomes the next president has a serious mess to deal with! The economy has gone to shit, the environment is quickly deteriorating, and the war has gone on way too long. Don’t you want to make sure the person you believe in addresses the issues that are important to you? Whatever your main concerns or issues are, VOTING allows you to take an active roll in our country’s future We will be dealing with the effects of this election for the rest of their lives.

VOTING is a privilege that far too many people take for granted. How would you feel if you couldn’t decide who to elect a president or choose a job or decide how many kids to have? There are many countries where people don’t have a choice. We live in an amazing country where no matter what you believe, no matter what your race, sex or religion you are allowed have a voice, so take advantage of it and VOTE.

This country needs some serious change and your VOTE can help! The right to VOTE is FABULOUS!

Register TODAY and encourage family members, friends, neighbors and acquaintances to register before it’s too late! “YES, WE CAN!”

Resources:
www.rockthevote.org
www.declareyourself.com

NEW YORK

Usually my trips to NEW YORK are quick, as the hustle and bustle of the city wears on a girl after too much time. BUT, my childhood friend Saskia (we met when we were babies) invited me to her wedding and I was excited to be a part of her special day so I was willing to spend some more time. Plus, I LOVE weddings! (What better place to meet my future husband?)

The only problem was I had a full week between Fashion Week (see last weeks blog) and the wedding. I find it VERY hard to concentrate in a NEW YORK because there is just way too much going on. (In LA, people allow time to breathe and relax). I have a lot on my plate right now and so in between seeing friends and partying (as I do), it was important for me to find time to exercise, write, relax and breathe.

After the few days of hard partying during Fashion Week, I needed a break. My friend Mary has a house in Piermont, NY (just a hop, skip and a jump from the city), so I decided to head out to visit her and clear my head. We ate lunch on the small and quaint Main Street, visited the farmer’s market and a Peace Festival (which was a bunch of hippies dancing around with flowers) then went to the mall. This was not just any mall! It was huge and FABULOUS! It had great shopping, an amazing food court (where we gorged on Mexican food), an indoor Ferris wheel, Dave and Buster’s Arcade (which is maybe the greatest place on EARTH) and 2 huge movie theaters (We saw “The Women” which was less than FABULOUS). A mellow night is just what the doctor ordered.

Back in the city the next day, I was able to find a NEW YORK routine to help me get through the week.

Every morning, I would start the day with a walk through Central Park to Starbucks. Now, I know that in LA I am ANTI Starbucks and PRO Coffee Bean, but without too many coffee options Starbucks worked just fine. I would order an iced coffee and if I was hungry oatmeal. I brought along my computer, so I could check my email, myspace, facebook, blogger and peruse the Internet (always making just a quick stop at TMZ to catch up on LA gossip).

When I was good and caffeinated, I would make my way to the gym. I go to Sports Club LA, which has a branch right down the street from my apartment in NEW YORK. I think it is so important for my well being to at least break a sweat everyday, so I run on the treadmill, stretch, do some abs and lift a couple of weights. One day at the gym, I bumped into my old college crush Dan Martin! Sadly for me, he is married now, but it was still fun to see him. Another day, instead of going to the gym, I met up with my friend Annie at EXHALE Spa for a Core Fusion class. What better way to spend time and reconnect with old friends than by sweating your asses off while working out? (followed by lunch and a play date with her kids at the playground).

I have lots of friends from when I grew up in the NEW YORK. It is FABULOUS to get to spend time with them when I am in town. Many have babies (and I LOVE babies), so lunch and a walk in the park is one of my favorite things to do. Each day I would have lunch with an old friend or family member. I saw my friend Schuyler, my dad, my sister Rhonda and even got to spend sometime over lunch with my stepsister, Leona. She lives in London, so I rarely get to see her. (Check out and buy her new CD! You will LOVE it!)

MY FAVORITE SPOTS IN NEW YORK FOR LUNCH:
REPUBLIC (in Union Square) has the most yummy, affordable Thai food. There are shared tables inside the restaurant, which is kinda random, but fun. They also have a great outdoor patio for those warm, sunny, city days.

SERAFINA (on 61st and Madison) has delicious Italian food. I often have lunch here with my sister Rhonda and dinner with friends. The pizzas are to die for, as is the penne arrabiata! YUM!

BAR PITTI (West Village) is authentic and divine Italian food. It’s always packed with the most FABULOUS hip peeps and serves delicious pastas, salads and pizzas. If you make it there you MUST have the truffle pizza and Pitti salad (with artichokes)! We totally didn’t notice, but the paparazzi caught us lunching here.


PAX (all over NEW YORK) is perfect for a fast, healthy and yummy lunch. I always make a salad. You can chose the type of lettuce you want then pick multiple toppings and the man behind the counter tosses it into a perfect blend (My usual: Romaine with carrots, corn, peas, sun dried tomatoes, bacon, Cajun chicken, more bacon and light Caesar dressing)! They also have great paninis, soups and pastries.

HALE AND HEARTY SOUPS (all over NEW YORK) has salads like PAX and the most amazing selection of soups. I’m usually not much of a soup person (it’s a bit hot in LA) unless I’m sick in bed, but these soups are to die for. I dream about the potato bacon!

In LA, I can be productive writing at a coffee shop. Everyone has a computer or a book and sits for hours lolling around on the sunny patios, but in NEW YORK everyone is moving all the time that no one just sits and hangs out. With my computer at Starbucks, I got many dirty looks for hogging the tables, so I had to search for a good place to sit, think and write.

The best place I found to allow my creative juices to flow was Bryant Park. Once they took the Fashion Week tents down, it was quiet, peaceful and a perfect spot to write. They have tables set up in the shade looking over the grassy area. I could take the bus there from my apartment (I love mass transportation in NEW YORK) and sit for hours writing outside (I was only interrupted now and then by people asking for money or crazies wanting to chat).

One day, when I felt a bit chilly outside in Bryant Park, I ventured into the New York Public Library. It is busy and noisy, but I did find a nice quiet cubicle on the 5th floor to get some work done.

Another day, I took the train out to Greenwich, CT (where I grew up) and after roaming Greenwich Ave and reminiscing about high school, I made my way to the library where I was able to get a good chunk of writing done. It is the cleanest and quietest library I think I have ever been into.

I made a great discovery while in New York! All of the public parks have wireless Internet! I could sit in the middle of Central Park on a blanket and surf the Internet or post my blog (or do what I’m supposed to be doing… write). How FABULOUS is that?!?

Now, of course NEW YORK has the greatest nightlife, BUT my favorite thing to do is get all dolled up and go to dinner with friends. This trip I got to reconnect with so many good friends over yummy food and cocktails.

MY FAVORITE DINNER SPOTS IN NEW YORK:
THE SPOTTED PIG (West Village) is one of my favorite casual joints in the city. It’s an upscale pub with the most delicious burgers and it’s always packed with good looking people. I met up with my friends Nicole and Jeremiah for a great casual night of food, folks and fun!

PASTIS (Meat Packing District) is my very favorite restaurant in NEW YORK. Fashioned after a French Brasserie, the atmosphere is fun and sexy and the food is divine! My friend Sarah and I started a wild night on the town with yummy pastas, salads and wine on the outdoor patio over looking the cobblestone streets of the Meat Packing District.

In LA, I only go to clubs and events that I know for sure I will have no struggle to get in. In NEW YORK I don’t have the same connections, so the bar/club scene is a bit of a hassle. I did dance my little heart out a couple of nights in NEW YORK clubs (One Oak and Butter), but only on nights that I knew someone with a table or went with someone who was better connected than I. Struggling to get into a club is a serious buzz kill, so mostly I stuck to low key bars for cocktails with friends.

MY FAVORITE SPOT FOR COCKTAILS:
GOLD BAR (Little Italy) with gold skulls embedded in the walls, gold chains separating the rooms, gold ceilings and honey flavored drinks, this place is the epitome of FABULOUS. Also my friend Prince Peter DJs here once a week!

The Saturday of the wedding finally arrived and though my week was productive and fun, I was happy that is was time to return home to LA. Saskia was a beautiful bride, the wedding was spectacular and guess what?

I CAUGHT THE BOUQUET!!