Pure, Unadulterated Joy

#Style by @NicoleJanowicz, #Fashion Flash with @Jaime_King @DitaVonTeese, #Foodie Fun with @AdrianGrenier

By Joy A. Kennelly

Int'l Stylist, Nicole Janowicz Update

Been busy behind the scenes and finally able to take a break to blog. 

I love working with Int'l Celebrity/Wedding Stylist, Nicole Janowicz, and am learning sometimes things I would normally be shouting about on the rooftops need to be kept under wraps a lot longer than anticipated.:)

I can tell you this though. Nicole has re-connected with Director Dago Gonzalez of Veneno Inc. whom she worked with on Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony: World Tour Video Elements, Slash, and dancers for Paulina Rubio: Nada Puede Cambiarme,  and the Spice Girls: World Tour Video Elements. 

See, it's not all Backstreet Boys and weddings all the time with her! She does other entertaining projects too!:) She is currently styling for two major World Tours with Dago and having a ball.

It's always fun when you work with people you like and who respect your work. Rare in this town, but when you find it it's a treasure which may explain why Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorcese and so many others keep their same teams film after film.

Remember my blog post on teams with Entourage Actor Adrian Grenier? Here's the link in case you missed it the first go round: Importance of building a team: Why Adrian Grenier, Willow Smith and Gary Oldman are successful.

In any case, back to Nicole. So, if you don't hear anything from me about her, just know great things are perculating behind-the-scenes as we work diligently together.

Her latest Huffington Post article entitled: How To Create A Consistent Style From Wedding Ceremony To Reception is live too.

Here's a brief intro to pique your interest by Nicole Janowicz: "On April 1st, I made an appearance at the "Unveiled Bridal Style Revealed" event in Beverly Hills, Calif., held at the exquisite Beverly Canon Gardens. "Unveiled" is an outdoor bridal event that brings together the best event professionals, resources, and designs for couples to enjoy as they plan for their big day.

I am not married nor am I engaged. Thus, I can only imagine what it must feel like for newly betrothed couples when the engagement haze wears off, and the reality of creating a wedding becomes, well... real. Venues, food, guests, invitations... the details and decisions are seemingly endless. Bridal events, like "Unveiled," are an invaluable resource for couples. They are like the Barneys New York women's shoe department of weddings: the best the industry has to offer, in one place, and with smiling, friendly people waiting to chat and help!

My team and I were on-site to talk with brides about all things wedding fashion and style including: upcoming trends, choosing your wedding gown, choosing bridesmaids dresses to compliment every personality and figure, how to style your groom and groomsmen, and much more.

One bride in particular asked my advice on how to wear different ceremony and reception dresses, while maintaining a consistent style. My conversation with said bride inspired this article because I know she is not the only woman grappling how to wear two different dresses, while maintaining one overall look.

So, let's talk it out..." Click here to continue reading: http://huff.to/ItgDYY

I can also tell you she's been invited to speak before the Wedding Industry Professional Association sometime next month. Still nailing down the particulars, but it will be great. The organzier is very good at what she does and we're excited to participate. (I know, I said "we," but I get excited with my clients, what can I say?:)

Other things are bubbling and will be announced in due time. SO! That's the latest with Nicole.

FASHION FLASH

Since you've been patient, I thought I would share some fashion highlights I've been receiving from other publicists because now that summer is upon us it's fun to see what all the stars are wearing and doing.

I was pleasantly surprised to receive this highlight of Actress Jaime King wearing ban.do since Nicole has styled her in the past for LADirect Magazine (purchased years back by another publication.)

Isn't this a cute headband and look? Jaime looks like such a Southern belle I love it.

Jaime King wore ban.do on a recent episode of Hart of Dixie! The model turned actress sparkled in a glam crystal headband ($225); www.shopbando.com. 

 

 

 

My friends and I love Austin and really beautiful jewelry there. Have you heard of another Jamie named Jamie Pope? Well, Jamie decided to design her own jewelry line when she couldn't find what she liked and tcreated the Liz James collection.

Have to say, fashionista's everywhere are happy she's designing if this picture is any indication:

If a trip to Austin isn't in your plans any time soon, shop her designs online here: www.lizjames.com.

Now, since it's getting sunnier and sunnier, here's some fun shades called Lumete which means a precious object used for protection and luck, and lumen, meaning light.

One of our favorite strip tease artists, Dita Von Teese, (I know the PC term is Burlesque, but let's call a spade a spade people.:), loves 'em. If you can believe it, I actually saw her perform at a private birthday for an 80 plus year old mom of a very wealthy son's party up in Rolling Hills Estates years back.

Dita is good at what she does! The men in the crowd were cheering and all the rest of us were just amazed the mom had agreed to this performance.:)

Doesn't Dita look glamourous and mysterious in her "summer sunnies" as the publicist calls  'em? Love this look!

 Check them out online too here: http://lumete.com/catalog/category/view/s/collection/id/3/

FOODIE FUN

Oh, and I also received the news two cool people I've written about in the past, Entourage Actor, Adrian Grenier, and Stonyfield Farm chairman Gary Hirshberg were at the recent opening of a new natural and organic restaurant at Chelsea Piers last night, Chelsea’s Table, which Gary also founded.

Aren't they cute?:) Hey Adrian, Nicole would love to work with you if you're not already with a stylist!:)

Photo credit: Brian Ach /AP Images for Chelsea's Table

Chelsea’s Table features natural, organic and local ingredients in a fast-casual atmosphere proving that “healthy fast food” is not an oxymoron. (Just like Stonyfield Farm's organic yogurt I had the fun time promoting last year. You can view all the fun pix from the Family Love Fest here in my blog: http://bit.ly/ihsNZk just keep clicking.:)

Gary and Adrian formed their friendship two years back when Adrian launched his eco-media platform SHFT (http://www.shft.com) which supports environmentally conscious and sustainable living. 

You can view more info about Chelsea’s Table here: http://prn.to/I1knTg.

Okay, that's all for now. I'm hungry and dinner's calling. Hope you enjoyed the read!

Gifts I enjoyed this season: Environ Skincare products, Sees Candy, and other goodies

By Joy A. Kennelly

You may, or may not be aware of this book entitled The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Author, Gary Chapman, but I recently read it and it made all the sense in the world to me after taking his 5 Love Languages test.

I learned my top love language is receiving gifts. Now lest you think I'm materialistic, here's the description of this love language and I quote:

"Receiving Gifts

Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures."

My second highest love language is Quality Time:

"Quality Time

In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, 'I love you,' like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful."

This explained everything to me about some personal dynamics currently going on with people who shall remain nameless to protect the clueless. I know one reads my blog so perhaps this will be shared with the less informed. One can hope, eh?

Moving right along...

So, when I was invited to spend "quality time" with a renowned Plastic Surgeon and a pioneer in plastic surgery and skincare named Dr. Des Fernandez who was visiting Atlanta, GA from South Africa, I gladly agreed.

It was an invitation to learn more about Environ, "his breakthrough anti-aging skincare collection which is available in the Atlanta area as well as nationwide in spas and medical centers" 
at one of the hottest new organic restaurants in town, Miller Union.   


Photo credits for first images by David Naugle. The following are mine.:) 

How could I refuse? 

Despite torrential rain, I arrived at Miller Union on time and enjoyed meeting Dr. Des and his skincare colleagues which included the owner's of the distribution company, his sales rep and publicist. Here's a few of his team below. He is the tall gentleman on the far left and his delightful team is next to him. What was special for me was Dr. Des took the time to review a small skin cancer lesion I've had on my shoulder for a little bit now and was able to alieve my concerns about it's growth. What I wasn't aware of, but happy to learn, Environ skincare products contain Vitamin A and he said in his practice when people started applying it to issues like mine it healed them. 

He said this happened so frequently it took him awhile to realize he wasn't doing as many surgeries as before, but mainly check-ups due to the success of patient's using his products which I found fascinating. I'm willing to try anything to avoid having my shoulder incapicated for a month and have been using Environ products ever since receiving them. I will have a doctor check it of course, but in the meantime, I'm excited to experience positive results.

From the official press release, "Dr. Fernandes’ concern for skin cancer in the early 1980s was the reason why he started the research that eventually led to the conception of the Environ Original range of skin care products. He knew from his medical experience and from statistics, that skin cancer was on the increase. 

In 1991, a vitamin A retinoid reaction, experienced by a consumer, led to the development of two milder creams, and the step-up system of gradually increased doses of active ingredients was born. The step-up system of increasing strengths provide a range of light, non-greasy moisturizers containing vitamin A and a sophisticated free-radical scavenging system of powerful antioxidants to assist in normalizing and protecting skin from the ever-increasing incidence of sun damage."

Since I grew up in CA where you're constantly in the sun (unlike Atlanta which seems to be constantly raining lately! LOL) and can suffer skin cancer so much more frequently, I was especially interested in learning more about Environ. Dr. Des showed so many wonderful before and after images during his skincare presentation over lunch I believe his miracles!:) 

Here's a link to results you can view for yourself: http://environ.co.za/results

He had the funniest tools he uses (one is called Cosmetic Body Roll-CIT ) which almost looks like a torture device to help all the nutrients of his skincare products fully penetrate. It does prick the skin, but people swear by it. Here's a closer look:

You can't really see it in this pic, but there are numerous tiny needles all over the barrel. Now imagine rolling these type tools over your body and face. Here's the official description: "It was a world first and helps to increase the effectiveness of skin care products. The instrument is made up of a convenient handle, smooth-action roller heads and durable stainless steel micro needles."

The bigger version will help you get rid of cellulite and the smaller ones help your face wrinkles. I'm sure there's a nicer way to say this, but I'm not doing it very well...:) Now I'm not one who is a slave to products and if you know me personally you'll know I'm telling you the truth, but I will say, I'm applying this product regularly and will keep you posted on how my skin improves.

I was very impressed with the entire team of experts and they have continued to make sure I'm doing ok with everything which is also impressive. No wonder celebrities, athletes and more swear by Dr. Des Fernandez's products! I think I'll soon be joining them.:)

From the official press release: "Over the years Environ has received numerous accolades for the achievements of the Company itself, showing that it is conscious of maintaining the highest standards in every aspect. Environ is one of the few Companies in the world where research and development, manufacture, distribution and marketing are all done in house."  

Now skincare isn't the only gift I"ve received which has definitely made going to the Post Office more fun lately. Ironically enough, I received an email from a PR firm in Santa Monica I had actually interviewed with years back asking if I would like to write a story about  . Now since this is my Dad's absolute favorite candy and it holds a special place in my heart having grown up eating it in CA, I said sure!

Because we all know, life is like a box of chocolates right?:)  Doesn't this look wonderful? Here's another good present for the chocolate lover in your life.... 
It's called the Winter Wonderland Box and is filled with such chocolates  as Scotchmallows, Butterscotch Squares, Milk Chocolate Foil Balls and Molasses Chips.  (Can you believe the price too? $6.80 for 4.8 oz) I hope there's some left because I'm sure you can order some deliciousness online to be delivered wherever here: http://www.sees.com/

I'm so bummed I was sick because I missed visiting their recent Atlanta pop-up stores in Town Center and Cobb and Mall of Georgia. Did you know..."Since 1921, See's Candies has been one of America's favorite candy makers. A tradition in the West, See's has consistently maintained its old-fashioned virtues of quality, caring and friendly service. With every delicious piece of See's candy, customers are assured of 'Quality Without Compromise®.'"

I know they're one of my favorites! I received a box from the family I visited over Christmas too. Needless to say, I've been nurturing my chocoholic this season. Wouldn't it be cool if there was such a thing as a chocolate diet? I do feel happier after having a piece I must say. Ok, truth be told, it's more than one piece a day, but who's counting?:)

And for those of you not into chocolate, how about a toffee?   "Toffee-ettes  Are a bite-sized version of See’s famous Victoria Toffee, ideal to enjoy anywhere. Everyone loves this rich, crunchy butter toffee and California-grown almonds, covered in creamy milk chocolate then rolled in toasted almonds." (I think it's the almonds that make this a little more pricey maybe? $17.70 for 1 lb.)

Here's how fanatical my Dad is about his Sees. Whenever anyone gives him a box as a present he will offer us all one piece and then he hides it in his room where he will nurse a box for weeks! LOL If you dared ask him for a piece later, he would never give one and despite numerous efforts to find his hiding place (because yes, he did hide it to prevent us eating it), we never did.

I personally always enjoyed popping into the Sees store back home because they always give you another piece to taste in addition to whatever you buy. Now? I'll just have to rely on the kindness of strangers I guess.:) Needless to say, the folks who gave me Environ and Sees to try spoke my love language and I'm very happy now.

Happy New Year everyone! Eat more chocolate!:) But take care of your skin too, ok? 

Likemind Atlanta Gathering of Creatives at Octane Coffee + Little Tart Bakeshop on Friday, Dec 2 at 8am. Coffee kindly provided by @SchoolofHumans

Atlanta, GA Normally held the third Friday of every month, Likemind Atlanta’s informal gathering of creatives in all industries will be held December 2 from 8am - 9:15am at Octane Coffee + Little Tart Bakeshop. Likemind Atlanta is sponsored by School of Humans, a multi-platform entertainment studio, located in Decatur, GA. 

The gathering is co-hosted by School of Humans' Head of Branded Content and Digital Media, Brandon Barr, a digital storyteller with a wealth of experience in the digital media, advertising and network broadcast worlds, and Chris Wojda, director of brand planning at Definition 6. 

Likemind is a casual, once-a-month coffee gathering of creative professionals in all industries which currently meets in over 50 cities worldwide. Likemind caters to young professionals in advertising, media and design who are products of the age of personal blogs, warts-and-all YouTube videos and viral marketing.  Likemind Atlanta meetings are held the third Friday of every month through May at Octane Coffee + Little Tart Bakeshop, move to Steady Hand Pour House near Emory during the summer, and then over to Octane Coffee Westside in the Fall. 

School of Humans create, write and produce awesome shows, narratives, and films, sometimes with an equally-awesome brand partner baked right into the heart of the story; this entertainment is then spread across multiple channels: broadcast, online video, the social web, mobile — anywhere audiences gather. They call it the human channel. 

School of Humans' award-winning production and development team has worked with Discovery, Science, ESPN, CBS, Food Network, and Turner as well as many of the world’s largest brands including Coca-Cola, GE, Toyota, American Airlines, Kodak, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Barclays and AT&T. 

For more information, please contact School of Humans Publicist, Joy Kennelly, via email: jkennelly (at) schoolofhumans (dot) com or phone: 310 714-2077.

 

@thejgold @LAWeeklyFood @musicconnection Time again for the Original Long Beach Lobster Festival September 9-11, 2011 Rainbow Lagoon #foodies #in

The Original Long Beach Lobster Festival will take place September 9-11, 2011 at the picturesque Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. http://www.originallobsterfestival.com

Bristol Farms will serve unforgettable Maine Lobster Feasts, steamed to mouth-watering perfection in the world’s largest lobster steamers. Plates include; sweet, succulent lobster, melted butter dipping sauce, fresh cut lemons, coleslaw, dinner roll and watermelon. All lobster flown in nightly from Maine’s salty Atlantic Ocean.

Live Entertainment:

Friday, September 9^1h: Chris Anderson Group, Decades 70’s/80’s Dance Band, The Bill Magee Blues Band, Texas House Party and Bennie & The Swamp Gators.

Saturday, September 10^th: Decades 70’s/80’s Dance Band, The Bill Magee Blues Band, Texas House Party and Bennie & The Swamp Gators

Sunday, September 11^th: Upstream, Lazy Brad Lewis, Bonne Musique Zydeco.

All Days: A.J. Gibbs: “The Mydeco Dance King,” Dancing lessons between sets.

Learn more about all confirmed musical acts:

http://www.originallobsterfestival.com/entertainment.php

Festival also features: international food court, arts & crafts booths, delicious desserts, beer & wine gardens, special themed cocktails and FREE Souvenir digital photos.   

Also, a Live Sports Tent courtesy of DirecTV, where you can watch your favorite sporting events on 4 flat screen TV’s while enjoying your lobster feasts. Children will love the storytellers, magicians and inflatable bounces. Free general admission to all active U.S. military personnel.

 

WHEN

September 9-11, 2011

Friday, September 9^th: 5pm - 11pm
Saturday, September 10^th: 12noon – 11pm
Sunday, September 11^th: 12noon - 10pm

WHERE

Rainbow Lagoon 
[400-403] Shoreline Village Drive
Long Beach, CA 90802

TICKETS

$13 General Admission (Does not include Lobster Feast. $15 onsite)

Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.

Regular Presale Guaranteed Lobster Package - $25 (Includes 1 1/4 lb. lobster feast, served by Bristol Farms, and admission) $35 at the gate.

Jumbo Presale Guaranteed Lobster Package- for heartier appetites. $50 (Includes 2-1/4 lb. lobster feast, served by Bristol Farms, and admission) $55 at the gate.

Admission and Guaranteed Lobster Package advance discounts available only online at: www.OriginalLobsterFestival.com

  

OC BBQ Bonanza Wrap Up & Long Beach Original Lobster Festival Launches 9/9-11 Big thanks to @alliemackay @ktlamorningnews @Feast_Monkey @thekarelshow #shareoc

By Joy A. Kennelly

OC BBQ BONANZA WRAP UP

What a wonderful weekend was had by all.

First off, you have to watch this great TV coverage courtesy of KTLA's own Allie MacKay extolling the virtues of this past weekend's OC BBQ Bonanza: http://www.ktla.com/news/local/alliemackay/ Just click the video for OC BBQ Bonanza to see her in action.

Ever effusive, CBS Radio Open Line foodie, Mojito Mas, also had this to say about his experience in the VIP Rib Village:

"Oh my god, what an amazing night!  We had soooo much fun!  I've got rib sauce flowing in my veins now!  lol.  Sooooooo delicious and yummy.  Gotta say, the Tennessee Hickory ones were THE BEST!  They were tangy, had the most real wood smoked flavor, fell right off the bone, AND we even got a chance to talk to the two awesome cooks back there who owned it.  They were so down to earth, friendly, shared some cooking tips (like keeping the oven at 250 degrees during the cooking process), AND they even gave us a little to go box with 8 ribs inside.  They really, really got it down right.

Truly appreciative!  I did see it on Channel 5 this morning at 7am too!.. the part about the guy having to sign the waiver... priceless.  lol. 

Hope you guys get a HUGE turn out!  I'm sure you will.  Was great seeing a good mix of people at the event as well, families, couples, lots of the college crowd. Awesome, awesome event!"

And another glowing review from Entertainer, Syndicated Talk Host, Author, Political Satirist, Actor, Huffington Post Contributor, Charles Karel Bouley, which you can read in full by clicking the title, or an excerpt below:

Pigs Flying Off the Grill Aug. 18-21 in Orange County

"There are three things that don't often appear on my to-do list:

1. Listen to lots of Country music
2. Eat in public with my fingers tearing meat off of bones (when you have as many dinner or lunch meetings as I do, you just stop ordering something you've got to pick up and get into)
3. Hang out in Orange County, CA (I used to live there and now that I don't I know why everyone used to joke that I lived behind the "Orange Curtain.")

So it took something pretty special to get me and a guest to gear up, hop on the Aprilia Mana 850 and ride down PCH to Warner and over to Mile Square Park at Brookhurst and Heil (The Fountain Valley Sports Park is the official name now, but when I lived across the street everyone knew, and knows it, as Mile Square Park).

That something special ended up being the lure of the best BBQ available in the area this weekend as The Orange County BBQ Bonanza takes over the Fountain Valley Sports Park (Mile Square Park, Heil Entrance off Brookhurst, Fountain Valley, CA).

(T)he OC BBQ Bonanza did not disappoint.... Aussum Aussies, Porky-N-Beans, Coyote Roadhouse, Cowboys BBQ & Rib, Johnson's Bar-B-Que, and the KC BBQ Team have each brought their "A" game, their pork ribs rubbed and marinated, their wood pits all fired up, thrown in some chicken, links, tri-tip and trimmins making for an old time country festival right in the heart of Orange County.

Coyote Roadhouse served as my favorite, with meat just falling off the bone, a sauce that was smokey and not too sweet, the absolute perfect rib. But that's like saying you like diamonds more than rubies really, since there was no bad BBQ to be had."

OC Register's coverage stated over 15,000 people attended the inaugural event with a clever title over their photo essay which you can preview by clicking the link here: Meat-up in Fountain Valley

Or for other fun pix from the weekend, check out Food Beast's: ADVENTURE: OC BBQ Bonanza 2011 

Even Fountain Valley Patch got in on the action and covered the winners which you can read by clicking here: Porky-N-Beans Dominates at OC BBQ BonanzaThe Ohio-based national traveling team took first in two of the three categories and second in the third. By Justin Petruccelli

Once I find more coverage I will share it too, but for now, onwards and upwards to our next foodie lover's festival, the ever popular, ever delicious, The Original Long Beach Lobster Festival coming to Long Beach September 9 - 11, 2011. 

Welcome to Atlanta! My experiences with @samsung #Summer Splash, #Alon Bakery Market, @Comcastcares, @comcastbill @ATTCustomerCare #OC BBQ Bonanza @louiegiglio @Christomlin @passioncity and more...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Well, well, well. This blog post has been a long time coming now hasn't it? Upon arriving in Atlanta I had nothing but internet and phone troubles and am on my 3rd phone now, a Samsung Galaxy, and still experiencing battery failures, GPS screw-ups, and other hassles, but hey, whatever! (Samsung if you're reading this, hit me up. I hate this fast battery drain and need help!:)

Otherwise, life is grand out here in Hotlanta! I love the Southern hospitality and the weather is growing on me.

I do mean, HOT, HOT, HOT!:) It took me almost a week to acclimate and realize the more time I spent in air conditioning, the less time I will spend passing out or dripping wet.:) Temperatures haven't varied much from the 90's except for the occasional rain storm when the weather drops to around 80, but the balmy nights more than make up for the scorching days.

To break the heat, my friend and I decided to hit Sandy Spring's Summer Splash and inner tube down the Chattahoochee River with the rest of Georgia. I believe I heard rumor about 4000 people went? It's the 4th Annual Summer Splash and was so relaxing and fun.

Click here to see the photo album our local Sandy Springs Patch created: http://sandysprings.patch.com/articles/summer-splash-photo-gallery?upload_started=1312733492#photo-7202964

It was so much fun going down the sporadic rapids and just lazily floating down a river with the most beautiful scenery we have seen in a long time. Nice people along the way too. I would have taken pix, but didn't bring my phone because I was worried about tipping over and losing it.

I caught this one at the end though. Isn't this scenery just gorgeous? LOVE IT! I've added more of my pix to the official Patch site which you can click on above to view.Despite numerous promises by Comcast and AT & T to have switched our service by August 8, we are still without wireless in the house which has required me to camp out at various cafes around town until August 18.

We dislike both companies' customer service and service overall because they keep changing everything constantly and require my roomie Brenda to sit for hours on the phone while they do who knows what behind the scenes to make the switch, but when you live surrounded by trees you're somewhat limited on your choices.

Comcast Bill and ATT Customer Care help us out here! We can't deal with the incompentence of your companies much longer... Seriously!:)

That said, it's been fun to sit in various cafes and observe how people dress, speak, chat and interact while I'm working. My favorite cafes to date are Alon Bakery Market (seen below, but for the full impact, click the link!:) and Caribou Coffee, which is comfy cozy, and there's always Starbucks too.

Weird there is no Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf out here, but lots of interesting cafes still left to explore. Isn't Alon adorable? Reminds of a much bigger Joan's on Third back home.

I have been busy promoting our upcoming OC BBQ Bonanza at the Fountain Valley Sports Complex taking place August 18 - 21 across the internet and inviting foodie bloggers and media to attend our private press event on August 18, 2011 in addition to looking for work and exploring Atlanta. 

Click the link here: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/ for more information. We're offering special discounts to military, children and everyone else too. Plus, there's an amazing VIP Rib Village open to the public where you can buy all the ribs, drinks, and sides you want to enjoy in an exclusive area during the festival.

More details here: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/rib-village.php

If you fit the media/blogger catetory and are interested in covering this as press, please send an email to: vipribvillage (at) gmail (dot) com with a link to your site, your media outlet, what you cover and we'll send you information if you qualify. 

Other than that, real quick, I am thoroughly enjoying being out here. I was getting so bored in CA having grown up there. Now? Everything is new and fun to explore with my two CA girlfriends, Brenda and Anne, who moved out before me. We call ourselves the CA2GA girls (get it?:) and plot all kinds of fun adventures together.

Here's a pic from our recent excursion to the High Museum of Art which I particularly love because it's like art is imitating life, or is it the other way around? You tell me...:)We're still getting asked why we moved out here, but rather than go into everything here in this particular blog, I'm going to write one specifically addressing it later. For now, just know the men are friendlier and nicer; Atlanta is extremely sophisticated and cosmopolitan contrary to the myopic belief in LA; there's plenty of opportunity to create a new life and find work; I've found a wonderful writing group: http://www.meetup.com/roswell-alpharetta-writersgroup/  lead by a real dynamo with amazing writers and a publishing company attached; the art scene is eclectic and varied; the food is some of the best in the nation; the music scene beats LA hands down; too many quaint towns and homes to see; lots and lots of gorgeous nature; more faith-oriented people than CA by a long shot (19% vs. 38%); there's always something going on and it's the positive change I was needing.

So much happier!:) And with that, I'm off!

Tonight is Passion City Church with Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin and I need a little nappie poo today after my busy week last week.:) Enjoy this song by Chris!

 

Alon's Bakery & Cafe with the owner himself. Old world charm, delicious baked goods

 

@OCBBQBonanza Debuts August 18-21, Fountain Valley! Go VIP - All You Can Eat Ribs & Drinks!

WHAT

It’s a Texas-sized Barbeque feast, as America’s best BBQ chefs gather together to grill juicy pork ribs, and other mouth-watering dishes.  Visitors will enjoy endless summer sides to go with their ribs, and non-stop live country-western entertainment. 

Also, a wonderful children’s area for your children to enjoy!And don't miss the artisan exhibits, sports tent, beer and wine cantinas, and the “People’s Choice” Awards for best BBQ ribs and BBQ sauce in all of Orange County.

The VIP RIB VILLAGE experience includes all the ribs, sides, drinks and deserts you can eat, as well as exclusive, priority seating to dine and enjoy the live entertainment. 

Buy tickets here: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/

WHEN

August 18 – 21, 2011

Thursday, August 18th — 5 PM - 10 PM
Friday, August 19th — 11 AM - 11 PM
Saturday, August 20th — 11 AM - 11 PM
Sunday, August 21st — 11 AM - 9 PM

CONFIRMED ACTS FOR THURSDAY AUGUST 18^TH:

GRAND JUNCTION

CONFIRMED ACTS FOR FRIDAY AUGUST 19^TH:  

TEXAS HOUSE PARTY 

BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS 

A.J. GIBBS

The Mydeco Dance King 

CONFIRMED ACTS FOR SATURDAY AUGUST 20^TH:

MIGUEL GARCIA &  THE VAQUETONES 

MIGHTY CASH CATS 

BILL MAGGEE

BLUES BAND

BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO

A.J. GIBBS The Mydeco Dance King

CONFIRMED ACTS FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 21^ST :

GRAND JUNCTION

UPSTREAM

LAZY BRAD LEWIS

A.J. GIBBS The Mydeco Dance King

Click here for more details on all acts.  Links: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/music-events.php

BBQ YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS!

Aussom Aussies with over 200 awards for Best BBQ in the USA and Canada.

Porky- N-Beans winning numerous rib cook off titles such as the prestigious Golden Rib Award and the Best Ribs in America.

Howling Coyotes Southwest BBQ specializing in St. Louis style pork spare ribs has won many national and international cook-offs for Best Ribs, Best Sauce and Best Pulled Pork.

Cowboy’s Barbeque & Rib Company with over 150 regional, national, and international titles brings true Texas Barbecue.

Johnson’s Bar-B-Que featuring Colonel Dan himself bringing his top secret recipe that has won over 150 awards and has been known to dare brave rib fans to take the heat and experience his infamous “Thermonuclear Sauce.”

KC BBQ Team all the way from Kansas City bringing their acclaimed KC style ribs and special BBQ sauce.

WHERE

Fountain Valley Sports Park
16400 Brookhurst Street
Fountain Valley, CA. 92708

For directions, please click here: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/directions.php

TICKETS

1-DAY GENERAL ADMISSION
$5.00 per ticket

INCLUDES FREE Souvenir E-Photo and a $2 Redeemable Rib Coupon against the purchase of a sampler plate from a participating rib vendor.
 
Children 12 and under are FREE when accompanied by an adult.

All United States active military personnel (includes Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) receive FREE General Admission* to the Orange County BBQ Bonanza!

*You must present valid military I.D. at the Ticket Box Office to receive Free General Admission. No purchase is necessary to receive Free General Admission. This offer does not include All You Can Eat VIP Rib Village (sold separately).

VIP Rib Village INDIVIDUAL TICKET
$100.00 per ticket
ONLY 18 years of age and up.
INCLUDES 1-Day General Admission to be used during regular festival hours to enjoy the day, FREE Souvenir E-Photo, VIP desginated seating at a table, service and dining to include ALL YOU CAN EAT Ribs from our National Award Winning Rib Cookers (taste them all), salad, sides, desserts and ALL YOU CAN DRINK (beer, wine, and non-alcohlic beverages).

The purchase of a VIP Rib Village Individual Ticket GUARANTEES you a seat at a table.

OR

VIP Rib Village TABLE TICKET
$900.00 per table (10 seats per table)
ONLY 18 years of age and up.
INCLUDES (10) 1-Day General Admissions to be used during regular festival hours to enjoy the day, FREE Souvenir E-Photos, VIP desginated table, service and dining to include ALL YOU CAN EAT Ribs from our National Award Winning Rib Cookers (taste them all), salad, sides, desserts and ALL YOU CAN DRINK (beer, wine, and non-alcohlic beverages).

VIP RIB VIlLLAGE HOURS
OPEN 5 PM - 9 PM - THURS.-FRI.
OPEN 4 PM - 9 PM - SAT.
OPEN 12 NOON - 5 PM - SUN.

The purchase of a VIP Rib Village Table Ticket GUARANTEES you table.

PLUS FREE Souvenir E-Picture!

Special admission discounts and packages available only online: http://www.ocbbqbonanza.com/ 

For more information: (562) 495-5959

18th Annual @LBCrawfishFest July 30 - 31, 2011 #Rainbow Lagoon @LongBeachCity - it's Mardi Gras time in CA again!

WHAT

New Orleans comes to Southern California! It's the 18th Annual Long Beach Crawfish Festival. Serving seasoned Cajun Crawfish dinners, prepared to mouth-watering perfection by Bristol Farms. Crawfish feasts include succulent red baby potatoes, buttery corn on the cob and creamy, delectable remoulade dipping sauce.

Live entertainment mixes the best Cajun, Brazilian, Zydeco, and New Orleans-style jazz and blues music. www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com

WHEN

July 30 – 31, 2011

Saturday, July 30th: 12noon – 11PM
Sunday, July 31st: 12noon – 10:00PM

CONFIRMED ACTS FOR SATURDAY, JULY 30^th:

STEP RIDEAU & THE ZYDECO OUTLAWS
THE ZYDECOASTERS
DIKKI DU and The Zydeco Krewe
BENNIE & THE SWAMP GATORS
ROYALE GARDEN DIXIELAND BAND

CONFIRMED ACTS FOR SATURDAY, JULY 31^th:

WAYLON THIBODEAUX
ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC
BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO
DAVID SOUSA AND THE ZYDECO MUDBUGS

CONFIRMED ACTS FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY:

A.J. Gibbs- The Mydeco King (Zydeco Dancing Lessons)
The Louisiana to L.A. Society (LALA) Second Line Dancers
The High Steppers New Orleans Boogie Band

Click here for more details on all acts.

International food court featuring New Orleans- inspired cuisine, Café du Monde-style chicory coffee and beignets, children's stage featuring the comedy and magic of Kerry Ross, Storytelling, Magicians, Inflatable Impressions, Bounces and FREE E-Souvenir Picture. Get out your beads, feathers and lace...for the largest Mardi-Gras Experience west of the Mississippi!

WHERE

Rainbow Lagoon
400-403 Shoreline Village Drive
Long Beach, CA 90802

Learn More: http://www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com

Go Metro! Take the Blue Line all the way to the last stop in Long Beach. Walk just 3 blocks west to the Rainbow Lagoon. Plan your trip here:http://www.metro.net/default.asp

TICKETS

$13 General Admission (Valid only for advance online purchase- $15 onsite)

$25.00 1-Day General Admission, including a delicious CRAWFISH FEAST served by Bristol Farms. Feast includes 2 – 21/4lbs. fresh live steamed crawfish, red baby potatoes, corn on the cob and dipping sauce. (Valid only for advance online purchase- $33.00 onsite)

$30.00 – 1 Day General Admission, plus CRAW BUCKET FEAST, served by Bristol Farms. Crawbucket feast includes: 3 lbs. fresh live steamed crawfish, red baby potatoes, corn on the cob, and dipping sauce. (Valid only for advance online purchase- $41.50 onsite)

Special admission discounts and packages available online:

www.longbeachcrawfishfestival.com.

The Long Beach Crawfish Festival is proudly sponsored by Bristol Farms and the Long Beach Sea Festival. Also, The Varden – A Boutique Hotel, DirecTV, and Beer Sponsors: Smithwicks, Harp, Smirnoff, Guinness, Red Stripe and Jeremiah Weed.  See you there!

Downtown Culver City Kicks Off ‘Summer in the City’ on Wednesday, June 15th

Downtown Culver City Announces their Summer Series of THIRD WEDNESDAYS Kicks Off on Wednesday, June 15^th, 2011.

Downtown Culver City transforms into a festive district every third Wednesday of the month. Over 25 businesses in Downtown Culver City participate in this fun monthly event. Attendees can enjoy live musical performances under the stars, drink and dine on specials, receive freebies and samples, view art at gallery openings and take in one-of-a-kind entertainment.

We encourage visitors to carpool to the event and either valet park, or park for 2 hours free in once of our 3 available public parking structures; the Ince structure near Trader Joe's is preferred. Please do not park in downtown's residential neighborhoods.

Highlights include: Street Painting Display by Artist JulioJimenez and live music from the band Smithfield Bargain. Free Culver Lemonade and patio music during the Sunset Hour (with appetizer purchase) at the Culver City Hotel, and live entertainment all around the Downtown area- including; a Country / Bluegrass band at Ford’s Filling Station, DJ's Johnny James & Luis Miolaro at Rush Street, Local Entertainers at Native Foods, and Frank Sinatra Sound-Alike Karaoke at LaRocco’s Pizzeria. Also, a special closing reception at the WWA Gallery for “All the Sordid Little Details.” 

A record number of Downtown Culver City Merchants will participate on Wednesday, June 15^th, including:

Akasha: 1/2 off all bottles on our wine list also purchase 2 big plates, receive free order of our organic wheat free onion rings as seen on the Food Network's show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate".

Bottle Rock: ‘Rush Hour' menu

City Tavern: Summer "HAPPY HOUR" All Night - Any 32oz Beer Growler $10

Cold Stone Creamery: Free samples and $1 off on our new Frozen Yogurt flavors, any size. Not to be combined with other offers.

The Culver Hotel: Music on the patio, Free Culver Lemonade during sunset hour (7pm - 8pm) with purchase of appetizer

Dr. Heidi Fahringer, Optometrist: Sire's Crown Frame Trunk Show: Wood Eco-Friendly frames, hand crafted here in Culver City.  Drawing for free frame! Hors D'Oeuvres & Refreshments!

Fraiche Restaurant: $3 sangrias and all night happy hour.

Ford's Filling Station: Live Country-Blue Grass band and serving happy hour at the bar and patio all night long

Honey's Kettle: Buy a dinner, get one free (food only)

K - Z O: Fresh oysters $1 a piece

Kay 'N Dave's Cantina: $1 tacos at the bar all night long and other specials including; free margaritas (buy 2, we buy the third) and Oaxacan street food specialties!

Kaizuka Sushi: 50% off any beer, sake, wine including imports

La Rocco's Pizzeria: 10% off (eat in only), Free cheese samples, music on the patio of Frank Sinatra sound alike karaoke.

Libra Brazilian Steakhouse: Early Bird Specials for the entire evening!  $28.95/person only.   Regular price is $33.95.  Offer is not valid with any other offers

Lundeens: 15% off entire store, Mojito's served, prize giveaways every hour from 5 to 8pm.

The Massage Garage: $10 off any future massage or facial booked the night of June 15

Meet: All you can eat mussels, $22.95, 10 different flavors

Melrose Mac: Open House: giveaways and free diagnostic for anyone who brings in their machine for repair between 5pm-9pm ($50 value)

MOKO: Buy one, get one free of MOKO punch and/or ginger margarita.

Native Foods: Live entertainment from local performers, dessert and organic wine samples on our heated patio!

Nextspace: Free Day Pass at the workplace for the new economy! Open house 5pm-9pm, come tour our newly opened coworking space and receive a Day Pass to come back and work a day on us ($30 value)!

Novecento Pasta & Grill: Free glass of cabernet or chardonnay with purchase of an entrée.

Royal/T: FREE Performance LA Composers Project | FREE soju cocktail with purchase of entree | 20% off artist beach towels in the SHOP

Rush Street: Summer PRIX FIXE DINNER Downstairs: appetizer, entree, dessert - $23. Summer HOUSE PARTY Upstairs: $4 House Margaritas (5:00 - close) & House DJ's Johnny James & Luis Miolaro (9:00pm - close) Rush Lounge & Patio Deck

Tender Greens: 50% Off bottles of wine

Timeless Treasures: Book sale and $1 clothing rack

Ugo An Italian Café: Spend $25 or more and get a free pint of gelato (one per table)

Vanity Room: Blow out summer specials as low as $15.99

WWA Gallery: Check out the closing reception for “All the Sordid Little Details”  - Sign up on our mailing list and receive 10% off your next purchase!

WHEN

June 15, 2011 every third Wednesday through August, 2011

5pm – 9pm

WHERE

DowntownCulver City

 ABOUT DOWNTOWN CULVER CITY THIRD WEDNESDAY’S

Downtown Culver City transforms into a festive district every third Wednesday of the month. Over 25 businesses in Downtown Culver City participate in this fun monthly event. Attendees can enjoy live musical performances under the stars, drink and dine on specials, receive freebies and samples, view art at gallery openings and take in one-of-a-kind entertainment.

Learn more: http://www.downtownculvercity.com/

 

@MIHollywood @JinglePunks @RocketHub #Social Media Panel blogs & April 21 @Facebook Panel Speakers & Tickets

By Joy A. Kennelly

Normally when I attend conferences I take dictation and microblog what the speakers are saying while they are speaking. I couldn't do that while moderating which is why I'm very happy to share the Musicians Institute's comprehensive blog coverage of all the speakers on April 7th's social media panel which addressed viral marketing with videos, live concerts utilizing StageIt, YouTube, Facebook, personal vs. professional publicity and so much more.

Click the picture below to be stunned and amazed at the wisdom coming from these mere mortals with extreme talent, creativity and intelligence:

And for those who didn't get to click the pic above,  you can click here: http://blog.mi.edu/post/Social-Media-Seminar-Series.aspx

Jingle Punks has another fun blog post and Facebook Fan Page highlighting our event as well which you can review here:

And for those who again, didn't understand to click the pic, click here: http://www.jinglepunks.com/blog/2011/04/15/photo-recap-musicians-institute/

They included more of the funny pictures taken that night which you can like here: http://www.facebook.com/jinglepunks

I'm in the camp of Jingle Punks where you can combine fun in business and life. Those who think those two can't work together, guess you haven't read Richard Branson's bio. You know, the Virgin Atlantic CEO, right?

Read his thoughts on life: http://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/ 

Maybe it will change your mind.:)

And RocketHub has posted their blog coverage of our panel together too which is a nice quick overview of the most salient points which you can read by clicking the RocketHub logo or title below:

Musicians Institute Hosts The State of The New Music Industry Discussion

APRIL 21 FACEBOOK SEMINAR

7:30pm - 9:00pm Musicians Institute 

This week's panel on Thursday, April 21, which I'm moderating again, covers everything you ever wanted to learn about Facebook. Speakers on this week's Facebook Marketing panel include: 

Brad Bogus, Member of SXSW showcased band “Audio Runner” & Social Media Architect for “Speak Social”

Joseph Yi, Social Media & Marketing Solutions Manager – GAGA Sports & Entertainment/VPMarketing – RewardMe 

Hunter Scott, Co-Founder/President of La Famos PR & Branding firm and a Musicians Institute Music Business Teacher 

Britton Sparkman, co-founder and lead guitar player for Red Circle Underground are speaking at this week's Facebook marketing panel

You can buy tickets for the April 21 panel, or any of the ensuing panels below:

Online Ticketing for The Joy Writer & Musicians Institute Present Social Media Seminar Series 2011 powered by Eventbrite

Come early to enjoy Chef Jack Harding's simply great gourmet food at his Clean Street Food Truck 5:30pm - 7:30pm across from the Concert Hall.  

#Fashion, Food and Wine Festival of #Volleyball Champions at #Raleigh Studios in #Manhattan Beach with #Dig4Kids final wrap-up

By Joy A. Kennelly

This past weekend was so packed with fun activities it's taken awhile to compile pix and information to share with you. John Mayer is amazing in concert fyi.:)

So! Without further ado... (All Photos Courtesy Photographer, Angelique Chacon.)

Last Saturday night I attended the Food, Fashion & Wine Festival honoring three amazing Volleyball Champions as part of the Dinner of Champions presented by The Trade Coach and

produced by Brad Jacobson of Civic Couch (l) and Olympic Gold Medalist, Eric Fonoimoana (r) aka "the Body" and Founder of Dig4Kids, the beneficiary of the evening.

Now here's the Beach Volleyball greats who were honored:

Linda Hanley aka Linda Robertson who has a great sense of humor and an amazing athletic career. Definitely a female trend setter on many levels. (She was wearing the jacket because it was freezing in the windy NY Backlot of Raleigh Studios in Manhattan Beach. Heat lamps next year please!:)

And the next honoree...

Chris Marlowe aka "CI" who you might recognize if you happen to live in CO or enjoy basketball since he's the Denver Nuggets play-by-play announcer for the NBA. He's a talker!:)

and Steve Obradovich aka "OB." What made me laugh is that those who introduced him said, You either love him or you hate him, no in between. The first beach volleyball ball buster.:)

They all are so talented and amazing athletes. It was wonderful to hear their life stories and see the videos Fox created to showcase them visually. It was also fun to see Manhattan Beach over the years and know that I've watched the very same volleyball games from that very same beach that thousands of spectators have also over the years.  Prior to the event launching we enjoyed a little street art by Artist Andy Brown.
OB bought one of Artist Andy Brown's pieces Andy created during the evening which Chris "Geeter" McGee later auctioned  off.

Here Geeter's being teased by Chris Marlowe for shutting down the AVP's which Geeter also was able to joke about too (even though it must be hard to lose the job you love so much. He's so talented I'm sure he'll find something good again soon.)

Not only were these three amazing Olympic and other award-winning tournament volleyball athletes honored, there were also these amazing athlete pros in attendance (Sinjin Smith, Mike O'hara, Brent Frohoff, Gene Selznic, Larry Rundle, Barbra Fontana, Jim Menges (seen here in a clip from his risque acceptance speech at last year's event.)

Tim Hovland (I believe that's him in this pic) introducing one of the honorees with some pretty funny stories, Mike Dodd, the recent, now former, AVP Commissioner, and former professional volleyball player in his own right.  Mike Lambert and  Eric Fonoimoana shown here with his wife, Eliza Cost.

Before the main events began, guests wandered throughout the NY Backlot enjoying delicious local South Bay Cuisine and drinks.

 

   
Our first stop, Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach.:)

Lisa Hemmat of Lido di Manhattan Beach served delicious appetizers too. You might recognize her from Chef Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares show this past Spring.

This bar and El Gringo's tacos were a big hit with many guests too.

Bob Meistrell Body Glove CEO was in attendance (seen below with Angelique Chacon), as were numerous media & residents. Caught up with The Easy Reader Publisher, Kevin Cody, enjoying a sample from Watermans Hermosa Beach.

Manhattan Beach City Council Members, Wayne Powell, Mayor Pro Tem, Richard Montgomery, & Mayor Mitch Ward enjoyed themselves too. 

Richard with last year's honoree, Jim Megnes.

 The biggest highlight of the pre-show was a really great fashion show. I can say that because I've covered numerous fashion shows for LA Fashion Week for the past few years.

High quality all the way. Just ask the guys.

I've never seen any fashion show have so many whistles blown, cat calls, and hooping and hollering males. It was hilarious! They calmed down a little once they realized the girls would just keep coming out looking gorgeous. LOL

Here's a sample of the models wearing Body Glove bikinis, Meghan Fabulous dresses & cover-ups, sexy heels by Michael Antonio and jewelry by Lost Bird. I believe there were a few other designers represented, but unfortunately don't have that information available. (If you know, leave a comment and I'll incorporate it later

Volleyball Player/DJ Jeff A. Murrell kept the night moving while Miss CA Nicole Johnson introduced the entire show.

My favorite designer of the evening was Meghan Fabulous and her latest designs. Aren't these beautiful dresses and cover-ups? I love her ethnic influences.

 
You can see more of the fashion show and pictures from the entire evening on Facebook at the 5th Annual Dinner of Champions Fan Page.

Eric officially welcomed everyone to the honoree part of the evening before turning it back over to Geeter who teased, hugged, and welcomed the honorees up after their video had shown all their athletic achievements (of which there were many!) Numerous athletes were invited to reminisce about the honorees too.

 

 
We were so cold by the end we ducked out while OB was talking which is why I don't have more pictures of his experience, but I'm sure it was great too! 

You can see more pictures of the fashion show Angelique took here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=201892&id=568603599

If you'd like to become a fan of this event to be kept in the loop for next year, click here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=29150&id=130203947005866

#Desert Rose Seared Ahi Tuna Nicoise for all the foodies in the house

This was on a bed of field greens with authentic, delicious Mediterraen olives. Check 'em out at 1700 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027 www.desertroserestaurant.com 323.666.1166

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Posted via email from joydacious's posterous

Rusnak - Night of Luxury with Designer Kevan Hall - Part 1

By Joy A. Kennelly

In light of the recent White House party crashers who are soooo desperate for attention (shamefully so), I thought I'd share some of the amazing parties I've been to over the past few months as a legitimately invited guest.

Trust me, I thought being invited to attend this year's Inauguration couldn't be topped, but two luxurious parties held right here in Los Angeles were right up there as a thrilling experience to attend.

What was funny about Rusnak's Night of Luxury is that I really had no idea what to expect - I just knew I wanted to see Designer, Kevan Hall, since I've been attending his fashion shows since 2006 and love his designs.

After pitching the publicist all I could do was hope beyond hope I would receive an invitation it was so exclusive. Only Rusnak customers, VIP's and other select people were invited - I didn't see any of the usual fashion people I saw at other LA Fashion Week events which surprised me.

Rusnak's Night of Luxury was such a special evening. The best part was it's exclusivity and luxurious feel from the moment you arrived till the very end of the night.

Held on the backlot of Universal, you passed through a gate where your name was checked off by a guard before being directed where to park. (Maybe the White House should consider hiring studio security for their future parties. lol)

As I walked up to the entrance I was welcomed by Rusnak staff offering glasses of champagne and then this scene greeted me which only got better as I continued to walk up the hill to the first buffet and car display.

(Sorry they're a little blurry - have to admit, I was rather excited seeing all the luxury vehicles because I love cars and had no idea they would be on display. My photographer, Stefhan Gordon, arrived much earlier than I did which is why the streets aren't as busy in his shots.)

 


 

My dinner mates had recently purchased a Jaguar from Rusnak which is why they were attending, but every type of luxury vehicle was on display.

Speaking of jags, the gift bags of the evening were quite a hit and everyone was wearing them.
I saw one boorish man walking out with ten bags,  but for the most part  everyone was civilized. I love my little kitty which growls when you squeeze it. Don't you love the Jaguar key chain attached to its collar? The cat's meow! The night kept getting better and better. There were multiple buffet presentations of delicious cuisine,
multiple bars with bartenders serving decadent cocktails,   and lots of amazing luxury vehicles to admire.

There was even a special unveiling of the new Rolls Royce "Shadow" by Miss California (one of the few luxury cars I have yet to take a ride in which is on my list), and the new four-door Porsche Panamera (which is now also on my list!) The Rusnak family and Miss California.
   
Here's the composite of the Porsche unveiling for your viewing pleasure - it was awe-inspiring to say the least. The crowd gasped when it was revealed since it's the first ever four-door Porsche and is still 0-60 in 5.2 seconds.
Please excuse the glare - it was rather hard to grab these shots because everyone was crowding around afterward it was so popular! Here's my view of the unveiling to give you a different perspective. The composite above is courtesy Photographer, Stefhan Gordon.

I really liked Rusnak after this evening! Here's some of the sponsors who participated and their mission statement. Isn't that lovely? "Create a positive impact through community involvement, social responsibility and charity." They made a very generous donation to a local charity as part of the evening's events.

During the evening Miss California was very accessible and gracious. She is so friendly I'm happy she's representing our state. Here's us sharing a moment. Isn't she adorable? Now if you can imagine, this was really only the first part of the evening! I saw some people leaving when I arrived probably thinking they had seen it all, but what they missed was the most fantastical fashion show of the entire season by Fashion Designer, Kevan Hall (and I don't say that lightly.)

I'm going to cover the fashion show separately because there's just too many good things to detail and this blog is already rather long.

Part II coming soon!

VOX DJs/VOX Entertainment 25th Year Celebration wrap-up

By Joy A. Kennelly

I've been waiting on the professional photographer's shots from the VOX DJs/VOX Entertainment 25th Year Anniversary Celebration, but since it's taking too long I will use my images from the event to share what went on. (Mine aren't as diverse since there were two other shooters capturing the night. If you're my Facebook friend I've uploaded all I shot there - these are highlights.)

Oh what a night!

The turn-out was great with a huge mix of ages. Manhattan Country Club members were invited to join in the 25th Year Celebration because Shawn and his family have had a membership for years and many people wanted to recognize his achievement. In addition, VOX DJs CEO/MC/DJ, KC Campbell, and VOX Entertainment CEO, Shawn Sedlacek, had invited past and present clients, friends and colleagues which made it a fun mix.

Due to VOX Entertainment specializing in lighting and staging, the Manhattan Country Club was transformed into a nightclub like experience with colored lights creating a moody background for the final act of the evening - VOX DJ Raw Styles vs. Drummer Kaumyar performance which built from a slow beat into a huge crescendo with everyone dancing and having a great time.

Here's some of shots to give you an idea of what I'm talking about:

But that wasn't all, the guys went all out with a red carpet for arrivals

and special step and repeat wall which everyone loved posing in front of.

VOX DJs CEO/MC/DJ, KC Campbell, Signature Magazine Publisher, Ian Bertrand and girlfriend, Sandra Taupin, with VOX Entertainment CEO, Shawn Sedlacek

Special logo enhancements glowed on the walls while VOX DJ Andy Rossi played hip hop/dance music and everyone got their groove on.

I helped with registration for the first part of the night with Annie from VOX Entertainment and can't tell you what went on while I was outside, but by the time I did go inside the party was rocking!  One room was set up with couches, a private bar, appetizers and DJ Hero which was very popular with all ages. In the main room, KC got up and entertained everyone with an acoustic rendition of a popular song on his guitar.  
My favorite part of the night was when Shawn got up to speak from his heart about his experience building VOX and the bittersweet feeling he felt now that VOX DJs was run by his long-time friend/DJ, KC Campbell. 
I think in this day and age there aren't many rites of passage men go through to signify the end of one stage of their lives and the beginning of another. As a result, this 25th Year Anniversary Celebration was symbolic on many levels; a public recognition of the achievements of Shawn and all the guys who helped build VOX into the powerhouse award-winning event agency it is today and also, a public passing of the torch to KC as the sole owner of VOX DJs.

KC acknowledged the business acumen of Shawn and his friendship over the years when it was his turn to address the crowd too.

Both speeches were very moving and special. Immediately following, KC invited all the past and present VOX DJs in the house to come forward. It was great to see how many had shown up in support  Current VOX DJs
After the speeches, Shawn and his band, Run for Cover, with lead singer, Johnny G, got the party started with great rock cover songs. Who knew Johnny G, quiet banker by day, was such a rocker by night? And such a good singer too! And Shawn was a great drummer too!  
It was really fun to see everyone having such a great time after all the hard work we all put into making the event happen. Throughout the night, various VOX DJs spun, keeping the party flowing.

VOX DJ, Tony Hubbard

VOX DJ Roderick aka Raw Styles

We pulled an impromptu gathering of all the BNI ladies and friends which KC didn't mind.:) KC's parents showed up after attending a wedding and were very proud of their son. VOX DJ CEO/DJ/MC, KC Campbell and DJ Roderick aka Raw Styles finally relaxing.

Jose, the man who kept things running smoothly behind the scenes. He was very sweet and cut the sheet cake I'd baked to celebrate the guy's anniversary into bite size pieces to share with as many as possible.
Some of the guests in attendance.
  
If you missed it, there's always the 50th!:)

Blog - #Manhattan Beach-based VOX DJs & VOX Entertainment Celebration Saturday!

By Joy A. Kennelly

KC CAMPBELL OF VOX DJS & SHAWN SEDLACEK OF VOX ENTERTAINMENT, MANHATTAN BEACH ENTREPRENUERS,
TO CELEBRATE 25th YEAR ANNIVERSARY AT MANHATTAN COUNTRY CLUB IN MANHATTAN BEACH, CA  SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009 FROM 8:00pm – 12:00am

 Manhattan Beach, CA KC Campbell of VOX DJs,
and VOX Entertainment President, Shawn Sedlacek, the founder of VOX DJs, will celebrate their 25th Year Anniversary at Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan Beach, CA Saturday, November 14, 2009 from 8:00pm – 12:00am. In 1984 at the age of 12,
Shawn Sedlacek started VOX DJs as a hobby which quickly grew into a successful business under his direction.  In 2008, VOX DJs was purchased by its most tenured DJ/MC, KC Campbell. Over the past quarter century VOX DJs has performed at over 10,000 events including national
and international private parties,

corporate events,  conventions, college and university functions,
wedding celebrations,    as well as, holding in-house "residencies" at some of LA's finest nightclubs, restaurants and lounges. 
VOX DJs is a member of the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) and prides itself on a high level of customer satisfaction for their professional DJ staff, entertaining MC’s, and distinctive musical stylings. CEO/DJ/MC KC Campbell and Sales & Marketing Manager, Roderick Gaerlan aka “DJ Raw Styles,” 
continues the legacy of VOX DJs as a powerhouse DJ/MC entertainment company known locally and world-wide; they are a Bank of Manhattan’s “Celebration of Entrepreneurship 2009 Awards” nominee.

Recent awards presented to VOX Entertainment include: Event Marketer Magazine Top 100 Event Agencies 2009, Special Events Magazine 50 Top Event Companies 2009, Promo Magazine Top 100 Agencies 2009, and Top 50 Rental Companies 2009.

Manhattan Country Club is located at 1330 Parkview Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. A limited number, on a first come, first serve basis, will be open to the public on Nov 1.  More information on the 25^th Year Anniversary Celebration is available: www.manhattancc.com

Side note: Make sure to pick up this month's Signature Magazine for an article on VOX DJs! Available at the party!

Luna G in Hermosa Beach - today at 4pm! Happy "Healthy" Hour early

Drop by and check out one of the more popular designer clothing stores for men and women in Hermosa Beach, Luna G, located at 323 Pier Ave. It was THE place to shop for women attending the Hearts of Hermosa recent fundraiser and three women were photographed wearing dresses Greycie helped them choose. The Shore is also sharing wine & cheese while TLC Pharmacy is sharing TAIslim & GoChi Juice tastings, and Biz & Life Coach Sherry Marshall is sharing love and wisdom as she does so well. You may recognize her name from the real estate world, but what you may not know is that she has been successfully coaching individuals and small business owners for over 1000 hours during the past three years. She's helped me when I've needed an outside professional perspective which is why I asked her to run the TLC Empowerment Group which kicks off today. Weigh-in at TLC Pharmacy on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays if weight loss is your goal. We will start the official meetings on June 3 whichwill run alternate Wednesdays for six weeks. The fee is $75 non-TAIslim participant and $45 TAIslim participant. If you're curious, come on by. It's casual, wear whatever kind of open house. Love to meet you and share some Hermosa love.

Sad news, but happier times soon. Mark 5/21 on your calendars!

By Joy A. Kennelly

For those of you who are interested in the latest news regarding all the cool projects and people I'm working with on a freelance basis, check out my professional blog: www.thejoywriter.typepad.com/thejoywriterpr

I haven't written such a good long one in a long time so please feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think ok?:)

Today has been kind of gloomy day and as a result I have been a little down. Doesn't help that earlier I was reading the book, The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade (Hardcover) which brought up emotions because I could relate to so many of these women's stories despite my adoption being open and  a totally different experience.

I think loss is loss not matter how you slice it. Sometimes it just hits a little harder than others.

Speaking of which, just learned that someone I enjoyed parrying with on our local This is Hermosa forum, Gary Mallette, died on May 7, 2009 which is very sad news.

Here's a link to his obituary - Gary M. Mallette.

If you knew him, please consider clicking through to the www.lafuneral.com link and leaving a condolence message for his family. I'm sure they'd appreciate it. A memorial service is planned later this summer.

Now just because generally I'm a happy person, here's an article to ponder: Happiness Is ... Being Old, Male and Republican

How do you like them apples LV? I guess one out of three aint bad. lol

Moving right along. Here's a link with news on who and what to vote for on Tuesday, May 19th special election (Vote for Teresa Hernandez!) and I quote from the www.socalgop.com site:

The Southern California Republican Coalition is taking the lead in the grassroots opposition to Proposition 1A.

The Governor may want to increase your taxes....  The California legislature's Democrats may want to increase your taxes....  The California Republican Party and its Chairman may not be willing to take a position....  The Chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County may not be willing to take a position....

But make no mistake grassroots Republicans know a HUGE TAX INCREASE when they see one -- and so does the Southern California Republican Coalition.  The SCRC emphatically OPPOSES Proposition 1A.  It is a tax increase disguised as a spending cap that has not teeth.  The public employee unions may love it, but every tax payer in this state knows better.  The SCRC is leading an advertising campaign against 1A - Please click to donate today online.

"Prop 1A is a huge tax increase disguised as a shame, weak spending cap. The voters are not as ill-informed as legislative and party leaders may wish them to be.  The tax payers of California are not buying their lies.  The Democrats lied, and the Economy Died - and we refuse to go along to get along!" says Southern California Republican Coalition Chairman, James Crean.

"We oppose raising taxes for so many reasons.  We are in a serious economic downturn and increased taxes means there is less money to spend to spur the economy which is needed to lead to real job growth.

"The legislature just increased our taxes by $42 Billion dollars and now they want to add another $16B in tax increases.  That will do only one thing - cause everyone who pays taxes to look at moving out of California, especially those that run businesses in order to lower their product costs in order to stay competitive when prices are dropping across the country," says Crean.

There were no real cuts made in the legislature's prior budget, nearly all cuts were shame cuts in job positions with no one in the job or they were reductions in the year to year growth without any real decrease.  The Democrat legislature does not have any backbone for real cuts and the more taxes we give them, the more ways they will find to grow government and continue to pay off the public employee unions, such as the California Prison Guards union, the California Teachers Association union, and the Service Employees International Union.

In a time when real citizen's 401K and retirement savings accounts values are dropping, the unions are bankrupting the state with enormous retirement benefits that often lead to union employees earning more in retirement than when they were employed by the state of California.  Yet the unions are making no concessions, preferring to raise everyone else's taxes to pay their addiction to tax payer's money.

"The only informed vote on Proposition 1A is NO," says SCRC Chairman Crean, "and we are taking a lead position with grassroots voters to inform voters to vote NO on 1A along with NO on the other propositions.  I hope folks will go to www.SoCalGOP.com and make even a small contribution to save us from more tax increases."

CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCRC NO ON 1A CAMPAIGN

If you want to hear a great speaker, consider putting this on your list of things to do for Thursday, May 21:

Beach Cities Republican Club Next Meeting

Club President: Peter Kesterson

Next Regular Meeting: Thursday May 21st, 6PM Dinner (no host), 7PM Speaker

Speaker: Ron Prentice, CEO, California Family Council

Topic: Ron Prentice is the CEO of California Family Council, formally associated with Focus on the Family and also working alongside Family Research Council.  California Family Council (CFC) was formed in 2003 with Ron as the founding director.  With offices in Southern California and Sacramento, CFC’s mission is to protect and promote Judeo-Christian principles in California’s culture.  They do so by communicating the analysis of current legislation, creating pastor and grassroots coalitions, and educating the general population on the issues of the day.  Ron also serves as the Chairman of the ProtectMarriage.com – Yes on 8 Coalition, working with dozens of national, state, and local groups to bring about a victory for traditional marriage in California.

Location: Sizzler Torrance, 2880 Sepulveda Bl. (Between Crenshaw & Hawthorne).  NOTE: we now have the full meeting room due to the large monthly turnouts.  No more standing room only!

All are welcome - Members and non-members alike! This event is Free

Click Here for Membership Information

And for those of you interested in making positive changes in your life, don't forget to sign up for the Standup Leadership seminar entitled Leading Change at www.leaderyou.com which will feature Coach Lori Ketkar and distinguished Naval officers, CAPT Luke and First Brigade Commander, Juliane, at The Shore Restaurant and Lounge from 5:30pm - 8:30pm.

Here's a link to a recent teleseminar so you have a taste of what to expect from this amazing evening: http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WKfRv16Q

Lastly, for those who want to learn more about our upcoming TLC Empowerment Group which starts June 3, 2009 at TLC Pharmacy, join Business and Life Coach Sherry Marshall, TLC Pharmacists' Annabell and Mindy, me and Perfect Body from 4pm - 6pm at Luna G located at 323 Pier Ave in Hermosa Beach, CA that same Thursday night, May 21.

Check out Luna G's latest designer clothing for men and women and unique gifts, taste GoChi Juice and TAIslim, meet Perfect Body trainers and the rest of us and have fun mixing and mingling.

Just think? Two great events on the same night! Hermosa Beach is the place to be Thursday night!

Back to your regularly scheduled Sunday.

I've been enjoying mine since I rode my neighbor's bike to the Healthy Living Festival in Manhattan Beach at the Metlox Plaza and blogging. 

Time to go home and get ready to go out for drinks at that new Redondo Beach restaurant named Maison Riz.

That's my kind of place if you're taking notes. :) Gotta run!

Stand Up Leadership Coach, Lori Ketkar, and Chef David Linville at The Grand Wine & Food Affair

By Joy A. Kennelly

Seeing as some read this blog and don't read my professional one, here's the information on the upcoming leadership training you're not going to want to miss produced by my newest client, Start-up Leadership Founder/Coach, Lori Ketkar.

Doesn't this sound like a great event? I'm very excited to be working with Lori on getting the word out. Sign up soon! Here's the Keynote Speaker's bios to give you an idea of the quality and caliber of their lectures:

Stand Up Leadership Founder and Transformational Coach Lori Ketkar offers expert coaching with a highly intuitive, compassionate, yet firm style. A former high school coach and communications specialist, Lori has successfully coached Aerospace professionals on improving and building their leadership, team building, self-assessment and organizational development skills for many years. She is currently completing an American Management Association certification.

The Keynote Speakers of the evening are Captain Francis C. “Luke” Lukenbill and Commander Juliane J. Gallina.  “Luke” is currently the Director, Space Systems Group, and the Deputy Commander, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Space Field Activity.  CAPT “Luke” has taught at the

United States Air Force Academy

, is a graduate of the Navy Test Pilot School and has held responsibility for multi-billion dollars worth of space-based reconnaissance systems, in addition to holding overseas posts during his 25 year naval career.

In 1991, Juliane was the first woman appointed Brigade Commander of the United States Naval Academy. She currently is a consultant to the intelligence and defense communities working for the National Interest Security Company and is a Vice President for Edge Consulting. Previously, she served at the National Reconnaissance Office for ten years in a variety of government assignments.   Most recently, Juliane was the Deputy Director of the Space Systems Group, Communications Systems Acquisition and Operations Directorate.

Stand Up Leadership is dedicated to helping individuals become better leaders and better employees by developing a healthy work-life balance. Stand Up Leadership facilitates this through results-oriented leadership skills training designed to streamline work efforts in the corporate world and create more quality time at home.

Aren't they all so impressive? You can buy a ticket here: http://www.leaderyou.com/leading-you-event/

Chef David Linville is back at The Shore after participating in the Grand Food & Wine Affair in Sugarland, TX this past weekend. He will be preparing lots of great appetizers that night too.

I believe tonight he's preparing food for a special surf event with lots of celebrities and notable surfers if rumor holds true.

Chef Dave & I enjoyed being part of the Grand Food & Wine Affair because each foodie event we've participated in is completely different. This is his third foodie event he's participated! First was LA Magazine's Food Event, next was the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and now this one.

The LA Magazine Food Event was very elegant and sophisticated on a winery in the heart of Malibu, whereas the 31st Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival  was definitely a sexy party atmosphere. The Grand Food & Wine Affair seemed focused on the chef's and the food they were serving as evidenced by the very elaborate presentations of both food and table by everyone involved.

All events were a blast! I've decided I will die a happy woman if I marry a rich man to travel the world experiencing all the wonderful Food & Wine Events available. LOL

The more wine & food events I attend, the more wines I'm experiencing I like too.Fancy that.

I  loved all the little Mai Tai's, Peach Martini's, Mojito shooters, Mimosa's and other beverages served at the Grand Tasting on Friday night and Bistro Brunch on Sunday in Sugarland, TX.

Fortunately I know my limits, but there were definitely some people at the festivals who didn't!:) Guess that's par for the course at these type functions though right? Enough of that though, let's talk food!

I'll be focusing on the Grand Food & Wine Affair since it's so recent and because Chef David Linville's CA Style Gazpacho with roasted Bell Peppers topped with a mix of avocados, bay shrimp and cilantro was such a huge hit.

We had numerous people come back to us to say his food was their favorite, people were sent over by friends to try his gazpacho because they were raving about it, and even other chefs had to taste his food which is a HUGE compliment in the food world.

I have his permission to print his recipe in case you'd like to try making it at home. The secret is in roasting the bell peppers. For all the foodies in the house, enjoy!

Chef David Linville’s CA Style Gazpacho Recipe

 Ingredients

6 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped in half

1 large red onion, quartered

1 red bell pepper, split in half and seeded

1 green bell pepper, split in half and seeded 

1 yellow bell pepper, split in half and seeded

3 stalks celery 2 clove garlic, minced

Toss all above ingredients with extra virgin olive oil, light salt and fresh ground pepper. Place on sheet pan. Roast in oven 450 degrees for eight to ten minutes to help concentrate and enhance natural flavors.

Remove from oven and place in refrigerator to cool for one hour.

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

3 Tbsp olive oil

Juice of one fresh squeezed lemon

Tabasco sauce to taste (okay to substitute 1 jalapeño pepper instead).

6 more ripe Roma tomatoes

1 cucumber, seeded and chopped

Blend all ingredients with roasted vegetables on low to desired consistency. Salt and pepper to taste (preferably sea salt and fresh ground white pepper). Garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Top with fresh diced avocado.

2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

2 Tbsp basil

1 avocado, diced

Chef Dave recommends serving this refreshing summer dish with grilled shrimp, grilled French bread and CA white wine.

 Serves 4 – 6.

Now, here's some pix to whet your appetite and encourage you to visit the Grand Food & Wine Affair next year or drop into the Shore Restaurant and Lounge to experience some of Chef David Linville's cooking.

He & I are working on a cookbook together which I am sure many people, guys especially will enjoy. Stay tuned! Now enjoy this picture essay.

Our first night there Minutemaid threw a big promotion and flooded the city of Sugarland's plaza with orange lights and passed out drinks. This is the view from my hotel window. It's a little blurry, but catch the Minutemaid logos.

Welcome to Texas!


This is the artwork that was for sale throughout the weekend and the image for this year's event.
Since Chef David is a huge cheese afficiando I'm sure he loved this display. We were rather busy serving though and I'm not sure he made it over to try any. This is before the huge crowd hit. Isn't it so pretty?
Next time I'll be more diligent in getting all the Chef's names, but we were so busy I was just dashing around shooting pix as quickly as possible to get back and help serve.:)

Here's a link to the list of participating chefs in case you're curious: http://www.thegrandwineandfoodaffair.com/chefs.php

This is for all the sushi lovers. Doesn't it look delightful? I'm not that into sushi, but this was definitely popular that night.
They were serving duck in those little cones. Sorry I didn't catch the official description, I was in a rush! Just know it was delectable.
This was our neighboring Chef''s table, Brian O'Hea , Academe | Maine Brasserie and Tavern. They served the best desserts and seafood dishes this evening and then again during the Sip & Stroll on Saturday. Here's a close-up of their shrimp sandwich from Saturday. DELICIOUS!

I couldn't get close enough to get any food this table was so popular. They were also serving mojito shooters which probably didn't hurt either. LOL
I heard their food was delicious though. Anyone recognize the restaurant and care to leave a comment?
Everyone was given these cute little plates that held your wine glass which made for easy transporting. I brought a few home to give to friends which they enjoyed receiving.
Here's Chef David Linville and his table where he served his special CA Style Gazpacho. He's worked for the Ritz Carlton and knew exactly how he wanted everything to look, simple and elegant.

What we found is it's really more about the food anyway. Right Chef? Right.
All my previous catering experience came in handy because we were so busy I had to jump in and help prepare the food while Chef schmoozed the guests.
Dione, a local Texan friend of Dave's, also came out to help which was great. I don't think we could have handled everything without her!
Thanks Dione!

This cute couple were a lot of fun. They own a hot sauce company called Big Daddy's Ass Burn
and were part of the Sip & Stroll and Bistro Brunch.

Here's some highlights of their booth on both days:
 

I bought some hot sauce for my mom because she loves it. The hotter, the better. Here's some pix from Sunday's Bistro Brunch where they served very spicy Bloody Mary's.
I liked their joie de vivre and wish them much success in getting into stores. Until then, why don't you buy some hot sauce from their website and try it yourself? http://www.bigdaddysassburn.com/

Ok, back to the Grand Tasting with Chef Dave Linville. He was quite the hit with the ladies. The woman to his left in the picture below, Tiffany, was there to promote an Italian cookbook and speciality olive oil. Isn't she the cutest?
Here's some pix from her booth the next day during the amazing Sip & Stroll. Apparently over 4,000 people attended that event alone! I'll tell more later. I'm telling you, Texans are the friendliest people on earth!

This cute Chef, Trevor White of Oceanaire Seafood Room, travels to Alaska to participate in numerous Food & Wine Festivals up there. I wish Chef Dave would go there, but he doesn't like the cold. I keep trying to tell him Alaska summers are warm, but all he thinks about is the ice.

Guess I'll have to find another Chef to travel back to Alaska with! I used to work for Alaska Airlines and love it up there. Plus the male to female ratio aint too shabby either. lol
I thought this couple was just too adorable. They were having a grand time!

Before the event began, all the Chefs were called out to the Sugarland City Plaza for a group shot. The festival organizers really treat their talent well I must say. This plaza had a fun event going every single night we were there too.
This is the amazing Organizer, Keri, Chef David Linville and me before it got all crazy.

The next day we were invited to just be guests at the wonderful Sienna Sip & Stroll event which we needed to shuttle over to. I thought it was funny to see Cougars are popular in TX too.
We didn't take this bus. I had to laugh at this poor woman (not in her face, but you know....)
These people became my friends and served the most amazing BBQ - check out www.burtonsbbq.com

Now, because I have two events I want to attend tonight and must hurry, here's pix from the Sip & Stroll event which was most delightful. Three to four huge tents filled to the brim with vendors, wineries, restaurants, cigars, all types of alcohol and great jazz music playing.

I must say, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is extremely savvy because they showcased a local development called Sienna Plantation at the same time, thus killing two birds with one stone.

Wouldn't you want to live in an area that hosts amazing events like these? I would if I lived there. It's so pretty too. According to their website, Houston is the Number One Housing Market. Boy Howdy!

Enjoy the pix!


 

As you can see, this was really lovely. Even in spite of the sudden thunderstorm! It actually felt good walking around in the rain because it was so hot and humid.

I found this festival through USA Today and am so happy Chef David Linville was able to participate. I will upload another blog on Sunday's Bistro Brunch tomorrow. It is another amazing event and needs its' own page.:)

Hope you've enjoyed this pictorial visit to the Grand Food & Wine Affair's Grand Tasting and Sip & Stroll. Don't forget to buy your ticket to Stand Up Leadership's May 21 event here: http://www.leaderyou.com/leading-you-event/

Have a great evening! I plan to!

Scottsdale Culinary Festival, Scottsdale Mondrian, Downtown tour

By Joy A. Kennelly

Recently I had the pleasure of traveling back to Scottsdale, AZ to attend the 31st Annual Culinary Festival with Chef David Linville and his colleague, Chef Jake. I say back because I was there a year ago this past September for another conference in Phoenix.

A very kind friend had taken the time to show me Scottsdale's art galleries during a conference break at that time which helped me gain my bearings this time around. Thanks Dharma! Here's a sampling of some of the art galleries I visited this go round. Love their work, don't you? This one is called The Signature Gallery and Charles Pabst's work really spoke to me.

His collection is called Peace. Can you see why? Click on the link for more close-up images.
This gallery's artists were a little more whimsical and I enjoyed their work too. Isn't it fun? This gallery is called Leslie Levy Fine Art, Inc. 
  I also visited LeKAE Gallery which I especially liked due to the variety of blown glass art and fine art. Turns out a publicist friend of mine had represented them years back. I have good taste in art if I do say so myself.
This is one of my favorite flowers, isn't it gorgeous as a painting?

This trip to Arizona I knew a little bit better what to expect and packed lots of allergy medicine. If you're allergic to dust like I am, be warned that it's very prevalent out there because you're in the desert.

Chef David Linville was participating in the Cooks & Corks event that Saturday which meant since we arrived on Friday, we were free to enjoy the Eat, Drink, Be Pretty party happening that evening --a great way to start the weekend.

Here's a Cooks & Cork promo to whet your appetite. If you look closely, you'll see Chef Dave in the corner near the pretty blonde lady.

Due to my previous writing experience for the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, I had met representatives from the Scottsdale Convention & Visitor's Bureau a few years ago who had been emailing me interesting information on Scottsdale for months.

It felt good to finally take advantage of what this western town had to offer. And I do mean Western. They have horse drawn carriages giving tours of Downtown Scottsdale, numerous western art galleries and all kinds of western statues, memorabilia and museums. I didn't have time to check them all out, but here's a few pictorial highlights.

There is also a trolley service that runs daily until about 6pm, but I didn't take any pix - just imagine an old-fashioned San Francisco trolley and you've imagined correctly. Here's their routing. I wish the City of Hermosa Beach would do something like this because it's a nice way to get around town quickly and easily.

Now this is a community who supports their Downtown business district!Three hour free parking, free trolley service, and lots of cute shops, art galleries in addition to the bars and restaurants. Even caught a Farmer's Market while we were there.

Very balanced Downtown experience which was very pleasant and fun to explore.

In talking to people who had traveled to Scottsdale before I knew that Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa was a place I wanted to visit. However, I was way too busy to go and also had received a wonderful invitation to experience the Mondrian Scottsdale which I couldn't refuse.

Having enjoyed the hip stylish ambiance of the Mondrian Los Angeles numerous times and the DelAno Miami this past Spring, I knew it was a perfect place to enjoy Scottsdale's Sexy Single's Scene. Say that fast three times.

According to the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau's press release and I quote, "Hollywood “It” girls like Jessica Alba, Kristin Cavallari and Vanessa Minnillo have relaxed and partied alongside celebrity hunks Nick Lachey and Brody Jenner at Mondrian Scottsdale.

The hotel also played host to Vice President Al Gore, who celebrated his win of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on global warming awareness at the urban resort. (You really must click the link to Al Gore's visit for a fun recap of that event.)

After staying there, I can see why it's so popular! What a lovely, lovely, lovely relaxing place to stay. I was hoping to have some official pix to share with you, but since I don't, enjoy the ones I took here ok?

My room, thank you very much. Isn't it to die for?:) I love modern contemporary spaces like this. Crisp and clean. Minimal, just like I like my men. HA HA!

Not one, but two flat screen TV's - and don't you just love the sitting room area? So relaxing, I can't begin to tell you.

The bed was so comfortable I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud. Forgetting I was allergic to down, I have to admit I did wake up rather congested, but that's my own fault.

And to be honest, worth every dream filled delicious moments of sleep. I haven't slept that well in ages! Feather top mattresses make you feel like you're weightless they're so comfortable.

When I arrived there was vibey music playing loudly for guests enjoying the pool which was right outside my room making me wonder if it would be playing all night. Be warned, there is a party element due to the sophisticated stylish space geared towards young hipsters, but the hotel is always very accommodating which makes it fine.

When my room service arrived, the sweet girl assured me the music would end when the pool closed at dusk. Room service is one of those special treats I never get tired of. Especially when the person delivering your food is courteous, timely and professional like she was. My food was delivered hot and was very delicious.

She was right about the music ending soon. I was able to catch a quick catnap before getting ready for our evening out with a quick bath in this amazingly long tub. I'm tall for a woman - 5'10" to be exact and this was the first time I felt I could stretch all the way out and really relax in a tub. Amazing!

I liked the tile work and floral trim pattern which was repeated throughout the hotel in pathways and elsewhere. There was also a shower, another sink and mirror and toilet in an entirely separate adjacent area which was nice because if I'd been sharing it would have been easy for both of us to get ready.

As it was, I was solo on this trip. The chefs were staying off premise, but did enjoy the club and private bar with me afterwards before continuing their nightlife excursions long after I went to bed. Allergies always wipe me out and I need my rest.

Here we are in the hotel lobby that night.
Both of these guys have been Hollywood insiders for years and appreciated the sexy vibe and atmosphere of this property as much as I did.

Chef David Linville worked for the Standard Hotel in Hollywood which has been described as a "Chic Mecca" by Vanity Fair, while Chef Jake throws amazing private parties with models as live food decorations up in Santa Barbara, CA, in addition to cooking for a variety of celebrity clients who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent.
I know, crazy to be wearing a jacket, but again, allergies kicking my butt make me cold. Plus, it does get a little chilly at night in Scottsdale.

I'm wearing what Project Runway Style Guru, Tim Gunn, refers to as a faux fur chubby coat in his book,
Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style (Tim Gunn's Guide to Style) if I remember correctly. Read it and let me know if I got that one right.

In any case, here's some highlights from the actual Scottsdale Culinary Festival Eat, Drink, Be Pretty event we also attended earlier that night. What an amazing event. Scottsdale truly has some of the most beautiful people I've seen in a long time and they know how to party!:)
Our first stop, the Absolut Vodka bar, what can we say? Gotta love an Absolut pear vodka and soda. I really don't drink that much, but when I do, I enjoy a nice sweet drink.
Fruits & Passions Bodycare Fragrances Home was passing out products and these cute bags which were all the rage that night. Perfect for the beach or pool. Bliss Spa had wonderful spa items to share too. The oxygen mask is so soothing and refreshing.

 
Sexy devil, isn't he ladies? Whoops, did I just say that? I am his publicist after all. Guess I'm supposed to say that, but glad I mean it.
Lots of fashion shows going on inside and outside on the premises which was fun to watch.
And of course, wine tasting and dining. I liked this "New Age" wine the best because it was sweet and carbonated - an adult pop. My mom's from Ohio, can you tell?
Upon arrival you were given this plastic plate with attached cutlery and this cute souvenir wine glass you used throughout the evening while marking off the biz card with the amount of wine you had enjoyed.

These two women were the most unflappable organizers I've ever met. Kudos to you two for pulling off such a wonderful event with such gracious smiles and spirt.

On the way out we all received a beautiful red rose and program. Here's a close up for your viewing pleasure.

Here's some highlights from the next day too. This was the calm before the storm. Imagine it packed with people later on all wining and dining and you will be right.


Chef David Linville prepared CA Style Gazpacho. This weekend, he will be appearing at Grand Food & Wine Affair in Houston, TX. I make sure he keeps a busy schedule!

Back to the Scottsdale Mondrian. The next day I woke up early and decided to start my day by taking advantage of the Olympic size pool. Isn't this wonderful? I basically had it all to myself except for two business men discussing stocks in the hot tub and we mutually ignored each other.

Too early to schmooze and it's understood you want privacy when you stay at a place like this which is why I enjoyed my experience there so much.
This cabana space beats any I've seen at any of the luxury hotels I've visited in Hollywood hands down. Fireplace, flat screen TV anyone?
Later on in the day, I'm sure this would have been packed with guests, but for that moment in time, it was all mine. Pure relaxation and so peaceful. I loved it.
After swimming a few laps, showering and packing up, I went down to enjoy breakfast at the restaurant on site.
Here's a little tour to the restaurant.
Care for a ride? Numerous sports cars were lined up last night because this was the place to be after the Eat, Drink and Be Pretty event. We saw quite a few people from that event had wandered over as we were leaving.
Just outside the front lobby. Isn't that inviting? I enjoyed the pink and Western accents throughout the lobby too.


I loved how this room glowed with a soft pink light. So welcoming and sexy!
And for a completely different motif, check out the restaurant. I believe it's Asia de Cuba, but am afraid I forget which one I visited. Isn't it fun?
I didn't see anyone famous while staying there, but that wasn't the reason I chose to stay here. I appreciate quality, excellence and exquisite surroundings which this property definitely offers. The food was delicious and the ambiance perfect.

I would wager to say, almost more than my local LA version, but having never stayed there, only attended private parties, I can't say for sure.

Maybe that will be my next visit....

Here's some highlights of our drive home. The scenery is visually stunning, although have to admit after awhile it begins to all look the same. That said, I thought some of you who have never driven this route might appreciate seeing this great land through my eyes.

  We didn't have time to stop and visit, but there is a General George S. Patton Museum out in the middle of nowhere you might want to catch. Apparently, the cafe next door is where Chef Anthony Bourdain stopped during one of his road trip shows.

Could be a fun rest stop. We wouldn't know, although we did share some food there.
There are windmills as far as the eye can see in certain sections of the freeway. If you can believe it, I took these pix while driving because we were only going 20 mph since Coachella was happening that weekend nearby too. Everyone was driving home at the same time. We made pretty good time considering the amount of people who attend that music festival each year.

Finally, we arrived in Los Angeles and were greeted by the most amazing sunset. (For the record, I did not take these pix. lol) I love LA. No matter where I travel and live, I will always call California home.

Questionable Politicians, taxation problems and all.:) That's all.

I hope you've enjoyed my tour of Scottsdale, AZ and have been enticed to visit this fascinating desert community. It's a quick getaway from Los Angeles and worth at least vacationing there once in your lifetime.

Have a good evening everyone. Thanks for stopping by. If you do stay at the Mondrian, tell 'em Joy sent you.:)

And people wonder why I don't cook at home...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Tonight I thought I'd be so smart and cook up the chicken breasts I've had thawing in my fridge over night. Well, my eyes are burning, I almost singed off all my eyelashes opening the oven door the first time to check on the birds, I've set off all the fire alarms in the entire building and my chicken still isn't cooked!

Just had to share because I think it's so funny. Now to get back to getting all the smoke out of my apartment and trying to appease my neighbors I've disturbed repeatedly tonight with all the fire alarm noises. OY!

Excuse me please.

The Shore Restaurant & Lounge sponsors Holiday Dessert Competition

The Shore Restaurant & Lounge has graciously agreed to host The South Bay Cooking & Culinary Meetup Group's first annual holiday dessert competition!

The Shore is also celebrating winning First Place in California Dining on MyFoxLa and will be offering 1/2 price drinks and appetizers during the competition.

Start experimenting in your kitchen, because not only will the winner get bragging rights, but they can bring their family and friends and enjoy their dessert at The Shore Restaurant & Lounge for the month of DECEMBER!

The Shore Restaurant & Lounge offers a variety of internationally inspired entrees and salads created with authentic ingredients straight from local farmer's markets. Their A- List Executive Chef, David Linville - featured at October's Los Angeles Magazine's Food Event '08 will be judging the entrants!

Stay tuned for dessert criteria! and more details!!

The winning recipe will be posted on The South Bay Cooking & Culinary Meetup Group site so it can also be enjoyed at home by all our members. When you RSVP to the Shore after our competition make sure you tell the host/hostess that you will be ordering the South Bay Dessert Winner.

The dessert competition takes place from 3:00 to 6:00 pm with the winner being announced at 5:15 pm.

Even if you aren't entering the contest come and support your fellow meetup members and join the party at The Shore Restaurant & Lounge in Hermosa Beach. We will be joined by the South Bay Professional Connection and Elite Singles By The Shore so its sure to be fun mixer, with new folks with whom we can mix and mingle as well as our old friends!

You must be signed up by November 23rd to enter a dessert. RSVP "yes" if you are entering a dessert at the http://www.meetup.com... site and RSVP by November 30th "maybe" if you are joining us for the party. Competition will be held on the patio.

To learn more about our hosts, visit their website: http://www.meetup.com... and www.meetup.com/elitesinglesbytheshore and www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com

Vote for The Shore to win Best of California Dining on MyFoxLA!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Please vote for The Shore Restaurant and Lounge to win Best of California dining on My Fox LA!

Tomorrow is the deadline - Sat. Nov 8 - sorry for the short notice, but just learned of this opportunity.


Please help us win by taking a moment to vote! Just click the link here: http://myfoxla.cityvoter.com/the-shore-restaurant-and-lounge/biz/146199

Sign in and tell everyone why you think The Shore has the best internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine in Los Angeles! Thanks! Please tell your friends!



If we win, we will have a party to celebrate and those who vote will be invited! Thanks for helping make The Shore number one in Los Angeles for California dining!

The whoring of Obama and other fun events...

By Joy A. Kennelly

I would say more, but am way too busy. Just was curious if anyone else saw SNL's take off on Obama inserting ads into video games and know whether that's true or not?

"Barack Obama has begun running ads within video games. Obama ads can be seen in video games such as `Madden NFL '09' and `Burnout.' Not to be outdone, John Mccain has begun putting ads inside many MRI machines." -- Seth Meyers, "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday."

Funny, but still.... I'm telling you! If it is true... very Big Brotheresque. EW!

My favorite nerdy TV reviewer, Frank Nicotero, on Prime Time in No Time today showcased that SNL sketch and bits from McCain's recent appearance on Late Night with David Letterman which might be considered whoring except that Obama has done so many more personal TV appearances on entertainment shows I think he still is King of Whoredom of the Presidencacy, supposedly one of our most highly respected positions in America.

A long time ago in a far away land.Maybe. HA!

I just love little Franky because even though I missed a lot of my favorite shows last night, I still felt like someone snarky, but funny, was looking out for me to help me stay caught up.

Have you read his blog lately? Check it out here: http://primetime.tv.yahoo.com/blog Still waiting for someone else to point out how stupid and pointless the gay relationship storyline is. It needs to go away. No wonder Katherine thought the writing was bad. True!

But enough of politics and fluffy TV stuff for once.

At The Shore Restaurant and Lounge last night, we just had the best UCLA Alumni Association Wine & Cheese Tasting ever. Almost 100 people came out to enjoy their five wines and international cheeses for $10 and had a great time!

I plan to post pictures from this event soon, but just in case you're curious what I've been up to while only blogging politically, check out Elite Singles by The Shore, my latest website promoting events at The Shore and around Los Angeles to see our recent photo albums. Very fun events!

Here's the link: http://singles.meetup.com/2461/ or go to meetup.com and search for Elite Singles By the Shore if that's easier. We're always looking for more quality male participants too. Check it out! Love to have you join us.

On another fun note, discovered that someone I knew years ago is the publicist for the LA Food Event '08 which is featuring The Shore Restaurant and Lounge's very own Chef David Linville.

Here's his bio and pic in case you didn't realize the quality of our food and Chef.

CHEF DAVID LINVILLE

Chef David Linville grew up in the Central Valley of Northern California near the San Joaquin River where he experienced the typical Tom Sawyer country life. His early experiences in the kitchen were at the side of his grandmother as she used the garden fresh tomatoes and wild mustard greens he brought home from the fields for her to cook with.

Chef David took his first cooking job in a seafood restaurant at the age of 16 and quickly found himself at home. Traveling extensively throughout Europe, living in Amsterdam and on the Gold Coast of Spain a few years later, he absorbed the local foods and flavors. He continues to apply these experiences and foods to his cooking style today.

His background includes LA’s most prestigious restaurants and hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey, St. Regis Hotel, Viceroy Hotel Santa Monica, Mastros Beverly Hills and The Standard Hotel on Sunset. He has also worked as a sought after private chef on yachts for some of Hollywood’s elite.

He currently is the Executive Chef at The Shore Restaurant and Lounge in Hermosa Beach, CA. He resides in Venice Beach, CA.

Oh, and here's the official press release for the event so you really understand the caliber and prestige of LA Food Event '08.  The official site on where you buy tickets is coming up in the body of the release so keep your eyes open for it.

Very cool to have my very own Chef David participating. Brings a tear to the eye, truly it does.:)

I did not write the following release (although I did add some comments and highlights have to admit), but am happy to put any media in touch with the Publicist in charge if you shoot me an email. Thanks!

Los Angeles magazine presents The Food Event: From the Vine

Sunday, October 26 at Saddlerock Ranch in the Malibu Hills

Culinary Event, Celebrating Magazine’s November Food Issue, Set in the Majestic Vineyards of Saddlerock Ranch, Benefits Los Angeles Regional Foodbank and Concern Foundation

What: Los Angeles magazine’s The Food Event: From the Vine, the third annual culinary
extravaganza, featuring celebrity chefs, top restaurants and a focus on wine. Highprofile
chefs, sommeliers, restaurants and wineries from California and around the world will
show and tell plus offer tastes of what makes them famous.

When: Sunday, October 26, 2008 Hours: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Saddlerock Ranch in the Malibu Hills, the magnificent vineyard home to Malibu Family
Wines and producers of Saddlerock and Semler wines

Price: Tickets are $60 (all demonstrations, food, beverages, parking, ticket processing fees included)
with $20 of each ticket split between two non-profits: the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank
and Concern Foundation. (Isn't this a great charity event?)

To purchase tickets and for more information: www.lamag.com/thefoodevent

21+ only, absolutely no infants, children or pets allowed (What a relief.:))

PARTICIPANTS AND SPONSORS AS OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2008

WHO: ANDY BROOKS (BROOKS)
VINNY DOTOLO AND JON SHOOK (TWO FOOD DUDES AND ANIMAL)
BETTY FRASER (TOP CHEF SEASON 2 AND GRUB)
NEAL FRASER (GRACE)
ERIC GREENSPAN (THE FOUNDRY)
CHRIS “CJ” JACOBSON (TOP CHEF SEASON 3)
DAVID LINVILLE (THE SHORE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE)
LARRY NICOLA (NIC’S BEVERLY HILLS)
MAKUTO OKUWA (IRON CHEF AND SASHI)
NANCY SILVERTON (MOZZA)
KERRY SIMON (SIMON LA AT SOFITEL LA)
TOMMY TANG (LET’S GET COOKING)
AND MORE…

Activities: Celebrity Chef Cooking Demos: Learn recipes, tips and techniques from today’s brightest culinary stars including Chef David Linville of The Shore Restaurant and Lounge.

Meet them up close and personal in the SNYDER DIAMOND/SUB-ZERO/WOLF KITCHEN. Chefs Andy Brooks (Brooks), Vinny Dotolo and Jon Shook (Two Food Dudes and Animal), Top Chef Season 2 contestant Betty Fraser, Neal Fraser (Grace), Top Chef Season 3 contestant Chris “CJ” Jacobson, David Linville (The Shore), Larry Nicola (Nic’s Beverly Hills), Makoto Okuwa (Iron Chef and Sashi), Nancy Silverton (Mozza), Kerry Simon (Simon LA), Tommy Tang (Let’s Get Cooking) and more.

Conversations: Listen and join in on conversations with the experts about cheese and wine pairing,
selecting the perfect beers and wines, cuisine trends, and more, featuring Eric Greenspan, The Foundry on Melrose with Kit Rachlis, Editor in Chief, Los Angeles magazine (and author of an upcoming book on artisanal cheeses); Joe Moller (President of Joe Moller Events) with Jess Cabo (Hell’s Kitchen and private chef); Christina Perozzi, Beer sommelier, consultant and writer; Alex Weil, international wine sommelier for Mozza and more.

Restaurant samplings: Sample cuisine from 15+ of L.A.’s best restaurants including The Shore Restaurant and Lounge, Café Rodeo at Luxe Hotel, Chaya, Dakota Steakhouse, The Foundry on Melrose, Four Seasons Westlake Village, Frida Restaurant, Joss, La Cachette, La Provence Patisserie, Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd, Saddle Peak Lodge, Tra de Noi, Paperfish and more.

Wine tastings: Enjoy vintages from 337 Cellars, Gnarly Head Cellars, HammerSky Vineyards, Irony Napa Valley, Kenwood Vineyards, Lake Sonoma Winery, Loredona, Peju Province Winery, Raymond Vineyards, Saddlerock, Semler, Valley of the Moon Winery, Vina Robles and more.

Beer samplings: Sapporo and Stella Artois

Coffee Bar by DASILVA and Gelato Bar by Gail Silverton & Joel Gutman

Host: Cher Calvin, KTLA 5 the CW & Merrill Shindler (who I actually also know from years ago. Too fun.)

Entertainment: D.J. Richard Blade

Culinary Travel: Get the inside scoop on travel to Puebla, Mexico’s hottest culinary destination

Kitchen trends: See the latest trends for outfitting your home kitchen from SNYDER DIAMOND.
Specializing in kitchens for 50 years, the company features Sub-Zero and Wolf

Silent auction: Dinners and other great items to bid on, organized by and benefiting Concern Foundation

Don’t forget: Live entertainment, prizes, and opportunity drawings

Schedule subject to change without notice

Grand Cru Sponsors: Puebla, Snyder Diamond, Sub-Zero/Wolf

Vintage Sponsors: DaSilva, FIJI Water, Sapporo, Stella Artois (my favorite beer and I don't even like beer!)

Partners: G & G Design, Gelson’s, The Grove, KTLA 5 the CW, Malibu Family Wines, Tres LA
Catering, Wine Institute

Beneficiaries: Los Angeles Regional Foodbank & Concern Foundation

Hope you will consider joining us. Hurry, tickets going fast. Here's the link again to make it easy for you to buy: www.lamag.com/thefoodevent

Onto something a little more fun Domi & me out on the town - finally, right?

By Joy A. Kennelly

What I've been loving about being more vocal about my political beliefs is that it's sussing others out who normally don't say anything either. One friend teasingly (I hope she was teasing!) said she almost defriended me on Facebook when she saw who I was stumping for.

Then she said she thought most publicists were Dems to which I replied, if I only publicized things I personally agreed with life would be very boring and it's a very short-sighted way of doing business.

Another friend expressed concern that I might lose business over being so vocal. Maybe so. However, I don't mind, to be honest. If someone only doesn't want to work with me because of my politics then there's probably other reasons I wouldn't want to represent them either. If people are more evolved than just their politics, then I'm happy to work together.

Take my current Celebrity client, Domiziano Arcangeli, for instance. We're about as diametrically opposed on numerous political and moral issuse as you can get, but we respect and understand each other and appreciate those differences while learning from each other.

Same with many of my other liberal friends whom I deeply love and care about.

Just because someone disagrees with me is no reason not to be friends! That's what makes life interesting! I learn from them and they (sometimes) learn from me.:) If all we focused on were our differences then maybe we wouldn't be friends for as long as we have been, but we have so many other things in common above and beyond politics and religion it makes our friendships/relationships richer and deeper.

I LOVE hearing about the Jewish practices my friend Shana shares with me. I love it. I also love hearing people's opinions about the debate, this race, and race, gender issues in general. I think there's room in this world for all kinds of beliefs and experiences. I also believe we're all allowed to have our own opinions and express them which I will do until the day I die and support everyone else to do so too.

Apparently I'm not the only one to think so either according to this recent NY Times article entitled, Talking Politics in the Office by Journalist Lisa Belkin. Heres an excerpt I especially like which I hope I have followed, but know I probably haven't all the time.

"Jamie and Maren Showkeir, consultants specializing in workplace culture, and the authors of the book “Authentic Conversations: Moving from Manipulation to Truth and Commitment,” have some tips on what to avoid when engaging in political conversation in the office: don’t assume your co-workers share your political views and opinions; don’t abuse your power or position, avoid making politics personal; discuss rather than debate; and try to find common ground."

I do like intelligent discussions, but being battered by someone doesn't feel good. If you have felt battered by me. I'm sorry. Now that I'm more cognizant of this fact I will try to be more balanced. However, I have to admit I did send that girl from my earlier post who sent me 12 pro-Obama newsletters a big fat email with my personal opinions from recent blogs which tipped her over the edge.

I don't mind though because now she's stopped bugging me. LOL Couldn't help myself. :) Last time though I promise. (Unless she pisses me off again.)

In any case, here's some fun pix from the other night's red carpet event up at Les Deux (sp?) in Hollywood against child pornography which was a lot of fun even though it's a very serious subject.

Really helped clear the brain to have some fun and discuss something other than politics. My client Domiziano Arcangeli was interviewed because his art house Italian film, House of Flesh Mannequins, directly relates to this issue.

(The trailer is really gory, sexual and gross because it's a horror so be warned. Very artistic though.:) It's definitely causing a stir in Italy with the Catholic Church. Domi and I laugh all the time that I'm involved with him because of this. Oh well. What can I say? I try to be open-minded about repping artists. However, it's not a film I'll be watching any time soon. He knows it too. We're cool.)

Here's a little behind-the-scenes of what goes on at red carpet events in case you ever wondered.

Domi bumped into his Actor friend, Jeffrey James Lippold, who had been in the Samurai Avenger: The Blind Wolf film with him. We all had fun hanging out together. Isn't he a cutie patootie? Uh oh, I think I'm being a cougar right now. Better pull my claws back in. :)

Domi's Italian friend, Giovanni, came along to keep us company too. He doesn't speak much English, but enjoys hanging out with us because we're always laughing and joking around.
Wouldn't this picture make you LOL? That's what I mean. We always goof around taking pix like Japanese tourists. Sometimes Domi has to tell me to put the camera away because it's too much.:)

We sure had fun that night. Ready for the next event! Have a good one.

Oh, because I've been so consumed with politics I haven't shared the latest and the greatest regarding Free Life International! We just launched a healthy energy drink called Chi3 Energy. You can buy some at my site: www.joykennelly.freelife.com. It's less expensive than buying the straight GoChi Juice and has an ounce of GoChi in it too.

I recommend taking it early in the day though because I was going till 3am the couple of times I drank it. I never crashed which was nice. Just would like to get to sleep earlier!:) Here's a new website designed to answer your questions about the product called: http://www.bestpowerdrink.com/

You can always buy it directly through me, or go to my online website to experience it and they will ship it directly to you: www.joykennelly.freelife.com

What does Chi3 Energy do?

You'll feel alert, focused, and ready to go without the jitters or the sugar crash that can come from drinking high-calorie canned energy drinks. Learn more about Chi3 Energy

What's it for?

There may be other energy drinks, but there's only one king of the mountain, and that's Chi3 Energy. It's the only energy drink powered by GoChi^®, the incredible goji berry super juice that's been clinically shown to increase energy, fight fatigue, and improve mental function and athletic performance. Read Chi3 Energy

What's in it?

Chi3 Energy is scientifically formulated to deliver smooth, long-lasting energy. Metabolism-enhancing B-vitamins and mind-nourishing amino acids are skillfully combined with a healthy splash of green tea and a full ounce of our proprietary GoChi to give you just the right lift. Chi3 Energy Ingredients

Okay, that's all for now. Back to my regularly scheduled day. Just felt like lightening the mood a bit. My back is feeling much better thanks to the great care of my Chiropractor, Dr. Christopher Palmer. He employs active release techniques in addition to traditional chiropractic treatments and it's been working wonders!

I can't wait till I can start wearing heels again, but now I can sit on a wood chair without much pain; I can drive farther and not experience the excruciating neck pain that has been debilitating; I'm sleeping better; my TMJ is improving too.

Helps that I've also been drinking my GoChi Juice again. Great anti-inflammatory. Highly recommend it!

Have a great weekend! Let me know if you want to try some Chi3! I sell it independently, or you can buy it off my website: www.joykennelly.freelife.com. Thanks.

Huckabee, Obama, McCain, AVP's, & The Shore Restaurant and Lounge

By Joy A. Kennelly

Watching the new Huckabee Show - did you know it existed? I didn't till now. Very interesting. Geraldine Ferraro,  Dave Ramsey, and cute Elizabeth Hasselbeck were on it.

I've put a link to Whoopi Goldberg's opinion on racism that Elizabeth counteracts tearfully on The View. It is worth watching if you're curious about another perspective than mine. Dave is actually a Christian financial guy who has a very popular radio program.

Huckabee was asking what everyone recommended for the financial situation which I've not been listening to very closely, but wanted to tell you what type of guests he had on. The VP of Fox Business referred people to the Community Reinvestment Act to see what Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were originally designed to accomplish. Click on the link if you're curious.

This is too cute. Huckabee's closing his show with what sounds like a church band what with all the guitars, doing a cover of Only in America sung a little off-key and not very passionately. Too cute. Go Huckabee. Guess he's clinging to his church roots.

Oh, and because some don't always read comments, I'm reposting some key links a friend sent me that you might not have heard or read before re: Obama's connection to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and his personal pay-out (above others who've been statesmen longer!)

I'm doing it here because generally whatever I link to rises to the top of Google and this is important. Democrats, I dare you to watch and read this then comment:

Explosive Video, Fannie Mae CEO calling Obama and the Dems the "Family" and "Conscience" of Fannie Mae

And from Investor's Business Daily, The Real Culprits In This Meltdown

From a blog called, HotAir - Whose policies led to the credit crisis?

And the Holy Grail of the newspaper world, The New York Times, from September 11, 2003 New Agency Proposed to Oversee Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae

Okay, enough of that. It is Saturday after all, but didn't want to leave that thought from yesterday just hanging there. Oh, and by the way, I really enjoyed hearing Obama speak during the debate last night. Surprised me at his knowledge of foreign relations, but did feel like I was being lectured by a college professor vs. someone with actual life experience as I felt when listening to McCain.

It's going to definitely be interested. Can't wait for the Palin/Biden debate next. I'm becoming my parents - help!

Here's some pix from fun events I've either attended, or thrown recently. The first is last Sunday's AVP's Men's championships with the recent Olympic athletes (whose names I don't know, but enjoyed viewing nonetheless. Oh, you can find out more by clicking on the link. Sorry, not that into sports, just hot guys. Especially shirtless ones. Now do you know why I love living near the beach? lol)

If you scroll down the pix fast enough it's almost you were watching them play!:) I thought this year's seating arrangements for the MB AVP's were the best ever. Lots of available viewing and seating for everyone.

Thank you AVP organizers!

Here's some highlights. One night I hit two back-to-back with a client and then had to dash down to The Shore for another one. Needless to say, I was emotionally, physically and mentally drained by the end of the night.

One particular event was to raise awareness for Project Reina which keeps African American and Latina women and girls HIV/AIDS free through the promotion of education, prevention and wellness. Go to www.projectreina.org for more information.

Actress Gina Ravera (The Closer, ER) started this movement and was on hand to promote the artist's work and her project. If I had known who she was (she's much smaller in person), I would have taken her pic too, but didn't open the press kit till just now. That's a bummer too because I really like The Closer. Oh well...

This was such an elegant event it was really pleasant. Hated to leave.

 

This was The Shore's BMW/Equinox USC v. OSU football game viewing party. Bummer for USC. We're an equal opportunity venue and will be hosting UCLA's Alumni Association on October 16 at The Shore for a wine tasting. All are welcome!

Okay, I think that's all for now!:)

The Shore presents a fun Equinox/BMW hosted USC v. OSU Football viewing party tonight!

This evening is open to everyone and begins at 6pm. Those with an Equinox Membership card or BMW key will receive one free drink ticket at the door upon arrival. We're also serving discounted GoChi Cocktails, our $5, $6, $7 menu of delectable appetizers, a raffle, and free one week passes to Equinox South Bay.

Come by and visit even if just for a bit. Cheer for USC. Meet some new friends.

Would love to have you join us.

Any questions? Call The Shore Restaurant and Lounge at 310 376-0414.

The Shore Restaurant and Lounge for your reading and dining pleasure

the

SHORE

Restaurant and Lounge

 

 

·       COMPANY BACKGROUNDER

·       FACT SHEET

·       CHEF DAVID LINVILLE BIO

·       PRESS RELEASE

 INTERNATIONALLY INSPIRED CA COMFORT CUISINE BY CHEF DAVID LINVILLE AT THE AWARD WINNING SHORE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE IN HERMOSA BEACH, CA

Numerous Celebrities frequent * Acclaimed Live Entertainment * Special Events Planned

 

Hermosa Beach, CA Opened in March 2006, The Award-Winning Shore Restaurant and Lounge reflects the casual elegance of the South Bay, CA through its beautiful atmosphere, quality live entertainment, Celebrity clientele and full-service fine dining by Executive Chef David Linville, formerly of The Standard Sunset Strip, Viceroy Hotel, St. Regis Hotel and Mastros Beverly Hills. One of Hollywood’s A-List Chefs, Linville now serves award-winning internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine to the South Bay community and will be a featured Chef at Los Angeles Magazine’s October Taste of LA event.

Linville was one of the top private Yacht Chefs in 2007 for numerous A-List Celebrities, and The Shore’s celebrity and local clientele also appreciate his quality, down-home cooking. Since his arrival, The Shore Restaurant has received “Hippest Dining Spot,” “Best Dinner Menu,” and “Best New Dining Establishment” recognition in the South Bay.

The Shore’s upscale mix of creative “fusion” and traditional menu items offer a variety of internationally inspired appetizers, salads, entrees, and side dishes created with authentic ingredients straight from local farmer’s markets and international sources. The basis for Chef David’s cooking always begins with quality products.

            Appetizers include a diverse mix of cuisine designed to appeal to a discerning palate and those seeking lighter fare:  Garlic shrimp sautéed in a compound butter served with goat cheese ciabatta crustinis, baby Crimini mushrooms stuffed with baby spinach, shallots and Applewood smoked bacon; Ginger soy marinated poki diced and tossed with fresh avocado served with homemade Asian shaved pickled cucumbers and fried wontons; Katsu chicken, a Japanese fried chicken served with sticky white rice and homemade ginger pineapple teriyaki sauce; and pan seared filet mignon Carpaccio seasoned with smoked pepper and garnished with aged Balsalmic reduction and fried capers served with mixed greens.

Fresh seasonal salads include: Caesar salad with wasabi Caesar dressing, The Shore salad comprised of Romaine, dried cranberries, toasted pine nuts, and shaved apples with a white balsamic raspberry goat cheese vinaigrette, and homemade mozzarella Caprese salad with organic heirloom tomatoes, served with garden fresh basil and drizzled with an aged Balsamic reduction.

Sophisticated, yet authentic entrees include: Argentine prepared Chimichuri skirt steak served with crispy fries and mixed green salad; Tabasco marinated southern fried chicken and buttermilk Belgium waffles and maple syrup; ginger miso glazed halibut served with a yakisoba noodle stir fry; pacific sea bass served with sautéed heirloom tomatoes, capers and basil Chive truffle oil; pan seared scallops with a sweet corn and huitlacoche mushroom veloute’; and pan seared filet mignon served on top of greens with a port wine reduction sauce.

          Sides include: Imported Old Amsterdam aged gouda mac and cheese, farmer’s market organic seasonal veggies sautéed with French butter tossed with Japanese bread crumbs, roasted Russian and purple Peruvian fingerlings, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and sautéed Crimini mushrooms.

The Shore offers a complete, diverse international wine list designed to complement any meal with ½ price wine bottles and wine tastings on Tuesdays. A range of all spirits, including top shelf beverages, are also available.

            The Shore is a hotspot for celebrities, sports figures, and Hollywood A-listers.  Guests have included Actor Benicio Del Toro, Mark Cuban and local South Bay resident, Model Rachel Hunter; Singer - Songwriter Alanis Morissette, Oingo Boingo, Devo, Elan, No Doubt, The Bravery, and Dramarama, and sports players from the LA Lakers (Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, Jordan Farmar, former Lakers - Kwame Brown, Ronny Turiaf) the LA Kings (Derek Armstrong, Anze Kopitar, Michael Cammarelli), the Anaheim Ducks (George Parros, Sean O’Donnell), the LA Clippers (Shaun Livingston, Paul Davis), members of the LA Galaxy Soccer Team and the Buffalo Bills, World Champion Surfing brothers, Timmy and Tom Curran, and local resident, Hall of Famer, Warren Moon, who all enjoy the excellent cuisine, the Shore’s well rounded international wine list, attentive servers, and beachside ambiance.

After 10pm, The Shore offers quality live entertainment, dancing and award-winning DJ’s. The Shore’s in-house Music Stylist and Co-Owner, Jason Baran, is responsible for creating the vibe and social scene that has the South Bay jammin’ weekly. With his finger on the musical pulse of Los Angeles, Jason, along with Oren Avineri of Listen Entertainment, books acclaimed musicians and bands that have a national following rarely seen in Hermosa Beach, CA. Musical acts/performers have included: Dirty Heads, Kua Ana, Pigeon John, B Side Players, Naked Rhythm and Ricky Rocks who competes every Thursday with DJ Dini, to name a few. Cover charges vary from $5 to $10 depending on the performer.

Special event hosting is available at The Shore Restaurant and Lounge.  Recent events have included Fundraisers such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Executive Lock-up, The South Bay Professional Connection’s Surfrider Benefit, and Project Touch; Professional Industry Events such as The South Bay Professional Connection Hospitality Appreciation Evening, The Hermosa Shorts Festival Kick Off Party, Hughes Aircraft Company Happy Hour, and Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce Mixer; and private events like the Table for Six Dining group, wedding receptions, Christmas and holiday parties, birthday parties, workshops, film shoots, and others.

Future special events include: Nebraska Cornhuskers, New York Jets and Sexy Single Parent Monday Night Football viewing parties, Equinox/BMW USC/OSU Football viewing party on September 25, IAI’s Wine,Women & Wealth Seminar on September 30, LandRover Wine & Cheese Tastings Tuesdays October 7 - 28, UCLA Alumni Association Wine Tasting on October 16, the Third Annual Shore Halloween costume party October 31, and Singles Coach Katherine Bougli’s Be Open to Love Workshop on November 18, with other events to be announced.

The Shore’s 3200 square foot venue combines a chic aesthetic for relaxed dining and a sophisticated lounge experience.  The Shore seats approximately 60 in the dining room, 30 in the bar and lounge, with an additional 34 on the patio. The entire occupancy is 180.

THE SHORE RESTAURATEURS

The Shore Restaurant and Lounge Co-Owner/Manager, Mike Sribney, is an accomplished local South Bay 20 year importer/entrepreneur, and also currently owns the Award-Winning Pedone’s Restaurant in Hermosa Beach. Co-Owner, Dr. Rainer Beck, a former Environmental Scientist and owner of Harvelle’s Blues Club Santa Monica, Trio By the Bay in Manhattan Beach and others, is a 30 year veteran of the restaurant and entertainment business. Co-Owner/Music Stylist, Jason Baran, previously created soundtracks for Lion’s Gate with Joel C. High and owns 5150 Music Management Company, in addition to managing the Shore Restaurant and Lounge’s musical line-up.

HOURS AND LOCATION

The Shore Restaurant and Lounge is open seven nights a week Monday through Friday from 5:00pm until 1:30am, Saturdays from 9:00am -1:30am, and Sundays 10:00am – 1:30am. A complimentary brunch buffet is served on Sundays until 12noon and a special lunch menu is served on the weekend to appeal to the sophisticated sports fan.

The Shore Restaurant and Lounge is located at 1320 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. For more information, please call 310 376-0414 or review: www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com.

FACT SHEET

 

CUISINE:               Internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine

 

LOCATION:            1320 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

PHONE:                 310 376-0414

 

EXECUTIVE CHEF:  David Linville

 

CO-OWNERS:        Mike Sribney, Dr. Rainer Beck, and Jason Baran

 PRICE RANGE:       Appetizers: $7 - $13

                                    Main Courses: $15 - $27

                             Complimentary Breakfast Buffet until 12noon on Sundays

 

RESERVATIONS:    Recommended, walk-ins accepted at the bar/lounge. Reservations can be made through Restaurant.com

 

DRESS CODE:        Upscale casual

 

CAPACITY:             The Shore seats approximately 60 in the dining room, 30 in the bar and lounge, with an additional 34 on the patio. The entire occupancy is 180.

 

BAR:                      Full Bar

 

PARKING:              There is a public parking structure directly across the street with street parking available in the vicinity.

 

HOURS:                 Open seven nights a week, Monday through Friday from 5:00pm until 1:30am, Saturday 9:00am – 1:30am and Sunday 10:00am – 1:30am.

 

WEBSITE:              www.TheShoreRestaurantandLounge.com

 

CHEF DAVID LINVILLE 

Chef David Linville grew up in the Central Valley of Northern California near the San Joaquin River where he experienced the typical Tom Sawyer country life. His early experiences in the kitchen were at the side of his grandmother as she used the garden fresh tomatoes and wild mustard greens he brought home from the fields for her to cook with.

Chef David took his first cooking job in a seafood restaurant at the age of 16 and quickly found himself at home. Traveling extensively throughout Europe, living in Amsterdam and on the Gold Coast of Spain a few years later, he absorbed the local foods and flavors. He continues to apply these experiences and foods to his cooking style today.

His background includes LA’s most prestigious restaurants and hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton Marina Del Rey, St. Regis Hotel, Viceroy Hotel Santa Monica, Mastros Beverly Hills and The Standard Hotel on Sunset. He has also worked as a sought after private chef on yachts for some of Hollywood's elite. He currently is the Executive Chef at The Shore Restaurant and Lounge in Hermosa Beach, CA. He resides in Venice Beach, CA.

Chef David’s deep-rooted, down home childhood is quite evident in his cooking style of internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine and his gracious table manner. He firmly believes that fresh quality ingredients combined with passion create a happy table.

What a relaxing Sunday - new friends, great food, cool music - funny searches

By Joy A. Kennelly

Today was a great day. Hit the Taste of Santa Monica with my new friend Virginia from my Elite Singles by The Shore group, who ironically enough knows that drunk guy who wouldn't leave my bed the other morning. That made us both laugh. Meetup is just too small a community. LOL

The other funny thing is that someone just Googled the online networking group I was part of with the words Right Wing to find my blog. Never been called that before - EVER. Made me LOL too. People are too funny. I guess compared to some people I am, but I prefer the word moderate.

In any case, I'm tired of the political talk. Time to move on. Now I just find it humorous. That's the thing with me. I'm Irish and I get real angry when people push me too far, but once I'm angry and express myself it's over and I forget about it.

Sometimes the people I get mad at don't forget and I really probably should apologize to that woman.

Later.... HA!

Back to something more happy. Taste of Santa Monica was DELISH! The weather was just right - not too hot, not too cold although a little overcast, but that made all the colors of everything really pop. Plus, the variety of food was wonderful. My faves were Chez Jay, Hotcakes Bakes, The Lobster, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Angelato Cafe and El Cholo. Don't I have plebian taste? LOL Can't help it. I'm not a foodie, but love food.

What was really cool to learn just a bit ago is that Virginia has the same photographic eye as I do (even better actually, but she's a professional whereas I'm just playing around. That said, it seems people like my pix.) We even took the same shots of certain things.

What a cool thing to find because that's the reason I normally take all the pix. No one has the same storytelling eye as me until now. I'm so happy about that. YEAH! Here's some of my shots from today. If you join my group, then you'll see Virginia's talents.

The girl in the pic above on the left is my friend Alicia I haven't seen in years! I bumped into another old friend, Leslie, there too which was fun. She had helped me with a few of my parties at World Cafe and The Mix back in the day. Very fun day.
 
Forgot to mention, I got invited to speak to students at USC regarding integrated marketing. We'll see what happens with that. Very happy about that too.

Very soon I will be able to share with you what all I've been working on which is a lot. Very happy with the way things are playing out there too. Can't wait to share. Think you'll like it too. May even surprise you. Stay tuned.

Oops, Entourage is on. Really must go. (I love the Ari character.)

Then out to hear Naked Rhythm - I worked all weekend and need a break. This band performed for Sting's birthday and I'm really curious to hear them.

Have a good one.

Sri Lanka Day 8/23 10am - 10pm Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica

Seeing as I now have pictures of this event and more information to share I thought I'd post it here. I love the Sri Lankan people and hope you will join us this Saturday for a bunch of cultural events celebrating this country and people.

Here's the official press release from The Sri Lanka Foundation:

The Sri Lanka Foundation today announced that the annual ‘SRI LANKA DAY’ will take place on Saturday the 23^rd August 2008 on the 3^rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica.  Since its inception in 2006, Sri Lanka Day includes the best of Sri Lankan culture and food from Wilshire Blvd to Arizona Ave, making Sri Lanka Day the biggest event held at the Promenade.  All Sri Lanka day festivities are free to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

 Sri Lankan Food                                         

Sri Lanka Day is perhaps the only day of the year people in Los Angeles are able to have a taste of Sri Lankan food in a fun and festive environment, which is cooked live in the most exciting of ways.  Thousands of families living in Santa Monica and greater Los Angeles have fallen in love with the food offered at Sri Lanka Day since the first Sri Lankan Day in 2006 and now people from San Francisco and even Canada make this their annual pilgrimage to quench their appetite for spicy, exotic Sri Lankan food.   

The favorite Sri Lankan foods available are Hoppers- a crispy, pancake- type item made with many a twirl. The edges are crispy and the middle is soft. Hoppers are usually eaten with meat or vegetable curry. Kottu Roti-similar to a Mongolian barbecue- is made, with eggs, meat and vegetables-a treat to watch the cooking and tastes so good! String hoppers- a soft stringy- type item accompanied by curry. Pol rotti-bread made of flour and coconut-served with spicy onions or curry. Sri Lankan savory short eats-that’s the name for Sri Lankan snacks similar to Tapas and Empanadas-once you start with these you can't stop! Of course, they’ll be lots of Rice and curry-made Sri Lankan style. And no Sri Lankan food festival would be complete without Sri Lankan Sweets-Colorful and sweet.

Sri Lanka Day Parade

At 4 P.M the Sri Lanka Day parade will take place with Sri Lankan dancers, drummers, masked performers, flag bearers and a theatre elephant to pay honor to an ancient parade that occurs annually in Sri Lanka.

 The Sri Lanka Day Parade is the most important event of Sri Lanka Day because of its ancient religious and cultural significance to Sri Lankans. The Sri Lanka Day Parade pays homage to the annual “Esala Perahera” held in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka in which hundreds of dancers, drummers, flag bearers, masked performers and elephants adorned with beautiful garments parade through the city. All performers and elephants in the “Esala Perahera” are pledged from various Hindu kovils, Buddhist temples and individuals who volunteer their time and resources as a sacred duty.

 The religious importance of the “Esala Perahera” is that it is dedicated to the sacred tooth relic belonging to the Buddha. The sacred tooth relic is kept in custody of the “Temple of the Tooth” in the city of Kandy on behalf of the ruler of Sri Lanka and the custody of the tooth ensures the divine right to rule the land. The “Esala Perahera” is the only occasion where the sacred tooth relic is taken out of the temple and it is carried in a casket on top of an elephant.

 Sri Lanka Foundation is proud that we have been able to organize the Sri Lanka Day Parade with full support of the Sri Lankan community in Southern California and are able to share our rich heritage in America.

Miss Sri Lanka America and Miss Teen Sri Lanka America pageant

The stage on Broadway and 3rd Street corner will be hosting the Miss Sri Lanka-America and the Miss Teen Sri Lanka America beauty pageants, a fashion show and teen dance crews. You will see the beauties parading in colorful traditional Sri Lankan clothing including jacket and cloth and saris, evening wear and competing in a talent contest for the crown.  The uniqueness of the Miss Sri Lanka America and Miss Teen Sri Lanka America is the focus on Sri Lankan culture and a relaxing of traditional pageant perimeters, opening the contest to all types of beauty: the conventional, the unconventional, the hidden, the incongruous, and the subjective.

Sri Lankan- American rapper DeLon will make a special stage appearance here at the Broadway and 3^rd Street stage. There will be lots of dance crews and DJ’s from Los Angeles to entertain the crowds.

A fashion show featuring models adorned in Sri Lankan batiks and other Sri Lankan clothing will take place at the same stage.

 Non-stop Entertainment

The stage on Wilshire and 3rd Street corner will host Sri Lankan and American musicians and dancers that will keep the audience entertained from 10 AM-10 PM. You will see the traditional Sri Lankan “Kandyan” dancers and drummers, Bharatha Natyam dancers perform throughout the day.  These traditional Sri Lankan performers are a rare treat in Southern California and usually attract many Asian dance enthusiasts and shutterbugs to see their mesmerizing performance.

There will be special dance performances highlighting the religious and cultural events important to the Sri Lankan community. This stage will come alive with the Sri Lankan American bands “Heat”, “Beyond Asia”, “Strangers” and a performance by George Rutnam’s band playing popular Sri Lankan and western music until 10 PM.

  Information about Sri Lanka Day and Sri Lanka Foundation is available via the Internet at:

 www.srilankafoundation.org

www.slday.com

www.myspace.com/srilankafoundation

www.facebook.com/srilankafoundation

www.flickr.com/srilankafoundation

www.youtube.com/srilankafoundation

www.secondlife.com/srilankafoundation

 

Sri Lanka Day, Original Lobster Festival, Cougar hunting, and stuff

By Joy A. Kennelly

When too many people are reading my blog for professional reasons, then I get inhibited about really sharing what's going on. Plus, when I'm confused about certain things, I like to process it quietly before I regurgitate stuff too.

Plus, have been very busy with all the stuff I'm working on and just don't have time, but just felt motivated because it looks to be quieting down here a little so it's safe to stick my neck out again like a turtle out of its shell.

Right now I'm helping my friend John promote the upcoming Sri Lanka Day taking place on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica on Saturday, August 23, 2008 from 10am - 10pm complete with live cooking demonstrations, parades, beauty/fashion contests, traditional dance and live music performances. I got involved with this country years back when the Tsunami hit and have had a soft spot for this culture and people ever since then.

Should be a very interesting, eclectic, culturally rich day. Hope to see you there!

Also, promoting the Original Lobster Festival taking place September 5-7, 2008 at the same place as the Crawfish Festival at Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach. I didn't particularly end up liking eating crawfish because the eyes kept condemning me and it was a little gross to suck out their innards, but I am looking forward to the lobster!

I know, same thing basically, but it's bigger and I only have to look it in the eyes once vs. 100's of times. LOL Plus, it's much more flavorful and succulent. Bristol Farms does it again! Can't wait. I kept hoping to have crawfish pix to share with you, but my friend and I haven't been able to figure out how to get them over to me in a way I can use.

As far as Cougar living, have decided I'm not into Text Toys or pix only. It's fun for a little while, but come on already. Let's actually meet and see if there's any other sort of connection. If not, bye bye baby, buh bye. I want a real man and a real relationship, not a phone or a computer one. Lol

Been hitting a lot of morning networking meetings too which has thrown off my writing since I normally write at night, but after waking up so early am too tired to do so. Very interesting people get up early I'm learning! Maybe there is something to that saying, the early bird gets the worm after all.

I also like the structure and the consistent referral of business which is set up to happen in this networking group. Already made a few great contacts and have mutually benefited each other and The Shore. Very fun when that happens. Makes me feel good to make others happy. And successful.

That said, I better get back to spreading the word on all my projects and making the others tick. Mark your calendars for 8/23 and 9/5-7 for the Sri Lanka Day and Original Lobster Festival if you're a foodie like I'm beginning to realize I am too!

More fun events coming to The Shore soon too! You'll be the first to know ok?:)

Happy Friday everyone!

Sean Rosenthal, Benicio Del Toro and other hotties...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Everyone keeps searching to see if Sean Rosenthal is Jewish. Now I can't say for sure, but with a last name like that I wouldn't doubt, would you? Anyone watching the Olympics and care to share how he's doing? Go Sean! Click on his name for his bio - just thought I'd help you out in your search.

Speaking of hotties, just learned that last night the incredibly sexy, smokin' hot, extremely talented Actor Benicio Del Toro was hanging out at The Shore and hit Pedone's afterwards. Very cool. No, I mean hot. I don't know what I mean he's got me all aflutter. LOL

And I didn't even see him! But I heard from a very reliable source he was there. Bet you didn't know this, but we've actually had quite a few celebrities dine at The Shore. Sexy places draw sexy people, what can we say?
 

Maybe one of these days I'll share a list of our celebrity guests with you if you're good.

Okay, that's all for now. Just felt like sharing because it made my day to hear the news. Now to go hit the beach. Isn't this the best weather? And the ocean has been simply wonderful lately too.

Gotta love it. Happy Sunday everyone. If I feel in the mood I'll upload today's sermon which was really good. Last weeks' was good too, but it hit a little too close to home and I needed to let it digest before I posted it. Maybe I'll include it too so you can see what I mean. That Pastor Jim Mackinga - he's speaking the truth even when you don't want to hear it!:)

Last night at The Shore's Kick Off Party for the Hermosa Shorts Fest!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Okay, I cheated. I snuck out before uploading the pix to watch some shorts over at the Hermosa Shorts Festival, but I'm back because I remember now why I don't produce short festivals any more. Nothing against the filmmakers or anyone else, I'm just so burnt out after having done that for five years of my life I just can't watch another one no matter how good they are!

That said, I had a GREAT time at the kick off party last night. When I first arrived it was very quiet and I was a little worried, but I shouldn't have been. Before long the place was packed with happy people enjoying all the aps Chef Dave was sending out and all the drinks Mike and Heather were serving.

I was running between the red carpet and the main room all night gathering people together for pix which was fun. Here's some for your enjoyment now, but we do have others coming since they had a photographer stationed at the red carpet who got some great shots:

Who likes Short Shorts? We like Short Shorts! Remember that old commercial?

This is the calm before the storm as event staff waits for filmmakers and other special guests to arrive on the red carpet for their close-up.

Annalise came back and brought a friend to enjoy Chef Dave's cooking after joining us recently for a tasting party for her engineer group's special event consideration.

These guys liked it too. The guy on the left distributes short films and was looking for fresh talent.

Alana and Mandy, just some of the cute waitresses from The Shore. They're the sweetest, nicest girls.

Mike, the bartender, is the nicest guy too. Everyone at The Shore is nice.

 
Tom listens intently to some of the filmmakers while Actor Patrick Kilpatrick does the same in the background.

Mike was busy all night long!

This was a light summertime snack someone ordered - caprese salad anyone?

Hungry? asks Chef Dave. How about some of my signature stuffed mushrooms, filet mignon or salad?

Chef Dave & Melissa Todd, host/model with a new look.

Our Chef David Linville is one bad ass. He does martial arts training six days a week. Don't mess with him!

City Council Member, Kit Bobko, and Tom Kearney.

Me and Kit. He always makes me smile because he's so handsome and nice. Wouldn't you get involved in politics too? Thanks for coming Kit!

Me with Jazz Singer, Joy Rushing. We're the Joy's of Hermosa Beach. She's performed all over Los Angeles and is one of my friends down here.

Host/Model, Melissa Todd, with her best friend whose name unfortunately escapes me. Thanks for coming Melissa!

Chef David Linville, The Shore's Bostonian General Manager, Brian Kelleher, and Hermosa Shorts Festival Director, Tom Kearney

Chef came out of the kitchen to have fun on the red carpet with City Council Member, Michael Keegan, who arrived later and The Shore Co-Owner, Mike Sribney. Michael Keegan owns Manhattan Bread & Bagel over in Manhattan Beach so when you're in need of some of the best, go there.

Below, Mike Sribney (who also owns Pedone's Pizzeria voted Best Pizza in the South Bay by both the Daily Breeze and The Easy Reader) is joined by his lovely wife, Kristina, and Actor Domiziano Arcangeli.

Actor Domiziano Arcangeli, recent recipient of the Golden Halo Award, was surrounded by beautiful women of the Hermosa Shorts Festival.

 Equinox Corporate Executive, Shayline; Actress Melinda Bennett; Kiwanis Member, Pat Love; Volunteer Extraordinary, Vicki Hanson; and Hermosa Shorts Co-Founder, Maura Kearney.

Happy attendees.

Happy waiter.:)

Happy Hermosa Beach Mayor, JR Reviczky, and City Council Member, Pete Tucker and his lovely wife, Sienna all came to support the Hermosa Shorts Festival. Thanks for coming!

 

Happy Actor/Producer, Patrick Kilpatrick with a beautiful fan. Thanks for coming Patrick! He and I have been friends for a long time. He was one of the original board members of my shorts fest, Short Pictures International Film Festival years ago. Very good guy.

Even a happy po po came to check out the Hermosa Shorts Festival. Keep him busy Kristina!:)

Almost all of Hermosa Beach City Council came to show support. Back row - City Council Members, Kit Bobko, Mayor JR Reviczky, Peter Tucker and his wife, Sienna. Front row - Hermosa Shorts Festival Founders, Tom & Maura Kearney, Beach Cities Health District Board Member, Joanne Edgerton (I believe, correct me if I'm wrong),The Shore Co-Owners, Kristina and Mike Sribney and Actor/Producer, Patrick Kilpatrick.

We have another pic with more people that I'll upload once I receive it too ok? Below are the Owners, Jason & Mike, with Kristina, Melissa and Patrick. We all agreed, Jason was the hardest working man of the evening.

 

Former City Council Member/Mayor, Sam Edgerton, even came out to show his support. He sat on Hermosa Beach City Council for 16 years.

Another former City Council Member (and probably Mayor too - sorry I don't remember, but if you tell me Art, I'll change this), Art Yoon, enjoyed receiving the special goody bags Equinox prepared for everyone.

Speaking of Equinox, here's the Equinox team, Veronica, Larry, and Shayline along with The Shore Co-Owner Mike Sribney and his lovely wife, Kristina.

Thank you Larry! Thank you Equinox! I'll be curious to see how many people turn in their golf ball gifts for their free one week pass.

James McKenna entertained everyone acoustically until about 9pm then the dueling drummer/DJ began kickin' it up a notch. After that everyone was dancing and just having a blast. Even the LA Kings came in towards the end. Very nice hunky guys. My camera battery died and I really didn't want to disturb their privacy so it's just as well.

I caught HB Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Carla Merriman, on her way out to snap this shot with Mike and Larry.

Tom did not mind his job as Festival Director one bit last night despite having recently had foot surgery to mend a ripped Achilles I believe. Whatever it is, it was extremely painful. The injury, not posing with these beautiful women. Probably made the pain go away a little more too, right Tom? :)

In the pic above is Tom's surgeon on the left and Roxanne Messina Captor in red, who used to run the SFO International Film Festival, Ken Unger on her right, and her friends, Harold and his wife, on her left.

Roxanne had a film showcased in last year's Hermosa Shorts Festival featuring Harry Shearer and Shelly Long and is good friends with Francis Ford Coppola if I remember correctly. We've been friends for awhile, but I'm tired so bear with me.

Don't you love Larry's shirt? The body is a temple - Attract worshipers. I'll worship you Larry! LOL He's the GM of Equinox and such a great guy. We're going to start doing more events together soon. Can't wait!

Roxanne teaches yoga and other classes at Equinox when she's not busy writing and doing entertainment stuff. I'm sure she's quite good at yoga because she was a dancer all her life too. Very interesting woman.

These folks are fun and interesting too. Tom, Joy, Domiziano, Patrick, Chef, and Maura.

And with this pic, I close.

Hermosa Beach Shorts Festival Founders and Husband and Wife team, Tom & Maura Kearney - some great people who are making Hermosa Beach popular with filmmakers and the world.

Don't forget, this Sunday is a free beach screening of all the best shorts of the festival as soon as the sun goes down. Also, there's a closing night party at the Hermosa Beach Community Center where all the films are screening at 10pm Saturday night.

You know where you'll find me!:)

Have a good one everyone. Hope you are enjoying the Olympics! . Very cool to have so many South Bay residents competing in the Olympics this year too!

Oh, and here's a few links to websites with the results of the International Surf Festival last weekend too in case you're curious: http://www.tbrnews.com/ (The Beach Reporter) and http://www.easyreadernews.com/ (The Easy Reader)

Enjoy the read!

Tonight The Shore hosts the Hermosa Shorts Festival Kick Off Party!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Tonight is the Kick Off Party for the Hermosa Shorts Festival at The Shore Restaurant and Lounge in Hermosa Beach at 7pm. The Shore doesn't close till 1am. Don't forget to come!

Goody bags sponsored by Equinox include a one week's pass to their amazing brand new gym over on Rosecrans and Isis right off the 405. When you go, tell 'em Joy Kennelly sent you. And yes, I do get credit, so do it please!:)

Discounts from Pedone's Pizzeria, Lhea Beauty and Body Collection, The Shore and info on Shops@1601 (which by the way has amazing designer clothing. I don't know why they're only showing candles since that's a very small part of their clothing stores for men and women!) and the Hermosa Shorts Festival are included too.

Could be some additional surprises if certain things fall into place in time. You'll just have to come to find out for yourself! Thank you Joy and Vicki for helping stuff them yesterday!

    Executive Chef David Linville will serve his signature internally inspired CA comfort cuisine from 7:30pm - 9:30pm for filmmakers, VIP's, Sponsors, Hermosa Beach City Officials, Kiwanis members, and all the film lovers planning to attend.

I just had a tasting dinner last night with some guests at The Shore and Chef's food is to die for! Every single time I go Chef creates something new and every single time it's absolutely delicious. Last night's stand out was the Chicken and Belgium Waffles! YUMMY!!!!

I'm addicted to his mushrooms too. I think I have to find a way to exercise with my back injury or I'm going to continue gaining weight quickly. Good thing the ocean is only a block away. I absolutely love floating in the cool water and ducking under waves as I swim out past the breaking water. Pure fun.

No host bar tonight by the way. Please drink responsibly! This is Cougar Mama Joy ready to spank you if you get out of hand. And I do mean it young un's.
    The Kick Off party at The Shore Restaurant and Lounge launches the Hermosa Shorts Festival which runs through Sunday, August 10, 2008 in Hermosa Beach, CA with screenings, workshops and special events including a special beach screening of all the top films on Sunday evening when it gets dark. For more information on the Hermosa Shorts Festival: www.hermosashorts.com or call 310 430-8609.

ABOUT THE SHORE

Opened in March 2006, The Shore Restaurant and Lounge reflects the casual elegance of the South Bay, CA through its beautiful atmosphere and quality dining by Executive Chef David Linville, formerly of The Standard Sunset Strip, Viceroy Hotel and Mastros Beverly Hills.

Many famous celebrities and sports players from the Lakers, LA Kings, LA Clippers, LA Galaxy Soccer Team also enjoy the excellent food menu, well rounded international wine list, and beachside ambiance. After 10pm, The Shore also offers live music, dancing and top quality DJ's. 

The Shore Restaurant and Lounge is located at 1320 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 5:00pm - 1:00am. Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm - 1:00am. Happy Hour Specials from 5:00pm - 7:30pm. For more information, please call 310 376-0414 and review: www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com.

Hermosa Shorts Film Festival Kick Off Party at The Shore Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 7pm

 

THE SHORE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE IN HERMOSA BEACH TO HOST

HERMOSA SHORTS FESTIVAL KICK-OFF PARTY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 7,2008 7:00PM – 12:00AM IN HERMOSA BEACH,

Hermosa Beach, CA The Shore Restaurant and Lounge in Hermosa Beach to host the Hermosa Shorts Festival Kick-Off Party, on Thursday, August 7, 2008 from 7:00pm – 12:00am. Executive Chef David Linville will serve his signature internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine from 7:30pm – 9:30pm for filmmakers, and VIP’s,Sponsors, Hermosa Beach City Officials, Kiwanis members, Founders Tom & Maura Kearney and Greg Wyatt, and other film lovers who will attend. No host bar, complimentary appetizers. Space is limited.

        Invited & confirmed celebrities for the The Shore's Hermosa Shorts Festival Kick Off party  include: Actor/Producer, Patrick Kilpatrick, TV Land’s She’s Got the Look Model Finalist Melissa Todd, Actors Christopher Knight and Adrianne Curry, Award winning Actor, Domiziano Arcangeli, and over 80 local and international Filmmakers.

        The Kick Off party at The Shore Restaurant and Lounge launches the Hermosa Shorts Festival which runs through Sunday, August 10, 2008 in Hermosa Beach, CA with screenings, workshops and special events. For more information on the Hermosa Shorts Festival: www.hermosashorts.com or call 310 430-8609. 

ABOUT THE SHORE

        Opened in March 2006, The Shore Restaurant and Lounge reflects the casual elegance of the South Bay, CA through its beautiful atmosphere and quality dining by Executive Chef David Linville, formerly of The Standard Sunset Strip, Viceroy Hotel and Mastros Beverly Hills.

        Many famous celebrities and sports players from the Lakers, LA Kings, LA Clippers, LA Galaxy Soccer Team also enjoy the excellent food menu, well rounded international wine list, and beachside ambiance. After 10pm, The Shore also offers live music, dancing and top quality DJ’s.        

        The Shore Restaurant and Lounge is located at  1320 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. For more information, please call 310 376-0414 and review: www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com.

This totally cracks me up - you'll love it too. Also, Ken & Kent's NY Deli- delish!

By Joy A. Kennelly

You never know how you come across until you see someone searching for you on Google using this description: "christian woman with a drinking problem joy kennelly"

I roared when I read that because whoever you are, you must not know me at all. I do not have a drinking problem. I joke about drinking, but that's all. Joking! I actually don't like the taste of beer or wine and only drink mixed drinks when I do (which is rarely if that.)

If anything, I have issues with other people's drinking, not my own. Your search made my day. Totally hilarious. Sorry to disappoint you person who is searching for that Christian woman with a drinking problem. You have the wrong Joy Kennelly.

I can't wait to tell my friends because they'll laugh just as hard. I love making people laugh and unfortunately, sometimes people just don't understand my sense of humor. Oh well. Can't please everyone!

Note to people who don't understand sarcasm - when I joke about drinking - it's only that. A joke. Got it? Good. I'm in Al-Anon for heaven's sake - not AA!

Wasn't going to blog right now, but after reading that, just had to. Can't have people thinking I'm a lush when I'm so not. Ask any of my friends and church members. They can vouch for me. You made my day.
On another note, popped into the new Ken & Kent's NY style deli that just opened up down here in Hermosa Beach and man is that place great! Click here for the write up in The Easy Reader - pix too!

Whoever booked their Easy Reader full page ad should be commended because that's what made me want to go there in the first place. Sometimes you just want to eat Jewish NY Style, right?

Highly recommend their pastrami sandwiches - fresh, moist, lean pastrami piled high on whatever bread you like with two sides - I had macaroni salad and baked beans- quite the carbo load meal!

My waitress was very attentive and sweet, the place itself is sparkling new with great skylights to create natural lighting, every dish looks great, their silverware is so new it sparkles too, their deli counter is huge, and prices typical of your average NY style deli.

Oh, and did you enjoy that little earthquake today? Pretty strong! At first I thought my downstairs neighbor was dropping something heavy, but when everything in my place started swaying I realized this was a pretty big earthquake.

Just another day in Sunny LA! Hope you're having a good one.

Stay out of trouble and watch out for Christian women with drinking problems. They might have a sense of humor about themselves!

I can't get enough of Coldplay's Viva La Vida! What about you?

By Joy A. Kennelly

I don't know what it is about that Coldplay song, Viva La Vida, but it always makes me speed extremely fast with the song loudly blaring with all my windows down.

Every single time.

Especially on quiet streets with 35 mph speed limits - I blast down going around 60 mph. It's like my little rebellion. I can't help it. It's like great music is my speed. Don't tell.:) It has to be the aggressively strumming violins and the chorus where I can sing at the top of my lungs to release stress.

Doesn't hurt to drive a sports car too, but that won't be for long. Plus, that song doesn't come on too often unfortunately... or fortunately.

I heard it on the way to church and then when I got out. Fortunately, it was early and hardly anyone was out on the streets. I promise to stop. Really I do.

I think if I play this song at home I'd drive my neighbor crazy playing it over and over again. Especially when I don't know all the words and only belt out the chorus. Can you relate? There is just something about that song. I just love it. It's kind of primal scream therapy or something.

Now to listen to the rest of the album. I know, what's taking me so long? If I like one song, then I don't want to ruin it with another one till I'm saturated with my favorite first.

Big sigh. It's like cheating on a boyfriend. Not that I have or will. Cheat that is, or have a boyfriend for that matter, but still - I love Viva La Vida and Coldplay!

Now, moving right along. Want to hear what I learned in church today? If not, stop reading, but if you're curious enjoy the read.

The skit was right on target as always - about driving while talking on your cell and the ensuing ticket the dad received that the wife found out about through their innocent young daughter. Too funny! I especially liked it when the dad said, "It's a ridiculous law anyway." To which I said loudly, "Amen" making people laugh.

I hate not being able to talk as I drive. Now I'm afraid to put my mascara and makeup on while driving, paint my toes, shave my legs, eat food, steer with one knee while I put my hair up in a ponytail, or anything at all! Not fair.

(Oh, and for those who don't get my sense of humor - that is sarcasm people.)

Today's sermon by Pastor Jim Mackinga of Bay Cities Community Church is called:

Avoiding the Potholes in Life

James - Practical Christian Living

Part 16

Mistakes We Can Easily Make

1. Hurting Others With Words We Say.

James 4:11a

   ^{11 -12}Don't bad-mouth each other, friends. It's God's Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk.

I wish a former client would read this and realize that as Pastor Jim said today, "Slander is the revenge of a coward." Slander is defined as, "a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report: a slander against his good name."

Hopefully the threatening letter I sent will shut her up once and for all. It's not my fault if the public and the media doesn't find someone of interest. It just isn't. Either they like you and want more of you, or not. Brutal truth. I don't understand it either, but that's the breaks with PR folks.

I do the same type of publicity for every client and sometimes they hit, and other times, they just don't. No matter how much I want them to, or will them to, or how hard I pitch. Especially when they stop right when they should be pushing forward because they're at a tipping point, but run out of money. Oh well.

PR can be somewhat luck of the draw - if you want guaranteed placement... Buy advertising.

But I digress. Just a sore point that's all. I'm not innocent of talking badly about people either, but it does hurt when you think someone would be happy with everything you accomplished together (which was a lot of work to get her to the point she is today - trust me!)

What's weird is that I've generally only had this trouble with certain female artists. Not all, just some who think they're more than they really are.

Oh dear, is that talking bad about someone? Darn it. It's hard isn't it? Okay, this really is all. I promise.

Thinking lovely thoughts, lovely thoughts, lovely thoughts...

Ephesians 4:31:

   ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

Colossians 3:8:
⁸ But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

(Now Pastor Jim was meddling. Just kidding. I forgot the Bible doesn't want us swearing. Duh! Just a little reminder that Christians are supposed to live differently than the world.)

2. Improper Response to God's Law & Word.

James 4:11b

If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.

Matthew 22:35-40:
³⁵ One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”

   ³⁷ Jesus replied,

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’^{[a] 38} This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^{[b] 40}

The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

Now this chapter was very convicting because as Pastor Jim pointed out, if we really are doing God's will, we will view everyone through God's eyes and love them as He does. Jim did admit it's harder with some people than others. Truer words have never been spoken. Ha!

3. Have a Wrong View of God Himself.

James 4:12:
¹² God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? (God doesn't need your help judging. Get it? LOL)

James 2:8:

   ⁸ Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”^[a]

Philippians 2:3-4:

   ³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

This verse is the hardest to live out, but I'm trying. Care to join me?

How To Be Careful

1. Continue to be concerned with your words.
2. Learn to Submit to God's word.
3. Understand who's really in control.
4. Stop arrogance in every way you can.

Okay, that's all for today. May the reading of God's word bless and keep you until we meet again. Isn't that a nice closing? I've only heard it in Presbyterian churches, and I like it.

Happy Sunday! Now to get some work done.

I'm excited The Shore Restaurant and Lounge has a bunch of cool events coming up which I need to prep for. Just met with the organizers of the Hermosa Beach Shorts Fest and they will be hosting their Kick Off Party at the Shore on August 7 from 7pm - closing.

Plus,Actor Domiziano Arcangeli's Golden Halo Award for Acting Achievement from the Southern CA Motion Pictures Arts Council is right around the corner, August 4. Oy!

And you're all invited to everything too ok? See ya there! 

GoChi Juice to the rescue! Slept like a baby and I feel so much better...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just have to share... I decided to order my GoChi Juice again seeing as I was having so much pain lately. Man, I'm so glad I did! What a difference even just one day of drinking GoChi Juice makes.

I slept like such a baby last night and my back feels better too because GoChi Juice is a natural anti-inflammatory. Those are just two of the scientifically proven 19 Reasons to drink GoChi Juice on a daily basis. Trust me, it really works.

I feel better knowing that my body is getting what I need to be healthier which makes me happy. What I also love is that I just drink 4 oz a day, either by itself, or in my water, and I'm done! Yeah!

Here's more info from the company web-site to help explain:

"In recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trials, the use of just 4 ounces daily of GoChi resulted in significant health and wellness benefits in 13 important categories in 14 days, and a positive impact on immune function and antioxidant power in 30 days. This has been termed “The GoChi Effect™.” Although your results may vary, the findings of this study are consistent with the results that we hear from our Customers all over the world. For optimal results, we recommend trying GoChi for at least 90 days."

If you're at all curious and want to taste GoChi Juice for yourself, join our Freelife International company-wide GoChi Juice Tasting party on Tuesday, July 29.

More details to follow.

What a fun weekend! Sharkeez pre-opening party and other stuff...

By Joy A. Kennelly

If I have to be stuck in my neighborhood because I can't drive very far right now, I guess living in Hermosa Beach aint so bad after all. I've got the beach, good friends, beautiful weather, lots of fun, free stuff to do, and great restaurants all within walking distance. Doesn't get any better than that. Right?

Saturday shopped for the perfect outfit to wear to Sharkeez Pre-opening party and a private party on the rooftop of the Thompson Hotel which was fun, yet stressful too in its own way.

I need a new bathing suit now and trying to find something cute at the same time for the beach and the parties just wasn't happening. No bathing suit, but some other stuff.

Guess I'll have to skinny dip till I find something I like. JUST KIDDING.

One time when I was backpacking through Europe, I went to the beaches of Nice, France. I was all excited to go topless when for the first time the whole trip, I met this really cute guy. I was too shy then. Damn that cute guy. Just kidding.

Looking around at all the other pale English babes burning their boobies beachside (I love alliteration, don't you?) made me realize that the concept of wearing a backpack while burnt, just wasn't a smart thing to do. So, I skipped it. No regrets either.

Speaking of nakedness, what I've been experiencing lately with young guys (yes, I have that Cougar element - if you speak it, they will come...) who act interested in me who send me pix of them in just their Calvin Kleins. Whoa baby!

I'm very flattered, but I'm just not that kind of girl anymore. At least I'm trying hard not to be. But have to admit, it's getting harder and harder! I've been good for a very long time and not in the mood to falter now, but hot bods in my email box doesn't make it any easier.

It's very nice to think that young guys are sexually interested in me. But then again, they're young. Aren't they sexually interested in everyone? LOL

Just learned that another friend of mine is a bona-fide Cougar since she's in her 40's and her guy is 25. You go girl! Why should Demi have all the fun?

What cracked me up today is that casually chatting with a new friend about this recent phenomena in my life, she assumed that I only dated younger men. Then, when a guy closer to my age expressed interest in me to her, she said, "Oh, she dates younger men."

Then she tried to interest me in him saying he wasn't too old since he was just 40. She totally cracked me up, but also embarrassed me because that's totally not who I am. I may tease a lot and enjoy young men's company, but I like all kinds of guys - young, old, black, white, husky, hot, whoever...

Here's an article from Yahoo which gives you tips just in case you're curious about Dating Older Women though: http://dating.personals.yahoo.com/singles/datingtips/86378/dating-older-women;_ylt=Av6gqJFFAWxvvCpDiEIIxVwazJV4

Pretty funny, eh? But true.

Enough on this. On with the party report!

I must say, I'm getting more and more tired of the BS that goes on with Hollywood/Beverly Hills parties. My friend and I made the effort to go all the way up to the Thompson Hotel only to be told we weren't on the list and they refused to help even though she had rsvped, was an advertiser, and we requested they find our contact (as you normally do whenever the door guy is clueless.)

Well, despite our best efforts with the lame hotel staff (sorry, but it's true - total lack of customer service. OY!) and leaving a message with one of the party staff for our contact we weren't able to connect and chose to leave because Sharkeez was a' calling.

Turns out my friend's contact did have us on the list and emailed Lana twice thinking she had a blackberry and would see it, but we didn't till too late. That type of list crap just pisses me off. Oh well, it's over. Bye bye bitches. LOL

We had a great time when we got back to Hermosa at The Shore first because I wanted to show off the space for Lana to consider for one of her fashion clients. She loved the space, loved the food, and everyone there. We'll figure out all the details and then you'll be the first to know.

After a bit, walked over to Sharkeez where we were warmly greeted and treated like the VIP's we are. JUST KIDDING! I love saying that, but am totally joking. I'm not like that, but I do hate disrespect of me, or anyone else for that matter.

Back to the party.

What a hopping place! There were so many people there, many I didn't know which was fun. I also saw a lot of people I do know and some I've been curious about (like the former mayor of HB nicknamed Burgie.)

Also bumped into a guy I've wanted to meet because I think he's interesting, but never had the opportunity to do so until last night. Turns out not only is Dan an Emmy Award Winning cinematographer, he's also involved with our Public Works department in a leadership capacity.

He told me about some guy at their last meeting who became so belligerent Dan had to use the gavel for the first time ever to get back control of the meeting! All this over a stupid sidewalk! That's what cracks me up about living here in Hermosa. People are such characters!

Here's an example of one right now. Some of you may recognize him. I took a pic with him while he may not know who I am because if he knew, he probably wouldn't have been as friendly.

This man Burgie, many believe, was the guy who is responsible for all the lawlessness of all the Downtown bars because he kicked the ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) out of Hermosa years ago. They're back now and really active.

\
Burgie totally reminds of my friend's Dad because they look alike. Burgie's more wild though, that's for sure. Very fun-loving guy, but...

Here's another one of him and our local Planning Commissioner who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent, but if you live here, you know him. Big kiss PH!:)

Sorry, Ron didn't take my camera away... Just know, this is all in fun ok? You are a good guy and we all love you... You're allowed to let loose too since it's been stressful for you too!:)

I think PH just told Burgie who I was. Big difference in his demeanor, eh? Or maybe he's sucking something sour. Love you Burgie!:)

There were a lot of other fun happy people in attendance and Sharkeez is wonderful. The food was quite delicious, our bartender cute which lead me to drink more than my usual (what can I say? It's been stressful lately!), and just a great, happy vibe.

Here's some more pix from last night:

  

Aren't the decorations fun?

Here's the happy owners in the next pic. Very nice guys and extremely smart business men. Gotta love handsome AND smart, right? Don't be thinking anything, they're both very happily married to very beautiful women. I'm just saying...

 

 

Recognize my picketing bud, Julie? She's running SURFin Hermosa group along with a bunch of other people which, and I quote, "is a new group of civic-minded Hermosa Beach residents who have made a commitment to work together to protect and enrich the traditional quality of life in our city.

Their steering committee is comprised of former City Council candidates, long-time city activists and concerned citizens and business owners. 'SURFinHermosa' is a new link connecting members of the community to our city's various institutions, dedicated to seeing that the rights and responsibilities of every citizen are served."

This has been a public service announcement.

 

More of the happy dudes enjoying the evening.

This is our bartender, Brady. I wasn't lying was I? Tall too! Wonder how old he is? LOL

My good friend Lana enjoyed herself too. Doesn't she look pretty?

 

What do you call a blonde and two red heads? Out numbered!:)

 

I see he liked our bartender's skills too!:) Yummy tropical drinks I must say. I recommend the Mai Tais.

Ron Newman with his mistress. JUST KIDDING. She said I could say that. This is Sienna Tucker, our local councilman's wife. Remember her?

We all had fun last night and attempted to let bygones be bygones. Doesn't she look pretty here? She's very civic minded and heads up a lot of great groups in the city. Thanks Sienna!

 

This is to give you a little idea of what more of the interior looks like. Isn't it fun? Totally cabo beach vibe. We had a great time and it made me happy to live in Hermosa Beach. Real people, real good times, and real good food.

That's all for now. Will share more about the great sermon Jim shared over at Bay Cities Community Church later. Really helps to have someone wise speak God's truth into your life is all I have to say. The only thing keeping me from being a floozy. JUST KIDDING!

Well, maybe just a little truth...

God bless everyone! Have a great week!

Girls just want to have fun (including Kathy Griffin...)

By Joy A. Kennelly

I don't know what those Greeks put in my iced coffee today, but it's 4:30am and I'm wide awake! It's the only thing I can think of. Just teasing. Or am I? That, plus the fact that I totally overdid my fun today and my back is telling me so in no uncertain terms. I'm waiting for the two Ibuprofen to kick in to put me to sleep.

Backs are so weird. When you're feeling good and not injured, you never know it's there. However, once you're hurt, then it feels like a hot burning rod that says, Here I am. Don't sit there. Wait, don't lie like that. No, that's not right either. Stop it. You're hurting me! OUCH! OUCH!

OY VEY!!!

Fortunately, I will have relief in the morning when I visit the doctor's office. Oh wait, it is morning. I don't think I've ever in my life stayed up this late except for..., oh let's not go there. Memories, like the corners of my mind. Is that the verse? I think I'm becoming delirious. Just kidding.

What totally cracked me up, is here it was 3:30am in the morning and since I'm not sleeping I think, let's see what all the other insomniacs watch. Lots and lots of informercials, but then, I flip to Bravo and guess who was on?

My new best friend, Kathy Griffin! I can not even believe it. I can't get away from that redhead. She was just what the doctor ordered. She's my Oprah. You know how other people turn on Oprah to escape their life? Well, I'm watching Kathy to escape my pain. Thank you Ms. Kathy Griffin.

Thank you too, for bleeping out the bad words. Although I have to admit, I did swear during a recent Hermosa Beach Planning Commission meeting which was televised, so I'm not innocent either. However, it's much more pleasant to watch your show sans the F bombs. Now if you could only teach Chris Rock to clean up his act too.

Wouldn't it be funny if someone washed out all the celebrities mouth's who swore on TV? Think of all the lives that could be changed by cleaner airwaves - young kids growing up realizing that the F word isn't an adjective. Teen-age boys realizing that the F word doesn't signify making love. 20 somethings the same thing. 30 somethings same thing. 40 somethings I don't know. Our whole world might have an expanded vocabulary!

I AM SO TIRED! Why can't I sleep? I'm telling you. Don't order Greek iced coffees if any one ever offers you one ok? Trust me, it's murder. My body is so tired, but my mind is racing a 100 mph. TURN OFF PLEASE! Generally whenever I've not been able to sleep before, I blog and then my mind goes calm and I can sleep.

So, back to Kathy. So, here I am, 3:30am in the morning watching Kathy go to a Bear convention. Now when I first heard the news, I thought it was for people who get off dressing up in bear costumes which is funny and weird as it is, but it's not that. It's gay men who look like bears.

Now that really is Life on the D list. Too funny.

Now what was so hilarious about this one is that Steve Woz, her beau (you know, the guy who created Apple Computers with the other Steve), actually looks like a bear himself and the bear gays were into him! Woz is such a crack-up because he's so brilliant and yet so naive it's really endearing. She kept calling him the Billionaire bear. Wouldn't you like to take him home with you?

I now see why Kathy likes him and vice versa. She's very smart. He's very smart. He's not phased by her act. She's not phased by his wealth. He accepts her for who she is. She accepts him for who he is. Isn't that what we all really want after all? They're adorable together.

I also learned why Tom, her male assistant, always looks so odd. He plucks out his top eyelashes! No wonder! I thought it was because he just looks bug eyed, but now that I know this... Makes total sense. Nothing against you Tom. You're a good man, but you have to know this isn't helping your appearance.

I should talk. I pull hairs out of my eyebrows just for the hell of it when I'm too lazy to do it properly. I figure I'm so blonde no one can really tell what my brows look like anyway, but every so often there's these little gaps that show up when I put color on them.

Stop looking at me! It's really not that noticeable, but since Tom shared his beauty secret, I felt I should share mine too. I'm bonding. Don't try this at home.

Now if these stupid Ibuprofen I just took would only kick in. I've been trying not to take any drugs because I find when I do, then I really over do it because I don't know when I'm hurting my back as easily. When I'm not, then I do. However, I'm trying to sleep so hopefully this will kick in soon. I really must get some Motrin and GoChi Juice asap.

GoChi Juice is a natural anti-inflammatory and also helps your sleep. When I was drinking it before I felt really good and slept really well. Now, without it. OUCH! Insomnia! However, I'm trying not to complain because who wants to hear someone going on and on about this? I don't. I bet you don't either.

But if it bugs you so much, stop reading ok? I'm not paying you right? Sorry, feeling a little grouchy. Meow. Hiss...

Okay, I think that's all I wanted to say. I just really wanted to have some fun today because I'm so tired of not being able to live my normal life since this accident. Guess I really need to baby myself which I don't like doing.

Oh, and nothing against the Greeks. I'm just teasing. I'm also just teasing when I refer to my friend as a Desperate Housewife. She laughed so so should you ok? Life's easier when you can laugh at yourself. Right Kathy?

Okay, time to try to sleep again. Opa!

Non-alcoholic cocktails courtesy of Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, The Liquid Muse

A good friend of mine, Natalie Bovis-Nelsen, is a mixologist who travels all over the world creating unique cocktails which can be found on her blog, The Liquid Muse.

She recently posted this announcement about her recent TV appearance which I thought bartenders, bar owners, 4th of July party hosts and hostesses might enjoy trying out to upgrade their non-alcoholic offerings. I, for one, am tired of always having to drink juice, pop or ice tea when I don't feel like drinking!

Natalie Bovis-Nelsen recently taped a segment featuring a couple of her non-alcoholic cocktails for Better.TV which belongs to Better Homes & Gardens. This video is an informative "how-to" featuring The Yankee Doodle Candy, which she designed specifically for patriotic summer festivities.

Great for guests who have to drive home, are the designated drivers, are preggers, or simply choose not to drink alcohol...

www.better.tv

Happy Fourth of July Weekend!

Courtesy of
Natalie Bovis-Nelsen
The Liquid Muse

Visited her cocktail blog, lately? Catch up at www.theliquidmuse.com! Tell her Joy sent you!

Just real quick...Surf Memorial Fundraiser, Rosebud the pig's Quinceantero (sp?)

By Joy A. Kennelly

I was in a car accident this morning (not my fault) so please say a prayer that my back will heal quickly and this will get resolved easily. That's all I will say about that. Thank you though.

Enjoy these pix of my friend, Laura and her pig, Rosebud's 15th Birthday party and quick shots of the wonderful Surf Memorial Fundraiser held at Sangria's this weekend in Hermosa Beach that I visited briefly:                                                        
 

Surf Memorial Fundraiser Event Manager, Ken Hartley, a member of Leadership Hermosa, who, with his wife, Event Co-Chair, Dorothy M. Forba-Hartley, and many others, spent hours producing the wonderful Surf Memorial Fundraiser. This is only one of the many auction items available to bid on which were all valued at $60,000 total.
 

Leadership Hermosa Event Chair, Ryan McCormick; Leroy's son, John Grannis; me, Joy Kennelly; Director of Public Works, Rick Morgan; Owner of Sangria, Kevin Barry, host restaurant of the Surf Memorial Fundraiser; Artist who will create the Surf Memorial and painted all the beautiful paintings behind us, Phil Roberts, that were auctioned: Dewey Weber's son, Shea Weber

(I believe I have the order correct, but if I'm wrong, please correct me. Very honored to be in such esteemed company. Don't you love all the flip flops? Wouldn't see that in Hollywood! Perfect though because I didn't want to wear heels because of my accident.)

Here's some close-ups of the absolutely gorgeous paintings that were on sale in the auction today. I sure hope they went for a lot. This is, of course, not actual size. Photographer, Leroy Grannis, (sitting in the water) shot this picture of Dewey Weber just as this is painted. Dewey surfing is what the Surf Memorial Statue is based on:

 

SBPC's Surfrider Benefit/Tasting Party at The Shore hosted by She's Got the Look Finalist, Melissa Todd

By Joy A. Kennelly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 
THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION AND THE SHORE RESTAURANT TASTING PARTY BENEFIT  BY CHEF DAVID LINVILLE RAISED MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR SURFRIDER FOUNDATION 

TV Land’s She’s Got the Look Finalist, Melissa Todd, Hosted

 South Bay, CA--- The Shore Restaurant’s Chef David Linville and Co-Owners, Jason Baran  and Dr. Rainer Beck, along with South Bay Professional Connection Founder, Joy A. Kennelly,   co–hosted a tasting party benefiting Surfrider Foundation during an evening of networking, music, internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine, environmentalism and beauty in Hermosa Beach, CA at The Shore Restaurant on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.

TV Land’s She’s Got the Look Model Finalist, Melissa Todd,  hosted the evening and interviewed attendees, Chef David Linville,  Surfrider Environmental Coordinator, Alan Walti,  and others on camera, and announced winners of the evening’s raffle prizes which included a $50 Dinner for Two to The Shore Restaurant, a designer dress donated by Luna G’s Stylist,  Greycie  Baran,  and Spyder beach chairs donated by Surfrider Foundation.

    Chef David Linville served numerous internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine appetizers during the tasting party with the Parmesan crusted New Zealand lollipop lamb chops in port wine reduction as the hands down favorite, and the Crab Cakes served with cream sauce a close second. Guitarist James McKenna played acoustically throughout the evening.

Surfrider Foundation South Bay Chapter Chairperson, Craig Cadwallader and Environmental Coordinator, Alan Walti, explained Surfrider’s mission and encouraged guests to speak out in favor of banning the use of plastic bags due to the negative environmental impact.  $500 was raised from entry fees and t-shirt sales for the charity.

Curly Hair and Color Specialist, Kym Chartrand of Maximus Salon in Hermosa Beach, sponsored the networking contest’s goody bag prize which guests: Independent Producer, Ed Sanders; Senior VP Wachovia Securities, Mike Girardi; Skychick, Ramona Cox;  Restaurant Consultant, John Bowler;  and Manhattan Beach Resident, Colleen  First; Paige & Coleman Interior Designer, Miriam Paige; Strong Project Sales Manager, Mike Pochepan; Chiropractor, Chris Ullman;    Creative Director, Hermosa Shorts Festival, Tom Kearney;  Manhattan Beach Stylist, Victoria Coleman; and  others enjoyed. Actor/Producer Patrick Kilpatrick was delayed casting his film, Vain Attempt, and Fitness Model, Brenda Kelly's flight delay prevented her from attending. 

ABOUT THE SHORE

Opened in March 2006, The Shore Restaurant and Lounge reflects the casual elegance of the South Bay, CA through its beautiful atmosphere and quality dining by Executive Chef David Linville,  formerly of The Standard Sunset Strip, Viceroy Hotel and Mastros Beverly Hills. Dining at The Shore allows guests to feel relaxed and catered to as if transported to a faraway locale while enjoying fresh, internationally inspired CA comfort food. 

Many famous celebrities and sports players from the Lakers, LA Kings, LA Clippers, LA Galaxy Soccer Team also enjoy the 11 plasma/projection screens, well rounded international wine list, and beachside ambiance.  After 10pm, The Shore also offers live music, dancing and top quality DJ's. For more information, please review: www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com or call 310 376-0414.

THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION

The South Bay Professional Connection’s (SBPC) mission is to promote the interests of the South Bay as a whole to the media, the public, businesses, and residents. SBPC provides a wide variety of community, professional, social and business opportunities for professional groups, companies, and others interested in connecting with South Bay businesses, residents, visitors, and cultural, entertainment and educational institutions.

South Bay Professional Connection achieves these goals through membership, special events, a comprehensive calendar of events, local, state and national government advocacy, public-private partnerships, and public relations/marketing for members.

Inquiries:

Joy A. Kennelly

The Joy Writer PR & Marketing  (310) 714-2077 thejoywriterpublicity (at) gmail (dot) com

South Bay Professional Connection Surfrider Benefit at the Shore adds new celebrity guests!

MEDIA ALERT

 WHAT: The South Bay Professional Connection (SBPC) announces a Tasting Party at The Shore Restaurant featuring Executive Chef David Linville’s menu of fresh, internationally inspired California comfort food from 5:30pm – 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 in Hermosa Beach, CA. TV Land’s “She’s Got the Look” finalist, Melissa Todd, a Redondo Beach native, will host the evening and raffle drawing. Goody bags will be given to the top 20 winners of the SBPC networking questionnaire contest open to all attendees. 100% of the $20 suggested entry fee donation will be given to The Surfrider Foundation. (www.surfrider.org)

 WHO: Chef David Linville, TV Land’s She’s Got the Look Finalist, Melissa Todd, and special guests, Fitness Model Brenda Kelly, and Actor Patrick Kilpatrick

WHEN: Tonight, Wednesday, June 25, 2008 5:30pm – 8:00pm

WHERE: The Shore Restaurant 

1320 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com

WHY: The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches.  

The South Bay Professional Connection’s (TSBPC) mission is to promote the interests of the South Bay as a whole to the media, the public, businesses, and residents.

For more information, please contact Publicist, Joy A. Kennelly 310 714-2077

#END#

 

 

 

 

South Bay Professional Connection (SBPC) Announces June 25 Surfrider Benefit at The Shore with TVLand's She's Got the Look, Melissa Todd, hosting

By Joy A. Kennelly

THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION (SBPC) ANNOUNCES A TASTING PARTY AT THE SHORE RESTAURANT IN HERMOSA BEACH, CA ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 from 5:30PM – 8:00PM

Hosted by TV Land’s “She’s Got the Look” Finalist, Melissa Todd; Evening benefits The Surfrider Foundation

South Bay, CA The South Bay Professional Connection (SBPC) announces a Tasting Party at The Shore Restaurant featuring Executive Chef David Linville’s menu of fresh, internationally inspired California comfort cuisine from 5:30pm – 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 in Hermosa Beach, CA.

TV Land’s “She’s Got the Look” finalist, Melissa Todd, a Redondo Beach native, will host the evening and raffle drawing. 100% of the $20 suggested entry fee donation will be given to The Surfrider Foundation. Goody bags will be given to the top 20 winners of the SBPC networking questionnaire contest open to all attendees.

The Shore’s Executive Chef Dave’s Tasting menu includes: Garlic Shrimp sauteed in compound butter with goat cheese crustinis; Crimini Mushrooms stuffed with spinach, shallots and smoked bacon; a Greek Trio served with hummus, tapenade, tiziki and toasted pita; Ginger Soy Marinated Poki served with shaved Japanese pickled cucumbers and fried wontons; Buttermilk and Tabasco marinated Southern Fried chicken with Belgium waffles and maple syrup; Parmesan crusted New Zealand lollipop lamb chops in port wine reduction; Crab Cakes served with Dijon cream sauce, and Mac & Cheese with Amsterdam imported cheese enhanced by a well-rounded international wine list. “It’s all about the food,” says Chef Dave. “I love the South Bay because people care more about enjoying my food than they do about being seen.”

An experienced TV host/model, Melissa  Todd, will host the raffle offering a $50 Gift Certificate to The Shore, a designer dress donated by local retailer Luna G’s Personal Stylist, Greycie Baran, among other items. Melissa will be available for guest’s questions and comments about her appearance on TV Land’s show, “She’s Got the Look,” throughout the evening.

Surfrider Foundation information will be available for interested guests to review and additional donations will be accepted throughout the evening.

The Shore is located at 1320 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 and is open Monday through Friday: 5:00pm - 1:45am and Saturday and Sunday: 1:00pm - 1:45am. Executive Chef David Linville, formerly with Standard Hotel Sunset Strip, Viceroy Hotel, Mastros Beverly Hills, and St. Regis Hotel, offers an internationally inspired California comfort cuisine menu. For more information, please review: www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com or call 310 376-0414.

ABOUT THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION

The South Bay Professional Connection’s (TSBPC) mission is to promote the interests of the South Bay as a whole to the media, the public, businesses, and residents. TSBPC provides a wide variety of community, professional, social and business opportunities for professional groups, companies, and others interested in connecting with South Bay businesses, residents, visitors, and cultural, entertainment and educational institutions.

ABOUT MELISSA TODD

“She’s Got the Look” model, Melissa Todd, a sexy 38-year-old originally from Redondo Beach, CA, is a finalist on TV Land’s new series, in collaboration with Wilhelmina Models, Inc., which seeks to discover a sophisticated, beautiful and confident woman 35 or older to become the next great supermodel. Prior to her TV Land appearance, Melissa enjoyed an active hosting career as an on-camera host for the Hallmark Channel, Toyota Corp., LA Fitness and a PBS cooking show among others, in addition to commercial & film appearances. She has also graced the covers of Shape, Muscle and Fitness Magazines.

ABOUT THE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION

The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. http://www.surfrider.org or call Nancy Hastings 310 995-7873.

ABOUT THE SHORE

Opened in March 2006, The Shore Restaurant and Lounge reflects the casual elegance of the South Bay, CA through its beautiful atmosphere and quality dining by Executive Chef David Linville, formerly of The Standard Sunset Strip, Viceroy Hotel and Mastros Beverly Hills. Dining at The Shore allows guests to feel relaxed and catered to as if transported to a faraway locale while enjoying fresh, internationally inspired CA comfort cuisine.

Many famous celebrities and sports players from the Lakers, LA Kings, LA Clippers, LA Galaxy Soccer Team also enjoy the 11 plasma/projection screens, well rounded international wine list, and beachside ambiance. After 10pm, The Shore also offers live music, dancing and top quality DJ's. For more information, please review: www.theshorerestaurantandlounge.com or call 310 376-0414.

(Look for our scallop ad in the local papers!)

What a great weekend - just what the doctor ordered

By Joy A. Kennelly

This has been one of the most spontaneous weekends I've had in forever. Saturday included attending my friend's child's preschool graduation dinner celebration which is always adorable because they love my attention.

The littlest got to pick the restaurant and when I was telling Kirsten some of the questions I had asked at my last event like what is your favorite South Bay restaurant, Kira piped up and said what is yours Auntie Joy? I knew I had to win points so I said why Mimi's of course (since that's where she had chosen to celebrate.)

She was so thrilled she said "That was a good answer." all proud and all like she's got it going on with choosing great places to eat. Too cute. I just love those kids. I love Kirsten too. She's family to me and like the sister I always wanted. Good, good, good people.

Then spent some time with the parents who always crack me up because they bicker over politics like nobody's business (I think my mom has a slight crush on Newt Gingrich to be honest!) before dashing off home to get ready for The Young Dubliners at St. Rocke - a place I like to call the South Bay's House of Blues.

Very modern, sophisticated, stunningly beautiful lounge and restaurant. Highly, highly recommend a visit. Great music too. It's new so if you haven't heard of it, it's the one which replaced the old Pitcher House. You must check it out sometime. Tell 'em Joy sent you. :)

Didn't have a chance to experience the food since it was 11pm when the band came on, but did enjoy the ambiance and electric vibe of everyone attending. Lots and lots of fun. It was so nice to drive 15 minutes and be some place like that. Normally I drive an hour each way when I go to Hollywood. OY! With gas the way it is now too...

Sunday of course hit Bay Cities Community Church like I always do and heard Jim's Father's Day sermon on Understanding Men. I think I'm beginning to understand them more. Now just need to find one to practice on! LOL

I get that men compartmentalize things. I understand men can't multi-task. I also understand men think about SEX all the time. Let's see what else? Oh, men do nothing that's how they get unstressed whereas women feel better when we talk through our stress. So true! It was a good reminder though. I love going to church because I always hear what I need to hear to live a better life in all areas of my life.

Dashed to Dad's to give him his Father's Day card and gift. Was going to cook him a special dinner, but mom had started already so just made brownies instead. I'm much more of a baker than a cook so it's all good. I need to find a man who likes to cook!:)

Afterwards, spur of the moment, was invited to join a few friends to watch the USA vs. Barbados soccer match at Home Depot in VIP seats. I grew up playing AYSO soccer and thought maybe we'd see David Beckham. We were a wee bit late and if he played, we missed him. Bummer. I am a blonde though so if I got my teams mixed up... Sorry, my bad.

I got some great pix though which I'll have to upload another time. It was great to see the huge American flag in the stadium and see how patriotic everyone was. Go America!

I am absolutely LOVING this camera! It takes the best pictures so easily and quickly. Now if I would only read the manual I bet my pictures would be even better! (I'm not just saying that. Numerous people have said I should enter some contests and you know what? I'm going to! Why not. It's a fun hobby and I'm having a lot of fun with it.)

After the game came back to the Beach House Hotel to connect with some of Joy's friends. Yes, there are now two of us living in the South Bay and we're now the bestest of friends. With a name like Joy, you can't be unhappy for long right? I've only met two other Joys in my lifetime and we've always become fast friends.

There were too many women at the suite party (all very nice, but not what we had in mind so...) left to find greener pastures. Hit a few spots and then dropped into The Shore to share it with my friends. Chef Dave was there and made everyone the best appetizers ever.

I didn't know this, but apparently The Shore won numerous food awards recently by all the local papers. They're sending me the specifics and then I'll post them here to let you know too. They have been working very hard for over the past six months to build the restaurant side of the business since the live entertainment side is great. Yes, they do serve food and not just alcohol. It's true!

Mike, one of the owners, told me that they were extremely close to their 50/50 (I believe he said it was 46.1/ whatever the difference to that is) and since they have such an amazing chef and cuisine, it's only a matter of time before they're completely in balance if not over. I wish them well in achieving that goal.

That's what I like about these guys. They really see what they need to do and they're busting their butt to do it. Not that others haven't, but apparently Dave is one of the higher paid chefs in the South Bay and rightly so. The food is that good. (Full disclosure, I'm publicizing them now, but I would say it regardless. I don't lie and you know me! I love to eat!)

I don't have all the pix of the food and such uploaded yet, but promise to put them up soon. You will want to make the trek to the beach to check it out I promise you that. Here's a few to pique your appetite.

I'll post the press release for this upcoming tasting party soon too. Just waiting on a couple more things to finalize first ok?

After a lazy, fun, delicious afternoon being pampered and catered to by Chef Dave (delicious, fresh food and smooth wine), we wandered back to Joy's house to catch the final minutes of the Laker's game.

Go Lakers! It seems like high drama and totally fixed from an outsider's perspective because why else would the games go the full 7? Some of the injuries people have told me look totally fake, but hey, this is only my third game watching ever so what do I know?

That's what was so funny about today. I'm totally not that into sports and today was just filled with them! First soccer, then basketball. Oh, and even a little golf. What's happening to me? I don't recognize myself! Guess that's what happens when you hang in the South Bay long enough. That's what everyone else is into. Okay, now I get it.

It was just simply the best day. I'll upload pix soon. Have a good one. Now to get ready for my very busy week.

Good night!

The South Bay Professional Connection's event at Verch Insurance Services & CA Associates!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Sorry for the delay in writing about the last South Bay Professional Connection event announcing the Grand Opening of CA Associates and Verch Insurance Services.

I think I've been coming down with the flu which would explain why I was sleeping so much and it finally hit full bore on Monday. Today I'm finally feeling a little better which is why I'm going to attempt to write. Finally able to sit up longer than 10 minutes!

What I loved about last week's South Bay Professional Connection event was that it really was a "Professional Connection." A friend of mine had given me the idea of creating ice breaker questions for a contest that would help people get to know each other and those who chose to participate really enjoyed themselves.

I think a lot of people got to know people they probably wouldn't have talked to either which was the whole purpose. It's hard to go somewhere and try to start a conversation with someone you don't know and this really helped. Plus, the motivation to win the goody bags we were offering sponsored by Director of Sales, Lana Leazer, and her Globiwest Hospitality Group’s Holiday Inn Express Century City and LAX helped too! Thank you Lana!

You might recognize some familiar faces among our attendees.  The yellow paper was the questionnaire and included questions like what is your favorite restaurant in the South Bay? Shark's Cove, Houstons, Chez Melange, Lido, and Blue Water Grill got a lot of kudos. People were pretty unanimous that A New Earth was their favorite book to date. Almost everyone said their favorite place to escape when not working was the beach. Of course.!:)

Thanks to Darold and Kathy Verch and their daughter, Sonja McColgan, we      also did a raffle for two Dodger tickets, resume help, $100 discount off insurance, and an emergency kit provided by CA Associates and Verch Insurance Services. Thank you Verch's and Sonja! 

 We were very pleased to have Shark's Cove MB provide amazing appetizers which really were more like a meal!  They  sponsored our event with some of their famous Shark Attack wraps, two wonderful salads - a Chicken, Apple & Goat Cheese Salad and a lovely Garden Salad, two delicious pastas - a Chicken penne and an alfredo penne and everyone loved it! Thank you McColgan's!  

What made this evening special to me was to see all the people who came out to celebrate the Grand Opening  and to remember their son, Brent. There were people from as far away as Orange County who attended.

What was also special was to see how much love and concern this family has for the people they do business with. No wonder they're so successful right?

Why Sonja stopped what she was doing in the middle of the party to counsel people who had driven up for career advice. Right in the middle of the party!

Every beach city was represented, all ages were represented and it was really a great success. Thanks to all of you who attended! Great meeting you and/or seeing you again!

  Now to finalize the next one! I'll keep you posted!

  Thanks for popping by. Enjoy the pix!   

 

Positive South Bay Professional Connection news! (repeated on my wordpress blog too...)

By Joy A. Kennelly

Ever since returning from Miami, FL, I have been slammed with work and unable to catch my breath. (Okay, I did enjoy my Memorial Day holiday BBQ down in San Diego with a very good friend, and my lounging by the pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt on Sunday, and my playing with two hilarious dogs in Manhattan Beach, but otherwise - working!)

Really can't spare much time today, but did want to share some great news regarding my next South Bay Professional Connection event occurring tomorrow night over at CA Associates and Verch Insurance Services new office in El Segundo from 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Here's some pix to showcase what you're in store for.

Just know, next time you see this space, it's going to be packed with people!

We had a great write-up in The Beach Reporter's Business section last Thursday - Thanks Eric! Also, over 1000 postcard invites have been distributed on top of the 100's of emailed invitations and media relations we've all done to promote this event.

I passed out 40 invites alone last night at a PV mixer with lots of people saying they're planning to come. Should be a great mix of businesses, industries and people since Sonja McColgan, the owner and Career Coach extraordinaire of CA Associates, and Darold Verch, her father and owner of Verch Insurance Services, know so many people having been in business for so many years.

For 20 lucky winners of our "Who's the Best Networker?" contest, guests will receive the following beachy type goody bags courtesy of Globiwest Hospitality Group's Holiday Inn Express Century City and LAX:

944 Magazine
Nice Pen or Computer cleaner from Holiday Inn Express LAX or Century City
Lip Balm from Holiday Inn Express Century City
Scented Candle in container
Complimentary Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express LAX or Century City courtesy of Director of Sales, Lana Leazer.

Apparently, not only will you get to meet some great business and local people if you come by, you will also get to experience the local El Segundo Farmer's Market with a live band and all kinds of great produce and other stuff to buy.

However, as a result, please note you need to park behind the building since Main Street will be full. If you've never been to El Segundo, you're in for a real throwback in time. I call it the Mayberry of the South Bay. Others have called it the last real beach community of the South Bay. It's quaint, quiet, and cute. Lots of great restaurants, services, and local people call El Segundo home.

We had such a great time at our last South Bay Professional Connection, I can't wait to see who shows up for this one. For those of you who missed the last one, here's some highlights and pictures to share with you (I'm editing an original post I wrote for This is Hermosa website.)

Last month's attendees included: Sharkeez Owner, Ron Newman & UPAC Member, Kim McMullan ; Hermosa Beach City Council Member, Michael DiVirgilio; Hermosa Beach Resident, Gary Mallette; Union Cattle Owner, Jed Stanford;

Why Was I Dissed? Founder, Rachel Morton ; the Mackinga clan; Jayme Mackinga's groupies; local icon and Club 705 consultant, John Bowler; Hermosa Beach Writer's Group Representative, Gerry Althas-Vazquez; PV resident, Lane Mayhew; Beach Cities Relay for Life Volunteers, Jill Morales and Susan Cohen; Nutritionist Jayne Justice ; RB resident, Christie and HB Resident Lotus; Strong Project El Segundo Representative, Michael Pochepan; Beach Massage Business Development Representative, Kimberly Blaine; A Fresh Face Skincare Owner, Victoria Coleman; Project Touch Representative, Carol Shakely; and out-of-towners/friends like John Herzberg, Lana Leazer, Damien Carmean, and many others came to mix and mingle. Lisa Bollinger graciously managed the door.

Those who attended enjoyed the acoustic guitar of 16 year old Jayme Mackinga who has a voice akin to Corrine Bailey Rae. Everyone loved her music. What impressed me the most was the poise she exhibited while performing for around 100 people who sat in rapt attention while she sang.

During the break, John Bowler entertained the crowd and invited everyone to support the Beach Cities Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society who had a table set up with all their information. What a great cause and great event coming up! Click the link for all the details and join the team.

Although we didn't raise as much money as I had hoped, it was a great start to a partnership that I hope to continue until the summer's event. Although I personally haven't experienced serious cancer, my grandmother died from lung cancer and my family suffers from non-malignant skin cancer every so often. Damn freckles!

John Pieplow gave a rousing concert which everyone enjoyed as well. He was grateful to be sharing his birthday for such a great cause and had a lot of fun visiting our little city. I'm hoping to get him back at a later date. Everyone who stayed received a free CD of his music as a thank you for coming.

Xavier and his wonderful staff served some great seafood appetizers too. A local HB Resident won the Dinner for Two at The Ardmore in our raffle. Thank you X and all your servers for helping make this a special evening at The Ardmore in 705! 

More Hermosa Beach places to eat...

By Joy A. Kennelly   

For such a small town, (Hermosa Beach is only 1 mile big), there sure are a lot of restaurants! I know I've probably missed some (some on purpose because they're more bar than restaurant, some by accident - if you see some that are missing let me know!), but this will give you a good idea of the variety of cuisine offered here. What I love is the quaint charm of so many of these establishments.

We really do have great Saturday morning breakfast spots so consider driving down for the day or visiting us for the weekend. What's fun is that for the most part, they're all within walking distance which makes it easy to wander till you find just the right place.

We also have really nice dinner spots with a wide variety of prices and cuisine if you're looking for somewhere new to visit some weekend with someone you love, or are trying to impress. If you're curious about their rating, or what they serve, just Google the name of the place, or leave me a comment and if I know, I'll tell you ok?

Okay, that's all. Gotta run. Thanks for popping by!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Sharkeez MB - very fun, unexpected experience

By Joy A. Kennelly

You know what's funny about growing up going to church, traveling a lot and not going to bars when you're younger? You really don't understand how it all works when you're older. What's even funnier about being in one when you're older is when you're surrounded by college kids!

Man, if that doesn't make you feel like a Cougar I don't know what will! LOL I had no idea that Sharkeez MB was holding their Hottest College Night promotions the same time as I was hosting my GoChi Happy Hour and it was quite hilarious to see a busload of LMU college students unload into the bar.

Then to watch the faces of the adults I had invited when they walked in not knowing either. I felt bad because I totally wasn't expecting this to happen and really thought I would be hosting a networking event, but... Every time you do an event you learn what works and what needs tweaking. It's just the nature of event planning.

I thought we would have an interesting mix at the least, but I think some professionals just don't see the humor of networking amongst loud music and excited college kids. I had no idea myself, or I would never have billed my event as such.

I also wasn't expecting multiple 2 for 1 drink specials going on which directly competed with ours, but whatever they want to do is fine by me. Not my bar, not my business, not my clientèle. They know what works so just have to trust that fact. Wish it was otherwise, but it wasn't so it is what it is.

When I do this again, which I want to because Sharkeez MB makes the best GoChi cocktails and has the best food, I think it's more appropriate for a weekend when people are going out to just have fun. Makes more sense all the way around.

On another note, was interesting to see someone I haven't seen in ages attend last night and to really see him for who he is for the first time. Sad too, and a cold wake-up call. Can't build your life on past memories or desires I guess. Just kind of mind numbing that that really is his m.o. I had this other vision of who he was which is so wrong!

What was even sadder, was that someone I considered a friend and knew of my feelings for this guy totally disregarded that and went along with his attentions. OY! Oh well, better to know now than later. Just not anyone I want close to me any more. Too painful.

All in all though, it was a really fun evening. Jayne was out there promoting like a crazy woman and we had some people trying GoChi which was great. I think for some it was the first time they'd ever heard of the juice and they were very intrigued.

Sharkeez MB really makes the best GoChi cocktails! They were so good - I'm telling you! I had three - have to be honest. And this is from someone who rarely drinks because I get acid reflux. Not last night! Thanks guys!

Believe it or not, I am really a shy person (especially when I'm not feeling well) and as a result last night was a little overwhelmed by everything. I wasn't as out there as I normally would have been because I was a little sad too, but it will be different next time. Certain people won't be invited which will help.

One young guy came up to me and said if GoChi Juice really helps people avoid hangovers and all the other 19 health benefits, he was going to help me turn my company into a billion dollar business. Pretty exciting, eh?

What cracked me up is when he said he didn't want to pay for the juice - he wanted me to give him a bottle to test it. Sorry buddy, everyone tests it the same way - by showing me the money! He's going to email me so we'll see. You never know with people and could be interesting!

Enjoyed meeting Trey, the guy who hosts the Thursday night meetup at Sharkeez MB. Next time, we partner up with him. Apparently he never received my email requesting that we work together before and now that we know each other it will be better.

Some of the people I had invited showed up and hung out almost the entire time. Others I was expecting were no shows for whatever reason. Damien - you better come next time Big D! I missed you!

My new artist client, Arlene Bogna, who is an extremely gifted, award-winning film director and also photographer (which is why we're working together - she has a solo art show in June which I'm helping her promote) joined us and enjoyed her conversation with my author/speaker friend, Ken Unger.

More on her upcoming exhibit soon!

Today it's all about the Beverly. Beverly Bigwood that is.

Got to wrap up promoting her reception this Sunday and see who all is planning to come out. It's really going to be a delightful afternoon and I hope a lot of art collectors, editors, interior designers and others join us.

We shall see! Better get to work!