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March 2013

February 2013

Connie Britton of @Nashville_ABC is @MOREMag's March Cover! #Nashville

I was sent this by a publicist who must be watching my Pinterest account since I love the show, Nashville!

So, for all the fans enjoying it tonight, here's a little heads up and quick interview with Connie Britton per her publicist:

March 2013 Cover

"You’ve loved her since Friday Night Lights, now she lights up your living room Wednesday nights on ABC’s Nashville. From her famous hair (she doesn’t have a Twitter account, but her hair does) to what it’s like to grow older, MORE gets Connie’s whole story.

Her disappointment and heartbreak and her triumphs and successes make a character anyone can relate to and feel great affection for.

Here's  some quotes from the full interview:  

On her study-abroad in Beijing 1986 with Senator Kristen Gillibrand: “You mean my roommate from China? The one I lip-synched a Madonna song with at the American Embassy?”

On her loss of the lead in Jerry Maguire to Renée Zellweger: “For the subsequent 10 years, it was probably the biggest heartbreak of my life.”

On her interview protocol: “I’m always honest in interviews, to a fault, really.”

On what it’s like to grow older: “There’s something really great, once you hit forty, about taking on something that fully flexes new and different muscles, because, man is it scary.”

On her famous hair: “It’s funny because every day people compliment me on it, I don’t have a Twitter feed, but I’m told my hair does. Apparently, there’s a blog – I haven’t seen it – about my hair.”

On where she finds herself today: “I think that I now know the importance of grace and sitting back. I have a deeper understanding of how most people are just trying to do the best they can.”

Now if you'll excuse me, I want to watch the ending of tonight's episode.:)

 


#Oscar fashion, festivities, and celebrity highlights w/Jennifer Lawrence @MirandaKerr @HannahSimone @iamrashidajones @nicolerichie @BonoVox_ @FiskerAuto & more!

By Joy A. Kennelly

The Oscars always provide a great fashion show spread out across many days because Celebrities and others, are invited to numerous events building up to the big day.

Here's some of the events I attended with my friends, Denise O'Brien and Janet Gervers, and some of the events your favorite celebrities enjoyed in all the amazing jewels and designs they get to borrow to attend such events as the Global Green USA's Pre-Oscar Party, 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards, The 21st Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party, and the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. 

Gagosian Gallery Opening

Denise and I hit the town early one night and enjoyed the Gagosian Gallery's Opening Exhibit of Richard Prince's "Cowboy" collection first. 861601_10200557175161189_1608141142_n 803949_10200557186401470_1717654178_n
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At one point, Denise and I got separated by John Waters (an American filmmaker, actor, stand-up comedian, writer, journalist, visual artist, and art collector in case you're not familiar), and his friend walking in between us as we all made our way up a very narrow passageway to the main area.

She said people were greeting his friend, then John, and then looking at her trying to figure out if she was with them and whether or not they should greet her too! LOL We had a good laugh over that in the car. 

W Gifting Suite

We then dashed off to the W for a gifting suite which was bitter cold as it was held outside, but very nice. I'm still enjoying the sugar scrub one of the vendors, http://www.beewellspa.com/, gave me when they saw how ragged my thumbs are in this weather. Huge difference now! P1000678862958_10200557353885657_1974853225_n

Hayavi Moradi's Higherup Event

We then jumped over to an event Denise knew about put on by Hayavi which was like nothing I'd ever attended before during an Oscar season. Very unique, fun experience. A belly dancer entertained the crowd while we enjoyed a delicious mediterrean meal at Byblos Restaurant.  861854_10200557433927658_1425422680_n

730558_10200557429767554_251978705_n861686_10200557461728353_613547419_nOthers in attendance included David Harrison Levi, Kaya Redford and others.  David Levin
862175_10200557520249816_131569204_nPhoto credit for above two pictures, David Levin

Global Green USA's Pre-Oscar Party

Miranda Kerr was gorgeous in Charriol's  18 KT Yellow Gold and Diamond Bracelet at the Global Green USA's Pre-Oscar Party on February 20th, 2013 in Los Angeles, CA.  Jpeg (6)Miranda May Kerr is an Australian model who rose to prominence in 2007 as one of the Victoria's Secret Angels.

Charriol is a brand by Philippe Charriol inspired by the twisted cable designs of the ancient Celts. The designer gives classic pieces a modern twist. The result is a sporty, wearable look that is equally appropriate for both men and women with any style and for any occasion. Charriol is available for purchase at www.charriolusa.com.

2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards

Actress Hannah Simone wore Kara Ackerman jewelry to the 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach this past weekend. The New Girl star looked bright and colorful in her Kara Ackerman Alice Rose Diamond and Blue Onyx earrings ($800) and an Alice Rose Cocktail ring in Sapphire ($400);  www.karaackerman.com.

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Rashida Jones, also in attendance, was fashion foward in DeLatori wearing the 925 Sterling Silver and Black Rhodium with Black Spinel Earrings

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DeLatori is the line by Ori and Tal Zemer, and Marilyn Harrell who launched the line after years of experiece with the Charriol brand. The jewelry has a vintage artisan appearance that emulates ancient world jewelry, but combines elements of 21st century design. DeLatori is available for purchase at www.delatori.com

Notice how much more fun and relaxed one can dress to attend this popular event which celebrates artist-driven filmmaking and recognizes the achievements of independent filmmakers (although sometimes it seems studio films sneak in too.:)

For more information on the actual event, please refer to: http://www.spiritawards.com/ I volunteered with them years and years ago. It has grown immensely since that time and is a lot of fun to attend because people are generally much more real and relaxed than at the Oscars.

AEM Oscar Viewing Party

My friend Janet Gervers of Abbot Kinney First Friday's blog and I popped into my friend's, the Pelsue's home viewing party to enjoy some nosh and drinks with good friends. I rarely attend Christian-oriented entertainment events, but do like to support my friends whenever I can.

P1000782Joel and his wife, Michelle, run AEM (Arts & Entertainment Ministries), an evangelical Christian ministry dedicated to providing top quality biblical education to artists, creative professionals, clergy, and academics in the areas of art, faith, media, and culture.

You can learn more here: http://www.a-e-m.org/

If you want to support their efforts, grocery shop to support AEM! Ralph's and Food4Less will donate a portion of your purchases to AEM, as part of their "Community Contributions" program. It's easy! And it's free!

All you do is register your rewards card on the Ralph's or Food4Less website. Once you have signed in and/or created an account, go to Find Your Organization and search for: Arts & Entertainment Ministries or enter our number:  90843, under Select Your Organization, you must click on the tiny circle to select us. Click the save changes button to save Arts & Entertainment Ministries as your selection.

Just think, you'll be part of ministering to Hollywood even if you live far away!

Sofitel Oscar Viewing Party

After enjoying the first half of the show there, Janet and I dashed over to the Sofitel, one of my favorite Los Angeles hotels, to watch the remainder of the Oscars. The crowd was buzzing, only stopping in complete silence when Barbra Streisand sang and erupting into cheers when Argo won which was fun to experience.

Here's Janet and myself hanging out with Steve Valentine, the Sofitel publicist, his friend, and Sofitel's amazing art collection. I loved this iconic photograph of Marilyn Monroe and Sammy Davis Junior when I first saw it at The Vault Gallery in Culver City and had to pose near it as a result. Metallic attire was the word of our night, although Janet wore a beautiful vintage black cocktail dress and Steve wore an artful German T-shirt popping in his yellow ensemble.

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The 21st Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party

Always one to push the fashion envelope in unusual ways, Nicole Richie looked catlike in Kami Lerner Gold Filled Wire Wrap Ringat The 21st Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 24th, 2013 in Los Angeles, CA.  Jpeg (5)

Kami Lerner is a self-taught artist who uses her personal life experiences as a creative inspiration for her jewels. Kami Lerner is a popular line among Hollywood celebrities such as Demi Moore and is available for purchase at www.kamiart.com.

Party hopping is standard Oscar night, with those attending the Oscars enjoying the Governor's Ball directly afterward before starting to hit the circuit. I have worked that event from a few different angles over the years and must say it is thrilling to be up close and personal among so many stars I have admired and cheered on over the years. They're always so much more beautiful, handsome and charming in person.:)

One such person I have always admired is Bono for his visionary philanthropy and music. His date, Actress Eve Hewson looked gorgeous in CB Luxe as they attended the 21sst Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party Jpeg (7)and the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party. Eve wore the Full Finger Knuckle Ring in Emeralds and Diamonds from CB Luxe to both parties.  Now this ring, I really like.:) 

Jpeg (2)CB Luxe is the fine jewelry collection by Callae Brownstein and mixes precious and semi-precious stones to give pieces a modern twist, while also adding a more traditional touch to contemporary pieces to make them timeless. CB Luxe already has a celebrity fanbase including Hillary Scott, and Ariel Winter. CB Luxe is available for purchase at www.cbluxe.com.

2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party 

This is the creme de la creme of Oscar parties and one of the most coveted tickets around. It's the who's who of politics, entertainment, fashion and media which makes for interesting dinner chatter. Plus, who doesn't love seeing Academy Award winners toting their Oscars around all night?

Twilight star, Taylor Lautner was spotted driving his Fisker Karma to the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Sunset Tower.  Car Designed and engineered in California, the Fisker Karma is the world's first luxury Electric Vehicle with extended range (EVer).  It offers the performance of a sports sedan with better mileage than the leading hybrids (www.FiskerAutomotive.com).  

1111 He wasn't the only celebrity to arrive in style however as you know.

Juliette Lewis looked stunning. 1096
The actress accessorized her colorful gown with a TACORI .61ct Diamond Blue Quartz over Hematite Ring from their City Lights collection (#SR14935, $2,690; www.tacori.com).  1098

But my absolute favorite Oscar winner of the night had to be Jennifer Lawrence. Have you seen her behind-the-scenes interviews after winning her award and when Jack Nicholson surprised her during an interview? HILARIOUS!

 

 Wearing her Dior Couture dress, she received many best dressed accolades and deserved every single one. I think she's down-to-earth, funny, smart, wise beyond her years, and someone who is fascinating to watch perform. Don't show your breasts Jennifer. Stay classy and don't let immature men like Seth MacFarlane leer or make silly songs about you.:) 

Here's my review of Silver Linings Playbook if you haven't seen the film and are wondering whether or not you should, because you should. You really should. Bradley Cooper is brilliant and it was great to see him nominated for an Oscar. And here's why: Just saw Silver Linings Playbook and recommend it highly (with reservations cuz it's not for everyone)

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Jennifer Lawrence exuded elegance while wearing ELAHN Jewels to the 2013 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter at the Sunset Tower on February 24th, 2013 in West Hollywood, CA. Jennifer wore the Vintage Sapphire and White Diamond Full Finger Ring after changing into an easier dress to walk around in. You did see her fall right? That will probably go down in Oscar history. Forget the fact she's 22 and has won an Oscar already! Here's another shot of her just because I like her so much.:)

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ELAHN Jewelry is the collaborative line by Leora Talmor and her mother Elahn. The collection includes a mixture of rustic mined and sliced diamonds combined with classicly cut diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, rutilated quartz, and moonstones set in antiqued silver and gold. ELAHN Jewelry is available for purchase at www.elahnjewels.com.

And that concludes my Oscar fashion and festivities round-up. Hope you enjoyed the read!


New Media Mixer wrap-up photo album of our #NewMediaCoffeeTalk

I hope you enjoy the pictorial essay that I've created on my Facebook Fan Page here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151794243513849.629927.348417258848&type=1&l=397f82bd64

Please "like" it and then tag away! Thank you to everyone for coming out!

Next up, Oscar fashion review of parties, fun, and jewels...


@PeteEvansChef @VLAIC of True Character Series; Danielle Rimmer of @HellsKitchenFOX; @MelissaJoanHart of @Yowza share foodie tips

By Joy A. Kennelly

Because I love to eat and love chefs, recently I was approached by Jacobs Creek Wine who produces the cool YouTube True Character Series (a fine example of brands utilitizing transmedia successfully); Danielle Rimmer, a former Hell's Kitchen contestant; and most recently, Melissa Joan Hart of the new online shopping coupon app, Yowza.

I thought it would be interesting to showcase them all together because if you're like me, you're always searching for new recipes and foodie pleasures to try and tricks to save money. 

So, without further ado, enjoy!

Facebook_1350924618For a tasty side dish, consider Danielle Rimmer's recipe for Brussell Sprouts. You may recognize her from a recent Hell's Kitchen season. Enjoy her recipe!

It's not your mama's brussell sprouts boys and girls:

Pancetta and Sweet Onion Sauteed Brussel Sprouts

Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 lb. Fresh Brussel Sprouts ( stems cut off and a few unattractive and brown outer leaves on each removed)
4 oz. Pancetta ( cut into small dice)
1 large vidalia onion (diced into small pieces same size as pancetta)
1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 T red wine vinergar
2 T whole salted butter
Kosher Salt and Fresh ground pepper to taste
Method:
In a large saute pan heat the evoo on low and add the Pancetta. Cook stirring occassionally until the pancetta has rendered out all the fat and starts to become crispy ( like bacon) approximately 10 min. Next add the diced onion and saute on low until the onion becomes translucent. approximately 5 minutes. Next, turn up the heat to medium and add the brussel sprouts cooking for approximately 5-6 minutes. Cover for an addtional 5 minutes. Remove lid and add the salt and pepper to taste as well as the vinegar and mix. Stir in the butter until incorporated. Serve immediately.

Now if that doesn't have your tastebuds watering, check out Chef Pete Evans from Down Under, as he prepares a quick seafood dish:

 

Now, if you're like me, you don't always have the ingredients on hand you see in various recipes  and need to run out to the grocery store to pick them up. Well, believe it or not, celebrities are just like us. 

You may recognize Melissa Joan Hart from Melissa and Joey, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Clarissa, but what you may not know is she also a busy mom who grocery shops just like the rest of us.

She discovered Yowza online coupons through a friend and says, "As a mom of 3 kids, I know how crazy life is...especially when also balancing a career, etc.  I don't care who you are...who doesn't want to save money?  I want to make a difference and believe that Yowza!! can really help so many families and business owners.  Not to mention, we are green.  So I got involved because I felt I coud really help get the word out and make a difference while helping moms like me save some serious money."

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It's free and will save you a ton of cash according to Brand Ambassador, and part owner, Melissa, "Visit www.getyowza.com for more info...and, if you have any stores you want to see, let us know on the site!"

Lastly, because to me, dinner isn't complete without dessert, here's an interesting ice cream artisan based in New York call Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream I trust you'll enjoy for me if you live there:  

That's all for now! Thanks for popping by. Enjoy!



Joy Kennelly's life story as a #travel adventurer as told in her own words.:)

UseJoy Kennelly’s excitement about travel was cultivated by her adventure loving parents from a young age. When she was five, her parents packed her and her two younger sisters, Grace and Glori, into a converted Pepsi Cola truck/motor home and hit the road for a sabbatical year driving through Mexico and Central America to Panama. Leaving the motor home behind in Panama, they then traveled by plane, boat, train and bus all throughout South America.

In the 7th grade, her father took the family once again on another sabbatical and moved them all to Kenya, Africa where her parents taught at a missionary boarding school called Rift Valley Academy for a year while Joy and her sisters attended there.

The year-round school (three months on, one month off) offered the opportunity to explore East Africa more fully and during the breaks, as a family they explored Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Victoria Falls, visiting wild animal parks, missionaries working in villages, and many other unique locations, often traveling with the African locals on their transportation and staying in local African guest houses.

On the family’s return to the United States, they landed in Europe and visited England and Ireland before returning to CA to drive cross-country in a station wagon from New York. During summer vacations, Joy and her family also toured throughout Eastern Canada and several cities in the U. S.

Prior to moving to Seattle, WA for college, Joy worked for both Alaska and Delta Airlines and enjoyed the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, and more of the United States and Europe on her own. After college, she volunteered with Hungarian orphan children for a month before backpacking in Europe alone for an additional two months with just a travel guide and a few friends to visit along the way.

A year later, she was invited to fly to West Africa to write a script with an African college friend and used her insurance settlement from a car accident to fly with her to Burkina Faso. One of the few Americans to travel there, Joy immersed herself in the culture, met with the FESPACO film organizers and sang in public.

As a travel writer who has experienced 27 countries and most of the United States both on her own and with her family, Joy has written publicity materials, tour guides, blogs, scripts and website copy. Her articles have been published in the Pulitzer-prize winning newspaper, Coastal Traveler, and in Healthcare Traveler magazine; while her publicity materials about ten of the top museums and most of the major attractions in Los Angeles have been used by the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau as promotional materials for media outlets and photographers world-wide.

She has also blogged in her page one Google blog: Pure, Unadulterated Joy, about her experiences in four-star hotels such as the former Scottsdale Mondrian, the Hotel De Anza in San Jose, CA and the Joule in Dallas, TX while attending and speaking at conferences. She has covered her former client, Chef David Linville's involvement in Food & Wine festivals nation-wide as he presented at the Grand Food & Wine Affair, the 38th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival and Los Angeles Magazine's Food Event. Her blog coverage on Big Sur and Hearst Castle also appeared to inspire a TV travel episode.

As an airline industry professional, she wrote the script and appeared in a "Beating the High Cost of Travel" infomercial featuring Travel Expert, Tom Parsons, and Radio Personality, Casey Kasem, as her first job in entertainment. Her interesting experiences abroad earned her the “Spirit of Adventure” honor from the Youth Hostels of America Organization. 


@TheGrammys whammy - fashion, food, music and fun @SaintRocke & @supperclub_la w/Chris Brown and Rhianna

539780_4767667581953_443459638_nEnjoyed hanging out at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach for the Grammy's during the first half because they have a 20 foot screen which made the whole experience almost like being there!

Here's Carly Rae Jepsen showcasing some pre-show Grammy glamour courtesy State Room Jewelry. Kelly Crawford was wearing them too. Kaley Cuoco is wearing Elahn Jewels.

Carly Kelly

Hit Hollywood afterward so keep scrolling down for some pix from there too.

Back at Saint Rocke Announcer Soul Cole gave away prizes during the commercial breaks and provided a running commentary. 

IMG_3094 My friends and I enjoyed the night, as did others who came dressed to the nines to celebrate locally. Saint Rocke staff made sure we were all well taken care of. IMG_3089
There was a best dressed contest and I think this woman might have won.  IMG_3215

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Join us for the launch of our New Media Mixer, Saturday, 2/23 from 3:30pm - 5:00pm #tech

By Joy A. Kennelly

Happy to be able to finally announce the date and time of our first ever New Media Mixer for anyone who blogs, creates web series, tweets, likes and more. Here's all the details. Hope you'll consider joining us!

NewMediaMixer_banner_blue

NEW MEDIA MIXER

Saturday, February 23, 2013
3:30pm - 5:00pm

​We met  bloggers, web series producers/directors, and more at the New Media Expo. Join us as we share what we learned and hear Readz Publishing as they showcase their new tablet conversion.

This is a FREE event! Please RSVP to attend here: http://ticketcake.com/node/4412

Coffee Connection
3838 Centinela
West LA, CA 90066
Tel: 310 714-2077

Not only will all of us LA-based tech fanatics be there (Melany Berger, myself and Sarah Frischknecht as pictured above left to right), but you will also have the opportunity to connect with our OC Social Media/techie friends as well.

Recognize these folks?

29548_10151158091659220_217874082_nChris Fleury  and Carol Hink O4ql8oofcwn28tx0r7dj 

and from LA, Jesse Bouman  487667_10101481056018747_332453868_n and Ariel Barco  562799_849721314644_1958273944_n And Jon O'Brien of New Antics from the Demo Video Lab has just confirmed too bringing up our video guests and expanding our new media horizons.:)

Readz Publishing has a cool tablet conversion they will be showcasing as well. Readz All are welcome. Please don't forget to RSVP! http://ticketcake.com/node/4412