Pure, Unadulterated Joy

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!:)

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!

Great networking event tonight!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Watched Lipstick Jungle tonight after my mixer and like it a lot better than the Cashmere Mafia. We'll see... Much cuter men on Lipstick Jungle - especially the young hottie who seduces that married woman. Not saying I approve of that aspect, just like his look. Hot, hot, hot!

Love the fact the channel 4 news covered "the Cougar connection" --too funny! Tonight was a lot of fun with all my Cougar girlfriends - although we're not into younger men so much, we do enjoy the eye candy. Hey, we're not blind people. However, totally cracks me up that the term Cougar has become mainstream. Growlll! Why should older guys have all the fun with younger women? Right? Turn-about is fair play in my mind.

We had a great turn-out tonight! Once I figure out how to upload pix from this camera, I'll share them with you! Kim was so sweet and came early to help set up. You always love people like her who are such servant-hearted. I think she's my new best friend. LOL We all agree she looks like a younger, beautiful Maria Shriver. Go Kim go!

Actress Maria Rangel was in all her glory sharing her experiences on NBC's hit show, Age of Love, with a rapt group of women. We all agreed the "tennis guy" was cute, but dull. I guess if all you do is play sports and nothing else...

In addition to the wonderful Yummy soy candles she was selling, Maria literally gave this woman the dress off her back from her new line of Yummy designs to try on. I was laughing so hard I think I forgot to take pix, but imagine one woman modeling this extremely sexy long dress with lots of boobage surrounded by her lovely long blonde hair and then imagine the other lovely brunette woman (Maria) wrapped in nothing other than a spa wrap towel cheering her on! Too funny and so Maria.

The Gochi drink was a huge hit too because after all, Oprah endorses it! And Oprah is god-like right? Also, Dr. Oz, Time Magazine and so many more call it a Super Food! Gotta try it! Trust me. You'll be so amazed at how good you feel! It has changed my life by controlling my hormones which I am so happy about. Believe me, so are others!

Chef Melinda booked her first wedding cake order and cupcake delivery order tonight. Go Chef Melinda!
Her new company name is Sugar Cups - isn't that adorable? "Get your cake and eat it too!" You don't want to know the back story to that tagline...:)

We took the funniest pictures (which won't be included in the official company pix for obvious reasons - sex sells, but that's not what we're selling - only cupcakes people!) I wish I had another one right now. Perfect gifts for Valentine's Day if anyone needs a nice company present for anyone. Hint, hint.:)

What was interesting to me is that on my vision board I had cut out a picture of a wedding with cupcakes as the wedding "cake" and it gave me chills when I realized now I know a baker who bakes cupcakes! She hadn't decided on cupcakes as her main focus for her new business when I created my vision board. Too freaky. Maybe this is my year for love? I hope so...

Spa Riviera Owner, Tony, was a hit with the ladies and men because everyone wants to look years younger with his amazing microdermabrasion treatments. I especially enjoyed his new massage therapist, Martha's gifted hands as she released some of my tension during a chair massage. Can't wait for a real massage, I need one after today. OY!

Lou-e-Luey's outdid themselves too. Rafael's shrimp ceviche is absolutely divine, as was everything else, and everyone was asking for cards all night long. I had no idea they were such a great Baja seafood place. I really must visit soon. Really wonderful. Highly recommend it! Fun vibe in the restaurant and delicious food.

My new artist, Beverly Bigwood, showcased her artwork and her kissing cupids were a big hit. So glad we're working together. She has a real unique style and is such a beautiful woman (inside and out.) She deserves all the best. Now to help her achieve it.

Otherwise, life is moving ahead at warp speed. I'm very excited to see what will happen now that we've launched the first South Bay Professional Connection - onwards and upwards!

God bless everyone! God loves you and so do I!

Yeah! School is finally over! I'm getting my life back...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just had my last final exam presentation tonight at UCLA and I am so happy school is over for now. I need a break! Although I've really loved meeting all the cool speakers, getting to know Julian and Henri, my teachers/mentors, better and learning new things about the industry as it is today, but I just need some down time to enjoy Christmas and party a little.

This whole semester I couldn't really go to any of my usual social events because everything in Hollywood normally falls in the middle of the week vs. the weekend and I was too busy. I miss socializing! Tonight to celebrate the end, my friend Julie was gracious enough to meet me for a little impromptu bar hopping of our own in glorious Hermosa Beach.

We were curious about North End Bar having heard so many terrible things about the place that we decided to check it out first. Here's a quote from one web site:

"Worth Noting: Cursory research on the joint turns up a sketchy crime history in the neighborhood, so try not to bumble about hammered in the wee hours."

Interesting, eh? Otherwise all the locals have nothing but great things to say except for one resident and perhaps others a little less vocal about the noise, urination, bottles in their yards, fighting, etc. after the bar closes. Wonder what the outcome of the meeting with good 'ole Police Chief Saveli was? Inquiring minds want to know...

As we walked into the bar, there was a loud disagreement going on among some of the patrons with the young couple leaving in a huff, while the guy yelling at them remained at the counter nursing his liquor. Very exciting stuff and we just walked in on it! The female bartender was very nice, but she wasn't spilling. Who knew what kind of show we would have had if we'd only arrived a few minutes earlier! :)

Because their kitchen closed at 9pm and we were hungry we opted to go Downtown to find a place still serving. I had been so pumped up earlier I hadn't been hungry, but after my presentation I was starving. We ended up at Union Cattle for some nibbles and it was very pleasant.

Very quiet, but perhaps it was because we were downstairs vs. the upstairs bar, but we weren't there for that so it didn't really matter. I had presented my ideas for publicizing the City of Hermosa Beach in front of three PR experts as part of my final exam and was excited to share the outcome with Julie.

One of the gentleman, when I was through presenting my 18 page report, said, "In all my years of doing public relations, I've never heard of anything like this ever." Made me feel good like we were all on the right track. I'm going to be contacting him in the next few days for ideas on how to proceed based on what I've started since last July with the media and government officials . We shall see!

I have one more class ending tomorrow night which will be a little sad to end because I've really made some good friends there, but I am ready for a break! Me and some friends are planning a get-together at this weekend's Christmas boat parade in Belmont Shores which should be fun.

S'mores anyone?

I say you can never have too much chocolate. That's my drug of choice. You can have your alcohol. Not my thing since sometimes it gives me acid reflux. Bummer. Just depends on the quality though so I do enjoy certain drinks, but am not a lush - that's for sure!

Now that class is over I will have time to write about more of the speakers I heard in my other class taught by Henri Bollinger who were quite good too. I really love learning and meeting new people which is the only thing that kept me committed to attending class regularly when there were so many cool events going on in Hollywood.

However, the way my fine artist client, Gali Rotstein's Art Opening in January is shaping up I think we're going to kick off the New Year first class all the way. More details to come, but save Saturday, January 12, 2008 because it's going to knock your socks off.

Lois Lambert Gallery themselves are inviting over 4,000 guests! Then there's my list, Gali's list, Children's Action Network's high-profile entertainment industry list, all the other artist's who are included in this Group '08 show, and all the media relations I've done - this is going to be one of the better parties Bergamot Station has enjoyed in a long time if I do say so myself.

Plus, rumor has it there are other BS galleries throwing their own openings, so come early and stay late. Oh, and most important... BUY ART!!!! You know I have to say that or I wouldn't be doing my job as Gali's publicist right? There will be plenty to choose from, but buy Gali's first ok? Sometimes I make myself LOL.

I hope you LOL too.

Stay tuned, more to come...