The Traveling Diva » Pamper Me Green

Las Brisas: Pacific Ocean Views and Rose Gardens

Contributing Diva — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:24:23 +0000

By Angela Rocco DeCarlo

Warning: This is not an unbiased review. I love Las Brisas Restaurant for its incomparable location. The place is quaint, just comfortable enough to satisfy, with flashy rose gardens in seasonal bloom, but make no mistake, it is the ocean which holds pride of place. It sits on a promontory overlooking the sun-dappled Pacific Ocean, with curving Laguna Beach to the south replicating vistas of Italy’s Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, our families’ ancestral home.

For us former Chicagoans, the place, especially in January, represents a fantasy of beauty and breezes (hence the name The Breezes) to which we’ve brought our most beloved family and friends. Our Chicago-born fathers, Mike DeCarlo and Pete Rocco, taking their first plane ride in their 80s, relished the experience of eating in sunshine on a winter day. My sister, Christine, and others have shared our delight in merely being in this sublimely spectacular spot. Native Californians cannot fathom the depth of pleasure experienced by we cold-clime folk, who find ourselves squinting into the winter sun as we munch delicious Las Brisas nachos on the terrace. We can almost feel we’re again visiting fabled Positano, Italy, seated on the terrace of the celebrated San Pietro Hotel. The scenery is that similarly spectacular. Any visitor will respond favorably to the sensual charm of the area.

We are not alone in our devotion to the Las Brisas experience. The Southern California landmark began in 1938 as the Victor Hugo Inn. It became Las Brisas in 1979, and has been a magnet for visitors from all over the world, not just Chicago. Having on-property valet parking is no small thing in a beach town with limited street parking.

Of course the food is lovely, the calamari is particularly delicate and flavorful with a soft garlic lemon butter sauce ($10.25) that is a fine introduction to whatever comes next. On one recent visit we had our favorites on the patio -fish and chips and cheesy nachos -yummy. The patio has its own menu, separate from the inside dining room. Last week the couple seated next to us on the patio were visiting from Naperville, Illinois, a town near our former Downers Grove hometown.Noticing my Cubs bag they struck up a conversation and we had the most pleasant time talking about our rotten-weather Chicago and how glorious is Las Brisas.

Reservations are taken but the promise of a window seat is withheld. Therefore to increase your chances of unobstructed ocean views try going on a Monday when there is more opportunity to snag a window table to catch sight of the pelicans fishing for their lunch or if one is lucky seeing dolphin play dates carousing in the distance. There is an outcrop of rocks off the gazebo viewing area which is home to marine birds and mammals- I think they may be seals.

The place offers Mexican Riviera seafood dishes, as well as beef and chicken entrees for breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch and cocktails. My lunch dish of four large sea scallops sauted in spicy chardonnay with garlic butter sauce and wild mushrooms was marvelously fresh-tasting and flavorful ($17.50). I’ve enjoyed the Ensalada de Primavera, substituting romaine for the spring greens but keeping the caramelized walnuts, pear, cranberries, feta cheese with a citrus-ginger dressing. ($6.50). Never having acquired a taste for alcohol I cannot speak for the drinks but I did notice margarita cocktails were priced at $9.50.

For those seeking every opportunity for beautiful vistas it is worth mentioning a small park with gorgeous views reached off Pacific Coast Highway by turning right (if you are driving south) onto Crescent Bay St. Continue to the end of the cul-de-sac and park on the street. The little park provides wonderful views up and down the coastline. The town of Laguna Beach is filled with art galleries and other interesting shops. Begin and end at Las Brisas and you are sure to enjoy it all.

Las Brisas Restaurant
361 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-497-5434 – reservations online –
www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright, 2010

Flowers and Chocolate and Bears.. Oh my!

The Diva — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 06:31:33 +0000

What better way to express how you truly feel on Valentine’s day… than with a first class ticket to Europe or some fabulous crazy destination? Where ever your Valentine’s Day takes you this year, there’s always room for a little chocolate and flowers. For us LA divas, there’s a great idea for your out-of-the-norm chocolate-and-flower-filled event. For Valentine’s Day, make him work a little harder.. and boys.. she’s worth it! Take a look at the outstanding gifts that are sure to bring asmile to any diva’s face!

SEED Floral Couture announces their newest Valentine’s Day collection now available, featuring exquisite hand crafted gift boxes for your loved ones. Each gift box features incredible floral designs with romantic color palettes incorporated with gourmet chocolates, scented candles, unique vases and more. All gift box materials are eco-friendly, and designed with certified organic flowers. Owner of SEED Floral Couture, Stephanie Elhayani is the visionary behind each design and can work with each client to customize their gift box purchase. New customers can receive 10% off their first purchase. Delivery is available in the greater Southern California area only.
“Every arrangement, whether romantic, classic or hip should communicate a unique sense of style, ” says owner of SEED Floral, Stephanie. “These boxes were designed to give your sweetheart a very memorable and unique way of saying I love you!”

Owner Stephanie Elhayani discovered her passion for floral design while she was a sophomore in high school. It was as if she had found love at first sight when she responded to the “help wanted” sign at the neighborhood shop and decided to work there part-time for four years. It was during those four years that she began planting the SEED of passion for floral design. She has traveled all over the world designing for all different cultures and occasions and works with many large corporations, celebrities and organizations who use her services on a regular basis.

SEED FLORAL

310.770.7224

http://www.seedfloral.com

Taste of Playa Festival welcomes US Travel Channel host Mark DeCarlo

The Diva — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:30:12 +0000

Taste of Playa is an annual culinary event in Playa del Carmen that celebrates the creativity and cultural influences of chefs throughout the Riviera Maya. The event promotes the unique culinary perspectives of local chefs, highlights new event venues and coordinates the efforts of local businesses and municipal governments. In 2009, Taste of Playa captured the attention of national and international media and showed the spirit of multi-cultural cooperation that defines the modern Riviera Maya.

International culinary festivals are held throughout the world, with each host city highlighting the chefs, restaurants and retail food outlets that define the culture of the area. Playa del Carmen is renowned for its diversity, its international influences, its culinary expertise and its Caribbean lifestyle. The restaurants and food industry have played a major part in the development and definition of the Riviera Maya. This event provides local businesses with an opportunity to showcase the expertise of their talented chefs.

Originally named Xaman-Ha (waters of the north) by the ancient Maya, modern day Playa del Carmen is the heart of the Riviera Maya. Located on the coast 40 miles (60 kms.) south of Cancun, Playa, as it is now commonly known, is the perfect base of operations from which to explore the incredible sites of this fascinating region. Famous for its pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and Caribbean lifestyle, Playa del Carmen is a place for those in search of an extraordinary vacation destination. The friendly people, the vibrant indigenous culture, and the remarkable biodiversity all contribute to a unique travel experience that will stay with visitors long after their suntan fades. Once a quiet seaside fishing village, Playa del Carmen has doubled its population in the past decade, attracting new residents from around the globe. Europeans, South Americans, Americans and Canadians have discovered this little slice of paradise, and have set up permanent homes as well as a myriad of internationally influenced businesses.

The event location, Parque Fundadores, commemorates the Founders of Playa del Carmen and is a significant historical location within the city. Originally a community gathering spot where residents obtained their water, food and basic living essentials, this seaside location was the market hub for the then small village. As the population grew and the city expanded, the park evolved into a center for entertainment and events, with local businesses and vendors setting up shop around this central point. The current Municipal President, Prof. Roman Quian, has brought life back into this important community area and rejuvenated the site under the program ‘Rescate de los Sitios Publicos’. Playa del Carmen’s only beachfront park has been thoughtfully renovated to include public seating and shade, a play area for children and their families and a beautiful bandstand. The local vendors have remained, selling their wares, just as they have for generations.

The event is scheduled for November 21, 2010 in the Parque Fundadores from 3 pm to 9 pm. Local businesses and sponsors are supporting the operations of this food focused event, leaving chefs free to concentrate on the execution of their creations. Government and media support will promote this festival to local residents and tourists alike, inviting everyone to sample creations that normally they may not have the opportunity to enjoy.

Admission to Taste of Playa is free to the public with all inclusive VIP Passes and Taste of Playa “Pesos” available for sale. The Taste of Playa Pesos are used to purchase the signature dishes offered. Samples will have a value of 1 or 2 Taste of Playa “Pesos” (10 to 20 pesos in value). Taste of Playa “Pesos” and VIP Passes may be purchased at the event, ordered in advance or purchased online.

In addition to sampling dishes from some of the best culinary talent on the Riviera Maya, festival attendees will be able to shop at the Taste of Playa Marketplace. The Marketplace is the event’s retail outlet where each year, a collection of food merchants will be invited to promote and sell their specialty food products. This venue proudly showcases a variety of local small businesses whose products will contribute to the overall experience of the event. Tourists and residents alike will have the opportunity to sample and purchase distinctive items and regionally prepared products.

The event schedule has the media entering at 2 pm in the press area, VIPs and Corporate Sponsors at 2 pm and general admission at 3 pm. The event closes at 9 pm.

Corporate Sponsors for Taste of Playa 2010 include:

Title Sponsor: Habanero: Chili Piquin: LocoGringo.com, Yucatan Holidays Serrano: Grupo MSM Alquiladora, Wanna Lounge Chipotle: Deli-Playa, Acanto Condo Hotel, Mayaqueb Constructor Jalapeno: Buy Playa Real Estate Advisors VIP Lounge: Wicky’s Restaurant and Beach Club Poblano: Cultura Culture Xactic: Buy Playa Real Estate Advisors, Abyss Dive Center, Latido de Mexico, Playa Rentals, Hotel Tropical Casablanca, Yoga by the Way, North American Standards, Latin Latitudes

An up to date list of Sponsors, Restaurant and Marketplace participants will also be available on the webpage at www.tasteofplaya.com/restaurants and www.tasteofplaya.com/sponsors.

This year, the organizers of Taste of Playa 2010 have signed on a celebrity host, Travel and Food Expert, Mark DeCarlo, to team up with local chefs during the event. Mr. DeCarlo, host of the hit comedy/food show on the Travel Channel “Taste of America with Mark DeCarlo”, traveled the United States collecting recipes and characters for over four seasons. All the best morsels from his travels appear in his new book, “A Fork on the Road: 400 Cities One Stomach”, published in September 2010 by Lyons Press which will make its Mexico debut at the event November 21, 2010. As he moves across North America, Mark’s traveling comedy and cooking show will be chronicled in daily Podcasts available to 60 MILLION fans via MSN and WhereTraveler.com.

Throughout the day, Mark will be conducting a series of food demonstrations with local chefs highlighting the unique recipes of the Mexican Caribbean, signing copies of his new book and sampling dishes from the 40 participating restaurants and beverage providers.

Each year, Taste of Playa will donate proceeds from the event to a local non-profit food or clean water program. The goal of the committee is to help develop and sustain community programs that will have a positive effect on the residents of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

Proceeds from Taste of Playa 2009 were awarded to Ak Lu’um International School, Playa del Carmen’s only non-profit learning institution. Funds raised by Taste of Playa 2009 provided the school with clean, safe drinking water for students, teachers and volunteers for the 2009/2010 school year.

This year’s donation will go to a new food education program implemented by the Rotarians of Playa del Carmen, in an effort to educate local children and families about the importance of nutrition, nutritional balance and the use of local produce and resources to maintain a healthy diet. The Rotary Club brings together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the cities and areas where we live.

Taste of Playa Executive Committee Members develop, execute and market this International Event.

The committee members for Taste of Playa 2010 are Nicola Inwood, Executive Chairperson and owner of Hotel Tropical CasaBlanca, Gabi Waldert, Graphics Committee Chairperson and owner of Playa-Rentals , Ellen de Jonge, Volunteer Committee Chairperson and owner of Yoga by the Way, Susan de Lima, Operations Committee Chairperson and owner of Latido de Mexico, Sherry Stevens, Marketplace Committee Chairperson and agent for One Stop Real Estate, Monica Hartlief, Restaurant Committee Chairperson and owner of Latido de Mexico, Mitch Gour, Sponsorship Committee Chairperson and freelance travel writer, Armando Elizalde, Finance Committee Chairman and owner of the online newspaper, MexicanCaribbeanToday.com, Michele Kinnon, Marketing Committee Chairperson and owner of Buy Playa Real Estate Advisors and Tyra Hamilton, Administrative liaison to the Executive Committee and agent for Yucatan Explorer. Each committee member has brought a unique set of skills and personal experiences crucial to the success of this exciting event.

The attendance for Taste of Playa 2009 has been estimated at over 3200 persons; which was comprised of local residents, tourists and media. The event attracted the support of 27 Corporate Sponsors. 25 restaurants participated, 65 volunteers supported the event operations, and 5 Marketplace participants sold their food items at the event. Testimonials from the event day are available at http://www.tasteofplaya.com/media/testimonials.html .

It is anticipated that 5000 people will attend Taste of Playa 2010, 65 volunteers will support event operations, 40 restaurants, 10 marketplace vendors and over 80 Corporate Sponsor representatives will participate in the event.

Date: November 21, 2010

Location: Parque Fundadores, Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico Playa del Carmen is located 45 minutes south of Cancun on the Mayan Riviera

Schedule: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. rain or shine VIP, Press and Corporate Sponsor entrance at 2 p.m. General Admission at 3 p.m. Event closes at 9 p.m.

Event Goals: To execute a culinary event in Playa del Carmen that highlights the cultural inspiration and influence of 40 local chefs, restaurants and beverage providers and 10 food retailers, with the portion of the proceeds supporting a local not for profit community food program

Event Format: Admission to the event is free and open to the public with food sampling ranging in price from 10 pesos to 20 pesos. Musical entertainment will be provided by DJ SOMOS. Various seating areas, family recreation areas, rest room facilities and shade will be provided for attendees.

Sponsors: LocoGringo.com, Yucatan Holidays, Grupo MSM Alquiladora, Wanna Lounge, Deli-Playa, Acanto Condo Hotel, Mayaqueb Constructor, Buy Playa Real Estate Advisors, Wicky’s Restaurant and Beach Club, Cultura Culture, Latido de Mexico, Playa Rentals, Abyss Dive Center, Hotel Tropical Casablanca, Yoga By the Way, North American Standards, Latin Latitudes.

*A fully updated list can be found on the Taste of Playa website.

Participating

Restaurants: Lol Ha Restaurant, Dirty Martini Lounge, Bar Ranita, Tequila Barrel Bar and Grill, Luna Blue Hotel and Bar, Fusion Hotel and Beach Club, Wicky’s Restaurant and Beach Club, Off the Vine, Babes Noodles and Bar, La Casa del Agua, Ula Gula, La Casona de los Vinos, Zabor, Zenzi Beach Club, Turtle Bay Café and Bakery, John Gray’s Place, Diablito Cha Cha Cha, Los Aguachiles, Canibal Royal, Carboncitos, El Bistro de La Tortuga, Season Bistro, Cocina 38, Café Tropical, Chez Celine, Xocolatier, Byblos, Gynn’AK, Mom’s Bar, SWEco, Era Ora, Aventura Restaurant by Mahekal Beach Resort, El Puerto Restaurant at Fairmont Mayakoba.

Marketplace

Participants: Sapori di Casa, The Little Mexican Cooking School, DAC, Hot Lips Hot Sauce, Sabrina Pasteleria Italiana, Ah Cacao Chocolate Café, Café Kawa, Mayan Fiesta Rum Cake Co.

*A fully updated list can be found on the Taste of Playa website.

Event

Statistics: The attendance for Taste of Playa 2009 has been estimated at over 3200 persons; local residents, tourists and media. There were 27 Corporate Sponsors. 25 restaurants participated, 65 volunteers supported the event operations, and 5 marketplace participants sold their food items at the event.

It is estimated that 5000 people will attend Taste of Playa 2010, 65 volunteers will support event operations, 40 restaurants will be providing food samples, 10 marketplace vendors will be selling food products and over 80 corporate sponsor representatives will participate in the event.

How Do You Spell Chicago– F-U-N !

The Diva — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 23:47:26 +0000

By Angela Rocco DeCarlo
copyright, 2010

The 1980 Chicago poster I’ve displayed in my home since relocating to Southern California in 1987, shows the city as a child’s crayon coloring exercise. Blue Lake Michigan and green parks are in the forefront while the rest of the US recedes to the Pacific. New York and the Atlantic are seen beyond Asia giving the artwork a vitality which amuses and refreshes, just as the real city does for visitors.

First-time guests are astounded by Chicago’s breath-taking lakefront, stretching for miles, awash in sailboats, marinas, pristine parks dotted with notable sculptures, fountains, all anchored by world-class museums set like glittering jewels into the vast parks. That’s the view from atop the Hancock Building…something not to be missed. It offers a superlative shoreline vista.

The sunlight bouncing off the lake, enhanced by the tens of acres of open spaces, gives the public buildings a fairytale feel, as though someone sketched them in watercolors. The openness of the lakefront owes a debt to Chicago architect Daniel Burnham. He designed among many projects, the lakefront parks, skyscrapers and the Chicago Columbian Exposition, 1893. Taking his cue from Baron Georges Haussmann, 19th century city planner of the old Roman city of Paris, which was entirely rebuilt to Haussmann’s designs, Burnham designed the city’s new look. Old Chicago was burned down in the Chicago fire, October, 1871. Burnham and the city’s leading citizens seized the opportunity to recast the city in more of a European style, yet, with strong American underpinnings. These were the people who were already collecting Renoirs, Monets and other masterpieces now found at the Art Institute. These vibrant successful Americans put their mark on the former swamp-city Chicawa.

We never tire of ‘going home” to drink in the energy of vibrant Chicago. In August we made our annual pilgrimage to take in a championship roller hockey tournament, see the museums and do lunch on the lakefront. We sampled a café in Millennium Park and delighted in being at the pinnacle of pleasure at the delightful Signature Room, on the 95th floor of the iconic Hancock Building, Michigan Avenue.

Of course, we paid our respects to the fabulous Impressionist painting collection at the Art Institute of Chicago. I’ve got the postcards of Renoir’s “Two Sisters – On theTerrace,” “The Rowers’ Lunch,” to prove it. In fact, my collection includes one of the miniature Thorne Rooms and the monumental Georges Seurat “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte”- which I obtain over and over. I also raid the gift shop for children’s art books. Always treasures to be found there. The thrill of being in close proximity to great masterpieces right in one’s own hometown encourages the soul to relish creativity. Our friends took in the new modern wing of the museum…a bridge too far for bad knees.

After seeing the paintings (“On The Terrace”is still on the back wall where it is not seen to advantage) we strolled a block north to the Park Grill, tucked under the lee of the stunning sculpture affectionately called “The Bean.” Sam, our waiter, secured a secluded alcove for our party of six old-time friends. It was relaxing and fun. The menu offers seafood, salads and pastas, as well as kobe burgers ($17),grilled turkey burgers ($14) and chicken wraps ($14.50). Opening with friedcalamari ($10.50) we tried salads and burgers – all declared delicious. For quality and ambience diners felt the experience was highly enjoyable.

The next day, my husband, Dan and I, selected the best lakefront restaurant for viewing the splendid scenes of Chicago– the Signature Room (as in John Hancock) on the 95th at the Hancock Building. Go in the daytime for spectacular lakefront vistas to four states: Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois. Looking like dollhouses in the distance one sees the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry and acres of gorgeous parks and marinas. Roof-top swimming pools down below on city buildings were curiously empty on that hot August day, as were the streets. Relatively little traffic was seen in what is the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile of North Michigan Avenue.

Looking like a child’s Lego playland was Navy Pier with its Ferris Wheel (George Washington Ferris’ invention was first seen at Chicago’s Columbian Exposition 1893) and other attractions, including Chicago River tour boats which go through the locks – sort of a mini-Panama Canal cruise. The locks and river reversal are a marvel of civil engineering. The reversal in 1900 enabled the city to send its sewage down to the Mississippi preserving the lake for drinking water. Construction of the Ship and Sanitary Canal was the largest earth-moving operation that had been undertaken in North America up to that time. It was also notable for training a generation of engineers, many of whom later worked on the Panama Canal (1904-1914). City and suburban residents get their water from the lake, and enjoy the best-tasting water of any metropolis.. The Signature Room’s special summer $15 buffet had packed the space, which gave it a big city vibe. Beautifully dressed families celebrating graduations kept company with office groups, shoppers, as well as cuddly duos. The room is elegant, yet, casual, with white tablecloths topped with white butcher paper. My lobster bisque ($7) was delicious. I was surprised by the oversized yummy Cobb lobster salad ($22). What thrilled most was the heart-stopping city panorama a foot away through plate glass windows: spectacular! After you enjoy the day sights, go back at night for dinner in this romantic setting.

To all this satin we added a touch of burlap by creating a cheering section for our Huntington Beach, CA, grandson, Andrew DeCarlo’s State Wars Roller Hockey Championship Tournament in suburban Darien, contiguous to our former home in Downers Grove. When Andrew learned where the games would be played…he said, “Oh, good, the family can come to see me.” And they did. From great-great aunt Gen DeCarlo DeMaio to Chicago Softball Hall of Famer great-uncle Peter Rocco and aunt Jen, to aunts, cousins and friends too numerous to imagine. It was great fun. Andrew, 10, of course, played on the California team (selected in try-outs). The well-organized and well-executed State Wars Roller Hockey Tournament, under Tim McManus’ management, paired teams from nearly 30 US states and Canadian provinces. It was declared “…best roller hockey tournament we’ve participated in…” by parents Michael and Lorena DeCarlo…sister Michelle loved collecting the state pins each player was given.

Andrew’s Div. 99 A CA team took the Gold Medal and Andrew played on the winning All-Star Team. My lifelong girlfriends fell in love with the little girl on Andrew’s CA team – Tanner Gates, San Diego, Ca. . Her long blond pigtails flew across the rink and even when three players tried to muscle her she fluffed them off. How wonderful girls today have these opportunities in sports. The entire tournament was exciting and greatly enjoyable. Chicago is a city of superlative action…I wouldn’t go so far as the new Mark DeCarlo book, “Fork On The Road: 400 Cities One Stomach,” which says…” if you are bored during the summer in Chicago, slap the loser in the mirror.” But he has a point. There’s an endless array of festivals, concerts, museum exhibitions all through the year…find your fun at www.cityofchicago.org and make your day.

###
Credit: Angela Rocco DeCarlo is a former Chicago journalist. Author Mark DeCarlo is her son. His new book, “A Fork On The Road: 400 Cities One Stomach” is available at bookstores and online and is based on his popular Travel Channel TV show “Taste of America with Mark DeCarlo,”
Copyright, 2010

American Idol’s Katharine McPhee to perform at Koffeehouse’s charity concert benefitting MusiCares®

The Diva — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:42:28 +0000

Featuring a night of singers, songwriters and music by Jon McLaughlin, honeyhoney, The Daylights, and Sixpence None The Richer

Koffeehouse is proud to present its 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” benefitting MusiCares® on August 7, 2010 at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. The evening will feature the most talented emerging artists and special guests with featured performances by Verve/Universal recording artist, actress KATHARINE MCPHEE, Island Def Jam recording artist JON MCLAUGHLIN, national recording artists HONEYHONEY, Los Angeles Indie-rockers THE DAYLIGHTS, GRAMMY-nominated SIXPENCE NONE THE RICHER, who will be reuniting at The Ford after a six- year hiatus as well as a special performance by award-winning cellist, TINA GUO accompanied by Marcelo. The event will be hosted by award-winning correspondent and host, ANGELA SUN of Yahoo! Sports’ Minute, Tennis Channel and NBC First Look.

Koffeehouse’s 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” is in official partnership with Los Angeles County Arts Commission and is sponsored by ABC7, KPFK 90.7fm, Univision, LA Weekly, LA18, and Fusicology. One hundred percent of the evening’s net proceeds benefit MusiCares, whose mission is to provide a safety net of critical assistance for musicians in times of need (www.grammy.org/musicares.com).

“When we started these intimate showcases in my backyard nearly seven years ago, we had no idea we would be participating in the promotion and production of so many high-profile concerts and music festivals years later,” says Koffeehouse Founder Jeremy Koff. “We’re extremely honored to have worked with so many talented artists and take pride in giving them a platform to share their extraordinary ability with the music industry.”

The pre-show will take place in The Ford’s Edison Plaza courtyard from 6:00-7:30PM and will feature a silent auction, picnicking and performances by some of LA’s most talented emerging artists including Terra Naomi, Freddie and Francine, Shawn Hlookoff and Jayme Dee. Picnic baskets and wine are permitted during the pre-show in the Ford’s entryway as well as in the Ford Amphitheatre itself.

Previous Koffeehouse “Evening of Independence” concerts have featured artists including Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Alex Band (The Calling), A Fine Frenzy (Virgin), Rocco Deluca & The Burden (Ironworks), Matt Scannell (Vertical Horizon), Tyrone Wells (Universal), MoZella (Universal), Trevor Hall (Geffen/White Balloon), Ryan Star (Atlantic), among many others.

Tickets to Koffeehouse’s 4th Annual “Evening of Independence” are $25 if purchased 7 days or more before the show and $30 thereafter. VIP tickets are available for $100 which includes pre-paid parking at The Ford, access to the VIP lounge—which includes an open bar and food, a mention of you or your company in the official event program, a gift bag full of goodies and the best seats in the house. Discounted student tickets and group tickets are also available. Doors open at 6:00PM. The pre-show runs 6:30-7:30PM. The main show starts at 8:00PM.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.FordTheatres.org or by calling the Ford Box Office at (323) 461-3673.

One Great Cause: the Venice Art Walk & Auctions Benefits Venice Family Clinic

The Diva — Mon, 17 May 2010 18:45:03 +0000

Saturday & Sunday, May 22 & 23

This is no ordinary art event! The Venice Art Walk & Auctions is a fundraiser for Venice Family Clinic, the largest free clinic in the country, and each ticket you purchase helps provide a medical visit for an uninsured person in need. (Purchases of art and tickets to Art & Architecture Tours go even further!) So bring a friend. Or two. Or ten. After all, taking care of the uninsured is good for karma. Click any of the links below for more information or to purchase tickets.

Art & Architecture Tour: Rustic Canyon: The Sequel
Saturday, May 22
Picking up where last year’s historic walking tour left off, Leo Marmol, FAIA, takes visitors deeper into this architecturally bountiful neighborhood, stopping to tour a fresh collection of homes representing the old and the new.
$175 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic, includes lunch and reception
Art & Architecture Tour: Architects’ Homes in Venice and Santa Monica
Saturday, May 22
Explore homes that architects and designers built for themselves in this self-guided walking tour along the border of Venice and Santa Monica.
$100 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic, includes reception

Art & Architecture Tour: Life and Style on Venice’s Walk Streets and Canals
Sunday, May 23
You can’t get more Venetian than this self-guided walking tour of homes on Venice’s charming walk streets and serene canals.
$100 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic, includes Venice Art Walk & Auctions ticket

Venice Art Walk & Auctions
Sunday, May 23
The Los Angeles Times calls it “the granddaddy of them all.” For this one special day, more than 50 Venice artists open their studios or create special exhibits in equally special spaces around town. Back at the school, the silent art auction collects works by 400 Southern California artists under one roof. Great Westside restaurants serve up the nourishment you’ll need to see it all, and there’s even free parking and shuttle buses.
$50 per person, benefits Venice Family Clinic

Tickets
Buy online at www.veniceartwalk.info or call 310.392.9255.

Discounts!
LACMA/MOCA/KCRW/KCET members receive a 20% discount on advance purchases of tickets to the Sunday, May 23, Venice Art Walk & Auctions only. Purchases must be made by phone at 310.392.9255 by 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 20, 2010. Please have your membership number ready.

One Great Cause
All proceeds benefit Venice Family Clinic, providing free, quality health care to more than 24,400 people in need through eight locations in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and Culver City.

EdenLA opens its doors to a greener LA

The Diva — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:35:48 +0000

Los Angeles is full of precious events. A social diva’s job is to get invited to the right ones. Our criteria varies, but always includes an element of fun, uniqueness and desirability. This week’s event: EdenLA, vino, furniture, and apparently.. a clown.

EdenLA and Los Angeles Magazine have announced an exclusive event Thursday, May 13 at 6:30pm with a night of tapas, wine and furniture! They are certain you’ll find them to be an amazing resource to clients of discerning tastes. Designers, architects and real estate professionals, amongst the area’s leading voices and VIPs will mingle surrounded by comfy furnishings and luxurious fabrics.

Those lucky enough to get invited can be seen and heard at:

edenla

11600 San Vicente Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
90049

Phone: 310-820-8109
Email: edenla@edenla.com

See you there! I’ll be the one by the clown.

Spa Week in LA, April 12-18, 2010

The Diva — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:28:35 +0000

In the wake of an urgent national debate on healthcare, Americans ended the first decade of the 21st century less certain about their wellness futures than ever before. In these unsure times, Americans are increasingly turning to alternative therapies to strengthen the body and guard against illness. The health benefits of the spa have never been more relevant, and Spa Week is proud to ring in the new decade by continuing to deliver the benefits of the spa at an affordable price to millions of deserving consumers.

The 12th edition of the Spa Week Event is slated for April 12th – 18th, 2010. In total, the nationwide Spa Week Spring Event will include 30 markets and a list of participating spas will be posted on www.spaweek.com by mid-March. The Spring Spa Week Event will bring $50 spa treatments to consumers at over 800 spas across North America. As always, the goal is to introduce a new generation of consumers to the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by opening up the spa industry to the masses. Spa Week has spent the last 6 years turning “wellness” from a mere buzzword into a healthy reality.

Thanks to the efforts of Spa Week and their Spa Week Spring and Fall Events, the spa industry now offers health benefits to an unprecedented cross-section of the American public. Since its inception, Spa Week has afforded hundreds of thousands of people the ability to heal, strengthen, and energize at the spa. Spa Week has dashed the old myth that the spa is where the rich and famous go to be pampered; thanks to the success of the Spring and Fall Events, over 350,000 affordable spa treatments have been booked and enjoyed by average Americans since 2004.

Never content to rest on past successes, though, each Spa Week Event brings the cutting edge of health and wellness technology to the average consumer. In addition to offering traditionally beneficial stress-busting and immune-boosting spa treatments like massage, Spa Week brings intensive, clinical therapies to consumers at the same $50 price point with hundreds of participating medi-spas all over the country.

As the healthcare crisis rages on in Washington, Spa Week’s mission to educate consumers to the health benefits of the spa lifestyle is more important—and more successful—than ever. Spa Week affords everyone the ability to experience the incredible physical benefit of spa treatments and therapies.

Spa Week was created and founded by Cheryl Reid, who hails from successful careers within the luxury spa industry and publishing spheres. Spa Week is thrilled to announce it’s 2010 Presenting and Title Sponsor: Dove Deodorant; National Media Sponsor: Allure Magazine; Exclusive Cosmetic Sponsor: Bare Escentuals; Exclusive Wine Sponsor: Rioja; Exclusive Destination Sponsor: Canyon Ranch; Exclusive Wedding Sponsor: The Wedding Channel; Exclusive Fashion Sponsor: Fashion Week Daily; and Exclusive Spa Association Partner: ISPA.

Content borrowed from www.spaweek.com

How to Have a Green Pregnancy

Contributing Diva — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:44:07 +0000

By Alegre Ramos

You are pregnant…congratulations! Like all moms, I’m sure you want to do everything possible to make sure that your baby is healthy, and going green during your pregnancy is a great way to ensure this. Here are 6 green living tips that will make a big difference in your life and your pregnancy. As of the writing of this article, I myself am almost 5-months pregnant and I feel great. Hopefully my tips will help you feel great too and help ensure that your baby is as healthy and happy as possible!

Eat green! You should be eating green both literally and figuratively. Get as many organic, whole foods into your diet as possible (whole foods mean foods that are as close to their natural state as possible.) Try and cut out any calories that are not filled with nutrients as they will not nourish the baby but WILL lead to excess weight gain. Eating healthy is probably the single most important thing you can do for your baby while you are pregnant.[1] It’s also supposed to be helpful in mitigating some of the “symptoms” of pregnancy. From my own personal experience (again, I’m just a sample of one), I have had no issues with nausea or cravings, no “pregnancy constipation” (which is caused by our digestion slowing down to squeeze the most nutrients out of our food) and my weight gain has been slow and steady. Also, when it comes to eating green you should literally be eating green foods. Folic acid, which is very important for avoiding certain birth defects, is easily found in most green vegetables.[2] I can tell you from personal experience, I’m a mostly-raw vegetarian, and when I had my blood tested my folic acid was very high. In fact, all of my blood results were very good except for Vitamin D, which brings me to point #2.
Check your Vitamin D. When you first get pregnant your doctor will do a blood work-up on you. Be sure to ask her if your work-up includes a test for Vitamin D also known as “the sunshine vitamin.” The studies on Vitamin D deficiency are pretty new (about 3-years old) but compelling and especially important for a developing baby. Vitamin D is actually more of a hormone than a vitamin and its deficiency has been linked to osteoporosis, depression, heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, parathyroid problems, immune function and even weight loss.[3] Even though I live in sunny Los Angeles and walk my dog for 20-minutes every day, my Vitamin D test came back severely deficient. There is talk about raising the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D, but one thing to keep in mind is that if you are dark-skinned, as I am, than you need even more sunshine since the melanin in our skin blocks the UVB rays that synthesize Vitamin D from sunlight. There are also Vitamin D supplements that you can take orally as well. Honestly, EVERYONE should be tested for Vitamin D deficiency. You’ll probably be hearing more and more about this as doctors are just now starting to realize how important Vitamin D is for our bodies. After giving me my test results my doctor had himself tested and was shocked at how low his own Vitamin D was.
Forget registering for your baby shower…get hand-me-downs! Kids grow quickly, in fact; they grow so quickly that many of the products they used can be passed down to many other children. My goal is to not buy anything new except for whatever fabrics or paints I may need for the baby’s room and maybe the occasional “special event” outfit (those holiday clothes are super cute!) As soon as my husband and I decided to get pregnant we started spreading the word that we would take any hand-me-downs that were 1) not subject to recalls, 2) in good condition and 3) made out of natural materials (except for car seats and strollers.) So far we have gotten 2 cribs (one is for my parent’s house who live very near by), an organic crib mattress, lots of cotton bedding, a solid wood rocking horse, a solid wood high chair, a solid wood rocking chair, a glider, 3 car seats, 2 strollers, lots of books and a changing table. We haven’t received any clothes yet because we don’t know the sex of the baby, but there is lots of that on the way too. Ask and you shall receive, it’s amazing!
Use green paints in the baby’s room. Most people end up painting their baby’s room. If you do, be sure to look for paints that are “no-VOC” or even all natural paints like Old Fashioned Milk Paint, made with lime and milk protein. These paints will not “off-gas” into the baby’s room creating a better breathing environment for your child. This is especially important for newborns since their lungs are the last thing to develop and will continue to grow as they grow[4]. AFM Safecoat and Yolo Colorhouse and excellent no-VOC paints that cost approximately $50/a gallon which is the same as other “high-end” paints.
Eliminate chemicals from your life. One of the most dangerous places in most homes is that cabinet under the kitchen sink with all the cleaning products. Make an effort to eliminate chemicals as much as possible from your life. Switch to earth and people friendly cleaners like baking soda and white vinegar or to brands such as Bi-o-kleen, Bon Ami and Begley’s Best to name a few. I try to buy locally so most of the brands I mention are West Coast based. If you are on the East Coast then Seventh Generation is an excellent resource for you. If a product smells toxic to you, it probably is toxic, and you might as well get rid of this stuff before the baby is born! Products to definitely get rid of include anything with heavy perfumes (often these masks dangerous chemicals like as phthalates), and anything with chlorine and ammonia in them. Also, be sure to switch to safer insecticides and pesticides such as boric acid and neem oil for around your house and in your garden.
Exercise. Exercise is great for building and maintaining muscle tone and stamina, for helping to moderate pregnancy weight gain and for helping to improve your mood among other things.[5] It can also help with constipation brought on by pregnancy![6] Regular exercise, along with a good diet, is said to help with many of the “symptoms” of early pregnancy, and from my own experience, except for occasional fatigue I have had NO pregnancy symptoms. Now, if you weren’t a marathoner before your pregnancy, now is definitely not the time to start training for one, but getting regular movement is very important for your pregnancy. Maintaining your stamina is especially important if you are going to go for natural child birth (which I am and will be sure to write about when it happens) since labor can be a very tiring experience and you want to be sure you have reserves of strength so that when your midwife or doctor says “you can start pushing” you still have the energy to push. Walking is a great, low-impact exercise. My midwife advised me to get up to 3-miles a day (about an hour of vigorous walking) if I could. At this point in my pregnancy I have been able to maintain my pre-pregnancy exercise regimen of yoga, weights, walking and elliptical training with no modifications.

Remember, every person and every pregnancy is different, so be sure to consult your medical professional before making changes to your diet and/or exercise regimes. The information in this article should not be taken as medical advice.

Alegre Ramos is a LEED AP interior designer and green living expert based in the San Fernando Valley. Her store, Green and Greener, is located in Valley Village and online at http://green-and-greener.com. Stay up to date on important green info by signing-up for her Twitter feed http://twitter.com/greenandgreener. Copyright Green and Greener 2010. All rights reserved.

[1] http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/women/pregnancy/basics/053.html

[2] http://vitamins.lovetoknow.com/Foods_High_in_Folic_Acid

[3] http://www.womentowomen.com/healthynutrition/vitamind.aspx

[4] http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/lungs/bpd.html#

[5] http://www.babycenter.com/0_seven-great-benefits-of-pregnancy-exercise_7864.bc

[6] http://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/fitness/pregnancy-exercise/?page=2

The 6R’s of Green (and Greener) Living

Contributing Diva — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:31:41 +0000

By Alegre Ramos
Most people can quote the 3Rs: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, however, since becoming a mantra of the green movement twenty-plus years ago, much has been lost in their meaning. In addition to being updated, the 3R’s needed to be expanded in order to make them more relevant to our modern life. What follows is the Green and Greener 6R’s for green living in the modern day. The most important thing to keep is mind is that the R’s, both the original version and ours, are hierarchical in their structure, meaning R1, reduce, has the MOST beneficial impact on the planet, and R6 has the “least.”

R1: REDUCE: which means reduce use of raw materials and energy by reducing consumption. This is the step that has the most opportunity for reducing your footprint on the planet. In some ways it is the easiest step since it requires no action; however, it does require a mind shift when it comes to shopping. A good way to start on your path to reduced consumption is to give yourself a “consumer time-out” when you find something that you like but don’t need. Don’t buy the item right away. Instead, go home and give yourself 24-hours to see if you really will use the item. If you go home and forget about the item, you probably didn’t really want it. If you can’t stop thinking about it, go ahead and give yourself permission to get it. If you find that too difficult, then buy the item but don’t use it right away and keep the receipt. If after a week you still haven’t used it, consider returning it. Reducing doesn’t just mean not buying things, it also means using your current resources more efficiently. For instance, reduce your printer margins to use less paper, drive 55 and get 20%+ more miles per gallon, use drip irrigation instead of sprinklers or buy used. Getting into the “reduce” mindset will really get you thinking differently about the way you live and use things and soon you’ll be finding ways to “reduce” that are easy but have a big impact.

R2: RESEARCH: which means that once you’ve decided you really need to buy something, do the research to buy the “greenest” option out there. Questions you should ask include: is the product made with recycling in mind, did the company who made it pay a fair wage in its manufacturing, is the product non-toxic, where was it made and can I get it more locally? Do your homework. This step will also help with step R1: reducing consumption because sometimes you might find that there is no green option out there and maybe that means you shouldn’t buy the product at all.

R3: RUN IT INTO THE GROUND: once you’ve decided to buy something, use it until it falls apart! I rarely buy something that I don’t plan on hanging onto for 10+ years. You don’t have to be that extreme, but if you buy something that you need and/or like that is a quality product, why not make the most of it? It’s better for the environment (by minimizing demands on raw materials and on energy use for production) and it’s HEAVEN to your pocket book.

R4: REUSE/REPURPOSE/REPAIR/RETURN: traditionally the second R was “reuse” which means to continue to give a product life beyond it’s perhaps short planned life, however, we felt that was a little narrow. So for instance, you are REUSING a plastic water bottle by refilling it with water a second time. However, you could also REPURPOSE it by using it as a bird feeder. Also, once something has broken you can make it useful again by REPAIRING it. The fourth option RETURN is something that was very popular back in the day which is to RETURN the product to where it came so it may be reused (for instance: glass milk bottles.) The benefits of RETURNING over RECYCLING is that the product doesn’t need to undergo an energy intensive remanufacturing (aka: recycling) process to be useful again. REPURPOSING can also be really fun in that it encourages you to look creatively at the resources you have. For instance, when we remodeled Green and Greener we took the old vinyl blinds from the previous tenants and applied them to the walls as a decorative finish and we turned old wine crates into speakers.

R5: RECYCLE: Only once you have exhausted the options above do we move on to recycling, which has gotten a disproportional amount of the 3R attention considering it is the lowest ranking of them. Recycling means: to take an object and use energy and resources in order to turn it back into raw materials for further manufacturing. While it’s better than throwing an item away, it still requires a lot of transportation and energy, so it’s not the cure all many believe. Almost anything CAN be recycled, the real question is: is it valuable enough that someone is actually doing it? Use the web to find out the what/where/how of recycling. Two good resource are the National Recycling Coalition’s site: http://www.nrc-recycle.org/localresources.aspx and LIME’s guide to “How to Recycle Everything:” http://www.lime.com/features/limes_guide_to_recycling

R6: RESPONSIBLE DISPOSAL: Once you’ve done everything above, you might still have some items to dispose of and the key is to do this responsibly. Remember that fruit, vegetable and yard waste doesn’t have to be thrown away; it can be composted (which is step R3.) Most metal, paper, plastic and glass can be easily recycled locally (step R4.) Other traditionally “trash” items have green alternatives such as biodegradable cellulose sponges instead of the synthetic variety and rechargeable batteries instead of single use. Items such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, single use batteries, prescription drugs, electronics and paint thinner are just some of the “household hazardous waste” (HHW) that needs to be disposed of properly in order to not contaminate the land and water in your area. It only takes very little mercury or leads to do real harm to ground water and you’d be surprised at how often these two metals show up in products! Check with your city’s waste pick-up for HHW drop-off locations in your area. Often, living a greener life means you will have fewer HHW items because you will have reduced your consumption of these items to begin with.

With a little practice the 6R’s will become second nature to you and will keep you and the planet healthier and wealthier. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the information, true change comes with time. The key is to do a little bit now and to grow from there. Remember, that big change comes from lots of people making little changes. So make your little change today!

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