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Two months ago, my friend Ann dropped a Menday suggestion on me and at last it comes to fruition.
This week's Menday man is none other than dashing NBC news anchor Brian Williams.
I love him when he's serious. That furrowed brow.
That fliratious, easygoing smile.
Deep thoughts, man. DEEP. THOUGHTS.
And lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't include these bits of musical genius. Enjoy some MC B-Wills a la Jimmy Fallon's talented editors:
I went to Denver! I went to Denver! It was a quick trip for work and I didn't really have time to be a tourist, but it's long been a city I've wanted to see so I am still really happy to have made the trip. It's pretty beautiful there with actual farm country, cows on the side of the road included, and a vibrant downtown area. In fact, Coors Field, where the Rockies play, is set right in the middle of downtown and while I was stopped in some traffic, I actually could see right into the field and watched someone hit a homerun. I thought that was really cool. I didn't even mind the traffic after that.
So that clearly made me smile this week, and here's the rest....
1. Here's a weekend earworm for you. It's not even a new song, but I only just discovered it and I'm obsessed. Plus, Ricky Martin looks HOT in this video!
There's a "Spanglish" version somewhere but I prefer it in Spanish. I love their accents.
2. I took a survey a few days ago. They clearly believe in time travel:
I checked another box, though. My Delorean is in the shop. (It's still cracking me up!)
3. Have a look at this article, "35 Surprisingly Useful Websites You Never Knew You Needed" from Buzzfeed. I may or may not have played "Find the Invisible Cow" for several minutes this morning. I also very much enjoy and appreciate this website:
That's it. It just times you. It will either drive you crazy or help you find your zen.
4. Anyone familiar with David Bowie and Mick Jagger's music video for "Dancing in the Street?"
Despite it's cheesiness and strange homo-eroticism, It's a favorite of mine. You can watch the original here, but it takes on a whole new meaning with the music stripped out and some pretty awesome sound effects put in its place.
5. Last August, I posted this video of Christina Bianco, a wonderfully talented singer, gifted impersonator of divas and, it turns out, a fellow NYU/Tisch alumn:
I've followed her ever since. She's been touring in England for a while now but I kept hoping she'd turn up in LA... and she did! I was so excited to see her! I went with two friends the other night and she is every bit as talented in person as you might imagine her to be from her YouTube videos. And more. Omigod. We even got to meet her afterward and she was just lovely.
And you know I was over the moon when she sang this one:
I think her Celine is my favorite. Although the physical nuances she throws in doing Bernadette Peters and Liza are pretty priceless.
What, pray tell, made you smile this week? Share it with me in the comments!
Have a terrific weekend and don't forget to enter my giveaway!
Not so long ago, in a far away, exotic land called Hollywood, staff, press and bloggers gathered for cocktails, opulent decor and decadent eats in a historic dining establishment....
This Summer, world famous Hard Rock Cafe’s menu takes center stage as the brand shines a spotlight on their newly redesigned menu, following more than 14 months of culinary development, intensive research and guest evaluation. 14 months! I supposed when more than 92 million people patronize your business annually, ya gotta do some major recognizance.
And they held nothing back in presentation. We were treated to a private space with dish after dish to sample, accompanied by Chef Leonard Delgado’s descriptions and the charm of a company marketing executve (total girl crush alert).
After we began the evening with cocktails, including a flight of margaritas (above - the blue curacao), they brought out one of the best salads I've had in a while.
That right there is topped with craisins, feta and a perfect, light, lemon balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Need I remind you I love a Summer BBQ? I could live on this:
The hickory smoked goodness (ribs and chicken!) didn't even need the crispy onion strings but they sure didn't hurt. Even the cole slaw was delicious. (Cole slaw, I feel, is a totally underrated food. I love a good slaw.)
And I bet you'd never expect a terrific fish dish at Hard Rock, but they're giving you some salmon realness here:
I got brave. No joke -- it was the first time I ate asparagus in about 20 years. I had it in my head I didn't like it... But there it was, taunting me under that grilled salmon and perfect mashed potatoes. I had to do it. For the good of the blog. And I'm almost embarrassed to admit... I LIKED THEM!
There were sliders, wings, sandwiches, french fries, custom crafted cocktails, summer beer flights... It went on. I could post ten more photos -- it would scarcely do the event and menu justice.
But it would be an outright CRIME if I didn't get some dessert in your face. Apple cobbler, hot fudge brownie sundae, oreo cheesecake, salted caramel coffee, and this.
Oh hello, Twist & Shout Shake, my new friend with your Spiced Rum, Guinness, Crème de Cacao, chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream and salted caramel. And your whipped cream, caramel, chocolate syrup and BACON topping. Omigod, you guys. I wanna curl up on a lonely night with this beverage.
With a total of 181 venues in 55 countries, including 140 cafes, 20 hotels and 9 casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the most globally recognized brands. They put on a tremendous event for us and it's likely I'm only skimming the surface of the tribute the menu deserves. In fact, I ask you not to let the "chain restaurant" stigma prevent you from trying this delicious, new menu. The Hollywood location keeps some pretty late hours and there's so much else to do in proximity that it's an ideal spot to kick off or conclude a night out.
All the details can always be found on their website, of course. They also have a MASSIVE social media presence with pages for the brand as well as dozens for individual locations. I love to follow some of them on Instagram because food porn is the best.
Speaking of -- to view all of the photos I took as well as the ones Hard Rock provided, check out the entire album on Facebook! Be sure to comment and tell me which dish you want to try most! I have more than a couple favorites myself.
For the first 11 or 12 years of my extraordinary life, I lived in a San Fernando Valley suburb called Canoga Park, which still remains near and dear to my heart. So I am excited that celebrated Pasadena-based hot dog eatery Dog Haus has come to town, with its absolutely delicious and creative hot dogs, sausages, burgers, and one-of-a-kind creations. This location from franchisee Paul Homayoun is actually the 4th location of the emerging brand, which has plans for more than 50 additional locations to open soon. In SoCal, expect them to pop up in Burbank and Thousand Oaks, among others.
More throughout California, Colorado and Utah will follow in the months to come. Dog Haus is taking over!
They certainly took over their parking lot. Who does that? This is just a cool touch:
Have you ever described a parking lot as adorable?
Anyway, MAJOR kudos to Dog Haus. Not only were they kind enough to have me out to try some grub, they generously hosted my parents as well. When I was a kid, going out for hot dogs at one of the locals was a really big deal - we loved that. So this meal was really served with a side of delightful nostalgia and I really love the whole Dog Haus family for that.
But enough of my sentimentality because you have got to see this food. (Well, what you really need to do is taste it, but please try not to lick your monitor. Let's save that for the Menday posts.)
This ain't yo mamma's hot dog:
The Cowboy is served with white American cheese, smoked bacon, crispy onions and BBQ sauce. It. Was. To. Die. For.
There are other crazy concoctions on the menu like the Sooo Cali with arugula, tomato, crispy onion, spicy basil aioli and avocado, but I wanted something even more outside the box. And so next, check out The Pig And The Fig:
Yes, those are sliced almonds. They are sitting on top of an emmentaler stuffed sausage with a fig and onion relish, arugula and whole grain mustard. I did not know if I would like this when I quickly decided to order it but actually, it was INSANELY good.
And we felt like we needed to give the burgers a try. Especially when we read the description for their famous Freiburger:
That would be a delicious burger, topped with white American, cole slaw, mayo, a fried egg and - wait for it - FRENCH FRIES.
I know I'm lacking for diversity in adjectives here but how else can I describe this? It was INSANE.
Get a side of tots, too. Don't be shy. Make them chili cheese tots and thank me later.
And you'll want to save room for dessert. Because their SALTED CARAMEL MILKSHAKE is PERFECTION.
As my mom said, it's just the perfect amount of.... everything.
And omigod, I saved this for last. THE BREAD. Oh dear sweet baby jesus, THE BREAD. Everything is served on King's Hawaiian buns, which was a GENIUS move. Have you ever had it? It's a sweeter bread that tastes amazing any which way you serve it, but my favorite way is grilled like it was on the Pig/Fig sausage.
If all else fails, rest assured that they even have a "build your own" menu, basically guaranteeing there's something for everyone. It is, quite literally, the only time you won't mind being in the Dog Haus.
Well shoot. Now I want a hot dog. I REALLY WANT A HOT DOG.
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Oh -- one more thing. GREAT NEWS, everybody:
Summer is officially here and the only thing hotter than yesterday's World Cup themed #Menday post is my BBQ -- who doesn't love a fabulous summer BBQ bash? Who's breaking out the margaritas already?
I was so excited to share this with you guys. I'm not much of a cook but I can definitely GRILL, thank goodness. And here comes the newest book from Better Homes and Gardens, FRESH GRILLING. Its packed with 200 grilling ideas that focus on preserving the refreshing “pop” of fresh produce, generating tons of flavor, and - my favorite - throwing things into the BBQ mix that may not have ocurred to you before! Ever grilled a dessert? Made a dip with grilled veggies? An amazing salsa? (Me either!)
Of course, the BEST part of any cookbook is the vibrant food porn. This book did not disappoint. The first time it was in my hands, I didn't even read a word. I just glazed over and went to my happy place looking at all the delicious photos.
Recipes include everything from apples to zucchinis, vegetarian to meat-lover, and appetizers to desserts. Burgers get crunchy toppings, sauces and marinades are improved with smoky fruits and vegetables, side dishes are no longer simple salads but charred veggie platters, and luscious fruits fill desserts given a punch of flavor from the grill. That was a cool find for me. I don't think "grilling" and "dessert" have ever crossed paths in my tiny mind. Genius.
The book has a lot of other marvelous innovations, in fact. And do not be intimidated -- they walk you through the basics and even include a produce guide in the back; every seed will be revealed! (Pun intended.)
The book is under $15 on Amazon and would be a terrific gift to bring with you to any upcoming Fourth of July bash. Plus, I loved it so much, I am giving away a copy! Enter below:
Summertime!!! Not that you'd notice a difference here in LA where it's been hot-as-balls (who came up with that expression?!) for a little while now. I recall some pretty sweltering days in February and March, in fact.
But the calendar says it's a new season and I thought I'd make this week all about it, if you don't mind. And what better way to kick it off than with the biggest thing in the world, taking place right this very minute?
Now, I'm gonna be honest with you, guys -- I can't get into soccer. And I wish I could because OMIGOD, HOT GUYS. Like really hot guys. I'm sure they are also talented athletes with big hearts but for my purposes, let's start this Summer off right by meeting all of our future boyfriends.
Soccer Boyfriend #1 - Miiko Albornoz, Defender for Chile:
Lookit! I mean, he's practically running at you for a hug, ladies. Let 'im have it.
Soccer Boyfriend #2 - Ezequiel Lavezzi, Forward for Argentina:
He wants to tell you about his tattoos. I wanna hear about the one on his left hip there...
Soccer Boyfriend #3 - Toby Alderweireld, Defender for Belgium:
That hair, though. Amiright?
Soccer Boyfriend #4 - Gerard Pique, Defender for Spain:
Sorry, Shakira. I'm stealing your man.
Soccer Boyfriend #5 - Glen Johnson, Defender for England:
Cheers, Glen. Come score over here.
I'm going to stop there because frankly, all this research is pretty tedious. I mean, looking up player photos and using just the right search terms to find the perfect photo... This is tough work, guys. I'm exhausted. I'm gonna need a nap. Or a cold, cold shower.
And tell me, please! Who's following the World Cup? Who did I miss?
I have no doubt there are a few bran reps out there in the universe hating on me right now and I'm just gonna own that and apologize right now. I always go into my relationships with brands with the BEST of intentions. Perhaps even better-than-best because I am so often the brand rep myself, but I've had some life changes in the last couple weeks and the blog has just suffered for it. So my apologies, everybody. I promise-promise-promise to catch up with all my obligations very soon!
But hey, it's Friday and I still gotta let you all know... WHAT IS UP.
Here are all the thing on the internets making me smile this week.
1. Damn you, Taylor Swift! I wanna hate you so bad but then you go and do something awesome like name your cat OLIVIA BENSON. OMG! I can think of no one more deserving than Mariska Hargitay's ass-kicking character on SVU. Well chosen. I shake my fist at you, TSwift.
For the best article on this hell-raising pet acquisition, I highly recommend D-Listed's piece on the matter. It is gut-busting hilarity.
FYI, her first cat is named Meredith Grey.
2. In honor of Father's Day being last weekend and in honor of anything just being sweet and wonderful, I insist you watch this precious video -- and I dare you not to tear up a little.
3. This. No words for it. Just... THIS.
You know you laughed. Don't even front. (I'd also like to point out that when this Vine is open in my web browser, the tab says "Embed Jesus." You're welcome.)
4. I love pie and I love pie charts. So this pie chart about PIE and DIETING from The Oatmeal pretty much made my day.
5. From the wicked geniuses at the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, I present to you, Brian Williams rapping "Baby Got Back." You're welcome in advance.
And lastly, not at all least....
6. THE KINGS WON THE STANLEY CUP! THE KINGS WON THE STANLEY CUP!
It was amazing.
There are a lot of really cool, unique traditions associated with the Stanley Cup. For starters, my favorite one is, when The Cup is initially presented after the end of the final game, each member of the victorious club carries the trophy around the rink. Following the season's conclusion, the team also gets 100 days with the cup, in which time they traditionally divide up its time among players, sponsors, coaches, etc. It gets passed around, always accompanied by a guard from the Hockey Hall of Fame. No joke -- there are just these guys whose only job is to watch The Stanley Cup.
I've been rather ravenous for hockey history lately and found this one article I loved, about all the zany things that people have done with The Cup while it's in their possession. Babies have been baptized in the cup, it's been taken up mountains, in saunas... and of course, Jimmy Kimmel Kings team members Alec Martinez and Justin Williams to make a killer Magarita in it:
I''m sure I'd enjoy the hell out of a Diet Pepsi in that Cup. What would you do with it?
Have a great weekend, everyone. Dream big.
Well here we are - another week, another man - and causes I can totally get BEHIND. (Although, I suppose I should be in front but who has time for semantics?)
So let me tell you about Stuart Reardon...
Oh hey there, Stu....
Stuart is a British Rugby player (SWOON!) and he's the spokesmodel for Axiom for Men, a socially committed skincare company that offers a unique line of hair removal, cleansing, moisturizing, and skin-tone balancing products developed specifically for men’s skin—whether they’re gay, straight, or anywhere in between.
Why am I writing about it here? I am aware most of my readers are female but I have to believe a lot of them have men in their lives who would love this product. And you may have skimmed over the best part there. Did you see "socially committed?"
You'll love this. I do.
When you buy any Axiom For Men product, they donate five percent of the proceeds to one of five selected LGBTQ charities including one my personal favorites, The Trevor Project. They are basically making it your SOCIAL AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TO LOOK AND FEEL AWESOME. Come on! (And we all know I will jump in bed with any organization, brand or company that supports LGBTQ causes.)
Speaking of "jumping in bed," let's look at another picture of Stuart.
INSERT OBVIOUS JOKE ABOUT DROPPING AN ANCHOR IN MY PORT HERE....
I mean.... I WANT TO LICK HIS ABS. (If you licked the monitor right now, I wouldn't blame you. Though, if you're reading this at the office, you may want to restrain yourself. My boss totally just gave me side-eye, but I think she'll understand when I flip the monitor.)
Look, you guys, I don't know what you're waiting for. Go buy the man in your life an Axiom For Men product. Do it and support some great causes. Do it because Stu wants you to. Do it because no one has ever looked so good in a pair of tighty-whities or a pair of jeans.
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P.S. For a really amazing spin on men's grooming products, you also gotta check out Axiom's campaign with Luna. No one else is doing this. IT IS AMAZING.
