Lisa Lampanelli Makes Fans Laugh out Loud

Raunchy, yet incredibly hilarious, Lisa Lampanelli played the Brea Improv this weekend and was met with a large, enthusiastic crowd. I had never seen her live until Friday, but have laughed so hard I've almost peed my pants many times while watching her on TV. 

At the show, as always, Lampanelli's jokes were offensive to all (she spares no insult to any creed, race, or sex) but that's part of her charm. She makes everyone laugh at each other and themselves. People are usually fragile when the insults hit close to home; however, you can't help but crack up at every word this comedian spits out--mainly because you're so shocked that she went there.

I was absolutely entertained with the performance and will definitely purchase tickets next time she's in my area. In addition to pleasing the crowd while on stage, she's surprisingly nice. After the show she met fans and signed autographs, even though she only had minutes until she had to perform for the following show. That's rare.

If you haven't experienced the humor that is Lisa Lampanelli, watch a clip of her at the Flava Flav Comedy Central roast. 

Photo courtesy of: Insult Comic.

James Franco in the New Gucci Ad

Just say the names James Franco and I may swoon...a little too dramatic? OK, well the point is he's absolutely gorgeous. However, have you seen him in the new Gucci ad? I may be alone, but I must say that I'm not a fan.

Let me explain. The fact that the music in the background is lounder than him when he speaks makes the whole video a bit cheesy. Like they're trying to make him too seductive. BUT, if you play the video on mute, it's still entertaning to watch ;)

Take a look for youself...


What do you think?

This Month's Look for Less

Accessory Bug has done it again. They've featured a celebrity style look-alike for hundreds less! Cameron Diaz was spotted with a $1,115 Barbara Bui bag (above). Isn't is marvelous? I'd say so! But even better--the alternative style that retails on their site for $51.99 (below).

Also featured this month at Accessory Bug: four purses for under $30. And my personal favorite, the Black Hamptons Style Faux Leather Tote for $48.99 that looks very similar to the Coach Heritage Stripe Tattersall Tote that retails for $298. This month the bag is free if you spend over $100 on the site and use the code: bagofmonth.

Want even more savings? Enter the code skool08 to receive a 10% discount from now until 10-31-08!

Photos courtesy of: Accessory Bug

Gwen Stefani Gives Birth to a Baby Boy

The good news: Perez Hilton reports that Gwen Stefani has given birth to a baby boy (a scheduled C-section at Cedars Siani Medical Center in LA).

The bad news: Hilton also states that the little bundle of joy was named "Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale."

Really? I think that "Kingston" is an adorable name, representing Gwen's love for Jamaica. That's very cool. And we all know that celebrities are out there when it comes to naming their children. But this just seems a little much. Did she make those names up? Or do they stand for something? If anyone knows, please enlighten me!

Either way, I'm sure that the little guy will be adorable, just like the rest of the family.

Speaking of Kingston, yesterday he had a play date with Britney's boys. x17online has some pictures of the rascals rompin' around Spears' estate in Bev Hills.

Side thought: What an amazing music collaboration would Brit and Gwen be?!

Breaking News: According to a KIIS FM report (the Los Angeles radio station that's home to Ryan Seacrest), Zuma is where the musicians conceived their child. So does that mean Zuma sushi restaurant in London, or Zuma Beach in LA? I hope the latter! And as far as the name Nesta, that's Bob Marley's middle name.

Now it's all beginnig to make sense!

Photo courtesy of: The Insider

Hello Kitty + M.A.C.= My Own Slice of Heaven

Today I was browsing blogs and came across a wonderful site, Glam-a-rella. While enjoying the posts, I was thrilled to read about my makeup must-have, M.A.C., teaming up with my favorite feline, Hello Kitty! Are you kidding me?! That's a match made in heaven...at least in my little world =)

Although it's only a rumor at this point, New York Magazine seems convinced that the collection is a big possibility. They

contacted M.A.C. who neither confirmed, nor denied, that the collaboration would be available in 2009.

I think that it's a great idea. Not just because of my 

self-professed love for the two things, but because they are so popular individually that they're sure to be a hit when packaged together. Plus, I think it's smart marketing for the cosmetics line. 

Putting Hello Kitty on their products are sure to draw in younger clients. And if these younger buyers are new to makeup, there's a good chance they'll get hooked on M.A.C.

What are your thoughts? Would you buy items from the collection?

Photos courtesy of: FreeMacMakeup.com and Webweaver

Disney Couture

Ever since I saw Nicole Richie wearing a Disney Couture bracelet months ago (similar to the one pictured below), I have loved the line. All of the pieces (from necklaces to earrings) are adorable. They are feminine and, of course, provide the Disney appeal that most ladies never really grow out of. Hey, I'll be the first to admit that I still hum the songs from "The Little Mermaid" now and again.

(Tinkerbell Mint Leather Wrap Bracelet w/ Tink Charms $102)

What I love about Disney Couture is that the items in the collection are appropriate for women who are grown up, yet still love their childhood characters and stories. Some pieces are dainty and other are more edgy, so there's a little something for everyone.

(Tinker Bell, Skull, Star Earrings $48)

I recently saw some of the brand's pieces at Kitson, but have yet to buy an item for myself. Do you own a piece of Disney Couture?

Photos courtesy of: 80spurple.com

My Mission Beach Getaway

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending a girls' getaway with some ladies from my family. As we are all Southern California women, we headed to a local hot spot--Mission Beach. A San Diego community, this location was perfect for our group. For four days we enjoyed the sun and surf, not to mention perfect weather.

In addition to lounging around and shopping in quaint seaside boutiques, we also had the opportunity to kayak in La Jolla (also a suburb of San Diego). The company that we went with, appropriately named La Jolla Kayak, was fantastic!

Our tour consisted of taking the ocean waves head on to get up close and personal with Leopard Sharks, Sea Lions, and Garibaldi (the California state fish). Also exciting, riding the kayaks through the caves and viewing the spectacular mansions that sit along the La Jolla hills. We even caught a peek at the grandiose abode of the Ralphs owner!

The kayaking rates are quite reasonable and I suggest partaking in this activity (no matter what ocean you have the opportunity to do so in).

Photos courtesy of: VirtualTourist.com and La Jolla Kayak

A Southern California Wedding

Yesterday I had the pleasure of assuming the title of maid of honor for my friend, Melissa's, wedding. We had a blast, it was a beautiful celebration! Here is some insight to the locations that were utilized for the wedding, from dress stores to the reception.

(This will only apply to those who reside in Southern California, however, the second half of my post will be insight for everyone.)

-Castle for Brides in Huntington Beach: DO NOT GO HERE TO PURCHASE A DRESS! Whether it's the bridal gown, or a dress for a bride's maid, it's a bad idea. The service was horrible. I had many problems. I won't get into all of them, but I will mention a few. I was charged $800 for a dress that costs about $150. Yeah, big ordeal. Then my dress was given to someone else, and I didn't receive it until 3 days before the wedding. And that is after they alterations that I told them not to. I could go on and on...


-Wayfarers Chapel in Palos Verdes- The location was amazing. A glass chapel on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the setting was picturesque to say the least. Although the chapel was modest (only holding 100 people), the fact that the building was made of glass made the small guest list well-worth while. If you were a fan of the TV series "The OC," you may recognize this setting. It was used to film a wedding and a funeral during the show's short lived popularity.


-Simon's at Ports 'O Call in San Pedro- Right on the harbor of the biggest port in Southern California, this restaurant serves as a banquet for many special occasions. Perfect for a guest list of 150, there was plenty of room for dining, dancing, and mingling.

(Now here's where the story is useful to all.)

For the centerpieces, a bright assortment of flowers sat spectacularly in a vase filled with limes cut in half. The favors were an extreme expression of both the bride and groom: a CD comprised of the couple's favorite songs. An added touch, the CD was decorated with a picture of the pair.

Weddings are horrendously expensive, but my friend's dream day was achieved with some research, advance planning, and compromise. Aside from my dress dilemma, the whole experience was pleasant.



Photos courtesy of: Seeing-Stars.com and my camera (at the reception)...don't have the professional pictures yet =(

Get Paris Hilton's Swimsuit at LIsa Kline

Have you seen Paris Hilton's video on FunnyOrDie.com? She is mocking John McCain due to one of his campaign ads that features a clip of Hilton (and Spears). Personally, I think Paris has no reason to be upset, the advertisement simply called her a celeb--hey that's free PR. But anyways, she wasn't happy about him using her image (possibly because she didn't like the message that was being given) and felt it necessary to make fun of the presidential nominee. Here's the clip:

Despite the fact that the video really isn't that exciting, something that did spark my interest? The hot swimsuit that she's sportin'. It's a Geftaki Gef-Animal Attraction Maillot and retails at Lisa Kline for $135. To purchase the suit, head over to Lisa Kline or visit their Web site.

Photo courtesy of: Lisa Kline

Christina Applegate's Cancer Battle

Christina Applegate graces the latest cover of "Us Weekly" and the headlines are pretty shocking. The "Samantha Who?" star has been diagnosed with breast cancer. No stranger to the disease, which her mom experienced when Applegate was a small child, some of her closest friends explain that she is prepared to fight it with all she's got.

According to Lance Bass, "She is doing amazing and can fight any challenge life throws at her."

Personally, I love Applegate. I thought she was hilarious in "The Sweetest Thing." I admit I haven't seen her (relatively) new show, but I have been wanting to catch it. 

Photo courtesy of: Us Magazine

Multi Leo Heart Bracelet by Betsey Johnson

I have to take the opportunity to gush about some awesome jewelry that I received for my birthday yesterday: the Multi Leo Heart Bracelet and matching necklace by Betsey Johnson. The pieces are fabulous! The necklace is dainty and incorporates a double chain with pearls, and the bracelet is a bit more funky. Worn together, the pieces will certainly spruce up any outfit.

As a Leo, the jewelry and its name is fitting for my astrological sign. It's gold, regal, and definitely commands attention. How can I not feel posh wearing this pieces?

I must also say thank you to my Beauty Chat and PlasticSurgery.com co-workers who all pitched in to get me a gift card to my fav store, H&M!

Photos courtesy of: BetseyJohnson.com

Marilyn Monroe: More than a Distant Memory

In addition to being my 25th birthday, today marks the anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s death. On August 5, 1962, Monroe was found dead in her Brentwood, California, home. There are many speculations as to the cause of her departure, and I am a firm believer in the conspiracy theories (especially the one involving Bobby Kennedy), but I won’t get into that!

The world may never actually know how the screen legend spent her final hours on this earth, but one thing has remained true since that fateful day 46 years ago; Monroe embodies a gorgeousness that many women still appreciate. She was much more than just a bombshell. Despite the fact that the beauty was Hugh Heffner’s original pin-up girl in the first issue of Playboy Magazine, she was also a vulnerable woman looking for love. The love, presumably, that she lacked as a child.

Born Norma Jean Baker, the legend who would later become known as Marilyn Monroe, had a difficult life. She never knew her father, and because of her mother’s mental condition, she grew up in orphanages for a good part of her childhood. Subsequent to marrying young and taking a job at a factory during World War II, she was discovered by a photographer and began modeling. Soon thereafter, she was acting under the name “Marilyn Monroe” (using her grandmother’s last name).

Continue reading on Beauty Chat

Photos Courtesy of: MarilynMonroe.com and HubPages

My 25th Birthday Celebration in L.A.

OK, so I got the Mac and now my blog postings should be resuming back to the normal pace! 

Over the weekend my friends and I celebrated my birthday (which is actually tomorrow, the 5th) in the magnificent city of Hollywood, West Hollywood to be exact. I love that part of L.A., everything is so trendy and fast-paced. So, what better a location to celebrate my 25th birthday--or as I call it, my quarter-life crisis?

(Roberston Blvd.)

We started the weekend off with shopping on the famed Robertson Blvd., home to Lisa Kline and Kitson (both of which we visited). Lisa Kline is more of a upscale boutique, while Kitson is full of random items ranging in price. After we were finished browsing the shops, we checked into our room at The Grafton on Sunset. With a prime location on the Sunset Strip, we were set for a great weekend.

(The pool view at our hotel)

To make the festivities simple, we ate dinner at the hotel and also partied there as well. Balboa, the establishment's classy restaurant, had delicious food. Definitely worth the pricey fees. And BOA, the bar/lounge, provided a sleek, sophisticated atmosphere. However, my good friend and fellow Beauty Chatter, Sarah, and I wanted a little more action than the location provided. We decided to explore the city and walked around a bit, taking in our surroundings. Sunset was so alive, despite the wee hours of the morning.

(The girls at BOA)

Finally we headed back to The Grafton and called it a night. The next morning consisted of sleeping in, then heading over to The Waffle (on the corner of Sunset and Vine) to enjoy brunch seated outside at a sunny table. I adored the atmosphere, it was very relaxing--perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I love Los Angeles! It was the perfect location for my birthday celebration!

Photo credits: Citysearch, Hotel-Rates.com, and my camera