Sunny and 75...or 85.

It's March and we're getting some 85 degree days here in LA.  For most people that means plenty of beach days but since I'm much more a pool person (and have one at my apartment), I tend to enjoy the day getting some work done and then taking a dip in the pool after catching some rays or getting in a work-out more.  Why not go to the beach?  Well, number one, I am DEATHLY afraid of birds.  No joke.  They scare the crap out of me and everywhere you look, they're surrounding you, especially at the beach.  Most people bring food to the beach and what does that attract?  Birds.  Second, parking is always a pain.  If you can even find it and then you're paying an arm and a leg.  We spent $40 just to park near Venice Beach a couple weeks ago.  That's a nice enjoyable lunch and drinks for two people!  Lastly, sand...it ends up everywhere.  I dumped my beach bag in my shower when I got home and I found sand in my bathroom for a week!  Enough with my complaining about my 'beach problems' because at the end of the day, it's an absolutely gorgeous wonder that I do enjoy on certain occasions.

Jamie & I at the Beach in Venice

That brings me to Spark's Birthday a couple weeks ago which started in West LA at Jamie and Spark's apartment for Brunch and Mimosa's with friends.  They had picked up some fruit and other snacks as well as Apple Fritters and Cinnamon Buns (Crack Buns because you won't be able to put it down, seriously) from C&M Cafe and they both were absolutely to die for!  Kalissa is a genius and if you haven't eaten there yet, you are definitely missing out.  She's got great sandwiches and breakfast options, everything from Pastrami to Vegetarian choices, and all that's in between, including sides, drinks, and desserts.  I've eaten quite a few items from the menu and loved or liked all of them!  She just started doing her Grandmother's cookie recipe and it's one of the best cookies I have EVER had.

After we had Brunch we headed to the beach, paid for our $40 parking space, and set up in Venice.  It was a perfect day, not too hot but just right to enjoy the sun without having to get into the very cold Pacific Ocean to cool off.  Once everyone else arrived we got a friendly game of Flag Football started.  I had thrown the Football around with some of Spark's friends and it had been far too long since I've done that because my arm was sore for days after!  I love running routes and doing the passing tree in the park; it's a great work-out and a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon after watching Football :)  Our team was winning at half-time so we took a little break for the teams to re-coup, grab some drinks and snacks, and welcome the newcomers.  

Winning at Half-Time during the Spark Bowl :)

Since I had to Bartend at Bar Lubitsch that night, I had to leave early but I was so glad that I went.  Spending the day with some awesome people, looking at gorgeous scenery, and playing Football, was totally worth my sand-covered bathroom, beach traffic, and just a few birds that we ran into.  In fact, I'm excited for our next Beach Excursion.  Who am I?!

*You can find more about C&M Cafe on their website right here: http://www.cmcafela.com/

How do you give back?

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has clearly gone viral and beyond.  It's brought awareness to this disease as well as donations from all over the world.  Although there's questions of whether all the donations will go towards finding a cure, you can't deny that it's raised millions of dollars and brought attention to the disease.  Whether you're donating for a cause like ALS, the Alzheimer's Association, or St. Jude's Hospital, or you volunteer at a Homeless Shelter, Children's Hospital, or your local Church, it definitely makes you feel like you're doing something for someone else in a selfless way.  So are all these videos out there to bring attention to the disease or for someone's personal promotion?  

I actually didn't watch the first and second round of Ice Bucket Challenge videos that were making their way onto the news, Facebook, and other media outlets.  I guess I was trying to avoid having to do the actual Challenge and if I wasn't watching, then I wouldn't be called out.  I certainly didn't mind donating, as I've done the Walk for Alzheimer's, I enjoy going through my closet and getting rid of things to take to a discount clothing store, or donating magazines to a women's shelter.  Then as this whole Challenge was getting bigger I did start watching some of the videos from celebrities and such, and sure enough, one of my best friend's from college challenged me to take the plunge.

You're supposed to complete this Challenge in 24 hours so the following afternoon when I got back from my four mile run and stair work-out, I figured that would be a good time to do it.  I grabbed a tray of ice cubes and a bucket and made my way down to the pool.  Los Angeles is in a drought so I didn't want to waste fresh water, so I filled the bucket up (making note that it had been played and splashed around in all weekend long, enjoyed by many), stood by the edge of the pool, and flipped that bucket over my head.  Yes, it was cold but the moment of chills is nothing compared to the suffering that takes place all over the world.  So if this could bring awareness or have someone donate to a charity of their choice or volunteer their time, then it's totally worth it!

We can all find meaning or moments that touch us, so find your truth and give towards that!

So you don't have the money to donate, then what about your time?  There are websites dedicated towards finding volunteers for tons of different activities based on the city you live in.  You don't have the time?  Then how about the next time you go through your kitchen and find that extra set of silverware, or are getting rid of a few pairs of shoes your children have out-grown, or are changing up your living room so those chairs won't match anymore, donate them to a shelter, or find a place that will find good use for them!  And if you don't have time or the money, share your smile as you walk down the street; it could brighten someone's day and spark something inside of them that they want to share their happiness and time with others.  There's a million ways to give back, and I can promise the feeling you have after doing so, can almost make you feel a little selfish because it feels so darn good :)

'Stealing A Man's Grill' Video Debut!

I'm excited to announce that 'Stealing A Man's Grill' music video has made it's debut!  Brad Coder, the artist, also wrote and directed the music video.  You might recognize him from his shark video that was rated the #2 video on MSN.com last year and has over 2 million views on YouTube.  You need to check it out!

We filmed the final scenes at the beginning of this month and after editing everything together, the video was released yesterday!  Lucky for me, I got to play two different roles in this video; I get to seal the grill and later I get to return it.  I'm playing good and evil, the best of both worlds because I'm definitely the type of girl you'd expect to steal a grill!

Our final days of filming were a lot of fun, as we got to enjoy the sun in Playa Del Rey and see Brad cry over his beloved grill's return.  We got in a nice little work-out running along the beach and got our groove on for the ending party scene.  Although, Brad was more excited about his grill than his bikini-clad heroines.

It was a blast to shoot this video and the song is super catchy...I think you'll enjoy it :)

Here's my original post for our first shoot of 'Stealing A Man's Grill': http://lyndseywegner.blogspot.com/2013/09/stealing-mans-grill.html

You can find Brad on YouTube and see his other videos including his famous shark video here: https://www.youtube.com/user/bradskillz