The 5 Year Spectacled Beatle

Two weeks in a row of being early to Karaoke...yay!  Although, my preparedness didn't really matter because we didn't have enough people to sing for a half hour, but once we got started we had a really steady night!  Lots of great singers, lots of dancing, and even some country!  I spent part of the afternoon trying to find some new songs and material to sing, especially stuff that's out of my comfort zone, like Nirvana or Joe Cocker.  I've been wanting to try The Beatles, 'Oh Darling,' for literally, years, and while finding different covers of it, came across a version done by Sara Bareilles, and I loved some of the changes she made to the song, so I knew I could try something different, and hopefully, could pull it off.  I tried it and felt like it was very successful, a strong song, something the American Idol judges would be proud of, because I made it my own, but still respected the original.  It was a very complimentary night for everyone, Debbie was trying new music and dance moves, and I was trying to put more emotion into the songs, did 'Don't' by Jewel again, and would love to record that song, it's always been one of my favorites, and also did 'Listen to your Heart' by Roxette and 'I'm the Only One' by Melissa Etheridge, both by request!  Most of the crowd that wasn't even singing stayed all night long, so that's always a good sign that we're not turning away, or annoying anyone with the music.  I'm working Friday this week as well, so hopefully, it'll be a busy night and as successful as last night was!

My new specs B)

When I was home at Christmas time I had gone to see the Eye Doctor because I really needed new contacts.  I wear Gas Permeable's and have had mine for as long as I've been living in LA, and perhaps, even longer than that (so at least 6 years), and it was time for a new pair.  I do not have vision insurance so $250, my eyes majorly dilated, and new contacts ordered, prescription in hand, I was out the door.  Eventually I was going to have to pick out new glasses, and those were even older than my contacts!!  So this week I went to Lenscrafters to look for new glasses, and apparently in LA, it's designer or nothing.  After about a half hour, I had looked through all the glasses and had picked out a few pairs, and then a sales associate came to help me with the process, which actually meant, I was buying them that day.  Did she not know I like to browse, think about it, come back with a second opinion, and then buy after a week?  I let go of the control and about an hour later had picked out just the right pair, and an hour after that they were ready and waiting for me...another $250 later, and that was with a 30% discount!  I wonder how much insurance would actually cover and if it would even be worth it.  At the end of the day, I really like my new glasses, they're still classic but updated, and hopefully will last for the next few years!

Tonight, Morgan and I headed over to The Landmark Theater on Pico to see a Pre-Screening of 'The Five Year Engagement' with Jason Segal and Emily Blunt.  Lucky for us we were a half hour so we were able to grab a glass of wine at The Lounge beforehand and catch up.  The movie was just over 2 hours long, and could probably be cut down another 10 or 15 minutes, but was actually really funny!  There were laughs through the whole movie and the supporting actors were also really great.  I think the title of the movie is a little deceiving, because it turns the movie into a negative, one person continually putting off the engagement because he or she doesn't want to get married, but it's actually the opposite.  They both love each other and do want to go through with the wedding, but things keep popping up, and it just keeps getting put off, due to marriages, deaths, job changes, and babies.  There was no gross humor, just good honest comedy, and I'm a huge fan of Jason because of 'How I Met Your Mother' and this gave me even more reason to like Emily Blunt, she's quite funny, and I think her character seemed very much like herself in real life.  I really liked it and would have paid money to see it!

So that's the story of a Girl with Spectacles, seeing 'The Five Year Engagement', after singing some Beatles...The End :p

What did you do for Easter?

My Easter started out like every other Easter, getting ready for Church, picking out just the right outfit, and Sunday's choice was a floral dress perfect Spring the Sunny weather we have been having here in Los Angeles.  It was a fairly long Mass, but nothing compared to Good Friday where I spent almost 2 hours in Church, waiting to Venerate the one cross for the entire congregation, and sitting through a Sung Passion (which was actually very interesting and different, but extremely long).  I had walked into a packed Church, and luckily, a nice couple made space for me at the end of the pew.  I couldn't complain, beautiful music, smiles on faces, and happy kids!

My own Secret Recipe at Gabe's!

When I got back to the apartment I did some light cleaning and for the second time in a weekend got some Sun by the Pool...very rare for me since I get so bored just sitting in the sun doing nothing.  Since Lent was now over, it was back to Soda, Candy, Junk Food, Fast Food, and Hard Alcohol for me...although, not in that particular order.  I made a tropical cocktail whilst I sat by the pool: Passion Fruit Vodka, muddled Strawberries, Raspberry Green Tea, and a splash of Fresca.  Light and refreshing!

Then it was off to Gabe's to get my first Bloody Mary in a month and a half.  It was perfection and that's all I have to say about that.

Mmmm...junk food!

After that it was off to Rocco's in Culver City.  I hadn't been there since it opened (only to the one in Studio City) and was excited to check it out.  Made it just in time for Happy Hour and the Gin Cocktail and Mojito sounded amazing, so 2-4-1 it was and delicious they were.  Along with that, Neil and I ordered a White Pizza and some French Fries that came with Garlic Aioli.  Talk about amazing!?!  I had been craving Pizza and French Fries for so long, especially when Carolyn would order them at Gabe's when she came in to hang out, and I'd sit there, staring longingly at them.  Now was my time...and the perfect food for watching sports on a Sunday evening!

Happy Hour at Rocco's!

Since Titanic had come out in 3D on Wednesday, it was time to check it out.  It was already Sunday, and I needed to see it ASAP!  That was my 8th time seeing the movie in the theater, and what movie isn't complete without a Bucket of Popcorn, a Large Root Beer, and Sour Patch Kids.  Now, I love the movie, and was so happy to see it, but kind of disappointed with the 3D.  There were some blurry parts which made it seem unfinished, and the color was completely off when you were wearing the glasses, which you had to, because nothing was in focus without them.  I guess the 3D was more distracting than enhancing to me.  I wish they would have just re-released the movie, because I would have seen it that way!  Overall, it was an experience, but it was perfect the way it originally was, and didn't need all the bells and whistles added to it.

I had pretty much gotten everything I needed to eat out of my system...although a trip to Taco Bell, In & Out, and Jack in the Box are next on my list...I can wait a few days!  And surprisingly, I wasn't at all sick on Monday!  Everything in moderation :)

What's For Dinner? Part 6.

After an awesome Yoga session today at Yogaglo (I'm so happy that Jo is back and felt like I was walking on a cloud after class, so refreshed and relaxed) I wanted to make a really great dinner from scratch.  Originally I had thought about getting some fresh veggies and doing a light sauce with pasta, but then changed my mind to one of the first recipes I ever learned from my friend, Erik, who is an Italian Chef.  I could barely remember it, so I tweaked it a little and have made it my own.

Here are the ingredients for tonight's 'What's for Dinner?'

Summer Salad

1 Cup packed Arugula

2 Strawberries

1 Small Roma Tomato

2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

Pepper

Tortellini & Gnocchi in a Garlic Cream Sauce with Vegetables

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Cup Gnocchi

1 Cup Tortellini

1/2 an Onion

1 Cup Mushrooms

1 Zucchini

1 Apple Sausage

2 Cloves of Garlic

3/4 Cup Heavy Cream

3 Tbsp Goat Cheese with Honey

1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese

Salt & Pepper

This recipe cooks really easily and in less than 30 minutes.  I started with the olive oil in the pan added the garlic and sauteed until fragrant, then put in my chopped onion, and let that saute for a couple minutes while I chopped the zucchini and sausage.  Then I added in the mushrooms, zucchini, sausage, and salt and pepper to taste.  After letting that cook for a couple minutes I added in the heavy cream and let the whole mixture simmer until the sauce thickened.  Once it had thickened I added a quarter cup water along with the goat cheese and Parmesan cheese until it was melted and mixed together.  While I was making my base I had boiled water and cooked the tortellini and gnocchi till it was ready to be added to the cream sauce and vegetables.  Because it was a simple recipe I was able to throw together my Summer Salad easily, cut up the strawberries and tomatoes, and tossed them with the arugula and balsamic vinegar and topped it with some pepper.

Gorgeous colors!

Delicious :)

The recipe was just as good as I remembered it but better.  (This dish can also be cooked casserole style in a glass baking dish in the oven; my Mom has done it that way, and it's just as good)!  The sausage gave it a little sweetness along with the goat cheese which was INCREDIBLE!  I can't believe I hadn't tried the Honey kind before.  The whole dish was really savory and had great flavor.  I love when you can get a lot of vegetables in a sauce and everything just works together really well and has a ton of variety.  Heavy Cream does have quite a bit of fat, but I had one medium size bowl of the Pasta Dish and was full, and every once in a while, you need to splurge and enjoy a home-cooked meal, and I enjoyed mine with a glass of Chateau St. Michelle's Sauvignon Blanc :)

Can't wait to enjoy my leftovers tomorrow!!

 

Benjamin Banks!!

What an absolutely gorgeous week here in LA.  I went on a run on Thursday afternoon and even picked some Jasmine on my way back and it's been filling our apartment with a beautiful scent!

Today was in the 80's and as soon as I realized that, I was on my way down to the pool to get some sun.  It was actually so hot I was only able to bask in the sunlight for an hour.  I'm definitely not a laying out person, I get bored so easily.  I would much rather be swimming or playing a sport and just being outside in the beautiful weather, but just laying there or reading a magazine makes the minutes feel like hours to me.  Perhaps that is odd...but can you blame a girl whose parents took her to Wisconsin Dells every Summer and had a mini pool outside our house, a sprinkler, and a swing set, and would take outdoor swimming lessons, and I had a killer tan because I was playing the whole time!  Thanks Mom & Dad!

Benjamin and I getting to know each other!

This afternoon I went over to Ashley's to see her new pet Piggy, Benjamin Banks!  He just got to LA yesterday, all the way from Texas!  He was very active, playing with some of his toys, and smelling everything.  Once Ash gave me some Oats he came right over and eventually even nuzzled my face...that's when I fell in love.  He's basically already potty-trained, (Yay Ash) and just plays, sleeps, and eats all day long.  He's definitely going to put on his 3 pounds quickly ;)  He's just so tiny and cute, and makes cute noises, and yawns!  I can't wait to see him again soon.

Tonight I went into Gabe's to visit Johnny at Karaoke because he'll come in every once in a while to sing on my nights.  It was kind of a weird vibe in the bar, and as I talked to Debbie, she said it's always like that, I just don't notice it when I'm working.  Well, that's absolutely true.  I opened with Shania Twain and then sang Fontella Bass' 'Rescue Me,' which I haven't sang in forever!  Hopefully, some people that were in on Saturday will stop by on a Wednesday.   I did stay until just after Midnight so Andy bought me a shot since I can now drink Hard Alcohol again...yay for 47 days of Lent!  That Strawberry Lemonade shot tasted so delicious, I had to sip it, just to enjoy it :)

As I predicted, I don't think I'm going to feel so good on Monday...can't wait to eat all sorts of fun stuff on Sunday!

Anniversaries & Eggs

Wednesday was my 1 Year Anniversary of Hosting Karaoke at Gabe's!  On St. Patrick's Day 2011 I went into Gabe's with Carolyn and Matt and while hanging out, Amy, the Bartender, asked Carolyn if she knew anyone that could host Karaoke, and Carolyn said I should do it.  I laughed, because I had never Hosted Karaoke and had no idea what I was doing.  Even if I go to Karaoke, this would be totally different.  Amy said the other Karaoke Host would train me, and I would just fill in and work on occasion, and the rest is History!

We had a good night at Gabe's as I walked into a very busy bar.  The rotation was pretty short, but everyone was very excited to sing and everyone was a really good singer so that was refreshing as well.  One of the girls that was singing even offered to buy me a drink, which was very sweet of her.  I opened with a Pat Benatar song because I know I opened my first show with Benatar song because I always felt comfortable with her music, and I'm so proud of how much I've grown in the past year, spanning genre's and trying new artists that fit me even better.  My new song of the night was Jewel's 'Don't' which is one of my favorite song's of hers.  It was a great night of Karaoke and a perfect way to celebrate my 1 Year Anniversary!

Since I had the afternoon off after a busy week I got caught up on some e-mails and Castings and also watched some 'Celebrity Apprentice' which I actually really enjoy.  I like that they're showing all the aspects of the show, not just the business end, but the creative parts like graphic design, product development and advertising.  Of course, there's always drama in reality tv, and this show is no different since this season is all reality tv stars.  I'm not going to lie, I've been getting choked up every time the contestants present a check to their charity; it's just such a feel good moment!  I never thought I would like the show, but I'm certainly getting sucked in to it!

One of my little guys :)

Later, when I was hanging out at home tonight, I heard Colin come in to the apartment and Jess get very excited, and she told me I had to come out and see why.  Colin had gotten all the fixings to Dye Easter Eggs!  While Jess made dinner, we got everything ready, and after a very yummy meal got started on our eggs.  I haven't dyed eggs in a few years, but used to do it with my Mom every year on Good Friday after Church and it was always so much fun.  The longer you let the eggs sit in the dye, the deeper the color you got.  My Mom always made the prettiest ones :)  So here the 3 of us adults sat with dye and eggs surrounding us, glitter, stickers, egg holders, and the wax pencil.  We got started one by one and before we knew it, our dozen eggs were chilling and drying, an array of colors, with Colin mixing the dye to make the perfect color for his last egg.  (Which resembled more of an acorn, right Jess?)  After the eggs were dried we put some stickers on them along with glitter.  I believe Jess is going to make Deviled Eggs this weekend after we've enjoyed them!

Happy Early Easter!

DJ Elle Dubbs

Last night was Round 2 of the Canadian and Saint's & Sinner's Reunion at Irish Times!  I got to the bar and it was packed.  Our whole crew was taking up half the bar, and as I walked in, Truck aka Becky said I saw you on TV today!  What?!?  Apparently, my Kaplan College Commercial is now airing (my first Nationwide Commercial)!  She said she recognized my voice, and then saw me, all grown up and professional.  I'm so excited and when I called to tell my Mom she said she'll be really excited when someone tells her they saw me on TV.   There was lots to celebrate but still no shots for me until this weekend...Carrie was out and we had the whole S&S crew out!  It was great to catch up and see some people I haven't seen in months or even a year!

While I was out earlier at Bru Haus, Troy, the bartender, asked if I knew any Female DJ's, and I had one particular girl in mind that used to DJ at Saint's and was awesome!  He said if we couldn't get her, that he was going to hire some other girl to just push buttons on a laptop.  I said I could do that, and I would love to put together a Rock & Roll/Rockabilly Playlist for Hillybilly Bingo on Tuesday night!  And I was hired :)

It was kind of fun to pull out my old Saint's & Sinner's gear...I grabbed an S&S tank top, my red bandanna, leather boots, jean skirt, white studded belt, and metal cuff.  I was told to dress 80's Trash/Rocker, and while I would never wear all of this together in any other circumstance, I almost feel too old to, it was perfect for tonight!  I got to Bru Haus and it was slower than usual according to the promoter but there a bunch of tables full of people so I was hoping for a fun night.  Once I hooked my laptop up I got started going through some fun and rocking music!  As this was my first time every DJing (I KJ at Gabe's but it's different) because I'm only up here to play music and if it blows, it's my fault!  As I got started and eased into my choices, I found that people were singing along, tapping their toes, and as the night went on, dancing and having a good time!  As Simon would say, it's all about song choice.  But it was actually a lot of fun too!  I'm glad I had taken some time during the day to prep and get a playlist together so I had some ideas and I wasn't coming into the job blind.  Bingo went on for over 2 hours, everyone having more fun as the night went on; there were prizes to win, even a money round where you had to pay $2 to play, and if you got a Bingo X then you won the whole pot so someone took home $84!  Not too bad for hanging out in a bar and having a couple cocktails!

Perhaps my Karaoke Career will turn into a DJ Career as well...hmmm...I might have to think about that one...

April Fools & Blues

Sunday started the month of April and what a gorgeous day it was!  It had rained on Saturday night so it was a beautiful, clear, but breezy day, so of course, I took a nice long walk around the neighborhood, once again, heading up a major hill on Palms Blvd that takes me to an amazing view of all of LA and even the Hollywood sign.  The sky was such a beautiful shade of blue with just two big clouds over parts of the city.  Along with enjoying the view I chatted with my Wolfdog, Andrea, about her upcoming Housewarming Party next weekend.  Exciting!

My Mom had called me earlier giving me this story about Facebook and accidentally adding someone and not realizing it, and I started to get frustrated as to why she would add this random person when she yelled out April Fool's and started laughing. I didn't think it was funny but had to give her props for actually fooling me.  I tried to play a little joke later and mine didn't go over so well.  Well, ya win some, ya lose some.  I remember a couple years ago I told my Mom they had fired me from my job because of something ridiculous and I had her going for a while, so I suppose this was probably payback.

That evening I met up with a couple friends at Mom's Bar in West LA where Nick, my old Manager from Saint's & Sinner's works.  We had a mini S&S reunion including Canadian Carrie!  We all went in for Karaoke but apparently that quit a couple weeks ago, and has been replaced with Ping Pong.  Really?  I've got one more week until Easter, so less than 7 days till I can drink shots with my friends or have some french fries and I feel like I've really been tested this past week!  So soon...

On Monday I kicked off the week with a crazy Yoga Work-out with an emphasis on opening and stretching your hips to improve flexibility and flow.  Over 75 minutes later my legs felt like jelly but it was such a great breathing exercise and vinyasa.  I just hope I won't be too sore tomorrow for my run!

Of course, the March Madness Championship game was on Monday night as well.  University of Kentucky vs Kansas.  Both blue teams but I was cheering on Big Blue as I had picked them to win my bracket and I have been a fan of Cheerleading Team for the past 10 years as they were always the best and performed amazing!  I got together with some friends at Bru Haus and got to see some of the old Cabo Crew so that was nice.   My crew was cheering on Kansas so I was the Lone Ranger being a Kentucky fun and happy I was because Kentucky won.  The game wasn't all that exciting, until the end when Kansas started coming back, but couldn't overtake the powerful Wildcats!  And my Kansas boys were definitely feeling the blues after that game.  Sorry Boys...there's always next year ;)