Giveaway: Designer BB Dakota dress

ChickDowntown.com, the great people who gave me the Tolani scarf to giveaway is now giving me a designer dress worth $65.00 to giveaway here. Designed by BB Dakota, this lavender dress with splashes of bright abstract florals is uber cute and glamorous.

In fact, I have this sweet frock and wore it during BlogHer and received many compliments. I especially love how the skirt poofs out. Here I am in the dress at the BowlHer party:

How to enter:
Simply comment on this post with where you'd wear this dress, work, a wedding, an occasion? Also, if you Tweet This you will automatically be entered into the drawing twice. As always, please remember to add your email address or link to a blog where I can grab it and contact you if you win. I'll randomly select a winner using Random.org on Wednesday 8/5 at end of day. Good luck!

Update: Congratulations to our randomly (random.org) selected winner Lacey Bean who said she'd wear this dress to her bridal shower! Yay, glad it will be of good use.

Read More »

More from BlogHer - Party Edition

One of the coolest things about the BlogHer conference is meeting other bloggers and all the after parties and events going on around the show! Here's a recap of the top seven highpoints for me.

1. Received photo tips from Queer Eye For the Straight Guy's Carson Kressley. At the exclusive Nikon Night Out Party each guest could walk the carpet and strike a pose and then the Fab 5 guy himself gave us some pointers on How To Look Good in Pictures. He told me to keep my face level, not pointed up or down, but level. He also liked how confident I stood. I was really impressed at how super friendly he was and not in a fake way either.

2. Met WalMart 11 mom bloggers, Mommy Brain Reports and Consumer Queen, who I've only emailed and tweeted with in the past.

3. Took a photo with a HUGE Enigizer Bunny and got to bang his drum at the EnergizHER suite party.

4. Rode in the Wiener Mobile. I recently spotted this hot dog on wheels in Los Angeles (post here), but this time I got to ride "shot bun," and you'd be amazed at how much fun it was. As we drove around the Chicago city blocks, everyone would stare and most would wave. I had my hand out the window and was waving back like I was riding on a float in a parade, lol. They also let me talk on their speaker that broadcasted what I said out to the onlookers. I told the crowds, "Have a franktastic day everyone." I loved it and made two shout outs even. Also, the wiener mobile's horn would play the retro version of a child singing "how I wish I was an Oscar Meyer wiener," which caused fellow blogger, Jamie and I to crack up each time.

5. Wore a McDonald's paper bag on my head along with over 200 other bloggers at the CheeseburgHerz late night party. I wrote "Frankie Say Relax" on mine. Not sure why. That was after a few glasses of wine, but one girl there said she thought it was funny.

6. Rocked a pink boa at the Lucky Strike bowling lanes at the BowlHer party with Katelin, Jamie, Jessica, Heidi, Jenn, The Modern Gal and other awesome ladies.

7. Saw Project Runway's Tim Gunn, but didn't want to wait in line to meet him though.

BlogHer low points:

1. Put my foot in my mouth when I mistakenly thought a woman was pregnant when she wasn't

2. Was called "chicklit" by a random blogger in a very angry voice

3. Jet lag, kept going to sleep at 2 to 3 a.m.

Read More »

Interviewing Benjamin Bratt & Grace Park

The other week, ShakeFire.com assigned me to attend and blog for them from the set of television's The Cleaner as the drama filmed their second season finale. I also got to partake in a roundtable interview with its stars--Benjamin Bratt (Miss Congeniality, Law & Order) and Grace Park (Battlestar Gallatica).

I was of course excited to interview the extremely hot Benjamin Bratt, but I was only able to get in three questions during the half-hour roundtable Q&A, which is one more than most though. Benjamin meanwhile was tall at 6’2 and skinny. His skin was darker though than usual and he was wearing jeans and a grey linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Like his character, the normally clean shaven actor was sporting a beard and mustache (not a fan) and I noticed some grey hairs in his side burns that looked quite attractive. The actor shook everyone’s hand (yes, including mine) and again shook my hand at the end of the interviews too *sigh*. Another observation that I had is that he liked to use the word "Chiefly" and said it a total of three times, which isn't a lot I guess, but for that word I though it was. Anyway, you can see what I mean in my full interview over at ShakeFire.com.

I also managed to capture video of my interview with Grace Park over here, but she kind of rambles on a bit and my written interview selects the good pieces.

Read More »

First night at BlogHer

With only three and a half hour of sleep post-Blogger Prom, I boarded a 6 a.m. flight to Chicago for the BlogHer '09 conference on Thursday morning. After checking in at the hotel and doing some work, I put on a dress and quickly headed over to the Swiffer SocialLuxe Lounge party, where I was able to get my nails polished (a mini manicure) and my makeup done, which was perfect as I hadn't had time for either of those things.

In the packed ballroom of female bloggers, the hostesses were announcing different raffle items and winners. At one point, I looked up and saw them giving away a diaper bag and I laughingly said to myself--self, watch you'll probably win this one. Sure enough, they called my number, lol. I then looked around to see where they were giving out the babies ;) The leather diaper bag that I won is from Not Rational and worth around $600 though, so I think I'm putting it up in the attic for the future. Poor Raphael is in for a surprise when I bring it home though, haha.

Besides the Diaper Bag, all guests could grab a pair of Croc flip flops and luckily I found a size 5. Their gift bag was also filled with some great goodies and included such items as a bottle of One Hope Chardonay and a Kodak Zi6 pink HD pocket video camera. Also, I ran into LA friend Katelin of PrettySandyFeet at the party, met Kat (The Burb Blog) and got the chance to walk over to the party with one of the event's presenters' Jenny (The Bloggess).

Read More »

Blogger Prom 2009

For the last two months, seven Los Angeles blogging buddies and I have been busily planning Blogger Prom, a free blogger-only party with 200 guests on the rooftop of The Hyatt Andaz Hotel, located right on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. Through over a thousand emails and some in-person group meetings we scored over 30 awesome raffle items to giveaway to attendees and dozens of hot items for our loaded Fresh & Easy canvas tote bags. Then there was setup, stuffing the bags, contracts, rsvp lists, shipping boxes and all that other fun stuff. At times it felt like I was planning another wedding, but at least this time there were eight of us, all specializing in different talents and working together for what was an awesome event.

Caroline On Crack
E*StarLA
Happy Go Marni
LA and OC Foodventures
LAist
Shop Eat Sleep
The Liquid Muse

Since this was a prom, everyone was required to dress in some cheesy prom attire. Thus, it wasn't about looking attractive, but ridiculous. I found a hideous short burgandy dress with a strategically placed bow on eBay and Raphael rocked a pocket protector and suspenders. Some bloggers went all out though in orange tuxes and blue suits with long coat tails. It was a spectacular sight to behold when it was magnified by 200 people and some awesome tunes playing.

We also had a DJ spinning, signiture cocktials from The Liquid Muse pouring via the many sponsored liquors and spirits that we secured. There were cupcakes, a cheese station, food from the hotel's restaurant RH and so many other sponsored goodies that it was overwhelming and amazing. Actor Pauly Shore even stopped by to announce a winner in our raffle for A Night at The Comedy Store package. I got to introduce him and take a photo. The best part for me was the next day when I still saw people tweeting about the night before and thanking us all for the fun time.

Now, let me get to the real fun part, the photographic evidence of the night:


More photos are on Flikr here.

Blogger Prom coverage: Eating L.A., BlogHer, Kevin Eats, Franklin Avenue and Food Woolf

Read More »

Nutrilite media day and AC Milan soccer meet

Today, along with a handful of other bloggers from New York, Michigan, Vancouver and all over, I took part in a special digital media day at Nutrilite's Center of Optimal Health out in Buena Park for their VIP Health and Soccer Event. The vitamin, mineral and dietary supplement brand brought us all to their research center to discuss health, to do a personal fitness assessment and for a meet and greet with the famous soccer team A.C. Milan, which are like the Yankees and Cowboys of the European soccer world.

As the team's official nutritional supplement, the company provides regular genetic and nutritional intake testing for each player in order to tell them how they could change their performance with health supplements and a different health regimen. We also got to take a fitness assessment that measured our body fat percentage, bone density, flexibility and so forth all but the genetic testing part and my results showed that I was within average for my age and so forth, but I was inspired by the presentations to do some more physical activity each day. Note to self: next time do not wear a dress and heels.

In their auditorium we also heard from doctors, scientists and employees in several short presentations about the company and overall health information. I learned more about phytonutrients (plant compounds) and the importance of doing a 10 minute circuit workout each day with interval cardio (1 minute super fast, then a minute at a slower pace), which can be done on an elliptical machine even and exercises that can be done at your desk.

All the general health talk then segued to sports nutrition and athletes. At this point we were introduced to Marta Viera Da Silva, the L.A. Sol forward and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year. The Portuguese athlete is easily regarded as the best female soccer player, but I was surprised at how down-to-earth she was and that she was my height (5'2).

The most exciting part though was meeting the A.C. Milan team and later going VIP to the L.A. Galaxy vs. A.C. Milan game at The Home Depot Center. We were also given jerseys to get signed by the team. Their most popular player is Ronaldinho, who signed my jersey, but we also posed with several other good looking players too :)

The game meanwhile ended in a tie at 2 to 2.

Also, at the digital media day was my bloggy friend from New York, Aly Walansky of SheKnows, SplendiCity and so many other blogs.

Read More »

Walk a mile for new shoes

Last week, I was alerted via email to another TOMS Shoes Sample Sale. The last time I went it was small and American Idol's Jason Castro was there. This time, however, post TOMS Shoes fame in the AT&T commercial, there was a three hour long wait! Apparently, they alerted their Facebook community about the sale, which explains the half-a-mile long line. Since I was expecting the little room of shoes like last year, I was definitely not prepared so I ended up burning my arms and buying whatever drinks we could find nearby. RedBull reps kindly stopped by and were giving out samples to the long line though.

By the time we entered their outside pit with boxes and boxes of shoes, all the 8's were gone so I couldn't pick up one for my friend, but luckily there were plenty of my size 5's. In the end, I cleaned up, purchasing three pairs of shoes (gold glitter, picnic canvas plaid, brown cords) and their awesome brown wrap boots. So, I now own eight pairs of TOMS, wow. Raphael also scored four pairs of the guy styled ones too.

So, although my feet were tired and my arms burning from the sun, I think it was worth it. Plus, remember for every pair of TOMS Shoes purchased, a new pair goes to a child in need.

Read More »

A wiener on wheels

Sunday afternoon, I found myself lost in the massive Griffith Park hills on a 90 degree day looking for a wiener mobile per this twitvite tweetup. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is exactly that, a big hot dog on wheels, which journeys across the country and tweets and blogs along the way @wienermobile.

This time, the truck was in Los Angeles and selling $2 hot dogs and $5 raffle tickets to benefit the Liz Logelin Foundation, which assists families who find themselves in the heartbreaking, catastrophic situation of having lost a spouse, life-partner, and parent. The Foundation’s goal is to financially assist these families as they deal with the loss of their loved ones, and struggle to move forward. The Foundation was established by blogger Matthew Logelin, who lost his wife Elizabeth the day after the birth of his daughter Maddie :( When we were there I asked how much they had raised so far and we were told they were at $400 already and still had another hour to go.

The hot dog crew, called "hotdoggers" were also taking free photos of people in front of the truck and giving out a code to grab them online. Oh, and Raphael told them that we follow them on twitter and he scored a cool twitter tee shown in our photo below:

Although a rope blocked people from going inside the truck, the door was open allowing for people to peek in. Take a look:

Also, I saw my bloggy friend Katelin a.k.a Pretty Sandy Feet there too.

Note: Oscar Mayer is a PR client in our Chicago office, but I do not work on the account.

Read More »

Partied like it was 1984

Over the weekend, I hit the 80s Prom Party at The House of Blues. I had so much fun, I immediately wished my prom was as cool.

Why was it better than my Senior Prom?
a. I had a date
b. I could drink
c. Live bands
d. Better music
e. Didn't pay for a limo

Check out our awesomely rad portraits:


We also snuck upstairs to the members only Foundation Room where we lounged on the comfy sofas. I might have took it a little too far though...

Twitpic of my 80s makeup

One prom down, one more to go...9 days til Blogger Prom! I'll have cheesier more prom-like attire on then.

Read More »

Workin' at the car wash

Did you know that washing your car at home uses about 116 gallons of water? So, when I heard about Lucky Earth waterless car wash, I thought it would be a fun eco-product to try out. I don't own a hose to begin with anyway and my car is always dirty.

My car's been so filthy that people have written notes on it from the collected dust and dirt. Sometimes it's me writing When Tara Met Blog though, lol. My first car always had messages scribbled on it by random people, but I was in college and going to the car wash wasn't on my list of priorities or in the budget. One time, someone wrote "Wash me, I'm dirty" on the back of my hood. I was annoyed and didn't want to give in to the mean-spirited people or clean my car. So, I simply wrote next to it "I like it dirty!" with a wink smiley face and drove around another week like that.

I digress, back to actually cleaing my Jetta for a change. Another green reason for me to use this Lucky Earth spray, is that it does not use harmful fumes, or toxic residues. Instead of water, this cleaner works with two reusable microfiber towels--one for buffing and one for scrubbing. The solution is made from organic coconut to break down dirt and contains water-soluble silicone, which captures dirt so it doesn't scratch your car. A 32-ounce bottle lasts seven to 10 washes and costs $14.99. You can buy it online or at a Whole Foods. They also sell a tire shine, but I haven't tried it. Next time.

Sure, it wasn't as easy as throwing buckets of soapy water on your car and quickly spraying it down, "but let me tell ya it's better that diggin' a ditch!" Sorry, I just had to throw in that Car Wash lyric. Anywho, yes, this earth-friendly way of cleaning my Jetta definitely required more elbow grease, but my car looked incrediably shiny after, like it just got detailed. I also spent a beautiful day out in the sun and felt pretty accomplished.

Before:

After:

Read More »

Today's delivery fills the Gap

When I got home today I was surprised to see a big package outside my door. The address label read Born To Fit, Gap 1969 Premium Jeans. I hadn't ordered anything from Gap and despite being addressed to me, my cat, Patches, thought the package was hers.

First she tasted the curly confetti that spewed out of the package when I opened it. She then investigated more and unearthed a blue striped canvas tote and discovered a welcome letter for me.

The letter read that I was selected to be a Brand Enthusiast for Gap and would be getting soe Gap goodies over the coming year. The first cool perk is that I get to throw a party for my friends with tons of Gap goodies including new Gap jeans "born to fit" before they're available in stores. So more to come on the party as I figure it all out. In this package though was bottle of Close perfume, the aforementioned tote, mini glosses and a white tee that reads "Born To" on the front and "Blog" in the back (yay, another blogger themed shirt for me to pack to BlogHer).

Read More »

Drink pink

I'm not a big fan of sweet or white wines and I generally tend to dismiss Rosés as being too sweet for me. However, after attending a Rosé & Fromage Tasting at Maison 140 (a chic boutique Beverly Hills hotel), I realized that not all blush wines are sweet. In fact, one was too strong and peppery for me even. My favorite was the Jaboulet—Côtes du Rhône, Parallèle 45, 2008. It has a floral and cherry scent and although sweet and light it wasn't very sweet, but super refreshing and perfect for summer.

The tastings are available through the end of August, for $35 per person on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. I think it's a pretty good deal since you get to sip three Rosés from the South of France paired with artisanal cheeses, meats, fruits and breads at Maison 140’s chic, Parisian-inspired Bar Noir lounge. The black and red colored room is small and intimate with comfy French chairs and is perfect for after work drinks, a date or catching up with friends. Personally, I was there chatting it up with fellow Blogger Prom committee members and quickly lost track of time as my face became as pink as the drinks.

Oh, and before we drank the Rose's I had absinthe striaght for the first time. They poured the green colored liquor from a cool dispenser and over a sugar cube which then caught on fire and melted into the drink. It was quite strong and tasted like the licorice flavored Italian drink, Sambuco. My only other absinthe drinking was in New Orleans gulping down a grenade, which apparently has absinthe and lots of other stuff as you can tell by my hazy look in this pic.

You can also check out e*star's Flickr photo stream from the tasting too.

Read More »