American Idol Prom

Only hours after learning that their lives will be forever changed, the American Idol Top 24 semi-finalists all came together for their first star-studded Hollywood red carpet event, Idol Prom. They were joined by other American Idol alums and celebrity guests in honor of American Idol’s 10th anniversary season.

Personally, I really am enjoying this season so far. I was planning on just tuning in to check out the new judges, but have loved their humor, empathy and positive feedback to the contestants that I was soon sucked in yet again. The talent this year is also pretty impressive so I’m eager to see how it all plays out.

The Idol Prom party included a blue carpet filled with media taking photos of the Top 24 contestants, who were making their red carpet debut. Each of which seemed to be awestruck as they took in their surroundings. The carpet then led to a banquet room for the prom party, which was decked out with balloons and school decor where all the guests celebrated in prom style with corsages, photo stations, a candy bar and of course great music playing, while TV Screens played clips from the season thus far.

Besides the party itself, the Top 24 were also awarded with some free swag as AT&T (my host for the evening) gave each of the rising stars the soon-to-be released Motorola ATRIX 4G, the world’s most powerful smartphone with the dock and all of the accessories. The ATRIX 4G (Android) just became available from AT&T and select retail channels by March 6 or earlier. Although I don’t have 4G yet I was busy tweeting from Idol Prom on my Motorala cellphone over on my handle @TaraMetBlog and on @ATTConnections.

While on the blue carpet, I spoke with recent American Idol alum Tim Urban who said that this time last year was a blur, a fun blur! “I remember lots of lights and lots of cameras and I remember it was a lot of fun,” Urban said. He also discussed that the judges this year were different, but not in a bad way. “I didn’t know what to expect, but it seems like they are really good. Steven Tyler is hilarious, but he’s still good at being a judge he’s not just goofy and JLO obviously knows what she’s talking about and she’s really sweet about it, which we have to have and Randy is Randy, he’s been doing this for a long time.”

I also chatted with Idol alum Scott MacIntyre (I voted for him!) and his fiancée, whose suit and dress were both coordinated in matching pinks for Idol Prom. Even though he’s been busy touring he said that he's been tuning in this year too.

Although Idol rocker Constantine Maroulis was there to show his support for the Top 24, he had to quickly dash in order to make his performance that evening in the musical “Rock of Ages” here in Los Angeles at the Pantages Theatre.

Joining the Idol’s of season’s past were Ariel Winter and Nolan Gould from Modern Family. Ariel said her favorite Judge this year is Steven Tyler because he's funny and because she likes Aerosmith. Nolan, who looked dapper in a teal bowtie and grey suit, agreed, but also shared with me that his favorite moment ever on Idol was the Pants on the Ground guy, lol.

Another fan of the show present was the handsome Antonio Sabato, Jr. and his pregnant wife, who eagerly announced that their future son was also going to be named Antonio, thus Antonio the third or Jr. Jr. Besides being busy with this upcoming special delivery, Antonio mentioned that he is also appearing in an upcoming episode of TV Land’s Hot in Cleveland. He reports for filming next week and said he was looking forward to meeting Betty White and the rest of the cast.

Speaking of proms though, I also chatted with cast members Nicholas Braun & Janelle Ortiz from Disney’s upcoming film Prom coming out April 29. Janelle apparently plays the gossip in her class and Nicholas (so cute!) the awkward kid working up the courage to find a prom date.

Idol Prom was presented by AT&T, Motorola Mobility, FremantleMedia Enterprises, and 19 Entertainment. Watch American Idol Wednesday and Thursday 8/7c on FOX. For more on the 10th anniversary season, visit www.americanidol.com

Oh and check out the Idol Prom photo of Raphael and I:

Disclaimer: I did NOT receive any compensation for this post, just admittance to the party via AT&T. Neither American Idol Productions, FremantleMedia North America, Inc., 19 TV Ltd. nor FOX Broadcasting Company have provided me with any consideration (financial or otherwise) to write this post or attend Idol Prom.

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The Global Green Pre-Oscar Party

For the second year now, I attended Global Green USA’s 8th Annual Pre-Oscar Party at the Avalon Hollywood to help raise funds and awareness for Global Green’s national initiatives to fight climate change.

Even though his publicist was pulling him away, Dawson, I mean James Van Der Beek kindly made it a point to speak with me, which was super nice. The new dad was there with his wife and they were super lovey dovey, constantly holding on to each other and looking at each other. It was very sweet.

I also got to speak with Cerrano from Major League and the president on 24--Dennis Haysbert. He's also currently in the All State commercial's where he says, "That's Where All State Stands." Although I always thought he was saying "That's All State Stan" and I'd think, who is Stan? lol.

You can read more about my green carpet adventures in my full Huffington Post article.

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Passing through the Panama Canal

I'm over a month due for this post, but I've been meaning to blog about my amazing trip through the Panama Canal on Princess Cruises since I returned.

Considered one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken, the canal continues to impact world trade and the shipping of goods and people between the two oceans. It took our cruise about eight hours to pass through the 48-mile man-made canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean. The canal itself consists of artificial lakes, several improved and artificial channels, and three sets of locks.

Our ship barely fit through the locks that raised and lowered us to the next section. At times we were only inches away from the sides of the canal. I could have literally jumped on to land easily. Here's a photo from our stateroom balcony of the tight squeeze:

At one of the locks, our ship's photographer went on land to take photos of the different passengers on board holding up signs with messages to their loved ones back home. Some of the signs were wishing happy birthday our announcing an anniversary. So, what did my sign read? Ever the PR person, I put my blog URL on mine. I'm expecting a huge influx of Panamanian traffic any minute now ;)

I was shocked to find out that it cost Princess Cruises about $300,000 to pass through the canal in tolls, just for this voyage alone. Tolls for the canal are decided by the Panama Canal Authority and are based on vessel type, size, and the type of cargo carried.

While on board, we watched the History Channel's program about America's struggle in creating this engineering marvel. If you'd also like to learn more about the canal's place in history, Netflix has an instant play PBS documentary available for streaming - American Experience: Panama Canal

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Inside the GRAMMY Style Studio

Before all the big award shows, celebrities, stylists and industry people are invited to different suites to view the latest designs and accessories from new to established fashion and lifestyle brands. The goal is that chosen items will potentially be worn on the red carpet and of course seen in resulting photographs. The items are either gifted to the celebs or loaned out for the weekend from a designer purse to ornate jewelry.

For the year's GRAMMY Awards®, I was able to visit the GRAMMY Style Studio-- The Recording Academy®'s official styling event. Hosted in a downtown building on the 51st floor with 360 degree views of Los Angeles, the GRAMMY Style Studio was only three minutes from STAPLES Center and within walking distance from my apartment. Each brand had it's own room room or area with displays of their latest products. The following items are the ones that stood out for me:

The oversized watches by Netherlands' company TW Steel. The bold black and gold men's watches were stunning, sleek and sporty all in one. I also admired their white woman's watch. After all, white watches are still all the range thanks to Sandra Bullock and Oprah.

Another eye catcher was Charlie Lapson's stunning clutches. I was able to speak with the designer himself and he said that since paparazzi like to photograph the whole outfit now, it's just as important to select the right purse as it is the dress. He also said colorful bags and clutches are a popular way to help make a dress pop and allow a starlet stand out more on the red carpet. Thus, his popular bags that have been worn by almost every celeb from the looks of his flip book of photos that included Eva Longoria, Lisa Kudrow and Paula Abdul. They are also soft to the touch and each one is an original with painted leathers that add just the right shine.

Here is musician Doug Robb of the band Hoobastank in Charlie Lapson's Grammy Style Suite.

To complete the celebs look on the carpet, Fake Bake was also there offering product and spray tans for that California look sans the harmful UV Rays. I've never had it done before, but thought I'd take a chance and try it. No modesty is allowed in the application process, but it was worth it as I was left looking sun-kissed and feeling confident. There's just something about looking tan and feeling better about how you look. I didn't have any streaks (Fake Bake doesn't have dyes so you won’t get streaks, dark spots, or turn that ghastly orange), just a nice tan line. I liked it even more so the following day after I showered and although some of the color dissipated, I was still quite tan looking. I was also pleased to find out that their products have ingredients that dramatically soften your skin as well as contains anti-cellulite ingredients, anti-oxidants, and anti-aging ingredients such as peptides, all of which have never before been utilized into self-tanning products. Fake Bake is also organically-based and Paraben-Free! I only wish I had the foresight to have taken before and after pics ahead of time.

All of the fashion and accessory brands featured in the Grammy Style Studio this year were: Bagstill, Gypsy 05 (always a fan!), Sydney Evan, Alana Hale, Kanvis, Lloyd Klein, La Femme, Charlie Lapson, Brian Lichtenberg, M. Cohen, Lisa Michelle, Marchon Eyewear, New Era hats, Marmol Radziner, Chelsea Rebelle, Jill Reno, Spectacles for Humans, TW Steel, and Brett Westfall. There were also beauty sponsors including Epicuren (loved their After Bath Kukui Nut Coconut lotion) Fake Bake, and Pop Beauty and beverages and food from: Anti Aging, Banzai Sake, Dry Soda, Neuro, Heineken, Stoli and STK.

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4th Annual LA Cupcake Challenge

The baking gloves came off last weekend as the best bakeries from around LA and Orange County competed for the best cupcake at the annual Drink Eat Play's Cupcake Challenge. For the 4th year now, I was delighted to be a "celebrity judge" in the annual contest at The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. Although I visit and eat at cupcakeries regularly for my LA Cupcakes MeetUp Group , this baking challenge features a lot of the lesser known cupcake delivery stores and some shops from further away that I don't get to try.

And the winners were:

Best Traditional:

1st: My Delight: Red Velvet

2nd: Hansen’s Cakes: Bridal Cake

3rd: Double D Cupcakes: Chocolate Zin

Best Original:
1st: My Delight: Late Night Breakfast

2nd: Jus Minis: Josephine

3rd: Friandise Pastries: Candied Sweet Potato

Best Overall:

1st: My Delight: Late Night Breakfast

2nd: Friandise Pastries: Candied Sweet Potato

3rd: Jus Minis: Josephine

One of my favorites that I tried though didn't place. It was the Pineapple Right Side Up Cupcakes from Fairy Cakes Bakery in OC. Last year, this bakery was among my favs too.

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Sitting Coutside for the LA Clippers

What do Jack Nicholson and I have in common? Probably not much, but I did get to pretend I rolled like him as I sat courtside for an NBA game last week. The $350.00 tickets to the L.A. Clippers game came courtesy of Barrie Lynn, The Cheese Impresario and her contact at the Staples Center, Glenn Griffith, Los Angeles Clippers Premium Seating Executive (Thanks!!)

In a city that's all purple and yellow, it's sometimes hard to remember that their is another team in town. The Clippers, however, have been making some noise this year with nine straight home game wins thanks to it's All-Star forward, 21-year-old Blake Griffin and his mad dunking skills. He's become the SportsCenter highlight. Also, impressive was Clippers veteran Baron Davis, who I met at the TRON Pop Up Shop back in November.

I was literally steps away from the action, sitting in Row A and looking across at the home bench. It was like the Clippers were playing a personal game for me. The best part is that you can see their facial expressions so clearly when they made or missed a shot, as well as their private jokes and swears among team members. It's something you just don't see up in the nosebleed seats. I also got to enter the Courtside Club and bar during halftime.

I had so much fun, I've already purchased Clippers tickets through GoldStar for March. Not courtside of course, but it's still exciting going to a live game no matter where you sit. Go Clippers!

Check out my view:

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World Cancer Day

1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will get cancer in their lifetimes. We all know someone who has been affected by this disease or has battled it themselves.

Tomorrow, Feb. 4th is World Cancer Day and Stand Up To Cancer is hoping that together, we can all send a message around the globe that we stand for the end of cancer. Stand up, change the odds, and donate your Facebook status today. Just use their easy Facebook share tool to tell the world who you honor when you Stand Up To Cancer.

I'll be standing up for my lovely friend Andrea, who passed away over a year ago from Cancer. I remember donating this star in honor of her fight back in early 2009, little did I know this disease would end her life just a few months later.

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These come from Trees

While reaching for a second paper towel at a public bathroom sink in the crowded Atlanta International Airport, I saw a sticker placed on the electronic dispenser that read, "Remember These Come From Trees." This gave me pause and inspired me to keep using the damp napkin I had originally grabbed, instead of pulling out another wastefully.

I leaned in closer to read the sticker, annoying the people around me wanting to use the counter area. The sticker further said, "This sticker will save up to 100lbs of paper every year. Get yours at TheseComeFromTrees.com"

Since this sticker had indeed worked in my case, I felt compelled to Google the grass roots program. Their idea is that having the right message in the right place can make a difference. Their research shows that a single "These Come From Trees" sticker can save around a tree's worth of paper, every year and that more than 50,000 stickers have been distributed since 3/07. Some colleges and institutions have apparently purchased these stickers for their facilities, but most of the sticker placement is done by general people like whoever visited that Atlanta bathroom before me.

So, to pay it forward, I went ahead and purchased a 20 pack of laminated stickers for $5. I've already placed one at the Staples Center and hope to do so at other public places. It will be interesting to see if it catches on and if not, hopefully it stops a few people from grabbing that extra paper towel next time too.

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