Los Angeles' The Grove's TV Christmas Special with Il Volo, CeeLo, Jewel, & Many Singers, Airing Live Today at 5pm & Syndicated else where on Christmas Day.

By Laura Medina

 

http://www.thegrovela.com/event_promo.php?id_promo=1184

If being gobsmacked by the Glendale Galleria's Christmas Circus of angelic aerialists, Christmas contortionists, and stilt-walking elves weren't enough, today, this afternoon, The Grove is airing live, in L.A. only today and tonight then syndicated elsewhere on Christmas Day itself, its very own televised Christmas special with Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, CeeLo Green, Gavin DeGraw, Il Volo and Jewel.  Entertainment Tonight's host, Nancy O'Dell (Nancy Humphries to you all in Charleston, SC) is hosting this televised Christmas special.

Yep, Il Volo does have a strong fan base, here in L.A. because they're still here.  This time producing at The Grove.

Yesterday's brief performance and appearance at The Grove Dr. Dre's Beats Headphone Pop-Up was a sneaky dress rehearsal.

Los Angeles: KCAL9 (IND) November 28 (Thanksgiving Day) at 8:00 p.m. then again almost a week later on KCBS (CBS) December 8 at 4:00 p.m.

The producer who just did today's Macy's Thanksgiving Parade this morning...and this afternoon is, all of a sudden, back in L.A. to produce this uniquely Angeleno Christmas television production.

 

The one hour television special will air nationwide between November 28 and January 5, debuting in the top ten markets as follows:

--Atlanta: WATL (MNT) December 8 at 12:30 p.m., December 25 at 10:00 a.m.
--Boston (Manchester): WSBK/WBZ (MNT/CBS) December 14 at 1:00 p.m.
--Chicago: WLS (ABC) November 30 at 1:00 p.m.
--Dallas/Ft. Worth: KTXA (IND) December 14 at 9:00 p.m.
--Houston: KHOU (CBS) TBD
--Los Angeles: KCAL9 (IND) November 28 (Thanksgiving Day) at 8:00 p.m.
--Los Angeles: KCBS (CBS) December 8 at 4:00 p.m.
--New York: WCBS (CBS) TBD
--New York: WLNY (IND) TBD
--Philadelphia: KYW (CBS) December 1 at 3:00 p.m.
--Philadelphia: WPSG (CW) December 21 at 3:00 p.m.
--San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose: KOFY (IND) December 15 at 8:00 p.m.
--Washington, DC (Hagerstown): WJLA (ABC) December 22 at 3:00 p.m.

Complete local listings will be posted shortly.

Along with The Grove’s annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, produced by Emmy-winning producer Brad Lachman (Christmas in Rockefeller Center, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade), the program will feature Santa Claus’ arrival at The Grove, The Top Hats, the season’s first “snowfall,” and a spectacular fireworks finale!

Cadillac serves as presenting sponsor of “A Hollywood Christmas at The Grove,” with Good Earth Tea as supporting sponsor.

Who says Los Angeles doesn't have the Christmas Spirit.  It has tons.

Winter is Here and Osmotics Skincare is Half Off on Black Friday & A Quarter Off on Monday.

By Laura Medina

This "transitional Gen-Xer" scribe has been testing and trying all sorts of "transitional" multi-tasking moisturizers that soften line fines while dissolving zits and zit pits and those hideous "dark dots" pock-marking our weary middle-aged skin.

Almost a year ago, Osmotics made the face baby soft during the dearth of Winter, "Soft Skin & Soft Hair on the Slopes & the Snow" http://luxurist.blogspot.com/2012/12/soft-skin-soft-hair-on-slopes-snow.html.  

Six months ago, under the burning Summer Solar Rays, Osmotics' Renovage tackles sun damaging lines and sun spots, http://luxurist.blogspot.com/2013/08/ok-now-damage-is-done-part-3-now-what.html.

Now, thanks to Black Friday, you can save face with half-off deals.

 Anti-Radical Age Defense Moisture Veil – Voted #1 Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer + Total Skin Defense – Normally $68, NOW $34!

• Restores Moisture Barrier & Fights Environmental Aging for Healthier, Younger Looking Skin this Black Friday, only on http://www.osmotics.com/

Through numerous dabs and pats trials, this scribe realizes the best classic combo for soften crow's feet and lightening bags underneath the eyes is peptides from copper and Sodium Hyaluronate.

Now, Osmotics's Blue Copper Line is within reach, 25% off on Cyber Monday, http://www.osmotics.com/...

Just in time to face the judgmental relatives.

Beats by Dr. Dre's Holiday Pop-Up Shop at The Grove.

By Laura Medina

 

This past week, since last Monday, at The Grove, Beats by Dr. Dre will debut an interactive, holiday pop-up retail store and experience for the first time in Los Angeles at one of the city’s premiere shopping destinations, The Grove. Holiday shoppers will enjoy firsthand the latest and greatest that Beats has to offer including an assortment of new and limited edition products.

Fans can expect to see appearances by some of the exciting talent featured in the new Beats Colors campaign as well as the now infamous Pill characters, who will be taking over the Grove’s Trolley, visiting the Santa line and making special appearances at the Grove Kids Club throughout the duration of the season. 

Il Volo fans, if you all missed last Saturday night's performance, here's your chance.  They'll be performing at The Grove tonight at 5pm at Dr. Dre's Beats Pop-Up Shop.

On Black Friday, Skylar Grey will be performing there Friday, November 29 at 12PM.

At 12 Noon, this Black Friday, the Million Dollar Headphones will make their debut then will be there until the last day of the pop-up shop, December 2nd.

This will be a Joyous Holiday.

 

Yes! Fashion & Beauty Bloggers Do Eat & Drink. Holiday Sips & Nibbles from Blogger Babe's Heidi Nazarudin, Briana Gustafson, Pavan Liqueur & Caliche Rum

By Laura Medina

 

With Thanksgiving rumbling around the corner, it is official feasting time in America.

Since fashion and beauty bloggers such as this scribe and "Blogger Babe's" Heidi Nazarudin and publicist, Briana Gustafson know that lifestyle is part of the "FABB" equation, we gladly offer our favorite holiday dishes, along side some holiday-worthy cocktails from emerging liquor brands such as Pavan and Caliche Rum, guaranteed to warm any Winter Solstice.

The holidays is Punch Season, the more the merrier the gulp.

   

Cali Tidings Punch
1 liter bottle Caliche
1 bottle of sparkling wine.
16 oz of Ruby  port.
12 oz curaçao liquor.
12 oz fresh squeezed and strained orange juice.
12 oz unsweetened pineapple juice.
8 oz fresh squeezed strained lemon juice.
8 oz light agave nectar.
1 large block of ice.

For garnish:
1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries
2 large lemons pitted and sliced
Handful of mint leafs.

In a large punch bowl combine the Caliche, port, curaçao, fruit juices and agave nectar, stir until well incorporated, refrigerate for at least 4 hours. When ready to serve add the ice and garnishes to the bowl, gently stir in the champagne. Serve in small punch cups.

Cali Midnight

1 1/2 oz Caliche Rum

3/4 oz Port Wine

1/2 oz Lemon Juice

1/2 oz Triple Sec 

Cinnamon stick for garnish

 In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients over ice and stir until well mixed. Strain into an ice filled tall coupe. Grate cinnamon on top and garnish a cinnamon stick.

 

Cali Thyme 1 1/2 oz Caliche rum
1/2 oz Lemon juice
3/4 oz Pomegranate juice (Pom Brand is recommended)
3 Sprigs of fresh thyme
1/2 oz or Combier orange liqueur (or any other fine triple sec)
1 dash of agave nectar (optional if you don't like dry cocktails )
Combine all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously until well chilled, serve in a chilled cocktail coupe, garnish with a thyme sprig.

All right, now that we got you all liquored up on refreshingly, delicious punch, it's time for the feasting, kindly provided by Blogger Babe's Heidi Nazarudin and publicist, Briana Gustafson.  These are their favorite things.

First up, Heidi's Poinsettia Cocktail and her holiday dishes...

 

THE POINSETTIA:

Ingredients:

• ·      6 oz. Champagne
• ·      1 shot Cointreau
• ·      Splash of cranberry juice
• ·      Orange peels
• ·      Cranberries
• 
  
• Directions:

• ·      Chill all of the ingredients beforehand
• ·      Pour the Cointreau and cranberry juice into a chilled champagne flute
• ·      Stir well
• ·      Top with champagne
• ·      Garnish with a bit of orange peel and cranberries
• ·      Enjoy!

The following dishes are a few of Heidi’s traditional favorites…

HAM:

Ingredients:

• ·      Smoked ham
• ·      Canned pineapple
• ·      Canned maraschino cherries

Directions:

• ·      Heat oven to 325*
• ·      Take the smoked ham and use a sharp knife to score the outside top of the ham, making squares and diagonals
• ·      Take the canned pineapple rings and insert them with toothpicks over the top of the ham
• ·      Add the maraschino cherries to the center of the pineapple rings with toothpicks
• ·      Use the pineapple juice to baste over the turkey
• ·      Heat in the oven for an hour to an hour and a half until heated through

CHEESEY POTATOES:

Ingredients:

• ·      2 lbs. frozen hash brown potatoes – thawed for ½ hour
• ·      1 cup chopped onion
• ·      8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
• ·      1 lb. sour cream
• ·      1 stick butter, melted
• ·      1 can cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• ·      Salt and pepper
• ·      Potato chip crumbs

Directions:

• ·      Mix all the above ingredients, except for the cheese, onion and potatoes and heat over low heat in a saucepan
• ·      Place the cheese, onion and potatoes in a 13 x 9 baking dish
• ·      Pour the heated mixture over the potatoes
• ·      Top with crushed potato chip crumbs
• ·      Bake at 350* for 1-1/2 hours

Next up, Briana Gustafson's favorite Oysters Recipe.  Both this scribe and her share a mutual love for seafood...

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 3-4 tbl. red wine vinegar
• 4 shallots, minced
• 1/8 tsb. red pepper flakes
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Shaved ice 
• 36 oysters 
• Lemon wedges
• Flat leaf parsley sprigs

Directions:

• First make the mignonette sauce in a bowl, stirring together the wine, vinegar, shallots, red pepper flakes and black pepper
• Taste and add more vinegar if needed
• Place the bowl of mignonette sauce on a platter and surround it with a bed of ice
• Discard any oysters that do not close tightly to the touch
• Scrub each oyster thoroughly with a stiff-bristled brush, rinsing it well under cold running water
• Holding each oyster flat side up in a kitchen towel and using an oyster knife, slip the tip of the knife into the shell near the hinge and pry upward to open
• Run the knife blade along the inside of the top shell to server the muscle that joins the shells, then lift off the top shelf
• Run the knife underneath the oyster to free it from the rounded, bottom shell, being careful not to spill the liquor
• Nest the oysters in their bottom shells on the ice
• Garnish the platter with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs and serve immediately

 

Dita Von Teese's Newest & Latest Fragrance, Erotique

By Laura Medina

Video Interview, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O44m1pJv7Kk&feature=youtu.be

Ah, the holidays.  You all know what that means, celebrities are bursting out of the woodworks, just for you.

If you're in a panic mode because it is only now that you're starting to think about others, now is the perfect time to "gift" them something very limited edition yet reasonably priced...like Dita Von Teese's third and latest fragrance, "Erotique," only at Ron Robinson Apothia, here in the United States, http://www.ronrobinson.com/APOTHIA-Dita-Von-Teese-Erotique-p/94373.htm.

In a section devoted specifically to her "Erotique" Fragrance, Ron Robinson Apothia set-up a pop-up "boudoir," if one inspects it closely, you'll catch Bettie Page's old pumps from her Fifties hey-days.

Knowing that a Bettie Page documentary is going to be release this Friday, this scribe asked Dita if she's going to participate in it...

The Arriviste, “I see you have a pair of Bettie Page’s pumps.”

Dita, “Thank You.”

The Arriviste, “Bettie Page documentary is being released this Friday, are you going to participate in the burlesque show at the screening?”

Dita, “Unfortunately no. I’ve been working too much to be involved.  I’ve been busy working this Fall.”

 

 

 “Erotique” Fragrance Notes…

Dita, “Erotique is a tribute to a different era.  Something very carnal and animalistic.  So, it’s not a perfume for everyone.  There’s nothing sweet about it.  It got rose, Bulgarian Rose, leather notes, coriander, a lot of different spices in there.  It’s a very mysterious fragrance.  I wanted to make something that was very mysterious and sensual.  

Bulgarian Rose as a common scent note in her perfume series…

Dita, “I like what Bulgarian Rose does to other things.  None of my fragrances are rose perfumes.  I really don’t like rose perfumes.  I like what happens to Bulgarian Rose when you add it to different elements, that are kinda of the opposites.”

Being the person to model a 3-D dress that was knitted from a 3-D printer…

Dita, “It was a great opportunity.  A really interesting experience to see doing a process like that.  It was great working with my friend, Michael Schmidt.”

The Trio of Operatic Pop, Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble, of Il Volo for HGTV's Christmas Ceremony at Santa Monica Place

By Laura Medina

The Pre-Concert Interview inside Santa Monica Place Conference Room, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfQJo7IhHB4&feature=youtu.be

Serenading this scribe, harmoniously singing “Let It Snow,” as Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble, of the operatic pop trio, Il Volo ("the flight" in Italian) walk in for their pre-concert interview before appearing and singing in front of screaming, joyous fans at HGTV's Christmas Celebration at the Santa Monica Place Mall.

Il Volo are on a very important and essential mall-centric tour of the U.S. (it is the malls that first introduce them to the American shopping public, tweens, and teens who are, now, their hottest and faithful fans), just completing their Los Angeles holiday blitz, performing for fans and holiday shoppers at the Christmas Tree Lighting for both The Grove in the Mid-Wilshire District then wrapping it up…with a bow of a performance…at Santa Monica Place Mall’s HGTV Christmas Celebration this past recent Saturday night.

In this rare interview, leading up to their Saturday night concert for Santa Monica Place’s HGTV Christmas Celebration, Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca tell this scribe how important Southern California was important to them in launching their singing careers; how important their American fans are, what they want to do in-between appearances and performances in Los Angeles, and what they want for Christmas.

As a triumvirate, they added on in the conversation, in unisonous, when one is at lost for words, one or two of the trio, fills in with words and expressions that best convey their answers. 

“How you feel about celebrating Christmas?”

Ignazio, “It is always a pleasure to celebrate Christmas in the U.S.A….because in America, the people feel better (Piero and Gianluca chiming in) more than the Italians.” 

Gianluca, “Love is the greatest thing in the world.”

Ignazio, “We really spending time here, Christmas, here in the U.S.A.”

“How you all feel about celebrating Christmas one month early in Santa Monica?”

Gianluca, “We’ve spent the last three years…We’ve spent last year singing at the Rockefeller Center, the tree lighting.  Yeah, we performed at The Grove three days ago.  Now, we are here to perform.  People told us there are a lot of fans waiting for us so, we can’t wait to perform.”

“Did you all expect this many American fans waiting for you for Christmas?”

 Piero, “Yes, we love our American fans.  They are so sweet; and they are all ages, they are like kids, moms, and grandmas; and this is what we love about our music.  We have, like, three generations.”

“What do you all want to do during this holiday season?”

 Ignazio, “You know, we are planning to shopping a little bit for our family; and (knocking on wood) you know, just enjoying L.A. in how beautiful it is.”

“What do you all want for Christmas when you all get back home?”

Gianluca, “Christmas is here. (joking) No.

Ignazio, “Just staying home with family.” 

Gianluca, “It’s our wish.” 

 

Piero, “And, what we wish is that all the people, all over the world, are gonna enjoy Christmas with our new album, “Buono Natale.”  This is our new album.” 

Gianluca, (quickly jumping in) “This is our new album (holding it up )” “Buon Natale.  I hope you enjoy our music ; and yes, “Buon Natale,” and “Happy New Year.” 

 Piero, “Happy Holidays.”

This Scribe, “Oh, Thank You.”

Piero, “Ciao!”

Thirty minutes later, Il Volo charge through the crowd in Santa Monica Place's Center Court.

Just before hitting the stage, they serenaded and kissed a waiting a girl in a wheelchair (smart lass) for her "Make-A-Wish."

What could be best described as a Second Coming of "Beatle Mania" but an early twenty-first century, Italian pop-operatic version, Il Volo graciously sang a mix of Classic American Christmas Pop Classics and Italian Pop Classics to a frenetic, screaming crowd of, surprisingly (but not to Il Volo) mostly tweens and teens girls going hot and bothered over two tenors and one baritone Italian Milleniums.

Like Ignazio commented earlier in the interview, they feel more love and adoration from their American fans than they do in their home land of Italy.

Towards the finale and returning "the love" to their American fans, they lifted a girl out of the crowd then serenade her, hoisted her up on their shoulders then kissed her before lifting and returning her back into her mom's arms.  What a moment for this kid!

Kelly Osbourne, Miranda Kerry & Simon Cowell Hip Hip Hooray for Jaguar's new F-TYPE Coupe

By Laura Medina

Jaguar's F-TYPE  Coupe, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IqImgjKgPA&feature=youtu.be.

Here in Hollywood, we are in the thick of Holiday Season when celebrities come out in full force to bring holiday cheer and glitz to all.

Can't think of a better time to unleash the most glamorous category of them all...the newest and latest in luxury sport cars.

Now that November is transiting from "Movember" a.k.a. Men's Health Month into Thanksgiving then morphing in Christmas, it's the perfect time to think of "Guys' Gifts."  This is Jaguar's debut of the F-TYPE Coupe is like presenting an holiday gift to the drooling public.

What can be better than hot British babes, such as Nicholas Hoult and Jodie Kidd, paired up with Britain's sizzling new coupe, the F-TYPE Coupe.

In a spanking brand new soundstage in Play Del Rey, across the street from YouTubeLA Studios, Britain's blazing hotties are hot underneath the collar, in anticipating what the new Jaguar will look like, and most importantly, how it will perform.

Nicholas Hoult...

"We're in Los Angeles now.  I'm just here to see what's happening.  I'm really excited about the unveiling of the new F-TYPE Coupe.  I heard it's a really beautiful car.  I can't wait to see what's happening."

 

"We're going to unveil the new F-TYPE Coupe.  I'm very excited.  I love cars; and I like seeing things unveiled for the first time."

"I really think that this will be Jaguar back on the map, quickly as a performance car company; and a company about design."

"It's synonymous with everything English and British, beautifully designed."

 Kelly Osbourne...

"I've always been a fan of the Jaguar.  I mean, growing up in England, going to school, who's ever parent owns a Jaguar, I know they were fancy."

 

 Ian Callum unveiling the F-TYPE Coupe...

"We've been asked many a times, 'When's the Coupe Coming?'  ?Well, the simple answer is tonight."

"You know designing sport cars..." as the Jaguar roars up the soundstage, in front of an eager, select crowd.

Three F-TYPE Coupes in red, white, and black roaring across the stage then lined up; and Ian Callum was one of the drivers.

"All is not what it seems." Ian Callum, "After all, this is Hollywood.  Here it is, the F-TYPE Coupe!" 

"I've been asked many, many months ago...don't I want to see the car unveiled. I want to see the car moving. The PR guy asked how fast?  I said very fast.  So, we just run this car moving at 100mph, right through the audience.  It was the most spectacular thing you've ever seen."

Simon Cowell...

"First of all, we had this massive build-up in this warehouse then we thought helicopters were landing. Of course, how Hollywood; and then, this beautiful car arrives.  The white Coupe, in particular, is just stunning. As we say, 'Bloody Fantastic!" 

 

This scribe can't think of anything better for a Movember gift, an hot car posing with equally smoldering chicks, such as Miranda Kerr.