Victor Migalchan's and Danny Trejo's Wholesome, Current, Contemporary, Family Sitcom "My American Family" is the Sitcom We All Can Relate to & Need.

 By Laura Medina

Watch My American Family | Prime Video (amazon.com)

During these turbulent times, have you been catching yourself yearning for something relatable that reflects today's society yet comforting, like "The Brady Bunch"?

Don't worry, just launching on Amazon Prime, Victor Migalchan's, with Danny Trejo, "My American Family" shows today's Los Angeles, versus Hollywood, in all its multi-cultural yet All-American families and people of today, which says they're like every other family anywhere in America. This what attracts Danny Trejo, a decent family-friendly sitcom representing today's America.

That’s the case for Alex Romanovich (Miglachan), having lived in China for many years, he arrives in the US to live with his homestay Mexican-American family.  After the initial shock of having Alex living in their house, life is never the same as his unexpected good influence touches everyone. 

The father Miguel (Steven Jacques) has his hands full with pressures from his boss at the car dealership (Danny Trejo), his wife Victoria (Magi Avila) who is trying to be more than a housewife, a young daughter Phoebe (Marilyn Flores) struggling with her sexual identity, but also his own unrealized dreams until he meets Alex. Even the daughter’s best friend Kimi’s ( Kimberly Alexis Yee) direction in life shifts as a result. 

Alex may be the quirky but adorable third-person, objective observer but the real center of the story is Alex's landlord and today's befuddled family-man, Miguel, the All-American dad with Mexican heritage but still very much today's All-American dad.

If Miguel isn't being hassled by his boss, Danny Trejo, at the car dealership, he's besieged by family problems while being intrigued by his Chinese cultured-aficionado tenant, Alex Romanovich. Alex watches today's Los Angeleno and American culture through Miguel and how Miguel reacts to today's LA/American environment, atmosphere, and social changes and pressures.

Atypical "father/son" dynamic develops through understanding and relating with each other. It's the little quirks that defines the All-American experience for Alex.

In "My American Family" it shows there are decent people out there, who are willing to help.

The side story of Kimi, struggling as a typical Gen-Z Los Angeleno, trying to get by, then all of a sudden, met a guardian angel, a producer name Simon, who needs a production assistant in his production film/tv office. It's Victor trying to show there are good people out there.

"My American Family" creator and star, Victor Migalchan has many irons in the fire, striking when the iron is hot.

In addition to the Amazon Prime tv show, Victor continues his Eastern/Western culture with "The Master and the Apprentice," and international cooking show, "Dragon Chef" where Victor cooks traditional authentic Chinese cuisine. His international guests try, share their experience and present their own favorite dishes.

If he isn't busy enough, Victor is writing a book on relationships, bringing back traditional courtship and how relevant it is in today's contemporary society.

To make it easier to catch up on Victor, go ahead and watch "My American Family" on Amazon Prime right now.

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Maggi Hodge's "Overload" at MASH Gallery.

 By Laura Medina

Spring Equinox signals a rebirth, a restart, or at least, a step forward.

The MASH Gallery's launch party for Maggi Hodge's "OVERLOAD" exhibit was really the first celebration towards the tail's end of 2021 COVID-19 quarantine.  

It takes a year to adopt and evolve but they did it!

Yes, alright it is the culture vultures that celebrated, with masks.  Jazz hip hop violinist and saxophonist got the party started. Fellow culture vultures and stylistas, rejoyingly hugged each other in reunion.  They brought their tween sons, bringing up the next generation of art patrons.

People were rejoicing in the simple things, such as an open bar.

Maggi Hodge titled her exhibit, "Overload," saying, "It confronts our current cataclysmic state of living: our modern lives are overloaded with physical and psychological fragments that threaten to overwhelm and overburden us with unnecessary chatter and matter. Hodge has temporarily departed from the figurative, but her signature use of vivid colors and loose brushstrokes that define her aesthetic is sure to generate commotion for this first-of-the-year exhibition."

 

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More Like Grammy Month, 2021 with Whole Planet Foundation, Pandora, & Kimberly Dawn.

 By Laura Medina

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic/quarantine, Grammy Week has been stretch into Grammy Month then pushed back into March, Women's History Month.

Grammys 2021 is all about women musicians.

Pandora dedicated a whole hour to hot, rising women musicians, such as Haim, Brittany Howard, and Chika.

Whole Foods' Whole Planet Foundation that provides micro loans to developing countries, spotlight women musicians in those countries.

But the big deal during quarantine Grammy Month 2021, Kimberly Dawn concert at The Mint.

Her live performance was one of the few first concert to have an extremely limited live audience, six feet away, which is this scribe and an another journalist.  It was only a mere two audience members but it was all inside the same green room with Kimberly Dawn and her guitarist.

Little steps means big foot steps back to normal.

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Lacoste x Ricky Regal, Bruno Mars' Fashion Alter Ego with his Anderson Paak, their One-Off, Only Collaboration, Silk Sonic, Modeling Lacoste x Ricky Regal Collection.

 By Laura Medina

This fortune but hungry and thirsty style scribe was excited to finally step in a fashion pop-up shop, done COVID-19 pandemic style.

Sadly, no pass snacks or drinks, much no live performance/mini concert normally accompanying an opening, out of fear of a viral outbreak.

Nope, Lacoste x Ricky Regal is focused on the essential, focusing on the fashion and the one-off, one season collaboration/collection between Lacoste and Ricky Regal, Bruno Mars' fashion alter ego.

Ricky Regal's partner-in-crime, Anderson Paak and their equally one-off band collaboration, Silk Sonic, are modeling the Lacoste collection while performing...

For the launch of his new lifestyle brand, Bruno Mars teams up with Lacoste to become Ricky Regal, his designer alter ego. Inspired by a lust for life and an entrepreneurial Midas touch, the collection bridges Bruno’s enigmatic personality and distinct style with Lacoste’s iconic blend of sport and luxury.

Bruno Mars is introducing us to his musical alter ego, Ricky Regal, as part of a new fashion collaboration with Lacoste.

The Lacoste x Ricky Regal collection launches this week and features a range of retro-styled T-shirts, tracksuits, footwear and accessories inspired by Miami nightlife, Sixties and Seventies’ glamor, and the shared euphoria of singing and dancing to live music.

Highlights include relaxed sweatsuits, oversized shorts and graphic tees that incorporate the iconic Lacoste crocodile logo with a stylized “Ricky Regal” font. The classic Lacoste polo also gets an update, with bold new prints, and a chic velvet version too. Lacoste says the vibe is “everyday sports luxury,” calling out Ricky Regal’s “flamboyant rhythm” and the collection’s “seductive palette of strong colors” (think: mustard yellows, rich blues and deep purples, with some hippie motifs and tie-dye prints thrown in for good measure).

"I’ve been very fortunate to have been asked to do collaborations in the past, but it always came with guidelines. Lacoste was the first and only brand that said ‘Bruno you can do whatever you want.’ The respect of such creative freedom coming from a heritage fashion house was an honor.  When I'm on stage my name is Bruno Mars. When I’m making lavish luxurious garments, I go by Ricky Regal. "Bruno Mars

"Collaborating with Bruno and entering into his unique world has been a great adventure, he has a very clear vision and is obsessive with every detail. From concept to fittings, there wasn’t a single aspect that he was not fully involved.

With Ricky Regal x Lacoste, Bruno has created a luxury sportswear brand that bridges the Lacoste sportswear heritage and his own seductive." 

Louise Trotter, Lacoste Creative Director

Sportswear, both casual and dressy. With Lacoste x Ricky Regal, his collection delivers a seductive palette of strong colors: mustard yellow, petrol green, eggplant purple, coral red and tie-dye. A vibrant state of mind boosted by Lacoste’s sportswear expertise. Velvet, silk and cotton fabrics with impeccable finishes create a fluid vibe, with pieces to wear on their own or as a complete look.

The first Lacoste x Ricky Regal collection will be launched on 5 March 2021 through a global network of 18 exclusive retailers and will be available from 8 March 2021 at selected Lacoste boutiques and at lacoste.com

Freedom, spontaneity and creativity. Bruno Mars joins forces with Lacoste to create his very first lifestyle brand. A collaboration that began in Los Angeles, where he and Louise Trotter, Lacoste’s Creative Director, first met. Giving free rein to his imagination, the American artist pushed all the limits to give life to Ricky Regal, whose style embodies his passion for flamboyant rhythm and his love for the Crocodile.

The Lacoste x Ricky Regal collection is all about bringing together two strong energies: Mars & Lacoste’s crocodile. A universe with an emblematic flourish and flair, translated into a range of ready-to-wear clothing, footwear and accessories. Articulated around fluid shirts and pop tracksuits, the line features shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, pants, slides and socks, as well as an iconic pair of aviator sunglasses.

Ricky Regal infused a lot of Seventies sensuality, funk, and soul, bringing the height of the Playboy Mansion in its peak.

Continuing the louche lounge atmosphere, walk up stairs to the free and fake but fun casino.

Too bad, the bar isn't open due to COVID-19...

But, you can play craps and roulette to wind up as you soak the leisurely pace, which this velour and silk collection is all about...

What's even more rare, the Seventies Lounge interior design and decoration.

These are very much part of reinforcing Ricky Regal's groovy, Seventies soul and sensuality.

Fake gold records by Silk Sonic plaque the downstairs boutique.

But, once the "exhibit" is over, so are the interior design and decor.

They'll be scrub away, to start a new and fresh with a new, upcoming Lacoste collection that will be a bright rainbow...

If you're lucky to located this Melrose Place pop-up mirage, walk in and slowly soak this moment-in-time Seventies capsule before it disappears.

JustFab Releases Kelly Rowland’s First Designed Footwear & Apparel Collection

 By Laura Medina

This letter is my first as a fashion designer and a mother of two, and it feels so surreal that I get to do something I love as my career. I couldn’t be more grateful for another outlet of self-expression and creativity that I get to share with you all.

I grew up watching many amazing women, including my Mama T, who used her creativity to bring her dreams and ideas to life. I was always in awe of her and her creative mind, which seemed to have no bounds. As I got older, I was fortunate enough to travel the world and watch designers realize their dreams through fashion; I was mesmerized by what a magical job this is. Above all, it just looked like so much fun! I always imagined there would be a day where I got to look at a woman across the street and see her feeling beautiful and confident in my designs.

This past year was completely unprecedented, and as I reflect on all that has happened, I am once again reminded how miraculous and multifaceted women are. How many different people we can be in one day, one hour, one minute. How many different hats we wear. I watched frontline workers on the news, the multitasking mom on the Zoom call, the full-time parent-turned-teacher, those isolated from their families and friends; I watched the world unfold on a screen. I watched and listened, and wished for some levity and lightness for those who were struggling. Some simplicity and ease for those who were facing challenges. And some celebration for everyone, everywhere, for coming this far.

As I looked inward, I realized I was waking up and dressing myself on some days for comfort, some days for strength, and other days for pure joy. My fashion choices were my armor for the day. They lifted me up and were a physical manifestation of my intentions — what I needed to power through. This year has been an exercise in strength, and I wanted to be able to share that armor with women everywhere — with you. You have all been warriors, blessing the world with your creativity and showing up with such grace. It was from your stories that this collection was born. You are my muses: the warriors, the creatives, the women who lead with grace. This collection is for you.

I wanted to find a way to bring the ways you inspired me to life, so I partnered with three women to tell three different stories within the collection. Each woman represents a muse, and every shoe is named after a Greek goddess to echo power with each step. In March, the collection focuses on the warrior in each of us — brought to life by Nykhor Paul. In April, we celebrate the creative mind with Diana Veras. And in May, Pritika Swarup embodies the graceful nature innate to women. Each month we will be releasing a capsule of shoes and clothing inspired by each of these facets. Every piece has been designed to be a necessity: a timeless staple for your wardrobe that makes you feel like the goddess you are. I also wanted to use fabrics in an unexpected way, a reminder that you are so much more than you think you could ever be. Did you think Active Knit was only for sneakers? Put on the Tyche or Cleta Active Knit second-skin boots and remember you are a hero in heels. Think linen is just for casual beachwear? Lace up the Enyo or Bia linen combat boots and stand tall in your graceful glory. Always remember that your power is limitless and there are no rules; these shoes are for defying expectations.

I feel like this is OUR collection and I’m finally getting a chance to share it with you! To women everywhere: thank you. You inspire me. You are the reason the world turns. I hope this collection brings power to your step, because it was designed to celebrate you.

Skincare Gets Soulful with Alicia Keys' KEYS Soulcare.

 By Laura Medina

Thanks to quarantining, people, including stressed-out celebrities and are focusing on skincare.  Not only does it feel good on the nerves, with a slower pace, people are finally seeing effective skincare working with results, they want.

The au naturel Alicia Keys, have been makeup-free for quite some time, instead relying purely on skincare...Other people's and brands' skincare, not quite to her liking.

Amping up Ulta Beauty's offering, with focusing on inclusivity and diversity and universally effective yet simplified skincare routine, Alicia Keys launched her KEYS Soulcare skincare by doing a part-concert, part Questions & Answer on Ulta's platform, https://www.keyssoulcarelounge.com/ultabeauty

Since "soul" is part of the name, Alicia Keys interview personalities and experts that are also pushing Ulta's inclusivity and diversity in hair and skincare, such as interviewing actress "Blackish" Tracee Ellis Ross launching her PATTERN Haircare line and Kim Kardashian's hair stylish, Jen Atkin of OUAI Haircare.  As for skincare, Alicia picked the brains of Darryl Dzapasi.

Alicia's skincare line focuses on body + mind+ spirit connection.

During the Q & A, Alicia would do breaks by performing her hits, such as "Girl on Fire."

While "chatting" with Tracee Ellis Ross, we found out that Ulta hired Tracee as their Diversity Advisor and the Head of Inclusion.

Since Alicia's skincare is so streamlined, people can't help but chime on her KEYS Skin Transformation Cream (fragrance and fragrance-free) in oil-free but moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid and retina-A gentle alternative, bakuchiol, amped up with malachite, stone of transformation.  They also chimed on her mulit-purpose Comforting Balm, based on Rose of Jericho and Camellia Seed Oil, infused with vanilla. It's for anywhere dry, chapped lips to chapped elbows to those crow's feet.

This scribe has been slathering her KEYS Skin Transformation Cream.  It's not your grandma's cold cream.  It's better, healthier, and lighter yet more effective.  It's really inclusive.  It's for oily complexion to the most parched wrinkles.  Simply for anyone.