Martin Lawrence Plays Santa & His Celebrity Buddies Play Being Elves for Under-Privileged Kids at his Celebrity Go-Kart Holiday Kick-Off, Christmas Cheers for Big & Lil' Kids.

 By Laura Medina

Martin Lawrence and his celebrity friends: Jaleel White ("Family Matters" Stever Urkel), Mekhi Phifer, "In Living Color" Tommy Davidson, and Shaun Baker.

What is this holiday glam all about?  It's for the kids, of course.  Actually, it's for under-privileged and foster care children between 9 to 15.

Martin and his crew are a-okay.  They're fine.  Christmas is the time to give back and be Santas and Elves to those who need it the most, under-privileged and foster care kids.

The adult celebrities aren't raising money during this charity party.

Instead, a few months ago, the organization select the forty kids from four different foster care organizations then ask the kids want their hearts' desires, exactly what they want for Christmas.  Then, the adults go out, buy exactly what the kids want, politely gift-wrapped the kids' gifts then present at the Christmas party.

As a treat for little kids and the big kids, throwing a holiday party at a Go-Kart Place is a great place to go all out for everyone and anyone, specifically K1 Go-Kart Racing in Burbank, https://www.k1speed.com.

Since this is his charity and party, Martin Lawrence launched the go kart race with him driving the course then flagging the green flag to start the kids' race.

The forty kids were divided into four teams named after Martin's movies and headed by team captains: 

Jaleel White ("Family Matters" Stever Urkel), Mekhi Phifer, "In Living Color" Tommy Davidson and Martin Lawrence, himself.  Each team is color-coded. Each team named after Martin's movies:

Red "Wild Hogs" t-shirts, Blue "Blue Streak" t-shirts, Green "Bad Boys" tees; and Martin Lawrence's very own team. He's team captain of Black "Black Knights."  His kids wore black tees while, as team captain, he wore a black fleece hoodie.

The kids come first. Forty kids whirling and buzzing around the track brought in the thrills.

At 12:30pm, they announce that all kids need to hit the Fatburger Burger Truck for lunch.  Boy, did they out ate the Fatburger Truck!

By 1:30pm, Team Captain "Black Knight" Martin Lawrence transformed into Santa Martin, giving out the kids' heart desires, giving Christmas wishes.  Kids took over the parking lot, where they get free backpacks then took over the lot, running adult with delight, in their dream bikes.

Now that the little kids are getting their Christmas wish, it's time for the big kids to race the track.

"In Living Color" Tommy Davidson was the cheerleader for the kids then biggest and loudest big kid when it was his turn to race the track.

The excitement was so bright, that by 3pm the adults and the kids are ready to go nap.

The is scribe is gonna take a nap before the big holiday itself.

Christmas Cheers.

Need a Chill Break from Holiday Pressure & Stress? Zone Out with Jean-Michel Jarre's Soundscape at Salgado AMAZONIA show at the California Science Center.

 By Laura Medina

https://californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/amazonia

For the cerebral types, you can duck out and hide at the California Science Center and listen to Jean-Michel Jarre's Soundscape at Sebastião Salgado's  "Amazonia" exhibit.  A different type of eye candy.

Need to Hide Out & Recharge or Seek a Different Type of Holiday? Seek Wellness & Peace When Burke Williams Day Spa Treats You.

 By Laura Medina

Seeking a different type and ways to celebrate.  Want a different type of peace. Nothing selfish about taking of your own personal physical and mental wellbeing.  Just like the cliche saying, you need to take care of you, before you take care of others.

 

Burke Williams, the leading luxury day spa in California, is pleased to offer the gift of wellness this holiday season with an assortment of expertly curated holiday gift card packages. The ultimate self-care destination, Burke Williams will launch the holiday packages on Thursday, November 3, welcoming guests to relax, rejuvenate and awaken all five senses with an immersive spa experience. 

Packages include a variety of signature Burke Williams treatments, including massage therapy, facials, manicures and spa baths. Select packages include Burke Williams’ all-new Tranquility Massage treatment which integrates massage therapy with the healing effects of sound to create a calming experience unlike any other. 

Guests can add even more magic to the holiday season with the Cyber Weekend Wellness Membership promotional offer, available November 25-28 only. For a limited time, Burke Williams is offering an exclusive opportunity for guests to treat themselves and loved ones to a world of relaxation as part of a three-month prepaid membership. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the perks of membership with simplicity and ease.

Burke Williams Gift Card Packages (Available Starting November 3)

Seasonal Sanctuary — $175 ($170 for members) 

• 80-min. Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Style Facial

• Enhancement of Choice

Spa-liday Spirit — $275 ($270 for members)

• 80-min. Pure Relaxation Massage

• 50-min. Spa Style Facial

• Enhancement of Choice

Spa Days All the Way — $475 ($465 for members) 

• 80-min. New Tranquility Massage 

• 80-min. Nourishing or Radiance Facial

• 20-min. Spa Bath

• Enhancement of Choice

• Advanced Eye Lift Enhancement

• 3-Day Spa Pass

Wellness Wonderland — $1200 ($1170 for members) 

• 80-min. New Tranquility Massage

• 80-min. Vitality Massage

• 80-min. Burke Williams Experience Massage

• 80-min. Nourishing Facial

• 80-min. Radiance Facial

• 80-min. Regenerate Anti-Aging Facial 

• 20-min. Spa Bath

• 3-Day Spa Pass

 

Burke Williams, California’s leading luxury day spa, has just launched an exclusive new treatment called The Tranquility Massage which integrates massage therapy with the healing effects of sound to create a uniquely calming experience. 

This all-new offering utilizes hand-crafted Nepalese singing bowl sets tuned in harmony with one another. The vibrations of these unique singing bowls harmonize with the body’s natural vibrations as the rhythmic movements of a Swedish massage guide guests into a state of complete relaxation. Within this dream-like state, light touch cranial holds are applied to fully immerse guests into the deeply calming experience.

Burke Williams, is the ultimate destination to prioritize health and wellness in the New Year with membership options for every lifestyle. To start the New Year right, guests can also apply a pre-existing gift card balance toward starting a new membership, immediately receiving member pricing upon enrollment. 

Regular spa visits offer tangible benefits to health and well-being, including important rest and healing of the body, mind and spirit. Burke Williams’ flexible membership levels make it easy to enjoy relaxation and results every month. Deluxe members receive even more perks including more enhancements, treatment time and the ability to share benefits and member pricing with friends twice a year. 

Burke Williams Membership Levels

Essential Membership — $110/month

• One 50-min Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Style Facial every month

• Quarterly enhancements or exclusive offers

• Unlimited services at member pricing

• 20% off all H2V products, Burke Williams’ proprietary skincare line

Deluxe Membership — $160/month

• One 80-min Pure Relaxation Massage or Spa Style Facial every month

• Monthly enhancement or exclusive offer with any 50 or 80-min service

• Unlimited services at member pricing

• Semi-annual bring a friend offer: share benefits + member pricing OR use benefits toward H2V skincare

• 20% off all H2V products, Burke Williams’ proprietary skincare line

Membership pricing may vary at the San Francisco and San Jose locations. For more information on all of Burke Williams’ membership benefits, please visit burkewilliams.com/membership. 

For Foodies Who Love to Party, There's an App for That, Vezbi.

 By Laura Medina

Henry Jan Founder of Vezbi

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vezbi.com.vezbi&gl=US&pli=1

"Growing Pains" Jeremy Miller

NBA Baron Davis

Sham Ibrahim (Judge Steve Harvey Show)

Hip Hop Artist, Chef Sean

The official launch of Vezbi - America’s first community-driven Super App! This cutting-edge platform is a place where business owners, individuals, and communities can do everything, every day, all-in-one place, algorithm-free. 

Vezbi is launching their first food festival series, Taste of Vezbi, at the new LA hot spot, KAVIAR. At the event,  KAVIAR will offer a variety of their signature diverse Japanese selection from traditional fare to modern dishes inspired by Executive Chef John Hans Yeo and his team of chefs.  The premier restaurant’s interiors features classic art deco elements of marble, brass fixtures, and exposed brick serve as a backdrop for pieces of art showcased from local artists embodying the culture of the community.  Brand Worldwide Group, Inc.’s Founder Tigran Oganessian with Executive Chef John Hans Yeo, alongside style icon entrepreneur, Aureta, and managing partner Charles Lew, have officially opened their second expansion for KAVIAR in downtown Los Angeles following their first flagship in Pasadena. 

Tremendous success at the official launch of Vezbi - America’s first community-driven Super App! This cutting-edge platform is a place where business owners, individuals, and communities can do everything, every day, all-in-one place, algorithm-free. 

On Thursday, December 8th 2022, Vezbi launched  their first food festival series, Taste of Vezbi, at the new LA hot spot, KAVIAR. At the event,  KAVIAR offered a variety of their signature diverse Japanese selection from traditional fare to modern dishes inspired by Executive Chef John Hans Yeo and his team of chefs.  The premier restaurant’s interiors featured classic art deco elements of marble, brass fixtures, and exposed brick serve as a backdrop for pieces of art showcased from local artists embodying the culture of the community.  Brand Worldwide Group, Inc.’s Founder Tigran Oganessian with Executive Chef John Hans Yeo, alongside style icon entrepreneur, Aureta, and managing partner Charles Lew, have officially opened their second expansion for KAVIAR in downtown Los Angeles following their first flagship in Pasadena. 

Vezbi is committed to values of no anonymity or data selling - supporting a strong, accountable community of internet citizens. Now, thru Vezbi, users have access to restaurant menus, waitlists, and digital rewards from a growing pool of restaurants and businesses who host their micro-apps on Vezbi. Micro-apps are single-purpose fast loading apps hosted within a Super App. With micro-apps,businesses are able to launch their own app at a fraction of the cost and time to develop a traditional app, all while tapping into the user base and ecosystem of a Super App. 

“Vezbi is thrilled to be supporting these amazing restaurateurs and kicking off The Taste of Vezbi at Kaviar.”- Henry Jan Founder of Vezbi

“We look forward to a successful launch for our friends at Vezbi.  The app is doing profound things in the non profit sector and helping raise money for great causes across the board! We are happy to be part of the movement.” - Tigran Oganessian 

Good Enough for Diabetics, Is Good Enough for You. You Can Eat Your Sweets with Bocha Sweet's Japanese Pumpkin Sugar, Cake & Cookie Mixes, Ain't Missing Out!

 By Laura Medina

https://bochasweet.com/

With diabetics being very common globally, the holidays are full of frustrations, heartbreaks, and disappointments. With Keto people and diabetic, you need will power to make everything from scratch.

Especially now with the holidays, there's this intense pressure to make everything glamorous, sweet, and natural.  Boy! What a tall order!

Have no fear diabetics and Keto athletes, Bocha Sweet https://bochasweet.com/, has come to the rescue.

They distill the healthy sugar from the Japanese Pumpkin and kept the good stuff,..

Cucurbita maxima can help quickly and effectively lower blood glucose levels in critical patients with diabetes. 

 1. Improves blood sugar levels. Kabocha squash is lower in calories and carbohydrates than a sweet potato. It has a low glycemic index, which means it slowly increases and maintains blood sugar levels. Like other winter squash types, kabocha pumpkin is rich in polysaccharides or fiber. It keeps you full for longer and prevents blood sugar from rising quickly. Kabocha squash seeds contain good fats and protein that help maintain blood sugar levels.

2. Prevents oxidative damage. Kabocha pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. They have antioxidant effects that help protect cells from oxidative damage by harmful molecules called free radicals. Oxidative damage can cause aging in cells and lead to long-term health conditions. Antioxidants in kabocha pumpkin can help prevent these health problems and maintain healthy cells.

3. Inhibits cancer growth. Cancer growth occurs when genetic material or DNA in your cells gets damaged and changes. Kabocha pumpkin contains flavonoids like beta-carotene and lutein. Their antioxidant properties protect your cells and DNA from free radical damage, which helps prevent the growth of cancer cells.

Beta-carotene converts to form vitamin A. It is the compound that gives kabocha pumpkins their orange color. It helps cells communicate with each other, regulates cell growth, and improves immunity. It also stimulates the production of chemicals that break down cancer-causing or carcinogenic molecules. 

Studies have also revealed that lutein and zeaxanthin present in kabocha squash may help protect against skin cancer. Vitamin C in this plant also boosts the immune system, destroys free radicals, and inhibits cancer cell growth.

Kobacha or Japanese Pumpkin is a superfood...

• Five B-complex vitamins (B2, B3, B6), Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Omega 3 fats, and Vitamin K
• Kabocha is packed with anti-inflammatory nutrients such as Omega-3’s and beta-carotene
• Naturally occurring trace minerals like magnesium, folate, and potassium

Thanks to Bocha Sweet, they squeeze then distill Japanese Pumpkin sweetness into an organic sugar that eat and feel like sugar, bakes and cream like sugar but with the extra bonuses of lowering blood sugar and insulin levels with extra antioxidants and vitamins, without swallowing vitamin horse pills.  Another easier way to sneak some healthy, good stuff that tastes delicious and fun to eat.

https://bochasweet.com/product/keto-cake-mix-bundle/

For busy singles, busy moms, busy dads, and busy parents, who simple needs water and egg, Bocha Sweet got you all covered with their cake and cookies mixes.

With their Cake Mixes, you just add eggs and butter...

Quick & Easy Instructions

You’ll Need:

• 1 Keto Vanilla Cake Mix
• 4 whole eggs
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350⁰F and lightly grease an 8”x8” cake pan (round or square) or cupcake tin.
2. Combine cake mix, eggs, and butter into a smooth batter.
3. Pour batter into well grease pan or cupcake tin and spread evenly. Bake at 350⁰F for 30 minutes for cake, 20-25 minutes for cupcakes.
4. Optional: Add frosting to cake using our Powdered BochaSweet™.
   

Frosting Instructions

• 1 cup butter
• 3/4 cup POWDERED BochaSweet™
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sea salt to taste

1. Make sure to start with butter that is at room temperature. If needed, lightly melt the butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter, POWDERED BochaSweet™, vanilla, and sea salt.
3. Whisk all ingredients in a bowl or whip with an electric mixer.
4. Whip mixture until light and smooth. Enjoy as a treat or layer on cake, cupcakes, cookies, or however you desire. Serve frosting immediately or refrigerate.

Note: For chocolate frosting add in 1/4 cup cocoa powder.

Nothing says Christmas gift and goodies, like homemade cookies. Don't worry and don't fret or stress, Bocha Sweet has come to the rescue with their all-natural, healthy, and cookie mixes.

Plenty to share, or not.

KETO OREO COOKIE MIX

$12.99

BochaSweet™ Oreo Cookie Mix includes our frosting mix so you can easily make your BochaSweet oreo cookies. You will receive a pouch of our Keto Oreo Cookie Mix, frosting mix, cocoa powder, and cacao butter.

Quick & Easy Instructions

You’ll Need:

• 1 Keto Oreo Cookie Mix
• 1 whole egg
• 1 tablespoon cacao butter, melted (inside pouch)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325⁰F.
2. Combine cookie mix, egg, cacao butter, and melted butter. Use a spatula to create cookie dough.
3. Roll into balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Slightly press down to flatten. (Important: Make sure to space out cookies a few inches evenly apart to allow room to grow.)
4. Bake at 325⁰F for 12 minutes or until golden brown. For a crispier cookie, set the oven to 400⁰F and bake for an extra 2-3 minutes.

Prefer a crispy cookie? Allow cookies to sit out for up to 24 hours. Enjoy the next day.

Buttercream Frosting:

• For the frosting, combine 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the frosting mix (inside pouch). Whip together until light and fluffy with a fork. Spread a smooth layer of frosting on Oreo and add another Oreo on top.

Wanna treat them even more?  Bocha Sweet makes things easier for you and friends and family with their quick and easy Keto Fudge Brownie Mix...

Bocha Sweet proves that if there's a will, there's a way...

Supreme Keto Pecan Pie 

Total Time: 1 hr 20 min •

Yield: 12 servings 

Ingredients: Crust • 2 cups almond flour • 1/4 cup butter, melted • 1/4 cup BochaSweet Granular • 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 egg • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Filling • 1 3/4 cup butter • 1 cup BochaSweet Brown • 1 cup BochaSweet Granular • 1 tablespoon maple extract • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 5 eggs • 2 cups pecan halves 

Whipped Cream • 1 cup heavy cream • 2 tablespoons BochaSweet Powdered • 2 teaspoon vanilla powder 7 | 

 Crust 

1. Preheat the oven to 325F. In a medium-sized bowl combine almond flour, BochaSweet Granular , xanthan gum, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter and egg until well combined. 

2. Transfer dough into a well-greased glass pie dish. Use your hands to shape the pie crust bottom and the edges. If needed, use a flatbottom glass or measuring cup to even out the bottom. Use a fork to poke holes throughout the crust. 

3. Pre-bake pie crust before adding filling for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before adding in the filling. 

Filling 

1. While the pie crust is baking, in a saucepan over medium-low heat melt butter, BochaSweet Granular , and BochaSweet Brown . Stir for around 2 minutes or until the sweeteners have dissolved. Gradually increase heat if needed until it darkens in color and thickens slightly. Remove from stovetop and let cool to room temperature. 

2. Whisk in the maple extract, salt, and eggs until smooth and well combined. 

3. Pour pecans into the cooled crust and slowly pour the filling overtop. Make sure the filling does not overflow over the edges. Note: You may have some filling left over which can be used for another recipe. 

4. Bake for 45-50 minutes at 325F. When the middle jiggles slightly and the edges are golden brown then the pie is ready. Let cool completely. 

Instructions:  1. Prepare bowl and beaters in the freezer for 30-60 minutes. 

2. Add heavy cream, Powdered BochaSweet , and vanilla powder into the bowl. Mix on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high to high speed as the cream starts to get a little thicker. Continue mixing until your whipped cream has reached your desired thickness. 

3. Serve cooled pecan pie with a topping of whipped cream. Enjoy the supreme keto pecan pie this holiday season!