Fremont, Today's Immigrant/Refuge Tale.

 By Laura Medina

Who would had known this contemporary immigrant tale would end up as a "meet cute" love story?

Not giving away much, but "Fremont," the movie may be all about the ennui of the real refugee/immigrant experience?

Aghan woman translator is lucky to escape the Taliban, sheltered in safety in a entry-level factory job run by Chinese-Americans because she seeks a different type of community as a fresh start.

Adjusting to new norms, led this lonely heart protagonist to another lonely heart, Jeremy Allen White as a decent, nice, and cute roadside mechanic seeking companionship.

A date in a diner, how All-American can you get?

Eating Plants TV's Second Season Proves Eating Vegan Can Be Fun & Sweet. Who Knew Desserts Can Be Healthy.

 By Laura Medina

When asked about the upcoming second season of Eating Plants TV, Mick McIntyre and Kate Clere hinted about comfort food, lifetime classics that taste and feel like good ole reliables, but in vegan form. They clamor, thanks to the rising availability of ready-made, prepackaged vegan meat and cheese and milk; people don't feel like they're missing out nor feel like they have to take the time and energy to make vegan items from scratch. It's just like ordinary grocery shopping. Except, it's for the vegan version of normal, daily groceries.

What they didn't tell ya'...Surprise, Second Season is about spanning globe for desserts and sweet treats.

Eating Plants TV Second Season international insider local hosts give their local insight, that eating vegan doesn't mean eating your broccoli or it has to taste bitter, in order to be healthy.

Eating vegan can be fun and sweet, which corresponds to the normal evolutionary taste buds. Sweet tends to be safe and nutritious while bitter warns that it's poisonous.

In the Second Season, the local hosts prove that vegan can be fun, sweet, and rewarding, no guilt, no shame.

Who knew chocolate is a vegan superfood. In the Mexico episode, a chocolate atelier makes the Aztec invention chic while returning it to its vegan roots.

In the next segment, churros are now being baked vegan. Dipped into vegan chocolate, you're basically salad, proving you can still have your desserts and eat them too.

In the Australia episode, Martin Dingle has his desserts and eats them too.

He has a vegan croissant for breakfast.

But literally, he was a kid in a vegan gelato shop when he made vegan Cookie Dough Honeycomb Gelato, using coconut cream, instead of the traditional dairy. He noted that Australia is one of the biggest consurmers of ice cream.

This goes beyond comfort food. Second Season proves that you can still be a big kid at heart, but with an healthier and hopefully, a way bigger heart.

You don't have to sacrifice the taste buds for good health and consciousness.

Anderson Paak, Jason Momoa, & Eve Longoria Raise Their Spirits for Maui Fundraiser.

 By Laura Medina

It was a delicious storm of a constellation of celebrity alcohol brands converging together to raise funds for Maui Recovery.

Anderson Paak was advertised as the main attraction.

What lucky party folks didn't expect was Eva Longoria tending bar, slinging and mixing cocktails with her own tequila brand, french oak cognac barrel-soak tequila, Casa Del Sol, https://www.casadelsoltequila.com/

No competition here. To raise additional funds and fun, fellow celebrity, Jason Momoa joined in the liquor pool by offering his own vodka brand, https://www.meilivodka.com/ He, too, offered his vodka cocktails to the thirsty crowd.

Finally, Anderson Paak, the main headliner, gave away sips of his and Bruno Mars' rum,  https://selvarey.com/ in between drumming and DJing.

Together, they raised $25,000 to get Maui back on its feet.

 

Mark Wahlberg Launching Flecha Azul Tequila.

 By Laura Medina

"Marky Mark," Mark Wahlberg is on a nation-wide tour promoting Flecha Azul Tequila. 

He was the real storm before Hurricane Hilary, down in Southern California, the Friday before Sunday's tropical storm, where fans clamored for him, thirsty for him slinging tequila shots and mixing cocktails at Balboa Bay Resorts, that will carry his Flecha Azul Tequila.

Of course, ravenous fans happily guzzled them all down.

Him investing in the tequila company, founded by Mexican PGA golfer Abraham Ancer and entrepreneur Aron Marquez, was really health conscious.

As much as he enjoys wine, he's still a health freak.  Once he realized it's easier to burn tequila calories than wine calories without the wine's fructose, Mark switched over to tequila.

He did his homework, visited the distillery in Jalisco, Mexico, which has been owned and operated by a local family since 1840.  

Wahlberg inking a deal last year as the principal investor. 

“I said I want to put my money where my mouth is and cut a big check and get involved with your brand and utilize all of my resources … everything that we have we are going to tap into and utilize to make sure this brand is as successful as possible.”

Flecha Azul has five types of tequila: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Cristalino and Extra Añejo. It’s currently sold in California, Texas, Nevada and Georgia.

After slinging tequila shots and whipping up cocktails, he walked on over to the press and media after-party, where a rare collection of his autographed bottles of Flecha Azul Tequila are sold in that party only, for the lucky guests.

What the fans and the party guests at Balboa Bay Resort don't know, was that Mark was across the bay, slinging shots and mixing cocktails earlier that day, at another restaurant.

Despite the jam-packed tequila-soaked day, Mark patiently still posed and greeted at the taco and tequila feast, with even more eager fans, grace and tenacity.

It was a long day for Marky Mark.

50 Years of Hip Hop Drop Beats at Morrison Hotel Galleries in NYC & WeHo.

 By Laura Medina

This past week has been a seismic wave of culture and creativity shook both coasts as Morrison Hotel Gallery celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with an awe-inspiring exhibition co-curated by Queen Latifah and Whoopi Goldberg. In the heart of New York and under the dazzling Los Angeles sky, a one-of-a-kind party unfolded, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art, music, and Hip Hop.

New York was elevated with drinks from Creek Water Whiskey and beats by DJ Earl Grey while Los Angeles was hosted poolside at the iconic Sunset Marquis with with an incredible vinyl hip hop set from DJ Jedi. Both locations offered tasting booths from Whoopi Goldberg's marijuana company, Emma and Clyde by WhoopFam.

The exhibition will be on display at Morrison Hotel Gallery Los Angeles and New York City until Thursday, August 24th

Sweet Sprays For A Sweaty Summer.

 By Laura Medina

Other than school has already started, kids, teachers, and staff are bemoaning it has to start during an heat wave.

There is help, new body sprays for anyone and any hormones and pheromones.

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/mcm-eau-de-parfum-all-over-spray-5-oz.?ID=4559612&utm_source=rakuten&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=affiliates&ranMID=13867&ranEAID=%2FjZHTpnCvx8&ranSiteID=_jZHTpnCvx8-U1TCB3xOh_87mExp549WXA&LinkshareID=_jZHTpnCvx8-U1TCB3xOh_87mE

MCM Body Spray of: Raspberry, Apricot, White Peony, Jasmine Absolute, Violet Leaf, White Moss, Vanilla, Ambrox, and Sandalwoodd, this woodsy floral spritz is quick and light for the on-the-go anyone and everyone.  A refreshing, olfactory relief for those suffering in sweat and heat.  A wanderlust-inspired mix of vibrant raspberry, hand-picked jasmine, clean woods and sheer Ambrox.

https://1821manmade.com/collections/fragrance/products/absolute-mahogany-spirits?variant=40071446823030

This crisp, herbaceous scent that summons memories of sipping an earthy cocktail at an ocean-side shindig. Vibrant Italian mandarin, bergamot, velvety cardamom, warm cassia bark, clary sage, cinnamon, sensual night blooming jasmine, dark Virginia cedar, rustic Mahogany woods, tonka bean, creamy Tahitian vanilla bean, golden amber.

This fragrance has pronounced depth, longevity and sillage.

This is a parfum-grade scent that is made in small batches in a niche barrel house. It contains a 20% oil blend, 80% denatured alcohol, and no water, for a sweet, unmistakable depth of fragrance that transcends gender.  

If you want to be a teacher's pet to start the school year on an easy foot, instead of a fresh but rotting apple, do please give this elegant glass bottle that sports a fine-mist atomizer and leak-proof closure. 

Discovering HERO Bread & Yummy Yet Good for You, Chakra Chai Truffles at CURE Wellness Spa Open House.

 By Laura Medina

https://www.hero.co/

https://www.youtube.com/@eat_hero

The most successful healthy stuff are the ones that are the most normal and the easiest and really delicious.

That's what this scribe discovered at CURE Wellness Spa Open House, in Malibu.

HERO Bread is like traditional Wonder Bread, but better, think of it as elevated sliced bread.

For those with diabetics on a ketogenic diet, you won't be missing out on classic, normal dishes such as sandwiches, toasts, burgers, and hot dogs with zero carbs and sugar but loaded with 5 grams of protein and 11 grams of fibers to sustain your fuel and insulin.  That's the key to a successful food launch, You aren't missing out yet feel better.

You can find HERO Breads at Sprouts.

https://chakrachai.co/collections/orbs

Let's be honest, having a sweet tooth is normal.  This is what keeps our species alive for millennia since sweet fruits tend to be safe to eat, with nutrients and calories to keep us alive and well.

Chakra Chai truffles feeds your hungry chakras with the matching ingredients to feed them.

The founder, Hoda, knows it's easier to snack to feed than a time-consuming meal.  She also knows sweetness is what makes the nutrients go down easier and faster.

Guess what, this scribe just had Chakra Chai Love and Truth Truffles for breakfast.  No sugar crash here.

A good diet with an equally good fitness regiment shouldn't be beating yourself up.  Hoda's Chakra Chai Love Truffles are what the French call, "pleasure."  It makes you enjoy more with gooey, chewy  Almonds*, Honey*, Cacao Butter*, Coconut Butter*, Ghee*, Matcha*, Cinnamon*, Coconut Milk*, Eyebright*, Bacopa*, Basil*, Neroli*, Orange**Organic. Contains nuts.

It's really is food as love to channel compassion, which we all need now a days.

Hoda's Truth Truffles help you see the light of day more clearly with Almonds*, Honey*, Cacao Butter*, Coconut Butter*, Ghee*, Matcha*, Cinnamon*, Coconut Milk*, Eyebright*, Bacopa*, Basil*, Neroli*, Orange**Organic. Contains nuts.

Thanks to CURE Wellness Spa Open House to opening minds and taste buds.

Another Version of a Hot Girl Summer, Rosario Dawson Joins Shiseido's Beach Clean-Up During US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, CA.

 By Laura Medina

Rosario Dawson attended SHISEIDO Blue Project’s Beach Clean-Up with WSL One Ocean and WILDCOAST at the U.S Open of Surfing, CA on August 3^rd in Huntington Beach, California. 

That afternoon marked SHISEIDO Blue Project’s third-annual West Coast beach clean-up, hosted by the incredible Rosario Dawson, alongside WSL One Ocean and WILDCOAST ­­– an international team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions. Established in 2019, SHISEIDO Blue Project is a global effort to promote the protection of our ocean. Through this initiative, SHISEIDO and World Surf League (WSL) have collaborated on a series of activities that promote respect for our oceans. These activities include cleaning up beaches, coral restoration, leading global initiatives like WSL One Ocean, and promoting ocean and sun-safe habits.  

Rosario Dawson got down and dirty, explaining the need to care for ocean wildlife and beach preservation.

 

Surfers Sage Erickson and Lakey Peterson with Rosario Dawson at the SHISEIDO Blue Project’s third West Coast beach clean-up joined by WSL One Ocean and WILDCOAST.

Rosario Dawson was at Huntington Beach during the 2023 US Open of Surfing on behalf of SHISEIDO for a beach clean-up in partnership with World Surf League’s One Ocean initiative. 

Established in 2019, SHISEIDO Blue Project is a global effort to promote the protection of our ocean. Through this initiative, SHISEIDO and WSL have collaborated on a series of activities that promote respect for our oceans. These activities include cleaning up beaches, coral restoration, leading global initiatives like WSL One Ocean, and promoting ocean and sun-safe habits. 

 This recent, past Wednesday marks SHISEIDO Blue Project’s third annual beach clean-up at the US Open of Surfing joined by WSL One Ocean and WILDCOAST – an international team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and addresses climate change through natural solutions. Conserving the ocean requires marine protected areas, managing fisheries, and cleaning up what goes into the sea. Beach clean-ups reduce litter and protect critical habitats for wildlife. They help raise awareness about other issues in our oceans and galvanize communities to care. 

This clean-up will bring the community together to learn more about and inspire action for the #WSLOneOcean initiative. 

Shiseido is one of the sponsors of US Open of Surfing.  Here's Rosario posing inside the booth.

This dives deeper for Rosario. 

Rosario Dawson is the Founder and President of Rio Dawn Foundation which supports the Social Impact Fund. Rosario Dawson also featured in documentary ‘Common Ground’, winner of the Tribeca Film Festival.  Common Ground is an important new documentary film featuring Laura Dern, Jason Momoa, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder, Donald Glover, Rosario Dawson, Mark Hyman, Gabe Brown, and many others. Directed by Josh and Rebecca Tickell, ‘Common Ground’ provides hope for future generations with concrete ways to fix a broken planetary system. The film explores how regenerative agriculture can help heal the soil, our health and the planet.

During the Open of Surfing, Shiseido developed then offers this World Surf League Sunscreen for surfers in mind.

Established in 2019, Shiseido Blue Project is a global effort to promote the protection of our ocean. Through this initiative, Shiseido and World Surf League (WSL) have collaborated on a series of activities that promote respect for our oceans. These activities include cleaning up beaches, coral restoration, leading global conservation campaigns like We Are One Ocean, and promoting ocean and sun-safe habits. Powered by SynchroShield™ Technology, get peak protection for active, outdoor activities with this lightweight, invisible protective veil that’s strengthened when it senses water, sweat or heat*. This sunscreen lotion creates an even layer and provides protection against UVA/UVB rays, pollutants and dryness.

KEY BENEFITS

• Lightweight broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protects against UVA/UVB rays
• Protective veil becomes stronger when it senses water, sweat and heat*
• Goes on clear, without any residue
• Free of oxybenzone & octinoxate
• Water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
• For face and body. Good for all skin types.
• Dermatologist-tested. Ophthalmologist-tested. Non-comedogenic.
• 2020 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner

*The HeatForce technology is activated on hot days, after the formula is applied to the skin. To activate the WetForce technology, expose the applied area to water or perspiration for 30 minutes.

SynchroShield™ Technology:

• WetForce Technology: Negative ions in the formula combine with positive ions in water and perspiration to form bonds that create an even stronger layer of invisible sun protection.
• HeatForce Technology: A heat-sensing essence becomes activated by external heat, forming a stronger UV protective barrier.