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Saturday, January 03, 2009

Everyone's Talking About Resolutions...

Y'all know the drill - everyone makes resolutions which, in my opinion, is giving themselves an easy out if they don't make it. For example, I could say that I resolve to cut back on my Starbucks runs. Ummm.. I tried that and it doesn't work. It's like when as a kid I would resolve to give up chocolate for Lent. That just never played out.


Instead, Single Ma over at Fabulous Financials talked about "Life Goals" and that is a way of thinking that I wholeheartedly support. I could say I resolve to "get out of debt" but I know that I might just shrug it off at the first sign of a sassy pair of shoes. However, I have a HUGE Life Goal this year that makes me think twice before I go shopping. Plus, with the state of the economy, I want to really build up that E-Fund because I've made a goal to buy my own place by 2010. (Plus - an apartment with these two monsters = chaos. Trust!)


I've also been inspired by various bloggers who have really taken the bull by the horns and either transitioned their blogs to WordPress (Blogger - I *heart* you but Cooking In Stilettos needs a new design and platform) so I've made a Life Goal to actually LEARN my HTML and programming, etc. I learned so much already from some fab bloggers like Hotfessional, Fabulously Broke, Single Ma, Erin Cooks!, The Chic Life, The Leftover Queen, and Chef B, etc. where I'm inspired to just go forth and blog. However, I'm NOT going to blog with BLOG365 HANGING OVER MY HEAD!! That about drove me nuts. Plus, a few months ago, I had dinner with some amazing food bloggers that has really made me reflect on how to make Cooking In Stilettos better...


Another life goal is to really get into the kitchen and play more. I'm working like crazy at the 9to5 where I finally realized that if I continued at this pace, my life is going to pass me by. So I'm learning to take some time for myself. The only time I really don't let my mind race to work issues is when I'm chopping my little heart out in the kitchen. However, the pug will be playing personal trainer to help me work off all that cooking goodness.


I've also made it a goal this year to work on revamping the PR side of things and my writing. Thanks to circumstances that crossed my path earlier in 2008, I've learned I am damn good at doing Culinary PR so while the entertainment industry works itself out with all their recession drama (too many buddies of mine have been laid off), I'm going to learn all I can about the culinary side of things.


Finally, and this is a goal that might be contrary to some of the stuff above, I've resolved to buy my first pair of Loubous (with cash - not plastic!) Now, if that means scouring the outlets, the Internets etc. for the best deal - I'm game. However, I'm also making it a goal to pare down the closet, getting rid of stuff that I don't absolutely love and wear on the regular and the main shoes I find myself wearing are those that are well made. I have a number of pairs of shoes that I rarely, if ever, wear. So EBay and I will be BFFs for a while. Apparently, the Loubou desire has also infected Meowmix because on NYE she sent me a pair of shoes that she fell for and, lo and behold, they were red-sole lovelies. These are the ones I currently have my eye on.





Not a bad Life Goal list to work on in 2009... What do you have on the agenda for 2009?

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Posted by Lys :: 11:57 AM :: 8 comments

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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Would You Prefer Hinged or Chained?

Well, Ty's party is next week and one of our usual suspects is yipping something about not being able to attend. Now, I think I've said before, Meowmix is a cop in the land of "Live Free or Die!" and when I do events in Philly, I normally beg, plead and whine for her to attend. See, not only do I get to catch up with my bff, but I have a bonus - security that actually backs me up. See, a successful door biatche is a gal who's got security watchin' her back in case there is some ear cockroach wearin' dude or a hot tranny mess screaming "CHECK AGAIN - I'm ON THE LIST!"

So, in light of OurBuddy threatening non-attendance, I've got one way to thwart that mess. He won't mess with Meowmix. So, a quick text to her of "Pack your cuffs, pls" was quickly returned with her brief retort "Both Pairs?"

Wait a flippin' minute - BOTH PAIRS?? SO, of course I inquire as to the "always prepared" figuring she'd make a remark about one pair work sanctioned and one pair pink furry cuffs for OurBuddy. Oh, no. Not Meowmix. Her response was: "Hinged or Chained?"

Turns out that most cops carry more than one set for reasons such as multiple suspects, a big guy (two cuffs linked together), ties for teenagers, etc. And Meowmix also remarked that the chained pair is more comfy. It's a whole side of policing that I never knew about and BR neglected to tell me. Of course BR differs with Meomix's opinion (as always) and said the multiple cuff thing is a personal preference for the cop but not all carry two pair. Those two always agree to disagree.

Either way, I can just see her asking one of her suspects, "I'm sorry but would you prefer the chained or the hinged cuffs this time?"

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Posted by Lys :: 6:08 PM :: 4 comments

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Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Counting Down... Again...


One month, well, 31 days from today, I will be reprising the role of the door biatche in the City of Brotherly Love and dammit, you know I've got to start getting into gear. So much to do - the evites, the guest list, the wrangling and this weekend I'll be crackin' the whip. The 9to5 has me running on empty so somewhere I need to tap into my creative outlet and move it.

More importantly, this now means that 29 days from now, I'll be *ahem* hanging out with my immediate crew prior to the event at a certain new favorite establishment discussing all things important and fun while I'm relaxing with Espresso Martinis and causing trouble while I divulge some of the short and long term plans (which I still can't disclose here - dammit! Hate having to censor myself. Let's just say it's good news - trust.).

The true question is: Will Philly be ready for me to come home... even if it is for a brief moment...

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Posted by Lys :: 6:09 PM :: 2 comments

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Monday, May 19, 2008

80 Days or, in the alternative, What Do You Mean I Have To Pack My Suitcase - Again...

According to my nifty little Date Calculator, I have 80 days until I depart for the chaos that is my favorite city again.

This time, I'll be headed back to the City of Brotherly Love for yet another party, this time for who I affectionately deem my big brother (hereinafter - "BigBro" or "Ty"). He wants a party, he gets a party. Done and done. Guess the last party went well that we're ready to do it again. Yes, that's my wallet you hear screaming in the distance... 'Sarit. I can go without new shoes for a bit, no?

I get to play Door Biatche, again. This time with a list, clipboard and azzkickin' stilettos, flanked by two (or more) hopefully cute MPs from the base. This is in addition to the typical club security. (In the fairness of full disclosure, after being told about the MP security, I suggested to BigBro "C'mon, can you get a gal some eye candy please? I need something to play with when I'm at the door." I don't think he found that amusing. Hey - he's military. He knows how I am about MPs. I've dated a couple back in my time. That's all that will need to be said.)


We'll officially know if the location is a go on Wednesday, but it brings up a myriad of questions, tracking more people down from back in the day, compiling the guest lists, hunting down DJs and industry contacts, finding proper hotels (possibly for those out of towners (like moi) who would like a nice discount if possible? I'm just putting that out there). He's working on the sponsors as he knows I'm crazy busy down here. But it's fun and its a deviation from the norm. The party will be on a Saturday which is cool because that gives me some me-me time on Friday to do a few things that I have on the agenda. Friday night, I plan on having a quiet evening with some close friends just chillin' out at my favorite spot.

Seriously, I'm excited yet a bundle of nerves at the same time. Some reasons I can state, some I can't and I'm sure you'll understand. However, it brings up a whole new aspect that's been thrilling yet terrifying at the same time - branching out of my comfort zone. I started to do so on my last trip - making my own way, wandering around my streets, meeting new people out of my core group and just loving every minute of it. Also, I just hope this club can make a decent espresso or egyptian martini.

Not that I don't love the last venue we worked with (because I do and they are amazing), but the distance was the primary issue I heard. It was more Northeast than in the city. As I had to drive, I also made sure to take it easy on the libations but if I'm staying in Center City, I can imbibe a little and take a cab. Of course, all drinking is AFTER the Door Biatche has commenced her duties.


Now, I've got some heavy hitting work ahead of me - namely, I need to find one heck of an azzkickin' outfit that photographs well.

[Photo courtesy of Radisson.com]

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Posted by Lys :: 4:08 PM :: 2 comments

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Tuesday, April 15, 2008

You Can See What [We] See...

THIS was a pic of the arena on the night that JoeZ and FormerClient performed.

From what JoeZ told me it was a sea of faces and lights, people singing along to the song, etc. Last night, the video was posted to YouTube of the whole set. Joe even performed solo for a hot minute and, by all appearances, it was a good show. The people were singing along to the tracks, screaming and just having a good time. The energy translated and you can see it on the faces of JoeZ, FormerClient and the dancers as well.


Without further ado - here's JoeZ and FormerClient performing to a sold out crowd at the Sovereign Bank arena in Trenton, NJ this past weekend.



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Posted by Lys :: 5:29 PM :: 1 comments

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Sunday, April 13, 2008

The Road Bug Is Calling My Name...

[Indulge my proud publicist tendencies for a second please. Thank you!]

I've said for a while that I don't miss road life. The touring can be draining beyond belief and sometimes you only want your own bed. However, weekend gigs are a whole other matter - you hop on a plane and in a matter of hours you are at a gig, doing press, whatever. It can also be draining but, with the right clients, it's a blast and a half.


The bug bit me again last week when I went down to Tampa to catch up with JoeZ and FormerClient. But, as I remind myself daily, I have responsibilities here in O-Town and, of course, I had to work this weekend. Talk about making a gal cranky. I missed the Freestyle Music Awards last month due to work obligations and, again, this weekend, I missed another monumental event. JoeZ and FormerClient had a huge show last night in Trenton and from what I have heard kicked ass. They brought the house down and played to a HUGE arena - sold out, 10,000 (or more) screaming die-hard freestyle heads.

It's times like this where I go "Why am I in Orlando still?". The knife dug a bit deeper when I heard that some old friends of mine from back in the day were in attendance. I caught some backstage highlights on YouTube and, sure enough, there was my buddy JoeyC. from the show on there. I'm waiting for JoeZ to tell me that the video has been uploaded but I had to share a couple photos that were posted today, courtesy of my buddy Kenny over at NewYorkFreestyle.com.


Check out my Favorite, by far, photo of JoeZ (well besides the one of him at his nieces birthday party with celebrity fan Barney but shhhh.. I didn't tell you about that one). He called me this morning with a recap of the show and, inevitably, it turned to wardrobe choices. He told me I would love this jacket and, normally, when a guy tells me I would "love" an outfit, I am not a fan of the choice. So, I'm thinking "Crap - I really need to talk to soandso about clothing sponsors" but, after seeing this, I have to admit I was surprised. Note: JoeZ -I like the jacket. I'll shut up now.


Here's FormerClient (the other good photo was a Beyonce pose but I figure if y'all want to see it, head over to Kenny's site for the photos)



And this photo of them with Kenny backstage is classic!

Times like this reminds me how I really need to be home. I'll just have to settle for the video for now.

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Posted by Lys :: 7:48 PM :: 1 comments

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Friday, April 11, 2008

Speaking of Former Clients...YouTube Digs Up Oldies...

YouTube unleashed a whole pleathora of video fun tonight on some other former clients, namely this one.. While many remember a bunch of their songs, especially this one:



it's THIS song that had me roarin' with laughter (sorry Ana!!!)



Oh I needed that giggle. MB, you got mail - feel free to forward *wink*

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Posted by Lys :: 12:18 AM :: 0 comments

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Kickin' It Up A Notch For The Weekend...

While browsing through YouTube, I found this gem - FormerClient's video for her new single...



I have to say, while I loved the 80s version, I like this version more - perhaps because I've seen it performed live and she's got a voice and a half.

Enjoy!

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Posted by Lys :: 12:07 AM :: 0 comments

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Saturday, April 05, 2008

Sometimes You Can Go Back...

Last night was still somewhat of a blur. I really think that heading down to Tampa was the right decision because there were people there that we didn't expect to be there, DJs that have been off the radar that were in our path, and fabulous promoters. Good times, people. Good times.

JoeZ and FormerClient gave a kick ass show (as always) and they went on at 4:00 a.m. The crowd sang along to the songs and had a great time. Sometimes, that is the best feeling - when you see a fan singing along to their favorite singer/song. JoeZ and FormerClient adore the fans and really, I can't think of two better peeps to work with.

Also, when I'm with these two, there is MUCH laughter - flashing back to 5/6 years ago when we just laughed our butts off and got silly. I've missed alot being here in Orlando. However, Orlando was necessary because 6 years ago, fate put JoeZ and FormerClient in my path. I can't forget that. Everything happens for a reason. Even better was how everyone has changed yet the core stays the same - that's refreshing. It's like one stops and then picks up where they left off.

Here's a funny story - as we are walkin' to the club (the gig was in the hotel), who comes sauntering past us but Lil' Wayne and the Cash Money crew. I kept lookin' at that cat going "Is it?? Noooo". I just saw the grills of him and his crew and man is petite but seemed cool. And his entourage was flankin' him. Now the publicist in me thought "Hmmm.. that could be a photo op" but then I just dismissed it. But I had to joke that if Akon was nearby I was callin' Reese.

And when I first walked into the hotel - one of the bars had 80s night in full effect, playing Billy Ocean's "Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car". Talk about a show flashback. I joked that if they even played "Crush On You" I would walk out the damn door.

Going into the hotel, JoeZ tells me to come up to the room and, what happens, I get detained by an overzealous security guard, Frank, who doesn't believe me when I say "I'm with the group. Honest". JoeZ and FormerClient had to come down and get me past the invisible velvet rope. Then when we headed into the club, we got stopped and all I had to say was "This is FormerClient" and the ropes were whisked aside, cocktails procured and into VIP we went and to the stage. And the stage was slippery as all hell. Again, detained by security and then two words from a promoter and it's all "This way." I got some pics that I have to upload later but all in all, it was a good night.

Yeah, I think I'm ready to go back to entertainment.

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Posted by Lys :: 4:21 PM :: 2 comments

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Are You Kiddin' Me??

So here it is, 2:30 a.m.and we're in the hotel waiting to go down to the gig. I think that is the one thing that used to bug me about touring - the hurry up and wait. There is only so much planning one can do before you have to accept the inevitable and roll with the punches.

And, somehow, I missed that life too. Everything seems to be coming full circle and the more I talk with my Philly crew, the more I realize that I am needed to jump back into entertainment and finish what is left undone.

Don't mind me, I'm running on lack of sleep, lack of coffee and too much laughter - because this is what its supposed to be. Fun. When work is fun, that's when you know you are where you are supposed to be.

Really, there are no coincidences.

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Posted by Lys :: 2:37 AM :: 2 comments

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Friday, April 04, 2008

It's Gonna Be A LATE Night..

That gig that I'm going to tonight for JoeZ and FormerClient packed a bit of a punch. I found out this afternoon that showtime isn't the normal 11:30/Midnight like a normal club gig. Nope - they hit the stage at 3:30 IN THE MORNING!!!! Oh. My. Holy. Hell. I about fell out of my chair when JoeZ goes "Lys, guess what time they got us goin' on. You'll never guess in a million years". As it was a casino nightclub, I suggested perhaps 9:00 p.m. because that's pretty much unheard of for these type of club dates. Yeah, ummm.. add a few more hours to that.

So now this changes my plans to quick nap after work, get ready and shoot down to Tampa for 10:00 to have a cocktail and catch up. I don't know if I'm going to make it to 3:30 tho, but knowing me, there's a chance as I haven't seen either of them in a while and I would feel horrible for NOT seeing their show when they are in my neck of the woods. Its worse for them though. They both fly out tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. so it means that they are heading out straight after the gig and sleepin' on the plane. Plus, last night they had a gig in Detroit so you know they must be tired.

I hope they have a 24/7 Starbucks in Tampa! This gal will need it. Gah, I'm starting to feel old now.

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Posted by Lys :: 5:50 PM :: 1 comments

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Thursday, April 03, 2008

Let The Countdown Begin...

Had some great chats tonight all while in the midst of planning the Party O' The Year (aka our boy's B'Day Soiree) scheduled for May. There are a few plans in the works and it amazes me that when I send out a pitch or an email, more often than not I get "Hey - yeah, count me in." or "Whatever you need." Our friend has touched so many lives and is often regarded as the glue that holds most of us together.

So, in the midst of thinking utterly mischievous minx on this, a flurry of texts and phone calls resulted in a new partner in crime for this soiree and it's a whole new ballgame. I'm rubbing my hands in glee over here.

The worst people can say is "Ahhh - Ummmm - No". The hardest part will be having to hit up what some have regarded as the "Mean Girl" during our tenure back in the day. That, in itself, will take some serious wrangling on this gal's part. See, she's *ahem* too busy to take a call so I'm trying to think outside the box to put this in her path somehow, someway. And then there are other people I have to track down and try to find. But, let me tell you - seeing our friend's face light up with all these faces from his past that brought him so much joy will be the ultimate gift.

I love myself a good planning session and we have a month to talk to liquor distributors, pitch press, publicists, djs, etc. and somehow take off the cape and go back to the 9to5 while saving my nights for more planning, pitching, etc. And then it's off to Philly for the big event.

To quote Cher from Clueless "PROJECT!"

This is going to be SO much fun.

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Posted by Lys :: 12:23 AM :: 5 comments

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Monday, February 18, 2008

Sigh... My Mojo is M.I.A.

I'm about to put out an A.P.B. for my PR mojo. Sadly, it's missing.

I told a friend of mine that I would help him with his media kit and have everything done BUT his bio. Of course, I told him Friday I'd submit it tonight. As luck would have it, either I'm rusty at this PR thing and the 9to5 gig has burned me out or I'm just beyond uninspired. What makes it tougher is that it's for a friend of mine and I have to make it a point to remain neutral. I can't be all descriptive and glowy about the project - I have to approach it like I would for any other client.

I have a feeling that, much like another deadline I had about 6 months ago, I'll get hit at 3:00 in the morning and started typing a rough draft on my Blackberry. And no matter how much I listen to the music, my thoughts keep getting interrupted by thoughts of the impending Project Hell III that awaits me at the 9to5.

I hate feeling like this. :::sigh:::

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Posted by Lys :: 10:59 PM :: 1 comments

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Saturday, January 26, 2008

Daggone It - Where's My Nyquil...

One of my co-workers has been wandering around the office sick as a dog. And, now, I can feel sniffly, achy, and just downright blah. Wonderful - just how I want to spend my weekend - sniffling with chapped lips (which is the first sign of an impending cold/flu for me). To add to the ugh-ness of it all, due to deadlines this week, I can't be out of the 9to5 to recoup.

Wonderful. Well, at least I'll be homebound today and working on the apartment. First item on the agenda - the Christmas Tree. Yeah, I know - but at least it's not Feb. 1st, right?? Here's where the procrastination monster struck. See, I have to make room in the laundry room for the new tree carton, throw out the old boxes from the move (I save the boxes from my mixer, blender, etc. - I know I know - toss those puppies) and just package it all up for next year. Plus I bought MORE ornaments and was gifted with more ornaments so I think there might have to be yet another plastic bin for the overages. I've been dreading it.

Ugh! Well, at least I had nothing pressing on the agenda today, well except to go see the new police chief speak - obviously I woke up and realized it was not an option. I also have to do some pr for a former client so I'll be writing press kit materials this weekend as well.

I hate being sick - but at least there is always Nyquil! Much like the role Windex played in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, that's what Nyquil is for me. Early detection, early cure.

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Posted by Lys :: 1:31 PM :: 2 comments

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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Got The Answers...

As y'all know, with all the "It's On/It's Off/It's On" again drama with the Grammys, it's pretty much a given that Reese and I will not be able to go to the show with our friends (and clients). I was sad and disappointed at being left grounded for the prom AGAIN, up until Reese said the other night "So and so is going to be performing in Philly at the end of February."

*insert light bulb moment* AHA!

PHILLY? My second home? The place where a good portion of my oldest (in terms of KNOWING them - not age, per se *LOL*) reside? One of my favorite shopping meccas? The one place my accent doesn't sound foreign. Hell, it even is home to a Sur La Table (well in NJ but still).

Of course, Reese is hella cool with the group performing so the show is in the bag. Plus, our boy Jas had just sent us his new track* which warrants an intro with the group performing. So, your gal "got the answers." What more can I do?

Easy - Book a trip to Philly for the end of February - some rest, relaxation, networking with clients and potential new contacts, some great performances, shopping and hanging out with some of my favorite people. And y'all know our crew in Philly is crazy (in a good way).

Now this, I'm game for.

*The new track is aptly titled "Got The Answers"

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Posted by Lys :: 7:12 PM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Emerging From The Bowels of Hell, I Mean Florida Mall...

Last night, I emerged from the bowels of the Florida Mall a bit disappointed but comforted in the fact that my shopping could be done online. Why - because then I could coupon and cash back everything.

I went to Saks and found NOTHING. First of all - Saks, realize that you need to carry more plus size fashions than ONE CORNER (and a small corner at that). With all the retail space in your store, 2 small aisles that was smaller than a CLOSET does not suffice. Shame shame.

I went to Nordys and, while I saw many lovely dresses, the one that I was looking for (Contender No. 1) was NOT there. :::sigh::: I did see a gorgeous blue dress and a few others, but again - plus size formal fashion - more elusive than the Holy Grail my friends. I'm still looking - I got time. Lesson learned - a gal should always have a fabulous black cocktail dress that will go for any occasion. I'm also on the hunt for that. What can I say - I'm picky.

So, I did what any other disappointed wench would do - went shopping for shoes. And the ones I loved - not there. The gorgeous Justino sandals that I wanted to wear at the show - the girl at Nine West actually asked me "Are you sure they are ours?". Thank god for the Blackberry and a link on my blog because [BOOM] there it was on the 9West site. She even took my phone into the stockroom to see if she could find them back there. (She better not have called Zimbabwe or the Ukraine or some other foreign land.) Sadly - they didn't have but she did try to talk me into some pump that had a lucite heel. (Are you friggin' kiddin' me?? DOH!)

Those gorgeous spectator mary janes - Nordstrom had NO idea about anything even though it was on their site. I was told "I don't think they are here yet". Really? You don't say. The shoe manager wasn't even familiar with the brand and he even tried to point me in the way of the Juicy. Juicy and I are NOT friends, especially when it comes to the shoes.

So, home I went, and click I did. One of the highlights of my fervent clicking, searching and browsing - I found the Spectator Mary Janes at Urban Outfitters which is a cash back store and I also found a coupon for 20% off. Let's just say it was MUCH cheaper than at the Nordstroms site. Now I'll wear these with my well loved Chestnut Kiyonna dress currently in my closet and that will be dinner at the Ivy.

And, rather than investing in some pricey Louboutins (like I can - surely I'm suffering from delusions), I found the Steve Madden version on the cheap at SMART BARGAINS of all places. I knew there was a reason I'm a member of their Shoppers Club. It should be live on the site tomorrow (hopefully) but I'm wearing these to the awards. I'll be comfortable. I'll be taller (because the guys we're going with are taller than I. Hell - the way I feel today - Mickey Mouse is taller than me.) and I can boogie the night away while having a few cocktails courtesy of Mr. Open Bar. And then I can stumble across the street to the hotel, rest for a couple hours and then fly my happy behind home.

And, re: the Grammys - Kimmy, no, not famous - not. even. close. I had to giggle when I saw that comment last night. MB has it better - he's got the AMA's ON lock - I can't even get IN that joint. Basically, in a nutshell, my NARAS membership is a remnant of my entertainment publicist days. With our yearly dues, I get benefits such as a snazzy Christmas card, ability to attend workshops and panels for free (or minimal cost) (my NARAS regional office is in Miami and yeah - 4 hours to go to a producer panel - not. I do try to go to the Winter Music Conference soiree tho in Miami), fabulous discounts, ability to get insurance, etc. The main thing is the ability to purchase tix to the Grammys.

Listen - unless you are a nominee or a REALLY high up bigwig at NARAS, you are paying out the pocket to go to the show. One of my friends, a great producer and client, has been a member for years, votes every year, that boy even won a Grammy and, guess what, come award time - that boy is coming out the pocket for his tickets if he wants to go. We're allowed to buy 6 tix total - 4 cheap seats, 2 big pimpin', you might have to mortgage your child seats. And the member HAS to be in attendance or noone is getting in. The security is ridiculous. The other thing is we're not seated on the floor (bigwigs and nominees, presenters and entourage only), go backstage or any of that mess.

The afterparty is where the magic happens. Where else can you almost run (literally) into Kathy Griffin [she's short btw], have dinner prepared by Dinner Impossible's Robert Irvine, Top Shelf ANYTHING you can think of Open Bar, goodie bags, private performances by artists like Black Eyed Peas, Musiq Soulchild, John Legend, etc. and boogie your little heart out on the dance floor next to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. I mean I saw people that evening that didn't phase me but when I had those two legends right next to me and I'm sans voice. When I told Producer Boy about it, he laughed at me. Now if he was AT the awards, I know he would have teased me unmercifully and then intro'd me to those two. Hell I could have intro'd myself - but I'm shy. I'm quiet. [Well, just then]. Reese is the confident one. I tend to shrink into my cosmo. But I will say this - when you are with some great people, it's a blast. Hell - if I knew THEN what I know now, I would have met Giada de Laurentiis because the Grammy Behind the Bash that they filmed was the one that Reese, MB and I were at. Fun times, fun times. Let me get off the memory lane ride now.

The 50th is the one I'm jazzed about because the buzz is they are going to go ALLLLL out. And this year - this year will be a good time. I'm looking at it this way - I get to attend the prom after being on punishment imposed by my wallet and other things for 2 friggin' long years. Also, I'm hoping that we can get into some of the other afterparties. I just need to get into gear contacting some old publicist buddies who I know will be either the door biatche or in control of that velvet rope.

We'll see. Now I have to figue out how to sneak the BB past the watchful eye of those damn security @*#*#*#.

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Posted by Lys :: 6:22 PM :: 1 comments

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Thursday, December 13, 2007

Tickets, Get Your Tickets...

In my email was a little gem reminding me that the 2008 Grammy tickets are now available and that our hard copy invitations are in the mail. The show is just around the corner - it's February 10, 2008. So, there goes my shopping budget. The only thing I really want to do this coming year is go to the ceremony with some friends and have a blast. It's the 50th Annual Grammy Awards so it should be a good time.

The one thing about the Grammys is while the awards are cool - the party is 200x better. Not to mention I want to visit Clooney's office Reese and the lot, network with some publicists I know and drag one my fave mentors out for lunch. I also want to go to my pre-Grammy dinner at the Ivy, visit some friends and maybe take in a bit of shopping. That, my friends, will be my big vacation of 2008. (Sorry Meowmix - I know I know). But after the developments here, I really need to put myself out there network wise and get back into the entertainment swing of things.

With a plan formulating and an aggressive savings push, I log into the member section of the website and lo and behold, I can pull my ticket order form online. Well, I need to prep the budget right? Therefore I need to see the costs. I mean I'm not ordering til January but still.

I see that the prices have gone up and there's new options. We can get 2 tix at Platinum, Gold or Silver level and an additional 4 tix at the cheap seats aka Bronze level. So this is the first piece of the puzzle we get to start with. Ticket prices are:

  • $1000 ea. for the VIP Platinum ticket (No, you're not on the floor - you are on the side but in a special VIP section, I presume);
  • $400 ea. for the Gold ticket (On the first level on the side);
  • $300 ea. for the Silver ticket (On the second level);
  • $150 ea. for the Bronze ticket (Upper level but guess where your gal will be sitting).

In addition, there is a $200 ticket per person for the swanky afterparty but you can't go to the party without going to the ceremony. Let's add that up - I'm going to be shelling out $350 per ticket package, plus plane fare, plus hotel, plus car rental, plus all other expenses. EEKS! Let's not even get INTO wardrobe. :::sigh::: I don't even WANT to think about that whole other debacle.

Over the next month, I'll be doing my research. I can get a room at the swanky Grammy endorsed hotel at a reduced rate but I'm going to see my options. As it's $189 a night, maybe I should just book the swanky hotel the night of the show as it's right nearby and that way we really don't have to drive much. As it is, I plan on flying in on the Friday before and leaving on the Monday after the ceremony. Or should I leave Tuesday - because more than likely, I'm going to be a tad exhausted from the party. See - TOO much to worry about. My head is going to be spinning worse than the exorcist!

I do know one thing. This time I'm NOT dying my hair brown before the show (Nor am I dying it at all, period). I don't want a Zebra stripe running down my head from a missed spot like I had 3 years ago. They can just realize I'm a blond with a brain.*

*Yes, that's really why I dyed my hair brown. Long story short - in the music genre I worked with, I found that many of the music executives are mainly men. And much of these male execs that I had to deal with tend to think that a blond with a brain is just not the norm. Therefore, I dyed it brown before the Grammys and also before a big music conference I had to go to - reasoning - to be taken seriously. Now that I look back at that, I have to laugh. If they can't take me seriously, that's THEIR problem, not mine.

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Posted by Lys :: 1:08 PM :: 4 comments

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Saturday, November 17, 2007

Ahhhhh... the Wonders of Sea Air...

As I'm blogging via Blackberry, be kind please. I have to keep it short because I've been up since 4 am, drove 3 hours to here and worked like crazy. Also, I did make an excursion to Sur La Table and, don't worry my credit card didn't get too much of a workout. More on that when I get back.

The hotel is like a gem in a field of rocks. The ocean is next door to the hotel (breakfast overlooking the ocean...hell yes) and what do I want to do --- sleep and do this tango again tomorrow...

Then its back to Orlando. Fun Fun.

I'll leave you with this one amusing tale. I haven't gotten my oil changed in, like, forever. So, being that I'm traveling, I picked up a quart of my oil (5W-30 which means I have to go into an auto store/Pep Boys - thankfully they saw my fish out of water look) and a tire gauge because I have a slow leak in my right rear tire. This morning at 5 am I decided to check my oil but it was still dark out. So it was checked and oil was added via blackberry light. Your gal has skills LOL.

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Posted by Lys :: 8:11 PM :: 0 comments

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Friday, November 16, 2007

Off Traveling...

I'm headed down to S. Florida (West Palm Beach to be exact) tomorrow. I'm helping a buddy out with an event and I'm excited. Now I know nothing about sports, but that's okay - I got this! So, while I'll still be blogging for NaBloPoMo, it will be via the Blackberry because this gal doesn't appear to have much of a wireless signal at her hotel.

I leave at the crack (stress CRACK) of dawn tomorrow - hell I don't even think the sun will be UP before I leave Orlando for the 3 hr. trek, but it should be fun. If anything, this week solidified one thing for me: I can do ANYTHING I put my mind to. And, oh yeah, I can get by on 3 hrs sleep a night (if I don't make it a habit). I've juggled this thing, the 9to5, client stuff with the PRBiz, some personal drama and, in addition, being a support system for my buddies during their drama. Yeah - me, sleep - we're estranged I tell you. Estranged. Last night I went to bed at 2:30 and I'm up at 6 a.m. Again, solidifying my other revelation - a gal doesn't need sleep as much as she needs adrenaline.

I'm just working on the countdown to Dec. 1st - not for NaBloPomo's sake, but because I would like to keep up with my social life (what little one I seem to have - HA!), catch up on my blogs (I've been negligent - I know - sorry!) and just SLEEP. Also, on Dec. 1st, the 9to5 is having their holiday party and yours truly is going to have a little cocktail soiree prior to the party for those nearest and dearest to her (one must have liquor prior to company functions, right - I keeeed I keeeeed). Plus, also that morning, Ms. Fuzzy aka Shadow will have her Christmas Furcut. Can you believe they wanted to schedule her around 8:00 in the morning - after how many hours lack of sleep I have endured this month - I. Think. Not. 12:30 please. Plus - if I'm cranky when woken up, you should see her.

So, if my blogs are not spellchecked this weekend -it will be because your gal is blogging from the event during my downtime. And if they are wordy, its because I'm having a glass of wine (if its after hours). If they are boring, I apologize now. And, I will attempt to take pictures of the hotel by the ocean (really Motor Inn but whatever - even a MOTOR INN is $150 bux a night - what gives???) for posting next week.

Some fresh sea air, a stroll through the sand with the iPod, new surroundings, perhaps a cute cop (or two) and a new mall (or two), and exploration of a 'Bucks (or three - I must map out the Starbucks), I should be fabulous. I'll be sleep deprived with raccoon eyes, but who cares - I'm doing what I love and what I was born to do.

Here's another discovery - they have a Sur La Table only 30 min. from everything. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to that store and have resigned myself to the fact pigs might fly first before I'd be able to enter through its doors but, hey, now I can! Don't shoot me - I'm excited. If I get the Sur La Table catalog, I pore over it like its the new Vogue. I'd forego SHOES for Sur La Table, such is the depth of my devotion - I even got some of my Global knives there last year (via online & cash back but still - Sur La Table doesn't discriminate - it loves me regardless of the fact I live in O'Town). I just got their catalog yesterday and you better believe that its already packed for my trip - how was I to know that I'd be blessed with a Sur La Table excursion. Favor is mine, I say!

Come Monday - I'll be drained and working on overdrive at the 9to5 straight through. We'll be stopping for just a short break for Turkey Day & Black Friday and then it's nose to the grindstone through November 30th. November 30th your gal will be having a cocktail, hopefully victorious, (Secret - don't fail me now) and December 1st, I get to sleep. Yeah... now that sounds like heaven to me right now. Screw the holiday party - I just want 8 - 10 hours of uninterrupted blissful sleep.

Hope you all have a safe weekend and I'll be blogging on the fly!!! (And shopping but shhhhh.. don't tell anyone - it will be our little secret!)

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Posted by Lys :: 6:57 PM :: 2 comments

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Monday, October 22, 2007

I Feel Like a Teenager Right Now...

My parents will tell you that when it comes to music, and artists I like, admire, etc., if presented with the opportunity, I will wind up meeting some of them. This was never more evident than at the age of 4, I went tearing backstage to meet Tony Orlando & Dawn. I personally don't remember that, but my dad often says that is when they knew somehow I was going to work in entertainment.

When I was 12, I wound up meeting a huge (for me anywayz) 80s pop group *cough cough* [can't reveal the name but their hit song had "CRUSH" in the title] *cough cough* and wound up carrying on a friendship that lasts to this day. When I worked with the Junior Achievement newspaper in my area, I had the entertainment beat and I was lucky to score some great interviews which included Expose, LL Cool J (my mom actually reprimanded him out for using the name LL when he called the house), and an invitation to attend a national dance show to interview some dancers on that show (I can say it AIN'T American Bandstand or Soul Train) which led to many more opportunities and the amount of people we met at the show was huge. Plus, at the show is where I learned PR and found my passion. Plus, I've met many freestyle/dance artists and worked with some great ones, so I know I'm very blessed. Thankfully, I am not very starstruck when I meet people. I've rarely been rendered speechless unless when I met Sully from Godsmack (he's very intimidating in person - at least to me) or Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (I couldn't speak to them - they are legends, but I poked Reese & MB going "OMG!"). I've seen the good and bad side of entertainment, but hey, entertainment pr is my passion.

Ok - so back to the title explanation. Last night, I sent an email to Orfeh, the singer who plays Paulette from Legally Blonde: The Musical, congratulating her on her success on Broadway and told her that Or-N-More was one of my favorite groups from back in the day. Now here's the kicker, shocker of shockers, she wrote me back - not her people, not her web mistress - her. Moi - rendered speechless. And she's genuinely nice.

I feel like I'm 12 again.

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Posted by Lys :: 7:31 AM :: 4 comments

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