Oh Hello Oscar…

This weekend it is time to toast to the crème de la crème of awards season and quite possibly one of my favorite nights of the entire year.  Tinsel town will be lit up this Sunday for the 84^th Annual Academy Awards.  If you didn’t make Madonna’s guest list this year, there is no need to panic as there are plenty of things going on around town.  We have come up with some essentials to get you in ultimate party mode!

Throw on your cutest Sunday outfit (see below for some inspiration…tres chic!)

Grab your friends and head to Westwood.  Boasting one of the best bottomless brunches in the city, The Backyard at the W Hotel does NOT disappoint.  Channel your inner superstar and soak up some California rays while sitting poolside and toasting mimosas.

In the mood for a little pampering?!  Why not…the other divas do!  Grab your friends and head down the street in Brentwood to the DryBar.  Sip on champagne, read magazines and achieve that glam goddess hair you’ve been dying for!  After all…who can go to an Oscar party without the ultimate ‘do?!

Now that you’re ready to rock it’s time to put your party shoes on and hit the town!

Channeling your Inner Yogi

Some people consider Los Angeles to be quite the cut throat city.  People are ALWAYS in a rush and constantly scrambling to get to their next gig.  In the land that appears to be the hub for only the strong survive mentality it is important to keep your chin up.  This weekend, we have found the perfect activity that will certainly help you recharge and regain power.  Naam Yoga LA is hosting their first annual YOGATHON. 

From 12PM – 6PM the top teachers throughout Los Angeles are getting together at Naam to host what will be a truly enlightening experience.  For six hours you will practice from the best instructors, participate in workshops, learn helpful nutritional tips and most importantly, give back to charity.  With a goal of reaching $60,000 all of the proceeds will go towards the Cancer Support Community-Benjamin Center.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to get there and channel your inner Yogi.  Because after this Saturday, you will be the strongest you’ve ever felt!

Feeling Fat?

LA is a city where things are constantly going on, and the fact that you LALAs around town will use any excuse to go out and toast to a good time, it is quite easy to jam pack your social calendar.  Case in point…Fat Tuesday.  Although we have just finished a long weekend, there is no reason to put your party shoes back on the shelf.  Ladies and gentlemen, repeat after me, Laissez les bon temps rouler…

Tonight marks the annual celebration for Mardi Gras at the Market.  Now usually I think of The Farmer’s Market (at The Grove) as a nice go-to for a weeknight dinner, rather than some crazy party place; however tonight is an exception to the rule.  Head to WeHo tonight for some live music, food and fun.  Jam out to traditional New Orleans tunes while dining at the fabulous Gumbo Pot, which boasts the best gumbo in town.

Time to get a little Cajun…

Baby’s Got Sauce…

There’s nothing like stepping back into a musical chapter of your life and reliving the memories.  What better way to do so than to go see one of your favorite bands from high school!

For those of you from Generation Next you’re probably familiar with music maven G. Love & Special Sauce.  This Philly–based band who’s responsible for catchy tunes such as Baby’s Got Sauce, Free at Last, and Astronaut have headed West to put on a show for us tonight (2.16.12)

Ladies and gentlemen…it’s time to kick off President’s weekend with a little jam sesh. Head to the House of Blues where G. Love & Special Sauce will be providing a musical snack of alternative hip-hop and funky beats.

Curtains go up at 8PM but make sure to get there early to claim your dancing territory…

Coffee Couture

Watch out Mr. Bean and Mr. Bucks – there’s a new sheriff in town…

Everyone’s buzzing about a fabulous new edition to the West Side.  This week, The Refinery started roasting beans in its newly opened location.  Taking over the space of former EarthBar, this coffeehouse has done a complete makeover, turning itself into a sophisticated (and dare we say refined) morning staple for all you caffeine junkies out there.  With a knack for business and a love for lattes, owner Jimmy Chang has proudly opened yet another passion project.  And with popular locations scattered throughout Los Angeles, the Santa Monica edition is guaranteed to be a hit!

 

Footloose and Fancy Free

Wednesdays are the worst.  Although you’ve made it through the Manic Monday you are not quite at the finish line.  Good thing we know the perfect way to cure you of your hump day blues…cocktails and karaoke.

Put your party shoes on and head to the only place worth talking about on Wednesdays – The Den.  Located right off the Sunset Strip across from the Chateau Marmont lies this Den of iniquity where patrons are invited to eat, drink, be merry…and perhaps sing a little song or two.

With a fire pit lining the outdoor patio and a DJ that plays anything from Motown to the top 40s this place caters to just about anyone.  Whether you’re new to this hollywood stomp or   locals like Jason Segel and Sienna Miller we guarantee a fun time.  This place is casual in the summer, cozy in the winter, and the perfect weeknight staple.

If you’re in the mood to get out on the town head to The Den tonight for some fun.   Because after all – who doesn’t like singing their hump day blues away…

Gobble Gobble Getaway

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to get in the holiday spirit.  If you don’t have any turkey day plans quite yet and all of a sudden a plane ticket home is a fortune, we have found a luxurious yet affordable way for you to spend your vacation.  Located in the sizzling city of Palm Springs lies the Ace Hotel.  This den of iniquity is where old Hollywood meets hipster and makes for the perfect weekend getaway.

Pack your bags, hop on the 10 and cruise East for about 2 hours where destination vacation awaits.  Perfect for a romantic getaway or a group trip the ACE caters to anyone looking for a good time.  Spend the day getting pampered at the spa, having a boozy brunch with friends or relaxing by the private pool.  Don’t worry party animals, there are two separate pools – one for quiet time and one for socializing.

With all vices welcome at the ACE Hotel, this year you will be giving thanks to a good time.

Grooves and Grub

Since tomorrow is TGIF, it seems only natural to kick off the weekend early with a little Thursday night fun.  First up on the agenda – might we suggest putting your groove shoes on and heading to the Gibson Guitar Showroom for some live tunes.  The Michael Donner Band brings their A-game with every jam sesh and there is never a dull moment in their serenade.

After your musical treat, take those party shoes down the road for some dinner and drinks.  Located in the Mid-City area lies this charming little gastropub, The 3^rd Stop.  This place is perfect for all occasions: first dates, group dinners or just a night of good ole’ sports watching.  Grab a table or belly up to the bar because either way, you’re guaranteed a good time.  Although the menu is fairly basic it is by no means average.  Choose from the most delicious pizzas, burgers and salads for a meal that will tickle your taste buds.  Also choose from a surplus of beers on tap to wash back your chow.  Did we mention the most exciting thing about this place?  Late-night Happy Hour.

Political Panache

It seems these days there is a political rally on every street corner of this city.  Good thing there is nothing steamier than a mixture of politics and cinema.  For years Hollywood has dazzled us with the allure of the governmental forum.  We fell in love with Michael Douglas in “The American President,” drank the kool-aid as Martin Sheen lead us through the West Wing and now Tinseltown has dazzled us again with the political thriller, “The Ides of March.”

The film opens up with a doe-eyed yet tactful Stephen Meyers (Gosling) taking care of the menial tasks for Governor Mike Morris (Clooney) as he preps for the evening’s speech ahead.  Within a blink of an eye, we are quickly submerged into a tumultuous behind the scenes of the Ohio presidential primary.  Lines are crossed and people are stepped on to achieve the ultimate reign of power.  Boasting an insanely talented cast (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei) and starring two of Hollywood’s hottest commodities (Gosling and Director Clooney) this film is spectacular and a must-see.  Head to your local theatre and go behind the velvet rope of scintillating regime.  Because let’s face it, this film makes being bad look gooooood.

Here’s some savvy looks that would guarantee our vote…

Rooftop Retreat

Still exhausted from the Halloween festivities?  We aren’t either.  Ladies and gentlemen, we have found a new restaurant/bar that appeals to all recovering personalities…the ones who are tired AND the ones who are ready to go again!

Perched on top of the boutique Hotel Wilshire lies this enchanting getaway.  We raise our glasses to the new toast of the town - The Roof on Wilshire.  With a full menu, stocked bar, and a view to die for, there’s not much else we can ask for.  Oh wait – there is one more thing.  Serving as the main attraction is a crystal blue pool that lies in the middle of this oasis.

Wanting to appeal to all audiences, culinary mastermind and business aficionado, Eric Greenspan has made sure to offer up an array of atmospheres to his patrons.  Seven days a week The Roof on Wilshire opens its luxurious doors for whatever you’re in the mood for.

If you are looking for a relaxing get together meet some friends for a little poolside brunch where you can order up items like the Pancake Lasagna or the Crab Cake Benedict.  In the mood to wine and dine?  No worries as the dinner menu is just as scrumptious as the brunch.  Feast on Carmelized Scallops or the Crispy Pork Belly as you share the Parisian Gnocchi.  Whatever you fancy the menu is there for your delight.

What’s the catch?  There isn’t one. There’s no secret password or membership fee to get in.  All they ask is that you head to the The Roof on Wilshire and treat yourself to a good time.