Monday, October 19, 2009

HALLOWEEN


Oh, how I love fall!  When the air gets crisp, the leaves turn and a new school year starts, football games fill the weekends and Halloween season starts!  Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love dressing up, candy corn, haunted houses and pumpkin flavored anything.   Fall signals that the cold Chicago winters are right around the corner; and to me it means catching up with friends, fun parties, new shows on tv and a preseason to the crazy holidays!  You can bet I will be carving a pumpkin and hitting those haunted houses very soon! 

For anyone in Chicago, go to Chronicles of the Cursed - Chicago's scariest haunted house.   Located downtown at 560 W. Grand, it's Chicago's largest haunted house packed with scary freights around every corner!  Now, just watch out for those scary rats on the streets - those are real!


Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Emmy Night Fashion!

Sunday Night at the 61st Emmy showed that fashion is all about cut outs, sparkles and color.  
Here are some of my favorite (then least favorite) on the carpet!! 

Kristin Chenoweth
 LOVE! I would totally wear this.  The sparkle is dramatic, but she kept it cute with the shorter length - she is so petite!  The outrageously fun dress matches her personality perfectly. And did you know she is 41?!  Kristin also got to dazzle on stage as she accepted her Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress for the now cancelled Pushing Daisies. 
 
Mary-Louise Parker
 LOVE the purple and the bow and the one shoulder... which I normally don't like!  Parker pulls all this off so effortlessly, and did you know she is one hot mom at 45! but I am not so sure about the shoes...
And Then There were the Others...
Some stars risks were more just plain 'What Were They Thinking?!' All of them were just Too... Too something!! 
Let me know if you agree.  
Names have been left out to protect the guilty...
  
TOO Much like Xena/A Sour Grape 
What is up with all those grape vines all around her shoulders?  I think she would have looked pretty with the flowers on one side... it's the vines that make her look just Too much like a grape gone bad
TOO Much Fabric
Girl, you got new boobs, show them off!  There is just too much fabric, TOO much draping and TOO much covering up.   Hair and make up is great though! 
TOO Much Lace
This dress made a lot of Best Dressed list's, but after long consideration, I just think she took it a little TOO overboard.  And that back... Nude is sexy, nude with a huge zipper up your back that you can blatantly see and that is kind of crooked is not. 
TOO Pale
Come on love, you are already pale, you know you should not be wearing a dusty icky pale pink.  And the cheesy flowers make you look like a grandmother's couch. 
TOO much like a Q-TIP
At first glance this would have been beautiful, and she did LOOK beautiful when all is said and done.  But the dress itself literally looks like two Q-Tips on her shoulders about to poke her face.  I want to say "Watch Out for that Giant Q-tip - It's going to poke you in that pretty face of yours!!!"

TOO Old
Why does this darling little diva always want to look older?  This whole look is TOO old and she is TOO short to wear this gown.  I'm just saying. 

TOO MUCH FABRIC/TOO MOO MOO-ESQ
TOO Ugly to have been worn at the Emmys.  I mean, seriously, who did she ask before she left the house and said "How do I look?"  Did someone say you look like a grandmother about to go to bed?  Because honestly, what was she thinking?  And that little broach in the middle does not make up for the fact that the color is horrible, the fit is beyond flattering and she looks like she rolled out of bed.  Oh, poor girl. 

(Blake's Hair/Back)
TOO Juvenile 
I really loved Blake's dress (that's why we could mention the name) But that hair spoiled the sleek and sophisticated look she had going on.  From the front, she was perfection, but the hair and the ill pony tail look just TOO juvenile!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Beauty Tips!

I am certainly not one to turn down nice products, but let's be honest, I do not have the $40 to spend on expensive cream or hair products, or the time to run out and get them!  It is so easy to get the same results at home and with inexpensive products and supplies you probably already have at home.  Most of the inexpensive tricks included can be purchased for a dollar!  They will keep you looking and feeling awesome!  Below you will see some of my favorite cheap beauty tips! 
Smooth Legs  
Use Suave $1 conditioner - it is so much better than shaving cream and will leave your legs unbelievable soft while protecting your skin.  And feel free to use it everywhere, just get an unscented conditioner! 
Smooth Hair and Healthy Tip
I have extremely long hair and I only cut it probably twice a year. To keep my hair healthy and soft I have to take care of it - for this I use the Suave $1 conditioner!!  When your hair is dry, put it in a pony tail and smother the conditioner all over it paying special attention to the ends.  Sleep with the conditioner in your hair, or just wait about an hour before you wash your hair in the shower as normal - the difference is amazing!
Shiny Hair 
Before you get out of the shower turn the water on extremely COLD!  This seals the cuticle of the hair and will leave your hair shiny after the first time... the more you do it, the better.  
Smooth Skin 
Olive Oil and Rock Salt.  Mix about a half cup of Olive Oil with a Table spoon of Salt and smother it on your skin, wait two minutes, then rinse.  Cheaper than a body exfoliate - but if you don't want the mess try Bath and Body Works - any kind you like!  It works and is affordable.  Also, using Olive Oil and sugar on your lips will help remove dead skin and leave your lips soft and smooth!  This is especially useful in the winter months!  
Strong Nails and Hair 
Take the nutrient supplement Biotin.  It really works and will help make your manicures last longer with stronger nails and will help your hair grow very long!
Calm Under-eyes 
Late night out?  Yeah, I hear ya.  Place two spoons in the freezer while you are showing.  When you get out place the cool spoons over your eyes (but not touching them!) the coolness of the spoon will help bring down the puffy under-eyes and leave you feeling refreshed!
Make Make-Up Las
Next time you are Sephora get a sample of something expensive you have always wanted to try. I love getting samples of an expensive primer I would never buy or try out a new foundation! Once I use this, I keep the small container they gave it to me in and I scoop out left over lipstick into it... I sometimes even mix colors.   Then put it in the microwave for 30 seconds or so and mix.  If you accidently liquify the lipstick, you can place it in the freezer for a few minutes to let it set.  Then you have a portable and adorable new lipstick!
 Cheap Fix for Shiny Skin
Sure, you want your hair to shine - but not your skin!  Living in Washington, DC I had to find a quick fix for the hot and extremely humid summer months.  Just walking outside made you start to drip!   You can buy blotting papers online from e.l.f. for a dollar, however when you forgot to throw those in your purse - just head to the bathroom!  Use the seat protectors, tear off a corner and use that to blot the shine off your face.  The thin paper of the seat cover is identical to the those of the blotting papers - they just are not as attractively packaged!
 

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Friday Night Tailgate

I have been busy working on pre-production for the current Fall show I am currently an Associate Producer for, Friday Night Tailgate on Big Ten Network.  Our first show will be airing LIVE on Friday September 4th, at 8:30-10:00 ET.  Watch! It should be really funny! This week is University of Michigan, Next week is Wisconsin. 

Check out a clip from last year here:


http://www.bigtennetwork.com/fnt/

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

My Fabulous Mom!



Know someone Fabulous?  I just entered the most fabulous person I know, my mom - Gail Swan Pollina, for the Fabulous at Every Age contest from Harpers Bazaar magazine.  You can enter someone fabulous you know (or yourself) for the chance to win $5,000.00 and be in the magazine!  Fill out the information form, attach two photos (one close up, one body length) and... here is the hardest part.... write why that person is fabulous in only 50 words or less.  I had a hard time keeping it under 50 about my mom, I think I did 100 - I hope I did not disqualify her!  Enter yourself, or someone fabulous you know here: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/sweepstakes/9557
Here are some fabulous pictures I chose of Missy to enter her!                                      

Monday, August 17, 2009

LollapALOOZA Update


Another one of my obsessions from Lolla - Passion Pit - By far is one of the best new bands out there. Their electronic beats with an edgy, catchy tune, make it comparable to MGMT.
Check out one of their songs here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bfseWNmlds

Welcome Little Lily Burek!!

Katelyn and Doug Burek welcomed their first child - Lilianna Kate Burek - into the world on August 12th at 8:13pm weighing 7lbs 2oz.  I had the pleasure of meeting the little bundle of joy the next day!  I started bawling when I walked into the room and first saw her.  Something about this little life that had not even been in the world for 24 hours overwhelmed me, and the fact that I would be able to watch Lily grow from the first day she was born amazed, excited and over took me.  After seeing a newborn I have a great appreciation for all children...  And I will always love Lily and Caroline!!  I look forward to blogging more about my experiences with them!
 (Notice how large my hand is in the picture.... is it the angle of the picture... the little little baby...both... or do I really have monster hands??)

Monday, August 10, 2009

LOLLAPALOOZA

I am officially no longer a music festival virgin!  I went to Lollapalooza yesterday (Sunday only) and it was quite the experience!  My ten hour day (in extreme heat) started off with Ra Ra Riot who did not disappoint, per usual.  I also checked out Passion Pit, Band of Horses, Portugal. The Man, Kaiser Chiefs, Ke$ha, Lou Reed, The Killers, Snoop Dogg... and a bunch of random DJ's at Perry's booth... And Vampire Weekend - which was so fun to see them in person since I have been obsessed since they came out!  
But by far my favorite was when I stumbled into the crowd at Dan Deacon... first of all, I was caught off guard by the overwhelming amount of people on the stage - around 50 - and they all had different instruments from drums, tubas, xylophones, trumpets, symbols - everything!  
Dan Deacon mainly does electronic beats mixed with large band ensembles and the best part is his live performances that have strong audience participation that includes making dance circles, getting on one knee and following the leader in the middle!  Needless to say it was full of energy and very fun to watch! Pictures from my disposable camera I brought with me are to come.... 

I don't have video from Lolla but here is a video of another outdoor music festival... yeah, its kind of like that http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hupCy2qlmsU&feature=related

Check out some videos of Dan here  http://www.myspace.com/dandeacon

Thanks again Becca for the Ticket!!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Wakeboarding on Crystal Lake

I have done two new things this summer that I had not done in the past - Blogging and Wakeboarding! Here is a music video I made of Kristy and Aaron Wakeboarding (sadly it is not me wakeboarding... although that will be coming soon!) It is pretty much just a video of a typical day this summer - where, around 5 we decide to go out on the boat for another spin around the lake. The song is called 'Every Summer' by US Royalty, one of my fav bands from DC.

Check out their music and tour dates on their website:

Arcadia Bluffs Beauty

Whether you are a golfer or just a lover of beautiful scenery... you have to make it to Arcadia Bluffs one day! Located in Onekama, Michigan (About 20 minutes away from Crystal Lake) the golf course and clubhouse restaurant will take you away to Scotland, complete with bagpipers!! It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! Check out the scenic video below and check out this website to plan your trip. It can be pretty pricey, for both golf and dinner, but you can just go grab a drink and watch the sunset to enjoy Arcadia Bluffs without breaking the bank!



Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Get Ready!!! Anna Sui for Target!

Hey Everyone - Shhhhh.... keep this a secret... Anna Sui's clothes are coming to Target from September 13th to October17th in 250 stores with 19 looks. Some of her most memorable and fun designs from the past will be available for under $50.00! I guess Anna states....'they are designs inspired by 'Gossip Girl' but as everyone else has figured out... they are just like her past designs! Now, if I could just make it into the store before they are gone... doesn't it always seem like you can never find the cheap designer duds from Target except on the pages of the magazines!! UGH! Here are some of the pics I found online...

Cute Store!


Marcy Patterson is not only the talented and creative owner of Mecca, Crystal Lake, but she is also a dear family friend of the Pollina's. Check out her cute store at this website:


Mecca is known for the beautiful cake toppers that Marcy creates herself. She even gave one to Kristy for her wedding day! She uses vintage objects, ribbons and glitter to create a masterpiece for your special occasion cake and to have as a momentum from that special day! She can even create a personalized one with family photos or objects that are special to you. Price range $15-$125.00.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Up North Rioting!


Back in '05 I did an internship at Dateline NBC and Joel Silver Pictures in Los Angeles. I lived in an amazing apartment on the beach in Santa Monica with one of my best friends Jenna. She was doing an internship at William Morris Agency (A top talent agency in town!) and met a gal named Becca, at the internship they also met another chic named Alex. The four of us had so much fun in L.A. that summer!
<---- That's us (plus a few other friends!)
Little did we all know that Becca was an amazing violin player and soon after that summer created a band with some fellow Syracuse musicians - that band is called Ra Ra Riot and they are one of the best new bands out there! Ever since first hearing Ra Ra Riot's music I have been amazed by their sound and collaboration. The band is composed of six people including a cellist and Becca on the Violin. Becca's talent is undeniable and so is Ra Ra Riot's future. Check them out if you have not already!!

So, you can imagine my excitment when I heard that Ra Ra Riot was to play at Interlochen only about 30 minutes away from my cottage in Northern Michigan. Below you can check out clips of Ra Ra Riot's concert at Interlochen. The next day, Becca and I got to go wakeboarding out on Crystal Lake! I then sat down with her to talk with her about touring with the band and what they have in store for the future!

UpDATE!!!

Hey Everyone!! I have not been on for a while... I know, you missed me! Well I missed you too! I have so much to catch you up on. One - I have been running my butt off training for the Septemerber 13th Half Marathon, while in turn gaining a beyonce butt! However, I am so happy to announce that I will be running for Team Eisenberg Foundation to raise money for gastrointestinal cancer! Website soon to come! Also, I had a few friends up for a while... went to the Ra Ra Riot concer at Interlochen and spoke with my friend Becca who plays the violin in the band, celebrated my brother in law's graduation from residency with a fancy dinner at Arcadia Bluffs and had two of my good friends up from DC and we made a music video on the dock! All videos pending! And here is one that my sister Kristy made about Georgie... it's called a Schnoodle Story! Check it out!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Georgie is a Tired Girl!

My family dog, Georgie (short for George Costanza) is just the cutest thing you have ever seen! She is a schnoodle - a schnouzer and a poodle - and yes, she is a girl!



Around 9 at night she gets really tired and by 10 she is out! Check out this video of her when she got sooo tired... but tried so hard to stay awake with the girls!





Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Fourth of July Celebration

Fourth of July did not disappoint this year! It was a beautiful 75 degree sunny day and with lots of celebrations to be had! First we went to the Frankfort Parade, then the Crystal Lake guys baseball game and after a cookout with the family we headed to the Lake Michigan beach in Frankfort to see the awesome fireworks show! We were lucky enough to watch the works from a friends house overlooking Lake Michigan (I felt like I was in California!) Check out my coverage of the day below!






Summer Time in Northern Michigan


Kid Rock is a lyrical genius... I was a bit skeptical, but then he came out with his brilliant musical masterpiece with lyrics that spoke to me like no other song could...."It was summertime in Northern MichiganSplashing through the sandbarTalking by the campfireIt's the simple things in life like when and whereWe didn't have no internet...."


I too had those summer memories of growing up at the lake in Northern Michigan (NM.) Although, now I have internet and can share all the fun times had at while at my cottage on Crystal Lake!I now currently live in Chicago, but I am lucky enough to have the summer off to spend at my cottage for the entire month of July! And what better way to celebrate summer than with the family up (with the exception of Kristy and Aaron - who are dearly missed!) at the cottage to celebrate. I will covering the many celebrations tomorrow from the Frankfort Parade, to the Crystal Lake baseball game then to the awesome Frankfort fireworks. Check out the flyer about the best fireworks this side of the mitten below.




Happy Fourth of July! See you There!