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Marilyn Monroe’s Los Angeles

Top Lists 22 May 2019 Mar Yvette

Marilyn Monroe was born on June 1, 1926 and passed away on August 5, 1962 at the age of 36. Though she's been gone more than five decades, she remains one of the most famous celebrities of all time. From her humble beginnings at an orphanage as Norma Jean Mortenson to her rise to stardom as the immortal Marilyn Monroe, here are 10 places to retrace her steps and experience Marilyn Monroe’s Los Angeles.

Vegan Eats: Donna Jean Coming to Studio City

What's New 7 May 2019 Mar Yvette

When you're looking for a comforting homemade meal that you don't have to cook yourself, Donna Jean is just the place to go. After doing a little online research for vegan options in the San Diego area, I soon realized that Donna Jean was going to be a must-try spot for my husband and me while in town. What's more, after talking with our server, we found out that Donna Jean will be heading to LA—Studio City, to be exact—sometime in fall 2019.

Vegan Eats: Plant Power Fast Food Coming to Long Beach

What's New 5 May 2019 Mar Yvette

Whether you're a full-time plant-based eater or just trying to wean yourself off eating all the meat, there's a fast-food option you're gonna love. It's called Plant Power Fast Food. I hadn't heard of this small SoCal chain until I started researching options for my weekend getaway in the San Diego area. I soon discovered that Plant Power Fast Food already has four locations and one more coming to Long Beach!

Vegan Eats: Double Zero Venice

What's New 30 Apr 2019 Mar Yvette

If the thought of artisanal-style, plant-based, wood-fired pizza makes you giddy with glee, then you'll understand the excitement my husband and I felt when we headed over to Double Zero in Venice on opening night. Our expectations were fairly high since this place is part of Matthew Kenney's growing food empire. I'm already a fan of Plant Food + Wine, so I figured it would have to rock. But did it?

Vegan Eats & Drinks: Hinterhof German Kitchen and Beer Garden

What's New 9 Mar 2019 Mar Yvette

Looking for a delicious meat-free spot for tasty German eats and cold brews? Well, you're in glück! Located in what's becoming LA's most hipsterish haven—Highland Park, in case you're not a local—Hinterhof is a welcome plant-based eatery and drinkery right on booming York Boulevard.

Elvis Presley in Los Angeles

Top Lists 5 Jan 2019 Mar Yvette

Ready to retrace the steps of your favorite hunka hunka burnin' love? Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935 and passed away at just 42 years old on August 16, 1977. It was a shocking loss not only in the music universe, but for the world at large, yet the King lives on. You can still visit those places in LA where you would've seen the King of Rock & Roll way back when ... and a few where you can honor his memory today.

Godfather of Street Art Ron English on His Surreal New Creations

What's New 12 Dec 2018 Mar Yvette

Ron English is the undisputed godfather of street art and a trailblazer of pop surrealism who paved the way for the likes of Banksy and Shepard Fairey. For many, this iconoclastic artist first caught their attention with his popaganda art that literally painted a disturbing new picture of Ronald McDonald as the obese MC SuperSized.

7 Easy Tips to Avoid Gaining Weight During the Holidays

Top Lists 8 Dec 2018 Mar Yvette

Most of us love the holidays. It means spending time with family and friends, putting up festive decorations and enjoying an overall sense of coziness, happiness and togetherness. The holidays also mean lots of eating and drinking. Which is great. Except when it's not. Here are my top tips to celebrate without gaining Santa-level weight.

Everything You Need to Know Before Staying at Half Dome Village in Yosemite

Top Lists 17 Nov 2018 Mar Yvette

A huge tourist attraction, Yosemite welcomes more than four million visitors from all over the world each year. And 2018 was the year that my husband, father-in-law and I would be among them. If you are planning a visit to Yosemite and staying in a canvas tent cabin at Half Dome Village, read on for a first-hand account of what to pack and other helpful tips.

Black-ish Wardrobe Stylist Stanley Hudson Gets Real About Success & Tragedy

What's New 22 Oct 2018 Mar Yvette

Fashion designer and "Project Runway" star Stanley Hudson has lived a life that is as real as it gets. As the costumer on ABC’s hit show "Black-ish" starring Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, Hudson plays his own important role behind the scenes. But, as he told me, making one's dreams come true can come at a serious price.

Forget Pumpkin Spice, Maple is Having a Moment

Top Lists 23 Sep 2018 Mar Yvette

Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice has become a flavor that’s synonymous with fall – especially the ubiquitous Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, which isn’t vegan and doesn’t even have real pumpkin! But there’s another flavor in the spotlight: Maple. Not just for pancakes anymore, maple is having a moment and there’s no time better than fall to enjoy this soothing sweet flavor.

Lisa Vanderpump’s Tom Tom Restaurant & Bar Does Vegan

What's New 28 Aug 2018 Mar Yvette

Even if you don't obsess over the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," chances are you still know Lisa Vanderpump. I was invited to the Friends & Family Night on the eve of her latest restaurant opening for Tom Tom in West Hollywood. It was a fantastically fun time and I loved the space's romantic-industrial steampunk vibe. Best of all, I soon realized that practically half the menu is vegan! Finally, a restaurant that also keeps us non-meat eaters in mind.

Disrupt Aging: Why Getting Older Doesn’t Suck

What's New 2 Aug 2018 Mar Yvette

So you’re getting older, huh? So am I. Whether you’re in your teens, 20s, 30s, 40s or beyond, the reality is that we all are getting older. I think the real question is: Are we getting old? Much like those four-letter words we were taught to avoid as kids, “old” is a three-letter word that is loaded with so many negative connotations that it puts some of those four-letter words to shame. The thing is, getting older is not what you think.

Test Drive: Two Days in LA with the 2019 Infiniti QX50

What's New 22 Jul 2018 Mar Yvette

I was recently invited to Infiniti's Global Media Drive to be among the first to drive the all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50 while having the ultimate LA driving experience. The premium mid-size SUV was making its world debut and I would be among the first fortunate few to get in the driver's seat. (Yes, being a member of the media has its privileges.) Needless to say, it was a driving affair to remember.

I Love You, Dad. A Tribute to My Father.

What's New 3 May 2018 Mar Yvette

My Dad passed away this week. I cannot believe I am writing this. I knew it would come one day, just not so soon. But rather than focus on the pain and the profound void, I choose to celebrate my father and what he meant to me and all those who met him. While I hope you never have to experience such a life-altering loss, the truth is, we all will. And the truth is, once you do, you can grow and be stronger more than you ever thought possible.

The Henry in West Hollywood Opens

What's New 22 Mar 2018 Mar Yvette

It looks like Robertson Boulevard is finally getting some life back! The Henry is a welcome (and welcoming) all-day addition to the famed shopping stretch. Located on the ground floor of the Robertson Building across the street from The Ivy (remember that place?), The Henry is luxe yet laidback, lush and absolutely lovely. Oh, and it's huge! Do yourself a favor and go check this place out for yourself. But first, read on for a sneak peek...

Crustacean Beverly Hills Reopens

What's New 14 Mar 2018 Mar Yvette

Hello, gorgeous! Long a celebrity favorite, Crustacean Beverly Hills has finally reopened after its nearly one-year remodel and it was certainly worth the wait. The stunning new space is a study in understated elegance. And, with new vegan options like a hearts of palm "crab cake," kung pao eggplant and more, the menu has been updated as well to better serve all palates. (Yes, those famed garlic noodles are now offered in vegan and gluten-free versions!)

Lancome’s #WriteHerFuture Campaign

What's New 1 Mar 2018 Mar Yvette

It was a beautiful way to kick off International Women's Day (and National Women's History Month) at the global launch of the Lancôme #WriteHerFuture campaign. This partnership provides funds to raise awareness about female illiteracy and help diminish its prevalence. I had no idea that 35 million people read below a third grade level in the US, so this isn't just a problem in developing countries, it's happening right here at home.

My Chilean TV Debut: The Truth About Marilyn Monroe’s Life & Death

What's New 5 Feb 2018 Mar Yvette

What's the truth about Marilyn Monroe's life ... and her death? Although she is one of the world's most beloved icons of all time, so much about her remains a mystery. I recently appeared on the popular Chilean TV series "Las Últimas Horas" (The Ultimate Hours) to talk about Marilyn Monroe and the many struggles she endured before her untimely end.

Best Vegan Beauty & Body Products

Top Lists 12 Jan 2018 Mar Yvette

Looking for cruelty-free beauty that actually works? The ugly truth is that many makeup and beauty brands still test on animals and/or use animal products. But if it’s not safe enough to test on humans, then it shouldn’t be used by humans! Not every product on this list is 100% organic, but you can rest assured that they are cruelty-free.

15 Must-See Movies That Take Place in Los Angeles

Top Lists 21 Dec 2017 Mar Yvette

While there could never be just one film to fully sum up the experience of my beloved hometown of Los Angeles, there are certain movies that capture a timeless piece of it. Here are my top 15 movies that each have their own way of showcasing the many sides of LA in all its imperfect, beautiful, contradictory, glamorous, gritty, heartbreaking, hilarious, limitless glory.

Get Spun: Cotton Candy in LA

Top Lists 7 Dec 2017 Mar Yvette

Cotton candy, fairy floss, fluffy stuff. Whatever you call it, the spun sugary treat conjures images of summertime carnivals and county fairs. But wait... this sweet snack is so popular it has its own holiday right in the midst of the holiday season on December 7. Find out where to get your fill of the frilly fun across Los Angeles.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Catalina Island

Top Lists 23 Nov 2017 Mar Yvette

Ready for an island getaway? The holiday season is the perfect time for a Catalina Island escape with fewer crowds, cooler weather (the better to cozy up with that special someone) and beautiful decorations all around. Even though it's just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, this gem of the Pacific feels like a world away.

10 Best Places To See Celebrities Eat

Top Lists 6 Nov 2017 Mar Yvette

Contrary to popular belief, celebrities do eat. And they like to eat well. That often means multi-course meals at swanky steakhouses like BOA, Morton's and Mastro's, not to mention sceney standards like Spago, Nobu and Mr Chow. But here are some of the other places to see celebrities getting their grub on.

5 Skinny Summer Cocktails

Top Lists 10 Jul 2017 Mar Yvette

Want the skinny on the best summer cocktails that won't have you busting out of your swimsuit this season? From fruity concoctions that'll keep you cool to a spicy spirit that will heat things up, here are five tasty cocktails that go perfectly with the easy-breezy weather and weigh in at 150 calories or less.

8 Hotel Spas Worth the Splurge

Top Lists 26 Apr 2017 Mar Yvette

Whether you need to de-stress from the pressures of everyday life or just want to treat yourself to a little pampering, there’s nothing like checking into a fab hotel spa for some rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. From an urban oasis in Downtown LA to a soothing oceanside retreat, these SoCal hotel spas are worth a trip.

7 Weird Beauty Treatments Celebrities Love

Top Lists 17 Feb 2017 Mar Yvette

Celebrities go to extreme lengths for beauty, especially during Awards Season when being red-carpet-ready is a must. So what exactly are A-listers doing to achieve those flawless close-ups? Check out these bizarre beauty treatments that might make you wince.

Happy Holidays on Rodeo Drive

What's New 12 Dec 2016 Mar Yvette

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ... on Rodeo Drive. This iconic shopping stretch in Beverly Hills is always a top destination for tourists, but LA locals like me can't resist the festive scene during the holidays. I recently spent a Saturday afternoon strolling this famed street to get into the holiday spirit in true 90210 style.

Ghost Town: LA’s Top Haunted Places

Top Lists 21 Oct 2016 Mar Yvette

Unlike most people I know, visiting places or watching movies with the sole purpose of being scared is not what I consider a good time. (Yes, I'm a bit of a scaredy cat.) But I am fascinated by the idea of haunted places. So in that spirit, here's a list of "authentically haunted" places around LA to visit for a scary good time.

Keeping It Real with Latino Actorvist Esai Morales

What's New 1 Sep 2016 Mar Yvette

Esai Morales been a steady presence in Hollywood for more than three decades ever since his pivotal performance as Ritchie Valens’ troubled brother Bob in 1987’s “La Bamba." I had a chance to talk, laugh and eat with the star to discuss his role of a lifetime: Actorvist.

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