Articles Written By: Mar Yvette

This author has written 759 articles

Wagakki Band: Backstage with Japan’s #1 Band

With more than 22 million YouTube fans, Japan’s one-of-a-kind Wagakki Band are definite head turners with their unexpected fusion of Japanese music, ancient costumes, Wagakki (traditional Japanese instruments) and Western rock. When I found out that this 8-piece group would be in town, I knew I had to book their first-ever US show!
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A Jurassic World with Reptile Zoo

I always know I'm in for a creepy-crawly good time when I bring in Jay Brewer and Savannah Boan from the Reptile Zoo in Fountain Valley! This unusual destination offers a world of educational entertainment with over 100 exotic species of reptiles, amphibians, arachnids and other "prehistoric pets" from around the world.
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My Top Summer Essentials

Hot days, cool nights and time for a vacay or two. Summer has arrived and with it comes the burning question: What do I need to get through the season? From my favorite skin-saving products to must-have fashion and accessories, here are my top picks to make sure you have it made in the shade all summer long.
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My Top 5 Best Beauty Secrets

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always asked for my advice on the best beauty products, the latest fashion finds or which restaurant I recommend. But one of the areas where I've been most challenged is in the skin department. My skin is sensitive and can be quite moody. But there is a little silver lining thanks to a few changes I've made along the way.
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Rocking with the Million Dollar Quartet

It was all about the Man in Black, the King of Rock & Roll and a few other musical titans when I brought in the Million Dollar Quartet tribute band from the Roadshow Revival Music Festival. It was a great performance featuring Eddie Clendening from the original Broadway musical cast.
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Race Car Driving with Graham Rahal

Vroom vroom! Things are getting a little racy this weekend when the IndyCar Series revs up at the Auto Club Speedway ... and let's not forget the Roadshow Revival's Million Dollar Quartet tribute and festival. It's time to put the pedal to the metal and crank up the rock & roll!
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Caribbean Carnival & Flying Trapeze

Break out the feathers and steel drums because it's time to celebrate Carnival... Caribbean style!!! June is National Caribbean-American Heritage Month so naturally I'm celebrating with Success Steel drummers and gorgeous Carnival dancers! It's time to party, mon!
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5 Healthy Drinks That Aren’t Water

We all know water is the best stuff for us to drink. Without it we die. But even if you drink at least eight full glasses every day, sometimes you feel like drinking something else that’s still good for you. Sugary, artificial drinks are not an option if you care about your health, so here are five of my favorites that are high on flavor without any of the bad stuff.
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I’m Spoofed on The Soup … Again!

Who knew that my earnest attempt to celebrate National Corn on the Cob Day would end up being seeing as some ridiculous faux-liday on The Soup?! Well, I'm glad they found it funny cos it landed me a few seconds of air time on one of my fave TV shows and had me grinning from ear (of corn) to ear!
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Stray Cats, Spam Fries & Ramen Donuts

What does legendary Stray Cats bassist Lee Rocker have in common with the world's wackiest internet food? My Marpop Weekend Roundup, of course! It's another fun weekend in Southern California and per uszh, I have the lowdown and what you need to eat, see and hear!
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Check out the Incredible Dog Challenge!

It's always a woof-tastic time when the Purina Pro Plan Incredible Dog Challenge takes over Huntington Beach State Park. The FREE event takes place this weekend on Friday, May 29 & Saturday, May 30 with dogs of all breeds competing in agility, freestyle disc, racing, surfing and diving. Adorbs!
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Memorial Day Weekend: Sizzling Salsa!

It's Memorial Day weekend and you know what means: As the unofficial start to summer, it's time for a cookout. I have some of the best catering options, but in true LA(tino) fashion, it's also time for LA Salsa Fest with the world's most jaw-dropping salsa dancers!
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French Kiss with Tyler Ritter

A stunning sunset with remarkable rooftop views, camera lights flashing amid a sea of people, and a certain je ne sais quoi wafting through the air…. Who needs Cannes when you have Marina Del Rey? I attended the world premiere of “French Kiss" to interview Tyler Ritter, son of the late great actor John Ritter.
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A Legendary Night with John Legend

What do you do when you’re invited to spend an evening at a sprawling ranch outside of LA amid a gorgeous setting with deliciously prepared food, hot air balloon rides and a private concert by none other than nine-time Grammy winner John Legend? Ummm… you go!
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Bridal Guide to Beauty & Fitness

Getting married? Not to worry, girlfriend. As a new bride myself, I know how stressful it can get no matter how laidback and simple you want your wedding to be. But now that I’ve been through the experience (it was so wonderful I wish I could do it all over again!), I have some tips on the products, places and people that will help you look and feel your best on your big day.
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Body Painting & Armed Forces Day

What do live body painting and the US Air Force have in common? Nothing unless it's the Marpop Weekend Roundup! As long as I've been producing and hosting my segments, one of the things I love most is pairing unexpected guests together and showcasing the diversity not just of LA, but the world!
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Mother’s Day Gifts That Give Back

What better (and more creative way) to say “I Love Ewe, Mom” this Mother's Day than with an adorable little lamb or baby alpaca donated to a family in need? World Vision has a Mother's Day Gift Catalog where you can give a gift that not only provides joy to the person receiving it, but also helps others--that's something Mom will surely love.
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LA’s Ultimate Beachside Adventure

Surf, sand, sun and fun. You get it all in the beachside cities of Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey. I should know, I live here. But I have to admit sometimes I forget just how many cool things there are to see and do. Whether you’re planning a leisurely staycation or an adventurous vacation, one thing is for sure: You will love the LA beach lifestyle!
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Cinco de Mayo in LA

Cinco de Mayo is on a Tuesday this year, but that just means you'll be partying all weekend AND on a weekday. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's unexpected victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, but here in the States it's really just an excuse to excessively eat and drink and wear sombreros. Here's my list of celebrations to check out around SoCal.
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Pepe Aguilar’s Kids, Mariachi & Amaze Mexican Food!

I always love taking it ‪#‎mextothemax‬ with delish food, fun people and fabulous music! This week I had Pepe Aguilar's kids, Leonardo & Angela, perform on the show and let me say, it must be in the genes 'cause these kids can sing! I brought them along with me to check out the Alegria food truck, Don Chente and the BEST CHURROS I've ever had - these things are amaze!
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Flying High on Emirates A380

Ever wonder what it would be like to fly around in the world's biggest jumbo jet while attending a movie premiere 30,000 feet up in the air? Neither had I … until I was invited by Emirates, one of the most luxurious airlines in the world, to host and emcee the premiere of Living in the Age of Airplanes, a new documentary narrated by Harrison Ford. It was a first-class experience all the way. Read on for the full story and behind-the-scenes photos!
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Coachella, Who?? It’s All About Brokechella!

Love music but can't stand the overpriced, overhyped, overcrowded clustermuck that has become Coachella? Well, thank the indie music gods at Brokechella, a day-long festival featuring four stages of live music. To kick things off, I had LA pop band Dutch Party perform and they even let me join in with a little tambourine action. I always wanted to go on the road ...
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Trend Alert: Tinker Bell Topknots

If there's one thing that sweet and sassy Tinker Bell has taught me over the years, it's that being a pint-sized powerhouse is possible. (At 5'3" it's something to which I can definitely relate.) She's also shown us the fun of the bun. Tink's super simple yet stylish updo is finally taking flight this season. Here are 4 easy steps to create your own topknot for the ultimate #TinkStyle!
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Hi-Fidelity record store

Vinyl Revival: Record Stores in LA

Lookin’ for a rekka sto’?? Ease up, old school. Downloading and streaming aren’t the only game in town. Vinyl is making a comeback in the digital age. And just in time for Record Store Day on April 18, you can stop by for exclusive releases and celebrations at participating stores. From a hidden album haven in Hollywood to a high-minded pop vault in Highland Park, read on to find out where you can enjoy your own vinyl revival.
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E! News: Love It Buy It – Spring Bling Deals

This week's edition of "Love It Buy It" is blooming with deals that are perfect for the season! Think spring-hued vegan handbags, Italian-made sunglasses at 80% off and natural makeup kits for just $21. But my personal faves (and Giuliana's, too) are the 24-karat gold ear buds and 24-karat gold facial masks. They look cray-cray #HannibalLecter but they work!!!
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Aaron Carter, Drake Bell & Weenie Dogs!

Talk about a wiener-riffic time! No, I'm not referring to my friend Aaron Carter ;) I invited the cast, both human and canine, from the new family movie "Wiener Dog Internationals" to show us just how cutthroat the world of weenie dog races can be ... and what better grand finale could there be than to have Aaron sing his hit "Aaron's Party" with fellow tween heartthrob Drake Bell?! #Hilarez
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Travis Barker, Tattoos, Tacos & Lowriders!

It's always a fun time when I bring drumming icon (and fellow vegan) Travis Barker to the show. He really is the sweetest guy and so are his kids. I asked him to come by to talk about his MusInk Festival, which celebrates three of his favorite things: Music, tattoos and classic cars. Of course, I had to throw my favorite thing into the mix: tacos!!
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St. Patrick’s Day in LA

St. Patrick's Day is on a weekday this year, but that just means the party starts early this weekend. Whether you plan to click your heels with Gaelic glee, dig into some corned beef hash or take a swig (or two) of green beer, there's plenty to do. Aside from all the Irish pubs celebrating the holiday, there are lots of other places that will be toasting St. Patrick's Day in Los Angeles and beyond. Erin go Bragh!
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