These super hot, striking shirts carry a powerful message with their stylish and edgy design. They also raise money for domestic violence prevention – a win-win. Read more in Style & Fashion…

That time of year is here…when we start thinking about fitting into our swimsuits and shorts. Here are effective tips to help you lose weight and look your very best this summer – quickly. Read more in Health & Fitness…

By Helen M. Ryan, Certified Personal Trainer You’re standing in the fitting room filled with dread. The harsh overhead lights don’t do anything to ease your fear of the garment clutched in your hand. You slowly strip down, peel on the suit. And scream. Yup, it’s bathing suit season once more. It may seem a [...]

No matter what your musical tastes, Rise Against is a band worth listening to. These agents of change have hit the road with Los Angeles’ own Bad Religion. It’s hip not to be square. Read more in Music…

By Helen M. Ryan It’s a passionate explosion of sound, life, love and politics. As a strong, distinct voice from the stage sings tales of natural disasters, war and hope amid fevered guitar riffs, a mesmerized audience plugs into the energy. This is the world of Rise Against. Punk rockers Rise Against are at the [...]

Refusing to play business as a numbers game, one company stays true to its vision of building relationships. How do you reinvent the way you do business? And are you changing with the times? Read More in Spotlight Articles…

It’s that time again: A new year with new resolutions. Are you ready to be successful with weight loss this year? Here are some tips to help you lose that weight – and this time stay on track. It’s simpler than you think.  Read more in Health & Fitness…

There is one date that is magical for many people. It is filled with hope and idealistic dreams as new and unmarked as freshly fallen snow. The slate is wiped clean and empty as time starts anew, and anything feels possible. This special date? January 1, home of the New Year’s Resolution. New Year’s resolutions [...]

No one wants to gain weight during this festive season. But what if you could actually lose weight before the Holidays? Follow these 12 easy steps to weight loss and maybe you will. Read more in Health & Fitness…

By Helen M. Ryan, Certified Personal Trainer “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” ~Oprah Winfrey With the Holidays around the corner and the new year sneaking around the bend, it’s time to consider your waist line – and your dream of flat abs. In last year’s Holiday [...]

If you’re ready for something new, the theatrical production of Peter Pan at the Orange County Performing Arts Center might just be the ticket. The performers fly high, there is a bit of camp, and a very misbehaving Tinkerbell steals the show. A unique combination of live theater and film, this production, adapted from J [...]

Free is good, and Good Charlotte and Neon Trees are both free and good. CityWalk’s new Plugged In stage unveils a whole new world with free concerts open to the public. Read more in Music…

by Helen M. Ryan Music fans usually pay hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to get a close view of their favorite bands in concert. Not so at the new Plugged In stage at Universal CityWalk®, where getting close to the bands comes at a very reasonable price: free. Conveniently located right outside the Hard [...]

What happens when classic rock bands, rappers, alternative rock and hip hop stars all get together to play a 2-day music festival? Magic! 25 bands lit up Epicenter Twenty Ten. Read more in Music…

Written by Helen M. Ryan Ever heard of a little band called blink-182? How about 30 Seconds to Mars, or Rise Against? Do a few notes of House of Pain’s “Jump Around” (“jump, jump, jump, jump!) ever get stuck in your head? If so, then the Epicenter Twenty Ten music festival in Fontana would have [...]

 Losing weight might just be simpler than it seems. Here is a new way of looking at weight loss that might help you finally shed those extra pounds. Read more in Health & Fitness…

By Helen M. Ryan, Certified Personal Trainer “The one way to get thin is to re-establish a purpose in life.”  ~Cyril Connolly If someone told you there really is an easy way to lose weight, would you believe them? It could be a very true statement, indeed. It doesn’t involved cutting out carbs. It doesn’t [...]

Nestled in a beautiful nature preserve just outside of San Diego, lies a resort and spa that’s an amazing find. Read more in Travel and Recreation….

A magical world unto itself lies just outside of San Diego. It’s found at an amazingly tranquil resort reminiscent of a Mediterranean palace, nestled within the beautiful Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. It’s luxurious and elegant with breathtaking views – the perfect place to stay with your family or to say “I do.” With a Tom [...]

A secluded tropical paradise that’s amazingly close. It’s relaxing. It’s unique. And it’s worth seeing for yourself. Read more in Travel and Recreation… 

Imagine a private tropical oasis with lush vegetation, tranquil bungalows, romantic waterfront dining, five uniquely different pools, and a full-service Indonesian-inspired spa. Now envision this oasis with water sports, a private marina, an NBA-regulation sized basketball court, five tennis courts, and an 18-hole putting green, all at your disposal. This island retreat is not in [...]

No time (or money) for the gym doesn’t mean you need to give up your dream of a fitter body. Here are a bevy of new products that will get you into shape at home – and not break the bank. Read more in Health & Fitness….

By Helen M. Ryan, Certified Personal Trainer There are as many ways to exercise as there are excuses not to. With objections ranging from, “I don’t have time”, to “I don’t have money”, reasons to stay inactive abound. Every year I help you overcome those objections by researching new ways for you to exercise quickly [...]

The band KROQ Radio claims will “rule the universe” gets ready to dominate. Frontman Tyler Glenn talks about their new album, touring and, surprisingly, cooking.  Read more in Music…

By Helen M. Ryan KROQ Radio claims they “will rule the universe.” The Killers hand-selected the relatively unknowns to open for them on their 2008 North America tour. Yet these elusive young musicians don’t even have an album out yet (their debut, “Habits,” is due in stores and electronically March 16,2010). So who is the [...]

The All American Rejects returned with a vengance to Los Angeles, performing at The Roxy to sold out crowds. Passionate and powerful, the hip quartet burned up the stage. Read more in Music…

By Helen M. Ryan “Everything seems easy when you’re 17,” All American Rejects lead singer Tyson Ritter told excited fans at The Roxy in Hollywood while recounting their last trip to Los Angeles. Eight years ago, four boys jumped into a van and drove 18 hours towards LA. Once in Los Angeles, the boys “tore [...]

The Holidays are busy times. Shopping for gifts, attending parties, and traveling to visit family often take priority over your own needs. With chestnuts roasting on an open fire and the smell of baked goods in the air, it’s easy to overlook the simple fact that skimping on exercise now will extract a hefty toll in [...]

With the smell of goodies baking and temptation lurking in very corner, how do you stay in shape over the Holidays? Our Fit Life columnist helps you stay on track. Read more in Health & Fitness…

What has luxurious villas, magnificent pools, and gorgeous weather? The Marriott Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert. It’s more than a mirage. Read more in Travel and Recreation…

In the heart of Palm Desert, with a spectacular mountain backdrop, is a year-round vacation oasis designed for both families and golfers alike: The beautiful, comfortable and upscale Marriott Shadow Ridge resort. The 312 acre lush Marriott Vacation Club property features elegant and well-appointed villas, beautiful pools, innovative water play areas, an eighteen-hole Nick Faldo-designed [...]

Cynthia McFadden’s upcoming interview on ABC News “Nightline” with model turned talk show host Tyra Banks leaves no stone unturned. The Emmy award-winning host of the “Tyra Banks Show” talks about breaking into the modeling world, the struggles of being an African American model, and why she dislikes the red carpet. The spirited entrepreneur, also [...]

While it may not seem like the safest path to take, LA-based rock band Sugarwall is taking a chance and reaching for their dreams. Read more in Music…

The members of Sugarwall are not the ordinary musicians struggling to find their voice in a time of economic upheaval. While it may not seem like the safest path to take, these four musicians are taking a chance and reaching for their dreams.  They believe that the opportunity to take your career choices into your [...]

Academy Award nominee® Don Cheadle and professional Poker player/Celebrity Apprentice Star Annie Duke kept their poker faces on as they hosted the 3rd Annual Ante Up For Africa Charity Celebrity Poker tournament.

Fantastic wines from a region you would least expect  – and it’s not Northern California. Read more in Food & Wine…

Ashley Paige knows what makes a body bikini-ready. The celebrity swimsuit designer, who most recently created music sensation Fergie’s honeymoon bikini, has a new favorite bikini-body must-have she would like to share with you: The TRIA home hair removal laser. The first FDA-approved laser hair removal system available for use at home, the TRIA Laser [...]

Dr. Will Kirby, current star of “Dr. 90210,” to help provide free tattoo removal on June 23, 2009, at Dr. TATTOFF in Irvine.  Read more in Beauty and Body… 

Some things in life really are free. At Dr. TATTOFF, “free” means you can finally have that tattoo removed – at no charge. This month’s “Operation Ink-Off” is the third free tattoo removal event Dr. TATTOFF is hosting for Southern California residents. With its first two Operation Ink-Offs held in February and July of 2008 [...]

Being successful in business requires trial and error. Experts and thriving local businesses shed light on what works, what doesn’t and share their best tips. Read more in Spotlight Articles…

Depending on what side of the coin you are on, a downturn in the economy instills either fear or determination. In small business, fear causes apprehensive owners and managers to make quick and sometimes bad decisions. Determined forward-thinkers, on the other hand, tend to see opportunity and prosper, even in a pseudo-recession. Despite the dip [...]

The Seventh Annual TV Land Awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, rolled out the fun while showcasing the best in movies, TV and music at Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City. WOW Creations kept the festivities going as they honored the amusing and star-studded awards show at their gifting suite. WOWing presenters, honorees and performers, Wow [...]

Celebs honored Earth Day with amazing eco-friendly gifts courtesy of Distinctive Assets’ “Earth Day in Hollywood” giftbag. Read more in Gifting Suites…

Celebrities played a big part in Earth Day celebrations at the Distinctive Assets‘ “Earth Day in Hollywood” gifting suite, where environmentally conscious A-Listers were given a gift basket filled with eco-friendly products. Designed to spread the word to reduce, reuse and recycle, the gift bags, themselves biodegradable and reusable, held products and services designed to [...]

Wines, bourbon, sake, artisinal spirits, and unique beers will set the tone for Los Angeles’ largest wine festival, returning to the Southland June 6th and 7th, and featuring over 100 wineries and craft beers. This year’s LA WineFest is also proud to support the Children’s Tumor Foundation, Wildwoods Foundation, and the Hollywood YMCA. A Full [...]

With today’s busy schedules it’s hard to make sure we eat the right combination of fruits and vegetables to keep us going. Vemma® comes to the rescue, with its powerful, good-tasting liquid nutrition. Their healthy blend provides the necessary formulation your body needs with its blend of 12 full-spectrum vitamins, 65 minerals, rare Mangosteen fruit [...]

If the thought of downing a bunch of sugar or experiencing the dreaded post-energy-drink crash has you hesitating, worry no more. Vemma Nutrition Company introduces Verve, a line of natural, good-for-you drink and shot blends that give your body vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidant ingredients designed to naturally boost your energy level. Verve is designed to [...]

Distinctive Assets hosts a star-studded gift lounge backstage at Bravo’s 2nd Annual A-List Awards, celebrating the best in pop culure. Read more in Gifting Suites…

Bravo’s 2nd Annual “The A-List Awards” again celebrates the best in pop culture with their entertaining awards show hosted by unpredictable and brilliant funnywoman Kathy Griffin. This tribute to all things “celebrity” was kicked off by Distinctive Assets‘ backstage gift lounge, where the unique band of presenters, performers and winners were treated to their own [...]

With time and money in short supply, using your own body weight and changing up your exercise routine are top fitness trends according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE). 48% of ACE professionals surveyed predict that gym memberships will decline in 2009, so it’s time to look at what you can do at home [...]

With fewer people hitting the gym, here are some new ways to get fit at home quickly and inexpensively. Read more in Health & Fitness…

The Ambrose Hotel is not only chic, but very “green”. It is the first U.S. hotel ever to receive a prestigious award for its efforts in green-centered living. Read more in Hotels…

In one of the most fascinating of California beach cities lies a wonderful, tranquil, sustainable boutique hotel: The Ambrose, part of the K Hotels collection. Its quaint old-world exterior expertly blends with the cityscape, belying its cozy green-centered interior with state-of-the-art amenities. Created to pamper you, the truly holistic experience envelopes you in luxury, relaxing [...]

Make up artist Nolan Robert keeps Liv Tyler, Carmen Electra other celebs looking their best, and shares his beauty tips with LATP. Read more in Beauty & Body…

One of ten competitors chosen from thousands across the country, Hawaiian native, Nolan “Makaawaawa” Robert was the top winner of Lifetime’s new reality competition series, “Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist.” Nolan took home $100,000, inked a deal with Max Factor and will be the featured make-up artist for the cover of [...]

Magic filled the air as Melanie Segal’s Platinum Publicity Celebrity Lounge enchanted guests at the Magic Castle, benefiting the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Read more in Gifting Suites…

Magic was in the air at the Magic Castle, where Melanie Segal’s Platinum Publicity hosted the fun, star-studded Celebrity Lounge recognizing the 22nd Annual Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. No slime here – just adventure, games and charity that ruled the day. The only celebrity gifting lounge for the energetic kids’ awards show, Platinum Publicity showed [...]

80 million Americans snore, which means a great number of people – both snorers and their bed mates – don’t get the sound sleep they desperately need. Silent Snooz now plays sandman with a drug-free “barely there” sleep enhancement aid that’s clinically proven to significantly reduce snoring, thus improving quality of sleep. Sleep is vital for alertness, [...]

The BrytonPick is a “must-have” fashion accessory. Not as flashy as bling, but far more useful, the BrytonPick is a discrete, simple and efficient way to clean between your teeth. No more wielding an ugly toothpick. No more hiding your mouth while using your fingernails – or unsanitary paperclip or credit card – to dislodge [...]

Blue October speaks with LA’s the Place and shares their views on the new album, life in the rock lane, and their upcoming tour. Read more in Music…

by Helen M. Ryan Blue October is a little more colorful lately. The hard rock musicians are glad to be making music and have a new album, “Approaching Normal“, set for release March 24, 2009. The emotionally-honest fivesome is already marking its territory on the music charts, and begin touring the U.S. this week. While [...]

Platinum Publicity’s Oscar Gifting Lounge embraces Barack Obama’s Call to Action, encouraging people and celebs alike to help their communities and fellow citizens. Read more in Gifting Suites…

Inspired by Barack Obama’s Call to Action, the Platinum Publicity Oscar Lounge encouraged celebs and other VIPs to “be the change”. Raising awareness for volunteerism was at the forefront of the intimate Oscar gifting lounge held at the upscale hotel and residence The Palihouse in West Hollywood, where the volunteer organization www.USAservice.org was featured. USAService.org [...]

Now, stay on track with your weight loss and fitness goals. The digital book, The Fit Life, by columnist Helen M. Ryan, is available as a free download exclusively for LA’s the Place readers. Read more in Health & Fitness…

Hello, this is Helen M. Ryan, The Fit Life columnist for LA’s The Place, certified personal trainer and Spinning® instructor. I have put together a little something for LA’s the Place readers – my fitness column articles (and some weight loss tips) in a handy hard-copy electronic book. It’s free for your use and to [...]

The new Cadillac Fragrance for Men embodies masculinity, while capturing the opulence and elegance of Cadillac. Read more in Beauty and Body…

Celebrities love it. People want it. What is it? Cadillac Fragrance for Men. A bold, inspiring new cologne for men, named for the classy iconic American symbol, the cologne represents inspiration, boldness, captivation, and luxury. The Cadillac name holds dear the opulence and extravagance of classic eras past, and combines it with the luxury and [...]

Red carpet style came easy when the Secret Room revealed their pre-Oscar Style Gifting Lounge at the elegant SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. The ultra-exclusive gift suite, benefiting the Downtown Womens Center of Los Angeles, was open to celebrities, select media and other VIPs. A-Listers received fabulous swag, viewed new products, mingled and sampled refreshments [...]

The Oscars and Charity made beautiful music together again. Read more in Arts and Culture…

Oscar® night was a grand event, and not just for the statue winners. Over 1,000 invited guests, sponsors and celebrities were a-buzz over the  “Children Uniting Nations” 10th Annual Oscar viewing party and the WOW Creations Oscar Lifestyle Gifting Lounge that benefited them. Children Uniting Nations was the beneficiary of proceeds raised on the eve [...]

The Secret Room Gifting Suite set the stage for the Oscars while raising money for the Downtown Women’s Center of Los Angeles. Read more in Gifting Suites…

Hayley currently stars as Angela in Sony Pictures Screen Gems’ hot new comedy “Fired Up,” in theaters on February 20th. The film also stars Molly Sims, (“Las Vegas”), AnnaLynne McCord (“90210″) and Sarah Roemer (“Disturbia”). Hayley can also be seen in “Trailer Park of Terror” and she just booked a starring role in the action [...]

Something very different is happening Friday in Culver City. If you are interested in art, even unusual art, this event is for you. What is so unique about these beautifully vibrant paintings? They are created by elephants! Non-profit organization Dreams Can Come True is hosting a one night only benefit for orphaned children in Northern [...]

The GBK Oscar Gift Suite at the SLS Hotel was an all-encompassing experience. Read more in Gifting Suites…

GBK, a leader in custom, high-class special events and gifts suites, honored the 2009 Oscar nominees and presenters in unique style this past week with their “Circus of the Senses” gifting suite at the gorgeous SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills. Celebrities and VIPs were invited to engage their senses by touching, feeling, smelling, seeing and [...]

Beauty Hayley Marie Norman of “Deal or No Deal” talks to LA’s the Place about her skyrocketing career, upcoming films, and her love for LA. Read more in Celebrity Talk…

“Green with Music” raised green in more ways than one at the stunning, sustainable penthouses of The Mercury in Los Angeles, honoring music’s stars for the 2009 Grammy® Awards. Read more in L.A. Events…

“Green with Music” raised green in more ways than one at their eco-friendly celebrity gifting suite, spa retreat and fund raising gala February 6, 2009. The fabulous gifting suite and Spa Tibet were hosted at the stunning, sustainable penthouses of The Mercury in Los Angeles, honoring music’s stars for the 2009 Grammy® Awards.  ”We are [...]

Girl power hasn’t lost its luster, and with empowering t-shirts from GirlMogul your young girl can let her individuality shine. There are no princess messages here. With encouraging sayings like “Future Leader of the Free World” and “Dream Big”, girls learn that they can do anything they put their young minds to. Girls Being All [...]

Ole Henriksen Face/Body is ready to spoil you this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy transformational and relaxing services while being treated to chocolate covered strawberries and decadent chocolate truffles. Read more in Beauty & Body…

This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself or a loved one to the ultimate indulgence at OLEHENRIKSEN Face/Body. At OLEHENRIKSEN Face/Body, the focus is on you from the moment you from the moment you enter the door. The talented staff takes great pride and care in providing you with the most innovative and transformational treatments found anywhere [...]

After blasting their way up the charts, O.A.R. brings their No. 1 Adult Album Alternative to life for fans as they roll through Southern California. Read more in Music…

Sometimes it takes 12 years to become an overnight success. At least, that’s Of a Revolution’s story. A decade after their first release, O.A.R. is touring in support of their sixth studio album, 2008’s “All Sides”. All Sides features the band’s popular single, “Shattered”, which reached No. 1 on the Adult Album Alternative chart, and grabbed [...]

When time is of the essence, kettlebell training incorporates all elements of fitness for a full-body fat blasting workout in just 30 minutes. Read more in Health and Fitness…

When time is of the essence, kettlebell training incorporates all elements of fitness for a full-body fat blasting workout in just 30 minutes. A simple cast iron weight can replace an entire gym full of equipment. Yes, you read correctly. Everything you need to become leaner, faster, stronger and more flexible is contained in a [...]

From racing to city riding, nightlife to the ski slopes, Dainese covers all bases with their lines of stylish jackets, full-body suits, helmets and protective gear. Read more in Style and Fashion…

Troy, Gabriella and the Wildcats rule the ice as High School Musical The Ice Tour comes to town.  Read more in LA Performances… 

The romance between Troy and Gabriella isn’t over. In fact, this winter it is very much alive and burning up the ice from Los Angeles to Anaheim and Long Beach with Disney’s High School Musical Ice Tour. The hottest show on ice lets Wildcat fans experience the pep, pop, drama and dazzle of the first [...]

It’s not every day Justin Timberlake’s golfing prowess gets auctioned off, but this night, 18 rounds of golf with Timberlake and golf pro Butch Harmon (Tiger Woods’ coach) were up for bid, along with a walk on the red carpet with Jessica Biel at the premier of her film Easy Virtue, skydiving with a Navy Seal and [...]

Saying Y.E.S. to good skin is now easier than ever this Holiday season with the Young Essential Skincare Dynamic Duo. Y.E.S.’s combination treatment of moisturizer and serum dramatically increases the elasticity, moisture and firmness of your skin, leaving you all aglow. Your friends will be envious of the improvement in your skin’s texture, tone and [...]

When your upper arm keeps waving long after your hand has stopped, you know you need FLABuLESS, a new shapewear that slims and conceals your upper arms. Many women feel uncomfortable about the shape of their arms, which are among the hardest body parts to sculpt. Add to that the fact the women often fluctuate [...]

“I am woman, hear me roar”, should be the new mantra for the stylish and comfortable PZI Jeans. This premium denim line is designed to fit real women, ones with fuller hips, rounder rears and smaller waists…women who are tired of buying jeans that gap at the waist. PZI Jeans are tapered towards the waist [...]

Finally, there is a solution to your long-sought out relief from your tension, aches and pains…that actually works and is affordable! Read more in Health and Fitness…

Do you remember what it’s like to be tension-free? To not be stiff or full of aches and pains? How it feels to sleep well at night and wake up energetic, ready to take on your busy day? The move towards technology has forced many of us into inactivity, with hours spent in front of [...]

Who knew young girls could shriek quite so loudly?  The sound of over-excited tweens and teens filled, and at times overwhelmed, the Honda Center in Anaheim Saturday night, where KIIS FM radio held its annual Jingle Ball concert.

Christmas Gift Ideas! Winter is casting its pallor upon us, but that’s no reason why you can’t still glow. Los Angeles-based Spray ‘de Sole is a mobile tanning service that brings tanning to your doorstep, whether at your home, office or anywhere else convenient to you. In less than thirty minutes you can have a [...]

Attitude + 50% off = great Christmas gift ideas ala LA’s The Place! Read more in Style and Fashion…

a little rebellion + a little anarchy = unique polos with attitude Attus, as in Attus Apparel, is a made-up abbreviation of the word "anti-status". Unlike your typical polo shirts, which often have meaningless symbols such as cute little animals or snooty crests, Attus Apparel polos’ embroidered symbols are steeped in meaning: Whatever represents you. [...]

Christmas Gift Ideas for him and her! Everyone needs a little help over the Holidays. Cooking, cleaning, shopping and maybe, just maybe, a younger look? Whether it’s for you or someone special, the gift of a fresher face has just been made more affordable. Dr. John Vartanian, prominent facial plastic surgeon and an innovator in [...]

Bluewater Grill’s Southern California locations are offering seasonal cheer with some special good tidings. Read more in Food and Wine…

If the thought of even more land-lubbing poultry is unappealing, maybe it’s time you head for the sea. Bluewater Grill’s Southern California locations are offering seasonal cheer with some special good tidings. The fresh twist on holiday dining includes a limited-time yuletide cocktail, a seasonably favorite holiday meal, and a money-saving shopper’s special. Bringing the [...]

With so much traveling around the Holidays, Ames Walker’s Microfiber Firm Support Travel Socks make a great travel accessory for yourself or as a gift for a loved one. Travel Socks are a must-have for travelers as they help reduce the chance of blood clot formation. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)  has become a real concern [...]

Good things come in small packages, and the Hanky Tanky Hanger is both small and good. It’s a sleek, simple dynamo that lets you hang 12 tops or bottoms on one hanger. The Hanky Tanky Hanger is a unique space-saver that will triple your current closet space. It’s great for those limited spaces, and can [...]

Put your best foot forward this Holiday season with Copper Technology Socks from Aetrex , a leading provider of pedorthic footwear. These unique socks feature copper ions infused into the fabric, which eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and fungi and provides protection against odors. Copper has also been found to rejuvenate skin and improve its texture, [...]

Christmas Gift Ideas for her! Tripping over pets, bumping into furniture, and stepping on sharp toys. How many times have we all done that in the middle of the night? Now you can shed some light on those nighttime hazards with smart slippers that light the way – BrightFeet. BrightFeet Lighted Slippers are in essence [...]

Christmas Gift Ideas for Her! Trying to squeeze exercise into your busy schedule can be hard, but it just got a little easier. With Shape Up Shoes, you can improve your posture, strengthen your core, improve your circulation and give your legs a workout…all by just going about your daily activities. Shape Up Shoes require [...]

Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids! No longer does your younger child have to be envious of an older sibling’s (or your) MP3 player. They can now have their very own, thanks to the SweetPea3. Designed specifically for children, this MP3 player works in even the littlest of hands. Three simple buttons navigate through the playlist, [...]

Chrismas gift ideas for 2008! If you’ve ever struggled to open plastic shell packaging – by cutting, stabbing, punching and even stomping – you know what a hassle and potential hazard it can be. 200,000 people each year are injured trying to open those plastic packages, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A much safer, [...]

Love your Ugg™, Emu and similar boots but want a different look? Create your own style? Express yourself? Now you can have your boots and individuality, too. Boot Hugs are a new fashion accessory designed to spruce up your existing boots and add your own unique touch. Designed to embellish Ugg, Emu and  other sheepskin [...]

Distinctive Assets aces Grand Slam performers’ interactive backstage gift lounge. Read more in Vegas Baby…

Based on the eclectic group of entertainers it’s no surprise that this year’s Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children gifts featured diversity.   The backstage performer gift lounge offerings were as individual as the event entertainers. Sheryl Crow, The Killers, Ray Romano, David Spade, and Rod Stewart were expected to be present, and gifts needed [...]

Who would have guessed, more than forty years ago, when a small red-headed boy stepped onto the set of The Andy Griffith Show, that the child would go on to win prestigious directing awards such as the Golden Globe®,  Oscar® , Director’s Guild of America’s Best Director of the Year? Ron Howard, one of this [...]

The never timid punk/alternative band Rise Against injects passion, politics and frenzy into their tireless performances, all while showing that “environmentally conscious” is cool. Read more in Music…

Christmas gift ideas for the Fitness Enthusiast! While the SurfShelf™ might not get you a day with 28 hours in it, it might be able to buy you more time in your busy schedule. SurfShelf, a portable polycarbonate tray that attaches to most exercise machines, makes working out fun and efficient. It allows you to [...]

Christmas Gift Ideas for Her! Wrist-pain relieving WAGs are now both good for you and good for society. The limited holiday edition set of these popular yoga, pilates and floor exercise gloves feature a pair of Wrist Assured Gloves, a pewter handcrafted charm and a charitable contribution to CARE, a leading fighter of global poverty. [...]

by Helen M. Ryan The vortex swirled. On the floor in front of the band a big circle opened up. People ran and danced around it, faster and faster. One lone man stood in the middle, arms raised, mesmerized by the band on stage in front of him. Music pounded hard and loud as Rise [...]

With seasonal weight gain looming here are some simple tips to help you avoid gaining that weight over the holiday season. Read more in Health and Fitness…

The Christmas holidays. They are here, once again. Endless days of parties, pastries, shopping and stress. Everywhere you look and everywhere you go temptation abounds. Clients bring edible gifts, friends deliver baked goods. The office holiday party overflows with food and drink. With enticement everywhere, what do you do? Give in and pay the price [...]

by Helen M. Ryan The quintessential “80’s hot chick” and one of VH1’s 100 Greatest Women in Rock, Terri Nunn, lead singer of  Berlin, is better than ever; touring, writing, and on the radio. As a young girl, Terri Nunn loved music, lived for music.She spent long hours listening to David Bowie, Robert Plant and [...]

Fashion, film and fame join forces as top models and celebrities help raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Big names, big fashion and big hearts lit up Beverly Hills October 11, 2008, as celebrities partnered with Disney at the Fifth Annual Runway for Life. One of the largest fundraising events for St. Jude, [...]

Authentic Spanish eating experience arrives from Barcelona with its first U.S. location at Lizarran Tapas Restaurant. Read more in Food & Wine… 

The bell rings. Patrons clap and cheer…it’s time to eat. At Lizarran Tapas Restaurant in Fullerton, eating is designed to be fun. Some of the fun comes in the form of food on a toothpick (pintxos). Some of it arrives tapas-style on small hors d’oeuvres plates. Guests are encouraged to talk, mingle, share food and [...]

The Bravery rises to the challenge at Linkin Park’s 2008 Projekt Revolution tour stop in Irvine, California. Read More in Music…

by Helen M. Ryan Sam Endicott appears calm, despite the fact that thousands of people are waiting in the amphitheater just outside. With less than two hours to go before stepping onto the main stage, The Bravery frontman and songwriter relaxes in the tour bus, strumming quietly on his guitar. Having just returned from an [...]

The Linkin Park sponsored summer rock fest breathes new life into Irvine. Read more in Music… 

by Helen M. Ryan Linkin Park held the audience captive even before they came onstage. The amphitheater was shrouded in darkness and man-made smoke billowed out. Suddenly, the Street Drum Corps, clad in black-light sensitive clothing and reflective instruments, burst onto the scene and broke into tribal drumming. Then, as purple and blue lights engulfed [...]

Now that temperatures are soaring, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. That hot, sticky feeling is often a great workout de-motivator. However, we have an opportunity to turn this de-motivator into a motivator: exercising in the pool. Using water as a way to get in shape is both effective and fun. No [...]

Create an effective workout in the privacy of your own home or office with a few basics and some creativity. Read more in Health & Fitness…  

If sweating and grunting in a room full of strangers is not for you, do not fret. An effective workout can be had inexpensively in the privacy of your own home or office. All you need are a few basics and some creativity. Below most items you will find a "Trainer’s Note" with observations, comments [...]

Most things I know about life I learned in Spin class. It’s true. The stationary bike has been my teacher, and I have spent hundreds of hours learning from it. Four years ago when I saw my first Spin bike it seemed like…just a bike. Made of cold metal with an unwelcoming seat, it did not [...]

Not much happening in the metabolism department. Need a change to get things going? Here are eight (nearly) painless ways to stoke your metabolic fire. 1) Make a Lifestyle Change People who physically move a lot or fidget burn on average 350 additional calories per day according to Len Kravitz, M.A., Ph.D., a researcher at [...]

We have video game systems in my house. A lot of them. Playstation 2, GameCube, Nintendo DS. So it was a hard sell to get me to purchase yet an additional system – the Nintendo Wii. I didn’t want another reason for my kids to sit around. According to the American Obesity Society, 30% of [...]

The six hundred attendees cannot fit into one theater so they are now seated in two, waiting for the screening of a festival entry to begin. The film’s cast and crew, VIPs, and various official dignitaries are all in attendance. In one theater a projector lens malfunctions. In the other, no audio is heard. Festival [...]

Bringing Fitness into Perspective Air under my feet. Levitating. Higher. Higher still. Faster. Sweat pouring. The sound of my own raspy breath filling my ears. Heart pounding, thighs screaming. Tears. Welling up in my eyes, easily mistaken for sweat. Not tears of pain. Or agony. Or defeat. But joy. Joy tinged with sadness. At my [...]