Until June rocks The Roxy

They had me at "Hello."
With their melodic opening interlude, I was coaxed into what is the Until June embrace; warm, honest, and open.

You cannot help but be mesmerized by Josh's heartfelt crooning and keys, Dan's gentle plucking at the heart strings of his guitar, and Daniel's thumping beats which remind your heart to move through their hypnotic set- and once it is over, all you want is more.

You can see that the crowd digs it. Their nodding heads and tapping toes give the band instant validation. Their timeless and instantly classic sound appeals to anyone who has ever felt the intensity of life; it's joys, it's sorrows, and it's promise of renewal. Until June shows us what this sounds like, and our innards cannot help but remember.

Although this record deals mostly with themes like love, loss, and unsolicited solitude, you cannot help but feel purged while so entranced. Like Shakespearean tragedies that evoke sensations of fear and subsequent catharsis, Until June drips of the same saturation-and it is working for them.

They are currently preparing to launch a national tour; check their myspace for show info.

Global Warming??

Here in Los Angeles, we have it good.
"Cold" for us is normal spring or summer temperatures elsewhere.
But, this winter, we do have good reason for the complaint.

According to a report published by MSNBC, 51 people in 9 states have died from the cold. People are without power, and that has forced thousands of residents from their own homes in order to flood their local shelters. At the shelters, they "huddle under blankets and in front of space heaters."

I feel totally blessed, don't you?

Lucky for us here in California, the main loss that we have incurred is the destruction of over one billion dollars worth of citrus fruit.

I feel horrible for all the homeless folks out there on the streets.
I only recently lit the pilot light on the heater inside my place, and before I did that, it was biting cold. I cannot imagine being outdoors in the night when it has been so freezing.

Here are some ways that you can help someone in need:

• find an old blanket that you have but never use and keep it in your car; next time you see someone in need, offer it to them!


• if you spot someone hanging around your local freeway off ramp, stop in at the nearest gas station and buy them something hot and decaf-you don't know if they are sensitive to caffeine.


• pull out your old sweaters or sweatshirts that you never wear and keep them in your back seat for easy give-aways.


• if you have the means, purchase a Starbucks or McDonalds gift card in any denomination and hand it over to someone who needs it more than you may.

NOT your Grandpa's Rock

I love my dad; he raised me right. He made me listen to all kinds of music throughout my childhood, and instilled in me a love and respect of "older" music.

All the music we hear on the radio, purchase from the web, and see on MTV and VH1, is born out of other music. The current batch of artists that move us now, were all influenced by their predecessors.

In the case that you have not had the same exposure to rockin "Oldies" as I have, I am going to lend you a partial list of my personal favorites-stuff I know you'll dig:

Big Brother & the Holding Company: Janis before she went solo
Blind Faith: Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker-check out "Can't Find My Way Home"
The Byrds: David Crosby's early work
Creedence Clearwater Revival: check out "Up Around the Bend"-classic
Crosby, Stills, & Nash:Always a good record
Dave Clark Five: Awesomely thumping goodness-check out "Glad All Over " & "Catch Us If You Can"
Derek & The Dominos: More Clapton rock- check out "Bell Bottom Blues"

Donovan: Constant classic- check out "Season of the Witch"

How to Clean Your Shower Without Really Trying

Okay, I am in love with this fabulous cleaning product.

It's called Daily Shower by Method, and you can grab it cheap at Target (of course).

This product basically does the work of wiping down your shower each week(yeah, right) if you spray it down each time you shower! It really works!

And it smells amazing.

NO nasty bleach smell or overly-lemon zest scent.

Now, granted, you cannot be totally lazy with this stuff. You should be cleaning your shower with a strong anti-fungal, anti-scum cleanser that will remove all that nasty black gunk that can build up when you neglect your cleaning time.

But, if you do give your shower several spritzes of this yummy stuff each time you shower, you will see a vast difference after only a week or so!

Trust me...

I will never steer you wrong when it comes to cleaning products.

I don't dig cleaning either.

Sweet Openings

• Westfield Plaza-Topanga
  
  It's finally ready!! The "Topanga Plaza" of yesterday is now the hottest new mall in the valley!! Westfield Topanga far surpasses both The Westfield Promenade and Westfield Sherman Oaks.
  
  I spent my high school days cruising what was called "Topanga Plaza" in the 90's. And although I have moved to various California destinations since then, I always end up back home in the valley. Now, granted, I am aware that the grand opening of this gorgeous new shopping towne happened back in October 2006. I have found myself wandering through the Woodland Hills area from time to time over the last few years, watching the slow progress of the new construction. I also knew that they would be adding tons of new shops and even a Target (woohoo!), but I had no idea how amazing the new addition would look and feel! And the shops!
  
  Check it out:
  
  Not only do they still have "ye olde standards" that us "Valley kids" have grown to love and swear by over the years (Abercrombie & Fitch, J.CREW, The Gap, Macys, Nordstrom), but they have brought in all the newest and hottest brands that are sure to be the next generation of cool!
  
  Here are some of my personal favs~
  

New Snack Stops:

• Melty yummy Cookies: Toll-House Cookies


• Best Sundae-ever: Haagen-Dazs
  
  

Awesome New Shops:

• London Lass: Burberry London


• Rock the Digs: Metropark


• Beach Chic: Ruehl


• Hot Clubwear: BCBG Max Azria


• I Love Loafers: Geox


• Classy Chic: White House/Black Market


• LA Girl: Furla


• Euro Chic: Zara


• Red Carpet-Ready: Max Studio


• If I were a Rich Girl: A/X Armani Exchange


• Hot Denim Picks: Miss Sixty


• Rockin' Rustic: Lucky Brand Jeans


• A "Garcian" Favourite: The Buckle, INC.


• Topanga Customs: These guys will rock your own custom design

Vee's Personal Pick for her Signature Style:

• Forth & Towne: Intelli-Chic


• Target Optical: Rockin' Eyewear
  
• Sephora: Make-up Wonderland

Have you seen this Yet???

Pan's Labyrinth-Film

Well, have you?

This is an amazing film! Though you must be prepared for English subtitles (It's in Spanish), it is well worth your time and hard-earned money...

The story involves a young girl and her mother who leave their home to be with the mother's new husband, now that her previous husband has died in a war. But, there is faerie mischief afoot! The young girl, who happens to be obsessed with faeries and faerie tales, stumbles upon a real-live legend that seems to play out through the entire duration of the film, with her as the star! But is it real, or is she just living out a childish fantasy in the midst of her horrible situation?

The film is visually stunning and even spooky at times! It's an interesting mix between fantasy and reality that you don't want to miss!

I recommend seeing this at The Arclight in Hollywood (you can pick your own seats!), and try their amazing gourmet Chicken Sausage at the concession stand!!!