The X Factor Two-Night Premiere with new judges Britney Spears and Demi Lovato

THE X FACTOR: The cast of THE X FACTOR cement their hands in Hollywood's history (L-R): Judges Demi Lovato, Britney Spears, Simon Cowell, and L.A. Reid during The Season Two Premiere event. CR: Frank Micelotta/FOX #xfactor Image provided by http://www.thexfactorusa.com

Wednesday, September 12 was the first of the two night premiere of the second season of The X Factor. I must say, like most people, I was beyond excited to see how Britney would do. Having Britney back in the spotlight in a positive way is a dream come true for every fan who grew up in the age of boy bands and the ever popular feud of Britney vs. Christina.

Before last night I had never watched The X Factor, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. I have been an American Idol fan inconsistently since the first season, so I know how Simon is and I understand how the wheel of a reality competition show works, but I had no expectations and frankly before Britney joined the cast I had no interest in watching show, ever. Since her addition, I decided this would be one of my new must see new shows for the Fall.

What was interesting though, is that they made the entire show ALL about Britney! Rather than focusing on the contestants, the two hour show literally revolved around on the judging panel centering around Britney and how all four of them interacted with each other behind the scenes. They only highlighted a handful of contestants, from three different audition locations, weird. Of the televised acts, my personal favorite was a trio of young guys who call themselves Emblem3. Here is the clip from their audition:

Super cute right? Well I thought so. The other highlight from the show was a 19 year old girl named Jillian Jensen who shared a heartbreaking story of being bullied, which understandably touched Demi Lovato's heart, as well as the rest of America's. And then, like magic, there was an anti-bullying campaign. F*&$ the bullies! Other than those performances mention above, some catty offstage banter and A LOT of chewing of some kind of food from the judges, that was about it.     

As For Night Two... The hour long, second half of the premiere was basically just more of the first night and from the same three audition locations. There was more showcasing of Britney, more chewing (what the heck are the eating?) and then America was introduced to two very special contestants. First there is a wonderfully, exaggerated, gay man named Jason Brock, who was very annoying at first, but once he started singing, he blew my mind away and reminded me of Adam Lambert, whom I love. Then we met Carly Rose Sonenclar, a 13 year old girl with a HUGE voice, check this out:
 

 

Amazing. Pure Amazing.

   All in all, the two-part premiere was very exciting. We got to see Britney, which I don't think they will let us forget. And we got to see a few standing ovation worthy performance's. However, I think The X Factor is holding back from America. I think they have some very talented people up their sleeves, that they are gearing up to launch. Hopefully they will unleash them to us soon. We shall see... But I do think that I will be back for another episode next week.

        


***Disclaimer: All opinions expressed above are my own. I was not compensated for this post or was I influenced in any way.

Goodbye Summer... HELLO Fall!

Fall doesn't officially start for another two weeks, but the weather and everyone around has fully embraced the changing of the seasons, including myself. Peace-out Summer, it's been real.

The things I look forward to most about Fall are; cozy sweaters, cuddling up with a warm blanky and good movie, the addition of the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte back into my diet, the smell of Fall in general (there's nothing like it) and the beginning of the Fall television line-up! There are so many good shows coming back and so many more that will make their broadcast debut... I am totally pumped! This is what I predict my show schedule will look like:

Sunday
(9PM) Revenge - premieres on ABC, September 30th
(10PM) 666 Park Avenue - premieres on ABC, September 30th **

Monday
(8PM) The Voice - premieres on NBC, September 10th
(9PM) The Mob Doctor - premieres on FOX, September 17th **
(8PM) Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars - premieres on ABC, September 24th
(9PM) 2 Broke Girls - premieres on CBS, September 24th

Tuesday
(8PM) New Girl - premieres on FOX, September 25th

Wednesday
(8PM) The X Factor - premieres on FOX, September 12th
(8:30PM) Guys With Kids - premieres on NBC, September 26th**
(9PM) Modern Family - premieres on ABC, September 26th
(10PM) CSI - premieres on FOX, September 26th

Thursday
-----

Friday
(8PM) Shark Tank - premieres on ABC, September 14th

Now let me just say that I have purposely left out some shows that I may indeed watch or have watched. For example, Gossip Girl - I am super sad that this will be its last season on air, but I am so behind on watching it that I am actually looking forward to watching all 6 seasons on DVD, at my own pace. Plus, in January The Carrie Diaries will be taking its place so that is something to look forward to. Also, a lot of these shows have conflicting time slots, but all the I have to say is "Thank you, DVR."

Beside all that, I am super excited to see Britney Spears on The X Factor... It will definitely be interesting, but I think she is going to rock it, the promos look amazing. I am also extremely giddy for Revenge. I wonder what twist and turns this seasons journey will take us on??? With so many shows to look forward to I hope there are more hits than disappointments. 

Oh and speaking of disappointments, The MTV Video Music Awards are on tonight. Lets hope they're not as bad as last year...

** NEW SHOW

How To Make A Diaper Cake

I recently had the opportunity to unleash my crafty side. One of my best friends will soon be welcoming a little bundle of joy into the world and we are ecstatic! So with a new baby comes… say it with me… “A Baby Shower!”

Like I had mentioned in Showers, Weddings and Babies, Oh My! These events have basically taken over my life. And with a little nudge comes a little inspiration. While we were planning her shower, I decided that I would take on the challenge of making The Diaper Cake. Granted I had never made one before, but I have seen a ton of them and decided that they are just too cute for her not to have one on this special day. How hard could it be? Surprisingly enough, it was not that difficult and actually a lot of fun. You can do it too! Here are the few supplies that you will need:

1.     Diapers- You need about 100-150 to make the cake, depending on how big you want it to be. Second, make sure you look at the diaper size on the box. You want the expecting mother-to-be to be able to use all of the items in the cake. I would suggest either New Born, Stage 1 or Stage 2 (they show the number on the box). I would also suggest using plan white diapers. Diapers with patterns or graphics on them might take away from the look you are going for.

2.     A Round Base – For the base of the cake you need a firm and round platform. Cardboard works perfectly.

3.     Rubber bands – These are to hold the individual diapers together after you roll them like a burrito.

4.     A Center- You don’t necessarily need a center for your cake, although it acts as a guide and makes it easier to place the diapers around the base. Suggested centers; a paper towel roll, a bottle of champagne, or bottle of wine. (The latter ones being a extra gift for the new parents J)

5.     Ribbon – To decorate and fasten the tiers of the cake.

6.     A Hot Glue Gun – To fasten the ribbon together.

7.     Cake Flairs- These are the little gifts you decorate your cake with. For example: pacifiers, teething rings, bottles, plush stuffed animals, etc…

Once you have all of these “ingredients” you are ready to roll, literally. The first step to making the cake is rolling the individual diapers then securing them with a rubber band. After you have completed that task that’s when you begin to place them around your center. Complete one tier at a time. Once you have filled the base of you cake with rolled diapers, fasten the tier with ribbon and hot glue gun. That way the diapers on the lower tiers stay in place when you move up to the next tier. Repeat this process two or three more times, depending on if you want a three-tier or a four-tier cake.

Once you finished you tiers give yourself a little pat on the back because the hardest part is over. Now it is time to decorate the cake with flairs. A pacifier here, a bottle there, some spoons over there and top the cake off with some cute mini shoes or a plush animal and Wah la! Your cake is done!

Some extras you might decide use are shredded paper to accentuate the layers or maybe add some confetti. I have even seen some Diaper Cakes where they wrap the tiers with fabric. The choice is yours. But whatever you go with, I am sure your expecting friend/ sister/ cousin/co-worker/ etc.  will love it!!

Have Fun & Happy Diaper Caking 

Showers, Weddings and Babies, Oh My!

Age may in fact be “just a number,” but these numbers continue to go up. And at this particular age I think it means everything. This purgatory state, which I will label as our twenties- are the ages that make women want to scream violently or ecstatically. It is the bracket in which most women strive to stay in. If you think I am wrong, then ask yourself: why was Botox invented? Even exploring thoughts of crossing the boarder between 29 and 30 can be traumatizing. Trust me, I tried it once, and it didn’t go well. I have learned my lesson.

The point being, your twenties may not be the “best years of your life” but they most certainly are the most pivotal. These vital years are the ones where you start figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life. You are no longer a starving college student. You are on a career path, making moves, beginning to conquer your goals and most likely looking for a mate to share the adventure with, right? Daunting as it may seem, we are on the brink of a new age: Adulthood. Queue “Dun Dunn Dunnnn”

Literally, every morning I wake up wondering, who’s next? Who will be the next person on my Facebook newsfeed to so informally share with the world that they are now engaged to the person of their dreams. Or, better yet, who will be next to surprise their “friends” with the magical news that they too are now with child. These monumental life moments, the things that we have been contemplating since adolescence, are now actually happening. DAILY! It is exhausting!

Every time I turn around there is someone else getting married or having a baby or both. Free weekends have become scarce. I find myself occupying my free time with Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Bachelorette Parties and Weddings. The funds in my bank account have dropped lower than Facebooks shareholdings. (Oh snap)

No, but seriously.

All of these events just don’t seem real until they are actually happening. And as much as we want to be happy for the people around us, who’s lives are changing, it is hard not to imagine what it would be like if the hoopla was about you. Things like; When am I going to get married? What will my wedding dress look like? Who will my bridesmaids be? When should I start popping out some kids? These are the questions that plague me with anxiety. You start to think that just because you don’t have a ring on your finger that something is wrong with you.

Absolutely, NOT. Life is about choices. You choose to get married and start a family. You choose the life you want to live. Whether you want to be a MILF or Cougar, the choice is yours. And I will always choose to support those around me. Yes, I will wear the bright pink taffeta and tulle bridesmaid dress. Yes, I will go North Dakota for your Wedding. Yes, I will journey into disease infested TOYS-R-US for your child and Yes, I will still hold your hair back when you are puking, no matter if it’s from alcohol or morning sickness.

Even though my twenties are slowly disappearing and it hurts a little inside, life is too short to dwell on what you don’t have yet, but to celebrate what you have now. I may not be a mother yet, but I am an Aunt. I have three beautiful nieces, whom I can love and spoil and give back to their parents at the end of the day. I also have someone who loves me, respects me and supports me in all of my decisions. I am not lacking, nor needing anything in my twenties. I have the freedom to live my life the way I want to until I have to put others first. If I want to dash off to Europe with my father, I will. If I want to go on a shopping spree, I will. Therefore, I hereby put my anxiety to rest, as I am in no rush. I am happy and I will answer those questions when it is my time.

So to the next person to send me a picture message of their new sparkling diamond- I will be cheersing champagne to you. And the next time my girlfriends and I go on a dinner outing, I will try not to wince at the fact that this may be the last one, pre kids. And the next time I visit my Pinterest I will NOT get depressed at my ever growing faux Wedding board- I will just tell myself am I planning for the time when I choose to make my fantasy a reality.

Summertime and the livin's...hard?

That’s right kids; it’s that time again for Bikini’s, Mai Tai’s, Pool Parties, the Beach and Sunburns, eek sunTANS! After all of those long months of indecisive weather ranging from; rain, hot, cold, wind, rain, hot, cold, it’s finally time for some consistent HEAT! And no, I don’t mean Lebron’s kind of “Heat” because we all definitely hate that one. 

I am talking about the heat that wakes you up in the morning before your alarm. The heat that assures you that by 10:00AM it will be nearing 80 degrees and yelling at you to ditch the cardigan you wore to work in efforts to hide your inappropriate shirt. The kind of heat that will make you sweat in places you had forgotten about during the long winter months. The kind of heat that reminds you of that ridiculous song from the 90s that informed you to “wear sunscreen.” The kind of heat that makes you crave Sublime and 40oz’s. And lastly, it is that damn kind of heat that reminds you of your New Years resolution and instantaneously gives you a remorseful feeling as you look back over the last six months that you spent on the couch rather than at the gym.

Ugh- where did the time go?

Every year you say that this one is going to be different. That you are going to commit yourself to the gym.  And that your diet will purely consist of Lean Cuisines, fruits & veggies and water. Well that didn’t work out did it? Gyming it went from four times a week, to three times, to two, to one, to none, real quick. As for your “healthy diet” well that went to shit too. Mexican food will without a doubt be the death of you. But oh how we love those carne asada burritos stuffed with cheese, sour cream, guacamole and french fries. It really is too bad that this glorious creation doesn’t burn up your fat. Where the hell is my magic wand?

The reality is summer is here and there’s nothing we can do to change that. We must embrace it and work with what we got… which may not be a whole lot. This is when DEFCON mode activates. First things first: maintenance. Lets face it ladies, besides the gym, our best friend during the summer is our waxing lady. No need to elaborate, she knows us that well. Next on the list is skin preparation because if you’re anything like me, florescent is the new white. To put it into perspective, if I were to stand next to a Jersey Shore cast member I would be the vanilla to their orange sherbet, not cool. To prevent this humiliation we need to start a skin training regimen.

Like a good manicure, to keep your color you need a base coat. We “snowflakes” cannot just hang out in the sun with only Hawaiian Tropic SPF 4 coating our porcelain skin. We also need to set our sun time limits. Now setting limits may be difficult for you if you went to a “party school” and thought sharpie slash marks on your hands were a good idea to keep track of how many shots you had. I am talking about real commitment here. Applying your SPF 30 before you walk out the door, keeping track of the time you spend in direct sunlight and remembering to reapply your sunscreen after every dip in the water. I know I may sound militant, but the amount of sun exposure to your skin the first few days are crucial and can determine the rest of your summer. For example: say you are on your way to the beach in your best friend’s convertible. There is traffic on the 101, as usual, which adds an extra 30 minutes of exposure to your sun-virgin skin. If you hadn’t applied your sunscreen before you left you would undoubtedly get an unwanted seat-belt line across your chest! That could take the rest of the summer to get rid of! AND let’s not forget about raccoon eyes! Seriously, they are only cute on raccoons and even then it’s iffy.

Lastly, just because you fell off the gym wagon does not mean you have to stay off. Not that you “need it”, but trust me if you get back into a routine it will make you feel that much better and more confident about stepping out in your new Victoria Secret swimsuit. Plus, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands. They just don’t” -- 10 Points: Name that movie!

Once you’ve properly groomed yourself, maintained a nice base tan and visited the elliptical a few times, I believe you will be ready to, as Ke$ha would say, “Hit this City,” (p.s. where is that biatch?).

Now let’s say this all together now “THIS WILL BE THE BEST SUMMER EVER!”- Ready, Set, Go!!

Back Pocket Memory- Making Their Way

Back Pocket Memory is: Chris Pennington (vocals), Eddie Rosales (guitar), Rob Gallagher (bass), Ian Felchlin (guitar), and Jason Montgomery (drums).

Burbank, California’s local band Back Pocket Memory has been making some beautiful noise around town for more than five years now. It has been within the past month though that they have really turned up the volume. The band has been featured on The World Famous KROQ’s Locals Only Playlist for five consecutive weeks, reaching the number one spot Sunday, May 22, 2011 and it doesn’t look like they will be stopping there.

Back Pocket Memory, commonly referred to as BPM, formed their band in 2006. They can thank (or blame) Ian for the match up. Ian had been working with Eddie at a local coffee shop when Eddie suggested they both jam with his friend Chris. When the trio decided to move from acoustic to a full band Ian called up former bandmates Jason and Rob (from previous band Function) to join the line-up. Since then, the charming quintet has continued to garner loyal fans from Southern California up to Northern California, across the country and even over seas! There isn’t much surprise to why this is. With sounds similar to the great Incubus and their undeniable talent, they have created quality music that people want to listen to over and over. They truly have found their niche.

Currently, BPM is gearing up to release their second EP ‘Beneath the Trees’ produced by Erik Ron (Panic at the Disco!, I the Mighty) in July. Like their first album ‘Strangers’ (produced by Robbie Rist and available on itunes) we can expect the same amount of upbeat pop rock intensity and catchy melodies, but with a more refined and mature sound. In honor of their new album dropping, a massive release party will commence. I know we all will look forward to that!

While, these wildly entertaining musicians know how rock and keep their fans head banging and toe tapping along with them, they have yet to be signed. That is, as of now... With them still being the most requested band on KROQ’s Locals Only, proves that they have something special and it is really only a matter of time.

To keep Back Pocket Memory on KROQ click here: VOTE BPM

And to hold you over until Sunday, here is the official music video to their single Bergerac, which you can hear on KROQ when you vote: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPF1JA6n054

For more information about Back Pocket Memory please visit: www.backpocketmemory.com | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Upcoming Tour Dates:

June 8, 2011 San Francisco, CA - Grant and Green w/The Street Urchinz (21+) FREE
June 10, 2011 Corvallis, OR - The Mod (ALL AGES) --
June 11, 2011 San Jose, CA - Homestead Lanes w/ Fabulous Under Fire (ALL AGES) --
June 24, 2011 Hermosa Beach, CA - Saint Rocke w/ Gorgeous Got a Gun, Scarlet Grey Buy Now

Plaguing question of the day: Why is confidence so important?

“Why is confidence so important?”

Confidence is a complicated thing. It is about as temperamental as a hot air balloon. You can turn up the heat when needed, but it can float on down just as quickly. When you have confidence it is receipted by all. It is the assurance you need when you want to accomplish your goals.

Without confidence you live a life of uncertainty. Not everything is going to be easy and not everyone is prepared, but when you take experiences and mold them into a shield of “confidence” we equip ourselves for what lies ahead.

The importance of confidence is crucial. It is your aid throughout life whether it is the courage you need to speak in front of an audience, the strength you need to run that last lap, or the poise you need to ask the special someone on a date, confidence is on your side. There is no denying that people are attracted to those who are confident. Confidence is the demonstration of your inner strength. The literal meaning that you are committed to yourself; you have accredited your worth. Confidence is the subliminal assertion that you are to be treated as an equal. You will not be submissive and crumble under pressure.

Although, there may be determents along the way, they are just tests. Remember to push the negative away and the block the pessimisms and concentrate on your strengths, this will help surface your confidence. When you believe in yourself you CAN accomplish anything.