Fashion Update & Exciting VH1 News!

Here's a photo backstage at the fashion show wearing Jeran Designs "Playboy" gown. I'm pictured with one of the designers, Jerry Skeels. No negative comparisons to Joan Collins please (I didn't have the benefit of airbrushing).
Exciting News!
I just got a call that I'm shooting a pilot in a couple days for VH1. No details yet (I don't want my possible future employer mad at me).

Another Day, Another Gown

I just had the pleasure of modeling the spectacular gown that Jeran Designs created for Joan Collins to wear on the cover of the 1983 Christmas issue of Playboy magazine. I learned insider info that before posing, Joan had gone on a strict diet of...champagne & caviar! The dress went on to be the inspiration for the famous "Jessica Rabbit" dress in Who Framed Roger Rabbit. I walked the catwalk to the tune "Material Girl" & the designers asked me to utilize my "dance training" & move like Madonna. Dance training (??)...Could they mean the tap lessons I had when I was 6?

Deja Vu

As much as things change, they stay the same. I'm in Palm Springs for a few days & everyone is talking about how much it's evolved in the last few years. Granted, there are beautiful resorts & great shopping. The lux Merv Griffin Resort has transformed into the ultra funky "Parker" (if you ever have a chance to try a Kobe beef slider, I'd highly recommend it.). But, Palm Springs is still the picturesque, quaint desert town where I learned to swim when I was a very little girl. I experienced the same sense of deja vu on my recent trip to Sunset Gower Studios. It's undergoing a multi million dollar renovation & all I could think was "Oh my gosh, the big doors on Stage 3 are exactly the same!".

Legos

Am I the only parent who has a love / hate relationship with Legos? I love the look of accomplishment on a child's face after they've built something spectacular. I love the big plastic tubs that let the kids use their imaginations to build (& then rebuild). I love how they keep the kids entertained for hours. I even love Legoland (a Southern California theme park, with rides & entertainment). What I don't love is that Legos are now sold in "model sets" like Harry Potter & Star Wars. New sets seem to be released every day. Don't get me wrong, I used to be a fan of these sets. But the problem is, kids build the model, then they want MORE lego sets. Sometimes the models are displayed, but other times the models break & then end up in a huge bin of broken models, or in a Lego pile on the floor. Alright, maybe "hate" is too strong a word to use, but if you've ever stepped on a Lego first thing in the morning, you might agree with me.

Verge: Know When To Say Yes!

Verge Living

One of the fun things about having a blog is that I can talk about whatever I want. Today, I'm going to shamelessly plug my darling husbands' new project in Downtown Las Vegas. He & his company have graciously allowed me to include an autism awareness fundraiser in conjunction with their VIP Grand Opening of the Verge Lifestyle Center:
VERGE, downtown Las Vegas' newest mid-rise, mixed-use condominium community, has announced it's Grand Opening Ceremony for March 15th, 2007. Reservations for the Priority Interest List are now being taken. Downtown Las Vegas is currently undergoing an epic $14 billion revitalization to cultivate the first pedestrian-friendly, urban experience Las Vegas has ever seen, similar to the makeover that redefined downtown San Diego's gaslight district making it one of the most exclusive areas of the city. This comprehensive plan consists of new commercial, residential, retail, live-entertainment and dining establishments for local patrons to live, work, and play.VERGE is a testament to the vibrant future of the new downtown Las Vegas. The innovative architectural design promises significantly lower cost to build, which is great news for potential residents. But although attractively priced from $149,900, VERGE homeowners are buying much more than a condominium. VERGE's location is within walking distance to all the action, including the newly renovated Fremont Street casinos, the Block, Union Park's World Jewelry Mart, the World Market Center, the Smith's Performing Arts Theater, Fremont East's Entertainment District, shopping malls, boutiques, and much more.VERGE's 296 residence community will offer the latest in modern living, state-of-the-art architecture and design. There are 39 impressive floor plans including studios, one, two, three bedroom condominiums and spectacular lofts with 23-foot ceilings. Many residences will have remarkable views of downtown Las Vegas & the entire Las Vegas Valley. Other onsite amenities include 2 rooftop pools, rooftop restaurant, on-site boutique grocery store, wine bar, indoor racquet ball courts, fitness center with steam and locker rooms, secure access-controlled parking and entry, and even a rooftop pet park.Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will preside over the ribbon cutting and give his insights on the newly emerging downtown redevelopment. Mark Stark, CEO of Prudential Americana Group Realtors, and Darren Dunckel, the developer, will be keynote speakers. This will be everyone's first look at VERGE, and it should be exciting. No reservations will be taken at the Grand Opening Ceremony - this event will be purely for fun and information. It is anticipated that fully refundable reservations will be taken within a week or two of the Grand Opening, and that units will go to contract sometime in May for late 2008 delivery. To register for the VERGE Priority Interest List, please go to the Verge website:http://www.vergeliving.com/ . As a registered Priority Interest List guest, you will be invited to attend the VIP Grand Opening of the Verge Lifestyle Center, so come join us for the hottest party in town: eat, drink and mingle with the key players of Old and New Las Vegas. The VIP Grand Opening will be held on March 15th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at 516 North Main Street (at Bonanza).
Hope to see you there!

Hollywood Graffiti Gown

Emmy Award winning designers, Jerry Skeels and Randy McLaughlin, have asked me to model their spectacular Hollywood Graffiti Gown. The gown was created to raise awareness of AIDS and its' mission is to bring women of all ages and cultures together to make a significant impact through fashion and influence towards the fight against AIDS. The gown is covered with more than 400 signatures of notable women including: Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Sharon Stone, Kate Blanchett, Sophia Loren, Mother Teresa...& now ME!! The Hollywood Graffiti Gown was the focus of the 2006 Best International Documentary. The gown will be touring the globe, before being auctioned for an opening bid of $1,000,000 to benefit AIDS research. It's believed that the gown will eventually be displayed in the Smithsonian & I'm honored to be included!

http://www.classic-media-entertainment.com/Graffiti%20Gown%20home.htm

Out of The Mouths of Babes!

My little boy was telling me that one day he'd like to have a pony named "Steve". I told him that I'd never met a pony named Steve. I asked where he'd gotten the name (since there are no Steves in his class & I couldn't think of any cartoons with a Steve). He told me it was from Shrek. He elaborated by saying the donkey in Shrek says "I'm your Noble Steve". He meant "Noble STEED". Isn't that cute? What are the odds that I'd have two donkey posts in a row?

Let's All Laugh Together Now

I hate mass joke e-mails. I'm sure you get them too. Friends, family, co-workers all get the same jokes & then they all think you'll find them hilarious (so they ALL send them to you). I don't like getting them, but I've never complained, I find it a little bit sweet that my friends /family are trying to make me laugh (or cry, or feel patriotic, etc. depending on the tone of the e-mail) .

You may have seen this one before, but it's a good one!

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well.
The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw.
With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less

NOW --------
Enough of that . . .

The donkey later came back, and bit the farmer who had tried to
bury him. The gash from the bite got infected, and the farmer eventually died in
agony from septic shock.

MORAL FROM TODAY'S LESSON:

When you do something wrong, and try to cover your ass, it always comes back to bite you.

Think Spring

To all my friends on the East Coast (& other cold climates), Hang in there...Spring is on the way!!

Discontinued

Don't you hate it when a company discontinues a product you love? It happens all the time, when they try to "reformulate" something to somehow try to make it better. Companies usually fail miserably when they try to improve a classic (new Coke anyone?). Well California Pizza Kitchen has eliminated my favorite: Peking Duck Pizza (hold the crispy wontons please). I understand it may not have been for everyone, but CPK is known for the original. My kids love the BLT pizza (bacon, lettuce, tomato & mayo) which surprisingly is still on the menu. I guess I'll have to start ordering the garlic chicken (good, but not delicious).

Starbucks Addiction!

Ok, I admit it...I'm addicted to Starbucks. I can't help it, their coffee is just SO good. No matter how hard I try, coffee just doesn't taste as good when I make it at home. I use the same coffee beans, the same flavored syrup & it's somehow not quite right. I'm pretty sure that some day a study will be conducted that shows Starbucks has some "secret" ingredient that they slip in the cup that makes their coffee so delicious. I'm not apologizing for my love. As far as addictions go, coffee & chocolate are relatively harmless. The caffeine speeds up my metabolism, takes away headaches, & just makes me feel better. One word of advice for my germ obsessed readers (which I most definitely am not!): Have you ever noticed that when people take their coffee drink to the sugar / milk station they remove the plastic top & put it face down on the ledge? That means the top part that touches your lips is touching the "germy" counter. I flip the lid over so the bottom of the lid rests on the counter when I add three splendas to my venti nonfat sugar free vanilla latte. I tell you, it's a sickness!!

julib.com

Perhaps you don't know that I'm multi-talented. Besides my family & tv stuff, I'm also a "luxury lifestyle" writer. Here are my Valentines Day beauty picks for www.julib.com.

beauty picks
in case you don't get what you really want for valentine's day, no worries. take things into your own hands with this month's beauty picks.


hangover over.
finally, a wine that won't leave you dehydrated. dior l'or de vie, la crème with chateau d'yquem grapevine sac can actually reverse the damage from all that pinot. it's back ordered everywhere, but use your connections and you just might find it. $320. at neiman marcus. 9700 wilshire boulevard. at roxbury drive. 310.550.5900.

chocoholic.
who needs a box of godiva when you can quench your chocolate cravings with a bliss double chocolate pedicure? at the w hotel. 930 hilgard avenue. off lindbrook drive. 323.930.0330.

haute chocolate.
famous praline makers, coppeneur have turned their skill with the sweet stuff into a limited edition fragrance set. dark chocolate and estate cacao beans will satisfy your sweet tooth, while the eau de cacao in the handblown flacon will leave you smelling good enough to eat. $110.
scent bar. 8327 beverly boulevard. bewteen la cienega and crescent heights. 323.782.8300.

fish eggs.
nothing says luxury like caviar. whether you nibble it on toast or slather it on your skin, it's an indulgent treat. which brings us to the kerstin florian caviar facial at the four seasons beverly hills, naturally. 300 south doheny drive. between 3rd street and burton way. 310.273.2222.

good as gold.
first they brought us caviar. now our friends at la prairie have brought us pure gold to wipe away the signs of a life well lived. at $525 an ounce, cellular radiance concentrate pure gold is worth its weight in, well, gold.

who needs a ring?
we've all heard that diamonds are a girl's best friend. you'll know it's true after a 90-minute precious diamond massage at the peninsula beverly hills. 9882 south santa monica boulevard. at wilshire. 310.975.2854.

perfect date.
chocolate and roses. champagne and caviar. partake without the guilt with one of verabella's famous facials. her tiny salon in beverly hills has been a hangout for the hollywood elite for over 25 years. verabella. 301 north canon drive. at dayton way. 310.278.4733.

all that glitters.
get glowing with scott barnes diamond dust, $28. enough said.

Click below to read my picks online:
http://www.julib.com/beautypicks021307LA.html

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch...

I promised you an update, so here it is. Yesterday we filmed the special features for the DVD box set. The weather forecast was calling for rain, but it was a beautiful day at 1164 Morning Glory Circle. As I drove up to the gate at the WB Ranch, the guard welcomed me home. As much as things in life change, the Ranch is still SO much the same. Of course there are changes to the Bewitched house & the neighboring houses, but everything is still so recognizable! I didn't see any of the bunnies that used to roam the Ranch (that I'd bring carrots for) but the pool I used to swim in on hot days was still there. In a happy twist (to illustrate the power of a little blog) I'd mentioned the other day about "possibly" continuing the tour at Sunset Gower Studios. The morning after my post, I received an e-mail from one of the senior v.p.s of the public relations firm that represents Sunset Gower. He had read my blog & was able to make that portion of the tour happen for us! They were filming the show "House" on Stage 3 yesterday when we visited & we were able to get some great footage on the lot. No word on when the DVD box set comes out (sorry, I asked!). It was a fun day with beautiful weather & a great crew & so nice to take a stroll down memory lane!

Horse Dancing

I love animals (dogs, cats, tortoises, etc). But, I've always had a special spot in my heart for horses. I started riding about as soon as I could walk. I remember every year asking for a pony (then when I was older a horse) for Christmas. Sadly, Santa couldn't carry a pony in his sleigh, so I didn't get my first horse until I was 21. There's a certain bond between people and their animals that's really hard to describe. I found a remarkable video on youtube that shows Dutch horse trainer Wim Vonck "dancing" with one of his horses. It's really beautiful!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N1ZiA8SUyk

Bewitched Box Set

I've received lots of e-mails asking about Bewitched DVD's & their lack of special features. Well Sony heard from you too & they want you to be happy. So, despite the fact that I rarely mention Bewitched on my blog, I figured you'd like to hear the latest news. Sony is going to be releasing Bewitched as a box set & next week we're filming the special features. I will be hosting a tour of the Warner Brothers Ranch where we filmed the exteriors for Bewitched & possibly the studio (now Sunset Gower, used to be Screen Gems). I'll fill you in on all the details after filming.

Daily Diary

Today I'm going to share with my blog readers a blog that I read. It's called Dorothys' Daily Diary & I love it! The site is a teenagers' diary from the forties with all her thoughts on life, friends & dating, lovingly transcribed by her son. It has information added by Dorothys' sister on the people & places mentioned & also includes headlines from the day. The diary is updated daily with Dorothys' entry from the same date in 1945. It's such a personal site and really offers a fascinating glimpse at a different time.

http://www.dhdd.net/dorothy/1945/today.html

Useless Information?

A longtime friend of my husbands' (I won't give his name because he works in finance & this is kind of a silly post) has taught me an easier way to open a banana. I must preface this post by saying, I never really thought that opening a banana was difficult to begin with. It seems that while observing monkeys for an extended period of time, our friend realized that they don't peel their bananas the way we do. Instead of peeling the banana from the stem (which I believe is the "traditional" human way), a monkey will use the stem as a handle & lightly pinch the bottom of the banana & peel from there. It really is easier. I told you this was a silly post!

Chocolate Altoids!

I think no matter how good something is, there's always room for improvement. I love cinnamon Altoids. The entire "curiously strong" part of them totally appeals to me. So how in the world could they make them better? They've dipped them in chocolate!! The folks at Altoids have been giving them out at various awards shows & events to get the buzz out there. They're hard to find right now, but soon they'll be everywhere. Really good!
I've been hoarding these new delicious treats (much like Elaine on that episode of Seinfeld, when she has to decide if her dates are "sponge worthy"). However, I've just learned from Mindy Ephron (who costars on the great show The Office) that the chocolate Altoids are available online: Order them at www.candywarehouse.com.

American Idol

We're two episodes into season 6 of American Idol & I think I'm the only person in America who prefers watching the really talented people audition. There's something a little sad about knowing that the really bad /odd singers had to audition before several panels of producers before they're finally able to perform for Randy, Simon & Paula. Each step along the way, as they see their numbers whittled down from the 10,000 people who show up, to the 100 that get before the judges, they probably get a little boost in confidence & think "Hey, I AM a good singer". Then at the end of a very long day, they find out that they've really only been strung along for comic relief. Don't get me wrong, I really like American Idol & America still LOVES American Idol. The 2-hour season premiere had 37.3 million viewers & 36.9 million people watched the Wednesday night episode. These were the two biggest nights of prime-time entertainment on Fox since it came onto the air nearly two decades ago. To put the numbers into perspective, the most popular show on TV so far this season, ABC's "Desperate Housewives," averages 20.7 million viewers a week - or a little more than half of what "Idol" delivered upon its return. My favorite Simon comment so far was directed at the girl who blamed her dry throat on her bad performance: "You could lie in a bath with your mouth open and you still couldn't sing."