AJ, Author at AJ Feuerman

What’s In My Pocket Friday

January 13, 2017 By AJ Leave a Comment

Best of the web — and in the world

Best of the web. Yes, please. Look, the other day I watched our President-elect stand in front of American flags, at a podium, with Trump-branded products like wine and steak to either side of him on display, cruelly mock journalists and refer to the news as “crap.” So I needed to laugh and laugh good before I started to punch things.

Hence this week, you’ll find everything in my Pocket induces laughter. Much, much needed laughter.

When I got home from work last night, I immediately turned on that day’s episode of “Ellen.” I record it every day and have for years. Sometimes she also makes me cry but at the top of the show, she had my hysterical:

If I’ve really gotta force a laugh to get to a place of feeling better, I flip on a comedy special. My favorite these days is John Mulaney’s “The Comeback Kid” on Netflix. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times I watch it — I end up nearly wetting myself. I also watched Joe Rogan’s Netflix special this week and it was a lot funnier than I expected it to be! (See also: John Mulaney’s bit on Donald Trump.)

I also find, especially because my drive to and from work is so long, that podcasts can really get me through. Here are a few of my faves:
And speaking of, just plain, old fashioned reruns of the “Golden Girls” still make me laugh my ass off. Can’t see them on Logo, TV Land of Hallmark Channel? THEY ARE COMING TO HULU!

So what about you? What makes my smile and laugh? Share in the comments so I can join in, please. 😉

The 2016 BRUNCHIES

December 22, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

The Best Brunch in Los Angeles in 2016

Happy holidays, fellow foodies and welcome to the 2016 Brunchies, recognizing the best brunch in Los Angeles in 2016.

In Los Angeles, Brunch is a part of our culture. It’s oversized sunglasses and purposefully tousled ponytails, three-day-old beards, and whatever wasn’t already in the laundry when you got dressed. It’s bottomless mimosas and craft Bloody Marys. Brunch is a celebration of all things — the end of a fabulous (or not fabulous) weekend! Our fabulous lives! Our abysmal lives! A day that ends in ‘y’! Whatever. It’s delicious. Who cares.

In 2014, when I was freelancing for The Bold Italic’s short-lived Los Angeles bureau, I was charged with giving out a series of Brunch awards, which I lovingly named “The Brunchies.” Alas, they are a defunct bureau yet my love of Brunch lives on in infinitum. So I decided to resurrect the honors and let you all in on the biggest hits of my 2016 brunch life.

Best View

The Penthouse (Santa Monica)

I’ve cited this one before but you just can’t beat their view. The food is good — you’ll find traditional items like Benedict and baked eggs but you’ll also find a killer rigatoni and pan seared Branzino. Make sure you save some room and your calories so you can start the meal with their cinnamon rolls or enjoy some dessert afterward. You get 360 degree views there but ladies, make a stop in the bathroom, too. The view from the last stall is something patrons wait in line for!

Honorable Mention: The Castaway (Burbank) — and complimentary champagne is included in their brunch buffet!

Best Avocado Toast

Flower Child (Santa Monica)

I don’t know what these magical wizards do over there but this simple combination of avocado, a soft egg, black sesame and a little white cheddar on their dense, whole grain toast is so good that you may actually order two pieces. And by the way, it’s only $6 and 360 calories so in addition to being utterly delicious, it’s guilt-free.

I’m pretty obsessed with this place, by the way. It’s worth mentioning that their whole menu is delicious and I’m gutted that it’s not closer to where I live.

Honorable Mention: BLD (Mid-city).

BLD’s Avocado Toast puts a unique spin on the trendy menu item. They bake poached eggs, chorizo, manchego cheese, smoked paprika right into the avocado and serve thick, lightly-toasted sourdough on the side. The chorizo really elevates the flavor.

Best Group Brunch

The Church Key (West Hollywood)

I love The Church Key’s sprawling space that can open up in the front to the street so that you can enjoy the indoor/outdoor dining West Hollywood Brunches are meant for. With all their space and vintage charm, a lot of their big tables are like their own tableaus and what’s more, they have many tables set up with large groups in mind. The first time I enjoyed brunch there with a large group, we sat around a big, round table, which is always ideal to me so that no one feels cast away to the end of a row and is unable to chat with the folks at the other end. Also clutch for any group brunch? They take reservations.

Best Mexi-Brunch

Mercado (locations in Santa Monica, Mid-City and on the Cahuenga Pass)

Everything at Mercado arrives on your table looking and tasting fresh. As a second honor, I might also reward them with “Best Breakfast Burrito” — the massive wrap is stuffed with scrambled eggs, nueske bacon, mexican rice, frijoles negros, roasted potatoes, pico de gallo and oaxaca cheese. Their “Chilaquiles Rojos con Huevos” is a true winner as well but you must add the carnitas to it because the way they prepare their carnitas alone is unbelievably delicious.

Got room for an appetizer? Their chips are just as fresh as anything else on the menu, made in house. The queso will leave you wishing the portion was bigger but only after you’ve also polished off their guacamole, topped with spicy pepitas.

Best Bloody Mary

Hyperion Public (Locations in Studio City and Silver Lake)

Even though they may be best known best for their “f yeah” fries and their “omg dip,” their simple, classic Bloody Mary leaves a mark. The mix is made on site and though you won’t find it bacon infused or loaded with a slider-on-a-stick, there is nothing flawed about it. Now that they’ve opened their second location in Studio City, there are two locations to enjoy it at. (P.S. They also started offering bottomless mimosas this year and lord-have-mercy do they make a great stack of pancakes!)

Best Brunch That’s Not For Me

Au Fudge (West Hollywood)

Founded by Jessica Biel, the cleverly named Au Fudge is a restaurant that caters to children first. You enter through a rustic, country gift shop that sells baked goods along with tchotchkes and toys. Beyond, a bubbly cafe setting adorned with marble, pastels and plenty of kitschy kid-friendly space. (Even the bathrooms have kid-friendly sinks and toilets!) The hub of the restaurant is a large creative space that runs the whole length of the restaurant. It is enclosed, filled with craft tables, toys, and staffed. It is available for parents to drop their kids into at a rate of $15 for two hours so they can dine “in peace” though plenty of patrons bring their kids to the table where a rather indulgent kids menu and crayons await. It is a super-energetic space where you seldom hear the word “no” among the noise and clutter of it all. My meal was delicious, my company was lovely, but it’s never going to be my first choice because I’m quite the snobby bruncher.

Best Patio

Eveleigh (West Hollywood)

Eveleigh may be located in the heart of WeHo but once you walk through the restaurant and out to their rear patio, it’s like being transported to an chic, rustic tree-house escape. The one thing I’ll caution is that the breathtaking setting might leave you with rose-colored glasses. The food is good, but not great. The service is adequate though the servers are all modelesque and not particularly warm. And the prices are a bit high. So it’s up to you how badly you want to dine in this setting!

Honorable Mention: Terrine (Mid-City)

Best Brunch Nachos

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern (West Hills)

Jimmy’s “Totchos” are tater tots, cheese sauce, sour cream, bacon and salsa and they. are. everything. It’s not a fancy spot, set in the new outdoor half of Westfield Topanga, but it’s comfortable and the staff is exceptionally friendly and accommodating. Jimmy’s puts their own spin on American classics with everything prepared by hand in small batches with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The result is super flavorful, elevated pub food that will have you passing your fork around the table for a bite of everything. And the Totchos. Definitely have the Totchos. (Pictured below with the sour cream on the side because someone at our table doesn’t like the stuff. Insanity.)

Best Non-Traditional Brunch

Barrel and Ashes (Studio City)

The South comes to the San Fernando Valley with a Brunch that includes BBQ, small plates, craft cocktails and a boatload of charm. They’s also doing a good service by opening for brunch at 10:30 in a town where most places open their doors at 11. I’ve narrowed my favorite menu items to two: The Frito Pie and the Hoe Cake. The first is essentially white trash nachos — a Fritos bag popped open on it’s side and loaded up with goodies like chili, cheddar cheese, sour cream, peppers and onions. The latter is a cornmeal flatbread loaded with maple butter and green onion, served on a sizzling skillet. They have some hoe cakes with toppings on the menu but all I’ve ever needed is the “regular.”

Best Sleeper Brunch

Cannibal (Culver City)

Why wasn’t this place more crowded when I went? Was it an off day? Are people intimidated by menu items like the “Double Down” – a sandwich with bacon, ham, sausage, cheese, two eggs and avocado pesto served on bread that is actually hash brown patties? Cannibal, which doubles as a hip butcher shop, is an indulgent experience but if you can shove your guilt way down deep, it’s so freakin’ delicious. Surely it must be on it’s way to being one of the most popular brunch spots in Los Angeles.

Honorable Mention: Ledlow (Downtown)

* * *

So what is, OVERALL, the best brunch in Los Angeles in 2016? It’s just too hard to say and there are still so many I need to try! So I just refuse to answer that question. When someone asks me for a recommendation, I always respond by asking what area they want to be in, what kind of setting they’r seeking, what they want to spend… It’s impossible to name the best brunch in Los Angeles, but I think that’s a GREAT idea of how much the city has to offer! Thank you, 2016, for some amazing Sunday meals with friends! And now…

Brunches I Need to Try in 2017

Post & Beam (Baldwin Hills)
Spear Steak & Seafood (Downtown LA)
Odys + Penelope (Mid-City)
Magnolia House (Pasadena)
Sonoma Wine Garden (Santa Monica)
Sunny Spot (Venice)
Wolf (Mid-City)

Don’t forget! If you love brunch as much as I do — or hell, even half as much as I do, you’ll want to put your email address into the newsletter subscription box in the top right corner to receive reviews and exclusive content. 2017 will be a whole new year of brunch adventures!

AN OLD PERSON’S GUIDE TO THE MILLENNIAL VOCABULARY: VOLUME 2

December 5, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

A Much Needed Sequel On Millennial Vocabulary and Slang

Last year’s Millennial Vocabulary Guide was a colossal hit and still comes up in conversation — and in a recent one with my friend Lia, I realized I should revisit the space. After all, “Squad” is “Fam” now and I needed to know what the hell “Snatched” means. Acronyms are also even more commonplace and prevalent than ever — anyone concerned we’re working up to fewer complete words in everyday conversation?

It’s only been a little more than a year, but SO MUCH can change in a year!

@: So, this was surprising to me, but I guess on group texts, you can use that “@” symbol and one person’s name to ask them something directly. Why you would do this and not just text them on their own is beyond me. But then, I don’t understand most of the things on this page.

BAIII: Is this “bae?” Is it “boo?” Is it “Bey?” Apparently it’s none of those. It’s a synonym for a “lad” or young man. OR, it might be “bye” said in a sassy way. I’ve seen both in my scientific research.

Basic: I was surprised to find I didn’t include this last year. But “basic” is more instinct than definitive. Think of girls who go to Coachella or wear Uggs with shorts, Moms who drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes and predictably stroll through Target. It’s a lack of sophistication and uniqueness.

Beat: Unattractive — probably derived from “beat with the ugly stick.” As in “Yo, that group of girls was beat.” However in some circles it can also mean applying makeup as in “Beat that face, bitch!”

Boots: This one was a little tough to track down but I think it was created by YouTube star Todrick Hall. He uses it for emphasis at the end of a sentence. For example, “I am so tired, boots.” This is just speculation but maybe it’s derived from when one adds “to boot” to a statement…?

CC: Cute couple.

Clap back: When someone insults you, you fire back! Search Twitter for the term. Enjoy.

Cuffing: Baby, it’s cold outside so let’s hook up. A lot. It’s CUFFING SEASON. (See also: “Thirsty.”)

dfmo: Dance floor make out. (HOT!)

Doing the most: Used as a statement to describe an action above and beyond the call of duty. “You threw him a surprise party and bought him all those presents? You are doing the most.”

Dragged: Ever gotten tangled up in a massive, argumentative Facebook thread? You mighta gotten dragged all over that thread, my friend.

dw: Don’t worry.

Extra: Not to be confused with “doing the most” but similarly means behavior above the norm. “Mom’s behavior was extra when she refused to accept Tim’s apology.” It’s traditionally negative to indicate inappropriate over-the-top anything, even appearances. You might also say “That guy is extra.”

f: “Eff” and “effing” weren’t short enough.

Fam: The new “Squad,” if you will. A way to describe your people. You can use it to explain a group as in “that’s my fam,” however you can also use it singularly. If your mom gave you a couple bucks, you might say “thanks, fam,” as you walk out the door.

Feels: A rush of emotion or many emotions that simply cannot be adequately explained.

AN OLD PERSON’S GUIDE TO THE MILLENNIAL VOCABULARY

OMG that face! That panda is giving me ALL THE FEELS. <3

Finesse: You might finesse a lady out of her undergarments or you might finesse a bag of cheetos. You’re basically stealing something.

FTW: For the win. It’s not new but apparently a few people think this can also mean “fuck the world.” That’s sort of…. upsetting?

FWIW: For what it’s worth….

Gagging: You are gagging for something you want very badly. You cannot contain yourself!

Ghosting: This one hurt my heart a little. I’ve been it’s victim. It’s the act of suddenly, and without explanation, ceasing all communication with someone the subject is dating, but no longer wishes to date.

Goals AF: We know from our last lesson what “AF” means. This is kind of a new “squad goals.” When you see someone living the life you want, it is “Goals AF.”

GOAT: GREATEST OF ALL TIME. Very commonly used in sports. Often represented by just the goat emoji. Was also a fairly terrible Nick Jonas movie about fraternity hazing….

Hunty: Hunty is a combination of “honey” and, well, the c-word. It originated in the drag world and was popularized on the show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” There was some debate on my Facebook page as to whether or not a heterosexual person can use this word. I do not know if the world will ever reach a verdict in this very important discussion.

Insta: You do not need to say “Instagram” full out anymore. You can also use “IG” on social.

JFC: Jesus Fucking Christ.

Litty: VERY lit.

narp – Not a real person; “I’m narping around today.” (I kinda dig that one. I feel pretty narpy sometimes….)

OTP: One True Pairing. Your OTP is a couple you are emotionally invested in. My OTP is Barack and Michelle. If they ever break up, I’ll totes die. Runners up: Ellen and Portia, Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, Neil Patrick Haris and David Burtka.

RBF: Resting. Bitch. Face. You can’t help it. It’s just how your face looks, right?

Receipts: I keep seeing this one and I actually really like it. It refers to evidence of a person’s hypocrisy, often pulled from past social media or text conversations. Example: “She called me basic, but I have receipts from her Insta of her drinking a PSL.”

rn: Right now.

Salty: Being pissed. As in “I’m a little salty over that loss, sis.”

Savage: I’ve seen this a couple ways. I’ve seen it used in lieu of “badass” but I’ve also seen it used in lieu of “brutal.” So you tell me, youngins….

Ship: OMG. I have the hardest time with this one. Every time I think I’m using it right, someone tells me I’m failing. I read the other day in some blog or another that “Ship is one of the most important terms on the Internet.” (Really???) It comes from the word relationship,, obviously. You “ship” the two people you want to be in a relationship. So, if you think Olivia Pope and Fitz Grant (from “Scandal”) should be together, you ship Olivia and Fitz. I think. I guess.

Sis: We are supposed to use this now, instead of “bro.”

Slide into my/the DMs: When you start a direct message chain on a social media platform, with the hopes of achieving a booty call.

Snatched: So now, a year later, I’ve learned that “snatched” is the new fleek or on point. Snatched can also replace slay…. I think. Anything from your eyebrows to your outfit can be snatched. If your eyebrows are slaying, they’re snatched. If your outfit is on point, it’s snatched.

Stan: Stan is the internet’s new word for a hardcore fan. If it reminds you of Eminem’s song of the same name, that’ because – quite obviously – it came from it. You can also use it as a verb, as in “stanning letters.”

Stunt: To show off. Example: “He sure knows how to stunt, y’all.”

Sus: Comes out of the word suspect. “Remember when Cady gave Regina George those ‘weight loss’ bars? That was sus.”

Swoll: Buff. Short for “swollen.”

TFTI: Thanks for the invite.

TFW: That feeling when….

Thirsty: You want it baaaaad.

TLDR: Too long, didn’t read. Good for those 9 paragraph Facebook statuses, right?

Triggered: Well, this has much more to do with things like PTSD but apparently the kids are using it in everyday conversation now: “Dave was triggered because he hates the sound of gum chewing.”

V: Instead of typing out “very.” Because we don’t have to bother with that nonsense now…

Woes: Another one to thank Drake for. It refers to your friends: “Spent the day shopping with my woes.”

Woke: As in “Stay Woke” or “Stay Woke AF.” Being hyper-aware.

YoPro: Young professional.

* * *

Special thanks once again to my Facebook friends who provided ample content for this post.

Did I miss something? Make sure it wasn’t in last year’s glossary or leave a comment!

Brunch at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern

November 26, 2016 By AJ Leave a Comment

Even a mall chain restaurant can turn out to be a brunch gem.

Brunch at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern was a total win. From the Diet Pepsi with a side of more Diet Pepsi, all the way to the incredible “Totchos.” It’s not really fancy or in a trendy part of town; set in Woodland Hills on the first floor of the newish outdoor Westfield Village Mall. It’s not intimate — it’s basically a nicer, oversized sports bar — but it’s comfortable. And you’re not going to find kale, quinoa or cold pressed juices here, but that’s fine with me. (They do find ways to be healthy, though. Read on.)

You’re seeing the traditional “Totchos” here. You can also opt for the white truffle and parmesan tots. For my meal, I went with a breakfast flatbread that was unbelievable with applewood smoked bacon, sausage, eggs, Fontina cheese, potatoes and chives.

Jimmy’s flavors are at maximum, putting their own spin on American classics — an ‘Artisanal’ point of view with everything prepared by hand in small batches with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The result is elevated pub food that will have you – like it had me – passing your fork around the table for a bite of everything. There are also more subtle touches I didn’t identify right away — like their use of sustainable non-food products, like recycled paper, energy efficient appliances, and their composting practices.

One fork pass to the right got me a nibble of “The ‘Bubba,” a biscuit filled with fried chicken, cheddar, bacon, sausage gravy and an egg.

I noticed what was on the menu above this by the way: Buttermilk fried chicken and malted ale waffles with thyme gravy, applewood smoked bacon and maple syrup. You’ll certainly find more traditional choices like a Denver Omelette or Benedict. They are even inclusive of lunch options with salads, burgers and the like making appearances. I suspect this is the kind of place where anything you order will just taste amazing. Scope out the entire Brunch menu here.

Oh yes, they do Bottomless Mimosas for $15. But my money’s on their Bloody Mary choices. The “Famous Mary” with Absolut Peppar, Blue Cheese Olive, Pepperoni, Jack Cheese, Pepperoncini and a Ballast Point Longfin Lager Chaser or the “Meal Mary” with Absolut Peppar, Bacon, Blue Cheese Olive, Chilled Shrimp, Pepperoni, Jack Cheese, Pepperoncini & a Jalapeño Bedeviled Egg. They are $12 and $15 respectively and that’s when you should be especially thankful to be in Woodland Hills; in Beverly Hills, those drinks would be $25.

I’m so happy we walked into Jimmy’s and took a chance. Again, I declare Brunch at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern a total win. I can’t wait to go back for more!

What’s In My Pocket Friday

November 23, 2016 By AJ Leave a Comment

Best of the web — and in the world

Best of the web? Yes. Best of the world? That, also. I reached a tipping point this week when I was watching some ass-clown I refuse to reference by name at a white supremacist meeting (Call it what you want, National Policy Institute) give a speech that essentially set civil rights and basic, human ethics back 100 years. The next day I watched another bigot announce to his “conservative” brothers and sisters that they needed to boycott Target because of their extreme leftist policies — you know, the ones that embrace diversity and compassion. (And by the by, I am filled with warmth seeing how many people liked and shared this tweet yesterday and today. Keep up the good work!)

I realized that today, tomorrow and in the days following, I need to keep my focus on some of the good in the world because there is plenty of it left, no matter how the news makes us feel. So please know that while I am still filled with the fire of a thousand suns, in this little pocket of the universe, in this moment, there is only goodness and warmth.

Take a moment and watch just a little of the ceremony held at The WHite House this week wherein President Obama gave out 21 Presidential Medals of Freedom. President Obama has given out more of these Medals than any other President in our history.

You may not recall, but three years ago, President George H.W. Bush shaved his head in solidarity with a young boy, Patrick, who was battling Leukemia. Now three years later, former President Bush has let everyone know on Twitter that Patrick is better!
Michael J. Fox joined Dave Matthews on stage at a recent show to raise money for Parkinson’s Disease research… and banged out an impressive guitar solo:

Meet Ed Moseley, an 86-year-old grandfather in Georgia, who doesn’t believe you are ever too old to learn something new. He recently taught himself to knit so he could make caps for premature newborns.
Get ready for pure, complete joy. This mom surprised her children with a puppy adoption.

And if that doesn’t do it, more goodness…

COMEDY IS GOOD! Putting some good old-fashioned pragmatism to work here, I realized that if I need a laugh, I just need to watch something funny, right? I’ve been watching the hell out of comedy specials on Netflix. John Mulaney’s is my favorite.

MUSIC IS GOOD! Especially holiday music. I do recognize that first, it’s early, and second, some people are not the type to listen to this music too much nor too often, but for me, bring it. It cheers me right up. I create a playlist for holiday music every year on Spotify and working on the playlist alone brings a smile to my face.

PUPPIES ARE GOOD! Kittens are also welcome. Please see BUZZFEED ANIMALS for all the cuteness you will ever need and more. I subscribe to their “puppy a day” newsletter and I love to read this page for a pick-me-up. Like this story about “Quantico” star Priyanka Chopra who liked the puppies at her Buzzfeed photoshoot so much, she just adopted one of them on the spot.

Just to be clear, I’m not trying to diminish how messed up things are right now. Because they are. And I promise I will not sit idly by and do nothing about it. Sometimes I get indescribably furious and sometimes I just cry. But most of the time, I allow what I am feeling to empower and inspire me. Here is a good site that may do the same for you (but if you don’t like curse words, stay away). I admire my strong friends who are taking a big stand and have jumped full-throttle into activism (read this – GO MEGHAN!). But for these few minutes spent writing (and for you, reading) this post, everything was positive — I think it’s important we remember things like these are happening. Now more than ever.

When to Broadcast and When to STFU

November 21, 2016 By AJ Leave a Comment

When to Skip Replying All and Other Annoying Broadcasts

Group texting sucks; long live group texting!

Apple, for all their infinite genius, misses a mark in this area. If only we could exit a group text the way you can in Facebook Messenger. But that also goes for group emails, doesn’t it? Unless someone deletes you from their own “reply all” or you’re the asshole who asks to be removed, you’re stuck. And same on Twitter, basically. Once you get looped into a dialog there, you may find yourself roped into a Twitter battle all day long. (That happened to me once – I never said a thing but because someone early on wanted me to get into it, I was trapped all day with notifications.)

We are all pretty happy that Facebook also allows you to turn off notifications on individual posts now, too, right? That was great. Who are the people in your life that tag everybody they know in a post? Tell them to cut that out.

Digital messaging broadcasts. It’s a tricky area. When to do it? When to skip it?

Professional circumstances aside, because every work culture is it’s own beast, here are a few suggestions on when to skip the “reply all,”, sourced from me, my friends, colleagues — and frankly, COMMON SENSE.

Group Invites

When someone sends an email to invite 30 people to something and does not BCC everyone, it’s probably so that 30 people don’t turn around and ask “who else is invited?” But it’s not an invitation for everyone to reply all and RSVP unless they are sharing pertinent information and even then, you should second guess yourself. Is it really pertinent? For example, are you replying all to also offer a few more a ride to the destination? Well, that might be okay but perhaps the smarter alternative is to see who in your neighborhood was invited and privately offer them rides if they are attending. Are you replying all to offer to bring the wine or dessert so no one else does? Well, that might be okay — but then you are opening the floodgates for everyone to do the same thing….

The BCC

Did someone email you on blind copy where a lot of people are on “cc,” as well? Do not reply all! You were blind copied for a reason!!! Don’t do it. Slap your own hand.

One Word

If you are replying all with one or two words, it’s pretty likely you shouldn’t. No one wants to see your “me too!”, “thanks!”, or “you’re welcome.” Inside jokes are off the table, too.

Now me? I love a good witty gif-reply-all. But I know they annoy some of you. I get it.

Introductions

When someone introduces you to someone else over email, practice this reply: “Thanks so much, friend! I’m going to move you to BCC now so you don’t keep getting our emails on this thread.” Now the friend knows you replied to their contact and can step away at peace.

For all it’s wonder and convenience, folding technology into our lives certainly creates more and more rules to follow. And who knows what will trend tomorrow? And next year? Maybe in 2018, replying all will be “the thing.” But for now, tell me: What is your “reply all” nightmare?

Lazy Sunday Musings

November 7, 2016 By AJ Leave a Comment

The internet is always there for me in times of need.

I suck at lazy Sundays. But I excel at the internet. Enjoy these lazy Sunday musings.

Today was a struggle because even at this age, I am still trying to learn how to relax. It infuriates me that when presented with a much-needed day of sitting still, it takes me about nine hours to finally find some calm. Until then, or rather until now, I’ve passed the time dozing off on the couch, watching TV, playing games (mostly Doge 2048), surfing the web, working, and resisting a very exciting bag of Lays potato chips. Enjoying very little of it and wracked with guilt over nine million other things I should have been doing and chastising myself for not finding serenity.

I know you’re all super jealous of my glamorous life.

My weekend’s really been lovely overall, though. I had a wonderful brunch yesterday (not to worry – more on that coming soon) and I saw Doctor Strange, which I highly recommend. Tips: See it in 3-D, sit through the entire credits.

Also, if you love stand-up specials like I do, I also highly recommend “Pete Davidson: SMD” from Comedy Central, which I caught on demand yesterday afternoon. (Anyone wanna guess what “SMD” stands for?)

This blew my mind this morning during some web-surfing. Just watch. I spent quality time trying to figure out how this is even accomplished but then my brain started to hurt.

All the while, by the way, in the back of my mind I keep hearing this nagging voice chanting “THE ELECTION IS TUESDAY.” I’ve grayed out as much of the day as I can so that I can pop Xanax and sit in front of the television, digging my nails into the armrests. That’s healthy, right? We all know how I feel about this election and I’ll spare you any proselytizing. If you read this blog and know me, you likely don’t need it anyway. But I’ll confess to everyone now that I have a really bad feeling about how this is gonna go and I know I’m not alone. So let’s all just pray, meditate, send out that positive energy — whatever get you through.

Anyway…. I have a few hours left of this day and now, finally feeling a little more chilled out, I’m going to make the most of it.

Out of the Darkness Walk in Santa Monica

October 18, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

On Saturday, I walked among 1250 people in the Out of the Darkness Walk in Santa Monica. Together we raised more than than $130,000 that will go toward raising awareness and educating people about mental health-related issues and preventing suicide.

It was a tough space to be in. They gave out beads at registration. Colors that represented the walker’s tie to suicide such as “lost a friend,” “lost a child” or “supporting the cause,” etc. I felt like everywhere I turned, someone was wearing the face of someone far too young to die on their shirt. I saw too many arms go up when they asked everyone with the “lost a child” beads to raise them in the air. Suicide is the great equalizer, my friends. It does not know gender or race or age.

But I also saw smiles and hugs and strength in numbers. And while it was sad to see all of these people touched by such a sad, terrible thing, it was also empowering to see what we could do together to confront it.

And while it’s not a competition, I am still proud to brag that my team, which I co-captained with Alyssa, was the 8th highest fundraising team of 146 teams that joined in the day, raising nearly $3000 between us. I was the 16th highest individual fundraiser of 1250! None of that would have happened were it not for the support of some really incredible friends and family who contributed. THANK YOU. And thank you, Alyssa, Danielle, Naomi and Kelly for the… stroll. 😉

OTHER RESOURCES

Removing the stigmas attached to mental illness is imperative. I admire these celebrities who deal with it every day. And here are even more. If ever I wanted to shout “CELEBRITIES ARE PEOPLE, TOO!”….
Glenn Close actually co-founded an organization whose goal is to “end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.” I am a big fan of Bring Change 2 Mind.
Princes William and Harry and Kate Middleton are working with “Heads Together.”
Amanda Seyfried just gave a rather serious and poignant interview about her own struggles.
In a previous post of mine, you’ll find other ways to seek help such as the National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273 TALK (8255) (or dial 911!)

And we’re just getting started…. If you’d still like to donate, the site is still up and we appreciate it — visit this page.

Brunch at Hyperion Public in Studio City

October 7, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

Brunch at Hyperion Public in Studio City is a welcome addition to the Eastside of the San Fernando Valley!

The building at 12969 Ventura Blvd. in Studio City has seen a few “rebirths” over the last few years. When I worked down the street from it, many years ago, it was kind of the place you went for business lunches with passable eats. Later, it was a pub with passable pub fare and loudness.

I am glad that something classy has finally turned the space around and I hope Hyperion Public stays in the hood for a long time! The brunch I had was wonderful.

Brunch at Hyperion Public in Studio City

Photo co. of Acuna-Hansen

We happened to be there for “Pancake Mayhem” which was both good and bad. Good because, well, DELICIOUS. Bad because, well, DECISIONS.

But you’d better believe that “Camp Counselor” made it’s way to our table. And even though I had to skip the nutella (allergies, y’all), it really ranked right up there as some of the best pancakes I’ve ever had. No joke. The pancakes themselves were soft and delicious but a little crispy around the edges, which was a nice touch that added texture. And while the toppings were obviously decadent, they weren’t piled on the dish in massive heaps so I never felt like I was heading to sugar coma-land, and that was much appreciated because I had more food to try!

Not too much chocolate, not too much anything — everything as it should be and perfect.

My friend and I shared the pancakes but we also wanted to sample some egg dishes. So we had the savory Chilaquiles — over easy eggs, black bean puree, pickled vegetables, queso fresco, sour cream and, of course, fresh corn tortilla chips. And also the rich Croque Madame — grilled rustic bread with dijon aioli, swiss cheese, black forest ham, thyme-pecorino mornay and two sunny-side up eggs.

If those photos make you wanna lick the screen, I wouldn’t blame you. I took them with my friend’s new iPhone 7. That camera is a food blogger’s best friend, I tell you. Of course, it helps that the food actually was that good.

Hot tip: Hyperion Public’s special sauce is worth the ask, daytime or nighttime. Get the “OMG Sauce.” Try subbing out your breakfast potatoes for fries and dip ’em. I’m also a big, big fan of their pretzel and dip appetizer. They make a GOOD pretzel, y’all.

The valley definitely has some good Brunch spots within it’s boundaries but the east end has been lacking in superstars lately. Hyperion Public is a welcome addition to the neighborhood and i look forward to returning many more times. Perhaps the next trip will be with a group as they have a great setup for that (something else also hard to find)!

Photo co. of Acuna-Hansen

Oh hey, did I mention a GREAT Bloody Mary and BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS?

So? Who’s coming with me?

Disclosure: This meal was hosted. The opinions are hosted in my own noggin’, though. You’re welcome.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September 12, 2016 By AJ 1 Comment

One of my goals in 2016 is to use my online platforms to raise awareness for a worthy cause. On Sat., 10/15, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will host the Santa Monica Out of the Darkness Community Walk. My friend Alyssa and I have formed a team to participate and to raise awareness for mental health-related issues and funds for suicide prevention. There are two simple ways to help us out: join our team and/or donate (no amount is too big or too small)!

It is also important to spread the word that September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month which helps promote resources and awareness around the issues of suicide prevention, how you can help others and how to talk about suicide without increasing the risk of harm.

It’s important to remember that suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people and is often the result of mental health conditions.

Crisis and Information Resources – What can I do?

LOTS! In addition to supporting my October walk team, consider using your own online platforms and influence for good! Here is some reading material, information and graphics to help.

Know the Warning Signs and Risk of Suicide
Preventing Suicide as a Family Member or Caregiver
Being Prepared for a Crisis
National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273 TALK (8255) (or dial 911!)
Get Involved
Donate

Share the images and graphics below (click for full size) during the month of September to help promote awareness of suicide prevention resources and promote discussion of suicide prevention awareness. You can also use #suicideprevention or #IAmStigmaFree on social media.

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