a new day, a new moon

For all you Twi-hards out there, tonight at midnight marks the first public showing of the highly anticipated second film in the Twilight Saga, and the sequel to Twilight, New Moon. This film will probably be the highest grossing film of the year, thanks to Stephanie Meyer's top selling series and the gorgeous cast that the public has come to know and love.

The cast has been on a whirlwind press tour for the last week, jet setting from Germany, to LA for the film premiere, and around the country for a slew of morning and late night talk shows to discuss love lives, fan mania around the world, and other personal details to make the kids squirm in their seats. This week, Kristen Stewart was on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien where she discussed her family, dealing with fame, and her adoration for Conan's hair. Meanwhile, Taylor Lautner was on The Jay Leno Show, where he threw the pigskin around with Jerry Rice and spoke of hot mom's sporting his Jacob panties to signings. For a laugh, tune into Ellen Degeneres tomorrow to watch her grill America's hottest vampire, Robert Pattinson. Additionally, The Today Show and Live with Regis&Kelly will host Rob Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner one day each this week.

For those of you who have not read the series, New Moon is the book in which Edward leaves Bella in an attempt to protect her from the wrath of the conservative and cruel Volturi clan. When Bella enters a deep depression after being heartbroken by her one true love, Jacob steps in as a companion, confidant, and crush to sweep her off her feet and enter her into a world she thought couldn't get any more complicated. When Jacob's secret identity, a newly turned werewolf, is revealed, Bella experiences a mental love triangle, trying to fight her urge to fall for Jacob while she still dreams of and sees images of Edward. Particularly hot in this film, beyond the handsome brooding vampires we have all come to obsess over, are the Quiluete werewolves (especially the newly bulked up Jacob who is so boyishly good looking it's no wonder mom's are pawing over him in front of their cubs!) who rarely wear shirts and express an alpha quality that reigns supreme over the passive, mysterious vampires Twilight fans experienced in the first flick.

Not to get ahead of myself, but I am most excited for the third installation of the Twilight series, Eclipse, when confrontations come to a head and the battle over Bella truly begins.

Blog Crush!

I have a blog crush. I am totally obsessed with a new blog a recent acquaintance has introduced me to. It is a combination of fashion photography, editorial work, and documentary. The Sartorialist is a successful Renaissance Man of sorts, with a educational background in Apparel Merchandising and professional experience with fashion, photos, and writing, he has created a blog dedicated solely to fabulous fashion around the world.

"I thought I could shoot people on the street the way designers looked at people, and get and give inspiration to lots of people in the process. My only strategy when I began The Sartorialist was to try and shoot style in a way that I knew most designers hunted for inspiration. Rarely do they look at the whole outfit as a yes or no but they try and look for the abstract concepts of color, proportion, pattern mixing or mixed genres. "

The Sartorialist has an eye that most people strive for in fashion, but that I personally feel I share. Many times do I take notice of a particular piece, or feel to an ensemble, and wish I could share my perspective with those that share my love and inspiration for a designer, a garment, or an individuals style. Well, I have been beaten to the punch, but now have a crush on The Sartorialist and hope to one day masterfully blend my professional aspirations into one original, inspiring, creative project as he has.

Thursday is the New Friday

Well, it seems that with the end of summer comes the end of some big tours, and local music afficcianados couldn't be happier. Fall is a chilly season where we can wear our scarves and boots and rock out to some shows that would otherwise be overshadowed by summer headliners like Britney Spears and Dave Matthews Band. This Thursday, the Belly Up Tavern will host the Danish rock duo the Raveonettes for a dreamy sultry indie rock performance partnered and hosted by FM 94.9. Before you head there, make a stop at the Brigantine for Thirsty Thursday and get $2 off some cocktails, mojito's & martini's. To get a feel for the Raveonettes, try sampling one of they're singles, "Dead Sound", an electronic charged 50's beat with soft pop vocals and hard hitting drums.

Thursday night, in my opinion, is the perfect evening for live music because it gets you revved up and ready for the weekend. And next Thursday should be no exception; Hawaiian Jazz Fusion Guitarist Jake Shimabukuro will be returning to laying down his island inspired rhythms at Anthology in Little Italy. Download "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" for an emotive, airy, reflective piece that needs no vocals to show off the ukelele virtuoso's intricate finger work.

A Month, In Review

So after taking a short break from blogging, I am back in action! In the last month, I have been traveling, working, and shopping to build some content for my little bloggie. And after spending a few whirlwind weekends in Las Vegas and Boulder, I am focused back on local happenings, live music, good eats, etc.

A few weeks ago my dad took me to an awesome concert at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach where we watched Little Feat tear the house down. Bouncing between funky jazz tunes and down home blues, Little Feat was a concoction of everything I love about music. Spontaneity, variety, feel-good jams, guitar solos, classic ballads, and everything in between. The coolest part was that these guys were my Dad's age and they had been around for quite a while, until one of their original members died a while back. They recently started touring again with a few additional members, but they're mosaic sound comprised of funk, soul, jazz, blues, and rock has remained the same.

Recently, I found a fun new spot for cocktails, to watch the game, or to grab some app's if you're in the North County area. Beachside Bar & Grill on the Highway 101 in Encinitas boasts a large patio with fire pits, a nice selection of beers on draft, and a nice menu for the casual diner. The friendly staff and Encinitas crowds are perfect for those that enjoy going out but dressing down.

And for those who enjoy weekend getaways to new places, if you haven't already been you MUST go to Boulder, Colorado. This town is great for outdoor fanatics, young adults seeking a fun night life, foodies, those who love the simple life, and culture lovers. Boulder is a place full of fine dining complete with delicious wines and rare game, a variety of shopping experiences ranging from hippie head shops to high end boutiques, and every outdoor activity imaginable from skiing to hiking to kayaking to biking. The breathtaking beauty of the Flatiron Mountains is enough to draw any mountain lover, but the combination of good food, great shopping, and a bustling nightlife that can consist of billiard dives or hotel bars, every young adult is bound to fall in love with this liberal, cozy, brightly colored Colorado city. Every season is a treat, and Boulder County actually boasts more days of sunshine than San Diego (over 300 annually). The people are friendly and adventure seeking, and the air is so care free that it reminds you of what a simple life can be when you make the most of it. My top spots to visit while in Boulder: The Kitchen on Pearl St. has the best ambiance, ingredients, and tomato soup I have ever experienced. Cosmo's Pizza's slices are almost as famous as they're home made spicy ranch. Hapa Sushi boasts a famous Orgasm Roll that will have you begging for more. Dish Gourmet has the best sandwiches on Earth. Jax Fish House is the home kitchen to Top Chef season 4 winner Hosea. Installation is an artistic anomaly filled with dope kicks and cool accessories. Peppercorn on Pearl St. is the ultimate store for anything for the home, from cookbooks to candy jars. And the stunning St. Julien Hotel are the best digs in town, be sure to book a room that faces the mountains for a breathtaking view.

In sports news, the Yankees have been killing it in the World Series, and the Denver Broncos have finally been knocked of their winning streak. The Chargers are picking back off after their brutal loss to the Broncos, and continue on next week on their uphill climb to the AFC West Championship. The Lakers have been pretty decent, especially off the bench, courtesy of Shannon Brown, Adam Morrison, Jordan Farmar, and some other key players... but last night, Kobe reigned supreme with a dominating 41 points against the Atlanta Hawks. Actually, a few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to score floor seats to the exhibition game in San Diego when the Lakers played the Nuggets and although the Lakers lost, the bench players got to hone their skills before the season started officially. And to be honest, I didn't care who won, I was just savoring the drops of sweat that kept falling on me from Shannon Brown ;)

Besides these new additions to my life in the past few weeks, much has been the same. Dirty Monday's at the Saloon in Encinitas, the quest for good sushi and mexican food in a new part of town, the sheer enjoyment of sporting a hoodie when the sun goes down. Life can be crazy sometimes, but at the end of the day when the sun goes down, life ain't that bad in beautiful San Diego!