beep Blog

Beep In A Week: Vol 13 //New For You

Hello Hello!
I'm loving how long the days are getting, and the smell of all the BBQ's grilling up, aren't you?

I know in Colorado it's about 2,000 degrees, but that's what mojitos are for, and so much better than the dreary winter!

I've got lot's to tell you about - so let's skip to the Beep already...

You Simply Must...see what's new.
We have lots and lots of new additions to the website...we've reprogrammed the site to offer better features like shop by price, advanced searches, personal information storage, wish list/gift registry and lots of new designers.

I'm thrilled to introduce these new Beepsters:
Corned Beef Airlines: artful & ironic tee shirts with a twist
Protoculture Clothing: modern statements with a fashionable edge
Susanstars: the world renowned DIYer brings her skirt kits to Aunt Beep!
Nina & Tom: adorable baby tees in 100% organic cotton!
Beasty Baby: fun clothes for happy kids

And check out fresh new items from your faves:
Nappa Studio * FlexFlop Flip Flops * Jen Lew Candles * Leora Lutz * My Tote * Karyn Millet *

That Is So Beep...
It's officially summer, and even though I'm supposed to be eating lean so as to not horrify passers by on the beach - all that really sounds good are burgers, fries and shakes. I hit two spots in the last couple weeks that are FAB

Lucky Devils: Fairly new to Hollywood, this 'upscale' burger joint has just about everything I dream about in a restaurant: a solid menu of mac & cheese, burgers, grilled cheese, milkshakes & cupcakes; organic vegetables & hormone free beef; an obsession with fresh food; super nice staff; open late.
The Kobe Beef Burger is to die for, and the Turkey Rosemary burger won me back from not liking turkey burgers. Yum yum yum yum.

Father's Office: I love the name of this awesome bar nouveau on Montana Ave (it reminds me of My Brother's Bar in Denver). I can't even tell you how cool this place is. They have a small, refined tapas-esque menu with really solid drinking food. I thought the age of artisan beers had passed, but it's in full effect at Father's, and the menu is overwhelming. It's very minimalist and clean, but something about the place just feels right. If you're a burger lover, I'm sure you've already tried theirs. Wash it down with a stout or a pint of cider and your stomach will be very happy!

Lesson Learned...The medicine ball hates me.
Ok - here it is. After much deliberation, after failed attempts at lunging myself into fitdom - and after some sound advice from Beepster Nancy, I have decided to put matters into someone else's hands and am voluntarily succumbing to the sadistic expert teachings of the Body Bomb team at Whole Body Gallery.

As I type, I feel a strange, sharp almost electric pain emanating from my triceps area, and I'm not totally sure I'll be able to rise from my chair today, but I'm happy with my decision and (as much as I can) I do enjoy the classes.

One problem I'm having, however, is contorting my body over those gigantor medicine balls. I mean, you all know I have issues with fire hydrants and walking in general, so imagine me trying to fold myself over a spherical object and then do something involving muscle control like push ups or leg lifts.

Long story short (my muscles are starting to spasm) I fell off the dang ball on Wednesday. Flailed off actually, accompanied with a big "WHOOP!" and a thud. It was very unattractive, to the point where the nice instructor had to say (while I was literally mopping myself off the floor) "Don't worry - we all take different amounts of time to figure things out."

Humph. I'd like to figure out what pervert decided these "medicine" balls were a good idea in the first place? I mean, seriously??

On Monday I bring a safety pin.

Be Sure To Note...
* Today is National Doughnut Day - free Krispy Kremes for all!
* !!VOTE!! State Primaries are being held in the following states Tuesday June 6th: California, Alabama, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota. Click here for a guide to state election sites.
* Have you noticed our blog has changed? We're now at a new and improved address, and there are lots of great additions ...including guest writers Jen Ditchik, Heather Owens, BiggerKrissy, Paige Wery and Stacy Elaine Dacheux.

Beep Treat...FREE SHIPPING ON EVERYTHING! June 2-9
Use code BIAW6206 at checkout and shop away dearies!

Enjoy the summer!!

Love, Love, Love,
Aunt Beep

Beep In A Week: Vol. 12 // Leader Of The Pack

Hello Beepsters!! How's the crazy weather treatin' ya? It's hot, it's muggy, it's rainy. Yikes.

I'm sorry to miss you last week, but we were away for the weekend to San Diego to watch my amazing cousin Molly graduate with honors from Point Loma University. This little overachiever is not only gorgeous but way smart. We can't wait until she becomes a doctor and takes care of all of us!!

Congrats Molly! We're so proud of you!

Behold, the Da Beep Code.

That Is So Beep...
Hash House A Go-Go; San Diego, CA.
So the whole Beep Clan piled into this adorable cafe on 5th Street for Mother's Day. I've been to a lot of breakfast joints in my day, but nothing like this. Great design, creative but yummy menu, good atmosphere. Most importantly, their creative "Twisted Farm Food" menu serves two things that are hysterical:
- the Hangover Special which is a Budweiser and a side of bacon
- Beer In A Bag which is a big can of Budweiser served in a paper bag. Ha!

The portions are ridiculously enormous, so I would advise anyone who goes to split. Seriously - they served my Blue Crab Benedict on a serving platter. It weighed at least 6 pounds, but was a carb-lovers dream: eggs and HUGE blue crab cakes on top over 3 HUGE homemade biscuits on top of a MASSIVE portion of mashed potatoes. The pancakes are larger than a frisbee.

What was really impressive beyond the portions was the staff. At 10am on Mother's Day with the world's most notoriously high-maintenance crowd and kids running everywhere, everyone there was disarmingly genuine and nice.

The serving platters of food are presented with some serious breakfast artistry ...giant sprigs of rosemary and artfully fried onions, potatoes and bananas make each dish look like a dessert item at your local foo-foo French restaurant.

I just saw that they have a location in Vegas, which is great great great news. I now never have to eat at a bad breakfast buffet again. And trust me, any over-indulgence from the night before will certainly be tempered at the Hash House. Plus, if the eggs don't do it, you can always walk out with a beer.

Lesson Learned...I do not control the universe (when it comes to gasoline)
So yesterday was fun. I was traveling up La Cienega just past the 10, when the Beep Mobile started to sputter and eventually stalled. I ran out of gas.

Naturally, the gas light had been on for several days, and looking back I realize I covered a fair amount of ground...various errands on Tuesday, to Studio City and back on Wednesday, and pre-sputter I had made it almost from Beep HQ to Santa Monica and back before my demise.

Here's a confession: I've inherited a nasty family trait wherein I don't believe the gas light in my car actually means I should really - now - like right now - stop and fill up the car. Add to that a (self decided) obsession with finding the absolute cheapest gas prices, and you can imagine how many times I've called AAA to have them fill me up.

I ran out of gas just 2 blocks from not one but two gas stations - which put me in a bit of Type A Personality pickle. I had to consider which option would be best to get me back on the road:
1) wait for 20 minutes before a nice, helpful tow truck driver arrives to fill up my tank. (I hate waiting)
2) walk the 2 blocks, pay WAY too much for a gas can, fill it up and walk back. (I hate being ripped off)

A nagging voice kept screaming "#1!! #1!!!" But I decided my punishment should be to get my own darn gas and maybe teach myself a lesson.
Long story short, it was a bad idea.

Beep In A Week: Vol. 11 // I See Pretty

So, I finally gave in and read The Da Vinci Code. Now I really want to go to France. Is that weird?

Much like the LACMA construction across the street from HQ, so has been the web construction of the new and improved AuntBeep.com. Once again we're nipping and tucking over here (no botox!), and soon Beep will emerge from hiding in her Four Seasons Cabana, fresh faced and newly programmed. Needless to say, Beep has been busy. Stay Tuned!

The Beep! The Beep!
The Beep Is On Fire!

You Simply Must...gaze upon the web of pretty.
There are some gorgeous blogs out there that focus on design, fashion, and general beauty in the world. Here are some of my daily reads:
Design*Sponge - oodles of mouthwatering discoveries for your home
Oh Joy! - inspired collections of beautiful things
A Chicken In Every Granny Cart - a brutally honest chronicle of a foodie's adventures - great pics and recipes!
Decor8 - thoughtful, pretty, modern finds for home & fashion

That Is So Beep...
The Nicest Restaurant & Delivery Service in Los Angeles:
Anarkali Indian.

Anarkali is located just east of La Brea on Melrose Ave (not far from the fabulous Gallery 1988). We've been going there literally for years. Why? Well the food is consistently good (Curry lovers know this can be a problem sometimes), it's extremely affordably (Beep pre-requisite), and the owner is literally the nicest man you'll ever meet. Plus, he has an uncanny ability to remember everyone who enters his restaurant, so he'll greet you warmly every time you come back.

So, we ordered Anarkali to deliver the other night. After I said our address the owner exclaimed "OH! Nice to hear from you! I'll see you soon!" and we finished with the order (he remembers you and your address too!) A knock on the door and he's there with a GIANT box of food. We only ordered the vegetarian meal and extra pampadoms, but he showed up with:
- a huge bottle of Flying Horse Beer
- an order of samosas
- extra pompadoms & extra naan
all on the house!!!

Now, we've selfishly gotten used to receiving $10 off coupons every time we dine in the restaurant, but half a meal extra, plus beer! How fabulous! He is over and beyond generous…and we love him!

Now if only our pizza guy would cheer up a bit….

Be Sure To Note...
* Apparently, Monday, May 8th is NO SOCKS DAY. Since I don't particularly like socks, or shoes, I'm gonna go ahead and celebrate.
Flip Flops for everyone!
* Next Sunday May 14th is Mother's Day!! Yay Mom!

Sunday Dinner...Vitamin B Dinner (was I lacking I wonder??)
main: Steak Milanese with pesto
veg: crispy roasted brussel sprouts, sautéed spinach, baked potato
dessert: Cadbury Flake over vanilla ice cream (I know...I'm getting lazy with my dessert resolution, but it was still yummy!)
click here for full recipes!

Bringing It Back...I've been really into T Rex lately. This is one of those "I'm in my own personal music video and I’m fabulous" kind of songs that is meant to be played very loud in a car heading down a long highway.
20th Century Boy T Rex

Beep Treat...Coming Soon.....
Oh me, oh my, what could it be??

Now go on outside and get some fresh air!

Love, Love, Love,
Aunt Beep

Beep In A Week: Vol. 10 // That Gal's A Penny Saver

Happy Happy Friday everyone!
Did anybody else feel like it was a really long week? Maybe it's because I just spent $20 on less than a quarter tank of gas which won't even get me to the Santa Monica Pier; hence I devote today's BIAW to saving yourself some cashola the Beep way.

First though, in the spirit of Wednesday's Administrative Assistant's Day, I just wanted to send a lot of Beep love and a BIG thank you to a few VERY hard working & vastly intelligent women on the Beep Team: Denise (web designer), Anny (divine bookkeeper), Cindy (genius accountant), Lynne (wonder woman), Stacy Elaine ('Paper' Manager & brilliant artist), & Christina (web programmer). You all should employ the resources of these talented gals. I don't exaggerate when I say your lives will be better for it!

And last but not least, Welcome To The World my adorable new cousin Ren!!!

As they say: Beep. And the world Beeps with you....

You Simply Must...Save your pennies. Summer is coming, and the price of gas is alarming. We all want to travel, BBQ & buy fun things from Beep; so here are a few tips to save some $$$.

Gas management. Here's a great place to find the cheapest gas near you: GasBuddy.com

So far, the best gas station I've found is conveniently located right in the heart of LA - it's the VALERO on the corner of Beverly and La Brea.

I've actually been meaning to write about this gas station for a while. I think it's my favorite station in LA...very Beep. I don't buy food from gas stations very often, but these guys sell Odwalla juice and an interesting and somewhat healthy array of snacks, plus a slushie machine which is key. Best of all, they have a DOG WASH. Yes, a mini car wash for dogs set up right there so you don't have to break your back in the tub or ruin your yard trying to spray down Fido.

Skip the theme parks. And make one of your own! These are the coolest backyard watersides EVER: Six Flags Water Slides [via UNCRATE]

Buy great makeup for $1. I've been using e.l.f. cosmetics for a while now. (you can read my review over on Delight) Seriously ladies, it is good stuff, and everything is $1! I've got sensitive eyes, and their eye shadows work great!! www.eyeslipsface.com

Eat In. You all know my love affair with Trader Joe's. This site is dedicated to reviewing the food items at TJ's and it has recipes, so you can cook on the cheap!

Save your pennies. Did you know that there is a fee for dumping your change into Coinstar, BUT if you opt for a gift card in the amount of your change, you skip the fee? You can get cards to Starbucks, Amazon, iTunes...I love anything that rewards my caffeine addiction!

Lesson Learned...You can't be foggy on the street.
Those very VERY close to me have an affectionate term they use to describe my general daily behavior: foggy. As in:
"Why did it take you 45 minutes to buy milk at the store? Were you foggy?"
or
"Where are you walking to? Hello?? Hey- hold up. The house is RIGHT HERE! You're so foggy."
or
"Don't be foggy when you're crossing the street. You have to pay attention and look both ways!"

Basically, foggy is a state of mind I find I live in a large amount of my waking hours. Lodged somewhere between a grossly overactive imagination and semi-comatose dream-state, I tend to wander, stare and wander some more without much regard to what is going on around me. Personally, I like to think my fogginess is an obvious sign of genius - clearly I have a lot going on upstairs - but others find it somewhat of a nuisance when trying to hold an intelligent conversation.

So, earlier this week I was walking back to Beep HQ. The weather was beautiful, the birds were singing, the helicopters were hovering, and I was deep in the recesses of my mind pondering thoughts which surely would amaze anyone if they were enunciated. As I headed up to Wilshire and rounded the corner to wait for the light to turn, I fogged smack dab into a fire hydrant.

Beep In A Week: Vol. 9 // A Cat Ate My Cream Puff

Hello Dearies!
I am so sorry I haven't been Beeping the last few weeks. Business has been busy, and Aunt Beep has had a series of out of town guests to entertain, along with a pesky birthday to celebrate (ends in 0 - rhymes with dirty) a la wine tasting in Santa Barbara with our dear dear friends Greg & fellow birthday girl Carrie. Thus, the majority of April as has resulted in much running around LaLa Land eating, drinking and generally not getting much sleep.

I have missed you all dearly, and appreciate all the "where have you gone?" notes. I am back for good now. Older, wiser, fuller, and thighs so sadly not thinner.

Beep it to me one more time...


You Simply Must...Visit the Papa.
I hit a lot of fab eateries this past month, but two stick out in my mind as particularly Beep:

Beard Papa - Certainly something has been lost in translation with regards to the name of this fine Japanese establishment, but that is in no way a reflection of the fact that these people have created without a doubt the absolute best cream puff known to man.

The pastry is flaky, just a bit crispy on the outside and not too sweet.

The cream filling - OH. MY. GOSH. - well. It's perfect.

The Beard Papa Cream Puff (some might call it an éclair) is a perfect food my friends. The first time I tried one, I embarrassed myself on Hollywood Blvd, because I couldn't even wait to find a seat and enjoy it sitting down - let alone consume it with any level of decorum.

For $1.75 it makes the $7.00 muffins at Starbucks look like prison food. If you are lucky enough to have a Beard Papa in your city, go there immediately and eat one. Eat one now.

Papa Cristo's - I've attended Papa Cristos' Thursday Family Style Dinner and Wine Tasting for my birthday the last two years. Here's the skinny (or rather, the fat)

Every Thursday starting promptly at 7:00pm, the delicious Greek market/deli/restaurant PAPA CRISTO'S has a fixed-price family style dinner and wine tasting. They walk you through a flight of Greek wine, which you may then purchase at a very affordable price. Everyone sits in long cafeteria-style tables under fluorescent & Christmas lights and the staff brings out plates and plates and plates of food. You will not go away hungry. There are plates of olives and feta, plates of spanikopita, plates of lamb , plates of beef and plates of chicken, there's veggies, lemon potatoes and yummy bread, baklava and a really strong shot of sweet Greek coffee to set you straight after the feast.

Once you've had your fill of Greek fare, it's on to throwing money at Belly Dancers.

Beyond the food, the Cristo family are just the best. When you go, look for Chris Cristo, and give him a big kiss. He's been running Papa Cristo's for 20+ years, and he'll make sure you're treated well. He's just so cute and wonderful I could eat him up.

Make sure to make reservations in advance dearies, they fill up on Thursday nights. OPA!

That Is So Beep/Lesson Learned/Beep Review...
CATS. They weren't lyin.

So right after our return from Santa Barbara, the fabulous Cecilia & Stephen invited us to the opening night of CATS at the Pantages Theatre.

I'd seen CATS in London several years ago and had always secretly wondered what was wrong with me because I didn't like the show. So, for love of the theatre, I figured this the perfect opportunity try and re-embrace the world's longest running musical.

Let me give you a summary of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS.

First off...I'm not really sure how to put this...but I have no idea what they were singing about. Something about Jellico (Jericho? pelicans? Jerry Go?) cats and a Mr. Mestopholies is all I gathered.

If you think the 80's were a notable time in music, you might want to pop in CATS: The Soundtrack and re-think that idea. The show opens with blaring synthesizer prologue, accompanied with excessive use of a strobe light which was apparently supposed to be a really powerful introduction to the set. At blackout I hear some rustling, and all of a sudden there are bright green day-glow looking eyes in the isles of the theatre. And we’re off and running.

After more synthesizer riffs the cast tumbles on stage. And, for about 2 hours, a bunch of grown adults in really ugly leotards prance around like felines introducing each other as really significant cats. There's a long song about naming each other and why names like "Asparagus" and "Deuteronomy" are so important to the livelihood of a cat. Then some tension is added when an old cat that used to be pretty crashes the party and tries to make friends with everyone (moral: if you're a female cat, for Pete's Sakes, don't let your coat get mangy or dull).

More dancing and flipping, and then we slow things down a bit to sing about a fat male alcoholic cat who used to be in the theatre - in plays btw that no one has ever heard of - and he's really sad and old and (ahem) MANGY, but everyone just looooves him.

Just when I thought I was getting a grip on the story, the set changes - the only time it does all night - and we're now in the middle of some sort of Cat Opera involving tigers (played by the drunken thespian cat), pirates and Mongolians – not sure if we’re dealing with human or cat Mongols here. At this point I'm sure I understand them well enough to know the cats are no longer even attempting to sing English. But what is this strange Opera? Italian? Catalian? It's hard to say.

And I found myself really wanting a martini.

Beep In A Week: Vol. 8 // It's Not Easy Being Green

Well, well, well. Just like that it's springtime and St. Patrick's Day is upon us. Though my familial allegiance must lie with the other kilt-wearing UK country, I'm a big fan of Guinness, cabbage and Wild Rover sung at very high decibels...so, all over this is a happy day.

One quick Beep: welcome to the Trader Joes family, all Manhattan-ites - now all the NYC Beepsters can shop on the cheap & make Sunday dinners with us!

It's a pot of gold at the Beep of the rainbow:

You Simply Must...
* Test your St. Patrick's knowledge - then use it later at the pub.
* Make Guinness Chocolate Cupcakes
* According to Carb Wire (ew) Guinness Beer has fewer carbs and calories than regular beer. See for yourself on this handy calorie counter. (You can also plug in that chocolate chip scone you're eating)
* Here is a photo album dedicated to Guinness pictures. Here are a bunch of photos of corned beef.

That Is So Beep... Typically, I try not to participate in national/international pre-determined "wear this" holidays like St. Patties Day, the evil Valentines Day or Halloween (see BIAW Vol. 7 wherein I allude to my issues with authority). However, today I am wearing green - not because I don't want to get pinched - but because extended meditation on my closet last night revealed that I have a lot - and I mean a LOT of green clothing.

Over the holidays, my darling and very bright nephew commented, "Why are you always wearing green?"

Though he openly addressed what may be a personal problem in front of my family - I had to give the kid credit for an astute observation.

Off the top of my head, I own and - frequently wear - the following items:
(2) C&C California green tees
(various) green tank tops
(1) pair green pants
(1) kelly green cable knit sweater
(1) kelly green wool sweater
(1) green trench coat
(1) green umbrella
(trench coat, sweaters & umbrella are frequently worn together despite their clashing hues)
(2) green scarves
(1) pair green Pumas
even my Kashware socks are green
I also have many green plates, cups & glasses
AuntBeep.com is designed around a green template
And I just remembered my Sophomore prom dress was kelly green matte satin with a tulip skirt and waaay ahead of its time.

I don't know why I like green so much - what does it mean? Even when I was a kid, my kindergarten teachers were impressed with my learning skills because (though I couldn't do any math, and still can't) I could identify the color celedon.

Long story - I'm wearing green today, by default. I don't want to be that girl who has a "color", so this is where you email me and tell me I'm gonna be ok.

Be Sure To Note...
* If you're in LA - LosAnjealous has a non-trendy St. Pat's drinking guide lined up for ya.
* Monday the 20th is the first day of SPRING!
* Mark your calendars! It's all champagne & cupcakes at Beep HQ on March 25th for our Young At Heart Sale. We're celebrating the launch of the new (and growing) Beep Baby section, along with the official introduction of Act III Clothing. More info here - RSVP to win goodies!

Sunday Dinner...I think I'm on an Italian kick. Though this is from a French cookbook, I identify it more with La Italia.
salad: homeade Ceasar
main: Eggplant Gratin from Barefoot in Paris
side: pasta with parmesan
Click Here for Full Recipes! (always on the beep Blog!)

Bringing It Back...The song sung round the world today.
Wild Rover Various Drunken Irishmen

Be careful out there my little leprechauns.

Love,
Aunt Beep

Beep In A Week: Vol 7 // Who Da Man? Beep not da Man!

A few things came across our desk this week which poke a pointy finger at The Man. And as it's tax time, I say we celebrate them.

But first, some housekeeping: the first three new small press works are up in the PAPER section, so I am pleased to announce Aunt Beep's Bookcase!

Over the next few months you'll be treated to all sorts of literary treats, wholly unavailable at Barns & Noble. Plus, we're supporting the cause and giving a portion of all book sales to a great project. Reading is so the new black.

Welcome susanstars: co-author of Super Crafty, R.J. Perez: author of the hilarious Nathan Jr. Zine & Edwin Ushiro author/illustrator of the "Love Sonnets" series. Pick up a copy and support small press!

And the Beep goes on...

You Simply Must...
* Make your own Silly Walk. Who else but the genius, anti-establishment minds of Monty Python would come up with something so mindlessly, pointlessly entertaining? Make your own walk and then send it to all your friends!

* Buy a Banana Guard. Because The Man still can't squash your banana. (thanks for the tip Apartment Therapy!)

That Is So Beep...Greatest. Monologue. About Starbucks. Ever. (click the Starbucks 1/21/2006 video link)

If I ever saw a true Beepster, it's The Kid From Brooklyn, Mike Caracciolo. This video is one of the funniest monologues I've heard in a long time. Further review of The Kid's website proves that he is indeed crazy, and I love it. There are lots videos full of The Kid's insights; but as I continually reassess my own caffeine addiction, the Starbucks bit is particularly funny.

BE WARNED: We keep things Beep Rated, but there is an impressive - dare I say - poetic use of the F-Bomb in The Kid's rant. Do not listen to this at work, unless your job is super cool like working at AuntBeep.com.

Yes, I know we all hate to love Starbucks. So, just to keep it real, here are a few coffee shops in LaLa Land that are well worth visiting...and way Beepified:

1. Chango Coffee - Aunt Beep loves Chango!!!
2. Susina Bakery - absolutely delish pastries & deserts
3. Groundwork Coffee - Downtown - yummy sandwiches
4. Urth Cafe - mmmmmm spanish latte...


Be Sure To Note...
* Monday, March 13th is El Coyote's 75th Anniversary. (For our new Beepsters just joining us this week, you can read here about my love for the Coyote.) Aunt Beep will be there with camera to document the festivities. Check the blog to see pics!
* Mark your calendars! It's all champagne & cupcakes at Beep HQ on March 25th for our Young At Heart Sale. We're celebrating the launch of the new (and growing) Beep Baby section along with the official introduction of Act III Clothing. More info here - RSVP to win goodies!

Sunday Dinner...We needed a decadent meal and lots of wine to suffer through the Oscars... (are the Oscars becoming more like The Man? Discuss...)
Main: Seafood Pasta. With more seafood pasta.
Click Here for Full Recipes! (always on the beep Blog!)

Bringing It Back...I think it's time for some more Aretha. Now there's a woman in a Man's world.
Spirit in the Dark, Aretha Franklin

That's all from Beep Land. Keep it real people, and don't let The Man get you down!

Love,
Aunt Beep

Beep In A Week: Vol. 6 // Where's My Golden Statue?

Well, it's been a wet week here in Hollywood. Anyone not properly protected must get a Tray 6 umbrella before the next City Wide soak.

Hollywood Blvd. is closed down for and the swag parties are in full effect. So this week's Beep is a star-studded treat.

And the Beeper Goes To...

You Simply Must...Put it in perspective.
* With all the celeb madness going on right now, sometimes it's nice for some satirical perspective. Check out beep Gallery artist 14's infamous
blog Gallery Of The Absurd; and then kick it on back to Beep to snap up her prints.

* You've probably already read this, but if you haven't, Go Fug Yourself is not only one of the shining stars in comedic writing right now, it will instantly make you feel better about yourself - especially
when you think you have nothing to wear, and all you want to do is look like a movie star.

That Is So Beep...Best quote ever from an Academy Award winner regarding the whereabouts of her stature.
"Oh, there it is. I must've won one then. I don't remember it, though."
-Jennifer Jones
LA.com found the story. Ha!Be Sure To Note...
* Mark your calendars! It's all champagne & cupcakes at Beep Headquarters on March 25th for our Young At Heart Sale. We're celebrating the launch of the new (and growing) Beep Baby section
along with the official introduction of Act III Clothing. More info here - RSVP to win goodies!

Lesson Learned...Beware the veiled deception of nostalgia when at the DVD bargain bin.
Let it be known right here and now that I - Aunt Beep - am a biiiiig fan of "bad" movies. For example, I love Day After Tomorrow. Love it. When Dennis Quaid does those repeat lines: "I will come for you, do you hear me? I will come for you!" I just want to run outside and join him in the quest for Jake Gyllenthahahaall across the frozen wasteland.Take
it from me - here are a few others to pass up:

I love it when Sela Ward does the fake sobs, and I. LOVE. IT. that every local LA weathermen anchor makes a cameo.

However, a certain someone in the Beep household continues to insist on buying movies which he hasn't seen in 10-15 years - but insists they're still great. You know what I'm talking about. You see Time Bandits in the bargain bin and it's only $6.99, and it looks sooo trippy and retro and sci-fi fabulous, and you think, "Ohhh! Time Bandits! I watched that when I was 8, and it was the best movie ever! I can't believe I found it for only $6.99!"

Tell me something, have you ever seen The Godfather for $6.99? Or Gone With the Wind?

Casino Royale - let's pull for the remake
Flash Gordon - visually, it is rather wacky, but the jokes on us. There is no Queen soundtrack.
It's just one Queen song sung over and over and over.
Back To The Future II - 2 does not a 1 make.

and newly aquired just this week, the deceptively awful and mind-numbingly horrific:
Star Trek: The Motion PictureSunday Dinner...Oh my goodness, Sunday Dinner was delish. Yummy, yummy, yummy - and sooooo easy!
Main: Mushrooms in Red Wine with Blue Cheese over Fried Polenta
Click Here for Full Recipes! (always on the beep Blog!)Bringing It Back...This was an actual conversation this week:

Now go get ready for your close-up, because you're all fabulous!!
Love,

Aunt Beep

Brian: "Man, it's freezing [here in Chicago]"

Beep: "Yeah, it's raining here [in LA]"

Brian: "Is it raining men?"

This one is for you my friend.
It's Raining Men by The Weather Girls

Beep In A Week: Vol 5 // Sunsets & Knitting Needles

* this post was added - okay - a week late - I'm posting it as added on the day it was written...I just had issues with blogger this week, and got frustrated trying to post.

Helloooo Texas! The Dallas News just wrote the nicest article about we Beepsters, and I just want to say welcome to all our new friends from the Lone Star State.

Also, I'm loving our new Beep Map. Did you notice we have Beepsters all the way in Australia?!?

Beep bop a loo bop - here we go:

You Simply Must
* Love Knitta Please. I have officially seen it all - these women are fab-u-lous. A group of 10+ anonymous ladies (from Houston, speaking of Texas!) are tagging the country with hand-knit "graffiti". You've got to see it to believe it. They tag with knitting! Can you stand it?!!

* What was #1 the day you were born? For this week's mindless enjoyment
I direct you to this fun site which lets you track down the #1 song on the charts the day you Beeped into the world...or got married, or moved to Slovenia, or any important day!

That Is So Beep:
We went to The Castaway Restaurant with our dinner buddies (see below) for the first time on Sunday to watch the sun set on their gigantic deck. I can't believe I'd never heard of this place!! It's like the El Coyote of 70's steakhouses! Foodies and design junkies are surely cringing right now, but to Beep & crew, this place is classic.Just a short drive up the very big hill behind old Burbank you'll find this slightly dated Trader Vic's-esque landmark ... the deck overlooks the entire valley. Think Anchorman overlooking Saan Dieaago on his first date with Ms. Corningstone.

Their deck has all the makings for a clandestine rendevous...fire pits, white lights in the trees, cool California wind and lots of dark corners. The inside has lamps made of sea shells and plastic flowering plants hang from the ceiling... But the view! Anyone who loves the psychedelic sunsets of LA
simply must make a date with someone - anyone - and get up there before 5:00. I can't wait to go back when the weather is warm!!

Be Sure To Note:
* This Friday and Saturday, Project Angel Food is holding an art sale to raise money for their amazing efforts in helping those in need. beep Gallery artist Paige Wery has donated this piece, and there are over 200 other committee-selected works priced at $100, $250, $500 and $1000.

* Tuesday the 28th is Mardi Gras. Now ladies, you have yourselves a good time, but keep those shirts on!!

Leson Learned:
You don't know what you've got...

So two things happened this week which are just a little sad:

First, our fantastically talented and trustworthy mechanic decided to close his garage and start a limo driving service.

I was cruelly informed by some random guy who answered the phone - some guy without the severely thick Russian accent, who didn't wear track suits daily & chain smoke - who didn't drive a Mercedes down Fairfax like he was about to win the Indie 500 - and who surely wouldn't take it personally if I got an oil change from somewhere else - just sort of off-handedly tells me that Dimitri has moved on, but I can bring in my car. MOVED ON?? LIMO SERVICE?? WHA?? If you are as paranoid as I am, and are able to find yourself a good mechanic who will put up with you, you can understand the gaping void that once was my heart.

And secondly, my pink sunglasses have finally lost their battle to being carelessly tossed into handbags with no protection to save them. They are broken. And so again, doth my black heart break.

I begrudgingly bought the Pinkies after I lost my perfectly stylish Jackie O Gucci's which I'd had for like 6 years. They were supposed to be a joke and a transitional phase, and also sort of a social statement against the gigantor glasses of last summer.

But over the months, the Pinkies have really grown on me. I like to fantasize that the Pinks one day prompted Nicole Richie to rise from her seat at Jones on Third and shout "Aunt Beep! Where did you get those sunglasses! I must have them!" I'd like to think she'd chase me all the way down 3rd Street, until I duck into Sushi Mac. knowing Ms. Richie would never be seen anywhere close to a $2.50/plate cash only sushi caf that blasts 80's metal and makes you get your own green tea.

Yes, The Pinkies and I got along swimmingly well, and for the price, the obnoxiously perfect hue of pink, and their ability to cause people to stare at me, they were beyond fabulous. I'm just not ready to let them go, so reconstructive surgery will commence at cocktail hour, after the vigil for Dimitri and his limousines. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Our dear friends Serena (owner of Wolf Creative Recruting) & Walt hosted us to a delightful Sunday Brunch - we had such a great time and the food was delish. Now I love to cook, but Mrs. Preggers only let me bring juice. I couldn't bear not to give her credit for such a wonderful meal.
Beep loves Brunch!!
Bread: Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips and Walnuts from Epicurious
Main: Oven Baked Eggs with Artichoke & Spinach (family recipe)
Ham & Cheese Mini Frittatas from Rachel Ray
Sides: Roasted Potatoes & Fresh Berry Salad with Yogurt & Dried Fruit & Nut topping (compliments of Katie). Oh, and juice from me.
Click Here for Full Recipes! (always on the beep Blog!)

Bringing It Back:
Sosomeone fabu gave me the new Neil Diamond CD, 12 Songs


Neil gets all down and kind of depressing, but I like it. Why? Because who doesn't love Neil Diamond. In honor, let's bring it back to happier times.
Shilo (why? I just don't know)

And lastly, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed all your emails this past week. I love love love hearing from all of you, and thanks for all the great food (and excersize!) tips!

Have the most wonderful week...
Love,
Aunt Beep

Beep In A Week: Vol 5 // Breakfast of Champions

This has been a week of Zen Muffins, carb-cutting, computer re-programming and thigh-mastering. The good news? It's gourmet mac & cheese tonight!

Let the Beep Games begin:

You Simply Must...
* Check out All Cupcakes, All the Time: It's a blog about cupcakes, and gorgeous pictures of cupcakes - not Zen Muffins - and lots of them. I can't get enough of it!!
* Put yourself on the Beep Map. I'm dying to know where all the Beepsters are, and I would love to see a map with Beepsters 'Round the World'. Again, I offer you minutes of amusement - click here to mark your spot!

That Is So Beep...The Winter Olympics are sort of the red-headed step child of Olympic sports - as seen by this weeks ratings. This is why we all must start watching. Aunt Beep loves an underdog. Some would say Aunt Beep is an underdog. So in the spirit of exerting oneself in extremely cold conditions (even if it is in Italy) I would like to highlight a few of this years Olympians who are true Beepsters, through and through:
* Johnny Weir - US men's ice skating: he is an over-the-top personality poised to win the gold, but he didn't do so well the other night. To which he explained: "I couldn't feel my aura."
* Hannah Tetler- US Women's Snowboarding: a 19 year old who won the gold medal and upon receiving it could only bring herself to make the sign of the bull (above).
* Everyone and I mean EVERYONE who is on a Curling team.
Be Sure To Note...
* Monday is President's Day - no banks no mail, no work!
* beep Gallery artist Leora Lutz is inaugurating the new location of her gallery, Gallery Revisited tomorrow night. Plus, beep Gallery artist Paige Wery has work in the show. Stop by and check it out, and tell 'em Aunt Beep sent ya!

Lesson Learned...The hips may thank you, but they will hate you first.

In the spirit of the Olympics, I finally decided to enact my New Year's resolution and start working out in the mornings. Somewhere I read that Tiger Woods gets up at 5am every day - and he seems to be doing well - so I've been thinking maybe I could dominate the world by rising at an ungodly hour and contorting my body into painful positions.

For whatever reason, I have decided that lunges with weights are the way to go - which is great in theory - but over the past few months my thighs have rested into a semi-vegetative state, and repetitive deep knee bends is an angry way to wake them up. Add to that the fact that between the age of 10 and 13 I grew something like a foot a week, and my knees never really recovered. Not an excuse so much as a visual aid so that you can understand the awkwardness of my new morning routine.

Maybe it is because of their recent lack of use that the old knees were surprisingly willing to bend more than 30 degrees, which prompted even more lunges by moi. However as I type this, I fear rising from my comfortable seat as an odd muscle on the front of my leg elicits excruciating pain whenever used. I am now resorting to walking stiff-legged in straight lines to avoid bending (think Cosmo Kramer in tight jeans), and flapping out my feet in front of me to ensure that I can hold myself up. It's just not pretty.

The saddest part of all, is that in my mind I truly believe that another day or two of bizarro calisthenics will turn my legs into a delightful combination of Angelina Jolie's and that wrestling uber-model from Dancing With The Stars.

Sunday Dinner...We ate a late lunch at Loteria in the Farmer's Market so dinner was on the light(ish) side again. I say ish, because this gratin turned out to be anything but light. Good thing it was our main course.
Salad: Mixed greens, cremini mushrooms and haricot averts. Simple balsamic dressing.
Main: Cauliflower Gratin from Ina's Barefoot in Paris
Desert: Vanilla Ice Cream with morelo cherries
Click Here for Full Recipes!

You all win a Gold Medal in my book!

Love,
Aunt Beep

Beep In A Week: Vol 4 // Everyone Is A Celebrity

Well the Beep Fam just grew by leaps and bounds this week, thanks to Daily Candy and their fab feature about beep Gallery artist Plasticgod; which is only fitting as it's award season and we're being deluged with red carpet madness.

Welcome all new Beepsters!
I've been having a great time chatting with so many nice new friends this week, and thanks & congrats to all who have purchased new art by Plasticgod!

Let's take this down to Beep town y'all:

You Simply Must...
* Well naturally you must get yourself some Daily Candy if you haven't already. They've been kind enough to feature artist Leora Lutz, designer Nappa Studio and now artist Plasticgod - so they obviously have great taste. It's a fun read with your morning coffee.
* Make your own tartan plaid. We all had fun doing last week's Simpsonomaker,
but using the Tartanomatic to create my own personal Aunt Beep tartan is oddly satisfying in a Braveheart sort of way. Best of all, you can buy your new plaid! I think I see a Beep Tartan blanket in my future...
That Is So Beep...
On Saturday we had breakfast at Urth Cafe. I haven't been there in a while, and I forgot how great the food is.

Do yourself a favor - take a 1/2 hour and sip a Spanish Latte outside in the sunshine at Urth Cafe. The Spanish Latte is quite possibly one of the top 3 reasons why I will never give up caffeine, and is - without a doubt - a perfect coffee drink. The coffee is strong, the milk is sweet, the foam is thick. To future visitors of our lovely city: for better or worse you can't get more "LA" than Urth, so add it to your itinerary.Be Sure To Note...
*Tuesday is Valentines Day. Don't get down on the details, just tell everyone
you love them - that's the Aunt Beep way!

Be forewarned: due to the strength of their coffee, drinking a large may induce heart palpitations, excessive perspiration and bouts of paranoia, but it's totally worth it.

Good Fortune...I must be dipping into the well of good Chinese fortunes. We barely skidded
home from work in time for LOST this week, so California Wok was our only option.Sunday Dinner...The Super Bowl was boring, but this pasta dish was not. I love anything with
crab...it seems so luxurious!

As I have the pleasure of working with individuals who are both amazingly creative and hard working, I spend a lot of time discussing/reiterating what people can do, so this rings especially true:

"A great pleasure in life is doing what others say you can't"

I could easily pontificate on this, but I think you can get it. I'm glad I was raised by parents who always taught me there wasn't anything I couldn't do. The result is a life-long story of adventures and misadventures to be sure, but so much better than being trapped by someone else's limitations!

We ate so much pasta I couldn't even think about desert. But I was supposed to make roasted nectarines stuffed with ricotta cheese. I'll include the recipe. We'll see if I get to it this week (now that we have all these nectarines and cheese!), or maybe one of you will beat me to it!
Salad: Maiche & endive lettuce with pine nuts. Simple balsamic dressing.
Main: Thin Spaghetti with Crab, Asparagus and Sun-Dried Tomatoes from Colorado Colore
Desert: Ricotta Stuffed Oven Roasted Nectarines from Gale Gand
Click Here for Full Recipes! (always on the beep Blog!)
Bringing It Back...I heard this in Trader Joes the other day. Everyone was singing to it. Which proves that just about all of us love Dolly and Kenny.
Islands in the Stream

(plus, it reminds me of Katie and Chad and one of the best 1st wedding dances ever)

You walk that red carpet people, and I'll see you next week.

Love,

Aunt Beep

Beep In A Week // Vol. 2

This week has been insanely busy in Beep land. There is so much great new stuff on the site...a brand new PAPER section (more on that later), and at long last a BABY section (!!)

I'm so lucky to have the best friends, who have the greatest kids. Aunt Beep wishes a very happy 1st birthday to the fetching Will, and welcome to the world Veronica!

And on we go.

You Simply Must...
* Read Apartment Therapy. A daily dose of tips for living in the city. It's addictive. (plus they totally gave us a shout out!)

* Buy Kashware socks. It's true what they say. This stuff is crazy soft. I personally think they're quite ugly, but these socks are like slips of heaven on your feet when you're at home.

* Read this article about allegiance to one's hairbrush from yesterday's New York Times. Men and women will laugh aloud.

That Is So Beep...
Someone recently asked me to name my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. My instant reaction
was to proclaim El Coyote!Be Sure To Note...
*Wednesday, Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day. A day which none of us really understands. Therefore, you should go out and rent the movie Groundhog Day, because Bill Murray is funny.

Is that bad? Is it wrong? Am I hopeless?

I know the food is...wierd... It's not quite to the level of bad, but for years I have been ordering the Tostada Salad which is served with canned vegetables and 1000 Island dressing. It's just...wierd.

Regardless, I just plain love the place. It's cheap, its always lively, it's so wonderfully wonderfully tacky, and they give you mints with your bill.

Aunt Beep would have loved El Coyote for those reasons. I can see her there now, claiming the round corner booth as her "special table". So I guess I'll stand by my answer. Of all the places I've eaten in LA, the Coyote remains a steady constant in an otherwise crazy world. After a tough day (or a great day!), a couple margies out on the patio with good company makes the red glowing building on the corner of Beverly and Poinsettia just about my favorite place.

Lesson Learned... Beware the dishwasher door.
Earlier this week, a certain beep Gallery artist who shall remain nameless (no matter how many bottles of wine you bribe me with) was scrutinizing a recently finished painting, which she had hung on a wall across from the entry to her kitchen.

With furrowed brow and squinted eyes, she retreated deeper and deeper into thought as she backed away slowly to gain perspective. The entry to the kitchen across from said wall is very close to the dishwasher which was unfortunately left open, and full of dishes.Sunday Dinner...Sunday was a riotous example of why I love Sunday dinner. Good food (the pears! the pears!), great friends, lots of wine.
Salad:Shaved Fennel Salad from Craft of Cooking by Tom Colicchio
Main: Shrimp with Feta and Roasted Tomatoes served with a side of sauteed spinach. An old fave.
Desert: Honey-Poached Pears in Muscat with ginger ice cream from The Paris Cookbook by Patricia Wells
Click Here for Full Recipes!

Unaware of her surroundings at this point, the artist took one fateful step too far and ran smack dab into the door of the dishwasher; which caused her to flail violently - flip into the air - and land directly on top of the brand new, very reliable, very full dishwasher door.

The noise alone I can only imagine was unimaginably horrific what with the inevitable hoots! whoops!! and the clanging of china, silver and glass. Beyond that, the pain my dear artist endured most certainly was great.

Believe it or not, she emerged unscathed from this incident, and nary a dish was broken. Miraculously, the door withstood the blow, and has since completed numerous heavy cycles.

Naturally, I'm glad there is a happy ending to this tale, however there are a couple points I wish to address:

1) People. How many times do I have to tell you to close the dishwasher door?! It falls in a blind spot right in the middle of your shins, and you just can't risk being clothes-lined by a major appliance these days. Am I right?

2) Artists. Stop being so hard on yourselves. Seriously. Can't you see this morose obsession with your work has potentially fatal consequences? You have got to ease up on yourselves. It's just not healthy.

3) And most importantly - buy the GE Nautilus Dishwasher Model #GSD4800G00BB. Clearly it's built to last.

And finally, a new installment to Beep in a Week:

Bringin It Back...originally I intended to offer you cheesy songs I heard in the grocery store that made me smile, but now I'm going to infuse that with my girl Aretha Franklin. Because, everyone needs Aretha in their lives. She can fix any problem, and make any wrong right. Download this song and refer to it when needed. You can thank me later.
The House That Jack Built

Have a delightful weekend y'all!

Aunt Beep

Beep In A Week: I've Been Hoodwinked Baby!

Hello, Happy Happy New Year and welcome to Volume 1 of Beep In A Week -

Welcome AuntBeep.com Email Subscribers, and MySpacers! You can scroll through this post, and leave your quotes at the bottom under 'comments'. Let's get started shall we?

You Simply Must... See Hoodwinked.
Here at Beep headquarters, we're all a flutter over the amazing success
of our fave new movie HOODWINKED; a hysterical animated whodunit written by our friend (and hunky BF of beep Gallery artist Jen Ditchik) Tony Leech. This movie is HI-LAR-I-OUS and you must run out and see it this weekend. Kids love it too, which makes it all the more fun. Here's a pic of Jen and Tony looking fab at the premiere.

That Is So Beep...
After several years of basically seeing out of one eye, I finally bit the bullet and got some fab new glasses from my new friends at SEE Eyewear in the Beverly Center. Everyone there is so nice, the selection is super stylish (mine are red! square! cute!), and the prices are really affordable. If you are lucky to have a SEE in your neck of the woods ditch the One Hour joints and get your four eyes on.

I'm Wondering... On my way to get said glasses I saw (sort of) a really great bumper sticker
that said: "Well behaved women very rarely make history"
This person is a true Beepster. I'm wondering if any of you know who said it, AND what your favorite Beepified quotes are. You can post them here, or email them here. I'll show you all my favorites next week!Be Sure To Note...
* My new weekly Artist Spotlight column over at Delight.com. We're working to demystify the world of art by igniting your inner collector without the pretense. We Heart Art!
* On Jan. 22nd, cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketing companies and you will receive sales calls. You will be charged for these calls. To prevent this, call the National DO NOT CALL list from your cell phone to remove your phone number: 1.888.382.1222

Lesson Learned... Give Sweater, Receive Toaster.
While on Christmas Holiday with my husband's family, my fabulous sister-in-law needed to borrow a sweater. I offered this cute, loosely knit cowel neck number, and she looked so gorgeous in it, I just had to give it to her. On Wednesday a mysterious package arrived at my door, and what could it
be but a brand new toaster! (we have a sordid history of toaster malfunction in our family) Some carefully worded "did you send us a toaster?" phone calls finally led me to the anonymous sender - my sister-in-law. The reason? "I told you when you gave me that sweater I'd buy you a toaster!" Totally forgot, but I'm over the moon!Sunday Dinner...This week we were pretty beat, so I employed the help of Trader Joe. The fare was a bit eclectic, so we'll just call it a World Supper. Recipes are here (in the preceeding post)

That's all for this week. Be safe, and enjoy the weekend!

Love,
Aunt Beep