“Everywhere You Look…” There’s Adventure in San Francisco

Over the long Memorial Day weekend, a couple friends and I decided to take a bus from Santa Monica to San Francisco. We spent the day soaking up the sun, as Sheryl Crow would recommend, as well as exploring spots we’d never ventured to before.

First, we had to dip our toes in the water and sand; spending a few minutes at the beach. Then, we had to be tourists and walk the pier. There were so.many.people. We stopped for lunch at The Albright and had clam chowder in bread bowls, which was one of the best bowls I’ve ever had. We mapped out the rest of our day, since we had plenty of time before the bus was set to arrive later that night.

We took a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway and wound up in Long Beach for coffee. We were set on a bit of a wild goose chase trying to find it and died of laughter the entire ride to get there. We found the cutest coffee shop called Steelhead Coffee and took our time there for a midday pick-me-up.

It was the perfect time of evening – The Magic Hour, as they say in Hollywood. The sun was setting and the air was cool. We rolled down our windows, cranked up the 90s tunes and drove around, taking in the sight of the sparkling water all around us.

We stopped in Redondo Beach for a few minutes and instantly fell in love with it. It was quiet, calm, peaceful, serene…Refreshing. We sat on the dock, we walked around and made plans to come back again when we can spend more time.

We drove through Manhattan Beach and made our way back to Santa Monica to ensure that we had time to eat and change before our bus ride. We had dinner at THE best burger place, and I wish I remembered the name of it. But, they served some organic and healthier options, as well as Shirley Temples with pure cane sugar. SO GOOD.

We waited a few minutes for the bus before it pulled up. They checked us in and we were ready to go. We were so hyped up – I haven’t laughed like that in the longest time, but essentially, the bus is designed to go straight to bed. Each “cubicle” or “cabin” bed is just that. A bed. You’re given water, dream water, a sleep mask, ear plugs, as well as a card with vital information, like the wifi password. A nightlight is turned on for you, and the ambience of the bus overall was dimly lit. It was very cozy. Many travelers seemed to know what they were doing and went straight to their bunk/closed the curtains. We were newbies and wanted to see everything.

I had a large window on our way there, which was nice, so I had an indication of where we were and what time it was. I listened to my headphones for a little while, then tried to sleep. It was off and on for most of the night.

Trinity and I woke up around 5:30 or so, and decided to go downstairs. We used the restroom (eeek! It’s just like an airplane restroom, so use at your own risk) and the “cabin attendant” made us coffee. When Brittany woke up, the three of us watched the sun come up, talked and tried to wake up as much as we could.

Paley Fest

Paley Fest is one of my favorite events that I’ve ever attended. As a TV junkie like myself, I love being able to get up close and personal with not only my favorite cast members of shows, but the writers and creators that brought the story to life.

Paley Fest is presented by the Paley Center for Media at the Kodak Theater every year in March, and each year, a variety of shows are announced for panels. Although, there are a few favorites, like “Scandal” or “Grey’s Anatomy” who have attended a few years.

Typically, it works like this: an episode of that particular show’s panel is aired before the cast walks out onstage. Sometimes the episode is new and other times, it’s the pilot, if they’re in between seasons or a big episode is coming up. Then the cast comes out, talks with the moderator and shares their experiences/fun anecdotes about filming, the creators will talk about how they came up with the idea and then they’ll turn it over to the audience. Once the panel is over, some (if not all) cast members will come to the front of the stage to sign for fans.

I’ve now been to three of the Paley Fest panels, and there’s nothing quite like it.

I’ve seen the casts of “Parks and Recreation,” one of my very favorite shows of all-time, “Scandal,” which leaves me wanting to pick Shonda Rhimes’ brain to talk about characters and story lines and “This is Us,” which I am just in awe of the writers and the way it brings out the emotions in us week after week.

The Paley Fest for “Parks and Recreation” was my first. We bought pretty decent seats  a couple weeks prior to the event on the floor after I found out about it.  Although it was under the balcony and in the back, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to be in the same room as Amy Poehler and Adam Scott because Leslie and Ben are everything.

We got there in plenty of time, hoping to see the cast arrive and we did! (Click on the photos for fun facts). Then, we went inside the Dolby Theater to get settled in.

 

Adam Scott and Retta. I did get a wave from Adam!

Nick Offerman spinning in circles for the crowd.

They premiered a new episode, which would air that night (or it might’ve been the next night) on television. Patton Oswalt was the moderator and asked the cast questions about their relationships with one another, the show, and so on. They also opened it up to the audience to ask a few questions. If you’re fascinated at all by the behind-the-scenes process of TV shows, this is the place to be.

Amy and Adam drank most of the time and it was the first time I asked myself, ‘when did Chris Pratt become SO good-looking?’ I also found Nick Offerman basically is Ron Swanson. It was fun being able to see my favorite stars in the same room, interacting with one another, as if I was part of the show myself. It really brings a whole new perspective.

After the panel finished, the audience swarmed to the stage to get pictures and autographs. I’d been planning for this moment, because I’d seen many Instagram posts about the end of the night. I was able to get a few signatures and was SOCLOSE to Chris Pratt (just before “Jurassic Park” came out and launching him into superstardom), but where I was standing was hard to push it over to him. Amy and Adam exited the stage almost immediately, which I was sad about. But, I was so impressed with the others who stayed and took the time for the fans.

Last year, my mom and I actually attended two Paley Fest panels. We went to “This is Us” and “Scandal.”

First up…”This is Us”moderated by E!’s television scoop reporter, Kristin Dos Santos.

Obviously, just about every person in America is obsessed with this show and its cast. And for good reason. They are genuinely the sweetest people ever and seem like a real family.

They talked about Jack’s death (of course), the inspiration behind him, Mandy Moore’s career and Justin Hartley’s love of the TV show, “Friends.” Also, a HUGE surprise…Sterling K. Brown showed up, and he wasn’t on the “scheduled to appear” list. He’s my absolute favorite, so I was happy to see him there.

Unfortunately, we found out that it’s only the floor level who were able to rush the stage after the panel was over. So, we didn’t stick around, but everyone was in tears from re-watching the pilot and hearing the cast speak about this incredible show. INSPIRATIONAL.

The following weekend, my mom and I decided to go back for the “Scandal” panel. With the show coming to an end, we thought it would be the last opportunity to see them altogether, and maybe our only chance to meet them.

They started the program with the pilot once again, and it reminded me just how good this show is/was. The writing. The dynamics of all the characters. The story lines. Oh, the story lines… Just pure good television. The kind of television breakthrough everyone hopes for when writing a pilot.

Then, the moment we’d all been waiting for arrived. The cast walked on stage. *Chills*

The Paley Fest honored the upcoming 100th episode, and was really a look back at their time on the show and the world Shonda had created over the seven seasons. This cast has such a deep love for their art and the fans, and that was so evident. It was another inspiring event that reminded me of why people want to get into the business, why people are drawn to the art they are and why people create in the first place. No matter what the story line, we can all find something or someone to relate to, and that’s what it’s all about.

My favorite moment hands-down was when Scott Foley did his “dance” from one of the earlier seasons. And it’s moments like that you get to see at Paley Fest – a different setting for your favorite actors be more relaxed.

Once again, we missed the memo about where we needed to buy tickets to get closer to the stage. But, all in all, it was still a good time celebrating a show I’d grown to love. We hung around for a few minutes, hoping they’d let us down to the floor, but it didn’t work out.

While this isn’t something you can do on the regular if you’re in the LA area, it is a great event to plan your visit around if you’re free in the springtime or to check it out if you don’t live far away. Be sure to check out their website or follow them on social media for the updates and announcements about events.

That’s all for now,

Shelby

Attending a Hollywood Premiere: Battle of the Sexes

Hollywood is a place where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul. Marilyn Monroe said that. To say that Hollywood has its flaws is quite the understatement. But, as a romantic of the Hollywood idea, there are rare nights like the one I experienced last September where the red carpet is rolled out, the lights around the marquee sign sparkle a little brighter, the stars arrive and the fans cheer. Everything, even just a few hours, seems more hopeful; more whimsical. Like, maybe there really can be a happy ending after all.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to meet Steve Carell. He’s not only been one of my favorite actors, but one of my favorite people, at least what I’ve seen of him and know of him on TV. So, when I found out the premiere for his new movie was on a Saturday and with the gorgeous and talented Emma Stone, I knew I had to be there.

The thing with fans and movie premieres is that you aren’t guaranteed into the theater. Most of the time, that’s just kind of an afterthought. The main event is standing across the street as limos arrive and watching the hubbub of the red carpet as stars arrive, hoping that maybe, just maybe your favorite star will sign an autograph or take a selfie with you.

My parents and I joined a small crowd waiting near the Bruin Theater in Westwood Village around 3:30 p.m. or so just to get a good spot. The EBAY crowd was also in place, hoping to grab their most acquired autograph, so they could bump up the prices for fans who weren’t in attendance. We waited a good couple hours in the heat, just counting down until the celebrities would arrive. Luckily, closer to the premiere, people dressed in tennis costumes and duffel bags walked out, giving away promotional swag, like t-shirts, tennis balls, fans and more. It came in handy for autographs later.

 

At 6:30, the lights turned on and shined down on the red carpet and the black SUVs started arriving. It was a quintessential Hollywood night. Seeing as it was a tennis movie, there were a few tennis players that attended, including Maria Sherapova, and of course, Billie Jean King, who the movie was based on. I was mainly waiting for Steve and Emma, which naturally everyone else was too. I didn’t want to get too distracted with getting other signatures that I didn’t care as much about, in case one of my favorites showed up.

A few people arrived, including Bill Pullman (who I love from “While You Were Sleeping”), Billie Jean King and Sara Bareilles. The crowd cheered and they signed for a few people.

A few minutes later, another black SUV pulled up, and I could see the outline of his face…It was Steve Carell himself. He stepped out of the car and took a second, as everyone went nuts cheering for him. He walked over to our side, and made his way around the corner, where we were standing. He was practically standing in front of me, but because of the poster boards and other items people were trying to have signed, it felt much further away. But, still, closer than ever before. I didn’t get a photo or autograph, though.

We waited a few more minutes, but it wasn’t long before Emma Stone stepped out of the car and made her way over. She signed all along the fence and made her way in front of me – people were pushing harder and harder. I thought for sure we would all end up falling on top of her. My dad was able to get the visor signed by Emma, which I wasn’t aware of until after she’d moved away, and I couldn’t believe it. She walked over to the other side and signed more for fans, then made her way into the theater, since it was getting close to showtime. She was gorgeous in person and sweet as can be, taking the time to sign for everyone.

 

 

As all of the celebrities and VIPs made their way into the theater, we hung around outside for a few minutes. One of the guys who’d been standing near us, also waiting for autographs, mentioned that there were still tickets available to sign up for through the theater. We weren’t sure they’d be for the main screening, but thought we’d see if we could get three. My mom was able to get the tickets on her phone and off we went.

Like most premieres, they offered free popcorn and soda at the concession stand, but we didn’t grab anything. We just quickly walked into the theater to find seats. We ended up being SO CLOSE to the screen. Not long after, my mom noticed people starting to line up on the right side of us, and it just happened to be the cast of the movie. I saw Steve Carell was practically standing behind my dad’s shoulder and Emma Stone was just behind him. I waved to Steve and he waved back and did that little chuckle thing he does on “The Office.” I was just happy with that, so I didn’t even really think to get a picture with him. And I didn’t want to bother him while he was mingling with the rest of the cast.

Soon after, they started announcing each cast member to the front. My dad tried to high five Steve Carell, which turned out to be more of an awkward fist bump thing. HA! And then he tried it again as Emma walked down the aisle, but she’d already walked past when she realized his hand was out. She had a look on her face that said she felt bad and wasn’t sure whether she had enough time to run back to give him a handshake. We laughed so hard about the whole thing…Only my dad.

They introduced the cast and we got to hear from the directors, who are married now and met at UCLA, just around the corner. Such a full circle moment for them, and I loved that. They spoke for a few minutes about their vision for the film and the terrific cast standing in front of us.

 

I was in awe the entire night, sitting in a room with my favorite actors and other talented actors, producers, writers and directors, dreaming of a day, maybe someday in the future I’ll be up there speaking about my own project with people I’ve admired forever. It was another “God wink” in my life that was another reminder to keep going for the goal. That maybe someday isn’t so far away.

That’s all for now,

Shelby

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony: *Nsync

Until a few weeks ago, I’d never attended a ceremony to see someone receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As an artist or actor, that’s the kind of fame everyone hopes to achieve someday. To have your achievements immortalized down Hollywood Boulevard.

There have been a number of ceremonies I’d hoped to attend over the years, including: Steve Carrell, Chris Pratt, Melissa McCarthy and so on. But, usually I had work or school (you know, those adult responsibilities), so I wasn’t able to make it.

On April 30, *NSYNC received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, joining the ranks of other top-selling boy bands, like the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block. While I’d been dying to go and anticipating the moment they’d announce the ceremony, I didn’t think I would be able to attend.

If you know me at all…You know my love for this group runs deep. Although they broke up and went their separate ways close to 15 years ago, I still like to think of them as relevant news in my everyday life. I attended one of their shows in Vegas when I was 10. I had the t-shirts, rocked out to their albums, and of course, I’m still a huge JT fan. They were part of my childhood, my adolescent years.

However, my mom happened to have a doctor’s appointment in LA the very same day. We got down to the area early enough that my dad drove by and asked if I wanted to stay for a few minutes.

There was a crowd, but not as large or crazy as I was anticipating.

My parents dropped me off and I tried to make my way through or stand on my tiptoes to see through the heads, cameras and iPhones that were in front of me. Some had been camping out for at least a day or so, so I knew that getting close would be nearly impossible. However, you could at least make out the podium and the door they’d walk out of.

My parents joined me a few minutes later and we waited and waited and waited. It wasn’t that long, but I knew we’d have to leave soon. We kept watching the clock and nothing was happening.

We did see Jessica Biel and Justin’s mom walk out from the main office building closest to us, and I thought that was as good as it was going to get. So we assumed the guys must be getting closer, but it was hard to see much.

Jessica Biel

JT’s mom

I was expecting to hear LOUD, high-pitched screams when they walked out and never did. So much so that I didn’t even realize they had walked out while we were there.

I was able to see Ellen Degeneres through the palm trees on the sidewalk and heard Carson Daly, as they introduced him just as we were leaving. Finally, it was time to leave, so we could make sure we arrived at the next destination on time.

I was bummed, but hey, I was a lot closer than I thought I’d have been. As I looked through photos and videos in the car on the way to the hospital, I noticed five guys walking out of the door I’d had my eye on. I slowed it down and realized we actually had seen them walk out, it all just happened so fast, I didn’t know it at the time. So I took screenshots. My little pre-teen heart couldn’t handle it. I breathed the same air as Justin Timberlake that night. Suddenly, my day was made.

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After we ate,  we drove back down Hollywood Boulevard and I was able to get a picture with the star. I was so excited, you’d have thought I was getting a photo with the guys themselves. Unfortunately, I didn’t even get close. But, it was comforting to hear that even those who had camped out and had much better seats didn’t get that close to the guys, nor did they get autographs or selfies. All in all, it was worth the experience.

Seeing them (kind of) receive this honor in person was something special. It reminds you that anything is possible. I hope to attend a real ceremony someday – one that I can see from start to finish, but in the meantime, this was a pretty great day!

That’s all for now,

~Shelby

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor Swift Proves Her ‘Reputation’ is Just Fine by Fans

After months of preparation and anticipation, my friends and I drove to Pasadena to see the incomparable Taylor Swift on Saturday afternoon. It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that she’s just about my all-time favorite musician. I’ve followed her career since 2006-07 and have been one of the lucky ones to be there every step of the way, from opening acts and the T-Party Room to watching her headline stadiums all around the world and becoming a true worldwide phenomenon.

We wanted to get there early for parking and to have enough time to explore the various fan stations set up outside of the venue. We fangirled over the trucks and took photos, then stood in line for merch. While we didn’t make it to the infamous “LWYMMD” chair photo op, we did wander through another fan area with booths and vendors.

We even ran into Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt of “The Hills” fame. I wasn’t going to get a picture with them since they’d brought their baby, but people were starting to spot them and they didn’t mind the attention, so I asked for a picture. I mean, they were part of my teenage years and pop culture history, so why not?

We met up with our other friend, then got in line to go inside the venue. Once we were in, we had plenty of time to kill, so we ate a few snacks and walked around for a bit.

Although we had to wait in our seats awhile, Taylor videos on the screen kept us entertained.

And then…The show started! I didn’t really know much about Charlie XCX going into it, but I was impressed. For one, I forgot how many hits she actually had. She worked the crowd and had a lot of fun songs. I made a mental note to get some of her music for workouts later on.

Camila Cabello was everything I hoped she’d be and more. What you see is what you get; she’s very candid and is so taken by the beauty of everything, including what she thought was “the moon.” It was actually just the parking lot balloon that was lit up. In her defense, it was far away and did resemble the moon, so I get it. She’s such a songstress and feels all of the emotions, much like the blonde-haired gal who was the star of the night.

FINALLY…The beat for “Are You Ready For It…” dropped and a silhouette of Taylor appeared on stage. That was the moment everyone lost their minds and didn’t get it back until the end of the night. She sang all of my favorites, including “Getaway Car,” “Delicate,” “Gorgeous” and “King of My Heart.” From the start to the end, Marisel and I were dancing and living in the moment. It was one of those nights you want to hold onto forever. Where everything seems right and you’re not thinking about what comes next.

There were fireworks, snakes, fire, dancers and every moment had us on the edge of our seats the entire night.

My favorite moments of the night were the stripped down sets, though, when it was just Taylor and her guitar or at the piano, just talking with the crowd. Her speech before “Delicate” about being vulnerable or her singing “All Too Well” on the B stage or her mashing up “Long Live” and “New Year’s Day.” The entire night was inspiring; therapeutic even, as silly as that may sound. Being with your best friend on a cool Pasadena night, wind blowing with all the glitz and glamour of a huge tour production? There’s nothing better.

Taylor also brought us out special guests Selena Gomez and Troye Sivan. It’s always exciting to go on the last night, because she always steps up the special guest game. Selena’s appearance and speech about their friendship made everyone cry, for sure.

Going to a Taylor Swift show is almost like being part of an inside joke. You really don’t get it until you’re part of it. You can do your best to describe the sets, the costumes, the guests or even the songs and the way it made you feel. But, until you’re standing in that stadium, hearing it for yourself, you just don’t fully understand it.

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I’ve been to all of Taylor’s headlining shows: Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989 and now, Reputation. It’s been incredible to share and experience all of the phases of Taylor Swift. She never changes, but she never stays the same either, and I think that’s the essence of a true artist. Remembering her as the curly haired girl with cowboy boots and a guitar, opening up for Brad Paisley and to see what she is now just leaves me speechless.

Sharing the experience with Marisel, her cousin and a couple other friends was an absolute blast. I’ll never forget that night; feeling young and free. It was the perfect start to my summer “break.”

“Hold onto the memories, and they will hold onto you…” 

“Fuller House” Taping Experience

A couple years ago, one of my good friends, my mom and I went to a taping of “Fuller House” at Warner Brothers Studios. I never thought the show would come back around, let alone see it filmed live in the studio audience. But, alas, that’s exactly what happened.

I blogged about my experience and Andrea Barber (Kimmy Gibbler) even tweeted me back! Check it out for yourself below.

 

American Idol Taping Experience

“American Idol” has been a staple in my household since day one. I was ten when the show first premiered. I loved Kelly Clarkson from the minute she walked into the audition room and voted for hours week after week. The rest was history! I bought the t-shirts, went to the tour, and waited for the contestants to come out and sign after the show. This trend follow for the next thirteen seasons, although I couldn’t make it to every tour. Most at school knew me through the years as the “American Idol” girl and I was okay with that. Heck, I even did a research paper on it my sophomore year of high school. I’d definitely call myself an expert at this point.

To me, this show is more than just growing attached to the contestants season after season. It’s the idea that someone can be plucked from obscurity and thrown into instant stardom. You can root for the underdog. We all see a bit of ourselves in the contestants. Everyone has a dream and seeing others that represent us makes us feel like we’ve achieved a bit of that, too.

In honor of the ABC American Idol season one finale, I thought I’d share a few of my experiences with the show!

Finale Taping

After following the show for years and religiously watching, my mom and I went to our first “American Idol” finale taping in 2011. We with a couple friends of mine, who were also fans of the show at the time and that particular season. We arrived at the Nokia Theater/LA Live area close to 8 a.m., and thought sure we’d have no problem getting in. WRONG. We waited for hours and each minute that slipped by was a guessing game of whether we’d actually make it inside. Finally, we reached the On-Camera Audience staff members who were handing out tickets and marking off numbers on their clipboards. We were given four tickets, and from what I recall, were one of the last groups to make it inside. Our group was split up, so we were spread throughout the theater, but we made it in! We only had about an hour to eat, run to the restroom and make sure we were inside by showtime.

At the time, we weren’t allowed to bring cameras or phones inside, so we left everything in the car. And we just happened to walk by Aunt Becky (Lori Loughlin) from “Full House” right before we got in line! BUMMER! You never know who you’ll see around there.

Once inside the theater, we found our seats. All around were past ‘Idol’ contestants. I was in such fangirl mode that I was running all around the theater, which is probably frowned upon, to get signatures in my American Idol collector yearbook from Sanjaya (Idol fans will know exactly who that is), Jennette McCurdy, or to tell Lauren Alaina’s mom just how many times I voted for her daughter. It was a blast! It’s also fun to get to know the people you’re sitting next to – see who their favorites are or their experiences at tapings. There’s a good chance this isn’t their first rodeo and they can give you insight as well.

After the finale, we worked our way over the media tent, where the contestants would come for interviews after the show. We were able to meet several that night, just not Lauren, who I was really hoping to meet.

In the years to come, we started leaving a few minutes before the show ended, as Ryan Seacrest would rattle off the numbers and they’d recap the performances of the night. This gave us a chance to run back to the car for our cameras and phones and snag a spot right next to the media area. We were able to meet so many favorite contestants, especially during seasons 12 and 13, including: Colton Dixon, Janelle Arthur and more.

In total, we’ve been to about six or seven other ‘Idol’ tapings, most of them being one of the finale nights, so we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. It’s kind of a learn as you go thing and each season is different.

Live Tapings – CBS Studios

We went to the first live taping of season 12 at CBS Studios. Again, we lined up earlier in the morning and waited several hours. But, it paid off in a big way. A couple girls I’d met in line and myself were chosen to stand in the pit, which was right by the stage and the judges. This was the year that Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson and Keith Urban. I was in awe watching the cameras and production of it all more so than the performances. We were also able to talk to the stage director’s daughter, so it was fun getting to hear some of her stories from over the years. During one of the commercial breaks, I awkwardly waved to Keith Urban and he waved back and said “Well, hi there!” I know it wasn’t much, but it kind of made my life, because he’s one of my favorites.

Another night, I almost got to meet Drake, because he was in the audience and shook the hands of some fans sitting right next to me. After the taping, Keith Urban hung around on the stage to sign autographs! I was able to pass my ticket to him for him to sign, although it looks nothing like his actual signature, I know it is and that’s what matters.

For one of the last seasons (when Nick Fradiani won), we got tickets to the finale, this one being at the Dolby Theater, which I love. However, it wasn’t the best setup to meet anyone. We were in the very top mezzanine for the show, and after, it was impossible to get anywhere near the contestants or the media circuit, which was a disappointment. But, there were a lot of wonderful music guests that I’d never seen live and I saw the contestant I’d been voting for win, which is always the best feeling.

While it’s fun, and sometimes much less stressful, these kinds of opportunities can only happen when you experience the show live! The best part is that it’s all free! You never have to pay for a TV show taping or special.

Now, it’s your turn to experience the fun:

How do you get tickets?

The first step is to sign up under On-Camera Audiences! You will see dates listed on the right side of the page and it will allow you to either sign up for tickets or at least get on the waitlist. There are also often other opportunities to win tickets on their social media accounts from time to time, so be on the lookout for those. Or while you’re on the site, check out some of the

Other tips:

1. Dress cute, but comfortable. You never know when you just might end up on TV or meet your favorite judge or contestant, so have fun with your outfit! Make sure your shoes are also comfortable. Unless you have priority tickets, don’t bother trying to wear heels or pumps, because your feet will hate you for it.
2. Bring snacks. You’ll be waiting all day and there’s a good chance you won’t have a chance to eat a full meal in between. Eat a good breakfast before! And also bring water. It’s usually pretty warm in the California heat. If you’re at CBS Studios, The Grove/Farmer’s Market is just around the corner, so there’s a chance you’ll have time to take turns running over there, but it’s better to be prepared.
3. Go with a group! It’s always more fun to go with a group of hardcore fans who understand the hype, can analyze performances from the contestants and who also have a personal history with the show. There’s nothing better than sharing the experience and creating memories with your loved ones either.
4. Watch the show. I hope by now you’re already a fan of the show, but if you happen to just be attending with a family member or friend, catch up on the last few episodes and pick someone to root for. I promise it’s more fun when you get into the spirit of the show!
5. Get there early. I know I’ve mentioned this already, but I can’t stress it enough. Unless you have a priority ticket, you are not guaranteed just because you have a piece of paper. They always overbook shows to make sure they have plenty guests in attendance. The earlier you are, the better your chance to get in. However, it’s important to note that because so many other celebrities and contestant family and friends are in the audience, it can limit the chances for the average Joe, regardless of how many tickets they’ve given out. If you go in with the mindset of having fun no matter what happens, it shouldn’t be a problem. You will have to give up an entire day. Just because the ticket says 5 p.m., doesn’t mean you can show up at 4:45 and walk right through the door. Hollywood doesn’t roll that way.
6. Follow the contestants on social media and tweet. The contestants were really just starting to use social media when we started going to finales. But, it really helped connect the audience to the show in a new way. I was able to become friends with a few of the contestants, thanks to Twitter and let them know that I was at the finale or one of the tapings. Plus, it’s a fun way for them to build their fan bases these days.
7. Make new friends. My mom and I have met several people that we still keep in contact with because of “American Idol,” whether it was a taping of the show or the Live! Tour. It’s fun to not only share the experiences of the show, but keep up on personal lives as well, even if it usually is only through Facebook or Twitter.

“American Idol” tapes straight through as it is a live show! It’s quick, fun and there’s always a hype guy to keep the energy up. Plus, the excitement and buzz is so high, and I’m usually taking it all in, I don’t want it all to end. We signed up for the finale on Sunday and my fingers are crossed! If you do go to a taping or have been in the past, let me know! I want to hear all about it and if you were able to meet anyone!

That’s all for now,

Shelby

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Glimpse of Summer + Mother’s Day Weekend

Over the weekend, my parents and I went to the Pismo/Avila Beach area to celebrate Mother’s Day. While we’ve been many times together over the years, I can honestly say this was one of my favorite trips of ours. It’s been awhile since we’ve been able to get away for more than just a day trip, and this was everything we could have hoped for. It was full of laughter, some tears, good food and beautiful views.

It might’ve only been overnight, but we packed in as much as we could during the time we were there.

Saturday:

Avila Barn

The Avila Barn has been a tradition in our family for just about as long as I can remember. We used to take my grandma to the beach every October for her birthday and we’d always stop there to either pick out our pumpkins or check out the seasonal items.It was nice to pay a visit during this time of year, when it was a tad sunnier than the October month.

We walked through the barn with goodies galore – jams, baking kits, vegetables, fruits, pies and other baked goods and kitchen items. I wanted it all! It’s a southern gal’s dream. I was feeling inspired and joked that I want to be the next Reese Witherspoon with her southern brand, Draper James. She just about does it all. I also decided I’m going to drive myself over one day during the summer and will prepare a meal for my family that weekend! It’s going to be the best shindig this side of…Well, probably just California. But, it’ll be fun.

While the Barn sells many goodies and fresh items, there’s also an ice cream shop and candy store. Seating is limited, but the weather was perfect for wandering the grounds and sitting in one of the rocking chairs on the front porch. We were about to leave, when we spotted the Sweet Roasted Corn booth and decided to get some corn on the cob. Truthfully, the only way I’ll eat it. We grabbed three and fixed it up to our liking with butter and seasonings. I nearly cleaned it off! They were tasty and left corn stuck in my teeth for a good while – That’s how you know it’s good, right?

Avila Pier

After the Barn, we kept driving and ran into the pier, en route to find a lighthouse my mom had discovered online. Although we weren’t able to take the trolley to the hidden lighthouse spot, we got out and walked the pier for a bit. You can buy fresh fish, have lunch at the restaurant on deck or try to catch fish of your own and check out the view of the ocean. The sea lions also put on quite the show. It was refreshing to have the wind whipping my hair around and to be comfortable wearing a jacket, versus the 80 degree or so weather at home.

San Luis Obispo

We still had some time to kill before our dinner reservation, so we drove into San Luis Obispo. The San Luis Obispo area is the perfect mix of small town feel and city life. Boutiques, stores, coffee shops and swanky restaurants line several streets. I was still on a mission to find the perfect outfit for the Taylor Swift concert next Saturday, and I was actually able to pull it off. Many stores carry different products and clothes we don’t have at home. I would’ve loved to have spent more time there and just sit at a coffee shop! Or come back with friends for a fancy dinner at night.

AJ Spurs (Templeton)

The AJ Spurs restaurant in Templeton transports you to an old saloon in the wild, wild west. The main street is like something out of a Hallmark movie with its cute and country-themed facades. The restaurant itself is a bit pricey, but for a nice treat every once in awhile, it’s great. It’s a full-course meal with soup, beans and salad served before the main dish. My mom and I split a steak, rice and potatoes, and of course, there were root beer floats for dessert.

As a kid, I used to always look forward to finishing my meal, so I could pick out a toy from the large stove. It was always a highlight! We have many special memories of taking my grandma for her birthday, as well. If you have a few extra minutes, it’s fun to walk around the empty street; take photos and peek in storefronts.

The Scenic Route

My dad usually likes taking the backroads and doesn’t mind driving a bit farther, wherever we’re visiting. My mom saw there was another lighthouse in the area, and it was the perfect time of evening, just before the sun started to set, so off we went. We were surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, barns, and green pastures that looked like they could’ve been the setting or backdrop in a movie. We drove around for about an hour and pulled off a few times to stop at the lighthouse or capture photos of the waves as they crashed against the shore. There’s nothing better than just turning on the radio and going for a drive this time of year, especially when you’re near the ocean.

Elephant Seals and Sunsets

We pulled off at a dirt area and walked along the path to discover the elephant seals that were literally taking over the beach. They were fascinating to watch, and we did for a few minutes, as they tried to squeeze in between one another, dove into the ocean or just flopped right on top of their brother or sister. They made the strangest noises, wailing at the top of their lungs or scooted along the sand.

We stopped a few minutes down the road and found another dirt patch to park in and stood at the edge of the cliffs until the sun had almost gone down. I could’ve stayed all night. There’s no better stress reliever than listening to the waves, watching the sunset and being reminded just how small I am and how big our God truly is. I heard Him whisper to my heart things I’d been needing to hear, but had just been too busy to stop and listen to. Sometimes it takes those moments of stillness at the beach to be reminder.

The Beach at Night

After checking into our hotel, we weren’t ready to turn in for the night just yet. We decided to drive down to Pismo’s main street and see what was going on. It was later, so there wasn’t much. We stopped at the candy store and picked up a few treats, then walked out to the pier, although it’s closed for reconstruction for who knows how long? We listened to the ocean stared out into the dark abyss, where the foamy white waves faded out just a few feet away, then decided to call it a night.

Sunday:

The Madonna Inn

My mom wanted to have breakfast at The Madonna Inn for Mother’s Day, as we usually make a stop there when we’re in the area. While I wanted to go all out and have french toast sticks, I decided to stick to the healthier option of the veggie omelet and fruit. My parents and I discussed important things like our American Idol picks for the finale next weekend, as we ate and I nibbled on the sugar stick that came with my iced tea.

I’m obsessed with the decor of the hotel – over-the-top, pink everything! I’ve never stayed at the hotel, but each room is decorated with various themes and colors. There are 110 rooms total. All around the hotel, there are unique wallpapers with textures and prints galore. There’s a grand dining room, which was serving a special Mother’s Day brunch, but we opted for the normal seating area. At night, the special dining room serves dinner and the evening is filled with big band music and dancing. A few years ago, I went for my friend’s bachelorette party and it was a blast!

We visited the gift shops and then perused the outside rose gardens to take a few photos.

It’s the perfect spot for a girl’s weekend or even a honeymoon or a wedding! The premises and grounds are versatile for many special occasions.

Pismo Beach – Daytime Stroll

We hit the beach one last time for a stroll along the sand. It was a tad overcast and chilly, but it made me feel just like a kid again. I got to swing for a few minutes, picked up seashells with my mom and climbed on rocks, so my mom could take my picture. Mostly, I stared at the ocean and let the salty air be the cure for my thoughts. The beach is freeing and the perfect place to rest up before a busy week!

Normally we stop at the outlets in Pismo, but none of us needed anything, so we decided to head out earlier. Once I had my coffee, I was good to go. The next two hours consisted of good music and staring out the window at the little towns and hills we passed by.

There are some days and moments that are just so beautiful you want to capture them in a jar or want to hold onto as long as you can. This was one one of those weekends for me. I’ll never forget it.

As my busy season at work winds down, this was a nice sneak peek for summer and all that’s to come. I hope to document all of my travels and experiences right here.

So stay tuned!

Xoxo,

Shelby