Tag Archives: music

Making Up With Meghan Trainor

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Last night I had the total pleasure of attending Meghan Trainor’s album release party, as a guest of Clinique.

These are a few of my favorite things: music by Meghan, Meghan-inspired cookies, beauty and champagne.

The lady of the hour.

The lady of the hour...

Meghan’s album, “Title” launched yesterday and Epic Records and Clinique threw a party in grand form to celebrate both the album release and their partnership with Meghan.

Clinique and Meghan Trainor - How CUTE is this bag?

Clinique hosted a beauty bar upstairs, complete with their classic Chubby sticks in candy jars.

One of Meghan’s favorite Clinique products? Why their classic Chubby Sticks, of course!
 

Clinique and Meghan Trainor: A Sweet Partnership

Better than candy...

And there were cocktails, small bites and the cutest little cookies, inspired by Meghan, you’ve ever seen.

Meghan-inspired cookies and cake pops

 

A beautiful night, indeed.

 

xoxo,

BF

 

BF Asks: What’s your favorite Meghan Trainor song?

High-Low 4/7/14: Wrecking Ball & Sick For A Day

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HIGH: Friends who just know you-and give you the best gift of all

High: Meeting Emmylou Harris & Daniel Lanois on their Wrecking Ball tour

When I was 18 – and a senior in high school – I lost my beloved grandmother whom we lovingly called, “Nanny.” Nanny was the heart of our family and her heart was in the kitchen. I think that’s why I always feel so at peace when I’m in the kitchen now.

When we lost her, music became even more important to me – and it was already very important. I would listen to Mancini’s “Moon River” on the Breakfast at Tiffany’s soundtrack incessantly. This only stopped when my big brother, Davy, introduced me to a record by Emmylou Harris – which was produced by Daniel Lanois – called Wrecking Ball.

One vivid memory I recall – among the many I have of that record  – is sitting in the sunroom of my brother’s ex-girlfriend’s-stepmother’s house for which he was housesitting that summer. This room was the “truth” room in that it coaxed us into sharing memories, complaining about – and to – one another, and was a place where secrets had a way of coming out that would change us forever.

The one common thread – amongst all of the drama – that I remember that summer is that record. Wrecking Ball. And what an apropos title it had! Good music has the most magical way of doing that – sitting in your memory like a lover lost that you just can’t ever forget.

Now, I have another magical memory of that record – thanks to one of my dear best friends, Lindsey Vaerst. This girl is one of the most considerate, thoughtful and giving people I know. She told me about Dan and Emmylou going on a Wrecking Ball 20-year reunion (really, that long??!) tour and I’m pretty sure that when she did, I turned into a giddy-faced, glee-filled 18-year-old again.

Giddy.

But she went above and beyond. See, she knows Dan and Emmylou and ended up getting us all-access passes. Well, shoot, y’all! I don’t get too impressed by many celebs – but Emmylou??!! Holy heck. I got to meet her and Dan and tell them the profound heart-filling effect that they had on my family with that record. It was SO special.

It meant the world to me. And I met the most magical people.

Magical folks - LA meets Nashville

Magic just seems to follow Lindsey Vaerst around – even when she can’t see it – and sometimes, I’m lucky enough to have it spill over into mine.
Thank you, my precious friend.  This is a lifetime pass gift  – meaning that you can’t give me anything ever again. What a memorable – and magical – night! I thank you.

LOW: Oh, just sick…for a day 

Sick. But so much healthier after.

I’ll keep this simple. I got sick. I got sick because I was going non-stop and my body rebelled and declared, “I NEED A BREAK!!” So I rested Friday and most of Saturday and (as Gomer Pyle used to say), “Surprise, surprise!” I felt better. I stayed in bed and read the rest of Mindy Kaling’s book (GOD, IT’S GOOD!!!), and ended up working on my book. Oh, what’s that, you say? You didn’t know I had a book? Well, I’m 1794 words in so I do now, folks! It was an important reminder to both listen to my body and take a little bit more me-time every week to see what creative magic might be stirred up. As always, the lesson of the low outweighed the low itself.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks:

 

High-Low 2/10/14: Showtime & Expectations

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With everything that happened in the last week, it felt like it was more like a month! Wednesday was one of the most challenging days I’ve ever had because literally everything that could go wrong went wrong. I had two band members who had to take their loved ones to the hospital unexpectedly for dire emergencies and there was a world of changes going on that I just was not prepared for.

But then there was so much sweetness that I thought my heart would burst. Ah, life, how you love to throw the curveballs and the cupcakes at us all at the same time. Without further ado, my weekly High-Low.

HIGH: Showtime

Beau’s Debut! Well, now that People Magazine announced it last week, I can announce that my heart just got a little bit fuller – and pinker – thanks to the birth of Beau Katherine Brower!!

HIGH: Beau's Debut!! I got to visit her on her first day at the hospital and I fell instantly in love. Swoon.

Beau was born to some of my best friends, Ned and Sarah Brower (also known as actress Sarah Jane Morris) on Saturday, March 1st and she is just gorgeous and perfect! And since they waited to find out the sex, it was the sweetest of surprises that she was a girl!!! I went to meet Miss Beau and, of course, couldn’t show up to the hospital empty-handed! So I swung by my fave baby store, Bel Bambini on Robertson and picked up some pink to properly celebrate Beau’s debut! I’m utterly smitten and am determined to spoil her rotten. As you can see, it’s already started.

Pink presents for Beau from Bel Bambini - I couldn't help myself! Girls are so fun!!

 

Hotel Cafe As many of you may know – and many may not – I am a singer/songwriter. I’m not full-time anymore at all but I still write and love to play my favorite venue here in LA (and my home away from home), The Hotel Cafe.

High: Hotel Cafe Show 2/8/14 - For The Lovers, Love-Hopeful, Heartbreakers & Heartbroken

I had the pleasure of playing this past Saturday and it was just the most fun! I got to play with some of my all-time favorite musicians and friends including Ben Peeler, Garrett Hanson, Joel Martin, Jon Button and Malcolm Cross. I realized it had been 10 months since I’d played there and that is 10 months too long. I love to title my shows so this Valentine’s one was called “For The Lovers, Love-Hopeful, Heartbreakers and Heartbroken.” One could argue that I was workin’ through some pretty powerful emotions up on that stage but I worked it out through singing my heart out, dancing and seeing 100 of my friends’ faces smiling at me from the audience. It was just perfect. And it’s gotta happen more often. It does my soul so much good.

This photo perfectly captures my joy of the evening. Just bliss. (*Dress is Plenty by Tracy Reese for Anthropologie and sideways cross necklace is by Flea Market Girl)

 

 LOW: Expectations

Low: Expectations

Let me start by saying that I am so grateful for the week I’ve had and the amazing people that I have in my life. Whenever I express the lows, it’s not to complain but rather to really experience these lows so that I might see the highs more clearly and appreciate them more richly. This week I let myself be let down by a few people. What do I mean by that? I mean that I had some expectations of people and well, they fell short. Not the people but my expectations. I was expressing my annoyance and hurt with my dear friend (and talk show host/therapist) Matt Marr and he blew my mind once again with his insight and wisdom. He said to me, “Expectations are future resentments.” Word. They sure are.

And with me, this goes tenfold. I don’t have many pet peeves but one of them is when someone makes a plan with me and cancels or doesn’t follow through. It gets under my skin like nothin’ else. Those closest to me know this and try to operate accordingly. But what I’m realizing is that I need to lower my expectations a bit. People are human. Things come up. People make mistakes. I’m not saying it’s going to happen today but an ongoing goal of mine is to become a little less rigid and a little more forgiving in terms of people who don’t meet my expectations as I think they should. Thank you for these thought-provoking words, Matty.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What was your High-Low this week?

*So what exactly is a High-Low, you ask? High-Low is the BEST & WORST part of your day, week, month, etc. I started this tradition with friends & family after I discovered it through a movie decades ago. Not only is it useful for reflection sake but it is also an excellent way to communicate with your spouse, kids or friends over the dinner table. By introducing this tradition to folks, parents have told me that their kids have opened up more and friends have told me that their spouses have become more communicative. Try it for yourself and let me know what your experience is! 

 

High-Low 1/6/13: Vegas & Reflecting…

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Happy 2014, friends!! I hope it is off to a shimmering start for you. Here is my High-Low this week. It was a good one!

HIGH: VEGAS FOR NEW YEARS

What a year 2013 was!! And it wrapped up in grand style for me in Las Vegas with some of my dear friends that I made during my years working for Barbra Streisand. So what was on the agenda? Seeing amazing shows, staying at the MGM Grand, eating delicious food, drinking wonderful wine and laughing…a lot.

When in Vegas, SHINE!!! Dress by Honey Punch ℅ M. Caroline Boutique

I spent the first night seeing my old friends, Maroon 5. It makes me so happy when I see people I’ve been friends with or crossed paths with over the years turn their talents & passions into success. I remember seeing Adam Levine and the Maroon 5 guys (when they were Kara’s Flowers) playing for our friend’s birthday party on La Brea. Seeing Kara’s Flowers play was a frequent thing in the early 2000s. I haven’t seen them live as Maroon 5 so it was SUCH a treat. I had a dorky, proud mom smile on my face the whole time. Adam was the same star then that he is now. And my friend, Sam Farrar, was at that party and now he’s in the band. Love how full circle things are. Just melts my heart.

Maroon 5 at Mandalay Bay on December 30th in Vegas

 

The next night we were treated to a ridiculously delicious dinner of sushi at Shibuya at MGM Grand. Then it was on to a private Fleetwood Mac party/show.

Fleetwood Mac Private Party & Show at MGM Grand

 

Wowsers, y’all. We had a table but ended up being front stage center for the show. It. Was. AMAAAAAZING. Lindsey Buckingham had us touch his guitar. As someone who adores them who happened to be in a coed/Fleetwood Mac-style band back in the day, it was just a huge treat! And what a way to kick off the new year!

 

Fleetwood Mac at MGM Grand

My 2014 continued to be awesome when I realized that the ticket I had bought was actually in first class. I thought that if 2014 only went up from that point, I was looking at the best year of my life.

Well, that's one way to kick off 2014!

 

LOW: REFLECTING…

In our room at the MGM Grand reflecting back on the year…with a glass of vino, of course!

 

My low was not really a low-low. It was more a big ole casserole of lessons learned, regrets I’m trying to move past, people I’m trying to let go of and intentions set so as not to repeat the past again.

But sometimes even the best of intentions and most honest of resolutions get broken. Simply put…being human is hard. Really hard. It is so easy to judge yourself and get lost in that grief. As they say in August: Osage County, “Thank God we can’t tell the future. We’d never get out of bed.”

There is only ONE thing that we are guaranteed in this life – that this life will end.  So my main resolution this year is to forgive myself a little more and treat myself a little bit more gently, if possible. To accept defeat, rejection and sorrow as chances to grow gracefully and become a better human being. And to let go of the patterns, people and events in my life that don’t serve me and don’t make me a better person. Life is far too short to have anything in it that detracts from your life rather than adding happiness to it. So as I reflect today, I will grow tomorrow. At least, that’s my intention.

And I have to tell ya…I have a sneaking suspicion that 2014 is going to be the best year yet. Here’s to keeping resolutions, actualizing dreams and celebrating every day we get in this life!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What was your High-Low this week? What are your resolutions? What did you reflect upon with the turn of the new year?

 

*So what exactly is a High-Low, you ask? High-Low is the BEST & WORST part of your day, week, month, etc. I started this tradition with friends & family after I discovered it through a movie decades ago. Not only is it useful for reflection sake but it is also an excellent way to communicate with your spouse, kids or friends over the dinner table. By introducing this tradition to folks, parents have told me that their kids have opened up more and friends have told me that their spouses have become more communicative. Try it for yourself and let me know what your experience is!

Tress Tuesday: hairdo by HairUWear Clip-in Bangs (yes, really)

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Every time I see Sandra Bullock with bangs, I want them.

 

Every time I see my BFF, actress Sarah Jane Morris, with her new bangs – I want them.

Sarah Jane Morris - cute with any hairstyle but especially Michelle Pfeiffer meets Diane Lane with bangs

 

Even in the rain, her bangs look flawless. Mine would be a frizzilicious mess. Sigh.

Sarah Jane Morris with gorgeous bangs even in the rain...sigh. I covet.

In fact, anytime I see any cute actress with bangs – well – I want them.

But, alas, my face shape was not the kind that was born to wear bangs. At least not all the time with a commitment and all. And my naturally frizzy, curly fine hair takes some major effort when it comes to perfect bang-styling. One of my biggest beauty regrets is that I didn’t get a brazilian blowout or keratin treatment prior to shooting this music video (a duet with Chris Richards) of Not So California (go ahead, check it out! You know you wanna. Yep, I sing too!). Oh sure, the bangs look good in the beginning but by the time we’re shooting on the beach, oooooh boy!

Before Beach Shoot: Bang Perfection

 

Post-beach shoot: Ack!!!! What happened and how did those strange things appear on my head?

That’s why I am L-O-V-I-N-G, LOOOOOVING these hairdo by HairUWear clip-in bangs.

Yep, you read that right! These are CLIP-IN bangs by hairdo by HairUWear!!! ($29)

 

For only $29.00 at Ulta, you can have the option of bangs every day. And the best part? They are completely able to be styled as you wish. Want some feathered bangs? Get your groove on! Want to curl them for a little beach wave action? Get beachy, you little mermaid.

These are what they look for prior to easy clip-in:

What they look like on their own: hairdo by HairUWear clip-in bangs ($29)

As for me, I love popping them in when my hair is not the squeaky cleanest, I have a little too much front frizz going on or I just want to switch up my look for one of the dozens of events I have that week. I love that it’s presto-changeo with virtually no effort or styling. I just part my hair, position the bangs and go.

Depending on where you clip them in, you can make them longer or shorter so it is truly a breeze!

I wore them on Saturday to Meg’s birthday pool party and NO ONE knew they weren’t real.

Pulling one over everybody at Meg's pool party...

And we’re talking beauty and fashion bloggers here, people! I had to show them to make them believe me!

Just another girl with bangs...nothing to see here!

So I can vouch for these 100%. Just choose the best color for you, use the little clip-combs to secure and bang it out whenever your little heart desires! Super easy and super fun! I am loving this style alternative!!!

 

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: Do you look good with bangs or no bueno? 

Fitness Friday: AuraCycle in Los Angeles – my new fave find!

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Okay, I have refrained from posting this two times because I’m kinda reticent about telling you guys about my new favorite place. See…if I tell you, you’ll wanna go and then you’ll go and then your friends’ll go and then I won’t be able to get a bike. Tear.
But I decided that’s selfish.

Tea before I head off to Auracycle!

And I – as BeautyFrosting – refuse to be selfish. Sooooo…here ya go! My new favorite find and my girl crush all in one place. Thanks Whitney Lader of hoopLA for introducing me to my little fitness heaven. With 50 pounds gone and 20 more to go, I’m gonna get super fit thanks to this place!!

***

I have a girl crush. It’s best I just come out and admit it.

It’s Heather – an actress – and my spin instructor – at AuraCycle.

Heather Adair: The Spinning Dancing Queen

She’s made me fall in love with fitness again so how could I not have a crush on her?

Me & my fave instructor - Heather. Don't judge. It's too early for makeup and we just got our groove...and sweat on at Auracycle!

 

Besides being full of energy and spiritual motivation, Heather boogies throughout the class keeping you on your toes, motivating you to do your best and reminding you that you can accomplish ANYTHING. And she doesn’t just mean what you can accomplish in class.

I like her so much that I’ve started calling her the Reverend. I have had some spiritual moments in her 9:30 am Sunday morning classes. Last week, I even cried. Don’t judge. I’m in the early stages of the moving process as I just got kicked out of my apartment. And she was playing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” Yep, The Rolling (f’ing) Stones. And her message before it was exactly what I needed to hear at that exact moment.

So what makes Auracycle different from any other spin studio in town?

Well, it starts with the appearance.

Auracycle Exterior on 3rd Street

Think Virgin Airlines meets laid back dance club meets spa. Oh, you haven’t seen that before? Well, neither had I…until now.

Where all the magic (and calorie burning) happens at Auracycle

Then, there’s the “show” element . The patent-pending Aura lighting design is something to behold – and get fit – to. Think the “Light-Brite” days of your youth. Soothing, inspiring and invigorating LED lights are moving along with the music, dimming and lighting up as you spin away.

For the physical element, you’re burning oodles of calories and fat all while feeling like you’re at a dance party. But unlike so many spin classes, here they don’t neglect your upper body and body’s need to stretch. You get a super comprehensive light arm weight workout and a good, comprehensive stretch sesh at the end of every class. I usually wake up the next day feeling stronger, longer, leaner, more refreshed and not writhing in pain.

Then, there’s the spiritual element. Hang with me here. I’m not gettin’ religious on ya. Heather is somehow able to whip your butt physically while renewing you emotionally and spiritually. While your stress and body break down the toxins and fat in the best way, your spirit is being built up by the minute.

Plus, this girl knows how to jam. Whether it’s 80s (my favorite! more please, Heather!), Beyonce, Kanye, Rolling Stones, 30 Seconds To Mars, some indie awesomeness or whatever else is tickling her tablet  – and our fancy – her tunes will warm you up, rev you up, get you up and over that hill and then cool you down. And then you’re all ready set for a blue ribbon kind of day. (* I’m so addicted to Heather’s playlists that I’ve asked her to contribute a post for Music Monday…stay tuned!)

I am now addicted to Auracycle and I blame my girl crush – the “Rev Heath”, if you will.

Her energy is contagious. And I wanna catch it! Anyone who can inspire that many people in that short a time has something magical going on and even more magic up ahead of them. I’m happy to meet her early on in her journey.

Between the lighting, the mixed bag of music and the yogi-infused teaching, you’re sure to get fit and feel fabulous. The best part? Sometimes I enjoy it so much that later that day, I forget that I’ve worked out!!! Seriously. I enjoy it that much. And yet even though it’s fun and inspiring, you feel like you treated yourself for the day!

And then, there are the treats at the end of class. Instead of a sticker after a dentist’s office visit or a piece of candy after the pediatrician (do they still do that, by the way?), your treat after your kickass Auracycle class is a eucalyptus-infused cool towel. I look forward to this more than what is considered normal. It’s a slice of heaven for your head.

Oh, you say you’re thirsty afterward? Didn’t eat breakfast? Need some potassium reinforcement? Check out their juices from the uber-popular juice spot, Clover. I always do!

Clover juices & coconut water post-workout - all provided for your enjoyment - and health - at Auracycle on 3rd!

To reserve an Auracycle class with Heather – or any of the other awesome instructors, check it out here. Usually, classes are $27 but they have some awesome deals right now. For a limited time, they have $15 for an introductory class or $285/month for unlimited spin classes. With this being my new healthy addiction, I guess I’m gonna have to buy a series.

Spin away, beauties!

Auracycle & Aurapulse

8231 W. 3rd Street

Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 570-0570

http://www.aurapulse.com

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: How do you get your fitness on? And, do YOU have a girl crush?

 

Music Monday: Jolie’s Jams – Roadtrippin’

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Well – our fave deejay, Jolie, has a Roadtrippin’ playlist for us today as she cruises around the great state of Texas. Enjoy and may it inspire you to take a roadtrip of your own!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What’s a must-listen on your Roadtrippin’ Playlist?

Music Monday – Jolie’s Jams: Summer Chill

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Happy Monday! I’m still in Dallas (leaving my hometown tomorrow) but I still remembered our new biweekly feature…another installment of Jolie’s Jams!! This week’s mood…Chiiiiilllllll. Perfect for Summer! Next week, I’m bringing my Summer Playlist to ya!!

Make it a great week, people!

 

xoxo,
Dawn

Music Monday: Jolie’s Jams – Summer Jamz

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I’ve known my friend Jolie since I was 10 years old when she and my big brother dated in their senior year of high school. I thought she was sooooo cool.

Fast forward 25 years and I still think she is the coolest. Jolie introduces me to new music on a monthly basis and – as a lifelong mixmaker – I take her musical suggestions verrry seriously. Through her, I have discovered Dawes, Nick Waterhouse and JD McPherson and many more.

Jolie & me at the Counting Crows show at the Wiltern (top left), at JD McPherson at Troubadour (right) and with Murry Hammond from the Old 97s (bottom left)

She is my favorite friend to go to shows with. In fact, she’s the first person I ask to join me when I’m going to a concert. Why? Because, honey, WE LOVE TO DANCE!!!! And living in Los Angeles, that makes us very rare at shows. Most people just stand there and sometimes somberly move their heads a bit.

So when I tell you that Jolie’s Jams are the best, most eye-opening, music-celebrating playlists, I am not exaggerating. As Music Mondays continue, I’ll also be sharing a few of my hundreds on playlists. But, for now, I introduce you to Jolie’s Jams – SUMMER JAMZ edition.

xoxo,
BF

Jolie’s Jams: SUMMER JAMZ

Saturday Song: Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” featuring Pharrell

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Yep, another new column!

I find that I discover most of the new-to-me music I end up loving on fun Friday nights and sleepy Saturday mornings. These are the tunes that tickle my ears, tantalize my senses,pave the path for nostalgia and brighten my hope for the future.

So just where am I hearing these tunes?
Friends sending them to me. On Spotify. Friday nights spent out with friends. At people’s houses. At restaurants. On shoots. At parties. Jam sessions. Impromptu dance parties. Yep, you read that. Impromptu dance parties.

So, of course, you know I have to share these finds with y’all!

My favorite this week?
Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” featuring Pharrell.

Friends played it last night after a jam session and I can’t think of a better tune to prep us for summer. The countdown’s on…

Enjoy! It’s an addictive one!

xoxo,
BF