LA-Story.com

Stay-at-home dates can be as romantic as time spent in any special setting, as long you take the time to set the scene using creative ideas and preparing a meal intended to woo your sweetheart. Light candles in the entrance of your home as a surprise. Set the table with a tablecloth, cloth napkins, nice dinnerware, crystal, and flowers. Also, choose the wine and soft music you want to listen to ahead of time and have it playing in the background.

While you are at it, plan a movie to stream online or rent in advance for the two of you as well. It helps to make any night special!

Pair that movie with wine or special cocktails along with a great dessert and voila! You have an amazing night for two that doesn't have to cost you $erious$ buck$ for movie tickets, dinner out or even a babysitter for little ones at home.

Now it's time to decide on your romantic dinner menu, wine and cocktail pairings and dessert. Our guest, self-taught YouTube Cooking Star, Laura Vitale from "Laura in the Kitchen," will be able to help with that, especially for the millennial generation. Recent statistics show:

More than 40 percent of millennials ranked Italian as one of their top meals to enjoy on Valentine's Day. Youtube.com cooking sensation and Cooking Channel expert, Laura Vitale shares her exclusive "date night" recipes from "Laura in the Kitchen" and provide quick, step-by-step instruction on how to cook the dish at home. Laura Vitale is a self-taught home-cook and hosts the interactive cooking show "Laura in the Kitchen" and "Simply Laura" on the Cooking Channel.

A recent survey by ConAgra Foods found more millennials are considering the dine-at-home option instead of going to a restaurant this Valentine's Day. Laura will share additional insights into factors like costs, crowds, etc. that are driving this decision.

Laura was born and raised in Italy until she was twelve years of age and moved to the United States. She is a self-taught chef who started her cooking journey working with her father in their family restaurants. Laura will share easy tips for others who want to improve their skills in the kitchen without any kind of formal training.

Laura Vitale is a self-taught home-cook and hosts the interactive cooking show "Laura in the Kitchen" and "Simply Laura" on the Cooking Channel.

Podcast download:

PODCAST with Laura Vitale,

Stevie Wilson,

LA-Story.com

DEALS and STEALS

I am required to tell you that I am an "affiliate" with these brands. I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains and great products --and some are very specifically for this site to feature to YOU!

The amount I make has yet to be determined that despite people going to visit the links (and it's in the thousands every month), I have yet to have anyone buy anything from them.

Purchase the Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler and exchange the included voucher for a FREE full-size featured fragrance!

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If you have been following my blog about cocktails, spirits, mixology and sweet treats, Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark will be familiar faces and names to you. If not, then you can learn now because these are two food and spirit savvy women with interesting approaches not only to those topics but to life in general. (In other words, what you see is what you get).

Georgia Hardstark and Alie Ward

They are phenomenal peeps who look at life and other things way outside that proverbial box. (Thank goodness!) I finally got to "meet" the two lovelies -- not in person unfortunately -- but on the phone for this video. I was able to talk to them about holiday entertaining ... the easy way!

Holiday parties are supposed to be fun, but if planning this type of soiree stresses you out, you are not alone! Cooking Channel Stars and mixology duo, Alie Ward & Georgia Hardstark, have easy and fun party planning tips that will not only make holiday get-togethers more enjoyable events for your guests, but you the host as well.

I talked to them about the following topics:

TIME SAVERS:

CREATIVE COCKTAILS: Mostly this is the key topic. Every cocktail is based on Nescafe Dolce Gusto pods!

GAME IDEAS:

We had a good time, don't you think? They are based in LA.. so there is always a potential to meet them!

I love their sense of humor (wry) and wit (whimsical). They remind me of my friends and me.

More videos with Georgia and Alie! (TRUST ME, great -and fast- videos)

Alie & Georgia make a Cafe Cinnabourbon!

Almond Rum Caramelatte-- in ONE minute!

Pumpkin Spice Latte w/ Nescafe Dolce Gusto

About The Talent: Alie & Georgia

Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark are best friends who, after posting their viral video for a cocktail called “The McNuggetini,” went on to take the libation world by storm and have since created more palatable beverages for both television and the web. Their web series, “Classy Ladies With Alie & Georgia,” appeared on CookingChanneltv.com, and their debut TV show, “Tripping Out With Alie & Georgia,” premiered last year on the Cooking Channel. They write about cocktail trends for KCET, and can also be seen on Cooking Channel's fourth season of “Unique Sweets,” the #1 show on the network. They are currently working on a new top secret project for their next show!

http://alieandgeorgia.com/

https://www.youtube.com/user/AlieandGeorgia

https://twitter.com/alieandgeorgia

http://alieandgeorgia.tumblr.com/

Thank you to the oh-so-fabulous and fashionable Georgia and Alie!! (thunderous round of applause!)

If you use any of these cool recipes, do let me know! Tweet me at twitter.com/lastory or

leave me a comment here on this post.

PODCAST with Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark

Stevie Wilson,

LA-Story.com

DEALS and STEALS

I am required to tell you that I am an "affiliate" with these brands. I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains and great products --and some are very specifically for this site to feature to YOU!

The amount I make has yet to be determined that despite people going to visit the links (and it's in the thousands every month), I have yet to have anyone buy anything from them.

Purchase the Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler and exchange the included voucher for a FREE full-size featured fragrance!

Choose 1 of 6 Fragrance Mini Deluxe Samples with any $25 purchase. Use code: SCENTMINI

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Everyone has had that “moment” after you have left the house in a hurry – the moment when you start to worry and ask yourself “Are the lights off!?!?" "Did I shut the garage door?" "Is the oven on?!?!" (I do it a lot because I am typically running out the door) And, more often than not, you have to turn right back around and make sure you have left your home safe and sound.

Need to Talk from Wink App on Vimeo.

In the past couple of years the emergence of connected devices have opened up new ways of interacting with everything in our home – from the thermostat to locking our doors to turning off the lights. The home of the future is here – a home where you can check the status of all your devices remotely and turn them on/off with the swipe of an app.

Heading into the holiday travel season, connected devices can give busy families peace of mind that their home is shut down and turned off. If anything pops while they’re away, alerts will notify them automatically.

Brett Worthington, VP and General Manager of Wink takes us on a virtual tour of a "smart home". He talks about how the home of the future is connected, how to choose the devices that work best for your life and budget, and just how easy it is to get started. By demystifying the connected home he will show you how simple, intuitive and people-friendly a smart home can be.

I was recently able to connect with Brett Worthington about WINK.

About Brett Worthington:

Brett Worthington is the Vice President and General Manager of Wink, which makes connected devices accessible. In this role, he oversees the development of the company and its products. Prior to Wink, Brett spent 14 years in several leadership positions across various sectors of business at Ingersoll Rand. Brett joined IR in 2001 and in his final role he was Director of Business Development in their Residential Solutions sector, where he led the development of the Connected Home Business, Nexia Home Intelligence. Before joining Ingersoll Rand, Brett worked for BMC and served 10 years in the US Army and is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom IV & V. Brett holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and resides in Los Angeles, CA.

https://www.facebook.com/wink

https://twitter.com/thewinkapp

https://vimeo.com/WINK

Thank you to Brett Worthington for the interview and all my questions!

PODCAST with Brett Worthington

Stevie Wilson,

LA-Story.com

DEALS and STEALS

I am required to tell you that I am an "affiliate" with these brands. I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains and great products --and some are very specifically for this site to feature to YOU!

The amount I make has yet to be determined that despite people going to visit the links (and it's in the thousands every month), I have yet to have anyone buy anything from them.

Purchase the Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler and exchange the included voucher for a FREE full-size featured fragrance!

Choose 1 of 6 Fragrance Mini Deluxe Samples with any $25 purchase. Use code: SCENTMINI

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner

If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including podcasts or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a linkback to the specific page & please email the link to [email protected] before the piece goes live.

LA-Story.com, LA-Story Recessionista, Celebrity Stylescope, Celebrity Style Slam Trademark/Copyright: KBP Inc./TNBT Inc 2007-16

Shopping for holiday gifts is quite the task. There are so many people to buy for. Typically women have no issues what to buy someone... until they get to the guy in their life. That's when the shopping ace melts into a manic puddle because she has no clue what to get the guy that he will actually like, use or wear!

Stop stressing and start shopping! Gift Expert (and Fashion Editor) Wendell Brown will give your viewers the tips they need to navigate the store shelves to find the ideal gift for the special guys in your life.

Wendell, whose clients include stars from Leo DiCaprio to Neil Patrick Harris, will have you covered when it comes to picking the perfect present. Whether it’s for the guy who has everything or the pickiest of men, he has the ultimate gift-giving-guide to make sure your man is happy with everything under the tree.

Key points in this video:

- Tips on how to shop for all the important men in your life from dad to your hubby

- The latest grooming gear that every guy needs

- Stocking stuffers that are sure to please

- Hot tech devices and gadgets for the tech-head

For more information, hit Videopump.tv

For more GIFT assists, hit Gifts.com!

Wendell Brown – Hearst Magazine Senior Fashion Editor

Wendell Brown began his fashion career at the famed Parsons The New School for Design, from where he moved directly into the editorial world at the trade magazine DNR (now a part of WWD), where he worked in fashion editorial and styling. Brown moved toHarper’s Bazaar where he served as the Sr. Market Editor, styling the renowned magazine’s cover photo shoots. Following Harper’s Bazaar, Brown decided to move into a position where he could exercise his true passion of men’s styling at Esquire, where he currently serves as Senior Fashion Editor.

Throughout his career, Brown has styled covers with Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Javier Bardem and has worked with celebrities such as Neil Patrick Harris, Michael Douglas, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Don Cheadle among others.

Thank you to Wendell Brown for his gift savvy and his very dapper appearance.

(*Ladies, do not tell me you didn't notice this great looking guy in a very dapper suit!)

PODCAST with Wendell Brown

Stevie Wilson,

LA-Story.com

DEALS and STEALS

I am required to tell you that I am an "affiliate" with these brands. I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains and great products --and some are very specifically for this site to feature to YOU!

The amount I make has yet to be determined that despite people going to visit the links (and it's in the thousands every month), I have yet to have anyone buy anything from them.

Purchase the Sephora Favorites Perfume Sampler and exchange the included voucher for a FREE full-size featured fragrance!

Choose 1 of 6 Fragrance Mini Deluxe Samples with any $25 purchase. Use code: SCENTMINI

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner

If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including podcasts or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a linkback to the specific page & please email the link to [email protected] before the piece goes live.

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Do you really notice the supermarket shelves and displays when you walk through your local grocery store? I do ... all the time. Often my local supermarket is one of those testing stores for new products to see how well a particular category of product...

Did you know that the best time to book domestic travel is six weeks before your trip? Or that the best way to save money on a hotel is to make a reservation that can be canceled anytime before the day of your trip which allows you the opportunity for you to check for a better rate the day before you leave?

Travel expert Pauline Frommer is editor of Frommer.com and the iconic travel guides that have carried her family’s name for the past five decades. She’s full of handy travel tips and tricks that her family uses while traveling the country and the world. Pauline's practical and unique tips are as essential for Thanksgiving trips to Grandma’s to holiday trips to exotic and memorable locations.

I recently had a chance to talk to Pauline Frommer on various topics related to holiday travel including:

· Airline baggage fees are sky high!

She’ll tell you why you shouldn’t own anything larger than a carry-on bag because you travel light... even if you are traveling with kids!

· Thinking about traveling off the beaten path or going on a cruise?

You’ll want to make sure you have travel insurance. Pauline will tell you how to select the right policy.

· The best time to buy your airline ticket:

You always want to know when to buy the cheapest plane ticket. Pauline has specific information for travelers in the U.S. and abroad.

· Here’s something most people don’t know: The company with the most rooms to rent is not a hotel chain.

Pauline shares why you want to check out some clever options that most don't know about-- and can save you a fortune!

· Thinking about a trip to NYC or Orlando?

Frommer’s “wrote the books” on those cities and Pauline will give her top money saving tips for visiting two of the country’s most popular holiday destinations.

Culled from the iconic Frommer’s Travel Guides, Pauline will exclusively give her picks for this year’s hottest holiday destinations.

While it's too late for you to get the *best deals* on airfare, you can still book a ticket and find great accomodations where you are going!

PODCAST with Pauline Frommer

Thanks to Pauline Frommer for the time and the great tips!

Stevie Wilson,

LA-Story.com

DEALS and STEALS

I am required to tell you that I am an "affiliate" with these brands. I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains and great products --and some are very specifically for this site to feature to YOU!

The amount I make has yet to be determined that despite people going to visit the links (and it's in the thousands every month), I have yet to have anyone buy anything from them.

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner

If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including podcasts or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a linkback to the specific page & please email the link to [email protected] before the piece goes live.

LA-Story.com, LA-Story Recessionista, Celebrity Stylescope, Celebrity Style Slam Trademark/Copyright: KBP Inc./TNBT Inc 2007-16

Holiday gift shopping is never easy! It's often a full of desperate choices the longer you wait. Hence this post is EARLY !. Chris Leary has a slew of great gift recommendations that I can only wish I had thought of most of them.

Chris Leary with his table of goodies!

If you want to give interesting, fun, cutting-edge gifts, Chris Leary is one the "less than 4 people" list who can beat me on gift shopping. While I can beat most on prices, Chris Leary beats me on some of the most amazing, hard to beat items to gift.

This year is no exception especially when you see this fabulous list of great stuff.

I have to say that there are at least 3 things I want-- probably more. This list of mine is in no particular order!

1) LG Sound Bar- definitely on my list. Now if I could make this "whole house" effective, I would be sooooooooooooo happy! (Let's not forget that I would LOVE to have that LG TV too)

2)JURA Impressa Z9 One Touch TFT-- for the coffee and tea junkie that I am, I LOVE this idea. Maybe someone at home can get me this to share?

3) TomTom Runner Cardio -- works for me because I am working out MORE every single day. Who wouldn't want to know how they are doing on a daily basis. Would keep me honest!

4) Parrot Rolling Spider-- for my inner kid! This would be PERFECT! The biggest issue would be keeping it from my dog!

5)Roku-- though I have Roku 2 .. I would love this updated version!

Ok so that's virtually everything on Chris Leary's list. I told you he was good at this shopping stuff. I would be the one to turn to find things for LE$$!

PODCAST with Chris Leary

If you need a reminder, here's Chris Leary's page on DailyLounge.com

Check out this list for you uber-hard to shop for peeps on your gift list!

Stevie Wilson,

LA-Story.com

DEALS and STEALS

I am required to tell you that I am an "affiliate" with these brands. I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains and great products --and some are very specifically for this site to feature to YOU!

The amount I make has yet to be determined that despite people going to visit the links (and it's in the thousands every month), I have yet to have anyone buy anything from them.

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner

If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including podcasts or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a linkback to the specific page & please email the link to [email protected] before the piece goes live.

LA-Story.com, LA-Story Recessionista, Celebrity Stylescope, Celebrity Style Slam Trademark/Copyright: KBP Inc./TNBT Inc 2007-16

As a parent and a person who is often around a ton of people, I have learned to be aware that what I do sometimes comes home with me- like germs! While kids are often the fastest method of transport for illnesses, parents can expose kids to germs and viruses too. Either way, it's no fun to be dealing with it. Kids require lots more attention and care when they are ill. Parents don't have that luxury to take time off from work and moms who stay at home don't get "sick leave" at all when they are sick. Heaven forbid someone gets the flu and it spreads through the house. I recently was able to speak to Nick Cannon about his relationship with Theraflu and a non-profit!

Every year, the flu strikes up to 20% of people across the country, and more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized for flu-related complications annually. Entertainer Nick Cannon has teamed up with the makers of Theraflu® and Families Fighting Flu, a non-profit, volunteer-based advocacy organization, to raise awareness about the Fluprint™ program.

As a performer and father of two young children, Cannon is constantly traveling and on-the-go. He can’t afford to let cold and flu symptoms slow him down, especially when he’s working or taking care of his family. That’s why he’s committed to helping spread the word about the importance of getting flu-ready. Cannon encourages people to do their part by raising awareness and funds for Families Fighting Flu so they can help you and others, especially those in need, get flu-ready.

Watch Nick Cannon talk to me about how to be ready to treat the flu as well as how to prevent it. He uses Theraflu .. and so can you!

Hit Facebook.com/Theraflu and pull down the tab- Fluprint. LIKE the page and trigger the automatic donation of $1 for every like by Theraflu to the non-profit, Families Fighting Flu. Scroll on down for a $1 coupon for your time!

Read through the Facebook page to get tips on how to handle viruses along with the other content.

I loved talking to Nick Cannon. He used to shoot his TV show down by the beach where I used to live. So it was sort of "deja vu" to talk to him and hear how busy he is. It's also interesting to note that he has health issues that require him to take actiion quickly if he feels poorly.

Find Theraflu at your mass merchandise drugstore or supermarket near you!

Thanks to Nick Cannon for all his time. You can track him on www.NickCannon.com

PODCAST with Nick Cannon

Stevie Wilson,

LA-Story.com

DEALS and STEALS

I am required to tell you that I am an "affiliate" with these brands. I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains and great products --and some are very specifically for this site to feature to YOU!

The amount I make has yet to be determined that despite people going to visit the links (and it's in the thousands every month), I have yet to have anyone buy anything from them.

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from: Powered by FeedBurner

If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including podcasts or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a linkback to the specific page & please email the link to [email protected] before the piece goes live.

LA-Story.com, LA-Story Recessionista, Celebrity Stylescope, Celebrity Style Slam Trademark/Copyright: KBP Inc./TNBT Inc 2007-16

LED light devices aren't new in the medical sector. From large devices suitable for medical offices that evolved over time to be more effective and smaller devices in MD offices. After those devices were seen to be so very effective, smaller hand-held...

Back to school is a two-pronged dilemma for parents and caregivers. First, you need to get them revved up, excited and ready to return to class and then organized enough to be successful. When you go to the effort to do this for kids, why not do it for yourself. It won't hurt to have everything for your family organized. If you work, it can only improve your performance. If you are a SAHM, you can use this in volunteer activities and look like a star. It shows great managing your life skills and that translates into dollars no matter how you slice it.

Organizational expert, Holly Bohn, has teamed up with Office Depot to bring you easy, fun, creative new ways to get kids engaged for success. From the latest back to school must haves to keep them organized and on track to fostering excitement in the coming year with creative, stylish new looks to dressing up everything from notebooks to lunch totes… even turn that boring old locker into their very own “locker lounge.”

My interview with organization expert Holly Bohn of SEEJANEWORK.com

Holly Bohn demonstrates great tips and tricks for being organized-- whether it's for a kid or adults!

• Create a “locker lounge”

Help students get excited about school by putting their style stamp on their personal space in creative new ways with unique locker-sized accessories like chandeliers, carpets, and mini magnetic dry erase boards, pencil cups and mirrors.

• Match patterns with personality -

From tie-dye, glitter and chevron folders to die-cut and personalized notebooks with stickers and monograms, the latest styles for organization can not only help get students excited and engaged in back to school shopping, but encourage them to stay organized all year long.

• Lunch in style

Bag the brown bag this year, instead, bring a pop of color to the lunchroom with fashionable lunch totes to not only keep lunch fresh, but fun!

• Create a Homework Home Base

A great way to keep kids focused and organized for school success is carving out a well organized place in the home that’s dedicated just to homework. This is where your student can store school reports, keep a calendar of assignments and activities and focus on academic success.

• Protect Important Papers - Ensure paperwork makes it to and from school by using plastic envelopes to transport and keep then dry and clean.

Holly Bohn is a recognized entrepreneur and expert in retail and fashion trends for work space organization and supplies. She has extensive experience in creating top of the line organizational products with stylish looks to keep people of all ages engaged, organized and successful. Bohn is the founder and creative director of See Jane Work, which offers working women the tools to manage their time efficiently and stay organized. Her work has been seen in more 300 major publications including: The Wall Street Journal, O Magazine, The New York Times, Real Simple, InStyle and Better Homes and Gardens.

Find Holly at

www.seejanework.com

Thank you to Holly Bohn for her great tips, products and ideas!!

Stevie Wilson,

LA-Story.com

DEALS and STEALS

I am required to tell you that I am an "affiliate" with these brands. I curate deals that offer bonuses, bargains and great products --and some are very specifically for this site to feature to YOU!

The amount I make has yet to be determined that despite people going to visit the links (and it's in the thousands every month), I have yet to have anyone buy anything from them.

Choose 1 of 3 FREE Lip Hybrids with any $25 purchase. Code: LIPMINI

Buy $48 of Serge Normant products and receive a free travel sized Meta Silk Shampoo ($9 value) at Beauty.com! Offer ends 4.28.2014 or while supplies last

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