PINCKNEY ENTERTAINMENT

December 6, 2011

I’m back! In a town where the only thing you can truly count on is the fact that NOTHING is as it seems, I would like to (as always) attempt full disclosure. “Southern Belle in Beverly Hills” is no longer literal. From this moment forward, unless otherwise specified, “Beverly Hills” will be a metaphor for the opulence of La La Land. This down home diva has left the city limits of Beverly Hills for the beach lifestyle. I’m actually closer to the “Beverly Hills” lifestyle now… the one that America imagines than I was before, literally.  Everyday I see the house that Donna and Kelly lived in post high school on the teen drama Beverly Hills 90210. Stop gasping! You didn’t really think there were beaches in BH did you?

Why didn’t I do this sooner?!?! Everyday is a beach staycation. It only makes sense after spending my childhood in a beach city and even living off the Gulf of Mexico in Florida that I feel the most relaxed and at home in a beach community. I swear serotonin levels are higher near the salt water. Nobody is in a bad mood at the beach. “The Girl Cave” as my roommates and I affectionately call our humble abode is in one of the most desirable areas of Los Angeles right on The Strand. For my East Coast peeps, The Strand is the equivalent to a concrete boardwalk. (Does it make me sound country that I found it necessary to say that it is concrete or that I used the word country to describe a person?) People actually walk (ride bikes, skateboard, run, play volleyball and surf) in this small town that happens to be in Los Angeles County. As a matter of fact, I went bike riding (at night no less) for the first time since my sophomore year in high school shortly after moving to the South Bay.

In one direction down The Strand is the slightly older, slightly more mature Manhattan Beach Boulevard complete with a pier, restaurants, bars and shops. Fine dining mixed in with the dive bars, there is truly something for every taste and price range.  Here, affluent people enjoy freebies and saving money. Perhaps, that is why they have so much money. In the other direction down The Strand is the Hermosa Beach Pier aka Pier Avenue. There, you will find the slightly younger, slightly wilder party types any day of the week. (http://www.pubclub.com/losangeles/southbaybars.htm) There is a Baja Sharkeez in both Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. They deserve a shout by name because they are what I call a “unicorn.” You know as a kid you knew they were mythical and didn’t really exist, but you wished they did.  Well, for $4.50 you can have a home cooked big breakfast every Saturday and Sunday consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes or French toast and hash browns as well as bottomless mimosas if you choose. They also have the biggest sporting events on the many plasmas throughout. It is a great place to go for breakfast…. and stay for dinner. (http://www.sharkeez.net/hermosa-beach)

Speaking of unicorns, I have met some of the single male variety since living here. I mean really! Can you imagine an athletic, creative, artistic, near genius, manly man musician, 6’3, numbers guy who likes showing affection? Neither could I, but he exists and I met him (and others like him) in the South Bay.

My only question now is where do people who live on the amazing Pacific Ocean go for vacation. I can’t wait to pull back the curtain and be your proverbial fly on the wall from my new “Girl Cave” location. Get Ready!!!!

Coming Soon!

Barbie Rocks Pink Carpet Penthouse party on Rodeo Drive

August 16, 2011

“Go Susan it’s yo’ birthday, gonna party like it’s yo’ birthday…” I love birthdays, but what do you do if you celebrated with friends over the weekend and your actual birthday falls on a weekday? I still want to celebrate! After all, it is the anniversary of your official and biggest debut… that’s cause for a celebration.  This year, in between birthday weekend celebrations, on my actual birthday when all my friends were busy at work and tending to their real lives, I had an amazing party of one that was practically free! As a bargain hunting recessionista, I am on just about everybody’s email list to receive coupons and the like. This year, I took special note of the posted birthday discounts.  I was surprised at just how many things are free or nearly free on your birthday.  My first instinct was to take advantage of the free round trip Catalina Island ferry ride (http://www.catalinaexpress.com/birthday_promo.php)  but as beautiful as the island is I didn’t want to be stuck on an island by myself on my birthday.  Instead, I continued with the beach theme and after my free IHOP breakfast, I headed over to my beach house. By “my beach house,” I mean our beach house, the Annenberg Community Beach House at Santa Monica State Beach. (http://beachhouse.smgov.net/)  It is a lovely place to spend the day poolside by the beach.  For the history buffs, this was the original love shack. William Randolph Hearst built the resort for his mistress, Marion Davies.  The walls are decorated with photographs of Hollywood’s elite playing in the beachside abode. In addition to the main building, “The Guest House” which along with the pool was restored to its original splendor is also open to the public.  The original architect, Julia Morgan, designed the beach house and Hearst Castle using similar designs and materials.  I love it because it’s virtually a free country club with free Wi-Fi, umbrellas and tables. It’s an amazing place to get some work done or just chill. You are welcome to bring picnic baskets with everything except alcohol. If you want to take a dip in the heated pool, there is a small fee. On Mondays the fee is even smaller at $1. After, catching some rays, checking email and enjoying a day at the beach house, I headed home for a shower and skirted just 1.6 miles over to Westfield Century City Mall. Once at the mall, I encountered my first glitch of the day. I was starving for my standard to judge all other restaurant burgers… the free Fuddruckers Birthday Burger.   Earlier in the day I called ahead to verify they participated in the program. When I reached the counter in the food court, the young lady informed me that despite the fact that I had a license proving it was indeed my birthday and the welcome email from the “Fudd Club,” I needed the birthday burger coupon which never made it to my email. Of course I was disappointed, but I just requested the contact info for management. (FYI- the district manager couldn’t have been any nicer or more accommodating. He mailed me the value of the coupon along with an apology for the experience. I will always love Fuddruckers.) The trip to Century City Mall wasn’t a complete bust. Since the Bebe store on Rodeo Drive doesn’t sell sale merchandise, I wanted to redeem my $10 Bebe Club Birthday gift certificate at the mall location.  Immediately I spotted the sale accessories.  My Bebe birthday gift to myself was a stack of seven rhinestone and silvertone bracelets regularly about $40 on sale for $13.99 which meant I paid $4.34 including tax.  By this time, my stomach was growling and I decided on an early dinner.  I headed to The Lobster on the Santa Monica Beach Pier with a $20 birthday gift certificate in hand. Yes, this is the same restaurant where Khloe and Lamar hosted their rehearsal dinner on Keeping Up With The Kardashians.  As I took my seat with the perfect view of the ocean, I took advantage of the happy hour and ordered a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to pair with my Pan Roasted Catalina White Seabass which was simply exquisite. (http://www.thelobster.com/lobster-menu/lobster-dinner-menu/finfish_other.html) The service was amazing and to date it is the best seafood dish I have had since moving to Los Angeles.  After dinner, I still wasn’t ready to let go of the idea of my birthday so I headed to Baskin Robbins for a free scoop of ice cream in honor of the day. I had a coffee mocha nutty variety that was the perfect finale to a great day.

Restaurants with Birthday Freebies

(Call ahead/ check the website to get details)

ALFY'S PIZZA - free mini pizza
ALL-AMERICAN CAFE - free dessert
APPLEBEES - free dessert
AUSTIN GRILL - Register First - free meal
BAKERS SQUARE - free pie
BANDIDO'S - free entree
BANJARA INDIAN CUISINE - free meal
BASKIN ROBBINS - free ice cream treat
BEACHES RESTAURANT - free meal
BENIHANA'S JAPANESE RESTAURANT - free dinner WITH 3 other paying guests ( Verify first with your local )
BENNIGANS - free dessert + song
BERN'S - free meal
BILL KNAPP'S - gives adults a % discount equal to age; plus a free bday cake (w/purchase of a meal) during the week of your B-day
BLACK BRISKEE - free meal
BOB'S BIG BOY - free hot fudge ice cream
BRUSTER'S - free waffle cone on your birthday 
BURGER KING - free kids meal to all kids club members
CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN - Register First - free kids meal during the month of their birthday
CAPTAIN D'S BIRTHDAY CLUB - free two-piece meal at sign-up and once a year on your birthday
CAPTAIN DIZZY'S CAR WASH - free car wash
CARROWS - free cake
CATTLEMEN'S - free dessert and cowboy hat
CHARLIE BROWNS RESTAURANTS - free meal for "Handshake Club" members
CHARLIE'S SEAFOOD - free meal
CHEVY'S - free dessert and sombrero
CHILI'S - free desert on your birthday
CHIPS N GIGGLES - free meal
CLAIM JUMPER - Free Dessert
CROWN THEATRES - Buy One Movie Ticket, Get One Free
CRAZY BUFFET - free meal
DAVE AND BUSTERS - $5 game card credit
DENNY'S - free meal (said to be only kids under 10 now)
DESPARADOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT - free meal
DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT - free meal
DUKE'S CHOWDER HOUSE - b1g1 coupons (register first). FREE dinner for your birthday!
EL CHICOS - free dessert
ERNIE'S STEAKHOUSE - free meal
FAMOUS DAVE'S BARBEQUE - free meal (w/advance signup)
FIREHOUSE SUBS - free sub (must sign up for birthday club)
FUDDRUCKERS - free burger
FUNNY BONE COMEDY CLUB - free cake (party of 5 min.; 2 drink min.)
GRILLFISH - free meal
HANA JAPAN - free meal
HARD ROCK CAFE - free dessert
HOMETOWN BUFFET - free birthday cake
HOULIHAN'S RESTAURANT - free entree
HOLLYWOOD VIDEO - one free video rental
HOOTERS - free song + tshirt
HOSS'S STEAK HOUSE AND RESTAURANT - free cake + song
IHOP- Register first- free meal on birthday and the day you register
JOE'S CRAB SHACK - free cake
JT WHEATFIELDS - free coupon in phone book
KING BUFFET - free meal
LADONNA - free meal
LOMBARDI'S IN BALLARD - Register First - free meal w/another during month of birthday
LOTUS - free meal
LUTHERS BBQ - free stuff (varies) for "Great Rewards" members
MACARONI GRILL - free dessert + OPERA-style "Happy birthday" song
MAGGIANOS - $10 Off purchase of $20 (sign up in advance)
MARIE CALENDERS - free dessert
MAX AND ERMA - free $5 dessert
MEXICAN VILLAGE - free meal
MOONIES DINER - free meal
MUCKLESHOOT CASINO - free sushi dinner + player's club points
NEWICK'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS - free entree
NITTY GRITTY - free drink + souvenir glass
OKAYAMA RESTAURANT - free meal
OLD SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE - free meal
ONAMI - free dinner WITH 3 other people paying
OUTBACK Steakhouse - free dessert + song
PANCAKE HOUSE - free entree
PAPPA'S RESTAURANTS - free dessert
PARADISO'S - free meal
PERKIN'S - free stack of pancakes
PF CHANGS - free cake or cheesecake
PIZZA EXPRESS - free meal
PONCHO'S - free meal, dessert & picture
PROVINO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - free $10.99 meal and ice cream dessert
Radisson - free entree in their 12th floor restaurant
REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY - free meal and dessert
RED ROBINS - Register First - free burger coupon / discount coupon
RICE & COMPANY - free meal for Robinson Rewards Club members
ROCK BOTTOM - free appetizer for Mug Club members
ROUND TABLE - free personal pizza

RUBY TUESDAY - free burger and fries (must sign up for their newsletter to receive this offer)

SCALINI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT - up to 10.95 off pasta specialties
SHEPARD'S BUFFET - free dinner buffet w/3 other paid customers
STEAK AND ALE - free mini choco cake
STEAK-N-SHAKE - free dinner for "birthday club" kids
TGI FRIDAYS - Free birthday Dessert
THE 99 - free meal
THE BARNSIDER'S/DEPOT RESTAURANTS - 1/2 off meal + cake & song
THE LOFT - free meal
THE PALM - 3lb lobster (must be a member/register first)
THE PARADISO - free entree + sombrero & song
THE VINE TAVERN - free meal
TODAI SEAFOOD BUFFET - Free Meal or voucher for Meal Next Visit
TONY ROMA'S - free dessert, free meal
UP THE CREEK - free meal and dessert
VACCARO'S ITALIAN PASTRY SHOP - free dessert and drink
WENDY'S - free kids meal to all kids club members
Z' TEJAS - Register First - $15 coupon for the month of your birthday
ZIO'S - free dessert mini pizza

July 9, 2011

Choosing my topic for the first entry of this blog was much harder than I anticipated.  Personally, I like reading things that have at least a small take away. Topics that I mulled over but will save for later dates included Dodgers baseball, getting the look for less, Goodwill finds (yes, I said Goodwill), living the good life on a budget, restaurant style meals at home, theme party planning and current events. Instead, I decided to jump in with both feet allowing myself to be vulnerable with you. As a smart, proud, strong and independent woman I find great difficulty in sharing how I momentarily allowed other people's opinions of me to change my behavior. 

Where I come from, there is usually one house on several acres not several houses on one acre. From my apartment to the coffee shop is a shorter distance than my family’s front door to the mailbox. If I have an errand that is less than four blocks away, I will walk to my destination. (Stay with me East Coast readers, people in L.A. valet at the grocery store.)  Furthermore, I enjoy window shopping on Rodeo so I know what styles to buy from Forever 21 (sort of kidding). Must I go into the importance of exercise?  By now we all know as a minimum we should be exercising at least three times a week for 30 minutes at a time.  That’s a minimum. I rarely ever get close to the three times a week even with the walking, so when I have an opportunity to keep my car parked and run to the bank or post office, I do. I’m an observant person and I take cues well.  For some time now, I have noticed the odd ball looks that people give me when I am on foot.  At first, I thought it was the fact that I smiled and said “hello” to my fellow pedestrians.  I received enough dirty looks that I eventually just saved the hellos for the senior ladies walking their dogs. Once I eliminated the eye contact and the warm greetings the dirty looks continued.  I was perplexed but continued life as usual.  After a while, I started hearing brazen comments.  Southern women may appear dignified and charming on the outside, but there is a whole other ballgame going on inside.  Haven’t you ever seen COPS?  Once a clerk said to another clerk at the Rite Aid on Canon “she walked all the way here for that?” “That” happened to be store brand midol, sports drinks and dark chocolate. First of all, that day I drove the four blocks. Second, any female over the age of fourteen recognizes that combination. I would like to say to that clerk in Rite Aid, never antagonize a woman with Dysmenorrhea. You are lucky that I convinced myself that PMS is not a good enough defense for acting out in a store not even for a first offender.  Another comment that I heard came from a woman who lives in the building next to me.  Now she is the one who walked outside in her underwear one morning when their power went out.   When she made her comment, I was wearing jeans and a T-shirt checking my mailbox and a guy drove by and blew his horn and pointed at me.  Before I had time to close the mailbox and go back inside my building the woman said “yeah SHE’S my neighbor” sounding like she was talking about Medusa or some other mythical creature.  With that, I could no longer pretend that these bullies hadn’t created some fantasy about me that wasn’t nice.  I am a Christian who does my best to follow God’s law as written in the Bible.  Yes, I am human and yes, I joked about wanting to “act a fool” in Rite Aid, but what they were insinuating was hideous. The last time I was in Virginia, I was sitting on Mother’s porch with her White twenty something year old neighbor originally from New York. She told me how she saw a man with a confederate flag bumper sticker earlier that day (par for the course in the South).  She was still angry about it. She asked if it bothered me to see people with confederate flags on their cars and homes.  I told her “no.”  I went on to explain that I would rather know who I am dealing with versus someone who has those same ideas about Blacks but hides it. A Black woman walking in Beverly Hills is NOT a street walker, criminal or even shady.  For that matter, a Black man in a flashy car spending money is NOT a drug dealer.  Come on people; I thought we learned this in the 90’s. I hate that it comes down to race once again in 2011.  If my White counterparts who also walk and shop at Whole Foods are just considered “green” but I am a menace to society, then it is clearly racial. Speaking of, can I point out that this is the town that claims to be so healthy and so involved in protecting the environment, but they are giving a hard time to someone who practices what they preach…just saying.  I found myself slowly changing my habits and conforming.  I walked less even driving to the bank three blocks away. When I did walk, I walked with a freshly washed face (no make-up) and I felt self-conscious as I did it. So like the campaign says, “it gets better.”  One day I realized that I was letting THEIR hang ups and insecurities break me.  I was not about to let that happen! I am sparkly, outgoing and happy. That’s who I am and I adore me.  Later that day, I wrote a post card (just because), put a stamp on it and walked it three blocks to the post office looking like a cross between a Black Sofia Vergara and a mini Kimora on the runway in my turquoise sundress. I smiled and said “hello” at will.  Okay maybe I over did it a little, but I took my power back. As I was leaving my building, one of my neighbors saw me and gave me a dirty look. I gave it right back to her.  To those people who read this and recognize yourself as being one of the judgmental bullies I describe, there is a saying we have in the South for you. Bless your heart! 

(Matthew 7:1-3 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”)