Roller Derby Comes to North Hollywood Park

Once a month, on an unassuming Tuesday night, darkness descends upon NoHo, as a group of brothers bring chaos and terror to our quaint little neighborhood. These brothers are Metalachi, the world's first and only heavy metal - mariachi band. Naturally, I had to find a way to be part of the fun! Skinny's Lounge in NoHo always brings exciting events, shows, and fun to our stretch of Lankershim Blvd. Matthew, the man behind the awesome line-up of events at Skinny's Lounge, gave me the low-down on what their spot is all about. They are really creating a fantastic multi-functional space for every type of performance artist and their audiences. It is also a great place to discover something new, like I did with Metalachi. Seriously, if you have not seen Metalachi yet, don't walk, RUN to their next show because it is way beyond what you expect. Cover bands can be cool, but these guys definitely make every song their own with their amazing musical talents, fantastic personas, and spectacular stage show. Plus, if you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive "Bride El of Cucuy!" For more information Skinny's Lounge, including their jam-packed events calendar, go to www.skinnyslounge.com. To learn more about Metalachi, details on upcoming shows, and their backstory go to www.metalachi.com. Of course, don't forget to connect with Skinny's Lounge and Metalachi on facebook and twitter...because SSG says so! Know of something cool that SSG needs to check out? Have a business or event that you would like me to cover? Let me know! Email me at SassySurvivalGuide@gmail.com Follow me on twitter - @MarielouMandl Subscribe on YouTube - SassySurvivalGuide Like SSG on Facebook! -- http://www.facebook.com/SassySurvivalGuide www.SassySurvivalGuide.com Produced by RuMan Productions http://www.rumanproductions.com Hosted by Marielou Mandl http://www.marieloumandl.com Shot and Edited by John Ruff http://www.jcruffphoto.com Animation by Matt Benzinger http://benzinger.webs.com Original Music by Kevin MacLeod http://www.incompetech.com

Always on the hunt for what is new in NoHo, I found myself at J.E.T. Studios, a multi-faceted art, performance, and casting facility. Judith E, the sassy powerhouse behind J.E.T. Studios, showed me around and gave me some insight on what to expect at this artists playground. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twcU8Bnveow&hd=1 Being an actress herself, there is no mistaking that Judith understands what an artist needs in a space like this. One of the most exciting and unique offeringsat this location is the virtual casting and performance technology, set up so castings and performances can be enjoyed locally, across the nation, or across the planet via live streaming on the internet or saved to be seen at the viewers leisure. She also offers personality slates for actor websites. Different that a monologue or scene, this is a one-minute video that is all about your personality and is uploaded for you to share with the folks that need to get a taste of what you have to offer. If you do have an audition piece that you need to get up quick, J.E.T. Studios is the place to get that done as well. www.theJETstudios.com With such a fantastic location and space, it seems a perfect fit for the new home of NoHo Gallery LA. Their current show, Latin Fusion, showcases eclectic works from NoHo locals and international artists. Dan DeBevoise, curator of NoHo Gallery LA, gave me the low-down on their next show, Art Noir, which opens in early December. You can plan to catch me at the opening reception because this girl loves some good art! www.NoHoGalleryLA.com Know of something cool that SSG needs to check out? Have a business or event that you would like me to cover? Let me know! Email me at SassySurvivalGuide@gmail.com Follow me on twitter - @MarielouMandl Subscribe on YouTube - SassySurvivalGuide Like SSG on Facebook! -- http://www.facebook.com/SassySurvivalGuide www.SassySurvivalGuide.com Produced by RuMan Productions http://www.rumanproductions.com Hosted by Marielou Mandl http://www.marieloumandl.com Shot and Edited by John Ruff http://www.jcruffphoto.com Animation by Matt Benzinger http://benzinger.webs.com Original Music by Kevin MacLeod http://www.incompetech.com

Experience NoHo Arts Festival Nov. 12, 12-8 pm ART, FASHION, MUSIC, THEATRE, DANCE, FOOD For more information go to: ExperienceNoHo.com NoHoArtsDistrict.com Cast Wesley Gunn as Art Isheba Renee as Fashion Hans Sicker as Music Matt Destephano as Theatre Troy Jackson and Ian Longway as Dance Calder Holbrook as Food and Marielou Mandl as Sassy Survival Guide Directed, Shot, and Edited by John Ruff Music by Keven MacLeod - incompetech.com Animation by Matthew Benzinger Special Thanks to Cella Gallery Diezavel Mandl RuMan Productions 2011

www.nohoartsdistrict.com/sassy-survival-guide From time to time, I become mildly obsessive about researching topics and recently it has been nutrition. I stumbled across the notion of a whole food, plant based diet. This intrigued me because it is a way of eating that focuses more on what foods should be included instead what you are supposed to restrict. This led me down the rabbit whole to this world of nutrient focused eating. It turns out that eating this way, my body is amazingly efficient, I can eat as much as I like, and I still get to eat amazing tasting food. I learned this from The Chef and the Dietitian, a cooking show on youtube starring Chef AJ and Julieanna Hever, M.S., R.D., C.P.T. The show focuses on easy and scrumptious whole food, plant based recipes. I watched all of their videos in one day and I just had to know more. Orange Chocolate Mousse Torte with Raspberry Coulis Basic Pie Crust -2 Cups Pitted Dates -2 Cups Raw Nuts Pie Filling -16oz Pitted Dates Soaked in 16oz OJ -12oz Walnuts -½ Cup Raw Cacao Powder -½ Cup Unsweetened Coconut -1 Tbsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract -1 Cup Raw Cacao Nibs Raspberry Coulis -1 Bag Frozen Raspberries, defrosted -Date Paste, to taste If you are enticed by this, let me tell you, there is SO much more! Both of these ladies have wonderful books jam packed with information and more recipes. Unprocessed by Chef AJ The Complete Idiots Guide to Plant Based Nutrition by Julieanna Hever For more information, check out their websites: Chef AJ -- www.eatunprocessed.com Julieanna Hever, M.S., R.D., C.P.T -- www.toyourhealthnutrition.com If you are really ready to jump in, go to Healthy Taste of LA. You can mingle with the big players in the whole food, plant based diet world and learn from folks that have been living this way. www.HealthyTasteofLA.com Know of something cool that SSG needs to check out? Have a business or event that you would like me to cover? Let me know! Email me at SassySurvivalGuide@gmail.com Follow me on twitter - @MarielouMandl Subscribe on YouTube - SassySurvivalGuide Like SSG on Facebook! -- http://www.facebook.com/SassySurvivalGuide www.SassySurvivalGuide.com Produced by RuMan Productions http://www.rumanproductions.com Hosted by Marielou Mandl http://www.marieloumandl.com Shot and Edited by John Ruff http://www.jcruffphoto.com Animation by Matt Benzinger http://benzinger.webs.com Original Music by Kevin MacLeod http://www.incompetech.com

http://nohoartsdistrict.com/sassy-survival-guide.html Do you know your true colors? Jill Kirsh does! She has been featured in many publications including InStyle Magazine and is known as the go to gal for all things color. Her system is designed to personalize and fool proof your color selection, arming you with a skill that will enhance your fabulous self! Jill is sassy, fun, and incredibly knowledgeable on all things color, from clothes to makeup. She will even help you solve the gold or silver dilemma once and for all!! Knowing that there is no better jury that one of your peers, I had a color party with some trusted friends to test out what Jill has to offer. My girls and I had a great time learning, laughing, and reevaluating our previous color choices. No wonder I could never find inspiration in khakis! You could meet with Jill one-on-one, but you learn so much from the reactions of your friends. Plus, if a color is no good for you, Jill can tell you which of your friends it is good for. Hello, clothing swap party! From actors to business professionals, everyday folks to superheroes, this is valuable information for anyone! For more information on Jill Kirsh go to: www.JillKirshColor.com Twitter: @JillKirshColor Facebook: Jill Kirsh Color -- Makeup and Hair Color in Fashion Special Thanks To: Jill Kirsh Nancy Bianconi Jynnette Lewis Chelsea Povall Amy Patrice Golden Kristen Rozanski Alan Ronay Know of something cool that SSG needs to check out? Have a business or event that you would like me to cover? Let me know! Email me at SassySurvivalGuide@gmail.com Follow me on twitter - @MarielouMandl Subscribe on YouTube - SassySurvivalGuide Like SSG on Facebook! -- http://www.facebook.com/SassySurvivalGuide Produced by RuMan Productions Hosted by Marielou Mandl http://www.marieloumandl.com Shot and Edited by John Ruff http://www.jcruffphoto.com Animation by Matt Benzinger http://benzinger.webs.com Original Music by Kevin MacLeod http://www.incompetech.com

Abundant with fantastic galleries, the NoHo Arts District is a safe haven for artists to create and showcase their work. I rediscovered a way to enjoy our neighborhood by checking out the Figure Drawing from Life opening reception at Gallery 800, located in the historic Lankershim Arts Center. This gallery features personal works of members of the Art Directors Guild and is always open to the public (check out www.Gallery800.com for hours). The works featured in this exhibit are from the figure-drawing workshop held at the ADG in Studio City, which I was able to participate in and enjoy despite my artistic skill level. I was even asked to pose for the class. Yes, I was *somehow* able to stay still for 10 minutes. No, I was not brave enough to pose nude. Trying my own hand at figure drawing, I discovered an edgy style of my very own! Now, I'm ready to conquer the art underground. Look for original "Lou!" works taped up in a gallery near you! The Figure Drawing from Life exhibit is scheduled until the end of July. Exhibits change about every 6 weeks so make sure you contact the gallery for the latest details and hours. Gallery 800 www.Gallery800.com 5108 Lankershim Blvd NoHo, CA 91601 gallery800@gmail.com 818-763-8052 Gallery Hours : Thurs-Sat 2:00-8:00pm; Sunday 2:00-6:00pm For information on the figure-drawing workshop at the Art Director's Guild contact Nicki La Rosa 818-762-9995 nicki@artdirectors.org Know of something cool that SSG needs to check out? Have a business or event that you would like me to cover? Let me know! Email me at SassySurvivalGuide@gmail.com Follow me on twitter - @MarielouMandl Subscribe on YouTube - SassySurvivalGuide -AND NOW YOU CAN- Like SSG on Facebook! -- http://www.facebook.com/SassySurvivalGuide Produced by RuMan Productions and www.NoHoArtsDistrict.com Hosted by Marielou Mandl http://www.marieloumandl.com Shot and Edited by John Ruff http://www.jcruffphoto.com Animation by Matt Benzinger http://benzinger.webs.com Original Music by Kevin MacLeod http://www.incompetech.com

Once in a while you have to step out in style and you don't have to leave NoHo to doit. The Federal Bar hosts anenchanting evening of glitz and glamour staring The De'Lish DamesBurlesque! This is an event wheredressing for the occasion is encouraged and embraced. This venue, with its old school vibe, creates a fantasticsetting while the De'Lish Dames entertain along side a delightful 12-piece bigband, The Urban Renewal Project (www.urpmusic.com). This event also featured guest singer,Jessie Payo, who performed a titillating rendition of "Gee Baby, Ain't I Goodto You." In true SSG fashion, I had to get in on the action! I was able to meet with the dames themselves: Miss Layla,Mia Bella, Delilah Lyn, Bonnie BlueBelle, and Ava "Boom Boom" Capone. After inviting myself to join theirtroupe, I hung out with them at their rehearsal space, West Adams Studios (www.westadamsstudios.com), where headdame, Ava "Boom Boom" Capone (Michelle Pagano) taught me a number before thegirls helped me complete the transformation into my Sassy burlesque alter-ego,Felina Fatale. Now, I'm ready totake to the stage because this girl has some hot new moves! The De'Lish Dames will be performing in NoHo again at The Federal Bar on June 22nd. This time, it is a MasqueradeBall, so you can expect a night of sexy mystery. Don't forget your mask! Know of something cool that SSG needs to check out? Have a business or event that you would like me tocover? Let me know! Email me at SassySurvivalGuide@gmail.com Follow me on twitter - @MarielouMandl Subscribe on YouTube - SassySurvivalGuide Producedby RuMan Productions and www.NoHoArtsDistrict.com Hostedby Marielou Mandl http://www.marieloumandl.com Shotand Edited by John Ruff http://www.jcruffphoto.com Animationby Matt Benzinger http://benzinger.webs.com OriginalMusic by KevinMacLeod http://www.incompetech.com SSGw/De'Lish Dames segment featured the songs: MyDrag -- Squrelle Nut Zippers and The Stripper -- David Rose Orchestra

Classic establishment, Phil's Diner, gets new life in the heart of the NoHo ArtsDistrict. This cute cozy dining car has been updated and upgraded with a take out window expansion and sustainable overhaul. With its fantastic location on Lankershim Boulevard and adorable pink retro sign, it is hard to pass up a chance to sample their delectable diner dishes. Their menu offers a little bit of everything including beer and wine. I sat down with Malissa Hallenbeck, owner of Phil's Diner Fresh-n-Fast, to learn about the restaurants history and future. She assured me that the 85 year old establishment wasn't haunted, but our footage may prove otherwise. Check it out and see for yourself! What do you think of the new and improved Phil's Diner? Phil's Diner Fresh-n-Fast 5230 Lankershim Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91601 www.PhilsDinerNoHo.com Kno wof something cool that SSG needs to check out? Have a business or event that you would like me to cover? Let me know! Emai lme at SassySurvivalGuide@gmail.com Follow me on twitter - @MarielouMandl Subscribe on YouTube -SassySurvivalGuide Produced by RuMan Productions and www.NoHoArtsDistrict.com Hosted by Marielou Mandl http://www.marieloumandl.com Shot and Edited by John Ruff http://www.jcruffphoto.com Animation by Matt Benzinger http://benzinger.webs.com Original Music by Kevin MacLeod http://www.incompetech.com

There is nothing like exploring the neighborhood and stumbling upon a congregation of fun food trucks. Finding a culinary oasis can sometimes be a difficult task, but your Sassy Survival Guide has found a solution. Every second Saturday of the month from 12pm -- 4 pm, The Federal Bar will help you Get Fed. This monthly event features surprise trucks, bands, DJs, and even some dancing if you're not shy. I was lucky enough to get the inside scoop on Get Fed and talk with some of the folks that run the show. Mong Skillman of Mandoline Grill chatted with me about organizing the event and what succulent treats her truck has to offer. Ed Levy, General Manager of The Federal, told me about which dishes were catching his eye that day. Matt Chernus and Ryan Harkins of theGrill 'Em All Truck challenged me to say The Behemoth, their signature burger,10 times fast! If you haven't made it yet, make sure you check it out this month and let me know what you had,because this girl loves a good suggestion. Want to keep up with Get Fed, The Federal Bar, and your favorite food trucks? Follow them on twitter for the latest updates. Comment below with the trucks that you like to follow... epicurean stalkers. www.TheFederalBar.com @TheFederalBar www.MandolineGrill.com @MandolineGrill www.GrillemAllTruck.com @GrillEmAllTruck Know of something cool that Sassy Girl needs to check out? Have a business or event that you would like me tocover? Let me know! Email me at SassySurvivalGuide@gmail.com Follow me on twitter - @MarielouMandl Subscribe on YouTube -SassySurvivalGuide Produced by RuMan Productions and www.NoHoArtsDistrict.com Hosted by Marielou Mandl http://www.marieloumandl.com Shot and Edited by John Ruff http://www.jcruffphoto.com Animation by Matt Benzinger http://benzinger.webs.com Original Music by Kevin MacLeod http://www.incompetech.com

Sassy Girl guides you to all the hot spots in NoHo. Get an insider's look at Get Fed @ The Federal Bar, NoHo Food Truck Festival, XMA, Gallery 800, Millennium Dance Studio, My Dream Closet, NoHo BID, and MORE! www.NoHoArtsDistrict.com Shot by John Ruff - RuMan Productions Original music by Kevin MacLeod www.incompetech.com

http://nohoartsdistrict.com/sassy-survival-guide.html Whether you are a food truck newbie or seasoned foodie, attending the NoHo Rockin' Food Truck Festival is an absolute must! This fantastic event has a little something for everyone and it happens every few months right here in our neighborhood. It is such a great way to spend the day snacking on a wide array of cuisines, shopping some local crafty businesses, and enjoying some eclectic entertainment. Plus, you shouldn't be surprised if you run into a few of your NoHo friends like I did! The folks in charge of the NoHo Rockin' Food Truck Fest love animals and the June festival benefited HopeForPaws.org. This wonderful organization tirelessly rescues animals and works to find them good homes. Some of their animals are world famous, like my new buddy Ace! Make sure you check out all of the crafty vendors! One that caught my eye was the cute, handmade, one of a kind feather accessories by a fellow sassy gal, Chablee (www.chablee.com). You can see me rocking one of her fantastic hair clips in the video. The next big event to keep an eye out for is "The NoHo Taco Cook-Off" on Sept 24th. You still have a chance to apply to be one of the twenty contestants that will be chosen to compete for some fantastic prizes!!!! For details go to www.nohofoodtruckfest.com Twitter - @NHFoodTruckFest Know of something cool that SSG needs to check out? Have a business or event that you would like me to cover? Let me know! Email me at SassySurvivalGuide@gmail.com Follow me on twitter - @MarielouMandl Subscribe on YouTube - SassySurvivalGuide -AND NOW YOU CAN- Like SSG on Facebook! -- http://www.facebook.com/SassySurvivalGuide Produced by RuMan Production http://www.rumanproductions.com Hosted by Marielou Mandl http://www.marieloumandl.com Shot and Edited by John Ruff http://www.jcruffphoto.com Animation by Matt Benzinger http://benzinger.webs.com Original Music by Kevin MacLeod http://www.incompetech.com Filipino Folk Song -- Itik Itik