You know that day-after-Christmas feeling you get when you realize that you are as far away as possible from the next Christmas? It’s the day the waiting begins all over again. Well, this past Monday was my day to feel that way: the day after the Oscars. Now, for most people, the Oscars is an event they are aware about and maybe even make a point to watch, but for me it’s the most exciting day of year.

Throughout the year, I keep track of every thought, whisper or comment about who might be up for consideration. In January, I sit anxiously through the Golden Globes (a frequent Oscar predictor) for clues about who’s hot and who’s not. When the list of nominees is announced, I digest each name and analyze odds. I attempt to see each of the films nominated for Best Picture (although, with ten films to see now, that is becoming more difficult). The week before, I make my final predictions. Then, I watch with excitement as the Oscar Week activities unfold. Finally, after months of anticipation, Oscar Day arrives.

The show itself always unfolds the same way: they start with some good ones to get you interested, move on to some minor awards, add in a few montages, pause to remember those we lost and end with the Big Four-Actor, Actress, Director and Film. This year was no different, but I must note the added tribute to John Hughes was a highlight for me. The day after the Oscars brings hours of coverage about the winners, the gowns, the speeches and the after-parties. For me, it also brings a slight feeling of sadness that it’s over until next year. Once the coverage dies down, I begin to think about the new batch of films next year will bring and the excitement starts to build all over again. And that’s a wrap.

After appearing on the pages of high-profile fashion magazines, styling numerous celebrities and red carpet events, and seeing tremendous success from their Hillcrest location, Jet Rhys decided to expand their reach throughout San Diego.  Following months of preparation and anticipation, Jet Rhys opened its doors in Solana Beach, bringing its expert styling services and hair connoisseurs to North County.

Zenzi was tasked with helping Jet Rhys plan their grand opening party, which saw an incredible turnout last week.  Members of the community, media friends, and representatives from neighboring business came out to show their support and receive luxurious Fig Soufflé deep conditioning treatments from L’Oreal Professionnel.  The entire Jet Rhys staff was in attendance to administer the treatments and give guests an A-list look with an expert blow out.

Amidst the mingling and styling, guests enjoyed delectable eats such as Ahi Escabeche and Lobster Dumplings from Pacific Coast Grill, Cupcake Love’s Red Velvet, Coconut Cream, and German Chocolate “Love Bites,” as well as fine wines and prosecco from Montesquieu Winery.  Yum!

The new Jet Rhys salon features 2,800 square feet of architecturally inspiring space including five coloring stations, ten cutting and styling stations, a private waxing suite and flat screen TV’s showcasing the latest runway fashions.

Every guest left the party looking like a superstar thanks to the highly skilled Jet Rhys team, and Zenzi has yet another successful launch under our belt.  Thank you to everyone who came out to show their support!

It happens every Olympics, I don’t think I will get involved, no way am I getting sucked in but then…

I am sitting on the edge of my sofa holding my breath as Apollo skates hoping he will medal, again and again. I am cheering like a mad woman for Shaun White as he throws himself into gravity defying stunts on the snowboard half pike. I watched ice skating and the ski jumping and something ominously called Skeleton. I couldn’t help myself, I learned about curling and realized I weirdly cared about the outcome of US vs. Canada in men’s ice hockey. The triumphs, the defeat, the overcoming of odds, the stories, the glory the U.S. pride. Yep, NBC sucked me right in and then they cut me off. Cold Turkey. Olympics and then SEINFELD? I am not sure I will ever forgive them. I was in it to win it, there for the bitter end…just not the 11:30 pm bitter end as I am a working mother, Hello?!!! Read more…

Evaluating the value of social media

By Dean Calbreath, UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Over the past several years, companies have increasingly spent their advertising and marketing dollars on search engines such as Google or Yahoo and social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

But how much business do they actually bring into a company? And how can companies improve their online presence to generate more sales?

Those questions have dominated the Online Marketing Summit, a four-day conference concluding today at Paradise Point Resort in Mission Bay.

“What’s working in social media is that it’s a great way to engage your customers and have a real dialogue with them,” said Thad Kahlow, chief executive of Business OnLine, a San Diego firm concentrating on Web-based marketing. “What’s not working is the drive to know how much return they’re getting on their investment.” Read on!

Bringing in an average of 106.5 million viewers, Super Bowl XLIV became the most watched TV program in history, beating out the long-time record holder M.A.S.H finale. Each year, the Super Bowl serves as the advertising catalyst for some of the biggest names in consumer products. Companies shell out millions to ensure their names are seen by millions. This year, there were lots of familiar faces, such as Doritos and Go Daddy, and a few noticeably absent names, like Pepsi and Priceline. While some companies got exactly what they wanted, a unique, witty commercial that gets people talking, others fell a bit short of their goal. Check them out!
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