Entertainment
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Being an Actor, the Raw Truth Behind the Hollywood Glamour
Story by Irina Abraham Hollywood is on strike, they say. Having worked as an actor for years and having been a part of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA,) I’m having a hard time with this statement. It assumes that all actors are Hollywood actors, but the truth is a lot of us have never been close to Hollywood studios. I spent over a decade in New York City working in TV, film, and theatre, and there is very little Hollywood glamor in my memories. Have I missed something? I decided to go to my former colleagues who are currently working actors in New York City, and ask what the life…
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Four-Diamond Loews Philadelphia Hotel Welcomes Guests Like Family
Whoa, Loews! You had me at HELLO … and that Charcuterie Board. Family, indeed. “Whether anybody was home meant everything to a house. It was more than a major fact: it was the only fact … The family was the house’s soul.” — Jonathan Franzen Story, photos by Sharon Kozden It didn’t take me long to discover that The Loews Family at Loews Philadelphia Hotel meant what they said when they said I’d be welcomed like family. In July 2020, the luxury hospitality company introduced “a fresh brand position which defines Loews as more than simply a collection of hotels, but a brand deeply rooted in welcoming and caring for…
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Fly to Puerto Vallarta Airport and Explore Nayarit, Mexico
Story, photos, video by Cassie Hepler Flying on an early morning flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor, Arizona to Puerto Vallarta Airport went pretty smoothly with a hosted American Airlines aisle seat. Mind you, international flights call for a two hour arrival buffer time although it makes no sense as you can check in online and just find your gate fast especially with TSA pre-check but airlines haven’t caught up yet I guess. Also, try not to check your luggage. You really don’t need all that stuff you packed, trust me. I’ll make a basic bitch carry on travel bag blog post soon, I promise. Much like the Cabo San Lucas…
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Really Get to Know Your Destination Like a Local
Image from Pexels – CC0 License As an outsider, you’re never exactly going to see any of the places you visit exactly as a local does. You’ll always have a slightly different perspective, even if you decide to live there for a while. But just because you can’t go back in time and choose to grow up there, it doesn’t mean you can’t try to experience it like a local. You can get close to seeing things how the locals do, even if you’ll never have the exact same experience as them. And there are some fun ways you can open up your world to see it from their perspective.…
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Elvis is Alive at Wild West Town Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler Mosey on up North in Arizona to the Wild West town of Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood, Arizona for an evening of fun, fantasy and food! We met this fun crew at the Verde Valley Wine Festival and liked their kind of weird. Then we found out Elvis was coming to town and it was on like Donkey Kong! And even better yet, they are adding on overnight stays in the covered wagons on this plush green property starting this fall so you can be completely immersed in nature and those funky Western vibes. Just a 20 minute drive from Sedona, the Blazin’ M Ranch…
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Explore Turquoise Bay Dive and Beach Resort in Roatán, Honduras
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler My perfect vacation includes a day of rest followed by a day of adventure, rinse and repeat. I learned this many years ago when I took myself to the Dominican Republic that rhythm makes me the happiest and most fulfilled after a trip so I can rest but also fully immerse myself in the culture. It’s important to know what brings you joy on vacation so you come back refreshed and not burned out! You know, the dreaded I need a vacation after my vacation vibes. So after a fun adventure day of exploring Costa Maya, Mexico, I was super excited to spend a day…
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Pennsylvania SPCA Gives Something to Bark About at 10th Annual Bark & Whine Gala
Beautiful gala program design befits a decade’s worth of honoring advocacy. Story, photos by Sharon Kozden “… Home … and further joy will be surely there: Supper waiting full of the taste of bone. You throw up your nose again, and sniff, and stare For the rapture known Of the quick wild gorge of food and the still lie-down While your people talk above you in the light.” Of candles, and your dreams will merge and drown Into the bed-delicious hours of night.” — From “Dog” by Harold Monro Reading the above excerpt from Harold Monro’s poem brings me closer to understanding a dog’s life. The power of the written…
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Explore Chacchoben Ruins and Blue Lagoon in Costa Maya, Mexico
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler When I was planning which cruise to take with Princess Cruises, I was obsessed with the 10 day cruise from Galveston, Texas because it included the Cayman Islands and Belize. As part of the press trip package, we were limited to 7 days so I chose the one that included Costa Maya which borders Belize and shares the same reef territory, great for snorkeling and diving. Costa Maya is also free from high rise chain hotels leaving its lagoons, archaeological gems and coastline free from clutter. And the 7 day cruise still stopped to see Roatan, Honduras so most bucket list items were checked off.…
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Cruising from Galveston, Texas with Princess Cruises
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler We had been discussing this press trip for well over a year, deep into the peak of the pandemic where cruise ships were still requiring masks and proof of vaccine before boarding. I am unvaxxed (and DGAF if you are or not, your body your choice) and thought it odd to not just test everyone before boarding as well as the staff on board at each port. To me that seemed like the best way to screen folks – and still does to be honest. So when they lifted all the restrictions, I was ready and raring to go – especially with this very oddly…
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Escape to a Slice of Heaven in Catalina Island, California
Story, photos by Cassie Hepler (unless otherwise noted), I’ve officially dubbed Santa Catalina Island California’s mini Hawaii, minus the natives and hefty price tag. It has that same laid back, relaxing yet magical vibe. Situated 22 miles southwest from Los Angeles, CA, it feels like another world away as it is only accessible by boat. Our transportation choice was the Catalina Express, which offers three ports to choose from: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Long Beach was closest for me driving in the day before from Phoenix but others are just as well. With up to 30 departures a day, it’s a no brainer to take this vessel…
