BAR REFAELI: LIFE ITSELF IS THE MOST WONDERFUL FAIRY TALE - HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSON

This is so much more than a beautiful face. This 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model BAR REFAELI is so much more inside than she is outside.

She is the spokesperson for Luisa Cerano, been in ELLE (France),Maxim and GQ Italy. She is the spokesperson of Hurley, Diddy cologne and Garnier International. Bar and director Shahar Segal have done a campaign for free under "One Bag Less" to reduce plastic bag use.

Bar volunteers for "Project Sunshine" which provides free services and programs for children facing life threatening illnesses.

Here, she answers GS&E'S beauty questions EXCLUSIVELY:

GS&E: What is a daily beauty ritual you have been doing forever?

BR: I always clean my face every morning and before bed. Drink as much as possible. I am not a fan of beauty cream, but I believe in the power of water. And the only cream beauty products that I use only AHAVA Essential Dead Sea Treatment (brand from Israel). Fragrance is so natural and very good for the skin.

GS&E: What inspires you that is beauty related?

BR: Everything in my life always inspires me. My family, people who were all around me, things that I experienced.

GS&E: It is obvious your internal beauty also makes you so gorgeous...what motto do you live by?

BR: For me inner beauty is more important than the physical. Be thankful for what you have, you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you'll never ever have enough.

What a treat to hear these tips from such a special and beautiful person...and I am googling AHAVA in hopes of international shipping!!

XOXOX

DINA MANZO: "HOW MANY CARES ONE LOSES WHEN ONE DECIDES NOT TO BE SOMETHING, BUT TO BE SOMEONE" COCO CHANEL

Dina Manzo is the epitome of everything GS&E stands for: beauty, ambition, class, grace and compassion. The first thing we (and she) wants you to know about her is her dedication to Project Ladybug, the non-profit organization she founded and tirelessly nurtures on a daily basis. She is an original cast member on THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY but chose to leave mid-season last year which shows where her heart is. She is about funding and giving back to children with cancer across the country and not about being a TV star. Little did she foresee, she is a fan favorite for not just her inspiring heart, but her glowing beauty, unexpected hilarity and her admirable dignity.




Here we share exclusive beauty questions and answers with the truly beautiful DINA MANZO:


WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EVERYDAY MAKE-UP ITEM THAT YOU CAN NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

Cle de Peau concealer....

WHAT IS BEAUTIFUL THAT INSPIRES YOU?

Nature...

WHAT IS A BEAUTY SECRET OF YOURS?

Being happy...

WHERE IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN?

For me, it's the sunset over the bay in Sag Harbor...

WHAT IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK YOU HAVE EVER READ?

"The Power of Now" changed my life four years ago in the most beautiful way...


Dina is also an unbelievable interior designer by running a successful event planning business called Designer Affair, which is soon to be shared in her own lifestyle collection. She doesn't just write a check for her foundation, she also has personal relationships to the children she is working hard to make happy in their dark days. She is a mother, a devoted wife, a tireless business woman, friend and supporter of countless children living with cancer. She also finds time to rescue animals who may have a hard time being adopted or rescued for various reasons. There are not a lot like her in this world. Quelle inspiration!

www.projectladybug.org

www.designeraffair.com

xoxoxox

LISA VANDERPUMP: TAKE A SPRINKLING OF FAIRY DUST....

Lisa could truly be the funniest yet most beautifully pristine, most playful yet insanely elegant woman you will ever know. Her beauty somehow surpasses "normal" beauty...she looks like a flawless supermodel who happens to also have the most sophisticated and poised personality, gigantic heart for those in need but will drop a comedic bombshell in a blink of one of her lusciously full eyelashed eyes.
This beauty attended drama school full time from the age of 9. She has lived in London, the English countryside, the south of France and then came back to LA. Those closest to her call her "Pinky" - maybe cause she is all girlie. Married 20 years to Ken Todd, since they have been back in LA they have opened Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills and SUR in West Hollywood. They have opened 26 restaurants, bars and clubs over the years.

Lisa's motto is: Find something you love and you will never work a day again in your life.

Lisa is a writer for Beverly Hills Lifestyle magazine and spends a lot of time at Epione. The funny thing is, the only place I have ever gotten botox done in my life is at Epione. I never knew Lisa was behind the scenes. It is the BEST. Here are her quick EXCLUSIVE GS&E beauty answers:

WHAT IS THE LIPSTICK IN YOUR BAG?

Chanel lip gloss in my bag...

WHAT IS YOUR BEAUTY SECRET?

I have my own skin care business Epione so that...

WHAT IS A BEAUTY MOTTO OF YOURS?

Put a smile on your face...always works....

Lisa is a gorgeous and good person and watch out for her in Beverly Hills Lifestyle Magazine and Bravo's REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS.

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." - Coco Chanel

Oh she is....and more.

xoxoxox

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JANE FONDA : "NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER, NEVER TOO LATE TO BE HAPPY"

I can't believe I have the honor of posting an interview with JANE FONDA (or "Corie Bratter" - one of my favorite film character's ever from the film "Barefoot in the Park")! Jane is an award-winning American actress, writer, political activist, former model and fitness guru. Jane has won two Academy Awards as well as several other awards and nominations. She describes herself as a liberal feminist. She has graced the cover of Vogue twice! Jane won the Academy Award for "KLUTE" in 1971 as well as 1978's "COMING HOME." Jane was a ballet enthusiast but fractured her foot while filming "THE CHINA SYNDROME" and was longer able to participate. To compensate, Jane got into aerobics under Leni Cazden. In 1982, Jane released her workout video which proceeded to sell 17 million copies. No one is unfamiliar with that pink and maroon striped leotard. This video enticed many in the world to buy the then-new VCR. In the incredible span of her career, she has released 23 workout videos, 5 workout books and 13 audio programs. Can't even count how many repetitions that is!





Jane is the ultimate GS&E beauty inspiration subject. Here, we proudly share two EXCLUSIVE GS&E question/answers with the amazing JANE FONDA:

GS&E: WHAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN YOUR PHILOSOPHY AND FEELINGS ABOUT THE LINK BETWEEN BEAUTY AND EXERCISE?

JF: Ah, good question. When you feel good inside, you are gonna be more beautiful. And exercise makes you feel good inside. So your eyes are going to sparkle, your skin is gonna be more radiant, and you're gonna feel good about yourself.

JF: Second question? That was a good question.....

GS&E: IS JANE FONDA'S "PRIME TIME" ANY MORE SPECIAL TO YOU THAN YOUR AMAZING OTHER WORKOUT DVD'S?

JF: Well, it's fun to come back after, I don't even know, 15, 20 years from being out of the business. I am a different person and they are geared toward MY prime time for, you know, a more senior audience and I talk more and the feedback I'm getting is that it is kind of "cozier." So, in that sense, yeah, I think it is kind of special and people seem real happy with it which makes me very happy.

Your eyes are sparkling already....

xoxox
GS&E

OH THE GLORY OF IT ALL

A piece of my artwork inspired by this quote that I love:

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for".

xoxo GS&E

CHRISTINE KIRK: "YOU CAN ONLY HOPE TO GET A COMBINATION OF HAPPY WORK AND A HAPPY LIFE" -Audrey Hepburn

Rarely do company names truly reflect the actual person behind it. GS&E is introducing you to the exception. Christine Kirk, founder of Social Muse Communications, IS actually the it-girl social muse. Her company is the ultimate news-blaster, connector, brand developer and social media kingdom. Social Muse advises luxury travel, restaurant, technology and lifestyle brands in social media marketing, PR campaigns, online branding and beyond. She also happens to be beautiful, as well as hilarious (helloooo follow @LuxuryPRGal), and truly dedicated to her business and helping brands reach the next level. I am not sure when or if she goes to sleep. :)

Here we share an exclusive interview with the amazing CHRISTINE KIRK on her beauty thoughts:

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BRAND / COLOR OF LIPSTICK / LIP GLOSS?

I'm not really a lipstick girl but I'm obsessed with lip gloss. Chanel lip gloss is my all-time fave.
Their color palettes are always beautiful and classic and the lip gloss lasts forever. I die for their SoHo Winter collection. The new STAR lip gloss is shimmery and beautiful and adds the perfect amount of glamour to any holiday look. I also adore Chanel nail polish. It's $23 a pop but well worth it. For this winter season, I'm obsessed with their greige nail lacquer "Particuliere" or from the SoHo collection "Strong."

WHAT IS SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL THAT INSPIRES YOU?

I find compassion beautiful. In today's fast-paced, electronic world, any time I see someone being truly compassionate, it inspires me to be better and do better for those around me.

WHO DO YOU FIND TO BE BEAUTIFULLY INSPIRING?

My husband is a beautiful influence in my life. Not only is he my best friend, but since we work in similar industries (the internet), he is also my mentor in business. He is my pillar of support, my go-to person for a good laugh, and always has sound advice or a smart perspective to offer me. Most importantly, he tells me how beautiful I am and how much he loves me every day. What more does a girl need to keep on going?

WHAT IS AN EVERY DAY (OR EVERY NIGHT) RITUAL OF YOURS?

You can often find me tweeting at odd hours of the day and night. I adore my job so much, that reading tweets and responding to my followers is calming when I'm stressed out or can't sleep. I learn about news headlines for the day first thing in the morning, and share jokes and information with twitter friends, journalists, bloggers and prospective new clients via Twitter. Social media is part of my daily routine morning, noon and night -- and I wouldn't have it any other way.



Christine is super talented and someone who loves her business and it shows. She just happens to be beautiful on top of that! She is the queen of social media. We are doing a curtsey.

www.socialmuse.com

xoxo

TIL DEATH DO US PART...THINK PINK

No one wants to admit they have seen Grease 2. No one especially wants to admit that they love it. Regardless of any opinion on the film's place in cinematic history, it can't be lost on the world that this movie is what captured the luminous magic of Michelle Pfeiffer before she became a huge star. This movie serves as an absolute valentine to her beauty.





So, I almost had a fender-bender as I drove down 3rd Street this week past the gorgeous clothing store Diavolina in LA to see "A Girl For All Seasons" (a scene from the film) as their front window display. Stephanie Zinone (MP) in white, standing center stage, as the other Pink Ladies, in their various holiday months, pose on her two sides. So I am not the only one obviously that is always happy to see it on my Tivo guide. But still, don't tell anyone I said that.





She ain't no one's trophy, Goose.

PAMELA SKAIST LEVY: SHE IS A SUN; RADIANT, GROWING, GATHERING LIGHT AND STORING IT...

Pamela Skaist Levy is the American dream all tied up in a little Prada-clad shell. Once a dragging, Vans-wearing, skateboarding Valley girl and now truly one of the world's leading taste-makers, aesthetically gifted style icons the world has ever known. I am lucky enough, in my own adventures in life, to have been able to work with the two Juicy Couture fashion game-changers closely for a few special years. The first thing I learned was that this isn't a world to conquer and fight, it is a world to enjoy and a playland of opportunities day in and day out. Something inspirational is not just a sight but can be turned into a reality - it could actually follow you home. You don't have to stop laughing and grow up as an adult. You can be the Mad Hatter and live in Wonderland and not have to "stop the nonsense" as Alice's sister told her under that tree.



On this journey you can also become renowned fashion designers all the while creating homes just as inspiring. That gift lives within you at work as well as at home, if only you bring that inspiration with you everywhere. While most working people sat in their gray cubicles, I got to encounter two of the most hilarious, talented and smartest pulse-makers many may never meet in a lifetime. They make accompanying them on a trip to the doctor one of the best days you can remember.

Pam is a rare breed. She studied fashion, worked in retail, brought sushi to customers at Sushi on Sunset, had a leading hat line and has never given in to the "corporate" feeling of working as an adult. But while perusing Slim Aarons books...just when you think she isn't listening, she took in everything you said and more, made changes and delivers a better version in seconds.



Pam and Gela created Juicy with their bare, perfectly manicured hands and later sold to Liz Claiborne and for years Liz struggled to keep up with their eye, their creativity, their forward thinking and their idea of company love. In January 2010, P&G left the brand. They had conquered the world with Juicy (and then with Couture Couture, Dirty English and Bird). They lived a fashion life around 15 years that most designers live in a lifetime. They were ready for Chapter 2. So are we.



I have some of my most cherished memories shopping at antique stores with Pam. Her eye is a like a chic-magnet. She is as fast at zeroing in on things as she is at decision making. Suddenly, we were leaving with gorgeous dirty-mirrored furniture, giant chunky sparkling cuffs but also vintage crystal encrusted tiaras that were sky-high. She decides it would be perfect to wear for 4th of July. She is generous, kind-hearted and as visually iconic in person as her purchases.



Here I share an exclusive beauty interview with Pamela...accented by photos provided by her which makes her answers visually come to life:

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LIPSTICK / LIP PRODUCT?

I have two favorite lip products. I have to name them both as I can't decide and I love them equally. The first is chapstick/lipgloss that makes your lips soft and glossy...you can buy it anywhere. And it is great for day. Vaseline lip therapy in cherry. Don't knock it until you try it. My other all time favorite is Tom Ford lip color in "Vanilla Suede"...I have been looking for the perfect "Bond girl" nude, and ladies, this is it. Matte but not too drying. Perfection in a tube. The packaging is so chic - white, rectangle, banded in gold and the lipstick is stamped TF. Too divine for words. Makes the tube of Vaseline look pathetic. Don't judge a book by it's cover.....all the time. Ha Ha...Your lips will thank you for both.



WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE, MOST BEAUTIFUL SIGHT?

My favorite sight is the sea. I am a beach baby through and through. Before I broke my ankle (skim boarding), I would go surfing all year long. I had a group of girls that would go out New Years day...we called ourselves the "Polar Bear Club". Just the other day, I took my skateboard outside and my husband said "What are you doing with that? You are going to break your hip." Tres sad. I think I am a teenager, but the truth is, I am an immature 47 year old geezer who loves surf culture and the beach. I guess I should stick to beach walks but my 74 year old mother still boogie boards. I know where I got my love of the sea from.



WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTIFUL PLACE?

My favorite place is my pool...lame, I know. But I am a water baby through and through. My girlfriend Jacqui Getty and I wallow in that pool and gossip. We have also been known to jump in at parties, fully dressed. I swim everyday, and last week, swam with a cold and now am sicker than sick. I don't care if I put in a hideously long day at the office, after dinner the family swims. I grew up in the valley where it is super hot and we lived in the pool. The photo is from Paris Vogue. They flew me up in the air with my husband hanging off the basket of the balloon and he dropped into the pool...dressed in a three piece suit. It was a great shot. We are a wacky family and it shows.



WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST?

My all time favorite painter is Mark Rothko, an abstract expressionist whose paintings are so hauntingly beautiful I could just die. The painting I am standing in front of is one of the Rothko's downtown at MOCA in the permanent collection. I love to go and stand in the Rothko room and feel overcome with emotion. His work evokes pure emotion. So spiritual, I always leave thinking "yes, there is a God." I wish I felt like that at temple...instead of feeling like I was sitting in detention. Mark Rothko is a super cool Jew.



WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTIFUL OBJECT THAT YOU OWN?

My favorite object is a Francois-Xavier Lalanne crocodile bench. I have a pair and would have sold my soul to the devil to own them. I love the whimsy and beauty of the work. French chic from the 1960's at it's finest. Francois and his wife Claude created whimsical, sensual sculptures in the 60's that was totally irreverent and fun, They lived by the credo "the supreme art is the art of living". I'm sure they knew how to live and were fun to hang out with. If you don't know the work, google it. Tom Ford has the most insane desk. I would love to steal it.



WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NAIL POLISH?

My favorite nail polish is clear....boring, I know. But I have a tip for nail polish lovers alike. This product makes your nail polish last and last. Clear or blacker than black. A coat of Dabu and you stay chip-free. Polish this nail hardener over dry polish and your nails will stay chip-free for a week to ten days. For someone like me, who will have chipped nails in a day, this is a miracle in a bottle. Amazon.com carries it so stock up my pretties.



WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANTIQUE STORE?

My favorite crack den is Kentshire. Not only do they have the finest antiques, but the most insane estate jewelry. It is so expensive but beauuuutiful. It will break the bank, but to go and look, spending a few hours with Fred the owner is like being in a museum. I love to go and say to Fred, "Can I have that for free?" - he doesn't laugh but I know he thinks I am a funny nut and proceeds to show us all six floors of the most divine stuff. Gela and I always go to Kentshire when in New York and drive Fred crazy. Then we go back home to LA and prank him on the phone asking him if we can have stuff for free and we can get the same stuff on ebay. I know he loves us cause we are not uptight and adore his shop sooooooo much and tell him nonstop. Kentshire rules.



WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOTTO?

"The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." - Ayn Rand

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?

"The Beautiful and the Damned" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I also want to share a personal PSL story for this blog of beauty. I went with Pam one afternoon to pick up my beloved yorkie, Ruby, when she was ready and old enough to come home to me. We both fell in mad love with her and she came to work with me everyday thanks to the sweet P and G. One afternoon, Pam and I went to her parent's home in Encino which is in a cul-de-sac and Pam urged me to let Ruby free, since I am such a crazy overprotective mother (and still am!!). Ruby took off. Ran like the roadrunner towards the street corner that led to the busy and deadly Ventura Blvd. Tears streamed out of my eyes at the impossibility of her safety at that moment but Pam took off - ponytail flying in the wind, Lanvin sandals flying off her feet and grabbed and saved Ruby's life. How can I ever forget this? She promptly directed me to Rite-Aid to buy a LEASH. Ha Ha.

"Beauty is only to be admired; only to be loved - to be harvested carefully and then flung at a chosen lover like a gift of roses." - F. Scott Fitzgerald

We can't wait for the next bouquet.

SHAKING OUR POM POMS FOR POM POM

A little GS&E virtual Pom Pom Interiors store visit today for you....this is the store I want to hide inside of a hutch in and never be found again. I truly believe Hilde Leiaghat is a visual genius. Sparkling chandeliers, whimsical pillows and little glittering accessories everywhere. Her Vintage Rose Pom Pom candle could be the best scent you will ever smell in your life. 1401 N. La Brea Blvd. Los Angeles
You are welcome.

IT'S ALL ABOUT OVEREXPOSURE

Some of my photography using my beautiful friends as subjects.....

BARBIE: LIFE'S FANTASTIC MADE OF PLASTIC

It used to be such an American tradition that little girls loved and wanted their Barbies. Like me. In third grade at my private elementary school, me and my best friend were two Barbie dolls as the 80's "Barbie and the Rockers" doll in our 3rd grade talent show. I believe I am still trying to get the roll-on glitter out of my hair today. I still know the words to that Barbie song that came as a cassette in the "Rocker Barbie" box. I was so happy and warmed as an adult to find Assouline's $500, 198 paged "BARBIE" coffee table book. It really gives the love to this little plastic wonder that has always meant so much to me. It shows Barbie's history and her impact on fashion over the years. She has transformed as we all do, but she keeps the same demure and classic state that I appreciate that the world has, even if you have to look deep these days to find it. I sure sound like an old lady saying that!
Anyway, still not sure what Mattel felt Skipper was needed for........

LITTLE BREAD AND BUTTERFLIES...

There's a wealth of happiness and romance...all in a golden afternoon...

HOUSEWIFE GONE KYLE : TO BE GOOD IS TO BE

Lucky enough to have a quick GS&E exclusive mini interview with the beautiful and truly breakout, favorite star (and well-deserved one) of BRAVO'S "REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS" KYLE RICHARDS:


WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LIPSTICK/GLOSS BRAND AND NAME?

MY LIP GLOSS IS TRISH MC EVOY "IRRESISTABLE".

WHAT SHAMPOO DO YOU USE FOR THAT GORGEOUS HAIR?

MY SHAMPOO IS PANTENE.

WHAT IS A FAVORITE BEAUTIFUL SIGHT OF YOURS?

OTHER THAN MY KIDS?? SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAINS IN ASPEN, LAKE TAHOE, MAUI AND NYC IN DECEMBER!


An amazing, wife, woman and mother - Kyle represents what we cherish most - a truly kind woman who exudes goodness through and through.

xoxoxox

HAPPY GIRL

A favorite of my paintings...this is "HAPPY GIRL"!

DENISE RICHARDS: "ONE OF THOSE RARE SMILES WITH A QUALITY OF ETERNAL REASSURANCE" -THE GREAT GATSBY

I could write a blog on Denise Richards based on facts online and things we all read and think we know about her but I am going to write this beautiful blog entry on my own experience of communicating and understanding her world based on the truly amazing person I have found in her. She is a gem not just in the entertainment business but actually in life.

What means the most to me is she could truly care less about the industry world since she has had her two little angel daughters. She cooks homemade soups, she Martha Stewart-style does up her home for Halloween to excite them, she goes on work trips missing, thinking and talking about them one hour in, she protects them from the media swirl they know not that they live in, protecting their sweet childhood with M&M shakes and American Girl Place visits. She works hard to continue and maintain a blessed and beautiful childhood of gorgeous swimming pools with fun water slides for them. She is an inspiration first as a mother.

Secondly, she is involved heavily with something that makes me cry just to think about. She rescues, takes in, brings attention and spends a TON of her time getting up early to go save and transport animals at shelters in trouble. I can't even stomach that horribly sad Sarah MacLachlan commercial on the subject and yet Denise goes headfirst in to look at their faces, learn their stories and save lives. I am envious. She is so much stronger than I am. Animals are children to me and their feelings are human. Denise spends her time and money saving, rescuing and loving animals in need. This is godly to me.

Thirdly, I have to touch on how purely GOOD of a person she truly is. Denise totally would normally be a completely closed off personality (especially for all she has endured) but instead she is the MOST human, the most open and kindest woman you could know. She exudes positivity and just wants everyone happy and the world to be a happy place. Her daughters are so lucky.

It is a well-known fact she was blessed with stunning physical beauty but I think internal beauty is showing its strength in Denise as a person - if you are purely good, deeply loving and selfless, you ARE that beautiful and perfect. Denise turns something bad into something hopeful. She has surpassed that "just a beautiful woman" thing. I admire, strive to be as good and wish to give back so much to the world that was given to me, purely because of her.

Here, I share an EXCLUSIVE GS&E beauty interview with the amazing DENISE RICHARDS:

WHAT IS AN EVERYDAY BEAUTY RITUAL OF YOURS?

Everyday I use Dr. Lancer's facial products on my face and no matter what I don't leave the house without sunscreen! (NOTE: Denise has made a habit of not leaving the house without sunscreen since she was 15 years old!!).

WHAT IS THE BRAND OF LIPSTICK IN YOUR PURSE?

The brand of lipstick is Armani and lip gloss is Nars.

WHAT IS BEAUTIFUL THAT INSPIRES YOU?

I love looking at vintage pictures of Brigitte Bardot - she is the epitome of beauty. I've gotten a lot of inspiration from her photos.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTIFUL SIGHT?

I really love any place that is tropical ...Hawaii, Caribbean..I love the smell of the ocean mixed with the suntan oil and the flowers are intoxicating....

EVERYONE (INCLUDING ME) IS OBSESSED WITH YOUR GORGEOUS HAIR - WHAT CREATES THIS PERFECTION??

Thank you! Actually I am coming out with my own hair care line this coming spring!

All of my hair is mine, no extensions or pieces. I've learned what works and what doesn't in keeping your hair healthy and shiny!!

Denise is currently starring in SPIKE TV'S BLUE MOUNTAIN STATE - She is an amazing actress, especially in comedy. One of her greatest assets is that infectious laugh of hers!

She somehow balances it all. She makes the world a sunnier place.
(And speaking of sun, she is as happy as I am when it is 100+ degrees in LA.

xoxoxox