Heather Kincaid, The Official 2010 Blogger Prom Professional Photographer!

Heather Kincaid blowing bubbles at YOU!

Blogger Prom has its very own photographer! Yeah, yeah, you guys are bloggers and probably carry your cameras with you everywhere. And yes, you should bring those cameras to Blogger Prom, too. But this is different. We have an OFFICIAL photographer who will be on hand to take your portrait since you dressed up all special for the night! She’s bringing a photobooth! And her gorgeous high-res photos will be available for purchase after the event and she will also make free versions available. We are SOOO excited!!!

Heather Kincaid is an incredibly talented photographer based in Los Angeles who does shoots all over Southern California. Take a look at her website. It’s not your average business website, it’s a very personal, intimate blog of her adventures photographing interesting people. She lets you inside her world. For example, she shoots a wedding, and then gives teasers of photos to come, or posts her favorites from the event. Plus she adds colorful commentary and kind wishes. And these photos! They are wonderful, moving photos that really capture the moment. Creative, clever compositions in color or black and white.

If her photography skills weren’t already enough, Heather is a warm, fun-loving person. So in every way, Heather will be a fantastic addition to the 2010 Blogger Prom. We are SO thrilled that Heather will be at Blogger Prom to document the evening for us!

The Drinks of the Night . . .

We got eats, we got swag bags and giveaways, we even got an afterparty -- last but certainly not least, we got the drinks on too! Whether you prefer sipping on our signature cocktail, a simple glass of wine, or an exploration through beers or fine spirits, we got you covered.
First, we welcome Pinky Vodka back again; in addition to supplying our swag bags with mini bottles of their product, they also teamed up with our committee member Natalie (a.k.a The Liquid Muse) to create the signature cocktail of this event! Coasters with the recipe will be available tonight, but just to give you a little preview, here's how it's made:

Pinky Confidential
2 ounces Pinky vodka
1 ounce Chambord
1 ounce fresh lemon juice
½ ounce simple syrup
½ ounce egg white (optional & NOT used in the bloggerprom version)
Powdered sugar (for garnish)

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Dry shake for 15 seconds. Add ice, shake again. Strain into a powder sugar-rimmed martini glass.

Additionally we are partnering with the fine beverage sponsors below:

Cabana Cachaca, which will be making caipirinhas on-site.
Zaya Gran Reserva Rum and Casa Noble blanco and reposado tequilas, which you can enjoy straight-up or in a cocktail.
The Beer Chicks will be doing refreshing tastings with locally-made Eagle Rock Brewery beers.
And The Dalmore representatives will take attendees on a tour through their range of Single-Malt Scotch Whiskys.
For wine lovers, Fresh & Easy is again providing some wines that taste great and is even better for the value! Here are their notes on the white & red wine of the night:

The Vine Yard Chardonnay, 2008 – Under $12
From the Columbia Valley of Washington State, the Vine Yard Chardonnay is a fruit-forward wine with impressive length and well-balanced finish. It has fresh green apple accompanied by generous amounts of ripe juicy pear and framed by warm vanilla and a hint of citrus. Pairs well with seafood and white meat dishes.

Chianti Re De Castello, 2007 – Under $10
Coming from the beautiful area of Tuscany, the grapes are picked at optimum ripeness. It has brilliant ruby red color with bright raspberry fruit aromas and a touch of spice. Harmonious and well structured, this is a full-bodied red with persistent length of flavour. Ideal with Bolognese and strong Italian cheeses such as Parmesan.

Finally, another official note from the committee: This year, to ensure everyone has a wonderful BUT safe time and so that all attendees gets to try a little of everything, we are providing each attendees with 3 drink tickets. Each ticket is good for 1) our "Pinky Confidential" signature cocktail, 2) Cabana Cachaca Caipirinhas, 3) the featured red & white wines from Fresh & Easy 4) drinks made with Zaya Rum or Casa Noble Tequila OR 5) for you teetotalers, a non-alcoholic beverage of your choosing. Additionally, each attendee will have an opportunity for a beer AND a Scotch tasting. Afterwards, a cash bar is available for additional drinks.

And if you do feel like you've had too much to drink, Y Drive LA will be on hand at the valet stand ready to drive you and your car safely home. They'll offer all Blogger Prom attendees 10%. Stop by their table for more information!

So raise those glasses and toast in style, and don't forget to tip your hardworking bar staff. Cheers!

The Night is Young: Our Official After Party!

It wouldn't be a proper prom without a proper After Party, would it?

Sure, it's a school night, but there's only one Blogger Prom a year, and, thus, only one Blogger Prom After Party.

We are thrilled to announce that our Official Blogger Prom After Party will be from 11PM to 1 AM at the much-talked about Test Kitchen. We think that if this were the era of Walter Winchell and Hedda Hopper, these two would be printing up a storm about this hot spot.

Since it's after hours, this free, private event will be focused on libations.

In the house and with their brand ambassadors:
Bacardi Rum
Original Moonshine, a corn whiskey/@MOONSHINE
Luksusowa, a Polish vodka
Real de Mexico Tequila, @realtequila
& Cognac Landy, @CognacLandy

Behind the bar:
Julian Cox (Rivera), Joel Black (Caña), and Pablo Moix (La Descarga).

Your bar will be hosted, but do bring some cash to tip your bartenders!

How do you get into the After Party?

- If you're attending Blogger Prom, it's easy: You're already on the list.

- If you will not be at Blogger Prom, but would like to join us for a drink, you must RSVP to us via email BY 1 PM on WEDS. 9/22. *UPDATED

Test Kitchen will take a maximum of 100 Blogger Prom guests.

Hope to see you there!

Where: Test Kitchen @ 9575 W Pico Blvd LA-35
Who: Blogger Prom Guests & Official After Party Guests
When: Weds. Sept. 22 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Photo: Julian Cox behind the Test Kitchen bar/djjewlz via Flickr

Your Swanky Hollywood Parting Gifts

Last year's swag bags were quite well received and blogged about, and not to toot our own horn, but we think this year's gift bags are the bees knees!

Every attendee will get one reusable canvas gift tote from Disney Store (on right) with vintage 1930s comic book images of Hollywood's most beloved mouse from our prom's era and today. Twitter: @DisneyStore

We'll then be filling these nostalgic totes with the following goodies, totaling over $300 in value:

$100 gift certificates to LuxLash Beverly Hills, the nations first specialty spa focusing on lash extensions and all services and products focusing on Eye, Lash and Brow beauty. Now you can make your lashes lush and your brows just the way you like 'em. Twitter: @LuxLash

The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE is giving all of us free admission tickets to explore their four floors of cutting edge exhibits, interactive experiences and films to feel the power of music. Twitter: @TheGrammyMuseum

Want more cool tickets to LA happenings? The American Cinematheque at the Aero and Egyptian Theatre has provided everyone with free passes to see the film of your choice at one of their historic movie theatres. Each night there is a different movie - from the classics of Hollywood and International Cinema to new documentaries, shorts and independent films to Sneak Previews, Premieres, Pop Culture Gems and even he hottest new websisodes, the Cinematheque's screenings often feature the filmmakers in person for discussion following the film. Oh and did you know that The Egyptian was the home of the very first Hollywood movie premiere in 1922?

Pinkberry is offering $5 gift cards good for their yogurt goodness, now available in Watermelon and Mango flavors. Pinkberry caused a pop-culture bang and lots of lines when it launched in West Hollywood in 2005 and we're excited this popular LA dessert will be a part of our Hollywood Confidential prom. Pinkberry is certified by the National Yogurt Association and carries the Live & Active Cultures Seal. Twitter: @pinkberryswirl

Relax post prom with a free 20-minute microZone® facial treatment certificate from Dermalogica Spa in Santa Monica on Montana Ave. This quick treatment gives your skin a glowing pick-me-up, removing congestion and leaving your face healthy and bright. Besides the free facial they will also be providing their skincare product samples developed by The International Dermal Institute. Twitter: @dermalogica

Also, expect one full-sized Degree® Women Natureffects deodorant and body mist, which infuse Degree’s top odor and wetness protection formula with fragrances inspired by natural ingredients. Available in Honeysuckle & Tea Tree Oil, Olive Leaf & Pink Pepper and Orange Flower & Cranberry. Twitter: @DegreeWomen

It's getting hot in here talking about all this great swag, which is why we're also adding Proactiv (R) Solution Oil Blotter Sheets to the frey, a $16.50 value. Proactiv's Blotter Sheet Duo instantly and easily absorbs excess oil on the face. It controls shine without using powder and leaves skin fresh and clean. Each sheet is made from natural fiber paper without artificial ingredients. It is conveniently packaged in a pouch with dispenser top.

Thirsty? Try O.N.E. Coconut Water, the 100% natural Brazil coconut water, which will be in each bag. Also, you might want to go ahead and sip this drink after prom as it's supposedly a hangover cure. Twitter: @onecoconut

If you're looking for some hair of the dog, we'll have tiny bottles of Pinky Vodka in the totes too. Pinky Vodka will once again be one of the ingrediants in Natali's signature cocktails that we'll have brewing during prom. Pinky Vodka also supported last year's blogger prom, so cheers to that! Created by champion wine tasters in Sweden, Pinky Vodka is the world's most beautiful vodka that makes any drink taste better. Twitter: @pinkyvodka

Hungry? Border Grill is once again supporting Blogger Prom, this time with $20 dining certificates for their new downtown LA location opening in October as well as $10 Border Grill Truck dining certificates. With a menu of dishes based on the home cooking of Oaxaca and the Yucatan, Border Grill takes Mexican food to a whole new level! Twitter: @BorderGrillDTLA

A restaurant that lasts 30 years is as rare as a long lasting Hollywood marriage, not even ones from back in the golden age. Hugo's Restaurant in WeHo, the home of the Power Breakfast, vegan cuisine and a mainstay on the Southern California food scene, is providing us with free drink coupons with the purchase of any meal there. Do try their Pasta Mama, which has appeared on the Food Network. Twitter: @HugosRestaurant

No meal is complete without a cupcake though, right? Well, we have cupcakes gallore. Sprinkles, LA's first cupcakery, will be donating free cupcake coupons tot. Twitter: @Sprinkles

Also, L.A.'s first Filipino Food Truck, The Manila Machine, will be providing free coupons for their Ube Cupcakes with a coconut buttercream. Twitter: @ManilaMachine

Can't get enough sweets? Well, you're in luck, as we'll also have Cost Plus World Market chocolate bars. Whether you want high cocoa content, flavor infusions or sweet and savory fillings like Caramel Sea Salt, Peanut Butter, Orange or Raspberry, you'll find a mouth-watering bar made from the finest quality ingredients for every kind of craving. Twitter: @worldmarket

We'll all have a free coupon and grocery list notepad from Arnold/Oroweat Sandwich Thins. The flavor you crave. The whole grains you want. Eating healthy has never tasted so good. Be sure and say hi to them over on Facebook www.facebook.com/SandwichThins

That's not all! Product samples from UNITE Hair Care - an all natural, nutrient rich, premium, boutique line proudly free of: parabens, sulfate, gluten, dea & mea ingredients will be adding their glamorous product to our bags. All of their 30 cleansing, conditioning, styling, and finishing items are made with uncompromising quality to keep hair beautiful, natural, and healthy. The line already has a list of celebrity devotees such as: Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Hilary Duff, Jennifer Hudson, Matthew Fox, and many more.

Plus, $1.00 off coupons for Lovin' Scoopful Gourmet Light Ice Cream – 13 rich and creamy flavors with 1/2 the fat and fewer calories than premium ice cream. Plus 25% of profits are shared with Special Olympics and other causes. So go ahead – get a little Lovin', give a little lovin'. Twitter: @lovinscoopful

America’s favorite convenience store, 7Eleven, will be providing goodie bags with free glazed doughnut and coffee coupons good at their many SoCal locations. Twitter: @7ElevenSoCal

Last but not least, we'll be receiving Goodberrymint mintwater, an all-natural combination of pure water, 100% real mint and berry essences, including acai berries, pomegranates, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. It’s the latest variety from the line of all natural Metromint, pioneer of the mintwater category. Along with refreshing hydration, the beverage offers a unique cooling sensation and the natural benefits of mint. Named “Good”berrymint due to Project Goodberry, in which 10% of sales profits are donated to local non profits. No sweeteners, no artificial flavors, and no calories.

BLOGGER PROM COMMITTEE NOTE:
Please be sure and follow our awesome sponsors on twitter. Also, do try and thank them for their participation and support of this year's prom in any blog posts or tweets that you might do about Blogger Prom. After all, they help make all of this possible.

Thank you!

A quick reminder for RSVP'd guests

We are excited to meet and party with you all tomorrow night @ the beautiful Yamashiro - but just a little heads up:

1) If you haven't already, make your minimum donation ($10 per guest) via the goldstar link that was sent your way when the committee confirmed your RSVP. This is the only way to officially seal the deal of your RSVP.

2) Also, please let us know if for some reason you and/or your guest cannot make it to the event, we are around capacity with a few more peeps in waiting so much appreciate the update so we can open up the room to let in as many folks as we can to enjoy the festivities.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming . . .

Open Nomination Time For This Year's Leading Man & Lady

Of course, a prom isn't complete without a coronation ceremony, and this year our reigning King and Queen Bloggers (Zach Behrens of LAist and Nadine Jolie) will be passing on their crown and tiara to a glamorous new blogging "it" couple.

And this year, you get to decide who makes the final cut of this prom by Tweeting which two bloggers you want on the "call back list" with #bloggerpromking and #bloggerpromqueen hashtags (or for the very few of you without Twitter accounts, by commenting on this post!)

We'll be tallying up the counts for four blogging fellows and four blogging dames to partake in the final audition, where Blogger Prom attendees can vote to see who gets to be "leading man" and "leading lady" of the night! Here's the list of the RSVP'd guests who've already donated via Goldstar so far*:

For the role of "Leading Man"
@savoryhunter
@windattack
@foodmarathon
@streetgourmetla
@kungfoodpanda
@lorange
@roycifer
@sippitysup
@ravenouscouple
@s0kun
@southbayfoodies
@foodgps
@djjewelz
@glutster
@thrillistla
@kevin_eats
@DigLounge
@theotheragentm
@twohungrypandas (he)

For the role of "Leading Lady"
@theminty
@greenlagirl
@LAStory
@eatingLA
@HotPinkManolos
@nomsnotbombs
@letmeeatcake
@foodwoolf
@intellichick
@slackmistress
@conbon
@dianatakesabite
@mintcool
@etrets
@peggyarcher
@yvonneinla
@pleasurepalate
@thegirlblogger
@amandajoy
@avflox
@foodismynish
@afterdarkla
@busybethf
@dishingdelights
@gourmetpigs
@alieandgeorgia
@hanhonymous
@heathervescent
@twohungrypandas (she)
@melodysimpson
@juliewolfson
@kats9livez
@katelin
@stylesmith
@jenni0s
@jozjozjoz
@kimtracyprince
@la_story
@lkkelly
@lucindamichele
@HowWeEatLA
@fightinmadmary
@Recessionista

Check out their Twitters (as well as that of our soon outgoing King Zach & Queen Nadine) and nominate away using #bloggerpromking and #bloggerpromqueen!

*Are you a plus-one who also blog? If so, sorry we missed your Twitter handle on this list--feel free to throw your name in the pot too via comments & Twitter.

It's Official: Blogger Prom 2010 Theme & Date

You heard it here first - Blogger Prom 2010 is official and happening on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the historic Yamashiro Restaurant in Hollywood.

For this year's prom theme, the committee has chosen Hollywood Confidential, so be ready to get your old Hollywood glamor or classic chic on for this year's festivities.

Stay tuned for more information about our fabulous venue, refreshments and other goodies we're planning for this year's bash!

~ BP Committee

Thank you . . .

. . . for attending Blogger Prom 2009! We hope you had as killer of a time at the prom as we did planning it! Being busy bees ourselves, sorry if we didn't have a chance to mingle as much as we want to, but to refresh your memories on who we are:
And of course, also, HUGE thanks to all the sponsors who made this possible (an updated post on that soon since we had a few last-minute additions)

Don't forget blog, tweet, or add photos to our flickr group about your experience at bloggerprom. And of course, leaving comments here (and your blogpost URL if you wrote up about it already); here's to a bigger and better event next year!

P.S. check your goody bags - some items may not last through a hot summer afternoon (or even a summer night either)

Last But Not Least Eats . . .

Alright, now that you got the intel on the delectable noshes Andaz will be providing tonight, I'm gonna go all infomercial on you (so get your barf bags ready)

Wait Wait, there's more!

Yep, we've partnered with a few additional food sponsors who will be providing some more treats so be sure to save some room in your tummy!
Polkatots will be providing an assortment of tasty, finger-friendly mini-cupcakes.
And then there are mini-cheesecake pops from Pure Cheesecakes, no utensils needed!
Finally, Barrie Lynn (a.k.a. the Cheese Impresario) will bring an assortment of cheeses with her -- she'll even pair the cheese to whatever you're drinking; just let her have a sip of your beverage through a straw and *BAM* perfectly-matched cheese to nibble on!

This has been a bloggerprom public announcement, you may now commence with your day's activities (namely, preparing for tonight). See you there!

~H.C.

One Week Countdown: E-vites & RSVPs

Wow, did time fly by that quickly? BloggerProm is less than seven days away! If I had two extra fingers I can count them on one hand.

Anyways, see below for the e-vites with the basic event info (click to enlarge) of course, keep an eye on this blog for additional details, last-minute updates and other juicy gossip.


Needless to say, much thanks to all our sponsors for making this happen!

And one final note for RSVPs: if for some far-fetched, outlandish reason you or your plus one cannot make the event after your replied 'yes' or 'maybe' to our Pingg e-vite site, please change your RSVP so that we can bump up the bloggers-in-waiting on our waitlist. Thanks!

~H.C.

Prom Parking, Pretty Please?

HAY GUYZ, there's a spot!

Being Angelenos of some experience ourselves, the committee's got your back when it comes to finding parking for the bloggerprom at the Sunset Strip. Thanks to our partnership with the Andaz (which also hooked us up with some nice room deals too), they are offering $7 valet, w validation, for bloggerprom attendees! Pretty sweet, considering their regular rate is up to $26 and one can easily use up just as much in gas and rates looking for spaces on the street or at other lots on the Strip.

However, discounted spots at the Andaz are limited (100) so do carpool with your +1 if possible. Or better yet, do it in the true cool prom fashion and squeeze in as many peeps as legally possible in those hot rides! Just like those days when everyone didn't have a car and a license.

We look forward to seeing you there minus the blood, sweat 'n tears of space-stalking.

~H.C. (photo courtesy of Caroline)

Vino and Suds at the Blogger Prom

We of the bloggerprom committee do love us a good drink and we don't discriminate, so to round off the fantastic cocktails that Natalie have created for the event, we've teamed up with other sponsors to provide us some tasty wines and beers too for those preferring grapes and suds.
First, we have the 2007 Boro Hills Sauvignon Blanc. According to the notes provided by Fresh & Easy, this is made from grapes in the Marlborough region of New Zealand, the grapes are primarily cool fermented in stainless steel tanks (with a fraction barrel fermented and aged for 3 months). The final product has aromas of "elegant gooseberry" and "ripe, tropical" fruits, with a "nicely balanced acidity on the long finish" not to mention striking a nice middle-ground between minerality and fruit. Best served chilled, either as an apertif or to pair with lighter dishes such as salads and seafood dishes.
For those preferring something more red 'n robust, Fresh & Easy is also supplying the award-winning 2008 Ambas Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. Again, the grapes are primarily fermented in stainless steel to preserve fruit notes with a portion aged in oak for richness and complexity. The flavors and aromas are "rich and concentrated"; expect "bold, ripe blackberry" with a long, velvety, smooth finish. And, if it's anything like the 2007 version, it's a "stick to your ribs country-style breakfast" kind of wine. Best paired with steak or tomato-y dishes.
Finally, for the beer-inclined - we partnered with Newcastle just in time for the debut of their DraughtKeg (using the same technology as Heineken's), a pressurized, recyclable mini-keg with a internal CO2 mechanism that dispenses up to 10 pints of "fresh-from-the-tap" Newcastle Beer, And, in case you can't finish it all, the DraughtKeg keeps the beer fresh for up to 30 days!

The best part? You can bring home the experience without a whole lot of wallet damage! At Fresh & Easy, you can get these exclusive sauvignon blanc and malbec for $5.99 and $4.99, respectively; and the Newcastle DraughtKeg will be available at select Southern California locations for approx. $23.

So no matter what glass you'll be holding (yes, even if it's a water goblet) there's something celebratory to cheers to!


~H.C.

A Holler on Twitter for #BloggerProm!

tweet tweet . . . what's #FollowFriday?

Hey, H.C. here and wanting to let you peeps know (as if you didn't already) that we of the BloggerProm Committee are not only prolific bloggers, we are some crazy tweeting fools as well! Should you care to find out more #BloggerProm gossip in-between our posts, not to mention all the exciting going-ons we have in our individual lives, check us out at:

Caroline @CarolineonCrack
Esther @estarla
Marni @happygomarni
yours truly @LAOCFoodie
Maya @shopeatsleep
Lindsay @SquashBlossom
Natalie @TheLiquidMuse
Tara @tarametblog

And of course, there are our sponsors who are making some pretty kickin' donations*, from the venue to hold the event, to the alchy and food to keep us happy and full, to plenty of schwag to give out (more details on that in upcoming posts.) So a big THANKS to:

Andaz WeHo (the "Riot Hyatt") @andazweho
Martin Miller's Gin @MillersGin

Pinky Vodka @pinkyvodka
Fresh & Easy @fresh_and_easy
The Langham Huntington Hotel & Spa @LanghamPasadena
Threadless @threadless
The Lek @thelek
Lago Santa Monica @LagoSantaMonica
Goldstar @goldstar & @goldstarla
Kiss My Bundt Bakery @kissmybundt
ArcLight Cinemas @ArcLightCinemas

CKE Restaurants @HappyStar & @CarlsJr

Also, to hear every twitterer's hullabaloo about this enchanting event, do a #BloggerProm search. Got your own #FollowFriday twitterers to share? Drop a line in the comments.

All right, over, out and tweeting! Let's make #bloggerprom a top twitter trending topic on July 22!

*P.S. It's not too late to get into the sponsoring game and reach out to many of the top bloggers (and twitterers) in the Greater Los Angeles Area; for more information, feel free to contact me or the others on the BloggerProm committee.