Feb 7th-Feb 14th - Pre-Grammy Events & Valentine's Day!

The next morning I had a casting for Whitney Eve which is Whitney Port's clothing line and she was there at the casting!

Afterwards I went to the agency where there was a casting for Hautelook.com. When I walked in I saw another girl waiting who was Hilary Cruz Miss Teen USA 2007 and we talked and she was sweet! Later the guy who we were renting from, Jason, came over with his dog Lilu who is such a cutie!

Then Mike, Tony and I went to a private event at Sunset Marquis for the opening of "The Morrison Hotel Gallery." The gallery displays fine art work of world-class music and sports photographers and is co-owned by celebrity photographer Timothy White. We saw rock singer Alice Cooper there as well as Gary Oldman from the Batman movies.

Afterwards we went to a pre-Grammy event at Supper Club. Mike and his team knows Nate Walka who was hosting a party there. Nate has written songs "Blame It" for Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain and "Say Ah" for Trey Songz. He was nice and I wanted to stay out with everyone but I had to get up the next morning so I headed back to go to bed.

February 8th was my best friend Liz's birthday and I was sad I could not be home to celebrate with her but we celebrated before I left! I know the weather was bad in Rochester but I'm glad she had a good night with her loved ones! 

In the morning I went to a casting for Forever 21 and it was not an appointment for just me like it usually is. There were a lot of girls and each one had to try on three different outfits. I was a little stressed because I had to be at a casting for Guess soon. I was happy to have a go-see for Forever 21 though, I always shop there. I finished the casting and rushed to the Guess office. Inside was so cool with pictures of the models on the windows and pillows in the lobby. 

They were really nice and had me try on a couple of outfits and take pictures in them. I love Guess clothes and their models are gorgeous so I was honored that they took the time to meet with me! Afterwards Mike, Tony and I went to Chrome Hearts which was my first time going to the LA location. It was kind of hidden but both the exterior and interior were cool.

Saturday we were on the list for a couple of pre-Grammy events and the main one we went to was "How I Wrote That Song" that was put on by BMI where artists and songwriters talked about different songs they wrote and what inspired them. 

On the panel was country songwriter Luke Laird who has written songs for Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw to name a few. B.o.B. who Mike and Tony have a song with and Snoop Lion (Snoop Dogg) were also on the panel. Last but not least the writer of Rihanna's SOS and Beyonce's Halo, Evan Bogart, and Busta Rhymes completed the panel. 

Evan talking a little bit about writing SOS for Rihanna

Then I was surprised to hear Evan open up and say he actually wrote the lyrics about struggling going through rehab and then they made the song about a boy for her to sing. Each of the talks were entertaining, it was a fun time and I am glad I had the chance to attend!

Quickly we went down the street to The London hotel where ASCAP was putting on a brunch event that was almost finished. We went up to the rooftop which had a great view, we had a couple bites to eat and talked to some others at the event. 

We decided to head back to the other event and catch the end but when we got there it was over. Outside I met these songwriters who Mike and Tony know called Planet VI (formerly known as Rock City) who have written songs like "Pour It Up" for Rihanna. After for lunch Mike, Tony and I went to Mel's Drive-In restaurant and Mike and I shared an oreo milkshake mmm

For dinner we went back to Cafe Med and they had a special of truffle oil pizza so I had to get it and it was amazing! The next day was the Grammys and we went to the Sunset Marquis to watch them in Bar 1200. There were great performances especially Elton John and Ed Sheeran and deserving winners. Congratulations to our friends who were nominated, what an honor! 

The next day I worked for Modnique modeling Esley clothes and V.I.P. Denim. It was another fun day!

While I was working Mike and Tony had a meeting with an artist who wanted to work with them. That night we were walking down sunset to find a place to eat and we saw Josh Flagg from the show Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles that Mike and I like to watch.

The next morning I woke up and my portfolio was up on Ford's site which was so exciting to see! I have looked at their site for years to see the models and their poses and everything so I was teary-eyed when I saw myself on there.

During the day Mike, Tony and Jeff had a meeting with Zach Katz CEO of Beluga Heights Records and his A&R Jeremih. At night we got the keys to Dan's studio since he was going on vacation and the next night I hung out while Mike and Tony worked on new songs. 

Thursday was Valentine's Day! I worked for Modnique during the day and when I got there Ashley gave me gummies and Maren brought chocolate covered strawberries for everyone which was so sweet of them! I modeled different knit tops and Mystree clothing which were cute.

After the clothing lines we had a little Valentine's shoot with flowers that Maren's boyfriend sent to her at work! :)

When I got back to the apartment Mike gave me roses! :)

Then we got dressed up and went to The Grove. It was pretty walking down the street at night with lights all around.

Afterwards we headed to dinner at a restaurant on Sunset Boulevard where we sat in an outdoor area surrounded by trees and strands of lights which was so pretty. I had a pasta primavera and it was delicious! 

We finished with chocolate cake and ice cream and it we had such a great time together! I love you Mike!

I was sad that I couldn't be home with my parents and Cookie Dough but they know I love them so much! It was so sweet of them to send me gifts, I had to try not to cry!

(An amazing card my Mom picked out
and I love the little drawings my Dad did haha)

I had an amazing day and I am so thankful for my loved ones!

Feb 2nd-Feb 6th - First Days In LA!

On Saturday we all went to the airport in Las Vegas and we said bye for now to Mike's family who was flying home and we headed to our gate for Los Angeles!

When we landed we headed to our temporary apartment in Burbank right near Warner Bros! The room was clean and comfortable but it was pretty old and the TV hardly worked. Then for dinner we headed into West Hollywood and had an amazing truffle pasta dish and chocolate cake for dessert at Cafe Med!

While we were eating this group was going around singing and playing guitar to each of the tables which was funny. Afterwards we went to the Sunset Marquis where I got to meet Mike's friend who is a manager at the hotel. There is a recording studio in the basement called NightBird that Mike has been to before where many artists go to record and where American Idol films the contestants recording and I got to get a tour. 

That was really cool and then we hung out in the lounge called Bar 1200.

A little embarrassing story: on the way back to the apartment that night I was driving and noticed a bright light shining on me from the car behind us and it was a cop car that then pulled up next to me and two officers looked at us and told me I did not have my headlights turned on! My jaw dropped, I apologized and told them it was our first night in LA and they laughed and told us to have a good trip haha

The next day we went to the famous Bob's Big Boy restaurant for lunch and we liked it there! 

Then we went to Guitar Center and Fred Siegel and got a bite to eat outside at their cafe there which was cute. Later we watched the super bowl mostly on the computer because the TV in the room was in such poor condition. It was an entertaining game and Beyonce and Destiny's Child rocked the halftime show! For dinner we went to Mo's in Burbank and it was really good!

Ford wanted me to come in on Monday to meet everyone and I was so excited! I walked in and saw the red wall with those four letters on it like I have seen before but this time instead of interviewing I was signed with them and it felt amazing!

I met the four bookers and they gave me a hug and were so nice! We talked and then they took pictures and video of me and gave me temporary comp cards. They made me feel very welcome and I am so happy to be a part of the team! That day I had my first casting in LA and it was for Aaron Ashe. Mike came with me and waited at a cafe where we met up afterwards and then headed to an outdoor mall called The Americana at Brand that was cool. 

While we were there I found out that I had a direct booking the next day to work for Modnique.com which was really exciting! We went back to Mo's for dinner and then went to a concert for Mike's friend Dan's metal band called Battle Royale that he is the singer of. After we got there our friends Dave and Julie from back home in New York walked in which was a nice surprise! I knew they just got in town but I did not realize they knew Dan too. The band did really well and we had a good time!

The next morning I headed to Modnique and I experienced real LA traffic for the first time, good thing I accounted for that! I met the photographer Sean, the person who hired me Noelle, the stylist Ashley, the assistant Maren and the makeup artist Emily! Noelle's little doggie Lexi was walking around the set and she was so cute!

Everyone was so nice and I had such a good day with them modeling Idylle shirts and Mopas leggings! 

Afterwards I headed to a casting for Nordstrom and then met up with Mike at Dan's recording studio. I picked Mike up and we moved into the apartment that we would be staying in for the next month! It was in a really nice neighborhood in West Hollywood and we went to dinner at Cafe Med again that night. My friend Julie came to dinner with us and it was really nice to catch up! A couple of tables away I recognized a guy and realized it was comedian Affion Crockett.

After dinner we brought Julie to Sunset Marquis and showed her around. Then she headed to her hotel and Mike and I hung out with his friend in Bar 1200 and we were talking when Sean Combs (P. Diddy) walked in with a young woman and they were looking for a place to sit. I felt bad we were sitting in the best spot of the place in the corner but they sat next to us and ordered a very expensive bottle.

The next morning I had a casting for Tobi.com and then I stopped at the agency and after went to lunch with Mike at a French restaurant on Sunset Boulevard. While we were eating outside we saw Paris Hilton in her Range Rover stuck in traffic. I got a veggie plate that was good except I asked if they could cook the artichoke more and someone came out embarrassing me saying it did not needed to be cooked more, so we might not eat there again.

Then Mike came with me to a casting for Charles Henry and then we went to Vintage King for him to get a piece of equipment and it was cool looking around.

For dinner I baked eggplant cutlets from Trader Joe's that were really good! We watched TV then Mike and Tony worked on music and I went to bed to be ready for a long day!

Jan 28th-Feb 1st - Mike's Birthday in Las Vegas!

Monday morning we woke up to go to Las Vegas for Mike's birthday trip and the airline called and said that our flight was canceled and that we would have to wait a day to fly out! Scott and Helen worked hard and were very generous to get us a flight that left that day.

We stayed at the Cosmopolitan and our room was unbelievable! We had walk-in closets, a kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom, a huge bathroom and a wrap-around terrace with an incredible view!

Right after we checked in it turned Mike's birthday and we all went for a late night celebration meal at The Henry in the hotel.

(First birthday drink!)

The next morning we met up at a cafe and bar in the hotel that was surrounded by crystal chandeliers that were really pretty and Mike opened up birthday gifts!

Afterwards we went shopping in our hotel and at Caesar's Palace and then went to Wolfgang Puck's restaurant Spago for lunch. I thought it was pretty good and they sent out a birthday dessert for Mike which was nice!

Before heading back to the hotel we stopped in Chrome Hearts and David Yurman where Jon picked out his wedding band that is really nice! Then we all got ready for Mike's birthday dinner! Before we left, Mike's Aunt Arlene and Uncle Harold surprised him by getting champagne and chocolate covered strawberries delivered to the room! 

Then we headed downstairs to STK for dinner! We hung out in the bar area and then had an incredible meal! First we started with their signature bread covered with cheese and pesto dipping sauce.

I had salad, brussels sprouts, spinach, mashed potatoes, truffle fries and truffle mac and cheese which were all delicious! Then they sent out a plate for Mike with ice cream cones...yum!

After our amazing dinner we played a couple of slots and then headed to Caesar's Palace to go to Pure Nightclub. There was a crowd as far as I could see trying to get in but we had passes which was nice. We hung out for a little while and then Mike wanted to go to our hotel and smoke a cigar with his family.  

It was an incredible day and I am glad that Mike had such a memorable birthday! <3 The next day we went to the shoppes at Caesar's again and then had lunch at a great Italian restaurant in the Venetian. I had eggplant parm that was really good and we were on a balcony with a nice view looking out into the hotel. Afterwards we walked through The Ballagio and looked at the architecture and displays. 

Later we went to a burger restaurant for dinner and when we got back Mike's parents and I ordered him  chocolate cake and cookies!

The next day for lunch we got pizza from this hidden place in our hotel that has authentic New York style pizza and it was so good! Then Mike had a meeting at Odds On Records & Studios and it was nice there. They have the biggest duality console in the United States so it was cool to see that! 

For dinner we went to FireFly and had tappas and finished with a banana-nutella sandwich! After we went to the Hard Rock Cafe and looked around at the memorabilia and then went back to our hotel. We played some slot machines and then went to our room to watch The Bellagio water show from our balcony and then got ready to go out!

We went out to Marquee nightclub in our hotel and we had so much fun!! The music was great and Alex and I tore up the dance floor haha

Afterwards we went to The Bellagio where Mike had a great streak of blackjack and then we looked around before heading back to our hotel to get a late night bite to eat.

February 1st was my Dad's birthday! I was sad that I couldn't be home with him but we celebrated before I left for the West Coast. Dad I know you don't really care about celebrating your birthday but it is a special day to me because you are the Best Dad in the Universe and I love you! 

Then it was our last day in Vegas but it was another great one! For lunch we all went to Todd English P.U.B. in Crystals at City Center. While we were eating Mike found out that the lyric video for The Biggest Mistake Remix that he produced was published on youtube! Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb0KF7rQbEQ

At night we went to Sugar Factory for dinner which I have never been to! While we were there Rev Run, his wife and sons were eating too. I used to watch Run's House and I like his words of wisdom on Twitter so it was neat to see him and his family. Mike, his family and I all enjoyed our last dinner of the trip together. Of course we finished with a yummy dessert of an oreo cheesecake!

Back at the hotel we were in a casino and David Spade and Nick Swardson walked by with a bunch of friends and one of them randomly said "Bandz A Make Her Dance" to Mike and me which was funny. Afterwards we had to pack and get ready to go to Los Angeles the next day!

Scott and Helen, thank you for putting together such an unbelievable trip for Mike's birthday and Alex and Jon's engagement! This was a trip that each of us will always remember!