ThisNext Blog

Harry Potter Prep

VMA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:22:15 +0000

With the sixth Harry Potter movie coming out November 21, 2008, you must do all you can to catch up and be prepared for the movie. This list includes books, clothes and other little things that will get you ready for Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts. This time Harry is “spellbound” by his potions book which has been used by the “Half Blood Prince” and he begins to learn more about Voldemort’s past. Everyone is a Harry Potter fan but if you aren’t you only have 3 months to catch up!

See more of my Hogwarts list at ThisNext.

Muppets Revival

VMA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:20:38 +0000

Earlier this month, new and revived Muppet clips were released on Youtube. These clips surfaced to promote the debut of an all new variety show special which is airing Sunday, August 3rd on The Disney channel. Guest stars for this bit include: Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Dylan & Cole Sprouse, Jonas Brothers. Don’t miss out as Miss Piggy tries to join the Jonas brothers as Kermit and Gonzo enters on “The Suite Life.”

Catch up on The Muppet Show with the digitally remastered DVDS on ThisNext.

See more of my The Muppet Show list at ThisNext.

Organic beer - it's what's for dinner

VMA — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:46:31 +0000

Ok, hopefully it’s not all that’s for dinner. But it would definitely make a nice supplement. And good news: with organic farming and production becoming more and more popular as we all become more environmentally conscious, there is a good variety of organic beers available today both in stores and online. So that means not only can you enjoy tasty beer with dinner, you can enjoy tasty organic beer. Why organic beer? Because it is produced without pesticides, which is better for the environment and our overall health.

Another reason to go organic is because many organic breweries also have sidelining causes aside from reducing pesticide use. For example, Reunion beer (featured on the list) donates 100% of its profits to the Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research. Eel River Brewing Company, who makes a fabulous India Pale Ale, uses only mill leftovers (wood scraps, clippings, etc.) to power their brewery.

The beer featured above is Butte Creek’s Organic Ale. They are a small brewery based out of Chino, CA who donates a percentage of their profits to restoring the Chinook Salmon Reserves. See how much more you can get out of a beer than a buzz?

And to those who write off beer as a college pasttime, a football watching throwaway, or something that they just don’t enjoy, I challenge you to expand your horizons and try to acquire a taste for it. Beer is so much more than 30 packs of Bud Light. Once recognized and appreciated, each beer has a different aroma, taste, and overall experience. So I encourage you to try some interesting beers, and organic ones at that.

Cheers!

To see more organic beer, check out my list below and on ThisNext!

“Get us a round of organic beer!”
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Say So Long to Your Les Deux Hangover

VMA — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:26:47 +0000

ThisNext has been partying hard as a sponsor of the Summer Style Series at the hip Hollywood Club Les Deux. However, it can’t all be sunshine and roses the day after a night of some serious partying. Hangovers are inevitable but letting them get the best of you is not! There are plenty of old wives tales and tricks to beat the hangover blues, but when you get right down to it, it just takes a little time, hydration, and a couple of pain killers. Put this English Style Hot Bottle on your forehead and you will be taking the first steps to a full hangover recovery.

Check out more of the list here. You will be up and ready for your day with these helpful hangover cures and ready for another night partying it up with us at Les Duex. And don’t forget to check out Fashion Kitty’s Summer Style Series recommendations for all the latest on how to keep fashionable while you are out clubbing with ThisNext at the trendy Les Deux!

ThisNext on Flock Gloss

FashionKitty — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:44:52 +0000

Everyone here at ThisNext is super-excited about our placement on Flock’s brand new browser called Flock Gloss. Flock’s Gloss Edition is the world’s first and only fashion/entertainment browser. Your source for daily fashion, entertainment, and well…downright gossip.

Some of the great content that you will find from ThisNext is 6 RSS streams including all fashion recommendations, Fashion Kitty’s fashion recommendations, Gossip Girl fashions from the show, and all things tagged accessories, bikini and shoes. Aside from all of the great ThisNext content will also find content from InStyle, PopSugar, Glam, and many more.

Be sure to download the browser today! Not only to support ThisNext and Flock but to get the best fashion content delivered to you in one happy (and pink) place.

Lucky Earth's Revolutionary Waterless Car Wash

VMA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:35:59 +0000

“Did you know the average home car wash uses 80-140 gallons of water and the average commercial car wash uses 35-85 gallons?” Lucky Earth’s Waterless Carwash first caught my eye when I saw their bright green hybrid car parked in a Santa Monica parking structure. Today, their website got my attention again with that startling fact.

Can you imagine 80 - 140 gallons of water being used each time you wash your car at home? That is clearly an enormous waste, which is way the city of Santa Monica recently made washing your car with a bucket and hose illegal (you go, Santa Monica!). But have no fear. Just because you can no longer wash your car with a hose after reading these facts (I hope) doesn’t mean you have to opt for pricey commercial car washes or a dirty vehicle. Lucky Earth developed a complete line of environmentally friendly and chemical free waterless car wash products. Their car wash is literally as easy to use as spraying it onto your car and then wiping it clean with a microfiber towel. Step 1. Step 2. Done!

How is it that easy to save money, water, and pollutants from getting into our waterways and oceans? Lucky Earth specially developed a formula that emulsifies and lifts dirt from the car’s surface without the use of any harsh chemicals. Mind you, this formula is non-toxic, environmentally safe, fragrance free, hypo-allergenic, phosphate free, paraben free, and contains no dyes. So, you’re saving water and keeping chemicals and pollutants out of you and your environment! Sounds divine to me!

They also have interior upholstery cleaners, tire cleaners, and bike washes. Check out the list below to see all of their products. They are truly a progressive company who has revolutionized the way we think about car washes!

A Waterless Car Wash? Yes. It’s true & it’s grand.
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Jet-setter

VMA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:34:32 +0000

Always on the go? These convenient traveling accessories are the perfect companion for your journey. From portable hangers to 3 in 1 hygiene kits, you will always feel right at home no matter where you are, as you are jet-setting in style. Your traveling needs for your traveling convenience.

See more of my Jet-setter list at ThisNext.

mma goes mainstream

VMA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:33:38 +0000

What was once regarded as unabashed savagery is quickly gaining mainstream momentum and threatening boxing’s reign as the #1 combat sport. Mixed Martial Arts fighting has evolved from the back-alley bare knuckles brawls that most people associate it with. Now, there’s strict measures put in place to mitigate injuries and to protect fighters when they’re in vulnerable positions. For example, in many fight organizations, knees to the head of downed opponents in addition to any blows to the back of the head (downed or not) are prohibited.

Combat is no longer just stand-up striking but incorporates disciplines that include Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, and ground submissions. Though fighters do get knocked out, oftentimes matches will end in someone submitting (“tapping out”) to an arm bar - a painful arm lock that hyperextends the elbow - or a rear naked choke hold. Other popular submissions include a triangle choke, guillotine, kimura, and knee lock. With the emphasis on skill rather than brute strength, the biggest guy is not guaranteed to win. Ask 7’2” 350-pound Hong Man Choi when he lost to the much smaller Fedor Emelianenko (click on image to the right).

Celebrity Baby Names

VMA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:31:15 +0000

Since the birth of Brangelina’s twins, it became necessary to recognize the ridiculous names that celebrities choose to name their children. The list ranges from inanimate objects, to locations and then to food. Its really entertaining and fascinating. WARNING: Do NOT use this list to pick out a name for your child….You might find yourself on PerezHilton.

See more of my Celebrity Baby Names list at ThisNext.

Because it was so good: Dark Knight Merchandise!

VMA — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:29:34 +0000

The fact that the Dark Knight still has a 94% on Rottentomatoes is enough to grant it star status. To add to the hype, I haven’t heard a single review of the movie that wasn’t stellar. Put all of this together, and we’ve got ourselves the best summer blockbuster of the new millenium!

Because I personally loved the movie so much and am actually excited to see it for a second time (a rarity for me), my eyes have wandered towards the movie’s merchandise. There are items ranging from t-shirts to collector’s statues to an incredible soundtrack, The Dark Knight has incredible products to help fuel your Batman fire! Check out the list I made of merchandise on ThisNext. You can even teach your children to read with Dark Knight reading books! My favorite item is the 1000 piece puzzle. I’m easily amused, I know.

See more of my Because it was so good: Dark Knight Merchandise! list at ThisNext.

Come join us at Les Deux this week

FashionKitty — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:14:36 +0000

It’s that time of the week again … Les Deux time.

Tomorrow night Les Deux is going to be bigger and better than ever. Not only is it the 2 year anniversary for Wednesday nights at Les Deux but there will be special guests too. The featured designer this week is Sorum/ Noce — Matt Sorum is from the band Velvet Revolver. There will also be a special performance by the Darling Stilettos. Come join us for drinks and a whole lot of fun.

Hope to see you there and be sure to check out photos from our party last week!

ThisNext Designer of the Week: Tees for Change

FashionKitty — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:43:32 +0000

Our latest installment of ThisNext’s Designer of the Week is not only stylish but sustainable too. Tees for Change is a tee shirt company that sends out a positive message and is good for the planet too.

Tag your fashion and eco-friendly recommendations “TN Fashion” for a chance to win 3 shirts from Tees for Change.

Andrea is the founder of Tees For Change, a line of eco-friendly tees adorned with inspirational messages. She started Tees For Change when she was pregnant in early 2007 and received a lot of negative reactions to her decision to have a natural home birth. Andrea wanted to create t-shirts to reinforce her positive thoughts. So along with the birth of her son came the birth of Tees for Change.

Buying these shirts also gives back to the environment. For each tee sold Global ReLeaf plants a tree. We chatted with Andrea from Tees for Change and she shared with us some of her favorite eco-friendly finds. Check out Andrea’s recommendations on ThisNext.

TN: What eco-friendly product do you never leave home without?

TFC: My Klean Kanteen reusable water bottle.

TN: What is your favorite magazine?

TFC: Yoga Journal

TN: What are three items that you always carry in your bag?

TFC: My Klean Kanteen water bottle, Rescue Rememdy spray, and my LipTrip lip balm.

TN: What are you favorite eco-friendly baby products?

TFC: Naturepedic Organic Cotton Crib Mattress and Bugaboo strollers.

You have added TeesForChange as a friend.

TeesForChange’s recommendations at ThisNext
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Guide to Rock and Roll Love

VMA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:11:31 +0000

The wildly popular show Rock of Love with Bret Michaels of Poison fame recently concluded its second season. This got us thinking - what does it take to win the love of rock stars?

The answers are rather simple - short skits, bikinis, and booze. However, the life of a rock star and rock star girlfriend is so much more complicated. There are accessories and beverages to think about!

With this Rock of Love list you will get a little insight into how to put your best foot forward in the quest for rock and roll love and how to maintain the romance once you have your rocker. You’ve got an image to uphold, after all.

See more of my Rock of Love list at ThisNext.

flashy flash drives

VMA — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:55:27 +0000

Large amounts of data have becoming increasingly portable with the advent of micro storage devices like USB flash drives. Typically no larger than a pack of gum, this compact, removable memory allows you to conveniently carry around up to 64MB of digital files. To assuage security concerns, many devices offer password protection with some going as far as having biometric sensors for fingerprint recognition. With the increasing popularity of removable storage, vendors are adding as much form as functionality to their devices. From race-inspired Ducati designs (see image) to Disney motifs, the market is filled with a wide variety of distinct flash drives. Here’s a robust selection to browse through:

“flashdrives” recommendations at ThisNext
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The Perfect Margarita

VMA — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:04:04 +0000

I don’t know about you, but a refreshing margarita is my idea of a perfect way to start my weekend. Or my Tuesday night (kidding). But why go out to get a delicious margarita when you can make one at home? After years of making margaritas, I know exactly what you need to make a kick-ar*se drink for you and your friends to enjoy. Or just you, if you prefer.

Here’s the recipe for the Perfect Marg:

1 shot of tequila (1.5 oz to be exact)
1 oz of lime juice
1/2 oz of Cointreau
* add 1 tablespoon of Pomegranate juice for a summery Pomegranate Margarita!

- Shake in cocktail shaker, rim your margarita glass with kosher salt, pour into glass, serve, & ENJOY!
- For added tropical effect, include some Jimmy Buffet music playing softly in the background.

See more of my The Perfect Margarita list at ThisNext.