>>Donate and Help Brain Cancer Research

You're help is needed to advance Brain Cancer Research!


Donate to the Annual UCLA Brain Center Research Fundraiser to further the developments of Brain Cancer Research. In the past there's been success with over $250,000 being raised in donations over the last four years. The best part has been that 100% of the proceeds going straight to UCLA for Brain Cancer Research.



A raffle will soon take place, and donations are being requested. Gift certificates, baskets, or anything that is able to be raffled is needed and would be appreciated.


The fundraiser will be held on Thursday, April 29, from 5-9 PM at:


O'Malley's
140 Main St.
Seal Beach, CA


All raffle tickets sold will be collected. Proceeds from food, drinks, tips, and the raffle will support UCLA.


In addition to the donations and tickets for the raffle, a 5k will be held on Saturday, May 8th at:


Veterans Memorial Stadium
5005 Lew Davis Dr.
Long Beach, CA


Mail all donations to:


Cindy Atkinson
4592 Orion St.
Huntington Beach, CA 92649


All checks can be made payable to UCLA Foundation, or through http://www.blogger.com/www.craniumcrusaders.org.


Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Movie Review: The Last Song

When does Nicholas Sparks think he's going to keep surprising us with a surprise twist in each of his books/films by having someone die?

You may be a little upset that we just revealed the spoiler, but you won't be too upset after you see the film.

The Last Song is set in Tybee Island, Georgia where Miley Cyrus was able to let her hair down (aand apply a little extra eyeliner as a rebellious teen who's about to fall in love with a preppy ladies man (Liam Hemsworth) during the summer. She secretly is a professional pianist who recently was accepted to Juilliard, but declined because she's too caught up in trying to figure out what to do with her life. Although she's been in trouble with the law, it's assumed she pushes people away and has issues because of her parents' divorce.

If anything, Cyrus' and Hemsworth's on-screen romance was almost palpable--maybe due to the fact that they're dating in real life, which helped set the mood. Either way, we didn't mind, because it was pretty believable--even for Miley Cyrus. There were parts that were endearing and romantic, without going off the deep end.

Kelly Preston plays Cyrus' (Ronnie) mother who appears from time to time throughout the film, although we're never sure why her and Ronnie's father ever divorced. Now Ronnie and her little brother (newcomer, Bobby Coleman) are staying with their father for the summer in his beach house, while trying to come to terms with Ronnie's past. 

Although the romance between Hemsworth and Cyrus was cute and romantic, her performance wasn't. Her voice made her appear too young for Hemsworth's character and made you wonder what he saw in her. Hemsworth's performance was one of the best in the cast with his emotions raw throughout the film and his Aussie accent almost hardly noticeable. Coleman plays Ronnie's younger brother, who has a bigger heart than she does by helping his dad make stained glass windows for the local church. When tragedy strikes (remember our previous spoiler?) his performance is better than anyone in the supporting cast, and is one of the few you really seem to care about and feel for. 

The film concludes with (who would have thought?) Cyrus' new song playing in the background, and although it's not The Notebook, it may be worth seeing if you're a pre-teen who desperately wants to fall in love, but is vicariously living through movie stars' romances in the meantime. 

We know Cyrus is perfect for the Disney Channel and pretending to be a normal girl by day/rocker by night, but let's leave the intense acting for the big dogs on this one.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Don't Be Mean, Go Green

You probably don't know that it's illegal to throw your old laptop or that outdated computer in the trash if you live in the state of California.  If you're sick of being wasteful and increasing your global footprint, then stop being a pack rat with junk you don't use, and do something good with it. 

About 85-90% of all electronic items are illegally disposed. That's why 70% of heavy metals and 40% of lead contents found in landmills are all from e-waste.

The Los Cerritos Center and Greenview Resource Management, Inc. is hosting an e-waste recycling event where local communities have the opportunity to properly dispose all unwanted/broken electronic items. 

Best of all? It's free.

E-waste consists of all electronic items, such as PC systems, printers, computer monitors, home entertainment systems, fax machines, and copiers. To find more e-waste products, visit www.ShopLosCerritos.com. 

You can recycle your used electronic items at the Los Cerritos Center on April 10 & 11, and if the items are too heavy there will be staff available to help unload all items. 

Drop off your goods at Southeast parking lot off of Gridley Road near Allen Tire at the Center.

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

The Best Hair Styles for Every Face Shape

>>Round Face

You're face is round if it's as long as it is wide. If you have a round face, you're goal should be to elongate it as much as possible by adding volume and layers to your hair. Try bangs that are feathered, or side-swept, which will soften your face shape and make it appear more elongated. Going for gentle waves is also another style that works well.

>>Heart Face

Heart shaped faces have narrow chins and wider cheekbones. Go for curly and soft hairstyles, ones that cut right at the chin and give off the appearance of everything being symmetrical. Never slick your hair back for this look--don't do anything that overemphasizes the upper portion of your face. If your really want to go for the bangs, wispy ones will do the trick to make your face shape look flattering.

>>Oval Face

A rounded hairline with a narrower jaw line than the temples. Consider yourself blessed if you were born with an oval face. You're one of the only face shapes that can wear almost any hairstyle and still look great. Avoid heavy bangs, which can hide your face and make it appear smaller. Your best option to having bangs is to opt for blunt ones.

>>Square Face

A square jaw line and hairline. Those with square face shapes have a little more freedom with hairstyles. They can go for longer lengths with sided parts and layers or waves. Avoid bobs and parting your hair down the middle, but opt for bangs that are side-swept and sexy.

>>Oblong Face

Your face is longer than it is wide, with a rounded hairline and jaw line. Go for longer hairstyles that add height and width at the temples and cheekbones. Make sure there's volume around the neck and play with wispy bangs if your forehead is high. Don't get short hair, and avoid parting your hair in the middle. If you opt for long hair, make sure it has some layers to soften your face shape.

>>Diamond Face

A mix between oval and heart shape, with the cheekbones the widest. Bobs look good on a few people, and those with a diamond face look great with short, edgy styles. Those with diamond face shapes should always have some sort of bangs that shorten their foreheads and round their face more. You're also one of the few who can part their hair down the middle and still look great.

>>Triangular Shape

This one has a strong jaw line and narrow cheekbones. Shorter hairstyles work best for those with a triangular face shape. Most people with triangular shapes have prominent jaw lines, so layers at a short length will compliment your face the best. Avoid longer hairstyles, which will only add width to your jaw line. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

7 Items Every Woman Must Have

1. Stilettos

Let's face it. Stilettos never go out of style. As long as they're basic and of good quality then they'll last you a lifetime as they take you on a night out or to a fancy affair. Try a basic black suede stiletto or a hot pink one to spice up your wardrobe. You can even pair them with a dark jean when going out to dinner so you can look great without getting too dolled up.

2. Chunky Brown Belt

Chunky brown belts go with everything--a loose tee that needs something more, or a casual dress that's missing some personality. It's great for office attire or just to slip on when going shopping with the gal pals. You can find plenty of authentic leather belts at flea markets (I just picked up an $8 Ralph Lauren one at the Rose Bowl Flea Market), and hey, they'll even flatter your curves.

3. Bangles

Bare wrists are a no-no. An outfit sans the jewelry is too bare when bangles can dress up just about any ol' outfit. They fit just about any style and have remained in the fashion scene in almost every decade. Avoid wearing too many rings--you don't want everything to clash--and remember that it's hard to have too many bangles on.

4. Binglin' Watch

If you haven't checked the LA scene lately, high-end watches have been on the rise. They're a great investment (at around $100 for a basic one) and are appropriate for almost all occasions. You'll look responsible with one in the office and sexy when pairing it with casual-wear. 

5. Strapless Bra

We all know it should be a crime to let your intimates show. Trashy straps will ruin any outfit and will make you look anything but classy. Ditch your typical bra and opt for a strapless one that will be great with halter tops in the summer, or that fabulous mini dress you'll be wearing to your friend's wedding. Either way, a strapless bra is an essential item to being female--especially a fashionable one.

6. Little Black Dress

The little black dress has been around since Audrey Hepburn paired her infamous shades with it in Breakfast at Tiffany's. It's a great way to wear that strapless bra we just mentioned and to look sophisticated and sexy. It's perfect for dinner parties, or to even go shopping on Rodeo Drive. Find something simple that can be paired with different accessories so when your style changes from time to time, your dress won't have to. 

7. Diamond Earrings

Diamond earrings never go out of style--go faux in case you lose one of them. They add femininity to your face and look great in anything casual or extremely fancy pants. My favorite are Betsey Johnson--they're modern yet still classy. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Crash the Bash

The Inaugural Off Center Bash, "Come Together" is days away on Saturday, March 27 in congruent with Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles on March 23-28. There will be a VIP Celebration in the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall with an After Party in the concert hall. The bash will also feature a Beatles music video contest in partnership with media sponsor of Coast magazine. 

The event is co-chaired by Cindi Morales and Linda Young with tickets ranging from $50-$1000. All proceeds supporting the Center's Off Center and Free for All Series. In addition, there will be the student rush discount ticket program that introduces the arts to new audiences and the next generation of the Center family. 

For more info, visit www.ocpac.org/offcenterbash. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Movie Review: Valentine' s Day ♥

With a handful of award-winning actors leading Valentine's Day, it's no wonder that it broke records Valentine's Day weekend by raking in 52 million dollars. Although the film got well-deserved mixed reviews, it was still a hit film that will be sure to invite itself back every Valentine's Day.

Love Actually is a romantic-comedy that broke tradition by having multiple love stories within one film. Valentine's Day steals this concept, but sets the scene in Los Angeles and has some twists, some cheese, and a little bit of prediction. However, it's still worth seeing, because the feel-good feeling is worth some bad acting and accurate guessing of the ending.

Taylor Swift made her acting debut in this film as a high school teenager caught up in puppy love, with her real-life beau at the time, Taylor Lautner. Although it may have been a cute idea to cast the all American girl, it was a mistake with her lack of acting credibility. Although she was supposed to play a ditz, her acting made the character even worse and so annoying that it was hard not to cringe. The scenario for the two young love birds didn't add any substance to the film, but simply took a few minutes off my life. 

Other actors were more charming, like Ashton Kutcher, who plays a hopeless romantic and owns a flower business. Although he purposes to his girlfriend (Jessica Alba), the direction of their relationship is predictable right from the opening credits. 

Topher Grace and Anne Hathaway play a couple in a new-ish relationship that gets off to a rocky start from a little secret Hathway's character has. Out of all the love stories, this one's the most endearing and makes you root for them the most throughout the film.

Other notable names in the film include Kathy Bates, Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper (he finally plays a nice guy), Hector Elizondo, Eric Dane (still looks McSteamy in the film), Jamie Foxx, Topher Grace, Queen Latifa, and Emma Roberts. 

For those of us who hate Valentine's Day, there's always Jessica Biel's character to relate to--she works in PR and hates celebrating love, marking the holiday by having an annual party that bashes Valentine's Day. She's neurotic and has enough pity for herself to make you feel annoyed at times, but her acting helps add to the film where Taylor Swift lacked. Besides, where else can you see a Valentine's Day heart pinata get bashed?

Garry Marshall was clearly trying to make Valentine's Day a lighthearted comedy that had a bit of fun, with some twists involved. The surprises keep the story moving at a perfect pace and help make it a movie you can take seriously, even with a few mishaps involved. 

Katie Cervantes

Live OC Magazine

www.LIVEOCMAG.com