Staying true to their “Taste the Fun” theme this year the Del Mar Fair is full of not so bikini friendly food items that are sure to have your taste buds going crazy. From deep fried Klondike Bars, Oreos and Pop Tarts (my personal favorite) to the usual favorites blooming unions, mile long hot dogs, cave man like turkey legs and funnel cake, you’re sure to be in a food coma before you get to the rides. This year the fair seemed to be all about mixing their traditional events with new entertainment. I scoped out a new ride perfect for the not so strong stomached man, “Viper” hidden behind the “Zipper” and “Techno Jump”. This snake themed ride tilts and spins, giving its riders a dizzying a.k.a I don’t think I can keep down my chocolate dipped pickle, experience. If you’re stomach can’t even handle that, there’s no shortage of workers waving you down to play one of their balloon popping, ring tossing, basketball shooting games. There’s no better way to say I love you then to spend 40 bucks on a giant stuffed monkey coming out of a banana or giant stuffed giraffe for that special someone. Sounds like a fun cheap date to me.

When the sun starts to set and the night sky is lit up the insane lighting on the over 80 rides at the fair this year, cruise over to the Heineken Grandstand Stage and check out the awesome bands scheduled to perform this year. The lineup’s not looking too shabby.  I’ll definitely have to hit up Switchfoot on June 24^th, Lifehouse July 1^st and One Republic July 2^nd! There’s also some cool sporting events that I might have to ditch the beach for: The Red Bull Action Sports event on June 20^th and the San Diego International Beer Festival June 25-27 (with more than 150 breweries and 350 beers from around the world) I’m sure I’ll be seeing all you sexy beer bellied men and ladies at this event. In conjunction with the beer festival the San Diego Derby Dolls will be hosting a national competition throughout these 3 days. What’s more entertaining than hot girls in short spandex, knocking each other flat on their faces all while in roller skates? For those of you who like to “go big or go home” the Chevrolet Del Mar Area will be the place to be to see Monster Truck shows, July 2^nd and 3^rd followed by Demolition Derbies, July 4^th and 5^th.

As usual the fair’s only here through the fourth of July and always ends with a parade and gnarly fireworks show. Make sure to head to the bank and pull out some cash before cruising to the fair, no one like those stupid $2.50 ATM fees.

I don’t know about anyone else, but finding the time to do effective shopping these days is becoming impossible.  For me, shopping is more than just exchanging cash for product – It’s about finding the best stuff for the best price.  But with my ridiculously busy schedule I just don’t seem to have the time to do shopping the right way – and that’s why I was so excited to hear about Telegrab.

If any of you readers like the sites Groupon or Living Social, then you will LOVE Telegrab.  Telegrab is a new mobile & web-based platform that compiles all of the legitimate shopping deals in your local area, like discounts, sales, and promotions, and puts them altogether in one, easy to use place.  Not only does Telegrab keep you up on the hottest deals of the day, but users of Telegrab also receive premium offers and discounts on your mobile device, just for being apart of Telegrab.  Why not make it even easier – Telegrab lets you make purchases on the deals you see, right from your phone!  Get ready to save time, money, and energy while taking smart shopping to the next level.

Now, they don’t launch for another couple of weeks (the official launch is on June 14), but I personally don’t think that Telegrab can come soon enough.  My days are busy enough – the last thing I need when it comes to shopping is getting the run around.  To get people excited about the launch (as if I’m not already), Telegrab is giving away a free Ipad, all you have to do is join their Pre-Launch Party!   I already joined Telegrab online, and although it does hurt my chances of winning the Ipad, I just had to pass this one on to the loyal readers of Bikini Team.

To get in on the Pre-Launch party and enter for your chance to win the Ipad, follow this link (http://www.telegrab.com/giveaway).  Otherwise, keep your eyes out for Telegrab this summer for the best way to beat the prices and the crowds – I know I will.

Britt Shelstad

Congratulations to Britt Shelstad and Danielle Tavshanjian for again being featured by Andaz (The Ivy) in their 2010 Marketing campaign.  Great work ladies!  Thanks to Andaz for the support and appreciation!

Danielle Tavshanjian

Another warm and sunny summer has just begun to kick off in San Diego, so stay up on the hottest events, parties, and businesses with Bikini Team!

Going Green.  The two little words that every modern day producer and consumer just love to boast.  But for Green House International it’s more than just a slogan or a public relations stunt.  Green House International is putting together the last pieces of the ‘alternative energy’ puzzle, and delivering the finished product right to your doorstep.

For as long as I can remember, alternative energy has been all the buzz.  But after two decades of ‘we think we’ve got it’, I’d almost stopped listening to the trials and tribulations of Corporate America.  But Green House International seems to finally have it right – and not a moment too soon.  So how does G.H.I. do it?  Ethanol.  No fancy science terms or futuristic words, just Ethanol. GHI takes simple organic waste products, extracts the sugar-based organic compounds, and converts them into ethanol fuel.  Chris Ursitti, CEO of Green House International, says the idea dawned on him in science class, “One gallon of liquid fuel has 80 TIMES more energy potential than a lithium-ion battery, the most advanced battery on the planet, of equal size – there is no way that we can solve the energy crisis that we are in without more advanced knowledge of electricity, and until then, liquid fuel has to be the solution.”

So what kind of ‘simple’ organic waste can be used in GHI’s fuel systems?  Anything from alcohol to grass clippings – or compost to candy – it can all be used to extract ethanol fuel.  The product that is created by their fuel systems is already adapted to the modern infrastructure for fuel, and can be put directly into any vehicle or gas-guzzling accessory as is!  Not only is it already adapted for use; the emissions from GHI’s fuel are 85% less than conventional gasoline.  How much more efficient can it get?  How about this – the bi products of refining the fuel are distilled water and nutrient rich mulch – that’s it, that’s all.

G.H.I has already received a boatload of press coverage, and has gained investment and support from celebrities like Chargers Hall of Fame Running Back Chuck Muncie, Heidi & Spencer Pratt, and Shaquille – Don’t call me the diesel – O’Neal.  They recently partnered with the city of Las Vegas, and are already integrating their revolutionary systems with the existing infrastructure.  More notably, they recently partnered with local brewery, Karl Strauss.  The brewery plans to lease the fuel systems from G.H.I and refine their alcohol waste into re-usable energy, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run.

The technique that GHI uses is by no means new, but they are making it accessible and efficient.  The micro-consumer can purchase a complete, functioning system for their home, with little to no set-up.  The current cost for their micro-fueling system is $10,000 and $2.00 per gallon for use, but GHI claims that government energy rebate programs can get you back up to half of your original investment.  Additionally, they state that the more the fuel system is integrated into society; their access to organic waste will become more efficient and affordable, bringing down the cost per gallon.

Readers, I’m putting cost aside on this one.  GHI seems to be doing everything right, not just for business, but also for the planet, and that doesn’t have a price tag.

It’s beach season again, and as the hoards of hipsters head out to get their hands on the hottest new beachwear of 2010, I thought I’d shop around for something a little more exclusive.  When the girls and I did our 2010 photo shoot with Bikini Team, we all wore pieces from Sauvage Swimwear, and we were all really impressed with the collection.  So I headed for La Jolla, where Sauvage’s flagship store is located, to see what sexy new ideas designer Elizabeth Southwood had come out with for this season.

It was the hardest shop for a summer swimsuit I’ve ever had, because I literally wanted to try on every suit in the place!  The designs for 2010 are absolutely stunning, and I ended up leaving the store with three different suits!  It’s amazing how Sauvage is bringing new levels of innovation and style to beachwear.  The 2010 collection has revolutionized the typical swimsuit, with pieces featuring beads, zippers, chains, shells, and even crystals!

Each of the pieces designed by Sauvage pays amazing attention to detail, but they offer more than just a sexy and sophisticated appeal.  After talking with the other Bikini Team girls, and trying on multiple pieces in the store, Sauvage Swimwear has also successfully made swimwear that fits amazingly.  In the past, I have usually been able to find a suit that looks amazing, but finding one that I also feel comfortable and sexy in has always been a real challenge – but not with Sauvage.  Something else I noticed about the comfort of Sauvage was there diverse range of fits and styles.  It seemed that almost any women could find something that specifically works for them.  They also offer men’s swimwear which is incredibly fashion-forward, so ladies, you can even drag your man along and get him looking almost as good as you!

Sauvage Swimwear was even featured in Sports Illustrated and Victoria’s Secret in their Swim Suit Editions.  Now, most people think these magazine’s are primarily for guys to swoon over, but there is one thing that is for sure – these magazines continually feature swimwear that is fashionably ahead of its time.  So go ahead girls (and guys!), check out Sauvage and be the sexiest, most fashionable person struttin’ the sands of the Pacific Ocean this summer.

Sarah McDowd

Congratulations to Britt Shelstad, Danielle Tavshanjian, Dhanie Pappas, and Sarah McDowd for being featured in Andaz San Diego’s (formerly the Ivy) 2010 marketing campaign!

It’s great to see our girls getting the coverage they deserve!  Keep up the good work!

Danielle Tavshanjian

Dhanie Pappas

Dhanie Pappas

Danielle Tavshanjian

Britt Shelstad

After so many memories at the old Aubergine, the arrival of San Diego’s hottest new club had some big shoes to fill.  But after 10 minutes inside FLUXX, it was clear that this was the future of clubbing!  There was so much hype about the opening of FLUXX, from the involvement of RMD Group (the guys behind Side Bar), and design by the Orange County LEGEND of Davis Kumins, I thought it was going to be hard for the place to live up to its own preceding reputation – I was wrong.

FLUXX has brought a new age of innovation to the entire nightlife industry.  The theme of FLUXX is in its name, and was made to be flexible and adaptive to the ever-changing club scene.  It is uniquely designed to be able to completely alter themes, and claims that it will do so every month.  I love this idea because clubs can get boring FAST, but FLUXX will entirely transform throughout the year!  They also have a ‘FLUXX ME’ cocktail, which will change according to the season!

Once I stepped through the doors I was immediately impressed.  The entire venue is organic themed, which was so cool! Throughout the club there are genuine samples of nature – from moss-covered surfaces to old tree logs.  The sound system was AMAZING.  No other club in San Diego has dropped this kind of dough on their music system, and I love that FLUXX has put so much effort into getting people back on the dance floors!  Unlike the multiple rooms of the Aubergine, FLUXX has transformed most of the venue into one giant dance floor, with unparalleled light shows, smoke, and even wind simulators!

My girlfriends and I got hooked up with one of the VIP tables, which are elevated around the bullring style dance floor.  Not only was the location great, the service was the best I’ve received in San Diego.  Our VIP host, who was male by request , made sure we were satisfied all night – he even walked us to the restroom!  I have my eye on the master VIP table for next time – it’s called the Tree House, complete with go-go dancers, and room for about 20.  All of the staff was HOT, and the bottle service girls were all wearing really cute outfits.  Not only were we taken care of, we felt safe.  FLUXX had plenty of security, and even though the place was packed, the security kept it under control.

Would I go back to FLUXX?  Hot guys and gals, great hospitality, and a revolutionary club environment – I’ll be there again this weekend!

<3 Victoria

With a mile long list of events and publications they have worked on or been featured in, when you walk into A Style Concierge you know you’ve stepped foot into a whole new kind of place.  You know the second you leave the salon you’ll feel like an A-list star – me and the other Bikini Team girls sure did!

After you get your hair colored, cut, styled, or what have you, you can even stop by the boutique and find a number of stylish additions to your closet, for women and men, whether it’s jewelry, bags, clothing, or swimwear.

I love that it’s a one-stop shop!  I can find my outfit, accessories, and get my hair and makeup done all in one place. It works for any busy or lazy guy or gal – it’s just efficiency at its best! That’s the goal Michael Lee had envisioned when he started up A Style, for clients to feel completely transformed when they walked out of the salon doors, and he has definitely achieved that.

The girls and I walked in with our sweat pants and flip flops and after a couple of hours had new dos, stunning makeup, and chic outfits to go out and hit the hot clubs with.  We were decked out from head to toe!

Having opened in 2007, A Style Concierge is a relatively new establishment, yet they have managed to make such a large and deep footprint in the world of fashion, event production, and San Diego lifestyle.

I for one am definitely thrilled that they’re expanding and moving to the heart of Gaslamp on 5^th St. in late Summer.  But until then, I’m staying loyal to their original location that has treated the girls and me so well!

A Style Concierge really does embody hair, fashion, and lifestyle.

It’s April again, which means that Hard Rock’s Sunday Intervention has returned!  Modeled after Hard Rock Las Vegas’ Sunday Rehab, this new San Diego event has given us all an excuse to put off the Monday blues and give Sunday its own slot in the weekend fun.  After two successful summers, I can’t wait to see what the Hard Rock has added to this pool party on steroids.

Ever since Sunday Intervention rolled into sunny San Diego in 2008, I have counted down the days until April — signaling the beginning of Summer at the Hard Rock.  All San Diegans know that summer starts early in Southern California, and this is by far the best way to kick off the season.   Most of the time being a VIP is the best way to do an event, but the girls and I love Sunday Intervention because even the non-VIP’s feel like royalty.   The Hard Rock transforms their upper level decks – the Float and the Woodstock Lounge – into the best pool-side party in San Diego.  Not only do these two decks allow for 1,400 plus crowds, they are tricked out with couches, luxury lounge chairs, and cabanas.   Each weekend they bring in a new celebrity DJ, and the party doesn’t stop until sundown!

I love Sunday Intervention because you get to leave the heels at home and throw on something more relaxing.  The chilled out environment is the perfect way to shake off your Sunday morning hangover, and even ease your way into another cocktail (or two)!  Floating in a pool overlooking beautiful downtown San Diego, cocktail in hand, and soaking up the sun has quickly become the only way I look to spend the last day of my precious weekend.

If these parties are even half of what they have been in the past, I’ll look to make it to as many as I can.  It’s been a long winter, and nothing is more welcoming than fun in the sun.  So let’s strip down and give our bodies some summer lovin’, and kick off San Diego’s favorite season the right way.

<3 Victoria

Lets just say the response has been more than overwhelming!

Over 100,000 views in two weeks!

Come on over and see what all the fuss is about.