Still Standing Journey to Wonderland Shoot

 

 

It's been quite a "Journey" getting the JTW Project together! It has been fun, exciting, hard, trying, challenging, stressful,  but most of all rewarding, just knowing that there is something special brewing.  Along side the Silverback Grizzly;  super producer and photographer, we were able to knock out some pretty cool pictures and promotional footage! I wasn't sure of the location at first, but then a certain energy, started to take over. A certain understanding if you will.

 

I loved the contrast of the hard background. The chipped concrete, the worn down remnants of rich history, the stillness in the air. The acknowledgement of the fight for freedom.  I  loved the notion of these ruins "Still Standing" after surviving World War 1, World War 2 and other American conflicts.      

                                 

We "shot" at Battery Church, which was built between 1897 and 1900. It was part of the coastal artillery batteries put in place to protect the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on historic Fort Monroe. Guns once, locked and loaded.

                                                                                                                Adding to the history?  This place was where the first enslaved African from Angola arrived known back then as Point Comfort in 1619. (http://aliceatlarge.blogspot.com/2013/08/culture-club-african-landing-day.html)  May of 1862 President Abraham Lincoln came to Fort Monroe to direct the fall of Norfolk and later made history by signing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863.

 

I too bear the scars from my own battles and wars.  Having gone through so many trials and tribulations, life has thrown my way. I  too, remained "Locked and Loaded" armed with ever lasting faith, an open mind, and a very strong heart. I AM a tough cookie. Taught to be that way. My father used to tell me, "Tough times, don't last, tough people do!"  I too am "Still Standing!"

 

This was the perfect place for the last piece of my production puzzle. I related to my surroundings, and I left the shoot feeling grateful, humbled with a sense of strength and a new found respect for life and those that have come before us. Bearing the notion of moving upward and forward at all times! Never giving up and always "Standing Strong!"

Soon I will share my project with the world, and I cannot wait! The "Journey to Wonderland" show is a celebration of life to include, history, traveling, cuisines, lifestyles, and all the things that make this journey exciting! I hope you join me as we explore, the beautiful things in life!

 

 

Throwback Thursday: It's American Idol Time! Let's Go Back LA for Season 12's Finale & Red Carpet Coverage!

Media outlets swarm Country Superstar Keith Urban at the American Idol Finale & Red Carpet. 

Red Carpet Action with Jessica Sanchez!

Alice@Large with American Idol Winner Candice Glover.  

 Anyone else psyched JLO is back on board with American Idol? No-Just me (Oh and the tra-billion Jenny from the block lovers!) I'm digging the new judges. I really like the dynamics between the three. Harry Connick Jr., who was a guest coach last season, keeps it brutally honest. (I think we may have found our new Simon!) Country crooner superstar Keith Urban charms again. He seems to thoroughly enjoy and appreciate those true artists who lay it all on the line for that AI title. Jennifer of course brings the fashion, and keeps the business side on top! The team hit the Motor City, Detroit for a little action in last nights episode. Next week their search for the next American Idol takes them to Georgia! Home state for host Ryan Seacrest.  A few months ago, my guest reporter duties with FOX Japan had me @Large in Los Angeles, California for the Season 12 American Idol Finale & Red Carpet! It was such an exciting time, as I interviewed and got to know all top 12 sweethearts! I cannot tell you my fave, but I can tell you who SAAAANG! Ms. Candice Glover! She tried out three times, finally winning the coveted title for Season 12.  Talk about never giving up! Although I didn't get a chance to speak to my favorite diva of all time, Mariah Carey, I will tell you that from where I was sitting during the viewing of the results show, I could see her up close and personal. Being the true fan that I am, I was star struck! Almost in tears...yeah, that was me. She looked immaculate, skin like a porcelain doll! Much, much smaller of course in person.  

With the Legedary Ray Chew.

Judge Niki Minaj gave her two cents as Mr. Urban gives a shout out to our Japanese friends on the red carpet.  My face beat red after he said to me "Your  beautiful, baby!" in that super sexy Australian accent! Again, that charm thing I mentioned, he does so well. So many of your favorite stars also walked the red carpet, including past AI winners, Scott McCreery and Taylor Hicks. Even silver screen legend Anthony Hopkins made a quick appearance! Who knew?  A very pregnant Tamar Braxton, arrived a little late, but looked gorgeous!  She was adorable, waving to everyone as she scurried in. See our American Idol Special Coverage Footage where I speak to Ms. Minaj, Keith, Anthony and many others!  Link below!

Enjoying the lights of LA Live after Day 1 of the American Idol Finale.

View More American Idol Coverage Pictures on my Facebook! 

Day 1: https://www.facebook.com/#!/alicesidaii/media_set?set=a.10151625455796539.1073741831.627421538&type=3

Day 2: https://www.facebook.com/#!/alicesidaii/media_set?set=a.10151625280246539.1073741829.627421538&type=3

VIDEO!!See the awesome two-day coverage
FOX Japan American Idol Red Carpet & Finale Special hosted by me at:

http://www.youtube.com/Aliceatlargeevents

Get Candice new Single "Cried" out now!

Special Shout Outs: 

Make Up Artist Carmen Diane of www.carmendianne.com for the glam! 

Celebrity Stylist Kemar Jones of Hair Jones Celebrity Salon for the hair! 

                                          

                                                Hair Jones Celebrity Salon 

www.carmendianne.com

Throwback Thursday! Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 My NY Adventure!

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2013 just wrapped up! Due to air in December! Last year I had the honor of covering the event as a Guest Reporter for FOX International Channels Japan & FOX Backstage Pass! A dream gig!

Ready to tackle the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 PINK Carpet 

Two lucky ladies from Tokyo won a trip to New York City that included a make-over, tickets to the show and a chance to meet their favorite Angel with me!

Interviewing Angel Miranda Kerr for FOX Japan

Us media & press folks had our chance to interview the Angels during their Hair & Make-Up Session! Talk about fast pace! There were cameras flashing, a billion reporters lined up with their questions and mics! Make-Up brushes and lip gloss everywhere! Models, Make Up Artists & Hair Stylists galore! So many Angels wrapped in their signature pink satin robes, milling about, eating, laughing, lounging.   My mind is literally in heaven! We had about 20 minutes, to get as many interviews with the Super models. Oh, about 25 other media outlets are in the same predicament. You can image the tug of war!

Alesandria & the 2.5 Million Dollar Bra.

My first interview was with Illinois native Erin Heatheton, who dated everyone's favorite bachelor, Gatsby star Leonardo Di Caprio. She was such an American Beauty!  I shared that we were born in  the same state, and that she has come along way from being a Vikings Basketball player in High School. After a chuckle,  she shared what it feels like to gear up for probably the most famous runway show! She was cooler than a fan, really. Laid back and super nice!

Waiting right behind Inside Edition for my turn with Miranda Kerr!

My favorite interview was with the super gorgeous Miranda Kerr! She was literally getting her hair rolled, and done while we talked. She shared her "Secret" & what prep work goes into the big dance! We also talked about her new Organic skin care line KORA that recently launched in Japan. She was gracious enough to meet the lucky winners. Of course we caught it all on film! She was amazing! True beauty! Weird how both our now NOT with their significant others.  If you didn't know, she gave birth last year to a beautiful baby boy with hubby Orlando Bloom. Another True beauty!  Off topic. That bejeweled 2.5 Million dollar bra! AMAZE! I was scared to look at it. Its super powers mesmerize you! Angel Alessandria donned the spectacular set! Werk honey!

I really wanted one of these!!! 

 We were in the middle of like the worst winter storm, right after Sandy. That didn't stop us from toughing it out for the Pink Carpet! Seeing RihRih, Justin B, Bruno Mars and few other super stars, made it worth while! Rih rocked the house by the way! Loved her performances and she got cheeky with the models! I was side by side with E! Next to one of my favorite TV personalities Alicia Quarles and AJ, former BET fame. That alone, had me on cloud nine! There were so many parts of this trip that really, were moments I took in and will cherish for the rest of my life!  Check out the FOX Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 special below!

View beautiful NY by way of FOX Japan & my clips with the gorgeous gals on the FOX Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012 Special here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7_pTAjalUM&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLjV2ufx5xAAMZ_UijpjgRqnxeIMkJkVW4

View behind the runways pictures on my facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/alicesidaii/media_set?set=a.10151281272326539.512262.627421538&type=1

Hair Stylist: Kemar Jones Hair Jones Celebrity Salon

Sawadee Ka! Hello! Bonjour! Hola! Konichiwa! Aloha! What's Good!

Los Angeles, California American Idol Finale 

"All I Need Is One Mic"-NAS

First Blog Post! Whoot! Whoot! I am a lover of all things...especially life and all the little treasures we find along the way! No matter where the navigation or GPS of existence takes us. High or Low. There's always a little reminder why we are lucky to live, laugh and love!!! Cliche, I know-but I mean it for real, for real.  I for one, laugh A-LOT (Jim Carey Voice) I have traveled the world and will be forever searching for that rainbow! Which comes to us, in so many different ways!  C'mon.  Let's Explore...Let's Take the Journey!