All she wrote by, KK - 24 Magazine Articles

Dress me up, dress me down – KAREN K

October 16th, 2009 Author: karenkhunkhun

Two weeks until the big day and I swear I have butterflies.
I can safely say the haunted holiday is one of my Fav’s.
When it comes to the big day, I just love to surrender to madness.
It’s the one day out of the year that you can take on a whole new persona without being carted off to the room with padded walls.
“What to be for Halloween?” is the question that has always gotten me giddier than a tween.
I oft ponder the “sexy” slant to every female costume and the absence of a shirt for most daring dress -up guys.
“Sexy” Truck drivers, ladies? Really?? or Borat’s one piece, AGAIN boys? Really?
Not that I have been a saint, although I was once an angel complete with wings so big that I couldn’t fit through a standard door-way. I can’t say it was the easiest to cab home in at the end of the night, either.
I have donned every costume you could think of from the “sexy” devil, “not-so-sexy” pirate, Nicole Ritchie, my bff was Paris, of course, to a Hochtaler girl – complete with a cane and empty bottle of the classic 80’s vino.
My personal fav was the year that I went as LA Ink’s Kat Von D and everyone asked if I was Bif Naked!
Best ones that I have seen to date: the Justin and Janet nip slip incident and the two guys from Team America World Police complete with marionette strings right after the movie debuted.
No surprise that I won’t reviving anything from Halloween past. But I have learned that timing and relevancy is key.

This year I started brainstorming early and have gone through every idea from a Celeb off-spring (Suri Cruise or Gwen Stephani’s lil’ Kinsgston) to Lady Gaga (can’t find a blond hair bow anywhere!) to CNN’s resident pit-bull, Nancy Grace (too annoying)
So, I decided to take to Google, the home of universal answers to anything and everything.
And here is what I got:
Tribute: Michael Jackson or Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing (apparently death is big)
Reality Stars: Hair impaired, Kate Gosselin and the ever-douchey Jon.
Vampire chic: Twilight’s hot Robert Pattison – guaranteeing even the most socially inept male a fair shake at the ladies.
Blockbuster Bets: Wolverine or Optimus Prime and Transformers anything…I’m sure guys will approve any Megan Fox look-a-likes.
HBO darlings: Dexter, Eastbound & Down’s Kenny Powers and that sizzling True Blood cast.
Olympic fever: Michael Phelps complete with 8 medals and a bong.
For the political set: Barack and Michelle and Tina Fey as Sarah Palin.
For late night lovers: the not-so-faithful David Letterman to my red headed fav – Conan O’Brien.
Hip hop’s fav couple: Beyonce and Jay-Z or old school rock lover’s Pammy and Tommy
Been done but still soo good: the crime fighting duo – Dog the Bounty and lovely wife Beth.

The opportunities are endless and whatever you go with it’s all about the little details.
Now that you are all dressed up, don’t miss out on the following spooky activities:

Make sure you get a healthy dose of the top ten horror classiques like Children of the Corn, Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Nightmare on Elm Street, Wolf Creek, Poltergeist, Halloween, Friday the 13th and if you can handle it, the one that makes grown men cry, Exorcist.

Fight Nights at the PNE – Creep yourself to the max at the best ‘live cast’ haunted house around. Just get used to asking the question “who just touched me??”
Hell, may even be the best time to try the Hellevator.
Oct 16 – Oct 31 http://www.pne.ca/fright-nights/

The Vancouver premiere of Evil Dead: The Musical, hits The Vogue Theatre (918 Granville Street), opening October 20, 2009.
The movie hits the stage and does not disappoint!
THE SPLATTER ZONE is located in the first five rows of The Vogue Theatre; ask for The Splatter Zone when booking tickets.
Tickets are on-sale at all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or call 604.280.4444.

For the top 51 Halloween parties in Vancouver get the complete list at http://www.clubzone.com/Halloween1/Vancouver.html
Leading with The Clubzone Costume Ball at the PNE Agrodome, 2901 East Hastings Street, Vancouver on Saturday, October 31, 2009
8:00 PM – 2:00 AM you must be 19+ and the best part costumes are mandatory.

Whatever you do be safe and have fun!



VIFF Ready – KAREN K

October 2nd, 2009 Author: karenkhunkhun

With the Vancouver Film Fest upon us, it is time to brew up a little movie star glam of our own to hit all the premieres and parties that go along with the first two weeks of October.
Getting ready for a big night (or any night) out can sometimes bring on stress.
Who hasn’t stared into their closet and declared,” I hate everything in here!” or looked in the mirror and decided…I’m going on a date with my couch in PJs tonight.
Instead, it’s time to minimize the stress factor by making a game plan. It’s as easy as picking up your cell and booking a few appointments.

1. BROWS -
Go see the “Brow Goddess” Maryam Collahi for an instant face lift. Look years younger and put an end to years of that “just walked into a surprise party” style or the “LA Girl Gang Banger Brows” It is time to finally get a shape that compliments your face, from the woman that can seriously do no wrong. J-Lo look alike, Maryam, has shaped many celeb brows…and will have you feeling like one!
To make an appt with Maryam, call 604-338-9434

2. NOIR LASH LOUNGE -
Ever tried to glue on false lashes before a big night? So have I, which is why I now head to Noir Lash Lounge. If you’re like me and don’t want short lashes but are short on patience, this is the place for you.
Get ready to lay back and close your eyes in a comfy chaise in the ultra modern lounge where pros will place individual lashes on top of your own natural lash. There are tons of styles to choose from: everything from ‘Addict for the Dramatic’ to the “A-list”. Whichever style you choose, you can expect INSTANT glam-ification with semi permanent lashes that will last you from 3-6 weeks, for just $60. $30 for refills.
For an Appt call – 604-915-LASH (5274)/ 1150 Hamilton Street /

3. BLO –
Bad hair days be gone! Conveniently located right next door to Noir Lash Lounge in the heart of Yaletown…make back-to-back apts.
Let cutie, Chris Funk and the Blo angels transform your ’same ol’ story locks’ into one of eight distinctive styles from the menu – anything from the “Holly Would” to “Red Carpet” ready. For only $30 and 30 mins of your precious time.
Did I mention $30 and 30 mins!?
To book an appointment: 604.909.9495 /Blo’s flagship Blow Dry Bar is located smack dab in the heart of Yaletown at 1150 Hamilton. Between Davie and Helmcken….But there are many locations to choose from.

4. MAC -
Oldie but a goodie. I started experimenting with MAC years ago and no matter what trends come and go, MAC will always have the best colours for all skin types.
Book an appointment for $50 and revitalize your entire visage. With expert artists like, Caitlin Callahan, expect to do a double-take when you are done…who knew you could look this good? And even better… the $50 for the appointment goes towards whatever products you choose.
908 Robson Street ? 604.682.6588 / www.maccosmetics.com – for all the locations

5. LEAH ALEXANDRA -
If searching from store to store for a new outfit is not topping your list of want to-do’s — Don’t!
Instead of venturing out for a new dress, re-visit your closet and vow to pick out an up-until-now ignored fall LBD.
To make it look new, pair it with a beautiful jewellery piece from local designer, Leah Alexandra. Screen sirens like Jessica Alba and Kerry Washington are fans. I look to Leah when I wanna put that cherry on top of any outfit.
Visit her Blue Ruby Stores around the lower mainland.

Listen to Todd & Karen, weekdays from 3pm – 6pm on 99.3 The FOX!



Worldwide, baby! – KAREN K

September 4th, 2009 Author: karenkhunkhun

I’ve been lucky enough to have been on a ton of trips this past year.

New York -to die for fashion, LA – to die for parties, Barcelona – to die for art/music scene, Miami -to die for people watching, Vegas – I can’t remember, Dublin the best people in the world, seriously.

Sampling new food in each city is always a highlight but no matter where I go I still can never get over how GREAT cuisine is in Vancouver.

The great thing about our city is that you can feel like an international jet-setter without ever leaving Vancouver.

It is as though the world truly comes together in our port city and the result is a restaurant go-ers dream!

In the mood for Indian? Head over to Vij’s.

Indian cuisine at it’s absolute finest. You might even be lucky enough to meet Mr. Vikram Vij himself.

Dying for sushi? Tojo definitely never disappoints.

Japanese masterfully taken to the next level.

Next Stop: Italy.

The place: Quattro on 4th. Italy without the airfare and accommodation!

There are so many reasons to love this place, but mainly I think it’s because the staff exudes class, without that stuffy.”I can’t believe that you sniffed your wine like that” attitude.

Lead by pro Q4 General Manager, Jer Samuels, they are quick to menu guide and pair delicious wines, from a mile long wine list — that was spied by Wine Spectator as one of the world’s best. Samuels effortlessly infuses energy into the room.

The mood is warm with iron chandeliers that mimic candlelight and pay attention to the floor – it’s beautifully hand painted. It’s the kind of room that feels private enough to carry on great convo without the next table being a part of it. There is even a patio that is sheltered by so much greenery that you will swear you are on another continent.

Chef Bradford Ellis, has been holding down the fort for 9 years! Local and organics are at the top of his list when and you can be sure he never masks the true flavour of the food.

Proof of this is found in the Ravioli Piemontese. Ravioli filled with wild mushrooms, Mascarpone cheese and white truffle oil, in a light porcini cream.

It is literally melt in your mouth. Ravioli, made in house and porcini cream to die for. The type of dish that is dreamt about!

With food like this, maybe a ’staycation’ isn’t such a bad word after all.

By the way:

Mega deal alert: Starting Sept 1, 2009 – EVERY Pasta Dish on the Menu is ONLY $10 – Mon to Wed evening

2611 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC

For Reservations: 604.734.4444

Hours of Operation: Sun-Thurs 5pm – 10pm Fri & Sat 5pm – 11pm

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West Coast/Chinese:
Marcy Mailloux – pictured here with Kid Rock Promotions Director 99.3 The FOX If I am heading downtown to celebrate, I like to go to Cardero’s Restaurant. It’s always been a favourite of mine. The view of the inner harbour is just a bonus compared to their mouth watering Seared Rare Ahi Tuna. If we’re staying in the ‘hood, then Woking Dragon China Bistro in Coquitlam is where its at with their warm atmosphere and the freshest tasting Chinese cuisine. Their Chicken Chow Mein with pan fried noodles is a mmmmmmust.
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Mexican
Alaina Galati pictured with James Hetfield from Metallica
99.3 The Fox Promotions Coordinator
The best celebration restaurant would have to be La Casita in Gastown. Amazing authentic Mexican food, friendly service, tons of specials and tasty Margaritas!
You must have the Chiles Rellenos… oozing with cheesy goodness. It’s great atmosphere and the food is so wonderful you’ll want to bring your friends.

Listen to Todd & Karen, weekdays from 3pm – 6pm on 99.3 The FOX!