May, 2018 - Horsing Around In LA

Meet the Cast of Solo: A Stars Wars Story

By Jonelle

Spending a day in Pasadena, California is always great, but spending a day in Pasadena with the stars of the new Star Wars film Solo: A Stars Wars Story, is even better. To say that I’m not mildly (or extremely) obsessed with the Star Wars universe would be a lie. So, when I was offered the chance to see a special screening of the film and to hear the cast speak in person, I jumped at the chance.

The press event was held at the Pasadena Convention Center. As soon as I checked in, I was ushered into the press conference where the other journalists were waiting patiently for the cast’s arrival. It didn’t take long. Below are the talent and filmmakers that were in attendance.

Alden Ehrenreich (“Han Solo”)

Donald Glover (“Lando Calrissian”)

Emilia Clarke (“Qi’ra”)

Paul Bettany (“Dryden Vos”)

Woody Harrelson (“Tobias Beckett”)

Thandie Newton (“Val”)

Joonas Suotamo (“Chewbacca”)

Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“L3-37”)

Director Ron Howard

Jon Kasdan / Screenplay

Lawrence Kasdan / Screenplay

Donald Glover; Alden Ehrenreich; Emilia Clarke; Joonas Suotamo; Paul Bettany; Ron Howard. Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Seeing this cast and crew in person, was amazing. When you go to these press junkets you only get a snippet from each actor. Director Ron Howard, discussed the fact that he was brought on later in the filming process and that he hoped he wouldn’t “F*** it up.” Trust me, he didn’t. He said that he loved telling the story and that he was going to, “treat this like it’s a true story.”

Everyone seemed to really have a strong connection and they looked like they had a good time working together. This is also evident in the movie. Thandie Newton told us a story about one of the days she brought her son to set. Being a two-year-old, he wasn’t yet a fan of the Star Wars universe. He walked up to R2-D2 and they ended up having a “conversation”. What a special encounter this was for him. Newton said, “this is the stuff that dreams are made of.” I would like to have a conversation with R2-D2.

I had the privilege of viewing the movie the evening before the press junket. I’m going to be honest and say that I read all of the rumors about how awful this movie was going to be. What an awful actor Alden Ehrenreich was. It turns out we should never believe rumors because those rumors were very wrong, Ehrenreich is amazing, with that smirk and mischievous, smoldering twinkle in his eye!!!!! He was also given approval by Harrison Ford, himself, who surprised Ehrenreich that morning to tell him how much he enjoyed the film. Ehrenreich does breathe new life into a character so many of us already love. Ehrenreich has a lot of heart, and so does Han Solo. Donald Glover said it best, “you get to see why Han is complicated. Maybe he did the wrong thing but for the right reasons, or maybe the right thing was for the wrong reasons.” Isn’t that the Han we are introduced to in A New Hope?

Stocking up for Memorial Day at BevMo!

By Erin

*This is a sponsored post by BevMo and is for those 21+🍷. But all thoughts and opinions remain my own!*

Are you ready for the start of summer? I sure am! Memorial Day is unofficially the start of the summer season, and I am ready for all things fun in the sun to start. This includes all those refreshing summer drinks. Where’s the best place to stock up for all of these summer gatherings and parties? BevMo of course, and you will want to stock up on all of your favorites for Memorial Day to kick off summer right! Here are some of my picks to enjoy, shopping for beverages should be as much fun as drinking them!

Having a great selection of drinks and snacks to choose from can really make for a great party and makes everyone feel welcome and ready to have a great time! You can shop in stores, shop online and pick up in store in one hour, or have products delivered within one hour (select stores), have products delivered (at a later time), or have products shipped. Did you know BevMo! delivers! I did not know that until recently. Planning a big party? They have free delivery on all orders over $500! They offer thousands of wine, beer, and spirits as well as complementary items that enhances all drinking occasions and will have you ready for your Memorial Day Party.

Here is some of the loot I picked up at my local BevMo! As you can see, there is a nice selection of both drinks and snacks that they offer. The fruit was used to make some tasty Berry Vodka Tonic drinks. BevMo! is the number one specialty beverage retailer on the West Coast. You’ll find BevMo! stores located throughout California, Arizona, Washington and of course on-line.

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing drink for your Memorial Day party then you might want to try this Berry Vodka Tonic drink. It’s so easy to make too! Here’s what you need to make it:

1 handful of blueberries
3 strawberries
4 0z Fever-Tree Tonic Water
1.5 oz Tito’s Vodka
Ice.

1. Add 3 sliced strawberries and the blueberries into a glass. Muddle slightly to release the strawberry and blueberry juices.

2. Add one shot of vodka which is around 1.5 ounces.

3. Fill glass with ice and top off with tonic water.

4. To make it extra fancy you can garnish the rim with a strawberry. You could also sugar the rim at the beginning too, if you want a really pretty looking drink and to add a little more sweetness.