You can meet Francia Raisa from "The Secret Life of the American Teenager!"

by Brittany Geragotelis

When we decided to shoot Francia Raisa, one of the stars of "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" I wasn't super psyched. Not because I didn't like her...but I'd simply never watched the show before. So, after we had the actress on board, I knew I had to do a little research. Yes, a lot of my research for work involves watching TV.

How jealous are you?

photo credit: ABCFamily/Secret Life of the American Teenager

Anyway, I began to watch the show and at first was like, "Really? This is what has teens obsessed these days? (It's ABC Family's number one show and is a fave among teens; even celebs like Kendall Jenner and Selena Gomez are fans) It was like "7th Heaven" pregnant (an astute observation, since I later found out that creator Brenda Hampton, was the mastermind behind this show as well).

But as I continued to watch it, I slowly got hooked. Now, only partway through season 4, I'm officially a fan. So the prospect of meeting one of the show's stars is way exciting for me now! And on that note, I'm sure a lot of you out there would be psyched at the chance to meet her, too. Sooooo, because I love you all AND because it's Friday, here's a way you can make your dreams come true!

5x5,
B.

Lauren Graham (yes, she's really that cool!)

by Brittany Geragotelis

Not to brag, but a few weeks ago, I got to hang out with Lorelai Gilmore. No joke.

Okay, so the night really consisted of us and about 450 other people, sitting in the Barnes & Noble in Union Square NYC, and she was doing a Q&A for her new book, SOMEDAY, SOMEDAY, MAYBE, and she was actually there as herself, Lauren Graham, and not her beloved fast-talking alter-ego, Lorelai from Stars Hollow, but still. It was a great night.

As mentioned, "Gilmore Girls" and "Parenthood" fans flocked to the multi-level bookstore for a chance to meet Lauren in person. I got there two and a half hours early to secure a seat for myself and three of my friends (my gal-pal Kate, Siena who's also my publicist at S&S and my intern Rose) and reveled in the lively chatter that went on around me until the woman of the hour arrived. And when she did, it was to gasps of the crowd and applause.

Kate, Rose, Me and Siena @ Lauren Graham's book signing in the Barnes & Noble in Union Square. Oh yeah, we found my book on the shelves!

The Q&A was really interesting! It lasted about 30 minutes and covered topics from Lauren's writing process to her acting career and then she took questions from the crowd, who mostly gushed about how awesome she was. And she was. Guys, she's seriously as gorgeous in person as she is on TV and totally relatable and sweet. Also....funny as hell.

Anyway, we were all there to snag a copy of her debut novel, SOMEDAY, SOMEDAY, MAYBE, a fiction book about an aspiring actress. Apparently she drew upon some of her own experiences during her journey to stardom, and then filled in the blanks with fiction (for more on this, see her quotes below). Sounds cool, huh? Here's the description:

"Someday, Someday, Maybe" is totally having a WO-mance with "Life's a Witch. "

It’s January 1995, and Franny Banks has just six months left of the three-year deadline she set for herself when she came to New York, dreaming of Broadway and doing “important” work. But all she has to show for her efforts so far is a part in an ad for ugly Christmas sweaters, and a gig waiting tables at a comedy club. Her roommates―her best friend Jane, and Dan, an aspiring sci-fi writer―are supportive, yet Franny knows a two-person fan club doesn’t exactly count as success. Everyone tells her she needs a backup plan, and though she can almost picture moving back home and settling down with her perfectly nice ex-boyfriend, she’s not ready to give up on her goal of having a career like her idols Diane Keaton and Meryl Streep. Not just yet. But while she dreams of filling their shoes, in the meantime, she’d happily settle for a speaking part in almost anything—and finding a hair product combination that works.

Everything is riding on the upcoming showcase for her acting class, where she’ll finally have a chance to perform for people who could actually hire her. And she can’t let herself be distracted by James Franklin, a notorious flirt and the most successful actor in her class, even though he’s suddenly started paying attention. Meanwhile, her bank account is rapidly dwindling, her father wants her to come home, and her agent doesn’t return her calls. But for some reason, she keeps believing that she just might get what she came for.

Someday, Someday, Maybe is a story about hopes and dreams, being young in a city, and wanting something deeply, madly, desperately. It’s about finding love, finding yourself, and perhaps most difficult of all in New York City, finding an acting job.

Besides autographing copies of her book, Lauren also took the time to say hi to all of us fans individually. And when it was my turn, Rose snapped a pic of us together (not my finest angle I'll admit). That's when she saw it. My cell phone cover....

Me and Lauren Graham. Lauren's gorgeous as ever!

"What's that?" Lauren Graham asked.

"It's my book. It came out in January," I answered.

Admittedly, I was a mess by this point. Despite all the celebs I've interviewed and hung out with and met in the past, I was so nervous. No clue why. But I'm pretty sure I resembled an escaped mental patient since I was shaking so much and stumbling over my words, a fact that Lauren was gracious enough to ignore.

"Okay, first...where can I get my copy of the book? And second, how can I get a cell phone cover?" Lauren Graham continued.

Yes, THE Lauren Graham asked where she could get my book. I was officially dying.

"Well the book's out now and if you e-mail me, I can get you the book and the cell phone cover," is what I meant to say, but I think it came out kind of like, "Mrrllllllll blurgh, harumsh...IReallyAdmireYouAndMyMomLovesYouToo." 

And then I shoved my business card in her hand.

That was my moment with Lauren Graham. We may not have become instant besties (though it's just a matter of time), I was so honored that she even noticed. She had about 450-500 fans there to see her and we were at the beginning of the line, which meant she still had a few hours of signing to go. And yet she was sweet and funny and real and totally smart.

Lauren taking questions at the signing

If you weren't lucky enough to see Lauren in person (and have your own special moment with her....don't be jealous), here are a few gems from the Gilmore Girl herself!

"There's nothing more important than a good story." --Lauren Graham on her family's love of storytelling while she was growing up

She found writing her book SOMEDAY, SOMEDAY, MAYBE harder than acting because people weren't around to help her when she was stuck.

Lauren turned her book in, in chunks. At first she used to turn it in to her editor chapter by chapter, but then began to send it in bigger sections. Her reason? "You can't ask someone to read something for the first time, a second time."

Triple threat: Talented, Funny & Smart!

Part of what she found funny about her book was exploring an outsider's view of Hollywood. "I like the ways that people misunderstand showbiz."

"I didn't want to write about anyone who would think this song was about them." --Lauren Graham, on why she chose not to write a memoir or base any of her characters off of real people

"It's like a happy, less naked 'Girls.' Less 'Smash' and more 'My So Called Life.' " --Lauren Graham on the vibe of her book, SOMEDAY, SOMEDAY, MAYBE

Lauren described acting as having high/low self-esteem. "You go in just knowing you're right for something, but still feeling like you're not worthy of it."

One of the best mother/daughter relationships on television.

What was Lauren's writing schedule like? She said she had to just get into the habit of writing 1,000 words each session. She believes you just have to write, get something down on paper, and then you'll have something to work with.

Lauren described writing as "a process of implied rejection."

She shared that there is a similar flow of concentration between acting and writing. "And then sometimes I was in a fight with the book!"

"You start with yourself and then make something up." --Lauren Graham on the way she develops characters in her acting roles as well as in her book

Lauren's a Glam-Slam!

"The best you can hope for is a great collaborator." --Lauren Graham on working with her editor

"Writing a memoir isn't particularly interesting to me. I'm not like Ellen [DeGeneres], where I can write, 'Water bottles--they're crazy!' and it's funny." --Lauren Graham on choosing to write fiction

Lauren talked a little about how she felt (and sometimes still feels in Hollywood), saying she's been at parties where she's like, "How did I get here?" She also said that most of the time it feels like there's a really awesome party going on somewhere and she just isn't there....

"It's a hustle to be a creative person." --Lauren Graham

5x5,
B.

***So what do you think? Do you love Lauren even more now that you've read this? Are you gonna run out and buy her book? Leave me your thoughts in the comments below!

Awwwww! The Newfoundland

by Brittany Geragotelis

So, at our apartment, Fridays mean Mexican Food and movie night! My BFF, Tammy comes over and we all chow down on nachos and tacos and watch a movie. Then, Matt usually sneaks off to play video games and Tammy and I stay up watching various shows on Netflix.

Last Friday's Netflix option was the comedy, "Samantha Who?" If you didn't see it when it was on, it's a really funny show starring Christina Applegate ("Up All Night") and Melissa McCarthy (from "Gilmore Girls" and "Bridesmaids"), where Christina's character has amnesia after being hit by a car and slowly remembers all the awful things she did in her former life.

Anyways, Melissa's character has these dogs. These incredibly large, ginormous, bear-like dogs. Now, Matt and I have been wanting a dog for a while now and we're always looking at pups on Reddit. So, I decided to look this breed up.

And they're insane! They're called Newfoundland's and they're huge and adorable! I don't know if I could handle a dog this size, but they are so, so cute! So, because it was just too much adorableness for one person, I decided to share some pics with you! Let me know what you think. Would you be willing to take on a dog this size or does size matter?

5x5,
B.

A great interview and Fashion Star

by Brittany Geragotelis

Hey all!

Just a quick stop-by to let you know about this really great interview by the very cool Roxie...she was kind enough to feature me as one of her spotlighted authors on her book blog, and it turned out really great! So, please, be sure to check it out and then let your friends know about it, too!

Writing's coming along steadily....I'm writing 10 pages a day of the prequel/spin-off of Life's a Witch, called What the Spell? and I'm already 170 pages in! I've still got about a hundred pages to go before I'll be finished, but the story's shaping up. For those of you who were fans of LAW, WTS is going to definitely be an adventure. See, it's a prequel, so it takes place the year before LAW begins and is focused on Asher and his ex-girlfriend (yes, there was a girl before Hadley!). Brooklyn is the exact opposite of Hadley, but definitely an interesting character that I think you'll identify with. Anyways, I'm having fun with the magic again and can't wait for you all to read it!

On another note completely, I tuned in to the new show, "Fashion Star" last night and totally loved it. It was very inspirational and I think no matter what your passion is--be it acting, singing, designing, writing, etc--it's a great reminder to follow your dreams and never give up. And watching the stores duke it out for the clothes is exciting--kind of reminded me of my own auction for Life's a Witch!

Okay, gotta get back to writing now!

5x5,
B.

Love me some Dirty Soap

by Brittany Geragotelis

There are a lot of new shows this season that I'm enjoying: "Ringer," "Hart of Dixie," "The Secret Circle," "Whitney," "PanAm" (RIP) and "The Playboy Club" (RIP) to name a few. I'm really digging them all. But there's one show that I am absolutely OBSESSED with, and that's "Dirty Soap."

"DS" is a new reality show on E! that follows a group of young actors/actresses who are Soap stars. Now, I've been a fan of "General Hospital" since I was a little kid, because my mom always had the show on in the afternoons. In other words, I've grown up watching it. I don't really have the time to watch it anymore, but given the longevity of some of the characters on the show, I happen to know a couple of the actresses who are on "Dirty Soap." That's not to say I know everyone on the show, but I don't think you necessarily need to know them to enjoy it. The bottom line is that "DS" is good, dirty, drama-filled fun. And the more you watch, the more you'll get to know the players, anyway.

The "DS" cameras follow around Farah Fath ("One Life to Live"; dating John-Paul Lavoisier), Kirsten Storms ("General Hospital"; former BFF's with Farah, now they're enemies), Jenna Gering (actress and model; married to Galen), Galen Gering ("Days of our Lives"; married to Jenna), Kelly Monaco ("General Hospital"; winner of the first season of "Dancing With the Stars"), Brandon Beemer ("The Bold and the Beautiful"; dating Nadia Bjorlin), Nadia Bjorlin (formerly of "Days of our Lives"; dating Brandon Beemer) and John-Paul Lavoisier ("One Life to Live"; dating Farah Fath). And just because the show's not scripted, doesn't mean there's a shortage of fabulous storylines. We're talking cat fights, love spats, love scenes and breakups...what's not to like? It's deliciously dirty and something you just have to watch.

So what do you guys think about "Dirty Soap?"

5x5,
B.

Fashion magazines and Politics

by Brittany Geragotelis

Hey all! Since it's summer time and that means most of the TV shows I watch on a regular basis are on hiatus (except for pretty much everything on ABC Family and "Keeping Up With the Kardashians"), I've been enjoying watching old shows on demand. Most of these shows are ones I never watched when they actually aired, but now that I'm watching them for the first time, I totally wish I had (kind of. I really do like watching shows without commercials or having to wait each week for a new episode).

Two of the shows I'm really digging right now are "The West Wing" and "Ugly Betty." Both are totally different in subject and sentiment, but both are rocking my world.






"The West Wing" is all about politics (duh), which I tend to not be interested in at all (although since I started dating Matt, he's forced me to pay attention to them a lot more. Damn you Gielen!), but the show isn't just about politics. In fact, it's more about the relationships between the characters than anything else. The writing is amazing and the topics are relevant—even so many years later. The actors are great (who knew Martin Sheen was so likeable and commanding and Dule Hill is absolutely loveable.). While watching, you can't help but wish politics was as caring and personable as it is on this show. But I'm sure that's because we finally get to see the relationships behind the scenes....things that we don't get to see in reality. I like to think though, that Obama is the same way when we aren't seeing him as his TV persona....and this show is leaving me with a better feeling about the political world. If you haven't seen the show yet, you totally need to Netflix it. It's SO worth it!




















Now, "Ugly Betty" is all about the magazine world—a topic that is much more closely related to my life. However, Betty works at a fashion magazine (not exactly American Cheerleader), which definitely means that I don't completely relate to her world, but still, it's enjoyable to watch, because I understand it. Of course, "Ugly Betty" is a bit more dramatic than my publishing world, mostly because there are no murder mysteries going on at AC, and our worth around the office isn't based on what designer label we're wearing. And that's really the part that I love...it's not exactly reality, but it's about a topic I'm familiar with. The storyline is engaging and fun and the mystery will keep you guessing. The perfect blend for a perfect TV show.

If you're looking for a new show to watch while you wait for the Fall season to start I strongly suggest one of these shows. Anyone else have a suggestion for what I should watch next?

5x5,
B.

Guess which celeb's house I'm hanging out at this weekend?

by Brittany Geragotelis

Before I get to the celeb-studded weekend plans, can I just mention that yesterday I reached #23 on the HOT list on Wattpad, the site where I've been publishing my book, Life's a Witch? This is the highest up I've ever been and it's no surprise that it happens to coincide with publishing the chapter where I reveal who the traitor is in the book? Have you read it yet? What did you think of the reveal? Were you surprised? Did you kinda already know? Were you happy or frustrated? Whatever you thought, be sure to leave your comments below. I'd love to hear what you think.

photo credit: American Cheerleader magazine

On to more celeb-related info...I'm about to embark on another weekend in LA for two celebrity photo shoots. The first is with new Disney It-Girl, Debby Ryan. If you have a younger sibling or child between the ages of 5 and 14 (or are an adult who just LOVES the Disney channel....hey, there's nothing wrong with that), you likely know who Debby is. If you don't, Debby spent the last three years on "The Suite Life on Deck" playing Bailey Picket, with twin cuties Dylan and Cole Sprouse. Well, this cutie-patootie just turned 18 and is starring in her own Disney show called "Jessie", debuting this fall. Disney's already toting her as the next big thing and since Miley and Selena have both moved on, it looks like there's a spot open for a new Disney Princess.

courtesy of Corinne Fox

We're also shooting Corinne Fox, Jamie Fox's daughter. Now the cool thing about Corinne is that she's actually a cheerleader NOW. And if that weren't enough, she actually cheers on the same squad as Kendall Jenner (can you imagine what it's like to be on that squad?). So, we're going to spend some time with the teenager to talk to her all about her cheer experiences, as well as the fact that her dad credits her as the reason his music career is what it is today. And Corinne herself seems to have a natural talent for the music world...she's been spending a lot of time in the studio behind-the-scenes learning all there is to creating records. So for this shoot, we've been invited over to Jamie's in-home recording studio to shoot Corinne in her element. Jamie's even offered to take a few pics with Corinne for the magazine! How cool is that? I'm going to be hanging out at Jamie Fox's house this weekend! How random.

But the celebs don't stop there. We're also shooting Christa B. Allen (ABC's new show "Revenge"), Jasmine V (Sony/Epic recording artist and Justin Bieber's ex!), Bella Thorne (Disney's "Shake It Up"), Megan Park (ABC Family's "The Secret Life of the American Teenager"), Ayla Kell (ABC Family's "Make It or Break It") and Sasha Pieterse (ABC Family's "Pretty Little Liars). It's going to be an INSANE shoot, but I'm beyond excited to see what these girls are like in person!

photo credit: ABCFamily/PLL

photo credit: Seventeen magazine

photo credit: ABCFamily/Randy Holmes

photo credit: Disney Channel/Shake it Up

courtesy of Jasmine V

photo credit: ABC/Revenge

I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures and I'll be sure to update after the shoots!

5x5,
B.

The show I've put off watching...until now

by Brittany Geragotelis

I was a hardcore gymnast from the time I was 8 until about 16. In fact, when I quit, I was training for the Olympics. From the day that I was told that's where I was headed, I started to stress out big-time. I woke up every morning thinking about how I might mess up in front of the whole world. And by this age, I'd also started to realize that if I made a mistake, I could actually die. In basketball you just miss a shot or in volleyball you hit the net. Not a lot of danger there. But in gymnastics? One misstep and you're paralyzed or worse.

But I digress. The point is, gymnastics was my sport. It was my passion and what I trained all my young life for. And I cut my career and dreams short because of fear. Needless to say, I haven't watched gymnastics since. I haven't seen a single Olympics since I've quit. I can't stomach it. It just reminds me of what I could have been...

photo credit: ABCFamily/Make it or Break it

Because of this, I've been putting off watching the show, "Make It or Break It" on ABC Family ever since it started. But I recently finished watching the entire "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" series and needed a new show to watch. So, at the insistence of several friends, I gave it a go. And although it brings back certain old feelings and I definitely miss those days of training hard for something, I'm actually enjoying the show.

The stars don't exactly have gymnast bodies and some of the drama is a little over the top, but they do get some stuff right. The gymnastics scenes are intense and super fun to watch and the politics that come along with the sport are spot on. I can't help but feel like Jessica Bendinger's movie Stick It helped pave the way for this show in terms of the public's interest in these tremendous athletes. Way to go Jessica!

Either way, I'm definitely getting sucked into "MIOBI" and if you haven't already checked it out, you should--Even if you're mourning the loss of your own gymnastics career. I promise, It'll be worth it!

5x5,
B.

A haunted river and some freaking hilarious broads.

by Brittany Geragotelis

While doing some research into celebrities for an upcoming photo shoot, I found myself watching trailers for some of the new shows slated for the Fall season. Now, I'll be doing a Fall TV Preview closer to the time the shows will be airing, but there were a few that I saw today that I just had to share.

Take a look:

The River (ABC)
Scary river goes after a crew of unsuspecting people. From the producers of Paranormal Activity....and yes, you can tell.

2 Broke Girls (CBS)
Quite possibly one of the funniest trailers I've ever seen. One sassy, sarcastic bad-ass girl meets rich-girl-turned-poor-girl. Hilarity ensues.



What do you guys think?

5x5,
B.

The death of Gossip Girl as we know it...

by Brittany Geragotelis

There's a new book coming out later this year that's got me super excited! I mean, so excited that I could just DIE.

The book? Gossip Girl: Psycho Killer

photo credit: Poppy

No, this isn't a joke. Like other reimaginings of classics like, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Jane Slayre and Little Vampire Women, the author who created the famed series Gossip Girl is taking her beloved UES darlings and turning them deadly. I for one am beyond psyched...I mean, would you look at the book cover? Is there anything cooler than that?

In a move that brings her books to a whole new level, Cecily von Ziegesar has taken the book which first introduced us to Blair Waldorf and Serena Van der Woodsen and given it a darker twist. Instead of backstabbing gossip, think actual backstabbing. As in beautiful, popular serial killers!

Now, I happen to have certain connections that have put a copy of the book into my hot little hands and can't wait to check it out. In the meantime, here's a summary of what you can expect:

Welcome to New York City's Upper East Side, where my friends and I live, go to school, play, and sleep—sometimes with each other. It's a luxe life, but someone's got to live it...until they die.

So begins Gossip Girl, Psycho Killer, a reimagining of the groundbreaking first Gossip Girl novel, featuring all-new, hilariously grisly scenes and over-the-top gore, by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Cecily von Ziegasar.

Just as in the original story, Serena van der Woodsen returns from boarding school hoping to make amends with her BFF Blair Waldorf—things just haven't been the same since Nate Archibald came between them. But here's where our tale takes a dark turn: Serena decides that the only way for her to make things right with Blair is to eliminate Nate. If that means killing him, well, c'est la vie. The attempted murder doesn't go unnoticed by Blair, however, who isn't about to let Serena kill whoever she wants—not when there's Cyrus Rose and Chuck Bass and Titi Coates and everyone else who's ever irritated Blair to get rid of first...

American Psycho's Patrick Bateman has met his match in Manhattan's newest, most fabulous trendsetting serial killers, Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen.

Now this is some gossip, I'd love to hear about! What do you guys think? Pick it up or leave it on the shelf?

5x5,
B.

You don't have to turn off your TV til Fall

by Brittany Geragotelis

If you're like me, summer used to be a bummer time for me. Beyond the fact that I'm an adult now and no longer get three months off to relax and recoup, the warmer time of year meant that all my favorite TV shows would be going on hiatus and I'd be stuck watching re-runs or crap-TV.

Luckily a few years ago, networks got smart and started to realize that we need our TV year round and began to offer new shows during the summer months. This was a TV lover's dream of course, and I've been in heaven ever since.

So, what shows will I be watching over the next few months? Here are a few I'll be tuning in to:

photo credit: ABCFamily/
The NineLives of Chloe King

"The Nine Lives of Chloe King" (ABC Family) premieres June 14th
Chloe soon learns she's part of an ancient race which has been hunted by human assassins for millennia—and that she may be their only hope for ultimate survival.

photo credit: ABCFamily/PLL

"Pretty Little Liars" (ABC Family) premieres June 14th
Four teens are being stalked by their dead best friend, while trying to find her killer.

photo credit: Oxygen/The Glee Project

"The Glee Project" (Oxygen) premieres June 12th
From the makers of the show, executives are doing a contest to find the next "Glee" star.

photo credits: Oxygen/The World
Accordingto Paris

"The World According to Paris" (Oxygen) premieres June 1st
What it's like to be a rich and famous heiress.

photo credit: ABCFamily/
Switched at Birth

"Switched at Birth" (ABC Family) premieres June 6th
Two teenage girls discover they were accidentally switched as newborns in the hospital

photo credit: NBC/Love Bites

"Love Bites" (NBC) premeires June 2nd
An hour-long romantic comedy anthology series featuring three loosely connected modern stories of love, sex, marriage and dating. Each vignette will involve an array of guest stars.



What do you think? Are any of these shows going to make it onto your TiVo this summer? Or is your TV watching on hiatus for the summer?

5x5,
B.