By Laura Braden

I recently saw a Frontline episode (called the Digital Nation) that just scared the be-jesus out of me.

One of their main points (I didn’t catch them all because I was Facebooking and working on a memo at the time), is that multitasking might not be a skill – like being organized or creative – it might actually be a trick that you play on yourself to THINK you’re being productive.

Hold the phone – wh-what?!?!  Thankfully, it’s been awhile since I’ve been on an interview, but I’ve always included “multitasking” as one of my best qualities – as well as admired people who seemed able to juggle several tasks at once.  So do I really have to re-write my cover letter?  What’s going on?!?!

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By Ashley Robinson

About a month ago, my co-worker came into my office … cubicle … looking really sheepish but excited. And when someone looks both ashamed and giddy, I’m in.

“So, guess what I did this weekend?” she whispered, looking around.

“What?!” I was at the edge of my seat. What could my relatively low-key co-worker have done to solicit such an inquisition?! Did she get arrested? Bungee jumping? Something super extreme and crazy?!

“Ya know how there are beer of the month clubs?” Uhhhh … yea … getting less excited … “Well, I signed up for a shoe of the month club!” Uhhhh … huh? “Well, I signed up for one and I think you might want to do it.”

Ok, my co-worker should not have led in with a beer of the month club reference. That makes me think of my dad and how many times I have been close to signing him up for that because I couldn’t think of anything else to get him for Christmas.

Clearly I am about to digress, so let me continue on with my story … she told me to visit shoedazzle.com, one of Kim Kardashian’s many projects.

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By Caroline Silveira

I use a few beauty products that are hard to categorize as anything other than little secret weapons in your beauty arsenal!  Some I use every day, and some just when needed, but all of these will help you look your best…

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Meet the sweetheart behind the tasty desserts at Sacramento’s Ella restaurant: Rachel Wallace

By Chantel Elder

To kick off my little project of “Day in the Life” portraits, I thought I would begin with a subject that I LOVE…desserts.

I am that kid that couldn’t wait to be an adult just so I could have dessert for breakfast, which is exactly what I did Wednesday morning.

I ate three of the most divine desserts I have ever had in my life. Meet the genius behind those deserts:  Rachel Wallace, the executive pastry chef at Ella.

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By Jamie Romas and Devon Carey Berrier and Laura Braden

As we mentioned earlier in the week, we were THRILLED at the chance to blog (and tweet) from First Lady Maria Shriver’s “Day at the Museum” at The California Museum. Below is our wrap up from the chef demonstrations of Iron Chef Cat Cora and Biba Caggiano (scroll to the bottom for delicious recipes!). You can view pictures here!

Update by Jamie Romas: 11:30amPT

Jamie Romas with Cat Cora

Cat Cora: Cat Cora, the only female Iron Chef on the Food Network, is cooking chicken skewers with avocado tzatziki… There’s quite a crowd gathered around her, which is not surprising due to her distinctive voice and the amazing smells wafting from her cooking station.

For the chicken skewers, she started by marinating 2 chicken breasts in an olive oil-orange-lemon-spice marinade. Apparently you can use any kind of meat – or seafood – but if you’re using seafood, you shouldn’t marinate for more than 10-15 minutes, because the acid in the citrus will actually cook the fish (I guess this is how you make ceviche!). After marinating the chicken for up to 3 hours, you cut the chicken into pieces small enough to thread on skewers, along with slices of orange and lemon (yum!), and grill them for 8-10 minutes.

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By Jamie Romas

Jamie's next Halloween costume

Saying that Californians are into wine is like saying Willie Wonka was a guy who liked candy.  We live in a state of oenophiles, from the experts who grow their own grapes to the appreciators whose wine fridges are set exactly to 58 degrees.  And then there’s me.

Don’t get me wrong – I love wine. There’s nothing like a glass (or two… hell, let’s make it a bottle) after a long day at work.  But as a born-and-bred Midwesterner, I feel like I’m at a slight disadvantage when it comes to oenology.  I have had more than my fair share of wine from a box.  And my idea of bubbly is less Moet and more Miller Highlife.  After all, it is the “champagne of beers.”

So in an effort to up my sophistication quotient and further my wine education, I headed to Lounge ON20 with my drinking accomplice, Julia, for a Wednesday night wine tasting.  For $10, we sampled four different wines while the resident wine expert – manager Garrett – explained the qualities that make each one unique.

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By Laura Braden

At GOTG, we place a special premium on promoting stores, restaurants, events and people who live, work and play on Sacramento’s grid (see here, here, and here).

But every so often, we have to venture off-grid to let our readers know about great resources and finds.

A few weeks ago, a friend on the East Coast turned me on to exclusive, online shopping – three words that will always peak my attention.

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By Becky Warren

I have a confession to make:  I am an exercise fad junkie. I have yet to come across an exercise fad that I’m not willing to try. I convince myself that whatever the newest fad is, it’s the best exercise program ever and that it will burn fat even faster.

Right now, I’m following Jillian Michaels “Making the Cut” book which is a 30-day strength training program. I’m convinced that I can feel myself getting stronger. I’ve totally promoted this book and now my sister is doing it and a couple of friends. That’s my other problem. Whatever fad I’m in, I broadcast it to anyone who will listen and then usually I drop it and move on to the next fad.

While I’m on Day 14 of the 30 day program, I’ve already started looking into the PX90 system. Have you heard of it? It’s a 90-day program of CD’s that I’ve heard is supposed to get you into the best shape of your life. I’m considering checking it out … I told you I have a serious addiction here.

So I thought I would share the pluses and minuses of a few of my adventures in fitness. If there’s a fitness fad that you recommend – please let me know. I can tell you right now that I’ll want to check it out.

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By Jamie Romas, Devon Carey, and Laura Braden

March is Women’s History Month and to celebrate, First Lady Maria Shriver and the Women’s Conference are partnering with The California Museum to bring an all-day event to inspire women to be architects of change, be empowered by the strong female community in California, and be educated about opportunities, health issues and the endless possibilities for us all.

This is a great opportunity for local women to get a taste of what goes on at the annual Women’s Conference, which sells out in like…15 minutes.

Admission is FREE and notable participants include Sally Ride, Erin Brockovich, Lisa Ling, Ria Moreno, Iron Chef Cat Cora, Biba Caggiano and our friends from WEAVE.

And yours truly will be there to blog live (and live tweet) from the chef demonstrations (featuring Iron Chef Cat Cora and Biba Caggiano) from 11:30am-12:30.  We’re so psyched to have this opportunity, and if you’re there, please be sure and stop by!

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By Amy Thoma

Some of the best first, second or 20th dates haven’t been expensive or elaborate (for the record I like these too—let’s not lose our heads), but rather the cheap and fun kind!

With the weekend quickly approaching and Spring Fever about to hit, I thought I’d highlight some fun, cheap dates on the grid.

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