MIIKE SNOW
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: July 29th, 2010


We love Miike Snow! And no, that's not a typo. Or a guy. It's "Miike" with two i's, and they're a Swedish-born musical group who released an awesome pop record in 2009. We've been digging it ever since its release. And we're not the only ones. Gossip Girl, 90210, One Tree Hill and Melrose Place have all been using Miike Snow records in their shows.

Here's the band's wiki entry.

Here's their MySpace:

Here are our favorite tracks. But honestly, the whole album is great. It's really not fair to single out just a few:

Burial
Animal
Sans Soleil
Cult Logic

Side note, two of the guys in the group produced Britney Spears' hit Toxic. We're not sure if that's something they openly advertise. :)

XO
Natalie and Casey


Bulletproof
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: July 28th, 2010

Hey, guys! The Crew is launching a new segment in our "Airwaves" broadcast called "Crew Cuts." It's a chance for us to give you a taste of what's trending in our worlds. For me this week it's La Roux's song, "Bulletproof." I cannot get this song out of my head! The video is pretty amazing, too. Think 1980s, plus Flock of Seagulls, with a dash of Alice in Wonderland. It's my track of the summer. Make it yours, too.

Watch the music video here!

XO
Natalie



Top 5 Favorite Cities I Have Visited
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: July 9th, 2010


Hey, guys! I haven’t been blogging much lately, but I have a good excuse. I’ve been doing quite a bit of traveling in the month of May. Trips logged so far: NYC, NY; Rochester, MN; Battle Lake, MN; Fargo, ND; Miami, FL; Tampa, FL; Los Angeles, CA; and finally, Denver, CO. Needless to say, it’s been a busy month. But it got me thinking about my favorite spots to travel. I decided to put it into a Top 5 List. So here goes: My Top 5 Cities I Have Visited (as of 2010!).

5. Los Angeles, CA -- Where else can you get away with wearing flip flops and shorts to a business meeting…year round? The weather alone makes up for the smog and traffic. That, and the shopping.
4. Crosslake, MN – Or really any small town in Minnesota on a lake. While I wouldn’t live there, it’s a place I love to visit. There’s just something about small towns! Summer cabin time in Minnesota is the way we make up for all of those hard winter months. I’m not sure what I love more – the bonfires or Zorbas.
3. Paris, France – Ahhh, the city of love! How can this not be on my list? The food, the fashion, the passion. I’ll take all of the above.
2. NYC, NY – If I had to move to another city right now, it would be NYC. The city is always alive and constantly pushing the creative envelope. It’s a grind, but an inspirational place to live. Plus, the vintage shopping is unbeatable.
1. Rome, Italy – This is a city I spent quite a bit of time in – 6 months to be exact. I studied abroad there, so Rome will always have my heart! By the way, if you have an opportunity to study abroad, I beg you to do it.

What are your favorite cities to visit? Email them to me or post them on our Facebook page!






Crew Cuts
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: July 7th, 2010

Hey, guys! The Crew is launching a new segment in our "Airwaves" broadcast called "Crew Cuts." It's a chance for us to give you a taste of what's trending in our worlds. For me this week it's La Roux's song, "Bulletproof." I cannot get this song out of my head! The video is pretty amazing, too. Think 1980s, plus Flock of Seagulls, with a dash of Alice in Wonderland. It's my track of the summer. Make it yours, too.


Check out La Roux's "Bulletproof" on You Tube here!

XO
Natalie



Natalie wants you to join FourSquare!
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: June 7th, 2010


Hey, guys! Natalie here, and it's time for you to join the latest social networking site, FourSquare. It’s huge in LA and NY right now, so hop on board! Basically, FourSquare is a cross between a friend-finder, a social city-guide and a game that rewards you for doing interesting things. It allows you to share your location with friends. So, when you walk into a bar or restaurant or mall, you "check-in" (foursquare’s term) on your cellphone or mobile device, and your friends will see where you are on a Foursquare map. You earn points and "badges" for checking-in frequently, or at a certain time. If you raise enough points you become "mayor" of a certain area.

Parents, don’t worry. Only your foursquare friends are able to access information about your whereabouts, and only if you choose to let them know. I have mine synced up with Twitter as well.

Here’s my email address if you want to friend me: Natalie@natalie-kane.com. Im working on getting Casey and Jonathan on board!

Great news. I just became the mayor of the CW Twin Cities!

www.foursquare.com




Etsy.com
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: April 23rd, 2010

Etsy.com is my new favorite Web site. Ladies (and guys, I suppose!), you’ve got to check it out! Etsy is a place for people to buy and sell handmade and vintage items from clothing to home goods. Many of the sellers are designers just starting out in the biz, so you can find really great things that are inexpensive. Plus, they’re pretty much one-of-a-kind and are oftentimes made to your exact measurements. I'm even wearing a shirt I bought off the site on air today. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Happy shopping!
Natalie




The Low Down on High Society
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: March 8th, 2010

Attention Gossip Girl fans! The CW Twin Cities' newest reality series, "High Society," is going to be your new favorite show. I just finished watching the first two episodes, and you all are going to love it. It's a real look at the New York high life through the lives of several actual NY socialites. The series is going beyond the glamour and will show the good, the bad and the ugly.

My two favorite characters right off the bat are Tinsley Mortimer and PJC. Tinsley is recently divorced and getting back on the dating scene all while launching a handbag line and trying to stay out of Page 6. Then there's PJC, who is the exact opposite. He lives his life trying to get on Page 6. He's a trust fund baby who is known as the "King of the Bow-tie," has been in rehab twice and just got busted for stealing someone's purse at a club. Drama queen!

The show launches THIS WEDNESDAY, March 10th at 8:30pm on The CW Twin Cities.
In the meantime, check out this preview!



Enjoy!


Top 5 Lip Glosses
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: February 22, 2010

It's time for another Top 5 List! This week I'm tackling lip gloss.



5. Dior Addict Lip Gloss
I love this gloss in every shade. It's super luxurious, from the color to the packaging. J'Adore Dior!

4. Revlon in Pink Afterglow
This is the gloss that I have been buying at the drug store since I was in high school. I've tried to move on from it, but there's always a tube lying around that will pop up. Then, I (of course) try it on and remember why I loved it so much. It's VERY shiny without being sticky and has a hint of pink. This is the gloss you wear when going for a natural look. Beware that it does contain glitter that is easily left behind. The best thing about this gloss is that it's incredibly inexpensive.

3. Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
I know this isn't a gloss, but it's so important to keep your lips moisturized. This lip balm is super smooth and doesn't have a medicine-like taste. Rather, it has a minty flavor that actual freshens breath, too.

2. Mac Dazzleglass in Smile
This is a gorgeous summer color. It's on the peach side of the color spectrum and has a touch of glitter. It goes with pretty much any lipstick if you want to combine.

1. NARS in Orgasm
This color has been so successful for NARS that they created it in blush and nail polish form. It's a peachy-pink with a hint of gold. I wear this out on the town and for TV shoots. Talk about glam!

Pucker up buttercups, and have fun with these colors! Nothing makes me feel more feminine than gloss. Shine on!

XO
Natalie



The LBD
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: February 1st, 2010

The LBD, also known as the "Little Black Dress," is something that every woman should have. As defined by Wikipedia.com:

"A little black dress is an evening or cocktail dress, cut simply and often with a short skirt...[It's] intended to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, accessible to the widest market possible. The "little black dress" is considered essential to a complete wardrobe by many women and fashion observers, who believe it a "rule of fashion" that every woman should own a simple, elegant black dress that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion."

Nothing to wear to a cocktail party? LBD. Hard time finding an outfit for a big meeting? LBD. Nothing to wear to a restaurant opening? LBD. Last-minute date tonight? LBD.

Because it's a wardrobe staple, it should last for years. The fabric should be sturdy and the dress should be well-constructed. Nothing worse than pilly fabric or a loose seam. Make sure it's as simple as possible while fitting your figure well. Also, don't go too trendy, because you'll date yourself.

Now, go in your closet. Do you have a dress that fits the criteria above? If not, I've got the perfect one for you (pictured below). It's by Ella Moss and is available now at Covered in Uptown or Dinkytown (www.shopcovered.com). This one is unique, flattering and extremely comfortable because it's got spandex in it.

Don't forget the number one rule of the LBD: you should look and feel FABULOUS in it! And don't be afraid to accessorize the heck out of it - colorful bags, shoes, jewelry, lipstick, headbands, jackets...Have fun with it.

Here's to finding your perfect LBD!


XO
Natalie


NATALIE'S TOP 5: Nail Polishes!
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: January 25th, 2010


Hey, Twin Cities!

Everyone is always asking me what my favorite "blank" is. Favorite brand, favorite makeup, favorite lip gloss, etc. I thought I'd start posting my "favorites" here in the form of TOP 5 lists. So here's the first one! My TOP 5 nail colors, starting with the fifth.


5. Noctunelle by MAC (BLACK):
No, that is not a typo, that's just how you spell this shade of polish. Every brand tried to do a classic black, but MAC is the only one that got it right.


4. Purple Panic by China Glaze (NEON PURPLE/PINK):
This is THE color for the summer. I get more compliments on this color than any other. It's fun, cheerful and bright.


3. Marshmallow by ESSIE (CREAM/WHITE):
This feminine color still has an edge because it's white. It isn't overbearing, but not something you see too often.


2. You Don't Know Jacques by OPI (GREY):
It's fabulous because it makes a statement, but is still neutral enough to go with just about everything.


1. Bubble Bath by OPI (PINK):
It's girly, it's neutral and it goes with EVERYTHING. I can wear it out on the town and then to church the next morning. What's not to love?


Honorable Mention!
It was hard to pick just 5, so I have to add an honorable mention. It's called Birthday Babe by OPI (SILVER). Both Casey and I love this color. It's like wearing bling on your nails! A great choice for the holidays.


Check back soon for another TOP 5 list. Next up is lip gloss!

XO
Natalie

PS-These are not my nails, just photos from the web. :)


New Year, New Resolutions
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: January 6th, 2010


I sat down today and tried to come up with my New Year's resolutions and found myself staring blankly at the screen. I googled "resolutions," I asked my friends and family what they were resolving to do, I even took to facebook to ask my fb friends for suggestions. Still nothing clicked. Then I realized that it may not be a bad thing! I find myself resolving to be a better person, accomplish more, love more, play more, save more, etc. everyday. So my official New Year's Resolution is to continue to resolve year round. Oh yeah, and to not be late all of the time. Like that will ever happen. Ha!

What's your resolution? Do you think you'll stick to it?

Happy New Year, Twin Cities! I have a great feeling about 2010. I hope you do, too.

XO
Natalie



Life Unexpected
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: December30th, 2009

Have you heard about our newest show Life Unexpected? I first saw the pilot way back in the fall and have been eagerly awaiting its premiere since. It’s about a 15-year-old girl who is looking to get emancipated (that means free from her parents’ custody). While trying for this, she seeks out her biological parents, which ends up backfiring on her. The court places her in their custody. As you’ll soon find out, her biological parents are in no shape to raise a daughter. And can you blame them? They instantly have a teenager.

The casting is great and the plot is pretty light-hearted. I think it will be fun to see a show like this on The CW Twin Cities. Tune in on January 18th for the premiere and let me know what you think!

Email me at thecrew@thecwtc.com

Check out Sneak Peek of Life Unexpected here!



Warners' Stellian Extreme Warehouse Sale!
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: November 19th, 2009

Hey, CW Twin Cities! This past weekend I crashed the extreme warehouse sale at Warners' Stellian to find out what all the buzz was about. I had no idea what I was getting myself into! Hundreds, maybe even thousands, of people showed up to cash in on the deals.

When I arrived at 8 am, the line was already around the block. I spoke with the couple at the front of the line and asked them how they scored the coveted line-leading role. Turns out they arrived on the scene at 4 am. Yes, 4 o'clock in the morning. Now that's someone looking for a deal! Luckily for them and the rest of the folks waiting in line prior to the sale, Jeff Warner himself was walking up and down the line serving his fellow Minnesotans with coffee and breakfast treats. What a guy!

If you missed this year's sale, it'll happen again next year, so mark your calendar and make sure you attend! In the meantime, checkout Warners' Stellian here!


-Natalie


Interview with Mario Lopez of Extra
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: November 4th, 2009


During my most recent trip to Los Angeles, I was invited to join Mario Lopez on the set of Extra for an exclusive interview and opportunity to shoot behind the scenes of one of the CW Twin Cities most popular shows. Mario was fantastic to work with -- a true professional. Here's a sneak peek at some photos from the shoot. Come back soon for videos!










Ashlee Simpson-Wentz
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: October 22nd, 2009

Have you been following Melrose Place? Can you believe the
transformation in Ashlee Simpson-Wentz's character?! I thought that
she was going to be the sweet, innocent girl who was exposed to the
big Los Angeles lifestyle. Each episode she gets nastier, more
conniving and CREEPIER. Who knew she could play a creep so well? So
far, she's my favorite character--there's nothing she won't do. She
seems to be one of the more complex people on the show. I'm sure
we'll continue to find out more about her as the season rolls on.

And just for kicks, remember her when she was that sweet girl singing
pop songs? What happened to you Ashlee?!

Ashlee Simpson, "Pieces of Me"




Fan Mail - Wardrobe Question Answered
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: October 12th, 2009

“Natalie had on the cutest dress and tall brown boots last night on the CW Twin Cities (9-28-09). Is there any way to find out where that dress came from? And of course the boots, too. I have a suggestion. Natalie always has the cutest outfits on your show, maybe you could showcase on your website where the outfits were purchased?

Just a thought. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Curious Fan”


Dear Curious Fan,

Thanks for the compliment on my wardrobe! I am dressed by Covered, an AMAZING boutique in Uptown and Dinkytown. If you aren’t located in the Twin Cities, you can shop them online here. Stacy, Megan and Bridget run the place and are amazing stylists.

The particular dress you asked about is something I pulled from my own wardrobe seen here:



Here’s information on that outfit and the boots:

The dress is by Hale Bob and available at Len Druskin

The boots are the “Frankie” Buckle Boot by Frye

Happy shopping!

Natalie



AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: September 17th, 2009

America's Next Top Model

I recently had the opportunity to interview Rae from America's Next Top Model - Le Petit Cycle 13. While she couldn't reveal many specifics of the show because of her contract, it was so interesting to hear what it was like to be on ANTM. Lots of nerves, lots of unknowns, and lots of big personalities!

Rae was even more beautiful in person as she is on the show. And best of all, she had an amazing personality. She was so warm and down to earth. Maybe it's because she's a Minnesota girl! Being from Rochester, she said it was a long road to get on the show. But as we could all see from the first episode, she belongs in front of the camera.

I can't wait to see more of her this season!

America's Next Top Model airs Wednesday's at 7:00 pm on the CW Twin Cities.



Come back soon for the interview & some more photos!

FUN WITH THE FOG MACHINE
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: September 2nd, 2009

Mike and I got the bright idea to use the fog machine during today's shoot.
We were shooting the promo for The Vampire Diaries premiere that will be airing this fall on the CW Twin Cities.

As you can see, we got a little carried away with the fog, but it certainly made for a fun shoot!









Don't forget to watch The Vampire Diaries series premiere on September 10th, only on the CW Twin Cities.

JEANS & T'S
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: August 24th, 2009

I'm a total jeans and t-shirt kind of gal, so I'm constantly on the lookout for the latest and the greatest. This summer I was all about my William Rast light wash flares. My new favorites are by J Brand. I just picked up a pair of dark wash, pencil fit jeans that have brown stitching. They are awesome because they can be very dressy or completely casual, depending on what you pair them with.
Check out J Brand's stuff here.


For t's I'm totally digging Kill City's t-shirt designs. They have a huge range, which I love. They've got some really harsh designs and also some very feminine cuts and prints. They are edgy, without trying too hard. But be careful, because some of their designs are a little naughty. They don't have many available on their Official Site, so I suggest looking at the different styles on Look Book that feature Kill City.

Happy fall shopping, and I'll post more soon!

Nat


NEW FALL LOOK
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: August 24th, 2009

Fall is almost here, so I decided I needed a new look. I recently took a trip out to Los Angeles to check out what's new in fashion, TV and movies. I was totally inspired and got the idea stuck in my head that I needed a change. So while I was out in California, I hit up my former hair stylist who relocated to Los Angeles a few years ago. He and I decided I could use some bangs. I haven't had bangs since 1995, so this was a big change for me. Check out the new 'do in the photo below! I also found some awesome labels that I'm so into now. I'll tell you all about it in my next blog.

XO
Nat




TIME FOR 21 CARDS!
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: August 6th, 2009

IT'S HERE! THE WEEK HAS ARRIVED!

It's hard to believe that the show that was just an idea in our minds mere months ago is ready to shoot...THIS WEEK. Dozens of people have been working countless hours to put together a game show that is completely unique to the Twin Cities. I'm talking about 21 CARDS, the new game show Mike Rylander and I are hosting from Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

Here's how the game works: There are 21 cards that contestants (see the video below if you want to be one!) pull from, one at a time. 19 are cash cards worth various amounts. These add to your "bank." But there are 2 jokers in the mix. If you pull one, you go bankrupt. So pretty much you push your luck as far as you want, but if you pull a joker before you cash out, you lose all the money you accumulated. There are a few more twists in the game that make it more exciting, but you have to be there to find out what those are!

The most a person can win is $15,000 in their game. But the best part about it is that YOU can be a contestant and there's still time! Check out the video below for information on how to be a player. And if you don't want to play, but want to see the game show live, there's info for that as well.

21 Cards Promo

I hope you can come out and see Mike and me this week! And if all of that wasn't incentive enough, we've also got 12 models in the mix. Trust me, you don't want to miss this.

See you at Mystic!

XO
Nat


THIS JUST IN: EATING DQ BLIZZARDS SAVE LIVES!
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on:August 6th, 2009

Well, not exactly. But if you buy one, a dollar or more from each Dairy Queen Blizzard purchased on August 13 goes to the Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Their mission is to generate funs and awareness to benefit the more than 170 hospitals/foundations and the children they serve.

Like we needed a reason to eat blizzards. Let's be honest. :)

Check out this video Mike and I did for more info:

or click here to view the Children's Miracle Network site.

See you at DQ! (I'll be the one with a large Oreo Blizzard)



CELEBRITY RACE FOR COURAGE
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: July 24th, 2009


Hey, all!

Get out your body armor! I’m going to be driving a stock car in the Celebrity Race for Courage this Sunday, July 26th at Raceway Park in Shakopee, MN. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m.

Here’s who I’ll be racing with:

* David Gee – Minnesota Business Magazine
* Chris Hawkey – KFAN
* Natalie Kane – CW Twin Cities Crew
* Teri Knight – Garden Bite
* Donny Love – FM107
* Chris O’Connell – KSTP TV
* Kris Palmer – Star Tribune
* Jonathan Rabb – CW Twin Cities Crew
* Matt Thomas – AM1500
* Rebekah Wood – KSTP TV

I’m hoping to come out of this with minimal damage to myself, others and the stock cars. :)

More info here: http://www.couragecenter.org/ContentPages/celebrityraceforcourage.aspx

See you there!

Nat



WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS?
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: July 22nd, 2009

I’ve been doing a lot of travel lately, which has given me tons of time to read, so I’m looking to the CW Twin Cities viewers for book recommendations! In return, I’ll give you a couple of my favorites:

1. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This book is stunning. It is written from the perspective or “voice” of death. It’s a creative masterpiece.

2. The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
These historical fiction books will give you some insight into the lives of those living in the Middle East. Both are touching stories. Have some tissue nearby. Tons of it.

3. The Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella is HILARIOUS. These books are quick reads. Most women can relate to the main character, Rebecca Bloomwood, in some way or another. I certainly can!

4. The Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer
These books need no explanation. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know what they’re about. This modern day Romeo-and-Juliet-type series takes place between a human and a vampire. Fun, quick, easy reads.

Email me your suggestions at thecrew@thecwtc.com. I’ll check them out and post them on my blog for others to enjoy!



21 CARDS...WHAT'S THAT?
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: July 16th, 2009

If you follow me on Twitter (natalieAkane) or are friends with me on Facebook, you've probably seen me writing about this thing called "21 Cards" quite a bit. In short, it's a new game show, filmed locally, that Mike and I will be hosting. There will be 13 episodes, at least 2 contestants each episode, 12 models and thousands upon thousands of dollars to be won. Mike and I have been talking about it ever since our first rehearsal last week. This show is going to be amazing!

We'll be filming during the first week in August in the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel Showroom. I haven't been there yet, but I've heard it's an amazing venue. If you want to be a part of the studio audience, go to mysticlake.com/21cards.

Keep checking back here at my blog and on my Twitter for more details on the show and how the preparation is going.

I hope everyone has a safe weekend!

-Natalie


VAMPIRE DIARIES
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: July 9th, 2009

It's recently been outed that I am obsessed with a certain book series based on vampires, which has pretty much ignited an obsession with all things vampires. Yes, I know that I'm in my twenties, but c'mon. You know it's fascinating, not to mention completely captivating!

That being said, I cannot wait for Vampire Diaries to premiere this fall on the CW Twin Cities. We debuted a preview of the show during our Upfront party in May, and I have been dying to know more ever since. Well guess what. Casey just slipped me a copy of the pilot episode and it's AMAZING! I may go and buy a Tivo just so I don't have to potentially miss any episodes. You should do the same! I can't wait to follow this series and chat about it with you guys.

Vampire Diaries premieres Thursday September 10th on the CW Twin Cities.

Click here for a Vampire Diaries sneak peek!

Enjoy!

-Natalie


MICHAEL JACKSON PASSES AWAY
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: June 26th, 2009

This is truly one of the saddest days. Michael Jackson, a cultural icon passes away from what may be (according to speculation) associated with a drug overdose. Why does this happen to so many talented people? MJ's talent is among those like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, fellow icons who died too soon.

I first saw the rumors on Twitter while I was waiting to board an airplane. I couldn't believe it. My stomach dropped. I was frantic to find information citing this as merely a rumor. An hour passed, and it was confirmed. Michael Jackson had passed away.

As a child of the 80s, I can remember rocking out to Thriller and many other Michael Jackson hits. But what mesmerized me the most was his dancing. As a dancer, I appreciate Michael's talent and innovation on the dance floor to be among the best, if not THE best. He was such a great entertainer. It is tragic that he is now gone. I have spent a lot of time since finding out about his death looking at pictures, watching his videos and, of course, listening to his music. His music, his dancing, his videos--they provided and will continue to provide me with so much happiness. Rest in peace, Michael. You will be missed.


CO-HOSTING ON THE DAVE RYAN IN THE MORNING SHOW
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: June 23rd, 2009

I recently had the opportunity to co-host one of Minnesota’s most popular FM radio morning shows. If you’re from the area, then you know it – The Dave Ryan in the Morning Show on 101.3 KDWB, Minneapolis/St. Paul’s top 40 station.

What did that mean? 4 a.m. wakeup calls, tons of coffee, 15 hours of radio, me rapping “Shoop” on air for thousands to hear, funny callers, secrets revealed and hours upon hours of laughter. My first love is television and now, without a doubt, radio is my second.

The Dave Ryan in the Morning crew—Dave Ryan, Steve-O, Crisco, intern John and others—were incredibly fun and professional. While it may seem that they fly by the seat of their pants, they are in fact a well-oiled machine—strategic in everything they put on the air. This casual balance of fun, chaos and outrageousness makes for a fun early-morning drive for many Minnesotans. Of course, it had to come to an end as Lena Svenson, the official co-host, returned from her vacation. They were certainly big shoes to fill, and I’d be glad to do it again! I hope they have me back soon.

Check out my video blog with behind the scenes footage from the shows here.

Click here to listen to me rapping “Shoop” by Salt N Peppa.

BEST BRUNCH SPOT IN THE TWIN CITIES
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: May 11th, 2009

Brunch is my favorite meal of the day. I wish I could have brunch three times a day, in fact. I’m not really sure what constitutes “brunch” exactly, but I associate it with relaxation. Maybe it’s because I typically eat brunch on Sundays. Anyway, I recently found the BEST brunch spot. It’s in a tiny little house and the biggest table they have fits four people. You can show up in your sweats and write on the booths and walls with permanent marker. It’s Cuban food and only open until 2 p.m. daily. Drum roll please…

Victor’s 1959 Café off Lyndale and 38th in Minneapolis. You won’t regret going, but you may have to wait for a table. Also, the coffee is organic, which is a huge plus. Enjoy!


BEST/COOLEST WEBSITES
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: May 7th, 2009

I love surfing the Internet, so I figured, why not share some fun sites with you all.


www.thecwtc.com: You’re here now, so you know why it rules.


www.perezhilton.com: The latest and greatest celebrity gossip from gossip blogger Perez Hilton. He’s gained quite the reputation in Hollywood and typically breaks all big celeb news before anyone else. He’s hilarious, but a little off color and vulgar at times. Be careful.


www.collegehumor.com: I love this site because it makes me laugh. Plus, they consistently feature videos from my favorite sketch comedy group, the MN-based Bloomington Bros. This video is the best: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDgs1iroYyY


www.twitter.com: It’s basically constant facebook status updates or like mass text messaging. Some people love it, some people hate it. I’ll let you decide. You can check me out on there at twitter.com/natalieakane.


www.avclub.com: The site is from the creators of the Onion. Lots of fun, pop culture stuff on this site—movies, music, books, etc. Intelligent writing. Good stuff.


MEET NATALIE!
Posted by: Natalie
Posted on: May 7th, 2009

Hey, everyone! Natalie here from the CW Twin Cities Crew. This is my first blog, so I figure, why not start by introducing myself?

I was born and raised right here in the Twin Cities and feel so lucky to be working on a station that is so connected to the community that I love. We launched the CW Twin Cities Crew just over six months ago and have done so much in that amount of time. So much, that I am just now writing my first blog!

A few things about me…

I’m really into spending time with my family. Aren’t we all? I’ll put it this way. If I don’t talk to each member of my family –mom, dad, sister Andrea and sister Gina —at least once a day, someone will think that something is wrong.

I graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in journalism. Can you believe that I work in broadcast? Who actually does what they majored in? I am very lucky.

I fly somewhere at least once a month, if not more. The best airport in the country (in my opinion) is right here in the Twin Cities—Humphrey Terminal. The worst is in Miami (again, in my opinion. I don’t want to get angry emails from people who love the Miami airport. But I doubt there are any people who feel that way).

I am a professional dancer. I danced in the NBA for four seasons and teach on a national dance convention circuit for students 18 and under.

Those are a few fun facts. Got a question for me? Email me at thecrew@thecwtc.com and I’ll try and answer it in this blog.

I’ll see you on the air!


Cheers,

Natalie