courtesy of Pirri Hair Group, (www.pirrihairgroup.com)

“With starlets debuting new short tresses, this trend it bound to catch on—fast,” explain Pirri Brothers, Piero and Luigi. But how can you pull off fabulous short hair? “You must take your personal style, face shape and hair texture into consideration and make it you.” With simple tips from the Italian born Pirri brothers (www.pirrihairgroup.com), you can sport celeb-inspired short dos best fit for a new you this New Year.

Demi-Bob

The demi-bob, a bob that falls anywhere between the mid-neck and shoulders, is one of this year’s hottest trends.  Seen on actresses and singers, like Katy Perry and Shakira and even a feathered demi-bob on Cameron Diaz, the look can be adjusted to fit each individual’s personal style and preference.

TIPS: If you have a defined jaw, compliment it with a bob that hits right at the jawbone. If you have a round face keep your bob closer to shoulder’s length and avoid going too short. Have an oval face? Try added fringe and angles with your demi-bob. If you want an edgier look, try Katy Perry’s cut in a fierce black or keep it sweet/edgy with strawberry blonde. This look works best with straight and slightly wavy hair. If you have coarse or curly hair, tame you hair with the right products. The Pirri Brothers recommend applying Pirri Elements Nature’s Breeze detangler & leave-in conditioner (www.pirrihairgroup.com).

Modern Pixie Do

As Michelle Williams, Emma Watson and Ashley Simpson turned heads recently sporting pixie dos, channeling your inner Twiggy is number two on our list for big hair trends for 2012. The pixie cut can be modern, classic and edgy.

TIPS: The pixie do works great on petite faces and fine features. Tiny bangs will further open up the face. If you have an oval face—don’t nix the idea of rocking this trendy do. Ask your stylist to do a razor cut that compliments your face shape, not one that elongates it. If you have a round face shape, you may want to opt for the demi-bob for a slimming effect.  However, anyone can confidently sport the pixie do with the right professional help. The pixie do can be either sweet or edgy so let your stylist know your preference. Choose a hairstylist you trust—this is very important when deciding to go with a much shorter do. Side swept bangs give Ashley a modern yet edgy look. Be sure to ask your hairdresser for daily styling tips. And, styling products are key to styling your new pixie right. The Pirri Brothers recommend Pirri Elements Lava Glaze Smooth & Relaxing Serum (www.pirrihairgroup.com) making your short locks easier to manage.

About the Pirri Brothers, Piero and Luigi: www.pirrihairgroup.com

Born in Italy, the Pirri Brothers first developed hair styles for the elegant salons of the southern region of Calabria, then moving to London to continue their education for advanced technical skills. Being surrounded by Europe’s most prominent talent, in a city with sharp and constantly evolving style they possess the essence of Europe at their fingertips and have created and conceptualized trend setting styles that have graced fashion and beauty magazines worldwide.

Fast forward to 2009, the Pirri brothers now have two successful salons in Greenwich, Connecticut and Eastchester, New York; and have launched their own product line, Pirri Element.

With over 20 years of experience, the Pirri brothers want to share their knowledge and technical skill with the hairdressers of today and tomorrow. The Pirri Education Academy was designed to work with the individual to elevate their skills for cut and color to the next level.

The perfect night not only begins with the perfect dress, but the perfect hairstyle. Cliché updos and Shirley Temple curls are NOT what you want to remember when flipping through your photo albums years later. Make your hair picture perfect with red-carpet hairstyle tips from celebrity hairstylist Ashley Hanna from NYC’s mizu salon. If you love these hair styles like we do, becoming a cosmetologist may be a great fit for you.

Selena Gomez hair, updo

Selena Gomez
This hairstyle is amazing for girls with that natural texture, curls or waves! Begin with applying your favorite dry texturing spray to give the hair a little hold and grip! Pull the hair up with bobby pins very loosely and make sure to not clean or polish!

You can either pull into a messy bun or roll into a French twist, whatever style you desire! After securing with pins (make sure the bobby pins used match your hair color), finish by pulling out some little hairs around the hair line to give that extra text look as Selena Gomez has! Finish off with a little more dry texturing spray or superfine hairspray.

Beyonce hair, updo

Beyonce
To achieve this look start by blowing out your hair with Twisted Sista Different Strokes Serum and Blow Drying Crème at your roots. After the blow-dry, take your large barrel curling iron and take medium to small sections and begin wrapping the hair around the barrel of iron to give that beautiful soft wave. Spray superfine hairspray on each section to lock in the curls!

After curling, pick a desire part and put hair off to the side using an elastic band. Add really cute broach to give a beautiful look to the style! Then take a flat brush and being smoothing hair and finish with a light mist of hairspray and anti-humidity spray to keep fly always down and control frizz to this polished look.

Kim Kardashian hair

Kourtney Kardashian
This is an easy glamour look to achieve on your own. Start by pick up a part that best suits your look for the night! Use Twisted Sista Different Strokes Serum and smooth over desired part about mid-way down the hair. Using your flat brush and blow dryer, smooth hair until desired look is achieved.

Then, using a ½ in. to 1 in. curling iron, begin curling hair, rotating the direction of each curl you curl. Spray your choice of dry texturing spray through midshaft to ends before curling each section. After all your hair is curled, use a wide tooth comb and lightly brush through curls while misting an anti-humidity spray to control frizz.

If you don’t have a wide tooth comb, use your fingers to comb through lightly. Finish your look with a light hairspray.

Written by: Jill Sheets

Belieber, Justin Bieber

Recently I got to interview the award-winning author Cathleen Falsani. She is the
writer of the new book “Belieber! Faith, Fame and the Heart of Justin Bieber.” If you
are a Justin Bieber fan or even if you are not, continue to read on an learn more about
Cathleen, her new book and who has been her biggest celebrity influence.

R: Tell us about your writing background?

C: I am an award-winning religion journalist and Director of New Media for Sojourners
in Washington, D.C., where I edits its popular blog, God’s Politics. I am the author of
the critically acclaimed The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People,
Sin Boldly: A Field Guide for Grace, The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the
Coen Brothers, and the new (9/27/11) BELIEBER: Fame, Faith and the Heart of Justin
Bieber.

A Connecticut native and granddaughter of Italian and Irish immigrants, I am a graduate
of Wheaton College, the alma mater of the Rev. Billy Graham, former U.S. Speaker of
the House Dennis Hastert and horror film director Wes Craven. (Amittedly, I often find
more common ground with Craven and Graham than Hastert.) I hold a master’s degree
in journalism from Northwestern University as well as a master’s degree in theological
studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. I also was a 2009 Divinity
School Media Fellow at Duke University, a Gralla Fellow in Jewish Studies at Brandeis
University, and was the 1996 Stoody-West Fellow in Religious Journalism.
I was the religion writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times from 2000 to January
2010, and was a longtime contributor and columnist for Religion News Service.
For fifteen years, as a reporter and columnist from 2000-2010 at the Chicago Sun-Times,
and as a reporter, commentator, essayist and columnist for a number of other publications
as well, I have covered the diverse “God beat” from locations as far afield as Vatican
City, Vedic City, Ireland, Germany, the Caribbean, the West Wing, the Playboy Mansion
and the dugout at Wrigley Field. I was honored as the 2005 James O. Supple Religion
Writer of the Year by the Religion Newswriters Association, and have twice been a finalist
for the Templeton Religion Reporter of the Year award, most recently in 2007 where I
took second place.

I began writing my popular weekly column on spirituality and popular culture for the
Sun-Times in 2001, and wrote a regular column for Religion News Service until last
month (when I departed RNS for a full-time gig at Sojourners.)I also contribute regularly as
a columnist for The Huffington Post.

My work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Christianity Today and Christian Century
magazines, as well as the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, the Toronto Star,
Kansas City Star, Madison Capital Times, Toronto Star and other publications in North
America and Europe. I have appeared as a commentator on CNN, Oprah Winfrey’s “Soul
Series,” National Public Radio’s “The Story” and “Weekend Edition,” FoxNewsChannel,
Moody Radio, WGN-Radio, NPR’s “Day to Day,” The Tavis Smiley Show (on PBS),
and a host of other radio and television venues.

Chicago Magazine media critic Steve Rhodes has said I wrote one of the city’s “most
compelling columns . . . despite her focus on a subject that often is handled with a deadly
dullness. As a columnist, I especially enjoy trying to try to “find God in the places some
people say God isn’t supposed to be,” and that she defines both spirituality and popular
culture quite broadly.

I am a sought-after public speaker having presented lectures and talks at colleges,
universities, civic organizations, houses of worship and large faith-based conferences
nationwide, including the National Pastors Convention, the Catalyst Conference, the Los
Angeles Book Festival, the Festival of Faith and Music, and the Festival of Faith and
Writing, St. James Episcopal Cathedral in Chicago, Dominican University and a number
of other universities and houses of worship throughout the country.

I have been married to the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, Maurice Possley,
since 1997. After 20 years in Chicago, in the summer of 2009, I moved with
Maury and our son Vasco to Laguna Beach, California. Vasco, who was born in Malawi
in Central Africa, became a permanent part of our family on June 1, 2010 when
his adoption was approved by the High Court of Malawi in Blantyre.

R: Tell us about your new book “Belieber! Faith, Fame and the Heart of Justin Bieber.”

C: The cover story of Rolling Stone in early 2011 featured an interview with Justin
Bieber under the headline “Super Boy.” Undeniably, the 17-year-old Canadian pop star is
one of the most famous people on the planet, with a devoted nation of rabid fans known
as “Beliebers” who follow his every move and hang on his every word. But is there more
to this every kid-turned-pop-idol’s startling success than his swoon-inspiring cuteness
and preternatural talent?

“The success I’ve achieved comes to me from God,” Bieber told the magazine. “I feel
I have an obligation to plant little seeds with my fans. I’m not going to tell them, ‘You
need Jesus.’ but I will say at the end of my show, ‘God loves you.’”

More than his legendary foppish hair and puppy-love lyrics, the bold-yet-humble faith
that grounds Justin’s worldview may just be the key to — untold story behind — his
extraordinary appeal.

He has nearly 13 million followers on Twitter and millions more fans worldwide, the
third-largest grossing documentary film of all time and countless hit records. Justin
Bieber’s rise from just a regular kid in Ontario, Canada to one of the most recognized
personalities in the world is a story that has grabbed the hearts of a small nation of
devoted fans called “Beliebers.” At 17, Bieber is a megastar. But behind the starlight
is a teenage boy grounded by a humble faith in Jesus Christ. Listening to the voice of
a generation, Belieber: Fame, Faith & the Heart of Justin Bieber explores the soul and
soulful faith behind the famous hair and screaming fans.

R: How did you come up with the idea for this book?

C: One of my dearest friends from college who is a neighbor of mine in Laguna Beach
suggested it to me over sushi one afternoon back in March of this year. “You should
write a book called ‘The Gospel According to Justin Bieber,’” he said. I thought he was
kidding but quickly realized he wasn’t and, as we continued chatting, we both saw the
potential of such a book. Moreover, I saw what an important, influential narrative Justin
has put out there in the world and how poignant it might be for his fans to explore exactly
how, what and why Justin is sharing his faith with the world – through his music, his
activism and his orientation toward the world.

I texted my literary agent from the sushi joint, telling him about the book idea. Two
weeks later we had a book contract.

R: Tell us a little bit about some of your other books?

C: BELIEBER! is my fourth book. All of them are nonfiction. The first, The God
Factor, was published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux in 2006 and is a collection of 32
spiritual profiles of famous folks I’d spent time with, one-on-one and in person, talking
about faith. Most famously, that book includes my profile of President Obama based
on the interview he gave me about his faith back in 2004. It’s still the longest and most
exhaustive he’s ever granted to date on the subject. Other folks in that book included
my dear one, Bono of U2, Professor Elie Wiesel (the Nobel Peace Laureate), Melissa
Etheridge, Billy Corgan, Annie Lennox, Sandra Cisneros, David Lynch and, how could I
forget? – Hugh Hefner.

My second book was a memoir called Sin Boldly: A Field Guide for Grace. That one
came out in 2008, followed the next year by The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to
the Coen Brothers, which examined the spiritual themes in the (at that point 14) films of
Joel and Ethan Coen.

R: Where can our readers get your books?

C: Anywhere books are sold. And in all formats from hardback to Kindle to mp3.

R: Tell our readers about the columns that you write and where they can check them out
at.

C: I have been a columnist for more than a decade so to tell you “about” them would take
all month. Suffice to say I specialize in writing about the intersection of faith and popular
culture and write often about music, film, television and cultural trends. I was the religion
columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times from 2000-2010, and wrote for years for Religion
News Service (which distributed my columns nationally.) I just left that gig to work
full time at Sojourners. These days you can find my columns at the Huffington Post and
on “God’s Politics,” the blog over at Sojo.net.

R: Who has been your biggest influence and why?

C: Again, hard to narrow it to one. I’d like to say Jesus, which is probably true, although
you wouldn’t necessarily know that from how I behave too much of the time. In terms
of humans, I’d say my father, Muzzy, who is my hero. In the realm of literature and/
or spirituality, Frederick Buechner and Anne Lamott would be the most influential
in my life in myriad ways. And then on the celebrity front, Bono. Hands down. No
question about it. I’m blessed to know him a bit and every time I’m with him I come
away inspired, challenged, enlivened and pretty dang giddy about God and the world
in general. He’s a delight and has been a mighty vessel of grace for me since I was a
teenager.

R: I read that you have interviewed President Obama. What has been your favorite
interview and why?

C: Impossible to say who’s been my favorite interview. Really. I’ve taken so much away
from so many encounters with remarkable people – the famous, infamous and truly,
marvelously “regular” that it’d be unfair to say just one. I will say, however, that in my
first book, the interview that I return to most often in my mind is that with the actor John
Mahoney. I love him and he gave me an immense gift that day in our conversation about
God. You should check it out. Might change your life. Seriously.

R: What are five things people may not know about you?

C:
1) I can tie a cherry stem in a knot with my tongue.
2) I’ve never seen “The Godfather” movies all the way through.
3) My brother is a major in the U.S. Air Force and flies an A-10. He’s a rock star.
4) I have three grandchildren. OK, step-grandchildren, technically, but still. They are an
absolute joy. And I love being a “bubbe.”
5) I’m about to have my DNA tested to find out if I am, in fact, somewhere back there in
my family history, Jewish. And I hope I am.

R: What is the best advice you have ever gotten and by who?

C: “Listen to your life.” Fred Buechner said that. It’s right up there with, “You’ll never
know if you don’t ask,” which is something my husband told me many years ago. And he
was right.

R: It is not easy being a teenager. What advice would you give them in general?

C: Be gentle with yourself. You are loved and precious and beautiful. Treat yourself like
you know you are. There are no stupid questions. If you have the choice between being
right and being kind, choose kindness. Listen to people when they talk to you; don’t
just hear them. It will get better. You won’t have acne forever. You’re prettier and more
handsome than you realize and when you’re 40 you’ll look back and see it for yourself
and wish you could tell your teenage self this information. Take the long way home.
Collect experiences, not stuff. Labels are entirely useless, unless you’re talking about
the nutritional information on the back of a box of Pop-Tarts. Labels don’t fit people
well and therefore shouldn’t be applied to them – ever. Always dance like you just don’t
care. Sing loud and with conviction (and it doesn’t matter if you’re off key or know all
the lyrics.) The best way to get a white deodorant stain off of a black t-shirt is to fold
the stain or smudge against itself and rub; comes right out. Magic! And lastly, there is
NOTHING you can ever do to make God love you more, and there is NOTHING could
ever do to make God love you LESS. Nothing. NOTHING.

R: Do you have any charities that are close to your heart? If so, tell us about them

C: The United Nations Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is very
important to me and it’s where we’re donating a portion of the proceeds to the book. My

son, Vasco, is from Malawi and before he joined our family he suffered from malaria
and was a carrier for TB; and his birth parents both died of AIDS-related ailments. So
combating those three diseases is close to our family and my heart. In the book, you’ll see
I mention a few others that have touched me personally, including the Ronald McDonald
House charity. When Vasco had surgery to correct a significant heart defect with which
he was born, his dad and I stayed in the McDonald house next to the hospital and it was
such a beautiful blessing and grace to our family that I can scarcely talk about it without
crying. They do mighty work. God’s work, in my view.

R: Other than this one, what is the strangest question you have ever been asked?

C: “You’d like a cucumber with that, I presume?”

R: Are you on any social networking sites? If so, which ones and what are their address?
Do you have an official websites? If so, what is the address?

C: I am a Tweeter. You can follow me at @godgrrl or @BelieberTheBook. I also have a
Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/cathleenfalsani and one for the Belieber! book,
http://www.facebook.com/belieberbook And the official Web site for the book is http://
www.belieberbook.com.

R: Is there anything else you would like to add or say to your readers?

C: Vitamin B12 is your friend; “disrespect” is not a verb, it’s a noun; being grateful is a
great way to get through the day (and your life); say thank you; pay it forward; believe;
never say “never.” And remember to hydrate.

R: Cathleen, thank you for the interview. Have a great day.

Written by: Jill Sheets

Taylor Spreitler

Picture credit: Flygirl photos

Recently I interviewed talented actress Taylor Spreitler. Taylor plays Lennox Scanlon
on the hit show Melissa and Joey. Continue to read on and learn more about Taylor, her
show and find out what advice she would give to teenage girls.

R: Tell us a little bit about how you got into the acting business?

T: I started out doing beauty/talent contests in Mississippi which led to summers in New
York modeling, auditioning for Broadway plays and TV commercials. Los Angeles has
more opportunities for TV/film so that’s how I ended up here!

R: Tell us about your show Melissa and Joey and about your character Lennox Scanlon.

T: On the show Melissa Joan Hart plays my aunt who had to take in my younger brother
Ryder (Nick Robinson) and I after a family scandal. She hires a manny (Joey Lawrence)
to take care of us. My character Lennox is in High School, editor of the school’s Grant
Rant and a very outspoken activist for animal and gay rights.

R: How did you find out about the role of Lennox and what was the audition process
like?

T: My manager sent me on the first audition for the casting directors. I got a callback then
auditioned for the producers. The final audition was for the network and I got the call a
few hours later that I had booked it!

R: What is it like working with Melissa Joan Hart and Joseph Lawrence?

T: There is never a dull moment! They are two of the funniest people on the planet and I
have learned so much from them.

R: If you could make a guest appearance on any show, what show would that be and
why?

T: 30 Rock, Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey are comic genius!

R: I read that you also sing. Do you have any plans on recording an album?

T: My sister Samantha is a song writer and we are working on a few things together so
maybe in the future!

R: Who are some of your favorite singers and bands? What is your favorite song by
each one?

T: Blink 182- Feeling This
Led Zeppelin- Stairway to Heaven
Favorite song of all time- Tiny Dancer by Elton John

R: What are five thing people may not know about you?

T: I carry hot sauce in my purse.
I like snakes.
I have an obsession with Sharpies.
I once won a hula-hoop contest.
I have a fear of driving.

R: Other than this one, what is the strangest question you have ever been asked?

T: What do you call a male ladybug?

R: What has been the best advice you have ever gotten and by who?

T: My Melissa and Joey family gave me a surprise graduation on set and Melissa read me
a quote from Dr. Seuss
that has stuck in my head!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You’re on your own.
And you know what you know.

YOU are the girl who’ll decide where to go.

R: It is not easy being teenage girl theses days, what advice would you give them?

T: Everyone’s situation is so different it’s hard to give a sweeping piece of advice, just
pay close attention to your emotional as well as physical health. If you have a problem
talk to someone, if they don’t listen talk to someone else and keep trying until someone
does listen!

R: Do you have any charities that are close to you heart? If so, tell us a little bit about
them.

T: Los Angeles Mission which provides meals and different services to the homeless.
ASPCA which promotes pet adoption and rescues animals from abusive conditions.

R: What are some of your future goals?

T: To continue to be a working actress, maybe some behind the camera stuff. Directing is
definitely something that intrigues me!

R: Are you on any social networking sites? If so, which ones and what are their
addresses? Do you have an official website?

T: Twitter- @TaylorSpreitler
Facebook- facebook.com/officialtaylorspreitler
Official website- taylorspreitler.com

R: Is there anything else you would like to add or say to your fans?

T: Thanks for being with me on this wild, fun and crazy ride!

R: Taylor, thank you for the interview. Have a great day.

Brittany Curran

One of our favorite actresses, Brittany Curran, is doing another wonderful service. She is running “Miles For Miracles” to help the Boston Children’s Hospital. Her reason for running?

“Children’s Hospital Boston is a wonderful place, a truly unique hospital—one of the best pediatric institutions in the world, giving hope to so many kids and their families, constantly finding new ways to treat or cure an amazing variety of diseases. The doctors and nurses here never say “never” and they treat kids from all over the world. Some have families who can’t afford to pay for their care. Children’s takes care of them all! And it’s very involved with the neighborhoods around it—helping low-income and at-risk kids.”

You can help support Brittany and the kids at Children’s Hospital by donating to the run. Click here to visit Brittany’s race web site and to make a donation!

(Photo by www.talkingmakeup.com)

Ever since we saw the above picture of Emma Watson sporting the Cat Eye look, we fell in love with it. She is not the only celebrity that has been seen with close to the same look. Hayley Williams, who is the lead singer of the hot rock band Paramore has and so have Angelina Jolie, Taylor Swift, Rhianna, Nicole Richie, Kate Moss, Amy Winehouse and do not forget Brigitte Bardot, which the cat eye was her signature look.

But celebrities are not the only ones that are using this look. We have it in schools, at the malls – - everywhere.

The only problem is how do you create this unique look? We had no idea so we went looking for a great how-to video that we could watch that would show us how to create the look we wanted. There are many great videos out there that will show you how to do it, but when we found this one, we thought that it goes more in-depth than some of the others.

Before you watch this helpful video, do remember it does take practice to create this look, so just like anything else you will need to practice, practice and practice. Don’t be too upset if you can’t do it the first time- we are still working on it. But you will soon be able to create this look and even make it your own.

Tell us what you think of this look? Is it something you already do or plan on doing? Do you make your cat eyes dramatic or are they more subtle looking? Do you think this is just a trend or do you think it will be around awhile? Let us know.

How to create a classic Hollywood cat eye look

Brittany Curran plays Lucy on the new show on TNT called Men of a Certain Age, but you may recognize her from Suite Life With Zack and Cody (she played Chelsea) or Go Figure, her first lead where she played an Olympian hopeful, Pamela. Since moving to Hollywood at 11, she’s been busy and has big plans for her future!

Relate: Describe your role as Lucy. What is going on in her world and how does she differ from you? How is she the same?

BRITTANY:Lucy Tranelli is the daughter of Joe (Ray Romano) and Sonia (Penelope Ann Miller). She’s an all-American girl with a twinge of attitude. She gets along with her family for the most part, but isn’t afraid to occasionally lash out if she has to. Like the scene in the episode “Powerless.” My dad interfered with my boyfriend, which caused my character, Lucy, to LASH out at him in the living room. I had to get so angry for the scene that after I yelled at my dad (Joe) I walked behind the scene and started crying. There were about 50 extras behind the scenes staring at me with concern; it was a bit awkward until I indicated it was part of a scene. Lucy is not as outgoing and positive as I am, and I’m a generally a happier person in real-life.

But we are both addicted to our Blackberries! In fact, one day during a table read for the show I found myself Tweeting. I thought to myself, “Oh my [gosh], what am I doing?” I slowly put my phone down. But I blame the show for getting me further addicted!!! :-)

Relate: What is your biggest challenge as an actress? What is your favorite thing about acting?

BRITTANY: The biggest challenge is when I get a script that I absolutely fall in love with, almost get the part, then have the role go to someone else. That’s the worst! My favorite thing about acting is when I’m shooting a scene and it becomes so real that I forget I’m acting. Completely living in the moment, forgetting everything else, especially kissing scenes! HINT, HINT Men Of A Certain Age! Kissing scenes with handsome actors would have to be my other favorite thing.

A couple of other favorite things about acting: My first one is, I must be honest, I get a lot of free stuff at gifting suites! Just today I got a brand new palm lixi plus wireless phone with three months of free service and Internet. Last week I got a free $500.00 watch and a $400.00 necklace. But I do give a lot of the free gifts away to fans in contest. It’s one of the ways I can show my appreciation of how much I do love them. Another favorite thing is I get to do a lot of charity work and raise awareness to help others. One of my favorites is BrittiCares, which was started by a young girl, Brittiana, shortly before she died from leukemia. When I give blood at BrittiCare events, I know it’s going directly into the body of the children who need it.

R: What is the funniest experience you have had with a fan?

B:When I was at a Disney premiere at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, I was signing autographs. There was a partition/fence that separated me from the fans and some very over-zealous Italian men, speaking in Italian, started pulling me over the partition. That was probably the funniest, little bit scary when it was happening.

R: What are your favorite things to do when you’re not working?

B: I love writing poetry. I’m taking French at the Beverly Hills Lingual Institute. Other activities I enjoy are reading (love CS Lewis), dancing, singing, my brother is teaching me guitar, and I’m going to start violin lessons soon. I also love mountain running and mountain races with my dad.

R: If you were trapped in an elevator, who would you want it to be with and why?

B:Here’s the funny thing! Several months ago I was really trapped in an elevator for about two hours. I was going to an audition at the CBS Radford Studio in Studio City. My dad dropped me off so I could get to the audition on time. After he came in the building, he couldn’t find me. Someone told him a girl went up in the elevator, but it was stuck between floors. A long story short, the fire department eventually showed up and I was rescued by a very cute fireman! He climbed in the elevator, picked me up in his arms, and then passed me to another cute fireman!

If I had to pick someone to be stuck in an elevator I’d pick Robert Plant (lead singer of Led Zeppelin). But when he was in his prime, from about 1972. Why?! Because he is a rock god, hot hot hot, an AMAZING voice, and I think highly intelligent.

R: What inspires you?

B:Brilliant performances (Meryl Streep), emotive music, stories of brave individuals who risked their lives for others, my dad and other passionate people.

R: What is the biggest goal you have for yourself?

B: Eight Academy Awards! And I will not touch an Oscar until I win my first. In fact, I had a chance to hold one after my friend won one for Crash, but I would not touch it. :-)

Be sure to tune in Monday nights at 10 p.m. to see Brittany on Men of a Certain Age!

And check out Brittany’s YouTube page for an awesome contest where you’ll win a HUGE variety of prizes, including signed autographs, digital cameras and MP3 players and Tom’s shoes customized for the show. Brittany will explain it to you on the video. Deadline is February 28!

(Photos from Mocking Bird Lane Productions)