Warming Up With The Rock in Florida

I love living in New York City, but during this time of year, I miss my LA days just a little bit. As a born and raised Jersey girl, I like to think 5 years of California living didn't completely make me soft, but I'll be the first to admit this winter has been brutal, with constant blizzards, single digit polar vortex days, massive slushpuddles and dirty snowbanks at every intersection.
So when I was invited to a set visit for Wake Up Call, The Rock's new reality show filming in South Florida, the answer was obviously yes. I've never gone on a set visit before so I figured this was a good opportunity to see another aspect of the television business and get some much needed vitamin D and sunshine. Win win.

While I've watched my fair share of reality TV (don't judge), I haven't ever really seen them filmed from a production aspect. There's so much prep and setup that takes place long before cameras even start rolling. When you're watching one single scene in a show, there was likely hours of work that went behind capturing it.
Wake Up Call premieres this fall but the premise of the show is that Dwayne Johnson, who was arrested multiple times himself before turning his life around, gives "wake up calls" to real-life people in need of help, whether it's a deadbeat dad or struggling business owner. Through his interventions, he helps people admit mistakes, face challenges and improve their lives. You definitely see an emotional side of the participants on the show as well Dwayne, who's a father himself. During our interview at the conclusion of the day, he revealed what gave him his own personal wake up call and memories of working on the Fast and Furious franchise with the late Paul Walker.

There are also guest stars involved in many episodes. On the day I visited, it was Juicy J from Three6Mafia...or you may know him from Katy Perry's current hit song "Dark Horse."

He took the red eye from LA just to be there (maybe that explains why he wore sunglasses indoors the whole time.)

The rapper dished about making the crazy music video for "Dark Horse," which comes out this Thursday, and features Katy as an Egyptian princess wearing a grill, as well as those crazy rumors about him getting Miley Cyrus pregnant.

I'll post the links to coverage when the stories are up on Cambio. I also got to hang with my parents, who live down here most of the year, at the pool today so that was an added bonus. I'm currently blogging from the Ft. Lauderdale airport since my flight back is delayed, but at least they have free wifi. Next time I'm posting, I'll be back home but I'm bringing some warmer weather with me, I promise!

Just like in any long-term relationship (my three year NYC anniversary is in March), every now and then you just need a break and some perspective to appreciate what you have, and this trip was the perfect time to reflect, recharge and refocus. Thank you to TNT and The Rock for having me and I'll see you soon, NYC! 

Follow me on Twitter @cristinagibson and Instagram @cristinablairgibson

Super Bowl Sunday and Awkward Moments

Happy Super Bowl Sunday from New York City!  I've gotten to cover Super Bowl in the past in other cities such as Phoenix, Dallas, Tampa and Miami but this year, the game came to me. Last night was DirecTV's annual Super Saturday night, which always features a live performance and this year definitely didn't disappoint. Jay-Z was the scheduled performer and not only was he awesome but Beyonce even joined him for a song too!

I am seriously obsessed with these two! Cutest couple ever. Justin Bieber is also in town for Super Bowl and was spotted skateboarding through the 11th Annual Leather and Laces party, which we went to on Friday. At least it's better than drag racing while high on weed and Xanax, right?

In other celeb encounter news, I got to sit down with the cast of That Awkward Moment recently, including Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan and Miles Teller. The movie is sort of a rom-com from a male perspective about three best friends who vow to stay single in NYC.  Living in Manhattan, you recognize a lot of the places they filmed and can definitely relate to some of the situations! You can see some of the interviews below:

For all those wondering, yes, Zac really is just as cute in person as he looks. I also realized I never wrote about my Sundance trip because I got sick afterwards and was trying to catch up on work and get better for this weekend, but it was amazing. The weather was perfect and our house crew was the best. I finally got to ski this year, too!

I've also been busy apartment hunting as I'm moving out of my current place, which I've lived in for 3 years. I'm happy to report that after a week of searching and seeing depressingly shoebox sized apartments, two of my best friends Katie, Lindsay and I found a spacious and charming new place with an awesome bar right off our lobby. Success! We celebrated last night with a delicious dinner at Benjamin Steak, where we sat by Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick who were on a dinner date. You can tell they're still totally in love. 

Besties and now roomies!

Success! If anyone has any great mover recommendations, holler. In the meantime, I'm off to get ready for the game. GO BRONCOS! 

Follow me on Twitter @cristinagibson and Instagram @cristinablairgibson