Happy New Year! Perhaps Today is Where Your Book Begins…

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Truly Julie

Truly Julie with Natasha Bedingfield…who wrote the beautiful song “Unwritten”.

I am unwritten, can’t read my mind, I’m undefined
I’m just beginning, the pen’s in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

I break tradition, sometimes my tries, are outside the lines
We’ve been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can’t live that way

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Dear 2012…

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Truly Julie

So much to wish and hope for in the new year…but I guess the most immediate would be to make sure “Tonight’s
gonna be a good night”! (Truly Julie with Black Eyed Peas’ Taboo on the left) And to lead a more purposeful life such as Jane Goodall…who’s devoted her whole life to preserving our wildlife. Oh…and since I am a giggle maniac…I’d love to embrace more humor a la Kathy Griffin or Chris Rock. I’d also like to be more bold and fearless e.g., Ricky Gervais. And on the career front…I’d love to mix it up all the while never mince a word i.e., Ryan Seacrest.

And in 2012…I’d also like to embody William W. Purkey’s quote: “You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, Love like you’ll never be hurt, Sing like there’s nobody listening, And live like it’s heaven on earth.”…case in point…the Glee cast!

Work ethics wise…I aim to not settle for complacency…such as Steve Carell. He walked away from his hit show “The Office”…because he felt unchallenged and wanted to grow. That’s inspiring. Oh…and I hope to be as hard working as Joan Rivers…who at age 78 could still kick my butt. Also in 2012…I hope to continue crossing paths with those who are the best in their niche i.e., Simon Cowell & LA Reid…and who knows…maybe their “X factor” will rub on me:)

Health wise…my wish is to be as strong, supple…and..auh…sexually vigorous…as sex therapist Dr. Ruth! Also in the new year…I hope to be as innovative as James Cameron and fashion icon Patricia Field. These folks always think outside the box. And I also aspire to be an urban super woman…a la my sister Grace Sun and Rosanna Scotto. From designing to blogging to mothering…Grace is always 10 steps ahead. Rosanna is the unofficial mayor of NYC all the while getting up at 4AM everyday to co-host Good Day New York…she is the ultimate mother hen at Fox 5…and to her nuclear family at home.

I’ll also continue to refine my dorkiness …because like Zooey Deschanel…it’s cool to embrace your inner nerd. And I figure what makes me different and quirky…will be the unique factor that takes my game to the next explosive level…maybe like Paula Patton! From starring in “Precious” to “Mission Impossible” to being married to Robin Thicke…she’s on it! Life is about finding “Your Song”…and I hope mine becomes a hit like one of Elton John’s master pieces:) Hmm…what else…maybe in the new year…I’ll cook more…e.g., Guy Fieri. OK…now that’s just crazy talk…so I better end on a strong note. My goal for 2012 and beyond is to have the kind of lasting love found by my parents 40 plus years ago and raise a healthy family! Happy New Year!!!

Confetti…Crystals…Chang! Let’s go 2012!

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Truly Julie

Truly Julie in Times Square…the biggest and one of the longest running New Year’s Eve countdown spots! Fashion Front: Jill Stuart dress, Temperley London jacket, Hat from Tokyo, Reiss vest, Rag & Bone string mittens, and Alice & Olivia boots.

In 22 hours from now…all eyes will be on this podium button…perhaps the most famous button in the world. It’s a much smaller replica of the Waterford Times Square New Year’s Eve Crystal Ball. This is the very button that will be pushed by Mayor Bloomberg and Lady Gaga at the stroke of midnight. The Times Square ball drop tradition began in 1907…though…I think the first ball was made out of brass…and certainly not as blinged out as the Waterford crystal ball. That thing is major. It’s made of 2,688 pristinely cut crystal triangle panels. The nice folks at Waterford loaned me this one…which is a 2002 panel that commemorates 9/11 victims. This year’s triangles have the theme “Let There be Friendship”. My favorite feature about the NYE’s ball…though…is that because

it uses energy efficient LED lights…the 12 foot radius ball that weighs 1 ton…uses about the same energy as a toaster. Now that brightens me up! Oh..and now there’s a way for you to have your resolution shower down on the Crossroads of America. You can submit your resolution online all the way up to midday Dec 31st…and they will shred it into confetti and sprinkle it on 1 million plus revelers! Catch my coverage on the 1 ton of confetti that will jazz up the NYC skies! It’s the 3rd clip on the link. I wish each and every one of you lots of laughter, love and light in the new year. My resolution: Guard my inner light with truth…so I can give out light. I’ve been told throughout my life that my best quality is my energy…which I consider is my inner light peeking through. I think any type of dishonesty can dim or even cast a shadow on this light of mine…so like I said…I intend to guard quiet vigorously. I hope you’ll share your wishes and hopes with me here!

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Truly Julie

A very merry sweet Christmas to all of you!

My sister Saeyoung is known for her french onion soup. It takes forever…but so worth it! Round it out with some prime rib…and drum roll….cookie decorate-off!

Um…to put it mildly…I’m a bit serious about the cookie decorate-off. I don’t know what happened to me in my childhood…but my level of competitiveness is at times unhealthy. Case in point…even when my opponents are…4, 6, and 11-years-old…I show no mercy. The last Christmas we did this…the very fair judge (my dad) declared my cookies the winner. This year…it was a bit more controversial. So…I’m handing it over to the public to settle the discrepancy.

These four beauties are my creations. The one on the bottom left corner is my favorite…she looks like she’s donning a Marchesa tulle couture gown. Well..the star print top is also clutch…but I’ll be quiet now…I don’t want to sway your vote unfairly:) Below are my sister’s submittals. She took at cheap shot with the T&A cookie on the right. LOL!The bottom three animals are my niece Hana’s pieces. Top left corner is Stella’s bell of the ball. The remaining two are also mine…but these didn’t enter the contest (you only submit your top ones!). The top middle cookie was in honor of my superhero obsessed nephew Odin. It’ batgirl! May the best cookie decorator win! Meanwhile…Christmas morning was a torpedo of presents, smiles, homemade popovers and…er…continuing debate on who has the best looking cookie:) I so look forward to your comments. Click on the picture gallery to see your typical Christmas morning…where we still have eye-crust and sideways hair.

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Hollywood Holidays!

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Truly Julie

Truly Julie with her nieces Stella and Hana!This year I’m spending Christmas with my oldest sister Saeyoung and her brood…which includes my gorgeous nieces Stella and Hana (If you missed my post about their hilarious
santa letters...here it is. It’s kind of a must-read). They live in Hollywood…facing the iconic
“Hollywood” sign/cliff. Christmas Eve also marks Stella’s birthday! She turned 7 today…which I think is the best age ever. If I could repeat any age…it would be 7. It’s when you’re old enough to remember precious moments…yet…you’re responsible for nothing! Your biggest worry is…how you’re going to trick your mom into letting you have candy for breakfast. Though… Stella is quite unique…she is the only kid I know whom asked for a robe (here she is wearing her knew skull robe!) and an
electronic toothbrush (which she proudly holds for this pic) for her birthday. Again, you
must read her santa letter. Palm trees, mild temperatures, jigsaw puzzle, cookie bake-offs…this holiday is a happy Hollywood story…starring the most wonderful kids.

Merry Almost Christmas!

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Truly Julie

Truly Julie with high holiday spirits…and no on-air makeup! This Christmas…as with so many in the past…I’m simply overwhelmed by all of my blessings. Each bulb that sparkles on the tree…illuminates a special memory or person in my life. I made a vow this month to not buy a single thing for myself (with exception to food) and mission accomplished. Actually…er…I bought a $30 hat off the street because it was cold and cute…but I promise…that was it! I’m only human:) It’s been therapeutic to make transactions only for others…and more precious than that…to give/receive things that have no monetary value…e.g., kind words…funny stories…an actual phone call versus a text. As I get older…the more I see that the true currency in life is the one that fills the heart…and not your closet, shoe rack or electronic console. My deepest gratitude to those who have paid me in this way. You can bet…I won’t be standing in the gift exchange line:)

Melanie Amaro has got The X Factor….and 5 million bucks!

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Truly Julie

Part II of The X Factor finale was a nail-biter and an awesome concert! I almost threw my neck out bobbing my head so hard during 50 cent’s performance. Come on…you know “In Da Club” is the ultimate dance jam! Melanie Amaro is the first X factor winner here in the US…and after getting to know her a bit this week…I’m pretty confident she’ll wear the crown well. The 19-year-old is full of faith…brimming with humility…determined beyond measure…oh…and that victorious VOICE. Here are some snapshots from the X Factor grand finale red carpet…andclick here for my interviews with The X Factor stars just moments after the big show. And tune into Good Day New York Friday morning to catch so much more (yes..that means I’m sleeping for 2 hours tonight and reporting back to work)!

Truly Julie with judge Paula Abdul….host Steve Jones…..judge LA Reid!

Truly Julie with runner up Josh Krajcik. Sweet Simon giving Truly Julie a peck!

Truly Julie with Brooklyn’s own Astro!

Fashion Front: Truly Julie’s dress Bensoni, shoes Rebecca Taylor.

The X Factor Finale Part I!

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Truly Julie

In less than 24 hours…the life of one of the top three contenders on The X Factor will change forever. He or She will be 5 million dollars richer…and his/her voice…will most likely end up on your playlist somewhere down the road. I mean…I would buy “Young Homie” on itunes right now! My hats off to Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene for taking us on an X-ceptional journey this season….for helping us see that dreams do come true. Catch my interviews with the top 3 as well as the judges from tonight here!

Truly Julie with Melanie Amaro! Fashion Front: Truly Julie’s dress by Robert Rodriguez (available at RentTheRunway.com)

And I found my yin to my yang this evening…Nicole Scherzinger pointed out our contradictory outfits. Um…I’m pretty sure no one is looking at me or my dress when I’m standing next to her. While she wouldn’t clearly confirm or deny the rumor that she’s not coming back as a judge next year…she did say that she definitely will release her album “Killer Love” early next year…and she plans to tour. Which makes me wonder if she’ll have any Xtra time for The X Factor…hmmmm.

Look who else I ran into?! Brooklyn’s own….Astro! He’ll be hitting the stage tomorrow night for Part II of The X Factor Finale. Astro is releasing a FREE mixed tape album on Dec 22nd at 9:01PM…so follow me on twitter (@JulieChangFox5) for deets on where to download.

It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas…Especially on Staten Island

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Truly Julie

Folks, grab your sunglasses. You’re about to see a blinding house on Staten Island just blanketed with lights…Christmas accoutrements…and moving window displays. It’s a private home that puts Bloomingdales and Macy’s holiday windows to shame. I mean…why just “Deck the Halls”…when you can deck out your yard, roof, driveway, pool area, etc. Seriously…in all my years of covering holiday lights…I’ve never seen anything like this. But perhaps…nothing outshines the real reason behind all this wattage. Joe DiMartino lost his wife on 9/11 in the South Tower. Devastated…he marked Christmas that year in the dark. A year later and every year since then…he vowed to channel his wife’s bright spirit…and never spend it dark again. So, He’s been brightening Staten Island with his over-the-top holiday lights for 9 years…taking donations for the Staten Island University Hospital’s Children’s division to turn what was so bad…into something so good (he’s helped donate $80,000 so far!). Here’s his very visible…sparkling tribute to his late wife (Address: 107 Sharrotts Rd, Staten Island. Decorations up until January 6th). As for me and my fam…we kept it pretty low key. Though…I must say…our tree looks slammin’! But really…even if you don’t decorate at all this season…and your electricity bill is $1 as opposed to Joe’s $2000/month…you can still light up your neighborhood…community…the world…with your inner light. Just make sure you turn it on:)

Truly Julie and Mama Chang decorating the tree. Photo credit: MamaIsHaute.com

Redemption Kiss

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Truly Julie

OK…my bad for not giving you a heads-up regarding the world’s biggest mistletoe…and my free kisses:) Talk about reporter participation! After receiving several humorous tweets addressing the missed-kissed opportunity…I wanted to let you know that it’s not too late for your smooch under the”kissletoe” (coined by my twitter friend Mike). Although, I won’t be the one puckering up for ya…I say any kiss is better than no kiss…especially when each kiss donates a $1 to Operation Smile The giant mistletoe (sponsored by FindYourFaceMate.com) is up until 8pm tonight in front of the romantic Flatiron Building (23rd/5th Ave). Catch the clip here…and watch me practically accost an innocent civilian with a big ol’ peck!

Truly Julie laying a smakeroo on David Guetta who rocks the lovely song, “Without You.” ‘Tis the season to spread the love!