Nadine Velazquez

It was Punky Brewster who inspired a preteen Nadine Velazquez , to become an actress, and she’s come a long way since uttering her first meaningful line in front of a camera (“Welcome to McDonald’s!”). See her at 8 p.m. tonight as stripper/motel maid Catalina on NBC’s “My Name Is Earl,” or tune into Oxygen at 8 p.m. Saturday when the actress, now 29, stars in the movie premiere of “Husband for Hire.”

CURTAIN TIME I might build my Friday night around the Pantages Theater. It’s the closest you’ll get here to seeing a Broadway show. If you’ve never been, stop what you’re doing and order tickets to see “Wicked.” LAUGH TILL IT HURTS On Saturday morning I make time for Marcus Pierce, my personal trainer at 24-Hour Fitness. He’s funny enough to make me laugh through a rigorous workout. FEELIN’ FELIZ For lunch, it’s the Alcove -- an outdoor restaurant with a very tender vibe on Hillhurst in Los Feliz. I order their house salad and add a juicy crab cake on it. Then I’d go clothes shopping next door at Some Odd Rubies, which has beautiful contemporary and vintage designs. GREAT OUTDOORS Griffith Park is perfect for a walk, hike, to see the Hollywood sign, go horseback riding or visit the observatory. Unlike other trails, there aren’t that many people, so there isn’t a lot to distract from the view. FACE TIME I love the Benefit cosmetic boutique in Santa Monica. The ambiance is very flirty and girly. Their makeup is amazing because they can combine softness and colors that pop. My personal favorite is Dandelion blush. RAISING A RACQUET Zach Kleinman at Studio City Golf & Tennis is my tennis guru, combining tennis with spiritual-mental health. He’s the only person I can talk to about anything and still get my backhand fixed. ZEN YEN On Sunday I’ll go to Inn of the Seventh Ray for breakfast in Topanga Canyon. The ambiance is earthy and their outdoor seating is the best in L.A. -- they have a little creek. I feel like hugging trees when I’m there.

--

Mark.Sachs@latimes.com