GROOMED L.A.

Welcome to GROOMED L.A. !

Ever since I was a young girl,  I've always loved the thrill of walking into a salon and knowing I was about to be transformed.  Feeling low?  Get some highlights! As soon as those pearly doors open my eyes light up, my heart starts to race.  I am a true Grooming Junkie.

Working as an actress in front of the camera keeps a beauty regime on its toes.  You can't just sit around and let the grey grow in and the crows fit build nests around your eyes.  You've gotta be on top of this stuff!  

GROOMED  L.A. is where you will get up to date info on not only the best hair coiffures, waxers, facial beautifiers (facialists, dermatologists, injectionists, etc.), body shapers (trainers, gyms, classes) massage therapists, plastic surgeons, even Feng Shui experts to get your home perfectly aligned, but also my insider information on things you won't read about in beauty magazines.   Like where to get great eyebrows shaped for under $20, the best cheapie manicure (still looking!), $20 foot massage and if you're an actor,  even the best headshots in town.

Let's face it, you don't have to spend a fortune to look like you have one.   And if you do have to spend a fortune, I'll make sure you are spending it in the right place. 

But hey, these are my personal opinions and I'm only offering juicy advice based on personal experience, which as a Grooming Junkie, I have a lot of.

And guess what?  Now I'm available as your personal grooming concierge!  You call me with your needs, I find the perfect fit, make the appointments, accompany you if you need a little support and you may even get discounts to all the hottest grooming peeps in town.  Pretty amazing! 

Just email me with any questions and I'll do my best to help you out...

Polished, waxed and blown out,

The Grooming Junkie

GROOMED NYC and GROOMED SF coming soon!

UPCOMING PRODUCT OBSESSION:

MOROCCAN OIL HAIR PRODUCTS - click on this to check 'em out! 

I hear they're amazing!!

UPCOMING POSTS:

LA PRAIRIE SPA AT THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL

NANOTHERAPY OXYGEN BATH AT LE SPA AT THE SOFITEL HOTEL

MARGARET FLOYD HEALTH AND NUTRITION COUNSELING

You don't wanna miss this special!

I just got this email and thought I'd share this special that Leaf and Rusher is offering this month...

Rand Rusher is my personal God in this department...

Check it out! 

Restylane is now available in a 2cc sized syringe!

Add on our Summer Special of $200 off your 2cc syringe of Restylane and your cost goes down to $900! 

 $900 for 2ccs of Restylane*!

*Applies to purchase of a 2cc syringe only - syringe must be used at time of purchase. Offer Valid thru 9-30-2009

Thrifty Thursday with Joy Edwards RN

Just a Reminder!!!

Every Thursday through the end of August, Joy Edwards RN will be offering her clients a special price on her Botox treatments!

~$168 for Botox inbetween the eyebrows

                (.5cc - reg. price $205)

~$204 for Botox for Crow's feet 

                 (.6cc - reg price $246)

*Only on Thursdays with Joy Edwards RN.  Offer valid thru 8-31-09

Latisse Special!!!

Pre-order your next 2 boxes and get an amazing discount of $99 per box!

Call the office or stop into the Clinic and fill out a form to pre-order your next 2 boxes! 

We will ship out your Latisse within 10 days and you get the amazing discount of just $99 per box (not tax!) when you chose to pre-order 2 or more boxes! 

*must pre-order 2 or more boxes to receive $99 special.

Scheduled Absenses ~ Please plan ahead!

One of main reasons of our Newsletters ... Besides all of the great deals and newest information ... is to let you know when one of the key players in your beauty routine is not available! 

Please make note of some scheduled absences

Joy Edwards RN  July 27th - August 11th 2009

Rand Rusher RN Aug 26 - September 14th 2009

Call us early for an appointment!

All the Best!

The Staff at Leaf & Rusher

~June Raffle Drawing~

July Raffle Prize

Anthelios 60

Sunscreen formulas with SPF 60

Stop in and sign yourself up to win the best suncare package of the season!! 

One entry per person per month. Value $165l

Doesn't everyone want to win a little beauty?

Leaf & Rusher Medical Skincare Clinic | 436 N Bedford Dr | Suite 104 | Beverly Hills | CA | 90210

 

RIC PIPINO. BEST HAIRCUT EVER. EVER. EVER. (FIRST GROOMED NYC POST!)

Ok, now I get it. I get why people travel 3000 miles for a haircut. And it's good that I understand this, because I too will be one of those freaks who pops on a plane and spends 6 hours to and from NYC to get my HAIRCUT!! 

RIC PIPINO is the REAL DEAL. 

Obviously. There are few 30-year hair veterans of runway, supermodels and starlets to garner as much press as he does unless there's some serious talent to back it up. The man is a master. For reals.

First of all, let me discuss the design of the RIC PIPNIO SALON.  Holy apartment envy. And I say apt. because the place looks like my dream HOME. Gray walls with white molding, a mauve tufted leather wall, the black Fendi faceted lacquer salon chairs, a gorgeous turquoise wallpapered tea room with fuchsia upholstered vintage chairs, black and white tiled bathroom, black and white zig-zag floor...truly, it's my kind of supreme glamour and chic von chicness. I wanted to sublet the joint and send for my suitcases. Coffee table books, mini-bar, pastries, wine, tea-time yummies, it's all meant to feel like a salon in your richest friend's uptown apartment. Glam vintage and super modern jewelry and nic-nacs are for sale, like couture feathery headpieces and one of a kind rings designed by Ric's friends.

The walls are lined with photos by Ben Watts, Vincent Skeltis and Sante D’Orazio, and t two colorful limited-edition prints by the painter Richard Phillips lie the wall. I love the topless, girl scout girl wearing sunglasses. Totally hot and dirty and my kind of art. The tiny three seater salon is so exclusive, it just all sort of makes sense why you GPS'ed your way through Chinatown and Little Italy, avoiding Cannoli King, to find this little tiny inch of a street called Centre Market Place. You walk in and viola, you feel as though, you've arrived...

So yes, the celeb stylist, who has been cutting tresses in Miami for years, and cuts the hair of Ali Larter,Bridget Moynahan and Jaime Pressly, and we all know he was married to Hedi Klum, etc... but he's also one of the most authoritative voices in hair care. NO MORE ELASTIC BANDS EVER!!! Use pantyhose, cut little nylon circles and use those! (Revolutionary. No wonder my hair ripped to shreds. I live in ponytail holders!) Pipino is dedicated to building and refining the concept, artistry and technical competence of his hair cuts.  He also has a line coming out that I am dying for because whatever pea sized cream he put in my hair while styling it made it shiner than that Fendi chair I was sitting in... But alas, it's not ready yet. Arggh!!  It's called Revolution In Cut and I'll be blogging my brains out about it when it arrives. 

Ok, my hair.  It was super long, like Manon of the Spring long and I liked it that way. It needed some shaping but I was terrified of losing length.  And when he told me the drastic discrepancy in length between the layers in the back was going to have to even out before I could get body in the back, I cringed at the thought of him bringing up the the length to meet those shorter layers. He promised he wouldn't and he didn't.  Phew.  In fact, he worked so subtlety to keep my length that he got in there like a surgeon and without cutting too much from anywhere, just sculpted the crap out of it...taking fullness out of the sides, angling the front in a sexy slope while I wait for that back shorter layer to grow out.  He told me my bangs are too short for my face. So now I have a plan! I love that! And of course, I'm holding my breath until his product line comes out.  Please hurry, Ric.

Ric, I love you.  I promise no one will cut my hair until I come back in December for a another trim.

When: Tuesday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Mondays by appointment.

Who else: The sought-after editorial hairstylist Ward will be taking appointments in the salon between magazine, commercial and celebrity jobs, as will the makeup artist Alexa Rudolfo, who performs maquillage magic on the young social set. 

Watch for: Pipino’s new product line, which will be introduced in late fall.

How much: Cuts range from $110 to $300 (the latter for a cut by Pipino or Ward). Blow-dries are $60 to $150, while color starts at $90 for single process and $175 for highlights.

3 Centre Market Place New York NY, 10013

P:212.871.5533 F:212.247.1114 

nycsalon@pipino.com 

If you don't believe in psychics, I dare you to meet with MARILYN PAPA.

Honestly, this woman was just mind-blowing. Put it this way, I don't even know how or why horoscopes make any sense to people, let alone getting one's cards read, etc...

Well, there were not even cards in this reading...

Marilyn is beyond anything I have ever encountered. She's a psychic medium, a clairaudient, clairsentient, clairvoyant, and claircognizant...to name a few of her gifts which she has in spades.

My half hour with her was chilling. She dropped right into the BEEF of my life...details about my career life, family, and personal relationships, right down to exact names of people, etc...I took detailed direction from her and made a post-reading game plan that is making a ton of very grounded sense and so needed in this moment in time...She was so on target about what I needed to do to get to the next step...you know, that step we all sometimes need a little push toward, especially if we are unclear about what it may look like or even how to get there...Marilyn got right to it and helped me devise a little action plan to get on target.

In fact, I was so blown away, I am going back in a few weeks for a recheck. And this time with my boyfriend for a couples reading which are becoming increasingly popular. I cannot wait. I immediately called, emailed, texted 5 friends after our session and BEGGED them to book (a very affordable $70 half hour session, $125 for an hour). They are all dying to get a reading as they know if I say it's the real deal then it's the real deal and then some.

If you have an inkling, a curiosity or interest in anything like this...I am TELLING you, this is the woman. In fact, I challenge you! If you get a reading and Marilyn doesn't tap into some VERY real stuff about you, I'll treat you to a manicure!

So there...

Marilyn Papa has been having psychic experiences since the age of five.  She is clairaudient, clairsentient, clairvoyant, claircognizant and empathic, certified in tarot and established in the dream interpretation field.

As a psychic medium, Marilyn brings along messages from those who have passed and from your spirit guides who are constantly with you. 

A reading with her is an opportunity to sit with your soul.  Uncover blocks, heal old wounds and discover new doors that need to be opened.  She will confirm what is working in your life, highlight paths you may need to consider and challenges to be overcome. She will give you tools to become the most powerful person you came here to be.  She is able to tell you things from your past, what is happening in the present regarding relationships and blocks, and where, at this moment, you are heading towards in the future.

You are the master of your own life.  Marilyn can help you see the choices which can satisfy your soul.

Marilyn has an especially deep understanding of artists and helps them to create the career they are meant to possess. 

To learn more about Marilyn Papa and to read testimonials you can visit her website at moonridgespirit.com.  If you would like to book a reading, please call 323-860-8771 or e-mail her at marilyn@moonridgespirit.com

Readings may be done in person or over the phone.  The duration can be either 30 minutes or hour long.

The first part of the reading involves connecting with my spiritual guides and any of your loved ones who have passed and may wish to come through.  I will receive the messages that they have for you and ask you to validate some of the information that manifests without you going into too much detail. Through the identification of names, places or events, you will know that this reading is directed toward you. 

It is common during a reading for answers to be given before you have a chance to actually ask the question.  This happens because the power of whatever you are focusing on already exists in your vibration.  Spirit knows your concerns and will answer before you ask.  However, there are instances when you may have an additional query, so please have questions ready.

To schedule a reading or inquire about rates, please call 
323-860-8771, or you can e-mail me atmarilyn@moonridgespirit.com.

10% of all my readings will be donated to one of the following charities:

www.themuttmovement.com

www.artistsgiveback.org

 

Seriously affordable CUSTOM SPRAY TANS - YAY!!

Ok, so the major problemo is this safe, custom tanning deal-e-o's are super expensivo. 

Alas, a couple of not so bad finds!

There is HOLLYWOOD TANS  right next to the Arclight that offers a Mystic Tan for something like $29 bucks...

It's not nearly as awesome as the Versa Tan over at  SUNSTYLE the mecca of the best healthy spray tanning ever but it'll do the trick for less than half the price.

Then I was driving on West Third street when I noticed a "Two Custom Spray Tans for $40" sign at Shampoo, that cute little hair salon with all the hot Israeli dudes who cut hair then hang outside, looking sexy and smoking...

I called to get the facts. It's a woman who does it. KARIN. Did she know the brand? No. Did she know anything about it? No. WAs the lady on the phone at all helpful? Not so much...

Whatev. For $20, I'm not complaining. 

So, I tried it. Once again, she's no Jade at Sunstyle and you're not walking outta there buttered and brown. This is a tan that takes a a few hours until it starts to show....But, I must say, I was very impressed!! In fact, this will be my new tan of choice - cheapie von cheap and good. YAY!

SHAMPOO

8012 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048

(323) 653-2274‎

AFFORDABLE MANI-PEDI LUXURY ON ROBERTSON - BELLACURES

So, I was eating dinner at Mister Parkers at The Parker in Palm Springs, and sitting next to us were two adorable ladies. We got to talking and it turns out one of them, Samira Asemanfar, owns a super cool nail salon BELLACURES  right near me, on Roberston! Not to mention she happens to be recognized by the Small Business Administration of LA as the Young Entrepreneur of the Year for 2009, and is in the process of franchising the Bellacures concept to provide business opportunities to lots of women looking for a change.

Well, of course I descended upon her with demands of having to try it out, as I had yet to find an affordable local salon that does supreme work. 

Finally I got there and WOW, was she right. I was treated to the works: The Monthly Special.

Mani $60 and Pedi $80. Every month we do a special mani & pedi which we call our seasonal special... Because the scents and ingredients change based on the environment, mood & season. This month (May) was Strawberry Shortcake in honor of strawberry month (May). All our special mani – pedis are always comprehensive and includes lots of treatments, usually about an hour or longer & comes with a complimentary beverage or cocktail! 

Perhaps not for your everyday mani-pedi as this monthly special is rather up there in $$$, but I could see the women working for her do incredible work. They are meticulous. An the place is gorgeous. Big comfy couch-chairs to sink into. Here is what I got below....I know, it's crazy divine. You might be tempted...

Strawberry Shortcake Mani &Pedi

Hey there shortcake... try out our wondrous fresh picked strawberries mani & pedi.
May is the month of fresh picked strawberries. Bellacures is celebrating the essence of the strawberry with our all new STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE mani & pedi...

Start with a strawberry infused soak and then allow our homemadestrawberry salt scrub to exfoliate your dead skin and dead energy away! 

Once you are cleaned up, our manicurists will apply a Deep dermal transforming mask to soothe and replenish your hands & feet. Just as you start to feel new again, hot paraffin will reseal moisture into your hands & feet with a 5 minute hot bootie/mitten treatment.  Last but not least, a 10 minute massage with fresh picked strawberry butter cream rejuvenates every cell in your hands, feet & mind. Pedicure includes callus treatment if necessary. Services include cuticle care, shaping, & polish.

$80  PEDICURE  Includes callus treatment (if needed), description above and polish
$60  MANICURE  Includes description above and polish

Enjoy a complimentary strawberry margarita or hot tea with your services!

Here's the great news: 

The REGULAR MANI-PEDI options are affordable and sooo much better than the local joints populating every street this side of Beverly Blvd.

Bellacures
239 N Robertson Blvd. 
Beverly Hills, CA 90211 

310.550.5822 P 
310.550.5828 F

bellacures.com 
samira@bellacures.com 

PRODUCT OBSESSION - O.P.I. YOU DON'T KNOW JACQUES! NAIL LACQUER

I don't know what to say other than the other day I was invited to try what turned out to be one of the best mani-pedi's of my life ( besides the one and only brilliant  BALI JAMES ) at BELLACURES.

(Post to follow) and when I saw this deep rich taupe-y-grey and even though we are in the height of Spring when I should have visions of fuschia and turquoise dancing on my toes, I went nuts-o.

It's just the most perfect, elegant, classy way to go when you don't have the courage to be completely fashion forward and rock fluorescent yellow, pink or blue which apparently is all the rage right now.

And don't you always wonder how they come up with these titles?

Here is what O.P.I. has to say about it:

InStyle winner - Winner of best nail polish range

You Don’t Know Jacques! if you don’t know how trendy this taupe is! This OPI Nail Lacquer goes hand in hand with the Parisian chic of the season. Why not douse your fingers in the height of autumn / winter fashion?

OPI You Don’t Know Jacques! Nail Lacquer is from the Couture Couleur La Collection De France for autumn / winter. These rich, sensuous colours are inspired by the effortless elegance of French fashion.

Need an In-home massage pampering now?

And wouldn't be great if the therapist was not only brilliant but not bad on the eyes?

Then click here! : OPULENT TOUCH

I heard about this amazing service and had to try it out. A GORGEOUS therapist comes to your home, sets up a little oasis including essential oils and music and gets to work on your bod without you having to lift a finger. Yes, there are plenty of therapists who makes house calls. This is Los Angeles where you can call Yummy.com and three pints of Ben and Jerry's at your doorstep in less than 30 minutes. (A weekly staple of mine). But what is so special about Opulent Touch is that these peeps are, well, friggen HOT. It doesn't hurt to have a near super model working her fingers deep into your fascia. I mean, I'm a straight women and it made me happy! The exquisite Makayla showed up at my door and I couldn't stop staring at her, she was so damn gorgeous. Then she got to work and proved she was the real thing. Professional, strong, talented and knowledgeable. This would make a great gift for a boss, someone special, or for yourself!

Opulent Touch 1.800.721.0279

Makayla:

Bringing, grace, beauty and charm to you service, Makayla also brings years of extensive training in massage. A graduate of the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Arizona, she offers knowledge accumulated from over 10 years of professional practice. Intuitive to your healing, she can pinpoint the source of many muscle maladies. Her specialty is deep tissue sculpting. In addition to her healing arts education, she has a Motion Picture Production degree from Scottsdale Community College, hinting at her wide variety of personal interests.

Makayla is now based in the Beverly Hills area, but is available for travel.

Here's what is offered:

Anniversary/Couples Massage Two massage therapists are sent to the location of your choice. Prior to scheduled massage, they arrive to create a romantic setting for you and your special someone. Using designer candles, top of the line table settings, rose petals and sensual aromatherapy, they set the stage for a fantasy couples massage. Before beginning the experience, your therapists present to you a bottle of your favorite champagne and a beautiful arrangement of strawberries and chocolate, to enjoy before or after your massage. Using only the best quality products oils and lotions, your therapists indulge you and your partner with a soothing relaxation massage. Upon completion of the massage, your therapists leave a signature Opulent Touch gift basket created to keep the night between you and your significant other special. The strawberries and champagne are yours to keep. back to top Vacation/Poolside Massage Having a poolside party or a day at the beach is a perfect occasion for a little extra spoiling. Let our sun loving therapists join you to make your occasion even better. Coming dressed for some fun in the sun, your therapist will arrive ready to offer you or and anyone else in your party to the treatment of your choice. Whether you choose to have your therapist for a single massage or hire them to stay all day to be on call for the whims of your fellow water worshipers, our therapists come prepared to rub your woes away. Of course, Opulent Touch never leaves you without a parting gift designed specifically for you to fit the theme of your event. back to top Pregnancy Pampering You're a prego princess who needs some prenatal pampering. You got it, mamma! Just say the words and we'll be there with bells on. Our therapists have been trained to treat the mother to be (and her baby) to 45 minutes of a relaxation. We'll take all that extra stress off those key places on your body, while taking careful consideration to avoid the places that could over stimulate the little one. If you're having a pregnancy party, we'll send as many trained pamperers as you need. They'll even bring chocolate covered pickles, if that's what mom is craving. And of course, no Opulent Touch princess walks away from the massage without a little something special just for her. Throw in a facial or a manicure/pedicure to extend the duration of your treatment and insure that you glow from head to toe. back to top Detox/Day After Massage You've been very, very bad.Trust us, we know what that's like. You have the foul stench of a good time coming out of every greasy pore in your virtually useless body. You have something swimming in your stomach and even though you just woke up, you have the strongest craving for pizza you've ever had in your life.Perfect. Opulent Touch has just the thing for you, you lush. We will send you a therapist who will not only speak softly, so to not hurt your delicate, hung over ears, but will also give you a massage that will get all those nasty impurities out of that worked body of yours. This very well may not be a pleasant massage, since the point is to get all the bad things that are inside to flush, but if your serious about a quick recovery, then this is the treatment for you. Upon completion of the massage, you will be left with a gift basket created for naughty fun seekers such as yourself. We'll even bring you the pizza. back to top Night Club/ Party Massage Although we're masters at helping you recover from your wild night out, we're also excellent in helping you feel good while being bad. Opulent Touch can send boogying therapist out to the venue of your choice to pamper devilish clubbers with a little invigorating rub between their favorite DJ sets. Bringing a chair, our therapist can perform a quick 5-15 minute massage to slow down that dancin' heart and still pump up the enthusiasm for a long night ahead of shameless decadence and freaky-eaky. Of course, no client leaves without a clubber friendly gift. back to top Convention/Trade Show Massage You have a lot of people working at your booth. They stand around all day in shoes two sizes too small. They smile and make deals with schmucks they don't really want to be smiling at. Chances are, they've been up since the wee hours of the morning, making sure the presentation will be just right and they probably won't be finishing work till late at night. They work hard and deserve both a little reward and a little encouragement to continue helping you build your empire. Our Opulent Touch therapists are here to do just that. For a five to ten minute on the job break, a therapist will bring a massage chair to your booth to provide a quick, uplifting massage to those on your team. Focusing on the shoulders, arms, hands, head, neck and feet your therapist will show a little love, to provide the team with exactly what they need to get through the day. Or, have a your therapist meet you and your crew in your hotel room after the convention where they can offer a wider variety of modalities for some calm after the storm. back to top Outdoor/Sporting Event Massage Much like the convention massage, our therapist will arrive at your event ready to give five to ten minutes of pep massage. This massage is done in a massage chair, adjusted to fit your body. No removal of clothing is required, so no privacy is needed and getting back into the game only takes a minute. That way, you can pick up where you left off, only feeling renewed and more energized than before. back to top Create A Massage Just like you, all aspects of Opulent Touch are superior. So, if you can think of a service you would like, (and if it's within legal boundaries, of course) we will go out of our way to deliver. Use your brilliance and be creative! We love your genius mind. back to top More is Always Better Opulent Touch also offers aestheticians and manicurists to provide you with services in addition to or completely separate from your massage. Let us know your requests, and we'll send you the professionals to provide you with all your plush needs. back to top

 

Raindrop Massage...f l o a t i n g a w a y...

Yes, you heard me. I'm talking about the most amazing unique massage I've had in a long time...

HARI NARAYAN'S RAINDROP TECHNIQUE

At the blissfully tranquil AMRIT DAAVA WELLNESS CENTER AT GOLDEN BRIDGE YOGA.

Hari, a goddess of a skincare specialist, schooled and trained in many advanced areas of skincare practice (from Lymphatic Drainage , Holistic facials, Acne specialization, Enzyme facials with Epicurian to Dr. Hauschka training, etc...not to mention, she teaches Kundilini Yoga, a Healthy Back Body class and is also educated in essential oils, herbs and nutritional supplements...) has devised the most divine aromatherapy, hot stone massage that I literally can only tell you a little about. Why? Because I zoned out within minutes and went into the deepest, most transcendent state of relaxation that I think, I may have ever been to...

I DO remember talking about what's going on in my life and from there Hari dipping into her hand mixed essential oils to find the exact combination of scents to address my particular state of being. Mmm...Being an essential oil junkie with a pretty wicked monthly spending habit on oils, I was in hog heaven. "What's that? No, wait, what's that one?" Each one was yummier than the next. 

I was interested in the treatment because it is designed to detoxify, stimulate and balance the body's organs, with acupressure and massage to the feet, spine and back using oils and hot stones...And who doesn't need that? This was a real melt-away experience. Not stimulating like a classic body massage but rather a full on retreat into the deep unconscious...It was the combination of hot stones, divine oils, Hari's incredible soothing soul and my dire need to escape for a good hour and fifteen minutes that did the trick because I immediately drifted into deepest state of relaxation I've been in in a long time. When I was done I felt clean and refreshed and treated myself to a delicious healthy meal at the yummy Golden Bridge cafe...Amazing!

If you have a little time to get away and want to feel like you've really traveled, I urge you to book a session with Hari and give this a try...I promise, you will feel like you've taken a week vacation.

75 minutes....$119

HARI NARAYAN 

Amrit Davaa Wellness Center, Inc.
at Golden Bridge
6322 De Longpre Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
PHONE: (323) 988-4051

E-mail us: info@amritdavaa.com

Hari Narayan offers the Raindrop Technique which is a acuppressure and massage of the feet, spine, and back with Young Living essential oils. The treatment will work simultaneously to detoxify, stimulate, and balance the body’s organ systems, especially the spine. The Raindrop is a vast treatment, because the essential oils can penetrate into the bodies cells relaxing the central nervous system, minimizing acidic conditions in the body, and thus reducing the cellular memory of stress in our bodies. The oils also activate the amaygdala and the pineal glands clearing emotional traumas. The Raindrop is always customized to treat every client’s physical condition and needs. The treatment is a perfect addition to any cleansing program and yoga practice.que which is a acupressure and massage of the feet, spine, and back with Young Living essential oils. The treatment will work simultaneously to detoxify, stimulate, and balance the body’s organ systems, especially the spine. The Raindrop is a vast treatment, because the essential oils can penetrate into the bodies cells relaxing the central nervous system, minimizing acidic conditions in the body, and thus reducing the cellular memory of stress in our bodies. The oils also activate the amaygdala and the pineal glands clearing emotional traumas. The Raindrop is always customized to treat every client’s physical condition and needs. The treatment is a perfect addition to any cleansing program and yoga practice.

HARI NARAYNA'S RANIDROP TECHNIQUE FEATURED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES

Acupuncture Angel on Larchmont!

I met Tamara ZumMallen years ago when she was starting her extensive training in Acupuncture. She is one of those people you immediately feel comforted, centered and relaxed around. She’s blond, angelic, sweet, super lovely and soulful. It’s also immediately apparent that she’s packing a whole lot of knowledge in her noggin and a whole lotta' soul in her heart. She just reeks of it.

Recently, I went to see her in a total panic. I had picked up the filthy, vulgar, DISGUSTING habit of smoking cigarettes, once again. I’ve been an on-n-off smoker for years, mostly always off and if on, it’s only for a little jag of a week or two. But this time, I just wasn’t stopping. I mean, I couldn’t. I was on week nine of my now not so secret habit, which in my mind, meant things were reaching tragic proportions.

I went to Tamara begging for help. She told me not to worry. She would take care of the cravings and the withdrawal. There would be no magic cure, I still had to do the work, but acupuncture could certainly ease some of the nicotine withdrawal tension that was already starting to feel just going without a ciggy for a few hours. So I did a treatment. And guess what? She was right. It did. I went that day without smoking, no prob. Ok fine, I still dabbled for a few more days… But after two weeks of regular treatments, the symptoms of feeling like total crap without the nicotine started to subside and by week three I was done with the smokes altogether. Finito.

But that was only the most amazing part. Some other crap: I’ve also been feeling like I can’t breathe lately because of whatever the heck is going on in the annoyingly clogging Los Angeles air. I have never in my life had allergies and this was pretty strange for me. I thought it was a cold that just lasted forever but lo and behold it was bad air quality getting me down. Well, she cleared up my nagging sinuses in one friggen treatment. Gone. Breathing perfectly again. Wowza. That was pretty damn magical come to think of it. Oh, and if I’m feeling puffy, from say too much salty Trader Joe's low-fat Pita Chips (heaven on earth)  she will do a ‘drain’ or a ‘damp drain’ I think it’s called, and it’s the best diuretic in town. Peeing like a thunderstorm and de-puffed by the end of the day. Yay!

Basically, Tamara works the body as a whole, holistically so to speak, and takes the entire ‘story’ into account. Lying there with the needles and the warming lamp on me is the most heavenly 15 minutes (or is it 20? Or 30? I have no idea as I always fall into the world’s deepest sleep) ever… I have seen four of say, the top ten acupuncturists in Los Angeles and I would absolutely add Tamara to that list. She is that good. 

 

You can read even more about Tamara here! 

http://www.LAacupuncture.net

Healing Hands Wellness Center
414 N. Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
323.461.7876

Most ridiculously awesome CUSTOM SPRAY TAN ever....

Dear Jade, 

I love you and need you in my life on a weekly basis.

Your custom airbrush tan made me worship my body in a way I could never imagine. In fact, my bod looked so rad after you sprayed me up and down with your magic wand, I had no idea who I was for a while. I had total body amnesia.

I thought the Versa Tan machine worked some magic, but what you do is like David Blaine and Houdini wrapped into one giant airbrush. The FAKE BAKE airbrush is the most amazing customized tanning system to hit the planet, not to mention 98% organic and 100% all natural.

Here's the deal-e-o:

Need to get in a bikini tomorrow in front of your new boyfriend (the impetus for my desperation)...Jade will have you looking sculpted and perfected, not to mention, like you've been chillin on the Jamaican shores, sun-burn free, for about a good week.

Need to cover some yikcy blemishes, veins, lumps and bumps before slipping into a short dress? Jade will coat your bod with a layer of yummy caramelly brown that covers EVERYTHING like a friggen body stocking. A spanx for the skin, have you..

Five days later and I still have a little of this amazing deliciousness left. I did do a few steams and sauna's this past weekend which I was warned would accelerate the exfoliation of the most perfect looking skin ever. The day you get it, I suggest you go in early. You will want to let it soak in for as long as possible before showering. It's also pretty dark and a bit grainy to start, but that's just the bronzer coating stuff. That washes away as soon as you shower and the deeper pigmentation starts radiating through...YUMMM!!

The only big problem with is I can see this becoming a major addiction. The price is reasonable for the services... $85 per sesh...But fur real, I want this once a week. There is a monthly package, I think it's $250 for the works, whenever you want it. So it's a super tan, or a new car. Hmm....

Jade said she was off to spray up (or is it down?) the Dancing With the Stars peeps after my session which I thought was perfectly airbrush tan hilarious. 

JADE  EKNAIAN

JADE@SUNSTYLE.LA

774. 571. 7631

627 NORTH ROBERSTON BLVD

WE HO, CA 90069

310.289.9200

Groom that SOUL! Soul healing and reading by Carolyn Coleridge.

Ok, this was pretty groomin' amazing. I heard about Carolyn from a friend who is extremely invested in getting readings and soul/energy work done quite regularly. Me not so much. It's not that I don't need boat loads of it. It just takes a lot for me to trust the person and the work. Carolyn was incredible.

I knew that she has an incredible background, working with children at the UCLA Chronic Pain Clinic for four years and that was enough to make things feel legit in terms of her hands on work. She is also a Columbia University graduate and has degrees in clinical social work and psychotherapy. But it was her reading that blew me away. Of course I wont get into details of how accurate she was. I think you know all you need to know about my life! She was soulful and beyond tuned in and, well, spot on. Carolyn was clear and direct.  She even told me things that were a little disappointing but also said, don't let any psychic ever tell you that things are set in stone, you have the power to change any circumstance and then the whole reading changes! Or something like that, only much more eloquently said. She was also incredibly positive and I felt like I was on the right path about most everything. Yah!

Her hands on work was powerful. I felt a huge energy shift halfway through. Something just shifted and lifted. Wow.

Take a look at her website and if you are in the market for some soul healing and a very clear read on where you are and how you may tune in to making some shifts to positively shape your world at the moment, I strongly encourage you to book a session NOW.

Intuitive Soul Healing

Carolyn Coleridge, MSW
Intuitive Healer
Spiritual Life Coach & Counselor
Let Spirit Heal YOU!
323-954-6895

BEFORE "D" AND AFTER "D" - THE DINO MORRA FACIAL EXPERIENCE

And experience is what it is...

I've been hearing the buzz about Dino for a long time. That he is THE skin master.

I have always been hesitant to try anything other than my brilliant skin goddess, ANGELA NICE (ask for her here).  She has been tending to my skin for over ten years and is a true master of the craft. (More about her later!) But now that I am deep in the beauty trade, it is my duty to check out the hottest peeps in town, and Dino is one of them.

Before I get into his amazing facial and products that I am nuts over, let's just say, he has the world's coziest bed/table/thing I have ever rested my tush on. It was the most heavenly cloud of puff and fluff and I wanted one of my own. But alas, that is only part of the Dino experience. First you walk into his yummy, chocolate colored room and get totally naked. Everything. Then Dino, who literally, and eerily has the skin of a three year old, starts getting into it. First, a little banter about where you are in your life. What you need, what you are going after, etc...Then he does a little 'prayer' about that as he readies himself to get into your skin.

Instead of the usual micro-dermabrasion, he developed a DERMAL AIRBRUSHING, a 4 step peeling process to create maximum collagen production, remove dead surface skin, smooth fine lines, imperfection, scarring, removes discoloration, ETC! Then, the oxygen peel, then 2 gycolic peels, extractions, application of FACE SILK, and a silk collagen mask...completed with Dino's exclusive anti-aging products REJUVINATE 365! (a Matrixyl - 3000 based serum which increases Type 2 collagen production) and FACE SILK (a kombucha, hydrolyzed wheat and silk protein nourishing complex)....

When I left , I literally had baby skin. It was actually sorta freaky...

Dino knows so much about skin he's like a doctor and a healer mixed into one adorable package.

And then the AMAZING PRODUCTS, HOLY COW!! which he does not push on you but I went crazy for:

Rejuvinate 365...A super cool serum: Palmitoly Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tripeptide 3 (whoa!)..all I can say is SKIN REPAIR and AMAZING!!  ($37.50)

Dream Cleanser: Exfoliating Face Wash ($25.00) Yummy Grapefruit Citrus smell, green tea extract, menthol, grapefruit extract, oxygen, and the Polethylene Microbeads...I'm beyond hooked. 

I went nuts over the essential oil spray he freshened the room with being an essential oil freak so of course I bought that. And I went super nuts over his Silk Dry Oil Body Spray. Everything smells beyond clean and natural, that I am using them up pretty darn fast and already sad thinking I might have to start rationing my usage!

I also got a pretty friggen cool Collagen Candle. Being a candle freak, I can burn this candle, then use the warm wax to moisturize your skin. WOWZA. (And kinda hot. As in sexy hot. Yep.)

He is now located here:

Here is his work experience: 

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Dino Morra Face & Body Care, Skin Care-apist	Los Angeles, CA / 2001 - Present
• Currently providing customized skin care treatments for clients,    focusing on both inner and outer beauty • Created and developed Dermal Airbrushing system • Created and developed original line of Dino Morra skin care products
Ole Henriksen Face/Body, Clinical Esthetician	Los Angeles, CA / 1996 - 2000
• Apprenticed alongside world-renowned skin care guru Ole Henriksen • Work experience highlights
Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Clinical Esthetician	Los Angeles, CA / 1996 - 1997
• Trained with Dermatology Group of Dr. Peter Goldman and Dr. Brian Dubow • Work experience highlights
EDUCATION:
Yamano School of Esthetics	Los Angeles, CA / 1995 - 1996
• Certified in Esthetics • Curriculum Highlights
Pan American School of Esthetics	Coral Gables, FL / 1992 - 1993
• Certified in Esthetics • Curriculum Highlights

PRODUCT OBSESSION - SHINSO - Only avail SPA 415 in Bev Hills...

Holy Japanese brilliance.You know when you put something on, a cream, an essence, a facial treatment and you just KNOW it is working....Like, on the spot?!

Welcome to the ridiculously powerful world of SHINSO. In Japanese this means: DEEPER LAYER. 

Me loves!!

A friend introduced me to this product a little while ago to try it - before I started the PRODUCT OBSESSION posts. I was freakin out about it. If fact, it inspired me to think about posting about products. It was THAT GOOD.

The minute you put it on, you can literally SEE (I swear, it's even a bit freaky, in fact I have photos coming to show the before and after that within MINUTES occurs) a difference. And I am very skeptical of anything that would for one minute profess immediate visual results but there is something in this serum that contracts, lifts and tightens the skin. And you can see it happen. Wild!

Today I had the most awesome honor to meet the reps from Japan at a special event for the product hosted at SPA 415 the only place carrying and using the product in it's treatments. I met the founder, Kawasaki who formulated this extract over the past 14 years after having been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He went into a 'nature exile' and found a way to treat and massage the lymph nodes with botanicals and herbs that he combined in various ways over the years and her literally cured himself of cancer. The lovely owner of Spa 415 is Liza Lewis and she is lucky to be cornering the market on SHINSO because once the word is out people are going to flock to her salon to devour it...Hurry before there is nothing left!

Obviously here in the U.S. we can't even begin to go 'there', so he has marketed this essence and nutrient fortified mist as a beauty treatment to refine skin, created radiance, lift and hopefully what will become: Ageless Skin. 

The SERUM is free of any synthetic chemicals or clogging oils. It is formulated from 60 all natural and organic ingredients such as ginseng extract, mulberry bark extract, grapefruit peel, brown algae, honey, olive leaf extract and pueraria root. I'm getting hungry! Soothing, refreshing and moisturizing, I was told I can use it as EVERYTHING!!  To moisturize, repair, enliven, brighten, etc...

The MIST is a hydrating, refreshing, energizing lifting product. It smells like the most yummy rose bouquet and is made form deep-sea waters with 30 organic compounds and invigorating spa botanicals. A high-tech misting spray that protects, revitalizes and tones all skin types. Let's just say I have one in my bag and one of the passenger seat of my car....Oh, and one by my bed.

After I saw a before and after photo when Kawasaki worked the essence in to my neck and face I was on the phone with three girlfriends who are all now on my personal waiting list for the serum and spray. (I just made that up. In other words, I will get on the case to find out WHEN and HOW to get this!!)

 YOU CAN GET IT HERE SPA 415!!

415 No. Crescent Drive

Suite 110

Bev Hills, CA 90210

310.276.8018

I am OBSESSED!!

PRODUCT OBSESSION - LEAF & RUSHER SKIN CARE COLLECTION

So we all know that I worship Rand Rusher. 

Being a product junkie - obviously, as only a grooming junkie would be - I recently took the splurge and dove into the skincare line he developed with plastic surgeon Norman Leaf.

Uh, WOWZA.

First of all, everything is naturally blended, created with botanical and medical grade ingredients that don't strip the skin but infuse them with vitamins and peptides. Yum!

Of course I am an obsessive cleanser and I think I drench a cotton square and swipe my face with Witch hazel, like, 5 times a day. Not good. So I was drawn to the SKIN TONIC that Rand told me is not a typical toner at all, but rather a balancing tonic that revitalized, protects, firms, hydrate and exfoliates in one step. Let's just say, I'm hooked. Acid, alcohol free and PH-balanced with glucosamine, yeast and natural algae...It's like an elixir of the gods, totally refreshing not to mention it contains licorice (calming - me needs this mucho) and free-radical-fighting antioxidants. Well, the Witch Hazel is in the garbage.

Next thing, eye cream. I had yet to settle on one. Truth is, I didn't even have one. Just some samples here and there that I pick up. I'm always scared to take the plunge, because let's face it, they are pricey. Until now.

I sampled the TX EYES with DNAResolve last time I was there and literally noticed a difference ON THE SPOT. Perhaps it was the lightening agents that made things brighten and pop immediately...Of course on a deeper level I was drawn to the ingredients of this luxury formula: potent vitamins, botanicals, firming, brightening, repairing and strengthening agents, eye contour, fine line, dark circle and puffiness relievers...So I sprung for this too. I cannot wait to see what will happen in the next few weeks as the marine plankton and lecithin helps repair the damaged DNA helix by supporting the skin's natural repair process from UV damage (so scientific!). I trust Rand to shoot needles into my face. When he says he developed something that WORKS...I believe him. 

And hey, the price is not ridic either:

TX EYES: $91.00

(check it out here)

SKIN TONIC: $50.00

(check it out here)

THE PERFECTIONISTA PEDICURIST - FINALLY!

I've been trying folks. Really I have. Looking for a pedicure that means something...and well, I've found it...

And by accident too.

I was at Byron and Tracey Salon getting the fab Brazilian protein straightening treatment from Dani Hernandez , colorist to the stars (...and me) when I noticed a little table nearby decorated with the most beautiful, exotic glass bottles. It resembled a pedicure ensemble but was so exquisite I wasn't sure what it was. Then an equally stunning woman walked out carrying a giant tub of hot milk and placed it on the floor beside it. A beautiful blond, hair in foils, slumped into a divine, deep velvet club chair and placed her feet in the deepest tub I've ever seen...And Ms. BALI JAMES  got to work. 

I was staring, mesmerized. Thank god the woman was deep into her Blackberry as I went in for the kill, attacking the pedicurist with a million questions. Who are you?! (Bali) What is that? (uh, manicure and pedicure) How long have you been here?! (Two months). I WANT ONE!!!

Just at that moment, I got a call that the public school where I was teaching art to 2nd through 5th graders had to cut the budget and the art teacher had to go. I was devastated as I so loved teaching those kids. Dani felt so bad, he treated me to a pedicure with Bali.

Way to turn things around. I have honestly never had someone tend to my feet the way Bali did. In fact that is why I cannot bring myself to even write about the 'greatest cheapie mani-pedi' because to tell you the truth, they all suck!

There was the milk bath, the fresh sea salt scrub, the brushes being dipped into different solutions in different vintage glass bottles. It was total elegance. Bali told me about her years as a decorative artist and how she was going for her degree in Art Therapy. I knew I was in the hands of an artiste. 

Then the colors. She had colors that no one has. She went away and arrived with a silver tray with 5 colors she had chosen for me. I zoomed in on a Laura Mercier Caviar Dreams, that of course was not only out of stock, Bali told me she had to beg to get the last sample in the store. She applied the color to perfection and a week later it still looks brand new.

Now, this is not a cheapie. It's the real thing. When you are ready to take your pedi to the next level, Bali is your woman...Next I'll try the mani!

9294 Civic Center Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: (310) 276-4470

This is to inform you that Bali has now taken up residence at The Byron & Tracey Salon in Beverly Hills.

Here you will find her signature comprehensive hand and feet treatments that strive for excellence whilst adhering to the concept that indulgence is paramount.

Pedicures are performed in a traditional ritualistic manner. Water is infused with milk, Epsom salts and essentials oils. Feet are scrubbed with oils and sea salt, along with a vigorous, soothing massage to round up the treatment. Do not worry about making the wrong color choice, this being her area of expertise being that she is an artist and consulted purely on colour for many years.

Hands are given the same care and cuticles are never cut. For a manicure to last Bali suggests that it really lies in the preparation of the nail plate before painting. 

THE MANICURE

For the Pampered Few 

A thorough grooming of the nail is followed by a soothing warm soak.

Using only the choicest ingredients hands are then exfoliated and revitalized with a delicate scrub, followed by a deluxe hydrating/moisturizing masque. Further unwind when hands are then nourished and stimulated with the aid of  heated mits, The anticipated elbow to fingertip massage follows,  and the treatment concludes with an expert application of  polish.

$65 1 hr

The DEMI MANICURE

When time is of the essence,  a thorough grooming of the nail is followed by a warm soak. Enjoy an invigorating hand massage completed by an expert polish application.

$30   30 min

POLISH CHANGE $12

FRENCH POLISH   an additional $10 (hands)  $15 (feet)

THE PEDICURE

For the Pampered Few

There is no rushing The Pedicure. St back, relax and prepare to be thoroughly indulged. To begin, feet are immersed in the aromatic warm soak, followed by a comprehensive grooming of the nail.  Using only the choicest ingredients feet are then exfoliated and a masque is then applied.  Relax……

A hot towel application promotes re hydration and stimulation completed by the anticipated massage, caring for your knees to the very soul of your feet.

Treatment concludes with an expert application of polish.

Go forth and strut.

$85   1hr 15 min approx

THE DEMI PEDICURE

When time is of the essence, enjoy a calming warm soak followed by a thorough grooming of the nail. Using a sugar scrub soles are polished to a gleam, followed by an invigorating massage to stimulate and soothe ones overworked feet.  An expert application of polish adds a touch of glamour and completes the service.

$45   45 min approx

GENTLEMEN

Naturally all services are for both the male and female, where the gentleman does not desire polish nails shall be buffed to a shine.

 

 

"HAIRWAY TO HEAVEN" - SCALP MASSAGE HEAVEN!

You know when you get a massage and you wish they would just spend an hour on your HEAD?! Well folks, the gorgeous and rockin GAVERT ATELIER salon in Bev Hills just added the most magnificent treatment to their spa (eyebrows, waxing, make-up, mani-pedi's, nails with Niki Le) menu. It's called the NIGOMI HAIR SPA offering the ANMA SHIATSU TECHNIQUE. And it is brilliant. The only bad part is when it ends and you have to come back to reality. That part sucks.

This newly renovated loft meets Zen salon (2 floors, 4000 sq. feet!) not only has top stylists (I had a wicked blow-out from super hottie Jason) is the only salon in town to have it's own HAIR SPA LOFT!

I was dying. You float upstairs and take off all jewelry and shoes and stuff. First, Emi, the adorable woman with amazing hands, worked some divine smelling oil into my hair. Oh my god. Then I was seated in a ridiculously perfect chair that  Mr. Gavert told me took 4 years to design and cost around $12,000. It was better than any Tempurpedic or Aeron chair - ergondynamic bliss.

What happened next is basically a blur because I was high as a kite from this deep, therapeutic treatment. There was Emi and her skilled pressure point massage, gentle but firm pressure gliding from the scalp to the end of each small section of hair, there was lots of hair conditioning and washing, there was hand moisturizing massage. I only awoke to catch myself snoring. It felt like I was under anesthesia. What is so cool about this is that it's almost better than getting a full body massage as you are in and out in an hour and don't have to get all undressed and all that. It is also invigorating, because after you 'come to' the scalp was so artfully tended to you are actually energized.

It's just plain old science that 70% of the nervous system is in the head, so this uber-relaxing massage activates neural pathways to the brain, stimulating unused brain cells and awakening cellular intelligence. Um, I have a plate of that please!

The Japanese-inspired salon, all natural wood and warm tones, with specialty teas and infusions (including Mariage Freres, the haute-couture of teas) offered upon arrival make the entire experience from beginning to end a Zen-like, serenity on earth experience. Please, now, breathe with me ...ahh.....!

I even left with a Omamori, A Japanese good luck charm. Sweet!

The price is totally reasonable ($95) and I think this is my new fave girlfriend birthday gift. Perfect for two peeps to chip in and buy for a friend, or anyone who deserves a little something that is extra special. Now my old 'full body massage' gift feels outdated in comparison.

Run, don't walk your head to this place now! You so deserve it!

GAVER ATLEIER

9666 BRIGHTON WAY

BEVERLY HILLS, CA

HOURS: 8 AM TO 5 PM TUES, WED, FRI

THURS 8 AM TO 8PM

SAT 8 AM TO 4 PM

SUN 10 AM TO 4 PM

310. 858. 7898

PRODUCT OBSESSION - NARS ORGASM BLUSH

Found it! The blush of a lifetime. I've been looking for that perfect rosy, pink blush when I spotted it, on a fellow pilates trainer taking a walk on the treadmill next to me at Swerve where we both train peeps.

I was immediately taken with her rosy glow. Of course, being the Grooming Junkie, I knew it was not from that little hike she was taking.

What on earth color is that on your cheeks? It's downright radiant!

I know, she said. Everyone compliments me on it ...

Only a grooming junkie would see this as a compliment and not an outing.

Nars Orgasm, she said. The powder, not the stick. And it looks brilliant on EVERYONE, no matter what the skin tone.

Well, I was off to Nordstroms in a matter of moments where I was told that yes indeed, the powder lasts longer than the stick. 

Let's just say I feel complete. It's exquisite. If I was not so neurotic about my skin, I would even put it on before exercising. But heaven forbid I clog my pores. It really is that pretty, like putting on sexy lingerie or a new dress. It makes me feel girly and feminine and if I can do that in two strokes - I'm in heaven.

You can find somewhere to buy it here:

Nars Orgasm Blush

Groom that SPACE!

With all this grooming for success there was one thing in my life that was in desperate need of grooming - my apartment. A mumble jumble of books and baby crap, I needed help figuring out how to excavate the peace and beauty that I knew was in there...somewhere.

And this happened in spades with the help of FENG SHUI expert KIM COLWELL of the Shambhalla Institute. 

Shambhallah Institute  

Ok, so there was another good reason I went the Feng Shui route. A friend of mine said she met her husband when she had her bedrom Feng Shui'ed for romance. AHA! So why not give a try, right? 

Kim was incredible. We spent the first hour talking. She got to know me a bit, where I am emotionally, in my career and romantic worlds. We then started working on my space which she said was 'heavy mental' (great name for a band right?). We went through each room, showing me where the energy was blocked, stuck, and what we needed to do to move it. I had a little list of things to get too that would help facilitate this. I won't get into the details of what I did but let's just say I have a brand new space!! Space revitalized!

It is beyond incredible. Kim is like a psychic space clearer. She literally worked some major magic all based on her years of experience. Wait 'til you see her resume and background...well, enough said...

Contact

Los Angeles: 323.309.2945 
Orlando: 352.638.2617 
Vancouver: Please contact us via email below

Email:
kim@shambhallainstitute.com

Shambhalla Consultation

This comprehensive hourly consultation combines the following Shambhalla modalities:

• Feng Shui to create a harmonious, warm, inviting atmosphere that nurtures a sense of well-being. Suggestions are given to enliven the chi or energetic feel of your space.

• Space Revitalization to edit, re-arrange and revitalizeyour existing space using economic design solutions for great organization, personal style and flow. We explore your personal blocks and life goals and offer strategies to set up your space to strengthen self-identity, motivation and focus.

• Shamanic Astrology & Medicine Wheel of Peace toset up your space with specific colors, elements and objects that support you in terms of your personal astrology.

Cost

$160 per hour

Kim's Bio and Website

Eyebrow Threading - Cheap AND next to Joan's on Third

Brows, brows, brows. Anastasia. Damone. Been there done that.

Who wants to travel to the deep heart of 90210 just for a friggen brow refinement? Not moi.

I discovered ANI from my friend who has very thich, dark eyebrows and said her threading was amazing. My friend's brows always looked gorgioso so I thought I'd give Ani a try. 

She works in the back of GLAMOUR BEAUTY SUPPLY. Very old school, low-rent. Love it. Cheap, fast and in control. Ani rocks. Not only do I have her wax and thread my brows (or any other errant hairs anywhere near my face) she also does a kick-ass $30 root touch up on my hair and a cool in betweener leg wax on the cheap. 

She's a super lovely Iranian woman who will shape those brows like any 90210'er.

And go get a yummy bite at Jone's afterwards. It's right next door!

ANI 

Glamour Beauty Supply. 

8342 W 3rd St. Los Angeles, CA 90048 (323) 653-8783

LASH ME, BABY!

ALERT! SANDI JUST INFORMED ME THAT IF YOU MENTION YOU HEARD ABOUT HER ON GROOMED LA YOU WILL GET A WHOPPIN 10% OFF YOUR FIRST TIME SESSION!! THIS IS GOOD FOLKS, VERY, VERY GOOD. THANKS SANDI!!

Ah...lashes. Can you ever really have enough of them? I didn't think so.

Nothing looks better and makes life easier then a furry, thick coat of lashes. Seriously, it takes the whole looking-decent routine down to like, two steps. And one, is brushing your teeth.

So here's the deal: Last year a friend of mine, who I will call LouLou, as you will be hearing her name a lot as she, like me, loves to groom with the best of them, told me about this LASH PERSON. What the heck is a lash person? Well, it's a Lash Extensionist (of course), someone who extends your lashes, with semi-permanent fake ones, to add luxurious length and thickness to your icky, skimpy, yicky lashes. As someone with very big eyes, who for some reason always has raccoon eyes when I wear mascara, even if it's waterproof, this seemed like a great idea to try before some upcoming new headshots. The price, at the time , was beyond right, only $150 for a full set to start and $65 for maintenance. This sounded totally do-able, especially when I did a little research and found out that lashes at some of the top salons start at $350! So LouLou introduced me to my current pusher, my dealer, the woman whom a year and a half later, I cannot get out of my life. No matter how hard I try.

Her name is Sandi Shroeder. Not only is she the cuttest little hottie ever, but she gives great lash. What was supposed to be a ONE TIME gig for has turned into an 18 month run. And counting. I have watched her biz grow and grow. She now does all those super fancy people you read about on New York Social Diary. Ya know, the ones who have their hair and make-up done every single morning.

Ok fine, so her prices have gone up. I don't care. Every lash is worth it. I'm totally hooked! And now she has added metallic, blue and purple to the mix which sounds totally crazy. I recently added the purple, just a few on the ends, and you can barely see them except in certain light. Totally subtle and cool.

There are several ways to go: thick, thin, thicker in the middle, more Bambi-extending out on the ends and I have tried them all. I now go for a thinner lash and thicker in the middle so I don't look too glam and just natural. God knows, I have my sweatpants to keep up with. Also the thicker ones feel a bit heavy. These are super light. You wont even know you are wearing them. And keep your face out of the friggen shower stream for crying out loud. This will extend their long, luxurious life!

Touch ups can wait for three weeks if you are super careful and not a total perfectionist.

Sandi Lash Guru:

323.687.4374

Full Set: $275
Touch-ups: $80 to $100
Wings:$80 to $100

Mink, Metallic, Colors price available upon request. 

She works out of:

Tracey Ross
8595 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
Telephone: (310) 854-1996

Sandi Schroder's attention to detail and custom lashes has made her one of the most sought after lash stylist's in the industry. A true artesian, Schroder determines what styles, colors and extensions work best for the individual to create a natural yet debonair look. At the age of five, Schroder knew she was going to have something to do with eyelashes. Drawing stick figures with huge eyelashes was in the works and making her art into reality was inevitable. Growing up outside of Manhattan, she played with different fake lashes and practiced on her mom and sister perfecting her steady hand.
Schroder looks at eyelash extensions as an art, always being interested in the creative side of ones' face and eye area. Whether it is to use color for highlighting, silk, mink, metallic, thick, long or short lashes, she has become one of the most sought after up and comers in Hollywood. Sandi can be found at one of Los Angeles' most exclusive retailers Tracey Ross. As one of Schroder's client has claimed, " Without my lashes, I am nothing."

The Princess and the Perfect "P"

As only a Grooming Junkie would I care deeply about what things look like down there. Which leads me to a predicament I have: how can I have a lovely, coiffed bush when the WAX and I are not friends?!

Years ago I did laser.  Waste of time and major mullah.

And waxing?  Ugh, the pain, the ingrowns, the whole experience is anxiety provoking.  Even on a full strength Klonopin, I'm still wrenching in fear. I'd rather get a Pap Smear.

So whre to go and what to do? Ok, fine, there's Pink Cheeks  and Cindy, a tank of gas away in Van Nuys, fifty bucks, you're in you're out, after waiting at least an hour, and in two to three quick rips, your pretty much bush free. Fine. But not for me.

Why? Because there was always something missing there. THE CARE.  Those little extra guys, the in-between growth - were those guys ever attended to?  Uh no. They just sat there, like an army of five until your next appointment when they were tall and strong enough to head North with the rest of the troops.

So, I called my dear friend, let's call her Ally, who grew up here in L.A., who is in the know, who I know would have a great answer for me when I demanded WHO IS THE THE BEST GODDAMN PUSSY WAXER IN TOWN?!

Without a beat, she said, look no further. Your search is over. It ends NOW. 

And, she is just up the block, on Doheny at the B2V Salon.  And then she said the magic words. No, not that she's been going to her since she's 18 or that sometimes she goes to her house for a home cooked Persian meal. She said:

SHE HATES HAIR.

And I was sold. I tail-spinned toward Doheny. Had a chubbed out Kevvy Federline spotting at La Conversation on my way to my appointment with the famous SOUDI.

I had finally outgrown my Pink Cheeks whatever-it-was re-growth and ready for a smooth transition into hairless territory.

And Soudi is THE woman. And she too will be yours. 

WHY? Not just because - and when I tell you this - as someone who has had five hip replacement surgeries and KNOWS PAIN - and doesn't like it - when I tell you that this was not only PAINLESS but actually - dare i say - RELAXING?!

I'm not going to get into her whole bio. Over 30 years of waxing hair off Persian ladies (let's just say I've heard the hair starts at the vag and drapes down to the knees), working under the tutelage of the finest waxers from London to Los Angeles. Etc, etc...This woman has an intimate relationship with hair! She knows ever single thing about how it grows and how to keep it from growing and how to coax it out of it's little bunker with NO PAIN!!!

Her wax is some special stuff that when I tell you I felt NOTHING, you have to believe me. IT was insane. In fact, I cannot wait to go back!! 

Who in their lives ever says they are looking forward to a bikini wax??  Well folks - ME!! It was a heavenly experience. Oh and did I mention she is so lovely. She takes her time. She cares about your hair and your experience and she is one of the most lovely joyful people I have ever met. 

But most importantly she is a true, experienced veteran. There is no hair she can't take down and without a fight. They just surrender to her, sheepishly. 

OH, and ask her for a 30 minute intense little facial peel/scrub when your face is looking drabby from the build up of all that tanning spray... I added one on to my wax-travaganza the other day and my face was flawless and smoothe as a baby's tush afterwards...

GO. NOW. YOUR BUSH LOOKS LIKE CRAP.

SOUDI  (SOO-DEE) HIDARI  

at the Borelli B2V Salon

648 NORTH DOHENY DRIVE

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069

310.777.7648

(She also does facials and all kinds of other stuff too. Will try and report back soon!!) 

PRICES AROUND $65 FOR A FULL BUSH.

You Sexy Mutha Haircut

I've been letting my hair grow. Grow and grow until the cows come home. Or until, the ends breaks off and turn to dreads which happened last week.

So Danny - colorist Guru is putting it lightly - told me I had to get a trim (darn!!) and that I had to try Tomas, the straight hunky, sexy Polish guy who kinda dresses like a straight hunky, sexy, Polish guy at Byron (Now Byron and Kelly). 

I warned him, with threats of physical injury or least, just having to listen to me blab about myself for and hour, "Just SHAPE it, ok?? Or I won't shut up. Seriously, this will not be fun for anyone."

And that is what he did. And what he THEN did with that round brush and a blow dryer was like David Blaine with a Cosmetology degree. He might as well have been in a hair show. Curling that hair this way and that around that big fat barrel and making into major SEXY like, Victoria Secret Photo-shoot hair. He said  "I hope you go someplace good tonight!" The winks were less than subtle.  I said I'll be picking up my two year old and getting into bed with her when it gets cold later. He was disappointed to say the least. 

Anyway, he's this shizzy. He did so much by seemingly doing so little. But that's the trick, right. Making it look so - simple. Seriously, it was like magic!! There was practially nothing on the floor yet my hair looks entirely beyond better. 

I tried to take some photos with my phone but they are all blurry and what not. I'm super thrilled as the truth is, to let it grow, you gotta trim it up now and then so you don't look like a freak. 

TOMAS AT BYRON AND TRACY SALON

9292 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE

BEV HILLS, CA 90210

T: 310. 276.4470

PRICE: starts at $140 

(some blurry Crackberry photos)

Confessions of a Major Massage Whore

So here's the deal. I like massage. I like it long (no less than a two-hour session), I like it deep and I like hard. I'm a stickler. It's gotta be just right. If it's too weak I go nuts, if it's hard without the right strokes, I want to kill. It's a serious art and the only therapist I will pay my pretty pennies (And rather affordable at that!) is BROOKE WESCOTT of BROOKE'S HANDS.

(not to be confused with Brook's Massage on Beverly Blvd). 

 Click here for her website

I first saw her card at Swerve, home to the amazing YOGA BOOTY BALLET

It was well designed (always a good sign in my book) and the names of her treatments were heavenly. 

TAKE A LOOK HERE AT THE TREATMENT MENU!

I was preggo at the time and was in dire need of someone to break it on down and not be a lame-ass about it. In other words I did not want a wimpy, but a DEEP massage!

I went to Brooke's first studio and it was NIRVANA. Her work is amazing. She is lovely. She is a tiny thing but gets in there like nobody's business. And she uses amazing oils that you can choose from and all that kid of good stuff.

She now only goes to people's homes.

Please, please tell her I sent you! You never know she might hook me up, maybe throw in an extra half hour for doing so. PLEASE! I practically cry when it's over and I always need more. I say go for the two hours if you can.

Her contact:  818. 530.3535

brooke@brookshands.com

Here are her prices to COME TO YOU. 

$90 for an hour.  $135 for 90 minutes.  $175 for 2 hours.  

Plumped, Injected, Relaxed, Perfected!

Just saying his name, the way it rolls off my tongue like the name of an exotic dessert I could never make at home, makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Here, try it for yourself : R a n d   R u s h e r

Could anything sound more perfect? And wait until you see him, this gorgeous hunk of male-nurse-ness. Take my face, you’ll want to say. Take it and stick your needles into it. Do with it whatever you wish. It’s yours. I’m yours. Let’s do this.

The Mathematics of a Beautiful Face is what Rand exudes, knows, teaches and performs. I first read about Rand in a magazine while sweating out last night’s Ben and Jerry's on the elliptical – Vogue or Elle or something. It was a piece on how brilliant he was at doing things like fixing bad Botox and overly-injected faces – basically undoing the hideous anti-handiwork of others. This fascinated me. Could there be a bigger fear in life?

Ok may be a few, I get it, but let’s just pretend for a second that this really is as important as I am going to make it sound...

So I went to meet Rand. And he filled my life with all sorts of new joys and well, fillers. First I tested the waters with a little old school basic forehead Botox, to get a feel for his aesthetic. I loved it. He goes for an organic, natural look. He will not freeze your face like a daytime TV actress or one of those freaky looking women binging on Angelina Yogurt after a facelift consult on Bedford Drive. He will not erase every little crow's foot. He likes expression and realness. This is the wave of the future after years of that frozen Housewives of Orange County look that gave Botox a bad name. No, no, Rand puts the ‘balanced’ back into Botox.

Then we got creative. He told me that a little Botox to those muscle-cord-bandy-things on my neck would soften the appearance of tension and take yet another few years off.  Obviously, I didn’t wait a beat. Now I am totally hooked on it. It’s so incredibly subtle yet makes a huge difference.

Then I wanted some filler action. Restylane, Juvederm. Anything with three syllables and youth enhancing properties, shoot me up please.

 “Do your math on me!” is what I believe I said to Rand. Rand is a Beauty Scientist; he knows the matrix of facial perfection and will give you just the slightest tweaks with these fillers to balance things out in the most natural, non-obvious way possible. No one ever notices anything other than, ‘Wow, Em, you look friggen amazing!’  What he does is beyond subtle and totally non-Bev-Hills looking 'work'.  I recall a needle to the nasal labial folds, some action under my eyes, a squirt to my chin, somewhere on my cheek and maybe the lip lines above my top lip?? There was no Angelina Jolie lip plumping for me (on my face, he said, no way!), no fake-cheekbone puffing, just a little juice where that cruel mistress Age was starting to take her hollow grip on things. Watch out, missy, Rand will get you, he will!

Rand is a master. Did I mention there was not a moment of bruising anywhere?! Not even the delicate under eye skin. Nothing. I could have left and shot a movie that afternoon. And he is so deliciously charming, sweet and fun that you really will have to re-do your annual budget to fit him into your monthly beauty calendar. You will start making up things to do just to go back because whenever you leave you are simply guaranteed to look better and let’s face it more importantly, younger and prettier.

Rand is one half on the Leaf and Rusher Medical Skin Care Clinic on Bedford in Bev Hills, around the corner from Anastasia and Angelina Yogurt. They have a ridiculously amazing line of skin-care products, many of which I am way addicted to like the Skin Tonic, TX Eyes and Rapid Resurface. All major yum!

Rand Rusher

436 N Bedford Dr Ste 104

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: (310) 276-5558 

http://www.leafskincare.com/

Rand Rand your the Man, if God can't do it you can!

You HIGHLIGHT my life. You lift me up...

Who would I be without my base, lowlights and highlights? Just another graying broad on the block. I've had them all. The best of the best. But now, I really have the best. Thank you Kayla Alpert for introducing me to the hottest colorist in town, a rising star on the color circuit if you will, and my main hair bitch: Dani Hernandez at Byron and Tracey Salon. 

eHis shit rocks. Wanna look like you've been taking private surf lessons all summer or been sipping champers in Capri all day? Want that rich, gorgeous Jennifer Garner meets caramelly J Lo with a little Gisele in the mix BROWN ? How about a little darker at the roots and 'tipping' as he calls it to make those highlights look so friggen natural it will only depress you to realize it in fact is not natural and you need to go back for more...He's your man.

He is not cheap. No way, jose. You're paying for this shit. So save up. But it'll be worth it. And with his hand painted, sun-kissed style, you can stretch out your grow-back appointment. The darker the roots the better here. It's very LA and if you want a more traditional, classically highlighted look, he does that too. He is simply a mix-master with color. I've seen his work on blondes and it's brill.

Not to mention he totally annihilated my Jew-frizz with a thermal conditioning treatment. Like Japanese hair straightening without the chemicals or ridic price. I was totally hesitant as I like a little wave and not crazy about a super straight look, but he convinced me my mop needed it and I have never been happier. I wake up and my hair looks like it's been blown out. It's totally crazy! It's been maybe 8 weeks and starting to get a little J-frizzy underneath in the mornings but a quick wash and a little product and it's smooth and shiny again. I suspect I will have to do this again in a few more weeks but now I am totally hooked on flatness. A little wave, no frizz. Heaven. Sexy hair heaven!

Color starts at $125....

L.A.'s very own, Dani H, is someone to know.  In a town full of hairstylists whose dramatic personalities
over-shadow their own work, Dani has painstakingly mastered his craft as a premiere hair colorist.

Dani's cutting edge difference is simple: it's in his work.  A stickler for detail, his acumen and flair relies on the fine balance of making hair look very natural and sun-kissed.  His secret weapon lies within the baliage discipline, a French technique for painting color onto hair.  For Dani, It is all about achieving that "flawlessly and effortlessly groomed" look that is vernacular to this uber pro who was originally trained under   celebrity  hairdresser Corey Powell of the Parlour .

Dani H, rebellious artist in residence at Byron & Tracey  Salon .

Clients include: Mischa Barton, Kelly Rutherford,Carrie Ann Moss,Patrick Dempsey  to name a few..

DANI HERNANDEZ

Byron and Tracey Hair Salon

BYRON AND TRACEY

9294 Civic Center Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: (310) 276-4470

 

The Bronze That Made Mrs. Butterworth Jealous

'Aight look. We all know it. Nothing looks better on a naked body than a bad-ass tan. Ok, and maybe a Elsa Paretti vintage silver cuff. And I know this fact intimately, as the amazing, gorgeous waffle and maple syrup colored tan I had for about 48 toasty colored hours essentially washed down the drain this morning. Tears!

Because it was good. Real good. Not cheap good. But almost-free-good as I actually used one of those promotional cards that you find stuck in your car door. This was was stuck in the front door of my apartment, I think.

It was for a new swanky, uber, meta mecca of a tanning salon on Robertson called SUNSTYLE. This place is crazy. I can't imagine what the rent it. It's huge and 'futuristic'.  Blade Runner for tanners. Now I don't do this a lot...The only people that can afford it are:

CELEB ALERT: LANCE BASS AND LACEY SCWIMMER WHO I JUST SAW WALKING OUT OF HERE!!

Like ONCE a year on those god forsaken times when I have to be near naked. Like say, a bathing suit in Palm Springs. And I've always gone to UVA SUN on West 3rd street for this and done the ol Mystic Spray Tan. But last time I did it, before my best friends wedding, NOTHING HAPPENED. It sucked ass. And at $50 a pop or more (I've blocked it out) it was a total waste-o-rama.

So I was excited when, by chance the opportunity came up for me to get really naked (I'll keep those details to myself) and I got to use my free tan card at Sunstyle. I dug it out from a messy, deep drawer from where it was brilliantly stashed for a rainy day and made an appointment.

Turned out I could get the Mystic Tan only with this freebie and not to new super duper spray tan of the future whose name I don't remember and can't seem to find on the website. That one was $75 and my card was only good for $40. I sprung for the extra $35 and went for the gold. 

And gold it was. There were computerized voices telling me when to shift, when to turn, and what was happening as there were many things going on: like drying and prepping and conditioning. Bottom line, I walked outta there looking like I just got off the plane from Cabo. And it only got better. By that night I was looking like Ms. Butterworth.

For a day or two I could almost smell the ocean whose shores I had pretend sat upon on my pretend vacation at Las Ventanas. The tan made me skinny and sexy and I had to go out immediately and spend $250 at Vicky Secret to give it the lingerie it was worthy of and so deserved! 

And then it all washed away down the shower drown in an invisible creamy peanut butter wave not 72 hours later. 

As they say, it's good while it lasts. It's a cancer free tan so what do you expect. If you need to look rip roaring hot for a few hours. This is the spray tan for you. Now if only I could remember the name of the machine...?

I got it!! It's the VERSA SPA like 8 step process or something.

and...you can join for $200 and then get unlimited tans for $125/month.

There is also a girl there named JADE who I hear does amazing custom spray tanning and I cannot wait to try that next!

SUNSTYLE   

http://sunstyle.la/ 

627 N Robertson Blvd

West Hollywood, CA 90069

(310) 289-9200