Sep 2010
HOPE IT FITS
For many years, I have had a vision of hosting a party for my ten year wedding anniversary. The point of this party would NOT be to celebrate us or the fact that I am now financially protected for the rest of my life (LOL) but to create an opportunity for friends and family to wear their wedding clothes one more time. In other words, the theme of this party would be for everyone, hosts and guests, to wear their own wedding attire. Wouldn’t we all love the opportunity to break open that massive storage box and and re-wear that amazing dress which held such promise? After neutralizing the embalming stench, the dress would be fresh and crisp enough to relive that moment. At the very least, the goal of fitting in that dress would force many of us to rush to the gym. Sadly, Husband has never liked this idea (I think it’s a girl thing) and thus, I throw it out to the crowd for someone else to catch. My only hope is that one of you will invite me to a version of this soirée. I am dying to wear my dress one more time….
Aug 2010
MY QUIRKY HUSBAND
Husband is unique! My whole life I had long, bleached Barbie hair. I thought it looked like a million bucks. Clearly, I was the only one. After much chemical torture, my hair was chopped off to a bob, a look that I have sported for the last few years. Each time, my hair begins to creep below my chin, husband (Sargeant of “the bob patrol”) makes a cutting scissor motion with his hand. Weird, considering he fell in love with me and horse mane which I swore was permanent. Husband seems to be the only guy who likes short hair on women. Then I met another man with a similar penchant and I have not recovered since. Several months ago, I stopped at a random cell phone shop to buy a new car charger. As I looked down to put the credit card back in my wallet, the store owner came behind me and brushed his grimy hand up my “exposed” neck and through the back of my “short” hair. WTF! He smiled and said he could not resist. Feeling violated, I actually contemplated extensions.
I have grown used to short hair and actually think it complements the platinum shade it regularly gets dyed to. (Many people in my life think otherwise, but please keep it to yourself). My own eye is trained to see this very light blonde look when I consult a mirror. The other day, husband and I were organizing old pics. Oh my, how we have transformed in ten years! Less hair for both of us.
Aug 2010
LIFESTYLE LEMONAID ECO TOTES
Lifestyle Lemonaid is now at the tip of your finger tips! We have created some fun eco totes for cruising around LA. The perfect bag for running errands, picking up groceries or for carrying your Ipad. I’m so excited to be giving away the very first tote right here on LifestyleLemonaid.com! Just leave a comment below to enter and one winner will be notified next week.
Aug 2010
AN ACCIDENTAL DISCOVERY
Husband is right! My face make-up never seems to match my body color! Shocked he EVEN notices! I only can admit this after looking through the Hawaii pics. No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to match my face make up to my body spray tan color. Think of it as an unmatched carpet and drapes situation. I refuse to spray my face because it blotches as soon as I do the nightly cleansing ritual. I can’t stand the thought of purchasing summer make-up due to the cost. Instead, I spent many a summer doctoring up combos of extra bronzer powder or blush. Bad idea! I am always a walking experiment of self-tan products; no part of my body is ever the same color. Unless I am going on a vacation and plan to wear a bikini, I forego the full body spray down and stick to chest, arms, and legs. This is a horrifying visual for my husband, but hey, I am his “sure” thing. Recently, I was going through a bag of swag and discovered a curious looking product by Cargo. The “multi-mix bronzer” tag line had me at “mix!” Damn, I wish I had been made aware of this product earlier. It is pretty life transforming (on a shallow level). Imagine being freshly sprayed, just mix some of the paraben and oil free bronzer into your tinted moisturizer or foundation and you are a match. As the body tan begins to fade, mix less of the bronzer product. A match again! Somehow, the chemist in me has managed to make this combo work. Love it! www.cargocosmetics.com
Aug 2010
OBSESSION WITH THE HOLISTIC NUTRITIONISTA
Except for cake frosting, frozen yogurt, and gummy candy, I am a very healthy eater. I have grown to love the taste of Kale (no lie) and get excited for a bowl of Quinoa. My glass of Cabernet seems to accompany steak as well as it does tofu! I recently had the pleasure of meeting a lifestyle nutrition/ wellness guru named Marlyn Diaz aka THE HOLISTIC NUTRITIONISTA. I was blown away by her knowledge and personal journey. She is a certified Holistic Nutritionist and Lifestyle Educator with many years of training behind her as well as various degrees and certificates in health and nutrition. More importantly, Marlyn practices what she preaches and can speak and demonstrate from experience. ”Back in the 1970’s, while in high school I was young, struggling with my weight and unhappy. Physicians, fad diets and conventional medicine couldn’t “fix” me. Through my own searches I discovered books on health and wellness that approached, from a unique perspective, how one’s body actually works. I learned the truth about how different foods, vitamins & minerals, and lifestyle choices affect your health. Attending medical conferences, studying holistic nutrition, and learning about functional medicine and alternative health therapies has helped me to form more than a base level of knowledge. I’ve learned from some amazing and highly educated people – Physicians, Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Energy Healers and other Holistic Nutritionists, like myself. I’ve put into practice the knowledge that I have absorbed from so many studies – learning how to enhance health, balance nutrition and affect the aging process with the right foods, supplements and lifestyle choices.
This journey brought realization that natural and permanent change is within reach for all us, and that it can be done without chemical-laden diet drugs, weight loss surgery, and fad diets. I’ve learned that our bodies were designed to help us help ourselves. I’m so grateful that I have gained the knowledge and tools to help not only myself, but also others.”
How authentic and sincere is that?
Whether it is an interview with an exercise professional (i.e the man behind the beloved Cardio Barre) to the benefits of cinnamon beyond a yummy taste, to creative yet delicious recipes (some peppered in chia seeds) to healthy cleanse tips, Marlyn provides her followers with a clear cut and proven healthy lifestyle journey. As she promises, her team is “there to support you on your road to looking, feeling and being your best! Their mission is to educate, inspire, elevate and make nutrition FUN. All while sharing our passion for good food, good friends and a healthy lifestyle. Let us help empower you to reach your wellness goals and create balance from the inside out!” I swear, Marlyn is no joke and I have become such a fan. My kids are eating Chia seeds and do not even realize it. holisticnutritionista.com
Aug 2010
MISS BLONDIE
Dear Miss Blondie,
Have you ever heard of “threading?” Do you think it’s better than waxing? I have heard it’s very nice but extremely painful.
-Smooth Operator
——————–
Here is the good news, I have tried threading. The bad news is the excruciating pain factor. I have tried it twice and have never gone back. Perhaps, if threading delivered a more permanent result, I would have subjected myself to the pain. But, Threading was more painful for me than child labor despite a high tolerance for pain (5 root canals and still counting). Luckily for me, like most hair removal techniques, Threading is temporary and I will never do it again!
However, I am all about being a “smooth operator” myself and have tried every hair removal procedure from the ancient days to what occupies today’s shelves and beauty shops. In terms of removing facial hair, I still swear by Dermaplane. It is pain free, quick, and diminishes hair growth as time goes on. Your face is left feeling as soft as a baby’s behind and putting on make-up is a whole new experience! I love my eyebrows to be in tip top shape at all times. For me, an eyebrow arch is crucial and I absolutely feel that waxing by a skilled person who can complement one’s facial structure is the way to go. Body hair is a bit more challenging, especially for someone like me who despises any hair period! If your body responds to laser hair removal, (you lucky duck) then make the investment. And yes, I do know the perfect place! Waxing can be tolerable for some people. And finally, for people like me whose hair is too light for laser and whose skin is too sensitive for waxing, trying new razors is my only option. Come on Gillette!
Needless to say, I have assembled a great team of people who help me in my personal battle for hair removal. Suggestions, anyone? Driving to Woodland Hills twice a month from Sunset and the 405 for eyebrows is a MUST!
Aug 2010
NIGHTS IN WHITE SATIN
As my girlfriends can attest, I have always had a penchant for satin/silken materials. Beginning with a hideous purple satin quilt given to me by my first boyfriend, I got used to sleeping with a material that keeps the body warm but has cold refreshing spots as well. I dragged that blanket to college and it became a sorority wide joke. I won’t even repulse you with the scarce number of times I washed the blanket as I was on a college budget. Post college, the infamous blanket took up residence in my first apartment. I even think it might have scared away the booty calls. I did not care as my blankie loved me unconditionally. My first acting client I ever signed somehow heard about the blanket; She must have been in collusion with my roommate. For my birthday, she gifted me with a brand new hot pink satin blanket. I was touched and closed my eyes as I let my roommate remove the tattered purple blanket from the premises.
Years later, I became engaged to Husband. I enlisted my ten besties as bridesmaids and for thank you gifts, I surpised them with matching personalized champagne colored satin blankets. I swear, I could have kept the blanket maker in business forever. (if you are reading this RR, please start making blankets again….)
Ten years later, I am married with kids and I get a weekly blow dry. Hair texture changed dramatically after pregnancy and I simply have no control over my hair. I always read that sleeping on silk pillowcases was like a nightly facial and the best life preserver for blow drys. I spent months researching these magic pillow cases but was never satisfied with the ones I tried.
Until BEAUTY SILKZ…..Two brilliant girls researched and invented the best silk pillow case I have ever used. Did they recover my purple blanket from some dark abyss and cut it into pillowcases? Pretty damn close! After much effort, the girls created a pillowcase made of 100% silk charmeuse which is the “best kept beauty secret in the world.” Comprised of natural proteins and essential amino acids and a natural cellular albumen (whatever that is), the skin and hair is magically nourished. The pillow case does not absorb moisture or night creams. ”Instead, it acts as a natural barrier hydrating skin and hair while you sleep, unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture. You wake up with a smoother, more radiant skin and softer hair.” Additionally, it prevents hair breakage and thinning. Finally, the case is affordable ($19.99), hypoallergenic, machine washable, and does not slip around the bed because one side is made of cotton.
Intrigued? I was! I have been sleeping on this pillow case for the last month and I am hooked. Clearly, I was onto something back in the 80′s with my satin blanket. www.beautysilkz.com
Aug 2010
THINGS THAT MAKE YOU GO HMMM
Back from a fantastic vacation and now in full Fall mode. Hawaii was a blast and we were able to do activities because the kids were of age and size. Still, the highlights of any day, whether at home or on holiday, are the crazy and innocent antics of the kids.
Cases in point:
Number one! 5 year old renames his private parts everyday, the most recent nicknames being love nuts, satellite, and winky! Creative mind! God he kills us!
Number two! 7 year old has recently decided that his forever nickname of boobs which hails from Yogi and Boo Boo is “humiliating”. Come to think of it, everything has become humiliating to him. Guess we are getting our money’s worth in education as demonstrated in his ever-expanding vocabulary.
Number three! On the hotel water slide, a darling girl asked 5 year old to give her a push to launch. No way, he shook his head. I thought he was being shy, but later learned, he was abiding by the primary nursery school rule of no pushing. Proud of him, but need to teach him the difference when it comes to chivalry and flirting. I sense lady killer in his future!
Number four! Today at Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, we digested lunch by watching the street performers. One man was super talented and was collecting tips in a trash bin. Husband gave the kids a few bucks for tip. Scene stealer… Audience chuckled as 5 year old followed directions flawlessly and put the money in the real trash can not the tip bin.
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Aug 2010
A GOOD START
And so the trip continues… After an incredible time jet skiing, the group frolicked in the ocean, collecting coral and rocks, and killing time before the lunch ressy. As I was packing up the beach bag, I heard wild screams. My seven year old was running towards me, grabbing the top of his head. I pulled him into my arms to survey the injury. As a huge bump began to form on his head, he tried to explain that the ocean had thrown a rock at his head. More focused on the speed at which his bump was growing, I didn’t try to understand what he meant about the ocean being the villain. Behind me, I felt a slight tug on my shirt. It was five year old with tears streaming down his delicious cheeks. He confessed that he had accidentally thrown the rock which hit his brother’s head. I could not believe my ears. Five year old could have gotten away with all of us thinking the ocean had tossed the rock. Instead, he knew the importance of being honest and truly felt sorry for his brother’s swollen head. Ladies and potential employers, this kid is off to a good and honest start in life. Husband and I were so incredibly proud of five year old
( and our impressive parenting skills). The next thing we needed to conquer was seven year old’s new found obsession with vanity. I can’t imagine where he developed such an awareness of the aesthetic! He had moved past the pain and was more concerned with people teasing him and calling him “egg head”. Come to think of it, the other day he wanted to accompany daddy to the hotel gym. AND, we caught him admiring his tan lines (despite the hourly bath he is taking in sunblock). Our boy is growing up. On every past trip, seven year old would cuddle with me on the lounge chair as he dried off from the swim. This trip, he refused the mommy cuddle, claiming it would be humiliating. I miss the baby stage! This parenting journey is going too fast!
Aug 2010
ALOHA
As summer winds down, we take our annual trip to Hawaii. It is a trip that the kids start packing for in July. Today, as I type this post, we are halfway through the trip and I have taken notes on some anecdotes worth sharing over the next few days.
The first few days of any vacation can start rocky as the children need to get over the time difference and Husband must shed his work armor and climb into vacation mode. I always seem to forget this, shame on me!
Night one– dressed in our vacation best of Lily Pulitzer meets Tommy Bahama, the family starts walking to the shuttle to meet our friends and relatives for dinner off site. Visions of Mahi Mahi, Mai Tais and sunsets danced in our heads. Our younger Son awoke cranky from a much needed nap, and his mood went from bad to worse (actually inconsolable). We assumed that he would get happy once he saw his cousins. Not so! As we hit the lobby, 5 year old hit an all time low and Husband and I quickly recognized that one of us would be sipping a pina colada in our hotel room. As we attempted to lift our son’s arching body to carry him back to the room, he went ballistic. Not wanting to get on the shuttle or go back to the room, he hit the lobby floor on all fours, shrieking and kicking. ( Before I continue, I have to interject that this is abnormal behavior for our son). As each strategy to calm son failed miserably, he became more agitated. Suddenly, a golf cart pulled up with a security guard who had been called to assess the situation. Were we kidnappers in the middle of an abduction? I was horrified! As I assured the security guard that, in fact, we were the parents, husband arrived on the site with a snow cone. So much for no sweets before dinner, El Diablo instantly calmed down. Desperate measures! We grabbed son, jumped in a cab, and fled the scene. We arrived at the beach front restaurant just as the sun was setting. We smiled and began to relax from the disaster, eager to enjoy what remained of the evening. As Husband reached for the camera to take a shot of the family in the sunset, he accidentally knocked the snow cone out of my son’s hand. You can only imagine what happened next! Needless to say, I was rattled and in desperate need of a cocktail.
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