Archive for the ‘Products’ Category

Am I Crazy?!?

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Okay, I basically set myself up, by choosing that as my title. I am a ‘lil crazy folks and that’s why you love me. All kidding aside, I would like to address an issue that seems to be shunned by doctors and nearly obsolete on the internet, save some personal testimonials: SIDE EFFECTS OF GETTING OFF BIRTH CONTROL.

Oh yeah, sure, there are loads of tidbits about what you will feel when you first get on it. (Although, they don’t always tell you that depression, anxiety, potassium build-up that can cause chronic gall bladder disease, weight gain, clots, tumors, insomnia and headaches can occur.) Some of us are lucky not to have that happen, but as in life, the aftermath is the catch-22.

Even your gyno doesn’t, always, give you the low-down on what can happen as a result of adding and taking away the increase in hormones. As with ANY drug use, if you continually add something, your body stops making it, itself, so when you stop using the drug i.e. the pill, your body will have to readjust and re-learn to make the hormones.

It may not be as dramatic for everyone who gets off, but if you’re unfortunate enough to be more sensitive, like me, then you definitely feel like you are spiraling out of control.

As with anything, it’s much easier to handle difficulty if it’s addressed and you logically know why your emotions are so raw, because you know it will pass. But many, of us, don’t have anyone to tell us that it happens and medical tests may show all things to be “fine,” when it’s not totally.

There is a reason. Withdrawal is real. It’s sad, because most women tend to blame themselves, and just feel out of control and crazy. Their relationships and work may suffer, because they can just be deemed as “psycho” and not the same person they used to be, as if they consciously chose to change.

There are things you can do to help yourself deal as your body learns to make hormones again.

1. Increased the amount of cardio to 30 minutes a day.

2. Drink Yogi St. John’s Wort Blues Away Tea.

3. Do Yoga. It really helps balance your system and reduce stress. There are many types. Try them out and see which you like. Anusara or Bikram have been popular choices in my group.

4. Smooth Shaper skin treatments. I see Lynn featured on \"Doctors\" at Per Amore in Beverly Hills. That bloating and major hormone shift gave me major cellulite. You don’t necessarily need to be overweight or older to have cellulite. It’s on the skin level where this occurs not where lipo is traditionally done. Click on the name to learn more and see pics of before and after. I’m too shy to share that!

5. A more, natural and balanced diet, complete with vitamins. 5-HTP
is one vitamin that is not as well-known. it can aid in better sleep and higher serotonin levels a.k.a. the “happy” juice.

6. Major water drinking. Dehydration just exacerbates bloating and cellulite.

I read today that Arbonne has Arbonne Prolief Natural Balancing Cream that helps. I haven’t tried it, myself, but I’m gonna!

So, am I crazy? Crazy is harsh. We’ll call it “under duress.” You will be ok. A year off the pill after being on it for 13 years, I am feeling like I have more control, because I found ways to help myself during the transition. But until you know it’s real, you can’t address it.

Click here for a link to the best thread I could find with testimonials from women and their experiences getting off of different birth control.

Remember, our body changes every seven years. So even though, you were, once, able to handle it, it is not abnormal that you can’t anymore. Some people get food allergies or can’t handle caffeine as time goes on. It’s natural. Don’t be afraid to make the call, when your body is screaming at you to stop certain things, even if your doctor makes light of it.

Powder My Wig

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Bumble and Bumble has amazing hair powder that is colored! Now, let’s think beyond the realm of “freshening up” weighed down hair and open up to the possibilities of these fantastic sprays.

Not only can you hide your roots before your next appointment or de-grease your hair and add volume, but you can add pazzazz. Ever wonder what you would look like with a white, brown, black, blonde or red panel? Want to conjure up your inner rock star without the commitment? Well, now you can see what it’s like. Separate out the section you want to color. Put a sheet of paper under it to cover rest of your hair and spray. If you have a shaved head or undercut, cut out stencils and spray. Diagonal lines that contour your head shape, polka dots, triangles, it’s endless really.

It’s hot. It’s non-commital. It’s fun and practical. The aerosol can is programmed to release the dry shampoo ingredients before the color. You need to really push all the way down in order for the color to enter the spray stream. Don’t be scurred.

Insider Info

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Special THANKS and SHOUT-OUT to Leigh Ann Boutwell!! Leigh Ann just tipped me off on a beauty store that ALWAYS has this fabulous and authentic Parisienne hair spray. It is on La Peer and Olympic and simply called La Peer Beauty. That is just fantastic since Beauty Collection has sold out of their inventory.

This spray is kept behind the counter. Thankfully, there is no secret password that we need to be privy to…yet… Leigh Ann, I’ll miss you here in L.A., but I’ll love visiting you in NYC!!

Quiffs, Pomps & Cool Grease

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

The Times said the runway shows have deemed slick hair as the look for Fall 2010 and gave a quick ‘how-to.’ Seems as though anything goes these days as long as its “retro” and looks like you put some time and effort into it.

I think the keyword here is “effort” and the men are trying to keep up with the ladies. Girls, you have been bumpin’ it and curlin’ it for a minute now and our disheveled guys want to match the swagger from time to time.

Gentlemen, pull those combs out of your back pockets and slop on the good stuff: Cool Grease.

Cool Grease has been around for awhile and is so much better for your hair than Murphy’s. This awesome hair product is made in Japan, water-soluble, can be used with heat and protects your hair from UV rays. It has the consistency of a gel-like pomade and gives it that shiny rockabilly finish.

The Cool Grease Blue is the original formula and has a normal hold.


The Cool Grease Red has medium hold.

The Cool Grease XX Max-Hard (Black)
is a super duper hold.

Applying it to towel-dried hair would be the best way to work in the product. Depending on how big or stylized you want your quiff or pomp to be, you can let it airdry or use a hairdryer to set the look higher and give it structure. Use a comb to help you shape.

When washing your hair, apply shampoo before water and rub it through. This little “dry shampoo trick” will help you get out the water-soluble product out even faster!

Au Naturale

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Bb Curl ConsciousTexture is back! My clients are embracing their curls or finding ways to add it to their hair. If you have slightly wavy hair and want to bring it out more or if you want to smooth the tight ones, this Bb Curl Conscious line has got the solution for you!

I know, they’ve changed the packaging and it seems as though the formula has been tweeked, but I still believe that Bumble and Bumble makes the best products for curly hair. Paisley’s cute and now they’ve added the masque, calming creme, holding foam and reactivating mist! The mist is a MUST-HAVE. GREAT for touch-ups, because curly hair shouldn’t be shampooed as often.

It’s divided into two categories: Fine to Medium Hair (fine, delicate, wavy curls) and Medium to Thick Hair (frizzy, springy, kinky curls). All the Curl Conscious products contain the patented and exclusive Triglutaminase, on top of amazing, moisturizing agents. This awesome ingredient is exclusive to Bb and their affiliates. It helps curl enhancement, heat and humidity resistance.

Blah, blah, I know, but it means it helps even out your curls and control weather-induced frizz. My curly-haired friends, we know how some parts like to be bouncier and tighter than others!

As with most Bb products, these work better if used collectively. Usually, I say mix and match, but with Curl Conscious, using the shampoo, conditioner, creme and spritzer together, really maximizes the effectiveness. Tame that mane! P.S. – Works great for permed hair, too.

No Longer Skeptic

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Moroccan OilOkay buddies, I have been using the Moroccan Oil in my hair for a week and a half now. I can now say that it is AMAZING for ALL hair types to leave in and condition your hair.

I have Blonde clients and this has done wonders to keep their hair shiny and soft despite how processed their hair is. Curly haired clients, your hair will soak this up with love, especially if it is coarse! Thick Asian hair, this will even help you. Apply generously.

For those in the middle of the hair spectrum, just apply a little at a time to avoid over-saturation. You want it to absorb, without feeling a film on your hair.

I like it best coupled with Malibu Wellness Shampoo and no conditioner for my hair. I wash my roots, let the suds run down, apply oil, mid-shaft to ends, after a good towel dry and comb out. It never looks greasy or heavy when I air dry.

Gift of Knowledge

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

wedonteatanimalsWhile I can’t say I am a vegan or vegetarian, I will say that my intake of processed foods and meat have been curbed by my new knowledge of where and how my food is “made.” Tadashi and I eat more consciously and are more aware of where we can purchase more “kind” groceries.

This I can attribute a great deal to Ruby Roth’s “That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals.” Her children’s book is about all I can stomach to teach me about the conditions that animals are subjected to in unregulated farms. I’ll never muster up enough courage to watch the PETA educational videos. It’s already unbearable in Illustrated form.

I’ve been doing Ruby’s hair for years now and this gal has been pouring her heart into this book the whole time, illustrating each page and writing every word to perfection to teach us the beauty and feelings of animals. It’s gorgeous and makes a lovely gift to anyone interested in sustainability. Good idea for the Holidays. Everyone I’ve gotten it for has loved it!

She’s running a special on her site through the end of December. Check it out to get the autographed book and to get great tips dedicated to vegans, vegetarians and all living things!

Hold It Now – Hold It Nooooow

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

L'oreal Paris Elnett SprayOMG!!! If you’ve seen me recently, then you know how obsessed I am with this spray. L’OREAL PARIS ELNETT SATIN HAIR SPRAY is the BEST hairspray ever!!! Bumble and Bumble is good, but this is the coveted brand of professionals who work on set for photoshoots, film and TV.

Why you say? Because it gives beautiful shine and fantastic hold and YOU, my friends, are lucky because BEAUTY COLLECTION sells the Parisian version that is almost impossible to get. It’s the Diamond Hold!! I usually have to wait for my fab hair stylist friend Carlos to bring it back from Europe and now it’s a mouse click away!

Treat yourself to the hairspray of the stars. Who knows how long this limited edition stock will run, but grab it now!!!

Major Weekend Update

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Sometimes, it happens. Sometimes, everything happens on the same weekend: events, parties, shopping excursions, dinners, etc. And, sometimes, everything new that weekend is more than awesome across the board.

I was lucky enough to have such a weekend. We started off Friday with a photo shoot, then LAX for sister, dropped by LACMA and saw Peter speak about Audrey, followed by “Roman Holiday.” Dinner at La Poubelle, because we love it and that’s where we were last year when Tad and I ran off to the courthouse.

sirensandsailorsAnd as fate would have it–it got better…

Saturday, Vivian and I went on a vintage hunt for her Halloween costume. She wanted to be a hippie…why not be a stylish one? VivianTrolling around Echo Park we stumbled in on a cute house-like shop that “Shut It Down.” headband She got an outfit head to toe including shoes and accessories and me, this cool headband. It’s called Sirens & Sailors. It’s a staple in the area for great vintage (owner used to buy for Wasteland) and clothes from local designers. You can, also, shop online.

Spitfire GirlAround the corner, we saw Spitfire Girl and had to walk in, owl bookbecause Vi spotted an owl pillow. This place just opened and is great for gifts, pillows, figures, etc. I got this wooden book for her to start her sketching. They’re having a Grand Opening Party on Sat., Nov. 7 (6-9pm) and it looks fun!

And wouldn’t you know it? Outside of the JANM, for the nomnomyumGR event, there was a Nom Nom truck!nomnom2 A traveling truck that has banh mi, Viet tacos, and Vietnamese iced coffee!!!! Wahoo!!! $5 for a 12 in. I tried the Lemongrass chicken tacos, Grilled pork and BBQ pork sandwiches. There are vegetarian options. Kogi, I heart you, but sometimes I need a baguette sammy.nomnomtruck

This put us in the perfect mood to go head for the fun Halloween costume party at our friends. I’m still in a daze.

GR

Spitfire Girl 2203 Sunset Blvd., Sirens & Sailors 1104 Mohawk St. (off Sunset) The GR exhibit is up until January. Make some time to go. The history makes you reverent and the art makes you inspired! You can stay updated with twitter.com/nomnomtruck to get your banh mi fix!

That Wet Look

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Slick PonytailGrooming CremeBb Grooming Creme was specifically created to achieve the hot, slick, “wet” look. Back in the day, before hair products were masterfully conceived, hair stylists used Lubriderm lotion in the hair to achieve the effect.

Slick EdAlthough, the pale blue coloring of the packaging is to pay homage to this classic brand of lotion, Grooming Creme is good for your hair and will moisturize, without the build-up that body lotion would leave.

You can use this in your hair whether it be wet or dry. The more product you use, the stronger the look and heavier if applied to dry hair.slick blowdry

Set in the product for optimal, sleek hair, by blow drying, after applying it to wet hair. It is good for moisturizing and adding shine for medium to thick hair that is coarse. It may be too heavy for fine hair.