09.12.2013
Obsessed: Murad Soothing Gel Cleanser

Murad Soothing Gel Cleanser

Last week I was treated to an amazing facial and massage at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa down in El Segundo, and I walked out relaxed and glowing.  Seriously, my skin was luminous which always reminds me that I NEED to have facials more often.  I’ve always been really impressed with Dr. Murad’s product line and my latest obsession, to no surprise, is the Murad Soothing Gel Cleanser.  I love me some gel cleanser because, as someone with dry, sensitive skin, it’s really the ONLY way to wash your face.  The Murad version comforts and cools reactive, irritated, or red skin with a patented gel formula that helps relieve tightness and discomfort. Goji berry, peppermint leaf, and licorice root extracts help calm the signs of inflammation. Moisture enriched beads soften rough, dry skin to restore smoothness and suppleness to skin, while pomegranate extract promotes strong and healthy skin.  It’s really just FUN to wash my face with this stuff, which is always a win in my book.

08.15.2013
DIY Face Mask

DIY beauty face mask

I attended a super luxe event the other night held at Hotel Bel Air Spa by La Prairie.  When I say luxe, I mean we were treated to delicious Estancia wine, manicures, pedicures, facials, back massages and shellfish appetizers.  Heaven on Earth, if you ask me.  What’s even better is that we left with several DIY recipes so that we could continue to vinotherapy at home.  Here’s my favorite, which uses thing that everyone (seriously, even I have these ingredients) has in their kitchen.

Estancia Monterey County Pinot Noir Vino Lift Facial Mask

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons pinot noir
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon organic raw honey

Directions:

  • Gently mix the egg white, pinot noir and honey to a smooth consistency
  • Spread paste evenly onto clean face and neck, avoiding the eye area
  • Relax and leave the mask on for 10-15 minute.  Try to meditate and clear your mind
  • Rinse off with lukewarm water and end with a splash of cold water
  • Pat skin dry with a clean towel
  • Apply a moisturizer, such as La Prairie Skin Cavaiar Luxe Cream, for added tightening and to seal in moisture from mask

08.12.2013
Glamour Magazine, Origins and Nadine Jolie!

Nadine-Jolie-Origins-event

Gotta give my girl Nadine Jolie some love.  If you’re in the LA-area this Thursday, August 15th, Nadine is hosing an event for Glamour magazine at the Origins store in the South Coast Plaza Mall.

Origins will be giving mini-facials, plus introducing their brand-new products GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer and Smarty Plants CC Cream SPF 20; Nadine will be there drinking cocktails and answering your beauty questions.

RSVP to: originsevent@glamour.com

Tweet @Origins, @GlamourScoop and @NadineJolie, using #OriginsEvents

08.08.2013
Kiehl’s Since 1851’s 4th Annual LifeRide for amfAR Finale in LA!

life ride

If you’re in the LA area today, you need to stop by The Grove from 12-3pm.  Kiehl’s (one of my favorite brands ever) has embarked on a nine-day philanthropic motorcycle ride from Seattle to Los Angeles, to raise funds and awareness for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

The finale (at The Grove) will include a celebrity ride up, a check presentation ceremony with Global Fundraising Chairman Sharon Stone (!), performances by Kelis and DJ Spinderella, an interactive photo booth with Harley-Davidson, temporary tattoo artists and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Kiehl’s will also offer a Celebration Discount of 15% off all purchases, with the exception of charitable products and value sets, all day TODAY, and will donate that 15% difference to amfAR, up to the $125,000 total donation.  Take advantage of the discount, guys!  Check out some of my favorite Kiehl’s products HERE.

 

08.04.2013
The Young Hollywood Awards (with Crest)

Young Hollywood Awards

Me with the lovely Cat Deeley in the Crest lounge

When Crest approached me and asked if I wanted to attend this year’s Young Hollywood Awards my first reaction was “ohhhh fun!”  My second reaction was “wait…am I too old to attend the Young Hollywood Awards?”  I’m not gonna lie and say that I knew every nominee (cause I soooo didn’t) or that I even knew who every performer was (THAT was pretty funny), but I decided that if Ian Ziering can attend the Young Hollywood Awards, then so could I.  In fact, he and Tara Reid actually accepted an award for “SharkNado,” true story, and I got a hilarious video of Tara thanking the fans for “Twittering”…nice one.

Anywho, the Crest-sponsored awards show actually had a lot of “older” stars that I was pretty excited to see, like Ian Somerhalder, who is just as hot in person, and Ms. Lauren Conrad, who’s gorgeous smile basically inspired me to finally commit to using Crest’s  brand new 1 Hour Express Whitening kit.  I DID try their previous version that took 2 hours for every use and yeah…I couldn’t get through it.  For some reason, the minute someone tells me I can’t drink water for two hours, I immediately NEED that water.  But one hour?  THAT I can do, for sure.

See all the YHA fashion on POPSUGAR.

 

 

07.23.2013
3 LA Bloggers Giving The Cat-Lady Stereotype A Run For Its Money

cool cat ladies

So, I can’t take credit for this genius story idea but, let me tell you, I’m way into it.  I saw this post on Refinery29 a few weeks back and thought “um, I NEED to do this with my LA blogger friends” because, as I’m sure you know, cats get a lot of shit.  Look, I love dogs, I really do, but cats are way cleaner, smarter and are just as fun (most of the time).  My Gemma and Gea provide me with endless hours of entertainment, love and affection…so, with that said, here are three LA bloggers (including me!) who are awesome, stylish and also happen to own a cat or cats, plural.  Take that.

(Left to right)

GRASIE

When and where did you get your cats?

Our cats started out as my then boyfriend’s (now husband’s) cats. They were both adopted in NY. I came into the relationship with my adopted dog Hayden – who felt very left out during this photo shoot 🙂

If your cats were human, what would be their fashion staples?

Dakota (the grey Russian Blue Mix girl cat) would have to have a faux fur coat she wore everywhere and lots of jewelry…she’s definitely a diva! Gazpacho (the orange Tabby boy cat) would always wear suspenders…he’s a nerd.

If your cats had a blog, what would they be called?

“Delightfully Dakota” and “Gazpacho – Not Just Cold Soup”

Why did you choose your cats’ names?  Is there a special meaning?

My husband choose Dakota just because he liked the way it sounded and it seemed to fit her. Before he adopted Gazpacho, he had seen that name on a menu and thought “that would make an awesome cat name” so when he adopted the orange Tabby his name was already picked out.

What are the weirdest things your cats do?

Dakota loves to suck on ears!  Gazpacho is just super nervous all the time…it’s hilarious.

If your cats could speak, what would they say?

Dakota would demand lipstick and Gazpacho would tell everyone to calm down.

Do your cats get annoyed about how much time you spend blogging? 

YES! Dakota jumps in my lap all the time when I’m blogging and Gazpacho will look up at me and meow super loud until I give him attention.

 JAMIE

When and where did you get your cats?

I rescued them both (they’re mom and daughter!) from a foster family in the Hollywood Hills, right next door to Chris Brown’s graffiti house– not kidding. (holding Gea in the photo)

If your cats were human, what would be their fashion staples?

Hmmm, I can see Gemma in a maxi dress…yeah, I’ll go with that.  And Gea?  Gea is totally tall and has long legs so I can totally see her wearing some cutoff jean shorts.

If your cats had a blog, what would they be called?

Probably their nicknames: “Gemma Angel” and “Gea Ballerina.”

Why did you choose your cats’ names?  Is there a special meaning?

I always really like the names Gemma and Gea (with the Italian spelling) and I also wanted to honor my previous cat, Angel, who passed away in December 2011 at almost 17 years old.  Gea sort of adopted “Ballerina” as a middle name because she danced while she walked when I first took her home.  It was the CUTEST THING EVER.

What are the weirdest things that your cats do?

There are SO many things.  Gemma licks everything (and constantly) and Gea likes to crawl under the rug.  It’s cute, yet kind of weird.

If your cats could speak, what would they say?

Gemma would definitely tell me that she needs more attention (she doesn’t) and Gea would ask what time lunch is being served.

Do your cats get annoyed about how much time you spend blogging? 

YES but mostly Gemma.  She can’t just sit on my lap while I’m working…no, that’s not good enough.  Gemma needs to either sit ON my laptop or claw at my hands while I type.  I’m obsessed with her.

DEVON

When and where did you get your cat?

I got Stella a little over 2 years ago when I lived in Texas. She was the runt of the litter and (as hard as it is to believe) no one wanted her! When I first set eyes on the sweet angel, she was passed out in a teeny tiny ball. Some things never change!

 If your cat was a human, what would be her fashion staple?

I love this question! Stella already sports a orange leather collar with crystal embellishments (she has to be chic at all times) but if she could wear actual clothes, I think her staple would be a girly dress with big sunglasses. She’s such a diva.

If your cat had a blog, what would it be called?

I’ve often thought about starting a blog for her! Gosh, I am such a cat lady. It would be called “Stella Says.”

 Why did you choose your cat’s name?  Is there a special meaning?

My cat’s name actually does have a special meaning. My all time favorite band is The Beatles. I grew up listening to them with my Dad so they are very special to me. I also love fashion, obviously. Stella McCartney is a major favorite designer of mine and she happens to be Paul McCartney’s daughter. Put two and two together. That’s how I got my angel’s name!

What’s the weirdest thing your cat does?

Where do I start? I think the absolute weirdest thing she’s done is climb up my blinds in my living room and hung out for a while. She’s also been spotted acting a fool on cat nip.

If your cat could speak, what would she say?

If she could speak, she would most likely demand me to get her a lounging chair for the patio. Unfortunately that will not happen because I live on the first floor and she cannot be trusted.

Does your cat get annoyed about how much time you spend blogging?

She definitely does. When she’s really had it, Stella climbs up on my desk and physically sits on my computer. Little brat!