08.06.2012
The Monday Rundown

Pier 1 Tierdrop Glass Vases: I’m loving these silver vases.  They’re super modern and chic.  Enough said.

J. Crew Zigzag Sequin Tee: I literally just tried this top on in J. Crew in size XS.  It fit but didn’t look good…I had the salesperson look up all the size smalls in the LA area and she could only come up with one store, in the valley. Grab this up in your size ASAP before they’re all sold out.  Obsessed.

Belvedere Pink Grapefruit vodka: I love Belvedere vodka and I LOVE grapefruit.  What’s not to like here?

Slatkin & Co. “Suntan” candle: A candle that smells like heaven is super rare and I looooove this summer “suntan” scent.

06.28.2012
Summer Soiree with Refine Mixers

Last night I attended Refine Mixers‘ Summer Soiree at their insanely awesome house in Venice (right off the famous Abbot Kinney), hosted by the gorgeous Ashlan Gorse.  I’m sure at this point you know about my obsession with Refine…I mean their mixers are ZERO calories and all natural, so what’s not to like?

Refine also teamed up with Joico Hair Care and Gjelina in Venice, which, I am also now obsessed with and, side note, my friend just told me it takes 3 weeks to get a reservation there…naturally, this only makes me want to go there even more.  Back to the event: guests were shuttled down from Los Angeles to Venice beach and enjoyed Refine cocktails and treats awaiting them as they entered the shuttle.  Editors and tastemakers alike came together for a special intimate dinner where they learned how to pair special mixed drinks (five, to be exact) with healthy food. At dinner guests were educated on the history of Refine Mixers, by CEO Patrick Castles, and learned and how to muttle and shake several different cocktails with the Refine Mixer flavors. Joico had a fun braid bar downstairs, where women were able to get their hair braided OR get fun, beachy wavy by the amazing celebrity colorist, George Papanikolas.

 

My favorite cocktail of the night: The Venice Peach Bellini (which always makes me think of studying abroard in Venice, ITALY)

  • Muddle a peach slice
  • One part Prosecco
  • A splash of Refine’s Mojito Mix
  • Garnish with a peach slice and serve

 

06.19.2012
Summer To Do

 

You may have noticed my abundance of summer-inspired posts lately…well, I can’t help it.  Summer is a time for relaxation, hope and, most of all, FUN.  Here’s my list of to do’s:

  • Go to happy hours in Century City and Downtown LA: two places I hardly ever go!
  • Go to The Magic Castle: my friend Molly took a bunch of us there last week and this place is a-mazing.  It’s old Hollywood glamour meets sci fi fantasy fun.  Plus, it’s super close to my apartment.
  • Go to the Yamashiro Farmer’s Market: At least once a month!
  • Hike Runyon: it’s across the street.  Enough said.
  • Take ballet classes: I miss ballet in my life and I need to stop being scared of looking stupid in front of the “professional” dancers.
  • Go back to Catalina Island with my friends!
  • Take tennis lessons: almost all of my friends play tennis…it’s one of those sports I’ve always wanted to learn but never did.  It’s time.
  • Remember to go to the beach (Malibu and the South Bay–the strand is AMAZING)
  • Remember to use my roof: the pool, the jacuzzi, have guests over, swim laps, etc.

 

 

06.22.2011
Summer Beach Reads

I’m usually anti-chick lit but for some reason, this summer has produced a few novels that I actually do want to read.  And that means a lot coming from someone who constantly starts books (six books, currently) and then gets a bout of ADHD and starts a new one.  Here’s my current list:

The Hunger Games: I was supposed to have already finished books one and two for my book club…but that hasn’t happened yet.  Part of me wants to resist this series since people are calling it “the next Twilight” but several smart people that I know are saying that it’s actually good.  Thoughts?

Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me: I already finished this book.  Truth. I adore, no, I LOVE Chelsea Handler.  I wasn’t sure how much I would love a book that she didn’t actually write but since it was about her, it was just as funny as her other books.

Summer And The CIty: I absolutely hated (seriously, HATED) the first Carrie Diaries.  I didn’t even finish it, it was so awful.  Apparently Carrie finally meets the other three main characters in this novel so I decided to give Candice Bushnell one more try. 

Bossypants: Who doesn’t love Tina Fey?  Enough said.

05.17.2010
Unique summer fitness tips from T.J. Johnson

So as of late, I have been fitness and workout-obsessed.  Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s the whole LA thing…who knows.  All I do know is that when I was given the chance to chat with fitness expert and celebrity trainer T.J. Johnson, I jumped at the chance.  Check out T.J’s unique fitness tips to kick start your summer workout routine.

MAKE A SUMMER RESOLUTION – Sit down and decide on a few realistic goals.  Lost 10 pounds by fall, strengthen your upper body, tone your abdomen…write them down on a piece of paper and carry them with you.  This little reminder will help you stay on track and keep you from reaching for that midnight snack.

SWEAT, THEN SLEEP – Whether you are supplementing your workout routine or just need to jumpstart a new one, adding twenty minutes to the end of each day will give you an extra boost to your metabolism while you sleep, while also helping you burn the day’s calories.  As an added bonus, before-bdetime exercise will also help to clear your mind, relieve stress and keep you away from tempting desserts.  Jog around your neighborhood or even jump rope in your living room.

KEEP THEM GUESSING – Now that you’ve got your routine down, it may be time to switch things up.  As you notice that your workout becomes easier, your body may not need to work as hard to complete the session.  Keep your body guessing, while revving up your metabolism, by changing your workout routine every few weeks.

For additional fitness tips from T.J., check out www.TJJohnsonNY.com.

05.17.2010
Unique summer fitness tips from T.J. Johnson

So as of late, I have been fitness and workout-obsessed.  Maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s the whole LA thing…who knows.  All I do know is that when I was given the chance to chat with fitness expert and celebrity trainer T.J. Johnson, I jumped at the chance.  Check out T.J’s unique fitness tips to kick start your summer workout routine.

MAKE A SUMMER RESOLUTION – Sit down and decide on a few realistic goals.  Lost 10 pounds by fall, strengthen your upper body, tone your abdomen…write them down on a piece of paper and carry them with you.  This little reminder will help you stay on track and keep you from reaching for that midnight snack.

SWEAT, THEN SLEEP – Whether you are supplementing your workout routine or just need to jumpstart a new one, adding twenty minutes to the end of each day will give you an extra boost to your metabolism while you sleep, while also helping you burn the day’s calories.  As an added bonus, before-bdetime exercise will also help to clear your mind, relieve stress and keep you away from tempting desserts.  Jog around your neighborhood or even jump rope in your living room.

KEEP THEM GUESSING – Now that you’ve got your routine down, it may be time to switch things up.  As you notice that your workout becomes easier, your body may not need to work as hard to complete the session.  Keep your body guessing, while revving up your metabolism, by changing your workout routine every few weeks.

For additional fitness tips from T.J., check out www.TJJohnsonNY.com.

03.18.2010
Redken Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12

So since I moved to LA in September, I’ve definitely been spending much more time in the sun than ever.  Relax, I always wear SPF but I’m still concerned about two things- my hair and my scalp.  I’ve pretty much always had thin hair and I remember getting some pretty bad scalp burns in high school…which end up looking like dandruff when it heals- very attractive.  Anyway, I recently received Redken’s Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12 ($16 at salons) and I’m obsessed.  It’s the perfect spray product to protect my scalp from getting burned in the sun AND it also guards my blonde highlights from fading to that god awful brassy orange color.  Yuck.  It’s really a great multi-tasker…Redken’s exclusive Interbond Conditioning System and the advanced Hydra-Shield Complex deliver strengthening Ceramide and moisture-rich Mango Oil to dry strands to resurface the cuticle, repair damaged areas and replenish lost moisture in your hair.  I’ll be carrying this around me all summer, especially since I’ve decided to really learn how to surf this year. 😉  Stay tuned for updates.  I sense this product will get “life changing” status.