Three years ago while visiting my best friend in Hawaii, I took my first Bikram yoga class. It was quite an experience, and they weren’t kidding when they said hot, but like most people who are afraid of collapsing from the heat, it’s the feeling once you get through a class that makes you want to keep coming back for more.  Is it a commitment that some might find hard to keep? You bet it is, but it is worth it? Yes! Yes! Yes! For your health, mind, body, and because you deserve to feel and look fabulous. 

I have never been much of a fanatic when it comes to working out. I have had gym memberships that never got used, spinning classes that expired, and every gadget for my thighs, rear, and stomach, including a treadmill that my mother now uses to hang laundry. My girlfriend had been talking about Bikram for months and bragging about how good her body was looking. Of course being a skeptic, I knew I needed to see for myself before agreeing that it worked.

My first class was with Katherine who sold me after just one session. Her knowledge, love, and tone when speaking was like a drug, and after just three classes I could already see the effect it was having on my body, and I liked it!  Bikram Yoga is like Hatha yoga in a 105 degree room, sometimes a little hotter. It helps to cleanse the body from the inside out, and when those 90 minutes are up, you feel amazing!!

The story behind Bikram is also a very intersting one, and proof that a diagnosis due to an injury doesn’t always mean you can’t recover. I am lucky enough to have a great studio right around the corner from my house, and Lorne who is one of the instructors is fantastic. My sister and I try to go together at least 2 times a week, but with our crazy schedules it doesn’t always happen.

For anyone wishing to feel good, get toned, and do something nice for yourself, then give Bikram a try. The only workout that I still do, and still love!

To find a location near you, or to check out the official Bikram Yoga site click here.

xx

image credit: examiner.com

Ladies do I have something for you to get your body ready for summer! Are you tired of spending the summer finding the perfect wraps to cover up your thighs, and making promises that next year you’ll be ready for summer. Well guess what?  It’s easier then you think, and I am living proof that it works. I have been using this kit for almost three weeks and today when I was checking out my legs in the mirror my cellulite was less noticeable and they looked good. Who knows, I may even join my boyfriend, and friends this weekend in the hot tub:-)

Now is your chance to win the new Hippie Rehab Lypo-Pallooza Cellulite Kit and get rid of your cellulite, slim down, and start showing off those fabulous legs to everyone! The all natural, organic herbs & extracts flush excess fluids and toxins from the body, while strengthening and toning the skin.  Follow by massaging the cream up to three times a day (preferably onto warm skin) for even faster results.

The Hippie Rehab Lypo-Pallooza Kit for Cellulite

I know there are so many creams that promise to help with cellulite, but Hippie Rehab really does. Created by a woman, and with women in mind, Hippie Rehab is the result of one woman’s determination to develop a product that works.

To Enter and win this fabulous kit just leave a comment and tell me why you have to have it! Lypo-Pallooza retails for $80.00 and is worth every penny. Contest ends on Saturday evening, and one winner will be chosen randomly and contacted by email.

Good luck!

xx

image credit: Hippierehab.com

Every year right before bathing suit season approaches, I say I am going to start walking more, take some extra yoga classes, and do those dreaded sit ups that will give me a nice tight stomach. Well for me, living in a warmer climate, summer is even closer. Yikes!! Well, this year I am keeping my promise, and in addition to doing all of the above, I am also using the Hippie Rehab Lypo- Pallooza Cellulite Kit for even quicker results.

Created by a woman and with women in mind, Hippie Rehab, I just love the name..softens those unwanted dimples with all natural organic ingredients, and not only comes with a Cellulite Fighting Cream, but also includes Cellulite Fighting Capsules. Stacey Sparks, the creator, and amazing woman behind this fabulous kit actually worked on the line of General Motors for 10 years until she headed off for aesthetics school. Like so many of us, Stacey was tired of taking weight off, and putting it right back on. After gaining 20 pounds and trying every popular diet and cellulite treatments around, she decided to create her own products and Hippie Rehab is the result of her determination to develop a product that worked.

Hippie Rehab Lypo-Pallooza

Lypo-Pallooza Cellulite Treatment Kit is the only two step cellulite treatment that works from the inside out and outside in.  The all natural, organic herbs & extracts flush excess fluids and toxins from the body, while strengthening and toning the skin.  To begin the regime it is suggested that you take 2 of the cleansing capsules twice a day to Rock Your Body from the inside.

For those who are slender and are just wanting to diminish cellulite you can use the cream by itself, or try 2 capsules instead of 4 per day. After regular use, usually 3 to 5 weeks you will begin to see a beautiful difference. For even quicker results the cream should be used up to three times a day, and preferably onto warm skin right out of the shower.  Most of us aren’t taking three showers a day so don’t get caught up in that, and just make sure to use it hot or cold:-)

Right now, Stacey and Hippie Rehab are offering a very generous savings of $20.oo when you purchase the kit online. To get this amazing savings and start “rocking your body”, simply enter the code word: PROMO and it will be applied to the total.

I am happy to report I am on week number 2 and am using everyday, 3 times a day. Just about to go in and do my second application. See you on the beach:-)

xx

*Don’t forget to check out Stacey’s before and after pictures on her site. They are pretty unbelievable!

image credit: Hippie Rehab Lypo-Pallooza

With the economy creeping back slowly to where it once was, even getting a haircut has become something of a luxury. Especially for those who are in between jobs and are going through the steps of finding another. Well, thanks to Prive Salon, now you can have your haircut, and brow grooming, or manicure too! It’s called the “Interview Prep Package” and the best part is, the total cost is $95, and you’ll walk out feeling like a million bucks!

Laurent Dufourg owner of Prive Salon in West Hollywood, The Soho Grand Hotel in New York, and Orlando, Florida wanted to help those in need knowing how difficult it can be to prepare for a job interview, and especially now that every dollar in the economy counts. After hours of brainstorming, The Interview Prep Package was born, and the timing could not have been better.

Get a beautiful new style without the stress and extra strain on your wallet.  The Interview Prep includes a haircut, blowout, and your choice of eyebrow shaping or a manicure, and as if that wasn’t enough for anyone who needs color, or highlights, just mention “Color Me Pretty” when you book your appointment and you’ll receive an additional 20% off of your color as well.

So you’ve had your hair done, maybe your nails, or brows, and maybe even a little color, and you’re looking fabulous and feeling confident, and just when your thinking “wow, what a great deal!”, there’s one more surprise from Prive. Anyone who makes an appointment for the ‘Interview Prep‘ will also be referred to a local job placement specialist at Talent Tree. They will review your resume and do their very best to find job matches. All at no cost to you. That is so cool!

My sister and I both got to enjoy The Interview Prep, and I have to say I was very, very impressed. Everyone at the salon could not have been sweeter, and that made the whole experience that more enjoyable. Tami Jensen did her hair which looked soooo good, and James Carameta who I was lucky enough to have cut and style my hair was amazing!! He totally listened to my wishes, and my hair looks so good. I didn’t do my nails, or have my brows done, but I did speak with Daniel Mcfadden who is the brow guru and makeup artist at Prive. His list of clients and celeb’s will make anyone’s head spin. I will be sharing some of Daniels tips in a later post on how to keep your brows looking fabulous.

The fabulous James Carameta and me!

Inside the beautiful Prive Salon in Los Angeles

If you, or anyone you know is interested in finding out more about “The Interview Prep Package” or booking an appointment, you can call Prive in Los Angeles at: (323) 931-5559, New York at (212) 274-8888, and in Orlando, Florida at: (407) 355-9229.

This is one fabulous beauty deal not to be missed!

xx

image credits: Fox Greenberg Public Relations, Te-see Rouhier

Have you ever noticed how so many of us wish we had hair that was the exact opposite of what we were born with? Curly wants to be straight, and straight hair want to be curly. A flat iron is great but use it everyday and eventually your hair pays the price. The good news is that if you do desire straight, and I mean pin-straight hair, there is a technique that tops anything you have ever tried.

According to our pal CJ Cassaday at Gavert/Atelier Salon in Beverly Hills, Japanese hair stylist Kazumi Morton can give you that sleek straight look you’ve been wishing for. Go in with curly locks and leave with shiny, straight, hair. It’s that simple. The process is called “The Japanese Milbon Straight Reconditioning Retexturizer by Liscio.” Wow, a mouthful, but the results are amazing!

Kazumi who is an International Educator for this procedure, and an expert colorist says it’s less harsh than the older straightening techniques and leaves your hair feeling soft and shiny with natural body. This type of straightening process will last anywhere between 6 to 9 months and can be done on color treated hair.  Kazumi recommends that you touch up the new growth with a home maintenance program using Nigelle ER Shampoo & ER Hair Treatment. Together they lock in moisture and enhance the softness and shine.

Oh my gosh! Her hair actually looks thicker and has unbelievable shine. I have a lot of friends who have done other types of straightening techniques, but this sounds like something worth trying.  If you live in or near Los Angeles and would like more information you can call Gavert/Atelier Salon, or you can make an appointment with Kazumi and be sporting straight, sleek, hair in no time.

xx

image credit:  nelson & j salon

Lately it seems like rain is always in the forecast…a little too much for my liking.  This is Not Good for your hair.  There’s just too many styles that DO NOT look good in the rain.  And if you have curly hair I wouldn’t even bother straightening it because as soon as you walk out the door it’s frizzy.

Well, CJ Cassaday, your hair stylist to the stars has some tips that will make your have “hair” look good even in the rain!

For curly hair he suggests applying a curl enhancing cream like Morrocan Oil. It’s designed for those who like to let their hair air dry. Simply apply the Morrocan Oil to towel dried hair.  Activate the curls by scrunching your hair with your hands and go!  My kind of style…Your curls will be soft and separated not stiff and crunchy.

For straight hair CJ suggests Myrrhea Silkening Fluid by Renee Furterer. It’s your best protection from humidity since it controls frizz and volume leaving your hair feeling ultra smooth.  It also has thermal protection for when you blow your hair straight so you are doubly shielded from the harsh weather and potential heat damage!

If your hair is really not having a good day CJ’s tip is to make a low pony tail at the nape of your neck, twist it up towards your crown then use a medium to large clip to hold it in place.  Let the ends cascade over the top…maybe add a couple of stylish hair sticks or use a fancy clip.  And you’re off…Sounds good to me…

Thanks CJ!

xo,

b

February is a busy month for Californians.  We’ve got Valentine’s Day (our annual Hallmark Holiday), Presidents Day, and let’s not forget…”and the winner is” … Yes, you guessed it…The Oscars! If you don’t live in California it’s just another Sunday.  But here it’s Everything…

So, I asked CJ Cassaday, hair stylist to many industry professionals at gavert/atelier, “what do you tell your clients when they ask for your advice on how to get their hair, health & mind ready.” And here is what CJ had to say:

” They always tell me what they’ll be wearing and that they are nervous it won’t fit the day they walk down the Red Carpet. I tell them to watch their carbs, eat lots of protein, always drink plenty of water and don’t eat anything after 6 PM.  I’ve seen my clients drop 5 - 7 pounds in a week and their skin looks great from all of the water.”

What do you recommend for their hair?

I recommend that before anything else…those roots get done!!!  It’s important to do this a week before the event so that the color has time to soften & settle.  To help make their color and style look best under the camera lights I then recommend an “Ionic Treatment.” It’s applied with a flat iron and takes about a half hour after your color is done. This treatment consists of releasing moisture, protein & silicone to the hair, bonding it to the hair shaft with the right temperature of the flat iron.”

According to CJ this treatment will increase the thickness of your hair without loosing body and makes your color & hair look and feel the best it ever has.  Sounds like a treatment for me…He recommends the Ionic Treatment every 2 months.  The cost is $75.00 at gavert/atelier.

xo,

b

photo image:  CJ

Is Gwyneth Paltrow aging fabulously? I think so and I love her shoulder length cut. It totally suits the shape of her face and I am loving the textured-razored edges. Our Go-To Girl and Celebrity Stylist Diana Schmidke says “if you want to add a little of your own edge without going full-blown punk, only get your ends razored in a few places and not all over”. This will make it chic without looking straggly.

DIANA’S INSIDER TIP: “This style is best on thick hair, which has plenty of body to spare once the edges are thinned. If you have fine or thinning hair and you desire this look, you can get a similar effect with soft layers.

I am unfortunately a victim of fine hair so I usually always go for the soft layers, but I am just as happy and have a great hair dresser who never dissapoints:-)

xx

image credit: newscom.com

Whenever I am working, and lately even when I am not, It seems like I am always talking beauty. I share my tips and advice with all of my clients, family and friends. I even shop with them and help them pick out their products which of course I just love.  Just a few tips, but many more to come. As always, if you have any questions regarding beauty, give me a shout out whenever you want.

What’s the best way to line the inside of your eyes?

This can be a little tricky but I find that the easiest way is to start by using a waterproof eyeliner. They glide on and last longer. To apply place a finger right below the arch of your eyebrow, lift the eyelid so it pulls away and line beneath the lashline. Try Benefit’s Rich Black BADgal Liner.

I want good makeup brushes but don’t want to spend too much?

Depending on the beauty brand makeup brushes can be very costly. Beauty guru’s like Bobbi Brown, Francois Nars, The late Kevyn Aucoin, and Shu Uemura all have brushes that are amazing, but a little pricey. On the other hand Makeup artists like Sonia Kashuk have fabulous brushes available exclusively at Target that are inexpensive and do the job.

My skin is on the shiny side, what kind of blush do you suggest?

It depends on where the shine is, but usually when you are shiny in the T-Zone a powder blush works best and stays on much longer. When your skin tends to get shiny quicker a cream blush can disappear in no time at all. Also if you are prone to blemishes a mineral powder blush will be better to your skin. Most mineral foundations and blush sit on the surface of your skin and don’t clog your pores.

What’s the best way to apply mascara?

To get gorgeous lashes place the brush horizontally at the base of your lashes and wiggle it side to side as you move up from root to the tip. Holding the mascara brush diagonally, sweep it over your lashes at the outer corners to fan and separate them. If you are a bottom lash girl, use what is left on the wand and hold it perpendicular to the eye and skim the tip very lightly over your lower lashes.

Kisses,

Beth

image credit: Benefit, Sonia Kashuk for Target, Bettes Boutique, Dior for Sephora

In keeping with the beginning of Awards season, I wanted to talk about one of Hollywood’s hottest celebrity hair & makeup stylists, and one of the sweetest, and most talented I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. My sister Te-see and I first met Diana Schmidtke (pronounced Schmidt-Key) back in December at an Axe Hair Event that we attended at The Prive Salon in Hollywood. The newest line of products from Axe to give your guy “girl approved hair”. Diana is their official spokesperson and has been a Celebrity Men’s Hair Stylist & makeup artist for over 10 years. From the minute we met her, we loved her!! We couldn’t stop talking and laughing about the business and of course getting her amazing tips on how to have great looking hair.

Her talent and experience will leave your jaw dropping. All of the many covers, and I mean many, and celebrities she has worked with over the years have made her one of the biggest and most in demand hair and makeup stylist in Hollywood. Her latest baby and something that is very dear to her is her book Shortcuts. The book is fantastic for anyone wishing to get into the film, TV, and editorial business. It is an easy read with so much important information you will need if you are serious about a career as a hair stylist, makeup artist, or both.

Her biography in the beginning of the book is inspirational and hides nothing. With all of her years of experience Diana is honest and passionate about her career and you feel it with every word written.  Shortcuts takes you step by step into the world of make-up (fashion & beauty), special fx, and hair. Also fun to read are her personal experiences on different jobs and all of the interesting people she has met over the years, and throughout her successful career.

She grew up in Chicago with no one in her family even remotely involved in the industry and did what ever she needed to become the “hair stylist” she wanted to be.  Diana’s ultimate goal is to live in Cost Rica for half the year and work the other half. Both my sister and I believe this dream is not far off. Shortcuts is a must have book for anyone contemplating a professional career as a make-up & hair stylist in the industry.  A fabulous reference book to keep in your kit at all times!  Available at: www.shortcutsthebook.com as well as www.amazon.com.

Next week I will be posting a contest to win a copy of Diana’s book. She will be selecting one lucky winner so stay tuned. Check out this video clip of Diana giving tips on how guys can get girl approved hair with Axe Hair products. Great looking hair doesn’t stop when you hit your 30’s and 40’s. We all deserve to age fabulously at any age…don’t you agree?

Kisses from Hollywood!

Beth

image credits: Diana Schmidtke