For $25 off a single Prolon box, use: GROOMEDLA at checkout.
For Prolon subscriptions, get 10% off/month ($22.50), with GROOMEDLASUB
Super EASY – click this Prolon link which is my personal page – As you know I am obsessed with with Prolon and hunted them down (re: stalked) until I was able to get a code for my listeners, readers and followers. This shows them I am not kidding when I say I want to and WILL share the fasting love. WOOT!
I had a few friends joining me on 2nd round (for first timers, it’s recommended to do 3 months in a row) and now I am getting us all mentally prepared for round 3. You totally need to join us on May for Mother’s Day! Yup. What better a gift than the gift of longevity?!
My first tip (and I’ll give a bunch as we get closer to May) is fast with a friend. We all know how the buddy system works. We text, we talk, we get into our feelings about not shoving food in our pie holes JUST BECAUSE. We talk to our hunger! And each other.
Here’s a sneak peak of the sched:
Next, my biggest tip: shift your perception from glass half empty attitude to half full. It’s not about five days going ‘without’ but rather what you will gain. You will be so surprised to discover ALL THERE IS when food is not there (for the most part, or, food on your usual terms). A feeling of spaciousness, quiet, clarity, serenity. You’ll gain control over your hunger (yes, you’ll feel ‘hunger’ and then it passes and you’ll think wow, that’s it?? I am totally fine!) and your fear of hunger once you see what’s on the other side.
But this is just one of psychological and emotional boosts – the Prolon #fastingmimickingdiet is for longevity and health, first and foremost. However I do believe our psychological attachment to food is the hardest thing to get over and why some people will lose out on the health benefits – for some it seems too scary to get going. Not to mention the fear of failure.
Cool thing is there is a huge community on their Facebook page too – with Q and A’s with the doctors and lots of support.
Head to my podcast with Dr. James Kelly to learn about the science of fasting. I can’t believe we are not all fasting more. (yet!)
So many levels of self-awareness revealed themselves to me, in my first round. But that was just icing on the cake (no pun). The 5 day fasting with food is the only way to get the full effects of fasting only WITH food.
Think: Enhanced Performance: Feel greater focus, clarity and energy, through the benefits of a leaner body. Fat Focused Weight Loss: Fastest way to lose fat (especially belly fat) while protecting lean body mass.Enhance Cellular Function: Trigger stem cell-based regeneration and autophagy, (the clean up of aging & damaged cells) & promote stem cell-based renewal. Metabolic Health: Maintain healthy levels of blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as markers of inflammation for overall wellness.
I completely mastered my hunger (and total FEAR of it) to the point where I’m now on a 36 hour fast and it’s like NO BIG DEAL (Thank you @metabolicmike for your FB group!!).
I feel INCREDIBLE – as in two months later – LASTING effects, weight loss, hunger and mind control – insane energy. It’s so damn good.
My third month is in May – WHO IS JOINING ME??
For $25 off a single Prolon box, use: GROOMEDLA at checkout.
For Prolon subscriptions, get 10% off/month ($22.50), with GROOMEDLASUB
How is it possible such a precious healing center is so close to me and it’s taken me months to get here? NO IDEA!
Anyway – let’s get right into this beauty. The ONLY true integrative wellness and treatment center in town.
VEDA is the perfect combination of holistic ancient modalities with a totally savvy modern flair.
The perfect balance of our physical and spiritual selves.
The treatments are a combo of Ayurveda, Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, Astro Psychology, Physical Therapy, Cupping, Hypnotherapy, Energy Healing, Physical Release Therapy, Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and Diet Management for preventative measures and in healing the mind, body, soul.
Seriously, what else IS THERE?
“We are not your standard wellness center, our approach encourages the maintenance of health, strengthening the immune system, removing toxins and renewing energy by paying close attention to balance. Starting with a Consultation, our Therapists work with you to determine what internal imbalances may be causing discomfort, food sensitivities or intolerances, a sluggish metabolism, digestive issues, infertility or skin problems (just to name a few). Our Therapists use your test results to customize a dietary, physical and supplement protocol that fits your lifestyle to repair and balance your biochemistry to promote optimal health and happiness.”
I walked into this gem of a retreat nestled right across from Urth Cafe. It is so pretty, you’ll want to sit and chill and well, never leave. Especially after being greeted by the loveliest of women, warm and open-armed – clearly in the mode to give and share their expertise.
The Ayurvedic principles seek to balance the natural elements: Water, Air, Earth and Fire. I need this is spades.
Panchakarma is something I have been dying to do. It’s a daily commitment ( 5 to 7 days) and this is the only place in town that offers it.
“This traditional healing system promotes deep relaxation in the mind while balancing the entire nervous system. All treatments integrate herbal oils from traditional recipes and are prescribed according to your specific body and mind type. Panchakarma also includes a unique diet program and counseling, basic yoga therapy, herbal teas and recommendations on herbal supplements. Panchakarma can be effective for addressing acute ailments and is highly recommended on a yearly basis as a comprehensive part of health maintenance to promote longevity, beauty along with overall mental health and wellness. Private consultations with our professional certified practitioners, will determine your mind / body type to create a unique Panchakarma health program for you. Pancha Karma programs are designed to various health care needs from preventative health, for weight reduction, sleep issues, stress and even toxicity.”
BENEFITS
• Detoxification of the body’s of impurities
• Fat reduction, weight loss and reshaping.
• Improvement of skin clarity and luster
• Enhance sleep, increases rest and energy
• Improve digestion, reduce bloating and eliminate constipation
• Peace of mind, clarity and reduce stress
• Balance emotional swings • Improve memory and concentration
DURATION
About 2.5 – 3 hours per visit
INCLUDES
• Abhyanga
• Svedhana
• Shirodhara
• Nasya
• Marma Chikitsa
(Acupressure Therapy)
• Basti
(Enema therapy)
• Postural Yoga
• Diet and Herbs
Therapies are determined on an individualized basis and will vary for each person.
All Panchakarma programs are customized accordingly to the needs of each individual’s mind / body complex.
Session Duration – 150 – 180 Minutes
Panchakarma – 14 Day Detox Cleanse – Regular price$6,295
Alas, for now, I had the pleasure of experiencing this treatment and it was total freaking heaven. I had it with 4 hands. Yes. Four. HANDS!!! Below I grabbed some other treatments from their site – but mostly I just urge you to go for yourself. It’s such an amazing, different approach and a gorgeous alternative to the med-spa life we have all gotten so accustomed to.
Two Hand Abhyanga & Swedan
Abhyanga and Swedana therapy begins with Abhyanga, a rhythmic gentle body massage that uses warm medicated herbal oils to stimulate the circulation of blood, lymph, and prana (energy). After this relieving massage, you will enjoy Swedana, a herbal steam tent that removes toxins from the cells, stimulate lymph movement, improves circulation, detoxifies, relieves stiffness, loosens muscles and helps skin tone. This treatment combination improves blood circulation and reduces stress while nourishing the skin and opens up blockages.
Duration – 70 Minute
Ayurvedic Face Lift Massage
This Natural Face Lift Massage & Facial Rejuvenation is an anti-aging technique based in Ayurveda and is a gentle face massage that relaxes the facial muscles and stimulates the marma points (Energy Points) which helps remove physical and emotional energy blockages. It increases facial micro-circulation, lymph flow and, the natural metabolism of the skin tissue, thereby promoting regeneration of healthy, younger looking skin, as well as; improving the skin’s natural capacity to retain moisture. Through the use of warm fragrant oils and strokes, this treatment not only leaves the skin feeling smooth, glowing and revitalized, but also, relaxes the mind. Combining outer beauty and inner balance.
Duration – 60 Minutes
Visceral Manipulation / Craniosacral Therapy with Accupressure
The first part of the treatment will include a visceral massage that focuses on your abdominal organs such as livver, kidneys and intestines. This gentle manual therapy aids your body’s ability to release restrictions that cause pain and dysfunction. The second half of the treatment will include a gentle touch craniosacral therapy. During this part of the treatment you’ll experience a wave-like rhythmic pulse that goes through the entire body which helps to heal musculoskeletal diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Autism, Neck & Back pain, colic, migraine headaches and central nervous system disorders.
A deeply relaxing Third-eye Therapy where a stream of Ayurvedic herbal medicated warm oil is poured continuously over the forehead to promote physical and emotional balance. It calms the central nervous system as it opens up blocked energy channels. Benefits of this treatment include imbalances, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Promotes circulation and detoxification giving you a peaceful state of mind.
I love discovering unexpected gems in my hood. West Hollywood, to be exact. BIJOU BEAUTY
is one such gem. Clean, bright and feminine, they have a tidy menu of facials, face waxing, microblading (have not tried any) but it seems as though their lash extensions and lash lifts are all the rave.
That being said, lash extensions are the one thing that make my face all come together somehow. Like little frames around my eyes – without the mascara smudge that was my life all year. After a two year hiatus, I wanted to get back in the lash game. I was tired of looking…tired. Or just – lifeless.
I walked over – YES WALKED – and was greeted by a lovely staff and especially lovely Patricia.
Thank the lash gods for Patrica. She totally knows her lash game and gave me the most perfect set of natural, light, not too long, just right length extensions. A week into them and I have not lost one. They FEEL amazing. And her goal was to repsect the health of my very VERY short and fine natural, mostly non-existent lashes. Welp, now I’m hooked. I look and feel like a different person.
At Bijou, they don’t mess with junk, cheap synthetic lashes. They use silk lashes as the preferred lash material and also offer Siberian Mink (cruelty-free of course).
Of course you can pick your style:
CLASSIC EYE – CAT EYE – WHISPY-EYE – DOLL-EYE
FULL SET
$150
CLASSIC FULL SET
One extension applied to one natural lash, the look is natural with an added depth and length to define and shape. (Siberian Mink – 250)
$225
HYBRID FULL SET
The perfect blend of 50% classic lashes with 50% volume lashes. This look is ideal if you want some added glamour but don’t want the look of full volume. (Siberian Mink – 325)
$300
VOLUME FULL SET
Extremely light lashes for volume are applied, 2-4D fans are hand-made on each natural lash creating a full & fluffy look. This style gives you some drama, and is much thicker than your natural lashes. *Only select artists are available to perform this technique, please call to schedule.
HOUSE CALL
Need a professional lash artist to come to you? Call our front desk concierge for more information.
This replaces what has been lost as natural lashes shed and replenish themselves. *Client needs 50% of extensions remaining to be considered a fill. (Siberian Mink – 135)
$125
HYBRID FILL
Lash extensions are replenished with a mix of Classic and Volume lashes. *Client needs 50% of extensions still remaining to be considered a fill. (Siberian Mink – 175)
$160
VOLUME FILL
Lash extensions are refreshed and replenished with volume lashes where needed. Client needs 50% of extensions remaining to be considered a fill. *Only select artists are available to perform this technique, please call to schedule.
OUTSIDE FILL
Coming from another salon? We’ve got you covered. You must have 50% of extensions remaining. *Inquire with our front desk concierge for pricing, please call to book.
ADD-ON’S/CUSTOMIZE
+ 15 Fill / $25 Full Set
ACTIVE LASH
This proprietary adhesive is used for that active hot yoga girl. Lashes are adhered with a waterproof, sweat-proof and oil resistant adhesive to improve retention for your active lifestyle.
+ 40 Fill / $80 Full Set
VOLUME BOOST
Love the drama but don’t want full volume? Add on a boost of extra volume to your classic lashes to create a more dramatic yet natural look.
$30
LASH REMOVAL
Professional eyelash extension removal to safely remove the extension from your natural lashes whenever you’re ready.
A Lash Lift is a perming method to open and define your natural lashes. Lift your straight/downward/slightly curled lashes to open the eye and create a more lengthy and youthful appearance. Lasting around 8 weeks, this is an easy low maintenance solution to define your natural lashes! No extensions are used in this service, add a lash color to enhance your lash lift.
LASH LIFT
Lash Lift is a safe, natural looking alternative to eyelash extensions. Lashes are lifted up and curved. Hello to a younger sexy wide eye.
SAFE FOR THE LASHES
All Lash Artists are licensed estheticians/cosmetologist and have advanced lash training. Using only the highest quality products, this safe service is your ultimate answer for lifted, natural lashes. No one has ever had an allergic reaction, and the process is gentle on the lashes.
LASH LIFT & COLORING
$100
LASH LIFT
Natural lashes that are straight or even grow downward are permanently lifted or curled for an open eye look. This process lasts up to 8 weeks or until the natural lashes replenish themselves and it’s time for another lift!
$150
LASH LIFT & COLOR
The lift with the added benefit of color to the natural lashes, giving you added length and depth. This process lasts up to 8 weeks or until the natural lashes replenish themselves and it’s time for another lift.
$50
LASH COLOR ONLY
Forget mascara, color the natural lashes and have glossy end-to-tip lashes that last around 2-4 weeks.
$40
BROW COLOR ONLY
Color your natural brow hair, and have natural rich hair that lasts around 2-4 weeks. Color is customized to compliment your hair color/skin type.
We loose our lashes naturally 3-5 lashes per eye, per day. Regular fills are highly recommended every 2-3 weeks to maintain the fullness of your fabulous lashes.
All Lash Extension Artists are licensed estheticians/cosmetologist and have advanced lash training. Using only the highest quality products, this safe service is your ultimate answer for longer, thicker, beautiful eyelashes.
…pretty little things
7974 Santa Monica Boulevard,
West Hollywood, CA, 90046, 3233662983
Here’s the thing. There is something going around the web and gram and it’s called EVERYONE IS STARTING TO LOOK ALIKE AND IT’S CREEPY AF!!!
You know what I mean – the Joker looking over filled checks and arched brows and lips, dear lord – stuffed to the point of exploding. It’s truly shifting the look of young women everywhere and the new beauty ideal is this singular vision of a Jenner/ Kardash.
I have never ever subscribed to this look – nor do my readers. We want to look refreshed as we age gracefully. We are not out to disguise our faces with a mask of fillers and Botox but to enhance our natural beauty and soften some of the more aggressive signs of aging that make us look angry (between brows) or sad (heavy frown lines, etc).
What makes the process worse, is walking into a med spa or derm office to have some touch-ups, and having your practitioner look like one of the clones! To me this reeks of bad taste.
There are only a handful of injection masters who don’t look like a poster child for Fillers Gone Wild. And these are the people I will only recommend. It speaks to discretion and taste. It tells me this is someone who understands unique beauty.
And, I just met another. Jennifer Hollander of AuraHealing Spa. This is a new place next to Dr. Ben Talei’s office. You recall he did my Profound way back when.
Jennifer is helming this amazing project – part med spa, part bio-hacking spa, all HEALING.
“Beauty and wellness begin with the elements that surround you. These elements are air, energy and water, if they are harnessed for their healing properties. Each element can have an incredible impact on your skin and body when used in a therapeutic setting. At AuraSpa, world-class facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ben Talei and his team have designed a holistic approach to anti-aging and healing. The key elements of air, energy and water are used to improve beauty from the inside out.”
Jennifer is lovely, bright, has great taste and a great eye. She is up to date on all things SKIN and anti-aging. In my first session with her, we created an entire Spring skin regime. She has a kick-ass top notch resume – there’s a reason Dr. Talei chose her to helm his incredibly special new spot.
Scroll down to read more about Jennifer and AuraHealing Spa.
I had a Dermalfusion to totally shed and restore and Allumera to tighten pores. We did some V Beam on my hideous leg veins before trying it on my face. I laid in the LightStim bed – HEAVEN!!
I pulled some stuff from their website to get a vibe. Hope you love as much as I do!
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Oh, here is my Spring beauty regime prescription from Jennifer:
Skin Care Instructions for Emily:
AM:
1) Obagi Foaming Cleanser
2) Trio (1-2 pumps)
3) Revision Intellishade SPF
PM:
1) Obagi Foaming Cleanser
2) Trio (1-2 pumps) or your favorite growth factor – (The Allastin product I spoke with you about today is out at the moment but is being ordered)
3) Tretinoin and Blender (See instructions) This is not to be used every night.
Plan of Care for Emily:
1) Dermal Infusion – let’s do 2, once every 2 weeks apart
2) Clear and Brilliant series
3) Allumera for Pores
4)Botox – forehead lines
5)V-beam for broken capillaries on nose and cheeks
Jennifer Hollander, MSN, NP-C is a board certified Nurse Practitioner with 9 years of experience working in both clinical and cosmetic dermatology. Prior to working in dermatology, Jennifer obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of San Francisco and began her career as a bedside nurse with acutely ill patients at Cedar Sinai Medical Center. While working at the hospital, Jennifer chose to further her knowledge and completed a Master of Science degree in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University. Jennifer’s transition from bedside nursing to aesthetic medicine stems from her personal challenges with acne and her desire to help patients of all ages with their skin. Jennifer is a best kept celebrity secret and skincare expert and her approach is best described as passionate and holistic. She appreciates the association between outward appearance and self-esteem and brings her clinical expertise and guidance in natural beauty to her practice. She believes in improving her patients’ best features and using them to bring balance and harmony to all areas of the face. Having worked in Beverly Hills for the past 9 years, she has worked with many high profile celebrities and has learned to administer cosmetic injectables both artistically and naturally. Jennifer is certified in ArqueDerma®️Artistic Restoration Lift®️a patented FDA technique that she offers to her celebrity clientele to create a youthful, aesthetically-pleasing look that highlights the person’s natural beauty. With her extensive background in dermatology, Jennifer specializes in treating acne, surgical scars, acne scarring, melasma and hyperpigmentation. Jennifer also has experience working very closely with the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community and aids in the transitioning process using laser and facial feminization procedures. She is a member of American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
Jennifer Hollander, MSN, FNP-C Board Certified- Family Nurse PractitionerBeverly Hills Center for Plastic & Laser Surgery 465 N Roxbury Dr., Suite 750 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Office: (310) 288-0641 Fax: (310) 275-3752
Every cell in our body relies on oxygen to sustain life. We harness pure, concentrated oxygen to breathe life into your body’s muscles, organs and tissues using a state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber and ozone therapy. These non-invasive treatments can heal the body and combat the natural aging process. High level oxygen therapy targets a wide range of concerns at a cellular level, delivering benefits such as improved sleep, energy and circulation as well as better elasticity and collagen in your skin.
Light gives a special energy that can have a profound impact on the body’s ability to repair itself and heal. Whether it is damage after an injury or the natural effects of aging, our advanced LED light treatments can work to turn back the hands of time and rejuvenate many systems within the body. A relaxing treatment over our cutting-edge LightStim LED bed sends multiple-spectrum light waves throughout your body to provide positive results in terms of aesthetics, wellness, anti-aging and healing.
What you put in your body has a powerful influence on how it functions, feels and looks. Our medical spa understands the key element that fuels the body best – water. We offer IV water drips that can be customized to include a wide range of healing nutrients and vitamins. Patients can receive IV therapy for slimming and detox as well as libido, fitness and more. In less than an hour, you’ll walk away feeling refreshed, renewed and restored.
NOT FEELING THE LOVE FOR YOUR SKIN’S AGING PROCESS?
Aura Spa offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to give you the anti-aging benefits you deserve. If you’re looking to give your skin some love during this season of Valentine’s Day,…
For a limited time, discover the dynamic work of local portrait painter Benjamin Anderson at Ron Robinson in Santa Monica and on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. A global brand that serves as the benchmark for quality and style, Ron Robinson has brought four decades of carefully curated personal and lifestyle fashion to fans on the West Coast and beyond. A long-time patron of the arts, Robinson now proudly hosts three exclusive portraits by California mixed-media artist Benjamin Anderson.
Anderson, whose work has been recognized by the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, has captured the attention of national trend titans like Target and Converse, as well as global print and film media. A remarkably versatile artist classically trained in San Francisco, Anderson’s work spans a variety of diverse mediums and themes. His primary focus, however, is portraiture, and his approach – a unique synthesis of classical and contemporary styles – features a uniquely modern twist resulting from over 20 years of steady refining.
Drawn to the story behind each unique subject, Anderson thrives on the challenge of rendering a person’s likeness beyond mere physical appearance. Each portrait captures the essence of his subjects in a way that is both deeply personal and powerfully universal. “There are a lot of people who don’t like how they look in photographs,” Anderson explains, “So my goal is to truly reflect who the person is – not just what they look like. I want to create a portrait that feels like them – an image that keeps people thinking far beyond their initial observation.”
For his portraits, Anderson draws upon a wide array of tools and techniques to accurately reflect his subjects. In what becomes a highly nuanced process of imagination and discovery, his creative edge is identifying unexamined ways of using material and space to represent his subjects. Anderson will use traditional oils, enamels, wax, wood and even sometimes led lights in his quest to portray his subjects. Relying on a mutual process of collaboration – an intricate dance, so to speak – between artist and client, Anderson’s gift lies in striking an elusive balance between concept and craft, idea and element, “photo real” and ethereal. Nowhere is this more evident than in Anderson’s work at Ron Robinson.
Perhaps because both men are craftsmen and artists in their own right, the unexpected and alluring effect of Anderson’s work plays well amongst Robinson’s collections – also notoriously avant-garde. The showcased work creates an energy that is both playful and electric. “My goal is to push the boundaries of traditional portraiture,” says Anderson, describing their arresting effect on shoppers. It’s a response both humbling and gratifying to the artist, and it’s what keeps him fixated on his craft. With over 7.5 billion people on the globe, a portrait artist can find inspiration everywhere, which makes Ron Robinson – an ongoing celebration of creative freedom – their ideal (albeit temporary) home.
View the works of Benjamin Anderson at the Ron Robinson flagship location on 5th Street in Santa Monica and the original Ron Robinson boutique on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles at Fred Segal. Anderson’s background, accolades and work – including his latest “just add water” series – can be found at www.benjaminanderson.com. His work is currently being shown at Simon-Breitbard Fine Arts in San Francisco, Whistler Contemporary in Canada and at the Carnegie Art Museum, “The Imaginary”, opening March 10, 2019. Learn more about Ron Robinson’s iconic brand at www.RonRobinson.com and follow @RONROBINSON on Instagram for in-store updates and news.
About Ron Robinson:
In 1978, Ron Robinson, Inc. opened its doors at Fred Segal on Melrose Avenue. Armed with a decade of experience working directly for Fred Segal as a salesman, buyer and Vice President, Robinson took his hard-earned knowledge and expertise and built a global brand that continues to change the face of shopping and fashion today. The RON ROBINSON brand offers uniquely curated personal and lifestyle fashion and includes the APOTHIA beauty boutique – home of the IF signature fragrance and award-winning interior aromatics – as well as RON ROBINSON men’s, women’s and kids apparel and home design, all of which embody the brand’s long-standing tradition of quality and style. Learn more at RonRobinson.com.
