Category Archives: ANTI-AGING + PROCEDURES + MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Secrets to amazing skin

May 14, 2014

Lately I’ve been getting some major skin props.  Bumped into an old BFF at Erewhon the other day – and she just blurted “WTF, where did all your melasma go?!! It’s totally….GONE!”

“Oh righttttt!!! I forgot to tell you, I did a series of bad-ass laser and photo facials with Launa Stone at this spa in Calabasas called…Calabasas Med Spa. I meant to tell you about her.  They were the shit.”

And I forgot to tell you guys. Launa is one of those master, been-around-forever- aestheticians.  Launa (also an RN) cut her teeth early in her career working with Norman Leaf.  She took a look at my skin and said let’s work on your pigmentation, pours, redness and fine lines.  (Basically, everything.)  She just said “this is what we’re doing” and I was her willing subject.  She is a true  super hero wielding her amazing lasers like nobody’s biz.

I made the drivveeee once every 4 weeks (not bad at all, and I HATE to drive!!)  to her sweet spa. I actually started to look forward to my secret get-aways that were a couple of hours at least, round trip.   The laser treatments themselves were actually really short – maybe 30 minutes tops to zap, zap, ZAP.  No down time at all.  Nada.  This stuff was easy.  Maybe a tiny hot spot feeling during some of the laser procedures ( we did a few different kinds) but nothing to write home, or, er, blog about.  I am around a month or so post-treamtments and my skin just gets better and more rejuvenated looking.  The redness around my cheeks and nose is gone and my tone is way more even.

While this is all I did at Launa’s spa, there are a ton of other goodies going on there.  They literally do everything.  The laser work is top notch but given the expertise of the people running, I imagine they are up to some serious good all the way around.

launaStonern
23659 Calabasas Road
Calabasas, CA 91302
818-225-0122
[email protected]

Need a new adjustment? Dr. Bryan Abrams is more than just a Chiropractor.

May 5, 2014

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Ever since I had bi-lateral hip replacements years ago, I have been scared stiff of chiropractors. But I love being adjusted and have been feeling that my achey muscles and soft tissue could really benefit from some manipulation – so I was super excited to meet Dr. Abrams who specializes not only in joint-realigining aspect of chiropractic work – but places a great amount of emphasis on soft-tissue work.  After a few emails, I couldn’t wait to get in his office to experience this young doc for myself.  It’s so nice to be so impressed with a young, hungry. well educated and passionate professional – and I totally was with Dr. Abrams.
My initial evaluation was thorough and we went through a ton of testing, checking out nerves, reflexes and all that from head to toes.  We only adjusted my neck in the cracking-sorta-way we associate with chiro work – but we spent a ton of time on soft tissue and mayofascial release.
Eveything felt amazing and most importantly I was in fantastic hands.
Here’s a bit more about Dr. Abrams.  He gets a thumbs up from me – and offers fitness instructors in town ONE FREE ADJUSTMENT a month, and that’s pretty awesome if you ask me!!
Here’s a bit more about his work that I grabbed from his site.
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SOFT TISSUE THERAPY
Dr. Abrams considers soft tissue therapy to be a very critical element of his treatment program. Where manipulation is very effective for the bones and the joints, soft tissue therapy addresses the surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and fascia. Soft tissue injuries occur when there is macro (i.e.: car accident or a fall) or micro (i.e.: aberrant motion or poor posture) trauma. This results in the production of fibrotic (scar) tissue in the muscles/tendons, which limits range of motion and generates pain. Dr. Abrams detects those adhesions and utilizes a specific stretch while simultaneously adding a dynamic motion into the respective muscle group. This combination yields a far superior outcome.
FUNCTIONAL REHABILITATION
For most injuries that Dr. Abrams treats in his office, it’s necessary to transition into an active phase of care. In other words, once the patient begins to feel better, we can begin to focus on regaining optimal function. This is accomplished by performing a functional assessment to diagnose each patient’s weak link(s) in their kinetic chain. Dr. Abrams will incorporate a rehab program containing specific exercises to target the dysfunctional movement patterns. You’ll notice when performing these exercises that they are complex movements that involve multiple muscle groups simultaneously. From a dynamic standpoint, our musculoskeletal system behaves synergistically. This balance is what creates functionality, which is what we will strive to restore.
MASSAGE AND PILATES
Massage and Pilates are additional services offered at Abrams Chiropractic. For further information and pricing, please call 424.302.0470
CHIROPRACTIC MANIPULATIVE THERAPY
Manual adjustments are one of the powerful components of Dr. Abrams’ treatment regimen. A chiropractic adjustment is a high velocity, low amplitude thrust to a joint that is executed by using the chiropractor’s hands. Dr. Abrams has a reputation of giving extremely effective and gentle adjustments. Adjustments are usually followed by an audible release of gas (which sounds like a popping noise). The adjustment is proven to be very beneficial due to the inverse relationship of nocireceptors (pain receptors) and mechanoreceptors (movement receptors). By activating the mechanoreceptors through an adjustment, you desensitize the nocireceptors. In other words, by increasing movement you decrease pain. According to the American Chiropractic Association, “Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.”
Dr. Bryan Abrams received his Doctor of Chiropractic at the prestigious National University of Health Sciences, graduating Cum Laude in 2010. While in school, Dr. Abrams developed a strong interest in soft tissue techniques and functional rehabilitation. Utilizing these two facets of therapy in combination with chiropractic manipulation has given him a rounded approach to treating his patients, which yields quicker and more effective treatment results. Dr. Abrams is a second-generation chiropractor (his dad currently practices in Massachusetts). Having been adjusted the majority of his life; he was able to experience firsthand the benefits of chiropractic care, which inspired him to pursue a career in alternative medicine. Dr. Abrams leads an active and healthy life style. When he’s not focusing on healthcare, Dr. Abrams can be found frequenting many of LA’s music venues (which may or may not have something to do with his singer/songwriter Fiancée) and loves hiking with his Goldendoodle, Mila.

Contact

9478 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite #307, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Phone: 424.302.0470 | Fax: 310.553.3971 | Email: [email protected]

Conveniently located in the heart of Beverly Hills between Beverwil and El Camino on the south side of Olympic. The building is a brick building that says “Heritage” on the side.

What I learned from being with my kids 24/7 in NYC last week. OH and some amazing new beauty brand discoveries.

April 25, 2014

I took both kids to my mom’s in NYC for a good 9 days.  It was the best week I’ve had in – I don’t know how long.  Something about having no choice but to full take over and just immerse myself with my kiddos was incredible.  I didn’t do a lick a work.  Maybe a beat here and there but that’s it.  I feel empowered, a much better parent and my patience and tolerance muscles were so seriously flexed, that I feel like I can parent with total calm in any situation.  I was stress-free, relaxed and gave my kids the best parenting they’ve had from me – ever.  Something to say for throwing yourself in the fire and going away alone with kids. DO IT.  And you’ll be a pro. That being said, I came home to boxes of goodies on my desk to report on and some stuff I have been dying to share with you! Some gorgeously packaged goodies from the GOLDFADEN skincare line.  (PACKAGE CRUSH) I cannot wait to try.  They have been raved about big time.  High end. Good stuff. The real deal.

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The new flavors from QUEST NUTRITION (the bars I am not only addicted to, I can honestly say I have a “habit” and the new flavors like COOKIES AND CREAM are downright psychotically addictive, just ask the girl at the gym – I spend a ridiculous amount a month on them ).  If you are bar-crazed then you may have caught wind of the RAVE about these.  People are fff-reaking out about them.  Go online and look.  They are SICK!  OH, and some other goodies from themarrived – their new gulf free pasta line!

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Two beauty nectars you drink TAUT and BEAUTY NECTAR from Ashieda jammed packed with .sliderUnknown

I am speechless about Verso Dark Spot Fix from Stockholm.  First of all it WINS my packaging and website awards of 2014.  Check out their website. Perfection.

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Hey VERSO, if you are hiring a designer, let’s talk.  It’s so outrageously stunning it’s hard for me to get past the beauty of the bottle (yes, I kept the box too).   And, it’s a fantastic product.  Get it. Stare at it. Bring it out at parties. But most of all, use it.

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Oh, this Bite Beauty Agave lip mask – let’s just say, I took it out during a branding/client meeting, and the two women were ordering it via their iPhones within ten minutes.

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This gorgeous Hydracontinue bottle of Phytomer:

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So stay tuned!

Monitor Your Heart Rate and Get in the Orange Zone A Fitness Class Unlike Any Other Comes to LA ORANGETHEORY FITNESS™ GETS YOU MORE RESULTS – SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN.

March 28, 2014

Orangetheory Fitness™ is the first of its kind: an interval training, group fitness class that uses a science-based approach to create an effective and unique workout, personalized for each participant. Each 60 minute class is led by a certified, Orangetheory Fitness™ trained instructor and is designed to build muscle, tone your body, measure calorie burn, and increase metabolism for up to 36 hours post workout!

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With over 85 locations across the United States, Canada, and the UK, and over 100 more scheduled to open in the next 18 months, the next generation of fitness is finally coming to Los Angeles.

Orangetheory Fitness™ is opening their first Los Angeles location in Brentwood (on San Vicente) at the beginning of May, with special, no obligation, presale pricing for members who join before May 1, 2014.

They are so confident in what their brand and workout has to offer that all members who join before this date will get two free weeks of classes once their doors open, to make sure members love it before they buy it. The Company has successfully removed all reasons why people would not join a gym: no contracts, no initiation fee, try two weeks free before paying anything, and if you join one, you can use every location nationwide.

There are no more excuses, so what are you waiting for?

Most importantly – Orangetheory Fitness™ is whole-heartedly invested in the local community. Since solidifying their Brentwood location, Management has offered free Saturday morning boot camps in the area, brought in local fitness vendors to host special events (e.g. Quest Bar provides free samples every Friday) and partnered with local nutritionists to offer free classes and fitness instruction to their clients until their beautiful space opens in May. Orangetheory Fitness™ not only succeeds at getting its members into the best shape of their lives, but also creates a community of support for all ages and fitness levels.

WHAT MAKES THEM DIFFERENT?

Orangetheory Fitness™ takes interval training and turns it on its head, incorporating the use of heart rate monitors, TRX, medicine balls, WaterRower™ machines, and treadmills, enabling each person to get an individualized workout in a group class setting.

Not only will members burn up to 500-1000 calories per class, but will also burn calories for up to 36 hours post workout, and can lose up to 8 pounds per week, depending on their utilization of the studio and nutrition. This calorie information, in addition to a participant’s heart rate, is tracked on flat screens around the workout room through use of a heart rate watch and strap. This maximum calorie burn is a result of their science-based, Orange Zone – getting participants to 84% of their max heart rate for a total of 12-20 minutes in aggregate within an hour class.

We would love your audience to get a first hand look at the Orangetheory Fitness™ experience. Please let us know if you are interested in doing a segment or story, and we would love to schedule you to try a class!

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SCIENCE

Featured in the New York Times, and Well & Good NYC, Orangetheory Fitness™ is hailed as the ultimate experience for gym goers who are frustrated with their results, are uninspired by stale equipment, and are hitting plateaus in their fitness goals.

The workout class is 60 minutes long, and features three components: running on a treadmill, indoor rowing, and strength training. It is based on a physiological theory called “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption,” (EPOC). By providing each person with a POLAR heart rate monitor, the highly trained team at Orangetheory Fitness™ monitors your heart rate to ensure members are in their ideal fat burning zone. They call their class Orange 60.

By producing EPOC in a 60 minute class, this essentially ensures that members will experience a workout “after-burn” effect, meaning that they will continue burning calories up to 36 hours after the workout is over.

Beyond the science, the results are clear. Orangetheory Fitness™ members boast increased muscle endurance, power, stamina and in cases where desired, weight loss. They have more energy within 1 month of training, and are seeing significant results in muscle toning and weight loss as early as 2-3 months into their program.

All fitness levels are welcome, as well as any person over the age of 16. Orangetheory Fitness™ trainers are highly trained, motivated, passionate and friendly. Their mission is to help members achieve their goals safely and efficiently while having fun in the process. Orangetheory facilities feature upbeat music, a modern and clean aesthetic, well-maintained state of the art equipment, and private showers.

Visit the official website at http://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/ for more information.