Category Archives: LIFE + STYLE

Celebrity Trainer Kollins Ezekh On Why It Wearable Tech

June 7, 2022

Wearable technology, particularly within the fitness industry, is resilient to fads. Despite the rise of demand for wearable technology to improve health, skeptics question the benefits. Celebrity trainer Kollins Ezekh sees wearable tech as an essential component of workouts and health plans. Kollins highlights the two benefits of aligning tech with your physical activity.

Today’s future is all about data. Getting an annual physical is essential to maintaining personal health, but staying unaware of your health status for the remainder of the year is not beneficial. Nowadays, instant gratification is part of everyday life, including tracking our fitness. Wearable health devices, such as those that follow heart rate, calories burned, distance, sleep patterns, and blood pressure, provide vital health data in real-time. Health information alone is useless if it cannot be interpreted correctly, so wearable technology is connected to apps. Individuals can use the apps to stay on track and provide information to health professionals. 

Kollins has over 15 years of experience working in the fitness industry and considers wearable technology the best tool available for anyone looking to improve their health and fitness. 

Engaging in one’s health is the most immediate benefit of infusing a digital fitness tracker into a daily routine. Wearing a smart health watch or ring daily encourages you to maintain a balanced lifestyle by keeping active and eating healthy. By allowing people to track their health trends and progress, coupled with the support of professionals, fitness professionals can provide a new dimension to their businesses.

BARNSDALL ART PARK FOUNDATION IS AT IT AGAIN WITH 40 MORE OLIVE TREES

June 6, 2022

Barnsdall Art Park Foundation (BAPF) in partnership with the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and Department of Cultural Affairs will plant 40 olive trees currently missing from the Historic Olive Grove at Barnsdall Park.

The planting takes place from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM and a ceremony will be held from 8-9 AM, marking the next phase of a bold collaborative effort to restore and sustain Barnsdall Art Park’s historic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed landscape, the cornerstone of which is the grove of olive trees that first gave Olive Hill its name back in the 1890s.

The world-renowned 11.5-acre park and cultural destination in East Hollywood includes Hollyhock House, created by Frank Lloyd Wright for Aline Barnsdall, which is Los Angeles’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. As part of this ambitious undertaking, which began in 2021, the Olive Grove’s irrigation system was improved while the 463 existing olive trees were fully pruned and dead stumps removed, making way for this new planting to occur, bringing life and beauty to Olive Hill.

BAPF has raised and contributed $33,000 to plant and maintain 40 new olive trees, which includes 2 years of follow up care, through the Los Angeles Park Forest program, created and managed by the Los Angeles Parks Foundation (www.laparksfoundation.org). Los Angeles Parks Foundation’s mission is to enhance and preserve public parks for the City and their Los Angeles Park Forest initiative adds trees to city parks to offset the carbon footprint, cool surface air temperatures, and educate the public about climate change. The Barnsdall Olive Grove Initiative will improve the air quality of the East Hollywood community and support the ongoing tree planting goals of L.A.’s Green New Deal.

“Barnsdall Art Park is a unique and priceless gem in the City of Los Angeles, and this Olive Grove Initiative is yet another reminder as to why,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell. “Preserving the existing trees and propagating new, healthy olive trees into the campus’s landscape is an essential step in preserving this historically significant grove that is an essential contributor to this cultural resource we all cherish, Barnsdall Art Park, and UNESCO World Heritage Site Hollyhock House.”  

A number of individuals have donated trees in honor of loved ones. Nathan Miller, CEO of Miller Ink, will be donating and planting a tree as part of the event in memory of his late grandmother, Harriet Miller, who worked as a trailblazing Director of the Barnsdall Park Junior Art Center for many years. 

Planting trees is one of the most important investments we can make in our communities and this initiative is both an environmental justice and a climate action program. Barnsdall Art Park Foundation invites Angelenoes to support the ongoing revitalization of the Barnsdall Olive Grove through donating at www.barnsdall.org



WHO:
Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell
Lauren Blas, Vice President, Barnsdall Art Park Foundation
Carolyn Ramsay, Executive Director, Los Angeles Parks Foundation
Daniel Tarica, Interim General Manager, Department of Cultural Affairs
Abbey Chamberlain Brach, Hollyhock House Curator, Department of Cultural Affairs
Nathan Miller, CEO, Miller Ink

WHEN:

Thursday, June 16 at 8am to 9am
There will be photo opportunities and credit should read: “Barnsdall Art Park Foundation Plants 40 Olive Trees in Next Phase of Olive Grove Restoration at Barnsdall Park.”

WHERE:
Barnsdall Park (4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027)

Ketel One Botanical Spritz Kicks Off Spritz Season with Floral Visionary Maurice Harris

May 23, 2022

Ok, it’s offically time for Spring cocktails. You know, that refreshing light mix of herbs, fruit and just the right touch of alcohol?  Enter: The Ketel One Botanical Spritz .

Here’s the perfection part: This line has no carbs, no sugar, no artificial flavors or sweeteners; and with only three simple ingredients and 73 calories per glass, there’s no need to sacrifice on quality or overcomplicate your cocktail.

Spring and summer entertaining just got a little easier—and more stylish—with a limited-edition collaboration from Ketel One Botanical and Los Angeles-based floral artist Maurice Harris.

Launching this week on TheBar.com, the Botanical Spritz-inspired collection features exclusive preserved floral bouquets by Harris, alongside custom-designed decorative towels, and other on-trend items like glassware, cocktail accessories, and more—all to ensure seasonal hosting is a breeze.

Dubbed the Spritz into Summer Collection, the edit includes an array of offerings—some original and some hand-selected—that are inspired by the unique flavor profiles of each award-winning varietal of Ketel One Botanical: Cucumber & Mint, Grapefruit & Rose, and Peach & Orange Blossom. Bookending the exclusive compilation are items designed by Harris himself, including elegant preserved floral arrangements, and a trio of cocktail towels bearing bespoke patterns that bring the groundbreaking product lineup to life. Equal parts vibrant and functional, these accessories provide an artistic pop of color to any entertaining space, whether it be a kitchen, outdoor patio, or home bar. Additional items in the collection include colored wine glasses from Estelle Colored Glass, rose-shaped ice molds, cocktail picks, and bowls perfect for showcasing garnishes for the Ketel One Botanical signature serve, the Botanical Spritz.

The Ketel One Botanical Spritz allows everyone to enjoy delicious effervescence with low-lift required from the at-home bartender. Truly immersive, seasonal sips have never been easier, with the only necessary ingredients being a chosen Ketel One Botanical varietal, soda water, and a fresh fruit or herb garnish. Simply build in a wine glass over ice and delight guests at with time to spare for the best part of hosting—relaxing and connecting with friends. For on-the-go occasions, Ketel One Botanical offers a similar version of its signature cocktail in an equally delightful, canned format.

The partnership reflects the commitments Ketel One Botanical and Maurice Harris have made towards craftsmanship and artistry, with Harris expressing; “I’m so excited to be able to give each of the spirits a personality and translate that into a sensorial experience. At my floral studio—and with everything I do—I aim to inspire joy, creativity, and individuality. Finding that same passion in a like-minded partner is what makes collaborations like this all the more fun and fruitful.”

“We’re so thrilled to see Ketel One Botanical further come to life through Maurice Harris’s floral creations. We see this collaboration as the perfect launch into our biggest Spritz Season yet,” says Ketel One Director, Olivia Kupfer. “Ketel One Botanical fits so seamlessly into any occasion that calls for a cocktail, especially as we enter the warmer months, and where consumers are looking for something more exciting than a glass of white wine.”

For anyone looking for a stylish upgrade to at-home seasonal entertaining or truly wow with their next host gift, the Spritz into Summer Collection is a one-stop-shop to elevate your gifting experience with gorgeous blooms alongside the perfectly curated hosting suite, all of which inspires fun at every step.  Items in the collection, with creations and curations by Maurice Harris and Ketel One Botanical range from $8 to $247. The collection will be available starting May 19th at TheBar.com when Harris will host a live shopping event on the website. Consumers who are interested in tuning in can RSVP at https://live.thebar.com. For more information and cocktail inspiration, visit @ketelonebotanical and @bloomandplume.

Also! Check out this limited-edition shoppable edit on TheBar.com will feature custom bouquets and cocktail towels alongside an elevated home entertaining curation…

Look at this image of a joyous Maurice enjoying the cucumber spritz with the Cucumber Mint botanical!

Ingredients: 

Yields 1 Serving*

  • 1.5 oz Ketel One Botanical Varietal
  • 3 oz Sparkling Water
  • Garnish with your choice of fresh fruit or herbs

Method:

  • Combine your favorite Ketel One Botanical varietal, sparkling water and garnish in a wine glass over ice.

About Ketel One Botanical

Ketel One Botanical is a first-of-its-kind spirit made from vodka distilled with real botanicals and infused with natural fruit and botanical essences. Made with 100% non-GMO grain, this 30% ABV spirit is an exceptionally smooth, fresh-tasting drink with no carbs, no artificial flavors, no added sugar and no artificial sweeteners. Ketel One Botanical is available nationwide in three varietals: Peach & Orange Blossom, Cucumber & Mint, and Grapefruit & Rose, at your local spirits retailer for a suggested retail price of $24.99 per 750ml bottle. For more information please visit www.ketelonebotanical.com.

KETEL ONE BOTANICAL.  Made With Vodka Distilled With Real Botanicals And Infused With Natural Flavors. 30% Alc/Vol. © Double Eagle Brands, B.V. Imported by Ketel One USA, Aliso Viejo, CA.  Per 1.5 oz.: 73 Cals, 0g Carbs, 0g Protein, 0g Fat

JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA LAUNCHES GARDEN COLLABORATION WITH LILY KWONG

May 13, 2022

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa debuts a pioneering herb garden envisioned and planted by renowned landscape designer Lily Kwong as part of the brand’s JW Garden program. Rooted in Marriott family tradition, the JW Garden is inspired by founder J. Willard Marriott who took daily nature walks, as well as his wife Alice, who grew fruits, vegetables and herbs for her legendary Sunday night dinners.



Lily Kwong, whose reverence for nature comes to life through her breathtaking botanical installations, is the founder of Studio Lily Kwong, a next-generation landscape design studio with a mission to reconnect people to nature. JW Marriott is guided by similar principles, with a commitment to mindfulness that allows guests to be present in mind, nourished in body and revitalized in spirit – pillars that directly align to the JW Garden experience. This was the first time Studio Lily Kwong has built gardens with herbs at their core and the result is a trio of traditional kitchen gardens with a twist, currently growing at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Essex House New York.



At JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Kwong and her team were inspired by the diverse landscape of the California desert, using native plants and edible herbs chosen for their therapeutic properties. With organically-shaped garden beds that morph into hidden seating, the garden features peaceful walking paths and shade trees to mitigate the desert heat, inviting guests to rest and reflect.

“An herb garden is a beautiful portal to reconnect us back to the land and our senses,” said Lily Kwong. “Our JW Garden projects were designed to honor traditional kitchen gardens, but Studio Lily Kwong’s artistic approach to plant life adds unique and unexpected dimensions to each project. We are thrilled that JW Marriott guests will not only enjoy our gardens’ beauty, but also their bounty. Our greatest aspiration is that our work might inspire some guests to go home and grow their very own herb garden.”


For the JW Desert Springs garden, plants that are drought tolerant and native to the desert ecology were carefully chosen, including native sages and pollinator-friendly flowers. The garden features a peaceful olive grove walking path and a planting palette of endemic sages, desert marigold, milkweed and wildflowers to provide habitat and ecosystem support to fauna and insects. Sage is a signature herb along with Rosemary, Prickly Pear and Olive Trees. Lily’s thoughtful selection of herbs intermixed with local plants offer a multi-sensory space for guests to enjoy moments in nature. Studio Lily Kwong incorporated sustainable practices, including the use of repurposed, low-emission materials such as stucco and ceramic garden labels made from natural ingredients; water-conserving techniques such as drip irrigation and mulching; the integration of gravel as a porous ground cover for healthy water flow and the omission of spray pesticides and fungicides common in commercial gardens.


Providing a thoughtful and dynamic experience, while also supporting the hotel’s culinary programs, Kwong and her team centered each JW Garden around aromatic herbs. The property’s newly-appointed Executive Chef, Eric Theiss, will be sourcing ingredients and inspiration from the California native and edible-forward JW Garden for recipes, cocktails, oils and more. New offerings include Barramundi with Celery Root & Sage Lemon Sauce, Himalayan Mint & Amelda Chutney and Blueberry & Sage-infused Cocktails & Mocktails. The garden will feature in some of the hotel’s family-friendly programming, including as a must-see destination on the popular daily nature walks.

To further honor the collaboration and tie back to the mission of the JW Garden program, JW Marriott will donate to one of Lily’s favorite charitable organizations in each destination.  Mojave Desert Land Trust was selected as a charitable partner for JW Desert Springs Resort & Spa, an organization whose mission is to protect the Mojave Desert ecosystem and its scenic and cultural resource values. The donation will provide fourteen growing benches for a shade house, education signage and support the growth of 1,200 plants annually.

“There is a synergy that exists between JW Marriott’s point of view on well-being and Lily Kwong’s passion for bringing people back to nature,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “Our JW Garden program invites guests to enjoy serene spaces and find balance while staying with us – the garden instantly acts as a respite for the mind and spirit and later nourishes the body through its gifts. Lily is further elevating the JW Garden experience and we cannot wait for guests to enjoy her vision.”



The Gift of Green

Both Lily and JW Marriott hope the JW Garden inspires guests to plant a garden of their own and have created an Herb Garden Kit Curated by Studio Lily Kwong for JW Marriott featuring: Halden Garden heirloom Thyme, Mint and Oregano seeds; Kanso planters made of upcycled rice husk, bamboo fibre and wheat husk waste; JW Marriott chef-crafted recipe cards; and a journal collaboration with poet Mia Moretti. Studio Lily Kwong chose these powerful herbs as they grow perennially, meaning when transplanted into the ground, they will grow back every season for an endless bounty. The Herb Garden Kit is available through Curated by JW on Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques, a collection of online retail stores selling exclusive bed, bedding, fragrance, and other bespoke items from a number of the leading hospitality company’s 30 extraordinary hotel brands.

A Revisit To OleHenriksen Face/Body Spa

May 4, 2022

I had such a lovely spa day at LA’s classic, OleHenriksen Face/Body Spa – a legendary staple on the Sunset Strip since 1975. If you’re looking for a day-vacay in the city, take a few hours and retreat into total relaxation. I also left with some excellent skincare, VSOTO – more on that soon!

The Spa is hailed for its unique, indulgent and transformational treatments which attract
Hollywood’s A-list and elite, including Charlize Theron, Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Halle
Berry, Katy Perry, Jessica Alba, Matthew McConaughey, and Hugh Jackman, to name just
a few.

The OleHenriksen Face/Body Spa is Los Angeles’ most innovative well-being sanctuary. With
an emphasis on original, groundbreaking skin and body services, the Spa was the first to
introduce microdermabrasion on the West Coast, and the only destination in Los Angeles
to offer sensorial ritual bathing experiences, immersing you in Moroccan-inspired liquid luxury. From luxurious wet rooms to specialty and traditional massages, at the Spa, you
enter a temple of pure relaxation and tranquility housing the most state-of-the-art, advanced
equipment for complete skin, mind, and body transformations.

Located in: Sunset Plaza
Address: 8622 Sunset Blvd Suite A, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Products and Services: olehenriksenspa.com
Phone: (310) 854-7700