5 Destinations To Scratch Your Adventure + Travel Bug

February 2, 2017

Dark Hedges, Ireland

British correspondent Lucy Parks reports with some inspiration on the following beautiful destinations just waiting to be explored. The world is filled with so many stunning landscapes.

Cape Town, South Africa

From hiking, biking and surfing, Cape Town has it all. The crown jewel of the city is, of course, Table Mountain National Park, which is only complemented by the surrounding landscapes that will take your breath away.

Cape town also offers a melting pot of cultures and religions, with Christians, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu people living in harmony in the quaint towns and villages. The best of Cape Town comes from the strength of the locals, who each have a unique story to tell, and will gladly tell it to a friendly ear. Learn more with the Cape Town guide.

Scottish Highlands, Scotland

One of the most beautiful destinations on the planet is the Scottish Highlands, which offers rolling green mountains, exquisite castles and beautiful lochs. While many cities across the UK have changed over the years, the Scottish Highlands continues to retain its rugged landscape, which will most likely remain unchanged in decades to come. The locals are also the embodiment of hospitality, and you will fall in love with the delicious food on offer at this fairy-tale destination. Just some of the highland areas you can explore are the Isle of Skye, Inverness and Fort William, to name but a few.

Cappadocia, Turkey  

Few destinations can quite compare to the beauty of Turkey’s Cappadocia, which offers stark savannas that offer remarkable panoramas you are unlikely to forget in a hurry. Due to the soft stone plains, many people have sought shelter underground, and tourists can now step inside the rock-cut churches as part of Goreme Open-Air Museum.

Cappadocia is a hiker’s haven, as you will feel a million miles away from the stresses of everyday life when you make your way across the orange valleys. You need to see it to believe it.

The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland

Many people may recognise The Dark Hedges from the HBO hit TV show Game of Thrones, which is used as a fictional area in the Kingsroad. However, the trees are really based in Northern Island on the coast of the beautiful Antrim. The natural beauty really does look like something out of a fiction book, but the tunnel-tree avenue has been created by beech trees that were first planted in the 18th century.

Hvar Island, Croatia

How can you not fall in love with an island that offers approximately 2,274 hours of sunshine every single year? Hvar Island is a sun-worshipper’s paradise, as you can unwind by the poolside in one of the many luxurious hotels. You can also take a stroll along the gorgeous northern coastal towns of Jelsa and Stari Grad, and if money is not an issue, you can enjoy a trip on a stunning yacht to experience the island in all her glory. The island is also home to amazing vineyards, lavender fields and rocky, rugged peaks, as well as isolated coves that are synonymous with this underrated destination.

XX Lucy Parks.  Lucy has been working in the fashion industry for six years. A dedicated follower of all things fashion and beauty, she is passionate about new industry developments. Lucy is now a full time freelance fashion writer.

Who Needs a Man? Book a Mani-Pedi for “Gal”entine’s Day at MiniLuxe, Brentwood

MiniLuxe prides itself on providing surgical-grade hygienic and toxin-free nail services through employees (all women) who are empowered, fairly paid and truly cared for with health benefits, 401K plans, flexible leave policies and all the benefits of an office job. Can I get a YES KWEEN?! 

At MiniLuxe, clean is the culture. It’s not just about hygiene – it’s about taking clean to the next level. That means clean business, clean ethics and clean methodologies. It’s how they care for their team, products and customers – WORD. 

I support this TEN TIMES OVER!! With my hip replacements – one nail infection can literally KILL ME!!!     

As you may know, the nail services industry is often predatory and exploitative for the technicians, making MiniLuxe a pleasant anomaly. Once trained, employees are honed to have a serious career with MiniLuxe and offered stock options after 5 years with the nail studio.  However, being ethical doesn’t take away from MiniLuxe’s trendy, snazzy nail colors (their color runway is awesome!) and nail designs, such as the sharp nail look “RiRi” attributed to Rhianna and a more sober “Audrey” for Audrey Hepburn.


MiniLuxe recently opened its first location in LA after having ruled the Boston and Dallas markets for several years.  A day of relaxation and pampering with a MiniLuxe gift card would make the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for both couples as well as singles 

Want more – buy the trendiest, non-toxic nail polishes as gifts for your girlfriend or single friends – all the while supporting a nail salon that truly cares for the women who work there.

I cannot wait to try this place this weekend! Join me??   

MiniLuxe Brentwood

11961 San Vicente Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90049

T.424-442-1630

The Tuck Room Tavern For Valentine’s Day

February 1, 2017

Aphrodisiacs are a substance that increases sexual desire so it is perfect for Valentine’s Day. A lot of people buy products like Spanish Fly Drops (spanishflydrops.com) to improve their sex life and add an extra spark to their relationship. Lots of studies have been carried out to show the beenfits of the substance so it’s very popular amongst those who have been in relationships for a while. This is why The Tuck Room Tavern and iPic Theaters is inviting guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day all weekend with a 6-Course Aphrodisiac Dining Experience, and a seductive lace mask gift for moviegoers seeing the new Fifty Shades Darker.

From Friday, February 10 – Tuesday, February 14, Chef Sherry Yard’s The Tuck Room Tavern, is serving up a specially crafted 6-course prix fixe dinner that is sure to tantalize all the senses with aphrodisiac-driven dishes. From a first course “Kiss” of Potato Aligot Popovers with shaved black truffles and Coconut-Curry Lobster Bisque, to a third course “Seduction” featuring Bucatini Carbonara with pancetta, parmesan and sage, to the sixth and final “Sweet Sensation” course of homemade Truffles, cookies and candies.

The Chef Sherry Yard also created an aphrodisiac cheat sheet with the top 10 most libido-enhancing foods featured on the menu – see the full list below!

The aphrodisiac dining experience is priced at $75/person – $68 for iPic Sapphire, Gold and Platinum members (sign up at www.iPic.com) – with the option to add wine pairings for only $25/person.

Chef Sherry Yard’s Aphrodisiac Menu Cheat Sheet:

Black truffles: used by the ancient Romans to mimic the scent of male pheromones

Coconut: naturally increases blood flow, increasing desire

Lobster: historically linked to luxury, thus deeming it powerfully persuasive

Beet: believed to promote amorous feelings by ancient Romans

Salmon: contains vitamins known to boost sex drive

Mint: used by ancient Greeks to leave an aromatic impression on the breath to inspire kissing

Garlic: aids in optimal blood flow and stimulation

Mustard: used since the Middle Ages to increase desire through nerve stimulation

Asparagus: increases sex drive and hormone production

Champagne: scents replicate the delicate aromas of female pheromones

Guests looking for the full dinner-and-a-movie experience can head to iPic Theaters for a showing of the new Fifty Shades Darker film. During Valentine’s Day weekend, guests who purchase the limited-edition “Sweet Heart Chocolate Cake Push-Up Pops,” created by Guest Chef Ron Ben-Israel or “The Seductress” cocktail crafted by Master Mixologist Adam Seger will receive a complimentary lace masquerade mask.

DISNEY CHANNEL AND DISNEY XD STARS CELEBRATE SECOND ANNUAL DISNEY READS DAY AT GLENDALE GALLERIA DISNEY STORE: The official Disney Reads Day kick-off Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.

January 30, 2017

The official Disney Reads Day kick-off Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event  is hosted by a royal visitor from Avalor and will feature celebrities reading to children from the local Boys & Girls Club and store patrons.

Join the likes of celebrities Steven Spielberg, Kerry Washington, Pink, Viola Davis and others, to activate a one-for-one book donation by posting a “Shelfie” – a selfie with their favorite book – on Twitter or Instagram using #magicofstorytelling. For every book purchased at Disney Store or a participating retailer Disney will donate a book with the eventual aim of one million books donated.

Disney’s Magic of Storytelling campaign, an ongoing initiative aimed at inspiring imagination and a lifelong love of reading, comes to life on the second annual Disney Reads Day on February 4, 2017. Now through March 31, Disney will donate one book for every book purchased at Disney Store or a participating retailer. Participants can also activate a one-for-one book donation by posting a “Shelfie” – a selfie with their favorite book in front of a bookshelf – on Twitter or Instagram using #magicofstorytelling.

Encouraging families to drop everything, grab a book and read together or independently, Disney Reads Day is a multi-city celebration and will host its Los Angeles-area event at the Disney Store at the Glendale Galleria. A Disney “royal guest of honor” will welcome children from local Boys & Girls Clubs during the store’s opening ceremony. The surprise guest and stars from Disney Channel and Disney XD will lead live readings in-store all day.

The program kicked off this month with a PSA narrated by Emma Watson, star of The Walt Disney Studios’ upcoming film “Beauty and the Beast,” coming to theaters on March 17.

WHAT: Disney Reads Day, Feb. 4

WHERE: Disney Store at the Glendale Galleria

Glendale Galleria, 1152 Galleria Way

Glendale, CA 91210

Located on Level 1, near Food Court

WHEN:

9:45 AM: Opening Ceremony with “Royal Guest of Honor”

10:00 AM: Glendale Galleria/Disney Store opens

– First storytime with “royal guest”

– Will also read at 12 PM, 1 PM and 2 PM

– Disney Channel talent to read on half hour throughout rest of day.

ABOUT: The Magic of Storytelling campaign aims to inspire families’ imaginations,
cultivate a lifelong love of reading in kids, and bring books to underserved
communities across the country. Over the past 16 years, Disney has
donated 57 million books to First Book. Together with First Book, Disney
Publishing Worldwide and Disney|ABC Television Group are committed to
placing up to one million more books in the hands of children in need
across the country.

Preview YouTube video Magic of Storytelling by Emma Watson

Magic of Storytelling by Emma Watson

Arque Derma: Artistic Restoration Lift at the InjectAbility Clinic, Torrance

January 29, 2017

ARQUE DERMA 

Pronounced ‘ARC DERMA,’ ArqueDerma® in Latin means ‘to inject the skin’. The name ArqueDerma® imparts a seamless mix of the artistic, ‘Arque’ (classical architecture – arches, buttresses, corbels), and medical science, ‘Derma’.

ArqueDerma® Artistic Restoration Lift® is an original, patented non-surgical face lift methodology developed by Leslie Fletcher, RN, MEP-C  to deliver FDA approved dermal fillers such as Voluma™, Juvederm®, Restylane®, and Perlane® more effectively to the skin.

I recently tried this and I am totally wowed. I had no idea what to expect and thought I was just getting a little upkeep to stay lifted and fresh. But Arque Derma goes was deeper than that. It’s not about filling one little area or just plumping up your skin. The goal is deep, just like the description. One of my favorite people in the biz, Michele G. Messiah, PA-C, Board Certified Physician Assistant took excellent care of me and I was privileged to have the renown Leslie Fletcher consulting and giving me the inside scoop on this worthy procedure.

Arque Derma is something to plan for as you will most certainly bruise and not just your little freezer or filler spot here and there. You will need a good solid week to 10 days for the bruising to really subside – so make sure you follow all pre and post procedure protocol and plan for some downtime.

I can assure you it will all be worth it. The effects are incredible. I was treated in areas I never considered before or even thought of. As I get older, it seems my face in changing in subtle ways I am not even noticing, but these experts are. And yes, they are subtle – but it all adds up. So this Arque Derma, coupled with the Profound treatment I did in November (article comes out soon) with the phenom Dr. Ben Talei, are sure to hold me over for a good while.

I also fell in love with this place in general. They are full service, incredibly staffed with experts and KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. It’s a little drive from your usual Bev Hills, but 100 percent worth it.

ArqueDerma provides natural, more dramatic results not achievable using conventional filler techniques offered by most clinics. Unlike conventional volume replacement techniques, the ArqueDerma technique utilizes dermal fillers as strategic relocation vectors to redistribute and direct the patient’s own tissue toward the facial hollows that have formed. Using the ArqueDerma technique, we are able to collect your descended excess facial volume and redirect it to create a more youthful look to embellish your natural beauty.

The cost for a dermal filler procedure is usually charged per syringe. Utilizing your own descended volume allows us to use less dermal filler product, making the ArqueDerma technique more economical than conventional methods.

See ArqueDerma.com for more information.

 

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MICHELE MESSIAH, PA-C  – Board Certified Physician Assistant

Michele G. Messiah, PA-C is a Board Certified Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology and aesthetics. Michele earned her Masters of Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. Michele also holds a degree in Psychology- Biology from UCLA. Michele is fluent is Spanish and French.
Her specialties include administering aesthetic injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers in a very natural way.  Having worked in Beverly Hills, CA she has injected many celebrities.  She had to learn the fine art of using cosmetic injectables in a way that is undetectable under the harsh high definition lights on camera.  Her patients needed to be able to express their emotions during a scene, but still wanted a more relaxed look.  Using techniques she gleaned from InjectAbility® Institute, such as MicroTox®, InstaTox®, and the patented ArqueDerma® Artistic Restoration Lift® technique she was able to offer the best of the natural look of injectables to her celebrity clientele.  With her extensive dermatology background, she also specializes in treating acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. She is a member of SDPA (Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants) California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA).

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY:

“During my physician assistant rotations, I fell in love with the diversity that dermatology offers.  Once I started my practice, I was captivated by the ability to make my cosmetic patients so happy and comfortable with their appearance. This became my driving motivator.  As a perfectionist, I never want to deliver sub-par results, so I quickly sought out the expertise of the known aesthetic industry icon, InjectAbility Institute. It was here that I found my inspiration to excel to my highest potential. The collaboration with the Institute was a catalyst for me to soar to my highest potential.  I’m excited to bring my clinical experience to the patients at InjectAbility Clinic.”

HISTORY WITH INJECTABILITY

From Leslie: “Michele and I have been working together for several years now.  I have spent time with her in her practice, and she has spent ample time training and precepting.  I have seen her flourish in the aesthetic industry as her passion for all things creative and advanced have driven her to the highest level of patient care. She is so enthusiastic about her career; I knew she would be a perfect fit for the VIP program. She will be splitting time from her current position in Beverly Hills to share her talents with our patients one day a week here at InjectAbility.”

From Michele: “When I was asked to participate in the VIP program at the Injectability Institute, I thought it was such a compliment.  I hold Leslie and her staff in such a high regard in the aesthetic industry. I consider it an honor to work side by side with the person who taught me all their specialized techniques.  I do believe Leslie is one of the best injectors around and her passion for aesthetics is contagious.  Her enthusiasm for staying on top of the latest and greatest treatments available is exceptional. The professionalism at the InjectAbility Institute is top notch and I am extremely honored to be part of their team.”

InjectAbility Clinic

Address :  2223 Torrance Blvd., Torrance, CA – 90501

Tel : 310-879-5662