SWEAT. MOVE. GET DOWN. Tracy Anderson style with the new TAVA experience!

February 29, 2016

Tonight, I attended the Tracy Anderson Studio in Brentwood for my first “TA” experience ever. I was an absolute newbie, and I loved not knowing anything about what I was walking into.

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Literally, I walked into a gleaming and gorgeous space that was so well-appointed, my jaw dropped. Marble counters, herringbone wood floors, brass fixtures. The joint was top notch. I filled out the waiver at the front desk and noticed the offering of ear plugs, hair ties, and refreshing lemon water. Nice touch, I thought.

Passing through the main lobby area, as I sipped my complimentary green juice from MoonJuice, I entered the first training room which was outfitted with luxury Pilates reformers. The ladies locker room felt like a high end spa. The main cardio room: a sauna. The room is incredibly heated-like Bikram heated. My face started to redden before I even moved. More lemon water, multi-colored Therabands from the ceiling, and an elaborate sound system all sat waiting to get this party started.

What surprised me the most was how nice everyone was here. I was greeted warmly when I first came in, and I found the other women attending the class smiling and friendly-I even met a few-this was not your typical cut throat dance class. Coming from the competitive dance world of NYC, this was a refreshing change of pace. There is no attitude or snobby vibe here, and I was impressed.

Tracy entered and gave us a quick run down on this brand new class she will be debuted in March. Collaborating with top choreographer, Tony Gonzales, TAVA is a dance cardio high energy workout that incorporates quick dance steps with high energy and style. Warning: this is not for the two-left feet people out there! I am a professional dancer, and even I had to concentrate to retain all the choreography. Still, it was a fun and energetic dance workout that got me sweaty, got me moving. And for sure, I got down.

Tracy Anderson’s TAVA dance cardio class debuts March 1st, 2016

Where: Tracy Anderson Brentwood studio
11918 San Vicente Blvd

XX Cristy

SkinClinical Extreme Healing Treatment by Dr. Harry Glassman

February 26, 2016

While the sun is out and Spring is literally around the corner, winter skin is still very much a reality. Luckily, SkinClincal Extreme Healing Treatment ($39) is here to get us through the last month of damaged, dry or cracked skin.

Extreme Healing Repair Concentrate

There are literally 101 different ways (for real!) to use Dr. Harry Glassman, M.D.’s collagen producing cream —be it prepping your hands before hitting the slopes, moisturizing dry elbows, treating adult eczema, giving a little TLC to your cuticles or simply looking for an extra boost to your skin’s microcirculation, cell regeneration, and natural collagen production — SkinClinical is a one-stop shop for treating Winter Skin. Throw it in your purse and go!

It’s no surprise Dr. Glassman came up with such a miracle cream considering he has been practicing plastic surgery in Beverly Hills for the past 30 years. I loved this product so much I threw some questions Dr. Glassman’s way and here are his answers — After all, he’s the expert!

Why did you decide to create SkinClinical?
We brought together a group of physicians, scientists, physicists and engineers with one goal in mind – to develop science based solutions to complex skin conditions.
 
What makes SkinClinical special?
SkinClinical is unique in that we are aiming to transform the health and beauty of skin using proven science and a high level of confidence in the efficacy of our products.
Tell me about the SkinClinical Reverse Anti-Aging Light Therapy?
Reverse is a home use hand-held LED device which emits four wavelengths of LED: three red and one infrared. It has been clinically proven to decrease fine line and wrinkles and to increase skin firmness, texture and elasticity. What distinguishes it from other home use LED devices is that it has been engineered to produce a higher energy level than that of other home use devices. It emits 5x the energy of its competitors and is comparable to LED devices used in med-spas and dermatologists’ offices.
How are you unique in the city of LA?
We are unique in that we have brought together professionals from several disciplines of the sector to work together on skin care solutions.

What is the Fountain of Youth?
Peace of mind and SkinClinical.

What are Dr.’s orders for flawless skin?
Avoid the sun as much as possible, especially during the peak hours of 10:00am-2:00pm. Do not wash your face with soap. Do not use harsh topical chemicals. With the help of a professional, adopt a skin care regimen that works for your unique skin type and be open to change as your skin changes.  Do make sure to get enough sleep. Do not smoke. Do not sleep in your makeup. Finally, genetics play a huge role albeit you cannot pick your parents!

What diet produces the best skin?
I always suggest to live a healthy lifestyle. Drink green juices and eat vegetables rich in anti-oxidants. Eat fish rich in Omega 3 fatty acids often, drink plenty of water, buy organic when possible, avoid sugars and synthetic foods, avoid fried foods, limit dairy products and enjoy alcohol consumption in moderation.  I also suggest avoiding foods that contain fructose and white bread. They have no nutritional value and increase the risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. That is by no means a perfect list but rather the rules that I follow.

XX Natasha B

.Natasha Barrett

Natasha Barrett

Having traveled the world in her formative years, Natasha is proud to call Los Angeles home for the past twenty, most recently dedicating herself to representing buyers and sellers from The Agency’s Brentwood office. Her array of experiences both abroad and domestic have contributed to an extremely diverse network of contacts that altogether make Natasha an incredible resource. Known for her client-centric approach, Natasha has worked with many of LA’s high-profile individuals, including designers, writers, directors as well as fashion and entertainment industry professionals.

Rise Nation & Angel City Pit Bulls – Climb for a Cause

February 25, 2016

On February 28, Rise Nation is hosting a charity event to benefit Angel City Pit Bulls.

The event will feature a special donations only class that will be held from 2pm until 2:30pm. Instructed by founder, Jason Walsh and head instructor Adam Goldstein, participants will pay $50 a climber and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the dogs.

Followed by the class will be a reception party and adoption event to educate the public on the pit bull breed and to find new forever homes for some of Angel City’s pups. As a pit bull owner himself, Jason is excited to use his platform to help dozens of dogs in need, especially for this loving yet misunderstood breed.

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For those of you not familiar, Rise Nation, is a trendy fitness hotspot located in the heart of West Hollywood (La Cienega Blvd. & Melrose Ave). The boutique fitness studio features the only true 30 min workout that is exclusively done on a Versaclimber. Walsh created the cardio fitness concept after years of working with A-list clientele (including; Bradley Cooper, Matt Damon, Emma Stone, John Krasinski) who need a quick and effective way to burn calories.

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Celeb fans and frequent attendees of Rise Nation include; Alison Brie, Mandy Moore, Hilary Duff, Minka Kelly, Ashlee Greene and a handful of other stars.

To help support the pup’s, book a climber here.

THE ONLY BATH YOU’LL EVER NEED

February 20, 2016

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I recently had a healing experience in pure sound at the gorgeous SoSPA at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Sound Baths with Jamie Ford was the most unreal, amazing, relaxing, transcendent experience I’ve had in years.

WHAT: Using frequencies from Planetary Gongs and Quartz Crystal singing bowls, the listener “bathes” in sound, taking a musical journey that is both meditative and deeply relaxing for a completely healing experience. The gongs are tuned to the orbital properties of the planets, sun and moon, providing listeners with the sounds of the cosmos. Sound Bath is meant to encompass wellness for mind, body and spirit, and guests reportedly leave feeling more relaxed, peaceful and “in-tune” than when they arrived.

And it did, and then some. I left my hour session  a convert. I decided, ok, this is what I want to do on my next birthday! Take all my friends to her studio for a private session.

Why a Sound Bath?

A Sound Bath with Jamie is a group sound healing experience in which she plays 3-15 planetary gongs and 5-12 quartz crystal singing bowls in a unique and intuitive manner. The instruments she plays are of the highest quality, each hand tuned to perfection and represent the best in the sound healing field.  This experience is designed to guide listeners on a journey of self discovery and inner exploration. The sounds promote healing on all levels, deep relaxation and peace, expansion of consciousness, and open the body’s entire energetic system.

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What do I do during a Sound Bath?

During a Sound Bath participants either lie on the floor or sit in a chair and just relax and listen. Most people close their eyes and go on an inward journey. Generally, a deep state of relaxation is achieved and some people will fall asleep. A Sound Bath may also be used as a meditation.  In this case participants focus their awareness on the sounds, guiding their attention back whenever they notice the mind has wandered away. Dress in comfortable clothing and prepare for a new experience. Also, please bring a mat and/or blanket so you are comfortable lying on the floor.

Private Sound Bath

 

Jamie has been passionate about sound and movement since she was very young. She grew up competing nationally in gymnastics. Floor was her favorite event due to the combination of music, dance, and flying through the air (also known as tumbling!). Her interest in the healing arts started when she was a teenager – she began working with her dreams and read every book she could on dreams, psychic abilities, and energy healing. Jamie heard a gong for the first time in a yoga class in 2000. The teacher played a gong during savasana and she was in love! She went to classes just to hear the gong. At that time Jamie was working as a Biologist living a much different style of life. That yoga class with the gong affected her deeply and eventually moved her on a new path..one of healing and sound. In 2005 Jamie entered the healing arts field through massage. She soon added sound healing in the form of tuning forks into her sessions. She found sound deepened the effects of the massage and helped clients enter into a state of relaxation much quicker than without it. In 2006 she met Kat Lyons, and began to study sound more intensely. Soon after Jamie bought her first gong and crystal bowl and has been playing for her clients and groups ever since.

Jamie Ford

Jamie has studied many modalities since she first entered the healing arts field and incorporates all that she has learned and is still learning into her sessions and trainings. Her training highlights include:

  • Sound Healing
  • Egyptian Mysteries
  • Reiki (Jamie is a Holy Fire Karuna® and Usui Reiki Master)
  • Clairvoyant Healing Training
  • Channeling
  • Spectrochrome Therapy (color healing)
  • Crystal Healing
  • Acupuncture (just the basics, did not finish the program)
  • Acupressure
  • Massage
  • Other energy healing techniques
  • Meditation


Jamie plays Meinl and  Paiste gongs, most of which are tuned to the orbital properties of the planets. The sounds of the planets, sun, and moon fill the air creating a cosmic symphony in each improvisational concert. She has recently begun adding other frequencies to the mix such as the Flower of Life Gong and Wu Xing Meinl Gongs. She is a retailer for Meinl, Paiste, and other amazing gongs and sound healing instruments, and sells these gongs out of The Sound Space, her Los Angeles sound studio.

Jamie also offers private Healing Sessions and Sound Baths at her Sound Space, located in Eagle Rock, CA. Distance sessions are also available. Book a private session with Jamie today!

 

Master the Art of Perfectly Portioned meals with Optimal Nutrition with this On the Go Meal System: Bentology

February 19, 2016

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Just in time, when your New Year resolutions have stared to wane, Bentology, the celebrated eco-friendly bento-ware brand, has created the Portion Perfect Weight-loss Kit which includes the revamped Portion Perfect Bento and a 20 page Portion Perfect Weight-loss Workbook, as well as a newly launched accompanying website- MyPortionPerfect.com to KEEP YOU ON TRACK!

As someone who either has to spend $$$ on lunch everyday in a crapy mall or bring my lunch – this is a life saver. LOVE IT. (The cute bag is comes in totally helps!)

The well designed, effective bento kit provides an intuitive layout that will inspire healthy, yet tasty meal arrangements for home or on-the-go that support weight loss goals. Furthermore, a useful  customer portal with a live support coach provides guidance to keep Portion Perfect Bento users motivated and on track.

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MyPortionPerfect.com

To ensure success along your weight-loss journey, Bentology has created a dedicated site to guide and maximize your Portion Perfect experience: MyPortionPerfect.com

MyPortionPerfect.com is the customer portal for all things health and fitness as it relates to the Portion Perfect Bento. Complete with food prep advice, an abundance of on-the-go meal ideas and recipes, and printable whole food shopping list suggestions, you will be motivated and inspired to create healthy, nutritious meals.

Bentology has created a printable Portion Perfect Meal Plan worksheet to help keep you on track. After determining your ideal daily caloric intake, the worksheets detail which food portions per meal you should focus on and also visualizes your food and water intake. The worksheet makes tracking meals and snacks effortless by simply checking them off throughout your day, while providing a daily journal section for specific notes and thoughts that come up during the course of your day. Additionally, the MyPortionPerfect site has a fitness section filled with workout suggestions to keep your diet plan varied and balanced with physical activity.

The Portion Perfect Bento is offered in three attractive colors of Clear/Melon, Clear/Night and Clear/Turquoise. Every Portion Perfect Kit comes with a 20 page booklet to get you started with meal plans, menus, workout routines and healthy eating tips.

Portion Perfect Bento is:

Dishwasher safe (top rack), microwaveable safe (not lids)
BPA-free, phthalate-free, PVE-free and lead-free
Made in the US
Eco-friendly, reducing waste and minimizing monthly costs on single-use products
Available online at MyPortionPerfect.com, Amazon.com, and in various retailers nationwide
The Portion Perfect Weight Loss Kit retails for $22.99, $33.99 with insulated sleeve and $39.99 with insulated tote or cooler.

Bentology also offers a variety of accessories to supplement your meal packing needs such as single containers, insulated bags, food jars and cool packs. For more information on Bentology or to view the collection in its entirely, please visit http://www.bentology.net/.

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ABOUT Bentology

Bentology (formerly Laptop Lunches Bento-ware) was founded by California mom Tammy Pelstring over a decade ago with the mission of helping families improve lunchtime nutrition while reducing waste. Today, the company has been embraced by both families and individuals who want to improve their lifestyle through healthy eating, better nutrition and thoughtful design. The company manufactures and sells affordable, high quality, made in the USA meal containers designed for people on the go. They’re perfect for school, work, play, travel, take out and portion control. Learn more at www.Bentology.net