KJAER WEISS makes us feel pretty and eco chic…

January 5, 2013

Raised in the Danish Countryside, makeup artist Kirsten Kjaer Weiss is not only artist with a great eye for color, she also wants to help our environment along the way. Weiss attended makeup school in Paris which led to a 15 +year career as a makeup artist. Weiss saw a void in the market for color cosmetics with clean formulations, sustainable principles all in a modern design.

She created KJAER WEIS . Each compact for Lip, Cheek and Eye has its own unique shape and together, look like a collection of sleek, modernist jewelry. Red lacquered grain-textured boxes resemble little jewelery cases hold the bold metal compants with a white enameled KW logo on top. Each compact comes with your chosen color. Refill pans are available in customized, simple paper cartons that are functional yet beautiful and are fully recyclable.

Weiss uses raw materials, natural preservatives and pigments extracted from minerals, plants and wild flowers specifically chosen for their color, scent and natural properties that have an affinity with the skin for her line. Check out some ingredients below.

Carnauba wax, from the Copernicia prunifera, a native Brazilian palm with natural hypoallergenic, moisturizing and emollient properties.
Beeswax, produced by female worker bees.
Vanilla. The scent of vanilla is believed to stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin, triggering feelings of arousal and satisfaction.
Rose, Honeysuckle and Gardenia are used as natural preservatives and anti aging properties.

The line swears off parabens, petrochemical emulsifiers, synthetic colors and fragrances. KJAER WEIS is 95% organic, certified by CCPB (Consorzio per il Controllo dei Prodotti Biologici), the Italian organic certifying authority.

We love this quote from Kjaer Weiss “I love how the pure beauty and energy of these plants enhances the beauty of the wearer". We would like to see more of this idea: women feeling confident and sexy after applying their makeup instead of critical and comparing themselves to supermodels, actresses and otherwise unattainable personalities of our generation.

Her product line includes:

KJAER WEIS Lip Tint: $48 for compact and lip tint/$24 for refill

KJAER WEIS Cream Blush: $54 for compact plus cream blush/$26 for refill

KJAER WEIS Eye Shadow: $44 for compact plus eye shadow/$22 for refill

Bottom line: This makeup is simple, clean, feminine, dainty and left us feeling (and looking) good.

KJAER WEISS is available atKjaerWeiss.com and Ron Robinson Apothia Beauty in Los Angeles Ron Robinson

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Papa Ben’s Kitchen Mandelbroyt – A Guilt Free Treat for 2013!

January 2, 2013

Yiddish

Mandel = almond / Broyt = bread

Finally a cookie with a cause. Anyone who knows me knows I have a mean sweet tooth. Something about that crunchy, crispy texture that I crave. The ultimate sucker for sort of carb to dip into my coffee.

Having attempted to cut all traces of sugar and flour, I have resolved life is too short. And a little flour, a little sugar is certainly not going to negatively affect my life as much as a world void of Mandelbroyt/cupcakes/cookies (aka sugar/gluten/flour). Having discovered Papa Ben's Kitchen Mandelbroyt, I no longer need to feel guity for craving this sweet snack. Sidenote: later next month I have been assigned a 3 day assignment from My Fit Foods. Until then month, I plan enjoy as many Mandelbroyt as my heart desires.

One afternoon while shopping at the West Hollywood Gelson's I taste tested Papa Ben's Mndelbroyt. I tried the original flavor. Then snuck in another sample (lemon blueberry), then another piece (spicy chiptle chocolate flavor). I needed to adequately, um, do my research! I loved the taste, the story. I felt inspired.

“Papa Ben” himself, Ben Lesser, was born in Krakow, Poland in 1928. His father, Lazar, owned a chocolate company famous for making chocolate covered wafer cookies. Lazar instilled his passion for baking in the family, which ultimately allowed the family to survive outside the ghettos for a portion of World War II. Using the stone oven in their cottage, Ben and his father worked together to prepare the finest baked goods, including Mandelbroyt, for family, friends and their surrounding village.

Nutritonistas and fitness fanatics can even partake in this. Nutritional stats for one Mandelbroyt include: 80 cals, 3 – 3.5 grams of fat (depending on flavor), 10-11 grams of carbs (depending on flavor) 4-5 grams of sugar (depending on flavor).

With flavors such as Original Family Recipe, Minty Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Espresso Bean, Lemon Blueberry with Poppy Seeds & Spicy Chipotle with Ginger and Dark Chocolate, all tastebuds are welcome. Ideal to dip in coffee, have as an afternoon pick me up or if you crave something sweet after dinner. Dip into low fat ice cream or frozen yogurt and you have a low cal, low fat, low sugar and low carb dessert. All natural, Kosher, and dairy free.

My favorite is the original. Full of maraschino cherries, chocolate chips, pecan, almonds and coconuts.

With my runner up favorite...

Eating Papa ben's Mandelbroyt takes me back to sitting at my grandmother's home noshing around the kitchen table. Except with Mandelbroyt, I don't feel guilty I am not sacrificing taste as they are delicious.

Even more to feel good about: Papa Ben’s Kitchen is also dedicated to the remembrance of the Holocaust. As a Holocaust survivor himself, Ben Lesser founded the Zachor Holocaust Foundation, a non-profit organization, that supports the Holocaust education, remembrance and tolerance of all and for all people. A portion of the percentage of profits from Papa Ben’s Kitchen Mandelbroyt sales will be donated to The Zachor Foundation.

Next year resolve to eat well, treat yourself right and support __

xoxo

Lacee

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Ciel Spa @ the SLS : Decadence (re) Defined

December 29, 2012

Our friends at SLS invited us to experience a new facial and skin care line Eve Lom the spa recently partnered with. I like the hotel, I like my friends, I like facials. I'm in.

This being my first visit to Ciel, I was looking forward to it. But a hotel spa? C'mon how glamorous can it really be?

I had no idea what I was in for. I checked in for our treatment and shortly thereafter was led through the creamy, dreamy white hallways. I was told famed french designer Phillipe Starck wanted to recreate heaven with his design. He did a mighty fine job. The bustle of La Cienega traffic and every day worries slipped away as I sunk into this newfound luxury. Ahhh. Deep breaths.

I slipped into the women's dressing room …

My locker had a personalized name card

piece of chocolate, plush robe and slippers. Is this heaven? I almost felt guilty I was spoiled so.

My aesthetician Sebastian greeted me in the waiting area and whisked me off to the treatment room.

Sebastian is handsome, strong, sweet and looks the part (the dude doesn't have a wrinkle on his face). He looked at my skin and we soon started the process. I learned Sebastian had trained at the prestigious Georgette Klinger salon and worked on everyone from President to starlets. Impressive.

The treatment: Ciel is the only spa in North America to offer the Eve Lom Facial. The Signature Facial began with an evaluation of my skins present condition and a proprietary 7-step massage application with an iconic Cleanser. This is followed by the layering of a warm paraffin wax (felt odd but in a good way) and an application of a decongesting Rescue Mask. Sebastian then carefully extracted any blackheads and applied light lymphatic acupressure massage to my neck, back and décolleté.

I have never left a facial without any redness. Ever. After my treatment Sebastan handed me a mirror - not only was I not red, my skin had no blotchiness, irritation. Nothing. My skin looked better than it did coming in.

A splurge at $225 for 90 minutes though well worth the investment for a real treat and to see noticeable, lasting results.

To find out mor check out Ciel spa here: htt://www.cielatsls.com/

xoxo

Lacee

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GLOW Bio by Kimberly Snyder and Groomed-LA meet!

December 28, 2012

I was a fan of Kimberly Snyder before meeting her. I had read her book The Beauty Detox Solution. I agreed with much of what I read
(except my body seems to tell me I need to eat meat). I admired that she was a smart and beautiful businesswoman. When GLOW Bio opened recently in West Hollywood, I immediately wanted to get a hold of Kimberly for a write up on the
store. Weeks later I found myself exchanging emails with her publicist
and setting up a time to go in.

My meeting with Kimberly @ GLOW fell on a cold rainy day in LA (a rarity here). Immediately upon walking in the bright, airy space I was greeted by friendly staff and saw Kimberly chatting with a customer in the store. Above the registers is a large menu boasting organic smoothies, cold-pressed juices, organic loose-leaf and fresh teas, organic, shade-grown coffee. Located on trendy Melrose Ave the shop has tables to sit, sip and chat in. There is an outdoor patio seating space which Kimberly plans to offer monthly classes led by experts in the fields of health,
beauty, wellness, meditation and spirituality. An eco-chic respite, GLOW
relies on sustainable, energy-efficient practices such as composting, and houses its products in
compostable, non-leachable, high-grade recyclable packaging materials.
The shop uses LED lighting, and the tables are made from re-planed wood.

When we sat down and spoke it was obvious right off the bat that Kimberly is not only down to earth and easy to talk but she truly radiates health. One can't help but notice the sheen in her hair, the glow to her
skin. She emulates a healthy lifestyle. She offered me a drink of my choice. I was cold from the rain and settled on an organic almond milk mocha
(very good), she sipped her infamous GGS (Glowing Green Smoothie). We
talked about everything ranging from her travels to Thailand, China, India and Africa that fueled her journey in health and nutrition to our favorite local yoga spots. We talked about the unhealthy focus on women's weight which leads to starvation, deprivation, frail, wry hair and parched skin just to begin. It makes perfect sense at a closer glance: a lifestyle of starvation will only result in robbing women and men of our innate, natural GLOW. Kimberly is careful to emphasize the
importance of incorporating smoothies and juices to our diet as opposed to
substituting real food for them. She does not believe in juicing alone –
either do I. From everything I have experienced first hand and read
juicing alone leaves our blood sugar and insulin level on a dangerous at-any-moment can crash and burn slope.

A press release I received in my inbox reads "For Kimberly, health
and beauty isn’t about cutting calories – it’s about nourishing your
body with the finest nutrients available." Turns out this isn't just media hype. Kimberly walks and walk. She opened GLOW as a channel
to provide direct access to the essential nutrients and lifestyle she follows and believes we can as well benefit from.

Kimberly is a very cool girl who happens
to hang out and cook for celebrities. She is without pretention. As I left GLOW headed back to my office, she suggested I take a GGS (chock full of romaine lettuce, spinach, celery, apple, pear, banana and lemon) to go.

Almost like a mother giving a quick last suggestion to her child walking out the door. Kimberly reminded me to "chew my juice and smoothies" in order to adequately break down the nutrients and enzymes and making it easier for our bodies to absorb.

Post-GLOW I was inspired, excited and actually hungry for greens! Kimberly's nutrition plan is a slow, steady and achievable one. I didn't leave feeling crazed and prepared to cut every trace of sugar, grain, and flour from my diet. I did leave feeling more mindful of what I eat and with an increased focus on vegetables and fruit in my diet. I also left with a new neighborhood hang to suggest to friends and family. If you are in the area, I highly recommend stopping in to GLOW.

GLOW bio is located at 7473 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood (cross street Gardner).

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We’re crushing on Montana’s newest neighbor – frilly lilly

December 27, 2012

Frilly lilly 3

We were intrigued when our friends over at Nicole Myden PR suggested we try the new Montana Ave. waxing outpost frilly lilly. Days later we saw frilly filly set up at Beauty's Night Out and grew even more intrigued. Dozens of gals were lined up for brow shaping and we noticed their signature pink & frilly design from their website. Is this a sign? Always on the look out for a painless, affordable bikini wax for our readers we threw caution to the wind and booked an appt.

The decor is pure Shabby Chic vintage and cute as a button. In a mature, adult sort of way of course.

Stephanie greeted me as I came in. She would perform my bikini wax. She showed me around the boutique and pointed out some of the brand's signature Products. Wait, wait one second Frilly Lilly sells jewelry too??! But not just any old overpriced costume junk. Loads of bracelets, earrings, necklaces, clutches, rings. Reasonably priced and SO cute. The accessories here are reason enough to stop in for a visit. I managed to snag 2 holiday gifts while there and maybe bought a little something.

(preciousbraceletwithrhinestonebow).

Stephanie showed me to one of the boutiques 4 treatment rooms. The room is simple, clean and classic. With a slight knock on the door, Stephanie entered and we were off! I know you aren't going to believe me, I know you think someone told me to say this: It didn't hurt. I didn't even FEEL it. Really, it didn't. At all. Stephanie explained they only use hard wax. Whatever it was the process was painless. Ever the perfectionist, Stephanie carefully reviewed the finished product ensuring she didn't miss anything. She gave me some great tips too. Use a mild exfoliator "down there" a couple times a week to prevent ingrown hairs. Don't use a hard loofah daily (I was). Have bumps after waxing use diaper rash cream or better yet their signature Frilly Lilly Nappy Cream. One brazilian bikini wax later I was out the door.

Frilly Lilly started in — with 6 locations — This location offers the following services: Bikini wax, Full leg wax, lower leg wax, upper leg wax, full arm wax, forearm wax, back/chest wax, underarm wax, full face wax, facial wax (sides of face), lip wax, brow tint, lash tint and chin wax. The bikini waxes are divided into three categories: Brazilian ($60 - nothing left), Hawaiian ($60 – barely there) The Canadian ($40, perfect for the Canadian bikini) and the Alaskan ($25 – just a little off the sides please).

And since we dig female entrepreneurs we thought we'd share a bit of the boutique's history. Debra Van Dyke opened the first boutique and launched the frilly lilly product line to fulfill her vision of creating functional products that also look adorable by the side of her tub. "I wanted to create a beauty boutique that would specialize in waxing and
offer quality products for women to enjoy a luxurious, yet attainable
experience" says Debra. The result is an assortment of goods ranging from their signature Sugar Lily Parfum to their hydrating Body Butters and our luxurious Bubble Bath to their fragrant Sugar Scrubs. The jewelry and accessories in each boutique continue to be hand selected.

The frilly lilly head office is in Calgary with 6 locations in Canada and the Santa Monica location their first U.S boutique.

Days later I have no redness, pain, irritation. The price is right ($60 for a brazilian). And the atmosphere makes for a fun experience. Hell I wanted to hang out, peruse more accessories and have a cup of tea.

frilly lilly is located at 1007 Montana Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90403 and
is open seven days a week: Monday (9am-6pm), Tuesday (9am-8pm),
Wednesday (9am-6pm), Thursday (9am-8pm), Friday (9am-6pm), Saturday
(9am-6pm) and Sunday (12pm-5pm). For further information or to make an
appointment, please call the Santa Monica location @ 310.260.5522 and be
sure to check out www.frillylilly.ca. (P.S ask for Stephanie and tell her we sent you).

**For a real Montana Ave. luxe grooming day try out TheBroot then walk over to frilly lilly for any waxing (or gifting) needs.

xox

Lacee

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