a love letter to LUBA at “Ma Maison de Beaute” in WeHo

April 3, 2012

Unnamed

 

For 15 years and a dozen bad breakups, one joyous wedding, the exhilarating birth of twin boys and the rapid decline of both my sanity and looks, Luba (that's "love" in Russian) Shapiro has always been there for me.  A gifted aesthetician (and mother of twins herself!), she's waxed, scrubbed, sculpted, plucked, exfoliated, squeezed, eyelash-tinted and primped me through the best and worst of times.   I thought there was nothing that Luba couldn't or hasn't done for me– follically speaking, of course.  That's when she told me about "dermaplaning" – a fantastic exfoliating technique involving a surgical blade and her confident touch.   It's true– in a certain light, I could be said to resemble Cornelius, the blonde ape from "Planet of the Apes" – but after an hour on the table, my complexion felt smooth as silk (and stayed that way for at least a month.)   Damn you, apes.  Damn you to hell.
love, Kayla
 
Luba works out of "Ma Maison de Beaute" –  a gorgeous one-stop boutique spa in West Hollywood.
 
Eyelash tints from $15, waxing from $10 up.  Dermaplaning runs about $100.   
8804 Rosewood Avenue  West Hollywood, CA 90048
(310) 385-0643

 

report from the MALIN + GOETZ opening in Larchmont.

April 2, 2012

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Malin + Goetz = LOVE

new store.

238 NORTH LARCHMONT BOULEVARD.  

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.  90004.  


I have huge respect for anybody who operates according to a personal or professional philosophy and Messieurs Malin and Goetz abide by a very clear philosophy that I saw in every aspect and detail of their business from their packaging to their ingredients to the design of their new store on Larchmont.  I walked into the opening celebration and immediately understood that I wanted to live in this perfectly imagined space with the custom made built in white floor to ceiling shelves of my dreams that hold the products to a choice mix of modern fixtures with antique pieces.   But all of this stunning design is really just an alter to the glory of the product.  Malin + Goetz began as and remains a personally developed product line that is like all that is worthy in our modern world – a blend of state-of-the-art knowledge with old world craftsmanship.  Matthew and Andrew personally develop each and every formula with a trusted chemist to offer effective treatments, all free from unnecessary detergents, colorants and synthetic fragrances.  The result – pure, natural products that deliver real treatments and solutions for skin, body and hair similar to a traditional apothecary. 

 

Having sniffed and sampled every single item in the store, I will call your attention to a few selections – an incredibly unique and fresh geranium scent that I found in an eau de toilette and a body wash, a hair pomade that smelled deliciously like licorice, a neroli candle that smelled identical to a spring day, a cannabis candle that smelled nothing like mary jane, but did smell like a man I’d like to lick all over, a eucalyptus deodorant that smelled like a fresh cut lime with no alcohol and that is aluminum free and would alleviate self-consciousness when raising the roof or other gestures of high praise, and an acne treatment with 10% sulfur that looks highly productive and medicinal and I wish I’d had last week when I had a honker on my chin.  Check out the website at www.malinandgoetz.com for the stores and locations that carry the products or to order on line.

 

xo Abel

tech gadget love of the week! my NEST from bluelounge.

March 30, 2012

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i live for my ipad, but it's always a major pain when i'm trying to tune out my kids during a meal and stalk old boyfriends on facebook read the New York Times whilst sipping a cup of detox tea. it's too flat and the boring mac case i have for it doesn't do a thing to get it to actually balance, standing.

while perusing OPEN SKY the other day, my eyes lit up when i saw this product from BLUELOUNGE.COM called NEST.

first of all, anything in bright fluorescent colors tickles me neon in all sorts of places. especially against a white background. second of all, i'm a product design whore and anything that's effortless, purposeful, multi-useful and fricken cool looking, makes me wish i had a degree in product engineering.

this is the most brilliant little $14.95 accessory i've gotten in a long time.

it's an ipad stand! it's a cell phone rest! it's a little choch-kee (my own spelling) holder!

i love it!! but best of all, it's the coolest most useful little dock for my ipad to hang out, both horizontally or vertically.  

look what the techies are saying:

  At $14.95, the Nest is a must have multi-function stand money can buy. 
  I think I may have found the ideal, dare I say portable, clean and simple 
  yet extremely functional stand for the iPad and iPad 2.” — Gadgetmac

what :: Nest is the ideal place to rest your iPad. Either horizontally where the rubber lining cushions the backside, or vertically where the hidden cradle slides out and holds it in place. The always useful Nest is a compact solution that is an unobtrusive asset on any desk, next to a laptop or bedside table. When not in use, it blends into any environment as it cradles your keys, USB and other small necessities. Nest is a harmonious balance between style, practicality and value. This multipurpose product has heaps to discover and offer. It is compatible with iPad and iPad 2.

here are more delish pix!

the biggest challenge was chooseing a color! ( i went for lime but honestly, there are all perfect)

the other problem is that there are so many fab products on bluelounge, i kinda want them all. 

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no more flat heads!! CRANIAL CRADLE :: a super brilliant mom-invented crib mattress and bassinet pad.

March 27, 2012

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(how cute – in the mattress style, for twins!)

cranial cradle’s crib mattress and bassinet pad!

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met the loveliest momtrepreneur, Sheryl Lake at another most awesome SECRET ROOM EVENT at the SLS hotel this week, my fave event to meet some of the latest purveyors of exciting new lines in beauty, health, fitness and style.

this is the most brilliant mommy designed product i’ve seen in a long time.i’m just so so bummed i didn’t have it when AJ (now 22 months) was a newborn as he was getting a bit of the ol’ flat-head-from-sleeping-in-same-position syndrome.(it didn’t hurt that i kept him tightly swaddled for way too long).

it’s like a tempurpedic for babies that relieves pressure on the baby’s head and body. no more flat heads! 

 

read more about it here :: 

Cranial Cradle Bassinet Pad

The Cranial Cradle Bassinet Pad is a customized high-density, ultra-firm foam replacement pad for your bassinet with a 2.75″ depth for ultimate comfort and support. Each bassinet pad is crafted with our revolutionary contoured pod design that was inspired by parents for parents who want their baby to sleep in a safe, controlled and supportive environment. This design was produced to relieve external pressure on the baby’s head and body. Each pad has a sculpted contoured pod that cradles your baby’s head and body as gently as you. The replacement pad is recommended for infants 0-3 months.

Firm Support in accordance with pediatrician and Consumer Product Safety Commission firmness recommendations. Square Corners for snug fit.

Fits 15-16″ x 30″ bassinets or cradles and 15-16″ x 30″ bassinet/cradle sheets.

Specifications

  • High density foam pad contours to protect your child’s unique head and body
  • Interior contoured area protects and cradles your babies’ head and body
  • 2.75 inches thick for maximum support
  • Polyurethane foam core for amazing comfort
  • Moisture-resistant protective cover
  • Made with phthalate-compliant, fire-resistant, lead-free, non-toxic materials
  • Meets and exceeds all federal and state safety testing standards
  • Cranial Cradle Bassinet Pad should never be placed on top of another mattress or pad
  • Measures 15 x 30 x 2.75
  • Product Weight 1.6lbs
  • Made in the USA

 

in fact, BUY IT HERE!!!!  

 

BUY

 

If you want to see how good this is, compare it against similar products listed as the best available on mommyhood101.com. I bet it blows them out the water! I just sent one to my bessie who had her baby two days ago and she is sooo jazzed she gets to use it. 

the PERFECT baby shower gift, hands down!


FREE SHIPPING within the US  

 

Just announced!

                                      Just announced! – $119.00                                    

$119.00 USD

scarf obsessed :: RAVEN & LILY spring scarves.

March 26, 2012

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great news! Raven + Lily has just released all new scarves for spring!

and, the good news is not only are the chic and clean and stunning and – they are also completely sustainable and serving the greater good.

wow!

 

the stylish infinity scarves were just released today. scarves are my go to number one accessory. I literally never leave the house without one. i know, kinda weird.  this neutral, natural eco-vibe scarf is perfect for spring. throw it on with a fluorescent tank to bring off-set your day-glo with a little earthiness.

cool-ass-company :: Raven + Lily is a lifestyle brand that is dedicated to empowering women through creative design partnerships and micro-enterprise opportunities in developing countries. by combining the passions of ethical design and fashion, Raven + Lily has curated a platform to further alleviate poverty among women and families in various parts of the world. the women artisans behind Raven + Lily are empowered and though faced with adversity, are able to learn a craft that creates a sustainable job opportunity, develops their sense of meaning in the world and allows them control to create a life they are proud of. um, wow.

Raven + Lily’s spring/summer 2012 collection features fashion-forward accessories that are not only made for good, but are wearable and sophisticated, utilizing fair-trade, eco-friendly and organic or recycled materials such as melted bullet casings, vintage silver coins and organic cottons. total turn on.

even cooler :: for a limited time (3/26 to 3/30), Raven + Lily will be offering FREE SHIPPING on the newly released scarves. Please enter the code RLscarf upon check out to take advantage of this promotion!

http://www.ravenandlily.com/