Eco Hotel Offers Life-Changing Vegan and Creative Journey Retreats and Introduces Trail Running for Beginners Package

August 7, 2024

The Stanford Inn & Resort is a pet and family-friendly eco-resort on California’s lush Mendocino Coast and the only 100% plant-based resort in the United States. Just outside Mendocino village, on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the property is a haven for guests looking to reconnect with nature and themselves. The resort’s lobby – featuring a curated bookshop, fireplace and comfy couches and reading chairs – is spacious and welcoming. The guest rooms and suites are paneled in warm pine and redwood, many with ocean views and wood-burning fireplaces. Included with each stay is a chef-prepared organic plant-based breakfast at their award-winning, farm-to-table vegan restaurant, Ravens (which offers lunch and dinner as well). Many of the menu’s ingredients are sourced from the resort’s own organic farm and lush gardens. Their Aquatic Center features a saltwater swimming pool, dry sauna, and hot tub – all housed in a delightful greenhouse that provides warmth and comfort throughout the year. The resort’s wellness center offers an unparalleled variety of experiences including nutrition and cooking classes, creative playshops, breathwork and meditation classes, guided hikes and trail runs, and gardening, nature, and mushroom foraging walks. Their spa facility – Massage in the Forest – offers massage, facials, and Ayurvedic treatments.

 

Ravens restaurant enchants even non-vegan diners (they got raves from O, the Oprah Magazine) and to take home some of that magic, guests can learn the joy of plant-based living while experiencing the luxury of the Inn at one of their Vegan Retreats, with one retreat occurring per season. Whether already vegan or merely vegan-curious, these retreats are life-changing. From cooking to nutrition, long-term habit change to environmental and ethical discussions, participants learn everything they need to know to be a happier, healthier person.

Retreat attendees enjoy:

  • Four nights at the indulgent Stanford Inn & Resort
  • Four plant-based breakfasts
  • Four plant-based dinners
  • Two plant-based cooking classes
  • Nutrition/healthy living class with author/nutritionist Sid Garza-Hillman
  • Small Steps Class (Stress Management and Habit Change) with author/nutritionist Sid Garza-Hillman
  • “Bringing it Home” conversation – how to apply what was learned
  • Complimentary copies of four books
  • Mountain bike rental

The upcoming Vegan Retreat is Thursday, September 5 – Monday, September 9, 2024. The price is $2,610 per person plus tax (single occupancy) and $1,850 per person plus tax (double occupancy). Gratuities are not included.

Another way guests can enrich their lives and open their minds is by participating in the inn’s Creative Journey Retreats. Joan Stanford, who owns and operates the inn with her husband Jeff, conducts the retreats. She is a registered art therapist and author and her “playshops” offer a profound opportunity for self-expression and discovery. By moving past self-judgement and into a truly creative space, Joan helps guests regain their love of creativity and discover insights about their lives and relationships.

Included in the Creative Journey Retreat:

  • Three nights lodging
  • Three breakfasts
  • Three dinners
  • Five creative experiences facilitated by Joan (art-making, writing, nature walk)
  • Open studio time (optional)
  • Complimentary copy of Joan’s book, “The Art of Play”

The upcoming Creative Journey Retreat is Thursday, October 24 – Sunday, October 27, 2024. The cost is $1910 per person plus tax (single occupancy) or $2620 per person plus tax (double occupancy). Gratuities are not included. Guests must call the Stanford Inn directly to book the Creative Journey Retreat at 800-331-8884.

It’s worth noting that if guests are not able to attend these set-date retreats, various private retreat packages can be added to a stay at any time of year which can include plant-based cooking classes, creative playshops and more.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Sid Garza-Hillman, who is also the resort’s Wellness Director, leads the brand new Trail Running for Beginners package. With this package, guests will learn proper form, pacing, nutrition on and off the trails, and a breathwork technique that improves fitness and endurance.

This package includes:

  • Three dinners
  • Three trail runs
  • Nutrition for Trail Runners class
  • “Breathing for Trail Runners” Breathwork Class
  • Special gift of three books

The cost is $555 per person plus tax or $890 per couple plus tax. Pricing does not include lodging or gratuities. There is a three-night minimum, and the package is subject to availability.

Beyond their special retreats and packages, the Inn enables their guests to experience something more than just a getaway to a beautiful place – they foster an interlude that is meaningful and life affirming.

“We hope our guests will gain a sense of connection,” says Jeff Stanford. “In these times, connecting with nature is so vital for well-being. We arise within nature and without recognizing and experiencing our bond with nature it can be challenging to connect with ourselves and each other.”

Photos: Daniel Turbert Photography

My Epic Nail And Lash Experience at New Lounge on Rodeo Drive

July 26, 2024

Step into the world of unparalleled beauty and hospitality at New Lounge, a sanctuary that seamlessly fuses Japanese precision with the warm embrace of Filipino hospitality. Established in 2017, New Lounge has cemented its reputation as a premier beauty and wellness brand across Asia, and now, it’s bringing its elite services to the iconic Rodeo Drive. I had the extraordinary pleasure of experiencing their latest nail innovation firsthand, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of a transcendent nail art journey.

From the moment I walked in, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of serene elegance. The space is a testament to their vision of combining meticulous Japanese techniques with a welcoming, personalized touch. I was greeted by the delightful team, who made me feel instantly at home, and guided me to my nail appointment with an artist who has come from Japan specifically to be the resident artist. She is NEXT LEVEL.

Now, let’s talk about these epic holographic nails. The artistry, the detail, the sheer brilliance of it all – it was like stepping into a futuristic dream. My nail artist, a true master of her craft, meticulously designed each nail with holographic finishes, adorned with gems and stones that caught the light in the most mesmerizing way. The attention to detail was beyond anything I had ever experienced; every tiny gem was perfectly placed, every brushstroke intentional and flawless.

What sets New Lounge apart is not just their innovative approach to beauty but their commitment to creating an empowering experience for their clients. As I watched my nails transform under the artist’s expert hands, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of confidence. This wasn’t just about looking good; it was about feeling invincibly glam.

I met the founder and her passion for excellence and dedication to her clients is palpable in every service they offer. Whether it’s their couture nail designs or their revolutionary eyelash extensions, developed with Japanese lash-tech masters, each service is a celebration of beauty and self-care.

I cannot wait to try the brow lamination and experience but I also went back to try their epic level extension service! WOW WOW WOW.

Stephanie and I chose a natural C curl and I am over the moon. It’s been years since I had extensions and the really can make a girl feel va-va-voom. I love it! I was so relaxed in the most comfy fluffy chair, frankly, I could have stayed and slept all day. I will take more photos soon!!

They offer several different kinds of eyelash extensions that are anti-bacterial, light, and comfortable. Each lash holds a beautiful and striking look that melds perfectly with any lifestyle. Whether you prefer a natural enhancement or a more dramatic flair, their lash artists tailor the extensions to suit your individual style. The result? Lashes that not only look stunning but also feel weightless and comfortable, making every blink a statement of beauty. They also have colored lashes – oh-em-geeee.

But seriously, their nail services are nothing short of extraordinary. Their designs, created by talented nail masters, draw inspiration from both classic styles and out-of-this-world creations. From timeless French manicures to today’s new and exciting trends, every nail design is personalized just for you. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated, understated look or bold, avant-garde artistry, the artist(s) deliver with precision and creativity.

You can complete your beauty look with their soon-to-be-launched makeup services. Their trained makeup artists are experts at creating everything from a natural, glowing complexion to striking red carpet looks. Whether it’s a hint of blush for a day out or a sculpted cheek for a special event, they will get you ready for any occasion with flawless, professional makeup application.

When I left, my nails were gleaming like precious jewels, I couldn’t stop admiring the intricate designs. It was more than just a manicure; it was a work of art, a testament to incredible talent and creativity. For anyone looking to indulge in a beauty experience that is as luxurious as it is transformative, I cannot recommend New Lounge enough. They don’t just elevate your look; they ignite a new kind of confidence within you, making you feel empowered and ready to conquer the world.

New Lounge seeks to go beyond a salon and become THE place where beauty and wellness are elevated to an art form. Whether you’re a longtime beauty aficionado or new to the world of nails and lashes, New Lounge welcomes you with open arms and an unwavering commitment to making you look and feel your absolute best. So, head over and prepare to be dazzled – your journey to next-level beauty awaits.

Also! Mobile Services coming soon!

421 N. Rodeo Drive Suite G-1, Beverly Hills CA 90210

Brows By KeraFactor

July 20, 2024

I am loving Brows by KeraFactor – a cutting-edge brow serum formulated with a potent blend of nine biomimetic growth factors, meticulously selected to stimulate and nourish brow follicles for fuller, thicker, and more defined looking brows.

At the heart of the formula lies a powerful combination of biomimetic growth factors harnessed to ignite the growth process of your brows. These growth factors work synergistically to activate dormant follicles while enhancing the thickness and density of existing ones.

Pentylene Glycol serves as the foundation of the formula, offering moisturizing, hydrating, and antimicrobial properties to create an optimal environment for healthy brows. 

Glycerin, a staple in skincare, not only shapes and defines your brows but also seals in moisture, ensuring they stay hydrated, which is crucial for promoting healthy brow rejuvenation.

To maximize brow health, Brows by KeraFactor features a proprietary blend of nine growth factors. These growth factors, including Sh-Oligopeptides, and sh-Polypeptides, stimulate the follicle, improve circulation, and enhance the Anagen Phase. This synergistic action revitalizes dormant follicles, elongates the Anagen Phase, and reduces shedding, resulting in fuller-looking, more defined brows.

Additional ingredients like Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, Adenosine, and Acetyl Cysteine provide antioxidant properties, promote cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and induce the Anagen Phase, further optimizing brow health. It’s fuel for your brows!

Rediscovering Sleep: A Journey with Helight’s Red Light Sleep Therapy™

July 17, 2024

Ah, sleep – that elusive, delicate dance of rest we crave but so often miss out on, especially during midlife. Enter Helight Sleep: your new bedside bestie, scientifically engineered to transform your nights into a symphony of serene slumber. Let’s dive into this marvel and see why it’s capturing the hearts (and sleep cycles) of many.

USE CODE: GROOMEDLA10 for 10% off yours now through July 31,2024

The Magic of Red Light: What’s the Buzz?

Helight Sleep isn’t just another gadget; it’s a revolution in sleep therapy. With its patented protocol, this little device emits pure red light at 630 nanometers – a wavelength that speaks directly to your body’s natural rhythm. Inspired by NASA (yes, you read that right), this award-winning technology is here to take your sleep game to the next level.

How It Works: From Turning On to Deep Slumber

TURN ON

Simply turn on Helight Sleep before you get cozy in bed. It kicks off with 14 minutes of pure red light, gradually fading out to signal your body that it’s time to wind down. The best part? It’s completely automatic – no fumbling with settings when you’re already half-asleep.

RELAX

Close your eyes and let the magic happen. The red light penetrates through your eyelids, activating photosensitive cells that help your body relax. It’s like a gentle lullaby for your brain, coaxing it into a state of calm and tranquility.

SLEEP

This is where the real magic happens. Helight Sleep’s signals promote deeper, more restful sleep, ensuring you wake up refreshed and rejuvenated. The device turns off completely after 28 minutes, leaving you in undisturbed slumber.

The Midlife Miracle: Tackling Perimenopause and Sleep Issues

Let’s get real – midlife comes with its own set of challenges, and sleep can often take a hit, especially during perimenopause. Hot flashes, night sweats, and those random 3 AM wake-up calls can leave us feeling less than fabulous. Helight Sleep offers a natural, non-invasive solution to help combat these disruptions. Imagine drifting off effortlessly, night after night, and waking up feeling like you’ve just had the best sleep of your life. Pure bliss!

Why Helight Sleep is a Game-Changer

  • Trusted by Pros: From sleep doctors to pro athletes, Helight Sleep has a loyal following who swear by its benefits.
  • NASA-Inspired: If it’s good enough for astronauts, it’s good enough for us! The technology is based on scientific research that’s out of this world.
  • Portable & Travel-Friendly: Whether you’re at home or on the go, Helight Sleep is compact and easy to carry, ensuring you never miss a good night’s sleep.
  • No Subscription Needed: It’s a one-time investment in your well-being, with no recurring costs or apps to manage.
  • Satisfaction Guaranteed: With a 60-night money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free and see the results for yourself.

The Verdict: A Must-Have for Every Nightstand

Priced at $139, Helight Sleep is a small price to pay for the gift of great sleep. With a 4.8/5 rating, it’s clear that users are loving the transformation it brings to their nightly routines. And with a two-year manufacturer warranty, you can rest easy knowing it’s a quality investment.

Ready to Transform Your Nights?

For best results, make Helight Sleep a part of your nightly ritual. While some might feel the benefits within a few nights, others may take up to 21 days to fully adapt. But one thing’s for sure – once you experience the deep, restful sleep it provides, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

So, here’s to better sleep and brighter mornings! Sweet dreams await with Helight Sleep. 🌙✨

 

VeRelief: Your Key to Calming the Nervous System and Managing Stress

July 2, 2024

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become all too common, negatively impacting our sleep, performance, and overall health. Traditional methods to calm the nervous system often require significant time and effort for minimal effect. Enter VeRelief, (and use code: GROOMEDLA for 15% off!) a breakthrough device designed to quickly and effectively calm the nervous system by directly stimulating the auricular vagus nerve.

Understanding the Importance of a Healthy Nervous System

A balanced nervous system is the cornerstone of good mental and physical health. Elevated nervous system activity can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, poor sleep, reduced performance, and accelerated aging. VeRelief simplifies the process of maintaining a healthy nervous system, making it easier than ever to manage stress and enhance overall well-being.

Achieve Flow State and Enhance Performance

Top performers across various fields strive to improve their skills incrementally, often aiming for just 1% improvement each day. However, as one becomes more skilled, achieving these small gains becomes increasingly difficult, particularly when it comes to improving “feel”—an essential but abstract performance metric associated with spending more time in a flow state.

VeRelief has shown remarkable results in this area. In a study involving high-performance athletes, a single 10-minute session with VeRelief led to a significant 9% increase in feel, compared to no change in the placebo group. This makes VeRelief an indispensable tool for anyone looking to manage their nerves, spend more time in flow, and boost their performance.

Accelerate Stress Recovery and Improve Sleep

The “fight or flight” response is a natural reaction to stress, but when it becomes chronic, it can make it challenging to calm down and fall asleep. VeRelief has been clinically proven to reduce state-anxiety and promote relaxation after just 10 minutes of use. This effect has been observed in both healthy individuals and those with clinical anxiety, providing a powerful, drug-free way to recover from stress and fall asleep faster.

Using VeRelief for 10 minutes after stressful events or at the end of each day can significantly improve your ability to relax and sleep. The device comes with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, ensuring that you’ll feel more relaxed and sleep better, or you can return it for a full refund.

Heart Rate Variability and the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a key indicator of nervous system health, specifically the balance between the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) systems. Low HRV indicates higher sympathetic activity, which is useful in dangerous situations but detrimental when trying to relax.

VeRelief stands out as the first and only device capable of boosting low parasympathetic activity in just 60 seconds. By increasing HRV, VeRelief helps you recover from stress on command, facilitating a quicker return to a calm state.

Gentle Nerve Stimulation for Daily Calm and Better Sleep

VeRelief uses gentle nerve stimulation to disrupt the “fight or flight” signals, leading to an immediate sense of calm and relaxation. This makes it faster than meditation and safer than medications. The standard protocol involves a 10-minute session right before bed to improve sleep or as needed throughout the day to maintain calm.

For those needing a quicker solution, VeRelief’s breath-synchronization feature amplifies the calming effects, reducing treatment times to as little as two minutes. Most users find that a single session helps maintain calm and focus for hours.

Clinically Proven and Doctor-Recommended

VeRelief has undergone rigorous testing, including three IRB-approved and placebo-controlled studies, complying with FDA regulations. These studies have confirmed its safety and effectiveness in reducing state-anxiety and improving sleep in healthy individuals.

The Vagus Nerve and Its Function The vagus nerve, often called the “wandering nerve,” is one of the most complex nerves in the body, originating in the brainstem and extending through the neck, chest, and abdomen. It plays a crucial role in the parasympathetic nervous system, regulating essential functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and reflex actions. Maintaining a healthy vagus nerve is vital for overall homeostasis and health.

Common Vagus Nerve Stimulation Tactics There are several methods to stimulate the vagus nerve naturally, each with its benefits and challenges:

  • Meditation: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. While beneficial, it requires regular practice and patience.
  • Breathwork: Techniques like diaphragmatic and 4-7-8 breathing help regulate heart rate and blood pressure, promoting calm. However, consistency can be a challenge, and incorrect techniques may cause discomfort.
  • Ice Plunge: Cold exposure can enhance vagal tone, improve mood, reduce inflammation, and increase stress resilience. It’s effective but can be uncomfortable or risky for some individuals.
  • Electrical Vagus Nerve Stimulators: These devices offer the fastest and most effective way to stimulate the vagus nerve, delivering the calming effects of meditation or breathwork in just a few minutes.

Auricular vs. Cervical Vagus Nerve Stimulation Understanding the difference between auricular and cervical vagus nerve stimulation is crucial. The auricular vagus nerve, located around the ear, is an afferent nerve that connects to the brain’s emotional regulation centers, making it the safest and most effective branch to target for stress and anxiety relief. In contrast, the cervical branch, found in the neck, has direct connections to the heart, lungs, and gut, requiring more power and potentially causing discomfort. This branch is better suited for chronic nervous system disorders and gut health.

VeRelief: The Most Powerful Auricular VNS on the Market VeRelief takes a unique approach by targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve right underneath the ear on the side of the neck. This method activates all auricular nerves simultaneously, leading to faster and more effective calming effects. Unlike traditional ear clip stimulators, VeRelief uses patented dry gel tips that provide a smooth, soothing sensation without the pain or discomfort associated with high current densities. This design allows users to achieve meaningful anxiety relief in as little as 60 seconds.

The Design Background VeRelief was developed over three years by Dr. Nicholas Hool, a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. Frustrated by the ineffectiveness of traditional calming techniques and the side effects of medications, Dr. Hool created VeRelief to provide a practical, comfortable, and portable solution. The device, smaller than a cell phone, eliminates the need for messy gels and is easy to use anywhere, anytime.

Clinically Proven and Doctor-Recommended VeRelief has undergone rigorous testing, including multiple IRB-approved, placebo-controlled studies, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in reducing state anxiety. These studies, involving both healthy individuals and those with PTSD or panic disorders, showed that VeRelief offers greater anxiety reduction than benzodiazepines or breathwork in the same amount of time.

The Modes VeRelief features five modes of operation, including auricular vagus nerve stimulation and two slow breathing modes. These modes help maintain a balanced nervous system and are particularly effective for stopping panic attacks. Additionally, VeRelief offers modes for alleviating stress-related headaches and nausea by stimulating the trigeminal nerve in the forehead and the median nerve in the wrist, respectively.

The Gel Tips VeRelief is the only VNS device on the market with dry gel tips, eliminating the need for wet gels and enhancing user comfort. These tips ensure the device is always ready for use, providing quick and effective stress relief on the go. For those with sensitive skin, VeRelief includes low-strength gel tips and hydration solutions to maximize comfort.

The Customer Support Recognizing that VNS technology is new to many, Hoolest offers robust customer support. Their team is available to answer questions and provide personal assistance, sometimes even directly with Dr. Hool. They also provide a video library and extensive resources to help users get the most out of their VeRelief device.

VeRelief is designed for modern high-stress professionals, offering a fast, effective, and portable solution for stress management. Priced at $400, it is more affordable than most clinical-grade VNS devices while maintaining high design and testing standards. VeRelief is not a quick fix but an investment in your future, saving time and improving personal and professional life by effectively managing stress. With a 60-day money-back guarantee, trying VeRelief is risk-free, and you’ll likely feel the benefits from the first use.

The VeRelief Prime, now in its third generation, is the fastest way to rebalance your nervous system, accelerate stress recovery, and enhance sleep in any environment. Pre-order now to experience the benefits of this revolutionary device.