GROOMED L.A.

UPCOMING REVIEWS FOR FEB. 2010!

Dreamy massage at the EL LEON SPA. 

Discover the CIEL SPA at the tre glam SLS HOTEL.

LIZ DEVIN for Brazilian blow-out...fab hairstylist to the celeb contingent.

Uber stylist, hair-master extraordinaire,RIC PIPINO debuts his new line of products, REVOLUTION IN CUT.

MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross

Finally I got a chance to try a couple of fun things from MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross.

I was really eager to try the ALHPA BETA DAILY FACE PEEL. I've heard a ton about this two step peel regime. It's simple as can be, two different wet swipies, like old fashioned Stridex pads. So easy - I love it!

I'm all about discovering this Alhpa Beta Skincare line!

Here's the deal-e-o about it. First of all, they have an amazing website (click above), with the Dr. giving a podcast describing the products which I think is a great service. I've just started with it so I'll have to check back in in 30 days to letcha' know how it went. I got the 30 day supply ($78). So far, I'm really digging the way it feels and how my skin is responding. So all great so far!

“This anti-aging product not only diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, but helps complexion problems, balances oil, tones skin, and increases clarity and radiance. Plus, it proves a daily, gentle approach can give superior results vs. a harsh approach. Like exercising daily is better than a long workout once a week, it’s better to treat your skin daily."
Dr. Dennis Gross

And being that I'm a design junkie as well, the packaging is gorgeous!!

BEST SELLER
AS SEEN IN Allure, The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet, InStyle, and Lucky

30 Applications. 2 jars (Step 1 & Step 2) containing 30 pads each.

STAR PRODUCT: In just 2 minutes a day, our patented, easy 2-step system gives you a highly developed skincare regimen plus Microexfoliation™- without recovery time. Microexfoliation™ is a gentle, non–irritating method of removing cellular debris from the surface of the skin, resulting in a smoother, firmer more even complexion. MD Skincare® Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel yields results far superior to other methods of exfoliation. Significant, notable and lasting improvement is achieved through daily use – maintain a luminous look all day long.

Visit our Alpha Beta® Skincare website to learn more.

Benefits:
Instantly helps firm skin and eliminate dullness revealing a luminous look all day long
Gently helps treat large pores and calms redness with soothing botanicals
Patented two-step technology - two minutes for radiant skin for all skin types
Provides microexfoliation without recovery time. Also available in convenient, individual packettes for treatment on-the-go.

 

I also grabbed this Botanical Cleansing Bar with Tea Tree & Aloe.

I love to switch up cleansing liquids with a good old fashioned bar. I don't something about it just feels so - substantial! I'm loving everything about this one. The smell, the weight, the way it feels and of course all it's magic powers!

Botanical Cleansing Bar with Tea Tree and Aloe produces a rich, foaming lather formulated to cleanse both the face and body. This purifying bath bar infuses skin with Organic Aloe, natural essential oils, antioxidants and botanicals to detoxify from pollutants, fight aging and provide a protective barrier to the skin. Tea Tree refreshes, heals and soothes.

Benefits:
Luxurious lather leaves skin healthy, clean and refreshed
Botanical formula offers firming and purifying benefits; Tea Tree soothes
Creates a protective, healing moisture barrier that counteracts environmental aggressors

It's only $24 and will last forever!

“Many of my patients, including myself, love a cleansing bar. This product gently and effectively cleanses the face and body, containing soothing, Organic Aloe and botanicals to naturally improve skin health. I’ve included chelators to detoxify and Tea Tree for its natural ability to refresh, heal and soothe.”
Dr. Dennis Gross

NutriFit- Yummiest home diet delivery ever!

I've tried them all...ya know...the ones where you pay and arm and a leg for a home-diet-delivery food thingie so you can lose a few pounds and not have to think about what to eat while doing so but you end up eating all the food before noon because there's no there there to eat and it's so bad you end up gaining weight because not only do you eat the unsatisfying overly priced food, but anything and everything else that isn't nailed down to the kitchen. Hopefully you don't know what I'm talking about because up until NurtiFit, meal service has been nothing but a depressing waste of money and calories for me.

So, on a fluke I discovered Jackie Kellers NutriFit.   www.NUTRIFITONLINE.com (NUTRIFIT ONLINE)  Now, I'm pregnant so I'm not in the lose weight department right now but I am in the holy crap, I'm gaining weight way too fast I forgot how to eat department.  I thought a couple of days of nutritionist approved meals might be a great way to get me on track, create a template for future meals, and sllooowww down the non-baby weight unnecessary weight gain that's come from the nightly 2-4 Tofutti Cuties in a row, chowing on things when I really don't want them and a general what's wrong with cookies for breakfast, I'm pregnant" mode of thinking.

I ordered a few days of NUTRIFIT'S MEAL DELIVERY, bracing myself for drabby meals, soggy fruit salad and the quintessential two almond snack.  

WOW - was I in for a shock.  This food is INCREDIBLE!!!  First of all I was afraid of starving.  Even with controlled portions, and all meant for a preggo mama, I was still afraid there wouldn't be enough. Uh, wrong. And take it from me, cause I'm a serious eater, this food is not only as yummy as it sounds (Cheese and Vegetable Phylo, Cheese Crumb Cake, Greek Quesadilla, Nine-LAyer Mediterranean Snack) but it is seriously filling!  So much so that I even wrote in to see how many calories I was getting because I thought it might be too much.  But no, it's just right (around 1750 per day for me).  I am telling you I have never experienced diet delivery like this and I've tried all the fancy ones - trust me this one is worth every penny.  

Anyway, I have a few more days left and it's been like an eating 101 for me - portion control, carb to fat to protein ratio, how to devise a meal to feel satisfied, etc. I know now for sure what I'm doing as soon as this baby pops out. I'm going to do a 30 day post baby program with Nurtifit and def getting Jackie's  BODY AFTER BABY book to keep me on track.  Suddenly, I don't feel so friggen terrified about all this baby weight because I know I'll have a safe and yummy plan to lose it!  Hey, maybe I'll even do a week by week post on how I'm doing with it, photos and all...Ok, I'm getting a little carried away here. But you get the point. This food is incredible and doable and that's all that matters.

Jackie is the real deal...Not only a Cordon Bleu trained chef, but a leading wellness and health expert. 

Jackie Keller

Jackie and her partner/husband Phil Yaney, formed NutriFit LLC in 1987. NutriFit specializes in fresh, gourmet, customized and delivered meal programs that are tailored to accommodate an individual's health and lifestyle needs. Their goal is to promote long-term health by providing full service nutritional support, including delicious, gourmet meals, wellness coaching, and health-related products.
NutriFit manages hundreds of clients' personal preferences and health issues. With over 2,200 NutriFit recipes, "we are far from your standard catering company," says Jackie. "Ours is a comprehensive approach to understanding the needs of each client - taking into account their goals, nutritional needs, allergies, likes and dislikes, exercise regimen and family health history."

Jackie's father passed away from a heart attack when she was just a teenager. She has made it her mission to help people live longer and healthier lives. "I have a personal commitment to help people circumvent heart disease and other chronic ailments," she explains. "It drives almost everything I do. It is my passion."

As a certified wellness coach, Jackie conducts one-on-one sessions both in person and virtually, during which clients set achievable goals in six "wellness" areas: fitness, weight, nutrition, stress, health, and the life issues that impact health. Over the course of three months, she reports that clients typically reach 80% of their first priority goals and more than 70% of second priority goals.

Jackie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Southern California, and received her culinary training from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France.

BEST PREGNANCY PRODUCTS PART #4: MUSTELA and WELEDA

We all know you can't look for a baby skincare product without settling on something from the wonderous MUSTELA line and desiring it badly.  It really is top of the line for baby skincare. Now I have the opportunity to explore their maternity line (click on 'maternity' on their website and they have a TON of irresistible products...wow!) and I'm super excited to bring their amazing formulations to my skin and not just my bebe's! I'm getting waaayy into STRETCH MARK DOUBLE ACTION.  It's pretty divine. It's skin cell renewal system is delivered/stimulated by Silicium, trace elements and Japonica. It also featured Alpha hydroxy-acid, and palm and coco oils. I've only had it for a bit but it's addictive. I mean, is it so wrong to use it...well...several times a day? Doubt it!  I'm also digging the ULTIMATE HYDRATION body lotion. This stuff is so good it's really just for anyone and everyone and whenever. In fact my hubby is gobbling it up.  Hey, get your own moisturizer, pleeze! It's got plant Ceram ides which prevent water loss, compensates for lipid deficiency with pure wheat germ oil and increasing skin resistance with the restructuring activity Elastoregulator. Uh, wow!

Here's deets on the Stretch Mark Double Action:

The Elastoregulator® (soy peptide derivative), Chlorophycea, and Lupeol combined with Alpha Hydroxy Acid moisturizers and nourishing oils preserve your skin’s elasticity and suppleness. This helps prevent new stretch marks. Restructuring, vaso-protective complex containing silicon, trace elements and sophora japonica stimulates the skin, considerably minimizing recent stretch marks.  A rich and creamy texture, ideal for a relaxing massage. Does not stain clothing.  Hypoallergenic - specially formulated to minimize the risks of allergic reactions.  Compatible with sonograms.  May be used during breast-feeding (follow usual proper hygiene rules before breast feeding).

Tested clinically under gynecological control.  Retails for about $39.  WORTH IT!!

___________________________________________________________________________________

Now onto the super divine WELEDA. I've always been a Weleda fan. How can you not be? This is heaven on earth nectar of the gods stuff. But I never delved into their MATERNITY line until now. What better a way to start than with the PREGNANCY BODY OIL...I'm a huge oil person.  I'm a pour-a-bottle-on-I don't care if I get oil everywhere-kind of gal. I just know how my body responds to a good oiling up. It drinks it up and screams THANK YOU!!  So this oil is perfect for me right now.  (And probably long after bebe is 
born...) It's packed full of good stuff like Arnica, wheat germ, vitamins A,D and E and you can practically see it seeping into the skin and geting to work.  It retails for $22 for 3.4 oz.  And if you use it the way your supposed to (you don't need to pour the whole bottle on) that should go a long way...Smells soooooo good, you'll lose your mind!!

Expectant mothers get a soothing, powerful solution for stretch marks caused by the rapid expansion of skin during pregnancy. It’s a nutrient-rich oil and intensive hydration that nourishes and smoothes stretching skin as your baby grows.  A base of sweet almond oil works gently, delivering intensely moisturizing essential fatty acids that keep your skin supple and protected from drying. Because pregnancy is a big job for your muscles and skin, our organic arnica flower extract helps ease tightness and provides a layer of comforting warmth when you indulge yourself with a soothing massage. Nourishing wheat germ oil conditions and refines your skin’s texture with a high quantity of vitamins A, D and E. Regular use visibly helps to correct the appearance of stretch marks on your pregnant belly; your thighs, bottom and breasts; and helps prevent the appearance of new ones. Now you can take a deep breath, relax and save the deep stretching for yoga.

 

 



 

RECESS - TOTALLY GREEN & ORGANIC NAIL SPA

Wow, RECESS  is AMAZING!  And it's been right under my nose, right here on Beverly Blvd and Orlando for two years. It was honestly the most delightful, attentive, thorough mani/pedi I've had in a salon in...well, I can't even remember.  It wasn't just the gorgeous atmosphere that seduced me.  

Here, take lookie here and see for yourself:

 

 

The super skilled and knowledgeable ladies who worked on me (ask for the amazing Naima and Ali) knew their stuff big time. This wasn't a quickie wham bam thank you mame slop job but mani/pedi as art form.  First I chose the scent I wanted them to infuse in the salts and non-toxic, organic creams they would be using (I think it was Cocoa Beach- yum!) The next hour and a half were pure bliss. Recess offers amazing treatments and for $25 a mani and $35 a pedi you are getting a REAL mani/pedi. I cannot recommend this place enough when you need to do a mani/pedi the right way or want to treat yourself to a little extra special experience. Everything in the salon is made from Green materials, down to the bamboo curtains and towels. The polishe selection is exquisite, of the moment colors you cant find at your local chop shop. And there's a great shopping selection too of amazing creams, polishes and treats.

The owner Nidhi is so sweet, accommodating and lovely. She is always adding interesting things to the menu.  OH! And they also do organic waxing, which I'm def going to try next time as I am always mad about a great wax. It would be a cool place to have a little girls party of some sort or pre-wedding thing with bridesmaids. 

8408-B BEVERLY BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 (EAST OF LA CIENEGA)

323.782.9919 RECESS-LA.COM

Recess is the first completely green nail spa in Los Angeles--from the products used in treatments down to th e construction and energy use. Thanks to years of research, the spa is committed to the utmost in sanitation, service, and relaxation at an affordable price. More than just a spa, it’s a lifestyle of environmental consciousness that also promotes luxury, healthy atmospheres, and social awareness.

Hand Blended. Organic Ingredients. Natural Therapy. Our Organic products are FREE of Formaldehyde, Dyes and Parabens. You can choose from the following Lotions, Scrubs, Oils and Soaks.

Summer Guava refreshing Lemon Essence detoxifying

Tropical Pineapple hydrating Citrus Breeze rebalances skin

Blooming Rose mature skin Indian Spice aids dry skin

Coco Beach softens skin Key Lime circulation & immunity

Lavender Frost calming Sweet Pink Lemonade astringent

Berry Fusion uplifts mood Apricot Acai nourishing

Peppermint Acai brightens skin Sugar Cookie cell growth

Chamomile natural sedative

8408-B BEVERLY BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90048 (EAST OF LA CIENEGA)

323.782.9919 RECESS-LA.COM

RECESS BASICS

MANICURE 

$25 30 minutes

Just what the name says, the basics! Soak, Nail Shaping, Buffing, Cuticle Care, Lotion and Polish. Includes your choice of recess organic aromatherapy Soak, Nail Shaping & Buffing, and tender Cuticle Care. This is followed with a warm towel treatment with our extra plush anti-microbial bamboo towels and a hydrating recess organic Moisturizer in your choice of scent. Finish with a Non-Toxic nail polish. Buffer, Orangewood Stick and File are yours to take home!

PEDICURE 

$35 45 minutes

Includes your choice of recess organic aromatherapy Soak, Nail Shaping & Buffing, tender Cuticle Care, and Pumice to callused areas. This is followed with a warm towel treatment with our extra plush anti-microbial bamboo towels, and a hydrating recess organic Moisturizer in your favorite flavor. Finish with a Non-Toxic polish. Foot Files, Buffer, Orangewood Stick, and File are yours to take home!

RECESS SIGNATURE

MANICURE 

$35 45 minutes

Includes everything in the Recess Basic Manicure, plus a moisture-locking recess organic Essential Oil, a Lavender Paraffin Wrap, and a Moisturizer Massage in the flavors of your choice.

PEDICURE 

$50 55 minutes

Includes everything in the Recess Basic Pedicure, plus an Exfoliating recess organic Scrub, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap and a Massage in the lotion of your choice.

RECESS ENHANCEMENTS 

Add-ons for Manicures and Pedicures include these Luxurious Options

For your hands $6.00

For your feet $8.00

FOOT SCRUB - Exfoliating dead sea salt & sugar. A must for your pedicure.

CALLUS TREATMENT - combats even the most stubborn soles

PARAFFIN WRAP - Intense Hydration (pair with Essential Oil for best results)

ESSENTIAL OIL - a natural blend with therapeutic benefits

WAX BUFFER - yours to keep, provides a natural shine.

FRENCH TIP - the natural-looking polish choice

NAIL ART - add some culture to your life $3/nail

MASSAGE - an Extended 10 minute Massage $15

CALLUS PACKAGE - Foot Scrub, Callus Treatment, & Paraffin Wrap $35

Get Creative with Your Very Own Essential Oil Blend! 

Please Ask Our Manicurists for Assistance and Pricing.

RECESS HALF-TIME SERVICES

This quickie includes a flash soak, nail shape & buff, simple cuticle pushing, a recess lotion application, and non-toxic polish application

* Does not include warm towel treatment, foot file, tender cuticle care or add-ons.

For Your Hands $18 20 minutes

For Your Feet $27 30 minutes

JUST A POLISH CHANGE 

This includes a recess organic Lotion Application in the flavor of your choice, and your choice of Non-Toxic nail polish.

*soak, foot file & tender cuticle care not included 

For Your Hands $12 15 minutes

For Your Feet $15 15 minutes

RECESS FOR KIDS 

(ages 10 and under) 

We want everyone to enjoy their time at recess, so we’ve developed a couple guaranteed kid-friendly services with child-safe Essential Oil Blends

CHILDREN AT PLAY

Includes a calming Lavender Frost Soak and A Summer Guava Lotion application that will restore skin balance, heal ailments, and serves as a natural antiseptic. Recess time concludes with a Non-Toxic polish & simple nail art design.

Manicure $18.00 20 minutes

Pedicure $27.00 20 minutes

LAVENDER LULLABY

This package will work to safely and naturally calm your child. Includes Calming Lavender Frost Soak, Child-Safe Essential Oil Blend, Chamomile Lotion, Polish & Simple Nail Art Design 

Manicure $23 30 minutes

Pedicure $32 30 minutes 

RECESS SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

When you’re feeling playful, choose from the following services.We’ve paired a few scents together that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed and polished.

TROPI CALI

Tropical Pineapple Soak, Exfoliating Tropical Pineapple Scrub, Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Coco Beach Moisturizer Massage

hands $35.00 40 minutes 

feet $50.00 55 minutes

CHILL OUTKey Lime Aromatherapy Soak, Lemon Essence Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Lavender Frost Moisturizer Massage

hands $35.00 40 minutes 

feet $50.00 55 minutes 

SWEET TREAT

Summer Guava Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Sugar Cookie Scrub, Lavender Frost Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Berry Fusion Moisturizer Massage

hands $40.00 45 minutes 

feet $55.00 60 minutes 

AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Lemon Essence Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Citrus Breeze Scrub, Sweet Pink Lemonade Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Key Lime Moisturizer Massage

hands $40.00 45 minutes 

feet $55.00 60 minutes 

BLOOMINESQUE

Blooming Rose Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Berry Fusion Scrub, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Blooming Rose Moisturizer Massage

hands $35.00 40 minutes 

feet $50.00 55 minutes

SOUTHERN SECRET

Sweet Pink Lemonade Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Key Lime Scrub, Lemon Essence Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Berry Fusion Moisturizer Massage

hands $40.00 45 minutes 

feet $55.00 60 minutes

THE MUSK TRY

Lavender Frost Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Berry Fusion Scrub, Berry Fusion Essential Oil Blend, Hydrating Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Indian Spice Moisturizer Massage

hands $40.00 45 minutes feet $55.00 60 minutes

•All ingredients used are the finest sourced from all natural to organic. We here at recess only carry the highest standard in nail care and sanitation•

RECESS’ PREMIERE SPA TREATMENTS

Some times not just your hands and feet need attention. Our full-body treatments are constructed to maximize essential oil therapy, relaxation, and overall enjoyment.

POWER LUNCH $75 

Manicure/Pedicure 30 minutes

A no frills approach to a complete service that will nourish your skin with a healthy dose of antioxidants and leave you perfectly polished, even during crunch time. Appointments are Strongly Suggested.

Includes: Key Lime Soak, Acai Essential Oil, and Citrus Breeze Lotion.

THIRSTY FEET $75 

Pedicure Only 75 minutes 

Meant for feet in need of a little extra TLC. The treatment will work wonders on your feet by softening and restoring skin balance, providing intense hydration, increasing circulation, healing sun damage and shedding unwanted dry skin. Your feet will love it!

Includes: Lemon Essence Soak, Eucalyptus Thyme Foot Scrub, Warm Towel Treatment, Triple Layer Essential Oil Treatment, Paraffin Wrap, and Citrus Breeze Lotion.

STRESS MANAGEMENT $165

Manicure 85 minutes Pedicure 110 minutes

Relax in the hydrotherapy of a warm water soak and erase tension with an exfoliating foot scrub. Reduce anxiety and improve immunity-- weakened by high stress. Service promotes relaxation and feelings of euphoria with a highlighted extended massage. 

Includes: Lavender Frost Soak, Lavender Frost Foot Scrub, Warm Towel Treatment, Triple Layer Essential Oil Blend, Paraffin Wrap, Extended Massage, Lavender Frost Lotion

ACAI OF RELIEF $110

Manicure 60 minutes Pedicure 75 minutes 

Designed to neutralize toxins, improve immunity, and visibly brighten your skin. Begin with an immunity boosting soak, a special antioxidant infused foot scrub, and a lotion that will help purify and cleanse. Further detoxify to feel refreshed and renewed.

Includes: Key Lime Aromatherapy Soak, Coffee Acai Foot Scrub, 2-Part Essential Oil Treamtent, Paraffin Wrap, Apricot Acai Lotion

RECESS’ PREMIERE SPA TREATMENTS - CONT’D

THE ULTIMATE ORGANIC DETOX $140

Manicure 75 minutes Pedicure 100 minutes

We’ve customized an aggressive treatment that will purify, detoxify, relax and recharge. Neutralize toxins and raise immunity. Feed your skin antioxidants that will leave you softer and brighter. You’ll be ready and refreshed.

Includes: Lemon Essence & Key Lime Aromatherapy Soak, Acai Hand Scrub, Acai Foot Scrub, 4-Part Essential Oil Treatment, Paraffin Wrap, Citrus Breeze Lotion Massage

AROMATHERAPY COUPLES PACKAGE $250

Manicure 60 minutes Pedicure 90 minutes 

Get pampered side by side with a more private, intimate experience with a pull of the curtains. Calm your nerves, increase your circulation, purify and stimulate the senses with intoxicating layers of essential oils, leaving you feeling and smelling irresistible.

Includes: Lavender Frost Aromatherapy Soak, Exfoliating Key Lime Foot Scrub, 3-Part Essential Oil Treatment, Lavender Paraffin Wrap, Indian Spice Lotion Massage