Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Get Your Pretty On

If the Betty Ford Clinic had a program for beauty the beauty product addict, I would be a repeat attendee!

I am an addict, a product whore, a beauty supply junkie.

My main supplier/dealer is Larchmont Beauty Supply in Larchmont Village.

Shampoos, Gels, Soaps, and much, much, much more!!!

They also have a good assortment of candles, hair accessories and many other good smelling or sparkling goodies!

For those who need instant gratification, they have a salon on the premises to do you up on demand.

The prices are competitive, the amount of product is massive and the staff is well schooled in what will work for you.

Larchmont Beauty Center
208 North Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90004
323-461-0162
www.larchmontbeauty.com

Go The Extra Mile

Most people know that buying a new car can be a NIGHTMARE.

Scary prices, frightening long commitments, high strung sales people and everything else can be enough to make the most Zen person take a trip to stressville!

If you are in the market and looking for a great car - you need to take a trip South to Honda of Mission Valley in San Diego.

I recently did a bit of business there and I felt no pressure to add on anything, to extend my warranty or to get the fancy car vs the car I really want and can afford.

I am originally from San Diego, I actually got my 1st car from them. After looking around in LA I found the dealers here have slightly higher prices and the staff were mainly smooth talkers. With that, I quickly took myself back to San Diego and drove off the lot with a new car and a big smile!

Of course I can't speak for all the sales people so if you do find yourself there, ask to deal with Dave Johnson - he rocks.

Honda Mission Valley
5812 Mission Gorge Road
San Diego CA 92120
800-909-0500
www.hondamissionvalley.com

It Must Be Puppy Love!

Attention Dowtowners!

Looking for high grade pet food and supplies??

Tired of having to drive many a mile to get the good you need for Fluffy and Fido??

Well, look and drive no more - The Lofty Dog is open and ready to provide you with what you need for your four legged pals.

I was in and out rather quick but in that time I found the prices to be very competitive on both the food and the products. They carry only high grade foods so don't expect to find Dog Chow or Meow Mix at this store. They also had a good amount of toys, bowls, leashes, collars and other pet swag. To top it off, they also do grooming!

With two locations in Downtown LA - there is sure to be one within walking distance of most loft dwellers.

The Lofty Dog
120 West 2nd Street
Los Angeles CA 90012
213-687-8820
AND
655 South Spring Street
Los Angeles CA 90013
213-627-3316


Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Oh Oh Darling!

Ach Ach Liebling means 'oh, oh darling' in German.

It also mean FABULOUS jewelry!

The pieces all have a vintage yet modern look with a splash of the 70's. Each piece is handmade and which makes them individually unique. They are all very easy to wear in that they will compliment just about every occasion and outfit!

"Tabby" = $28.00


"Daisy Sway" = $24.00


"Moth" - $62.00

I'd Stop the World and Melt With You

I am huge on candles - LOVE THEM!

All shapes, all sizes, most smells and almost all colors!

I am also huge on a non-toxic so I try my best to only have good quality ones around the house.

That goal is what lead me to I Melt With You candles.

They all burn clean, last a long time are made from soy and smell DELICIOUS! Each is hand made and in small batches to assure the highest quality. They have 21 scents in a variety of styles and all are priced incredibly low!

Buy some for you and everyone you know - you'll be happy you did!


11oz Tumbler - $16.00


6oz Round Tin - $8.00


8oz Jar - $12.00

Bughouse Rock!

I can't remember the first time I met them BUT I am glad as hell I did...

WHO?

Jeff and Rebecca Bughouse AKA Bughouse.

The art team of Bughouse is AMAZING. I can go on and on with happy words about their work... From screenprints to handmade fine art prints and more - their product rocks in both quality and in design. To make is even better, it is all very affordable!

Whether buying for yourself or to give as a gift - a piece by Bughouse is a great choice that will only increase in value as time goes on.

"Los Angeles"



"Buddha"



"Super Valu"


"I Will Not be Meat"

Heavenly Hot Dogs!

Tis the season to be shopping AND personally, I am a huge NON MALL gal but every once and awhile I do have to do a bit of business at one...

Malls + Holidays = HELL

Remedy to HELL?

Hot Dog on a Stick!

I know, I know BUT I love it!

FYI....I am a veggie and they have a veggie dog on a stick that rocks my girly world. That, some fries and a cherry lemonade makes the mall a bit less Hellist and more Heavenish - even if just for a second.

For Your Viewing Pleasure


If you don't know already, I am telling you now - NetFlix also sells their used DVD's.

I use to pad my DVD library by spending a pretty penny at Amoeba in their used section. So, I am pleased as punch NetFlix is now offering them - their prices are low, the shipping is free AND they just add the amount due onto your monthly fee. Easy as pie!

The Drink of the Gods

First off, let me say this - I am and always have been a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf girl. LOVE their lattes. LOVE their Ice Blended Vanilla with an extra shot, no whip. LOVE the blueberry pomegranate Iced Blended, no whip.

My move from Hollywood (where I had a CB&TL within 5 mile of any direction of me) to Downtown LA was rough in many ways but the suckiest thing was the lack of a Coffee Bean. Yes, there is one in the cluster of the buildings but if one can find parking there they need to also pick up a lotto ticket as it is a lucky day for them. The other CB&TL is many, many miles East.

With that, I have been cheating on my love with Groundwork.

I have yet to bring myself to try the iced blendeds BUT I can say I do love my new mistresses' Tiger Iced Chai. DAMN! It's good, and I can't get enough. Sometimes I ask for very little ice so that I can have a few more ounces of this liquid heaven. YUMMMM!

Groundwork is located at:

Downtown Artists District
at
811 Traction Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Hollywood
at
1501 North Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028

new Downtown location (open in Jan '07)
at
108 West 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Good Deals for a Good Dog

Like to spoil your dog?
Don't like to spend your entire paycheck doing so?
If you answered YES to both, you need to check out Tails in the City.

Tails in the City is your one stop shop for everything dog and a moderate price. They carry beds, carriers, collars, toys and much more. They even have jewelry and adorable bows to accompany your pups new outfit!

There is also a small section of Kitty gear too so be sure to get Fluffy a little something too!

Even if you do go a bit overboard, you'll rest at ease knowing that the site's owners donate a portion of their proceeds to PAWS Chicago (where they are located). PAWS is Chicago's largest no-kill humane organization.


Groove With Me Bed - starting at $50.00



Personalized Sterling Silver ID Tag - $50.00

Zeek Squeek Toy - $14.00

The Time at the End of the Tunnel

Sometimes I like very odd things. I tell myself they are cool things BUT fact is I am just in denial and they are simply ODD.

With that, I think this Mirage Lamp/Clock is "COOL"!


This clock creates the image of and endless tunnel AND if you turn out the light, it is a mirror.

It is available at The Sharper Image and usually goes for $19.95 BUT is currently marked down to a low $14.95!

Whether you care what time it is or not, I think this looks COOL.

Cure Your Cubicle Blues

There was a time when I spent much of my life in a cubicle.

The perk - I was making money.

The downside - I was in a cubicle all day so didn't have much time to spend it.

Then one day a pal told me about a site where I can kill time AND shop - Alloy. From that day on I was hooked!

Alloy is jammed packed with some sassy gear - tops, bottoms, shoes, hats, belts, bags, pretty much EVERYTHING a gal can hope and wish for. The styles are geared for the young and young at heart so it does lack wardrobe for the corporate world BUT does have the right look for casual Friday.

I promise you will spend a lot of time but not a lot of money on this site. If you feel a little lost in the style department, no worries - the site includes many tips and guides to help you on your shopping journey. Everything from the 'Trend of the Week' to the 'Beautyscope' where you can find the best style for your zodiac sign.

Happy Shopping!

Belted Black Dress - $36.50


Sienna Tunic - $32.50


Satin Chain Print Kabuki - $28.50

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

From Naughty to Nice in 8 Pumps

Over 90% of my life has been spent with long hair. Not Crystal Gayle long but when I get it trimmed my main guideline for the stylist is "to the bra strap". Yeah, it's nice, it's pretty, can be styled in oh so many ways, worn up, down and all over BUT can be a complete evil mess at post-shower time. After many spending many dollars on many products I found my hairs savior - SOYtri-wheat Leave In Conditioner by Sexy Hair Concepts.

I LOVE IT!

I simply spray this leave in conditioner on my towel dried hair and I can brush it out in no time flat - no pulling, no tugging and not much effort. I like that. Not only does it detangle and make the post shower chore a breeze, in conditions too!

SoyTri-Wheat leave in Conditioner is available at most salons and beauty supply stores and sells anywhere from $10 to $14 for an 8oz bottle.

( they recently changed the look of the bottle so look for the red one until the teal one phases it out )

OLD BOTTLE DESIGN


NEW BOTTLE DESIGN

MAMA needs a brand new bag!


mmm, mmm, mmm... I love me a good Prada bag BUT sadly I don't have a corner office in a high rise or hotel mogul parents to help finance my habit. With that in mind, there are 2 choices, Santee Alley in downtown LA (if you don't mind a nice Kate Snade) bag OR get the real deal at eFashionHouse. Not only is it the real deal it is a real deal! The bag above retails for $1800 but on the site it sells for $888. Still seem a bit high? No worries, they have an entire section of 'designer inspired' bags too!

Along with some fabulous bags they also have accessories, items for men and pets!

Get online and get your deal on at eFashionHouse!

(join the mail list and you get some sweet sales and deals sent to you AND you may also win a FREE bag in their weekly drawing)

It's All About Comfort... FOOD!

Whether you are stressed or not everyone likes to indulge in some comfort food now and then. Right!? YES!

I also think that most everyone one agrees that a good dish of some macaroni and Cheese is as about as comfty as it gets. Right!? YES!

With that, be sure to take a nice little afternoon trip to Town & Country in Silverlake. Their version of the classic is something your favorite granny would cook up and it is delightful! To add to the greatness, the portions or huge while the price is moderate. There is a variety of other yummies on the menu, a great counter with many bakery goodies and a nice coffee bar too!

T & C is also a dog friendly cafe so be sure to bring Fido along too and enjoy the food and people watching at this Sunset Junction jewel!

Town & Country Bakery and Cafe is located at:

3823 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90026
323-667-3331

Clean Up Your Act!


I Love SOAPTOPIA!

They use all natural products - GOOD
All soap made on the premises by humans NOT machines - GOOD
They have a wide variety of soap, salts, balms and more - GOOD
If by some odd chance you don't like what is offered they can custom make anything you need - GOOD

In the end, I can not find one bad thing about Soaptopia. From the product itself to the people who make it everything is GOOD!

Oh, to add to the GOODNESS - it is all very reasonably priced!

Soaptopia is located at:

12228 1/2 Venice Blvd.
Mar Vista CA 90066
310-398-8333

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Splish Splash It's Time To LOVE Your Bath!

Soaking in a hot tub is good BUT now it can be Hella Good if you have the right salts and suds! Dry Skin? Not a problem, try the Birthday Suit Cake Frosting which has a shea oil and glycerin combo that'll have your skin as soft as the day you were born. If you want to take it a step further and go for the Soft Skin Gold Medal try the Hottie Pants Caramel and Vanilla Pudding scrub. It is super creamy and smells like vanilla pudding...need we say more?!?! Actualy, yes, there is a bit more to say which is that all these products are reasonably priced, made by hand AND cruelty-free!!!

http://www.hellagoodproducts.com

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

It's All About The Munky Business

Not just toys BUT designer toys is the specialty at Munky King. From action figures to designer plush it is a guarantee that you will find just what you need to delight your inner child OR to add to your Luke Chueh collection! Located in Chinatown, Munkey King is a bit of a ride to get to but no worries, you can also shop online and rumor has it, this Spring a second store will open it's doors on Melrose Avenue. So, stop your Munkeying around and go get that Kubrick Kozik before they sell out!

Munky King
441 Gin Ling Way
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-620-8787

now in Hollywood too at:

7308 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-938-0091

A Fashionable Four Legged Friend

Whether you are looking for a gift an animal loving pal or a toy for Fido, Tailwaggers is the place to go. With chewy or squeaky toys and plain or flashy gear this store has about everything you need and more. Along with some pretty hip pet swag, they also sell a wide selection of natural and holistic pets foods. The prices are not the lowest but being you can get food, beds, toys, books, coffee mugs and more all in one place makes it a real deal after all!

Tailwaggers
1929 North Bronson Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90068

Monday, March 20, 2006

Hash Brown Heaven!

There are many reasons you need to take a trip out to Back Door Bakery in Silverlake but the one that tops the list is certainly the hash browns. Let's not forget to mention the croissants, muffins, cupcakes, cookies which are fabulous and fresh or the fact that they make all their condiments themselves. It's a little small, often crowded but it is a small price to pay for such magical potatoes and don't forget to bring your dog as they more than welcome that!

Back Door
1710 Silver Lake Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 662-7927

Printmaking For Progress

Go back in time when posters were made by hand by passionate artists and not mass produced at Kinko's you will find yourself at Hard Pressed Studios. They can print on practically any flat surface and can use a variety of inks stemming from basic colors to the brightest dayglow you have ever seen. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Hard Pressed Studios is who to call when you need to get your prints done!

Hard Pressed Studios
1308 Factory Place #111
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Dress To Impress and Spend Less!

Marc Jacobs, Prada, Louis Vuitton and more BUT for less at Crossroads Trading Co. They call it "Recycled Fashion" but as they always say, one person's trash is another person's gold and at Crossroads your gold can be clothing, shoes, hats, bags and more. With locations in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, on Ventura Blvd and on Melrose you dont have to go to far to get a great deal!

Modern Furnishings with a twist - affordability!

Decorate your home without any fear. Be Bold, Be Bright and most of all Be At Peace knowing you won't need a major loan to do so. PlushPod, located on the trendy stretch of 3rd is worth circling the block for to find parking or, better yet, check them out online. Most items are moderately priced and if you are an interior designer or architect you get a discount! Before you assume you can only afford Ikea, be sure to check out PlushPod.

Plushpod
8211 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048
tel 323.951.0748
plushpod.com

WELCOME!

be sure to check back as posts will be up soon!