Yay, finally, I have the name of the Korean style spa that I have been mentioning hearing about town. It’s called C.J. Grand and you can check out the site here. I am going to have to do some investigating in the next couple of weeks, and it looks like for $20 you can get a pass to use all the ammenities for the day. Hmm. Stay tuned!

Just got an email for 20% off any Benefit Cosmetics with code MAKEUP20 at checkout!

I have officially accepted that yoga is an integral part of my life. After practicing now for 9 months, I finally have conquered Chaturanga, and a 1 minute plank without error.

I feel super accomplished, and really, I never thought I would get there. We’ve gone to the beach to do yoga, and Trina’s bodyworks class is going to do another trip down to Malibu to go for another round. With that being said, I think I might want to start seeking out more venues with outdoor yoga.

The combination of escaping the indoors, being in the natural light, and hearing the sounds of the environment is something that I never really thought I would enjoy as much as I do.

I’ve recently purchased a Gaiam eco-friendly yoga carrier, so that I can go anywhere with added convenience, and my spirit feels good because Gaiam is an environmentally conscious, fair trade company. On top of that, Gaiam has super affordable prices, which is key to anyone, all the time.

This weekend is the Valley Greek Festival!! Yummy!! I’m going for lunch to feast on some dolmathes and maybe, maybe just a teenytinylikethismuch  bit of baklavah. Check out this website for menu, performance and activity schedule. It sounds like a great escape and keeping things cheap/local.

Tentative dates for BodyWorks Studio Yoga on the Beach have been set to June 7, or June 14th depending on your/our feedback. I’m lobbying for June 7. Stay tuned to Bodyworks News for final dates.

This could be the best summer yet.

It’s not easy to keep your kids entertained this summer, especially for those old enough to put the ‘I’m SO bored” mantra into their (and your) every day auto repeat verbal comments. Trust me, I completely remember. One thing that I have found that helps out with managing stress and keeping the summer cool despite the heat, is to stay BUSY. With social media being an absolute must in our society today, why not get some time out of the house and introducing your kid to the power of navigating the new media that is for sure to be a mandatory and essential skill in their lifetime?

This summer, your kid could make a movie, create a photo slideshow, write and record a song, put on a show for everyone, and have a blast doing it all. At Apple Camp, kids learn how to do cool stuff on a Mac and discover their hidden talents along the way. Apple Camp occurs at every Apple Retail Store, and each free workshop lasts three hours. Sign up your kid today and get ready for an adventure. Recommended for kids ages 8 -12.

A while back, I posted this article about the faux-tox incident that was circulating. In my personal opinion, I was not necessarily facilitating a ‘rumor’ as I linked a credible news source. But anyway, on to the good stuff. Dr. Hansen has officially spoken up here on Spa-View.com.

Being a believer of our constitutional value and foundation of innocent until proven guilty as the bottom line, I would like to give this comment a first page run…however let it be NOTED that it was not a “malicious rumor” that Dr. Hansen was indeed arrested, according to the LA Times. And for that matter, even his comment below, the charges were in fact dismissed, which validates that there was indeed a legal inquiry. Just to get the facts clear, you know.

It is time to set the record straight. Malicious lies and rumors (such as above) resulted in charges against me which were proven to be completely false. After a thorough investigation ALL CHARGES WERE COMPLETELY DISMISSED!!!!!!!! Allergan has always and still does promote me on their referal list of prefered physician injectors of Botox. I am a board certified Dermatologist who loves what I do. We would not have such a successful practice if it weren’t for our wonderful patients. Our celebrity patients come to me because I give them the results they require and demand.

Sincerely,
David Hansen,MD

We here at Spa-View are happy to hear that you have indeed been injecting people’s faces with certified botulism, as opposed to the fake botulism. Speaking of, it’s time for my semi-annual vitamin B shot too. Smile!!! xoxo sG.

If you haven’t joined us for the fantastic Yoga & Wine Groove on wednesday nights at Bodyworks Studio, trust me, you are missing out. Gretta’s heated poses will wash a complete newness into your entire body. Afterwards, we indulge in a small glass of wine and chit chat a bit about goals, aspirations, current events, and whatever else comes to mind. It’s a great little ‘me time’ that definitely lends to a great night’s sleep!

Tonight I’m going to bring a nice bottle of Chateau St. Jean 2007 Riesling California.

Tasting Notes – Crisp and lively Riesling is mouth-filling, lush and pleasingly sweet. The wine bursts with inviting aromas of peach, nectarine, apple blossom and a hint of minerality. The vibrant acidity accentuates the wonderful flavors of pear and melon. It should be a nice, refreshing introduction to some yum summertime wine!

If you missed Trina’s Sunrise Yoga at the Beach this last time around, it’s your lucky day because word on the street is that she is going to do it again. We met up at the studio and carpooled to the beach.

We had SUCH an amazing time!! Being a California native AND growing up in the area, I had never been to El Matador beach area, and it was simply perfect for yoga. The waves were crashing, the weather just a bit overcast and cooling, and the movement, completely hypnotic.

Both Trina and Gretta instructed the course, Gretta leading and doing poses for the intermediate to advanced practitioner, and Trina doing the modified poses for beginners. It was truly ideal for all levels! After our Hatha yoga routine, Gretta followed it with some light Pilates to really get our abs worked out, and ended with a deep meditation and visualization exercise, while we laid on our mats and listened to the waves crash on the rocks. Bliss!!!

After class was over and we came back to the present moment, Trina had some refuel snacks of gala apples, yummy yogurt and vanilla & strawberry granola bars and a cold bottle of water. We ate, relaxed, visited and took photos…a perfect, PERFECT Sunday afternoon!

We carpooled back to Bodyworks Studio, and I was super excited to go home, shower up and watch the Laker playoff game 7. Right before halftime, while still in my robe and freshly moisturized, I fell asleep into the deepest slumber I have EVER taken. DUDE. Through the WHOLE halftime show, the ENTIRE 2nd half AND the aftergame interviews and shows. I even slept through the Locker Room interviews, which has NEVER happened. I woke up with slobber all over my face and feeling completely brand new. I never really realized how powerful getting your body balanced can be! I can’t wait for the next one – I just hope it’s not on the morning of another important Laker game haha!!

For more information on the amazing classes & fitness field trips, be sure to visit
Body Works Fitness and Dance Studio

Click here for photos from BodyWorks’ Sunrise Yoga in Malibu.

The season of the magical weddings are upon us, people! Get your wardrobe ready for spring-summer weddings, and remember that the best accessory is healthy and glowing skin!

Ok with that being said, I’ve been in a gazillion weddings, and one of the absolute best ‘thank you’ gifts that I have been honored to receive (besides my sister-in-law Stacy’s very personal and gorgeous gift, thank you by the way again) was a posh spa & beauty pack.

Now, I’m not talking about one of those cheapie celophane wrapped no-brand lots-o-fluff chemical ridden spa gift baskets…I’m talking about a hat box filled with L’Occitane organic and luxurious ingredient rich emolients. Score!!! I almost don’t mind the drama that came along with the wedding!

I have completely fallen in Love with L’Occitane, however, it has become one of those luxury items that I will probably never buy for myself, but it’s my first go-to gift for sure!

So, if you really know me…I mean really KNOW me, then you know that I have some minor (major) issues with temperment, mood and a few other perhaps hormone-induced, perhaps minor chemical balance, perhaps minor basic tolerance of the daily grind. Well, I’d like to share one of my all natural, organic and non-chemical self medicating suggestions. It’s definitely something that has changed my life, and probably those in close personal proximity to me too. Thank you, Wild Bar.

They don’t taste like snicker bars, so be sure to take small bites and I like chasing each bite with lots of cold water, but I am telling you, the benefits are simply amazing. Cheers!!!

Why on earth have companies such as Pink Lotus, Beyond Yoga and a few other self branded ‘yoga couture’ stores priced their products SO high? Seriously? $68 for a cotton tee shirt is really just out of control. I recently purchased a couple of Pink Lotus shirts on clearance at Nordstrom Rack, and to be honest, I really was not that impressed with them at all. One of the tanks has absolutely NO shape at all, and is uncomfortable in it’s shapelessness if that makes sense, and the other’s strap snapped right off during class.

I do understand the whole cotton / organic materials versus synthetic materials and how it allows your body to breathe, etc. but in my honest opinion, I just can’t get with it. Sorry charlie, I say it’s a no-go.

Are you going to watch Farrah’s home video documentary on tv (nbc) tonight? I’m not. And here is why: I’ve gone through this terminal illness as an obsever way too many times in my short life to want to do it again, even at a distance. My best friend passed away due to AIDS, my uncle very recently lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, and now my good friend from work has found out that her level 4 skin cancer has spread to her lymph nodes & breast and is undergoing chemotherapy as I type.

It is a very, very real and painful experience, I mean, I couldn’t even imagine how it is to actually be the one to GO through it, but the knowledge that you are limited in the ability to help a loved one cope and be comfortable is a frustrating on.

I know that is selfish in it’s statement, and perhaps I am not really expressing my words as I type them, but I am really not trying to be selfish here. All I am trying to express is that when you watch someone fight the fight of their life, and progressively lose, it puts an entirely new perspective on many things that are typically taken for granted, dwelled on, and perhaps ignored.

With that said, I again state that I will not be watching this documentary, however, I really think that if you haven’t gone through the complete raw and unedited version of being a companion to a loved one with a terminal illness, YOU totally SHOULD watch this. It will probably re-focus your entire method of living, redefine what is important, priorities your existence and reach out to be with those who are loved and who matter in your life. I applaud Farrah in her choice to share her experience, I know…I KNOW it was probably the most exhausting moment in her entire life, and for that, I do pray for you.

Healing thoughts, positive energy and well wishes,
sylvia

Just in time for summer, MacCosmetics is launching the Style Warrior line. I’m really liking the whole bronzy-safari look, and I’m excited to see the Solar Bits return…although I probably have enough from last year to get me through this summer too.

Just in time for summer, MacCosmetics is launching the Style Warrior line. I’m really liking the whole bronzy-safari look, and I’m excited to see the Solar Bits return…although I probably have enough from last year to get me through this summer too. I might splurge on the Lustre Drops too, although I just got the Fresh face illuminator and that will be way plenty…but one never knows once I get in a Mac mood!

You know what I really wish they would come back with is the volcanic ash body exfoliator. That was the B.O.M.B.!

VISIT BLAQVIXENBEAUTY AND ENTER HERE!

“Around this time last summer, traces of my highlights were still visible, even though my hair was reasonably damaged. However, thanks to my on-again, off-again hair regimen, my strands are noticeably healthier, minus the color. So when I heard about Clairol Professional Advanced Gray Solution with its patented SynAIRgy™ technology, I almost managed to restrain myself from contemplating a new color for Summer…almost being the keyword! It’s specifically for women of color!”
Taken from BlaqVixenBeauty.com – click here to enter/read/subscribe