Sunday, November 27, 2011

Groomed & Pampered

Chapter 12: Groomed & Pampered

...here she is strutting down the Sunset strip:
whether in stilettos, sandals, wedges or peep
toes her lovely feet is being exposed in any
case. Since open toe-shoe-season is almost
all year it's crucial to keep feet (and hands)
pampered and groomed non-stop.
Unsurprisingly, the range of beauty salons,
day spas and hair and nail studios is endless.
Luxurious wellness treatments, exclusive
cosmetics and high-end equipment is being
used in every beauty salon in Hollywood and
Beverly Hills. This is the epicenter of vanity
and beauty - big-time!
All-out diva options include hand and foot
"facials," exfoliator, paraffin treatments, callus
removal and relaxing massages of hands and
feet. For little ones many salons offer "kid-i-
cures".
There is a growing trend of using organic
products, which are biodynamic, natural and
eco-friendly. Enjoy an ayurverda tea while
certified experts take care of you making sure
you look fabulous and radiant from head to
toe in the end. It goes without saying that
professional equipment is being sterilized,
service is impeccable and rooms are spotless
clean.
In order to showcase her sexy feet she wears
skimpy shoes that match the polish of her
freshly painted and groomed toes. A mani/
pedi is due every two to three weeks. Angelenas
love to pamper vanity and indulge in all the
wellness and spa havens that fabulous
Los Angeles offers.
Lovely shoes make her day. Those she selects
carefully, collects passionately and sports
alluringly: with a seductive swinging of her
hips she is the center of attraction. As much
as are the names written on her soles - the
most renowned, acclaimed cobblers: Louboutin,
Chimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik to name but
a few - are beloved shoe-creating-artists among
divas of fabulous Los Angeles. Staggering highs
and eye-catching styles: This is the rule that the
city's carpets dictate.
Divas master their daily lifes and trips to the
beach in lovely flat strap sandals, ballerina-
style peep toes or fancy flip-flop shoes. Adorned
with ribbons, gorgeous stones, flashy gems, lovely
feathers, beads, sequinns, cristals or flowers -
the styles and designs are endless.
Living in a tropical climate and being blessed with
warm weather all year - without traditional seasons -
Angelenas are pretty spoiled and thick woolen
socks and nylons is what they consider as an insult
to their sexy legs and lovely feet.
Cheers to the all-year-summer that cherishes lovely
(expensive) shoes and beautiful feet!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Dress Code: Bikini




Chapter 11: Dress Code: Bikini

Bikini season is 12 months a year in L.A. and Orange County.
Hence Angelenas have at least three different beach outfits
in their wardrobes; among these are tiny adorable bikinis
in all imaginable colors, shapes and designs. Bikini and beach
wear designers make a great business and produce several
collections every year. It's a staple and a must-have item
always kept on hand. Even in December, when the sun goes
down early and the nights are chilly - there are still warm
days perfect to don some hot stuff for a lazy afternoon on the
beach - sunscreen is another must-have and a warm sweater
for the hours after sunset.
The sunshine is energizing, the ocean breeze is refreshing
and cool salty water stimulates body and senses. Cheers to
wonderful mother nature which pampers Angelenos with
long stunning beaches, lots of warm regaling rays coming
from a non-stop baby blue sky, and the most impressive
landscapes.
The beach is a recreational area #1. All one has to do is to
breath the salty air, feel the warm sand under ones feet
and listen to the waves - this is relaxation at it's best.
And this is how Angelenos stay in shape all year: wear
a bathing suit as often as possible - also while jogging or
riding a bike alongside the beautiful beaches of the golden
coast - popular activities among Angelenos where they
can work on their fitness and show off their trimmed
bodies. Angelenos love to surf, swim or sail. Hang out
on a boat, floating on glittery waters and watching the
sunset: this is how Angelenos love to spend time - cozy,
lazy, with a drink in hand celebrating life and being blessed
with the great climate of the West Coast. This is California
Love!
From fabulous Zuma Bech in the north to emerald green
waters of Dana Point - beaches are overwhelming beautiful.
Every single bay is in it's own way magnificent. A surfer's
paradise is Huntington Beach. Malibu and Zuma Beach is
where the glitzy crowd hangs out while Santa Monica is
tourist's or residents first choice. Skaters, artists and quirky
people hang out at Venice Beach while Newport Beach is
where a wealthy community of Orange Country dwells in big
castle-like houses indulging in luxurious lives and sophisticated
hobbies like plastic surgeries, collecting expensive cars,
breeding horses or dogs.
Living a healthy lifestyle, eating healthy, organic, local food
and working out on regular basis (with a personal trainer -of
course) these are the main life principles to which many
Angelenos live up to in order to maintain great looks and
a vibrant, firm body. Everybody strives to look fabulous.
Angelenos do their utmost to maintain youth and attractivity
as long as possible. This is sophisticated L.A.-mentality and
a whole philosophy. It's a glamorous town that attracts beautiful
faces sporting hot bodies and strong, ambitious personalities.

Don a slinky bikini and some huge shades, don't forget the
sunscreen and some lovely sandals, a hat is another noteworthy
accessoiry. Hop into a convertible and dash to the beach - anyone -
everyone is wonderful and a gift from mother nature. Cheers to
the Golden Coast!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Lovely Getaways

Chapter nine: Lovely Getaways

This is a journey that leads to lovely places and
fascinating nature spots of southern California
... from the beaches, to beautiful mountains and
parks, to charming little cities and cozy getaway
spots. It's about time to discover and cherish
the Golden Coast - and it has so much beauty to
offer! Let's get away for a moment from the hustling
and bustling of Hollywood and it's many (exciting)
neighborhoods!
Angelenos have it all! And it's mostly only a car-
drive away. The glorious nature and gem-like
spots are (almost) at hand. Admittedly - the car
drive might turnout stressful especially on weekends
freeways are packed and traffic is nerve-racking.
In this case It's all about patience. Try to avoid
the 405 highway - this is a non-stop traffic-
heavy route. Setting off early in the morning
is definitely a good move. The Car-pool lane
rewards those who travel in groups or more
than one person - here Angelenos are allowed
to drive faster.
Big Bear is a lovely place for time-out craving
folks who want to get away from the city's noise
and spend relaxing moments breathing fresh
air amid mountains and lush forests. The drive
itself is wonderful as soon as you get on the windy
roads leading up the mountains peaks. Stunning
landscapes, thick forests and beautiful valleys
embellish your journey while going higher
and higher. This is an excellent place to find
oneself, regain strength and recharge batteries.
Swim the lake, hike the forests or rent a boat
while enjoying the beauty of the nature. Perfect
for those who want to escape the big city's heat.
High up in the mountains temperatures are
pleasantly cool. Breakfast on the patio overlooking
the mountains is how you start your day here.

Angelenos find retreat in Palm Springs. After
driving through the desert for almost two hours
an illustrious oasis opens up that is host to
couples, families, youngsters and everyone who
is in for some fun and relaxation. From luxurious
spa and wellness resorts, to beauty farms and
lofty hotels - this is what this (notorious!) place
presents. Weddings and other special occasions,
excessive parties of (rich) youngsters, and red
carpet events are being celebrated here. It's hot:
temperature climbs up to even 100°F in summer.
Party at night, hang out at the pool during the day,
treat yourself to some wellness treatments or
enjoy lavish restaurants and yummy cocktails.
This is a famed place where the party never ends!

Here - close to the Mexican border - is where
you experience authentic Mexican flair: San
Diego is surfing, sailing, safari and lots of
Mexican food and culture. Adjacent to this little
town is the island Coronado - a romantic spot
perfect for couples who want to experience
some smoochy moments. For more romantic
hours make a boat trip to Catalina island. It's
another cozy getaway where you are wanting
to be back to civilization after only a couple
of hours - it might get boring although the
landscapes and valleys are adorable. Don't go
if you get sick on a boat!

Not far away from Hollywood - when riding the
"PCH" for an hour or so - is where the famous
and fabulous of L.A. live. Malibu, Zuma beach
and Pacific Palisades are fabulous regions, with
fantastic landscapes, wonderful beaches, gorgeous
parks and hiking trails. Horseback riding in
the Malibu mountains, oceanfront lunching at
the "Hideaway Cafe", lounging at Zuma beach
and letting the day fade out while watching the
sun go down at Sunset Restaurant. Both venues
offer an overwhelming view on the ocean
accompanied by a mouth watering menu! See
food is what it's all about (and more!).
Paradise Cove Cafe presents it's patrons with
a special attraction: Comfy lounge chairs and
wooden tables are situated on the cafe's cozy beach.
By a bottle of red at the bar, ask for glasses and
sit down on a blanket at the beach while listening
to the sound of the ocean. Divine!
Long Beach is a real waterfront oasis and another
gem of a place. Fabulous beaches, romantic piers
and a noble sailboat marina with private landing
stages for snug boats adorn this town's bays. Here,
indulge into fresh, mouth watering and lovely
prepared seafood and fish dishes - many restaurants
offer seafood at it's best. Drive around the little
town in a convertible and score lovely little
things at the diverse boutiques. Go for a drink to
the legendary Queen Mary, the view from the deck
on the ocean is magnificent - when the moon
illuminates the see and the stars twinkle. The
nights are breezy, the air is salty and the
sound and closeness of the rushing waves of ocean
water create a magical vibe.