* Child of L.A. *

I am a true child of L.A. I have lived here all of my life and I love this city deeply. There is no place else on earth that is so eccentric yet inspiring, so eclectic and truly fascinating.

Sometimes when I fly in after being away for a week or two and I’m amazed at how large the city is. Looking down I think how daunting it must seem to many people, how immense and dispersed, a centerless metropolis. This is not Boston, or Chicago, or New York. Los Angeles is something entirely unique, a stream of suburbs flowing out to the desert on one side and an ocean on the other. Yet I feel something that I can only describe as love as we drop down lower and lower for the landing. I can see the Hollywood sign, the beautiful beaches, and the seaside hills. All of this makes me feel at home.

I have never lived anywhere else is my life. I was born here and never left. Yes, I’ve felt the occasional restlessness, the thought that maybe I should try a different city, a different state. But this feeling always passed in a split second. Over the years I’ve had many friends that did decide to move away. Some left for college on the east coast and never returned. Others left for their careers or for love. Many moved to cities that they felt were more manageable, “better for raising a family” they would say. I went to all of their going-away parties, some very close friends of mine. I would sit there and think, are our needs so different now despite our shared childhoods? Had Los Angeles not become engrained in their soul like it had mine?

We had spent so many afternoons together roaming our suburban streets. We entertained ourselves with games of hopscotch, trying hard with each hop to balance so perfectly and move quicker than our friends. We tried to take it to the next level with each game of Chinese jump rope. No other generation would ever have the easy freedom that we enjoyed. The children’s security apparatus was in force yet. There were no milk cartons haunted with faces of the missing. Parental fear wasn’t in overdrive. Our life was spent outdoors.

Everyone has their own path that they will follow. Some move to other cities, states, or even countries. I love to go and visit these places and soak up all the wonderful things they have to offer. But Los Angeles will never be old for me, even after all the years I’ve spent here, this city still continues to surprise me, to inspire me. This is my home.

CL

Who ISN'T A Spa Girl These Days?

It's almost the weekend and I'm in the mood to pamper myself! There is no better way I can think of than a mani/pedi! How can you not love getting your nails done? It's so relaxing and refreshing! One of my favorite places is Paint Shop in Beverly Hills, they've got tons of great rejuvenation procedures for your hands and feet.

If your feet are looking for some rejuvenation you have to try the Dharma Pedicure. This pedicure is actually designed to energize you! Amazingly intense foot massage + coordinating lacquer color= pure bliss!

Now for those nails! The Shaken, Not Stirred Manicure may make you crave a cocktail, but will leave your hands looking luscious! You can choose from a cosmo or green scented hand bath prepared in a cocktail shaker ala James Bond ;)

Another great option for those nails is the Chai Tini Manicure. First you dip your digits in an all-natural chai tea liqueur, then enjoy a warm latte style float of Voyant drizzled in a crystal goblet. Bring that I.D. ladies and get a shot of Voyant while you're in the chair!

And last but certainly not least, the Dharma Soothie! Relax those muscles in a Epsom salt soak with lavender and eucalyptus oil. This treatment not only moisturizes, but also improves your skin.

September's To-DON'T List!

Doesn't it get so overwhelming trying to keep up with all the new stuff you’re supposed to do to live healthy? Here’s what you really don’t need to bother with!

Never, ever missing a workout. Kim Kardashian landed back in Los Angeles from a trip to Australia and stopped at the gym for a sweat session on way home from the airport. Why not just drop your bags—and then drop into bed?

Doing an extreme mega cleanse. Naomi Campbell told Oprah recently that she did one for a full 18 days. There was only one time in our lives when we subsisted on liquids that long, and it was when “itsy bitsy spider” was our favorite song.

The newest trendy hair color: lavender-gray. Kelly Osbourne and Lady Gaga may be able to get away with this one, but we’d just look like Norma Bates “mother.”

Worrying about going organic for everything from your hair gel to your shoes. Natural should make you feel good, not stressed.

EAT, PRAY, LOVE – Themed Jewelry, Tea, Perfume, and Furniture. Enough Already!

Genetic testing for your thighs. The new CelluliteDX Genetic Test helps doctors predict whether you’ll develop cellulite. No need to spend $249 to know what cellulite will eventually plague most of us—even supermodels.

Ultra-punishing exercise routines. The latest: Convict Conditioning, designed to replicate hard-core prison workouts. The program’s creator, a former San Quentin State Prison inmate, says its “primitive” and “Brutal.” Isn’t Spinning class brutal enough?

Doing a total plastic purge. A Chicago woman has decided to lead a plastic-free life, buying food from bulk bins and even making her own bread, yogurt, and toothpaste. We are all for getting the BPA out of our cabinets—but you have to draw the line at mixing our own toothpaste.

How to Choose the Right Ring!

Shopping for a wedding band can be complicated! There are so many different materials to chose from and you should be happy with whatever choice you make. You'll be wearing this ring for the rest of your life so you better know what you're buying!

One of the most common materials used is PLATINUM. You can expect to pay a bit more, but this is the wedding ring equivalent of royalty. Pure white and so far more rare than gold, platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic.

Another choice is SILVER. Sterling is the most budget-friendly. Durability varies based on what alloys are mixed. For example, a platinum-silver blend is less expensive than pure platinum and has whiter, more tarnish-resistant finish than regular sterling.

You could also go with a TITANIUM ring. It’s less shiny than traditional options, but strong and lightweight, perfect for you gals on the go!

One more alternative is WHITE or YELLOW GOLD: This is a classic choice. It’s cost-effective and ordered in various levels of purity. The colors are created by blending alloys-like copper for yellow, palladium for white. Watch out for scratches: Gold is a soft metal and shows wear quickly.