LA-Story.com is about So. Calif as a lifestyle and a state of mind rather than a destination. It’s about life as we live here in So Cal and how you can take it with you living la vida in LA-LA Land.
Need a treat for Mother’s Day and you don’t know what to do? Turn to the Vanilla Bake Shop and order up some sweets tout suite/sweet (that means pronto) for great treats for sweet mothers and others who are moms.
It’s almost Mother’s Day. Yeah, I know you know. It’s all over this blog too. So you know that I know you know I write about this stuff.
I had already ordered my mom a beautiul long freshwater pearl strand that is perfect for doubling up, layering or wrapping as a bracelet, but it was in transit and still is! (Sigh! So much for getting things ordered early!)
I heard KIIS FM’s Ellen Kay talking about Pro-Flowers giving away not only a free vase but a box of chocolates plus a dozen mixed roses for $29.99. Wow! That’s a steal!!
I didn’t order this Wednesday when I heard it, I got sidetracked (along with a truckload of work) and decided I better order on Thursday (read yesterday)
The order process was simple but time-consuming: name, address, choice of vase (standard ginger jar was fine with me since everything else was at least $10-20.00 more), then decide on delivery date. I misread it and thought it said meant $5.00 extra to deliver on Friday and then more for Saturday. I don’t mind early deliveries— that’s ok and it’s better for my mom. Got the credit card and all the other stuff filled out and ready to check out.
The 2 dozen roses collection with the most expensive vase ($60.00 total before tax, delivery etc) .I stick with my basic dozen and fill in all the credit card 411. Then I get the total!
WOW! The delivery isn’t $5.00, it’s $17.00: standard + $4.99. The standard delivery is $11.99 and an additional $4.99 for Friday — more for Saturday.
Here’s the real kicker, they tacked on an additional $5 fuel surcharge (dinging that cc every chance they get).
Because tax applies to everything at the bottom line, the tax brings this $30.00 “bargain” of chocolates, roses and vase to just about $55.00 and change. Hardly what I would call a great savings for a small box of chocolates, a vase and a dozen roses. I can do all that for less: $30.00 for roses+ vase, $10.00 for a great 6 piece chocolate box of gourmet chocolates — not a no name brand. No it’s not Godiva but she prefers Sees and I know other amazing chocolatiers. By doing it myself and even driving there I am saving well over $15.00.
Since I already have a gift in transit, I am going to hang out till it arrives and then use this same $55+ for towards her birthday next month. If I have that much and add the almost the same amount, she will have some extra spending money for her cruise.
I am hoping the gift in transit shows up today or tomorrow. If not, I bite the bullet and tell her it’s late. What’s interesting is that ProFlowers sent me an email today offering me another 10% off the total for completing my order. That’s almost the total of the surcharge but not quite— but to get the flowers there in time for Mother’s Day, I have to pay double the shipping to get it there tomorrow. I cannot win here.
Shop now, shop early, get it into the mail or UPS ASAP.
Happy Mother’s Day y’all.. and to all of you mothers, a toast to you— you deserve it!!
Stevie Wilson
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Michal Cohen, (KickStart Beauty) is back giving us her superb expertise on how to get he “PERFECT” (note that I said perfect— because her tips are flawless) !!
Check out her tips and print this post out and take it with you shopping!!
Summer is just around the corner and its time to get your tan on. Check out my details on how you can transform yourself into the bronze sun goddess that you truly are.
For a streak-free tan:
Exfoliate!
Your skin needs to be in its best shape prior to applying self tanner, especially if you want to achieve an even application. By exfoliating the skin, you are providing yourself with an even “canvas” prior to applying the self tanner.
Moisturize!
The best way to prep your skin for application is to moisturize! Protein in dead skin cells will react to the self tanner formula and create a splotchy or streaky look. Be sure to stay on top of the driest parts of your body especially your toes, feet, knuckles and knees. After application, it’s important to moisturize at least twice a day. This will help prolong the effects of a self tanner for up to 3-4 days and a week for spray-tans!
Take a Seat!
Wait one hour between moisturizing and applying the self tan formula so that your body can return to its natural temperature. The skin will easily absorb the formula now that it’s been properly prepped.
Choose your Shade! Choose a formula that’s 1 shade darker than your skin. If you haven’t achieved the shade you like, feel free to apply a second coat. Make sure to apply the formula in a well-lit area so you can catch any unwanted mistakes!
Make it Easy!
If you’re lacking expertise when applying a self tanner, try a tinted formula to trace your steps. Not only can you see where you’re applying it, but there are no streaks! There is a huge plus of walking out with an instant bronze hue!
Application!
So you’re finally ready to go. Start by warming the product in your hand and massage into your skin with smooth even strokes.
Attention!
It’s not uncommon to miss a spot in your application. Don’t forget the back of your neck, sides of your waist, underarms, inner thighs, back of knees, feet and of course in between the goes (which can be the biggest giveaway).
Keep application lighter where you skin is the thickest such as: elbows, knees, toes, fingers and knuckles. If you find that some spots are a little darker than you expected, use a damp cotton cloth (or some extra moisturizer) to dilute the formula from penetrating the skin.
Wash your Hands!
To prevent that “white glove” look, wash your hands and then lightly swipe your hands over your body to pick up some of the formula.
In a rush?
Set your blow dryer on cool to speed up the drying process. Or try a gel formula which will absorb faster into the skin.
Keep it Up!
Probably the best tip you can have: self tanner or even a spray tan is best applied at night. The tanner takes about 3-4 hours to show up, but 9-12 hours will give you the maximum development. Do not exfoliate or shave after application, doing so will promote streaking.
Take it easy!
You should apply your self tanner when you are relaxed to prevent any perspiration which can result in streaking on the skin. After you’ve applied the formula, or just had your tan sprayed, be sure to wear loose dark clothing to let your body absorb the formula and prevent any staining of clothes.
Don’t worry!
Just like you, I’ve always wondered if self tanners were safe for the skin. How do they last so long? I’ve got the answer…self tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is a sugar-based chemical that reacts safely with skins amino acids to produce a darkened color.
Make her Mother’s Day gorgeous with gifts from Sephora.
For moms on the go, Sephora has beauty-full solutions, and for moms who need a little rest and relaxation, that spa feeling is just a bathtub away. And who needs flowers to celebrate Mother’s Day when Sephora can bring her a Daisy (Marc Jacobs Solid Perfume Ring $30) along with (Philosophy) Breakfast in Bed ($30)?
Well Above Average blogger, Stella must be a huge Jane Austen fan —more than me and that says a lot since I have seen Pride & Prejudice at least 6 times in various presentations.
Having created her own Jane Austen festival that includes the PBS screeners for Miss Austen Regrets, Sense & Sensibility, (fabulous story) Persuasion, ( one of the older versions and a bit choppy) Mansfield Park, ( quite good with Billie Piper in the lead role and quite different from the film version) Northanger Abbey ( girl gone gothic mystery crazy)
plus
Becoming Jane, ( loved this film with Anne Hathaway. Who would have thought James McEvoy had such amazing talent?) The Jane Austen Book Club , Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth’s version. I don’t know which I like better: Keira Knightley or Colin Firth but he smoulders in this one. ) Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow film)
A suggestion is to take the time to thoughtfully read all the comments that Stella makes about each video/film. I pretty much was in agreement with most —though not all. Most assuredly we were in agreement about the main points of Pride & Prejudice (Keira Knightley is much better a heroine than Jennifer Ehle. Colin Firth… well you only have to read my reviews of the series to find out what I think about him but I am in complete agreement with Stella on this).
This is a “must read” piece— and because it will make you want to watch these videos/films and you might be spurred to read some Austen books or at least have an enjoyable time watching some serious drama (serious meaning this isn’t about racing cars, catching bad guys, shoot ‘em up, kick-ass films). Well Above Average blogr
Stevie Wilson
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Hilary Duff was spotted on MTV’s TRL (Total Request Live) on Thursday, 5/1, wearing Denim of Virtue’s Daisy shorts in Navy( wash 60), a newer wash for these hot shorts that are perfect for summer.
For the most part, the now blonde Duff nailed the look with a cute red sleeveless top with ruffles and the sweet shorts. She blew it style-wise with the shoes. Pointy-toe pumps with shorts? Where are the gladiator sandals or the wedges or some funky flats?
The outfit is great till you get to her feet and then she blows it!
I guess she was having a *blonde* moment when it came to finishing the look.
Stevie Wilson
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Halle Berry attended the Silver Rose Gala and Auction held on April 27th in Beverly Hills and wore Le Vian chocolate diamond and rose gold earrings, a Le Vian chocolate diamond ring, and a rose cut diamond link bracelet by Amrapali.
Close-up of the earrings
Amrapali bracelet
Full Length shot
About Le Vian
The Le Vian company is a modern jewelry house with a history dating back 500 years. Founded by A. Le Vian in 1950, the New York based company continues the tradition of exemplary craftsmanship that the Le Vian family has been feted for since the 15th Century. For hundreds of years, successive generations of Persian nobility have looked to the Le Vian family to craft jewelry worthy of their titles. Today, the Le Vian company is committed to continuing this legacy by crafting exceptional fine jewelry of the very highest quality.
About Amrapali Amrapali is one of India’s premiere fine jewelry companies. Renowned for their beautiful, modern interpretations of classic Indian fine jewelry, Amrapali creations have a rich heritage and a design language all of their own. Worldwide, the Amrapali collections can be found in London’s Selfridges, Gallerie Lafayette in Paris, De Bijenkorf in Amsterdam, Tsum in Moscow, and Globus in Switzerland.
Stevie Wilson
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Mo Rocca (Jay Leno Tonight Show contributor and former Comedy Central correspondent for The John Stewart show) visits Montana to ask people on the street about what they use for protection?
Whoa….. Wait a minute? What is he asking people? ( read the first line again people.. pay attention to the parenthesis)
Check this out in this video— where Mo asks and gets answers from people on the street.
Alex and Ani have put together a great gift for moms (or anyone else with a special day during the month of May)
For the Month of May, this set of Bangles is reduced from $98 to $78.
The set of 5 Russian gold signature expandable bangles (2 beaded, 1 charm, 2 plain) features the Tree of Life, the universal symbol of life.
Alex and Ani’s “Tree of Life” bangle set is a perfect gift for any mom or mother to be! These are amazing bracelets— adjustable and fun. Perfect styleing for this season or any time of year!
Offer good until May 31st.
For phone orders, call 1 800.725.7822 and mention the email for the special $78.00 Tree of Life set for Mother’s Day..
Also find Alex and Ani jewelry (bracelets, earrings and necklaces — yes they do more than just bangles!) at Henri Bendel, NYC and Fred Segal, Santa Monica .
Stevie Wilson
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Mom-to-Be and actress Minnie Driver launches ‘Fashion Targets Breast Cancer’ Ireland” campaign at the Grafton Street store, April 25, 2008 in Dublin, Ireland.
Minnie Driver is wearing the Brown Thomas bag that has been designed exclusively by Diane Von Furstenberg to raise money for Breast Cancer.
Minnie’s also wearing gorge IPPOLITA 18k signature bangles with colored stones. Yummy aren’t they?
(Photo by ShowBizIreland/Getty Images)
IPPOLITA pieces are available for purchase online at www.IPPOLITA.com
Stevie Wilson
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