Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Book Swap

While it's fun to have brag books on the shelf accruing dust, it's much more rewarding to pass them along to a friends as a "good read."

Now, take a minute to imagine eBay-meets-myspace and there you have it...Bookmooch! This innovative company has taken our oversaturated social internet and created a site that takes us back to what's real...reading is fundamental.

Thanks to Bookmooch, it's simple to trade in old words for new ones. Join as you would any social network and start exchanging books at your passion's will.

More Info:
cnet
USA Today Blog

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Polaroid

While I'm thankful we have upgraded to a digital world, I sure miss the good old days of Polaroid pictures.

Thankfully, Polaroid-o-nizer has made it possible to re-create existing photos to look like a Polaroid. Unfortunately, they only live on your computer so you aren't able to actually flap them around the way you could the originals. It's still worth seeing your favorite pics donned the nostalgic white trim...and the best part is that you get to add little "sharpie"comments.

Fun Fun!

Monday, August 28, 2006

West Hollywood Beauty

Picky-Chicks aren't just particular about what we listen to or where we dine...we also care about what we'll look like in 20 years. I've scoured the spas of Los Angeles to find what may just be the perfect facial. From Burke Williams to private aestheticians, only one stood out among the many.

Kinara
Spa in West Hollywood, specializes in skin care and offers first-rate treatments. Tucked away on Robertson Blvd., Kinara is an un-intimidating beautiful space with friendly staff that doesn't shove product down your cucumber watered throat. If you're looking for the "hang out in the jacuzzi" type of experience then this is not for you. While it's relaxing and serene, Kinara is all about getting the job done. You will walk away feeling rejuvenated and youthful without having to turn in a locker key and flip-flops.

Facial treaments range from $110-$200

Kinara Spa

656 North Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA. 90069

310.657.9188



Friday, August 25, 2006

Going Natural

Over 100 degree weather...in the middle of nowhere...celebs flock. Besides the golf and spa aspect, Palm Springs and it's surrounding hoods (Palm Desert & Desert Hot Springs) offer more than just a massage.

The Body Deli is an eclectic boutique that promotes natural healing for the mind, body (especially hair and skin) and soul. Born in Palm Desert, the deli offers such fabulous concotions as aloe & lemongrass lotion and corn sugar based shampoos...all natural ingredients mixed in-house.

Thanks to the internet, you can forgo a plane ticket and take a test run from your air-conditioned home. Keep in mind that because they are "o-naturale" many of the products must be refrigerated and have expiration dates. It's worth making the fridge space, trust me.

The Body Deli
73-910 Hwy 111
Palm Desert, CA. 92253
760.340.3731

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Listen to Me - The Kooks

Lucky for the States, another great indie band is coming to us from the UK.

Named after a David Bowie song, The Kooks are taking over the scene hitting every genre...rock...acoustic...pop...hints of ska with singer songwriter-softness. The band (whose members are all barely out of their teen years) have created an eclectic blend, where the music actually tells a story. Worth taking a listen...

Band Website
Myspace
Buy their music
See them play at L.A.'s Spaceland

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

A Feel Good, Look Good & Smell Good Tan

Self tanners can be so frustrating. You go from a fabulous glow to looking like you have a skin disease in just a few days. They smell bad, stain your clothes and can take up to 6 hours to work.

Thankfully, Kiehl's has joined the rat race of taking us from sickly to sun-kissed. Their super lightweight lotion won't make you look orange and fades naturally. It's works within an hour and doesn't make your face or body break out....oh, it it doesn't have the typical "self tan" smell.

If you don't have a Kiehls near you, you can purchase it online or in select departments stores like Nordstrom.



Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Lash Out!

For years experts have recommended good ol' Maybelline "Great Lash" mascara. I never really got it. Sure...it's inexpensive, but when it comes to your eyes...who says cheap is best? For most of us, it never really "performed" the way we thought it would. Sadly, we continued the pursuit for the perfect mascara.

Here's some news that will have you batting your beauties all day long. Lancome's "Hypnose" is amazing. This mascara literally gives the look of false eyelashes and believe it or not, it's easy wash off.

Totally fab! This Picky-Chick loves it!

Monday, August 21, 2006

Um...Not really "lovin' it"

It's been a while since I've visited the golden arches. I'm not gonna lie though...they have the best fountain soft drinks known to man, but apparently they also have some really stupid people working for them.

Whoever thought of including mini Hummer toys in Happy Meals for the summer campaign should be fired. Are you kidding me? "Hummer of a Summer?" This is what they come up with when all anyone is talking about is cutting back...going "green"... being carbon neutral...giving the darn polar bears a chance!?!

What kind of message is this sending the millions of kids who scarf down fast food every day? Come enjoy a yogurt parfait instead of fries, but be sure to show up in a gas guzzling tank.

Come on Ronald...make this right.

New York Times Article

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Flip Out!

Remember flip books? They were usually a dog catching a ball or a flower blooming.

With Flip Clips, you can create a personlized book straight from your favorite home video. Just download and let Flip Clips do the rest.

A great gift idea for proud grandparents!

Monday, August 14, 2006

A Frou Frou Attitude

Over the weekend, I had a few minutes to kill while waiting to meet up with a girlfriend. I was in Studio City...an area I am not all that familiar with. I noticed a row of cute little shops on Ventura Blvd. and thought, "I'll give it a shot."

I couldn't help but notice an adorable lingerie store front for Faire Frou Frou. At first you think you may be in a beach-side boutique...friendly, clean, the scent of fresh flowers. In fact the owners, mother & daughter team Alison & Gail, were the ones there to wait on customers! That is so not L.A...and this Picky Chick loved it!

They have all the good stuff...Cosabella, La Perla, Le Mystere and of course my favorite, Hanky Panky.

So if you aren't interested in the attitude of most L.A. boutiques, but want to look and feel fabulous under your clothes, check out Faire Frou Frou.

Faire Frou Frou
13017A Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
818.783.4970

Friday, August 11, 2006

Travel with a smile, but no Chapstick

In the past few days, the way we travel has changed once again. It seems like just yesterday we were asking, "why do I have to take my shoes off?" Now we are being stripped of all in-flight necessities from toothpaste to ipods.

Packing everything for "checked baggage" is going to be a new way of thinking for most of us, so here's a little somethin'. The next time you prep for your much needed vacation, check out Flight 001. It's paradise compared to most travel stores and offers everything from unusual luggage, hipster passport holders, first class blankets sets and retro airline carry-ons.

With stores in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago (and a full service website), Flight 011 is changing the attitude of travelers one neck pillow at a time.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Healthy Mexican...Can It Be?

While I am not entirely sure who Kay & Dave are, I do know that the restaurant bearing their names serve delicious concoctions of healthy Mexican food.

With 3 locations, (Santa Monica, West L.A. & Pacific Palisades) Kay n' Dave's Cantina delivers breakfast like no other. Eggs, beans, tortillas...in every combination of veggies and meats. They don't use butter or lard and everything is made fresh daily! Not to mention they have the best chips and salsa in town.

Some favorite breakfast eats:
The Georgian (grilled chicken, mushrooms, onions, topped w/ avocado/tomatillo sauce & ranchero cheese)
Mexican Eggs (eggs scrambled w/ tomatoes, onions & jalapenos, served with rice, beans & tortillas)
Chilaquiles (eggs, cheese & tortilla chips scrambled in tomato jalapeno sauce, served with rice, beans & tortillas)

Viva la comida sana!

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Dahli Mama!

Your dear friend just told you that she is having a baby! We already know what to get the little one, but what about the soon-to-be mom?

Samson Martin is a simple, yet innovative company that designs due date tanks and tees for moms-to-be. While there are others options out there..."I ain't No Virgin" or "Beer Belly" baby-tees (picture Britney Spears-Federline), most ladies don't get bombarded with questions about losing their virginity...what they do get is a lot of people asking, "when are you due?" Samson Martin to the rescue!

By shopping in stores around the country or on their adorable website, you can snatch up stretchy, cotton tees that bear such sayings as "Dahli Mama," "Coming this Spring" and "Now Showing" (you can even throw in a onesie for the peanut on the way).

So when searching for a little something for your friend think cotton, comfy and self explanatory.

Some online stores selling Samson Martin:
Tutti Bella
Belly Dance Maternity
Due Maternity

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Listen to Me - Peter Bjorn and John

Peter Morén, Björn Yttling and John Eriksson make up this break-through Swedish pop band who is delivery indie hit songs like "Young Folks" off their latest album "Writer's Block."

While they haven't had a U.S. release just yet, don't count these guys out. Indie stations are starting to give them solid air time...my guess is we should expect to see and hear much more of PBJ very soon.

Check 'em out...
Band Website
Myspace
Lost Music Review

Monday, August 07, 2006

Don't Just Say It...Print It!

Have you ever wanted to create the perfect t-shirt? Something that will remind you of a funny story or maybe one of those ridiculous "Soon to be Mrs. Whatever" shirts.

If so, check out Spreadshirt. It's a super simple and easy to follow site that allows you to create your own t-shirt. It talks you through everything from the font style to the brand of shirt.

Create away!

Spreadshirt in the news: Funding!

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Hideaway Boutique

One day while running errands, I stumbled across an adorably cute women's clothing store just minutes from the much dreaded and stroller filled Grove.

Veronica M. offers simple dresses done in unique patterns and styles, including their own brand, as well as loads of inexpensive accessories such as jewelry, oversized belts and great hand bag knock-offs.

With a totally friendly and helpful staff, Veronica M. offers affordable fashions without the typical shopping scene of the "boutique beaten" paths of Robertson & 3rd.

Picky-Chick stamp of approval!

Veronica M.
7122 Beverly Blvd.
323.936.3802

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

2 Hours Free!

On a recent trip to the Beverly Hills Shopping Trifecta (Barneys, Neimans & Saks) I discovered the best parking secret!

While at Neimans and Saks you can spend up to $15 just to park, Barneys has a fabulous "2 hours free with validation" policy. Instead of having to scour the streets for a tiny spot in a highly restricted area (undoubtedly forcing you into debt), you can shop away knowing that with a simple stamp it's all free!

Kudos to Barneys for realizing it's better for us Picky-Chicks to spend our money inside the store!

Barneys New York
9570 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills CA 90212