Romy Raves

The Big Apple & Me

 Hello, Hello fans and followers! So sorry I have been remiss about posting, but I have been caught up in the BlogHer frenzy and am finally feeling alert and present again (sorta). So what’s all this hype and talk about BlogHer you ask? What is BlogHer all about anyways? Well, lucky you, I am going to give you the down low on this annual event.  

BlogHer is gathering of over 2000 female bloggers (with a few token males) and brands that covet them. They call it a conference, but in my opinion it is more of a networking, socializing schmoozing event rather than a sit down and learn something conference. In fact, most of the bloggers that I talked to don’t attend any of the sessions at BlogHer because they are not content rich enough, plus there are so many more enticing offers rather than sitting in a chair listening to a panel. I actually attended one session at BlogHer and IMO it was very weak on content, disorganized and the worst part was the panel members never really answered the questions asked–It was a total waste of time! 

Now for the good stuff! Well what is totally amazing and enticing about BlogHer is that it is a fantastic way to meet and bond with your social media friends IRL and meet the icons in the blogging world. The networking was amazing and I made so many fab connections with inspiring, successful, genuine bloggers – that alone was worth it. Then add to that feeling like a celeb because I was invited to so many fabu parties and SWAG gifting suites, that it would make your head spin. The amount ot SWAG and the perseverance of brands to connect with bloggers was both encouraging and overwhelming at the same time. I never imagined what it would be like and although it was draining and exhausting, I loved it and will never forget my first time.  

So here are some of the highlights:  

Me & the Jimmy Dean Sun

The Expo Halls

Two large conference halls were filled with booths representing a variety of lifestyle and female friendly brands all there hoping to make connections with a wide variety of bloggers and get them to buzz about their brand. This reminded me of the more typical lifestyle, beauty and business conferences that I have attended in the past, however it seemed kicked up a notch. Tons of giveaways, interactive experiences and the ability to schmooze with some key executives or PR reps for that brand.  The highlights from the Expo floor were: demoing Wii’s Just Dance 2 game, getting a pair of Assests (Spanx new mass brand) Super Control Unbelievable Underwear, Visiting the JVC booth and shooting this fun video, smelling Play-Doh perfume, meeting the Pop-n-Fresh Dough Guy and the Jimmy Dean Sun and seeing Padma Lakshmi from Top Chef.  

S'mores Suite

Hershey’s S’mores Suite  

Hershey’s by far had the best BlogHer suite decked out to make you feel like you were camping in the woods, roasting marshmallows on mini grills and making yummy smores. So cute and fun! Oh and I got to meet super cutie Adam from season 4 of the next Food Network Star who has a great new show focused on all things sweet called Kid in a Candy Store.   

Parties & Events Following is a list of every party or event I had the pleasure of attending during my 3 days at BlogHer and as you can see it was quite alot! And there were even about 4-6 more events that I was invited to but never had a chance to make it to. This is enough parties to last a girl for a year let alone three days, but being the diligent lifestyle maven that I am, I went, I dazzled, I networked and I had a blast (sleep is what I lacked!) 

“Seeds of Inspiration” Reception This was a lovely classy intimate reception at Aquavit Restaurant hosted by this green better for you beauty product brand. It was founded by a husband and wife duo who are ex-J&J employees and their mission is to bring better for you products to the masses. I left with a bag filled with all of their products to try and felt I was off to a good start.    

Bloggers’ Night Out! @ Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia We were invited to Martha’s Stewart’s headquarters to meet the key staff members in each department (Martha was there for about 10 minutes but I missed her due to the long line to get in), drink some yummy cocktails and eat tasty morsels, try our hand at some crafts, enter raffles for some fab prizes and leave with a goodie bag of Martha products. I loved the Pipe Cleaner lady who made the most fab flower rings out of pipe cleaners and the mini pink whoopie pies were divine. 

Nu Skin/CraziBeautiful “I Heart New York” Social This was an invite only suite where we got to get up close and personal with some coveted beauty brands (my favorite passion). I was excited  to learn all about the Age Loc and Galvanic system by Nu Skin and they are sending a system for me to try so stay tuned for that review. And then Luminess Air allowed us to try their new compact airbrush make-up kit and generously sent us each home with one. I schmoozed with the fun and fab hosts of the party who I adored, took in the wonderful city view from their patio and appreciated the easier cadence of this more quaint event- and they gave me a fab goodie bag filled with lots of beauty booty and a 1 day NYC sight seeing pass    

Me, Gavin & Tania of Pure Natural Diva

Schick Kiss & Tell

This was the perfect end of the night party with yummy girly cocktails and a live performance by the adorable Gavin De Graw and the hot Karina Smirnoff from Dancing With The Stars was there too. Such fun!  

Getting Gorgeous Event This was another of my fav BlogHer events because it was all about beauty and fashion. Remington was there showing us their new pearlized heat tools, Lia Sophia showed their latest jewelry collection and let us pick a fab piece, Sketchers Shape-Ups provided try-on’s, PowerMat educated us on the latest in Wireless device charging and gave us their whole system (my hubby was fond of this SWAG), and my fav part of the event was getting to try on the amazing Miraclebody Jeans by Miraclesuit (they make those great sveltifying bathing suits) and with the help of celebrity stylist Robert Verdi, I found my perfect fit and style and got to take them home. This event was totally up my alley!  

Sweets in the City- Suite Event Yet another SWAG suite hosted by The Big Toy Book and Sharpie where we had a glass of wine and delicious cupcakes and left with some more fun goodies.  

Andrea of Savvy Sassy Moms & Me @ Swanky After Hours

Swanky After Hours BlogHer 2010 

One of my fav blogging gal pals Andrea of Savvy Sassy Moms hosted this classy swankified event at the Penthouse of the London Hotel.  The event was sponsored by Ciao Bella Gelato and Zulily and it was by far the best party I attended at BlogHer. It was an amazing space, not too crowded had amazing girly drinks sponsored by Sky Vodka and the deelish Ciao Bella Gelato (I was a fan of Blackberry Cabernet mixed with Chocolate). And once most ot the party cleared out, a handful of us blogging babes climbed in the tub to toast the fabulous night (fully clothed of course )  

e.l.f & XBox Glamour & Gaming Event We were invited to the new e.l.f headquarters to see their latest make-up collections, get makeovers, test XBox’s new Kinect system, have a cocktail and some tasty appts and bond with other like minded women. We left with a bag of e.l.f goodies and even a pair of sunglasses. 

Sugar Jones & Me @ UnWindHer

Tavern Direct UnWind Her Party Hosted by Romy Raves 

I wanted to host an intimate gathering of fab bloggers to unwind at the end of BlogHer, have a good meal, drink some divine wine and connect to a worthy cause. It was a perfect evening of honest sharing, learning about TavernDirect’s mission to help missing & exploited children, and of course I gave out some awesome goodies from some of my fav companies like Envirosax, Red Handed Bags, Kenneth J Lane Jewerly, Hard Candy, It Cosmetics, MOR Cosmetics, Rahua Beauty and Barista Bath and Body. 

CheeseburgHer Another after hours stop hosted by McDonald’s with all the cheeseburgers you could eat and a hat decorating contest.   

I Left My Buns in New York City Sponsored by Flatout Bread I actually never made this fab AM walk through Central Park, but was delighted that when I returned home the company sent me a box full of their flatbread products and healthy recipes too–I am loving their peanut butter, jam and fresh strawberry and banana wrap-yummilicious! And they were kind enough to send a gift card so I could stock up on more healthy food post BlogHer.  

Taste of Loews Brunch My last morning in NYC for BlogHer was spent at this elegant foodie brunch hosted by Loews. They shared with us their programs catering to upscale family travel and treated us to an amazing brunch of gourmet sushi, eggs and a cheese bar. I enjoyed every morsel! And they win the prize for the most meaningful giveaway because they gave us each a DonorsChoose.org $20 giftcard to make a donation to the charity of our choice, love that! 

A Discussion on Healthy Eating hosted by SOYJOY I also made a quick stop at this event and caught the tale end of the presentation where leading health experts shared their tips for healthy living at the top of the Le Parker Meridian Hotel (amazing views). I loved hearing celeb train Harley Pasternack tell us that his celeb clients are totally human and do not workout more than 1 hour everyday, nice to know. We left with books from each of the experts and armed with some tips to get us back on track. 

Hope you enjoyed my blow-by-blow recap of BlogHer, kinda crazy I know! Gotta go now cause I am off to an advanced screening and event for Eat Pray Love  - such is the life of a lifestyle maven

Tags: BlogHer 2010

Many of you know that I am both a beauty maven and a foodie, so its no wonder I was super excited to attend a Blending Bash at KleanSpa in MindfulNest in Burbank (a super cute store that showcases artisanal designers). I was invited to attend this fab soiree by Jennifer AKA the Scentual Mixtress (LOVE that!) Jennifer is a goddess with beautiful energy and a NOSE (meaning that she really knows the art of smelling and combining fragrances in just the right way.) She is also the creator of KleanSpa, a beautiful line of handcrafted beauty products that are definitely worth checking out.

Jennifer recently began hosting these super fun monthly Blending Bashes at MindfulNest (usually on Sunday Evenings) where you have the  opportunity to formulate your own signature fragrance. During this inspired event, you are able to create, blend and walk away with a roll-on perfume and an extreme moisture shea lotion in a fragrance of your own creation. And to enhance the appeal of this event, KleanSpa usually partners with local restaurants and caterers so that you have the opportunity to sample yummy eats and drinks during the gathering. All this fun and creativity for a mere thirty five bucks! And as an added bonus, you can shop the unique assortment of artisanal items at MindfulNest too.  

During the bash, you  have the unique opportunity to work one on one with this Masterful Mixtress and custom blend your own signature fragrance. The process goes something like this: First you tell the Mixtress what types of fragrances you like and then you start sniffing to see what you like and what you don’t. If you get desensitized she has coffee grinds nearby too. Once you have a few fragrances you like, the Mixtress starts pairing the notes that go well together and eliminating those that don’t and then she starts combining your fragrance–making sure you have the right elements of a good base, middle/heart, and top notes. You sniff along the way to see if it smells good to you or if you want more of one scent or another until you get it just right. Jennifer expertly guides you through this process, so you feel confident and supported in creating something sophisticated and delicious.

Then you put on your apron and mix your custom scent into a luscious creamy shea lotion and give it a name. This whole experience totally appeals to both my beauty and foodie side! I created my Sultry Sassy Spring Blend with notes of  Fern, Fig, White Tea, Pomergranate, New Cucumber, Grass, and Ginger Milk—Green, fresh, slightly fruity, and the ginger adds a little spicy sultriness to the blend and I LOVE it! 

This was such a fun, scentual, creative experience and I highly rec giving it a sniff and a whirl  if you live in the LA area. And if you don’t live near by you don’t have to miss out on these fab products either, because from now through May 2010 Romy Raves Readers get 20% off all products at www.KleanSpa.com by entering the code ROMYRAVES20

And as a special treat, I am also doing a Blending Bash GIVEAWAY for you and friend ($70 Value!) , so you both can having the pleasure of creating with the Mixtress. All that you need to do for your chance to win this fabulous scentual experience is become an email subscriber of Romy Raves   AND  a Fan of the Romy Raves Facebook Page  AND post a comment on this blog post telling me what your favorite Spring/Summer fragrance is and why you love it. That’s all you need to do. I LOVE comments and want to encourage my readers to regularly post comments and share your thoughts. This contest will end at midnight PST on Monday, May 3rd, 2010. The winner will be selected using Random.org. You must live in the Los Angeles, CA area in order to take advantage of this regional prize and only one entry per person.  Good Luck!

Tags: Blending Bash, Create Your Own Products, giveaway, KleanSpa

I LOVE being a lifestyle and beauty blogger (as you can tell). It gives me both insider access and the opportunity to discover unique products, services and trends so that I can share them with my readers. Honestly, sharing tips, resources, products, places and services delights me to no end So every now and again, I like to share with you what I am up to (inquiring minds want to know, right?) and how I go about finding the things I share with you on this blog. So here’s a peak at some recent and upcoming events that I am thrilled to attend all in hopes of sharing information that can impact your life in a positive way. Enjoy!

Vital Juice Pop-Up Wellness Retreat  In early April, I was invited to this fabulous healthy lifestyle event hosted by Vital Juice (VJ is a free daily e-mail newsletter and website that brings you the latest trends in fitness, nutrition, beauty and wellness—I LOVE my daily VJ fix ). This Pop-Up event was dedicated to trend influencers in order to showcase some of the latest trends and discoveries in health and wellness. They offered a day of fitness classes, product demonstrations, beauty treatments and healthy eats. Some of my favorite discoveries of the day included trying on Reebok’s new EasyTone fitness shoe, tasting the surprisingly yummy, healthy food from The Fresh Diet, learning about the fabulous attractive shapewear from Yummie Tummie and checking out Ginger and Liz’s hip and eco friendly nail polishes. 

Sassy City Chicks Los Angeles Fashion Bash Last night, I attending this super fun lifestyle shopping event at the Petersen Automotive Museum. It’s a really cool venue and it was such fun to hang out with my gal pal Tif and shop among the cool cars and exhibits. There was music pumping, signature cocktails by PAMA Liqueur cocktails (I had the yummy Fashionista), chair massages, a Ride & Drive opportunity hosted by Chevy, and shopping galore (at bargain prices!). I love my Bling Bling Belt and my collection of statement making cocktail rings (who could resist picking out vintage style rings in a classic Corvette!)

Unique LA – April 24 & 25, 2010  This is the largest independent design show in the country because it gives attendees the rare chance to meet and shop directly from over 300 hand-selected designers and artists. This is a great opportunity to buy local (95% of the products showcased are made in the USA), support LA’s economy, discover new companies and artisanal products, participate in hands on workshops and eat yummy inspired food from some of LA’s hottest new food trucks. I’ll be there this weekend scouting trends and looking for new undiscovered products and companies, can’t wait!

The Luxe Life Pink Carpet Event - April 25, 2010  This fabulous lifestyle, beauty and shopping event donates a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Charity, so you can enjoy yourself while also feeling like you are making a difference. This fun event will have a hand selected assortment of amazing vendors, discounted designer shopping, beauty treatments, consultations with celebrity stylists, make-up artists, cocktails and decadent treats, and a gift bag with a VIP ticket. 

Shecky’s Girls Night Out: Los Angeles – May 19 & 20, 2010  I LOVE Shecky’s GNO!! Twice a year I look forward to this super fun, lively, girls night out, where I hang with my besties, explore lifestyle trends and find the greatest and most unique stuff.  This is a fabulous shopping event for what’s cool and undiscovered in fashion and beauty, and Shecky’s showcases emerging designers, great beauty discoveries, delicious hosted cocktails, and free giveaways. And make sure not to miss the overstuffed goodie bag too! Use promo code STAR30 for 30% of Goodie Bag Memberships (admission) now through April 30th.

The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show LA aka IMATS - June 26 & 27, 2010  This is one of the make-up industry’s biggest showcase events, where thousands of make-up artists, vendors and enthusiasts converge to discuss, display and collect the best that the make-up industry has to offer. This year they will be hosting a highly-anticipated panel of make-up artists from the Tim Burton film, Alice in Wonderland. I love attending this lively show to discover the newest trends in make-up and stare at amazement at the insanely creative make-up artistry from some of today’s most exciting talent–It has a ton of amazing eye candy!

Tags: Lifestyle Events, Luxe Life, Shecky's, Vital Juice

This savvy beauty maven is always on the hunt for the best beauty treatments and services around, and I recently had a delightful facial with Gayle Miller at Guy Matthew Salon and Day Spa in Agoura Hills, California.

 What made this facial so special you ask?  I would be delighted to tell you. First of all, Gayle is a gifted pro and knows her way around skin care products. She uses one of my all time favorite skin care lines called Epicuren. This is an active and effective line of products and I am always impressed with the results it delivers.

Second, Gayle has a very gentle yet thorough technique that really gets your skin clean and glowing. She gives your skin a thoughtful analysis and designs the facial to meet your needs. She decided that this beauty blogger needed the works, so in addition to cleansing, a relaxing massage and extractions, I tried two of her different exfoliation services and finished it off with an oxygen treatment. And let me tell you, my skin looked and felt divine after this triple whammy!

Let me tell you a little more about each of these wonderful services. First, I had Diamondtome Microdermabrasion, a gentle yet effective microderm treatment. This got rid of my surface flakes and unevenness.  Next, was my personal favorite part of this facial, the Hot Enzyme Three Layer Peel (sounds scarier than it is, I promise.) This consists of three different Epicuren products that are layered on the skin to pack a powerful punch. I liked the spicy zingy first step and how smooth and supple my skin felt after all three steps–this was a pretty unique feeling treatment to this savvy beauty junkie. And the last step and icing on the cake was the Echo2 Plus Oxygen Treatment, which gently sprays vitamins, minerals and oxygen right into the skin and gave my skin a fantastic and youthful glow, a perfect special occasion treatment.

Gayle has a delightful demeanor and I would highly rec giving her facial a try, especially if you like a more gentle and renewing facial with beautiful skin results.  And here’s the BEST part: Right now she is offering Romy Raves readers a special introductory price of $65 which includes a classic facial with all the trimmings PLUS ANY 2 of the special treatments I have reviewed above. That means you can get a facial with microderm and/or a three layer hot enzyme peel and/or an awesome oxygen treatment all for for a steal. These treatments typically cost about $100 each or $20 to add on to a regular facial which is regularly $85, SO needless to say this is a fabulous bargain not to be missed!

Guy Matthew Salon and Day Spa is located at 30115 Agoura Road in Agoura Hills, California. To book a facial with Gayle call (818) 889-0212. And remember to tell her Romy Raves sent you!

Tags: Agoura, Diamondtome Microdermabrasion, Echo2 Plus Oxygen Facial, Epicuren, facial, Gayle Miller, Guy Matthew Salon, Hot Enzyme 3 Layer Peel

Everyone once in a while I discover a really inspired new beauty product that makes me smile and say, “That is so genius, why didn’t I think of that?” Well, let me introduce to the Tassi.

What’s the Tassi? The Tassi ($14.99) is a fun and yummy headband/hair wrap that keeps your hair away from your face when you wash it or apply makeup (FYI this is a major concern of mine.) It is made of a comfortable stretch terry cloth, and unlike headbands, clips or turbans, the Tassi does not flatten, twist or mess up your “do,” so it’s perfect for protecting second-day blowouts. This is the brilliant part of it! I am always so careful when washing my face after a professional blowdry because I want to extend the life of it and not get a morsel of water on it or crease or dent the style, and the Tassi makes it effortless to do just that. Your hair is softly tucked away while you wash and then its perfect when you are done. Simple Brilliance!

The Tassi is the brain child of Shawna Ellsworth who created the inspired Tassi based on a hair wrap that her Aunt Dot used to make for her teenage daughters. Shawna regularly used Aunt Dot’s hair wrap and over the years she refined her aunt’s original concept and turned it into the Tassi.

And the fun and fashionable colors only add to the appeal of the Tassi for me. You actually look cute and feel a bit sassy and playful when you wash your face or apply your make-up. I actually feel kind of retro when I use this wrap, it feels like a throwback to the days when my mom was a young woman and wrapped toilet paper around her hair to preserve her ‘do’. The Tassi makes me smile whenever I use it  It comes in 18 fun colors and some of my favs are zebra, pink polka dot, grass green, lime green, hot pink, robin egg blue and turquoise. If you want to join in on the fun, you can find your Tassi HERE.

Do you have any secret beauty rituals or tricks to share that make the art of pampering more fun?  Please post a comment and share with us.

Tags: Hair Accessory, Hair Wrap, Head Band, Tassi, Unique