Spa Heiress

Ga Ga for Gaga: Lady Gaga's Workshop at Barney's NY

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:50:00 +0000

So last week I went to see Lady Gaga's Workshop on the 4th Floor of Barney's NY. A brilliant collaboration between the retailer and the entertainer selling Gaga-designed accessories from bubble bath to iPad cases. 25% of the proceeds goes towards charity so customers can feel good about overspending on tchotchkes.

The floor is supposed to be an interpretation of "Santa's Workshop" but is probably more reminiscent of "Beetlejuice's Workshop." The floor design leads you effortlessly through merchandise and allows the consumer to explore while weaving through passage ways and tables of trinkets that you don't need but you want to possess anyway.

The collaboration was brilliantly displayed on boutique bags and in the store windows along Madison Avenue. You couldn't help but want to go through the Gaga archway on East 60th Street with the excitement of a kid entering an amusement park.

From a retail standpoint, Barney's brought excitement to the holiday retail space through a well-timed collaboration, selling merchandise at an affordable price point ($15 Light Up Yo Yo) that would make perfect stocking-stuffers, while aligning with a cause (The Born This Way Foundation). The website they built is engaging and I'm sure this will prove to be a very successful holiday season for them. I know that I went to Barney's to see the Gaga Workshop and left the store with a new coat in tow!

My Adventure in Natural Childbirth: A Birth Story

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:35:00 +0000

It's important for women to share their birth stories with others...Not only does every birth story help another woman through her journey but it also helps express all the emotions one went through and it is a great release.

My first sign of pre-labor was seeing my bloody show on Thursday morning. Friday, at my OBGYN visit I would find out I was already 1cm dilated - I felt that my labor was imminent. I had mild contractions or slight cramping all weekend (there was a major snow storm in NY and NJ and I was happy that I didn't go that weekend). By Tuesday, I had more cramping throughout the day. I stayed home, but by 5pm I had to get outside. I decided to take a walk on the river - I quickly knew I was in early labor as I slowly walked along the Hudson, stopping to get through a mild contraction. By the time my husband, Lawrence, got home at 6:30pm and made dinner, I was already bending over my birthing ball. I couldn't stomach the dinner he made. My sister, Ires, at that moment called me and said she was coming over (I wondered if she heard me wail all the way to NJ!). Lawrence drew me a bath and I got in - it felt amazing...At this point he was trying to utilize his iPhone app to time my contractions which got annoying pretty quickly as he wanted me to say "start" and "stop" at the beginning and end of each contraction. My sister arrived at 11ish (I think - I lost track of time at this point) and I was again in the bath for the second time relaxing. She drew out her essential oils and encouraged me to breath them in. She then told me to start vocalizing my contractions. What emerged was this sound from deep inside me that appeared out of nowhere - Lawrence recorded it if you are curious to hear it. I would make this sound for the next 14 hours with each contraction. It was my mantra, it stabilized me and helped me ride each wave.

Lawrence had shut all the lights off and burned dozens of candles while playing Baroque music. We moved from my bedroom to the birthing ball in the living room, to straddling my dinning room chair - we tried many positions and each contraction got more intense. I then threw up - the force of my vomit woke me from what my sister would describe as "labor land" and I wondered if it was time to go to the hospital. My sister reassured me that throwing up is normal and a good sign that my labor is progressing. We decided to labor at home a bit longer.

By 3am we decided to head to the hospital. As we pulled up to the Emergency entrance, the bright neon lights of the hospital corridors startled me. We headed up the elevator to triage - I was being taken out of my soothing, dimly lit home to the waiting area of the hospital where the nurses were playing Rhianna (a far departure from the Baroque music I was listening to moments ago). My sister urged me to vocalize even in the waiting room with strangers beside me, and I did, trying to stay in my "labor-land."

My sis would title this pic "The Rock Star in Triage"

A nurse got us a bed in triage and wanted me to change into a hospital gown (which I refused to do - afterall if I wasn't far enough along, I wanted to go home). The nurse asked me a bunch of questions that my sister answered for me. I asked Ires to hand me sunglasses as I was hooked up the the Electronic Fetal Monitor (EFM) and waited for the resident to check me. A young resident finally came - I can remember her black painted nails (remenants of her Halloween weekend costume I assumed) and I cringed as she began to check me - she said I was 6-7 cm dilated (wahoo!! I was so excited). She then wanted to do an ultra sound to check the position of the baby (I refused this as well since I was just at my doctor's on Friday and knew my baby's head was down). I got up quickly from the bed and suddenly my water broke at which point the nurse yelled "stop" trying to put down a mat to catch my water - my sister yelled back at me - "Shiri, don't stop, your water is breaking- keep going..."

We then got an L&D room. The whole triage experience was jarring - who tells a woman in labor whose water is breaking to "stop???" I think this really did "stall my labor" as my doctor would later express to me.

In the L&D room, the nurse wanted to hook me up again to an EFM. We tried to argue this one but to no avail - we were under "hospital orders." I would spend most of my time laboring in L&D on the birthing ball the hospital had. Ires and Lawrence kept fueling me in between contractions with gatorade, coconut water, jello, pieces of apple and granola bars. I could only take the smallest bites of these as I couldn't stomach much at this point but they urged me to do so in order to keep my stamina up.

When I laid down on the hospital bed, my sister would count me down into a deep sleep using the hypnobirthing techniques...these naps in between my contractions were only about 3 minutes long but felt like a half hour- they were incredible, and helped me get some much needed rest.

My doctor came back in the room, frantic, saying that I was still at 7cm and I wasn't progressing - she was going to have to intervine. My sister argued with her for more time (which worked the first time) but the OB was adamant that it was time to help my contractions along. I knew we were "on the clock" even though I tried to stay present and not look at the hands ticking away.

I would get the mildest dose of Pitocin to help my contractions get stronger. I was worried about getting the Pitocin because it usually speeds up your contractions so much that you ask for the epidural. I call it a "gateway drug..." because one hospital intervention often leads to others.

My contractions surely sped up and I threw up again. As I hurled, my sister reassured me once again that this was good and that I was probably in transition. She said you probably have another 2hours- I told her, breathlessly, that we need to stay present (I didn't want to think about two hours from now- afterall I had no idea what time it actually was).

My contractions got so intense at this point that I eventually did scream out for the epidural. I had been laboring for so long I honestly felt this baby would not be coming out. Dr. Teaiwa came in like a beacon of light (she was from the clinic but not my actual OB). As the anesthesiologists made their way to my room with their demanding questions and even more stern demeanor, I asked to see the Dr. before we went any further. She came in and did a check - I figured if I still was at 7cm I would give into the epidural, but I was hoping to be further along...and luckily I was. Dr. Teaiwa said I was 9 and a half cm and that we could start pushing. Ires and Lawrence would later tell me that my face at this point lit up and I got a surge of energy - we were really going to be getting this baby out! The anesthesiologists in the room even started to scream "PUSH," at which my sister gave them a look and told them that no one needed to tell me to push - they scurried out of the room and Lawrence exclaimed that we "psyched out the anesthesiologists!"

I felt every push as Dr. Teaiwa guided me with her fingers, focusing each push on that exact spot. Our baby came out in less than 40 minutes of pushing (at 3:45pm on Wed) - a beautiful baby boy. He was thrown onto my chest immediately and he started breastfeeding shortly after that. My husband cut his umbilical cord and I couldn't believe that my baby was actually in my arms.

My sister and husband were incredible partners during my labor. They stuck with me the entire time, laboring with me through food and sleep deprivation. My sister fought for me to have the birth I wanted - she advocated on my behalf when the hospital, doctors, nurses and anesthesiologists kept advocating for "pain relief" and tried to rush me during my labor. My labor "stalled" because of the hospital. I probably could have gotten my baby out a few hours earlier if we had stayed home, but the bright lights, harsh voices, and ticking clock at the hospital changed my course.

My sister and I with baby the first weekend home

I'm happy I didn't have the epidural - my recovery was swift - I could feel my baby making his entrance into the world, he was alert and feeding, I could walk immediately after the birth and I had an incredible amount of adrenaline immediately following my labor. Even though I was physically exhausted, I wanted to talk and hold my baby in my arms. This was the best part of delivering my baby naturally - the "high" I felt afterwards.

Daddy with his Baby in Post-Partum Room

At the end of the day, we had our baby in our arms and that is all that mattered...

Birth Marathon- My 9 Month Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:03:00 +0000

I viewed my pregnancy as preparation for a "birth marathon" I was about to embark on at the end of 9 months (coincidentally, my son was born a few days before the NYC Marathon). I knew this would be one of the most difficult things I would do in my life and like the "straight A" student I always was, I decided to study and prepare for it.

I began prenatal yoga classes in my first trimester- I was the skinniest one in the room and almost felt embarrassed by my non-existent baby bump (I kept puffing out my belly to fit in with the other women that were closer to their due date than I was). I knew that learning how to move my body at this early stage in my pregnancy would be beneficial. I would later buy a Prenatal Yoga DVD by Gaiam and practice in the comfort of my own home (a snow storm would not stop me from getting some movement in).

I also cut alcohol and caffeine immediately after finding out the news. I know some women indulge in the occasional drink during the 9 months - but I had been drinking since I was 12 years old- if I could not quit now, I knew I had a problem...Plus, why take any chance with your newborn baby developing inside of you? I've never smoked, so this was not a factor. Other than that, I continued to eat healthfully the way I always had and added more red meats to my diet (Iron is so important!) and less fish and seafood (beware of high mercury fish and seafood!).

I do not believe in "pregnancy cravings" - I think women indulge in foods they always craved because they somehow feel that they can. This is a recipe for disaster. If you craved chocolate cake before you got pregnant but didn't indulge then, you shouldn't now just because you are pregnant. Your belly is expanding as is - no need to expand your butt and thighs!

I became an avid reader about pregnancy. The one book I avoided was "What to Expect When Your Expecting" - a pregnancy book that has a Hollywood film in the works was not what I wanted to expect...so this book did not end up on my reading list. Instead I read great positive birth stories... Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is a must read! Wonderful stories of positive birth experiences - did you know there is such a thing as an "orgasmic birth"!

While popular culture would lend you to believe that all birth has to be "painful." The idea of pain was totally obliterated from my mind as I prepared for my birth. The books I read discussed "pressure" "intensity" but not pain. Another great book I read was called Adventures in Natural Childbirth by Janet Schwegel. This book shared some wonderful birth stories as well as one's that had been had using Hypnobirthing. I decided to take a hypnobirthing class as a result.

In addition to eating a healthy diet and yoga - my last two months leading up to my due date I began swimming. This was a fantastic form of exercise especially as my belly got bigger and even some yoga poses were getting to be a bit more difficult. Swimming completely relaxed me, got my heart rate up and gave me a feeling of weightlessness- which was wonderful to relieve pressure on my legs and back.

My husband also bought me a birthing ball. I sat on this constantly to open up my hips and keep myself in a position that promoted gravity (versus reclining on the sofa). Daily squats and sitting on my birthing ball helped open up my hips and pelvis.

Kegels are so essential - I did these beginning my first trimester and continued to do them throughout my pregnancy - The proof is in the results - I only had two stitches after delivering my baby vaginally.

My mother always taught me that "Prior Proper Planing Prevents Piss Poor Performance" - these words I lived by throughout my schooling and my career - I took these words to heart during my pregnancy as well. You can't just "wing it,"you have to prepare for it mentally and physically. I know many women that write their "birth plans" - but just writing a list of things you want without working towards them does not work in the real world and it won't work in your L&D room. Sure, I want to make millions but how am I going to accomplish that goal? You need to get specific ie I'm going to get an MBA and work at a top firm for 10 years etc .... or I want to fit into a size 6 dress - I will go to the gym 4 times a week, eat lots of fruit and vegetables, limit my alcohol to one glass of wine a day etc...

I viewed my pregnancy as preparatory time to get informed and get in shape (I started off my pregnancy in good shape as well). I felt positive throughout my pregnancy and worked until a week before I gave birth. I had the energy and the support team I needed to help me through one of my most intense days of my life that ended at 3:45pm on Nov 2, 2011 with a baby boy in his mommy's arms - it would also be the beginning of my new life as a mom...

(I will share my actual birth story in my next blog post).

Finding Religion in a Manicure?

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:33:00 +0000

According to today's NY Times, a young female rabbi inspires bible teaching through a manicure. Now I know the manicure craze has been increasingly off the wall. Recently, on editor desk-sides, I kept remarking on the crazy nails young editors were sporting from glitter, neon, tie-dye, and even nail piercing - I really wanted to ask them - how old are you???

But sporting Noah's Ark on your digits takes nail art to the next level.

"Midrash Manicures" at Schechter, a Jewish day school in Westchester, has over 20 girls signed up to play with base coats, lacquer and top coats in a way to get them interested in Torah, or old testament, studies. Rabbi Yael Buechler, the 25 year old recently ordained Rabbi, even has her own website, midrashmanicures.com.

I'm sure it won't be long 'til the Bible Belt gets a hold of this - Jesus at one's fingertips anyone?

Sephora Fragrance Pop-Up Store NYC

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:11:00 +0000

So last night, I was invited to see the Sephora Sensorium - a collaboration between Firmenich - one of the foremost fragrance houses - and Sephora - the beauty retail giant. The pop-up fragrance experience is located in the Meatpacking district on 14th Street bet 9th and 10th avenues and is going on from Oct 7-Nov 27.

I traveled through a series of rooms that were supposed to take me on a fragrance journey. The first was a long corridor with a fragrance timeline as well as fun facts about fragrance like "do you know why your pee smells after you eat asparagus?"

Then I entered an isolation room that was all white with a headphone set in it. I listened to stories of people that do not have the sense of smell and how that effects their sense of taste. One gentleman said he stuck his tongue in an ashtray once to see if it tasted any different from food to him - sadly it did not. The stories illustrated how the sense of smell is such an important part of the way we experience the world.

The next room contained various displays surrounded by projector screens. When the display lit up, fragrance emitted with images that reflected a sensation such as "summer vacation," "6:00am," and "bacon dinner." The exhibit enveloped me and transported me to that sensation.

(photo credit: theinspirationroom.com)
We then were led to a mock "fragrance laboratory" where the perfumers of Firmenich were able to experiment with interpretations of feelings like "Addiction," "Fun," "Comfort," and "Confidence" - the fragrances were presented on roller balls besides adjectives and images that went along with these feelings. The perfumers had no cost restrictions and as such non of those fragrances will ever see a Sephora shelf.

(photo credit: beautyhigh.com)
The last room, however, was a "Fragrance Bar" that I was able to sit and "blind sample" fragrances that were sold at Sephora. I went through trays of fragrances and discovered I did not like any of them. When I found out which were the fragrances I knew why - Kate Walsh's Boyfriend fragrance would never be something that I would purchase - blind or not!

Firmenich allowed access to an exhibit that they normally would put on for the industry and allowed consumer access to it - a behind the scene's so to speak. However, it was still mainly industry people walking through the exhibit (I was trailing a group from Colgate) and the Sephora "market" I think would do better if one were actually able to purchase a fragrance after you smelled it at the bar.

It's a positive step for the fragrance industry but they still have to find a less pretentious way of connecting with the consumer....

Baby Bump Cream Review

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:41:00 +0000

So this weekend we went to Buy Buy Baby- The Temple of all Baby stores.
You can literally get everything and anything you imagined at this store from liquid detergents (Dreft is Pediatrician recommended) to cribs to bath toys and things you never even knew existed (am I really going to have to put a lock on my toilet seat in the near future???)

We went in to pick up the infant car seat off our registry (they won't let you out of the hospital without one- so this is the one thing we decided to buy prior to the arrival of baby).

While waiting for this to come up from the warehouse, I gravitated towards the Mustela display as I've been curious to try these products for awhile now and most stores did not seem to have the "mommy" collection. Being 2 weeks away from my due date, I wasn't sure if I should get the postpartum cream or the Pregnancy 9 months cream. The sales person said I could try it and return it if I don't like it and since I don't have stretch marks she recommended that I try the pregnancy cream.

I returned home and could not wait to lather my belly with it. The fragrance was abundant and reminded me of "old lady cream" (fragrance is listed pretty high up on the ingredient listing). I also didn't like the lotion-like consistency. I kept rubbing and noticed that the cream started balling up - this is a BIG "no no" in the cosmetic world and a cue that the formulation was not perfected. Overall, I was not impressed with this product and will be returning it to Buy Buy Baby.

The Hair Show

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:03:00 +0000

So this weekend, Repechage had 4 hair shows to attend: Ft Lauderdale, Long Island, NJ and NYC. I attended the prestigious Intercoiffure Fall Atelier. Intercoiffure is an organization representing top salons around the world including Ted Gibson Salon, Oribe, Maximus, Christie & Co Salon Spa and others.

Repechage is the only skin care company invited to be members of this organization and we have been working with many of the members ever since joining in 2008.

We took a table this morning to schmooze with "A" members while they were served a light continental breakfast. It was after a late night at the Waldorf-Astoria Ballroom where Sarah Jessica Parker presented Oribe with the ICA Visionary Award.

Needless to say, facials and eye treatments were in order (the perfect post-party rescue). We had a swarm of stylists and owners at our booth getting in line to try our new Biolight Reveal & Renew Express Treatment and many inquiring about the new range.

Besides the new Biolight skincare collection, my belly seemed to be an attraction on its own and I think I got rubbed by more members than the esthetician was able to treat. This is the phenomenon of the third trimester growing belly - it is buddha-like!

Trade Shows are always a great way to network and meet new, potential business partners. The key to any successful show is follow up!!! So be sure to collect as much detailed info on everyone you speak with so that you may follow up with them. I've been to so many trade shows where vendors do not follow up and I don't understand why they even bothered to spend the money to attend if they are not going to call each and everyone of their leads. It's just not good business.

Until next season....

Hypno-Birthing : An Alternative View on Labor

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 14:49:00 +0000

Picture Source: pickthebrain.com
So this past Wednesday, we took a class on Hypno-birthing. I've been recently reading a lot of amazing natural childbirth stories on how women that practice hypnobirthing end up at the hospital, 9cm dilated, and super calm - the nurses couldn't believe their eyes. After reading story after story, I figured I had to try it out.

Penny Merkel who teaches Hypnobirthing at Roosevelt Hospital came over to our apartment. I set up pillows on my sofa, propped up my legs and back and got comfortable. She led us through a hypnobirthing script and slowly we all fell into a deep relaxation. Now, I was a bit skepticle of what exactly would happen so I didn't fully let myself go all the way into the meditative state. I wanted to make sure I was still awake and in control of my body. The script she read was simply deep visualization techniques - walking on your favorite path, relaxing every part of your body, visualizing crawling into your womb and talking to your baby (this one brought tears to my eyes) and resting under a tree to birth safely. As she brought us out of the meditation, I realized this was very similar to the tapes my dad used to give me as a kid to fall asleep (meditation for children) and I was no longer afraid to go in deep.

Next, my sister was handed a script to walk me through the meditation. This time I let myself go. She took me on a journey on my favorite path, down stairs and on a light show that enveloped my body. At one point I heard no one else in the room - not even my sister. It is a place between sleep and consciousness and it is absolutely relaxing. As she brought me back up the stairs out of the meditation, I felt recharged and wonderful.

If I could be in this state during labor - I understood how one could feel blissful through the process.

Next, Penny made us draw pictures of me with my baby and the labor I want and the one thing that stands in my way of having that labor. My husband and sister had to draw pictures of how they envision themselves participating in my labor. Next, we had to write a chart of "unhealthy beliefs" and turn each unhealthy belief into a "healthy belief", and "affirmation" and "plan of action". These would become my mantras everyday.

This type of positive thinking is so powerful. The power of suggestion and visualization is one of the most powerful tools we have and yet Western Medicine does not promote it. Instead women are told get an epidural, mask the pain of labor instead of suggesting: your body is strong and can work through the pressure.

Hollywood has apparently also entrusted their labor to hypnobirthing techniques including Miranda Kerr and Jessica Alba. Hopefully more Americans will catch on to more progressive ways of laboring.

The Baby Entourage

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:03:00 +0000

So my final weeks before we embark on the next phase of our lives is full of anticipation, research, keeping active and interviewing. We've been interviewing everyone from birthing doulas, post-partum doulas, baby nurses, pediatricians, lactation consultants and even my OB. This little peanut is apparently going to need an entire staff before it's even ready to take it's first breath (or more truthfully, I will need an entourage to help me through it).

First we met with 2 Birthing Doulas. The one that was recommended through a colleague and who also happens to teach at the hospital had another due date two days after mine so she said she could only commit if she found a backup. We met them both at The Starbucks near Roosevelt. I came with my list of questions. Immediately after meeting "the backup" I knew this arrangement would not work. When she clapped her hands and shrieked the word "yeah" I knew that I wouldn't be able to endure being in a room with this person for more than 5 minutes much less hours of labor.

I called my sister and asked if she would act as my birthing doula. If you are going to go the route of having a birthing doula you have to be sure you are comfortable with that person but also that they will be able to advocate on your behalf (and not on behalf of the hospital) while you are in labor and delivery. I feel confident that my sister will be able to do this (she is a prenatal yoga instructor as well as a birthing instructor). Birthing Doulas reduce the incidence of C-Section, reduce the requests for pain medication as well as the use of pitocin according to DONA.

The next interview was with my OB to go over my Birth Preferences. I scheduled with her in advance for this meeting to be at the end of the day when she could spend the most time with me to go over my questions and concerns. I came prepared with a list. I spent a good part of an hour with her going over her outlook and what I preferred to happen and why. Roosevelt happens to be a more progressive hospital to give birth at and the doctors and nurses that work there share the philosophy of birthing naturally. This interview put me at ease that my doctor would share my vision and help me have the birth experience I look forward to having. After my meeting, I typed out a 1 page bulleted list of my preferences - stay positive with affirmations like "I prefer..." vs "I do not want to have..." I plan to bring this list with me to the hospital so that nurses and doctors are aware of my preferences.

I took a friend's recommendation for a Pediatrician that practices just a short walk away from our apartment. I went this week for an info-session with her. This was a great way to meet and greet the pediatrician. Pre-register so that when you deliver you may give the hospital the name of your pediatrician and they can perform the initial check-up on your newborn baby.

I am still in the process of interviewing Post-Partum Care specialists to help me through the first few weeks with our new baby. This has been a challenge. How do you choose someone to care for your unborn child? What will I need in terms of care? Who will I want to be there when we return from the hospital? I have asked so many people about their experiences with baby nurses, night nurse and post-partum doulas. I know I will need help with breast-feeding, swaddling, bathing, umbilical cord care, catching up on sleep and feeding my husband and I (we can hardly feed ourselves now!). I think I am more in line with the philosophy of a post-partum doula than a baby nurse as they care for the family versus just caring for the baby. I will keep you posted on my interview process.

I also went this week to The Upper Breast Side on West 70th Street. Owner, Felina, can help you with everything from finding a nursing bra, breast-feeding and pumping at the "milk bar" or recommend specialists in the area. You would never notice this store unless you were looking for it, but it seems to be a great resource for women on the UWS.

This is a whole new world of specialists that come with having a newborn and my journey into this world is just begining...Welcome Baby Entourage!

My Maternity Photo Shoot; Some Tips On Looking Super Sexy & Natural

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 22:51:00 +0000

So I just bared all this past weekend for my baby bump photos. My wedding photographer, Shira Weinberger, came over to my parent's apartment (the light is incredible there) to shoot my 35 week growing belly. She instructed me to get some Hanky Panky underwear and lingerie. I have to say, I've been wearing this brand of underwear throughout my pregnancy- they are so comfortable and sexy!

I literally raided the Hanky Panky Section at Bloomie's: an ivory nighty, retro ivory thong, black briefs and black lacey tank. All of these are so comfortable and I'm sure I'll be wearing them regularly, so it was a good investment- plus it was on sale!

I woke up early Sunday morning and headed to Lovella Salon for a blow out - I wanted my hair a bit fuller than usual and Alex pulled my hair into big curls (I ended up pulling my hair up in a clip with a few curls hanging loosely as the photographer preferred it up). He also did my makeup- I was a little skeptical as I never had my makeup done with him before. I loved the individual fake lashes - these can never be too long or full for a photo shoot. He made my eyes over the top smokey - not the look I was going for (this was supposed to be a romantic, feminine shoot). I later toned down the eye makeup when I got home. A nude, pinkish Bobbi Brown lip gloss across my lips was just enough color. I wanted to look natural and not overdone.

I then headed over to the shoot. With the help of my mother, I covered my entire body with Repechage Perfect Skin Liquid Foundation mixed with Repechage Sea Spa Massage Oil. It made my body look less pale and absolutely flawless. I highly recommend covering your body with makeup for a maternity shoot- you don't want to look pasty.

I put my retro white lace briefs on and walked out of the bathroom. I was actually very comfortable in front of the camera naked - I've never been all that bashful...I loved the way I looked - I was uninhibited and not at all self conscious. I guess my area of concern was always my belly, so in my pregnant state, I just let it all hang out and it felt great!

Shira is so artistic. We used my wedding veil in parts of the shoot- a great way to get some more usage out of it- but it also looked beautiful draped over my body. Other props we used were my mom's fur shawl and a red antique chair.

I love the photos of my husband and I. They just are super sweet and tender. We are both so excited to meet the baby that has been growing in my belly for the better half of a year and I think the pictures capture our love for our new baby.

My Baby Bump Skin Care Routine

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:36:00 +0000

(this post was written a few months ago- sorry for not publishing earlier - oh and baby bump pictures to be posted in October!)

So as my body slowly expands in strange directions, it is important to take care of my skin to prevent stretch marks, sags, and melasma (discoloration due to pregnancy hormones).

So far so good. I'm about 6 months now but I started on a deep hydrating moisture routine the day I found out I was preggers- remember: preventative care is much more effective than trying to reverse the damage!

I'm using a combination of moisturizers, butters and oils to keep my skin well-hydrated day and night. I prefer to use oils at night before bedtime and intensive moisturizers during the day.

Daytime: After shower, I lather my skin with Repechage Seaweed Body Cream all over my body, then layer it with an extra coat on my belly and breasts with Basq Illipe Body Butter Triple Moisture Complex. Sometimes, before my shower I apply Johnson and Johnson Baby Oil on my nipples to protect it from the hot water.

At night, I use a variety of oils depending on which scents I can tolerate that day. I use Kanshi Naturally Healing Massage Oil - a soybean based oil with natural mango and papaya juice scent. My husband loves it when I go to bed with this scent on!

I also sometimes use the Johnson and Johnson Baby Oil - just a simple mineral oil to lock in moisture. I actually noticed that a lot of the "so-called" mommy products are mineral oil based - well don't be fooled because mineral oil is one of the cheapest ingredients on the market So forgo the hefty price tag if the products are mineral oil based.

I also noticed that a lot of the mommy moisturizers are shea butter based. Shea is a great natural ingredient in general and you can find a lot of products on the market that contain shea that are not necessarily marketed to moms-to-be...

The Basq Body Butter that I'm currently using is Shea based - I like the scent and it feels great on the skin.

Before bed I also give myself a nice foot massage with Repechage Sea Spa Foot Cream- the shea butter is nourishing and the peppermint oils feel wonderful on my tired feet.

As for discoloration prevention, be sure you stay out of the sun these nine/ten months and when you are, wear a hat, sunglasses and stay in the shade. Obviously, some discoloration may occur during pregnancy but there is no reason to intensify it with unwanted sun rays so keep it covered!!

Prenatal Massage - The Good & The Bad

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:53:00 +0000

So my first experience going to prenatal massage was at Edamame Spa in NYC. This is the only spa in NYC that specializes in prenatal care/treatments. The spa is in the basement of Destination Maternity on 57th Street.

I was in my second trimester (most establishments will not administer a massage in your first trimester due to increased liability).

Now I'm accustomed to strong shiatsu massages and I love deep tissue. I understand that now that I'm pregnant that having someone walk on my back would be an impossibility but I informed my practitioner that where safe, don't be afraid to use pressure.

Well despite my urging, she continued to gently use effleurage movements all over my body and slathered my belly with some Mama Mio Product. $130 later, I was extremely disappointed and informed the manager that I could have applied cream on my body at home and that my husband uses more pressure when giving a massage.

I vented my frustration the next day at an event we were hosting in Long Island for Kanshi. A massage therapist that was working the event, Jody, informed me that she used to work at Edamame and totally agreed with my reaction to their less than par service. She so generously invited me to come to her private practice and experience a true prenatal massage.

I took her up on her offer and it was fabulous. I have been going regularly to Jody throughout my pregnancy for massage - it has been a tremendous help- releasing my hips, lower back and calves.
She has given me great stretching techniques as well that I can do on my own whether at my desk or on the road.

She also suggested that we begin to do some visualization techniques as we get closer to my due date - I cannot wait!

This relationship has been extremely beneficial for my prenatal well-being and I absolutely recommend massage regularly (pregnant or not). I know my baby is enjoying these sessions as well.

I think the main difference is that if you end up at a corporately owned spa there are so many restrictions due to liability issues that you don't often end up with a great experience. Find a massage therapist licensed in prenatal massage that has a great resume that you can trust and that you enjoy their positive energy and touch.

If you are interested in contacting Jody, feel free to email me directly.

Ayurveda - Traditional Medicine or Ancient Torture Practice?

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 22:32:00 +0000

So this past weekend, I tried for the first time an Ayurveda treatment. Rosie, a well-known specialist, comes to NYC once a month and my massage therapist suggested that I try it out. The session began with a lengthy questionaire about my sleep and food habits as well as what time of day I was born and the state of my bowel movements. I then sat down with Rosie for a consultation. She took my pulse and determined that I was a Vata Pitta (Air and Fire). I don't quite understand how she determined this from my pulse but it was in line with what other ayurveda practioners have told me in the past.

She recommended that I only eat warm foods as we enter the colder months (I switched from cereal to oatmeal as my morning meal as a result) and she also suggested I try a sesame oil enema (I think I may skip this one).

I then was placed in a preggo pillow (I'm 8 months) and the treatment began with a slathering of oils (I later found out about a quart and a half of oils was used during my treatment). By the time I was flipped over, I asked - "what is the point of this??" I felt cold, soaked and in need of a major shower. The sheets I was lying on were drenched and an overall ickiness was upon me. I really felt like jumping out of my preggo pillow (slowly of course) and running into a warm stream of water.

Perhaps this treatment is great for those with soar joints and muscles - but for me it felt more like ancient torture. Rosie explained that it was medicine and that not all medicine tastes good but you have to swallow it. Well, I'm not feeling sick, so this is one pill I won't be swallowing again anytime soon.

Spa Castle or Spa Mall?

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 01:23:00 +0000

My friend's bachlorette party took place at NY's famous Spa Castle. I have long heard of this Queens haunt - a spa experience to the max equipped with aqua jets, dry and wet saunas, indoor and outdoor pools. But unfortunately the reality of this 100,000 sq ft spa mecca falls flat.

We pulled up and I immediately felt like we were heading into a carnival or theme park. We each paid the $45 admission fee and received a plastic watch with a 4 digit number on it. Walking through the turnstile I knew I was not in for a luxury spa experience.

We headed into the women's locker room and were outfitted with bright pink and orange uniforms and towels. My wristband number would direct me to my personal locker and I changed into my oompah loompah outfit. The women in the dressing room were unabashed, walking around in their birthday suits. These women looked straight out of a prison break - tattooed, overweight and hairy bushed. I would find out that the women's pools were nude only and we were told that we had to disrobe in order to experience the pools. I turned around, put my bright orange and pinks back on and decided to check out the other floors.

I ascended to the co-ed areas. I quickly felt like I had arrived at a mall's fast food court. We navigated pasted the bubble teas and stir frys and went to check out the various saunas. Each sauna pod was more crowded than the other with people belly flopped in the middle. It was less than to be desired.

They messed up our massage appointments so I decided to get a shiatsu massage in the communal room for about $75 (paid for by a swipe of my plastic numbered wrist watch). The massage was good but for the combined fee of $120 not to mention the car back and forth I could have gotten a shiatsu massage on West 57th street for less.

All in all I could not wait to get out of the kimchee stench and back to Manhattan.

This spa chain is expanding to the Poconos and Texas - is this democratization of the spa experience? Not at the hefty price tags. The wristwatch payments are genius because you don't realize how much you spent until you swipe out. Spa Castle is more like a theme park for those that have never been to a spa.

Let's hope this is not the future of spas in America.

My Week on Reality TV

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:32:00 +0000

So this week, I was asked to join Rebecca Lieberman, owner of Besu Salon & Dayspa, on a BravoTV taping of an upcoming reality series that follows a NY consignment store team on their discerning fashion tastes and what clothes and accessories they deem to resale or have "a second time around" (STA)- also the name of their store.

Tuesday, I was told to meet Rebecca at The National for a charity auction the STA team would be throwing to raise money to build water wells in Haiti. I came schlepping a large Repechage Spa Basket to include in the auction. I was greeted by a cameraman and a producer who would take 3 takes of me walking into the soiree. I would later have to sign a release and pose with my signature - I joked that I was probably signing my life away - but who has time to read that 10-page doc when there's a reality show going on!

I was pleasantly greeted by the hosts of the show and they all fawned over my growing belly!

The auction would begin, and dresses were being sold to a tipsy, well-heeled and botoxed crowd of NY women.

I presented with Rebecca the spa basket that also included a spa gift certificate to Besu Salon and Spa - an exclusive Repechage skincare spa in Gramercy!

The basket quickly went for $1000!! I introduced myself to the bidder and she said "when I saw your skin, I just knew I had to have that basket!"

People quickly came up to me asked what my glowing skincare secrets were - a healthy dose of estrogen is most likely responsible these days but of course I chalked up to regular spa facials with Repechage.

The event was a success and I was re-invited to the show finale on Thursday at Greenhouse - a popular night club on Varick Street.

The finale was a fashion show with pieces from A Second Time Around. We sat through the show twice - after all it is reality TV and the crew had to get it perfect!

Hopefully my scenes won't get cut or at least you will be able to catch a glimpse of my head in the background. But for now, my 15 minutes of fame will have to wait til The August premier!

Winter Movie Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 01:16:00 +0000

In NY, when its cold and Christmas, and all your friends seem to be at relatives or vacationing in Buenos Aires then you head to the movies...Here is a round-up of the movies I saw this past week:

The Fighter: Mark Wahlberg hit it on the nail. There hasn't been a major boxing movie since Rocky and this movie definitely was up to snuff. The Fighter is a great story of personal struggle, family dysfunction and winning. Christian Bale is insanely good - he seems to embrace roles and transform into his characters. This is definitely a go-see movie.

Somewhere: Sofia Coppola seems to regurgitate themes in this slow-paced weak version of Lost in Translation. A lonely celebrity living in a hotel (Stephan Dorff) is reminiscent of Bill Murray's character in Lost in Translation. When he spends some time with his daughter (Elle Fanning) he is woken up from the vacancy of his life and realizes that he yearns to have a more meaningful life beyond the strippers and endless parties at Chateau Marmont. This is literally the same theme- replace Elle Fanning's character with Scarlett Johansson; change the cities from Tokyo to LA and you have the same movie - just not as skillfully crafted. I was let down because I was excited to see this film but it proved not worth the popcorn.

The Tourist: Dumb and dumber. Angelina Jolie may look fantastic in every scene but otherwise this movie is ridiculously stupid. Predictable and utterly not worth sitting through. She seems to be stuck in type-casted sexy-spy movie genre (Salt, Mr & Mrs Smith) but she is just a poor actress with a big screen presence. As for Johnny Depp, I'm surprised he signed up for this role.

Black Swan: Natalie Portman is phenomenal in her role as a dancer struggling with her own demons as she rises to the ranks of prima-ballerina. Terrifying and squeamish at times, this movie is the perfect suspense thriller that keeps you guessing. This is a must see and Natalie Portman is Oscar-worthy!!

Class and Pop Culture

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 19:04:00 +0000

According to yesterday's NY Times, class is influencing music and movies in a way we haven't seen since the great depression. Movies like The Fighter, The Town and even The Social Network showcase hero's that are struggling to break-free from their class. Markedly a different backdrop from the movies of the '90s and early 2000's like SATC and any romantic comedy that are always set within a middle class of "relative affluence." Times have certainly changed and with the market crash in 2008, it seems that the distinction between the class gap is becoming more and more transparent.

In music, the NY Times distinguishes the big vocals of the 90's such as Beyonce, Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera from today's thin vocals such as Kesha, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Ostentatious melodies seem to be as out of style as Manolo Blahniks and Sarah Jessica Parker.

But it is this class distinction that seems to have seeped into the core of pop culture that still seems to avert the people that have presumably caused this crisis in the first place. Just this past week, over drinks with my friends in finance, they were adamant that unless they received their "given year-end bonuses" they would find new employment. I found this type of bratty entitlement just the cause of what brought us here in the first place.

Why should the people working in finance still get their year-end bonuses when most of the country is still feeling the burden of the lagging economy?

As a small family business owner, I feel the weight of the economy- trying to support nearly 50 families by making payroll weekly and hit by benefits and taxes - this is no small feat and I am proud that we can do it with hard work and living "the hustle" as Gary Vaynerchuk would call it.

The Daily Shower Going Out of Style?

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 20:53:00 +0000

According to a recent NY Times article titled "The Great Unwashed" reveals some insights into some not so clean people! A new trending ritual (or unritual) of not bathing daily- a rebellion of sorts against the American obsession with being spic 'n span clean!

Americans are quite odor-averse. Roam the streets of Europe and you can't help but smell passerbyers natural scents. A reason the perfume industry sales never seem to lull in Paris. Masking skin's natural scents with an eau de toilet is de rigor. In fact, according to Karen Grant of NPD, there may be a correlation between lagging perfume sales and the introduction of Anti-Perspirant in the US. (at times you hope the Europeans would take up using anti-perspirant especially when stuck on a crowded train).

Anyway, the reason for not washing everyday, claims the article, is 1. Saving water 2. Preserving natural oils on your skin.

I for one do not wash my hair more than once a week and my hair is better for it. My natural oils in my hair keep it healthy and shiny. But I can't forgo my morning shower. I just don't feel as refreshed if I don't cleanse my body daily. Now, there are ways that one can avoid over-cleansing by using soap-free shower gels rather than harsher soaps that dry out skin and disturb the skin pH. This is true with facial cleansing as well. There really is no need to suds up your skin- you are after all not cleaning last nights pot-roaster. Your skin is a barrier and needs to be protected (see my recent article on winter skin care).

And while I do hope people don't start taking up this trend en masse (even though it may do wonders for the US fragrance industry), I do think Americans are a bit OCD when it comes to washing and hopefully it will at least create some dialogue. Natural oils afterall are responsible for sexual attraction - perhaps that's why the Europeans have that Je ne sais quoi- it's all about preserving some skin odour;)

Backstage Beauty: Carmen Marc Valvo Spring 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 23:39:00 +0000

I was so excited, when makeup artist, Victoria Stiles, asked me to go backstage during New York Fashion Week to cover the beauty looks at the Carmen Marc Valvo Spring 2011 show. My excitement heightened when I found out that I would be interviewing celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson (the one who took Kate Gosselin's look from trash to fab- there wasn't this much hooplah over a hair do since Jennifer Aniston).

The vibe backstage was calm and you felt that everyone worked really well together. Ted and Carmen have worked on past seasons together and seem to collaborate nicely on creating a look that comes together beautifully on the runway.

Both have a strong celeb following and both have worked with Kate Gosselin (Kate sported a black halter dress of his design at her first Emmy's appearance this year) - hey, she does make the news!

FASHION: For his Spring 2011 collection, Carmen Marc Valvo evokes a 1960's glamor that is red-carpet-worthy. Bow-belted waists, Jackie O'-style sunglasses, and three-quarter length jackets complete the very Mad Men look.HAIR: Ted Gibson reinvents the chignon once again - his now signature textured chignons are his style staple and rule the runways. I love this look especially come summer, because you can tie your hair in a high ponytail and give it a little twist and a pull and voila- you have a perfect bad-hair-day fix.

MAKEUP: Romero Jennings for MAC shared with me what's hot right now:
IN: Bold Eyes ; OUT: Strong Lips

EYES: His makeup inspiration were colors of the sea in teals and blues - that's right - blue eye shadow is back!! LIPS: We are seeing a lot of nude lips in the spring collections.

CHEEKS: No need for blush - just pinch and go! If you need to fake it, try a hot pink blush on the apples of your cheeks for a flirty, fresh look.

NAILS: Match your nails to your nude lips this spring for a clean, not overdone look.

Well spring may be 6 months off, but I love my nude lip / rosy cheek combo and will be sporting it right now!

Photo Booth at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NY

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 02:27:00 +0000

This video booth was so cool at New York Fashion Week. The video gets posted on AOL and then you can download it to your desktop when you get home.

What a great and interactive way to get testimonials! Imagine you could do this at your spa? or at retail? Get live feedback and then have your clients share it with their friends! they can see the cut or style or glowing skin. Just remember, feedback can be positive or negative!! At least it will be authentic - and today that's what people want - a meaningful conversation!

Fashion Night Out : Bright Lights Big City

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 03:52:00 +0000

Friday was Fashion Night Out and it truly was a big night out in NYC. Retail stores were open late and showing off more than just the clothes on the rack. Saks Fifth Avenue served champagne while entertaining shoppers with live bands, designer dance-offs and friendship bracelet making.I saw old friends and made a few new ones but really was less interested in the shopping than the scene. I wonder if this night proves to be profitable for retailers.
Then we headed downtown to the meat packing district to meet up for dinner with friends. Bumped into a fashion faux pas when two women walked in wearing identical DVF leopard wrap dresses- gasp! I have to admit, I'm over this fall trend and it's not even Fall yet. Leopard always makes a comeback every couple of years, but thinking you look fashion-forward because you are wearing a wrap dress circa 1990 is not. Can this trend go away and never come back please!

Other retailers that got the party started included Jeffries, Stella McCartney and Theory. The streets were flooded with strange marketing tactics including this random parade of astronauts along Fifth Avenue :
or Muscle Milk trying to get photo ops with fashionistas - I don't think that rail-thin models drink any dairy let alone one to build muscle mass! And Lancome's new spokesperson- youtuber, Michelle Phan - who created a crowd-frenzy at the Sephora window, vlogging live on fashion night out. This is the same company that hired on Julia Roberts as a spokesperson just a few months ago! When video bloggers and Hollywood A-listers are on the same marketing playing field you know the power of social media!

I did love the Fragrance Foundation Campaign - O ne Mighty Drop - passing out roses to promote shoppers visiting the fragrance counter.
Flowers can always put a smile on one's face. I later passed my joy onto someone sitting on a nearby bench - she smiled back!

Backstage at LORICK Linear Dawn - Spring Summer 2011 Presentation: Hair & Makeup Trends Alert

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 14:49:00 +0000

New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2011 : Makeup and Hair Trends

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 02:27:00 +0000

I love New York and I especially love it during NY Fashion Week. An excitement and buzz descends on the city - the fashion crowd, celebs, paparazzi, and they all happen to be in my back yard this year - Lincoln Center!

I first checked out the Lorick Presentation which took place this year in the Meat Packing District. I really enjoy going to presentations because you can get an up close view of the clothes, the fabric, hair and makeup. You view the models as though you were viewing sculptures in an art museum and this show definitely had me feeling as though I was in a sculpture garden - the models were like Venus's on a pedestal!I chatted with the designer, Abigail Lorick, who explained that she designed the collection around the modern woman - it's effortless and chic as well as natural and organic. A departure from her retro 50's inspired past collections.I also spoke with Make-up Director, Deanna, who created a fresh and easy palette. According to Deanna, today's modern woman doesn't have time to overdo anything, and the makeup can be achieved in 5 minutes or less! (Good news for me who likes to snooze in the am) Cheeks look just pinched-pink and lips are natural and nude. Skin must be flawless to pull off this look so be sure you start exfoliating now so that you can pull this off come spring. Good thing Repechage Lip Rescue Kit was in the goodie bag for the show- nude lips are great only if your lips are up for the challenge- this kit will help them look pout-perfect!
Hair by Phillip Pelusi was loose and organic - run-your-fingers-through-and-go type hair. Or pull it back in a messy bun, and if you are really feeling lazy, throw on a headwrap or hat.

Hats were big news on the Charlotte Ronson S/S 2011 runway - grunge-inspired hoodies and beanies topped off the models long messy tresses with tiny haphazard braids. Bright lips complimented the bright belt-accents and printed dresses.

This show had a big celeb following including Nicky Hilton, Russell Simmons, and Devon Aoki, not to mention the high profile Ronson siblings: Sam and Mark that came out to support their sister. Even little sister Anabelle Ronson strutted down her sister's runway.

Tomorrow I head back stage with Ted Gibson - hair stylist to the stars! Can't wait!!

These Books Will Help You Find Your Passion

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 03:06:00 +0000

Here I share the 3 books that really got my blood flowing this year. I love when you read a book and you get so excited about all the prospects and ideas that you can't sleep. It makes you want to get back to work the next day and as Gary Vaynerchuk says "Crush It!" It's my new motto and mantra. Happy reading!!

Inside NYC Spa Opening of Besu Salon & Day Spa

noreply@blogger.com (Spa Heiress) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:49:00 +0000

Here I am at Besu Salon & Spa Social Life Magazine Cover Party with spa owner Rebecca Lieberman. Rebecca shares her career-changing moment and why she became an esthetician. Her new spa opening fulfills her dream of opening a posh NYC locale. I also interview Lydia Sarfati of Repechage on the spa treatments that will be offered at Besu! Enjoy!