Last weekend, as one of my Maid of Honor duties for my sister, I headed out with her as she went on her first day of trying on bridal gowns! The first shop was so hectic and so impersonal, I was not only happy to get out of there but happy that she didn't get her dress from there as it wasn't a place that I would want in terms of a bridal memory. But on Wed (of this week) my sister on her second day of looking for the perfect wedding gown, she selected her dress! Lovely Bride is currently (as it is moving to Tribeca) located in the West Village and is by appointment only. I loved the ambiance of the shops and the personal nature as well as touches that are within this multi level boutique! The first of 3 dresses that my sister put on ended up being the one that she fell in love with. For those that are in the market to getting a dress, I would definitely suggest this location as they have a carefully curated selection of designers. For those in LA, there is a fabulous shop out there as well!

The shortest month of the year brings so much activity! I'm in prep for a number of projects, next week Fashion Week begins, then there's Valentine's Day, more Fashion Week and then I'm off to LA! With that said, I look at Feb as being a month where the weather really lets you know that it's winter (as we have been getting off so easy here in NYC so here's hoping for more of the same) and you start dreaming of summer and tease yourself with spring.

Today, we kick off our Valentine's Day Guide with thoughts of gifting your honey on Feb 14th but also prepping yourself with all the items that are perfect for changing over your closets, vanity and more! In addition, we have a phenomenal giveaway from SodaStream that starts today through Feb 14th! To enter, make sure to tweet @KittenLounge and @SodaStream by letting us know what drinks you would create with the use of this machine and the hashtag #KLSodaStream! We'll announce a winner on noon on Feb 14th! 1 Lucky winner will receive a fab SodaStream Jet, container, and a number of flavors so that you can turn your water into a seltzer or the soda of your choice. The possibilities are endless! You can find out more about it by flipping through our Valentine's Magalog for 2012!

If you live in the greater New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco markets, you are invited to host a Cascal Celebration* for you and 10 or more friends - just apply online by clicking here to host a party any time between Dec. 23rd, 2010 through Jan. 8th, 2011. Whether you already have a party scheduled or need a reason to celebrate, Cascal will help get your party started! This can be a standalone party, or integrated into an already scheduled party. It’s your party, that’s all Cascal does is provide a little bit of flavor and fun! And, even though each of us at Cascal would love to attend each and every party, we will leave our names off of your guest list and keep your party limited to your closest friends and family!

Cascal is deliciously light and bubbly non-alcoholic drink that is crafted with the magic of fermentation to naturally highlight the flavors of its unique fruit combinations.

If selected (limited to 100-hosts), you’ll receive the Cascal Party Package which includes: (5) 4-packs of Cascal to share PLUS, a beautifully illustrated “The Seasons & Celebrations” cookbook.

Enjoy the alchemy of fresh flavors throughout the year, along with your own online planning page, recipes for you to serve, resources and additional incentives for all.

*Party hosting and subsequent giveaway open to U.S. confirmed hosts in the greater Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York markets. Confirmed Hosts will be contacted by email by Partique/Cascal when confirmed and will have 48 hours to confirm before a new host is chosen. Many thanks to Cascal for this Review and Giveaway Opportunity!

No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Partique/Cascal provided remuneration for this posting.

In an ongoing series, Keren Weinstein, our Guest Life-Balance Editor, took a much needed trip. More than the need to go on vacation to a new locale, she wanted to find her own sense of balance and thus Project Detox began. Last week, we jumped on a horse and went happy trailing. Today, Keren shows us that a little road trip is all we need to continue to reconnect.

We all live in different locales. Different speeds. We do different things.

Have a different purpose.

Different lives.

But no matter what kind of life we live, it needs to be balanced.

The ‘balancing cocktail’ required to reach that equilibrium is different for each of us.

For some, a trip to a big city like NY or Tokyo may be what they need.

For this full time working urban mom, the prescription for ‘road to equilibrium’ sounds more like….

Take an all American road trip through California Coast with a great friend and call me in the morning!

A bit of a travel snob, I don’t normally embark on road trips as my choice of vacation. Usually, I fly (direct) to my destination and have researched and received recommendations on what to do, see, experience, buy, eat, sleep before I even step foot on the plane. I don’t miss a beat. Or do I?

There is something about road trips that gives you a sense of care-free exploration. Of appreciating the journey not just the destination. Of really traveling.

I can recall that feeling when I road tripped through the West Coast with my best friend and her family as a teen.

It was now time to reignite that engine.

I have been blessed with meeting and having so many amazing people in my life.

And thanks to eM, FB, t, SMS, MMS, BB, LinkedIn, etc. I get to keep in touch in lieu of my busy lifestyle. But, a very important part of ‘the balanced life’ (and remaining true to myself), is spending quality in-person time with my family & friends.

The next few days, was going to be about the benefits of friendship. And roadship.

We knew overall where we were heading but drove where the wind took us.

Have a plan and go with the flow.

A motto I swear by.

If you want to get somewhere in life (or in a given day) you need to have a plan. An intention.
But, it’s the plans that move with the current that survive and thrive daily tides and storms.

You need to Surf. Cruise. And breathe through life’s changes all while remembering to still have fun. Life is colorful. Not just black and white lists of to do’s.

The coastal fresh air. The amazing landscapes. The speed. The maps. The music. The picture pull-overs. The lavender farm pit stops. The conversation. The shared quiet. The freedom. The nostalgia.

The fun.

Who knew I would actually [still] be driving on a Journey through Myself?!

At one point, driving on the road with great music along the stunning backdrop of hilly landscape, it felt like we were in one of those car commercials. Turns out. ‘We were’.

We have reached San Luis Obispo County which is known to be the location for filming many of our national car commercials.

Considered one of the best stops for ‘Pure California’ between San Francisco and L.A., San Louis Obispo (SLO) was a perfect way to stray off course. And with the vineyards a few miles away the weather was grape perfect. The locals refer to it as SLO (to imply the ‘slow alternative to the hectic life’). It's a ‘natural escape where slowing down to enjoy the good life is the essence’. One might say I didn't stray off course, I was finally on the right course.

Surrounded by rolling hills as if suspended in the middle of nowhere was the historic mission town of SLO. A small almost European village-like town. Quaint. Vibrant and colorful. Relaxed and laid back. Energized. Playful. Almost caracature’ish. Definitely surreal. Happy.

This travel pit stop, I did not research in advance. I was going to explore on my own. Enjoy in a different way. Raw.

I walked the pristine streets and found myself in a shopping heaven. Adorable high-end boutiques and antique shops that were charming and unpretentious. (I later found out Lucky Magazine calls SLO it “Sprinkled with charmingly unpretentious shops”. Right on Lucky! )

Excellent places to dine, go wine tasting, grab cocktails, coffee or frozen yogurt. Many of them boasting local wine, cheese, produce, olive oil, fish. It was fresh and colorful and healthy and delish. It is no wonder the first Jamba Juice location began in SLO. They aren’t slow at all in knowing what is good for you.

After stumbling upon the colorful, quirky & famed Bubble Gum Alley and taking a trip back in time at Powell’s Sweet Shop, I felt like a kid seeing Willy Wonka ’s factory for the first time. The vintage candy. The sweet smell. The colors. The excitement. “What we really offer are memories. We want to walk our customers down memory lane and remind them of good things and good times.” Mr. Powell wanted me to find that core childlike happiness.

A killer song by The Police lead this 80’s child into a small café. In the back, I discovered a beautiful outdoor garden. Full of color. Crisp. Picture perfect.

I sat sipping my tea and with a journal in hand.

I was in the moment living the SLO life. I was in a happy place.

Now this is road trippin.

Start your engines.

Keren Weinstein is a seasoned professional in Fashion & Beauty with over 12 years in Integrated Marketing, Advertising and Celebrity Fashion Styling

In an ongoing series, Keren Weinstein, our Guest Life-Balance Editor, took a much needed trip. More than the need to go on vacation to a new locale, she wanted to find her own sense of balance and thus Project Detox began. Last week, we embraced our inner ink. Today, Keren shows us a life in paradox in the hills of L.A..

Balance.

As a true Libran, it is what sits at the core of my being. And as an urban full time working mom it is something I stru[j]uggle to maintain.

This Air sign has been knocked off the balance beam by Fire one too many times and was calling in her troops.
In the arid Sanoran desert, I ‘detoxed’ the stresses & toxins from my busy lifestyle. Unclogged the areas within Me that needed attention. Reconnected.

Completely cleansed, rejuvenated, relaxed, mindful, and open, it was now time for me to re-visit a [new] terrain and get energized. Create movement. Re-awaken.

Experience: Air. Water. Earth. (& Fun!).

Get inspired.

Once I put it out there and my intention was set, the Las Angeles Magazine Issue (shown above amongst pictures from my hikes on the coast of the PCH) seemed to fall into my lap.

There it was!

My next step in this Journey.

I had to be the woman on the cover.

And, remember, I have a producer / leading actress credit in my own movie [titled Horse Power], and a new Inner Ink tattoo, so I am Hollywood.

With my L.A. Magazine in hand, I set out for the hills of California.

I have learned in Arizona that through the lenses things/people/places/issues can look different depending on the day, lighting, etc. Although I have been to L.A. many times, I am now here for a different purpose. I am in a different light.

The Editor of L.A. Magazine in her ‘Walkabout’ article captured how balanced L.A. is. A paradox of living. Even though it is known to be one of the most densely populated (2nd to yours truly) metropolitan area in the U.S., where blackberry’s & bumper-to-bumper traffic is the norm, it also harbors more wilderness than any other metropolitan area in the country. Allowing for mini-escapes and outdoor places to exercise and reconnect with nature. With yourself.

With great weather and ecology, ‘L.A. life outdoors’ is embedded into their daily lives. It is part of their culture. Their DNA. When you are in L.A. you see it clearly, but if you have not been, think Sex and the City/Gossip Girl verse Entourage/90210.

There are so many hikes with different terrains & difficulty level. Secluded and full of nature to asphalt pathways that are pet, stroller and bike friendly. Views of the city, ocean, wilderness, desert, hills, trees, cacti and/or stunning homes.

I hiked through many of these trails. Some were a serious workout. Some were seriously moving and memorable.

The biggest takeaway from hiking through L.A. was the inspiration it gave me for living a balanced, relaxed and healthy life.

As a mom, I was mostly inspired by a friend I met on the trail at Runyon Canyon in Hollywood. The wife of a famed producer, and mom of four, she is quite busy. Hiking with all of her kids (which they do daily!) is their time to connect. Ironically, they were relocating to NY for a film and although were excited for the increase in culture (and all the other fabulous reason we <3 NY) they were struggling with the idea of how to continue to live the healthy-outdoor-balanced lifestyle as a family.

The hike that was most memorable (& fun) was the one where I got to be that hiker in the L.A. Magazine cover. It all began with surfing at Malibu beach. The breeze and fresh air from the ocean. We then began a light hike from Westward beach (coast of Zuma beach). Enjoying the sweeping views of the coast atop Point Dume. We then decent to the beach and after enjoying quiet moments listening to the waves crash against the rocks, we jog the stretch of beach to the Paradise Cove restaurant for lunch and cocktails with friends. Yum.

Looking around me. We were not the only ones. This was the norm for couples, athletes, teens, and families alike. This was the L.A. paradox. And I loved it.

From dusk till dawn. I was happy trailing.

Keren Weinstein is a seasoned professional in Fashion & Beauty with over 12 years in Integrated Marketing, Advertising and Celebrity Fashion Styling

In an ongoing series, Keren Weinstein, our Guest Life-Balance Editor, took a much needed trip. More than the need to go on vacation to a new locale, she wanted to find her own sense of balance and thus Project Detox began. Last week, we realized that a scent can calm us and create its own memory of peace and tranquility! Today, Keren brings us to the perfect moment with a meal.

I’m a young girl at a family function when I notice my L.A. based uncle sitting by the patio with the sun shining on his face. He is eating something from the fruit tray. By the looks of it one might think he was eating a slice of heaven. I immediately dart over.

‘Taste this Fig’ he says. Still standing I take a small bite and begin chewing. As if the faster I chew the quicker, I too, will taste.

‘Whoa. Slow it down. He tells me.

Sit down. Close your eyes.

Now take another bite.

Roll it in your mouth and let it touch the different taste buds.

Smell the experience.

Feel the texture & sensation.

Taste.’

(Wow. Was that the SAME Fig?) I recall opening my eyes & needing a moment just to snap back.

This was my first experience with Mindful Eating. I confess. Originally, I wrote it off as his ‘California’ way of eating.

And I was New York.

Fast forward to Project Detox where I am on the hunt to infuse balance into my every day life. When I see an activity called Mindful Eating I immediately sign up. The curiosity. The nostalgia. The craving for another Miraval-esque experience.

And after being gently slumber I woke up reborn. Hungry like a baby.

We sit with an appetite and an open mind in the dining room. Table set for about 20 guests. (Eating & mingling. Perfect!). Amongst us sits Junelle, the nutritionist. As she guides us through the meal with tips and teachings along the way, we quickly realize that the Only mingling was going to be with our inner selves and with the food!

We are not to talk to each other. We are to focus on the act of eating. Take a moment to notice our surroundings. The setting. The plate. The color and consistency of the food. To take a bite and feel the texture and temperature of the food in our mouths. Acknowledge the process of chewing and swallowing. The pause in between. Notice the after taste. Breathe.

It was challenging (& a bit awkward) to eat quietly in lieu of being amongst new friends but the greater the challenge the greater the reward. In no time did I learn about my personal relationship with food. About eating intuitively.

We were all shocked at how much food was left on our plates when we felt full and how delicious the experience was. The French know this. Quality over Quantity. They are thin.

It makes sense. Your brain receives a signal from the body through the central nervous system that you are hungry, eating and full. If your mind is ‘multi-tasking’ or rushing through a meal then there is no mind-body connection. You then miss the essential flavors and pleasures of the food & your digestion efficiency is decreased (and how ironic that IBS and stomach disease is on the rise). Plus, your brain may miss the messages that you are even eating - let alone full.

It may still think you are hungry. You continue eating.

No skinny jeans for you.

Our lives are in high-speed. If on-the-go we can talk, text, trade stocks, email, shop and for just about Anything…’there’s an App for that’, then you KNOW eating on-the-go must have been mastered way before that. Long ago in the U.S. eating has been defaulted as ‘another task to do on our list’. We eat meals while working at our desks, driving, watching TV, even walking.

OK, clearly we cannot eat every meal in silent focusing on the act of eating. Dinner with friends & family is Critical and there are times we simply must eat on-the-go. But between eating 3 meals and about 2 snacks per day, we have over 35 opportunities a week to attempt it. In between it all, we Can balance a sense of well-being with our high speed culture.

The picture above is my son ‘E’ at my favorite lunchtime-waterfall-escape-spot in NYC two blocks from my office. It’s important to me he learns the importance of mindful eating early on. No write offs this time.

Most cities are packed with many public parks, gardens, waterfalls, etc. and with an iPOD you can be staging moments for your meals just about anywhere. Another trick is to at least eat the first bite of every meal mindfully to set the tone. Putting your fork down in between bites really does help (thanks Junelle).

Book time on your calendar to eat mindful meals. Treat it with the importance of a business meeting or a trip to the doctor. This is time for you. A much needed break. A reconnection.

Slow down. Become aware. Chew. Pause. Savor. Enjoy.

Haven’t you heard?

Mindful eating is the meal of the moment!

Bon Appétit

Keren Weinstein is a seasoned professional in Fashion & Beauty with over 12 years in Integrated Marketing, Advertising and Celebrity Fashion Styling

In NY, we're enjoying Fashion Week; however, this Sun the world turns its attention to the Oscar's in LA. This is always a great time to check out great designs and what the celebs will appear in. Lien Ta, Hollywood.com's celebrity/fashion editor knows a lot about the red carpet and is never too shy to share her thoughts! Below she dishes on her thoughts on the red carpet and answers Kitten Lounge's most important question - how we can bring the looks we see into our everyday lives! Make sure to tune into the 81st annual Oscar's on Feb, 22nd at 8pm on ABC to see all the glam and we will make sure to get additional comments from Lien about her thoughts on the red carpet!

What are the latest red carpet no-no's?

1. Mimicking Jennifer Aniston's snooze-style (I call it: "If Audrina Went to College ..."). Penelope Cruz is doing a helluva job at this.
2. Going all bridal, all the time. Not-so-new bride Nicole Kidman has got to start saying no to white gowns.
3. Slits cut WAY too high. Ahem, Beyonce. The red carpet isn't a music video. Vintage No-No: Refrain from bad fake tanning, a la Charlize Theron.

Who are repeat offenders and who will rise above?

Speaking for major red-carpet events specifically, Angelina Jolie has repeatedly given herself a muffin top with her poorly shaped Max Azria dresses. She often skews "too simple," but quiet glamour works for her -- so long as the muffin top is OUT.

Since her breakup with Mr. Scum, Anne Hathaway = heaven. Buuuuut, lately, she's erred on too weird or too-too daring, so she'll have to be very smart for her first Oscars. I think she will. She'll opt for something very glamorous and special.

Marisa Tomei is a bit of a loose cannon on the red carpet. She's worn some pretty hideous things and some very acceptable things. (I loved her butter-yellow SAG gown but what the heck with the lack of makeup?) She'll look beautiful for the Oscars ... but I imagine at least one thing will be off.

Scarlett Johansson, who's really overdone the "old Hollywood" look. She's made it look almost passe. And I'm sick of the bold, disgusting floral patterns she's been ga-ga for of late.

Cameron Diaz is always kind of crazy. But, really, it's the best way for Cameron to get a little bit of attention, but she has no business being at the Oscars, Globes, et al.

Renee Zellweger is a mess. Always. If it's not her gown (oh, God, the Globes), it's her hair that looks like a brokedown bird's nest.

And though Penelope Cruz skews boring, I think she'll surprise us all for the big night.

How can we apply the trends that will hit the carpet into our "going out looks" when we're hanging out in the Hamptons, Meat Packing District etc?

I think many people feel that the red carpet looks are so glam that we can't take portions of that into how we dress and I believe we can!

The best two ways at adopting a red-carpet flair to your everyday going-out attire is (a.) jewelry and (b.) shoes. Naturally, you wouldn't want to wear a mermaid gown whilst on a bar crawl, but you can flaunt a pair of outrageous Louboutins or wear turquoise jewelry (like Cameron Diaz) and long strands of (fake) diamonds (like Christina Applegate) or one very cool, very big earring (like Angelina Jolie). Next: Try out a short dress.

Personally, I love nap time. Is there anything better than an afternoon nap on a chilly Saturday afternoon with a heavy blanket, a lightly cracked window and the warmth of Kitten Lounge’s Editor-in-Chief? The answer is no. The problem is that most of our weekend naps usually follow a heavy meal full of the deadliest combination of carbs and protein; in other words, meat and potatoes. The problem is that our bodies have an extremely difficult time digesting such combinations. But, don’t worry help is on the way. Instead of pasta, rice or potatoes a textbook side dish to any protein is taboule (pronounced: tuh-boo-lee).

Taboule is a traditional Middle Eastern wheat salad and is prepared best with The Roots blasting in the background, accompanying the company of the delicious and the healthy. The brain, the source, the transistor radio transmitting the message from the messenger – healthy body equals healthy mind.

So, here is the recipe:

 

2 cups 100% Whole grain quick cooking Bulgur Wheat

1 ¾ Cups of Boiling Water

3 Cucumbers

3 Black Tomatoes

1 Medium Onion

Dill, Cilantro and Parsley

1 Small head of Garlic

2 Cups of Raisins

Freshly squeezed juice from one Lemon

1 Jalapeno Pepper

Olive Oil

Salt & Pepper

 

The preparation is simple. Combine 2 cups of bulgur wheat with 1 ¾ cups of boiling water and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Chop the rest of the ingredients, combine with the wheat and season with olive oil, salt and pepper to your taste.

The beauty of taboule is that you can add pretty much any ingredients; from kiwis to mangos. If you are new to cooking, one important note is to make sure to purge the herbs in cold water to get rid of all the sand before chopping. And if your delicious taboule is being accompanied with a piece of delectable fish, I would suggest pairing your dinner with a bottle of La Playa’s Sauvignon Blanc.