Kitten Lounge

Trendy Thursdays: Treat Your Skin To a Holiday Treat

KittenCouture — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:00:00 -0800

As we are all running around and prepping for the holiday parties at work, with friends and going on vacation - think about you. We all need to find whatever way we can to reduce our worries and if you're located in NYC, take a trip to Beam Laser Spa where you can be 6 sessions away from a hairless existence - where you decide, it's up to you! But if you're looking for a relaxing environment with two of the sweetest and conversational sisters, then Andrea and Liza are your girls. This amazing Brazilian duo make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in and they explain everything you need to know to be completely comfortable. I have been to two sessions and will be going again on the 20th of this month, my underarms are amazing! I never have to wonder about a shadow or to take time to have to deal with them. I can get up and go - I can't wait until the summer when I will definitely love this!

If you're thinking about this, you can get a test patch for free and then for those who are ready to start, prior to Jan 1st, if you visit Beam Laser Spa onine, you can get 25% off on packages (that would be 6 treatments). Definitely begin to think about this so that if you happen to be traveling for the holidays you can have your best foot forward!

Trendy Thursdays: Beam Take 2

KittenCouture — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:27:33 -0800

On a chilly and windy day this past Sunday I was off to Beam Laser Spa (1841 Broadway Suite 806) to get my second treatment! I have enjoyed a hairless existence under my arms since Oct! The idea of never having to shave again has also made me think of other areas that I may consider as well. As always Lisa and Andrea (the amazing sister duo) make the experience even better by chatting with you about life in general and also how it's been since your last treatment as well. Just as they said during my first treatment, within three weeks, the little hairs that were there just fell away and for my experience - the hairs didn't really grow back. Those that did were much finer.

After our chatting, I went into the room with Andrea. On my first treatment, Andrea described what it was that I would feel and explained the process of what she was doing. She educated me on the two types of lasers available the Alexandrite and the Yag (the Yag is for those that have an olive skin tone and darker) and what to expect in terms of after the treatment. Although I am a complete convert to the laser treatment, she explained the waves and what to expect after my treatment. The first time it took about 10 mins and this time, the treatment felt like 5 mins! In addition, when I left the first time, I felt a slight feeling of irritation as my arms had experienced a laser but within about two hours it was fine! Andrea suggested that I use Aloe and I bought a Cocoa Bean Aloe which was perfect. Coming into the treatment, I had meant to bring this with me and forgot.

After this treatment, we went back into the waiting room and I chatted for about 15 mins with them. It wasn't until I got into the elevator that I realized I didn't feel anything! My underarms are smooth and I never have to spend time shaving which is amazing. Generally, their packages are for 6 treatments and I have my next one on Dec 20th! In terms of a gift that you should give yourself, this is definitely one that I would suggest. The time that is saved and the piece of mind that you never have to wonder about a shadow is worth it! I'll let you know more about this in my next post about Beam and if you want to hear about the first step in my hairless journey, visit Beam Brings You Into the Daylight. If you're interested in trying this out, get a package (6 sessions) and receive 25% off from now through Dec 31st, 2008. Just visit their website and give them a call!

Kitten Lounge Roundup: Week of 10.13.08

KittenCouture — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:02:22 -0700

I love the roundups! Sometimes, I need to be reminded of all the goodies that have been going on, will take place here and maybe just something that needs to be mentioned because you guys will love it! So what happened over the past week that is of note: Well, I am rapidly moving in with Food Editor and boyfriend, Paul so I am all about decor at the moment! Expect that Sundays are going to be packed with items that we actually will choose. Last week, I highlighted great pieces that are from West Elm! Expect to see interesting pieces of items that we have actually purchased over the next few weeks - starting with this Fri and learn about our color schemes. It may be a little TMI but I could use some design direction as I am in the middle of quite a few things at the moment!

We began an amazing and fun partnership with Lucky Magazine which makes me so pleased. If you want to be apart of the giveaway of one of the goodie bags that will be given away at Lucky Shops, make sure that you leave a comment here as this drawing takes place on Oct 24th and you don't want to miss out. At the same time, we also have another great Lucky item which allows you to play a Denim Stylist and you can enter through our site! We have a few shows in addition to magazines that we have partnered up with! In addition to Lipstick Jungle, you can also check up Starter Wife with an amazing interview from one of the key members of the cast!

In the realms of fashion, we loved covering Hayden Harnett which has amazing bags that have been on Gossip Girl and have been covered everywhere! We can't help wishing that the Hayden Harnett fairy would bless us with this season's bags. Fortunately, they have a site so enjoy some goodies. Pearls took on an entirely new meaning with this post about Moon River Pearls

I love reading and you got your first introduction of A.W. Gryphon who will be featured throughout the month as she is the author of 'Blood Moon' which is perfect as we get closer to Halloween. This is the first book in the 3 book series letting us know about the path of Amelia and how she not only finds herself but her own truths as Wiccan. Along the way she has some amazing Chanel pieces and this past Thurs, we received some great beauty tips!If you missed it, you know that I am all about Dashing Diva and they had Jennifer Hudson stop by and they are doing an amazing contest with ABC Daytime Soaps and SOAPnet! This past Thursday, you were hit with 3 beauty items and one of my favorites was the lovely Brazilian sisters of Beam Laser Spa - the idea of never having to shave again makes me gidddy and after 6 - 8 treatments it will be a complete transition! I can't wait and know that once I get this done (armpits) who knows where I will go next! Learn more about the process and that this is truly attainable beauty for everyone!

Looking forward, there is an unofficial meet up of sorts in the shape of my sister's party and I will be there! If you're in NYC, stop by, it's on the 25th and will be a lot of fun. Going forward we have amazing partnerships with WE TV which will start soon and Express as well! I am so excited about this and can't wait to share this with you. In addition, we launched our Holiday Guide and 25 Days of Holiday Glam. Find out how you can be apart of this. I think that this week was so jam packed that we will take a breather but know there is always something around the corner!

Trendy Thursdays: Beam Brings You Into the Daylight

KittenCouture — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0700

I have to say that one of the things that I love most about Fashion Week above and beyond the shows is that it's a time when people come together to see people you run past daily or who you only talk to via emails. It's also a time when you have the opportunity to meet others through people that you already know. This can take place at shows, in the tents, parties and so much more. Simply put, it's a great way to relationship build!

Well, the night before Fashion Week, Total Beauty kicked off this week of events by throwing a party and via Sam from Dark PR, I had the pleasure of meeting Andrea and Liza Young, the Brazilian sister duo that is behind New York's prominent, Beam Laser Spa (1841 Broadway Suite 806). The night that I met them, I knew that not only did they look adorable but I was definitely intrigued to learn more about the services that were available at this spa. Fortunately, we were able to meet again and I settled on a date and time to not only have an appointment but to learn about the spa!

Trust me when I say that I was a little nervous to have my appointment. Although the idea of never having to shave under my arms again seemed like a dream, the idea of having a laser on me was a little too Goldfinger for my taste. But my apprehension was calmed by being greeted by Liza who has such a great calm personality, I love that she chatted and explained my forms and one look in the office makes you feel a bit of Zen. Andrea has such an amazing personality and beyond having a bubbly personality, knowing that she is a molecular biologist with an MBA and has worked within the hair removal industry for many years, made me feel that she was knowledgeable about various techniques and had seen the evolution of them.

My initial concern was the obvious - pain, I love how she explained that in areas that had less hair, you wouldn't feel as strong of a sensation as denser areas. In fact, the sensation would be temporary. Seeing her demo the laser and watching the puffs of air that came out that cooled the areas that had received the laser was very calming. But another issue that still remained was that I had always heard that African Americans were not able to have this treatment or that many people felt it simply wasn't for them. Even my mom was shocked that I had received this treatment as she explained that back in the 70's she had had laser treatment in her face and that later her dermatologist had explained that it wasn't for women of color. In fact when Googling on various message boards, I found this response along with warnings of scars and spots appearing on the skin as a huge warning against doing this.

Andrea's knowledge and answer to this question was shocking to hear. In spas that have these laser treatments, those who are olive to darker skinned should find out what kind of wavelength is used in terms of the procedure. Those that are darker need to make sure that their facilities have a dual laser machine which has an Alexandrite and a Yag wave. The YAG wave is for those with darker skin and although it penetrates deeper into the skin layer bypassing the skin color, it has a slightly reduced effect that still removes the hair without lightening our color. I found this amazing and was pleased to know that laser treatments could be an option for all skin tones.

Andrea explained everything, answered questions and continued to make me comfortable. Now for those who are thinking of getting this treatment, they offer a free consultation where they do a patch test. This is where you choose a small area and they do the procedure so that you can have a sample. In many cases, over 90% of those who do the consultation, come back to actually get it done. With all this knowledge and hearing this percentage, I was ready.

Prior to this, I was not able to shave about a day or two before coming in and (to my grossed out dismay) I didn't have deodarent on. Since I was doing my underarms, Andrea, shaved the arms to make sure it was clean, drew the area that would be treated with a white pencil and then used the laser. This procedure probably only took 10 mins total. At first the sensation of feeling the beam and then the cold air on my arms just felt different as you don't usually have this on you; however, when it got to the denser areas, there was slight discomfort. I love that she guaged my reactions and when I needed a slight breather she stopped. She continued to chat with me and you were able to continue. When it was over, aloe was placed under my arms.

I was shocked that it was over so quickly and after she examined my arms, she said that it didn't look aggravated. I felt a slight discomfort but absolutely nothing major. Now when you sign up you know that you will have to do somewhere between 6 - 8 treatments and they are spaced out by 6 weeks. Each time the hairs are growing in less and you can see the difference. In fact, within 3 weeks, both sisters said that I would notice hairs under my arms but that they would literally fall out. Although I am not a fan of stray hairs, the idea that I am one step closer to not having to shave is AMAZING.

When I got home, I checked under my arms and each day (as this took place on Sun) I am amazed that I haven't really seen anything! They offer so many services and I would start with doing your underarms. Because this is such a new thing for me and I have my next treatment in Nov, I will keep you guys up to date on how everything is going. Three weeks from now (actually from this past Sun), I will let you know if I see any hairs. The sisters reminded me that if I have hairs that are growing in by then and have not fallen out, they would take away the stray hairs at no cost.

The care they take from the time they walk in the door to when you leave is amazing and being comfortable is half the battle! Beam Laser Spa is definitely a place that I will refer to my friends and if you guys go there, you have to let me know your thoughts!

Fashionable Fridays: Spend National Girlfriend's Day Asking What's A Dame to Do?

KittenCouture — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Today is a great day no matter the weather or what you're up to! Today is National Girlfriend's Day so you definitely want to make sure that you plan a dinner or grab drinks as there is nothing more important than the bond between girlfriends! Whether you go out or keep it low key, this is something that we should definitely be happy to have! In addition to it being National Girlfriend's Day, I would like to introduce you to a fun game that I recently played and is the perfect thing to play with new friends and those that you have known forever!

When it comes to sisterhood, the real life sister duo Kerri and Patti, wanted to come up with a game that was lots of fun but had women in mind. As a result, they created What's a Dame to Do, a game where situations that have happened to many of us play out with various responses which allow you to see how well you know someone or what a person that you don't know would do in a given situation. I have played this game twice and it's amazing to hear people's responses or to watch them act it out! This is perfect for an icebreaker in college dorms and is also a lot of fun to play when you find a group of girls over your house and you realize there is nothing on TV and you would rather just talk!

I do love that you don't have to read a rule book and that you can just jump in and play What's A Dame to Do. From now until August 6th, you'll receive a 10% discount (enter promo code: GIRLFRIENDS)when purchasing this game in honor of National Girlfriend's Day. In addition, they are looking for the next Dame to be on the visuals which could be you and this game is getting an update which means you can contribute a dilemma or situation as well! I love a relevant game that also gets you a better understanding of people whether you have been best friends for years or you just met! Check out more about this game on What's a Dame to Do and grab your girlfriend's for a great night out and if you're in the area, I'm always interested in playing another round!

Snazzy Sundays: Glam Up Your Ice

KittenCouture — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 05:00:00 -0800

You know I love to jazz it up when it comes to your accessories. I feel that casual glam is a necessity; however, have I taken it to the ultimate level? I think so - on my list are Cool Jewels Ice Trays. Now I can enjoy looking at my ice jewels as I sip my favorite beverages. Like all accessories lovers that enjoy variety, I am a fan of the different cuts of gems that are available in each tray! These are perfect for parties or even alone and make a fabulous gift. You can buy them for your own kitchen or housewarming for under $10 a tray. Check out Spoon Sisters to get some of your very own while you find other great finds that will become an absolute must for you.