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Flirtatiously Snatched, the Brazilian way

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Ok ladies, let’s talk about getting your ‘snatch,’ snatched…  How many of you have taken the plunge and went commando for a full Brazilian wax?  For context, Brazilian wax is the removal of lower body hair in the front, back and every where in between.

courtesy @FlirstSalonBurbank Instagram

courtesy @FlirstSalonBurbank Instagram

Well, I’ve been getting Brazilian waxes for over 7 years now and I’m never turning back.  Over the years I’ve introduced a few friends to the monthly ritual and even educated veterans on what can make the process more “pleasant.”  One thing that I truly stand behind is the quality of wax and salon, as there are so many options out there.  In the 7 years, I’ve only used grade-A gel wax and hard wax for that sensitive region below the belt.  With diligence and research this can completely change your waxing experience and be a bit more pleasurable.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area, I highly suggest checking out Flirt Salon in Burbank.  The owner Sandi is a gem and the salon provides all the ambiance, accessories and products that you need to maintain your wax.  Each room is equipped with ceiling fans to control the climate, which is helpful as you will get a little clammy.  There are also butterflies and other ornaments on the ceiling to serve as a distraction during your session, it’s definitely cute & a nice touch.  I discovered Flirt after thorough research to find a salon that carries hard wax and blue gel wax.  I’ve had countless bad experiences with honey waxes on my eyebrows, so I forbid it getting any where close to my privates.  I consider myself a loyal customer, so when I embarked on my first appoint with Ginger at Flirt Salon I haven’t turned back.

Flirt SalonHere’s a few tips when preparing for your first Brazilian wax session:

  1. Research the perfect wax salon for you.  Don’t just go to the local, convenient nail shop.  It’s best to invest wisely to avoid any traumatic experiences and be excited to go back, so I highly suggested a boutique wax salon.
  2. Take ibuprofen at least 40 minutes before the appointment
  3. Be fresh & clean.  Whether it’s a shower or thoroughly cleaning the area to be waxed (most salons provide baby wipes in the restroom to freshen up before the wax session)
  4. Don’t be shy, accept the offer for a drink (aka red wine, if they got it!) – most boutique waxing salons have a variety of calming libations on hand
  5. Relax…  I know it’s easier said than done, but the more relaxed the less pain
  6. Connect with your esthetician.  If they are THAT close to you, might as well get to know them and build a trusting relationship
  7. Tip well.  I think this speaks for its self
  8. Exfoliate daily or as often as possible to prevent in-grown hair and keep your bottom buffed to perfection

There are quite a few benefits converting over to being flirtatiously snatched.  First off, no more itching & stubble from hair growth typically experienced from shaving.  Secondly, waxes usually last well over 3 weeks and the hair grows back gradual and faint, which allows up to 6 weeks before the next session.  Thirdly, no more awkward shaving sessions resulting in tired arms and balls of hair in the shower while still realizing that you ‘missed a spot.’  Lastly, the sensation down there will be amplified and I’m sure your significant other will enjoy the new sensual smoother surface.

 

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On top of Pasadena: Henninger Flats

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Overlooking Foothill Blvd and the 210 Freeway is Henninger Flats sitting right above Pasadena, California.  The exceptional convenience and ease from city-life to this serene mountainous escape makes the 2+ mile hike onward & upward worthwhile.  As a first timer and fairly infrequent hiker, I took the invitation as I would a stroll through Fryman Cyn or Griffith Park.  BOY, was I in for an exsertus surprise!  At 2,600 feet above sea level, Henninger Flats is atop Eaton Canyon within the San Gabriel Mountains inside the Angeles National Forest.  Starting at the residential area below, for well over an hour straight we trekked uphill for about 2 miles before we made it to the top.  Along the way there were outlooks and benches to take in the beautiful view.  We ceased the opportunity to gulp down water for hydration and was overly ambitious performing tricep dips on the benches until muscle fatigue.  It hurt sooo GOOD! *insert sarcasm here*

The trail does not offer much shade, so protection from the sun is definitely mandatory.  Having an affinity towards Eaton Canyon, I enjoyed looking down at oh so familiar bridge and trails leading to the waterfalls below.  The entire expedition took approximately 3 hours from bottom to top and back to the car.  I highly suggest bringing plenty of water and a light picnic to enjoy once you get to the top.  There’s plenty of shade at Henninger Flats, along with grills and a quaint little museum with stuffed animal carcasses (which I don’t exactly appreciate).  It’s a known campers haven, so feel free to pitch a tent if you can make it up there with your gear.  Campers & sightseers can also reach the top through a road that leads straight to the camping grounds.  I definitely rank Henninger Flats a ‘must do’ for anyone that enjoys hiking and is looking for a challenge.  It’s amazing how many gems are right outside your front door, all you have to do is dig a little deeper.  Even after 5 years in Los Angeles the sunsets amaze me and skyline of mountains near and far keep me in awe.  Now to find the next adventurous hike to conquer and see the land from a different lens.

 

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Glowing in the Dark: Blacklight Run™ Los Angeles

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California is known for not only it’s naturally beautiful landscape but also for the beautifully fit people.  Every other week there’s some sort of fitness challenge, obstacle course or 5K happening all over the city.  One of the most memorable and enjoyable races I’ve done is the Blacklight Run™ at Pomona Fairgrounds.  I enjoyed the evening with colleagues from work, where there was tons of people in white, glow sticks and beer leading up to the race.  I left the night with puddles of chalk in my sports bra and halo of lime dust atop my coifed hair.  The messiness was well worth the fun, just wish I was more prepared.

On Saturday, October 5th it happens again in Los Angeles!  The unique evening 5K is packed with UV neon glowing fun for all fitness levels and ages, available all over the country.  For those looking to get festive with the outfits keep it creative, but don’t expect to stay cute! From chalk dust to highlighter juice, you will literally illuminate the night away.  Be sure to check out the official website to register and find out more information:  http://www.blacklightrun.com

 

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‘Red Tails’ star Tristan Wilds attends JoiStaRR’s ‘Magic Monday’ launch event

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…And I had the pleasure of being in attendance! It was a great night, the launch for JoiStaRR was pulled off quite classy and everything was in abundance. One of my pet peeves is to go to an event and the food runs out or the ‘open bar’ ends at an undisclosed time. But My Block Records definitely held no stops with making sure that ‘Magic Monday’ launched to a packed house of satisfied attendees. The event was buzzing with camera crews filming the premiere season of WeTV’s Mary Mary which is slated for March 2012. The uber-cute and sassy Erica Campbell was just un-phased by the swelling crowd and in some rooms hot & humid conditions. The food was absolutely DELISH, with unlimited servings of jerk chicken skewers, mac & cheese, crab cakes and even cute fun shaped PB&J. I conveniently positioned myself in arm’s length to sample the comforting bites.

Peach Bellini’s topped with Ciroc was the drink of the night. With endless bottles of Ciroc and Moreno, champagne cocktails are always a hit! The cute studio was equipped with an analog SSL board and vintage hardware to compliment, as the patio area was transformed into a seasonably chic lounge with all white furniture and white trees slightly frosted by blue up lighting. To my surprise a youthful Tristan Wilds was spotted looking effortlessly stylish rocking a Tuskegee t-shirt in support of his new film ‘Red Tails’ that opens in less than a week on Friday, January 20th. Also spotted was 90’s vocalist, Shanice Wilson ALL smiles. PJ Morton was in attendance whom JoiStaRR collaborates remixing the Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo classic duet ‘Nothing Even Matters.’ The host of the night, Warryn Campbell is the CEO of My Block Records and a Grammy award-winning producer. He is the husband to Erica Campbell, which they are expecting the birth of their third child.

The night was very eventful with a short performance by JoiStaRR and PJ Morton. Each room was filled to capacity as everyone gathered inside to see the performance. I was able to see a few familiar faces and network with music insiders and artists on the grind. I would definitely rate this event: B- (Due to the flow of traffic in the venue, everyone was cramming into a room that everyone couldn’t fit. The bars did not have variety, Ciroc was the only liquor and the inside bar was stocked with cheap Barefoot wine chardonnay and Cabernet. PLUS, I didn’t meet any cuties).

 

Ms. Badu’s DAMN Birthday JAM – House of Blues Sunset Strip

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First of all, I LOVE Erykah Badu!!!!  I have all her albums and truly believe her music is spiritual and for the conscious soul…  Not many people will agree with me, but I think any music virtuoso will share the same sentiment.  So of course when I got a last-minute invite approx. 2hrs before her Feb. 24th show I was SUPER SICED!  This particular situation was extra special, as a dear friend and mentor hit me up w/ VIP access to attend (so I humbly obliged).

We arrived fairly early and was able to secure prime positioning on the balcony level stage right, without any visual obstruction.  Food of choice catfish nuggets + quesadillas, libation = Makers Mark.  Ms. Badu hit the stage approx. 2hrs later than expected, but DJ Eque kept me partying to infamous 90’s East/West bangers.  The show started in the vain of a jam session with various artists taking the stage, one by one.   There was quite a soulful line-up, such as N’Dambi and Mayor Hawthorne.   Biz Markie and even Dave Chappelle made a surprise appearance.  Chappelle hit the stage and even went in on the keys, Moonlighting the Sonata…

Apparently, Erykah Badu turned 40 this year and I’m literally shocked!  She looked good, of course eccentric but definitely HOT!!!:

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Her performance consisted of a full band, in addition to Ms. Badu on a Roland drum machine…  The set was HOT, but took a little warming up before she really turned it out.  The last time I saw Erykah Badu perform was 2001 at the Soul Beach Music Festival inside the Miami Orange Bowl and I definitely prefer the intimate non-pregnant set best.  She hit my favorite love mantra “I Want You,” the infectious chanting and simplicity of words embodied in the Worldwide Underground album. *whewwwwww*

The night was one to remember, I was in good company and ran into a few familiar folks…  Aside from the chicken bone in my quesadilla and partying a little too hard w/ a gay dude (who knocked my drink over the railing onto some poor soul below), it couldn’t have been any better.  Ecstactic I was able to share the moment w/ Ms. Badu to celebrate her 40th Birthday.

I also want to shout-out a few folks that I had the pleasure of seeing:  Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) & Laz Alonso (DC native @lazalonso – Avatar & Miracle at St. Ana) were both mesmerized by Ms. Badu’s ass-piring performance.  The homie Eddie Goines (@EddieGoines) the leading man for N’Dambi’s new music video, was with the director Matthew Cherry (@MatthewACherry – whom’s hustle I truly admire).  B’more K (Karron Johnson), always fun chopping it up & talking sh*t.  Ms. Wanzer, I miss you girl!  Paul (@PDiesl), it’s funny how twitter creates alliances.