Holy Detox, Woman

A little PLM girl talk with alternative gal and local OC mom, Stacie Zimmer, about all-holistic health. We talk mental health, infrared saunas and shoot the sh*t about colon hydrotherapy (think Oprah meets Dr. Oz). Stacie created OC’s largest all-holistic center, Your Serenity Wellness (which is now operating as Embrace Health) in Costa Mesa.

PLM: So you recently sold your business to consult and have more time to take care of your 4 kids—and we’ll get to that—but first let’s talk holistic health and why you’re a believer.
Stacie (smiling): Sounds good. I believe in providing people with choices to bring about a healthy lifestyle and to help them experience preventative health, rather than just being reactive.

PLM: What kind of holistic services can people take advantage of?
Stacie (nodding):There’s everything these days from organic facials and massages, nutrition, Ionic Footbaths and infrared saunas, Colon Hydrotherapy, Raindrop Therapy, Iridology and lots more.

PLM: Wow (deer in lights), most people probably haven’t even heard of most of those things, right? What can you say about inviting women to open their minds to alternative wellness?
Stacie: Well, treatments like colon hydrotherapy may sound a bit awkward, but people are quickly won over by the incredible health results. People are getting the results they haven’t received anywhere else, so it’s made many more opened-minded. I want to give people “hope” for their health.  I’ve been able to accomplish this by the more holistic, nontraditional, more eastern approach.  And results are life changing.

PLM: I believe in alternative solutions and not just accepting western medicine, which I think is critical, like you said, to give hope to those who’ve hit a wall with their doc or hit a wall with diseases such as cancer, which you also help treat here, right?
Stacie: Yes, preventative as well as existing and often unknown conditions in all areas—from gynecological to oncology to everyday health and wellness.

PLM: So what is the ONE service women should try?
Stacie: Colon hydrotherapy, it’s a great first step to health. And I often refer clients to our traditional naturopath for an initial health consult and more importantly EFT, emotional freedom technique. I believe you need to deal with the emotions that are affecting your physical health.

PLM: We’re gonna do an on-camera chat about the colon hydrotherapy, but let’s talk a little about women and taking care of ourselves, juggling all. A topic you know all too well—having two kids of your own and recently becoming guardian of two more children and running your business.
Stacie (amused): Yeah, There’s been a lot going on. And it’s easy to take health for granted. I think it’s important not to take on too many projects and to ask for help when you need it. It’s so important to make time for yourself. Even if it is meditating or praying for five minutes a day. Five minutes feels like an hour to me. We need to set a healthy example for our children. We’re more enjoyable to be around when we have taken care of ourselves. If we’re spent and tapped out, what good are we to our family? This type of viscous cycle has lead to many health crises. It’s about mindset. Ask, ‘How valuable is your health and peace of mind?’ Me? Quality of life is priceless.

PLM: Very well said. And I admire your prioritizing. Single most life-changing thing women should do in their daily lives to live longer, stronger?
Stacie: Slow down. Focus on creating peace, true peace, in life. When we create this state of mind, everything else just seems to fall into place. We create PLM, as you say, by taking care of ourselves and making our health a priority!

PLM: One more thing. I want to point out that there are holistic services for kids too, right? Dr. Koren Barrett treats your daughter.
Stacie: Yes, she is a Defeat Autism Now! doctor. Chelsea, who’s 5, didn’t even speak nor was she toilet trained when she came to live with us last year. Now she’s potty-trained and speaking in complete sentences.  Much success is due to Dr. Barrett, who does so much, it’s hard to explain it all. She helps them with individual nutritional needs to more complicated labs that may need to be done.

PLM: Now, readers wanting to get in touch with you for holistic advice or referrals, how can they reach you?
Stacie: Well, they can always .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and I’d be happy to help. And as far as Colon Hydrotherapy, I’ve become a big fan of Feel Well 4 Life in Laguna Beach.

PLM: Great. Now for that Colon Hydrotherapy chat, let’s “shoot the sh*t” about this “fresh start from the inside out.” It ain’t sexy, but it’s way important.

Hit play, and note: our video was shot just prior to Stacie selling her wellness center.

More PLM videos on the PLM YouTube Channel, click to view.

Unwind with Wintergreen

Instant Summer De-stressification for the Mind and Body.

The kids are out, or almost out, of school which means amped up activity and summer madness.

One simple, quick-fix to too much of everything is a few dabs Aveda’s Active oil. It works magic on everyday stress and tight shoulders, and soothes tired muscles after workouts. I’ve been a die-hard Active fan for years, addicted to the instant, intense cool-heat sensation.

The wintergreen and menthol combo does wonders to relax. Aveda also carries Beautifying and Calming Composition oils that you can use on your face and body. Both are great, but not quite the kick and quick instant de-stressification of the Active. Seek and find at Mission Viejo mall, South Coast, Spectrum and more.

A little Active, chased by a Green Apple martini, and it’s all summer good.

If wintergreen isn’t your scene, check out the pure soy candles at Shop PLM. You can dip into the candles as they burn and apply as an oil to shoulders to relax. Body-safe, aromatherapy-ahh.

Free Your Mind.

Broom the clutter. Be still. Listen.

Take a few things off your plate this week, go somewhere that soothes your soul and do nothing. The clarity may not come instantly, but it will come.

Do you have a “sacred space” to go, that lets you forget everything else? If not, create one and make it a part of your daily routine. Spend 10 minutes there every day. Sure people (big and small) are gonna scream that they need you for this or that and the phone might ring, but let that all go, it all can wait. (And you’ll all be better for it when you return.)

Your space can be anywhere. A room with a book, a walk with the dog, playing golf, etc. Some place in nature is nice as it reminds you of the bigger picture. I made my space in my backyard. I put in a waterfall, a garden I adore and a very comfy chaise lounge. Anyone who knows me knows that is my space. And it has served me well.

Another good ritual: light a candle in the morning, read a page from Quiet Mind with one minute entries and just breathe. Resist the tendency to keep going. And start stopping.

Peace out, OC moms.

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Grow The Possibilities

Grow the possibilities. Do something new and different.

Last night in Obama’s commencement speech to the Arizona kids of ’09, he said a line worth repeating: “Your body of work is never complete.”

Which one of us thought we’d be doing exactly what we are doing today when we graduated school, any school?

It seems life is more interesting with more possibilities and less structured plans. More why nots, less have tos. In these times more than ever, people are embracing the unknown, perhaps because they’ve been forced to look at it with pink slips and downsizing.

Open the door to what’s ahead, or at least let some fresh air in to usher what could be. If it’s closed, then your body of work is complete. And, really, how much fun is that at the ripe old age of … whatever you age.

And this “body of work” doesn’t have to be a literal J-O-B. It could be a calling to do charity or other random acts of kindness that’ll never see a resume.

Entertain something new, something you love, something you always wanted to do—it may be exactly the next body of work that you’re meant to do.

Straight talk with Dr. Brett.

10 questions to help moms breathe easy. PLM and Dr. Brett talk the the daily scene, the current times and how to keep laughing when you want to run screaming and crying.

PLM: Let’s just put it out there right now… is there any such thing as a SuperMom? 
Dr. Brett: You get right to the chase, don’t you? (laughing). Of course there’s such a thing as a SuperMom…and they’re everywhere. The important thing is not to confuse SuperMom with Perfect-Decision-Every-Time-Mom! Being a SuperMom is about being able to forgive yourself when things don’t go as well as you’d like, learn from the experience and practice those lessons.

Talk to me more about the importance of moms taking care of themselves before taking care of everybody else. Many Moms get the ‘Mom Guilt” when they put themselves before everybody else.
Dr. Brett: I believe strongly in the philosophy of “Healer, heal thyself.” This is so important!  Think about this literally…how much good would a doctor be if she completely ignored her own health? Eventually the patient’s quality of care and health will suffer along with the doctor’s. This isn’t any different for a parent. We have to take care of ourselves and be healthy (physically, mentally and emotionally) if we expect to care for others. Of course this doesn’t mean we abandon our responsibilities for the sake of “healing thyself,” but it does mean finding a balance that allows for some guilt free “me” time.

How does a stressed mama affect her family?
Dr. Brett: Too much stress and anxiety often lead people to behave and make decisions under the influence of raw emotion…usually anger and frustration. In my parenting workshops we discuss a concept called an Emotional Threshold. The Threshold is the line that separates our calm emotions and rational thoughts from our less-rational emotions and behaviors.  Our goal should be to spend as much time below this Threshold as possible so that we can communicate more effectively and problem-solve with logic and reason.

How much of moms’ “I’ve got too much on my plate!” is the “Would you like wine with cheese?” vs. reality? Are we ever over dramatizing a bit? I mean our moms did it, our grandmas, and generations beyond. Do we just need to grin and bear it?
Dr. Brett: Hmmm…you’re putting me on the hot seat with this one. If you asked mothers of previous generations about how they managed, my bet is that most would say, “I simply did what had to be done” to meet the demands they faced as a parent.  Mother’s today aren’t any different. They do what they have to do.  However, the demands faced today are not only very different, but they also vary a great deal across families and circumstances. When a child’s basic needs (like food, clothing and shelter) become less of a day-to-day struggle, then our efforts turn to fulfilling some of the less vital needs. There’s simply more time for soccer, dance, piano lessons, social events, etc. so our calendars become filled with these additional activities. (By the way, I think this may be why we’re seeing this growing trend of the “overscheduled child.”). I might offer an overwhelmed mother to take a good look at her “plate” and don’t be afraid to clear a few unnecessary items off of it.  Be proactive in prioritizing those items that are most important and eliminate those that conflict with your primary duties as a parent and the compromise the fundamental needs of your child. Sometimes a simpler life offers a better quality.

I love that answer—and very diplomatic. You’re off the hot seat.

While we can strive to stress less, kids will always drive us crazy, right? We’re not mental because our 2 year old won’t stop screaming or our 13-year old won’t stop sassing back, right? Tell us it’s okay to go a little crazy ever once in a while.
Dr. Brett: Absolutely! Frustration is to parenting as hunger is to living…it’s just something we’re hard-wired to feel. In fact, I’d be far more concerned if a parent said they never experienced it. I hope your readers understand that the Threshold concept doesn’t suggest that effective parenting means never being frustrated or emotional. What’s more important is how we manage our frustration.  The goal is to train ourselves to become more aware of our own breaking point.

What can we do to have our kids cooperate more? And what’s your take on kids today? Are they getting too spoiled, too ungrateful?
Dr. Brett: One of the greatest things I hear parents say is that they strive to give their child a better life than they were afforded as a child.  The intentions behind this statement show a level of care and concern for the child’s best interest, which is never a bad thing. That being said, the methods behind our intentions can sometimes be innocently counterproductive.  Let me explain this by saying that giving your child the best opportunity to succeed as an adult doesn’t mean giving them everything they want as a child. Instead, it is our responsibility to give them what they need. Children NEED the love of a parent who will provide clear, fair and consistent boundaries, rules and routines. They NEED to learn about personal responsibility in a safe, consistent and structured environment. They also NEED to learn the relationship between responsibility and privilege, because without it we often see a sense of entitlement. One of the quickest ways moms can start teaching this is called the “when-then” strategy.  “When you finish your homework, then you can watch TV.”  Two things to remember when you use this: first, TV is a privilege not a right; second, be consistent in your message and be ready to follow through with no TV until the homework is completed.

How is the economy affecting moms you see? It’s not going to be great anytime soon, how can we take it in stride?
Dr. Brett: Many families I work with are being forced to make difficult decisions and alter their lifestyles. Things such as childcare, schools and extra curricular activities are being reprioritized or scaled back. I also see a large number of mothers struggling with the guilt of having to return to the workforce at the cost of spending time with their children.  There’s no doubt the elevated stress is having some impact. The need to do more with less has parents using creative alternatives. Instead of offering expensive toys as rewards, mothers are turning to low-cost activities, such as game night, reading time, evening or weekend trips to the park or the beach, etc. It’s more opportunities for quality time.

What’s a day in the life of a visit with Dr. Brett? Who do you see? How can you help?
Dr. Brett: Everyday is full and no two are ever the same. I love what I do.  My private practice is open to anyone looking to manage any type of behavior change (their own or others) and navigate the ups and downs of life. Most of my practice involves working with frustrated parents that are looking for help with a child who is stressing them out! I offer a parent education service called the Behavior Compass—a 4-hour workshop that teaches parents how people like me assess behavior patterns and develop comprehensive intervention plans. Parents also like the fact that I’ll schedule private workshops onsite, in-home or at schools for groups of friends, neighbors, coworkers, PTA groups etc.

Your biz is called Progressive Interventions, an unusual name, what exactly does it mean?
Dr. Brett: I wanted to help people understand the infinite value of being proactive. Too often we seek interventions and solutions after the challenges emerge.  The consequences of this tend to be much greater than if we had been more forward-thinking. And I know this sounds cliché, but the idea of being happy, healthy and successful in anything we do is a journey not a destination. 

Any words about having a sense of humor? I’ve heard the thought: “you’ll probably laugh about this in 6 months, so might as well laugh now.” Easier said. I know I wasn’t laughing when my 3 yr old shoved my laptop off the counter and fried it. Any thoughts?
Dr. Brett: Ouch! But you’re laughing now….right?!? 

Yea (reluctantly), actually I am. No belly laugh though yet.
Dr. Brett: We all have a library full of stories that feel more tragic in the moment, but go on to become such great parts of our history that keep us laughing for years. The hard part is getting through the initial emotional spike, which requires a great deal of self-awareness and self-control. It takes practice to stop ourselves from responding “in the moment,” and even then we’re going to have some days where we struggle with it more than others.  The goal is to learn from those difficult moments and improve the next time around. Just keep in mind that taking even a few seconds to regain a more rational perspective before responding can improve the situation dramatically.

Parting words?
Dr. Brett: Just to remind Moms to relax and enjoy time with their children…it is in those moments that their best memories as a Mom will be forged. And they can call or email me if they have a family matter they’d like to talk about, are interested in my workshop or me speaking to a group or at a PTA function anytime.

Peace out, Dr. Brett. And thanks so much for your time.

Avanti Eats

Naturally right on with a side of anything goes.

Avanti Café in Costa Mesa is one of those spots you might miss if you don’t know about it. Located off 17th Street, it’s small in size but big in concept. There’s a lot going on in this tucked away space, such as entertainment, arts and events.

Walk into Avanti and you’re instantly met with gourmet sauces, spices, teas, jams, wines and more. Head back a bit and you’ll see the display of fresh daily eats—all organic and handcrafted food from fresh, local farms. It’s a vegetarian spot, but you don’t have to be one to go, and many who go, aren’t.

The flavor is the attraction and OC moms will dig the grab-and-go frozen section; healthy dishes that are ready anytime. You can even let the kids pick a frozen tub of healthy cookie dough (no not an oxymoron, just creative recipes).

Avanti serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and a variety of drinks, including: wine, beer/ale, teas and coffee. If you’re throwing a party, they cater. And you can visit the site anytime for a virtual list of 30 gourmet recipes you can whip up yourself.

Lip Service

African Red Tea Lip Salvation to the rescue. Paraben-free.

Lipstick can be a mom’s best friend. You can have food in your hair and clothes disheveled, but throw on a fresh coat of the glossy red magic and you’re looking and feeling all put together again.

So how many times a day do you whip out the lipstick, apply, smack together and reapply? 2, 3, 10 times? Get ready ...

They say the average woman eats 4 to 9 pounds of lipstick in her lifetime, that’s between 481-1083 tubes!

And did you know lipsticks have about 10,000 chemicals in them, that about 90% have never been tested or that chemicals in lipstick not only get absorbed through your skin, but also when you’re eating and drinking? Triple Yuck.

Here’s the relief: Ole Henriksen’s on it. They’re new African Red Tea Exfoliating Lip Salvation has naturally anti-oxidant rich African red tea and is paraben free. It’s a petrolatum free lip salve with an anti-aging formula that comes in a glossy red shade that rocks.

Extra hydrating blend is great for summer.

The pocket size salvation can be thrown in any and maybe every bag at just $15. Avail at Sephora South Coast or online.

Pucker up and look like a naturally hot mama this summer.

Groovy Girl

Laura Schenider is the gal in the groovy pants who teaches Groovy Vinyasa. Yoga to Led Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye and Nikka Costa. PLM caught up with her to talk moves, groves and life at large.

PLM: The first time I took your class, I had to know more and get the downlow on your style and backstory. Two things really surprised me: You used to HATE yoga. You’re a Mom with three kids. Kinda blew my mind.
Laura Schneider: Yeah, it tends to.

First, why Groovy Vinyasa?
LS: I have always loved great music, and think it can be inspirational whether you are running that last mile or holding that yoga pose for a few more breaths. I didn’t make up the concept of playing fun contemporary music while practicing yoga, but I do believe I am one of the few teachers in Orange County who teach to it.  It is popular with some yoga teachers up in LA, which is where I was born and lived most of my life, and I just really connected to that type of a class more so than the traditional class with meditational or no music at all.

Yeah, you’re not so much traditional. Talk about how you used to hate yoga, as I know women who would rather have needles in their eyes than go to a yoga class.
LS: Yeah (laughing), the first class I ever took was just way to mellow and didn’t challenge me at all, and I just decided yoga wasn’t for me.  I come from a background of really athletic sports, you know I love running and boxing and kickboxing and I just was so bored the first couple yoga classes I took and I thought I just can’t do this, it’s NOT for me. Then I had had my third child and I still had some baby weight left to lose, and one day my brother and I were walking in HB by a yoga studio and he sorta dragged me in and I decided to try a class with my now-friend Newton. It was a vinyasa class, which is linking one pose to another through the breath, so you are constantly moving, so I thought, “Okay that might work, it might keep me interested.” So we went and I remember at the end of the class I was hooked. I loved it! I was drenched in sweat, ya know, heart is pounding, muscles are shaking and I just thought, “Oh my God this is it. I love it!”

What kinds of music do you play?
LS: I play everything from Led Zeppelin to Marvin Gaye. I love to mix it up. I have so many different playlists, and it really just depends on the day.  Some of my favorites are Sting, Seal, John Mayer, Robin Thicke, Beck. I also have playlists that are more “downtempo” music with musicians like Nightmares on Wax, Thievery Corporation and Quantic.

Is it sacrilegious to do yoga to Death Cab for Cutie and Coldplay? (joking)
LS: I don’t think so at all (laughing). There has been this misconstrued belief with yoga that it’s some kind of a religious thing and some people don’t want to try it ‘cause they think you have to be Buddhist, which is ridiculous. I think there is more of a spiritual relationship to it with whatever religion you have.

It’s kind of cliché to say that yoga helps you find daily balance, give you perspective, does it really do it?
LS: I do think it does. definitely, because I have a Type A personality, but I have mellowed a lot since I started practicing yoga. I’ve noticed things that used to bother me, don’t bother me quite as much, with the kids, life in general, body image or whatever. You start to realize when you see what your body can do, and the strength that you have, not just physically, but internally as well, and you connect with that ... it’s as though all these other little things aren’t so important anymore. I started to feel kind of a deeper connection to kind of what’s out there in the universe, and I think that’s also what brings that sense of calm and peace and then that just extends into your daily living.

Can people try out your class? Where all do you teach?
LS: Yes, I would love for people to come try a class. Right now I am teaching at Equinox in Newport Beach, The Renaissance Club in Aliso Viejo and Corepower Yoga in Huntington Beach. All first-time students at Corepower receive a free week of yoga. As far as Equinox, I do believe that you can simply come and just pay for a class if you don’t want to join as a member. And I think your readers can get a free 3-day pass to Renaissance, so I’d love for them to come by.

Right on. Thanks for chattin’ it up with us, Laura.

OC Moms, if you think yoga’s too slow and go or you just haven’t tried it lately, give it a go with OC Yoga Goddess, Laura Schneider. She’s gotta the greatest tunes (proof: check out the PLM Music Bar, filled with many of her faves), the coolest mindset and her class will seriously work you out.

Lush Crush

Luxury Spa Days are out. Pampering Nights In are in.

If you have a crush on Lush, here’s more love for and from the all-natural, quirky, fresh beauty line (who by the way now has their first store open in Orange County: at the Anaheim Garden Walk).

The LUSH Night in for Two Kit has seven fabulous facial products to share with a gal pal for just $20.

• Grab a girlfriend, head to Lush, get a personal one-on-one consultation to determine the perfect products for each of you (or go solo and pick the kit for you both).

• Pick your Spa Night In, get a DVD for the kids, and a bottle of red for the mamas.

• Send the kids to the farthest end of the house with Nemo or WALL•E, and you and your fellow Mama catch up, mask away, sip some Red.

Your skin will be indulged, your wallet will be happy, the kids will be entertained and you get a night of bonding with your best girlfriend.

E-share this now, pick your night and get gorgeous.

Is Age Really A Mindset?

Are we all still kids at heart?

It’s the strangest thing. Since I had kids, suddenly whenever I meet anyone, I see them as they must have looked when they were a little kid. I get an image of their little self around that age before self-image really hits.

It’s weird, I know. And annoying. But I can’t help it anymore. I meet somebody, look past the designer shades, through the image, past the styled hair and see the 2nd grader trying out for softball in a raglan jersey.  I have no idea why it started, except maybe that having a kid made me realize we’re all still kids trying to find our way and we’re all still somebody’s kid.

While it’s a whacked new reality for me that I can’t shake, it’s mostly good really. Because I find when I see people before Real Life hit, when they were just as a carefree kid with big eyes, freckles, feathered hair, you see them stripped down. It’s more fun and often more genuine.

Try it out. It’s especially great with other women, as we can be so competitive. But when we were girls at 5, 6 and 7, we were all on the same playing field, just trying to make friends and have fun. (The altered ego vision is great for people you can’t stand too. Look closely and you may see an endearing kid before Life turned them sour.)

If you’re not a visual person, just sign on to Facebook. Your pals from 2nd grade will find you in no time and you’ll all be 8 again instantly. (That’s where this pic of my pal Kristen Manske came from. I saw her 30 years later this week online and it felt like we were the same kids we were then, just taller, with better hair and now with kids that look like us.)

Perhaps age is just a mindset. I buy that. Particularly when I stand 10 feet back from the mirror.

Chuck The Tylenol. Become Peppermint Patty.

Instant Aromatherapy Headache Relief.

Whether you’re Patty, Paula or Pam, popping two Tylenol back with every tantrum can add up. Peppermint oil has proven effects to relieve tension.

Bath & Body Works is on board with a refreshing find for tension so thick you could cut it with a knife, two martinis too many, the return of allergy season, the demanding boss, tax season, can’t-concentrate syndrome, cabin pressure, and, yes, kid’s tantrums.

Simply roll on this Peppermint essential oil blended with Geranium essential oil known to soothe and help you relax. Roll it anywhere the pain hits: forehead, sinus area, temples, above the eye. Then breathe deep. Instant tingly relief.

Limit one per mom? Let’s hope not.

Knotty By Nature

Secret, green retreat spa gets the kinks out. Puts the zen in. And skips the pretense and price.

The new Knot Stop is the place in Aliso Viejo (and also San Diego). Their mantra is “massage for every body.” That’s because it’s more accessible to everyone. Shock-value accessibility: PLM readers ask for the Knotty Girl Package and get a one-hour Swedish aromatherapy massage plus a one-hour organic facial for a total $108. That’s two hours of r&r zen. That’s a massage AND facial. That’s pretty much unheard of in OC. What’s even more shocking is the quality approach. So what gives? Ask Adam.

Adam Shevel is the South African owner behind this new-concept green spa. He had suffered painful shoulder problems, was sent to physical therapy and was amazed by the healing powers of massage. He wanted to share the healing with all by offering it at a rare value. “The fancy robes don’t heal the people, the treatments do,” he remarks frankly. Adding, “Providing the best massage possible at a reasonable cost is better than investing in imported Italian marble showers & 400-thread count Turkish bathrobes.”

Some interesting Knot Stop stress facts:

- 80-90% of disease is stress-related.

- Stress-related diseases include skin diseases, headaches and migraines, digestive disorders, high blood pressure and heart-related diseases, as well as back-ache and muscle pain, poor eyesight and depression.

- A 1-hr massage is the mental and physical equivalent to a 3-day vacation.

This factoid trifecta brought the Knot Stop to create a “Massage Club”, where you can get monthly treatments regularly at an affordable price. Massages range from Reflexology, Hot Stone, Couples and Pregnancy to Thai-Shiatsu, Reiki, even Craniosacral. And they do non-chemical, age-defying face peels, total body detox treatments, Slimming Wraps and more.

A final, fun angle of the Knot Stop is their lobby of unique products. Naturopatch aromatherapy patches are essential oil you can wear for 24 hours. Sprayology elixirs are oral sprays for sleep ease, PMS support, diet power and more. Himalayan Salt Lamp candles clean the air. And Chi is an organic line of skin products.

Very unique finds and a refreshingly unique space. It’s the perfect PLM combo of secret, relaxing, green and great value.

Share with fellow knotty mamas who need a timeout.

Have Shears, Will Travel.

Shortcut To Beauty: Bring The Stylist To You.

For some moms, getting a haircut can be a blissful afternoon escape alone. For others, who have to juggle a few stir-crazy kids for three hours in the salon as the hairdresser foils, cuts and styles, the mental aftermath looks worse than the worst perm your Mom ever gave you.

Why not cut the chaos and have your stylist come to you. Now, the “divadressers” probably won’t make the journey, but frankly, who needs them and their $300 bill, but these days you may just find some highly skilled hairdressers willing to make the trip. They get to skip the drive to the shop and the rent for the space.

Ask your favorite hairdresser to bring her shears and dye and stop by. If she’s not up for it, ask around, some fellow moms may know just the gal. (Now, careful when asking: you may get the “oh, there’s a gal on the block who used to do hair, she’ll probably come by”. Every street has one, but note words used to.)

A favorite, on-trend PLM stylist who happily travels to you is artistic stylist Natalie Jaeger. She’s established in the OC area, is educated by the best and has been around the block at top shops, currently at Lotus Salon & Spa. Cut, color, extensions, fancy-night updo’s are all on her list (kids cuts too).

So ring your regular gal or guy, or give PLM reco Natalie Jaeger a go (PLM readers get a cut rate of $20 off; call 949.232.7631. (She doubles as a lash model; hence the fly eye shot.)

Stay home, and look fabulous!

Mama With Drama?

Meet the Seven Steps to Decompress.

You’ve got places to go, deadlines to meet, kids to drop and PB&Js to slap together silly. What’s a mama with the everyday drama to do?

Local cardiologist and featured Discovery Channel doc, Dr. John Kennedy, says to inhale, exhale, repeat. (Hey, it’s more than just a great tag. Right on.) He says stress releases hormones that seriously harm the heart. Decompressing is his answer, and it takes just 15 minutes a day.

“Stop for a minute while you’re stuck in traffic, which you can’t control, and breathe,” says Dr. Kennedy.

Breathing is the first of his 7-step technique to vary your heart rate.

“When you take a deep breathe in, your heart rate goes up and when you exhale your heart rate goes down and that variability in heart rate turns out to be cardioprotective.”

Try the 7 “Breathe” steps today (not that you could be stressed about anything, just saying) ...

1. Breathe
2. Relax
3. Envision
4. Apply
5. Treat
6. Heal
7. End

For more on the steps, visit his site or look for his book, “BREATHE! Heal Your Heart in 15 Minutes a Day” due out next month.

Help a fellow mama with the daily drama. Forward on.

Chocolate as a Superfood? Bring It On.

The Chocolate Gods have smiled and dubbed the stuff good for you, and even suggest having it for breakfast.

It’s called Chocolatl and is found at an all-new, all-green boutique, Oasis Child, in Laguna Beach. The recipe promises to “Revitalize the body, illuminate the soul, even awaken the spirit” with the mounds of antioxidants.

What? You doubt the superpowers? Give it a try. Free samples to PLM moms. Stop in, ask for your ginger rosehips Chocolate Superfood, and you shall be granted immunity from your chocolate-guilt, relief from your chocolate cravings and renewal of your zapped Mom-energy.

(Don’t give it to the kids though, unless you like them naturally wired).

More to come on this interesting new boutique rich with green goodness and Mom tranquility. One more tip when you visit the store: walk if you live close by and you can earn 25% off.

Overloaded Mother Soak

You’ll love the soak, the art, the sentiment. This sea salt soak is ideal for any Mom who needs a time out. Lavender oils and rose petals are part of their secret spa-like bliss. The directions: “When done, sneak out of the house and don’t come back for a week.” Right on, Cowgirls Game. Also check out “Overworked and Under Paid” and “Get Over It.” Get it at Tuvalu in Laguna Beach, Ladera Ranch or at TuvaluHome.com.

Teatime anyone?

Have you checked out a Teavana? They’re popping up all over, the new Starbuck’s if you ask me. Hundreds of loose-leaf teas from Green to White to Oolong and amazing cast-iron tea sets that making having tea an event. I love Queen of Babylon mixed with Rooibos Rose Garden. “Ahhh.” Get some, have teatime with a girlfriend, or enjoy with your kids (it’s a great way to introduce them early to the rewards and rituals of tea).

Going raw with living cuisine

Have you gone raw yet? Give it a try for ultimate antioxidant intake and pure energy. Chef Jenny from 118 degrees” will share raw food recipes to keep us fueled with nature.

First up: a smoothie you and your kids will beg for (even though it’s green). No lie. Give it a try.

Super Smoothie:
1 Frozen Banana
1 Mango
2 Leaves of Kale
1 Tbsp Agave
Water from 1 Coconut

Blend and Enjoy!

Strike a pose

Whether you’re flying on a family vacation, driving to visit grandparents or jaunting off for a short business trip, you can go in good health with Travel Yoga. This resource for yogis reminds you to stretch often and stay stress-free with 50 tips to help you relieve muscle tension, master the art of waiting, create hotel room harmony, blow off steam, and arrive revived. The campy illustrations will amuse the spirit too.