The Harlot Salon

I recently got my hair done at The Harlot Salon on Abott Kinney in Venice Beach, as it is so close to my studio. It is such a cute place and Shannon did an amazing job. I loved it so much that I asked her if I could write about it on my Pilates Platinum blog, and she offered a special deal for clients - 20% off any service.

I got a trim and the Balyage highlights, and it looks awesome!

Here's a little bit about Shannon and her studio, and check her out on Yelp, where the fantastic reviews speak for themselves.

The Harlot Salon:

1641 Abbot Kinney, Venice, CA 90291 • 310.399.6525

Shannon Tackett
Shannon Tackett cultivated a talent for the classic to the most striking, fulfilling each client's potential. Shannon Tackett is a uniquely gifted stylist with extensive experience in balyage/ ombre hand painted hi-lights, her artistic eye easily recognizes exactly where each hi-light should be painted, creating the perfect sun kissed hair.She now performs her service in Venice, California.

Shannon Tackett has been a professional hair stylist for the past 12 years. Her early training in San Francisco, California, where she apprenticed and subsequently worked for one of the top studios in the industry for the following two years. She then went to New York City and worked as a freelance hair stylist for high profile photo shoots. Shannon's most recent projects include doing hair for stars on American Idol shows, The View, hair for Photo shoot work includes Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, Nordstrom's & Genlux magazine .

Raw Crunch Bars Hit The Sweet Spot

There are so many different kinds of raw bars out in the market right now, but only a handful of them are even remotely edible. So many of them taste funky, or just not right in their consistency.

Thankfully, Raw Crunch Bar got it completely right. Their delicious bars, which come in four flavors (chocolate, cranberries, blueberries, and gojis), have just the right amount of flavor and nutrition packed in a tiny packet.

The bars are dehydrated, not cooked, so they retain their original enzymes and antioxidants. They have a five month shelf life without the preservatives that you might see in a typical fruit or veggie bar and they use raw honey and sea salt instead of the loads of fake sweeteners that others use.

I put a couple in my purse when I go out during the day to run errands in case I get hungry before or after lunch/dinner. It keeps me satisfied until it's time to eat! Sometimes I may even substitute a bar for breakfast if I am on the run.

Find them at your local health food shop like Whole Foods, or buy them online.

A New Vail Discovery: Dressing!

I recently spent five gorgeous days in Vail Colorado with my family, and absolutely loved every minute I spent there.

On this visit I discovered the most amazing salad dressing at the Sunday's Farmers market - Alpine Avocado. My parents had told me about the dressing but I really never thought twice about it.

They were not messing around! This stuff is beyond delicious and so healthy for you. At 90 calories for two tablespoons and minimal ingredients, your taste buds will be satisfied and your tummy will be saying thank you. It also is gluten free, vegan, cholesterol free, and very low in sugar.

It's also great that you can order this stuff from the web. I am so excited to get my shipment in the mail.

Get it while you still can!

Bananas For Shakeology Shakes!

Today I drank a milkshake for lunch, and I have to be honest, I never thought those words would come out of my mouth.

But there you have it. I am now bananas for milkshakes and actually drink them every day, thanks to Shakeology shakes. Unsweetened almond milk, half a banana, handful of ice and one serving of Shakeology chocolate flavor is what I put in my Vitamix. Delicious!

Shakeology is an extremely healthy shake that is packed with all-natural, wholesome ingredients that lower cholesterol, improve digestion, promote better regularity, and contribute to increased weight loss and energy levels. Unlike many other meal replacement shakes, Shakeology contains absolutely no artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. Each packet is 150 calories and my above recipe has 250 calories.

The shakes come in two flavors: Chocolate and Greenberry. I have not had the Greenberry yet but look forward to trying it.

Try them out for yourself and tell me what you think!

How To Hydrate In The Summer

We often overlook staying hydrated over being fit and getting our workout done, but it's a really important part of protecting your body in the summer.

Huffington Post reports that 6,000 people will land in the emergency room this summer for heat-related illness. They suggest things like infused water, caffeine drinks (surprisingly!), fruits and chocolate milk to keep healthy and hydrated this summer.

My favorite go-to remedies for hydration are coconut water because the taste just can't be beat, and also "spa water" which comes in many different flavors, like lemon/lime, strawberries and mint.

What's your favorite hydrating tip?

Grand Canyon Rim To Rim Hike

On October 14-16 there will be a really exciting opportunity to do a special hike in the Grand Canyon. The RIM 2 Trim hike will consist of 2 days and 52 miles going from rim to rim. And if you're not into roughing it, don't fret, there are no cookouts, no camping, and no stuffy boring cargo pants that you'll have to wear. You'll be dining in 4-star restaurants.

This inclusive program costs about $1200, and includes travel, lodging, food, training, tshirts and awards, which is a fantastic price if you think about everything that the package includes. So what are you waiting for? Sign up! Maybe I will see you there!

Visit www.livitadventures.com for more details

Moonshadows: The Perfect Malibu Hangout

I'm a bit of a beach girl, so any restaurant near the ocean is my type of place.

Since two of our studios are out by the beach - one in Santa Monica and one Venice beach, I have pretty much exhausted scouting for any new restaurants out there - because I have probably tried every single one! So I have moved on to trying out new places in Malibu and that part of town.

Lately my favorite is Moonshadows on PCH. It's a beautiful places on the beach, with a spectacular beach front view - and seriously you cannot beat this view.

Moonshadows is great for a fun date or just going out with your best girlfriends for some appetizers and fantastic drinks at the Blue Lounge (the bar portion of this place).

My favorite dish has been the Uni Risotto - sea urchin with Carlani rice that is to die for. Top that off with your favorite Merlot from Santa Barbara, and you have a kick ass Saturday evening agenda.

But take my word for it, and make reservations early on. It's an intimate place with limited seating, and it's super popular with the locals, so make sure you plan ahead. Oh, and eat in the patio! You'll love hearing the waves breaking below while you eat your delicious meal.

Moonshadows

20356 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90265

(310) 456-3010

Vitamix: The Wonder Machine

After pilates class the other day I overheard someone talking about something called Vitamix. I immediately googled it thinking it was some kind of green supplement, or the latest hot gluten-free cereal mix.

Boy was I was wrong! Turns out it is an amazing blender that can pretty much do it all. Soups, sauces, smoothies, this is truly a wonder machine.

The latest recipe that I found is a delicious dish made up of nonfat plain greek yogurt, strawberries and a banana. It's smooth, creamy and takes care of my sweet tooth. If you need it to be a little sweeter add a few drops of liquid stevia. It's to die for, especially if you're into dessert-type meals.

Check it out here or on Amazon. It runs a few hundred dollars plus shipping.

LifeTime's Life's Plant Protein Shake!

I'm really big on vitamins. They're an easy way to keep up on many of the things that your body needs to stay healthy - in addition to keeping your body fit with pilates and your mind healthy with Yoga and meditation.

One of my favorite ways to keep up on my vitamins and minerals is using Lifes Basics Plant Protein by Life Times Vitamins. It's a powder that is made up of Pea, Hemp, Rice and Chia Seed, which give you the very important Omegas 3, 6 and 9 and amino acids.

This superfood type powder can be used by pouring one scoop in water, and having it as a delicious shake.

From the website:

LifeTime Life's Basics Plant Protein:

• Provides complete protein from yellow pea protein isolates, hemp, rice and chia.
• Is rich in EFA's, amino acids and fiber.
• Can be utilized as a high performance vegetarian superfood protein powder.
• Is a low glycemic index product and is suitable for diabetics.

Get The Beachie Blonde Look!

Summer is here, which means beautiful beachy hair highlights, especially if you live in LA, where the sun is always out.

My hair is light blonde, but don't think I don't require a little bit of help to keep my hair shining bright. Enter John Frieda's Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray, the spray that it gives your hair and makes your blonde highlights last just a tad bit longer.

This is a product that uses a chamomile and citrus formula to "lighten and brighten" naturally blonde hair. You'll see results in - no kidding - 3 to 5 days.

The reviews say it all - this little beauty has scored 5 out of 5 stars from happy customers like me.