Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Ilila Beauty’s Eye Stylus Brunch Cafe Takeover is Synergy.

 By Laura Medina


Continuing the trend for effortless, multipurpose, one and done, quality ingredients makeup with the Oscars fast-approaching, Ilila Beauty teamed up with Cafe Telegrama to do a beauty brunch this past weekend.

What a perfect synergy, cosmetics with your coffee and croissants, helping each others out. After the LA fires, cooperation is the new trend.

Ilila Beauty’s new Eye Stylus is the eye makeup version of Rhode Beauty’s Lip Shape.

Instead of lip liner meets lipstick, Eye Stylus is eyeliner meets stick eyeshadow.

You can put Rhode Beauty Lip Shape with Ilila Beauty’s Eye Stylus in your red carpet clutch for speedy, discrete touch-ups.

Youth To The People’s 10th Anniversary, Shares Alike.

 By Laura Medina



The love continues a week after Valentine’s Day.

The vegan-green skincare brand, Youth To The People, share their 10th anniversary with the people by doing a skincare carnival with prizes, goodies swag, and free skincare analysis, matching customized skincare dialysis with their vegetable-based skincare products that tackle complexion problems.

Share, share alike.

Actually, just a week before the Oscars, when everyone needs to r zoom in tight close up-ready.

Pores on the red carpet.





It was Family Affair when Snoop Dogg’s Daughter, Cori Broadus Use Valentine to Launch Her CHOC Factory Lip Care Brand.

By Laura Medina


Asked what her dad, Snoop Dogg, gave to his daughter, Cori Broadus, as career advice.

First, he honestly told her, she can’t sing.

Then, he suggests focus on what you’re passionate about then pursue it.

This is how she developed her highly edited lip care brand, https://www.chocfactory.com/

Actually, Cori says she’s not really a makeup girl. But, she does sees and uses makeup as a self-esteem and mood booster. She makes that as her mission statement.

“Choc” is Snoop Dogg’s nickname for his daughter, since she’s sweet and deep like chocolate.

To further that, Cori puts matching flavors to each of her simple chic collection of lip glosses and lip liners.


















Why this scribe loves makeup launch parties, first hand pampering experiences.

Cori’s CHOC Factory lip care brand is pretty basic.

The first two steps are universally for everyone: first, sugar exfoliator to scrub away dead lip skin while moisturizing the new lip skin. This is the first preparation.

Second, then you further moisturize with the universal lip balm. Anyone can do these first two steps as your bedtime routine to rest and rejuvenate your lips overnight.

The third and fourth steps are fun and creative.

The third step is the lip liner. They outline my lips in Hot Cocoa lip liner.

The fourth and final step is glazing the lip liner with Girly Lip Gloss.

The surprising result that dark brown Hot Cocoa lip liner gave depth while light pink Girly lip gloss adds dimension of fullness, an old Hollywood trick that Marylin Monroe did all the time. Cori Broadus’ CHOC Factory is a 21st-century reinterpretation of this Old Hollywood movie magic trick.




Cori’s dad, Snoop Dogg, of course offered emotional support for his daughter’s business launch.

While everyone sampled his daughter’s lip makeovers, grandpa Snoop Dogg danced with his grandchildren.

The Broadus Family used CHOC Factory’s Galentine-Valentine as a family affair, another form of love.






Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty & Hailey Bieber’s Rhode Skincare Used Their Valentines Pop-Up Shops to Raise LA Fires Victims Funds, Giving Back.



 By Laura Medina


These ladies, Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber, use Galentine-Valentine to show love, compassion, sympathy, empathy, and kindness to give true love to Los Angeles Fire victims, by using the holiday and their fans to raise funds to pay it forward to rebuild Palisades and Altadena communities.

Yes, it was a best of both worlds. Their fans get their favorite celebrities’ makeup then those proceeds goes directly to feeding, clothing, and perhaps, some self-esteem boosting makeup and refreshing hygiene-skincare for the fire victims, giving hands up.




If Taylor Swift’s Swiftie fans exchange hand-braided, knotted Friendship bracelets, Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty fans exchange handcrafted rose-gold rings, twisted to spell “Rare” honoring Selena and her beauty line. To further more kindness, go to Karla Moreno’s @littleworldofkindness, handcrafting rings and other types of jewelry out of love and kindness, @littlekindness and @littleworldofkindness. 

Yes, these ladies, Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber, use this opportunity to debut new products to whet the appetite to try new stuff first, experiencing them in real life, touching, feeling, and seeing these items products’ texture then raise funds.

Selena’s fans experience the launch of her latest, Soft Pinch Illuminating Blush, multi-dimensional butterfly prism wing shimmering rainbow of a blush and eyeshadow. 

Selena Gomez’s develop Rare Beauty for what real Latinas and Latinx want to wear in real life: easy to use, soft-natural makeup that’s quality as it is reasonably priced, counteracting the stereotypical dark, graphic, and harsh makeup that most perceive as Hispanic makeup, yet something majority of olive-toned Latins don’t want.

Yes, Rare Beauty raised money for Palisades and Altadena fire victims.

Rare Beauty has always been about kindness towards self and others.

Hailey Bieber says, just like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Los Angeles is her home.

Since her mere Tinted Lip Balm Photo Booth pop-ups have proven to be one-day hits, attracting thousands of beauty-itas first thing in the morning, her fun house of a beauty charity pop-up shop took that popularity then used it to raise funds for Los Angeles’ fire victims who need a hand up to rebuild.

This went beyond tinted lip balms. This charity pop-up shop offers the entire range of her multiple purpose portable pocket blushes, the whole tinted lip balms collection, every skincare item, and finally debuting her lip liner-lipstick combo, the whole lip shape collection, in all their flesh-friendly shades of the rainbow.

What attracted hundreds of thousands was this was the only opportunity to swatch and sample these makeup and skincare in real life. The chance to simply touch, feel, and see these items in action. What a better way to raise funds? 

Again, these smart-savvy ladies use desire and valentine feminine to fuel kindness.

Real boyfriends accompany their ladies to these charity pop-up shops to further that romance then bought what their ladies want, while being good guys toward charity.

This is a real valentine.



Friday, February 14, 2025

Valentine’s for Dudes, Ziba Graham’s Fix Your Marriage Without Counseling.”

 By Laura Medina


To unite the stereotypical gender divide, Ziba Graham puts his spin in the “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus.”

His marriage manual, “Fix Your Marriage Without Counseling,”
https://www.fixyourmarriagebook.com/ is adapting, adjusting, and changing along with your spouse, done in scales. 1 is for divorce. 10 is the optimal marriage. 2 to 3 is when it’s in a danger zone. 7 to 8 is okay but could be better. The different scales initiates communication between spouses to see where they are now and where they’re heading.

It’s not what you want.  It’s what they need and want.

This is Graham’s love language of thoughtfulness and consideration.

Not a gray area of a guessing game. 


Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Cross Country Love, Pilates Community Comes Together for Virtual Fundraising Pilates Class for White Lotus Pilates Studio & LA Fire Victims.

By Laura Medina






This is Larissa Tanis’ first-hand account of the first day of the Pacific Palisades Fire on January 7th…

Ballerina-turned Pilates instructor and therapist described how everything turned upside-down then incinerated into ash.

She was working as a therapist at Cypress Center Physical Therapy Clinic and at White Lotus Pilates Studio, directly behind it. The day started like any other day, until she stepped outside then saw huge plumes of smoke nearby.

At first, the locals were ordered to stay put, shelter in place.

But, Larissa listened to her gut instinct, she went ahead then drove straight home, nearly missing that devastating traffic jam where people were forced to abandon their cars from fast-spreading fire.

Luckily, Larissa was fortunate enough to drive back home to, grab and stuff her trunk with important documents, evading the fire.

Obviously, Cypress Center Physical Therapy Clinic and adjoining White Lotus Pilates Studio didn’t survive.

She’s been bouncing from friends stretching from Marina Del Rey to Palm Springs. She switched her studio to the Jonathan Club where 540 club members lost their homes to the Palisades Fire.

The fire engulfed and burnt 24,000 acres and 7,000 structures.

When it was safe to return to check out, Larissa shot a video of the smoldering ruins of her work place.

Since her clients lost their homes and are displaced, wandering around, the pilates community of instructors, nation wide, are coming together for Larissa Tanis to help rebuild her work and the White Lotus Pilates Studio.

The community of pilates professionals has been a source of comfort and center for Larissa.

Now, this Saturday, February 15th from 4pm to 6pm Eastern Standard Time, the pilates community is coming together virtually, to raise funds for Larissa and Los Angeles’ fire victims, on https://bit.ly/.CityofAngels101 


Rollology Fitness’ Alyson Limehouse, https://rollology.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0s-y9c6m_H3uEF6nOe74DlfoZ1S7T0LfBs7AyHmb23l0m45JpwgIkWCX0_aem_hnBfYbuRJbK7LA-O-BnFfg is leading this cross country love fund drive.

Guys, you all can join in with the ladies. Get your fitness on, breathe then get centered, while raising funds, when Kentucky-based ex-Marine turned pilates instructor provides a class.

Alyson will be joined by Robert Edison-Turner, ex-Marine Corps turned sports therapist and pilates instructor. 



Palm Beach-based pilates instructor and Rollology creator, Alyson Limehouse is rallying the movement community to help those who lost homes, livelihoods, and studios to the Los Angeles fires. 

Limehouse, along with fellow movement instructors, has launched a nationwide effort, spanning from Palm Beach, FL thru Kentucky to Chicago then back to Los Angeles. Limehouse and the team are calling on movement enthusiasts, wellness advocates, and the broader community to join in this effort, https://bit.ly/.CityofAngels101 

If you all sign up https://bit.ly/.CityofAngels101, the workout videos and donations will be up and running for near future workouts and donations.

If the fires’ aftermath and the accompanying stress and heartache are getting you down, leaving you discombobulated with a centered routine, and isolated.

Have a feeling that you’re not alone in this. This fitness fundraiser is a virtual hug, knowing you’re not alone in this, mentally, emotionally, or physically.

With this virtual fitness fundraiser, you can join in and nourish your body and soul. 













Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Fire Aid LA Raised $100 Millions for LA’s Fire Victims, First Responders, & Rebuild.

                  By Laura Medina                 






Fire Aid LA was one for the history books.

Not only did it raised $100 Millions (keep it coming on https://fireaidla.org/ because recuperating, recovering, and rebuilding homes and lives are a long term effort), Fire Aid LA, in juggling and managing the logistics of all these rockers became every music fans’ wet dreams of legendary duets and collaborations.  Whom, some of them, unfortunately lost everything in the fires. 


Fire Aid LA was a night of duets of dreams. Established rockers sang with their childhood idols. It was a cross-generational and cross-gender collaboration night.

Altadena Fire victims, Dawes, sang with folk-rock legends, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, putting aside their past petty differences aside, to support a city that gave them opportunities to let their musical careers come true. It was a night of paying it back. 

Since this is about giving an helping hand to LA, a city that birthed so many’s dreams, Fire Aid LA was a collection of love songs to the City of Angels.

The Black Crowes and Slash covered Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.”

This was the beginning of a love letter to Los Angeles and the golden state of California.





The dream team of Anderson Paak with Shelia E. and Dr. Dre did LA love, Inglewood style (since the fundraiser concert was in the heart of black-pride Inglewood, split between the legendary Kia Forum and the high tech newbie Intuit Dome), performing Tupac Shakur’s hip hop classic, “California Love.”

Continuing the theme of California Love was the quintessential LA, Californian band, The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Each performers, with a multitude of bands were limited to one song to no more than four songs. The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ set was solid “Californication” set. They started their set with “Dani California.” The word, “fuck,” is becoming increasingly an adverb and adjective, in terms of authentic intensity. Flea the Bassist, “Los Angeles is our home. We fucking love you!” Anthony Kiedis shows his caring, singing “Under the Bridge” about when more Angelenos cared more about him, than he did about himself.

The idolization of rockers continues with Jelly Roll and Travis Barker covering Bob Sager’s “Hollywood Nights.”

Each song covered by these musicians, represents what City of Angels and California mean to them.

Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters proved to be gentlemen with Joan Jet, Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon, and his daughter, Violet Grohl, covering his old band, Nirvana’s greatest hits. It was also his daughter’s official debut as a singer. Yes, the remaining members of Nirvana regrouped, with Women Who Rock as lead singers.

The ultimate dream wet team was Sting and Flea jamming with Stevie Wonder, their idol, over his classic funk jam, “Higher Ground,” a Red Hot Chili Peppers’ favorite cover song.


They saved the best for last. As the very last song, Lady Gaga debuted a new song, specifically written for the concert, about the fires. 

It was a night for the history books. 






Live Nation Celebrates Disabled Musicians & Fundraising for LA Fire Victims & First Responders.

 By Laura Medina


Music knows no boundaries and knows no heart.

Due to the recent LA Fires, obviously these affected musicians, on the cusp and established during Awards Season, the music industry and corporations step up. 

Live Nation took full advantage of the Grammy Awards to not only spotlight disabled musicians, but raise funds for displaced musicians.


Disabled musicians showed what they got. They never let their disabilities hinder them in playing music. Of course, the most famous is Stevie Wonder, who raised money for Fire Aid LA, the next night.


Tuesday, January 28, 2025

LA Gives Back Fire Relief at The Bellweather.

 By Laura Medina

https://thebellwetherla.com/events/la-gives-back-fire-relief-250129

Thank god, FireAid LA is still going strong and popular.

But what about those who can’t afford and still want to participate and help out.

For a flat rate of $60 general admission, you can help out by rocking out at The Bellweather’s “LA Gives Back: Fire Aid.” Fire Relief Fundraiser.

It’ll be tomorrow, Wednesday, January 29th, live-streaming from 4pm to 2am.



Here are the line-ups for the benefit..















Monday, January 27, 2025

Chic Relief & Zellow, Stylists & Set Dressers Cime Together to Rebuild Fire Victims’ Lost Wardrobes & Furniture. Donate.

 By Laura Medina


Palisades Fire decimated a town full of A-list celebrities.

Eaton Fire destroyed Altadena of below the line set dressers, prop masters, and production designers.

Hollywood stylists and set dressers and production designers pool their resources together to rebuild lives, from the ashes.

Chic Relief, https://www.chic-relief.com/, use their existing closets of outfits and shoes to put fresh clothes on fire evacuees’ backs and replaced lost wardrobes burnt away by the fires.

Once land in a safe home, Zello, https://zellosupport.com/gives evacuees furniture to build a shelter into a home. Set dressers, prop masters, and production designers pull and source furniture from prop departments and warehouses to replace lost homes and furniture that were burnt into ashes.

This is Hollywood coming together.

If you want to donate clothes and shoes, go to https://www.chic-relief.com/

If you want to donate furniture, go to https://zellosupport.com/ 

These charities bring compassion and dignity to natural disasters victims. 

Get Away to Hide Away, Glen Ivy Spa’s Birthday Special.


 By Laura Medina

As soon as the Palisades and the Eaton fires started, deep in the lush, green valley of Temescal Canyon, 175 years-old Glen Ivy Spa is a retreat to quench your parched soul and body.

During this scribe’s recent birthday, Glen Ivy Spa is a sanctuary on one’s birthday.  

They do check I.D. to make sure it’s your birthday.

Once cleared, Glen Ivy Spa’s amenities are open and free for your birthday. Their birthday special is for through out the year. 

Dotted by pools and waterfalls, you as a day guest have plenty of water choices to soak in.

They built jacuzzi tubs over the natural geothermal mineral hot springs. They’re popular as first choice to soak in therapeutic sulfur, calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium friendly 104 degrees bubbling, circulating waters.

That’s the first circuit.

The second circuit is the lap pool length but very shallow Saline Pool, for more rejuvenating soaking and socializing in this circulating long pool. 

Just simply soaking in those mineral pools, are enough to clear and soothe body skin and facial complexion and soften your hair without heavy oils or conditioner. The natural minerals enrich you, from head to toe. Why take in vitamins when you can just soak in them?

Glen Ivy Spa has three other longer, wider pools, and a mud bath.

The spa is okay with you getting down and dirty in their Mud Club where you can smear and slather yourself from head to toe, and all you want mud mask facial, to detox those pores while enriching your dermis even more with more minerals. 

The spa has a Romanesque locker rooms, showers, and another hot tub.

Once rinsed, you can refuel on clean, healthy Ivy Kitchen or go for quick refreshing snacks at GOCO Cafe, snacking on their unique pastries. 

With their discreet villas, it’s easy to forget the spa’s facials and massages. But don’t. Since it’s your birthday, go treat your body and soul to a massage or a facial or both. They do a body good.

For the LA fire ravaged, go ahead and recuperate at Glen Ivy Spa.

Fires does erupt in Temescal Valley. The staff says, as an historical, modern spa, the spa is top priority. They spray fire retardant to protect. Whoever’s reservation is canceled, will reserved and honored for later dates.

On this scribe’s birthday, Glen Ivy Spa was an haven. Let their healing waters wash away that anxiety. Recuperate. Rejuvenate. You power down at Glen Ivy Spa.