Their Travels Became Our Treasure

  I've always toyed w the idea of taking a year off to travel the world, hit the most remote villages in Africa to crystal blue beaches in the Caribbean.   In theory it sounds remarkable.  In practice, nearly imossible with with a 10-month old in tow.  In step Jenna Jackson. She beat me to the punch, literally making her way around the world with hubby, Charlie Jackson BC (before child) AND they managed to pull every bit of inspiration from their travels to create a killer line of handbags and accessories for the rest of us to indulge in.  They call it August, plain and simply because August is the most-traveled month of the year.  

It was not long after their journey that I met Jenna and previewed the line. The materials are plush, styles- effortlessly chic, inspired by beauty from around the world but hand crafted right here in California.  And with that, Hollywood has caught on...in a real way.  Supermodel Lily Aldridge is a fan, and girl-of-the-moment, Dakota Johnson is seen here rocking one of the line's most-popular bags, the Marais Tote, generously priced at $398 for leather, $498 for exotics.  

Now, as new new Haute Mommy, I scoured every last corner of every last boutique for a good diaper bag.  My only rule, it couldn't actually be a diaper bag.  I mean, at best, diaper bags are only ehhhh and those ones are overpriced.  Like many Haute moms, I wanted something I could use even after my tots no longer need tushy tending to.  August offers just that.  

Marais is the un-diaper bag/diaper bag made for us, haute mommies.  It has interior pockets (2 slip pockets for phone / keys / glasses) and a zippered pocket for whatever you want to keep secure. It's large enough and light weight enough for all the things you'll need for the bb but made of gorgeous Italian or Spanish leather.  Now, ready for icing on this already deelish cake??  Mommies you'll love this, August has a program called Bag for a Bag...They've partnered with Operation School Bell to provide a backpack for every bag they sell.  Their goal to combat homelessness, poverty, illiteracy, drug abuse and crime for the children of Los Angeles.  Sign me up!  And for more check out  www.augustca.com xx

Bagel On A String = Genius!

  Haute Mommies, I learned something life-changing today; Beverly Hills Deli, Nate 'N Al doesn't just have the world's best Matzo Ball Soup, they've got the world's BEST bagels...on a string!  Here's the scoop...Years ago, one of their beloved waitresses decided to thread a string though the center of a bagel and present it to every baby who comes through the door as a sort of right of passage.  We experienced it first hand yesterday.  

My girlfriend, Joey and I sat with our delicious little guys for a delicious big meal.  Our waitress, Tina, walked over, a big smile on her face enthusiastic to share "what's in the dough" with our bbs.  At first, I thought hmmmm, a bagel...with a string attached, ummmm am I missing something???  Seconds later after Gibson launched across the table to clobber it, the whole thing made PERFECT sense!  Mommy holds the string while teething-tot explores the bagel in all its glory  Here's the genius in it, there's no chance for the bagel to fall on the floor, the string offers an added element of surprise and interest for the baby...oh yea, it's totally complimentary AND moms can eat in peace and quite, sorta.  Anyway, being the interrogator investigator I am, I had to uncover the story behind this bright idea.  Found out the  Nate 'N Al waitress who came up with the cool concept had sadly passed away BUT her legacy certainly lives on.  

If you know anything about Nate 'N Als, you know it's a serious institution in LA, arguably one of the best delis in the world and a serious celeb hangout.  When it comes to the A-list and Nate N' Als staff, they're like PBJ: smushed together in this beautiful symbiotic relationship  Legend has it, Larry King (who you'l find at the deli every morning, same table without fail) was just one of the celebs to show at up at the waitress' funeral.  Many others attended as well donning a very unique accessory, a bagel strung around their necks.  If that's not love well...The waitress' memory will live on with this incredibly simple but smart invention :) And I'm happy to share it with you.  Try it at home, could make dinner time a lot less messy and more enjoyable. 

Hauttie Of The Week: The Ultimate Hollywood Mama

 

Our Hauttie of the week, Courtney Lopez, doesn't just have it all, she genuinely does it all.  The stunning mom-of-2 (Gia and Dominic) and wife of Mario Lopez juggles shuttling her kiddies from ballet to piano, maintaining her own career as a TV/Radio personality, walking red-carpets, keeping the house together, and she still finds time for date-night.  If there's any Haute Mommy who's found the balance we all strive for, it's Courtney.  Here are some philosophies, tips, tricks and trends she swears by.

AC: You really are the ultimate haute mommy...how do you achieve that?

CL: Wow! What an honor! I think it’s so important to take time for myself. Whether it’s getting your nails done, or just a simple walk alone.

AC: It’s the age-old question but have you managed to find the balance between being a present mommy and still finding time for yourself/career? If so how?

CL: I take one day at a time. My work schedule is so inconsistent so there is no way I can ever “plan” ahead. I know my childrens school/ after school activities schedule and I go from there.

AC: I know in our house it’s like the 95% / 5% rule…the mommy does 95% the daddy, 5% what’s it like in your house?

CL: Ha! Yes, I can relate. Mario works so hard to provide for us but when he comes home he is so present. We are so blessed to have him.

AC: What products do you swear by both for you and your kiddies?

CL: For my kids, I’m a huge fan of Aden & Anais, Node Frida, Mabels Labels and Zoli products. And I can’t live without my Shiseido Bio Performance Face cream and tinted moisturizer.

AC: How do you keep your relationship fresh with two little ones running around?

CL: Mario and I always make time for date nights. We think it’s extremely important to not let our relationship fall to the way side. The kids love when we are affectionate to eachother.

AC: You mentioned that you have help only a couple times a week. That’s seriously impressive. Why is it important for you to be home with the kiddies?

CL: I have help when I work. I never want to miss a dance class, piano/singing lesson, Spanish class, etc. My kids are growing before my eyes and I don’t want to miss a minute of them learning and seeing something for the first time. It’s so refreshing.

AC: What’s your impression of the Hollywood mommies? I think the perception often is that they’ve got like 25 nannies and helpers around at all time…sorta joking but you get that pic…is that a misconception?

CL: I can only speak for myself and I know I do not have that! I have the bags under my eyes to prove it! HA!

AC: Do you want any more kids? If so, what’s the magic number?

CL: Mario and I would love to add one more to our family.

AC: You’ve managed to get your body back not once but twice…how did you do it? And women say it’s so much harder the second time around…did you notice that?

CL: I was so lucky the first time around. I did nothing. The second time around has been very challenging. I’m busier and way more tired so I don’t have much time to think about myself. I try my best to eat healthy and work out but its so hard!!!!!!!

AC: Lastly, do you think they’ll want to get into the biz? How do you feel about that?

CL: Gia has definitely been bitten by the performing bug. As long as she’s happy, we will support her all the way. Dominic is still a little young to but he definitely has a smile that lights up a room!

Thank You Dolce & Gabbana

The ultimate fashion accessory made its debut on the Milan Runway this past weekend. The Baby!!!  That's right fashion and family have beautifully united thanks to Dolce and Gabbana who celebrated the true definition of #HauteMommy at their latest fashion show dubbed "Viva La Mamma".  The designers sent models down the runway some with their own babies in tow and one model, Bianca Balti, pregnant with her second child.  

These ladies worked it in feminine dresses and skirts adorned with roses, lace and even embroidered doodles by the designers' own nieces and nephews, perhaps their inspiration taken from Angelina Jolie's veil/gown.  

Theres SOOOO much we love about this, the ubiquitous frowns now turned to giggles from the front row, the beautiful couture worn by actual WOMEN, not 14-year-olds and the fact that high fashion in a small sense is becoming more relatable to us, the baby makers :)  

Of course, the show didn't go off without some backlash.  Time Magazine for one suggests:  It’s hard to deny the actual collection is stunning, but the idea of the show itself left me cold. Celebrating motherhood is all well and good, but this display was an entirely shallow endorsement of women that smacks of a gimmick. The theme might be sweet and largely inoffensive — after all, who doesn’t love moms? — but it also stuck to a particularly narrow definition of mothers. In D&G’s world, motherhood is the most limiting archetype of all, where women are radiant and impossibly beautiful, but not truly sexual.

Gimmick or not, it's a BIG step in the right direction. XXX

But There Is An "I" In Miraval

The old adage goes, "There is no "I" in team"  Good thing there is one in Miraval because that's just what this Haute Mama got when visiting the Tucson, Arizona wellness resort dedicated to inspiring life in balance.  For the first time, in a long time, It's all about what I want.  I think I will try the cardio dance this morning, then Iwill head to the spa for a hot stone massage.  Iwill grab lunch and a cocktail before 5 o'clock...and I will jump off a 35-foot poll with a 360-degree rotating disc at the top (more to come on that) Why you ask?  Because I CAN!   

This was one of the best trip I've taken mainly because I was able to really reconnect with myself, something most, if not all, mothers forget to do.  Now, lemme just say this, if you're looking for over-the-top decadence, 5-star dining and white glove service, this may not be the place.  I guess the irony here is that I'm typically a bit of a hotel snob but I let that go mainly because what Miraval lacks in opulence, it makes up for in substance.  Think of it as Disneyland for adults but instead of running from ride to ride you're running from class to activity to spa treatment.  And like I always say, if it's good enough for Oprah, it's damn well good enough for me.  Yup, the big O marked her stamp of approval on this special destination.  If that's not enough, Kourtney Kardashian, The Real Housewives of Jersey and even Mel Gibson have all experienced Miraval's wonder.  

A couple quick tips: 1. Make sure you have snacks with you upon arrival.  After a long day of travel (it's an hour from the Tucson airport) you'll need them.  There's not a ton of food floating around the hotel at off-hours.  2. The hotel is all-inclusive so put away that change.  They don't allow tips of any sort which is one of the BEST aspects of this property.  It really helps you maintain that ultimate relaxation zone.  3. Tuck away your phone.  The hotel offers one area on grounds, other than your room, where you can talk on the phone.  Other than that, it is requested that you keep cell off and away.  Good news is you can bring them out to snap pictures.  4.  Keep an open mind...for obvious reasons.  The more you open yourself to new experiences, the more you'll grow.  

Miraval offers a picturesque desert backdrop for its more than 200 fun, informative, relaxing classes/treatments weekly, an award-winning spa, a complimentary juice bar, an actual bar bar (doesn't happen at many of these wellness resorts) and insanely cushy beds...drool drool drool.  We stayed 3 nights (wish it was more) but here are some of the classes I ♥ and a great way to plan your days, with Miraval's description.  I totally recommend this type of schedule because you get the best of all worlds.  

Day 1: BODY

Dance Class - You will learn choreography to Pop, Latin, Disco, Swing, Country, and Broadway tunes, improve your dance knowledge, connect with other dancers around the nation, and experience a feeling of pure “joy”! Dance Passion at Miraval provides the perfect setting to de-stress and focus on your goals.

Aerial Yoga - Breathe, flow and fly in this exciting new yoga practice that helps improve overall health and physical agility, lengthens muscles and releases tension throughout your entire body. You will stretch, strengthen and realign using the support of silk hammocks suspended three feet from the ground.

Hot Stone Massage - Hot stone massage is a guest favorite at Miraval. We’ve designed this new treatment to combine the grounding effects of hot stones with the power of botanicals. Heat from the smooth basalt stones comforts and calms the mind as it renders muscles more limber and open to manipulation by the therapist. Your skin more readily accepts the professional-grade, antioxidant-packed essential oils used in the massage, and your mind and body emerge in balance.

DAY 2: MIND

Equine Experience - This class offers you an opportunity to practice living life in the moment. Work with specially selected horses and our expert facilitators. You’ll perform equestrian ground skills, getting a chance to notice personal patterns of learned behavior that may be holding you back from the life you want to live.

Cocktails In The Kitchen - Start your evening with a behind-the-scenes tour of the main kitchen at Miraval. During this 45 minute class, enjoy a Chef created appetizer and cocktail while you learn about our food philosophy and healthy cooking tips and tricks. This experience is designed for 4 or more guests.

Anti-Aging Facial -A Clarins Miraval Creation featuring the NEW Super Restorative Moisturizer and Serum Eye Cream Combat the signs of aging with this focused and effective treatment to smooth fine lines, address hyperpigmentation issues and restore skin to a youthful radiance. A double cleanse is followed by a double exfoliation using glycolic and salicylic acids to stimulate cell regeneration. Your therapist will then perform a drain-and-soothe lymphatic massage on your face, neck and décolleté, using a repairative facial serum mixed with a shaping lift massage formula designed to increase circulation while detoxifying the skin. An age-defying restorative mask is then applied, followed by an age-fighting tri-peptide mask. Your skin is then treated with the New Super Restorative Serum, Eye Cream and Moisturizer to give you a radiant glow.

DAY 3: SOUL

QUANTUM LEAP - encourages you to make each movement with awareness and openness. Yet standing on the pole with another person complicates the activity in a way that is similar to how we experience compromise in other life relationships. Communication, trust and commitment are usually intimately integrated into the discussion. Quantum Leap II is a great event for teambuilding and strengthening relationships. Explore new ways of communicating and revitalize trust in yourself and others as you leap from a 35-foot pole.

Floating Meditation -enjoy the pleasure of being suspended from the ceiling in a nurturing yoga hammock while your mind is gently guided into a relaxed state. Experience the calming benefits of induced meditation while you are gently rocked to the soothing vibrations of crystal bowls. Release your mind’s stress, tension or worry while you “float” weightlessly in a silk hammock.

Hydrating Body Peel - A Clarins Miraval Creation An indulgent exfoliating treatment using botanical-based glycolic and salicylic acids that rids skin of impurities, while smoothing and softening the skin. Your therapist will apply an active exfoliating lotion to your body using a warm mitt; as it soaks in, it penetrates to your skin’s deepest level, removing dull surface skin cells to reveal the youthful skin beneath. Your rejuvenated skin is then treated to a full-body massage with an anti-aging balm rich in antioxidants. While you are lightly wrapped, your therapist will stimulate your scalp with an invigorating massage, then focus on your feet, thereby concluding the treatment. You’ll feel renewed and refreshed from head to toe. Guests may experience sun sensitivity and should apply sun block prior to any sun exposure after this treatment.

***For more info on pricing and availability, chk out www.miravalresorts.com