LIT = Love Inspired Tech

/

Here at Haute Moms Life, we care about new technology as much as, well frankly, watching paint dry.  That is until one VERY special, Very Haute TV Producer came up with an uber-cool contraption that literally makes every one of us look 10-years younger and (dare I say it) well-rested.  And all of this, in just the flip of a switch.  Meet our dear friend, Producer extraordinaire and now "Inventress" (did we seriously just say that?!) Mariam Zerehi.  Her company LIT, short for Love Inspired Tech is transforming the way we communicate with family, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, kids, parents, co-workers, basically everyone over the computer and eventually our phones.  We went straight to the source in a little Q&A with Mariam to get the scoop.

HML: First off, Congrats on the success of LIT Mariam...There's absolutely nothing like it on the market...tell our mommies about LIT

MZ: LIT is a portable device that lights you properly while you video chat, snap pics or upload videos to the web. For just $39, you have professional lighting anywhere you go. And because it charges via micro-USB thru your computer, LIT is perfect for Haute Moms (and Dads) who travel. No need to worry about adapters or plugs.

HML: What's the story behind it. What was your Aha moment ?

MZ: I was on a shoot in London and met someone I really hit it off with. We talked about life, love, and everything in-between. On the last night of the trip, he said 'I can't not stay in touch with you! Do you Skype, do you iChat?' Without missing a beat, I quipped 'there's no way someone's putting a camera in my face without good lighting.' And that's when the bulb--figuratively and literally--went off. Love Inspired Tech--or LIT--is built on the pillars of connection, love and light. There's nothing like seeing someone react to turning on the device for the first time. You look good--and more importantly--feel good. Confident.

HML: You've been a TV Producer for years working with hands-down the best talent out there from Matt Lauer to Mario Lopez, Chris Wallace to the legendary Joan Rivers....but it's one specific TV Icon who helped influence LIT.  What can you dish about that??

MZ: I've been working in the industry for nearly 15 years. From Election Night Coverage to broadcasting live from the red carpet at the Golden Globes, the one constant with all these productions--and my talent--is the importance of good lighting. It's imperative. One iconic broadcaster in particular is adamant about a specific lighting temperature and diffuser type. And she always looks fabulous. So when developing the product, I consulted with her lighting director to adapt those specifications into LIT. It's TV-quality lighting without the bulk or the massive price tag. Because everyone should be able to afford to look their best.

HML: LIT is not just a perfect solution for Youtubers or online daters but really for our own community of Haute Mommies and Daddies...

MZ: LIT is a simple solution to a common problem. And it's an absolute must for Haute Mommies sending their kids off to college. Dorm lighting is horrendous. Your teen will thank you for it. It's a great tool to encourage connection, staying in touch. And for Haute Mommies putting together celebrations at home, you'll never need to rent an expensive photo booth again. People spend thousands on renting these machines when really all they're paying for is good lighting. Haute Mommies are savvy shoppers. Save your money for a pair of fab heels. All you need is LIT and a laptop and you've got yourself a professional photo booth. And your kids can snap away. No operator to convince to let you take just one more!

HML: You're not just our girrrrrrl Mariam but you're a true inspiration to so many women for creating a business from scratch and seeing it through....all the while maintaining your "day job" and still looking hot as ever!!  What advice can you offer women who may want to do the same but are hesitant? 

MZ: I don't think there's any job more difficult than being a mom. So for all the Haute Mommies out there, you're already the CEO of your household! If you're truly passionate about creating something, do it. Take the first step. Write down your idea. Sketch out your vision. And keep moving forward. Just one step at a time. The road to launch has been a very long one. But it never occurred to me to give up. And I've learned so much along the way. Perseverance, hard work and resilience will be the key to your success.

HML: What's next for LIT?

MZ: I've developed a smaller version of LIT that will fit your smartphone. Really cool. Follow us on Instagram for updates on that--@LoveInspiredTech.

HML: How do we get our hands on LIT before they all sell out?

MZ: Go to LoveInspiredTech.com to purchase. You can sign up now for your pre-sale invite. We're offering 25% off to all the Haute Mommies out there using code "Haute Mom". We'll also be in two retailers in Los Angeles and Washington, DC this fall. Very exciting--so stay tuned for those details!

Noah's Ark At The Skirball

/
skirball 5

skirball 5

It's a timeless story with a seriously cool, new twist. The Skirball Cultural Center in LA welcomes, Noah's Ark, an interactive experience for the whole fam. Five years in the making, the exhibit spans over 8,000-square feet featuring everything from cuddly companions to life-sized puppets...all crafted from recycled materials and everyday objects like bottle caps, bicycle parts, baseball mitts, croquet balls, mop heads, rearview mirrors...and a few Haute Mommy faves - handbags and shoes :)

What To Know: $10 per person.  Kids under the age of 2 are free.  And admission Thursdays is free.  We highly recommend booking your tickets online beforehand.  We've gone twice without doing so and had to wait an hour each time to get in.  http://www.skirball.org/noahs-ark

Icing On The Cake: The Bill Graham And The Rock And Roll Revolution is at the Skirball until October 11th and included in $10 admission.  It is truly one of the most kick-ass exhibits we've ever witnessed.  Stories, artifacts, music and actual outfits worn by Grace Slick and Janis Joplin among others are highlights of the tour.  Be sure to step through - back in time - during your visit.  Kids welcome too

2 Ingredient Pancakes

/

Haute Mommies, your culinary prayers have been answered.  Style guru and HML contributor, Kelly Nishimoto @kellynishimoto dug up a saaaaweeeeet recipe that even the busiest of moms can tackle.  Takes 2 ingredients (egg and banana) to make 1 very fluffy, super-healthy, all-natural pancake.  Click the link to see how it all goes down... http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-2-ingredient-banana-pancakes-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-218658

One Haute Getaway

/

Haute Mommies, listen up!  A brand, spanking new GORGEEEEEOUS boutique hotel has opened in Cabo.  We all know and love the Thompson Brand with their slew of swanky properties in cities like Chicago, NYC, Miami, well now they've got another to add to their lineup, this time in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Introducing, The Cape.  Take the most-elegantly appointed mid-century modern decor (think 1960's Mexico-meets-SoCal vibe) and pair it with every amenity you could ask for, top it off with 5-Star service and situate it on one of the most desirable coastlines in Cabo, and you have The Cape.

With heavenly views from all corners, you'll get serious use out of the Infinity pool over-looking the beach, the slightly more-secluded/bath-water-warm salt water pool, a super sexy spa, state-of-the-art gym, most jaw-droppinly stunning rooftop and food for days and days and days at one of the deeeelish restaurants on site.

The hubs and I planned a very last minute getaway for the 4th Of July and chose The Cape after scouring the internet for great deals. http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/The-Cape-Los-Cabos Currently, they're offering a couple exclusives: Stay 4, Pay 3,  and The Great Escape - which includes ground transportation and daily breakfast for two.

We bravely planned our stay just three days after the hotel had officially opened.  Clearly there are benefits to that: the privacy, 10-staff to every 1-guest (at least it felt that way) never-before-been-used sheets...and then some drawbacks: minor construction still in progress, select rooms available....but lemme tell you, being the Guinea Pigs served us well.  The team was on point and our stay, flawless.

This was our first true getaway w/out the babe so we had a lot to lose, thank gawd we left feeling like we gained so much.  Time together to work on "us", mornings to sleep in, 1 highly-improved pool game  (yup, they've got one in the lobby) a couple killer tans, and even an afternoon spent downing one too many shots- We can thank their Welcome Tequila Amenity for that :)

While I can promise our next trip away won't be just the two of us, I can assure you, it'll be the whole family treking down south for another magical stay at The Cape in Cabo.

Gotta Try: The shrimp tacos by the pool.  O M G we had them every single day, twice somedays

Can Live Without: $25 Room service for a pot of coffee.  Go down to the hotel restaurant instead where an entire buffet is less than that.