All things San Diego, Part I

Torrey Pines | Image Via

As we prepare our family for a big move, there's been a lot of reflecting about all of our time in Cali. This is the first place we’ve been able to settle in and actually live some semblance of a normal life. We love it here and we are sad to leave, but are excited for the next chapter in our lives. I thought it would be fun if I shared my definitive list of ALL things San Diego!!

Best Waxing: La Di Da Sugaring with Kelly

Kicking it off with the good stuff. So the best waxing is, in fact, not waxing, but sugaring. A mixture of sugar, water, and lemon juice applied directly to the skin to remove hair. I could go on for days about how it’s less painful and more sanitary than waxing, but you should just check it out. Owner Kelly Fritz is one of the most magical people I’ve ever met, she just radiates friendliness and can get your who dolled up in record time. I started seeing Emily in the evenings to work around The Captain’s schedule and she’s equally wonderful! These ladies will change your life.

Best Hair Cut: Meghan Noel Salon

I have been seeing Meghan ever since I hit on her in a Robeks. But seriously, I was like, “you have beautiful hair.” She was like, “I’m a hair stylist.” I was like, “give me them digits.” Meanwhile The Captain sits in the car with the dogs confused. I get in the car and he asks, “did you just get that girls phone number?” Perv. The rest is history! With stellar prices and a real knack for hair artistry she’s worth the drive from any part of SD.

Best Facial: Serenity Skin Care

I haven’t been able to make it in for a facial in some time, but when I do Ann Duke is who I call upon!! This lady knows skin! And on top of that, she’s a lovely human being! SSC is run out of her home in Hillcrest and she and her husband, Mario are just as charming as they come! I still swear that her monthly facials are what continues to keep my skin happy and healthy, even years later.

Best Tattoo Artists: Charlie Cung at Guru Tattoo and Shannon Nordin at Remington Tattoo

If you are look for awesome black ink work with a focus on mandala and dot work then Charlie is your guy. He’s so chill and an artist through and through. Shannon did The Captain’s back piece which turned out absolutely amazing. He does more traditional style tattoos! Both parlors are super chic and crazy clean.

Best Botox: re:vive salon & spa

Yep, I’ve dabbled with the tox. I know it’s pretty much the opposite of my healthy, natural living... blah blah blah. Everyone has their thing, you eat a steak a week and I keep my forehead forever youthful. So if you are thinking of getting some enhancements, Kathleen at re:vive is totally who you should see! Not only does re:vive offer the best price in San Diego, [10$ a unit] Kathleen is a rn and a trainer for the company, she really listens to what you’re after. They have a Doctor that works in the office and comes and talks to you before you have your botox injected.

Best Dentist: Poway Dental Arts

The nicest dental crew in North County. I love Michelle and all of the staff! Dr. Rich is such a nice guy and is pretty easy on the eyes too!

Best Work Out: Major tie: The Dailey Method RB & The Bar Method Carmel Mountain

I have had the most lovely experiences with both of these studios. I did Bar Method for nearly 2 years pre-baby and loved the teachers and the method. After baby, I tried out Dailey Method because of child care, but was happy to find another lovely studio filled with wonderful people and a killer work out. I wish I could’ve been a member longer!

Best Hiking: Torrey Pines

So not the most creative answer, but alas the most beautiful and calming. I love hiking by the beach and this hike makes me happy. I also dig Iron Mountain... if you’re in the mood to hike something called Iron Mountain...

Stay tuned for Part II for all my favorite spots to eat! Yes, ALL OF THEM.

Lotion, Sunscreen, and Toothpaste! Oh My!

photo via Kelsey Erin Photography

I know I mention it quite a bit, but I love my city. San Diego is the best, like EVER!! While visiting our most favoritist farmers market, the Little Italy Mercato, I found my super hip sister-in-law found the coolest skincare vendor and made my day week month year. What can I say!? Skincare makes me giddy and The Holistic Science Co. is the bomb dot com. I am so obsessed with their products, their ohhhh-so-many products. Natural toothpastes, mouthwash, lotions, sunscreens, and so on and so forth!!! All of the products are handmade in San Diego by the majorly cool Holistic Science team. Seriously, they are so great. They will spend ages talking to you about their products, why they were developed, what's in them, and how to use them. Every product has a 100% satisfaction guarantee which is magical when you have the most unpredictable skin ever. I have been using the Pure SPF-15 Facial Moisturizer and the Ultra Corrective Facial Cream for a few months now and I am just absolutely loving them! Both products are vegan, #winning. My skin has been so moisturized and glowing since I've started using this regime. My acne still flares up now and again, but it's all hormonal around my chin, so I can deal. The Intense Nourishing Cocoa Butter is so great on my crazy dry legs and helps with my booty stretch marks… what? Girl's got some hips!! They sell at the Little Italy and Hillcrest farmers markets and all of their products are available online. You can also check them out on Twitter and Facebook. I totally suggest that you do!!!!

Women Who Rock

This is something that I'm really excited about for the blog! I've met some super cool chicks over the years who are all brilliant in their chosen field and I want to share their awesomeness with you! So every few weeks I'll be sharing a quick interview to break down their beauty/style/food philosophies! Fun, right!? I'm starting this week with the ah-mazing Ann Duke, owner of Serenity Skincare in San Diego. I met Ann through a close friend who knew that I need a skintervention and I've had the pleasure of getting regular facials from her for almost a year. I have to say not only is she a genius, she’s one of the most loving and friendly people I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. What drew you to a career in skincare? I was in corporate America for 13 years as a consultant for Sales, Customer Service and Presentations Skills workshops. I found that I didn’t have control of my time or income. I wanted to have my own business and wanted to find something to do that I loved. I read “What Color is Your Parachute” and one of the things she recommended was to look at what you read for fun. I realized the stack of magazines next to my bed, were all about make-up and skincare not how to run a better training class, so I went back to school and never looked back. I worked for other people for about 7 years to learn the business then opened my own in 1998. Now, I see clients and am back to doing workshops for one of my product companies, teaching other estheticians our product line and treatments. I’ve come full circle!

How would you describe your personal skin care philosophy? Cleanse, correct and nourish. Every skin condition needs to incorporate these steps. Most people over moisturize and under cleanse. Use a clean, white washcloth each time you wash your face. This way you make sure all the make-up is removed.

What’s your best advice for ladies with acne? Besides coming to see you ;) Acne is a hereditary condition that is comprised of: 1. Skin cells that don’t want to slough off  2. Thick sticky oil 3. Inflammation 4. Hormones 5. Inability to fight off the p-acne bacteria

We can’t do much about hormones, but you can use products that exfoliate the skin, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and break up the oil. Sometimes people over-treat acne, overstimulation creates more inflammation which can exacerbate the problem. So it’s important to balance clearing, drying products with hydrating (not clogging) soothing products to help heal skin. Ice is a great tool for underground, papules. Placing ice on the area for 5 minutes helps reduce the inflammation and lessens the size of the bump.

What is the biggest mistake women make when it comes to their skin? They don’t remove their make-up, they forget to reapply sunscreen, and they think sunscreen means they can stay in the sun all day with no repercussions.

If you could only use one product for the rest of your days, what would you choose? Rhonda Allison Daytime Defense, it’s an all-natural 30 UVA/UVB sun protector. 90% of aging comes from sun damage. This man was a truck driver and the right side of the picture is where he had sun exposure from the driver side of his window.

Anyone else thinking it's time to reapply sunscreen?? I, too, love the Rhonda Allison Daytime Defense. It's a great product that protects, but doesn't break out my skin! Make sure to check back Wednesday for an  outfit post!