I often crave Indian Naan bread. It’s warm, spicy & sweet, and comforting to eat. So it’s no surprise that when I went to visit the Santa Monica’s newest yoga studio, Naam Yoga, I found a correlation between my favorite bread and the similar sounding Yoga Studio. 

Naam Yoga, a successful studio in Chelsea, New York City, decided to pack-up its mats and move to the West Coast. Now, a complete wellness center, Naam combines the celebrated Naam practice with the benefits of Vinyasa, Iyengar, Jivamukti, Prenatal/Postnatal and Restorative yoga as well as Pilates, Zumba, Sculpting, Dance, Breath-work and healing meditations.

The space has a chic urban feel. For busy Los Angelenos, there is a Wifi-ready sitting room. More perks include a free meditation class, massage and acupuncturists at your beck and call. Specialty classes focus on cancer, thyroid problems and autism.

None of this surprised me when I learned that Naam Yoga is a non-profit organization. I think this infuses its sense of community support and the welcoming reception it offers local residents, including three free day passes (get yours quick).

I wanted a first hand experience of the studio so I took instructor Kyra Anastasia’s Candle Light flow class (with live music). It was a true spiritual experience. Kyra shared engagingly positive thoughts and led us in a delightful exercise in which we sent good energy to our neighboring yogis. We stretched, inhaled and exhaled until we almost blew down the building. And that’s when I made the Naan bread connection. I realized that I hungered for what Naam Yoga had to offer me. That this sense of community, well-being and enlightenment satiated and pleased me just like my Naan bread. Be sure to get a taste!  Http://www.naamyoga.com

We see life through Artist’s eyes. Whether it’s through a Renoir painting in a museum or a sprawling mural on an urban street wall. But how does an Artist see through another Artist’s eyes?

I learned the answer from legendary photographer Jim McHugh this past weekend at Timothy Yarger Fine Art, in Beverly Hills. The event was in connection with The Getty Museum’s “Pacific Standard Time” exhibit celebrating Los Angeles Artist’s between 1945-1980.  Jim McHugh is considered the pre-eminent portraitists of West Coast artists. Just a few of his many subjects include: David Hockney, Ed Modes, Beatrice Wood, Sam Francis, Robert Irwin, Robert Graham, Rachel Rosenthal. 

Jim was interviewed by Journalist, Barbara Isenberg. The setting of the event was wonderfully intimate. We gathered around like old friends in a living room, nibbling on delicious snacks prepared by LA’s celebrity Culinary Artist Nancy Silverton of Pizzaria Mozza. The crowd was filled with art lovers, collectors and an impressive group of Jim’s celebrity artist friends including Douglas Kirkland, Billy Al Bengston, Guy Dill, and Joan Quinn.

For a man who has shot pictures for People Magazine, Vanity Fair, and Architectual Digest, I found Jim to be gracious and humble, and full of charming quirky anecdotes. He described the sensitivity and respect that is demanded when photographing an artist in his or her studio. I especially enjoyed his retelling of Artist Bob Graham’s quote “Having somebody in your studio is like having somebody in your underwear drawer”  and the tale of visiting Raymond Pettibon’s home where his mother insisted that he give Jim a piece of art work (which now proudly hangs in his home).

Jim is as passionate as ever about his work sharing with us that “Inspiration does not visit the lazy”. Another extensive collection are pictures of iconic buildings in Los Angeles, all shot on Polaroid. You can see the pictures in his book “Let’s Get Lost”.

Let’s just say that we all got lost (and are not anxious to be found) in Jim’s beautiful photographs that are on view at Timothy Yager Fine Art through December 23rd. An experience not to be missed. The gallery is at 354 N. Bedford Drive and you can visit the web at: www.yagerfineart.com

I’m happy to announce that I got my “Bella” on at the The Century Plaza Hotel last week. In the midst of a major “Twilight” convention, I was introduced to the Pro Beauty Tool Twilight line. For mere humans, this means you can now can get some serious Vampire hair. Take it a step further and choose which movie character you want to look like by picking the appropriate hair tool. How cool is that? No wigs. It’s all you. The secret is in the styling products according to on set Twilight celebrity Hairstylist Beatrice De Alba. After you purchase your tools, hop on utube and watch her tutorial videos. Here’s a tease of my favorite, Bella: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHmwkk-AQo8

I love the look of the entire line. Sexy and sleek.  Create your own movie set at home. When your  finished styling your hair, go look in the mirror. You’ll swear you’ve been bitten.

One can clearly understand why Montage Laguna Beach was built on land originally named “Treasure Island”. Any Pirate would be happy to sail its ship and dock at this fine hotel. Although not exactly made of gold, it’s sprawling 30-acre craftsman style buildings are fit for a King…and his family. There is a real decadence combined with a warm and fuzzy family feel at Montage Laguna Beach. Either experience is available. Wade in the private spa pool or sit around a fire pit eating smores and listening to storytelling with your kids. Your lovable pet is welcome and if you don’t have one you can visit the resident Falcon program and get a first hand look at an Owl or Falcon. Adult fare includes a renowned cheese gallery and charcutterie featuring a hundred cheeses from around the world. A private consultation can be arranged with Chef de Cuisine Casey Overton. After your meal, head-out to the beautiful Studio Garden and lawns for a stroll. The Ocean view is so spectacular that I wouldn’t be surprised if actually you did see saw Jack Sparrow sailing by his with his crossbones and sails.