Arasys in the OC

Living in Orange County where fitness seems to be more a lifestyle than a trend, people are always looking for new and effective ways to stay fit and trim.
Understandably nothing beats good 'ol fashioned exercise; for example an intense 45 min. cardio-routine, on top of a strong half hour or more of weights and muscle conditioning, or maybe you have a regular sport or activity like running, swimming, volleyball, karate, etc.
Many have found, (admit it or not you feel this way too) that there is always that little problem area one can't quite tone, or smooth out excess cellulite.
Whether it's your lower abs, back of the arms, thighs, or glutes.
There's finally something that you can do for those trouble-areas and all you have to do is lie back and relax!
The Chocolate Day Spa in Costa Mesa is your personal lifestyle spa for Orange County, whom offers a unique yet effective body contouring treatment through Arasys.
Arasys is an "effortless workout". Through the use of this hand made electronic device created and manufactured by the co-inventor of the first pacemaker, Gerry Pollock. The high intensity inch loss treatment provides the equivalent of over 330 sit-ups in a 17-minute treatment reducing hips, thighs, buttocks and stomach.
Muscles seldom work individually but in groups. The Arasys system bypasses the signals normally coming from the brain that activate the muscles during exercise. This signal finds the nerves and provides an interrupted current that contracts the muscles and then relaxes them. The wave form unique to Arasys produces a slow "Ramp up", in other words a smooth contraction of the muscle making it a comfortable muscle building experience.The result is "Passive Exercise" which in a seventeen minute treatment to the abdomen is the equivalent of 330 sit ups. Because however the system has eight channels several areas of the body can be treated simultaneously. On a 12 treatment course a loss of 19 inches could be expected. In addition the treatment has a diuretic effect resulting in the removal of toxins.
Still skeptical? The Chocolate Day Spa invites you for a trial session at 50% off to experience this truly innovating inch loss treatment! Make your appointment today!

Live in Orange County and want to just get away for a few hours?
Want a little "you" time?
Take a moment for yourself where there are no clocks, deadlines, worries, or expectations?
There's a special place practically dead center of Orange County, that would take only moments to drive to (depending which end of the O.C. you're driving from).
The Chocolate Day Spa in Costa Mesa, down the street from South Coast Plaza, has got to be a simply delectable choice for you, or you and a few friends to enjoy some pampering and primping. With their many affordable yet luxurious services offered, this spa has recently expanded due to their continually growing and contented, clientele. They employ truly professional and experienced masseurs, retail as well as use quality skin care such as organic Farm House Fresh face and body goods. You're instantly greeted by a friendly and informative staff, and often times by the very owner and esthetician, Kim Arvdalen herself. For more information simply contact www.thchocolatedayspa.com, and make your appointment today, you won't be disappointed!

Summertime skin

Here in Orange County while it's count down to your child's last day of school, you may be already packing the house and car with all sorts of out door fun! Whether it be squirt guns, beach balls, picnic blankets, swim gear, buckets to sand toys! But one thing that should be well stocked, year round in fact, is the spf! Here is something to take a serious second look at, even if you're the faint of heart, because no matter who you are, protecting your skin from the suns damaging rays is this important. Having the basic knowledge about what skin cancer is, and what it looks like, can be one of the best insurance you won't forget your spf again.
It's as simple as A, B, C, and D. A is for asymmetry, growths with irregular shapes, and different-looking halves should be seen by a dermatologist right away. B is for border, moles with irregular, notched, or scalloped borders are a cause for concern. C is for color, notice if growths have uneven coloring or a variation of colors. And D is for diameter, if a growth even "beauty marks" have exceeded 5 millimeters, this is a sign to visit your dermatologist for a closer examination.
As an adult this becomes a great concern especially if you are one who rarely applied sunscreen as a child. But today there is little to no excuse why we can't prevent skin damage in the futures of our children, along with regular visits to the doctor ask for mole checks yearly, continue appropriate use of spf, avoid the heightened damaging rays of the sun between the times of 10 and 2, cover up when possible, reapply sunscreen after swimming and excessive sweating, are all positive ways to avoiding skin damage in your families future.

Tween cleaning

Every woman out there, and men you too, have had some kind of skin related question or concern. When someone wants to talk about their skin, it's usually in regards to improving it in some way or form. Whether it's clearing up acne, how to hydrate ultra dry skin, to smoothing out lines. But what if we are not talking about your mom, or even you for that matter? What if the skin in question is already at it's pH balanced-best? What if the skin we are talking about hasn't made it's way down the over active sebaceous glands, black heads, and pimple road just yet? What if you are twelve? Ten?, Even 9 years old? Well then you're probably not interested in the superficial jibber jabber of skincare quite yet, or even reading this article for that matter. But many of Orange County's moms out there who are extremely skin savvy about the importance of good skin care, the different types of skin products available, as well as the importance of preventative skin care are already thinking about the future of their childrens' skin. They want to prevent the agony of acneic skin, breaking out and the oil-slicks they once endured(or still are), due to the inevitable hormone changes their children are yet to experience within the next few years. Then some are concerned about the health factors of skincare not only for themselves but more importantly for their children. These parents of todays tweens are looking out for their kids health in more ways than one. Searching for safe, effective spf, moisturizers, lip balms, to face washes but just don't see themselves sharing their expensive creams, toners, and lotions just yet. Now that "No more Tears" or that watermelon bath gel doesn't cut it anymore, where can these parents find a product made for the already perfect skin but prepare them for the next stage? There are several ways to go. A fun and adorable organic skincare line called Good For You Girls, is 100% natural botanical ingredients that purely cleanses and protects youthful skin from the elements. Vegan approved, cruelty free, and extremely important, eco friendly packaging! www.goodforyougirls.com. Another fantastic company created right here in Orange County called Sparklehearts, is another natural bath and body line for girls. A simple line of five basic products, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, detangler and sparkly body lotion. Created by two O.C. moms, these products are always paraben, phthalate, sodium Lauryl/Laureth, and sulfate free. Vegetable and plant-based, they never use petroleum compounds or petroleum derived ingredients. "Ick! Not now. Not ever." And the best ever, "Rocking some serious style in 100% recycled packaging!"
Now we didn't forget about the boys. And this might be something that dad and son could really get into together. Man's best friend, Bull Dog Natural Skincare! The packaging is alluring for the boy and the boy within. These products are kept so simple and self explanatory. Made in the UK, their products are all natural, never containing parabens, sodium laureth sulfate, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, or ingredients from animal sources. ~Our number one rule is hope for the best, plan for the worst. With your face it’s all in the planning.~
One more gender neutral skin care line your son nor husband will make an argument about it being too "girly", is Burt's Bees. This popular, natural skin care company is available most anywhere, from Target to Macy's, anyone can find natures best ingredients with Burt's Bees and feel safe using these organic products on baby to dad. This line has it covered too, whether it's a soothing aloe body lotion to a chamomile cleansing creme. Right down to the packaging, Burt's Bees does it's very best to better not only the health of our skin but the health of our environment!
Now no one can promise that your little guy or girl won't experience a pimple or two as the teen years begin to creep up on them, but as long as mom(and dad), are better prepared with some of these safe, natural, effective, not to mention fun loving products your child will certainly be better prepared when that day arrives.

OC Fashion Week is Well Underway!

You don't want to miss this whether you live in L.A., Riverside, San Diego, or right here in Orange County! OC Fashion Week is well underway, and the hottest looks are walking your way! Right in your own back yard you have access to the next seasons top runway picks, illuminating fashions, and a front row seat to experience our future up and coming designers all from the Artist's Village of OC's Santa Ana. They have it all from men's wear to children's fashions, and of course young women's to classic elegance for any age. From head to toe, OC Fashionistas, and OC's ever growing population of metro men don't want to miss an opportunity to view, shop, and meet the latest creators and their creations contrived not from across the continent but right here in Orange County!

Friday, May 20

Event: “THE OC FASHION HOUSE” - Student Design Competition Fashion Show
Designer student participants:
· Rachel Anson- Art Institute OC
· Travis Villasenor- Art Institute OC
· Coral Castillo- Art Institute OC
· Crystalle Perez- Art Institute OC
· Karla Alvarado- Santa Ana College
· Monica Holdman- Long Beach City College
· Amber Hickman- Cal State University Long Beach
· Basil Malicsi- Cal State University Long Beach
· Dawn Roda- Cal State University Long Beach
· Kimberly Luu- Santa Ana College

Location: THE YOST THEATRE: 301 Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Time: Doors open 7pm. Show 8 – 10 p.m.
Admission: $12 GA
BUY TICKETS: http://ocfashionweek.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn

FASHION EXHIBIT: “CORSETS IN MODERN FASHION” – Cheri Wilson
Location: THE YOST THEATRE: 301 Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Saturday, May 21

Event: Lecture Series - “STYLE PRO”
Guest Speakers:
· Style, Events & Promotions - Erin Bianchi (Bloomindales)
· OC Trend Forecasting - Caroline Lettieri (nudawgntown.com)

Location: GRAND CENTRAL ART CENTER:125 North Broadway Santa Ana,CA 92701
Time: Lecture 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Admission: $20 GA, $10 students, OCFA members FREE
BUY TICKETS: http://ocfashionweek.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn

Event: “OC BORN” - 2011/12 Fall/Winter Collections Show
Designers/Brands:
· DUAL SOCIETY- Rey Aquino – Men’s
· ADOLFO SANCHEZ – Adolfo Sanchez – Women’s
· i.CTZN- Sheena Gao, Laura Krusemark – Women’s/Men’s
· MATTEBLACK – Paul & Matt Wignall – Women’s/Men’s

Location: OUTDOOR:2^nd Street Promenade, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Time: VIP arrival 6:30p. Show 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Admission: GA FREE, RSVP Required for VIP
VIP After-Party: FREE, RSVP Required for VIP
VIP/Media RSVP: ashley@theaceagency.com


Sunday, May 22

Event: “RAISED IN OC” - 2011/12 Fall/Winter Children’s Wear Collections Fashion Show
Designers/Brands:
· kangacoo DESIGNS- Katie Nguyen – Boys & Girls
· AUNTIE KERRIE– Kerrie Garcia – Boys & Girls
· FORE!! AXEL & HUDSON – Paul Nguyen -Boys

Event: “IN SUSTAINABLE FASHION” - 2011/12 Fall/Winter Designer Collection Fashion Show
Brands/Designers:
· 31 BITS– Accessories
· SIMPLY VINTAGE by SANTANA ROSE - Santana Rose – Accessories
· UPPER CLASS LABEL- Laura Mendrin – Women’s
· LOVE CLOTHING- Jill Lutrel - Women’s
· LOLA PAIGE- Jessica O'Hara, Thien Crisanto – Women’s

FASHION EXHIBIT: “CORSETS IN MODERN FASHION” – Cheri Wilson

Location: THE YOST THEATRE: 301 Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
Doors open: 11:30a
Time: 12:00p – 2:00p
Admission: $10 (kids under the age of 5 enter FREE)
BUY TICKETS: http://ocfashionweek.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn

Something Material About Thread

If you haven't already heard, The Thread Show came and went without a hitch, this past Sunday, from the back lots of The Lab shopping center in Costa Mesa, Orange County. The weather looked grim earlier on but the sun shined through bright and strong just in time, ensuring a day of shopping and mingling with the local designers who proudly shared their wares from lavish to down right organic jewelry and accessories, garments, furniture, art, eco-friendly hand bags to baby clothes. Many of the clothing vendors displayed their garments in a familiar "swap-meet" manner, so the digging through rolling racks and piles of "mix and match" on tables wasn't too enticing. Otherwise vendors such as Shaune' Young, owner of Exfolatte Body Scrub, who stood by an eloquent free standing sink along with a glass pitcher of water ready to share her luxurious coffee face and body scrub, to any and all passerby's was a real sweet treat. This impressive scrub literally acts as both an astringent as well as an exfoliate while the unique ingredients detoxifies and facilitates the breakdown of cellulite and reduction of varicose veins! Also if you were willing to wait a half hour or so you could have joined the long list of patrons who enjoyed getting their nails done by Atlas Studio pro nail techs. who were demonstrating their 3D nail art for only $5-$15 depending on what you desired. If you want to "bling"-up your nails, glam, animate, or just polish them up, make your appointment with Yoko Ono, nail and eye lash expert, or any of their talented crew at Atlas Studio in Costa mesa. This next mention may not be beauty related, but the fact that this up and coming company of hand made eco-friendly accessories, White Apple Threads, creates the most adorable and functional messenger, duffel, diaper bags, to totes was definitely a beautiful find! From exquisitely impressive soft locally sourced, recycled coffee sacks lined with a sundry of eye catching redeemed fabrics, anyone will enjoy toting around these totes.
Overall The Thread Show proved to be a shoppers delight, whether it was the music, the food, the art, or the wares you came for, all together the people and what they shared with Orange County that day was a purely pleasurable event.

THREAD Show Launches 8th Annual Independent Designer Shopping Tour

Hold on to your hats Orange County; oh and your Gucci sunglasses and your Prada hand bag too, because the Thread Show's Independent Designer Shopper Tour is coming to The LAB in Costa Mesa next week, Sunday May 15th!
Anyone and everyone who must have the latest or just be in the know, having everything to do with fashion and beauty will be there and there's no better place to host such an event than the "anti-mall". A place where art and innovation collide on a daily basis. If you haven't heard about Thread and all the talented designers they have brought to the surface, along with collaborating with the local artists, salons, and musicians, creating the epitome of a shoppers dream come true! Just to name a few, You will experience The Style Lounge; offering complimentary hair and makeup for show attendees hosted by local hair and makeup artists from various salons. The Nail Bar which is offering free manicures all day, hosted by Atlas Studio . THREAD Well is a complimentary massage lounge hosted by Balance in Motion. Be pampered by a whole new way in taking your coffee. Introducing a coffee-rich body scrub designed to shed dead skin cells, restore suppleness, and improve skin texture, exhibiting exclusively by ExfoLatte.
Read on for what is in store and if you think you can beat the next person, the first ten to e-mail me wins a free ticket to this fabulous one day affair!

THREAD Show, the multi-city shopping event promoting emerging designers and artists, is traveling to San Diego, San Francisco, Orange County, Los Angeles and Seattle on the 2011 tour. At each show, THREAD will showcase 100 of the top independent designers in each market, as well as complementary music, art, food and entertainment from locals. In 2011, attendees can expect new interactive spaces with the additions of a DIY Lounge, Nail Bar, Live Style Series, THREAD Well Lounge and a Man Cave complimentary with entrance to the event.

“By allowing shoppers to skip the third-party retailer, THREAD gives trend-setters an opportunity to meet the designers face-to-face, feed the local economy, be kind to the environment and ensure products are locally-made and ethically produced,” explains THREAD Show spokesperson, Danielle Gano. “This one-on-one connection also allows designers to get direct feedback from their consumers and lifts the veil for consumers to know exactly where their products come from.”

For eight years, THREAD Show has encouraged cities across the country to shop local by presenting a curated showcase of the most skilled and creative designers in each market. In addition to shopping prices lower than retail from the top independent designers, attendees will enjoy a Style Lounge, live music, seasonal trend showcases, a pop-up local art gallery, photo booths, live screen printing and giveaways all day. Additionally, 2011 will introduce a DIY Lounge with make-your-own fashion designs and accessories, a Nail Bar with complimentary manicures all day, a Live Style Series, a THREAD Wellness Lounge featuring massages and holistic living tips and products, and a Man Cave with beer, magazines, darts and entertainment for male shoppers.
In 2011, THREAD Show is also announcing a new Premium Ticket, available to the first 300 at the door. Serial shoppers will be granted entry one hour prior to general admission. The shopper who prefers wide open isles and plenty of room to browse will be able to enjoy first access to the collections. This limited availability ticket also comes with a gift bag packed with THREAD Show swag and a complimentary cocktail. The preview hour for each show will be from 11 a.m. to noon. Premium Tickets will be available for $25. Doors open to general admission from noon to 6 p.m. General admission tickets will be available for $5 if attendees pre-register up to 24 hours prior to the show at www.threadshow.com. $10 tickets will be available at the door.
THREAD Show’s 2011 line-up consists of:

* San Diego: Sunday, April 3, 2011 - Horton Event Space
* San Francisco: Sunday, April 10, 2011 - Metreon Shopping Center
* Costa Mesa: Sunday, May 15, 2011 – The Lab
* Los Angeles: Sunday, June 12, 2011 - The Cooper Design Space
* Costa Mesa: Sunday, October 9, 2011 – THE LAB
* Seattle: Sunday, October 23, 2011 - Fisher Pavilion Seattle Center
* Los Angeles: Sunday, November 13, 2011 - The Cooper Design Space
* San Francisco: Sunday, November 20, 2011 - Metreon Shopping Center
* San Diego: Sunday, December 4, 2011 - Horton Event Space


Each show is held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the 11 a.m. to noon hour reserved for Premium Ticket holders. General admission is open from noon to 6 p.m. Attendance is $10 in all cities – or $5 if you RSVP on the THREAD website or bring a bag of clothes to donate to a local charity in each city. Registration is now open for all cities and interested designers are invited to apply here. For regular updates, to visit the THREAD blog, RSVP to a show or subscribe to the email newsletter, please visit www.threadshow.com.

About THREAD Show // Good Style. Good Value. Good Karma.
THREAD Show is a traveling juried showcase of the best independent fashion and home designers on the West Coast, and the music and art that rock their world. This dynamic one-day retail environment has showcased more than 7,000 emerging designers since its inception in 2003. THREAD allows consumers a unique opportunity to support their local economy, reduce their carbon footprint and discover emerging designers while scoring deals and purchasing one-of-a-kind wares in a fun and unique setting. For more information, visit www.threadshow.com.