Where Have You Been, Linda?

“I’ve simply been in a state of reflection.”

-Linda Jamison

If I’m not mistaken it’s been two years since I stepped away from my blog. Naughty me. I have no fancy excuses — no exuberant stories to tell about my absence. I’ve simply been in a state of reflection. Everyone does it. And I guess I’m no different. I took some time off to work on some other things one of which was my screenplay, Dear Manolo that I re-adapted into a novel. I took some time off to support my sons  in school. And it’s been two exciting years — one of my sons graduated from high school and has already completed one year of college and I had another son graduate from eighth grade; he has already completed his freshman year of high school and the third is in his senior year of high school. All of this time I’ve been writing just not contributing to my blog. I have been feeding my writing bug through another outlet. During my hiatus from Love and Luxury I was using my talent to write for another online publication, The Style Station is an online publication founded by celebrity stylist Melissa Meister. Melissa and I connected via Instagram and we bonded right away. I have been collaborating with her since May 2018 and my official title is Beauty Content Contributor and that’s exactly what I do. Using my knowledge and insight as a former makeup artist I investigate and research current makeup, skincare products and services.  I interview the experts and the stylists who have their finger on the pulse and report of the moment tips and trends for the publication.  It’s a somewhat different vibe than what I was doing for Vigore’ in that the articles are shorter. But they are still fulfilling. They also allow me the time that I need to work on my main focus, which is the book. It is in it’s final stage and I am ready to start promoting it. I hope to start spending more time reaching out to you on my blog and my newly conceived author website as I report with more information on the upcoming events and developments. Stay tuned. 

Wishing you Love and Luxury,
Linda

Find my new author website here http://www.lindajamison.com/home.html

I Took a Pilates Plus Class for two weeks and Here’s What Happened

I’m the type of gal who loves a challenge. I never take anything at face value and I always look beyond the obvious to see what I could possibly change about a situation or what I may have missed. Having said that my weight and fitness goals haven’t yielded me the best results I desire even though I consider myself a fairly healthy eater (low carbs, healthy fats, and mostly organic) and a moderate exerciser (I bought a Peloton five months ago) that I used to use more frequently. Still, I haven’t seen quite the transformation I had hoped for.

What I had hoped for was a stunning change that would knock my socks off! Now I’m not saying that buying this fabulous piece of equipment was a total fail; what I am saying is that I think the results come a little slower from using it unless you’re putting in an extreme cardiovascular effort. My effort came in the form of 20-30 minute sessions twice a week. And then quite honestly I slacked off because of writing constraints. It’s much more trying on you physically than Pilates, mostly because unlike Pilates you can really only count on your lower body the entire time. Pilates Plus or the Lagree method founded by Sebastien Lagree combines strength and flexibility in movements performed slowly to engage the slow-twitch muscles but overlaps the exercises right behind one another with no rests so you still reap the benefits and intensity of cardio. The workout is performed on a re-vamped version of the original Reformer machine designed by Joseph Pilates that Lagree perfected called the Megaformer. In all, there are six models each with slightly different modifications and upgrades.

My first step was to research, up until this point all I knew was what I had seen on the various episodes of “Keeping up with the Kardashians” and the famed Pilates Plus studio they frequented in Studio City. Well since I live in the South Bay which is a cool 20 miles south of there I had to be a little more creative; my next alternative was either Rancho Palos Verdes or Long Beach. And to be fair the Lagree Method is only taught on the Megaformer machine; if you find a class taught on the Reformer it’s not Pilates Plus. So this made my search even more restrictive. Not only was I looking for something close but I had to find something specific to my needs and it had to offer a high energy yet welcoming atmosphere. Would I find that?  Read on and find out.

I started with Groupon because, why not? It’s the perfect place to get a sampling of what’s out there without a long time commitment. After all, who wants to be stuck in a contract or pay for a month or two of classes only to find that the classes suck or the teachers aren’t motivating or any other number of disappointing factors that could potentially present themselves? I know I didn’t and neither did my Amex. So it came down to this really cool downtown Long Beach studio called KP Pilates Plus, it is still within the Pilates Plus franchise but the owner Kelli Parsley added her initials for a little flair. The good thing was it was located less than 10 miles away; literally, a hop, skip and a jump from the Vincent Thomas Bridge (so is my house) and boasts vast meter parking or two-hour lot parking. But first I had to get set up with my Groupon. After my initial purchase, I didn’t realize that I couldn’t proceed straight to “GO”. “No ma’am do not pass “GO”, do not collect $200″. I tried to redeem my coupon only to be emailed by the owner (very politely I might add) that I needed to set up my credit card (in case of canceling a class outside of their 12-hour window so they can bill you). Although my classes are pre-paid it is standard practice in the event that you need to purchase future class packages, single classes, and merchandise in the studio and so on. I then had to send her my Groupon redemption code that she would insert and activate my trial, although the clock doesn’t really start ticking until you book your first class. My coupon in and of itself would have however expired within (60) sixty days if I hadn’t used it at all. *Different deals have different restrictions.

Once I had all of the particulars out of the way it was time to brave the wild, take a chance, be bold, embrace my inner fighting spirit…..okay you get the picture! Two days later…I booked my first class! I wasn’t sure I had the right workout gear but everything I knew to be acceptable seemed about right, leggings and a fitted tank and flip flops. And every class requires Toe-sox or some kind of fitted grippy socks so that you don’t slip and fall. Most of the moves will require you to move your feet across the carriage which is the center part of the machine. Even holding on the curved bars you could lose your balance. Trust me you don’t want to try Teaser, Catfish or Elevator Lunges without them.

 

My first class was a late evening one that I was actually late for due to construction and my unfortunate driving mishap. And by that, I mean I accidentally took the wrong exit (yes, Maps you’re not the best at direction giving) onto a highway instead of a side street. But I recovered and made it a few minutes into the session, got my socks on and quickly started off with the Wheel Barrow. The next time I vowed to come at least 15 minutes early just to get my bearings, re-familiarize myself with the equipment and to discuss my limitations and fitness goals (i.e what you expect to achieve from the class) with the instructor. I have scoliosis (a curvature of the spine) and I have had four abdominal surgeries including C-sections. It’s important that your instructor be aware of any injuries (recent or otherwise) or limitations so that they can show you modifications until you’re ready to do the full movements, eventually, you will. I was happy to take this particular class called Form and Technique as it was specifically geared to teach better form and alignment. It’s a great class for beginners and an awesome Segway to get me acquainted with the practice.

 

 

On the Megaformer, getting into plank position. At home with none other than a smooth glass of pinot, sweat-shirt $56 by Private Party shop Carbon 38.  

When that next time arrived I came in early at 8 am, well that was early enough for me. They have classes that start as early as 5 am…no thank you. My next class was standard Pilates Plus which was an awesome one. This time the moves were more familiar and I remembered where to position the springs and how to move the front But don’t be misled that doesn’t mean it was easy in any shape or form. But because I had grown accustomed to sitting in one position, working mainly my lower half of my body, boy was I in for a surprise! We worked every muscle in my body, I felt like I had awakened parts of my physique I hadn’t even known existed and yet they were such slow and concentrated moves; in fact in Pilates slow and steady wins the race. And how else do you know if you’re doing it right? When your muscles start to shake, that’s when. My legs were a-quiverin’ like crazy! That implies muscle failure and the inherent breakdown of muscle fibers that will eventually rebuild stronger and leaner. That’s what we came for people. That’s why we show up! Now I’m not going to sit here and say that I performed every move with perfect form or held every count for as long as my instructor, Jean asked of me, but that first day I DID give it everything I had! And it has given me something in return, my posture has improved; I seem to sit up straighter, I walk taller and my abs, yes my abs are starting to feel tighter and more compact and my arms and thighs are definitely getting much more definition. And I kept going back for a total of seven classes which I think equated to one class every other day or every two days. I tried to fit them in when I could. The important thing is that I feel good about myself; I’m imparting a positive sense of accomplishment to my psyche. That does wonders in and of itself.This week I’m devoting myself to a one-month unlimited package which is a huge (financial) and personal commitment. But I’ll tell you something, when my trial ended just yesterday I felt like a crucial piece was missing. I seriously felt this gut wrenching emptiness; I have gotten know a few of those gals and I like their “little shop of torture”, I say it with the utmost respect. Could this be love? We’ll see.

What chances have you taken lately? What new adventures have you opened yourself up for?

Wishing you Love and Luxury,

Linda

The Ride of My Life:PELOTON

This past Sunday was the beginning of the start of a brand-new relationship with my present self and my renewed self to come. My husband and I took a trip to PELOTON in Santa Monica, California a beautiful loft-like studio situated in the mall area of the 3rd St. Promenade. When we first arrived we had trouble finding the location although GPS assured us it was located on Broadway. Not exactly. To be sure I called the store and spoke with a gentleman who gave us specific directions. Before I knew it we were walking in.

Immediately upon entering we were greeted with a smile by Pearce, the friendly voice on the phone who had given us the directions to find the store when we were standing on Broadway looking like hopeless tourists. We had been spinning our wheels for quite some time and had been going around in circles and I guess Pearce took notice of how flustered I looked so he offered my husband and myself a water. My husband declined but I definitely needed the H2O. After some well-deserved hydration we started talking “cycle”.

How had I heard of Peloton? How long have I wanted a bike? Did I know anyone else who owned one? What did I know about it? And all that I didn’t know he was sure to fill me in. I was so in awe just to be in the studio I had to take it all in before I could fully comprehend everything that was going on. As I said before the studio is spacious with an open floor plan . It has that modern refined look with a neutral color palette of grays and cream. I took special notice of the dark ebony in the hardwood floors. Probably because I long to have similar ones gracing my own home.This place is SO inviting; I would say that they design it that way intentionally to give you the feeling of what it would be like to have it in your own humble abode. Looking back I should’ve taken more photos. Thank goodness for the internet. Full disclosure: these pictures are somewhat outdated in that upon our visit they have moved the furniture around and obviously changed some fixtures. But overall the mood and the setting was pretty consistent with what you are viewing here.

Above:Photos, Peloton studio in Santa Monica Credit: Peloton

Above Photo Credit:LindaJamison

Pearce is an exceptional product specialist (I don’t like to say sales person because he does more than sell) his personality is really striking. Not overzealous, just confident. And I can tell that he really takes pride in showing the product and giving information and it gives him satisfaction to see his customers take in the knowledge and appreciate his expertise.

Now about the bike; this is an extraordinary piece of equipment. And having an absolute state of the art piece of machinery combined with live and on-demand classes at my fingertips is a perfect combination. The touch-screen is a generous 21 inches and accommodates enough RAM and CPU power so there will be no slowing down. The Peloton cycle is pretty cutting-edge, it’s a sturdy carbon steel frame but still lightweight;it’s easy to use and it’s just small enough. It’s solid but it’s also compact so it pretty much fits seamlessly into any home; even my tiny little 2 level town-home. We’ve decided to carve out a little space in the living room. We were going to use the bedroom, but I think in the summertime although we don’t have air conditioning, (it’s very breezy where we live closer to the ocean) it’ll be even cooler on the lower level. (Remember it takes electricity to power the monitor so put it in close range to an available outlet.) Plus it’ll put it in more proximity for the whole family to use whenever they want. We want to make it accessible for everyone. The only thing that we’ll have to get are our own separate shoes.

And here’s some information that I didn’t know existed; not only are there classes that I can take but if you’re not in the mood for classes they also stream an option to ride with your own music and use their scenic views. So let’s say you want to ride through a country mountain path or take a trail ride, you can do that!

Now, the other fun part:accessories! I went with The Works accessories package just because I felt like it supported everything I needed; the floor mat,the weights,shoes, earbuds, heart rate monitor and came at a better value. Purchasing the set at once costs $229 vs. buying them all separately at a total of $287 over time. Then I opted for their cool Urbanears Hellas headphones with Bluetooth technology. They feature 14 hours of playtime per charge and they have sweat resistant washable cushions. That alone made it worth it. Who wants sweaty gross headphones? Not I. And the buds with the wires always seem to get twisted up around me. I’ll save those for when I take my short walks. The only thing I didn’t opt for at that moment was a cool Peloton outfit. But something tells me I’ll be ordering that soon. No rush for now. My cycle won’t be delivered until April 11- so I still have plenty of time. Besides, no one’s going to see me at my “home gym“. Unless I invite some of my girlfriends over and it turns into “Lin’s Gym“. Hey ladies anyone up for a Peloton ride? BYOS (Bring Your Own Shoes).

Wishing you Love and Luxury,

Linda

*Due to circumstances beyond my control some links may point to items that are no longer in stock at the time you are ready to purchase. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. The items depicted on my page are in no way shape or form gratis or compensation for advertisement but simply items of interest to me personally that I have chosen to share on my site. All photo credits (except where noted) are the property of the retail sites from which the products are derived.

Mall Haul: Break the Moody Blues

Friday January 20,2017…what a day! Too much drama for me.In the wake of all the political doldrums I had to shake myself loose and find a peaceful escape. For most it probably means a long drive down a country road, a run on your favorite path, maybe just chilling out and getting lost in a sea of re-runs but for me it means a drive (even in a torrential downpour) to my nearest shopping mall to Sephora. Okay so perhaps that doesn’t constitute itself as “peaceful” ( but I did go around 10 am and the mall was practically empty) per se but it certainly counts as enjoyable.Nothing soothes anxiety like the stroke of a brand new fiery red lipstick or the emotional connectivity you feel when your eyes meet that new eye-cheek palette, and even still no matter how many ways to strobe there are we still want another. Every time you’ll find a reason to say, “I need to try that new so-and-so and such-and-such”. I guarantee it, every time.

So on that inaugural Friday I wasn’t sitting in front of my television; I was passing through the MAC  cosmetics store on my way to Sephora. After I’d braved the rain I stopped in to pick up some basics starting with Spice Lip Pencil , Stripdown Lip Pencil, and a Spiked Brow Definer. Now those were the staples that I initially came in for but you know the party doesn’t end there, not with me anyway. Before long I was eyeing the Spring/Summer Collection put out by MAC SENIOR ARTISTS simply called Makeup–Art Cosmetics. MAC recognizes that all of their artists are devoted to their craft and as innate as their gift of giving beauty might be they are just as passionate about sustaining the progression of their creative process as well. So it was probably inevitable that at some point they would consult with their very own brilliant minds (and talent) on a collection. I think it was a wonderful idea! There are three artists who contributed to the launch Diane Kendal, James Kaliardos and Kabuki. I fell for the pastel hues of the dazzle shadows from Kabuki’s Kabuki Magic The Shining Hour eye palette.  Check out the entire collection here

Finally making my way to Sephora, I immediately dove into destination shopper mode. This time I was going back for my mom and I knew I needed a clear gloss, a plum berry lip color and her skin treatment. I needed to pick up Clinique’s Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector for her to help with some hyper-pigmentation issues. Well, I came away with most things on my list checked off, (they didn’t have the size of the Dark Spot Corrector I came in for so I had them order it and ship it to her) but I found the prettiest berry hybrid liquid lipstick by Clinique called  Pop Lacquer Lip Colour+Primer in Peace Pop . This will be excellent for mom when she wants that dash of color, which is actually quite often for my mom. She loves color!
I also brought home some more nail polish from Formula X, again they had some really cool shades that I just couldn’t live without.  And Sephora still had them on sale for five dollars each.Just like the last time, I couldn’t walk away from that. So I picked up another three, this time opting for a dark gunmetal called Vivacious, a shimmering pearlescant ruby called Blazing and a smoky violet in Atomic.

And that’s just what happened Friday, but prior to that excursion a couple of days before, I headed out to the same Del Amo Mall and did some damage then as  well.I hit Sephora as well as Urban Decay where I found the t-shirt that spoke for a makeup artist without ever having said a word.If there’s an Urban Decay store near you I highly recommend stopping in, if not get the Eyeliner Muscle Tee here. At Sephora I picked up OUAI (pronounced- “way”) hair oil a from new product line created by celebrity stylist Jen Atkin whose line brings a beachy aesthetic. Atkin styles just about everyone from the Kardashian’s to Jessica Alba to Sofia Vergara and lots more. Her line carries the basics like shampoos and conditioners but also specialty products like a dry shampoo foam and a really cool wave spray to give naturally wavy hair an extra boost right after a shampoo for air drying and what I came home with; her hair oil which my poor strands desperately need.This product which comes from her treatment category is jam packed with three nourishing oils, African Galanga, Ama and Asian Borage.  And this spring she’s launching a fragrance! Can’t wait! Read about that on Byrdie here . Now to be perfectly honest the hair oil is a bit light for my thick and coarse hair. I’m not trying to “throw shade” at Ms. Atkin but I might need to add the Treatment Mask into my system every wash to achieve optimum benefits.

Since I was stopping in for some skin care essentials I had to get my teen boys their Clarifying Lotion 3 . They don’t do the whole 3-step system but at least they incorporate this along with the Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System which prompted me to replenish the brush heads. I get the Replacement Brushhead Twin-pack . Only two brushes in the family, between me and the two boys that I can get to use new technology. Dad and the other son prefer “old school”. At least we all have our own brush heads.

 

 

 

And with liquid lipsticks getting so much attention how could I possibly go into Sephora without picking up a couple of those as well. Coincidentally, the artist who was helping me out was wearing a color that was oddly similar to the Nosefuratu that I really want from Kat Von D but always seems to be out of stock whenever I come in. Enter the convenient dupe. Believe it or not, but it was a Sephora brand, they call it the Sephora Collection  Cream Lip Stain. It’s a color called Rose Wood, in the basket it went. I also picked up a nice dusty rose nude called Pink Tea.
I also happened upon a display for Lancome’; they had launched a collection of new lip lacquers called Le Metallique Metallic Lip Lacquer. I thought it was something I should try; but I was wrong. However, I brought one home in the shade Iron Nude and so you’ll see it in the photograph above but I later returned it. It seems that it’s a little too close to my Pat McGrath. See, I can be practical. I had also decided to pick out a brown nude lip color for my mom, since she often delves into bolder colors I thought she might want to experiment with something out of the ordinary.I ended up choosing what I would describe as a soft nutty brown with just the slightest hint of pink called Crushed Pecan from Laura Mercier. Passing my way back to the checkout aisle I noticed the Formula X nail polish kiosk and I couldn’t help but notice that they were all on sale. I picked out a deep oxblood red called Obsession (Sorry no link available. Can only be purchased in store.) that I fell in love with, probably because it reminds me of the Chanel Rouge Noir I still need in my arsenal. And yet still on my way home I had to make a Target run for home supplies, where I couldn’t help but stop in the beauty section…what? The “bug” bite was still fresh.That’s where I happened upon those three lovely NYX  Lip Lingerie Lipstick colors, Bedtime Flirt (a rusty apricot) in the photo it looks more like a dusty pink, Bustier (a medium plum brown) and Teddy (a true medium brown). I took swatches of them on the inside of my wrist in the photo. The texture going on has a lot more slip than most liquid lipsticks that I’ve tried, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. But afterwards I didn’t feel much of the product on my lip, although it did have a somewhat sticky after-feel. It does have a true matte finish which is true to it’s claim but I’m not loving the color of Teddy (on me). I’m thinking I need a pinch more red/orange or yellow hues in my tones. This one seemed flat. Oh well.

NYX LIP LINGERIE LIPSTICK Colors from Top-Bottom Teddy,Bustier and Bedtime Flirt. Photo Credit Linda Jamison.

After all of that I felt pretty good and then once at home I looked through the rest of my bags of goodies, spilled them out over the bed, took pictures, tried some more things on and then I relished in the fun day I had given myself away from all of the nonsense, because in the grand scheme of things this world is going to keep on rolling no matter who’s in charge, this I know. And you know what else is going to be a constant? Makeup!

Wishing you Love and Luxury,

Linda

 

 

*Due to circumstances beyond my control some links may point to items that are no longer in stock at the time you are ready to purchase. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. The items depicted on my page are in no way shape or form gratis or compensation for advertisement but simply items of interest to me personally that I have chosen to share on my site. All photo credits (except where noted) are the property of the retail sites from which the products are derived.

 

 

 

IVY PARK by BEYONCE

Saturday April 16,2016

When it comes to motivating oneself for the rigors of the exercise element one factor stands out for sure and aside from the mental preparedness that is the first you’ll have to attain;the other is what to wear?

Picking out a workout ensemble that is both functional as well as fun can make the the difference between doing something begrudgingly (or not at all) or having that mean fighting spirit that keeps you coming back for more. And after the hard work put in take a break with a look that can go from the gym to the smoothie bar, in style. Or maybe you just want a laid back, relaxed no fuss look for quick-run errands. Lucky for us, tastemaker and exercise maven Beyonce recognized how essential the need is and launched Ivy Park, her new athleisure inspired line in collaboration with Topshop also available through Nordstrom stores.

I know for a fact that when I was at my heightened stage of ability and really focused on my training, hitting the gym regularly for work outs (cardio, HIIT and strength) it all came down to all of the principals noted above and believe it or not shopping for a new piece to add to my fitness wardrobe always lifted my moral. I’ll be the first to admit I’ve slacked off quite a bit with a gym membership sitting there at idle taking my money and producing no benefits..all on me,  I know. This might just be the inspiration, er…kick in the butt I need to get back in the gym. So here are a few key pieces I think would make a great addition to my existing line-up. *See below

Beyonce   Photo Credit Topshop

Shop Ivy Park Collection here  and here

 

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Notice how she kept the palette basic with black, white, gray and some items are a cobalt blue and a soft coral, overall not too shocking but a good punch of color. So every thing will pair with most items I already own which will make acquiring new pieces all the more enticing and practical. Also of note is the reasonable price point, with most items ranging anywhere from $36 for a Racer back Bra Top to about $65 for the High-rise Legging and $82 for the Hexagon Mesh Bomber Jacket , respectively.

And….

here’s what arrived in my mailbox today which prompted this lovely post.

ELLE MAY 2016 BEYONCE

Go and grab your copy now!  Need your Bey ELLE  fix in a hurry click here  

Wishing you Love and Luxury,

Linda

 

 

*Due to circumstances beyond my control some links may point to items that are no longer in stock at the time you are ready to purchase. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. The items depicted on my page are in no way shape or form gratis or compensation for advertisement but simply items of interest to me personally that I have chosen to share on my site. All photo credits (except where noted) are the property of the retail sites from which the products are derived.

The Kabbalah Centre and Other Sights

Saturday  April 2, 2016

The New Order of Luxury  Part Deux

Clarity.

I was seeking it the other day and it seems here lately I’ve been looking for a fulfillment not provided for by material things. At least not solely anyway. Yes, occasionally the want of the tangible is sometimes not the only answer. So I took a trip to West Los Angeles to the Kabbalah Centre Los Angeles for my red string  since I just ran out. The drive was a clearing and refreshing process in itself with  the cool air blowing in from the open windows and my Hotel Costes Volume 10 playing on Bluetooth, it was time well spent.

Jeans James Jeans here    Boots Steve Madden here    Watch Michael Kors Runway  but similar here  Tote Saks Fifth Ave

Scarf Merona for Target here

Kabbalah Centre Los Angeles    

 

 

From time to time there is a need for a deeper sense of comfort and centering. The red string is believed to ward off negative influences and worn on the left wrist, the left side of the body is said to be the most receptive side of positive energy.

Books and materials I’ve collected over the years- and of course packets of red string.

 

 

I found this place particularly intriguing partly due to the bold wooden sculpted blocked letters and secondly  for the artfully maintained landscape. It was a truly unique setting and an imaginative use of the property. Blackwelder lends itself to the use of creatives by way of renting space for media production and other related services, as per their website.

 

 

A literal garden wall.

 

I named this blog Love and Luxury and in my first post made a reference that “people can be bought”, that reference was sort of “tongue-in-cheek” because I still believe that to a certain level things do hold a special place in our hearts and bring us happiness. I also believe and would never deny that we need and depend upon a certain degree of clarity and fulfillment that comes from good energy surrounding us. Whether that energy is from the outward vibration of good friends, family or a favorite hobby we enjoy, anything that sends us to a higher state of optimism is going to benefit our sense of well being overall. That’s a luxury in itself!

Wishing you Love and Luxury ,

Linda

 

*Photo credits Linda Jamison

*Due to circumstances beyond my control some links may point to items that are no longer in stock at the time you are ready to purchase. I apologize in advance for the inconvenience. The items depicted on my page are in no way shape or form gratis or compensation for advertisement but simply items of interest to me personally that I have chosen to share on my site. All photo credits (except where noted) are the property of the retail sites from which the products are derived.