A few other nice things about Alba Botanica is that it comes in a 32oz. bottle that fits nicely on the edge of the tub, comes in so many amazing scents, and the company as well as their suppliers never test on animals.

You can also go to the Alba Botanica website, and read all the product ingredients and order online, or decide which you like ahead of time and save some time shopping.

 www.albabotanica.com

Laurel House, better known as the “QuickieChick,” is the author of “QuickieChick’s Cheat Sheet to Life, Love, Food, Fitness, Fashion and Finance on a Less than Fabulous Budget” (St. Martin’s May 2012), based on her website QuickieChick.com. She is a Fit Living Expert, certified personal trainer, 3x published author (soon to be 4x), as well as a nationally recognized television show expert, magazine writer and healthy living spokesperson. As a travel, spa, fitness, beauty, dating, and trends journalist, she has written thousands of articles for dozens of publications including Fit Yoga, Women’s Health, Men’s Journal, DailyCandy and Playboy. She now has her own “QuickieChick” channel on Yahoo! Shine, is the spokesperson for Your Shape Fitness Evolved for Xbox Kinect and Wii with over 92,000 “fans” on Facebook, plus her “Quickie Workout in Bed” and other “Quickie” videos have had over 6 million views on YouTube. So don’t tell her that “you don’t have time,” because there’s always time for a quickie…

www.quickiechick.com/quickie-chick-book/

QuickieChick’s Yahoo! Shine Channel

Name: Laurel House

What do you do? I’m a writer “by trade.” But building my own business and promoting my book has me “do”ing everything from video production to social media, styling to photo editing.

Who are you? Born and bred Angeleno, daughter, mom of Beignet (my black lab), sister, friend, sassy-sisterly advice-giver.

Where are you? At home in zero-gravity chair with my computer on my lap- like always.

How we met? We actually haven’t… yet.

Something that no one knows about you? I’m afraid of flying (despite the fact that I’m also a travel writer).

What is your most marked beauty secret? ANSR. It’s an led little beauty machine that I swear immediately zaps pimples, helps minimize wrinkles, and has been a godsend to my stress-induced eczema.

What is your idea of earthly happiness? Sitting in a hammock overlooking a vineyard to the right and the ocean in front of me with my pup and my love, while eating white truffle pasta, and drinking a perfectly paired glass of wine.

I don’t leave home without? Mascara and a hair thing.

Dream Job? I love love what I do as each day is always slight different. But I think eventually I want to be a Novelist.

Who are your beauty icons? Adele- she has the most soulful eyes and gorgeous lips. Catherine Zeta-Jones- she’s just striking.

What quality do you most admire in a woman? In my book “QuickieChick’s Cheat Sheet” I talk about the 3Gs: Gumption, Grace and Guidance.

Morning glory or night owl? Neither- which is odd. I wake up whenever I do (I can’t handle alarms)- at around 8:30. Then I usually work until late- maybe 11 or 12. Even if I’m out, I can’t keep my energy up past 2am.

Family beauty secret? Under-eye cream. My mom got me on it when I was 18.

Vegetarian or carnivore? I’m a serious foodie, but I’m mostly vegan at home and eat almost everything when I go out (it’s odd I know). So I guess that makes me 90% vegan.

What is your signature style? I love dresses that fall just above the knee and too high stilettos. But that’s only when I go out. I generally am I sweats or pjs (since I work from home).

What Country would you most like to live? Italy or Switzerland. I also love Finland. Of course, there’s nothing like Santa Monica.

Favorite color? Hot Pink. I call it “QuickieChick Pink” It makes me happy.

Favorite flower? Lotus. Unfortunately it only blooms 2 months a year- just like my favorite foods- White Truffles and fresh Dates on the stem. I think it’s a form of torture… that my favorite things are only available to me for a limited time. I also love Gardenias and Orange Blossoms- of course both are too delicate to put in a vase.

What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without? Jurlique Herbal Recovery Serum, YoungBlood Liquid Mineral Foundation, Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm, Bare Escentuals Cheerful Blush.

Mascara or lipstick? Mascara

Shower or bath? Showers to get clean. Baths to get calm.

What is your favorite part of your Body? My stomach

Vogue or New York Times? Both

Favorite blog? BettyConfidential and FabFitFun

What is the best part about your beauty routine? It’s fast. I think it takes me a total of maybe 4 minutes- maybe.

What is your beauty motto? No matter how pretty your face is, it’s your smile and energy that makes you beautiful.

One wish right now… at this very second… for a red velvet cupcake to be delivered to my door that magically won’t be stuck to my thighs in the morning.

About the company:

Art of Beauty was founded in 1986 by Zoya and Michael Reyzis. They had a shared vision, which evolved from a small nail salon into a spa focusing on natural nails, skin care and alternative European herbal treatments. Zoya Nail Polish has been awarded as the longest wearing natural nail polish by an independent panel in Women’s Health Magazine. Zoya is a nail polish free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor. They offer over 300 gorgeous nail colors to choose from, plus 4 seasonal collections every year.

www.zoya.com

Even as a child, Louis knew he wanted to be a hairstylist, which is why, after graduating with a BA in business from Duquesne University in 1986, he immediately enrolled in a night beauty school in Pittsburgh.

Louis’s break into the big time came as a surprise via Garren, who arranged for Louis to serve as hairstylist on an editorial shoot for Italian Vogue with legendary photographer Steven Meisel.  Since then, he has worked with many respected photographers including Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier, Walter Chin and Terry Tsiolis on editorial and cover shoots for American Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Allure, among others.

Louis demonstrates the extraordinary ability to transform the hair of his subject(s) on the spot, altering the style and context spectacularly – from grunge goddess to Park Avenue Princess.  In addition to his work as a freelance artist, he maintains a position as senior stylist at the Garren New York Salon.  He takes great pride and much satisfaction from all aspects of his career, and considers himself extremely fortunate to be able to work professionally doing something he enjoys so deeply.

SALON:
Garren New York
http://www.garrennewyork.com
212-841-9400
Contact:  Aphrodita / Lisa

AGENCY:
Judy Casey Inc
http://www.judycasey.com/hair/louis-angelo
212-841-9400
Contact:  Aphrodita / Lisa

Name:  Louis Angelo here!!

What do you do?  I am a hairstylist!

Who are you?    I just learned I am a master number 11 in numerology!  Im also a friend, a lover, a guide and a companion.

Where are you?  I live in NYC

How we met?  I met Christy Coleman on my very first shoot years ago for Pringle of Scotland.  She was already a star… I was very shy.

Something that no one knows about you?  I have to have some secrets girl!!

What is your most marked beauty secret?  My beauty secret is sleeping on back without a pillow!

What is your idea of earthly happiness?  Earthly happiness would be a common
VEGAN state of mind for all ESPECIALLY OUR GOVERNMENT.

I don’t leave home without?  I don’t leave the house without a kiss or text from my man!

Dream Job?  In by 9 out by 4 and the hair is adored by millions!

Who are your beauty icons?  Young Liz, Young Sophia, Young Marilyn and Miss Kate Moss.

What quality do you most admire in a woman?  Visionary direction and Leadership.

Morning glory or night owl?  I’m a morning glory.

Family beauty secret?  Olive oil everywhere! Hair body etc. and eat it too!!

Vegetarian or carnivore?  I’m a bit if a veggie with a vegan slant.

What is your signature style?  Sportswear Redux!!

What Country would you most like to live?  I love living in THIS COUNTRY!

Favorite color?  RED RED RED

Favorite flower?  Orchids

What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without?  I can’t live without OLIVE OIL

Mascara or lipstick?  I’m a mascara kind of guy!

Shower or bath?  I’m a shower guy

What is your favorite part of your Body?  Love my lips & mouth!

Vogue or New York Times?  VOGUE ALL THE WAY BABY!

Favorite blog?  Too many

What is the best part about your beauty routine?  Its short yet effective!

What is your beauty motto?  Take care WITH your SELF.

One wish right now…to marry my man and secure that big house in BK!

Firefly from Power Suit

FIREFLY BIO:

Firefly was created in 1999 on a whim after owner, Erinn Berkson, found an old list she had written titled, “Things to Do That Matter”.  It read, “Play Guitar.  Write short stories.  Have an art show.  Open a store.”

While she still hasn’t grasped the basic guitar chords, she has harmoniously created a space that encompasses just about everything she treasures.  Here you can find anything from handmade Peruvian blankets to 14k gold monogrammed necklaces.  Known for its selection of books focusing on contemporary art and architecture, Firefly also carries a wide array of merchandise including women’s clothing, jewelry, soaps, candles, items for home, cookbooks, letterpress stationery and a treasure trove of silly whimsy.  It’s easy to spend a lot of time here.

Come on by and say hi.

KID BIO:

Kid Firefly opened in 2011 as an offshoot to the original Firefly store.  When owner Erinn Berkson had a child, everyone asked if she was going to expand the children’s section, but she insisted she didn’t have the room as she was already bursting at the seams with an eclectic assortment of merchandise.  In order to do it right, she knew it needed it’s own proper space.

When the opportunity to expand arose just a couple doors down from the original Firefly, she knew in an instant she had to take the offer.  It just made sense, and she was more than thrilled to be able to focus on a space dedicated solely to kids.  Building on her knowledge of retail and her love for all small treasures, she wanted to create a more modern, clean environment to showcase the bright colors she knew would be stocked on the shelves.

From toys to home decor, whoopie cushions, maracas, mohawked knit dolls, recycled chalk, fluorescent pencils and classics like her childhood favorite, Where the Sidewalk Ends, the shelves are stocked with delightful, worldly items.  Kid focuses it’s clothing from newborn to 6 years old and carries upscale brands like Anthem of the Ants, Baby Ya Ya, Chaser, Egg Baby, Kit and Lili, Munster, Nui Organics, Paige Lauren and Pink Chicken to name a few.

http://www.shopfirefly.com/

http://kidfirefly.com/

http://www.shopfirefly.com/blog/

Name? Erinn Berkson

What do you do? Owner of two shops; Firefly and Kid Firefly on Abbot Kinney in Venice, Ca.

Who are you?  Erinn Berkson.  I own two gift shops on Abbot Kinney in Venice, CA.  One is eclectic with lots of items for the home, books on art and architecture, accessories, clothes, cookbooks, letterpress, apothecary, so many treasures: www.shopfirefly.com.  The other is a modern kid’s shop: www.kidfirefly.com.

Where are you?  I am most likely to be found at one of my shops or roaming the walk streets of Venice with my daughter, Mia.

How we met?  We’re neighbors, but I’d have to say we truly met when I invited myself inside Christy’s beautiful home, and we got to chat about so many true and novel things.

Something no one knows about you?  I moved 23 times before the age of eighteen.  I have lived in California, Washington, Idaho and Arizona. For this reason, I love small towns, culture, locals, sunshine, moving at a moment’s notice and standing still.

What is your most marked beauty secret?  I get my eyelashes tinted.  I’m sort of a get up and go gal, so I think this really helps.  I only wear makeup when I want to jazz myself up.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?  Soaking in the rays.  My favorite sensation is sunshine on my face.  I love the feeling and smell when you have arrived in the desert.  I’d say a trip to Joshua Tree is in order.

I don’t leave home without?  Lip balm and a ponytail holder.  Hopefully I remember my keys and cell phone, too.

Dream job?  I have it!  I’d also fancy writing a novel or being a professional craftster, but who’s got the time?

Who are your beauty icons?  Frida Kahlo sans the monobrow?  Gosh, I mostly get inspired by real people or strangers I see.  If we’re talking people in the magazines I’d say Helena Christensen, not to date myself or anything like that.  I’ll give some props to Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Sienna Miller, Lauren Hutton, perhaps the tribeswoman I saw in National Geographic.

What quality do you most admire in a woman?  Grace amidst the unbelievable multitasking we do.

Morning glory or night owl?  I’m an early riser for sure.

Family beauty secret?  My grandmother used to say, “With sunglasses and lipstick, you can be seen anywhere!”

Vegetarian or carnivore?  I love it all.  Truly.  I could give up meat, but I could never give up vegetables.

What is your signature style?   Wet hair in a ponytail, a scarf and flip flops.

What country would you most like to live?  If not Venice, then Mexico.

Favorite color?  Fuchsia, no green, no turquoise, maybe yellow.  I love orange.  It’s the combinations that strike me.  This is typical with numbers and songs as well.  Don’t ask me to choose.  I have lots of favorites.

Favorite flower?  Dahlia, but I’d prefer an agave plant any day.

What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without?  Dr. Robin’s sunscreen for my daughter.

Mascara or lipstick?  Mascara

Shower or bath?  Definitely shower.  Baths are not relaxing to me.  I always have to bring nail clippers or something to do.

What is your favorite part of your Body?  My hands.  They can do so many creative things.

Vogue or New York Times?  Daily Mail (Shhhhh)

Favorite blog?  I’m late in the game, but I just started one: www.shopfirefly.com/blog.  I am a big fan of interior or design blogs like www.style-files.com or www.swiss-miss.com.  I’m also enchanted by www.lovelymorning.com.

What is the best part about your beauty routine?  I don’t have one.

What is your beauty motto?  When feeling drab, a little fresh air, laughter and sunshine does the trick, but Aunt Patsy says, “Darling, do highlight your roots.”

One wish right now?  To find some balance between all the juggling I’m doing prepping for the holidays.  Oh, and hopefully Santa will bring me some good loot.

There are a few different versions and colors to choose from making it the perfect Christmas gift!
 
www.clarisonic.com

Spirit Demerson started the online boutique Spirit Beauty Lounge after spending a lifetime trying to reconcile her love of luxury cosmetics, with her commitment to a sustainable & healthy lifestyle.
“I always wished there was a place to shop in a luxurious environment, where all of the products were as clean & green as they were beautiful; where I knew the companies I was buying from shared my belief and passion for sustainability and wellness” says Spirit.
This place didn’t exist, so, she created it!

www.spiritbeautylounge.com

Name:  Spirit Ireland Demerson

What do you do? I’m the founder and president of spiritbeautylounge.com – the premier online boutique for luxury organic beauty & lifestyle products.

Who are you?  A woman who wants it all.

Where are you?  Park Slope, Brooklyn, NYC.

How we met? Mutual friend Rona Berg.

Something no one knows about you?  I had 8 body piercings! Only a couple people know where all of them were.

What is your most marked beauty secret?  Be thoroughly and completely you and no one else and you’ll always be beautiful – also I’m a freak about sunscreen – won’t spend one minute in the daylight without SPF 40 or higher.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?  Isabelle Adjani said “balance in everything with a few sparks of excess.”  I think that’s about right. Especially if the excess is amazing food or the occasional handbag splurge.

I don’t leave home without?  My M.I.L.K. (money ID lipstick keys), and Blackberry and Iphone.

Dream Job?  If I weren’t doing this, I’d say I’ve always wanted to travel more.  I’d love to be an antique or home décor buyer, sourcing from all over the planet.  I also wouldn’t mind being a well-kept housewife and mother…a totally feminist one of course.

Who are your beauty icons?  Beauty itself IS my icon!  The women on my inspiration wall in my office range from Barbara Streisand to Beyoncé, Gisele to Georgia O’Keeffe… and I feel my purpose in life is to embody, create, appreciate, protect, spread and share beauty with the world.  This something I’ve felt strongly, even since childhood.

What quality do you most admire in a woman?  Confidence and playfulness.

Morning glory or night owl?  Morning glory!  In a perfect world I’d rise with the sun, but more often than not I’m up really late, unfortunately. I’m a bit of a workaholic perfectionist so I don’t get to rest and rise as I’d like.

Family beauty secret?  Lipstick – bold, bright lips for bold, bright women!

Vegetarian or carnivore?  Omnivore, unfortunately.  I’d love to be vegan but I’m a serious foodie.  I’m the type of girl who has multiple foodgasms.  It’s been really hard for me to reduce the animal sources in my diet as much as I try.

What is your signature style?  Cosmopolitan glam with a hint of edgy attitude.

What country would you most like to live?  I’ve lived in Spain and South Africa, visited many others…I love France…but I live in the one country I love most, the USA.

Favorite color?  Magenta

Favorite flower?  Tree Peony

What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without?  You’re asking the world’s biggest product junkie!  My essential kit right now – even if I’m just going somewhere overnight, is my Soapwalla Deodorant, Tata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence (It works as a 3-in-1 cleanser, toner and moisturizer in a pinch!), and Vive Sana sunscreen.

Mascara or lipstick?  I was always a lipstick girl but mascara can be a little miracle sometimes too.

Shower or bath?  Bath, darling, and a glass of wine.

What is your favorite part of your Body?  My brain – it’s pretty hot if I do say so myself.

Vogue or New York Times?  I got my first subscription to Vogue when I was 9.  I know this is creepy but I’ve kept almost every issue.  I have a storage space back in Cali full of them.  I’m a collector, not a hoarder!

Favorite blog?  christycoleman, fig+sage, nomoredirtylooks, sartorialist, facehunter, the coveteur, gastrochic, the selby, refinery29…I’m very visually oriented and a bit voyeuristic – I love blogs that give me a chance to do the people-watching I’m starved of while I’m in the office.

What is the best part about your beauty routine?  I’m persistent!  Most of the women I know will use something off and on for a month and then give up.  I use eye cream twice a day, EVERY day – that’s why it actually works…and I started when I was 25.  The best thing about natural skin care is that it goes a long, long way in preventing the signs of aging and irritation.  Too many of us wait until we see something we don’t like and then want to find something that will reverse it right away – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to natural beauty routines.  Some damage can’t be undone so don’t let it happen, ladies!

What is your beauty motto?  Beauty is as beauty does.

One wish right now…  A pre-holiday vacay on the beach!

Jane Iredale Dot the I
I cant keep enough of these on hand. Great for touch-ups on and off set.  A perfect addition to anyone’s makeup bag.

Weleda Skin Food

This has always been one of my favorite products.  I can not get on a plane without it.  The scent is intoxicating.  Beware though this cream is thick.

Dr. Hauschka Aromatherapy Bath Kit

If your recipient happens to travel a lot, this is a great gift to guarantee a relaxing bath when they arrive at their destination.  And they fit easily in your carry on. There are 5 oils to choose from: Lemon, Lavender, Rosemary, Spruce or Sage.  You can also break up a set and give to 5 different people!

Pangea Lip Care

A great consistency and 3 flavors to choose from, these are perfect for a stocking stuffer or to tie in a bow to beautify any package.

Sparitual Black Board Eco-Nail File
If you are anything like me you can’t keep up with nail files.  I would be ecstatic if someone bought me these, and they are biodegradable!

As a makeup artist for 20 years I do have my opinions on beauty. I’ve always felt that addressing beauty from the outside only achieves half of the goal.  Although I make it my living to create beauty on the outside, I’m fascinated by the power of our inside beauty.  I believe we should be responsible with our beauty practices, gone shall be the days of not caring to know what is in our beauty products.  Soon it will be shared values from manufacturer to consumer. I LOVE the art of my work, but never want destruction to go ignored for the sake of design. This is true beauty. A marriage of design & responsibility based on compassion.
I sure am sappy for a NY-er!, but that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

www.dupreycosmetics.com

Name: Brian Duprey

What do you do? Makeup Artist

Who are you? A teacher that is still learning.

Where are you?  In my #1 favorite neighborhood, Ditmas Park, Brooklyn.

How we met?  We haven’t met, but I have your bags on my makeup table every day.

Something that no one knows about you? I don’t believe in plastic surgery.

What is your most marked beauty secret? Beauty from the inside out.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?  It’s inside of me and it can’t be taken away.

I don’t leave home without? IPhone & books about the Maya

Dream Job? Makeup artist or teacher.

Who are your beauty icons?  Christy Turlington, Pat Mcgrath, Elizabeth Taylor, Iman, Jane Goodall, Gaga, Louis Angelo

What quality do you most admire in a woman? Assertiveness

Morning glory or night owl? Morning glory

Family beauty secret? Vegan

Vegetarian or carnivore? Vegan

What is your signature style? 80′s. I never left.

What Country would you most like to live? US or Guatemala

Favorite color? Green

Favorite flower? Passion Fruit

What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without? Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Tea Tree Facial Wash.

Mascara or lipstick? Mascara

Shower or bath? Hot Shower

What is your favorite part of your Body? My Heart

Vogue or New York Times? National Geographic

Favorite blog? The Discerning Brute

What is the best part about your beauty routine? How little money I spend on it.

What is your beauty motto? You are what you eat.

One wish right now… Balance restored to humanity & a house in Ditmas Park with my name on it.

About Juniper Ridge:
Fresh from the Mountains! We wild harvest things like cedar from the Cascades and sage from the Big Sur area to make our outdoorsy smelling soaps, sachets, incenses and wild herb teas. 10% of profits are donated to groups who defend wilderness!
Whenever you buy anything you are voting with your dollars, and we will win your loyalty with beautiful products, by treating you respectfully and genuinely, by creating an old-fashioned family style business that takes care of its people, by demonstrating that profits and being green are not mutually exclusive and by putting our money where our mouth is in defending Western wilderness. And while this is all well and good, you should never confuse any form of consumerism with the real thing, so get out there and hike and smell the earth. Do something fun outdoors today!
The mission of Juniper Ridge is to create unique wildcrafted products from the mountains and deserts of the West that connect you with the spiritually sustaining experience of the outdoors.

 www.juniperridge.com