Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Truth About Hair

Long, lush locks are desired by most women in most cultures. Women are now cutting to the chase and buying their hair now. Fake hair isn't just for black people who want weaves, now anyone of another ethnicity can get it with a snap of a finger and instantly look like they've been growing their locks out for years. In Southern California, hair extensions are becoming more common and if someone has hair past their chest, it's most likely not natural.


Hair extensions come in many different forms and lengths. Natural hair is from other countries, mainly from Europe and India, and can cost anywhere from $200-$5,000, depending on if you get it done at a professional salon. The hair is treated and cleaned before it's sold and the best brands provide free color swatches. They take anywhere from four to five hours to apply and are attached to the root of the hair through different methods.


Clip-in hair is also popular, but there's a fine line on how noticable it is that it's fake. Celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton have hair extension brands, costing anywhere from $80-$400. Clip-ins are best for special events where they're easy to take out. It's still better to look for cuticle hair, as it looks much more natural. Glued hair is cheaper method (roughly $80-$200), but falls out easier and is more damaging--only lasting for about a week.


Strand-by-strand is more popular for a professional look and are what you'll find in salons. This lasts for six months, but can cost anywhere from $600-$2,500. Weaving is more popular, a method of sewing the hair into the natural hair and lasts four to six months at $400-$1,500.

Don't go overboard. Hair isn't like makeup, you don't want people to notice that you're wearing it all of the time. Don't have your hair at a length so long that people immediately recognize that it's fake. You want people to see you instead of your hair and not be able to guess that you paid big bucks for your locks.

Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Your Body is Too Bare
 Local tattoo parlors that are the best of the best. 
Orange County 
Newport Tattoo
2611 Newport Blvd. 
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949)673-5118
www.newport-tattoo.com
Details: 
Walk-ins welcome? Yes.
Number of artists: Eight.
Additional details: Piercing available. 
Newport Tattoo looks as if it'd be the long lost brother of Kat Von D's LA Ink. They're trendy and fresh, and aren't afraid to have a little fun with their jobs. Each artist has their own style, some are even award-winning. Don't go here if you want something simple or as a first tattoo, they'll put a tattoo on you that looks more like art on your skin. 
Artist to book: Aaron. (Good at huge, detailed pieces).
Fine Tattoo Work
636 North Tustin Street 
Orange, CA 92867
(714)997-4389
www.finetattoowork.com                                                 
Details: 
Walk-ins welcome? Yes.
Number of artists: Four.
Additional details: The shop has it's very own photography studio inside for capturing their tattoos.
This tattoo parlor is proud of it's work and even has a copywrited family tattoo that the artists have. You have to go in the shop to see more samples of their work, but they have more pride in their work than most shops. 
Artist to book: Chip.(He has a more vintage style to his tattooing and he uses a lot of color.)
Long Beach
Dream Jungle Tattoo
724 East Anaheim St. 
Long Beach, CA 92663
(562)608-8888
www.dreamjungletattoo.com
Details: 
Walk-ins welcome? Yes.
Number of artists: Four.
Additional details: The shop was named after a book by Jessica Hagedorn.
Dream Jungle Tattoo has a value for making unique tattoos that are specific to each person who visits. They appreciate when customers bring pictures in, but they want each tattoo to be different than the rest. Don't visit if you're not as experienced with tattooing or know exactly what you want. 
Artist to book: Gus. (He usually does large pieces.)
Outer Limits Tattoo
22 Chestnut Pl. 
Long Beach, CA 90899
(562)437-9121
www.outerlimitstattoo.com
Details: 
Walk-ins welcome? Yes.
Number of artists: Six.
Additional details: With four different locations in Southern California, the Long Beach shop just recently opened. 
Known by it's customers as being spotless, their cleanliness and updated environment makes everyone comfortable. You pay for the cleanliness though, this shop is more expensive than most, but customers still come.
Artist to book: Kari.(Runs the shop, 30+ years of experience)
Los Angeles
Broken Art Tattoo
2400 Hyperion Ave. 
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323)661-4777
www.brokenarttattoo.com
Details: 
Walk-ins welcome? Yes.
Number of artists: Six.
Additional details: Has it's own art studio and private bar. 
Broken Art is a street shop, but has a lounge type of environment. They've tattooed celebrities like Pink, Taking Back Sunday, Angels and Airwaves, and INXS. You have to have patience though, the wait may be more than you want.
Artist to book: Jeremy.(Owner, great use of color.)
Art & Soul Tattoo Co.
2604 S. Robertson  
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310)202-7203
www.artandsoultattoos.com
Details: 
Walk-ins welcome? Yes.
Number of artists: Five.
Additional details: The shop brings in artists from around the world throughout the year.
Art & Soul Tattoos has been operating for 13 years and "specializes in custom tattoos." They're comfortable with large back pieces and detailed tattooes. Again, if you're not as experienced in tattooing, then try another place. You might be in over your head if you're new to getting tattooed. Also, it's higher priced and you even have to pay for consultations if you want certain artists.
Artist to book: Erika.(16+ years of experience) Visit the website for samples of her work.
Katie Cervantes
Live OC
www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Dress to Impress (This Christmas Season)

Form-fitting dresses will gracefully show off your curves and give you a sleek figure. Try dresses in black to slim you down and pairing it with a clutch and some bright booties for your feet. Try for a shorter length and pairing it with a faux fur mini coat. 


Sequins are everywhere, but it doesn't mean you can't take advantage of them. Try buying items that use them sparingly, instead of going on overload with them. 


Blazers are great to dress up your jeans and a sequined top. Try finding one with strong shoulder pads and rolled up, or quarter-length sleeves. 
Stick with plaid. Although plaid was a fashion staple of 2009 in each season, it's OK to keep rolling with it this December. Pair it with an oversized watch or untied boots. The pattern will make your wardrobe look festive. 


Chunky, tangled jewelry adds so much to any outfit. They're great for mixing silver and gold together in one piece and will dress up any Plain Jane's attire. Find necklaces that range in length from the chest to the belly button. 

Bows aren't just for gift-wrapping. Adorn them on your attire when attending holiday parties. Find items that have bows on areas that you need to accentuate, like your bust or booty. 


Go for gawdy. It's hard to go overboard with jewelry this season as bangles are getting bigger than ever and large, huge earrings dress up any outfit. Bling it up with faux diamond bracelets, earrings or whatever your heart desires. 
Play dress up with ties that aren't office-attire, but enough to make you look sophisticated at a holiday party. Try shiny silk ones that are a different color than the rest of your outfit, or find a trendy pattern that is a little matchy-matchy. 


Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com
I'm Dreaming of an Eco-Friendly Christmas
 Reduce your carbon footprint, one Christmas at a time


Buy a real tree Although having a plastic tree seems like a great idea to be eco-friendly, they're actually terrible for the environment. You can't recycle them, they aren't biodegradable, and they eventually end up in a landfill. Buy a real tree and cut it into several pieces or grind it up and plant it in the ground. Also, consider planting a new tree for the following year to cut down yourself. Plus, real trees are more enjoyable (they smell better and are the most real thing about having a Christmas in California).

Reuse wrapping paper and find recycled paper Try using cloth for wrapping paper, yarn as ribbon, and storage containers or bags from previous gifts. Not only does the yarn and cloth look vintage, it's original and makes it appear as if more time was spent on the gift. If you use paper, find recycled paper and be sure to recycle all of it when you're done. 

Buy fair trade gifts Find gifts that are of fair trade (chocolate, coffee), which many online companies offer, as well as farmer's markets. Also, buy organic soy candles, or clothing that is made from organic cotton, hemp or bamboo. Handmade gifts are also offered at health food stores and farmer's markets where you can find great soaps and household products that will be safe for your gift recipient, and will also be safe for the Earth. One more thing, don't be afraid to regift from previous years! It might be considered tacky, but it's worth saving the world for.  

Use real decorations Poinsettias, mistletoe, and pine cones are easy to find and can be used to decorate the front yard or inside the home.  Instead of buying a plastic wreath, make one out of your yard's trimmings and use ribbon and pine cones you already have to decorate it. Mainly avoid purchasing anything that's plastic and non-recyclable. Also, using LED lights will greatly minimize the energy used. 

Take advantage of eCards Save yourself time, money and paper by sending cards via the Internet. This is a fun alternative and will save you a bundle on stamps, envelopes, and cards. Recycle any cards that you receive in the mail, or save them so that you can reuse the pictures to make your own cards in the future. 

Cook with organic products For all of the cookies and treats you create for the season, buy organic products, and avoid buying food with packaging that is bad for the envionment (styrofoam and plastic). 

Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Monday, November 23, 2009

The Skinny on Fitness Workouts
        Ways to change up your fitness routine



Kickboxing 
Calories burnt in an hour: 500

Kickboxing is an intense workout (based on Muay Thai and Karate) that is one of the best at relieving stress and increasing stamina. It targets your arms, abs, butt, and thighs and even increases your metabolism. On top of this, it's a great way to increase your self-defense skills and will allow you to sweat out toxins in your system with each workout. Most gyms offer kickboxing, or there are many routines to follow if you get a punching bag to workout at home.  


Hula Hooping
Calories burnt in an hour: 600

Hula hooping is a great workout for getting rid of that mid-section that most people struggle with. There are different hula hoops to purchase and they increase in size and weight to help build your stamina as you get better. Many gyms and community centers offer hula hooping classes and there are a variety of routines to change your workout. 



Aerobics 
Calories burnt in an hour: 400

If you want to dance your butt off (literally), then aerobics is perfect because it's fun and fast-paced. Although there's not much strength training involved in it, it's the best kind of workout for improving oxygen flow and isn't too strenuous. It also is the best for burning fat the quickest and improving flexibility. Aerobics are great because they can be done anywhere, in the backyard or on the beach, and men are known for getting into the workout as well. 



Spinning
Calories burnt in an hour: 1,000

Spinning is one of the best exercises for burning the most calories. Just a thirty-minute workout burns 500 calories. It's not an exercise you'll get bored with as it's always challenging and always changing-- at many gyms they even have scenery in the room where it looks as if you're biking through a forest. You can even buy the same spinning videos to watch at home. After all, there's nothing like pretending you're biking through the jungle in your very own living room. 



Belly Dancing
Calories burnt in an hour: 400

Belly dancing is a fun alternative to working out and can help improve your dance moves. It targets your abdomen and hips, sculpting them as they quickly burn fat. Celebrities like Shakira and Beyonce are known to belly dance to keep their curves, yet to remain healthy and avoid looking too skinny. It's also been known to boost confidence and improve flexibility and oxygen flow. On top of it all, it improves your posture, but it can be bad on your knees so try getting started on this at an earlier age. 

Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Keep Yourself Warm
          Refreshing coats to get comfy in

Nothing says it's getting cold outside like wearing a classic black pea coat. This look is something you can wear year after year and looks great with boots and fingerless gloves. This year detachable hoods are popular for this common coat and it's great for either guys or girls. 

Huge collars are in this season. Go for a chunky coat that stands out and rests just below your jawline. You can wear this with skinny jeans and flats. Try not to wear anything extreme or big with it, as it'll make your outfit appear like it's wearing you, instead of you wearing it.  

Blazers work great for the fall because they're trendy, yet still keep you warm until Winter comes. There are many different styles for both men and women, and the range of fabrics are broad (try tweed). 

Sleeveless coats are great because they easily rest over any outfit you feel like wearing, dressy or casual. They might not keep you warm, but they will keep some of chill off your shoulders and make you look comfy. 


Fur is back, for both men and women. You can find it on the insides of coats and on collars. Try to avoid cheap fur that looks thin. Also, don't go overboard by getting an all-fur coat unless you're planning on pairing it with a dress and some tights. 

Motorcycle jackets aren't reserved for leather. This look goes great on men and looks fitted with the tight sleeves. Avoid zipping it up and wear something that's longer underneath. Pairing it with boots also works. 

Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com

Monday, November 16, 2009


Must See Concerts of the Season













A Fine Frenzy
El Rey Theatre- Los Angeles, CA
Tuesday, Nov. 17


Atticus Metal Tour
Glass House- Pomona, CA
Wednesday, Nov.18


Chris Brown with New Boyz
Avalon Hollywood- Hollywood, CA
Wednesday, Nov. 18


A Fine Frenzy
House of Blues- Anaheim, CA
Wednesday, Nov. 18


Onerepublic
Troubadour- West Hollywood, CA
Wednesday, Nov. 18


Snoop Dogg
Grove of Anaheim- Anaheim, CA
Wednesday, Nov. 18


The Fray
Galen Center- Los Angeles, CA
Thursday, Nov. 19


Deftones
Avalon Hollywood- Hollywood, CA
Friday, Nov. 20


Ray Lamontagne
Orpheum Theatre- Los Angeles, CA
Friday, Nov. 20


The Misfits
Galaxy Concert Theatre- Santa Ana, CA
Friday, Nov. 20


Hollywood Undead & Atreyu
Wiltern Theatre- Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, Nov. 21


The Misfits
Keys Club- West Hollywood, CA
Saturday, Nov. 21


Say Anything
Troubadour- West Hollywood, CA
Sunday, Nov. 22


Papa Roach & Jet
Club Nokia- Los Angeles, CA
Monday, Nov. 23


Thrice
Avalon Hollywood- Hollywood, CA
Monday, Nov. 23


Switchfoot
House of Blues- Anaheim, CA
Friday, Nov. 27


Rockaliforniafest
Los Angeles Sports Arena- Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, Nov. 29


DJ Quik 
Key Club- West Hollywood, CA
Sunday, Nov. 29


Dashboard Confessional
Troubadour- West Hollywood, CA
Monday, Nov. 30


Less than Jake
House of Blues Hollywood- Hollywood, CA
Friday, Dec. 4


KIIS FM's Jingle Ball w/ Taylor Swift 
Nokia Theatre LA Live- Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, Dec. 5


A Rockapella Holiday
Smothers Theatre- Malibu, CA
Sunday, Dec. 6


Morrissey 
Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk- Universal City, CA
Thursday, Dec. 10


Metallica
Honda Center- Anaheim, CA
Thursday, Dec. 10

Katie Cervantes
Live OC Magazine
www.LIVEOCMAG.com