Every beauty routine needs a good daily moisturizer, adding SPF helps protect the skin from the aging caused by the sun. The two products featured, both the Juice Beauty and 100% Pure are very safe & pure options – they even score in the coveted 0-3 range in the Skin Deep Database.

The product from Juice Beauty  is very rich and moisturizing, a good choice for dry skin – it does need to be worked into the skin. The 100% Pure is very light, absorbs quickly and  is a good choice for those with normal skin.

Be sure to Subscribe to the Pure Natural Diva – PND Living Channel on YouTube – and while you are there add us as a friend too!

Protect Your Skin Image Courtesy of Sergiu Baciouiu

What is your favorite Daily Moisturizer?

Zookeeper: Fun Movie for the Whole Family

Plan For a Little Zookeeper Fun

I am excited to FINALLY share the trailer for the movie Zookeeper.  Some of you may know… Dude (aka my  husband) is a writer.

It seems like years ago that he started work on a project called “Zookeeper”…. then there was editing… screenings… effects… voiceover sessions… and at long last the wait is almost over. Zookeeper is being released this summer!

Kevin James stars in Zookeeper

So… gather the kids and make a plan… and hopefully you’ll be entertained (I know you will be), laugh. a little .. and when you laugh…. it just might be one of Dude’s jokes!

Zookeeper, starring Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Ken Jeong, Donnie Wahlberg, Jim Breuer, Brandon Keener, Joe Regan and Thomas Gottchalk.

With voices by Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, Jadd Apatow, Jon Favreau, Mark Linn-Baker, Jim Breuer, Mark Linn-Baker, Faizon Love, Bas Rutten, Maya Rudolph,
Billy Crystal, Don Rickles, Kiefer Sutherland, David Spade and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

I have yet to see the movie myself, but am looking forward to the Premiere at the end of June.   The “inside scoop” is that it is a fun movie that the kids will love – that will be fun for Mom & Dad too!

The movie will be released this Summer on July 8.

So… Do You Plan to See Zookeeper this Summer…. ?

The Montage Beverly Hills Paintbox Experience

The Montage Beverly Hills Embraces Family

Lil Diva and I were recently invited to the Montage Beverly Hills to experience the hotel and their Paintbox Program.  I love the Montage, and was easily sold with the promise of massages and afternoon tea with Lil Diva, but Paintbox?  Whats that I wondered?

Happily, on this stay, I found out! Now I keep trying to find Montage Hotels in cities where they don’t yet exist!

Before sharing, let me ask a few travel-with-kids related questions:

• Did you enjoy luxury hotels before you had your children?
• Do you want to travel with you children, and enjoy a relaxing child-free dinner?
• Have you tried to revisit some of your favorite pre-baby spots, only to feel like you had chosen the wrong spot?
• Do you really need a break, but don’t have anyone that you feel comfortable leaving the lil’s with overnight?
  

The Montage Beverly Hills offer’s visiting lil’s Paintbox

Paintbox is an exclusive childrens’s program that ensures your next visit is just the right mix of family time and mommy & daddy downtime.  Paintbox at the Montage Beverly Hills is run by the AMAZING Stacy.  She is highly experienced and has extensive child development training, not only did my lil diva love the staff, but all the lil’s in the group wanted to go back at the earliest opportunity.

I’ve seen a number of hotels offer children’s activities that typically wrap by 4PM. which doesn’t really give mom & dad a chance to have quiet time.  Paintbox is open Friday and Saturday from 6-10.

The space is located in the lower level of the hotel and don’t be taken aback by it’s compact size – they use the Paintbox room as their operations base, roving around the hotel for games on the terrace, swimming and  even meals!

Paintbox Beverly Hills is open from 9 am to 4 pm daily.  Rates are $90 per day per child and half days are available.  Evenings are $60 per child.

A Greeting Sure To Make The Lil' Smile!

The Montage Beverly Hills has a few other ways to let their pint sized guests feel welcome!  Upon check-in younger guests are treated to a mini-Mercedes stuffed with plush animals.  Lil’ Diva  happily chose her favorite brown bear.  I loved that they’ve chosen to offer one nicer quality gift offer their younger guests as opposed to something that would get used once and thrown away.

Monogrammed Neck Roll

Once in our room I was impressed with the hotel’s personal touches, from the monogrammed neck roll to the pint sized robe and slippers set on the bed… and while not nearly as elegant, I can’t think of a mom  who wouldn’t be completely charmed the personalized greeting awaiting expected paintbox visitor,  Lil’s will be excited too!

Lil Diva Welcome to Paintbox!

If you are looking for a relaxing, luxurious getaway, the Montage knows how to pamper their guests!  Quality and attention to detail encompassed every aspect of our visit.  I was surprised by the Spa – it was more spacious then expected (not sure why I thought it would be smaller!).  I loved afternoon tea -  the hand painted china it was served on was delightful.  The open kitchen at Scarpetta is GORGEOUS, did I mention that Scarpetta just launched a brand new brunch that is laid out in this fantastic kitchen!

Good Company

One of the highlights of the grown up portion of the visit was a rooftop dinner, served poolside in a private cabana.  The company was amazing, Kimberley, The Go To Mom, Jennifer from Modern Mom, Katie from La Jolla Mom, Julie Taylor from Family Finds and Alexandra from The Beverly Hills Mom – the conversation flowed with the food & wine!  I think we all shared how we met our spouses.  It was delightful… all the while the kids were having a blast at Paintbox.

Matching Grown Up & Lil Robes. Fun.

Back in the room we enjoyed a nice bubble bath and it was time for some much welcomed sleep!

One last note about Paintbox, you don’t have to be a guest of the hotel.  Dining and Spa guests are also welcome to take advantage of the paintbox program.

The Montage Beverly Hills Paintbox  Spa Offer

Through 2011 the Montage is offering an amazing promotion, book a treatment and your lil’s will enjoy 2 hours at paintbox – complimentary – while you are pampered!  LA Mama’s…  it doesn’t get any better than this!

Love letter to the FDA – I was invited to visit The Montage Beverly Hills, Lil Diva and I dined, slept, and played as the Hotel’s guests.  Even though the beds were sumptuously comfortable, and the massage at the spa melted away my stress, the organic eggs were cooked to perfection… all the opinions expressed remain my own.

The Montage Beverly Hills

225 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 860-7800

www.montagebeverlyhills.com

The Montage Beverly Hills is Family Friendly Luxury, What is Favorite Family Friendly Destinations?

Our Visit to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

Park Hyatt Aviara Review

We discovered the Park Hyatt Aviara while we were planning a family  trip to Legoland in Carlsbad, CA.  Carlsbad is just north of San Diego and just over an hours drive from Los Angeles, making it a perfect local getaway.

The Quiet Pool

One of the ways you can make keep your travel eco savvy is to go on local adventures.  I also think local trips are easier on the family in many other ways  too.  For our family, the children are out of diapers, bottles, pack n plays and our world is beginning to open up again!  We are starting to enjoy traveling together as a family!

Those who know me well know that I haven’t been a great a traveling with the lil’s.  Frankly, it exhausted me, but now that they are a little older, it’s actually becoming fun. Especially when you find destinations that truly make it a priority to cater to families like the Park Hyatt Aviara.

Back in the day, we’d escape to one of the many Southern California luxury destinations, but once we had children, it wasn’t quite the same.  We just didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of imposing our children on others – regardless of how delightful they are.  For this trip we were connecting with friends at Legoland, they chose the Park Hyatt Aviara (formerly the Four Seasons Aviara), we decided to go for it.  I’m not going to lie, I was a little  nervous.  Would we REALLY be comfortable with the children at a luxury hotel? Would I be so worried about the lil’s behavior that the trip would be exhausting?

I called the Resort directly to discuss which room might best meet the needs of our family for this trip, I have to share, from my very first contact with the hotel they were very welcoming and made a point of sharing their family friendly amenities.  While they do offer one bedroom suites, we decided to go with 2 adjoining rooms, this ended up working well for us.

Our Room

From the minute you arrive at the Park Hyatt Aviara they let you know that they welcome you and your lil’s. The front desk staff wheels out a wagon full of toys and the children get to pick one – now of course the eco savvy in me wished the toys weren’t made in china 2 days toys – but the message they are sending is clear.  Bring the family.

Family Friendly Amenities at the Park Hyatt Aviara

• Toy wagon greeting from the front desk
• Toys & DVD’s available for check out from the Concierge
• A separate pool area, spa & wading pool dedicated for families
• A super cool large family room style game room with shuffleboard, pool tables, air hockey and video games (It’s actually 3 rooms)
• Restaurants with children’s menu’s that go beyond mac n cheese
• Step stools in the public restrooms for easier hand washing for the lil’s
• Camp Hyatt.  A free day camp for  children to enjoy during your visit.  Yes… you read that right free.

  

  Welcoming Families

Our “unofficial” Aviara Itinerary

Everyone practiced their best manners at afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge – TIP – book early or you won’t get a reservation!

Clotted Cream & Scones

While the lil’s played in the pool, we took advantage of the poolside lounge.

Pool Time

While the lil’s slept, we took advantage of the games room (we had a sitter!).  Turns out I am clueless when it comes to shuffleboard, but have fun regardless.  I might have become a little addicted during our Aviara stay.

Great Games!

Dined at Vivace, a wonderful on site Italian Restaurant – they brought carrot sticks with dip out as a starter for the lil’s!  Love that.

Dined at the California Bistro where it’s worth noting children 12 and under dine FREE.  Yes, free.

Breakfast Noms

We had an amazing time.  We took full advantage of the amenities, although I didn’t get a chance to visit the spa… hmmm…. perhaps we’ll have to go back.  SOON!

The Grounds

Love Letter to the FDA:  After booking our reservation with the Park Hyatt Aviara I was contacted by their PR firm and accepted the discounted media rate during our stay they extended.  As always my opinion remain my own.

Our latest family adventure took us to the Park Hyatt Aviara, where was your last family getaway?

Contact the Park Hyatt Aviara: 760 448 1234

Napa Valley Grille

Napa Valley Grille Review

The Napa Valley Grille has always been a special place for Dude and I.  It was the restaurant we went to on our second date, THE date where we really connected, after dinner we walked on the beach till 4AM.  Life before children!

Every now and then we go back and reminisce.

Street View

The Napa Valley Grille is located in the heart of Westwood Village, the perfect location for a pre or post dinner stroll.

Everytime we go, we wonder why it’s been so long since our last visit.  The atmosphere of the restaurant is great.  High ceilings, lit marble bar, and floor to ceiling wine racks.  Not to mention a fantastic outdoor patio.

Napa in LA

Our Selections from the Napa Valley Grille Menu

We sat down to the menu… My husband I were both intrigued by the Scallops “Chowda” Style, so we decide to get that with the Alaska Halibut.

We started with a harvest platter – which we liked, but didn’t love. It had American prosciutto, salami, house pickles, marinated tomatoes, mozzarella, hearth nuts, with crispy parmesan toast and might have been the highlight of the dinner.  This could explain why we don’t end up going back too often.

Scallops

We were both pretty disappointed with our entrees.  The wild Scallops “chowda” style were served with fingerling potatoes, thumbelina carrots, crispy pancetta… the scallops were a little chewy and the “Chowda” was thin on flavor and more of a broth.  The wild Alaskan Halibut summer vegetable bake, tomato fondue, basil emulsion… the halibut was dry and the whole dish just looked like a mess – which would have been fine if it was delish – but it wasn’t.

Wild Alaska Halibut

There was nothing “wrong” with the dishes, they just weren’t yummy.  I ended up ordering fries just so I would feel like I had ONE yummy with our dinner.

Garlic Fries - Served in a mini "fry basket"

Dude suggested that perhaps our palettes weren’t sophisticated enough. looking around the half full restaurant on a Saturday night – I wasn’t convinced that we were the problem in this equation.

The meal wasn’t even redeemed by the White Peach Pie, which was fine, but not really worth the calories.  The filling was actually pretty yummy, but there wasn’t much of it and the crust was missing that extra touch of butter and could have benefited from an extra touch of sweetness.

Very Rustic Peach Pie

I loved seeing organic options on their menu, their support of Community Supported Agriculture , the service is solid, and the memories are perfect.  Now, I remember without a doubt the reason we don’t go back more often… they need to focus on the flavor of the food they are serving.

Napa Valley Grille Has History for Us, What Restaurant Brings Back Memories For You?

Diva Giveaway: $350 Eco Chic Accessory Prize Package

We are gearing up for better ways to bring even more information about living a healthier greener lifestyle, to make this work PND needs your help!

Sponsors who want to work with us may at some point want to know a little bit more about you, aside from how wonderful and amazing you are!

I thought it would be fun to give you a little something in return! So I found a few trinkets and put together this great giveaway.  Potential sponsors get the demographic information they need – you get a chance to win some cool stuff!

Speaking of cool stuff… We’re recruiting!

We need:
Writers: Beauty, Health, Fitness, Eco Technology, Family & Parenting, Food & Nutrition & Travel
Reviewers

If any of these positions sound interesting to you… Join the pnd Community and join the writer’s corner.  Leave your name with position that interests you there!

On to the Cool Stuff!!!

Fashion Package Valued at Over $350

Polarized “Tonic” Sunglasses from Pleasure Grounds – Retail $95

Tonic Sunglasses

iphone 3 Cover from Agent 18 – Slightly Loved (brand new condition with box) – Retail $30

iphone case - made with recycled plastic

Handcuff Clutch from RedHanded Handbags – Retail $115

Handcuff Clutch

Silver “Monica” Handbag from UrthBags – Slightly Loved (brand new condition) – Retail $56

Monica Handbag

Bikini from Eco-Panda, two piece string bikini in a Misses Medium – Retail $72

Eco Panda Bikini

HOW TO ENTER:

There are a few ways you can enter!  Be sure to leave a separate comments for each entry.

Mandatory

You need to be a confirmed subscriber to the PND newsletter – this is how we notify you when you win!

and

Come back and leave your first & last name (or initial) in the comments so we can tie your entry to your survey!

Additional Entries -

1. Join the pnd Community; to qualify as an entry members must upload a profile picture.
2. Tweet this giveaway. Copy and Paste”Win an Eco Chic Fashion Accessory Prize Package worth over $350 via @purenaturaldiva http://www.purenaturaldiva.com/?p=6402 PLS RT”
3. Promote this giveaway on your site.  Come back and leave the URL of the post.

This giveaway will run through midnight on March 13, 2011 PDT, with winner being announced on March 15 in the PND Newsletter. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me before the contest is re-opened until the following newsletter.

Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S & Canada.  Entrants from outside of these regions are welcome to enter, but you will be responsible to pay for shipping charges in advance of the prize being shipped.

Sears Whirlpool Duet Laundry Set: Giveaway

Are you in the market for a new washer and dryer set? How about winning a set instead? Sears will be giving away two Whirlpool Duet laundry pairs in their sweepstakes from now through January 31, 2011. Whirlpool & Sears asked Pure Natural Diva to be a brand ambassador and help spread the word about this contest.

The winner of this pair will:

• Use 10% less detergent doing their laundry.
• Save over $2,247.34 in water & electricity over the life of the machine (an average of 11 years) among leading brands.
• Use 14 Gallons of water vs the 44 Gallons of a conventional machine.
• Be able to Wash and Dry a small load in ONE machine!

Win this Washing Pair for your Laundry Room.

Sears will draw two winners (January 24 and February 1) to win this Whirlpool Duet laundry pair.

Sweepstakes Requirements

In order to win entrants must do ALL of the following:

1. Visit the registration form, which is be located on the “Sweepstakes” tab on the Whirlpool Facebook page
2. Register via the form on the tab
3. Change profile graphic and/or background graphic on Twitter and
4. Follow @SearsBlueCrewHA and @WhirlpoolCorp.

Love Letter to the FDA: Pure Natural Diva has been retained to spread the word about this contest. Good luck with your entry!

Fess Parker Inn & Spa: Hotel Review

Our Trip To The Fess Parker Inn & Spa

One of the great things about living in Los Angeles is the numerous day trips only an hour or two from the front door.  Fess Parker & Santa Barbara wine country is one of those destinations.

When Fess Parker Inn & Spa invited Dude and I for a visit we jumped at the chance!  We skillfully managed to visit during two days of torrential downpour (did I mention the area gets about 8 days of rain a year, so this took special skill!) – but we didn’t let that stop us from having a great getaway.

Fess Parker Inn & Spa

The hotel is located in the heart of quaint Los Olivos.   I’m not sure why, but I imagined finding the property on an actual winery or next door to one,  nestled away off the beaten path.  Finding it in the heart of  town was a delightful surprise to us, enabling us to walk through the town for wine tasting, have a few glasses of wine with dinner and safely walk a few steps back to our room.  If you followed our LA Jolla Adventure – you may recall – we really like to walk!

The Quaint Town Center of Los Olivos

On arrival the exterior hotel looks charming, fresh and inviting.  This town is SO charming, it even has a town cat, Maya who greeted us on arrival.

Maya... The Town Cat

The Hotel lobby and attached Petro’s Restaurant have been recently renovated with outstanding results.  They artfully created a contemporary space that is also warm and inviting.  Don’t get me started on the use of reclaimed wine casks in the lobby floor.  A gorgeous eco savvy touch!

Love the Reclaimed Cask Wood Floor in the Lobby!

The hotel has two buildings offering a total of 20 guest rooms.  The lobby and Petro’s side had 10 rooms – on the other side of Grand you’ll find the second building with an additional 10 guestrooms and the spa.  Our room was lobby side,  room six with an adjoining sitting room.  I loved the fireplace and the vaulted ceilings made the room feel spacious.

The guest rooms will benefit greatly from the scheduled renovations – slotted to for Winter 2011.  In particular the bathroom will benefit from a whole new layout & fixtures.  Having seen what they have done in the common spaces – I’m super excited about how the renovated rooms will make this entire property a sublime getaway from the everyday and the perfect spot to explore.

A Cold Night, a Cozy Robe & a Fireplace.

Places You Won’t Want To Miss

We were thrilled to discover some great Organic finds on our adventures too! Be sure to check them out on your visit!

Sunstone Winery is quite possibly the most stunning wineries in the region, plus they grow all their grapes organically!  Don’t forget to sign up for the reserve tastings that are held in their hillside caves!

Sunstone Winery

Alma Rosa Winery was founded by the father of Pinot Noir in the region, Richard Sanford.  They create some amazing certified organic wines.  Don’t visit the region without visiting them!

Alma Rosa Wine Tasting

Global Garden’s specialty food products. Stop by for an olive oil tasting featuring numerous local organic.

Global Gardens - Stop By For Olive Oil Tasting

June Bug – a store full of hand made local treasures and earth friendly products, located in charming Solvang.

Solvang: A Unique Retail Experience

Love Letter to the FDA:  Dude and I were invited guests of the Fess Parker Inn & Spa.  Our room & breakfast were hosted (that means comped)  by the hotel, we paid for all of our other adventures during our stay in the area.  As always my opinion remain my own.

Fess Parker Inn & Spa

(800) 446-2455

2860 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441

We Loved Our Fess Parker Getaway, Where Do You Love to Escape?

Primrose Organic Salon: Hair Salon Review

What self respecting diva doesn’t love a trip to the salon?  Even better – I love discovering a new eco conscious beauty salon.  One of my latest discoveries is Primrose Organic Salon & Boutique in Los Feliz.

PND was invited to come in for a review – given that I love nothing more than discovering new places to share with my readers – I was excited to check it out.

The salon is in trendy Loz Feliz and the mood is comfortable, cute with a retro vibe.  On walking into the salon – the first thing you might note is what is missing – the absence of a strong chemical smell that accompanies so many salons.

An Inside Peak

Primrose opened in 2009.  It was a partnership between Felicia Howe,  the salon’s head stylist and Melissa Tornay, who overseas the business and retail side of their business.  They are committed to bringing their clients the safest & best performing products coupled with outstanding services.

I was treated to a fantastic cut & color by Felicia – the salon primarily uses the Organic Color Systems Color Line, with the additional option of Davines for those who need a gluten free option.

Freshly Coifed

I’ve been wearing Felicia’s cut for a few weeks now and have found it to style beautifully.  The color added just the right amount of auburn to my brown locks – while still looking very much like it was my own color – so let’s keep the fact that it’s not our little secret!

One of the things that really impressed me about the salon was how informed Melissa is about the products she has handpicked to sell in the store.  For your product needs tell her your exact priorities and she’ll match the line to your wish list, from the ultra safe & purest organic ingredients, to the safer – but not perfect – high performing, to gluten free – she’ll break it down for you.

My purchases included a new hairspray, lip balms & homemade soaps!  I couldn’t resist.

Pricing at the salon is comparable to conventional salons with a cut & style priced at $60 and the single process color priced at $70.

I’ll be back soon – well worth the drive across town!

To book an appointment:

(323) 664-5446

4616 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA  90027

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