Since my daughter Rachel moved to New York City last September, I find myself heading there for visits every few months now! I lived on the Upper East Side for over 25 years before moving to LA so when I go back there, I like to spend time downtown, especially in Soho. For me, it’s a fresh and fun area with tons of great restaurants, shops, sites, history, culture, and more. Read on to see some of my favorites places I’ve visited.
Read moreHow to Relax Your Hair Safely: New Japanese Straightening
I have been getting my hair Japanese straightened by Yuki for several years, usually right before the summer. When I lived in NY, I really needed it because the humidity would make my hair unruly and frizzy. I have never tried the Keratin treatment (Brazilian straightener) because it contained formaldehyde. I was so happy to hear that now there is a less damaging version of the original Japanese straightening product that is safe to use on highlighted hair. It's by Milbon and called Liscio Crystal Highlight Smoothing formula. I asked Yuki who is now at the Pierre Michel salon to go through the steps with me so that I could share his magic! To find a salon near you that offers this process, click here.
This is a new smoothing process for people who have frizzy or difficult hair to style. It makes the hair super easy to manage. My hair looks and feels smooth and silky after the process.
Because my hair has highlights on the top, sides and at the ends, it needs special attention, extra care and conditioning. If you have highlights like me, this will be a two-step process.
Step 1: Yuki -"I first protect the hair with Milbon's hair protection solution (especially the highlights). Then, I apply the regular strength product to the back section which has a stronger wave.. I leave in the regular solution for 15 minutes then rinse out."
Step 2: Yuki - "I apply protection treatment starting from the roots."
Step 3: Yuki - "I then apply a mild straightening solution mix with the protection treatment. This is the new Liscio highlight smoothing product by Milbon. Use as directed and then rinse."
Step 4: Yuki - "Blowdry straight after rinsing."
Step 5: Yuki - "Use heat to lock in silky smoothness (either with a straightening or curling iron)."
I like my hair wavy so Yuki uses a curling iron.
Step 6: "Put in neutralizer."
Step 7: "Wash hair."
Step 8: "Blowdry again."
Lots of steps and four hours later. Worth it because it's so easy to manage my own hair now. The process is expensive but lasts for 6-8 months.
Emotional & Mental Health Support: The Jed Foundation & Love is Louder
The primary goal of The Jed Foundation is promoting emotional health and preventing suicide among college and university students. Over ten years ago, my family and I lost an immediate family member to suicide so this has become an extremely important cause to us. Many celebrities including Mary J. Blige, Pete Wentz, Glen Close, Melissa Rivers and Brittany Snow have also supported the foundation's mission.
The Jed Foundation along with with MTV and Brittany Snow started an important on-line movement called "Love is Louder." It's goal is to support anyone feeling mistreated, misunderstood, or alone. Everyone knows someone who could benefit from this movement so please share this information and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
Me, Phillip Satow (Co-Founder, The Jed Foundation), and my husband, Michael Meyers (Board Member).
I recently attended The Brightest Night 12th Annual Gala benefiting The Jed Foundation that took place at 583 Park Avenue in NYC. The event was hosted by Stacy London author and host of TLC's What Not to Wear and included cocktails, dinner, awards, live auction and entertainment.
Michael Meyers and Stacy London of TLC's What Not to Wear.
Mental health awards were presented to individuals and companies who made important contributions to advance initiatives for those with mental and emotional illnesses. The evening's entertainment was an inspiring performance by NYU students about student wellness and one by singer and song-writer Ann Hampton Callaway.