Jenny & Jeremy... Wedding Day!

Last month I described the amazing wedding I attended at Bullock Wilshire, promising to get back with you on the charming young couple and more about the event…so, here we go!

First, the darling groom, that Jenny describes as “seven year stand-up comedian, working as a screen writer…. sitting down!!!” couldn’t have been more loving and adorable.  The ceremony, written and directed by the two of them, was a very unique and special channeling of the couple’s philosophy on style and substance.  But, let’s get to the important part….THE FOOD!!!

You see, our lovely bride made her own wedding cake and designed her wedding menu,  trusting the actual catering to a second company…( a girl has to have a moment free from the kitchen when she’s in “the white dress “ mode!)  The menu was created by her personal enterprise, SPORK FOODS, a Los Angeles based Gourmet Vegan Food Company. This enterprise is owned and operated by Jenny and her sister Heather Goldberg.

The philosophy of their, innovative cuisine emphasizes organic, local and seasonal ingredients.  They offer Organic Vegan cooking classes, on and off line, home healthy eating consultations, and private cooking parties. We were all lucky enough to taste and learn all about this popular cuisine at the wedding.
Truth is, here at JA Cosmetics, we love to eat!...little nibbles of tasty scrumptiousness throughout the day…just nibbles mind you, we do come from a modeling background!  So, as girls do, we share recipes, experiences, and friends, in tastiness, and nothing is better than something gastronomically new. We are now hooked on SPORK FOODS.  Their new cooking domain, featuring vegan cooking shares their visually appetizing excitement of flavorful burst of delight.  Visit www.sporkfoods.com to learn more.

Jenny and Heather are like the good sisters in a fairy tale, leading us through the magical kingdom of rich healthy eating, casting off bad juju with well concocted spells of yummy deliciousness and showing us the way to the emerald city of fun dining.  These girls are truly a winning combination.  Everything they teach comes from the earth and is here to make your body run better.   They take care of the “little imperfections on the inside”, and I like to think we at JA Cosmetics help with the “little imperfections on the outside”.

It’s the future…really cool stuff.  I’m thinking the groom is never late for dinner… lucky man.

An Important Message from Judith, the "Mother Nag"

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend!  I know I did.  As I’m sure everyone had some fun in the sun, I want to take a moment to stress the importance of protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.  You’ve heard it a million times, but there is a good reason for this unrelenting repetition.   

Fun in the Sun!

In the 60’s & 70’s, sun reflectors ran ramped on the beaches, and at pools.  Everyone was blissfully unaware the havoc sun-kissed tans had on their skin.  Then as the years went by, numerous articles were released, aimed at educating the public on the dangers of the UV radiation, including serious premature aging and skin cancer.  Marketers soon after came out with a lotion intended to block skin from the harmful rays.  Of course, we all know this now as sunscreen.  Although this was a wonderful advance, I remember most being unwilling to slather thick lotion in the hot sun, all while giving up their gorgeous tan.  However the past ten years or so, popular magazines and brands have launched campaigns, pushing consumers to get serious about protecting their skin from sun damage.  



I was always diligent about covering my skin in the sun, even when I was younger.  But as I realized a few years back, sometimes that is not enough.  I discovered I had skin cancer on my nose, most likely, as my doctor pointed out, from sun exposure while driving.  I see now more than ever how important it is to wear sunscreen whenever your skin has any contact with UV rays.  Even if it’s just a walk around the block.  I was lucky the cancer I had was easily treatable, but not everyone is that fortunate.  Doctors recommend to regularly check your skin.   Pay attention to odd freckles, moles, and growths on your skin, and consult your doctor if you notice any changes. For example, a change in a mole can indicate potential skin cancer.  Early detection is definitely key!  

Of course, we cannot deny our longing for gorgeous tanned skin.  Thankfully, sunless tanning has made enormous leaps.  What used to be streaky, orange, and smelly, is now easy applicable product, providing a bronzed color.  Just remember to exfoliate your skin before application, and to wash those hands after, and you are ready to debut your beautiful glow, cancer free!

Here at Judith August Cosmetics, we love our “Invisible Stockings”,a tinted lotion providing natural-looking color that gives you sexy silky legs!  Our product goes one step further to also provide coverage for skin imperfections, such as spider veins, bruises, freckles, and more.   Click here to check it out!

Like anything, the more often you incorporate these practices into your daily routine, it will become like second nature.  So remember to wear sunscreen, lots of hats, and invest in a great sunless tanner.  And in case you’re wondering, yes, these are orders straight from the “mother nag”!

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Last weekend I had an “out of body” experience.

My husband and I attended the wedding of the son of my “forever friend” Wilma. What a special event it was! Jeremy and Jenny got married. A perfect match! More about this delicious couple later.

The wedding took place at one of Los Angeles “Historic Landmarks” It was built somewhere between 1920 or 30 in the grand style of Art Deco., as a department store, called BULLOCKS WILSHIRE.  It is now a Law School (what a difference a day makes!)  The wedding and reception was held in the Law Library which is a venue that is now available for outside events.  It used to be The Better Dress Department!!!

As I opened the door to this magnificent structure, through the parking lot and beautiful gardens, I flashed back to another time and another place.

BULLOCKS WILSHIRE, in its heyday, was the Crème De La Crème of department stores where the “ladies who lunch” came every day, dressed to the nines, browsing, shopping, and most of all lunching in its famous Tea Room.  It was truly an event. They came with friends and grandchildren all dressed up cause it was an occasion!

The gentlemen who ran the elevators  wore colorful uniforms and white gloves (I’ll never forget those white gloves!) and with impeccable manners, escorted you into the elevators opening the doors at each floor announcing, floor #1, lingerie, floor #2 shoes, floor #3 better dress and so forth. They went all the way up to floor #6 THE TEA ROOM.

One of the attractions at THE TEA ROOM, was informal modeling of the latest fashions. This was my very first modeling job…EVER! I was the teen-age model who dashed about showing off everything from swimsuits to prom dresses.  I was the baby working with some of the most glamorous and chic “older” models in town.  They were probably 22 to 30 years old but there I was among them, doing my thing and learning the first phase of “the business”

What a glorious moment in time it was. The peak of gentility and grace.  Today its Wal-Mart, and TJ Max with few still struggling to maintain the allure.

SEGWAY TWENTY FIVE YEARS LATER, I once again walked into the magnificent store as the prodigy of the Make-Up Guru of Beverly Hills, Aida Grey.  Ms, Grey was my mentor.  She had trained me in the cosmetic business starting at 18 years old and I learned and learned in-between modeling jobs. Many years later I became The Training Director for her company.  It was at this time that I once again entered the Art Deco walls of BULLOCKS WILSHIRE.  This time as Trainer and Manager of the Aida Grey Cosmetic Studio that was housed in the store’s Beauty Salon.  I went to THE TEA ROOM FOR LUNCH.

Can you believe that the maître d', a charming man with a high dark haired pompadour, and polished demeanor seated me?  He was still seating people twenty five years later.  Looking at me intently he said “I remember you!  You were one of “the girls” modeling here years ago when the Tea Room was at its height of popularity and all “the ladies who lunch” came every week to view the latest fashions.  I was startled, but pleased that he had remembered all these years later and that I was a part of the history of this stellar store.

The building is no longer BULLOCKS WILSHIRE, but as I walked into The Grand Hall and the wedding of Jenny and Jeremy I was transformed to another very special time in my life and truly had an “out of body” experience. A flash-back in my history.

More on Jenny and Jeremy next time… (between you and me)  

Celebrating Mom!

Happy Mother's Day!

We love this time of year here at Judith August Cosmetics, because we get to celebrate the most special type of woman, Mom, Mommy, Mother, Madre, Mamma, etc. Mother’s Day is filled with flowers, pampering, yummy brunches, and of course giving thanks to the woman who provided unconditional love to you since the day you were born.  She cradled you as an infant during 4am feedings, cheered you on during soccer games, put up with a door slam or two during those tumultuous teenage years, and yet, through it all, love prevails. There are less than few people in our lives who we can say that about.

 Then: Judith Modeling photo with daughter Melissa – Malibu, California

 

Now: With daughter Melissa – Paris, France 2010


And the beat goes on…thanks goodness!  
I love you Melissa!

To honor all types of motherly relationships, we wanted to share other Mom stories and invite you to share your own.


My mom and I were always close growing up, but now that I am a mother, I can see clearly everything she taught me.  My mom was always the frugal one when it came to money, and who put down the ground rules instilling the dos and donts with us.  Then through High School she was the ‘cool’ mom who brought us lunch, homemade cookies, was at every Volleyball game, Basketball game and Track meet.

As I’ve gotten older, she has become not only a ‘cooler’ mom, but my friend. We have long talks, go shopping together and she still never misses a beat telling me when I shouldn’t be doing something, even at my age.  I don’t know how she handled two kids by the age of twenty-three and survived the teenage years with us.

I still look to my mom for guidance and she is always there when the emotions are high and patience is low. She is the best Mom, friend and ‘Granna’ I could ever ask for. She deserves more than a brunch or flowers for all she has done and continues to do. Thanks Mom!
-Jennifer, Executive Vice President, In the Spotlight Marketing

Jennifer with her daughter, Juliette

I grew up with a mom who could do it all.  She was loving, supportive, basically ran the household, and had a thriving career for which she worked hard to achieve.  In all aspects of her life, she was successful.  

From an early age, my mom set high standards for herself.  She aspired to be completely independent, by doing what she loved to do.  As the first born, I can recall her younger days, before she grew into the strong woman most people remember her being.  I watched her attend grad school classes, waitress at night, and substitute teach during the day, all while running our family.  And by the time I was about 8 years old, her hard work and networking paid off, and she was offered her dream job.  

I remember there being no other option for my mom than to get what she wanted out of life.  And now I am in my mid-twenties, I find myself in the exact same position. Working towards my own thriving career and waitress on the side for extra money. And like my mom, there is no other option for me.  It never occurs for me to be any other way, because this is what I am supposed to be doing, and I have always known that.  Which attests to how strong her influence on me has been.

When I have children, I know I will try to infuse those same hard-working, independent values my mom installed within me.  I should mention my mom passed away ten years ago, when I was fifteen, unexpectedly from brain cancer.  I miss her everyday, but I sleep soundly knowing I am working towards achieving everything she wanted for me out of life:  an education, independence, a career doing what I love to do, and most importantly (and I’m throwing out a classic here) treating others as I would want to be treated.  I live my life solely to honor my beautiful mother, in hopes I am making her proud.  But, of course, if I wasn’t she’d love me anyway, because that’s what moms do!
-Kathleen, Marketing Coordinator, In the Spotlight Marketing 

Kathleen with her Mom

We’re celebrating Mom all week.  Visit the Judith August Facebook fan page to share with us the influence your mother has had on you.

 

Healthy Glow

There are distinct moments in a woman's life, where we can recall, at the drop of a hat, the time we felt the most beautiful.  A moment where every issue we normally analyze each time we brave the mirror, has vanished.  And we feel completely natural, and one hundred percent ourselves.  This is a moment we never forget.   As women, we tend to be hard on ourselves when it comes to appearance.  Of course one can argue society practically demands for such harshness, or perfection.  But that minimally softens the blows.  Because when those laugh lines begin to appear, or we get yet another blemish smack dab on our nose, nothing  stops us from feeling aggravated towards our imperfections.    Then that day magical day arrives, where everything aligns.  Your skin looks flawless, hair that stays in perfect position, and an outfit that hugs your curves just right.  You feel light on your feet, and like you can take on the world. Because it becomes more than simply "looking" great, but feeling great.  And exuding the strength and confidence that resides in us all.   We see many of these type moments on TV, or in movies.  A character from Sex in the City comes to mind.  In Season Five, Miranda battles insecurities about her "post-baby" body.  Normally very slender, having a baby left her with extra pounds around her belly and thighs.  We watch as she eats junk food while simultaneously commenting how "fat" she is. We see her feel conscious after a man rudely draws attention to her "large" bottom.  And eventually attend weight-watchers.  We  feel her pain.  We have been there. Then the episode comes where Miranda, who had been feeling particularly low, haphazardly tries on her “skinny jeans”.  The type of jeans, according to Carrie Bradshaw, all woman keep in their closet in the hope the will one day fit again.  And as that zipper moves up without resistance, so does her confidence.  And she has her moment.  The show continues on with Miranda glowing, and unmistakably confident.  But towards the end of the show, as Miranda casually flirts with a group of men, Carrie smartly points out, the skinny jean isn’t just a “state of behind“, but a “state of mind“.  I love this episode, because it not only reminds us we are not alone in the struggle of appearance, but also because is inspiring to be see how important feeling good about ourselves is to our mental health.  That day which stands out in your mind as one where your felt the most beautiful, isn't solely because you thought you looked great on the outside, but it is because you looked great on the inside as well.

In the 60's, I was always booked to be the Audrey Hepburn look-a-like, and this particular photo started my career.
 Vogue called Bazaar and so forth... it was a fun time.

A CASE OF DÉJÀ VU

I’m so devastated, as I know you are, on the disasters in Japan!   I can hardly get my arms around how horrible it is.

I have not focused on the 1994 Northridge earthquake in years.  This earthquake destroyed my home and most everything in it.  My safety was saved and my darling beau, who became my husband, got me through the devastation and moved me to Las Vegas!

It’s funny how the mind works. They say that one blocks out unpleasant events and that is what I have done over the years until, something like the Japan earthquake hits you between the eyeballs!!!

I just had a few days vacation in Los Angeles, where I had lived, and happened to drive by my old neighborhood.  The whole experience flashed through me as if it were yesterday.  There was a collage of pictures going through my mind mixing my personal disaster with the vision of the Japanese people and felt the horror of their blight in my gut.

So, many have donated to their recovery.  I read that Sandra Bullock gave one million dollars and my heart soared with respect.  I’m sure many other celebrities and philanthropist have done the same.

To all concerned, God speed, and may the Spring bring a new beginning.

On a lighter note, my trip to LA was to spend time with my oldest and dearest friends.  Actually they would prefer if I called them my “long time friends” not oldest!

We had a great time together.   Laughed and giggled and ate our way through the city.  We wound up at Bloomingdales (where else!!?)  There was a promotion going on for NYLON magazine.  We were thrilled when they asked the four of us to pose with the magazine, just like the ole modeling days! Got lemonade and popcorn for our efforts along with this photo we will all treasure.

Sandy, Carla, Wilma and I have been friends since we were thirteen years old. My how time flies!!!!!!