Lisa's Likes: The Local Edition

It's Thursday which means, time for another Lisa's Likes blog post. This week, Lisa Hirsch provides a list of some of her favorite local LA businesses (and one brand)!

Lisa says,

1) They say the eyes are the window to the soul, so I have to frame mine with something fabulous and enticing. Eyes on Main located on Main Street in Santa Monica is the only place I go. My of the moment favorite brand is Cutler & Gross. They are a must have!

(2) Okay I admit it - I love the sun. I don't drink. I don't smoke. My vice is sunshine. LA Based Kate Somerville's Protect SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen is an oil free and quick absorbing serum that provides powerful UV Protection. Boys and girls, besides keeping our bodies fit, we must protect our skin so wear your sunscreen. That's an order.

(3) Oscar's Cerveteca on Rose Avenue located in Venice. - La Puente Backyard Burger or Hoyos Peruvian Sashimi are my go-to's on this delicious menu. All I have to say is - YUM! With it's laid-back neighborhood vibe and great food, you will see me here at least once a week.

(4) Bike Attack on Main Street in Santa Monica. - Red Biria Bike with a basket on front and back!  Done and Done.  Love the whole crew there!

(5) Cow's End Cafe in the Marina Del Rey,"where the locals hang".  Who needs an (ahem) chain coffee institution when we have this incredible place right in the hood!  Clabe's staff are accommodating, nice and make a mean red-eye for us super early risers!

What's your favorite local business? (besides The Studio (MDR), of course). Let us know in the comments box below.

Lisa's Likes--Travel Essentials (Just In Time For The 4th of July)

It’s official.  SUMMER is here! Hello June, July, August and sun.

But before we get too ahead of ourselves, remember those resolutions that you set back in January? Of course you do (especially when you start to see your hard work pay off as you slip on your swimwear and head to the beach). 

It's important to remember those resolutions and honor your commitments to push yourself to new limits at The Studio (MDR), but what's equally important is taking time to relax and simply enjoy some R&R.  Nothing says "relaxing" like going on a summer vacation, and SimplyStylist.com recently asked our own, Lisa Hirsch, to share the must-haves in her travel bag.

Lisa's picks are fashionable, practical and functional but our personal fave on the list is the Luna Chocolate Dipped Coconut Bar For women.  Lisa admits, “Airports are the worst when I’m trying to eat healthy so I always have a couple of Luna Bars on hand. Chocolate Dipped Coconut are my favorite, especially when I get stuck on an unexpected layover.”

To read the full article, click here.

Lisa's Likes - Summer Read

Spring’s arrival is just a reminder that summer is coming!   This is the time of the year that I revel in living and working on the Westside in Los Angeles.  It really doesn’t get much better than stepping out of The Studio (MDR) after a sweat-drenching total body workout and feeling the warm sun on my skin along with the cool ocean breeze that is literally steps away. Beach days in Venice are the best, especially on the weekend.  Admittedly, I am attached to my Blackberry and MacBook, but there is something to be said about curling up on the sand with a good, old book.  And Teacher Appreciation Week reminded me of one of my favorite teachers, Ms.Simon, who encouraged me to read The Alchemist.  This classic is one of those books I read over and over again.  Paulo Coelho’s fable is powerful, thought provoking and inspiring– I truly believe EVERYONE should read it.  This book is bursting with optimism and reminds us that we really can do anything we want to do.

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”

― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

As Coelho eloquently puts it, "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting" and I wake up every morning with such a feeling of gratitude that my dream came true when The Studio (MDR) opened its doors.

So, fellow bookworms, what are you reading right now?

Lisa's Likes For Warmer Weather--Part II

Last week, I filled you in on the warmer weather must-haves that protect my skin. This week, my Lisa's Likes post is all about staying in style.

First things first.

(1) My favorite bronzer: I cannot live without Tarte's mineral powder bronzer. Besides it's whisper light texture and mineral based ingredients, it comes in a cool faux-croc case which I love pulling out of my purse.

(2) Marc Jacob sunglasses - These Petite Vintage-Inspired sunglasses by Marc Jacobs bring out my inner Jackie-O and help me avoid crows feet at the same time. There is nothing chic about sun damage; I am sure Jackie would concur.

Next up is what we help you look and feel your best in at The Studio (MDR): your bathing suit.

(3) Bikini: This citrus L-space bikini reminds me of my rock-star infused past but the citrus color gives it a current twist. You will be seeing me in this suit for summer.

(4) Sun hat: San Diego Hat Company's reversible Missoni inspired sunset brings a little bit of fashion down to the beach. I love that it's reversible too. It goes with everything.

(5) Beach Accessories: I keep my Roxy roll-up towel in my Roxy tote when I head to the beach.  This bag has a cooler on the bottom so it's as functional as it is stylish!  I like to bring healthy snacks to the beach, and this Roxy cooler bag has room for my water, celery, carrot sticks and lunch.  Fabulous!

What do you think? Have you tried any of these yourself? I love hearing from you. Let me know what your warm weather must haves are! You can tell me through this blog or better yet, come in and tell me after you've taken a class at The Studio (MDR).

Lisa's Likes For Warmer Weather

With spring break and summer just around the corner, I thought you could use some help getting beach ready so this edition of Lisa's Likes will be a "two-parter." There are just so many warm weather products out there that I love.

First up, my must haves to protect my skin:

(1) La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen:  I run around like a mad woman in the morning, so a fast absorbing sunscreen is key to my schedule. I love La Roche Posay Anthelios, not only because it's fast absorbing, but also because it has a matte finish which doesn't make me look shiny. It's also water resistant so I can even wear it during a workout. It's fragrance-free, too, which is great for sensitive skin like mine.

(2) Supergoop! SPF 30 sunscreen Swipes for your beach bag: I am a big fan of sunscreen but it can get really messy to apply in the car. I love Supergoop tan towels because they involve no mess and allow me to keep one hand on the wheel.

(3) Nia 24: Perhaps there is such a thing as youth in a bottle!  Nia 24's concentrated, lightweight formula fades my brown spots and has significantly improved my skin's brightness, clarity and tone.

Lisa's Likes For Body

(4) Staying hydrated: I cannot live without fresh coconut water from whole foods. The water replenishes the electrolytes I lose during my work outs and drinking right out of the coconuts makes me feel like I am on vacation.

(5) Rodial Brazilian Tan Light: Infused with avocado, coconut & caramel, the Rodial Brazilian Tan Light is a light weight gel like tanning formula with a long lasting glow.

So there you have it, my Lisa's Likes for this week. Check back next week for more of my warm weather faves!

Lisa's Likes: Must Haves For Beauty From Day To Night

As a businesswoman who is always on the go, I am all about products that are fabulous and functional.  One of my favorite items (that takes me from my days at The Studio (MDR) to a night out in Venice) is Murad’s Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector.  I love it because it’s glossy but not sticky and---it smells yummy!

This gloss "shines above" the rest because the pomegranate extract boosts the SPF 15 protection.  The Jojoba Ester and Shea Butter intensely hydrate my lips to keep them from drying out while restoring them with powerful antioxidants.  It also contains Salicylic Acid, which retexturizes my lips to make them soft and supple.

I am not alone in my love for this lip protector, it's been featured as the favorite gloss in magazines such as InStyle, Lucky, and People!

So that's it, my secret is out. A little mascara and Murad at 5am and I’m good to go to the studio!

What's your favorite beauty product for day and night? Comment below and let Lisa Hirsch know.

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Ladies and MegaMen, We Have Three Winners!

As the month of February draws to an end, the team over at The Studio (MDR) can't help but express continued joy at the enthusiasm of our kick-abs (and ass) community of clients, supporters and friends. And one of the MANY highlights this month was joining forces with author and celebrity dietician/nutritionist Ashley Koff to create the "Celebrating Self Love, Health and Happiness With A Contest From Ashley Koff."

Pictured Above: Ashley Koff, RD

We received a ton of entries for the contest, but three lucky women emerged as our winners. Not only did they answer Ashley's question correctly, the ladies were then entered into a randomized drawing.

To enter, contestants needed to answer the following question: “Is it (a) counting calories or (b) paying attention to nutrient balance that is more important when it comes to getting better energy, a flat belly, glowing skin, and digestive wellness?”

Care to guess what the winning answer was? (B) paying attention to nutrient balance is more important when it comes to getting better energy, a flat belly and glowing skin. So, without any further hesitation, we present to you OUR WINNERS.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Let's give a round of applause to Shari Landon, our Grand Prize winner who had this to say: "What a lovely surprise! When I entered, I was supporting the studio's online efforts." We appreciate that support Shari, congratulations on your prize: a one-on-one phone consult with Ashley and a copy of her book!

RUNNERS UP: Afrouz Nosratian (pictured left). 

"When notified that I was a runner up in 'The Studio MDR/Ashley Koff Celebrating Self Love, Health and Happiness Contest,' I was beyond thrilled. Being a working wife and mother in my forties, with two vibrant, energetic kids, makes my life both delightfully fulfilling and, lets face it, rather exhausting. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book that will surely enlighten me on ways I can be a healthier and more energized woman for both me and my family."

Olivia Hendrickson. "Sweet!  So cool! I cannot wait to get my hands on the book and be fully charged."

Once again, congratulations to all of the winners and a special thanks to Ashley Koff. Please be sure to visit her website for a list of quality foods, supplements and better lifestyle accessories. http://www.ashleykoffapproved.com/

Lisa's Likes: Must Haves For Hair

It's been just over a year since I opened the doors to my baby, the fabulous little boutique fitness studio - The Studio (MDR).  While I knew entrepreneurship would be an exhilarating challenge (and far from what I was used to in the music/entertainment industry), you could say I also didn't know what I'd be in for. I truly love what I do and why I do it--to help my clients be happier and healthier. But I am constantly busy - even when I sleep; whether it's emails at 5:00 am, meetings for my studio expansion or excitedly connecting with new faces and names...I dream of The Studio (MDR) transforming people's bodies and putting smiles on their faces and guess what - it's happening! As a multitasking business owner, my clients and friends are always asking me what my daily must-haves are that help me maintain my high energy and keep me looking good.

One of my favorites is Moroccan Oil haircare. The earthy, exotic scent takes me away to a Moroccan bazaar while keeping my hair shiny and preventing those annoying fly aways that get in your eyes when working out.

I never really think of myself as a "product girl" but I guess I kinda em'! I'll share more of my must-haves in the weeks to come.