Author: islandgirl

I Tried It…A Vitamin for Shinier, Thicker Hair. Here’s What Happened.

Well, it worked.

I’ve always had lots of hair. Lots of shiny, long, thick, black hair.

But I noticed after breast-feeding two babies, a bunch of my hair fell out. It sort of grew back…but it just wasn’t the same. Flash forward six years since my last baby, and I decided to do something about it. I searched on Amazon for a good vitamin or supplement for hair, compared some of the top-ranked choices, and came up with this. It’s called Hair Anew and you can buy it on Amazon. Not a very sexy name…would it deliver sexy hair?

Supposedly this vitamin gives you better hair, but it doesn’t have the yucky nausea-inducing side effects of a prenatal vitamin. Would could it hurt to try? (If you’re going to spew, spew into this…)

The results? After a month of taking this bad boy in the morning along with my vitamin C, adult ladies vitamin and my Milk Thistle (hello, wine!) my hair was acting a lot…better. Seemed to fill out in some areas, and just seemed to behave more like my pre-parenthood hair. More like my 20s bar hair. (Except, brushed and not matted in the back from sleeping drunk in wacky positions.)

Full disclosure–turns out you are actually supposed to take TWO capsules with a meal, I’ve only been doing one! Apparently I can’t read a label.

The reviewers on Amazon agree, and it gets awesome ratings. It’s also vegan, gluten-free and never tested on animals. (Meow.)

I made my husband try it too. He wasn’t sure about the effects on his already-full lion’s mane of hair.

Ian says, “I don’t know. I guess it helps. But wait…I’ve noticed my nails are feeling stronger.”

So anyway, worth a try! If you get it, please let me know if it works for you.

P.S. The girl that does my makeup said that my skin was looking better and asked if I had just gotten a facial. I HAVEN’T! But I’ve been taking these vitamins! Coincidence?

Here’s how my hair is looking a few weeks after taking Hair Anew. (Please disregard the dour, half-smile on my resting-bitch face.)

 

Over the Bridge: Barbarella in La Jolla Goes Bats for Halloween

Would you like a mummy with your mimosa? If you’re looking for a wicked-good brunch (or lunch or dinner, for that matter) Barbarella in La Jolla Shores has the skinny on sinfully-yummy food and deliciously-dark decor. The folks at Barbarella go totally bats spooky-fying the place for Halloween…as in every square inch is covered in skeletons, spiders, and spectors. It’s totally worth a trip over the bridge!

You’re going to have to take my word on the food, but the scare-factor? Take a look at the pics!


Barbarella is located at 2171 Avenida de la Playa. If you don’t want to wait I would visit the website to make a reso. Happy Halloween!

Caught on Camera: Hallowine and Spirits at the Hotel Del

Spooks and spirits and sequins, oh my! The Hotel Del pulled out all the stops on its annual “Hallowine and Spirits” Soiree. The glammed-out Garden Patio beckoned with savory meats, cheeses and poke, fine wine flowed like blood, and guests dazzled and danced the night away in the world-famous Crown Room. Don’t believe me? Take a look!

Nighty-night! And HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

A Party Worth Dying For: Adults-Only Soiree Raises Hell at the Hotel Del this Saturday Night!


This is NOT your kid’s Halloween party. DJs and dancing, drinks and decadence…a few tricks and a LOT of treats are in store for guests at the Del’s annual “Hallowine and Spirits” party! It all happens this Saturday, October 28th at the Hotel Del at 7pm. We caught up with Gina Petrone of the Hotel Del for a sneak peak.

The theme: American Horror Hotel. (Don’t be scared!)  Well-costumed adults will linger and mingle over gourmet offerings in the Hotel Del Garden Patio including smoked bone pig, sumptuous artisan cheeses, a poke station, and other culinary delights. The Del’s wine partners will lurk about, pouring distinctive and delightful wine samples, making it the perfect time to savor the spooky décor and check out everyone’s costumes.

“Keep an eye out for a special guest appearance from our resident ghost, Kate Morgan,” says Gina.

And don’t forget about the (demonic) desserts! Feast on delectable dishes like Fresh Eye-Balls in Blood Gravy, a Black Widow Spider glass, and Coagulated Blood Jelly. How’s that for appetizing?

At 9pm, everyone moves into the famous Crown Room for drinks and dancing. DJ Spencer Bezy will spin unearthly dance beats as the ballroom morphs into an fearsome fete, worthy of the even the most psychedelic psycho-killer. (Be sure to keep an eye out for the American Horror Hotel dancers.)

And don’t forget the crowning of this year’s best costume and a chance to win a thrilling prize! Party-goers can sign up to compete for “Best Couple’s Costume,” “Most Creative” and “Best Overall.”

“Each winner gets an overnight stay at the Del and dinner for two at 1500 Ocean,” says Gina.

Now that’s a prize worth killing for!

Haven’t gotten your tickets yet? No reason to feel tormented. Visit https://hoteldel.com/events/hallowine/ to reserve your ticket. Don’t forget to tag #DelHallowine at the event. See you there in body and spirit!

Caught on Camera: Coronado Art Walk

The Coronado Art Walk didn’t fail to impress. I loved checking out the new artists and enjoyed seeing my old favs. From jewelry to photography, from pottery to paintings, I felt instantly inspired to revamp our art collection and add some new pieces.

It was a toasty 80 degrees out, but that didn’t stop art-lovers and Sunday-strollers from meandering and lingering. Here are a few of my favorite stops.

I absolutely love the surf-inspired art by Joe Vickers. Lots of simple, calming waves and happy, perky beach scenes. The artist says he specializes in acrylic and watercolor over wood (I hope I got that right.)

Check out the whale and the surfer girl below. We need that whale! (The pics below are from Joe’s website, and you’ll see the artist at work.)

I also loved the work by Josh Serafin, below. Lots of surf and island-inspired scenes (are you sensing a theme here?) He specializes in an ancient art form called reverse painting, where the artist applies paint on the back of a sheet of glass, each piece taking weeks or months to finish.

You can get up close and personal with Josh’s art at his website at http://www.artbyserafin.com.

I also enjoyed chatting with Carol Alway who does custom pet portraits. I fell in love with her “Party Pug” (how could you not?) I asked her if she ever paints deceased pets, because I’m in need of a “Party Pekingese.” She says much of the work she does is portraits of dead pets! Who knew. All you have to do is pick a size and email your pet’s photo to her, and she does the rest.

There were far, far too many artist booths to visit with each one individually but everyone had something unique. Please enjoy the rest of the pictures. And if you missed it this year, make sure to come to Coronado Art Walk 2018!

Thanks for reading!