Live life brilliantly with Madison Reed

It's no secret we gals are usually looking for ways to keep our hair at its best and if we're having that so called "bad-hair-day" it changes how we feel.  The look and feel of our hair plays a very emotional role. Cutting, coloring or styling our hair in many ways tends to build our confidence and gives us some identity.  I know most women would agree that when we go to a salon to give ourself an updated hair style or hair color it makes a huge difference in how we feel. We arrive at a salon possibly feeling defeated by our soulless hair, having died from the damage of coloring and styling tools.  In the attempt to give some life back to our hair we cut it or the alternate we color it.  It's as if this process revives our hair - transforming your look you feel renewed, beautiful and motivated to step out into the world.

However, when it comes to coloring your hair we all know there's the effects with damage from toxic ingredients in most hair dyes.  I never really colored my hair because of this very reason plus, it was expensive to maintain.  As I tried to embrace some of the new found gray sprouting from my scalp, I decided to experiment with hair coloring. I opted for highlights as a way to cover my gray strands. It was fine until the effects of coloring started to mess with the health of my hair.  It was fading, damaging the vitality of my unruly Latina hair leaving it dry and lifeless.  I know I was warned - but what's a lady to do when her hair feels like a wreck and she's desperately wanting to make a change.

I started to wonder if there was a safe "healthy way" to actually color hair and cover gray while giving it a vibrant new look with out the harsh chemicals. Well luckily, the lovely folks at Madison Reed, a women led San Francisco based company created a formula to safely color hair with real good ingredients. Inspiring founder Amy Errett, wanted a quality coloring product that would make hair feel healthy and empower women.  I had the opportunity of working with the amazing colorists over at Madison Reed and shared my coloring contentions, my hair dramas, well, you know, what we usually do when we talk to women about our problems. 

Madison Reed Color Tuscany Brown with Color Revive Gloss

The caring color-crew are a kind group of women, who are truly understanding of women's hair, especially for the love of great hair.  Thank goodness for these" hair-color-fairies!"  They introduced me to the color Tuscany Brown and added a special treatment of Color Revive Gloss. They worked their magic waving bottles of enchanting color into my hair.  I was totally surprised that the formula had a pleasant scent and not the harsh smell of ammonia from typical hair dye.  I was completely impressed by the results of the color. The products added luscious shine and dimension all over. 

What's even more brilliant about Madison Reed is the (DIY) method of at-home coloring. You can easily to do-it-yourself, by ordering your color online, and conveniently apply your own color (follow instructions) in the comfort of your home. Professional colorists are always happy to help you explore the best colors that suites your needs. It's such a relief to know that I can color my hair and feel good all around knowing I'm using products that will heal my hair and give complete coverage.  It's really something to celebrate. Next time I color my hair I'm gathering a group of ladies, breaking out some glasses of wine and having a hair-color party and toasting to living life brilliantly!

You Go Girls!

Learn more about the many color options for your hair by visiting the website at Madison Reed 

Dream up your own Case: iDreamCase

These days smartphones and tablets are all vying to be the next "best tech gadget" as they morph into newer innovative models every year.  Although these devices intelligently do many things (connecting us to the world)  to help us function and communicate in our professional and personal lives, we have to be careful not to damage, drop or lose our delicate expensive gizmos. I'm guilty of dropping an iPhone in pho soup (Yikes), accidentally scratching iPads on a desk, or digging through my purse which is like making your way through a "black hole" to find my cell buried somewhere at the the bottom. Taking care of our devices can be a challenge but so can finding case covers that we like, whether it's to protect them or showcase our individual style.  

Want to set your iPhones and iPads apart from all the rest? The folks at iDreamCase have you covered. I stumbled upon iDreamCase Founder/CEO Gabi Hanoun, who shared with me his uniquely handcrafted cases made from exclusive genuine leather and his passion for bookbinding artisanship.  His story goes back 30 years ago with his experience as a book binder for then Cardoza-James Binding company.  The Master Book Binder learned how to produce superior quality cases on books and reinvented his art of hand-made book binding for modern day tech gadgets in particular, cases for iPad, iPad mini, Google Nexus7, and iPhone sleeves. 

I got a chance to meet with Gabi in San Francisco, to talk about his company while he demonstrated how he created his finely crafted cases.  I was greeted with a warm welcome and was inspired by his excitement for how his products. So much of Hanoun's past has helped influence his work today and his commitment to making the best quality products and keeping some of the traditional vintage flare with his handmade cases.  I tried out several cases on my iPhone and found they were functional and stylish.  There's openings along the sides of the case for all the buttons and ports, for iPads and iPhones including a camera hole. It's sleek design and light weight makes it easy to carry while the case also bends to perform alone as a stand.

Another great feature and benefit of the iDreamCase is being able to customize the look of your case with the various seasonal fabrics and leather colors available. You can even personalize cases with a monogram of your choice of names or custom titles. Gabi enjoys creating unique cases even showing me some sample ideas inspired by sports teams colors, and modern leather colors in metallic hues, perfect for your World Cup soccer team favorites! Company names or special numbers can also be monogramed along the case. With these special design options, iDreamCase will help you dream up ways to customize cases for yourself, a colleague, friend or family. 

Take a look at a few of the product demo videos below and find out how you can make your own iDreamcase:

For more information go to http://idreamcase.com 

Namasté your way in Akasha Yoga

namasté your way in

                    Akasha Yoga

Nowadays, in California, it seems there's just as many yoga venues as there are bars and Starbucks on every corner.  Although your doses of caffeine and happy hours are accessible and can be a temporary remedy, it can drain your energy and your bank account with very limited health benefits.

With the popularity of Yoga and pop-up studios, it may be overwhelming to figure out which studios to venture into without feeling intimidated by some of those incredibly flexible students, hot rooms and chanting.  However, you don't have to be a Yoga guru by any means.  Just like any fitness regimen, it takes time to master exercises.  Even with Yoga it's a discipline, and it starts with simply willing to be open with yourself and your potential.

I admit, I'm a yoga junkie, checking out new yoga spots, addicted to yoga pants, with a zeal to live a stress-free and balanced lifestyle.  Flashing back, I'll never forgot my first yoga experience - it was awkward, unfamiliar, and I was so unbalanced - I didn't get it.  Yet I felt compelled to step onto the mat, boldly shaking through my downward dogs.  Honestly, the practice of yoga spoke to me and opened up a new door on a personal, spiritual, and fitness level - plus I slept like a baby.  It challenged me in so many ways offering up a new found discovery, with breathing, and stretching my body in ways that I had never experienced.  With every wobbly warrior pose, chair pose, uttanasana (forward bend), and chaturanga (low push up), I embraced my weakness and eventually became comfortable my vinyasa flow.  

Essentially yoga can be defined as oneness, unity, and a journey into the self.  Ultimately, it's an opportunity to look inward and find yourself and possibly be enlightened.  The challenges that come with learning yoga are key to your growth on a physical and mental level.  Being able to calm your mind, to silence your inner voice that critiques and makes noise, to overcome the doubt, pushing yourself through every pose, to hold, to breathe, and to just show up to a class are all a part of the process.

Luckily, to help you find your Zen is Jamie Testa and Carolyn Thomas owners of Akasha Yoga Studios - a local business from Vacaville and Davis, California.  Having met the folks doing some good for their community, I was able to sit with the owners to discover what inspired their journey with Akasha Yoga and what their studio had to offer.  Unique instructors who are smart, thoughtful, kind, and engaged, guide a variety of inspiring classes for any level. Typically taught in a warm room setting, some classes are set to musical beats that motivate and challenge your body and mind.  They also encourage deepening your practice through additional workshops and events.  
To learn more about Akasha Yoga or browse their schedule of classes, visit the website at www.akashayogastudio.com.  Plus, here's a video to introduce you to Akasha Yoga and the owners. 
~namasté

Check out Akasha Yoga Studio on Do Tell Do Tell TV Youtube channel here:
Thanks to my crew Mark Marcelo at IdioGenius.  
Thanks to Jamie Testa at Akasha Yoga for inviting us in.

Shophouse Snorkeling and Photo Works in Jamaica

If you haven't been to Jamaica, it might be worth a trip to see some of the unique hotels and beautiful beaches this country has to offer.  Having explored Montego Bay and Negril, Jamaica, I got my fill of hot-humid weather,  Spicy Jerk-Chicken and Jamaican rum.  It's no surprise to hear Bob Marley songs echoing from the streets and hearing Jamaican people express with pride, "No Problem" at any opportune time.  There’s a plethora of water activities along the beaches, however, I found a snorkeling company that really gave me a deeper look into the Jamaican sea.  The group of friends I was with rallied us to take this tour, which provided a lobster lunch off a private beach.

We met with Lincoy Dolphy “AKA” Kirk, a hard working tour-guide from Shophouse Snorkeling and Photo Works.  If you’re looking for an up-close and personal snorkeling adventure, this just might be the best-by-the-sea.  Our Captain, Lincoy, gave us the grand tour, which cruised by the famous 7-mile Beach and other secret caves of Jamaica. 

We made several stops, snorkeling through some impressive reefs decorated by an abundance of sea life and historical artifacts.  I admit, I did get super nauseous, and had to come up a few times for air, but was so engrossed by the world around me.  Millions of distinctive, funny, and eerie looking fish danced in and around crevices of the ocean floor.  The colors were incredible, with bright orange, yellow and blue fish, angelfish and zebra-striped fish.  I gasped as I felt the schools of tiny bug-sized Jellyfish swim by me.  Even crazier was my encounter of a huge stingray.  “Say what!?” Yes, not one, but two spotted stingrays.  I kept my distance as I frantically waved under water at my friends close by to keep moving.

Lincoy guided our tour safely and was really excited to help us capture some memories with his under-water camera.  He brought us strarfish and various shells to hold, while we posed in full snorkel gear. He was full of amazing stories about Jamaican life, the epic sea and it’s rich history. 

I was so amazed by this man's passion for life and his work of sharing the sea with others.  I promised I would tell more people about it.  I captured this video on my cell and edited some pieces together, which does not give the adventure its full justice.  At least you can get a sneak-peek and hopefully on a trip to Jamaica, you’ll remember this friendly Captain Kirk, who will take you on a thrilling snorkel adventure you won’t forget!

Check out Do Tell Do Tell TV YouTube video here:

Thanks to Lincoy Dolphy of Shophouse Snorkeling & Photo Works

Slice of life story with Chef Hoss Zaré of Fly Trap

It was a phenomenal day in San Francisco, with its rare warm saturday weather, the farmers market was bustling with food vendors, fresh produce, music was playing by the street artists and people lined up for fruit samples and cups of java. What made it even more special, was my hangout with a very inspiring and talented chef, Hoss Zaré - owner of the Fly Trap restaurant in San Francisco.
I was welcomed by his sincere smile and warm hug before we started our tour through his playground at the farmers market. As we trekked around picking up some fresh ingredients from local vendors for his next dish, it was evident that he's a bit of a celebrity with everyone recognizing him and walking up to him to be embraced by his Hossy-Hugs.
A man full of life, Zaré is full of amazing stories from his world travels, to how he became a chef.  He opened up with me and shared the tragic stories about his family and how it empowered him to follow his passion in the kitchen.  Zaré credits his mother and his brother for helping him push the boundaries with his restaurant and creative recipes.  I learned so much about this brave man, especially how he lives with optimism despite all he has been through, that it only makes me want to hug him more.

If you haven't had a chance to have your taste buds tantalized by the flavors of Hoss Zaré's dishes, you must step into the Fly Trap to find out what Hoss is cooking up next.  You'll see why he puts the Hoss in Hoss-pitality.

To find out more about Fly Trap and chef owner Hoss Zaré, go to his website www.zareflytrap.com or like Fly Trap on Facebook.

Check out my video from my youtube channel Do Tell DoTell TV: http://www.youtube.com/user/dotelldotelltv

 Do Tell Do Tell TV gets a slice of life story with Chef Owner Hoss Zaré of Fly Trap restaurant.



Special Thanks to my video team at www.idiogenius.com

Sam's Day

Sam's Day

Musicians coming together to help out one of their own, who is suffering at the hands of breast cancer.

On a recent visit to meet up with music artist and producer from the Black Eyed Peas, 

Printz Board at his photo shoot in San Francisco, I was introduced to talented photographer/musician Ian Montgomery. They both shared with me many stories and plans about their upcoming music projects. Printz Board is currently making waves with his own new music and is releasing his single titled #1.  He also gave me a glimpse into his sensitivity to others and told me about his current inspiring project with Montgomery which literally gave me chills.  

I learned that these guys are contributing much more then just their music but impacting in heartfelt ways. Together these two artists came together to touch the life of singer Sam Lien who is suffering from breast cancer.  Along with other collaborators, they were able to make Sam's dreams come true by taking her into the recording studio to make her music. They made Sam's day on her wedding day and presented her with their surprise gift of music.  I'm glad to see these artists using their talents in ways that mean the world to others. 

Thank you Printz Board and Ian Montgomery for sharing this with me.

Click the video link or Watch the video here:

Sam's Day

Musicians coming together to help out one of their own, who is suffering at the hands of breast cancer.

via Vimeo

Video clip courtesy of Ian Montgomery at Pre-Future LLC. Thank you! 

Yellow brick road, no place like home..

Just like Dorthy and her adventures down the yellow brick road, to speak with the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, we also seek the road to finding answers as we walk through the road of life. We go through a whirlwind of our own tornadoes that throw us off in life and places us in uncomfortable zones.   

We deal with bad witches and good witches but along the way, we meet friends who buffer the road through it all. 

I love this movie for so many reasons, particularly the nostalgia that takes place and for how symbolic it is. I smile as I recall the first time experiencing Oz as a child plopped in front of the TV with my family.  I watched Dorothy and her "hype-friends"go through the trenches, battling the wicked witch and the fears that get in the way of dreams.  Her friends the Tin-man, Scare Crow and Cowardly Lion become her family, supporting each other through thick and thin.  

I went through so many intense emotions, inspired by the movies creative way of sending me a message.

In my effort to live my life, moving closer to my true calling, I found that the brick road brought me back home.   I have to admit and say how thankful and lucky I am to have my family. I know for some, family is not an option.  Some people don't get along with their family, but there are different types of families that grow in your life.  I realize that my family is there for me no matter what.  Even through all the fights, disagreements, and tears there's a rainbow on the other side!  There's your family in the end with all its colors from dark to light. 

 I click my wedge heels 3 times and say theres no place like my crazy home.