The L.A. Effect

Right before I moved here, my sister sent me a magazine article from SELF called the "L.A. Effect". It's funny to look at it again today and see how and if I've been effected by all the LA fads. According to this article, here are the West Coast trends that make up the "L.A. Effect":

• Bikram Yoga- For the record, I was in love with Bikram Yoga several months before I moved here. Then, when I got to LA, it just seemed like the trendy thing to do. Bikram himself brought this super hot form of yoga to Los Angeles in 1973. Thus, this city is the home to the Bikram World Headquarters. Up until a few months ago, it wasn't too far from me so I was eager to go frequently. Sadly, it moved further away and I have yet to check that studio out.
  

• Raw Food- Interestingly, the very first raw food restaurant, "Eutropheon" opened in downtown LA in 1917. Now Angelenos get their no-cook fix from "Leaf Cuisine" and "Rawvolution". I have yet to check those places out but I'm sure that their are delicious. You really can't help but try eating better when you live in a city that seems obsessed with staying fit. Recently, I've opted to stay away from meat for a little bit. Let's see how long that lasts...

• Delivery Meals- These became popular in the mid-'90's when celebs realized the convience of having meals sent to their home or on-set. Jenny Craig and NutriSystem are two common delivery meals. I have yet to sample any of these meals on wheels. For now I'll continue to enjoy making my own food or venture out to restaurants.
  

• Ugg Boots and Miniskirts- Ok FYI, these are not only in LA, they were constantly seen on my college campus at The University of Arizona. Let me tell you, I absolutely despise this fashion trend. For one thing, it doesn't make any sense and secondly, it's just plain ugly! Seriously! Why on earth would your feet need all that material for warmth and not your legs? Please explain!
  

• Luxury Dog Spas- I see these spas all over the city and it's yet another ridiculous splurge that celebrities and wealthy people alike invest into. Why on earth do your dogs need to soak in Jacuzzis and be fed gourmet food?! Can you say coddled? It seems like Hollywood stars often treat their critters better than they do people. At the Club Beverly Hills, pooches can practice yoga or even "work out" in a landscaped yard! Yikes! No thanks, when if I have my own dog, they will run around a yard and they'll eat dog food and maybe swim a pool on occasion.

• No Frills Gyms- I am all about these "back to basics" facilities. I mean, who needs all that fancy equipment when all you really need is a couple weight lifting machines and a treadmill? Ha, there's even a gym in Frederick, Maryland called "Just a Gym"! Love that!
  

• Stand-Up Paddle Surfing- Hawaiians have loved this since the '50's and '60's and was brought over to Southern California in the early 2000's. I haven't tried this before and I'm not sure if I would enjoy it. I still want to try surfing!! Anyone want to teach me?

• Healthy Cocktails- The hip Viceroy Santa Monica has long served up organic drinks. Their speciality is the Green Bloody Mary, made with green tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley and other fresh veggies. Sounds delicious, right? Ha, talk about skipping the salad course and and moving right onto the bar! : ) This joint is on my to-do list for sure!
  

• Airbrush Tans- These flawless faux tans caught on big-time when they became a must-have for Hollywood stars. Celebs are even traveling now with their own air-brushers! Whoa! I have actually done this once and it was kind of cool for a couple days and then it wore off so that was annoying. Plus, it got all over the clothes I was wearing that day.