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-A Protein Packed Breakfast at Canali Cafe in Venice

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! And many people skip it because they're "too busy" or don't have time. Lisa Hirsch makes sure to have a protein packed breakfast at one of her favorite local spots:  Canali Cafe. It's a stones throw away from The Studio (MDR) and besides breakfast, Canali is one of her fav places for lunch, dinner and even staff meetings. The Lisa's Likes Business and Beauty Breakfast: Poached eggs & steamed spinach served with an english muffin, 1 cup of coffee and a dash of non-fat milk.

The breakdown:

Eggs--Protein in the morning helps prevent a midday crash and burn due to fluctuating sugar levels from high carb breakfasts.

Spinach--packed with Iron, definitely something all women need.

English Muffin--Client and celebrity dietitian Ashely Koff says, "you need a few carbs after a MDR workout."

1 cup of coffee--Everything in moderation, including caffeine! Skip the half and half for non-fat milk.

Canali Cafe is located at 123 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA.

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 Meeting Style

When I’m not working at The Studio (MDR), you will probably find me attending a meeting about the studio somewhere nearby, like Zinque on Abbot Kinney.  And when meetings stack up, I rely on some of my personal, favorite things to get me through the day (and sometimes on through the night!). First thing’s first – the outfit.  Joie is one of my "go-to" brands when I’m not in my Lulu’s or Beyond Yoga wear.  This dress is just as comfortable as a pair of work out pants & a tank, but it looks way better for a stroll down Washington as I head to dinner at Casa Ado on the beach.  I pair it with flat gladiator sandals for day and chic wedges in the evening.

Like many of you, I am addicted to my iPad.  I use it for so many things…to approve expansion & design plans for the studio, to listen to audio books on everything from Feng Shui to Shades of Grey (my students are obsessed with it!!!), to watch our “coming soon” MDR workouts on YouTube, and to check emails and class sign-ups.  It goes with me everywhere and I store it in an adorable Rebecca Minkoff case (my fave).

Accessories make my look complete.  My necklace is a gift from me to myself for my 40^th birthday.  A girl should never have to wait for diamonds and I didn't intend to!

Fendi is making a big comeback on the fashion scene. I love pairing designer bags with my workout clothes. It makes me feel chic even after I break a MDR-induced sweat.  Also, I support local businesses (since I own one), so I love buying my eyewear at my friend Susie's store - Eyes on Main. Not only does her eyewear scream style, but it supports the local economy and helps my baby blues see!

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 - Norlan Salon

This week on The Studio (MDR) blog, we're getting colorful and the proof is in the photo montage below.

For an appointment please text Norlan @ (323) 828-1018. Norlan Salon address is 1047 N Havenhurst Dr. West Hollywood 90046

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: Pinterest - Motivation For Fitness & Life!

Fitness has become my life.  Day-in and day-out, you will either find me at The Studio (MDR) or working outside of the studio to spread the word through press, events, and meetings – and I’m not complaining one bit.  I love that I get to do what I am most passionate about. However, I must admit that I have a new passion I am pursuing…and this addiction can be summed up in one word: PINTEREST.

If you’ve joined this site, then you already know what I'm talking about.  2am re-pinning?  Uhmmm hello?! Been there...a lot!  Hours on end of searching for my favorite couture, hair styles, art, travel and so much more?

You bet!  It’s such a wonderful site full of ideas, projects, and most importantly, MOTIVATION!

Sometimes even the most ambitious, go-getting people like us need that extra boost of encouragement to stay on track, and I have gathered a collection of inspiring quotes and sayings to do just that!  So take a look, share a pin, and let’s all get our fabulous tushes to The Studio (MDR). That beach body you see online is definitely attainable with our help.  So stop hesitating and just jump in!

Lisa's Likes! A Few Favorite Things From The Owner Of The Studio (MDR)

Whether you’re used to seeing her behind The Studio (MDR)'s signature hot pink desk or breaking a sweat next to you on the MegaFormer during an intense session, you may know Lisa Hirsch as the soul of The Studio (MDR).  As a dedicated small business owner in Marina Del Rey, Lisa works 18 hour days and juggles various roles and responsibilities from meeting with press, managing staff and building customer relationships. Aside from her consistent exercise and entrepreneurial routine, looking good while staying comfortable is what helps Lisa manage the active lifestyle of a fitness entrepreneur. As someone who embodies the LOOK IT + FEEL IT + LIVE IT mantra of The Studio (MDR), we wanted to find out some of Lisa’s Likes!

Lisa’s everyday couture typically includes Lululemon, K·Swiss, and ToeSox.  Lululemon’s manifesto boasts that the brand creates products for people to live longer, healthier and more fun lives.  Lisa says, “I have lived in Lululemon clothing everyday for the past year day-in and day-out at the studio.  However they make Lululemon is genius because nothing wears any of their products down no matter what I do to them!” And she shares the same feeling about her shoes.  Since 1966, K·Swiss has represented innovation, quality, performance and style.   Lisa agrees, “I love all of their colors and how comfortable they are! We shop at the K-Swiss store in Santa Monica." The last of Lisa’s Likes pair nicely with or without her kicks:  ToeSox!  The unique five-toe design helps align mistreated toes and feet naturally. ToeSox help spread your toes to strengthen foot muscles and increase blood circulation.  Plus, there is no shortage of color combos and styles to pique your pleasure! The Studio (MDR) has ToeSox styles available for purchase.

Lisa Hirsch certainly proves that just because you trade in your 9 to 5 (as she did when she left working 24/7 in entertainment for the fitness industry), that doesn’t mean you can’t comfortably stay in style! Stay tuned for more Lisa Likes in the coming months.

Lisa would love to meet you! Whether you live in Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica or Venice, The Studio (MDR) is a community dedicated to helping you uncover your best body yet. Since opening last year, the community has lost over 500 lbs together! Come on in and take a class.

And for more information on Lisa Hirsch as well as The Studio (MDR), you can follow them on Twitter @lisanhirsch @thestudiomdr or join the community on Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thestudiomdr