Rebuilding Hope and Community in Los Angeles

This blog is in support of those impacted by the devastating Los Angeles and Altadena fires, highlighting ways you can donate and help to begin to rebuild lives and communities. Together, we can bring hope and relief to those in need. Thank you for taking the time to read and for caring. I will update the list as time goes on; this is only the beginning.

After experiencing the initial shock, sadness, fear, and anger caused by the destruction of their homes in the L.A. fires, humans often shift into a phase of resilience and action. Surrounded by the devastation, a profound sense of community emerges as neighbors support one another and volunteers from all over step in to provide aid. Many begin the emotional process of mourning their losses, still not allowed in homes that were left standing, then sifting through ashes for mementos… anything while grappling with the reality of starting over. Simultaneously, practical efforts take shape: seeking temporary shelter for themselves and their animals, accessing emergency relief, and some beginning with only the clothes on their back. These emotions often transform into determination, fueling advocacy for authentic leadership;. At the same time, the scars of loss remain, and we all feel it. The human spirit's capacity to adapt and rebuild is being witnessed, and I’m in awe of the stories I’m seeing and hearing, the bravery and courage; there are heroes and angels in front of our eyes. In our community, we are fortunate; we were safe and saved…

Taken from my son’s friend as she was driving home.

Bethenny Frankel's - A Trusted Voice - Her Global Empowerment Mission focuses on providing immediate and effective emergency assistance to people in crisis around the world. Through her initiative, she serves as an informed and compassionate voice for direct relief, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most. Her dedication to swift action, transparency, and impactful solutions has set a standard for disaster relief efforts, offering not only financial support but also critical resources to help communities rebuild and recover. Bethenny on Instagram / MissionBStrong

Bethenny Frankel - BSTRONG /

Los Angeles Food Bank / Path Metro Villas / Project Angel Food / World Central Kitchen

See below - My friend Maria shared her friends who lost everything.

Tara Nicole Hughes and her two girls lost their home this week. She & her girls rescued their 93 year old neighbor as they were fleeing. Tara is an extraordinarily beautiful human being and I know she and her girls will get through this with her family and community at her side. If you can help in any way, please visit her GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/f2494b78

AltaDena. They have two young children. Everything is gone. Fortunately they were able to move in with his father. They need help getting their life back. https://gofund.me/06a07f2e

Maria’s former neighbor Tom and his family lived in AltaDena. They have two young children. Everything is gone. Fortunately they were able to move in with his father. They need help getting their life back  https://gofund.me/06a07f2e

JigSaw Farms Thank you Cha Cha, I’m so sorry for the loss of your home, the stables, my heart is with you.

Thank you so much for donating; this is so devastating; any amount helps. Pasadena Humane Society: They’re doing a Herculean job!! thank you, thank you…

Pasadena Humane Society

The Change Reaction

The Change Reaction Wildfire Direct Giving Fund, launching with an initial gift of $10 Million dollars from our founders, will provide direct financial assistance to the wildfire victims, all vetted and identified through their network of over 2,000 social workers and impact leaders.

The Change Reaction

Greg Perlman - The Change Reaction with Billy Bush.

How You Can Help - The Change Reaction encourages its non-profit partners and community to share information about this relief fund with their teams, ensuring that those who are most in need of support have access to this vital resource and that those who can donate can have their generous contributions matched by 100%. For more information or to make a donation, visit Here

*Thank you, Danielle, for sharing this information with me.

Baby2Baby

Roam - 100% of proceeds from our puffy heart T $25
Puffy heart sweats $50
Puffy heart trucker $20
Will go directly to individuals impacted by the fire!
We are with you and committed to you for the long haul !
We LOVE you

Los Angeles Fire Dept. Foundation

Pizza Girl lost her family home in Malibu and is evacuated from her current home in Topanga but is focusing all her energy into providing meals for those in need. We are donating as many pizzas as possible everyday and we will continue to do so as long as we can. Pizza for the Frontline and Evacuees - We will Deliver to them

With the help of the Roam Team they shared with me families who’ve lost everything. Here is a list of 10 families to help rebuild. Thank you so much.

Go Fund Me Links Jenny’s go fund meMuriel / Capra’s go fund meCassandra’s / emani’s go fund meOsborne family go fund meBlair’s go fund meBresnitz family go fund meSide Pie’s go fund meJoon’s go fund meWill and Ashley’s go fund me

Thank you Captain Rick and to your crew - “After a crazy week at the Palisades Fire, I am finally back home. I would to thank everyone that has reached out and showed their support. I am truly blessed to to have such an incredible family and would like to thank them for their unwavering support, encouragement and understanding.
As a Fire Captain, I am proud of my crew for their teamwork, courage, and dedication they showed while battling the Palisades Fire.” See videos and photos here.

Thank you for taking time to read, to donate and I appreciate your messages so much. I will continue to update as time goes on. I can’t say enough, how fortunate we are.

xoxo, janet

THE PARADERO HOTEL IN TODOS SANTOS - UNIQUE LUXURY RESORT

It’s been almost ten years since we explored Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas. So much had developed along the Baja coast, and we thought it was a good time to revisit and scout out new territory. My husband discovered this incredibly luxurious, eco-minded hotel, located on a five-and-a-half acre plot within a farming community. The Paradero Hotel, in Todos Santos, that’s an hour north, a straight shot on Highway 19 that’s a safe and well-maintained highway - the hotel is twenty minutes from the beach and a ten-minute drive to downtown Todos Santos.

We rented a car through America, (shuttles are available) about 3 minutes from the Cabo airport, and the process was quick and efficient. We wanted to stop along the way to check out new properties and visit a few from our past vacations. There are a few toll roads along the way, and you’ll need around 5$; I suggest having pesos with you. When entering the property, it’s a dirt road that looks and feels like a unique farm. You enter through the area pictured upper right, and as you walk in, you hear the ocean echo, and above the rocks, when you look up, you’ll see the sky.

We missed the turn-off; you can’t see the hotel from the main road, so look for a sign that says “El Pescadero.” Make your turn there onto the dirt road, and you’ll arrive shortly where you check in with the gate attendant. *FYI, you won’t see a sign that says The Paradero.

The above photo is the lobby, a main gathering place all day and into the evening. When the sun sets, it’s a beautiful setting for cocktails, mingling with other guests, or relaxing. This is a hotel that is rich in architecture and fine dining. Mexico City-based founders Pablo Carmona and Joshua Kremer collaborated with architects Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo to create a property that blends into the natural surroundings. The rich desert colors and brutalist-inflected structures surround a 100,000-square-foot botanical garden with plants like red sand verbena, Mojave yucca, and cactus that are over 200 years old. I’m not a big brutalist fan, but this was incredible.

Similar Coverup

On the property, It’s all about communion with nature; you feel one with the earth and a calm that reminds you to just “be.” As a guest, you have a wonderful menu of activities: yoga, meditation, hikes, surfing, temazcal or sweat lodge, cooking class, and… a complementary class to learn more about farming and gardening! I was on the waitlist for that…maybe next time! There are so many wellness options; I only had so much time. I need to return; this is the ultimate way to unplug! Welcome Video

My dress - on sale / Sandals

Our stay was a quick one, just two days but I actually felt like someone hit the pause button for me. I spent much time walking around the garden area, admiring the plants, flowers, and herb garden. It’s an incredible property, and the aroma of the land was intoxicating.

The 130-foot-long infinity pool area with a swim-up bar was perfect for cooling off; I loved the music they played - on Spotify.

Skirt Xirena

There are 35 rooms; we stayed in a spacious rooftop suite with stairs leading to an open-air lounging area where you’ll find a “star net,” my favorite part of the stay; see below. Your room comes with a cool sombrero, in case you forgot yours. The sunrise in the morning against the mountains and farmland was unforgettable, the sunset against the mountains… ditto. Here’s another perk: Guests wear a bracelet to enter your rooms, so no more losing the key or digging in my never-ending bag.

Katro Lounge Wear

A flat hammock bolted into the walls and suspended over the outdoor spaces. You literally feel like you’re floating in the sky; I’d say it’s a “next-level” hammock…trust me, it’s bolted in there really well, I checked.

The garden suites have a different perk; there are traditional hammocks and outdoor soaking tubs that do not have a “star-net.” The bath and shower feel like you’re outdoors with the wide open window to the mountains…and not to forget the organic shampoos and soaps. There are several styles of rooms, each one unique, and sliding doors to the bathroom that are separate from the bedroom. FYI - the beds were perfect.

You can dine in the open-air kitchen or the quaint tables under the trees. The first night, we sat at the open-air kitchen bar and watched the meal preparation, and our food was delicious.

Meals are usually served with corn or flour tortillas warmed in a traditional Oaxacan clay oven alongside a flight of salsas made from the 12 different types of chili peppers grown on the property. I must say it was quite the food scene here. The next morning, before we left, I had the best Huevos rancheros of my life!

Todos Santos Video

The second night, we ventured to downtown Todos Santos, charming, laidback, and vibrant! Only a few years ago, it was mostly known to be a great spot for yoga retreats and surfers, It still is and now it’s become a known getaway and It’s growing, but it’s still quite quaint. FYI We felt very safe there.

Necklace

It takes about 15 minutes to drive downtown from the Paradero, our hotel recommended we try Oystera an old sugar mill from 1930, It was packed, so fun, and really good. We sat outside and watched the sunset, and it was lovely.

Hats off to the Paradero team -This was one of the most unique hotels I’ve experienced; I left there wanting to be a farmer, a gardener, and a rancher. I felt like someone “beamed” me up to a new planet, a really wonderful and graceful one. I do hope to return; email me if you have any questions. I highly recommend The Paradero.

Muchas Gracias, and Thank you for reading! Previous travel post at Costa Palmas

Tips - Rent a jeep - Take photos of your rent-a-car for your own protection - Carry pesos

Celebrating Women's Entrepreneurship and Success

Over the past ten years, I have had the privilege of working with remarkable women who are 50+ and are building highly successful brands that not only stand out in today's market; their brands provide solutions. Their stories and visions have been truly inspiring, breaking stereotypes and redefining what it means to succeed later in life. These women possess a unique blend of wisdom, experience, and just pure belief in themselves.
Their unwavering determination fuels their entrepreneurial journeys and gets them out of bed in the morning, along with a good cup of coffee, tea, green juice... or a dog that needs walking...

Their visions are not just about financial gain; in fact, quite the opposite; they created products that have a purpose and solve a problem...oh, and stay relevant in a world that's moving at a rapid pace...Over 50, over 60, no problem; they're just getting started, and I’m so grateful I know them all, and I feel blessed to stand beside them as a friend and will forever support their vision!!

Nina Oberfeld - My feet will always thank you! Instagram

Thanks to your technology, Eri Kikunaga & Mayumi Ishii - I haven’t lost an earring! On Instagram

Meet Nina Oberfeld - Founder of The FOOTCLOUD- born out of necessity and my love for wearing high heels, strappy flats, and loafers. My shoes with no cushioning were often so painful that I was afraid to wear them or needed to take them off midway through the evening.  I tried every insole and cushion on the market, but nothing worked with open strappy shoes. So I created the FOOTCLOUD, a small adhesive gel cushion that makes any shoe more comfortable.  It's my mission to enable people to wear their favorite shoes and look and feel their best. 

Meet Mayumi Ishii & Eri Kikunaga- Inventor and Executive of Chrysmela Chrysmela was founded when a friend of US Chief Mayumi Ishii: Eri Kikunaga, broke up with a then-boyfriend over losing an earring he had gifted her. Realizing how often people lose their earrings, the pair decided to solve the problem by creating the most secure earrings back on the market.
Mayumi, I have been the US Chief of Chrysmela for a decade, and I am constantly delighted by the stories of people using our earring backs to securely lock their favorite earrings- from heirlooms to special gifts, each story is as unique as the person wearing them!

Elissa Goodman - Your bars & soup cleanse is the BEST! On Instagram

Franne Golde - The pant that never goes out of style! On Instagram

Meet Elissa Goodman - Founder of E.G. Kitchen
Personal health and educating others on their health and wellness have been passions of mine for many years. I have had issues with my health for my entire life, from cancer to autoimmune issues and Hashimoto’s in my 30s. I have also struggled while watching various loved ones suffer from health-related issues, including my husband Marc, who lost his battle with cancer. My EG Kitchen Cleanse allows people to have nourishing & anti-inflammatory food delivered right to their doorstep. Most importantly, my cleanse is made with love! 

Meet Franne Golde - Founder of Franne Golde. I created my clothing line because I wanted a daily uniform that was comfortable, flattering, chic, and versatile. It all started with a pair of pants. After years of looking for the perfect black pant, I had grown exhausted. If only I could combine all my favorites into one! But coming from several decades as an award-winning songwriter, always relying on my ability to create from nothing, I wasn't going to give up. I decided to make the perfect pant myself. I didn’t know the first thing about the fashion industry (except for the fact that I’d spent a small fortune contributing to it); all my pieces make getting dressed easy, and help me and my customers look and feel great!

Luz Kyncl - Your book and daily posts lift my spirit! On Instagram

Kay Sides - I wear Roam sandals every day Kay!! On Instagram

Meet Luz Kyncl - Founder of Luz Kyncl Psychotherapy. My main motivation is to help others improve their lives. I was able to heal myself and get out of my own prison. I want to help others do that themselves. My contribution is to heal the people around me and empower individuals and families to improve their health through positive changes in their diet and lifestyle. Before becoming a health coach, I spent over twenty years working as a family and child therapist, helping adults, children, and families suffering from mental, emotional, and behavioral issues.

Meet Kay Sides - Founder & Creative Director of ROAM WEARS. I created ROAM from a really truthful place. I could not find cool, fashionable, conscious, supportive, comfortable casual shoes that fit my active and dimensional lifestyle. I also wanted to be part of a solution for so many dynamic and dimensional women I am privileged to know. A shoe that could take you from a business meeting to lunch with your friends, to school drop off and pick up, to the gym or workout, to take when you are traveling, to walk and grab a coffee or walk your dog. It was also important that it be affordable as well. My team has a deep passion for making a phenomenal product, not making a ton of profit (to be honest), and doing good along the way...

Clara Lee - My #1 sheet masks that goes wherever I go! On Instagram

Shalini Vadhera - You have always been authentic beauty. On Instagram

Meet Clara Lee- Founder & Creator of ChokChok Skin. I had my fair share of battles in my skincare journey as a young teenager all the way to my mature years. I had some nasty cystic acne as my hormones fluctuated up and down. My stubborn melasma has been the constant reminder of my sun-worship times in my youth without sunscreens. Through it all, I became obsessed with skincare and its ingredients. In my mid 5o’s, I finally mustered up my courage to create chokchok skin (which means ‘dewy glow’ in Korean), It’s never easy to begin a new venture or to learn something so new, but I am grateful that I had faith in myself to create something that I am proud and passionate about and can share with others.

Meet Shalini Vadhera - Founder & Formulator of Ready Set Jet
After working with thousands of time-starved, overwhelmed women around the world, I realized beauty needed to change. Our fast-paced lifestyles have no time for long, confusing beauty routines, wrong products, and heavy makeup bags. So armed with decades of innovation, I created Ready Set Jet. A first-of-its-kind skincare and makeup brand that brings the entire world of beauty with effortless convenience to every woman, everywhere. Our world’s first Beauty Baton replaces 4-8 products in your bag and can be customized based on your need of the day!

The Skin Experts - Changing The Way Your Skin Ages - From The Inside Out

On Instagram

Meet The SkinTe Team -Dr. Amy Bader - Elizabeth Zieg - Bassima Mroue - I knew you when!!! Love how you work from the inside!

Beauty needed a refreshment - and a delicious one. With each fizzy sip, we’ve created SkinTē to boost your beauty and well-being. We wanted to create an easy, effective, and fun way to consume your collagen (and a whole bunch of other goodness, too!). Each ingredient is hand-picked for its benefits on multiple levels.

Life doesn't always provide a soft cushion, but it challenges us to grow in all directions, teaching us valuable lessons about perseverance, faith, and inner strength. Embracing the rough patches allows us to appreciate the moments of comfort and the journey of life. So when you’re sitting on a cozy couch one day, you can look back and say, damn… I’m so grateful I stuck with it!

On Instagram

Meet The OneSkin Team - Mariana Boroni, Ph.D., co-founder and Head of Bioinformatics - Juliana Carvalho, Ph.D., & co-founder - Carolina Reis Oliveira, PhDCo-Founder and Chief Executive Officer - Alessandra Zonari, Ph.D., co-founder, and Chief Scientific Officer.

OneSkin CHANGED my skin!!!

OneSkin’s mission - how people experience aging. to alleviate age-related suffering by developing technologies that can reverse the aging process.to increase our understanding of the biology of pathologies such as cancer and age-related diseases, role in generating new ideas and technologies, and to use this newfound knowledge for the benefit of others. OneSkin strives to enjoy every second of my life, and I dream of a future in which everyone will live life to its fullest, free from pain or limitations associated with aging.

Thank you for taking the time to read about these incredible women and how they launched their businesses. I believe learning through their resilience and tenacity; will inspire younger generations, showing them that age is not a limitation but an asset that enriches entrepreneurial journeys.

xox, Janet