ACTUALLY ORGANIC ARGAN OIL

Are you looking for the perfect elixir for your body and hair?  Argan oil, which is often referred to as liquid gold, is believed to have age-defying and restorative properties and, is becoming increasingly sought after in the multi-million dollar beauty industry. One of my goals for 2017 is to take time to moisturize my skin, hair and nails!  I do just fine with caring for my face, but I've been neglecting my body parts...It's time to invest in the overall body and I'm starting with Actually Organic Argan Oil.

Before the holidays Actually Organic reached out to me to see if I would be interested in trying their product. I began to read up on Argan Oil, I had heard a little about it, but knew very little. Argan oil is from Morocco... I've traveled there and loved it. The Moroccan people seem to be very passionate about their oils & spices... amongst other beauty secrets. I was intrigued that the oil came from trees located in a village named Argana, in the city of Agadir Morocco, hand picked and made by women only in this specific area. The trees grow wild and Moroccans have been using Argan oil as a skin moisturizer and hair conditioner since ancient times. In 1510 African explorer Leo Africanus came across the Argan oil when he was traveling across Morocco. From there, the oil entered Europe where only the rich and wealthy class had access to this expensive, rare and exotic oil.

The Argan Tree produces tasty fruit and the native goats Love the taste! The goats travel up the tree to eat the fruit then leave behind the nut that falls to the ground, later to be gathered by the women. The nuts fall from the tree in May and are collected in June and July. 

Green represents where Argan Trees grow - It's now a protected tree because of high demand

The team from Actually Organic spent a good amount of time in Morocco meeting with local farmers who grow the Argania tree. Scientist discovered that it is full of rich antioxidants rejuvenating Vitamin E and other nutrients that add glow, youth, and beauty to the hair skin and nails. 

It takes one worker over 40 minutes to crack enough nuts to create 1 - 4oz bottle. There are zero preservatives and chemicals, it's purely natural. You can add this magical oil to your mani-pedi routine, don't forget to take it with you to your manicure appointment, and have your manicurist apply after final coat.

Less known than coconut oil or jojoba oil. Argan oil itself contains more antioxidant and cell regenerative properties than olive oil, grape seed oil, and avocado oil combined. When applied to the skin, it absorbs quickly, and without an oily or greasy film...at all! Your skin is left feeling silky, and smooth satiny.   

Bee -Lieve in Yourself Necklace

Not only do I have dry nails and skin, but after constant us of a curling and flat iron the ends are super dry, After styling my hair I place a bit of the oil in my palms, rub together and run it on the ends of my hair.  It truly helps to restore shine and luster. Things are lookin up!

Don't forget your nails!

By combining a few drops of the Argan Oil to my favorite body lotion I feel like I have added moisture back to my body! Let's face it... 40 and over the skin becomes incredibly dry, this has brought hope back to having that smooth touch to my legs and arms. 

https://www.instagram.com/recreo.reinspired/ Bee Lieve in Yourself necklace /  Vintage Flannel Shirt The Farmers Daughter Sun Valley Shophttps://www.instagram.com/p/BJyB-iahOWJ/   

We've only begun to hear about the many skincare benefits of argan oil. It seems like new research appears every few months promoting more and more benefits -- For now, I am absolutely loving the overhaul of smoothness. There is a lot of moving parts that take place to reach the final outcome of this little bottle of "gold" It's quite a story and if you love organic, you can't help but appreciate the Argan Oil history.

Thank you Actually Organic, I now have a new and fantastic Oil enriched with history to add to my daily beauty routine, It's been a great experience. Thank you for reaching out to me. 

Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty! – Coco Chanel

If you have any questions please email me;  janet@gratefulgardenia.com

1 - I've had zero breakouts from applying directly to my face

2 -  A little goes a long way

3 - It has a tiny smell that goes away in about a minute

4 - It's been a miracle worker on my cuticles & hair

5 - I mix it with my lotion and apply right out of the shower

https://www.facebook.com/ActuallyOrganicMorocco

Hello, World!

BEAUTIFUL PATRICIA MORISON

Meet the glamours Patricia Morison (born March 19, 1915) is an American stage and film actress, and a mezzo-soprano singer. She made her feature film debut in 1939 after several years on the stage. She was well-known as a beauty with large eyes and extremely long, dark hair. During this period of her career, she was often cast as the femme fatale or  the "other woman". It was only when she returned to the Broadway stage that she achieved her greatest success as the lead in the original production of Cole Porter's - Kiss Me Kate

A few months ago I was visiting a friend for an upcoming event she will be charing for Robinson's Gardens. While touring the grounds I met Juan Bastos, a portrait artist (a rare find) from Venezuela, now living in Los Angeles. After chatting with Juan for awhile, he told me about all of these incredible women he has painted who are over 60 years old... still out and about in the world, and living life to its fullest. He said "you must meet Patricia Morison", she is one hundred years old, I know you will adore her" Well, of course I said yes, that would be amazing, I don't know anyone who is 100 years old, (and about to turn 101 on March 19th) I would be honored. Less then a month later, Juan and I paid Patricia Morison a visit. 

I can't tell you how excited I was to meet Patricia, I had to bring her a little gift, every girl loves flowers, no matter how old you are. I was truly excited to meet her...I felt like a young kid on my way to meet Patricia.

Patricia's birth name is Eileen Patricia August Fraser Morison, and Hollywood had nicknamed her - The Fire and Ice Girl. She was known to be lovely and exotic, and for her long hair. On a few occasions she was asked to cut her long locks, but she refused. Patricia studied at the Art Students League and proceeded to take acting classes at the Neighborhood Playhouse, while also studying dance with the renowned Martha Graham. She earned a steady check as a dress shop designer while studying acting. At twenty one years old Patricia made the move to Hollywood.

Still today Patricia enjoys looking through the fashion magazines, mostly Vogue and Vanity fair. She will be watching the Oscars but claims, it's not quiet as exciting and glamorous as it once was. Patricia attended several Oscars, one of her favorites was The Wizard of Oz.

Dressed to Kill - 1946- Sherlock Holmes sets out to discover why a trio of murderous villains, including a dangerously attractive female, are desperate to obtain three unassuming and inexpensive little music boxes. 

Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Patricia Morison - Her Dressed to Kill co-stars.

Patricia and Yul Brynner in The King and I on Broadway. She was very fond of Yul. in the beginning of rehearsals she knocked on his dressing room door... he said "come in."  There he was sitting naked...he said that he needed to stay in character. She replied "alright, that's fine with me" and that was the beginning of their friendship. There was no love affair during the production, Yul was dating Marlena Detrich at the time of their Broadway run. 

Patricia was very close to her family, her parents, who she claims were both quiet feisty, were born in the west of Ireland. Her mother worked for the British Intelligence after WW1, and was the first women to speak in the House of Commons- her father was fighting in France. After her parents made their way to New York, Patricia was born in 1915. She wanted to be an artist and devoted herself to painting. She ended up winning a scholarship that would take her to Paris, but she decided to stay in NYC and follow her love for the stage.

Look at this beauty... Are Husbands Necessary? - 1942 

Patricia with Ray Milland from Untamed in 1940 - He was Patricia's favorite cinema actor.

Song of The Thin Man 1947

Kiss Me Kate 1948- Opened first in Philadelphia 

Kiss Me Kate was Cole Porter's first show he wrote in which the music and lyrics were firmly connected to the script, and it prove to be his biggest hit and the only one of his shows to run for more that 1,000 performances on Broadway. In 1949 it won the first Tony Award presented for Best Musical. No one thought it would make it, and it received rave reviews. Only after the show opened, Hollywood took notice that Patricia was an incredible singer. Patricia lost her brother to a fatal auto accident while performing on stage in Kiss Me Kate. Production offered her days off, but she declined. She knew she could morn in the evening after the shows, she felt for the people who would be out of a job in that time if she were to take time off.

Patricia with Cole Porter -  Accompanied by her agent, she was asked to come to Cole Porters home in Brentwood one evening, after hearing her sing, he knew she was exactly what the show needed.

Patricia with Johnny Weismuller in Tarzan and the Huntress - 1947

"Johnny was beautiful to watch, whether just standing or swimming. I didn't socialize with him much, he was busy with a new love affair." 

Patricia being honored in New York at 100 years old.

Out on the town with Patricia. Being honored at Pasadena Playhouse for her 100th Birthday.  Q&A with Patricia. 

Me: What were you most know for in Hollywood?

Patricia: My long hair, blue eyes, and I was the femme fatale. I was also a great singer, but I wasn't known for that

Me: Did the studios ever ask you to cut your hair?

Patricia: Oh yes, on many occasions

Me: What is one of your favorite Hollywood stories?

Patricia: Oh..there are so many, but Louis B. Mayer had a Hollywood Crush on me. One evening I attended a dinner and movie at his home. He invited me back to a room and showed me a large box of beautiful jewelry, he said "you know...I own all of those." I said, "that's wonderful, they're lovely."  On another occasion my mother was in town and Mr. Mayer invited us both to a private lunch. He told my mother, "you know...I am very healthy, and the box of jewels I showed Patricia could all be hers... If she will be mine. I declined, and on another occasion, he walked me to my car after a party, and as I was getting in he said, " I'll give you all of Metro"

Me: You weren't interested in marrying Louis B Mayer or Metro? (they ended up being very good friends)

Patricia: Oh honey, no... I wanted neither of the two. He would often show up at my performances for Kiss Me Kate and sit in the balcony, but he would never come say hello.

Me: I know you didn't marry, but did you have a favorite leading man you dated?

Patricia: Yes... Sterling Hayden, he was so handsome and manly, and Preston Foster was such a gentleman 

Me: Did you have an actress you admired?

Patricia: Yes...Greta Garbo, and at one point I moved back to NYC, and I rented her apartment, and I was thrilled to meet her.

Me: Do you watch any television programs today?

Patricia: Yes, I love the TNT network, sometimes I will wake up at 3am and turn on the old classics.

Me: Did you only sing on stage?

Patricia: Yes, never in films, but I sang at the Hollywood Bowl several times.

Me: Do you have any advice for young actresses today? 

Patricia: If you love the theater then study the classics, live in New York or London and do it because you absolutely love it. 

Me: Do you have a favorite perfume and a favorite flower?

Patricia: Yes, I love Arpege Perfume and Roses are so beautiful.

Me: You and I have something in common, we both entertained for the U.S.O.

Patricia: Really? How old are you?

Me: 54, and If I am as fortunate as you Patricia, I'll be sitting on my couch at 100 years ohealthy and graceful as you. 

Patricia: Oh honey, don't tell anyone how old you are!  (we both have a good chuckle)   I'm a very fortunate woman, and I've done what I wanted with my life and worked with some wonderful people along the way.

Me: You know what, I've been very fortunate too Patricia, I've had a great life.

I will always remember this time spent with Patricia. Throughout our two hours she would say, "I'm just so fortunate. I'm pretty sure this has been her mantra for many years. Patricia is beautiful... her eyes are so crystal clear, they are almost see-through. She was so kind, witty, and had a perfect speaking voice. We looked through her scrap books, as she told stories of her days in Hollywood. It was truly the closest I will ever come to truly feeling the history of that era. The day I met Juan was my lucky day. I've always envisioned myself living to be 100 and healthy, smiling and sharing stories of my own fortunate path with loved ones. Being with Patricia was like looking into a crystal ball...if there was such a thing. Patricia gave me the vision of what it looks and feels like to be fortunate and full of gratitude, and Juan presented me with that opportunity. You never know when and why people come into our lives. Our job is to say "Yes". When we stay open we can begin to live in the joy of the unknown. And even become fortunate like Patricia.

I hope you have the chance to know or meet someone who is much older than you. Take the time to listen and laugh with them, be silent with them and hold their hand. They will cherish their time with you, but it will be your gift forever.

Dear Juan - Thank you so much for your generous heart and your time.  You are a kind soul, and I am so happy we met.

        *Age does not protect you from love. But love, to some extent, protects you from age.                                                                                                                            Jeanne Moreau

MAUD'S

Meet Fearless Female Victoria O'Brien. Entrepreneur, mother of three, wife and an Irish beauty who is making her dreams come true. Victoria opened Maud's in June of 2015. Located in Beverly Hills next to West Hollywood on Doheny, you will find a welcomed and much needed boutique that provides you with Luxurious Lashes, Waxing and Manicures. If you're lusting after long lashes, make your appointment at Maud's and treat yourself to a little glam.

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Victoria left for London at 20 years old. She then headed to England, Australia, Dubai, London and last stop was Qatar. Fulfilling her love for travel, all along she never lost sight of where she wanted to live and begin her business. For 23 years, Victoria’ would say, “I want to live and work in Los Angeles by the time I am forty years old”. Well, guess who landed in Los Angeles with her husband, three kids and began her business by forty…  A mantra that surly paid off. Inspired and genuinely motivated by her glamours grandmother Maud, Victoria was on a mission, and nothing was going to stop her. She also wanted to create a work environment that allowed her to be available for her family and be the ‘mum’ she wanted to be for her three young kids. Victoria had a vision, a dream, and a desire. Having that strong of will allowed Victoria to travel, marry, start a family and in perfect time, those dreams turned into reality.  Everyday Victoria can walk through the door of her salon, glance up, and give thanks to the inspiration behind the dream.. Her grandmother Maud.

Victoria and her family in Los Angeles.  Her motivational team...

 Before smart phones and social media, we went to the salon to relax and enjoy our beauty treatments. When you enter Maud's front door you're instantly brought back to when life was quite and simple. Lashes, Nails, Eyebrows...Its a lovely setting to pamper yourself and give your device a rest.

Treatment rooms are restful and comforting. It was nice to sneak in a little nap while Jennifer applied my lashes. 

 Why not book your treatment for perfectly manicured nails and enjoy a cup of coffee or a spot of tea.

Relax, and unwind in a quiet bungalow setting while Jennifer works her magic. You can also have your brows perfectly sculpted. 

Maud's uses Xtreme Lashes. Each Xtreme Eyelash Extension is individually applied to a single eyelash, resulting in a gorgeous, natural appearance.

With routine touchups every two to four weeks, you can have amazing eyelashes indefinitely. I have a small face and petit features, so Jennifer trimmed my lashes after the final application. 

I do love the look of more lashes. When I wake up I don’t look as tired, I’m a little more bright eyed. I throw on my tinted moisturizer, a little blush, gloss and go. If I’m going out for dinner I add liner and shadow. You can go for length or density, or both. You don’t have to live a big lash life to have lashes.  Thank you Jennifer! 

If you live locally be sure and take a moment to check out Maud's. Located at 624 North Doheny Drive, Los Angeles / 310-777-8813. I really love the feeling of Maud's, It's so refreshing to be in an environment that makes you feel at home.

While walking my dog last year, I noticed there was a new business going in. I watched the construction on Maud’s for several months and wondered what was about to open in our neighborhood. I popped my head in the door and was told an eyelash & manicure salon was about to open. I was thrilled! It looked quaint, sweet and within walking distance...Fantastic! When Maud’s opened, I went and introduced myself to Victoria and welcomed her to the neighborhood. After our chat, I admired her story and knew she would be an inspiration to any female who wanted to move here or anywhere and begin her own business, and who was also turning 40. Lucky me that she is right in my hood, and serves delicious tea and coffee, with a beautiful Irish accent. I’m grateful that I have connected with Victoria. Fearless…Yes,  Inspirational… Yes…Victorious…Yes…That’s Victoria.

Me: As an entrepreneur, what are some challenges you have faced in the beginning stages, and how did you overcome them?

Victoria: One of the challenges for me at the beginning was managing the creation of the Maud's brand, the salon remodel and the grand opening of the salon all while juggling the school commitments and after school activities for my three children. They were all under seven years old and my husband was still working in the Middle East, so it was pretty insane!!

 Me: Briefly describe a day in your life as an entrepreneur. From the time you wake up - 

Victoria: I think I fit into fearless female better than an entrepreneur. Not too much scares me which scares a lot of people around me haha, mainly my husband and my parents!  My day starts at 6 am with a strong cup of English breakfast tea. I've recently begun to set aside Ten minutes in the morning to pray / meditate. I'm then straight into mum mode; preparing schools lunches, breakfast and getting everyone's clothes laid out and ready for the day. At 8 am it's off to school we go and after drop off I try and squeeze in a workout. Occasionally I will have an early meeting, but I like to schedule them mid morning. I'm a nicer person when I can workout! I workout at Happy Hour Gym which is next door to Maud's so I shower there and go straight to work. I'm usually at the salon until noon, and when I pick my son up mummy kicks in again. I'm not an esthetician, so the salon doesn't need me every minute of the day and it works out great. My behind the scenes work happens from my home office. On busy days, I will arrange Childcare and make sure I am at the salon all day. We have an excellent client base already, and I love being there for them and seeing their 'before and after' transformations. I'm also told I make great coffee. It's Nespresso, so I'm not sure I can take the credit!

Me: What or who motivates you in your job and your personal life?

Victoria: A lot of things motivate me in different areas of my life. LA motivates me. Just being here, waking up to it every day. I have wanted to live and breath LA for 23 years and I'm thankful for every minute. My children motivate me to make my business a success. I want them to see what you can do if you want it badly enough. My grandmother Maud motivates me. She loves what I have created here, and she gets such a thrill to see her name up there on the awning. The irony of it all is that she disliked her name. She preferred to be called Maureen, she did not like the sound of Maud. I was then given Maud as one of my middle names and I too disliked it. She and I have both come full circle, and we love it! There was never a doubt in my mind that the salon would be called Maud's. No other name entered into the equation. 

Me: What are your three favorite beauty or clothing products you just can’t live without?

Victoria: Easy - my Xtreme lash extensions, my eyeliner (which is also the Xtreme brand) and my Nikes!

Me: How do you continue to come up with ideas for growing your business? 

Victoria: The concept of Maud's is deliberately simple. We are not trying to be everything to everyone. Instead, we focus on three lines; eyelashes/brows, waxing and nails and we do it very well. Regarding growth, the strategy is simple - establish -perform and grow. We are in the performing stage with growth bubbling under the surface now. Like any successful business, it's about getting every fine detail perfect first rather than trying to grow too fast and risk mistakes. Maud's is a long term business, so we bide out time …A valuable lesson from my grandmother.... 

     * The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.    Audrey Hepburn