Botox and alternatives to Botox just scream LA. In the city where it is rude to be old and not pretty, with saggy breasts and double chin, bad hair and naturally yellow teeth, everyone would feel inferior to pretty, skinny and young. LA is the place where plastic surgeons co-exists with Chinese take out and, spa and tanning salons. We spend our weekends at a bookstore not reading history and science books, but tabloids. We spend nights not watching CNN and PBS, but E! Entertainment and The Insider and we religiously seek out the gyms with a wide selection of elliptical machines and treadmills and diet alternatives at vitamin shops.
If you can’t afford gyms or feel intimidated by beautiful people next to you on a treadmill (yes, I remember my workouts at Equinox in New York, when I felt the only girl who weighted more than 90 pounds and had a flat, but no ripped stomach) there are still solutions. So don’t give up.
When I moved to LA, I was careful not to fall in the trap of considering myself too fat and too old among the always blond and mystic-tanned LA crowd. Mind the fact that I was actually 120 pounds at 5’9†and had only just turned 29. I avoided the gyms at all costs; I could only imagine how much more uncomfortable and self-conscious I would feel working out next to model- and actor-wannabees, so I sought out an alternative – more low key and more private. And I found it, on Fuller Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard and in Venice – perfect getaways in the city that you don’t have to pay for. The place is almost a paradise in the hideout of hills, trees, shadows and gorgeous views – Runyon Canyon Park and Venice Beach. Venice Beach is a place where you can jog, bike and rollerblade at no expense and no audience to scrutinize you for being pale and wearing old yoga pants. And Runyon Canyon Park, where people of all shape, gender and age hike, jog and bike up and down the hills. It’s not only the place for exercise, but it also a dog friendly place that offers all the amenities for both people and their pets: from poop trash canes to water fountains, from shades to benches, from parking to plastic bags. And as an extra bonus – every Saturday and Sunday, at the foot of the park on the lawn a yoga expert gives a free yoga class (just bring your own yoga mat and the instructions would be provided.)
But if you are really feeling the need to do Botox and become as emotionless as most of the 20 and above in Hollywood, then do a thorough research of places, do not rely on random credibility and testimonials, try a medically licensed office and rely on credible references such as friends and doctors (such as dermatologists at city hospitals, e.g. Cedars-Sinai medical centers.) Do not just walk into the first Botox parlor you can find. Even addresses with 90210 zip codes need a double check!
Here is what I would recommend to stay young.
- Runyon Canyon (Hollywood Blvd and Fuller Ave, West Hollywood - Map)
- Venice Beach (N Venice Blvd & Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291 -Map)
- Cedars-Sinai (8635 W 3rd St # 160W - Map)
- Green tea detox (331 N. Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, 90004 -Map)
1 response so far ↓
1 Emberly Modine // Jan 29, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Runyon Canyon smells like poop.
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