Bertaut Beauty

Sedona

2008-05-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

50th Birthday Celebration in Denver & Phoenix!

2007-06-02T15:07:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 250 years between friends since Jr High School!

During my recent visit to my old stomping grounds in Denver Colorado, I got together with some of my favorite people from my Jr High days. We are all turning 50 this year and got together to celebrate our friendship and this milestone birthday.

From L-R: Teri P, Leanne C, Betsy B, Terri H, and me - missing is Kathy A, see below...

Betsy, Terri, Teri and I were hippy chicks together back in the day. We used to vow never to go straight. Good thing we gave up that belief. We still look great and younger than our years. Denver is the one place from my childhood that I feel I have roots - given we moved over 25 times due to my dad being in the Air Force. I still love it here and my friends who helped to form my identity and a sense of belonging somewhere.

Our birthday cake. We used to think that life ended after 30 - and we never thought we would make it much past that age. Now we have surpassed it by 20 years!

Betsy is one of my all-time best friends. She has been there for me for years. Thanks Betsy! We made the collage behind us before the birthday dinner. It was fun going back in time.

Teri and Leanne are sisters-in-law. Leanne married Teri's brother and had a family while we were out getting into mischief.

Kathy A, the comedian of the group was missing from this event. Don't let the halo around her head fool you. She is pure mischief...and lots of fun too.

Another life-long friend and fellow 50 year old is Kathy C. from Aurora, Co. We were best friends in 9th grade before I moved to Japan. From L-R Kathy, Crystal (neice), me, JD (nephew), and her son Dallas.

Celebration in Arizona

David and I went to a murder, mystery dinner in Scottsdale and I had no idea I would have competition at the meal. Trixie was drawn to David in a hot flash and then she was feeding him my birthday cake. Imagine that...

And I have the proof. Luckily, she wasn't the murderer. It was the not-so-magnificent Steve.

Here I am with my dad and step-mom. They coordinated the efforts in Arizona for my big 5-0. Oops! That's me without my make-up...don't tell anyone.

We played pin the tail on the donkey and had a pinata that wouldn't break open until we beat it on the ground. Lot's of fun.

My favorite Auntie and Mom's sister, Esther.

My favorite cousin Steve.

My favorite cousin Raul and cousin in law Gloria.

More favorite cousins, Leonard and wife Bobbie

Here I am with favorite cousins Lorene, Corina and their daughter

Favorite cousins Virginia and Yoli

It was a fun time and it doesn't feel much different being 50 than 49 except I am eligible for AARP now. Thanks for sharing my birthday pics with me.

Ringing in the new year Pasadena style!

2007-01-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite as exciting as being able to wake up on New Years day, turn on the TV to find out about the day's floats, hop in the shower and then walk 4 blocks to view the most beautiful parade ever...The Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena California.

David and I at the parade. Here is what we saw this year...

George Lucas was the Grand Marshall for the parade this year and he brought his Star Wars characters.

Bet you didn't know Star Wars had a marching band

All of the floats are made from organic materials. Such as flowers, plants, grain, seeds, spices, etc. There is nothing synthetic in any of the floats. They are intricate works of art.

The Dragons sponsored by Honda

The Octopus' Garden by Trader Joe's - they played the song with the same name from the Beatle's White Album

I am a big USC fan since moving to Southern CA

The Oakridge Boys - not looking too natural and healthy...

Michigan State marching band - I think...

The animal guy, Jack Hanna

The Rose Queen and her court

What I am Thankful for!

2006-11-27T10:34:00.000-08:00

I had an incredible week in Arizona. My travels brought many gifts wrapped as people, nature, and experiences. There was no past or future...only the present. Thanks to everyone who was a part of this wonderful week. Here are some pics of my experience and the people that made it special.

The magic started with a 3 day retreat in Tucson with my Reiki master Barbara Van Diest. I love these get-aways as it gives me time to rejuvenate and learn from my spiritual teacher. We even designed a 3-day Reiki master training to be held in Tucson so that my future students get time with both of us in this healing environment.
Each morning started with a walk into Sabino Canyon. Some of my best A-ha moments come during these walks. God's work is present everywhere in the canyon.

Here is Hippo rock. Critters and Deer are common along the paths. Beauty is everywhere. It was a wonderful pre-lude to Thanksgiving with the family in Phoenix.

Next stop was Dad's. I took the shuttle to Phoenix where my dad and stepmom, Lynn picked me up and took me to dinner. After dinner I joined dad by singing some favorite songs from his era. He and Mom sing in their church choir and for the old folks in Sun City West. Here I am trying to hit the high notes by raising my eyebrows. It turned that dad was recording the whole thing on cassette tape. We sounded like a comedy act between the songs and jokes. It was priceless.
I joined my Dad and Lynn at church on Thanksgiving morning to hear them sing in the choir. What a treat this was. Their voices blended so beautifully that it brought tears to my eyes. Their music fills you in such a way that you know you are in the presence of God and his angels.

My Dad and Mom

Thanksgiving evening we went to my dad's, wife's, sister's, husbands, son's house for dinner. Did you follow that? This description started at church Thursday morning as my dad tried to explain to a friend where we were going for Thanksgiving.

My Stepmom, Lynn with her niece Roxanne and sister Liz. They call Liz Aunt Belle...I used to think they were saying Aunt Bill so in fun she is now my Aunt Bill.

Liz aka Aunt Bill with her step-son the Chef, Dustin.

David and me in front of the Eiffel Tower, painted by Liz's husband Jerry...the chef Dustin's dad.

Dustin and his dad, Jerry...Aunt Bill's husband...and the one who painted the Eiffel Tower.

David and Mom.

Dad and me at the Eiffel Tower.

Roxanne and Michelle admiring the Turkeys. One was baked and the other was getting prepped to be deep fried.

Dad lounging after dinner watching football and relaxing.

David and I with Chef Dustin. Watching him cook and eating his food was an incredible experience. It was a Thanksgiving that we were all excited to be a part of and will remember with the fondest of memories. Thanks Dustin...let us know where you are cooking next!

Saturday night my original mom's family came over for lasagne and karaoke. From L - R in the front row...my favorite cousins, Steve, Gloria, Raul, and Virginia with my favorite Auntie Esther.

Auntie playing the keyboards. She turned 80 this year and is still the party girl!

Lynn with my Superman, David

My dad and I performing another duet.

Saying goodbye to Mom and Dad was not easy. They are off to sing in the choir again. I love you both very much! Thanks for making this such a special weekend!

Image & Essence

2006-10-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

Meet Corey, Karen and Tonia...they each experienced a transformation to reveal their true self - inside and out.

Stay at home mom, Corey wanted to go back to work..

Karen downplayed her image to fit in at work...

Tonia wanted more credibility as a professional in her industry...

You don't have to change who you are...only your perspective about who you are and then match the outside to what's inside.

The magic is within you. Knowing and being true to yourself is your most rewarding journey in life. If you:

- feel like you are operating on auto-pilot.
- conform to your environment in order to fit in.
- take care of others before considering your needs.
- don't feel a strong sense of identity and purpose.
- say "yes" when you really mean "no."

then this class is for you.

Join Linda as she shares one of her gifts, helping others to discover and reveal their true self and life passion. Known as an "Identity Expert," with a laser- like ability to get to the core of one's essence, she leads you to a better understanding of yourself and others.

In this class we will:

- Design your image template
- Reveal your Chakra Personality type & access modes
- Experience how to connect to intuition at will
- Discover how to be true to yourself in all areas of life

This class only happens 1 - 2 times a year. Sign up now and discover things you never knew about yourself...

When: Sunday, January 28 in San Ramon, 2007 10 AM - 6 PM or

Sunday, March 4 in Pasadena, 2007 10 AM - 6 PM

Cost: $195 includes lunch and your personality profile.

Print a flyer...http://www.bertautbeauty.com/Classes/class_image.shtml

Read the stories of our three make-overs in "Your Image is Your Business": http://www.bertautbeauty.com/articles/YourImageIsYourBusiness-SkinInc.pdf

Come to your Senses with Reiki Rejuvenation Treatments

2006-09-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

Want to separate yourself from the crowd by being the first to offer Energy Rejuvenation Treatments at your salon or spa?

Balancing body, mind and spirit takes on new life with treatments specifically designed to reduce stress and anxiety by quieting mental chatter and calming the emotions so that your clients feel more at peace and experience more A-ha moments.

This class provides you with a new category of treatment and products to infuse into your current business. Beyond facials, you can bring clients in on a weekly basis and provide home-care products that will support balance and well-being.

Learn everything you need to know to start offering this service in your spa.

You will receive:

1. Hands-on training for the 30-minute Reiki Rejuvenation Treatment.
2. Protocol for a 30-minute "non-facial" that can also be incorporated into one of your existing facials.
3. Ways to incorporate "EnergyCeuticals" into your treatments.
4. Language to use in your menu of services.
5. Ways to speak about and promote these treatments.
6. Tips for creating a healing ambiance for your spa.

* Pre-requisite: Bertaut Reiki 1

Click here to check for class dates

Price $125 - Includes hands-on training, treatment protocols and certificate.

To register call or email Linda Bertaut - 626-405-0424 or Linda@BertautBeauty.com

International Congress of Esthetics in Long Beach

2006-09-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

This was my first time speaking at the Long Beach show and it was great! Laura Bazo the conference coordinator was the perfect host and made sure everything went smoothly. Thanks Laura for the opportunity to speak at your show. It was a wonderful experience!

Amanda Strunk, Editorial Asst and Pat Strunk, Associate Publisher at the Dermascope Magazine booth. They are delightful to work with and I enjoyed the chance to visit them during the show. They were leaving the next day for a road trip and family adventure in Utah and then back home to Dallas. Check out my article this month in Dermascope, EnergyCeuticals.

Connecting with the audience in the beginning of my presentation on Energy Healing Treatments, using Reiki, color and gemstones.

Explaining how the Chakras are connected to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Reading our model, Mayra's energy system for the "Energy Make-Over."

Her ratings on a scale of 1- 10 (with 10 being the highest) before the treatment were:

Stress level = 8.5, Mental Chatter = 6.5 and Emotional/Anxiety = 10

The audience gathered to take a closer look.

Starting the treatment after misting with Calm & Collecting Mood Mist from Petal Potions.

Reiki model, Mayra Wenig of Miami Florida looked radiant after her treatment. Her after ratings for stress, mental chatter and emotional/anxiety were all at zero.

My two winners for the drawing each received a Mood Mist kit to take home. Left - Kuniko Yamamoto of Walnut, CA and Right - Cecile Perkins of Upland, CA.

Remembering Violet Leitas April 29, 1909 - August 23, 2006

2006-09-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

I met Violet in 1993 when I worked in San Francisco at a clothing store part-time in the SF Center. Violet was a spry 84 years old at the time. She would come from Oakland on BART to spend the morning shopping at her favorite places. We were lucky to be her very first stop. Violet loved hats and colorful clothing. She was a true inspiration to all of us at the store. As time passed I would go to Oakland to take her to lunch at Jack London Square. We enjoyed our adventures together and started a ritual of taking pictures. I often thought I would start a Violet and friends calendar with all of the great shots we took. She was very dear to me and we had a lot of fun and laughs together. I love you Violet. You will be missed.

Take a peek into the spirit of the colorful and wonderful friend I knew as Violet. She was ahead of her time... Here is Violet in full color. She loved Jack's Bistro, Kincaid's and El Torito's. Her favorite lipstick was Red, Red, Red by Clinique, although it looks like she is wearing pink here.

Connie, Violet and me at Scott's Seafood in Jack London Square. Connie and I worked together. We both loved Violet and would take her out for lunch.

Violet would hold my hand as we walked and we would wander and talk as we shopped. On numerous occasions she would get caught up in conversation and not notice that she was walking me right into a pillar or trash container. It had the potential for a good slap stick movie.

Violet was famous for her black fingernail polish. She was the first to start this trend back in the 1940's. She kept her nails manicured and polished up until the end. When we went out around Halloween, people would say, "oh, you are ready for Halloween". They would comment on how cute or fun she was to wear black polish and costumy clothes. Little did they know that she always dressed like this...
Violet was a trend setter and was one of the first women to wear pants as a fashion (and comfort) statement. Here she is in Yosemite in the 1930's. She would tell me stories of seeing hollywood stars when she and Charley went out dancing. Barbara Stanwick and Montgomery Clift sat at a table next to them at a San Francisco nightclub.

Violet with her husband Charley on the boardwalk in Santa Cruz.

She met Charley at a dance. She would fondly tell me the story of how her dance card was full - except for the last dance - when Charley came up to request a dance with her. She said that he sat and waited patiently until the end of the evening to get the last dance with her. He turned out to be the love of her life. They were married for over 50 years until his death in the early 1990's.

Violet in 1938 in front of the family car in Oakland...it turns out that Violet only lived a few blocks from where my dad was born in 1933.

Violet in the back yard of their home in Oakland.

Violet's Charley with their Scottie. Name unknown...

Dressed up in our hats we would get a lot of second looks. One day we were having brunch at El Torito's when a woman looks over and asks Violet, "are you someone famous?" We laughed and thanked her for the compliment. She thought that Violet was an actress from the silver screen. Violet got a kick out of this and would often refer to that comment with fond memories.

Here we are at Jack's. We wore the same sweater this day. It was reversable - I wore the black side out and she wore the white side out. We walked into the restaurant and Violet asked me if I thought they would notice that we were wearing the same sweater. All I remember is the big smiles on peoples faces as they saw us. I think they noticed...

Violet in front of her favorite hat store. We had more fun trying on and buying hats here.

Violet and my dad. My dad joined us for lunch one day and became part of the photo ritual that we practiced on our excursions. Violet had a lot of fun with this picture and would tell her girlfriends that this was a picture of her with her younger boyfriend. My dad was 68 at the time.

Violet with friend Betty Boop...

Biker Babes Betty Boop and Violet...

Violet with Taz...

Violet with the Easter Bunny for brunch overlooking Lake Merritt. This is one of the rare occasions we did not eat at Jack London Square.

Violet at Halloween with the straw witch...notice how they have the same hair color and hat?

Violet with friend Michael Jordan.

Violet with some bunny...

Violet telling Santa what she wants for Christmas. "Hey big boy I want some new hats, shoes and cookies for Christmas."

Some of the last pictures with Violet were at this car show at Jack London Square. We both ate Salmon at Jack's and had the best Tiramisu for dessert. Thanks for all the wonderful memories Violet! I will see you again one day. Love, Linda

My Sweetie turns 50 - View the fun...

2006-06-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

The theme: Stick 'em up! Little Cowboy Dave, aka Loco Dave, on his horse Pokey, Circa 1958

It turns out that David wanted to be a cowboy when he was younger. Pictured here at 2 years old he gave me a theme and story for the party. Isn't he cute!

Back in the old west, "Loco Dave" rode the lawns one house at a time searching for the perfect party...almost 50 years later...we say "Stick 'em up, Dave Guerra, we found your party!"

In order to make it authentic, we had to recreate Loco Dave with his horse Pokey.
David was truly surprised. We all had a great time. Take a look at some of the pics...

L-R David's Mom - Tomasita, Me, David, Grandma Dora, David's brother - Joey.
David with his brother Rick.

L-R Niece Candace and Sister-in-law Candie.

Madera West Side Gang

With his son Carlos.

With my cousins Cecilia and Linda.

With his niece Cassandra

My cousin Buddy and his Uncle Jerry.

His cousins Raymond and Rick.

With his daughter Amber and her boyfriend Matt.

My dad, John and stepmom, Lynn

Niece Ashley, nephew Guerick, Daughter Amber, niece Candice and her boyfriend.

With his brother Joey.

More to come...

Petal Potions training at Robinson's Cosmetology in Concord, CA (Formerly Deloux)

2006-06-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

I visited Robinson's Cosmetology (Formerly Deloux Cosmetology) in Concord during my San Francisco visit. Deborah Robinson was the director of schools when I attended Deloux in San Francisco back in the '80's. She now owns her own school and offers, cosmetology and esthetic classes to people who desire a beauty career. Pictured from L - R: Gisele Baltazar, Deborah Robinson, Linda Bertaut, Sonja Estela.
I am a big fan of esthetic instructor Sonja Estela. Her students love her and she introduces Petal Potions Mood Mists in her classes and with clients. It is always a pleasure to spend time with her and her students.
I am so proud of my former Miss Marty's student, Gisele Baltazar. She has developed her own practice at Bodylines Day Spa in San Ramon where she offers facials, waxing and Reiki treatments. She has taken all of my classes, including Reiki level 2 and Advanced Make-Up Techniques. She uses Petal Potions on her clients and recommends Face Options mineral cosmetics as well. Give Bodylines a call and book an appointment with Gisele. It was great to spend time with her during my trip to the bay area.

Here are the students from Sonja's class. We connected on a heart level and magic happened during my visit there. This is what makes my work worthwhile. Thanks to the students for being so open and welcoming. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Petal Potions training at Miss Marty's in San Francisco, CA

2006-06-01T06:37:00.001-07:00

Visiting with Dotti Bell, the owner of Miss Marty's Hair Academy and Esthetics Institute in San Francisco. Dotti was the first to purchase the Petal Potions Mood Bar for her students and clients. Petal Potions started here when I taught an Herbology and product development class to the senior students on Tuesdays. Thanks Dotti for the opportunity to share my knowledge and grow from the experience of teaching at your school.

Here I am with Maria Lorenzi, the freshman instructor at Miss Marty's. Maria was my teacher back in 1986. She is the best! I love her for all that she does for her students. She has trained many estheticians and continues to support us as we work in the beauty industry.

Thanks to Maria, I won my first trophy for make-up. She is a costume designer and trained us on how to apply Fantasy Make-Up in school. I won 1st place in the inter-school competition for the Winged Monkey from the Wizard of Oz, above.

Here I am with Maria and the Freshman class.

Here I am with the Senior class and their Tuesday instructor Rezvan, next to me wearing black. She owns a holistic beauty spa on Union Street in San Francisco and also incorporates Reiki into her treatments.

Petal Potions training with Rachel Gaeta at Skyline College in San Bruno, CA

2006-06-01T06:37:00.000-07:00

Master instructor and esthetics pioneer Rachel Gaeta (sitting in the back on the right) teaches the Spa Class at Skyline College in San Bruno. I have known Rachel for many years and was very excited when she chose Petal Potions and Tranquili-Tea to serve to clients receiving spa treatments from her students. I train her students each semester on healing techniques and how to use the Mood Mists and Elixirs with clients.

Face & Body Show in San Francisco

2006-05-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

Face & Body was a huge success! We performed over 150 mini-Reiki treatments on show attendees and they loved it! This is my favorite show of the year and where I launched my Mood Bar for the first time in 2003.

My presentation on Healing the Chakras using Reiki, Color and Stones was well received. Here is a pic they captured of Bertaut Reiki grads performing treatments on audience participants. Pictured from L - R: Dr. Paulina Van, Rosemary Popovich, Rhoda Keith
I want to extend a special thanks to the following Bertaut Reiki graduates for their time and healing hands at the show:

David Guerra
Gwendolyn Eyike
Rosemary Popovich
Katy Picon
Tonia Weakland
Paulina Van
Ellen Mary Casteneda
Rhoda Keith
Lei Morita
Shannon Twomey
Marlyse Missombe

Bertaut Reiki grads performing Mini-Reiki treatments on show attendees.

Serving Mood-tinis at the Mood Bar and explaining how the elixirs and Mood Mists do their magic to improve your mood and outlook.
Demonstrating to show attendees at the Mood Bar

Show attendees shopping for Mood Mist & Elixir Kits
Catching up with old friend and colleague, Patricia Royval from San Jose.
Bertaut Reiki 2 Grad Dr Paulina Van speaking to show attendee. Rhoda Keith, Reiki 1, Image & Essence and Prof Make-Up grad, in background.

The Advanced Skin & Body Intensive at Sea

2006-05-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

...was a magical experience that I had the pleasure of being a part of. Barbara Howard and Debra Buonaguidi of Debara organized and hosted an incredible event at sea for beauty industry professionals. They intuitively selected the educators and covered topics related to body, mind and spirit as we sailed aboard the Carnival Pride on the Mexican Riviera.
I taught classes on Energy Management, Image, Make-Up and Reiki 1. David and I performed mini-Reiki treatments on participants while they listened to Meeting Your Future Self. It was a great experience. I highly recommend this educational cruise!

Here are some pics of the cruise:

Barbara and Debra with the Educators at David’s Supper Club L-R Barbara Howard, Dr. Gloria Gilbere, Rebecca James-Gadberry, Debra Buonaguidi, Christine Heathman, Linda Bertaut

Here I am with Debra and Barbara, the organizers of this wonderful experience. Look, our clothes match the painting…and we didn’t even plan it that way.

I scheduled an impromptu Reiki 1 class for the cruise participants. It was a new experience teaching Reiki on a ship using chaise lounge chairs.
Graduates from Top L-R: Rene Barrett of Bliss Skin in Wyoming, Rebecca James-Gadberry of YG Labs in Southern California, Me, Christine Heathman of Glymed in Utah, and Below: Tuesday McKean of Advanced Clinical Skin Care in Alaska.

One more Reiki 1 grad on board the cruise: Joanne Aguillon of Massachusetts

Bay Area Bertaut Reiki graduate, Donna Spigelman of the Body Care Center in Pacifica, CA joined us too.

David and me at dinner on the first night of the cruise.

Longtime friends and clients from San Francisco, Kit and John joined us on the trip.

David and me in Mazatlan with one of the Mexican-Indian performers.