TAMAR GELLAR - FEARLESS DOG LEADER

There are people who come along in life that impact you in the most special ways...They open up your eyes and your heart like a breath of fresh air, and then they open up your minds into the sensitive hearts and souls of our 4-legged friends. Tamar Geller is a New York Times bestselling author & as Oprah says "A Life Coach for Dogs and Their People". Tamar is known for her innovative methods and enthusiasm. Not only has Tamar transformed lives and impacted relationships for dogs, but also for people. This is Tamar Gellar : Dog trainer who developed "The Loved Dog"  method of dog training, and I am proud to say...My Friend

Tamar on Oprah - Watch this helpful video... it's really helpful for tips on jumping. If you are looking for a great holiday gift you can share with your family or maybe give to a friend in need of positive guidance for their new family member... Tamar's online coaching program is full of Pearls of Wisdom for humans and their best friend. This is a gift that will give back forever...

The Loved Dog was created 25 years ao and is based on the knowledge Tamar acquired as an intelligence officer in the Israeli Special Forces, and from her wisdom of nature during the time she spent observing wolves in the wild. 

Tamar's method builds a relationship based on games, clear communication, mutual respect, and fun. Remember : Your pooch wants to be a loved member of your family. Train them with happiness, with joy and empower them..the same way you would want to be treated. Tamar is the founder of the First Cage-Free Doggy Boarding and Day Care Center in Southern California.

A photo of Tamar during her time as an intelligent officer with the Israeli Special Forces. Tamar understands firsthand the challenges of being a veteran. She created a nonprofit program called Operation Heroes & Hounds that helped empower the lives of veterans and shelter dogs.

Tamar has appeared on various television programs and media outlets including; The Today Show, Oprah, Ellen. She works closely with the animal rights organizations - The Humane Society , ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, PETA, and Helen Woodward Animal Center. You can also find Tamar conducting speeches about programs for rescue organizations.

Published works include: The Loved Dog Method / 30 days to a Well-Mannered Dog / The Gentle Way To Teach Your Dog Good Manners /  Celebrate your Dog Training (DVD) / Tamar on   YouTube

Dogs are sent to us to open our hearts, teach us how to show up in the world, and practice our communication skills with everyone in our life. This is Zuma...a gift of love and a happy student.

Dogs are a tremendous gift to the world! They have a remarkable power to transform the lives of the humans they touch. They understand you more than you can ever imagine. They will be right by your side and honored in doing so. Tamar is devoted in teaching us how to capture their individuality, and celebrate the magic in them.  Tamar... You are a tremendous gift to OUR world.   The Loved Dog    

           *My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I Am... unknown

Me:  What made you decide to leave Israel and move to the United States ?

Tamar:  I never decided to leave Israel. I just came for a short visit after
backpacking for a year in South East Asia. John Lennon has a line that
says... "Life happens when you are busy making other plans." and that's how
I ended up living in the U.S.A.

Me:  Did you move to the U.S. right after you finished serving as an
Intelligent Officer ?

Tamar:   I was going to go for a two week holiday in Southeast Asia, but I kept running into awesome people who invited me to join them on different treks and explorations of off-the-beaten-path places, so I kept extending my stay. My original ticket ended in Los Angeles, so I decided to stay for a one week visit and It¹s been almost three decades...

Me:  Was Los Angeles your first city you lived in?  

Tamar:   Yes, I love Los Angeles...I love to hike, and L.A. is full of beautiful trails. I love the people in this city, I find the City of Angels to be incredibly kind and open.

Me:  When you moved to Los Angeles, did you have a job in place already?

Tamar:  I came to Los Angeles for a week on holiday and I never dreamed that I would stay here, so no... I didn't have a job.  I was returning back to Israel to begin my studies for a degree in Psychology. 

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

Tamar:  The biggest challenges I faced was the fact that I was questioning the status quo when it came to to dog training. Later on I decided to open the very first Cage-Free kennel and doggie daycare in Southern California. When I was an Intelligence Officer with the Elite Special Forces in Israel, I saw how the dominance approach was the one that was being used when training the dogs in the military. I didn’t like it, but I never questioned it. That was until I got the opportunity to volunteer for a wolf-behavior research program that was taking place in the Israeli desert. The approach being used on the wolves (who are dogs ancestors) was based on building rapport and amazing bonds between them. The role of the Alpha wolf was to care, teach, and protect his pack...not to be a tyrant and a dominating jerk. The way of the wolves resonated with me. I had to mature as a person and as a woman to find the courage, and the right words to begin my mission, and my vision. I realized that training a dog is very similar to raising a child. As a parent, you have to ask yourself what kind of a parent do you want to be – the one that connects, coaches, and is encouraging, or the threatening know-it-all parent. I created The Loved Dog method, which was game-based, and was designed to have an unique relationship between the dog and his “pawrent”, where there is mutual love and admiration! Although, the established trainers in Los Angeles weren't quiet sure of my coaching techniques, and veterinarians thought I didn't know what I was talking about... I was blessed to have doors and hearts open, and it seemed as if I was being divinely guided. I became the resident dog expert for the Today Show, and when I wrote my first book, my beloved client Oprah, launched it on her show, saying  "That my method really works and was life changing for all dog lovers". Today, three decades later, my method is very accepted, and has inspired many others to rethink certain training tactics. I still get goosebumps and tears when I read the many emails I receive from happy dog pawrents, telling me how it changed their dog...and even made positive differences in their personal relationships.

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

Tamar:  The first thing that takes place when I barely open my eyes is an attack of kisses by my 3 doggies who are ready to begin their new day. After I make their raw-diet breakfast, I meditate, connect to all the wonderful people and gifts that I have in my life (the best way for to fight generational depression that is in my DNA), and I'm off to see my dog training clients, or work on the different products and services that I continue to develope. In between I write. I don’t go out as much anymore. Time is precious and meaningful so I choose to be with people that nourish my soul. Over the years I saw how much I liked people who were comfortable in their own company and it took me a few years, but I now truly cherish being in my own company as well. I try to eat an early dinner, and I do enjoy connecting with people at fun events and especially when it's for a worthy cause.

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

Tamar:   I believe we are all spirits that are having a human experience, deep down we all want to learn how to remember and reconnect, to be conscious to the love we were all meant to be. I believe that dogs are the best teachers for that, and I hold dogs in a high reverence. I’m here to serve them and the people who want to love. The same goes for my personal life. I want my inner-circle to be filled with only people who live “Wholeheartedly” as Brene Brown puts it. In order for me to want to be with a person, I need to know that they have a foundation that is based in some kind of spirituality or self-development. From that place, everything we do together is awesome, even the silliest thing. If people get the most excitement in their life by shopping for the latest trend, although I do like nice things, chances are we are not compatible. I no longer have the need to be liked by everyone, and that is a healthy place to be.

Me:  What are your 3 favorite beauty or clothing products you simply can’t live without?

Tamar:   My fake eyelashes are awesome. When I have them on I don’t need to put any make-up on as I always look put-together. I go every 3 weeks for a touch-up. A good blow dry is fabulous! and also makes my life easier, as it holds for one week (I have a great hair dresser) and I don’t have to waste time dealing with my hair. Other than that, A good moisturizer for my face and lips makes me happy.

 The Loved Dog - Online Coaching Program
* Give a gift of love - The gift that keeps on giving.

      Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealously or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside or a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring-it was peace - Milan Kundera

Thank you Tamar for your love, and kindness you share with our doggie pals. You are a true beauty from the inside out. You connect our human hearts with our 4-legged friends, and we thank you for your education and inspiration, and most of all, the dedication on how to make a loving connection with our pooches.   *To all of my dog-lover readers, tell me about your canine friend(s) send me photos (I love seeing photos) and share your funny and heartfelt stories. I hope you can watch Tamar's videos and read about her training, you will have an even greater love and respect for your pals. 

If you have any old collars, leashes, beds, toys...etc. you can always drop off to Pet Co. They have a box at every door for easy drop off.     Happy Holidays & Much Love & Kindness        


 

LET'S FOCUS ON PAM

I'd like you to meet my friend and photographer Pam Springsteen.  She has zoomed in on some of the most notable faces in music history and film. Pam was born in Freehold, New Jersey and raised in Northern California. The younger sister of Bruce Springsteen, Pam's photographs of her brother can be seen through the Mojave Desert and along the famous Route 66. Pam began her photography career shooting for magazines and the music industry. Her work appeared in Spin Magazine, RollingStone, and Musician to name a few.  Her style has attracted a broad range of celebrities including Keith Richards, Neil Young, Tom Hanks, Ice Cube and Rosanne Cash.  Pam's unique strength lies in her ability to create an honest and intimate portrait in a comfortable , fun and collaborative environment. 

Pam and I happened to meet on one of the hottest days Los Angeles has had in years. I've been fortunate enough to have met Pam several years ago through our kids school. The photo you see above is very telling of who she is. Pam's laugh is infectious, and her smile is contagious. You can't help but feel happy and carefree in her presence.  I'm sure the artist experiences the same vibe when in front of her lens. Her photography is not only impressive it's authentic...because she is. 

I love Pam's confidence, calmness and her down right ease attitude of life. She's managed to roll it all together. Photographer, wife and a great mother. I can say this because I've seen her in action for the last ten years. Below are just a few of Pam's photographs. Her work is truly a reflection of who she is. I believe she captures the artist's spirit, heart and liveliness.

Lyle Lovett

Neil Young

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

Italian Fans  

Keith Richards

Tom Hanks

Tony Childs... what a great shot!

Her brother... Bruce Springsteen

Ghost Of Tom Joad / Exhibit going on now - September 8 - December 22 / A traveling photography exhibit curated by the GRAMMY Museum of Los Angeles to document Bruce's world, at different stages in his career.  For more info. visit: MONMOUTH UNIVERSITY

Stormy afternoon on The Jersey Shore.

Pam's favorite subject / Her beautiful, gracious and kind daughter... Ruby

When Pam said "Yes" she would like to be featured on The Grateful Gardenia as one of my Fearless Females I was thrilled. Over the years, I've loved getting to know Pam, and her talent goes unnoticed by no one. Pam is real, kind and funny beyond...and she is definitely FEARLESS. Whether she is encouraging her daughter Ruby or in a conversation with you, she is always telling you to "Go For It."  Thanks for your inspiration, oh...and sweating it out together while hanging out in your studio. Currently her photos are part of a traveling exhibition curated by the Grammy Museum titled Bruce Springsteen: A Photographic Journey.

And you bet...this girl was "BORN IN THE  U.S.A." 

Interview with Pamela Springsteen

Me:  As a businesswoman, what are some challenges you have faced and how did you overcome it?

Pam:  What are the challenges I have faced:  First let me start off by saying how grateful I am to have spent my life's work doing the thing that I love. I have been a photographer for 25 years and I have met so many interesting people and have traveled to places I never would have gone. The challenges today are different than when I first started shooting. The digital revolution has changed things in so many ways, the market has been flooded with images increasing competiion and lowering rates making harder for photographers to earn a living. Kodak has gone bankrupt, Polaroid has gone bankrupt, and the last lab on the planet to process Kodachome closed down (for photographers and Simon and Garfunkel fans that's very sad).  In spite of all that the most important aspect has stayed the same, which is staying true to your own vision.  The only way to overcome these challenges is to adapt to the changes and know who you are and what you do.  It can be a very exciting time as well, on the positive side there are more opportunities and more outlets for visual communication.  Photography at it's best tells a story. I try to look for the story in every frame and when you capture that, well, that's the exciting part.

 Me: Describe a day in your life as an entrepreneur?

Pam:  A day in my life: My personal day is balanced between being a photographer and being a mother, being an artist and being a business person.  I'm not very good at multi-tasking and I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so things often don't get done quite as fast as I would like. Between school drop offs and returning emails, the core reason why I chose this profession often takes a backseat so the one thing that I do that's very important to me is- everyday I make sure I photograph something that's purely for myself.  It may not always be great but it keeps the creative juices flowing and my passion alive.

Me: What motivates you to keep going?

Pam:  What motivates me to keep going is that I love photography. I love what I do. I don't care who or what I'm shooting I am always at my best and happiest behind the camera.  

Me: What are your 3 favorite beauty or clothing products you can’t live without?

Pam: FRESH Rose Face Mask or face cream or any product from FRESH. Ito Green tea which is always on my desk and Hye Park and Lune's  super soft t-shirts.

Pamela Springsteen Photography   Contact Pam directly for sales or questions.

          "One should really use the camera as though tomorrow you'd be stricken blind."
Dorothea Lange

Lacréme Beauté Organic Skincare

Lacréme Beauté is a deeply loved and quickly growing skincare company created by the fearless Victoria Galbraith Wachtel. In a time where consumerism reigns Victoria aims to return to luxurious simplicity and authentic, organic ingredients. All of the ingredients used at Lacréme Beauté are derived from the highest quality oils, butters and hydrolats. In the words of Victoria, “If it isn’t edible, it should not be put on the skin!”. 

A friend of mine invited me to her home for Victoria’s trunk show, emphasizing that Victoria’s organic skincare line seemed to be something I would love. I sampled everything Victoria had available and left with the five incredible products featured below. Later on, I phoned Victoria to inquire as to whether she would be interested in being featured in my Fearless Female section. I had the chance to meet with her before she headed back to London and after spending some time together I was incredibly inspired by the bravery Victoria has demonstrated in starting her own business. As soon as Victoria and I began talking her love of skincare and her positive energy shone through. It is so incredible to know that that same positivity and love goes right into her ingredients and final product. She embodies the caring, ethereal nature of the Lacréme Beauté. Bottom line, the love Victoria puts into every product is love that then goes directly on to your skin.  

Victoria and me in her hometown, Notting Hill, having lunch at Da Corradi. 

Lacréme Beauté Products that have found their way into my daily ritual, you can find them here:

ORGANIC ROSE FACE CREAM 

The organic rose face cream uses a highly sophisticated, nurturing formula, that offers spectacular results for de-hydrated and tired skin. The unique formula works to bring skin back to its optimum levels of hydration and also works to create a wonderful even skin tone. This formula will work on texture, hydration and elements of Rosacea, calming irritated and dry skin. With the anti-oxidant properties of Argan oil contributing to the neutralization of free radicals, along with camellia and jojoba oil, this is a winning formula. Extracts of rose otto along with frankincense and patchouli support moisture levels in the skin, helping to reduce lines and wrinkles.

ORGANIC ROSE LIP BALM

This superior organic ROSE lip balm nourishes and protects the lips from harmful UV rays. The combination of shea butter and pure rose oil promotes a feeling of calm and serenity. The gentle pink hue adds life to dull looking lips. This is a must for every woman’s handbag!

SUPERIOR CUCUMBER EYE CREAM 

This everyday eye cream protects, refreshes and nourishes the delicate area around the eye. After several weeks of continued use, one will notice the reduction of fine lines. The cucumber oil and extract refreshes tired, irritated eyes, and the cornflower helps diminish the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. 

BEE VENOM RICH FACE TREATMENT CREAM 

This extremely rich and potent cream works to renew and replenish collagen structure, which is a result of how the skin responds once bee venom is absorbed into the layers of the epidermis. Collagen and blood flow is dramatically increased, there is a noticeable tightening and lifting of the skin, and facial lines are significantly reduced. Blended into this formula is Tamanu oil, a magical ingredient working on so many different levels, particularly on deep skin cell regeneration. A youthful look returns to the skin. The skin once again becomes constantly hydrated. This superior Bee Venom cream is nature’s answer to botox.

ROSE AND ARGAN REJUVINATING FACIAL OIL 

This rejuvenating and nourishing face oil is a fantastic, deep, moisturizing treatment. This mix of potent oils works its magic on many levels by reducing redness and dry skin conditions, resulting in a healthy glow. This product is suitable for any skin type, and can be used for a face massage or as a luxurious cleanser. 

SUPERIOR GLOW HYDRATING TREATMENT 

This amazing product GLOW brings nourishment and vitality back to the skin. The combination of argan oil, camelia oil, calendula oil and Sea buckthorn oil, which feeds and protects the skin like no other, results in a myriad of moisturizing properties. GLOW has excellent results with skin conditions such as excema and psoriasis. 

Lacréme Beauté featured in Vogue Magazine. 

Interview with Victoria Galbraith Wachtel

Me: As a businesswoman, what are some challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them? 

Victoria: Starting a business like skincare is a big challenge! There is so much research that goes into each product. You have to create the perfect formula, then there is also the  packaging and branding to create.  When you’re first starting out you can usually only purchase in small amounts (because of budget), but most suppliers will not sell in small amounts. It was extremely time consuming to seek out suppliers who would supply small quantities—I had to be like a detective. With lots of searching we have found some wonderful suppliers from all around the globe. It took us 2 years to find people who would print our jars in small quantities and in the inks that i desired. It wasn’t easy but I’m a very persistent person. If I set my mind to something and truly believe that I can do it or find it I am usually right!

Me: Describe a day in your life as an entrepreneur.

Victoria: I start my day checking emails, then, depending on the day, I’ll go to meetings, run through current stock with my partner, Marc, or follow up with customers to make sure that they are happy with their products. I’ve learnt the hard way that you can’t count on your suppliers to have everything in stock. It’s a serious nail biting moment when you go to order more of a certain ingredient and your supplier does not have it, and won’t have it for a while. At the end of each day Marc and I review what we need to have done or ordered for the following day.

Me: What motivates you to keep going?

Victoria: Creating this company has been one of the most exciting things I have ever experienced, which definitely keeps me going. Knowing that I have helped clients overcome major skin problems like acne, rosacea, eczema or psoriasis is also so rewarding. Mostly though, is the fact that I am setting a great example for my daughter by showing her that it’s never too late to go after your dreams. She sees me happy and fulfilled as a result of pursuing my passion. I am motivated by realizing that I have the power to be a positive role model, and to show my daughter how strong and successful women can be by putting themselves out there and doing what they love. 

Me: What are your three favorite products that you can’t live without?

Victoria: I can’t live without our organic BEE VENOM cream, our organic ROSE cream, and our GLOW treatment. And, of course, I never leave the house without perfume. Creating my own scent is my next challenge, get ready! 

http://www.lacremebeaute.com