Today is a Big Day?

I am not a fan of football.   

I love beer, can sit through a game and follow it, but to call me a “fan” would just be wrong.  I’m not a real sports person in general. 

At my first Dodger game, my boyfriend wanted to make sure I was taken care of with alcohol and food.  It was very sweet, but I responded with, “I’m fine.  I love football….I mean, baseball.”  At that point in our relationship, he knew he should probably not waste his efforts in trying to create a sports fan out of me.

As most of the waking world knows, this season has been incredible for the JETS.  It has been an exciting ride (so I hear) and I am always tuned in during the second half of the 4^th quarter.  I make sure to be very supportive and constantly reiterate how much I love Rex Ryan.

                                    (Image taken from http://thepigskindoctors.com/2010/12/goddamn-snack-time-with-rex-ryan/)

 

This morning, while eating breakfast with my lifelong JETS fan boyfriend, I said with a confident smile on my face, “So wow, today is a big day!” Proud of my sports-related remark of support, I took a nice, big bite of my bagel.  While I was happily chewing, I looked up to see a very disappointed face.  

“A big day?.....This is much more than a big day! This is better than Christmas.  The JETS haven’t won this game since 1969!”

So oops.  Now I know that I need to work on providing a much more enthusiastic, creative phrase when there is a MASSIVE, COLOSSAL game on.  

PLEASE WIN TODAY!

J-E-T-S…..JETS JETS JETS! 

                                             (Image taken from: http://www.urbandigs.com/2010/01/jets_jets_jets_jets_lets_go_ba.html)

I do love Fireman Ed too.

Oh Amsterdam, I Love You

Thank you, Amsterdam, for being so wonderful.  Your museums are divine, your food is heavenly, your pastries are the reason I can no longer zip my pants, your beauty is magical and the Dutch are magnificent.

The Dutch culture absolutely intrigues me.  All day long, bikes fly by with riders en route to work, or home, or actually, going anywhere.  The bike lane in Amsterdam is much more saturated than the streets with cars.  I mean, there is no comparison.

I have trouble riding my bike more than like two miles (and let's not even get into how ridiculously slow I am riding uphill); these amazing people ride their bikes EVERYWHERE.  Not only are they pedaling with heels, skirts and suits, but they carry things too! I will never forget watching this woman in a long skirt and heels holding one hand behind her, while she balanced a suitcase on the back of her seat.  I was so jealous.  I can barely balance myself. 

You can walk in the street and never once make eye contact with anyone.  Unlike the United States and the obsession we, as a culture, have with celebrities and gossip, they live with their eyes straight ahead.  Rarely was anyone looking around at anyone else. 

We were lucky enough to stumble upon an awesome restaurant server who kindly took a moment to let us know of a local spot to enjoy.  He gave us directions to a bar, Zoite.  We made it there within 10 minutes of saying, “thank you,” and were so grateful we asked him.

Not only did this lovely, quaint bar have a full alcohol menu carrying a spectrum of Dutch beers, but the bar food included a giant block of cheese with freshly baked bread.  YUM.  We ordered like five.

The waitress was unbelievably kind and walked us through each beer we tried.  Everywhere we went, we felt right at home and were able to speak English to just about everyone.

The beauty of the city is indescribable in words.  It is not an exaggeration when Amsterdam is dubbed, “the Venice of North.”  The canals take your breath away, and the charm of the architecture, and old boats and bikes will take you back in time. When you walk along the canals at night, all you hear is silent air with a faint sound of water moving in the canals.  The lights from the apartments shine onto the water, and the reflection is mesmerizing.  It is true bliss.

There is much to do as well.  You can visit the Anne Frank house and see her famous writing.  I must have stared at the journal for hours.

The flower mart will take you on a beautiful path of flower vendors and is the biggest in the world.  If you want to see prostitution out in the open, take a stroll anytime down the streets with a beaming red light.  The ladies will be waiting for you behind a clear, glass wall.

Vondelpark creates a peaceful presence in your mind that will remain in your memory forever.  The serenity and natural beauty of the park will make your thinking stop (finally).  Nothing else matters when you see the reflection of the trees on the wide, open lake. 

The Heineken museum was rated the best tourist attraction many years in a row; this museum is a true experience. There is a beer tasting, a walk through the original brewery, a ride, and then being treated to two, fresh and refreshing Heineken beers in a bar setting with other tourists.  

You can enjoy the Rijksmuseum which takes you on an incredible journey through Dutch history, and then take a few hours to explore the mind-blowing artistic experience the Van Gogh museum has to offer.

Although people may disagree with our choice to go in winter, I must say, it was very special.  The Christmas markets wrap you in warmth and actually give you that nostalgic holiday feeling that I’m sure many of us miss as we get caught up in life.  That’s the best way I can describe it.  Maybe Amsterdam is my version of the North Pole.  

I also visited in the summer three years ago, and it was wonderful to go outside without wearing ten layers.  However, I would still recommend experiencing Amsterdam during Christmas.  It was extraordinary.

If you get an opportunity to take a trip to Europe, I absolutely suggest making a stop in Amsterdam.  Whether you're looking to party with friends, or relax on an extremely romantic getaway, this special city absolutely cannot disappoint any traveler. 

Welcome 2011!

I welcome 2011 with open arms! It feels like a breath of fresh air.

It is time to start over; the New Year is our clean slate.   

Wherever we leave off (pretty much before the holidays), we can launch ourselves into full motivation mode come January 1^st each year (or maybe January 3^rd).

We can live with more audacity and passion than we had last year, work with more intensity, take risks that we half-heartedly attempted this year, continue projects that we left incomplete, recognize our faults and perfect them into our strengths….

There is no limit to what you can think about for yourself.  It’s actually a fun brainstorm that can lead you somewhere you’ve always wanted to be literally,

or figuratively.

So give yourself the gift of goal-setting for 2011.  Take some time to reflect on the good, bad and the ugly of 2010 and see how you can turn this new knowledge into something positive for your future.  

No one is too young or old to do this, and studies have shown that the best way to go about this is to think “realistically.” We are not going to change overnight, so set goals that you know you can accomplish if you really put your mind to it. 

One of my goals for 2010 (which I will continue in 2011) was to be a bargain-hunter and not buy anything at full price. 

I stuck to this goal, and it is evident with the story behind my New Year’s Eve outfit.  I wanted to buy something new, so I brought some clothes I haven’t worn in over 2 years into a vintage shop, ended up selling them, and was able to use that money to buy an exquisite purple, silk,  Diane Von Furstenberg top (vintage) with a gorgeous sterling silver fringe necklace (vintage). 

A goal can take you anywhere.  Who knew that my commitment to finding a great deal would eventually get me a paying writing job (another goal I set for 2010)?

In November, I was hired as a writer/editor for a bargain-hunter online fashion magazine. 

So grab a pen and a pad, and happy daydreaming!

Bye, Bye Buggie

My dog Lady died. 

She loved attention, yet loved to be alone, loved to be loved, and loved to rule the house.  Bug was a brilliant girl; I knew the moment I met her 9 years ago.

I visited my parents when I was a freshman in college, and came home to this wonderful, medium sized, black, scary dog named “Lady.”  The nickname “Ladybug” was adopted rather quickly, and soon after was shortened further to just “Bug.” 

She was the cutest thing ever, but was so nervous around people because she had been treated badly in the past.  Bug was around 4 or 5 years old (we’re not exactly sure how old she was), and shuddered from being touched.  It was really sad, but we were patient and soon gained her trust.

Once Ladybug figured out her “inner circle," she opened up to us and gave us this emotional connection with a dog that almost seemed impossible. 

I will miss Ladybug terribly, but our family will always know that we saved her life, covered her with love, and yet, will always know that she gave us so much more. 

Bug changed our lives forever and didn’t cost a dime.  There are very special dogs out there trying to survive in a shelter or worse, and if you can, you should look into adopting an animal.

What Gift to Give the Most Difficult Person in Your Life

We all have them.  They’re impossible to avoid.  They can be a family member, friend, co-worker....

They are the gift giving nightmare.

With an attempt to prevent any headaches, I want to share one possible gift idea that may calm your nerves.

One gift may not suffice.  If this person doesn’t like what you got them, then that’s it.  You’re done.  You tried. 

The best way to go about this gift is to put together as many mini gifts as possible.  Statistically, you will have a much greater chance at surviving this gift giving season.

We all see the pre-wrapped gift baskets at wine stores, bakeries, nail salons, and yet we forget sometimes that we too have the capability to wrap our handpicked gift items up all together in a beautiful way as well.

So this year, you may want to customize a gift basket.

Now you should think this one through.  What do they like? What are their hobbies? What is their fashion sense? What are their weekly and monthly needs (waxing, nails, haircuts, car wash)?

Once you have these written down, begin to prioritize.  Gift certificates? Favorite products?

Some recommendations:

Gift Basket Kit – World Market.com - $4.99

For Girlfriends, Wives, Sisters, etc....

NARS Nail polish collection - $16 each – Sephora (The colors in the collection are gorgeous!)

Bumble and Bumble Styling Crème - $24 – bumbleandbumble.com (Works for curly or straight hair!)

Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat – Redken.com (It's pretty much a magical product)

Perfume Mini Gift Set – Chloe – Sephora $35 (My favorite scent!)

Your Mother Was Right (All the Great Advice You Tried to Forget) book - www.shopkitson.com - $14

Voluspa Mini Tin Candle - www.shopkitson.com - $6.50

Music lovers?

Blank CDs

ITunes gift card

Ipod Shuffle: $49

T-shirt – “Rock On” Tee - $25 www.iwearthesong.com

The Quotable Musician book - www.shopkitson.com - $17

The Unofficial Guide to Glee - www.shopkitson.com - $15

Sports fans? 

.....Anything with their team logo

Jets Stocking: $20 - www.jetsshop.com

Lakers Hat - $29.99 - NBA website store

Mix and match their hobbies, interests, wants and needs! You are bound to find at least one lucky item that satisfies their gift giving woes. 

No matter what, you’re sure to get some appreciation for your effort and creativity! Happy hunting!

Starving for Sex and the City?

If you, your friends or loved ones are similarly suffering from Sex and the City withdrawal, (temporarily) cry no more.

The Carrie Diaries is such a fantastic extension of the Sex and the City world we all know and love.  You can own it, read it as often as you'd like, and the hardcover copy makes a great addition to your nightstand.

I received this book from my sister for my birthday, and burrowed away for three nights to read of the Carrie Bradshaw world prior to NYC, Manolos, cosmopolitans, Mr. Big, and the girls.  

Time passed so quickly, that I did not even notice missing a night of True Blood (which is nearly impossible). 

I would suggest this as a gift to any SATC fan, and absolutely recommend this book for a plane ride. 

You will arrive at your destination before you can say, “Abso-f*cking-lutely.”

Getting a Spa Treatment in Los Angeles?

Visiting a spa in LA is definitely an experience you will never forget.  Not only do you feel the warm, Zen-like feeling when you enter each sanctuary, but the weather and palm trees really do help give you the full, 360 degree experience.

You will find that most of the products are organic; Angelenos are huge on everything being ‘natural’ (which is very ironic actually).

Since this is a popular gift and a New Yorker recently asked me about this, I decided to blog about it.  So for any visitors, residents, or friends looking to wrap themselves in relaxation or give an awesome present for the holidays, here are my personal recommendations.

My first spa visited: Spa 415 in Beverly Hills

A friend suggested this spa to me in December 2006, two months after I arrived in LA.  When I walked in for the first time, I was courted by the lovely owner, Liza.  She is warm, personable, down to earth, and unbelievably knowledgeable about the spa world. 

We actually got along so great, that each time I came in we would not only discuss new products, but she gave me wonderful advice on life.  I felt like Elle from Legally Blonde, who befriended her nail salon lady when she moved to Boston from LA. 

So from the start, clearly I was sold.

However, I kept going back because of the undeniably perfect service.  Each eyebrow wax was the best I’ve ever gotten, the massage made me relax for the entire month following, and the facial did wonders to my skin. 

Their services expand beyond the typical day spa too; they offer nutrition and health,  weightloss and more.

I absolutely recommend this spa to anyone who wants to clear your mind and take a mini vacation each time you walk through the door.

http://www.spa415.com/

Second spa visited: Lulur Day Spa on Robertson

I tried Lulur this past spring when my very good friend gave me a gift certificate.

At first, I honestly could not find the location of Lulur.  I was walking up and down Robertson, confused and feeling so stupid, when I finally called the spa for directions. 

As it turns out, this spa is not directly on Robertson; it is tucked away in the most precious nook, in a tranquil and floral abyss.  I felt so far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, before I even stepped foot in the spa.

The serene setting continued as I walked through the doors of Lulur.  It is smaller and much simpler than Spa 415, but the facial was out of this world.  I was in a trance the entire time.

I pirouetted my way out, feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and loving my glowing skin.

http://www.lulurspa.com/

Spa Product: Kate Somerville in West Hollywood

I have yet to visit this spa, but I recently received her Intensive Exfoliating Treatment in a gift bag from an event.

It is awesome! My skin felt amazing and my complexion looked polish.  I felt like I had a facial (just minus the tranquility). 

The spa received mostly 5 stars from about 30 reviews on Yelp (my saving grace since I moved), so I will definitely be trying her services soon.

 http://www.katesomerville.com/

Budget-friendly spa experience: Raya Spa in West Hollywood

Raya Spa definitely promotes themselves quite well and absolutely secured a niche market of followers.  They offer an extensive amount of services for a much cheaper price when compared to most of the spas in LA.

I went twice, and have a mediocre feeling towards this spa.

I had an appointment and they still made me wait for over 45 minutes.  It is a spa factory.  There is nothing personable, warm or friendly, and I had to wait for my frustration to subside to enjoy the minimal calmness that the facial offered me.  They want you in and out. 

I definitely didn’t hate the facial, but the overall experience was lacking. If you’re not looking for the true spa experience and simply want a facial for under $70, then definitely try it.  However, if you’re like me and are looking to leave relaxed and revitalized, then you may want to look elsewhere.   

http://rayaspa.com/

Spas that have been recommended to me that I have not had the opportunity to try:

Bliss in the Westwood W Hotel:  http://www.blissworld.com/

Le Spa at Sofitel:  http://www.lespala.com/