My Boss Doesn't Like Talking To Me.

Apparently... I talk a lot. I make various statements throughout the day. And while they are funny and get a laugh... My boss has now decided he no longer has the energy to respond to every little thing I "quip" about.

So instead of responding with his voice, he now has threatened to use a Mr.T. voice box to talk back to me.

The Mr. T. response box is a little yellow contraption that has about six different sayings from Mr. T. These include:

• "First name 'Mister.' Middle name 'Period.' Last name 'T.'"
• "Quit your jibba-jabba."
• "I pity da fool."
• "Don't gimme no back talk sucka."
• "Don't make me mad. Grrr!"
• "Shut up fool!"

And while I find his use of the little voice box funny... I must confess myself a little disappointed in him. I am not much of a fan of "outsourcing."

For some things, outsourcing is good. But when it comes to human interaction, that can't be replaced by a machine.

Who Wants To Work for the Yankees?

I saw this posting on Media Bistro this morning. Looks like the Yankees need a new editor.

(Click on the image to read it.)

Here's a closer look at the description.

Who wants to spam the email address with lots and lots of nasty emails?

letters@yankees.com

Iced-Iced-Latte.

I got up at 5am to hit the gym with the trainer at 6am. I got worked.

I am now in the second cycle of my training program. This means that I have to do a set of two different exercises back-to-back. Then I rest. I do this three different times. And now, since we focused on arms this morning, I am having a hell of a time lifting my arms above my shoulders.

But my work out isn't the purpose of this post. (I just wanted to include it because I worked hard this morning... And y'all betta recognize!) However, the workout did feed into my craving this morning for an iced latte.

Yep, I got my espresso drink ICED.

Seriously, it was way too eff-ing gross out this morning to go for a hot drink. After walking the mile and a half to downtown, I couldn't do hot. I had to go with iced.

And because of my last experience ordering an iced coffee drink at my work Starbucks, I decided to go to one of the other dozen Starbucks in downtown.



I couldn't handle being laid into by the Starbucks guy.

Flight Delays & Other Traveling Problems.

So, I had to wait to write about this topic till I could be sedated with a glass of wine.

My favorite airline in the whole world didn't fail to disappoint me on my trip back from Toronto yesterday.

Now, my husband and I booked flight to Toronto back at the beginning of June. About a week after I booked the flights, I was asked to go speak at a search marketing conference the same days I was supposed to be traveling to Toronto.

Now, I am not one to turn down a great opportunity. So, I booked a flight to Seattle. Then from Seattle, I was going to fly to Toronto. My company would cover the costs for the tickets to Seattle and to Toronto. And I would just catch my original return flight from Toronto back to Boston.

Now, I tried to cancel my original flight to Toronto. But because I booked the tickets through an online travel agency, I either had to cancel the whole itinerary (Husband's ticket included) or just eat the cost of my ticket to Toronto. We decided to just eat the cost. Because if I wasn't going to Seattle, we would still be paying for the ticket to Toronto.

(Following me still.)

Well, my husband did as he was instructed. When he checked in for the flight to Toronto, he let the desk attendant know that I would not be on that flight, and that they could open up my seat for that flight. He made it clear that I would in fact be on the return flight from Toronto.

Well, flash forward to Sunday afternoon at Pearson airport in Toronto. We go to check-in, and the machines can't find my itinerary anywhere. They find my husband's no problem. the desk agent there tells us we have to go to the "Ticketing" counter. We show her our itinerary from the online travel agency.

"Uh oh," she says. "You can never trust those things. They mean nothing to us."

Yes, that sounded ominous to us too.

So we go to the ticketing counter. And this is where I am instructed that because I wasn't on the flight from Boston to Toronto, my ticket value was put at $0.

"You have no reservation."

Apparently it didn't matter that my husband informed them that I wouldn't be flying on that flight. I was told I had to buy a new ticket.

A NEW EFF-ING TICKET, AT LAST MINUTE PRICES.

"That will be $694," the ticketing agent said.

Now, I am not one to start an argument in a foreign country; prior to going through security and customs. So I purchased the ticket and reasoned, "Well, if I had stayed for the full conference at SES, I would have spent another $600 in hotel, food and cabs. So it all evens out. I can expense it."

After this, we got through customs surprisingly easy. Normally, The Husband gets a hard time. But we had no problems. We were home free!

Until...

There we are sitting at our gate (which they had changed on us without announcing.) We see our plane. We have seen all the baggage go on. It is 20 minutes till the flight is to be airborn. We are waiting to board. That's when the announcement comes over the loud speaker...

"It you are on Boston flight XXXXXX, we are sorry to announce that we have no crew to fly your plane."

Yes, that's right. There was no pilot, co-pilot or flight attendant for the flight.

"We are trying to find a crew to fly the plane. But the original crew was due to come in from JFK. And because of bad weather, that flight has been delayed. We will keep you posted if we can take off."

The woman making the announcement was French-Canadian. She spoke broken English. So we were sure she meant "...WHEN we can take off."

Well, about an hour and a half after we were scheduled to leave, the crew finally arrived from JFK. We were airborne and on our way home.

Point is though, this airline blows. I hate using them. And the next time I use an online travel agency, I am going to avoid their logo like good men avoid Paris Hilton during a Herpes outbreak.

They're just not worth a second chance.

New Music: Once Soundtrack.

I was surfing iTunes for new music tonight... (because I only buy music legitimately online... Yes, I am a sucker. And too afraid to steal.) And I bought the whole album from the Once soundtrack.

Such a great soundtrack. You really need to see this movie. Listen to the music for yourself.

Plane Acne.

Does this happen to anyone else? Is it just me?

Whenever I log a lot of air time (in planes), I end up with a small break out on my chin. It's never anywhere else on my face. Just my chin.

After all the flying I did last week, I now have two bumps on my chin. One is more formed than the other, and is thus more noticeable.

Time to break out the Azelex!

I've read that because flying causes dehydration, with all the pressure in the cabin and the lovely recirculated air, you end up being more susceptible to break outs.

Before I get on a plane, I usually wash my face. But I think next time, I will put on a facial mask as well for a few minutes. My mask of choice will be the Violet Flame Enzyme Mask by Astara.

It is always used during my facials at Exhale. So I eventually got around to buying it the last time I was there. It is used for rehydrating your skin. It also smells yummy.

A "Part-Time Bag.

While out shopping (and dreaming) yesterday, I dragged my husband into one of my favorite department stores in the whole wide world... Holt Renfrew.

All afternoon, we kept seeing people walking Bloor Street (one of the main drags in Toronto) with the hot pink bags from the store. In many cases, people were carrying more than one bag. So it was evident that some serious consuming of high end goods was going on that afternoon.

So we got into the store and saw that they were having their July sales. So a lot of things were up to 70% off. So we browsed the main floor of handbags. (Well, I browsed. The Husband stood there gawking at the prices.)

Even though they were having a major sale, I walked away with nothing. The one thing I saw was not on sale... And I was not in the market to pay full price for something.

This "something" was a beautiful cherry red Balenciaga hand bag, called the "Part-Time" bag.


I could only find a picture of it in green. But the cherry red color was so sweet.

The bag is $$$$. So expensive.

Once.

In Toronto for the weekend.

Flew all night Thursday into Friday to get here for a wedding Friday night. Slept in this morning. Had brunch with the in-laws. Then drove around all afternoon looking at Toronto neighborhoods. The Husband and I found one that I liked. Just one.

To relax for the rest of the day, we went shopping and end up going to a movie. The movie we chose was one we had both heard lots of great things about... "Once."

Check out the trailer.



The story takes place in Ireland. A street musician finds a fan in a Czech immigrant. At first he finds her annoying. Then they get to know each other. And they develop a beautiful emotional connection. But they do nothing about it.

Sorry to spoil the story for you. It is a beautiful story. And there's beautiful music.

The Missus-isms.

Kind as the people in my work place are... They put together a list of "Missus-isms" since I am not in the office today.

Normally, in the office, I can be counted on (and to be honest, it's expected) to make statements that are somewhat shocking, but delivered with such panache (as one co-worker said) that they are funny.

Here is a list of some of these "isms." However, this is not a comprehensive list. It's really just some of my "greatest hits."

1. Can I work from home? (Said to boss every day.)
2. Good luck on your interview. (Said to boss whenever he says he is going to be late for work the next day.)
3. If you fire E, can I have her budget? (Said to boss, in front of my co-worker E.)
4. Can I fire E? (Said to boss in front of E.)
5. Harry Potter dies. (Said to boss, as he hasn't finished reading the last HP book yet.)
6. Harry Potter is gay. (Same as above.)
7. Babies are lazy and boring. (Said to everyone in the office, whenever someone talks about their new baby.)
8. If you don’t add us back into the Yahoo engine I’m going to kill your puppy. (This is my threat to Yahoo! for telling us we are SPAM-ing their engine... Which we are NOT!)
9. I’ll be late tomorrow morning because of my job interview (Said to boss whenever I will be in late.)
10. Wow, so I guess your kids aren’t that bright? (I don't recall when I have said this one. But I totally think it all the time about people and their children.)

Today's Horoscope.

Whoa!

I just got around to checking my horoscope for today... How odd...

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be a participant. Communicating with people in the know or getting involved in a seminar that offers information on bettering yourself or completing a project you are working on, will pay off. Socialize or travel for a networking opportunity.

Seattle - Why The Eff Are You Smiling At Me?????

Man... Living in sin... I mean "New England"... For four years has turned me cold. And even more cynical. (How is that last one even possible?)

I got to Seattle last night after a long flight across the country. When we landed, local time was 9pm. The sun was still up and was still very bright. This bothered me. It was off riding from the airport into the city with so much light out at that time of night.

If I was a child living in this city, I would refuse to go to sleep for my parents on the principle that the sun was still out. I've always associated "bed time" with "night time." And if it ain't dark out, I ain't going to sleep.

The hotel (the Marriott of the Waterfront) is very nice. The room and room service was good. The gym kinda sucked. But people are very nice. Which brings me to my title...

I was walking through the lobby just a while ago. A father and his daughter were walking towards me. I didn't make eye contact. But for some reason, the father decides to wish me well.

"Good morning!" he says.

At first I didn't think he was talking to me. Then I realized he was looking right at me.

"Oh! Hello! I mean, good morning!" I said back, cheerfully.

It was odd. If we had made eye contact, I would understand the greeting. But I guess in this town, people just walk around greeting each other without it.

Then, I walked across the way to Starbucks. I planted my stuff down at the plethora of tables available. (This so wouldn't happen in the South End. I would have to wait around like a hawk, or get there ridiculously early, to score a table.) I got in line to order my drink. People smiled. They smiled to the Starbucks employees. They smiled to each other.

What the hell is wrong with these people?

What kind of society is this?

I am kidding of course about these last two statements. It's just odd. People in "Mass" really are "mass-holes" to each other.

Maybe I should move to Seattle? Although, people in Toronto are friendly. I mean, how could they not be? They're Canadian.

Steal Copy Much?

Umm... Not going to name names... But, a certain night life guide decided to take a piece that I wrote, rearrange it a little (but keep most of the copy) and post it on their website today.

Hmm... That's not very nice. I won't be reading your night life guide anymore. And I certainly won't be checking out any of your future crappy shopping events.

P.S. I'm glad I still have the editorial calendar you sent me. I will be using it. Thanks!

My Kind of Art.

Now, this is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon in Toronto!

Tomorrow evening, I leave for my 24 hour excursion to Seattle for a search engine marketing conference. It's a quick trip. I am flying out just for Thursday's portion of the two-day conference. Then, Thursday night, I hop a plane back to the "east side" and up to Toronto for the weekend.

The purpose of the Canadian excursion? We have friends who are getting married Friday night. Then on Saturday, we are spending the afternoon with the in-laws "neighborhood hunting." Despite growing up in Toronto, my husband wants to tour the neighborhoods so that I can pick out where we will end up living.

But Sunday afternoon, I fully intend to hit up the Bata Shoe Museum. What better way could a shoe-lover spend an afternoon? (Except for maybe doing some shoe shopping themselves. But I am kinda broke right now. So no new shoes till after pay day.)

This will be very exciting. I am dying to check out the "Walk of Fame" exhibit.

Office Jealousy? Try Life Jealousy.

I don't know if any of you have had the opportunity to read this piece in the Boston Globe about one working mom's attempt to temporarily step back into the work place and experiencing "office jealousy"... But if you haven't let me just warn you:

Bitch has an axe to grind against those who happen to have no children.

At first, I thought maybe I was just being super critical of her. I've gotten a lot of pressure myself to begin a family, as have other women I know about my age.

"You're married. When are you guys gonna start having kids?" And this is from people our own age.

I just want to say, "Look, up until seven months ago I too got caught up in the baby race. Now, I kinda don't want to have kids out of spite. I like my freedom. Just because you got suckered in to the hype doesn't mean the rest of us have to suffer too." But I know children are a joy. So I would never say that to them. I just know I am mentally not "there" yet with kids.

This writer who wrote the piece though, she is a bitch. And I passed the link to the article around to others asking what they thought. All agreed with me... The writer sounded like she had it out for the younger woman who was hired to take the job she was working in and had no kids.

At one point, the she writes, "Listen, you mini-skirted malignancy, I was charging executive lunches on the company when you were still dabbing Clearasil on your zits... ...Meanwhile, I'm raising children, the most important work of all."

Now, I do think if you get knocked up (whether or not it's by choice) and have a kid or two, it is critical that you do your best to raise them to be non-spoiled, non-pampered, kind human beings. But by no means would I call raising a child "the most important work of all."

Hell no.

If I do ever decide to pursue children, I for one hope to God that I have things that are equally important as raising them. My life mission doesn't revolve around my future family. It's shared with them. It doesn't end and begin with them.

I just think this kind of mentality, for women more than men, is dangerous. It's setting a woman's "place" to be in the home with the children. Don't get me wrong, it is an important thing to do. But it's not just for one parent to do. And women should strive for divine paths that help human kind as a whole.

Raising your kid is a start. But it shouldn't end there. And if this woman wants to start by raising her kids right, how about exposing them to different kids of people at an early age? Then maybe they wouldn't ask guests in their home inappropriate questions...

"...there was the time when a client came to the house in the evening, when everyone was home. With his slim build, long hair, and earring, he looked gender-neutral, which fascinated my two little boys, who were around 5 and 6 years old at the time. They circled him, posse-like, eventually asking, 'Are you a boy or a girl?'"

Just saying, as I insinuated in an earlier post, that to be fulfilled in life, you do not have to have children. Raising a child is not the most important thing you can do in your life.

The most important thing, your top priority, should be finding healing happiness and light in your life every day.

Fuck (pardon my language) every thing else.

A Netflix Reminder...

This is a great reminder that I really need to add Reservoir Dogs to my Netflix queue.

(Caution, STRONG language.)

Successful Marriage Means You Have To Have Kids?

I was just over at Boston.com reading this article on how the number of out-of-wedlock children being born to women who live with the father is on the rise.

Most women are in their 20s, and aren't able to financially afford to get married or don't want to get married just yet. So they co-habitate with the fathers. And I don't see a problem with this, to be honest. The subject matter of the article didn't bother me.

What did bother me was this one statistic from the piece...

Nevertheless, attitudes about marriage in this country are also changing. In an indication of the increased separation between matrimony and parenthood, only 41 percent of adults surveyed consider children an important factor in a successful marriage, down from 65 percent in 1990, according to a Pew Research Center report released this month.

So... In order to have a "successful marriage," The Husband and I have to have a kid?

We're both perfectly healthy and able to have a kid. But we've kinda changed our attitudes on children lately. And we certainly consider our marriage to be successful. (I mean, we've been married three years as of today!)

And if we choose to never pursue having children, that doesn't mean our marriage is doomed or a failure. It just means we're not interested in giving up our current lifestyle to devote all our energy to expanding our family.

Do people really think a successful marriage means you have to have kids? Do these people also think a woman should stay home and be submissive to her husband? And when it comes to reproductive choices, are they against a woman having a choice?

This sounds like a lot of people aren't doing much thinking, and merely following the ideals that the people before them were pressured into thinking.

(God, if I ever do decide to have a kid, they'll probably be the most rebellious and cynical child ever. And if they're not, well, I don't want them.)

Oh Lindsay...

You're life is seriously eff-ed up.

Or rather, you have seriously eff-ed up your life!

Was over at Perez catching up this morning... Saw this piece on her fun from early this morning. People will be outraged if she doesn't serve time.

Why does she hate her self so much?

Henry's Take On Wal-Mart.

Woke up early this morning and caught an episode of the Henry Rollins Show on IFC. If you haven't ever watched this show, it's pure joy and hilarity.

Below is an animated clip from the show about the Wal-Mart culture.

Little Black Dress.

I found something to add to my future "home office"... Decorative plates for the wall!



A site I came across a few months ago called "Rosanna Inc" had these adorable "little black dress" plates. But they were out of stock at the time. I love them and think they would make a great addition to the office space.

And this leads me to an opportunity to write about me for a second... (Because I certainly don't do that enough on this blog!)

Someone asked me last month who my favorite artist was. I didn't quite know how to answer the question though. So I paused for a second.

I never took an art history class of any kind in university. Until I moved to NYC, the only art exhibit I can recall visiting was the Monet at Giverny collection that came to Phoenix in 1999. So my exposure to one's conventional idea of art had been limited.

However, most of my friends in Brooklyn were artists. Painters. And to me, their art was fun. And exciting. And precious. So their pieces became my favorites.

Then, I started working in luxury home goods at the Evil Empire. And I quickly found that I loved and appreciated the workmanship and detail that went into things you find in people's homes... Including china, crystal, sterling silver and furniture.

Then, while working at the Evil Empire, I was exposed heavily to the art of bridal fashion. And I learned about Vera Wang, Angel Sanchez, Rivini, Reem Acra and Romona Keveza.

Then this lead to a craving for Jimmy Choo, Manolo, Valentino, Marc Jacobs, Chloe (from the Phoebe Philo era) and Chanel (by Karl Lagerfeld). And these are currently my favorite artists.

But I didn't want to confess this to the person who asked me the question... Because I didn't want them to think of me as the "bubble head girl" from the South End.

Though, next time someone asks me that question, I will happily tell them who my favorite artists are at the time... And without hesitation. I mean, just because I was too important and interesting to take "art history" in university (I spent my time watching film noir and drafting articles in class) doesn't make me any less cultured.

(Though, after seeing the Hopper exhibit at the MFA, I do love "From Williamsburg Bridge." But that's because I lived near it for three years, and because it inspired many film noir pieces.)

Labor-ing in NYC.

I decided to skip the idea of going back to Rome by myself for Labor Day. Prices weren't ideal... And I'm not ready to travel abroad by myself just yet. (Maybe next Spring?)

So instead, I decided I will go back to my beloved NYC for Labor Day weekend. I've booked a cheap flight and hotel. And best of all, I'll be staying at the W! Which is one of my favorite hotels in Midtown.

The first vacation I ever took was to NYC for New Year's Eve, 1999/New Year's Day 2000. I stayed with a friend from university in Brooklyn. It was a blast! Four months later, I made a return trip and ended up being offered a job while I was there. Three weeks later I was living in the city. It was the best thing I ever did for myself.

Well, I have only been to NYC a handful of times since moving from there four years ago. I haven't been able to go back much, because it breaks y heart to go back. Each time I have gone back, I've wanted to stay.

But I think I am ready to go back, and on my own for a solo trip. I plan to hit the Bikram studios there. Oh! And of course all the kick ass shopping. (A real Barney's Co-Op!)

One of things I am looking forward to most is visiting the world's best cafe, Via Quadronno, on the Upper East Side. Right next door to the old townhouse I worked in for the Evil Empire at 73rd and Madison, this is the best place to get a cappuccino outside of Rome.

So in a way, I'm kind of fulfilling my "Rome" intentions of getting a legitimate cappuccino in the morning.

I will plan a more thorough agenda in the weeks to come... But I am very much looking forward to my trip.

The Perfect Office.

With a move to Toronto on the horizon in about 1.5 years, I have found myself fantasizing about our future home.

We will likely live in a condo in downtown Toronto for the first year, and then look for a permanent place to buy during this time. Other than the future home having to be in the city and near a subway line (you can get a house with a yard, near the subway in Toronto), the only other element I require (as of now) is that there be a room in the place that I can use as my own personal office.

I require this, because I have already found furniture that I want to put in this office.

Capiz Lamps
Table Lamp


Floor Lamp


Fainting Sofa


Square Ottoman (in Espresso, not the ticking)


Morgan Desk

Ballerina Girl.

Oh shoes...

The moment I think I have enough, I see something new that catches my eye.

(And yet, despite writing about shoes so often, I really, truly don't have a large collection yet. Only about 15 pairs. They say most women own closer to 30.)

The latest pair to catch my eyes...

The pink metallic ballerina flats from Valentino. (Why aren't they red, if they're Valentino?)

I love the peep toe. I love that they are flat. I love the color. And I love the bow that hangs slightly off the side. So delicate and sweet.

Hair: Going Brazilian.

Normally, when a girl talks about "going to Brazil" or "getting a Brazilian" with her hair, she's referring to a bikini wax. (Ouch!)

However, there is an "up and coming" new reference to "Brazil" and your "hair"... And this one is probably less painful, so you don't need to pop an ibuprofen before you get it done.

The New York Times Thursday Styles section had a piece on a new hair straightening treatment from Brazil. It's called , "Brazilian Keratin Treatment," and so far, it's not available in Boston. (Tear!) But like so many things that I have had to wait a few years to arrive since moving here (Daily Candy, Barney's at Copley, Lacoste, Jimmy Choo, Exhale's Power Body Detox), I am sure this one will be here in no time.

According to the article, this is "neither a relaxer nor a straightener, both of which use caustic chemicals to change the texture of the hair."

So how does it work?

An active protein is added to the hair, then a 450-degree iron is used to seal in the moisture to the cuticles. It takes up to four hours and can cost up to $600... But the end result (which lasts six weeks) is silky smooth hair.

Silky smooth hair that isn't fried.

Now, if only the other kind of Brazilian was as pain free and easy to show off!

(Well, if your Britney Spears, you probably can more easily show it off. Eww!)

More Fulfilling Than HP7.

Was over at Geekologie and saw this video.



This is so awesome. This is what I needed to lift me out of my depression. Why are foreign prisons so much cooler than American prisons?

I've only been to prison three times... And each time I spent my days curled up in a ball on my cot, crying from claustrophobia, while the media ran non-stop stories on my every move within my cell.

Wait... That wasn't me. It was Paris.

But as Paris sez... "Don't serve the time, let the time serve you."

These prisoners in Philippines are certainly doing that!

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows.

I need to re-read the book. It took me all night and all-day, with cat-naps, to get through it. And while I liked the ending... I feel un-fulfilled.

The book kinda sucked.

There are a lot of unanswered questions still. And I think I may have missed some things. So I need to read it again.

Heidi Is An Evil Whore.

I LOVE The Hills. I don't like "reality" TV. But I love MTV's slew of "faux-ality" TV shows... And The Hills is the most fun.

Check out the trailer for the upcoming third season.



Heidi and Spencer are such a sad sight. And they're both bitchez too.

Harry Potter Day.

Up early to start my day... But I am bursting with excitement! I can't wait until midnight.

Make fun of me if you must. I care not. But since I learned to read my first few words decades ago, I have been drawn to plot-twisting stories. Funny enough, the only time I stopped reading for pleasure was in university. I shunned all books and magazines in favor of moving pictures and sleep.

Again, I am giving you a warning now... I will write about the book after I finish reading it tomorrow afternoon. So be prepared for spoilers.

Who Is Hotter?

Obama Girl or Giuliani Girl?



Comment vote bitchez!

Moments of "Whoa!"

Have you ever had one of those moments in your life where you are thinking something and then you receive a sign about how to act upon it?

It kind of follows my belief lately that you manifest your own destiny. Focus on the positive, and you will be more inclined to attract positivity. Focus on the negative, and you are more likely to attract negativity. (And no, before you even ask, I have not read The Secret. This has become a path I have begun to follow since the beginning of this year!)

Anyway, back on topic... I have been meditating (you know, just laying down and letting my thoughts flow in and out - while not holding onto any one thought, releasing it out as it comes in) and have had one theme in particular come up repeatedly:

"Cut loose and stop focusing on relationships where there is almost no return."

It's advice that everyone should know and follow. But it is difficult sometimes, as no one likes to cut people completely out of their lives. But now I am getting signs from places other than my own thoughts about this topic.

Today's Horoscope:
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Put an end to your relationships with people who don't give back...

I have a few relationships in my life currently where I feel like I get almost nothing back. But I am not ready to cut people out of my life. Just keep it more cordial with them, I guess.

But it's a "whoa" moment nonetheless. And I think it's time to start manifesting positive and reciprocal relationships with people. Stop letting things be "one-sided."

… We All Scream for Ice Cream (Cocktails)!

We’re heading into the “dog days” of summer. That means one thing: hot, humid and sticky weather. And the only thing you can do to keep cool is sit back and lounge in your cutest summer sandals with a chilling ice cream cocktail in your hand. Boston might be better known for local brews and sports, you can find the chicest of frozen concoctions at these local spots. So strap on your open-toes and go get frigid!

Picco
South End

An ice cream and pizza parlor for the adult-set, this South End eatery is known for its relaxing patio space and ice cream cocktails. The most unique of the bunch is the “Cow Tipper Frappe,” with Left Hand Milk Stout and vanilla ice cream. It’s a milk shake for adults! Avoid going before 6:30pm though to avoid the rush of trendy South End children accompanying their parents.

Finale
Harvard Square
Park Plaza (Back Bay)

Known as a “desserterie” as well as a bakery, Finale’s two locations are both romantic and casual. You can head inside for a cozy and intimate setting, or sit outside and people watch. The “casual chic” look is standard issue here, with blue jeans, designer shoes and cute tops. So it’s great for a date or for a “girls’ night out.” The creamy cocktail to check out – the Tiramisu Martini. It comes with a scoop of vanilla gelato, mixed with Kahlua, Frangelico, butterscotch Schnapps and espresso. It’s truly a “dessert cocktail!”

Kings
Back Bay

Is there any better way to decompress and relax with friends than a debauchery-filled evening of bowling, blaring pop music and bright neon colors? Of course not! And while you’re at it, you can get your ice cream fix with the Chocolate Orange Martini. With Godiva Chocolate liquor, Smirnoff Orange Vodka, Three Olives Chocolate vodka, vanilla ice cream and a lace of chocolate syrup… What better way to be rowdy and girly?

Noir
Charles Hotel, Harvard Square

Mysterious and romantic, Noir is a lounge tucked inside the Charles Hotel that caters to your sophisticated desires. Cocktails based on “Film Noir” themes are featured on the menu, but also include a frozen libation - the Raspberry Lemonade Slush. With raspberry vodka, sparkling lemonade and crushed ice, it’s an adult snow cone to cool you down on a sultry evening.

Cheesecake Factory
Prudential Center
CambridgeSide Galleria

Admit it… The Cheesecake Factory is one of your “guilty pleasures.” It’s a rejuvenating spot to hit after a long day at work, or a long day of shopping. And with a large menu of cocktails to choose from, it’s understandable. Looking for the most “guilty pleasure-est” of them all? Spot the Strawberry Creamsicle. It’s like a strawberry shake with an added almond sweetness! It’s a natural inclination to add amaretto and vodka to strawberries and ice cream, right?


This is the first in my new "Boston Guides" series. I will regularly be posting on new things to do, places to try and emerging trends specific to Boston. You will be able to access these guides through the labels at the bottom of each post.

Them's The Breaks.

Wouldn't you know it... Right when I finally accept the position for the freelance editorial opportunity, I get this from my contact in NYC...

I have just been notified that we are doing some downsizing here at ******* while we take time to re-evaluate our site and decide on new business ventures. It is with sadness, we are indefinitely ending our new local content in all cities except NYC. As our Editor, your duties will end on August 1st. (Which was the day I was supposed to start.) Our traffic has not been strong and we have decided to cease content until we decide on a better plan in marketing and editorial for our site. I do hope we will pick up with our other cities in the near future, and when we do, I will certainly contact you about new opportunities.

At least I didn't do any additional work for them. But that's the freelancer's life. No worries. I think my blog actually has more traffic than them. And I will certainly be doing similar content entries on this blog that I was going to do for the guide.

And that's what it's all about... Content.

Trannies On Tremont.

Lately, it is too damn hot to sleep in our bedroom. I don't like the sound of the air conditioner or fan we have in there. They constantly wake me up.

So, instead of sleeping in the bedroom, I sleep in the office we have at the front of the apartment. The floor-to-ceiling window in there gets a natural breeze from the outside. So I can sleep peacefully when it's hot.

Last night was a night where I slept in there. I was deep in sleep. I don't quite recall what I was dreaming about... But was awoken by a man's deep voice screaming into my dream.

"I'll f*** you up!" he screamed. "Please n*****! This is the mother f****** South End! I know how f****** gay this neighborhood is!"

I seriously thought someone was about to get raped or shot. The man sounded angry.

This is when I went into my superhero mode. I began thinking, "Okay, my cell phone is next to me. I can easily call 911 and get someone here quickly. I just need to get up and look out the window and check what's going on."

So I got up. And looked out the window.

I heard a man's voice. But saw a woman's body. It was a tranny. She was following a tall guy and screaming at him. There was no danger. Just a lot of loud noise.

My "superhero" powers would continue to be useless for the rest of the night. I went back to sleep.

I love the South End.

Tay Zonday Is Still My Fave!

A friend of mine IM'd me a few minutes ago to tell me that he was listening to Anthony & Opie on the radio this morning and heard them singing Chocolate Rain by Tay Zonday.

I have said it before, and I will say it again... Tay Zonday is a god. (Not THE God, but a god.)

In fact, traffic to my website on the term "Tay Zonday" has picked up so much in the past few weeks... It must be due to the viral nature of Tay Zonday's videos, especially Chocolate Rain.

Someone even wrote into me saying that Tay Zonday was a thief and stole the song from them... But I don't believe their story. (Sorry MC Steinberg.)

Tay Zonday would never steal. He's too angelic to do something like that.

If you haven't seen his video for Chocolate Rain, here it is again.



I heart Tay Zonday. He is HILARIOUS!

New York Times Book Review: HP7

Saw that the infamous Michiko Kakutani posted her/his review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows this evening.

Yay!

She does spoil us with some details. But no major plot elements. (Ollivander comes back! So does the Polyjuice Potion!)

Oh Please.... I'm Not That Evil!

To the jerk who left this comment on an entry about me at Universal Hub...

I didn't POST the spoilers for Harry Potter 7. I simply said that I had read the last chapter of the book after it had been posted online by someone else.

But if you really want me to tell you what happens in HP 7... Here you go...

Bush invades Iraq. He allows Voldemort... Er, I mean Cheney... To call the shots. An unnecessary war and occupation follow. Many good people die who shouldn't. But it's all in an effort to save the "pure blood" lineage.. I mean American liberties that are being threatened.

At the end of the book, Voldemort and Harry go to the Golden Arches in the sky (because yes, even in Heaven there is a McDonald's) and they feast on Freedom Fries.

Now, you may go eat your emotions with some Freedom Fries of your own, and have a nice chocolate milk.

(Maybe I am evil... I do occasionally enjoy being snarky. And before you get your panties in a "tizzy," the above spoiler is a joke.)

Worst Banner Ad Ever.

... Just visiting one of my guilty pleasure sites online and came across what has to be one of the worst banner ads ever...



I knew Healthworks was a crappy gym, but come on... They could come up with better advertising than this! They must think really lowly of female Internet users in the Boston area, using an ad like this.

The "Eyes and Ears" Of Boston.

This has been in the works for a few weeks now... But it is a "go" for now, so I thought I'd mention it...

As of this afternoon, I have taken on a new side project. I will be the local Boston editor for an online nightlife/beauty/fashion guide. I won't say which one it is, but the resourceful of you out there will be able to figure it out.

As the local editor, it will be my job to gather up the "best of" places for certain things. For example, the ice cream cocktails post I did a few weeks ago was part of this project. So from time to time, I will be posting on this blog for recommendations. If you have any, I would love to hear from you on what they are, and depending on the theme I am working on at that time.

This is a freelance opportunity, and I am still (very happily) doing my day job in search marketing. This editor position is just a way for me to continually flex my editorial muscle. It pays a tidy sum, but it's not about the money.

The Big League.

He gives me a look of dismay. Disappointment. A "death-look."

"I thought you were in the big league!" he says.

I am taken aback. Caught off guard. Not sure what to say...

I begin to stutter. I want to please him. I want to have his support in my decision making. He has never steered me wrong. I owe him loyalty. And trust.

I have let him down.

But my actions had a truly exceptional excuse. I didn't make this decision lightly. It's just that it was too damn hot out today. And you know how the heat can cause you to have somewhat careless judgement.

"Here's your ICED venti americano," he says, with a look of revulsion.

I meekly take my espresso drink and walk away with my head down. I dare not put milk or even sugar in it while in his presence.

"Next time, " he calls out, "I'll be sure to look out for you better when you order."

Starbucks baristas can be so judgemental. And they have the ability to reduce you down to a child-like mentality... Wanting to please an adult with your choices.

I will try harder next time, and order a hot drink... Rather than an iced one.

Another Thing About HP7...

Reading more pages of the stuff posted online... All I have to say is, "I kinda knew about Neville. We all guessed that about a year or two ago."

Oh Holy Harry Potter!

I have seen the final chapter of the book.

I will not spoil it for you.

I will only write this...

Holy mother of Harry Potter!

P.S. What's an "Elder Wand?"

SES Presentation: Hitting A Wall.

I am presenting at a conference next week (Search Engine Strategies) in Seattle... And I have to put together a presentation on paid search.

Problem is, I am hitting a creative block on what I want to go into my 15 minute presentation. (Ahhh!)

What have I gotten myself into!?!?!

Kidding, of course.

But as one of the few in-house marketing people speaking, I fear that people will be expecting some useful insight and strategy recommendations... And I am not about to give that away! So they may be quite bored with what I have to say.

Ahh!!!

Must work past this road block!

If Only Being Stylish Was This Easy!

I was reading FabSugar last night and saw these scans from the latest Harper's Bazaar (my favorite magazine) issue...



How fun! Such a great idea. The Simpsons styled in high fashion shots... So cool! (My favorite is the Lanvin one with Lisa in an updated version of her red dress and a new necklace. Though, I love that they drew in the new and improved Marc Jacobs in the Louis Vuitton shot, as opposed to the old version of him. I know he's gay, but he's totally HOT now!)

I can't wait for the movie to come out. And I can't wait to get my hands on the latest issue of HB later this week!

Coconut Water - Eww!

Now, I wrote a while back about how I loved the Zico coconut waters I get at the Bikram studio I practice at.

Well, while shopping the other day at Whole Foods, I discovered another brand of coconut water that I hadn't tried called Vita Coco. I picked up the "pineapple and coconut" flavor, and brought

it in to work with me today.

All I can say is "Eww!"

This is what I saw when I opened the container...

Yep! That's a nice sludge of some kind of fermented goodness right along the opening. Yuck!

I won't be trying this brand again. I'll definitely be sticking with my Zico brand.

An Ass That Won't Quit...

Wow...

I was just over at TMZ catching up for the day and I saw this photo of Mike Tyson.

Not only does he have a gut, but looks like someone ordered an extra helping of ass for him too!

Sweet lord... The man needs to hit the boxing gym again, and cut back on the number of ears he's consuming!

Congrats to Bon-Fier!

Just got the news... And wanted to give a "shout-out" to Miss "Bon-Fier, " who just got engaged!

Yay! This has been a big year for engagement and babies with people I know.

Congrats girl!

It Had "Moxie" Written All Over It.

A friend/former co-worker of mine from Digit-Ass sent me a link to a new chick-ee website from one of his friends... She Finds.

He said it had "Moxie written all over it." (Moxie is his adjective for me. "Moxie ------" he calls me.)

So far, I am loving the content in the blog. And it has been added to my list of daily reads. You should add it to yours too ladies! (And metro-males.)

Thanks for sending it over C.T.!

It's Here!

After falling in love with this dress, I went back to Calypso to buy it a few weekends ago. But they didn't have this color in stock. So they ordered it in for me, and it arrived today!

Yay!

I can't wait to get home and try it on. I need styling options!

Isn't Time To Take The Trash Out...

... of TV?

Seriously people! A co-worker of mine was just telling me about this new show on VH1 (which I had heard about but not seen yet) called "Rock of Love."

It's a series the likes of "Flava of Love" where a "has-been" music-artist goes on a search for his dream girl. The featured has-been in this series is Bret Michaels from the band Poison. With him, VH1 rounded up the sluttiest, skankiest and fakest girls they could find.

Collagen... Silicone... Botox... Only "all-natural" ingredients are featured in these gals... "All-natural-ly man-made" ingredients that is!

I was over the whole "chicks fighting for the attention of a guy" bit after season two of The Bachelor. This is getting old. It's crack for the brain for some people, I guess.

Check-it out for yourself!



I don't know... I just can't stand this type of TV anymore.

"Will you stay here and rock my world?"

I'm sorry, but when people who were once bad-assed begin to sell-out and do reality TV, you know the end of the World is near.

Bionic Madness.

I am old enough to kinda remember watching episodes of the original Bionic Woman on TV in the early 1980s. And I loved the show. But I must confess, I am totally PSYCHED for the new version this Fall.

Check out this clip I discovered on YouTube via PerezHilton...


This show is gonna be so sweet! Way more ass-kicking than Alias, before the zombie story-line kicked in and the show jumped the shark.

I can't wait!

Stella, Not So Stellar.

When I first tried Stella two years ago, I loved it. It was never crowded. The food was good. And it was close to our apartment here in the South End.

Now, I really can't stand it.

My husband and I headed over there last night for dinner. The past few times we have gone, we've adjusted our normal dining time to be later for Stella. This is because the place is swarming with suburbanites who flock to the city on weekend night. They are usually loud, and obnoxious. They cackle and drink too much. They dress in khakis and twinsets.

It's everything I hope to never, ever become. And if I do, I will take dolls till I die. (An exaggeration, yes... Seeing as I can't swallow pills.)

So, Stella sucks to eat at, even at 8pm on a Saturday night. I could just suck it up and say, "We'll just eat there on the weeknights. That way, we can avoid the crowd."

I could say that. But it still doesn't fix the fact that the menu at Stella has gone to complete crap. As has the service.

I don't know what it is, but the menu at Stella is very boring. They are known for the Bolgonese; which is pretty much the only thing I used to get there. But it has pork in it. And veal. And now, that item is off my list of things to eat. However, this leaves very little inspiring cuisine to choose from on the menu. At least in terms of vegetarian-friendly food.

And the service there lately... Well, it would be bitchy of me to call the hostesses "lazy." But since when did that ever stop me from saying what I think?

"Lazy."

It took us 10 minutes to get sat in the restaurant, and that was with over 20 tables between the two rooms being completely open.

Bottom line, if you have to go there... Go for brunch or drinks. Don't go for dinner. And for the love of Tay Zonday, don't go there on Saturday nights.

Harry Potter: My Predictions.

Now, I only started reading the Harry Potter books six years ago. I thought these were children's books, and that I would never read them. Then my, at the insistence of my mum, I listened to the first book on CD while working out at the gym. And I was hooked immediately. I devoured the next three books in a matter of weeks, and then I was left waiting for the fifth book until 2003. Then the sixth book came out. And now the final one is almost here. And this is something I have been looking forward to since I found out in January when it was coming out.

With the release of the final book only five days away, I thought I would put down my theories on what will happen in book seven, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

• The hallows are elements related to each of the four founder of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
• Hermione and Ron will get it on. (Well, not get it on. They will finally get together though.)
• Hagrid will die. (He's got to. He's served his purpose.)
• Harry will go back to school in this book. (Seven years of school... Seven books. it's as simple as that. He has to go back to school.)
• Harry's cousin Dudley is a wizard too. (Jo Rowling has said that there is one character who will do magic much later in life than expected, and who was thought to be Muggle.)
• RAB is Sirius's brother, Regulus. (This is pretty much a known fact at this point.)
• Snape is good.
• Wormtail will help save Harry, and then die.
• Harry is a horcrux. I am convinced of this.
• Harry will not die.
• Voldemort will die.
• Harry and Ginny will end up together.

This is all I have for now. Feel free to leave your opinions or predictions in the comments section below.

T-T-T-Tacky Bags.

I've seen quite a few people in my time go "ga-ga" over the Judith Lieber miniaudiere bags. (Mostly from time working for the Evil Empire, trapped in a townhouse at 73rd Street and Madison Avenue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.)

I think most of Lieber's bags are tacky. Sure, they're whimsical, but I would never carry them. They signal, to me, that one has no imagination and style when it comes to choosing a bag for their outfit.

Check out the following bag that I find simply repulsive...

The Piggy



Eww. Seriously, would you carry it? Never mind, pay $3600 for it?

Vince: Comfortable Style.

I didn't discover the Vince line until a few months ago. The line; which I've seen carried at Neiman, Barney's and Saks; is all about high quality materials and comfortable style.

In fact, at first glance of a piece in the line, you could pass over it, thinking "Over-priced staple items!" But the simplicity of the pieces, combined with the comfort, really makes the pieces "must-haves" for my wardrobe.

Yesterday, I was over at Barney's in the CO-OP section and saw this dove grey cardigan on display.



I picked it up to try on with a dress that was on sale. I didn't think I would even like the cardigan. I only picked it up so that I would have more than one thing to try on in the dressing room... And I was really only interested in the dress.

But when I got the pieces on, I discovered that the dress just wasn't me... And the cardigan TOTALLY was. It hits the waist at the right point, and it's not clingy like most cardigans. It fits loose. And it's hand-washable... So no need to rely on the dry cleaner.

I loved the cardigan so much, I picked it up in the grey and a midnight color. They are the perfect pieces for the fall.

"Breath of Life" Yoga.

I have been frequenting Exhale for the past two years for various treatments.

First, there was the awesome pedicures from Laura. (She does simply elegant work.) Then there were the facials and waxes from Galina and Sarah. (They are meticulous!) And I tried a few Core Fusion classes. (Painful, but you know they are working.) And I have tried massages there occasionally. And of course, there's the wonderful Emily who does my acupuncture.

Well, after going there for two years now, I decided today to give the yoga classes a try. Specifically, the series called "PranaVayu"; which means "breath of life."

PranaVayu yoga was created by David Magone, who teaches it at both Exhale and Equinox. It's a challenging yoga for me because there are a lot of poses where you are putting pressure on your hands and wrists... Crow, Downward Dog, Upward Facing Dog... And I have weak wrists with the Ganglion cysts.

Nonetheless, it was a very relaxing yoga. And the room you practice in at Exhale is beautiful and peaceful. I recommend heading to either Equinox or Exhale to catch one of David's classes.

Though, I would never give up on my Bikram practice. That class is even more challenging. And it kicks your ass. PranaVayu, it's a great way to end or start a day peacefully. Bikram, it's a great way to end or start a day when you want a challenge.

So Long Locks!

I didn't get it all cut off... Only about 8 inches. (Which was two inches too short to donate to Lock of Love. Sorry Jen.) But, I am happy to say, I am very happy with the shorter hair. It rests at my shoulders with my hair wavy. And it is thinner, so I can straighten it more easily.

I couldn't get in at Salon Marc Harris on Newbury Street to get it done. So I tried a hair place the next block over from my house called Liquid Hair Studios. I had never been in there before, but I know people who have had stuff done there. And, not only did they do a great job, but it was only $30!

I haven't had a $30 haircut in about 12 years. I plan to go back again for a haircut in a few months.

In fact, I am going back n Wednesday night to have a deep purple streak (just one) put in my hair.

And no, I am not kidding.

Crazy Jean Therapy.

Just sorting through my email inbox and saw this update from Leah; the premier Denim Guru in all of the world, and owner of Jean Therapy in Kenmore Square...



I was just thinking the other day that I needed a new pair of jeans. It's been six months, and I could use a new pair. I am definitely planning on hitting up the place that night. If you need jeans, even if you are a guy, Jean Therapy is a great place to go. Incredible variety there.

So Close To Caving...

Two people in my small dot-com office have the new iPhone.

It's so thin. It's so sleek.

I am so close to just sucking it up and getting one.

From my buddy Wight-y when I told him I was craving one, "Ha! Ha! I knew you'd cave."

Fall Fashion: It's All About The Bootie.

No... Not your bum! (Though, I have to take a moment and give "props" to Devon, my trainer at Equinox. My glutes have been aching for the past two weeks because of her forced lunges, squats and step-ups.)

This Fall, one of the major "must-haves" being pushed on us style-hounds is the bootie. (They're not just for babies anymore!) Booties are ankle-high boots, like this pair from Stella McCartney's collection...

I love the look, but one thing you should keep in mind if you subscribe to this look:

You simply must have lean calves and ankles!

If your calves and ankles are even slightly chunky, this look is going to be bad for you. Booties will cut you off right at the most unflattering point on your body. So really think about it before you plunk down your next bonus on a pair.

As for me, if I want to go with this look, Devon will need to hook me up with some calf-slenderizing exercises. My ankles are small, but I am still self-conscious of my calves.

Chop! Chop! It's Coming Off!

I am making good on my threat to cut off my hair!

This Saturday, I have an appointment at 10am to chop off a good amount of it. At it's longest point, my hair measures 20 inches - wavy. You can add another inch to it when it's straight. I want about six or seven inches taken off that length... So that it's at the shoulders.

I have kept it long for the last seven years because I figured it would always be nice to have the option of doing different things with it. Well, I never do anything with it except pull it back in a little twist. So all the extra length needs to go.

Stay tuned for pictures!

Sad News...

Tomorrow is AM Door Guy's last day in the building.

I feel a "forty" ought to be tipped... Or a mural ought to be resurrected... Or something.

Who's gonna make the occasional inappropriate comment at me when I'm walking through the door now? My self esteem NEEDED those comments!

Coke Is It! When Fashion Gets High...

Check out this ad I saw written about on FabSugar just now...



Perpetuating coke use much? Sweet Jesus! Completely inappropriate.

Seriously though, they could have at least used models who actually have coke problems in the ad. I mean, the chick on the left doesn't know how to hold the tube properly... And the chick on the right doesn't know how to portray a "high-on-coke face."

But I do understand the concept... Loving a piece of fashion so much that you want to just "inhale" it. Maybe even eat it.

I often look at little kittens and think, "It's so cute! I love it so much! That's dinner tonight!"

I mean, kitten-meat isn't real meat. So I am still good with this whole "vegetarian" thing.

Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Conditioner.

After being poked and prodded yesterday, the doctor's recommended (as they do with all their patients) that I "go shopping." So I did.

I wandered to the Pru and went to Saks. After the doctor's appointment, I just wanted to take a bubble bath. But I had no bubble bath at home. And I was craving some Jo Malone scented bath gel. I picked up the Orange Blossom bath gel and an Amber and Sweet Orange candle. (The candle smells AMAZING! You must try these!)

One of the best things about buying beauty products from the dozens of counters in Saks is that they always overload you with free samples of other things they carry. In fact, I have so many free samples of perfume, hand lotion and Creme de La Mer serum, I don't ever need to really buy any of these things.

In yesterday's sample selection, though, I was given a few little tubes of the Vitamin E Lip Conditioner Jo Malone makes.

I whipped it out when I got home and dabbed some on... And I really like it!

It's not flavored, like so many other lip conditioners and chapsticks I use. And I like that. It's just a clean conditioner that glistens on my lips. It's a more "grown-up and mature" lip conditioner.

Though, I will always have a place in my heart for the Orange Crush Bonne Bell lip smacker.

Shave Your Legs Closely Every Day Girls.

That is my advice to the women out there. You never know when you will find your self in a compromising position and really wish you had shaved your legs more closely. Like me and today...

Because I have been going on a variety of health check-ups in the past two weeks, I have had a Tetanus shot, a needle stuck in my wrist to attempt to drain a Ganglion cyst (you were so right on what it was Wight-y!), a battery of blood tests, and I have repeatedly found my self in compromising positions while getting poked and prodded for a more in-depth look inside. (Ahh!)

I am healthy. Very healthy, in fact. But in the "compromising positions" I have had to endure with doctors, today's was the one time I wished I had shaved my legs more closely. But because I have been to the doctor's so much lately, I only haphazardly took a razor to my legs last night. Because, I thought, "The Husband is out of town and he's the only one who would really appreciate smooth legs on me."

But I was wrong. So wrong.

Today's test was conducted by two male doctors. And they weren't the stodgy, old male doctors you usually get stuck with. Nope. These were two rather young (mid-30s) blonde cherub-like doctors. Both were good looking and married. But still, when you find yourself in the presence of attractive people while hanging around in an x-ray lab in a mere few fibers of a hospital dressing gown and nothing else... You suddenly become painfully aware of all your flaws that could be exposed at that very moment.

I found myself thinking the following:

"I should have re-touched my make-up."

"Why did I not re-do my pedicure?"

"Are the bottoms of my feet dirty from wearing nothing but flip flops this week?"

"Is that a trail of small stubble that I missed on my calf?"

Don't get me wrong, please... I was not trying to flirt with the doctors. This was not the time, place or test to be flirting with someone even if I wasn't married. But when you have to get in to an intimate space with someone, such as at a medical exam, you feel that they may be judging you... Even if you would normally reason that it's all "medical" and there's nothing to be judged.

I for one, always worry, whether my doctor is male or female, if they are secretly criticizing my body.

I know this is crazy. But from now on, no matter what kind of doctor's appointment I have... I will always carefully shave my legs. Even if I have an old male, stodgy doctor. It's just the way it has to be from now on.

So Thinking Rome...

... for Labor Day!

I keep trying to think of places I would like to visit for Labor Day... And I keep coming back to Rome. But is it a good idea for a woman traveling alone?

Thoughts?

Tetanus Booster?

I had my first ever health check-up as an adult with a primary care physician today. It took me months to find a doctor and get an appointment. And I am really happy to say that my doctor is really nice and very cool.

"You're in perfect health!" she screeched at me.

The only thing she said I needed was an updated Tetanus booster shot. I guess you're supposed to have one every 10 years. I never knew that. So before I left the office, she made sure I got my shot.

Have you had yours in the past 10 years???

The Hancock In The Mist.

Snapped this picture on my way home from Picco this evening.



The sun was reflecting off the building, through the low hanging misty fog. Pretty.

Beer & Ice Cream!

I was just telling my husband the other night (while out for cocktails) that I had never, ever been drunk off of beer.

I can now check that "goal" off my list.

Well, to be fair, I'm not"drunk." More "buzzed" and "full." And here's why...

I have found the BEST drink I have ever drunk. And I found it right here in the South End at Picco. It's the "Cow Tipper Frappe." And it is so tasty!

Vanilla ice cream and Left Hand Milk Stout blended... There's nothing finer! And I only ever said that about wine before. I can not believe I am saying that about BEER.

Now, I typically view Picco as a coupley-dinner place. But after having this drink, I highly recommend heading over for cocktails/dessert. This drink is both in one, and so filling.

It's "adult ice cream!" TRY IT!

Not An Alli.

My friend Greten wrote about Alli on his "Horrible Product Friday" installment last week.

Alli, as I learned by reading Greten's posting, is an over-the-counter pill you can take to prevent your body from absorbing excessive fat. And the side effects, well, all I can say is "Eww!"

Since reading Greten's blog, I started seeing ads for the pill everywhere... In magazines mostly. then on my walk to work today, I saw this in the window of the GNC on Washington Street:

Right in my work neighborhood, I can get this fine product.

Um... No thanks!

Seriously, I am all about making sure your body is working properly. And when it comes to "weight management," having proper digestion is probably a good thing. But I would rather go do another session of hydrotherapy then take a pill and be sick all day.

And I love, as Greten points out, that one of the recommendations for taking Alli is to "wear dark clothing."

You may feel an urgent need to go to the bathroom. Until you have a sense of any treatment effects, it's probably a smart idea to wear dark pants, and bring a change of clothes with you to work.

Power Body Detox.

I originally heard about this Exhale treatment a few months back. I noticed it was offered at Exhale locations in California and New York. But it hadn't come to Boston... Yet.

Well, today I opened my Daily Candy update... And I saw the featured piece was on this new treatment at the Boston location! Yay!!!!!

Tonight when I was there having my acupuncture, I asked one of the receptionists if they had the Power Body Detox treatment yet. They hadn't, but their boss had.

"She lost an inch on her stomach after one treatment," she told me. "But she said that your muscles are really sore afterwards. So you shouldn't try to exercise right away."

The treatment electrically stimulates your muscles. So they are getting a rapid and intense workout. One session costs $150. I think I will try it sometime in the next few weeks. It sounds worth a try.

There Is No "Sunday" Because of God.

I guess you're never too young or too old for "Days of the Week" intimate apparel.

Was on the Kate Spade website and came across these "undies" for babies; and they are just too cute for words!

My husband and I have a few friends who have had little baby girls recently. This would make an adorable and unique gift for each of them.

Take note: There is a "Sunday" included in the set! So "props" to you if you caught this posting's title and know the reference!