Work. Yoga. Sleep. Dental Visits.

Okay. I am halfway through my Bikram 101 challenge... And I am in desperate need of the following, but have no time to accomplish them:

• Hair coloring - My greys are starting to really show. But coloring them during the challenge is pointless.
• Pedicure - The heels of my feet are cracked and potentially not recoverable to their smooth natural state. "Cracked" is the new natural state.
• Massage - I would love to get some tension in my neck and shoulders worked out.
• Eyebrow waxing - It's been five months. Tweezing is getting me by. A little.
• Gym - I can't even recall the last time I went to my gym. But I need to get there soon. I have a strapless dress to wear in a few months, and I would love to have really strong shoulders, arms and back muscles.

Between work, dental emergencies and the challenge... I barely have time for anything. Earlier this week, a dental appointment to have stitches removed took way less time than I thought... So I ran down the street to Vera Wang and ordered my bridesmaid dress for Red's wedding.

Today, I still need to shower before Bikram. I have two classes to do this afternoon. And I need to find time to grocery shop for dinner this evening.

I'm not going to give up my challenge. But a more than full time job, plus husband, plus challenge keeps me very busy. Thank God I don't have children.

Healthy Dish For The Weak: Mochi For Breakfast.

Oh... I have been far, far too busy in the new year to write about health dishes. I will get better though. I am shooting for writing about at least one a week.

(Promises, promises.)

The other day, while I did my usual stop at Whole Foods after evening Bikram, I saw something new on the shelves. It was something that I had tried finding there a while back... And they finally got it.

Mochi!

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake. It can be used for various things. I bought some after reading about various recipes in Alicia Silverstone's The Kind Diet. So I decided to try some for breakfast.

It was easy to do. I heated a fry pan with a little bit of a healthy oil. Once it was warm, I dropped the mochi in and fried till it was puffy and crispy on the outside. The cube of brown rice spread out a little and grew quite a bit.

It smelled like pancakes. So I decided to drizzle some maple syrup on it.

Yum!

Bridesmaid Dress... Ordered!

I finally got around to ordering my bridesmaid dress for my sister Red's wedding this June.

Red was kind enough to let me decide what dress I wanted, since I will be the only bridesmaid.

"As long as it is dark purple," was her only requirement.

That's one of my favorite colors... So I knew I could easily pick something not too "maidy" and that I could wear again. So I decided on this...

It's the "Christina" dress by Vera Wang, in Fig. It is dark purple lame and matching bobbinette netting overlay. I ordered it the other day in shop here in Toronto, right around the corner from my house. It will be in by early May.

Now to decide what shoes to wear... Red said I could wear whatever I wanted. And I am seriously considering busting these out...

The Miss Dior Gladiators I bought a year ago. I will be ridiculously tall. But I love them. And they go with the dress.

Hmm... Decisions, decisions.

Copley Square Hotel Review.

"I miss Boston!"

I can't even tell you how many times this past weekend that I said that. Or thought it. Too many to keep count. Seven years ago, when I first moved there, I hated it. And I hated it for three years into my six-year stay there. But eventually I warmed up to it. And fell in love.

Now, truthfully, I would move back in a heartbeat if I could.

So a visit every few months back to the city will be needed. And I have found a hotel that I want to stay in with each visit...

The Copley Square Hotel, right in Back Bay.

This whole weekend, I didn't walk very far to get done everything I wanted to get done. I didn't have to. This hotel is right in the middle of almost everything I wanted to see and do...

• Bikram Yoga Back Bay
• Jimmy Choo
• Marc Jacobs
• BARNEYS!
• Books Stores
• Newbury Street
• South End
• Douzo (best sushi in Boston)
• Oak Bar
• Prudential Center

I lived in Boston and never once really noticed this hotel. But it was recommended to me by a travel writer I know. And the rate was a quite good... $127 a night. That is CHEAP for a room in Boston! And here is what that room looked like...

I know... You could probably get a better sense of it without all my crap thrown everywhere. But the bed was HUGE! And very comfortable. I had a view outside my bay window of Huntington Avenue.

After I checked in and did some shopping with my friend, we went back to the hotel to indulge in the free wine hour they have from 5pm to 6pm. We sat eating little nibbles we ordered and drinking wine, while surfing the free Wi-Fi on our iPhones.

The free Wi-Fi came in very handy late the next night when I had some last minute work to finish and send off to my team. I was up so late and starving that I ordered something I have never seen on a room service menu before...

A basket of popcorn! It was delicious! However, what was NOT delicious was the price. The popcorn itself was about $6... Which wasn't bad. But the hotel adds an automatic 18% gratuity to the order... Which, honestly, I was fine with too. BUT, they also add a $4 delivery fee. So the popcorn and coke came to about $16.

That was the only negative thing I had to say at all about the hotel. It was beautiful, immaculately clean, luxuriously comfortable, and free wine and Wi-Fi. So yes, I will be going back.

But next time, I will probably just pick up a box of Cheez-Its from the 24-hour Shaw's supermarket next door for late-night snacking.

The Best Place To Buy Cheap & Fun Jewelry...

Is definitely the nearest Marc Jacobs boutique you can find. But, if you're like me and don't live in a major fashion city in the States, you are shit-outta-luck... Unless you visit one of these cities.

I barely made it out of my a 10 block radius this weekend while in Boston. But in my busy running around, I was able to stop in the Marc Jacobs store while passing it on Newbury Street.

"Let's go in," my travel writer friend insisted. But to be truthful, it didn't take much prodding. She knows I love that store.

I think a lot of people are intimidated by designer boutiques. I know I used to be. But at some, you can occasionally find some unbelievable things. And the Marc Jacobs store is one of those places. The jewelry there is so fun, funky and cheap!

Look what I bought yesterday, in addition to my Skull Face watch...

Some heavy bone bangle bracelets and a spiky ring. Each piece was about $10. And there was so much more at the store... But I didn't want to go too crazy. For my credit card's sake.

Over the past few years, while I lived in Boston, I found myself heading into this wonderful store every few months just to see what knock-around jewelry they had. The first time I went in, I came across this cool red leather cuff with skulls and cross bones all over it for $5. Then I found two extremely long strands of fake pearls for $12 each. And there have been other random rings and necklaces over the years.

And you probably thought H&M was the best place to buy funky and cheap jewelry. I know I did before I went into this store. Wish MJ would bring a boutique to Toronto!!!

Marc Jacobs Skull Face Watch.

This weekend has been very productive weekend... In terms of finding things that I have wanted for a long time.

Today, I walked into the Marc Jacobs store on Newbury Street, in hopes of finding some funky and cheap jewelry. And I found this...

It's the Skull Face Watch I have wanted for a year and a half! Of course I scooped it up. Didn't even think about leaving the store without it.

I love Boston!

Why I Love Boston: Balenciaga Day Bag In Raisin.

I arrived in Boston just before 2pm. An hour later, I found myself in Boston proper, at Barney's in Copley... And I found exactly what I had been hoping I would find. The Balenciaga Day Bag in Raisin.

Oh no I didn't!!!

But yes, yes I did. I went for it. I bought it!

Indulgent? Yes. But, I haven't bought a new bag in almost two years. In fact. In fact, the last luxury bag I bought was at the same Barney's in Copley, after I had just gotten a bonus check from my job. And I love that Balenciaga bag. So I knew that if I did indeed find my Day Bag in Raisin, it would be a worthwhile purchase for me. PLUS, the bag was $400 cheaper in the States, and I got a 10% discount on it.

SCORE!

I am so glad I came to Boston! I've only been here for 10 hours and I have already done a lot. I got my bag. I found my travel writer friend a dress to wear for a super-duper important digital writing gig she has in a few weeks, met my friend Bail for cocktails and dinner... And now I am back at my fabulous Boston hotel utilizing my free wi-fi.

Day 1 in Boston ROCKED!

Pep Talk: Be Courteous. Be Fearless.

I think it is time for a "pep talk," people.

Now, while I say, "people"... I really mean "mostly women." Because while I recognize this could apply to any gender, I have only experienced it being an issue for women. So, what's the issue?

FINDING YOUR BALLS AND STANDING UP FOR YOURSELF!

I know so many women (surprisingly, some even in their 30s and 40s) who just do not know how stand up for themselves, especially when it comes to the workplace. In the past few years, I have seen the following:

1. Women not get promoted because they didn't have the courage to put themselves forward for an opportunity.
2. Women get a shitty-assed pay raise for a promotion... Despite their workload increasing significantly, responsibilities increasing significantly, all because they simply didn't want to argue and ask for the going "market rate."
3. Women getting a raw deal with fringe benefits, that other people got, just because they were afraid of seeming "greedy" and "difficult."

I speak from experience. I too was once a naive young career woman and afraid to take what I wanted. And that is the key, JUST FUCKING TAKE IT!

When you want something, ask for with confidence. Let the person you are asking for it from that you are expecting it, and then BE PREPARED TO LIST THE REASONS WHY YOU THINK YOU ARE WORTHY OF IT.

I went many years of being overlooked for opportunities because I was figured, "Oh, if I am doing a good job, they will notice it and give it to me."

Sorry, people. But that rarely fucking happens. You want something? Well that charge in there and let it be known that you want it. Don't wait for others to recognize your worth. You have to "advertise" it... And not just by doing a good job, but also by letting people know that it is what you want and expect.

What I can not stand is seeing people (again, mostly women) be afraid to state their worth...

1. "I expect a good work-life balance that allows me to get to the gym/yoga every night after work."
2. "I expect a salary of $60k, because that is the going market rate in my area AND because I have the experience and the performance to warrant that salary."
3. "I expect to be given stellar opportunities because I will make it known that I want them. And if they are not given to me, I will still go for them and take them."
4. "I expect to be in a relationship with a significant other who is as mature as I am and has the same approach to life. I will not be a relationship just for the sake of having someone else."

Too many people live in fear. For some reason, many of us developed a fear of being seen as a "bitch." But you know what? It's us "difficult bitches" who get what we want.

So here are my tips for finding your balls, and putting yourself on a path of self-respect and getting what you want:

• State that you are taking it "matter-of-factly." Do your best to approach gaining what you want by having an attitude of "why would I not deserve it?" Be courteous and kind, but also be confident when asking. I'll admit, this is a hard skill to hone. It took quite a few years for me to realize how to show I deserved what I wanted when I asked for it. I have grown immensely in this skill. But there were many times when I lacked complete confidence and did the following...
• Cry. Yes, you read that right. Cry. I once had a boss (woman) who told me I needed to "control my emotions" better and not tear up in my eyes when I talked to her about what I want. But I decided that crying is a good release, and if it made the bitch uncomfortable, that was her fucking problem. I got what I wanted by finding my balls and crying my way through asking for it. I would have gotten if I didn't cry and asked for it... But I was so new to asking for what I wanted that the only way I could do it was through getting teary-eyed. SOMETIMES, YOU HAVE TO FUCKING CRY THROUGH THE PAIN. THERE IS NOTHING WEAK IN CRYING.
• Always be able to back it up. You want something? You gotta be able to state why you deserve it. "I want 20% more in salary because I am directly responsible for delivering 125% more traffic to our site from the previous year."

Bottom line is, people, NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO STICK UP FOR YOU BETTER THAN YOU YOURSELF.

"But Can I Have Wine When In Boston?"

Six years ago, I had to have an emergency root canal done. A year and a half earlier, I had a small cavity in one of my back molars. It hadn't been sealed properly by the dentist in NYC, and by the time I was settled in Boston and preparing to get married, it got worse.

It became infected because bacteria got trapped in the small opening. The dentist had to shoot Novocaine directly into my nerve, which hurt like hell. And afterwards, he prescribed me liquid painkillers... Since I couldn't swallow pills. I took them twice and never again. They knocked me out for two days. (I don't understand how people can function while high on painkillers. They make you nauseous and sleepy.)

Flash forward six years to last month... I had a pain in my far back molar, next to the one I'd previously had a root canal on years ago. The dentist took x-rays and determined I needed a root canal on the back tooth. But as he examined the x-ray, he said to me, "Your previous root canal looks to be infected as well. You're going to need that redone soon."

I walked out of that appointment with my one tooth fixed perfectly. I figured I wouldn't have to think about the old root canal for months. But I was wrong. Last week, the old root canal was in pain. So off to a specialist I went, as my dentist could not redo a root canal. He was only allowed to do new ones.

The specialist dentist gave me two options:

1. Extract the tooth completely, in the event it is fractured and no longer usable.
2. Open up the gums, clean out the infection that has come back because the root canal was not done properly, seal it back up with stitches.

Based on his opinion, I went with the second option.

"You're young," he said. "You should try to hold onto the tooth for as long as you can."

So today I went back in for the procedure. He numbed me with a topical. Then gave me three shots of Novocaine... Which numbed my entire mouth. An hour later, he was putting in stitches. And I felt nothing.

Well, that's not true.

I felt the thread he was using to sew in the stitches, as the excess lay across my face. But other than that, I felt nothing. And he didn't need to give me painkillers for afterwards. He only had a few rules for me for the next week, while I have the stitches in...

• No hot foods or drinks for the next two days. (Boo! No hot coffee!)
• Keep an ice pack on my face for the next few hours. (Boo! Meant no yoga tonight!)
• Eat ice cream and cold foods for dinner. (Yay and boo! I love ice cream... But I am craving soup.)
• Switch to soft foods only, for the rest of the week, while the stitches are still in. (They come out next Wednesday.)

These were all rules I could follow. But there was one thing I needed to ask him, before I leave for Boston this coming Saturday...

"Can I have wine when I am in Boston this weekend?"

He smiled.

"Yes," he confirmed. "But only if it is good wine."

And all is right in the world.

Even with an ice pack held up to my face.

Marc Jacobs A/W 2010: So Many Wearable Things!

I love, love, LOVE Marc Jacobs when he creates for his own lines. His Louis Vuitton line, different story. I detest a lot of what he creates for that line. But for the Marc Jacobs collection?

I love all that he does.

Here is the Marc Jacobs Autumn/Winter 2010 runway video from Fashion Week. It is amazing. And here are a few of my favorite pieces...

Loving the "socks with the pumps" look.

I wish my job was more fancy, so that I could wear something like this! A three-piece-suit! With a cuffed trouser!

I adore this sequined cardigan. This would be worn to work.

Aren't they beautiful? And wearable? AMAZING!

Clothing Care Must-Have: Steamer.

Best purchase I have made in a long time!!!

A few weeks back, I purchased this on a random Sunday afternoon.

It's a steamer. Other people at work told me they had one. I know a few boutique owners who use them in their stores as well. I hate hauling out the ironing board... And besides, there are some clothing items I own which are very difficult to iron with a regular iron. Such as this...

Oh! Ruffles! So girlie and divine!

I adore ruffles lately. I own this blouse in black as well. And I have a few other blouses that have layers and ruffles too. They are all washable on a delicate cycle. And I refuse to take things to the cleaners that can be washed by hand, just so they will be pressed beautifully.

With my trusty steamer, I was able to take that wrinkled blouse and make it "pret-a-porter" in less than two minutes.

Voila!

My only word of caution when using a steamer is to be careful with your hands. The steam is indeed blistering hot. And if you get it too close to your bare hand, it will scald. I have mostly mastered the technique. But I often come close to burning myself... I am an Aries, after all.

"... It Is Purely Original. It's Not In This World."

I pay attention to my dreams. For the past three years, I've had some insane dreams. A "good' kind of insane. I count myself very lucky, in fact. I don't have nightmares. And when I have dreams where I recall myself being anxious or having to defend myself, I am always successful.

(I guess my subconscious realizes I am more capable than my conscious.)

Anyway... Dreams...

I forced The Husband to go to the local fancy department store to look at shoes, which he has promised to buy my as a Valentine's Day gift. (Thoughtful man.) While out, I was attempting to scope out what was left of the McQueen stuff... But everything was gone. (Am REALLY wishing I had bought that scarf last weekend.)

The only thing left of McQueen, besides a few pairs of shoes, was a quote pasted on one of the glass walls on the second floor.

It is hard to read the whole thing, but the words say...

"I get my ideas out of dreams... If you're lucky enough to use something you see in a dream, it is purely original. It's not in this world -- it's in your head. I think that is amazing."

Dreams are amazing. Each of our minds is a unique universe. Alexander McQueen had one phenomenal universe inside his skull.

"I'm On Top! I'm A Star! Somebody Bring Me Some Ham!"

There are many people I look up to as role models... Both male as well as female. (Just because I have "lady bits" doesn't mean I can't idolize those who have "boy bits.") But out of all the people I admire most, the one that seems to be at the top lately, is Tina Fey.

Her humor... Her writing... Her beauty... I love it all. And I love that she will be on the March issue (that's one of the "thicker" issues of the year, FYI) of Vogue.

And here is the behind-the-scenes of her Vogue photo shoot.

I want to be almost 40 and looking that great in a romper! Shit... I want to be 32 and looking that great in a romper!

Christian Siriano: Divine!

I haven't watched the past two seasons of Project Runway. I know this may seem like a travesty to some, but I just haven't had the same draw to it as I did in the past.

Quite frankly, it's most enjoyable season for me was when Christian Siriano won. And I love that since that season, he has gone on to producing collections that show his growth as well as his incredible talent.

I mean, look at this fuchsia dream he put together for the collection he showed at NYFW this week...

I hope someone wears this to the Oscars this year.

Alexander McQueen Is My Hero.

My travel writer friend recommended I write about this. Because I am really sad. I have loved McQueen for a few years.

It started with a few of scarves...

Purchased right before my move to Canada. Thought it was a sign that I found it in red and white on the Gilt Groupe website.

Purchased at Barney's on a random walk through the men's section. Yep, it is a boy's scarf.

Purhcased at Harrod's on London. This one is VERY special.

Even though I loved McQueen scarves and wrote about them endlessly for over three years... The one item I coveted the most from him (for a year and a half, in fact) was this: The McQueen Hero Upright.

Purchased after a random stop in a Japanese department store on Fifth Avenue in NYC. It was found on the fifth floor of Takashimaya, on the sale section. It was meant to be. Now it travels with me everywhere.

I loved everything this man did. I loved how bad ass he was in his approach. I am incredibly sad his presence won't be there in the fashion world. There will never be anyone like him again.

Did Someone Neglect To Tell Me We Were In The 80s?

The last time I wore frosted white tights, I think, was in university... It was the mid-90s... Back when I still didn't have a sense of style, really. My favorite stores were Hot Topic, Charlotte Russe and Express.

But nowadays, I have a better understanding of what looks good and what does not on my body... And I know that when it comes to tights, what does NOT look good and what RUINS a beautiful dress are sheer frosted tights.

Who the hell styled Kate Bosworth? Chanel dress? Adorable! Fluffy coat? Cute! Frosted tights? Eww!

Here is my one rule for wearing tights over the age of 12: OPAQUE!!!

I don't care WHAT COLOR of tights you wear... Just make damn sure they are not frosted or sheer.

Frosted tights don't look good on anyone.

Jimmy Choo Hunter Wellies: Yellow?

Living in the North for the past 10 years, I understand how critical proper footwear is in rain, sleet and snow. And because I have also lived in major metropolitan areas, I understand how critical a unique sense of style is. So marrying style and functionality is a skill one acquires quickly up here.

Because you don't want to look like an ass-clown in bad weather.

Given that though, I don't know how I feel about these...

I mean, I LOVE Hunter wellies. And I love Choos. But yellow? Really? Why not a deep purple? Or dark green? Or burgundy? Or black? I was ecstatic last year when they came out with the black ones. But there is no way in hell I would pay close to $400 for a pair of yellow wellies.

Valentine's Day Gift: New Shoes.

The Husband asked me this morning what I wanted for Valentine's Day. I picked up my favorite Tory Burch flats and showed them to him...

I've had these for a little over a year. I bought them at Saks in Boston for $95. They were an amazing bargain find because the economy was crapping out. And I took advantage of it and scooped these up at a nice 60% discount.

Then I proceeded to wear them out. Badly.

I am not gentle with my flats. If I wear them regularly, I wear through them in a season. No lie. And then I replace them. So this is what I am requesting from The Husband for Valentine's Day. New flats. And so far, these are the ones I am considering...

Jimmy Choo Morse Patent Leather Flats

Tory Burch Reva Python-Effect Flats

I am still going to going to scout out some potentials... I love my shoe purchases, don't make them very often, and take them very seriously. So before I commit to any of them, I will look around.

It is very rare that The Husband offers to buy me shoes.

"Hawaii 5-Oh" Versus "Magnum P.I."

The Husband and I got into a great debate this evening. One that could lead to big problems should he not concede and agree with me...

Which Hawaii-based detective/police show theme song was better... Hawaii 5-0 or Magnum P.I.?

Now... I will certainly give Tom Selleck's 'stache and car the credit for being hotter than Jack Lord and his "hemlut hair." But as far as songs go... Hawaii 5-O's theme song kicks Magnum's 80s synthesized ass!

The Husband is such a "Selleck Whore"... And he really needs to agree with me on this.

Bikram 101: A Third Of The Way Through.

Well, actually, I am slightly more than a third of the way through the Bikram Yoga 101-Day Challenge. And at this point, I am quite confident that I will be finishing this thing. But I wanted to take a few minutes to write about the changes I have seen in my postures, as well as the changes in my mental and physical beings.

First, the physical changes to my body... Not too much going on here yet. My arms are much tighter and slimmer though. I am expecting most of the tightening to take place in later in the challenge. After the first 60 days.

Second, the postures... These are starting to get very strong. It may not be noticeable to those around me. But I can feel them becoming stronger. Especially the balancing postures. It feels different to stand on one foot while lifting the other leg high up behind me... Or in front of me, parallel to the ground. Or behind me, parallel to the ground. And the locking of the knee feels tighter. Also, the muscles along my spine flex on command in the spine-strengthening series.

I can't wait to see how things feel after the next 30 days!!!

Now, the mental changes. In the past two weeks, I have experienced random acts of tears for no reason. Then then there was vertigo today... Both in and out of class. It happened out of class while laying in bed. The tears, as I have written before, I can hide behind the sweat of the class. But my emotions can change on a dime, for no reason.

At one point this week, the studio owner was starting class and telling us to "keep control" of our mind and to "focus." I had stumble with my facial expression to keep from bawling. Don't know why her words set me off, but they did. I fought it hard though, and kept myself from crying. But I ended up having a bad bout of acid reflux in this class. I think it was due to the holding back the tears.

Whatever it was that wanted out was gonna come out, whether I wanted it to or not.

Only about 63 classes left to go. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Alexander McQueen Canadian Skull & Leaf Scarf.

Today has just been a collection of fashion posts!

This one I couldn't avoid posting though. I thought I was done posting for the day, till I went out meandering in the shops and saw this on a table...

It's an Alexander McQueen skull scarf with red maple leaves on it. How Canadian!!!

But at $450, it is not Canadian-enough for me to shell out for it.

Louis Vuitton $1,960 Trash Bags.

I love Marc Jacobs. In my eyes, he can do no wrong with the Marc Jacobs line or the Marc by Marc Jacobs line. But the Louis Vuitton line? Um... I often find plenty to not like.

Have you seen the latest creation from him for LV? No? well, I give you the "Trash Bag" for almost $2k.

Don't worry, they're not real "trash bags." They are purses meant to look like trash (bags). They're made out of a raincoat-type of material, not the plastic bin liner material. But why would you pay almost $2k for a purse that looks like a trash bag?

I am failing to see the draw. Not to mention the value. MJ, what were you thinking?

Jo Malone Hoarder.

"I smell incredible today."

I tweeted these words earlier this week. On Thursday, if memory serves. For that was the day I remembered I had a jar of Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia body lotion in my dressing room. And I slathered some on to the insides of my arms.

You should know, though, I am becoming a Jo Malone hoarder.

I own about SEVEN different bottles of VARIOUS Jo Malone scents. Plus the body lotion. And this afternoon, I am heading out to the department store to obtains some more of these treasures. The last one I bought (last Fall) was the the Vanilla Anise... Which I loved because it smelled like Dr. Pepper.

I wear the Vanilla Anise every day lately. And the body lotion reminded me that perhaps it is time to update the scent for the season, or at least alternate it with something else. So a few minutes spent browsing the collection of scents is definitely in order. I would rotate in one of the other scents I have, but they are more "Spring and Summer." I need a "Winter" one. Not sure what that will be though.

Denim Suit: A "No-No."

I am a huge fan of denim. In fact, I'm a little but of a "denim snob" when it comes to what I will put on my body. This is because I live and breathe in jeans most days of my life. When I dare to drop hard-earned cash on jeans, I get a lot of wear out of them.

But even I, a denim enthusiast, recognize when denim goes horribly bad...

When it's done as a denim suit.

I found myself in the presence of a woman the other day who was wearing a full on denim suit. Unfortunately, because of the nature of which I encountered this horrible woman ("horrible" not because she was wearing the suit, but because she was nasty person to people), I wasn't able to discreetly snap a photo of the denim gloriousness.

But I so wish I could have busted out my iPhone and snapped it. It would have made for some great style dissection.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't think denim can be dressed up enough to pass for "business casual." Far from the truth, actually. I have always proclaimed that the chicest of outfits that never fails to look great (on a woman in particular) is the "jeans with blazer combo."

But a whole suit made of matching denim stretched across a fat ass? No. That is not a good use of denim.

Shipping Up (Across) To Boston.

A much needed and long overdue celebration is in order. A celebration with my girls, in Boston. So it has been decided that I will be going back to Boston for a quick weekend trip on the 19th.

YAY!!!

I plan to hit the Bikram studio in Back Bay... Trot down Newbury Street to visit Marc Jacobs, Calypso and Intermix... Hit BARNEY'S!!! Oh... And see if I can score some more skinny jeans at Jean Therapy! And I also plan to knock back a few glasses of red wine with my gals.

I will fully admit that I miss Boston. And I NEVER thought I would EVER say that in my life.

It's Not A Workout. It's Healing.

Every time I tell someone about my Bikram 101-day Challenge, they often ask the same question...

"Why are you doing this?"

I think most people expect me to answer with one of the following:

• To tone up.
• To lose weight.
• To prove I can do it.

But the real reason isn't any of these. These are all added benefits of practicing Bikram yoga anytime. Not just with a challenge.

I am doing this challenge, and try to practice regularly, for my health.

I'm not in bad health. In fact, when I had my Canadian immigration physical a little over a year ago, the doctor in Boston commented on how healthy I appeared. Cholesterol... Blood work... Blood pressure... No heart problems... No medication taken regularly... No chronic back problems... And I attribute that to Bikram!

The 101-day challenge is all about continuing on my path to clean up my body. The physical parts... The emotional parts... And the mental parts...

I've had a few classes in the past week where I find myself breaking down and BAWLING during class. There's no reason why. I just have an emotional release for a few seconds. And because it is so FREAKING JUICY at the studio I practice in, I can disguise my tears as sweat.

In the first 30 days of my challenge, my body broke down a lot. Acid reflux... Muscles caving... Dizzy spells.... Now though, I seem to be past most of that. A little acid reflux still, but it's showing up later than it used to, if at all.

Now that I am in the second set of 30 days... My emotions are eff-ing with me. Guess they are the next things to heal.