Saturday, February 26, 2011

Send Me to London

So I hate to ask my readers for a favor, but this one really means a lot to me.  I have entered a contest through Facebook where I could win a trip to London.  Flavorpill is giving away a trip to London Town to the person who has the most votes, which could possibly be me.  There is a condition that I need to have the most votes.  So I ask that you do me this one small favor, please click this link, and leave a comment, any old comment will do.  Maybe you could even tell all your friends about it.  There is no need to like the page, no need to give up your privacy.  It would be so cool if I won this trip.  As a thank you to all my readers I will do budget friendly research when I go over there.  I will look for all the places where your wallet won't be drained of pounds.  If I win, I promise to run a contest of some loot from London town I think everyone needs in their life.  There is a real chance that I could win this.  Make a girl's dream come true and send me back across the pond.  I will love all my readers forever.  Pretty please with scones and clotted cream on top will you give me your vote.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Let's Go Skiing, on the Grass

Yes!  It is finally getting warmer.  Here is to open toed shoes, sun dresses and picnics in the park.  I can stand proud and say I will not miss winter at all.  I may even be getting ahead of myself.  Then there are some of you who will actually miss this weather. Ice skating, snowball fights and skiing.  Well come spring, you do not have to fly to the southern hemishpere to enjoy summer skiing.  In Basye, Virgina winter sports enthusiasts can keep up at their favorite activities throughout the year by Grass Skiing or Boarding.  A very athletic activity where you will burn some major calories.  From June on Bryse Resort offers this unique and eccentric activity.  Wearing just a helmet and some other protective gear first time riders will meet with a instructor to get a understanding of the sport.  It takes a little time to get adjusted from snow skis to grass skis or boards.  They are basically oversized skateboards.  Up the chair lift you go, then down.  Repeat.  Your first time down the mountain requirees a mandatory boarding or skiing package which includes lesson, lift ticket, skis or boards, pads & helmet.  Then once you get the hang of it a lift ticket is only $12 and rentals are $13.  What a great way to stay cool while doing winters greatest activities without the biting cold.


Monday, February 14, 2011

Munching on Maoz

From my recent tweets you may have caught wind of my latest obsession. Yes I think 16 Handles may have to share the spotlight.  I never thought I would say that I am constantly craving a vegetarian dish. My mom would be so proud. So what is this place you ask? Its called Maoz.  Its a falafel joint that serves up delicious, fresh, fast food.  I discovered this place while I was visiting Madrid when I lived abroad. But since I've been back stateside I knew I could eat at Maoz but never did. To be honest, I really did not like Falafels.  But last week starving after one of my many events (yes, I'm that important) I passed by a Maoz near Columbia.  So hungry and practicing my mantra of "you never know if you don't try" I walked in.  Serving only falafels in either a pita or on top of a salad maoz customers can customize their dish at the unlimited toppings bar. With the freshest ingredients meals can be topped with veggies and other Mediterranean delights.  There are meal deals available too.  For under $10, you can get a Falafell, soda and fries.  To your hearts content you can add as many healthy toppings to your meal.  Some of the best are the roasted broccoli and cauliflower and the chick pea salad.  Maoz has multiple US locations, so I know if I am ever on the road (which I am not) I can get my fix.  I am warning you, I will probably be hitting it up tomorrow night after another events.  When a Falafel pits is under $7 with all those toppings, its hard to say no.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Free Hair

New York City may have more celebrity salons then there are Crumbs Bake Shops. Once a celeb is connected to their uber hairstylist the ability to book an appointment in their salons becomes almost as possible as mastering astrophysics. To add insult to injury as the popularity rises the prices follow suit.  One can wait for a covet appointment to open up or get services during a training night.  Fredrick Fekkai has an extensive model program where participants can have their hair cut and colored by advanced students.  Potential hair models have the option for stylists in training to test their skills of what they have learned from cut, color and style.  The above link leads to a form for potential models to see if they qualify.  After submitting a coordinator will contact participants with dates when certain free services will be offered.  The program runs on a constant basis and Fekkai is always looking for models.  There are three salon’s in Manhattan where there is potential to be a model.  Due to the model program services take a bit more time than when a standard appoint is booked.  This accounts for when the teacher checks the student’s progress and execution.  Services are not skimped.  Models are treated like paying customers where they are treated like royalty with relaxing head massages when shampooing and night time ready blowouts using the famed Fredrick Fekkai products. 

Looking at my finances, I could no longer rock my Carrie Bradshaw roots but I could not afford to shell out the cash for new color.  I signed up for the program and was able to book an appointment soon after.  I was greeted by the Stylist in training Kara, who was more than nice.  She hadn't been affected by the blase attitude that plagues some of the divas working in the salon.  I was about to experience biolage highlights which are painted on and not foiled on.  In between layers hair is sepreated by saran wrap which can become very calstrophobic and hot.  But the misery was well worth it.  Kara finished her work and blew my hair out.  Sign up from the link above; Fekkai has salons all over the country.  Just to remind y'all I am truely living my life on a budget, I got $245 worth of highlights for free.  Now beat that.
Pics (l to r): Saran wrap highlights; finished product.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Brunch Basket



Pot Luck Brunch Spread

 New Yorkers know how to brunch. We have made a sport of it. Every Saturday and Sunday we lazily get ready and eat our first meal at 1 pm. Also we have our 1st cocktail then too. Then there are those cold winter days where getting out of bed is our last option. This is why last Sunday I decided to switch up my normal brunch routine. Instead of trekking downtown for cold eggs Benedict and watery mimosas I threw a pot luck brunch for me and my girlfriends. Everyone was responsible for one thing whether it was a dish or being in charge of the varied mimosa and Bellini options.


Mimosas and Bloody Mary's

 There were egg dishes, bagels, and all other things for a mini feast. As we all sat quietly, because we were enjoying the delicious dishes the girl talk followed. We sat leisurely for the whole afternoon making the best of a Sunday. Although not better than quality girl time was the fact at how comparable in price brunch was , if not cheaper than all the restos hawking dry french toast. We sat for hours; there was no annoyed waiters to rush us out.  If we got full we could unbuckle our jeans.  I write this post because I highly suggest you change up that weekend routine for the same event with a different beat.  Being that pot luck was such a delicious success this is going to become a regular with the girls.