Ode to an Eye Ball

FURBY.  It is the nic name lovingly given to me by a friend due to my big eyes, and it just stuck.  Who knew the big eyes could cause some trouble.
  I have been wearing contacts for probably over 15 years.  It is annoying.  At first I wore the ones you had to take out and clean every night and morning.  Think of all the unplanned sleepovers that happen in HS. I use to leave those babies in a spoon with a little solution! 
 Then I moved to the "one a day" contacts.  Not so much fuss but thousands of dollars more. And I have been wearing them ever since.  Put the cost to the side-it isn't a choice, I am blind as a bat.  When I wake up in the morning and open my eyes I still have no idea what time it is, because I can't read the clock next to the bed. I took a shower once without them and I am pretty sure I shaved with shampoo.  Honestly, I'd be walking into walls without the help of that little moon shaped plastic in my eye.  And sometimes it doesn't fit correctly, and in the pool they get stuck to your eye (try taking a romantic shower) and they can rip mid day and leave you one eyed til 5pm.  So I am breaking down.
 LASIK has been around for awhile.  And as long as it has been around, I have been petrified.  I don't even like the idea of someone gently touching my eye, chills run down my spine.  So the thought of surgery had always been placed far far away.  But lately, it has become harder and even more annoying to live with contacts.  And I continue to meet people who go on about what a miracle it is to wake up and see the clock.  I have no idea what it would be like to look out of the window from bed and know the weather, that seems pretty amazing to me.  I wouldn't have to worry when I packed for vacation that I brought enough backup.  I can fall asleep watching TV whenever I want, and sleep for the night.  And I never again have to go onto 1800 contacts and spend $600.00 for a few months supply. (although the website is the best if you must do so.)  So I booked my consultation.  Actually two, because I wanted to be thorough and love and trust the place I was giving my eye balls over to.  The second place far out shined the first.  The staff was so friendly and informative....and funny.  When I finally admitted that I have put this off due to fear and anxiety, he replied, "Well after you we will have done one."  Which was a funny way to say, man up girl, this is all we do all day long.  No biggie.  I must admit that it was comforting to watch people go in and out of surgery while I was there getting my tests.  You are literally under the laser for 4 minutes tops.  (I could see through a curtain in the waiting room when a ladies feet went up to lay on the table and came back down on the floor, yes, I timed this.)  And speaking of waiting room, this was the perfect one.  It was large and open with coffee and tea makers and lots of flavors to choose from.  They had multiple seating arrangements, all comfy and welcoming so you could just sit with who you came with.  A TV, with a remote for the room (not stuck watching All My Children or Jerry Springer, which gives me anxiety all by itself) and plenty of mags and thank you cards from prior patients. I was sold.  But funny thing about big eyes, Furby eyes that is...large pupils and small cornea make LASIK impossible.  Because of so advanced technology, they have an almost identical option for me, PRK. (flapless LASIK in basic terms)  So I hear slightly longer recovery with a little more pain as they scrape a top layer...let's not even get into it.  Big picture..within a month I will be happily contact and glasses free.  I am giving my eyes back the gift of sight without any outside help.  *Catch- I have to wear my glasses for one week prior to surgery and I never, ever, wear my glasses around, especially to work.  On the flip side I did buy myself a little surgery day present.  You have to bring a pair of sunglasses with you that day to wear out of surgery and you pretty much have to keep them glued to your face for a month..so, I went out tonight and bought my PRK day gift, designed by Nine West...surgery shades. 
I saw a lady walking in with googles to strap around her head, not happening.  This isn't the 100 meter in the olympics and just because I can't see well when I come out doesn't mean I have to ruin the view for everyone else! Find humor in everything, it helps.  Ahh, the beautiful life. (coming soon in HD to an eyeball near me)

Enlightened Yoga (with added soundtrack)

A few mere hours ago I returned from a Pilate's class I have been meaning to try out for months.  There was a crisis, an excuse, a holiday, and then my intention fell to a long lost idea.  But when this week started and I declared in a recent blog a better balance of passion for food and exercise, I wanted to act on both.

Last night Ant and I had friends over for dinner.  I love cooking for people and eating, so little dinner parties work well for me. (Feel free to invite yourself over)  He was a good help in the kitchen, making the salad and getting the chicken in the marinade while I made homemade meatballs and cooked up some hot sausage.  I had the brownies in the oven while I started on the chicken cutlet- and just like that, the house smelled warm and inviting.  I love when my kitchen smells like a great restaurant and it leaks to the living room inviting you off the couch for a taste from the pot.  Dinner was a success in taste, but it wasn't health conscience.  And I doubt the serving of blueberries and strawberries I put out next to brownies and pound cake made up for the lack of whole and healthy ingredients.  I have no great excuse here but it has been so dark and rainy every day and I was craving some Italian comfort food, therefore, we paused healthy cooking 101.

 So it was necessary to have an hour blocked off tonight for this new Pilate's class.  The class was at a Yoga studio that offered Pilate's and Yogalaties (which I plan to try next) My friend G and I arrived a few minutes early and met with the instruction who isn't even slightly intimidating.  She was friendly and funny. She struggled along with us at points and wasn't afraid to admit when it hurt, but she did have a body that said, "keep it up and look like me." I thought she had a great mix of music...but there was an added soundtrack that took me off guard.  G, you know where I am going with this.
 So to set the stage, this is a small Yoga studio.  Just an open room with a door for the entrance and one for the bathroom.  It has colorful green walls and this art teacher/yoga instructor hand painted some walls with yoga symbols that are encouraging.  She has a small fireplace with a sweet smelling candle atop (thank Goodness, we will get there)  The studio has been there for less then a year and she is just building this class.  So besides my friend and I, there was only one other women.  Let's call her Beans.  Beans was a nice lady, friendly, not a big fitness go getter.  She spent some time on the mat just laying and yawning while others were moving.  And Beans had to run to the bathroom just in time for the squats portion of the class, and returned as we were on our last rep.  Now we all get tired from time to time, so I don't fault Beans for this. I am not going to judge a soul on their fitness routine.  She came out tonight and made a fitness effort, so she has half America beat.  And I am not sure what this nice women ate all day long, but we can only guess it did not agree with her.  You can guess where this is going.  Small studio, 3 students, ceiling to allow an echo...
 The first loud passing of the gas was followed by an, "oh, excuse me girls."  No harm no foul.  I felt bad for her, any ones mistake.   Legs up, legs down, squeeze your butt in, breathe out- it can happen. 

 But then Beans let it go the rest of class.  She stopped apologizing because it would have just been redundant at that point.  Every movement was followed by a popping fart.  I had to bite the insides of my cheeks to hold back the laughter and that didn't even hurt compared to the heat in my thighs from our current leg lifting exercise! At one point when it just got ridiculous I looked over at G, just out of the corner of my eyes, and I saw her forcing herself to look out the window and away from me!  Thank Goodness because had we made eye contact it would have been an all out  burst of laughter.  Side note: Thankful for the candle and the space between Beans and us tonight.  Beans had no shame, she did not apologize at the end of class or offer some excuse.  She just packed her belongings and farted her way out the door. 

  In spite of the added soundtrack, I whole heartedley look forward to returning.  I plan to round some more girls up too- and I kinda hope they get to meet Beans.  I came home tonight already feeling better.  It made me want to do more healthy things for my body.  And the little pain I felt in my thighs when I hit the steps made me smile, progress.  So the beat goes on....

The fight of Chi Green Tea + Green Apple Martini (candy will not be happy)

Because so much of the good life can be associated with rich food and wine, you have to take a look at the good ass.  And it hasn't been looking as good lately!  Funny thing about making more money, the younger verison of myself couldn't go out to eat and drink the way I do now; she was cute.

 I was a runner when I was in High School.  I hit the lake every day after class and the school gym had my attention for a good hour after that- I actually trained with the football players. And I happened to attend college in sunny Florida where there is no such thing as a sweater season. No one orders fast food in a bathing suit, "Pass The Salad Thanks." I spent most of my days reading by the pool and then spending an hour on a step machine before going out dancing. Imagine that body.  Wait, let's give that a minute...

 But somewhere between there and now (career, home, lifestyle changes), I lost the runner in me.When did I stop? I think I came home from work one night and there was laundry to be done, dust this, fold that, and a DIY project in some room- and before I knew it 1:00am hit.  And you don't get to spend all day with your friends like in your early 20's so you need to carve out time for that. And that is precious as you need that time and liquid therapy with people who care and don't charge $200.00 an hour, Cheers!

  And what do I do with said friends? Break bread and bitch. (and support one another, I have a great group but we love our happy hours (s) ). 

 So I was watching a Nike commercial the other day and their marketing department does a damn good job of making running look like a stress relieving and relaxing activity. I really wanted that back.  So I laced my sneaks up, stretched like I was in a marathon and hit the pavement. That commercial is about as real as a painless wax.  Before I hit a mile I was huffing and I wasn't enjoying ish about this experience. I would much rather be walking and enjoying the scenery then pushing this uncomfortable run. And then mid stride I could remember the last time I was a runner... it was after a painful, dramatic breakup (post breakup body, always hot)  I can only imagine now I was looking for something that could hurt slightly more then the breakup, so I tortured myself with running.  Then when I got happy, running stopped. Now if I could go back, I would have never stopped.  NEVER STOP.  But I did, so its gut check time.  In keeping all things happy and enjoying the beautiful life, I have to admit that I am no longer a runner.  I wish I was a professional dancer too, but hey,we have to let some things go. I would rather indulge in things I enjoy: Yoga, Pilates, Walking, Hiking, Swimming.  I am not anti-movement, I just need to concentrate on things I enjoy.

 So I am enlisting my girlfriends to join me.  This way we can bond over the downward dog instead of a bowl of olive oil.  And maybe we can encourage one another over a cup of Chi Green Tea instead of 1,500 calories of Green Apple Martini.
 Don't get me wrong, the more grown up version of me needs something a little stronger to take the edge off from time to time.  But if I can incorporate more of above activities I won't feel so bad when I indulge.
 I'm not giving up beautiful food, but stay tuned for the fabulous low cal brunches I plan to throw and the secrets to a delish dinner party without the guilt.  I'll be finding the balance between that and decadent yum.
For example: Sunday brunch at Lillians Cafe in Audubon: a yum



Blueberry Crepe, even better then it looks

 

Sin City- THIS is the Good Life!

Bright lights, beautiful buildings, pool parties, millions of dollars and a high tolerance for stupidity and bad decisions.

 In keeping with the theme of the good life, I can't help but day dream about my recent trip to Vegas. Until this year I have spent my whole life putting off this destination.  What a mistake!  Hands down one of the most amazing places I have been.  And there is something for everyone in Viva.  It doesn't have to be all VIP lines, and club hopping (although I did that.) And you don't even HAVE to gamble to enjoy it (although I did that too). There is so much to see and do. The detail they put into the hotel buildings and decor inside, you could spend a week sight seeing alone. Bellagio could keep you busy for days and don't miss Aria's amazing dripping diamonds and while there is no zoo you can still find Lions and Dolphins if you look around.   And the food is not your normal tourist experience of high prices for lower quality.  You have more choices then you can sort through for any vaca period, all top noch.  (*Mon Ami Gabi in Paris-not to be missed!! And Olive at Bellagio- best place for a Pasta dinner with front row seats of the fountains going off every 15 minutes!)

 I was lucky enough to go with a great group of girlfriends (company is key!), and stay in an amazing two bedroom timeshare that looked right at the Eiffel Tower.  There is something about ending your night looking out to millions of lights that seem to never end but rather fall into the mountains in the distance that whispers, "welcome to the good life." And when your day starts with a beautiful breakfast on a patio and the rest of the day lends to shopping and hot tubs with frozen drinks, all problems float right down the canyon.

 I would take this trip 100 more times and always find something to stand under and marvel at each time.  If you haven't found your way to Vegas, book now! Pool party season is in session and if you need a break, grab a day pass at a spa.  It is not your normal massage and go.  Most hotel spas offer full gyms, lavish pool and shower options and a day of relaxation for the body that has been in constant motion at Tao or Lavo the night before. Details to Share :)----->

This is totally normal and finding a pool party you can shut down is totally necessary.

Why this outfit works: Visiting Vegas in March meant much better weather then Jersey, but still possibly chilly.  A thin sweater with quarter sleeves is the perfect bathing suit cover up that can easily convert all day into a dress. Functional, easy, and better then a moo-moo! Add the detail of a dangle necklace as an accessory and some bigger shades -> pool side ready.

Day time view from our suite.  You can travel to the top of the tower to get great views of the strip.  We stayed at Planet Ho, connected to the miracle mile shops, great location!



Not kidding about Mon Ami Gabi being Ab Fab!





Huge French Onion Soup Snob over here, this is to die for!



So take note of the many options for refillable drinks.  I collected a few of these babies, Fat Tuesdays and BDR  both sell them. Only $12 for the cup and first fill, $8.00 for the refill, and you have a drink that stays cold and a souvenir. 

We def had a fashion show each night before we went out, just to make sure we wanted to wear that nights outfit, photo shoot works best for this.

Quick Tip: A walk back home on the strip can be just as fun as the club.  But after a night of dancing away in heels, a two mile hike can seem like a mean joke. Ladies: foldable ballet flats for the clutch saves lives.  Well, at least toes.

Six was definitely a magic number.  Promoters are everywhere looking to hook a group of ladies up and get them in their club.  With a smile (and occasionally they ask for you to text a pic of your group- no harm), you get what you ask for, so ask.  Here is our group about to take our stretch hummer to our VIP bottle service. Priceless trip, $0.00!

I am itching to go again...VIVA

A spring tease

Warm breeze that kisses your skin, slipping on your sun glasses at first step out the door, dinner on a deck with a cold drink. Today was a much needed and beautiful glimpse into spring and what's to come.  I have always been a warm weather/summer girl.  Sure I love to sit by a fire in a perfect sweater with hot chocolate and watch the first snowfall of the year.  But by day two, I am over it.  Way over it.

 I can think of 1,000 things I love to do in the warm weather, beaches and rooftop pools topping this long list.  When I think of the cold and disappearing  sun at 5pm in February, I think...closet cleaning time-                                                       not fun.

So when I walked outside today for work in a sleeveless dress with peep toe heels for the first time this year (yes, I realize March is early for a peep toe but I couldn't resist and I had a fresh pedicure from a wedding last weekend) ,I was completely happy and renewed.  All the sudden my energy level jumped up. I was researching the festivals coming to Philly and trying to find the local winefests for '11.  With all this renewed energy, Girl who needs a Nap turned to Girl with a Mission.  Mission: make the breezeway a airy place to read, sip wine, and enjoy the breeze.  Mission accomplished. 

So, although I noticed that the weather is going back to normal March dreariness tomorrow, I plan to continue to accomplish my to-do list around the house so when the warm weather hits again I can just whip up a pitcher of mojitios, and enjoy the good life.