Put A Fire Under It

"Wordless Wednesday" Post

Photo credit: Terry Border http://bentobjects.blogspot.com/
amazing site!

Let's Get Pretty in CLE

Sure, every girl likes the occasional indulgence--wine, chocolate, shopping splurge, etc. But I must admit, I have never experienced wonderful pampering like this before! Yes, believe it or not, I never had a "spa day" before. In fact, the thought of pedicures and massages previously gave me a case of the giggles. I never thought I could go untickled and endure a day of people touching my feet and rubbing oil on my back and thoroughly enjoy it. Over Thanksgiving, my bf's mom dropped the knowledge bomb on me and explained how glorious a spa day is. She was incredibly thoughtful and gave me an awesome Christmas present properly named "Indulge Spa Package" at Creative Beauty Salon & Spa. So let's get pretty in CLE!  

I was giddy and excited for my spa day, and to make it even better, it's located just around the corner from my place! So Saturday morning, I geared up and was ready to trek over to the spa, despite the crazy snow we had the night before!

Pretty badass boots (thanks JMK)

I arrived at the spa, with coffee in hand, and chill on my coat, and got to stick my feet in this amazing contraption. (Girls, forgive me, this is my first spa day remember?!) Anyway, it was divine, the chair massaged and vibrated as my feet soaked and girated in the color-changing jet tub. I was swaddled in an oversized fleece robe and kicked back with my eyes closed feeling like quite the princess.

                                                  

Next, Masha, the Russian nail technician, did a bang up job on my toes. Hear me out, feet definitely weird me out. Actually if humans evolved to have hooves as a prettier and more effective means of transportation, I would be one happy centaur.

 image courtesy of horseclipart.com

Those are some pretty hot hooves...



But Masha was terrific and entertaining and made me reconsider the evolution and mythology of pedicures... and now I am hooked! 

Pretty pink piggies in yo face!

Right after my pedicure, I had my hour long relaxation massage. Although I got a massage from a Russian dude, he was very professional and worked tension out of my back I wasn't even aware that I had (and I managed not to awkwardly laugh too much.) One recommendation to spa DJs though, please don't play the flute rendition of "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston during a deep tissue massage, because it will only make me chuckle.

Pretty awkward

So after my day at the spa, I came home and my lovely man had surprised me with my favorite...PORK CHOPS! Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a special place in my heart for pork chops. The bf cooked these outstanding chops (courtesy of Whole Foods Chagrin) that were stuffed with delicious cornbread along with garlic mashed potatoes and apple sauce. I was so smitten and truly felt like queen for the day. He always makes me feel pretty special!



Pretty porker



And to top off the perfect day of pretty pampering. The sweet bf took me to go see Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol.  For an action movie, it was entertaining with some good stunts...and let me also add that Paula Patton is pretty kickass and pretty gorgeous!

Pretty Paula Patton in Mission Impossible

She held her own in the movie and it was an awesome way to end the day feeling pretty, pampered, and positive!  As Larry David would say, "Pretty, pretty, pretty...pretty good!"

http://www.monstermarketplace.com/beer-shirts-and-beer-merchandise/curb-your-enthusiasm-pretty-good-larry-david-black-t-shirt

*A very special thanks to the JMK family for such a great weekend*

Let the Sun Shine In! HAIR!

"Wordless Wednesday" Post

PlayhouseSquare | Now-Jan. 29, 2012

Flyer distributed during Hair performance

Bad Girls-Namaste

I cannot complain about 2012! The first two weeks of the new year have been quite busy. (Way to combat the winter blues!) So let me share a few highlights of the fun events in CLE.

Last week, my fabulous sister @beautyfoodie graduated from her Bad Girl Ventures  program.

Said rockstar

I had the pleasure of attending her graduation held at Rosetta (gasp, their newly renovated office space is GORGEOUS! And so are the views!!)



Cotton candy sunset

Bad Girl Ventures is an awesome program recently started in Cleveland: "Bad Girl Ventures is intended to be a highly localized micro-lending organization focused on woman-owned startups." WIN! Clevelanders are full of good ideas and I particularly enjoyed hearing the incredible ideas that our female Clevelanders had to invigorate our city. (You go girls! Congratulations on all your hard work!)

I could go on and on about the program but I am a slightly partial to my rockstar sis who won $1,000.00 for her start-up idea "The Brunch Project." Learn more about it here (and invest capital in this genius idea!)

I am so very proud of her for the work she has put into this idea and her commitment to our lovely land of CLE. It was a terrific ceremony with wonderful views of the city, excellent food, and captivating energy in the room that made me leave there feeling inspired by all these outstanding Cleveland women!

Positive Challenges: 2012

Life is full of challenges, both positive, and difficult. This year I am setting "challenges" by pushing myself towards positivity!

One positive challenge I am looking forward to is cooking more! Growing up in a family of phenomenal cooks, I was very spoiled with amazing homemade meals. Last year, I faced new challenges learning how to cook not only for myself, but the bf who was diagnosed with Crohn's in August. (PS Crohn's sucks rocks for any foodie!) It's been quite the journey cooking healthy meals for two people with polar opposite dietary needs--although I will say for myself it has been a positive challenge.

It has forced me to become more cognizant of the food I put into my body, and choose low-residue food to fix for the bf. I will conquer the kitchen and kick Crohn's and cholesterol in the keester!

Another challenge I am posing to myself, along with eating healthier, is to be more active. Everyone resolves to lose weight in the New Year. But what's a number? I encourage everyone not to obsess over a number, and instead get moving! Be happy, be healthy! Enjoy a good sweat and feel good about yourself!



Thanks for the super sweet new sneakers, Santa!!!

Challenging the mind:

Watch out 2012, I've got my thinking cap on!

I'm pretty jazzed that I got back in the groove of writing but I am still craving an intellectual challenge. I was a secret book worm in college and truly loved the stimulation I got from school....(shhhh don't tell!) As I continue to grow in my career as a young professional, I've contemplated going back to get my master's degree. Welp, this is the year that I am getting my feet wet! I have been researching all the awesome programs that CLE has to offer and I am going to my first open house tomorrow. Baldwin Wallace offers a terrific MBA in Sustainability that seems to suit my needs (I know, totally up my alley, right!?) and I am excited to learn more about it! I'll keep you posted...



Lastly, I'm challenging myself to stay what? POSITIVE! The winter months are tough in the beloved land of CLE and I certainly struggle with the winter blues. Don't worry, the lake effect snow will eventually end! It's important to stay active, get enough light, and keep your social life busy. Look ahead in the New Year. Any exciting plans? Well we kicked off 2012 by booking a weekend in San Francisco! We are going to visit my two cousins, and man, those guys are ha-ha-ha-larious! I look forward to the good laughs, spending time with the familia, celebrating another year with the bf, sight-seeing, and --wine country!



Facing January equals an awesomicle trip to San Fran!



So Happy New Year to all--both Clevelanders and not. Wishing you positivity in 2012! Pass the plus!  Life's too short not to JAM!