I just discovered the best leave-in conditioner and thought I would share. Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner smells fantastic, helps work through those post-shower snarls, and leaves your hair silky smooth; plus it comes in an uber cool bottle. I just love it.
I have had my eye on this resort for quite a while, and we finally booked a weekend getaway this month! Nestled away in the Adirondack Mountains in New York state's Hudson Valley, The Mohonk Mountain House offers the ideal getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and relaxation dreamers. Seasonal activities include rock climbing on the Shawangunk Ridge, also known as "The Gunks" (for the beau), yoga classes in the fitness center (for moi), hiking, swimming, fishing, snow shoeing, golf, tennis, and more. The spa sounds spectacular, perched atop cliffs overlooking the lake, with 16 rooms including a solarium, stone fireplace, outdoor heated mineral pool, and an indoor swimming pool. And the photo above simply defines beauty, eh?
So I am excited, and will definitely do a write-up after we visit.
This weekend a friend of mine encouraged me to check out O2 Yoga, the new yoga studio that opened this past October just a couple blocks from me on East Berkley St, in the South End. I have been eager to take yoga, as I am tired of the beating my knees and full-body has been suffering on the treadmill; plus, I am just sick of the gym and its monotony.
So, I managed to behave myself last night at a dinner party, and get motivated this morning to head over to the studio for my yoga ice breaker. I loved it! I took a "Basics" class, an introductory class geared towards the newbies, focusing on the basic poses and the proper execution of postures. My instructor, Katherine, was fabulous. She clearly explained each pose, corrected us gently as needed, and approached me after the class, knowing it was my first one, to see how I felt about the experience.
I have taken pilates before, and just couldn't quite get into it. My experience with yoga was different - I didn't want the class to end, despite my quivering body as I held the poses! I want to go back the next couple days, but I'll have to see how my body feels tomorrow!
If you are new to yoga, or if you are experienced in your practice, I highly recommend this studio (they also have studios in Sommerville and Portsmouth). For first time visits, they are running a special of $18 for 2 classes. Otherwise, it's $14 a class, and they are offering 10% off 10 and 20 class cards if you purchase online. I'd love to join them on the yearly retreat to Maya Tulum, but I should get a few more classes in ;)
See the South End schedule here.
O2 Yoga
121 East Berkeley Street
2nd floor (right over J.J. Foley's)
South End, Boston
http://www.o2yoga.com
617.532.0691
I am - and always have been - a healthy eater; and as I get older, I try to keep up with the latest trends and breakthroughs in health, and introduce new foods and eating habits into my diet when I see fit. A friend of mine introduced me to the Goji Berry, a red berry from Tibet, that is often dried like a raisin. The berries are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin and have been know to:
Aside from the above, there have been a couple studies that concluded that Goji extracts may prevent the growth of cancer cells, reduce blood glucose, and lower cholesterol levels. Best of all, they taste pretty good, in a sweet and sour way, and are also commonly available as a tea, a juice, or mixed into a trail mix. Me? I just leave them by the cappuccino machine and reach for a handful in the morning. Lets see if I notice the Goji power :)
After a long trip overseas, involving limited fresh air and sun exposure, I have been eager to do some outdoor activities and really kick off my summer right. On Saturday, Mike and I took a short trip down 90/95 to the Newton location of Charles River Canoe and Kayak. At the boathouse, you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and rowboats by the hour; they also offer sales and on-water demos, instructional programs, guided tours, fishing trips and more.
This Lakes District of the Charles River is characterized by calm water, natural wildlife such as fish, ducks and swans, and just a calm, outdoor serenity a few short miles from Boston. Efforts have been successfully made to clean up the water, though I would not want to accidentally tip my kayak and go for a dip. We spent about an hour and a half or so inside our single kayaks, breathing the fresh air and taking in some sun. It's a fabulous & easy-to-get-to escape that I'd strongly recommend.
I love a solid cardiovascular work out, but I often find that I don't have the time to squeeze it in between work and other important engagements. I don't care what anyone says, going to the gym is quite a process. So, I found an amazing solution, for those days I can't make it to the gym, that offers-up an intense cardio workout, strength training, and really kicks you in the a*s: jump roping! I purchased the Altus Weighted Jump Rope, and gave it a shot in my loft last night (high ceilings, and concrete-base floors are a must). What an amazing, total body workout! I was able to complete a set or two, change the laundry, another couple sets, prep some dinner, and so on. For those of you who think jump roping is for amateurs, I challenge you to give it a shot.
A congratulations is in order to all the intrepid and able-bodied runners who made it out today despite the high-winds, rain and nasty nor'easter residual for the running of the 111th Boston Marathon! Special hats-off to Kenya's Robert Cheruiyot (2:14:13) and Russia's Lidiya Grigoryeva (2:29:18) who captured the men's and women's crowns, respectively, as well as Japan's Masazumi Soejima (1:29:16) and Wakako Tsuchida (1:53:30) who found victory in the men's and women's wheelchair races, respectively.
Here are the detailed stats for the top 3 winners across all 4 categories, courtesy of Boston.com:
I take dental hygiene very seriously. I schedule a cleaning every six months; I floss daily; and I brush at least 3 times a day. Additionally, I am a very healthy eater; my idea of a decadent dessert is a savory cheese plate, not something laden with sugar.
Well, its mind-blowing that, until yesterday, I hadn't found a dentist in Boston whom I truly love and 
trust. Don't get me wrong, I by no means love frequenting the dentist, but I do expect he/she to do what he/she has been trained to do, to provide proper care for patients. My last dentist clearly was taking me for a ride. He claimed I had one cavity (eh, it even happens to those of us with stellar oral hygiene), and when I arrived at my appointment for a fill, suddenly it was three?? Are you kidding? No thanks, fill the one, and I'll be back. Translation: I'll find a new dentist. And I did.
His name is Dr. Geoffrey Davis, and he is a friend of a friend. I met him over brunch a few months ago, and aside from the fact that he seemed like a trustworthy individual as we sipped our bloodies, I knew a friend's referral would be an honest dentist. Well, this was by far the best cleaning I have received. Dr. Davis was prompt, the cleaning was painless, took about 15 minutes and included an amazing procedure that felt like a microderm abrasion for your teeth and left my buckies squeaky clean (it was truly pretty wild). I also asked him to check for those "cavities" and he did so with a laser wand that calculated all the crevices and dips in my teeth to determine if decay exists. And get this: none! Additionally, Dr. Davis uses digital x-rays (this techy's paradise)); no need to wait for antiquated films.
I have started a teeth whitening regimen, so I'll have something to report about it soon. In the meantime, if you need a dentist, I strongly recommend:
Geoffrey A Davis, DMD - General Dentist
581 Boylston St Ste 401
Boston, MA 02116
Ph: 617-353-1500
http://drgeoffreydavis.com/
To all the spa lovers, be sure to check out Spa Week in Boston, April 16-22; all fantastic treatments listed (unique to each spa) are $50! Sign-up on their site and take a look for yourself!
Saldare is a South End (yes, SOWA) neighborhood escape. The body spa and private fitness facility is not pretentious nor stuffy like so many of its counterparts in the city; its quaint, relaxing, and homey. Today, I received an hour-long Swedish massage, a Christmas gift from my Mom, that 
came at just the right time, as the stresses of work (and some play) have been building. The applied pressure - customizable to your personal needs and desires - was perfect; just the right amount of digging to get out those nasty knots. Kendra gave me my massage, and while I am sure all the masseuses there are great, she was fabulous.
They offer a list of spa services: facials, body treatments, nail-care, waxing, etc, as well as personal training sessions designed to help you meet your personal goals. I'd recommend Saldare to any neighborhood folks and anyone who wants to relax and enjoy a treatment without all the added fluff.
Thanks, Mom!
Saldare Body Spa & Private Fitness
1244 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
617.423.2722
saldarespa.com
I finally had the chance to visit the Body Worlds 2 exhibit at the Boston Museum of Science. Anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens introduced "plastination" to the scientific world in the 1970's, a ground-breaking invention by which the human body - nervous system, digestive system, organs, etc. - are actually preserved by supplanting bodily fluids and soluble fats with reactive resins and elastomers. And this exhibit is his forum for sharing plastination, and the wonders of the human body, with all of us.
200 human specimens were on display at the exhibit: male and female human bodies stood erect in the life-like form of a baseball player, a ballerina and a figure skater. Plastic-like organ specimens, such as a brain marked by a stroke and a lung spotted with lung cancer, were displayed within glass cases. Even a camel and a colt were preserved using plastination, with a cross section of the stomach and face showing the inner wonders of the animal's anatomy.
This exhibit is not for the queasy-stomach folks; at times, it can be quite disturbing, as what stands before you was once a living human being. Although I found it far more fascinating than macabre, I specifically had an unsettled feeling when the plastinates still had a full-head of human hair, such as the "Angel" with flowing blond hair tied neatly in a bun. Eeek! Additionally, a curtained-off room near the rear of the exhibit was devoted to prenatal development, which may not be for everyone. Within, a woman's abdomen exposed an 8 month child who apparently died shortly after it's mother's death during pregnancy, and a series of petri dishes and glass cases showed fetuses & embryos from 1 week to near full term.
I would strongly recommend this exhibit. The detailed explanations alongside the specimens were written in layman's terms, and not overly medically complicated. The rooms were packed with students (some probably in high-school bio classes and others in med-school), doctors, scientists, as well as curious folks with no real ties to the medical community. And let it be told, that individuals donated their bodies for plastination prior to death, despite some controversy you may have heard.
Is it just morbid curiosity that drives us to these types of things? Perhaps for some, but overall I doubt it; I think its much deeper than that. Every day we do things, develop habits, that hurt our bodies, but we rarely understand why, or how, or the impact it will have long-term. The smoking lung just may make you quit smoking; the diseased liver may cause you to think again when ordering another drink; and the preserved, thick layer of fat around a cross-section of an obese, 50 year old man's body may provoke that diet you have been meaning to go on. And I think that is just the point. We are all curious about what it is that makes us tick, and for some of us, a tad frightened. Beneath the smooth simplicity of our outer skin, is an intricate, complex, and codependent system that allows us to live our lives every day. By seeing and understanding how we work internally, perhaps we will all have a new perspective on and admiration for our bodies, which may lead us to make healthier choices and ultimately healthier lives. If you get nothing more than this out if this exhibit, I'd be satisfied.
Despite a sluggish morning, as a result of a closed-door, open-bar bash at Radius the night prior in celebration of their receiving 4 stars by the Boston Globe, we managed to take full advantage of what may very well be the last beautiful weekend of the summer season. We gave Mike's Moots mountain bike and Cannondale street bike a quick polish, and hit the city streets for 5 hours; we estimated it was about a 14-15 mile ride! Well, not continuous, as we stopped for a bite at a favorite Cambridge sandwich shop, Darwin's, and gave the bikes a real wash at a Somerville self-serve car wash. We also perused around Ace Wheelworks in Somerville, where I purchased a pair of padded spandex bike shorts, an integral piece of your biking wardrobe. I not only may not be able to walk tomorrow, but sitting may also be a worriment!!!
I have to say, this is the most fun I have had in quite some time. It was spectacular to get out, exercise, and clear the mind on this beautiful day! Despite how much I may beg, it has been made clear that the Moots will never be "mine" as it's Mike's baby (heehee), so a bike purchase is definitely in the future :)
I figure it's time to plug my dear hair stylist... the hip, hot, ego-boosting, therapy-giving Eddy @ Trillium Hair Salon on Gloucester and Newbury. With Eddy, it's more than just a cut or a color, its a laughing-riot, a therapeutic session, and a total blast. He knows his clients, and he remembers everything (yes, beware :)). He knows what works for you - the right color, shape, style, etc. - and he isn't afraid to advise against what you *think* you may want when you walk in the door. Don't get me wrong, he will deliver whatever it is you ask for if you refuse to listen; but, the best favor he ever did for me was to tell me "Honey, the blonde has GOT to go. Ick, it's not working for you!". And voila, I am back to a rich, dark chocolate brown and lovin' it. You've gotta trust an expert.
Eddy has many fans: clients that take the trek from NYC for a cut & color b/c they can't find anyone like him in the City (that is, for the same price I assume); clients that swing by to drop off gifts or homemade cookies; even the FedEx guy he was flirting with & he convinced last week that I was in Vogue magazine (blush, heehee); and another client he comically persuaded I was 5'12"... not always the brightest I guess, but still beautiful!!
His boutique-salon studio space is not overly swank, out of the Paris or Milan style magazines, but you will feel as though you are once you leave his chair. Eddy deservingly escapes on Sundays and Mondays to his retreat in Provincetown, but he can usually squeeze in an appointment in as little as a week's notice. Haircuts are just $50, and a color is $120+up. If you are looking for a new stylist, and someone to praise your beauty and mentally place you on the cat-walk, then I encourage you to experience Eddy, and tell him Kate sent you, the 5'12" one!
Trillium Hair Salon
49 Gloucester St Ste 3
Boston, MA 02115-3142
617.266.0077
Family matters are bringing us to upstate New York the second week of September, and we found what looks like a pretty relaxing way to spend the second half of the week. Located in the Finger-lakes region, in close proximity to Cayuga Lake, La Tourelle is the only luxury spa and resort in the area that offers personalized spa treatments, adventure options on land and water, and upscale cuisine at their steakhouse and Parisian cafe. I am eager to relax and enjoy the couples massage (that's going to be me in the pic!!!), maybe take a hike to check out one of the many Ithaca gorges, 
go to a wine tasting at one of the local vineyards (it's not Napa, but sounds fun still), or just chill out and wind down a bit. Mike's friend has also offered a day aboard his sail boat on the lake, so as long as I am not captain, it's going to be fabulous.
I really am looking forward to this trip, to spend time with Mike's family and friends, and to unwind a tad and enjoy the fresh country air in a region that's so close but foreign to me, all during the most beautiful time of the year.
I have been extensively researching some ideas for our vacation this September and beyond, from warm-weather Belize escapes to skiing in Patagonia, and have come across some pretty unique adventures.
Mike pointed me to a unique vacation idea that I am so intrigued about. Its called VBT, or the Vermont Bike Tours; its a 7 to 15+ day group adventure across the hills and scenic countryside of your choice of, 
not just Vermont or even California wine country, but also amazing countries such as Italy, France, Holland, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Vietnam, Austria, and more ... and you guessed it, all on a bike! But, these are more than pedal-based adventures. You can also walk the rainforests and stand on glaciers in New Zealand; visit small farming towns and fishing villages in Vietnam; explore Utah and Omaha beaches and Pointe du Hoc in Normandy, France; all while tasting regional cuisine, staying in "outstanding" 
hotels under the guidance of expert trip leaders.
The packages include airfare, hotel, most meals, a bike and helmet provided by VBT, full van support (in case of illness or hardship) as well as the option to add a low-cost extension to your trip, such as add an extra 3-nights to your New Zealand tour in Fiji!
I don't know about you, it may not be posh, but this sounds like an unprecedented experience, and an adventure vacation I'd love to take!
Ever since I have been a kid, I have engaged in team sports, such as soccer, basketball and 
softball. Only until recently, have I discovered a hidden interest in solo-sports, such as scuba, sailing and golf. Ok, so I have dove once, sailed once, and golfed, yes, once (except if you count min-golf).
So, I have been talking to my boss as of late about getting into golf - hitting a few balls, getting on the course, and yes, making a fool of myself. A few days ago we walked only a few blocks from my office to check out CityGolf of Boston, an indoor golf practice and training center. They offer PGA lessons, utilizing infrared technology simulators that offer the real life experience of being on the course - well, sorta! Additionally, the practice bays are a quick and easy in-and-out option to help perfect your swing. I haven't signed up for a lesson yet at CityGolf, but think its a great option for urbanites alike who don't have the ease or time to hit the course regularly.
CityGolf Boston
38 Bromfield St.
Boston, MA 02110
For all the men out there, State Street Barbers, located at 1313 Washington Street in the South End, is the premier barber shop experience. I say "experience", because you receive more than a cut at this upscale - yet comfortable - old school Chicago-based shop styled out in a 1920's decor. On the menu: straight-razor cuts, hot-lather shaves and a variety of high-end male grooming products.
Clients are offered a beer when walking in, as well as the lovely ladies accompanying their men (unless I 
am special :)). With the ala carte groom of your choosing, you also receive a massage via a hand-held barbershop massager... never felt it, but it looks decadent.
As their website notes, the "dark hardwood floors and traditional light fixtures take men back to a time when the barbershop was a place to catch up with neighborhood friends, talk about the game, and argue politics."
Ahhh, reinventing the social aspect of a business that has, over time, been drowned by a concept focusing on efficiency and sacrificing quality, versus one focused on what makes customer's loyal, and in turn, returning profitability: great people, great environment, (a) great product(s), and more great people.
Men, consider transitioning from the Newbury Street salon lifestyle to a new "grooming experience". Rumor has it, State Street Barbers is Best of Boston 2005 (not sure by whom, just heard it, and believe it!) and Chronicle was paying a visit yesterday, so be proactive and get in before you are a trend follower...
State Street Barbers
1313 Washington St
Boston, MA 02118
617-753-9990
If you are like me, you always seem to spill a dab of red wine or coffee on your new favorite shirt... well, now there is a simple solution. Tide to Go is a stain stick "pen" that slips right in to your purse or pocket, and with a quick press against fabric, a solution is released and magically the stain disappears. I have used other stain stick options, that direct you to follow the application with a wash immediately; who has a washing machine handy while out at a restaurant or at an event? And those sticks simply don't work. Tide To Go is just a little secret weapon to avoid being stained by those uncomfortable situations.
I have pretty thin hair that is easily susceptible to breakage from day-to-day styling, so I am always in search of the perfect conditioner - the type that moisturizes, but does not add too much 
weight. Well, I haven’t quite found "the one" cream conditioner, but I did come across a GREAT product, and for a GREAT price. While in flight, I read about Dove Advanced Care Sheer Moisture Leave-in Replenishing Mist in SELF magazine. The review boasted of the product's ability to detangle, moisturize, and calm the frizzes on wet OR dry hair. Now, I have tried quite a few leave-in formulas from various salons at steep prices, so I must admit I was skeptical. But I found this product to far surpass the others: light weight, non-greasy, and leaves the hair silky-soft to the touch. I would recommend this bargain beauty must-have to all those in search of the ideal remedy to the uncontrollable fly-aways and those nasty haunting split ends.
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