New York Nights

The thing I love about NYC is that it offers such a variety of unique activities AND is home to more restaurants than you could possibly eat at in a lifetime. While I certainly have my go-to spots, I really try to mix up my routine and soak in as many new experiences as I can. This week, I discovered a cozy new restaurant (perfect for a cold winter night with a date or friends) and one of the most intriguing, interactive, mind-bending plays I have ever seen (which I highly recommend getting tickets to before it's gone!)

{BACARO. http://bacaronyc.com. Great cocktails, delicious food, romantic rustic atmosphere}

{SLEEP NO MORE. Inspired by Macbeth, part of the interactive play involves everyone wearing these masks (seen on me) as they wander around a Chelsea warehouse-turned hotel, trying to make sense of the acts they witness. Confused? Go check it out and you will understand...http://sleepnomorenyc.com/}

My Celebrity Super Bowl

Last night, while Grant cheered on the Giants in the other room, I was glued to the Golden Globes Live From The Red Carpet! I admit, this is my version of the Super Bowl (substitute the field for a red carpet and players for movie stars), complete with fashion touchdowns and fumbles alike. 

While I was not blown away by the fashion this year (the headbands HAVE to go!), here are my picks for the Top 5 MVP's (Most Vivacious People) of the evening.

{Elle Macpherson - who is 47!!!}

{Reese Witherspoon oozed sexiness}

{Kate Beckinsale has never looked bad a day in her life!}

{Diane Lane has aged beautifully and looks as glamorous as ever!}

{Charlize Theron looked gorg (minus the headband!)}

Go Green

For about a month now, I have been blending and binging on green smoothies every morning before work. I had read about celebrities obsessing over this 'green juice' trend and after buying a book and educating myself about the many health benefits, I was on board!  Don't let the color turn you off! By combining fruit, greens ( I recommend kale, spinach, lettuce or dandelion leaves) and water, the concoction is actually pretty tasty and I have become quite addicted!

HEALTH BENEFITS:

• High in antioxidants (giving your body the best defense against disease)
• Easy digestibility
• Increases energy naturally
• Enhances mental clarity & focus
• Increases your fiber intake
• Reduces cravings of junk food
• Natural weight loss
• Clearer, more radiant skin
• Anti-aging effects
• Hair &  nails grow faster and stronger

(how could you not become an addict?!)

KEEP IN MIND (for maximum effects):

• ONLY blend fruit, greens, water & ice (no vegetables, yogurt or milk)
• Don't eat any food 40 minutes before or 40 minutes after drinking a green smoothie
• Rotate your greens on a weekly basis
• You can keep in the fridge for 2-3 days without it going bad

Cheers to going green! 

The Art of Saturday Living

What a weekend! Beautiful weather combined with family in town is always a guaranteed great time, but this Saturday was more educational and entertaining than most. After passing through Rockefeller to enjoy one last glimpse at the tree (the lights were being taken down as we watched), our first stop was MOMA (the Museum of Modern Art). We spent the afternoon wowing over the first major museum exhibition devoted to William de Kooning, a prolific artist of the 20th century, along with Monet, Picasso, Matisse, Gustav Klimt (one of my personal favorites) and more! Feeling inspired and enlightened (with tired feet!), we headed down to Soho to the one and only, La Esquina. Just as we were taking our fist sip of their signature margaritas, a dapper Matt Damon (in a blue baseball cap) walked in the door and sat down 2 tables next to us! My past star sightings at this hot spot have included Leo DiCaprio and Renee Zellweger. I have to admit, I know they are only normal people just like us, but rubbing elbows with Hollywood A-listers never gets old!

Reasonable Resolutions

    {Our New Years card. Photo taken by me in Hoboken. Design compliments of Ashley Meyers.}

2011 was filled with many great memories thanks to my wonderful family, great friends and kick-ass team at work! From traveling to Cali, Kauai, Canada, and more to moving to Hoboken and finally having all of my stuff in ONE (emphasis on the ONE!) location (not to mention having one cute roomie), it’s been a great year!

Of course, this is when setting goals for 2012 is upon us. To be quite honest, I don’t usually like committing to any insane resolutions, since more often times than not, I let myself down (which I imagine is quite common). This year, I will not commit to losing insane amounts of weight or tell myself that I will travel to exotic places across the world that are frankly unrealistic at the moment (my close friends know that I am guilty of this often). Instead, I will be a bit more reasonable in my expectations that I set for myself. This year I vow to listen to my mom who embraces the saying, 'Be Kind to Yourself.'

My TOP 10 Reasonable Resolutions for 2012:
(1) Drink more water (I can never seem to drink enough)
(2) Update my blog more frequently (top priority!!)
(3) Read MANY more books (and finish them)
(4) Shop less (and save more)
(5) Work on many creative projects
(6) Take the photography class I have had my eye on
(7) Participate in some type of charitable work 
(8) Continue on my caffeine-free craze (I feel great!)
(9) Eat less dessert (this may be the hardest of them all...)
(10) Get my own SUP!!!

Resolutions or not, the possibilities for 2012 are endless...

Peace, love and joy to all in the New Year!
X