Blushblog

Weekend Happenings - Miami

If you are going to be in Miami this weekend, you should know that it will be rainy.  Why not check out some great indoor venues when you can't worship the sun and sand?  Beautiful people are sure to be found everywhere you go.

Spa pampering
Ocean Day Spa & Salon
125 SE 1st Street
Miami, FL 33131

Enjoy a great martini
The Palms Hotel & Spa
3025 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33140

Up for sushi and sophisticated flavor?
Sushi Samba Dromo
600 Lincoln Road
Miami, FL 33139

Looking for some Miami nightlife?
Pangea
10240 SW 121st Street
Miami, Fl 33176

Mokai Lounge
235 23rd Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139

LIV
4441  Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33140

Product of the Week

First of all, let me tell you that I kept thinking that yesterday was Tuesday and I had to do my regular post today.  On Wednesday.  Ummm, yeah, but it's Thursday.  Man, I'm losing it.  This holiday has completely thrown my week off.  Oh wells, here's the Thursday product endorsement.

What do you get someone who has everything?  As I get older, it's always hard to figure out what to get my mother and aunts and uncles.   I've been buying them cards and gifts for years.  I'm running out of steam. 

Right before Mother's Day, I was dreading hitting the card circuit.  I'd already decided to give my mother a spa day as a gift.  So one night I opened my mail and was about to delete an email from Kodak (I was already p.o'd that they are taking away my storage unless I buy something).  They were giving away free mother's day cards.  Light Bulb!  Dang it if their marketing plan didn't work.  I got the free one for my mom and bought one for my aunt.  They LOVED them.  I put old pictures on there as well as a couple of new ones.   My aunt said that it was the best card that she'd ever received.   And trust me, it takes a lot to get a comment like that out of my aunt. 

And get this, that card was cheaper than a card that I would've purchased in the store.  Some of those suckers are up to $5 now.  I only paid about $1.50 annnnnnnnnnnd received free shipping.  It only took about 3 business days to come in the mail. 

So I highly recommend ordering a few of these for loved ones.  They're a guaranteed hit!

                                        

Product of the Week - Platform Sandals

Summer is rapidly approaching and I am sure you all are considering your summer outfits.  You will need a few cute summer dresses and skirts.  No summer wardrobe is complete without a pair sleek and tailored white trousers. Tops of bright colors are also essential this year.  However, we all know that sandal shopping is the most elating part of summer shopping.  This year, platform sandals are what's hot.  Here are a few that caught my eye.

Linea Paolo 'Angelique' Sandal  (Every girl needs a red shoe, so it might as well be this platform.)

Vince Camuto 'Paige' Sandal  (Perfect for that skinny jean.)

Miss Sixty 'Tracy' Gladiator Sandal (For the sexy bohemian in you.)

REPORT Signature 'Lucie 2' Sandal  (This will be hot with the right dress or a chic pair of silk shorts.)
 
Burberry Silk Platform Sandal  (Ok, love this, but we all know you will pay.)

L.A.M.B Faran Sandal  (My summer will not be complete without this shoe.  Gwen is killing me.)

Pants on Fire

Miss California, Carrie Prejean, has been at the center of more than one firestorm in recent weeks.  The first was her reply to the gay marriage question.  She doesn't believe in it.  Oh well.  That's on her.  She's entitled to her opinion. 

The second was about her racy pics.  One semi-nude pic came out.  You couldn't see much.  She was in undies.  Her back was mostly to the camera.  She said that, that was the only one.  It wasn't meant for the public.  It was taken by a friend of hers when she was 17 for her portfolio.  Ok cool. 

She'd signed a contract with Miss USA saying that she'd never taken any nude or semi-nude pics.  But, her bad, she didn't mean those.  Those didn't count.  But she said that was it.  She was done.  But uh-oh.  A few more came out. 

So now she's heated.  She stated that people weren't pleased with her stance that homosexuals shouldn't be allowed to marry, so the photos were released.  Ummm no hun.  If you'd worn a "go gay-marriage" t-shirt and supported them up and down the block and  would've won Miss America, those photos would've come out.  Even if you wore your t-shirt and retained your position as runner-up, those pictures would've come out. 

But The Donald was understanding and allowed her to play her position.  He tends to be a forgiving man when it comes to Miss America.  Let's not forget that he forgave 2006 Miss USA  winner Tara Conner and gave her a second chance after her underage drinking stint.    But there was one big difference.  Accountability.  

Former Miss USA winner and California Pageant Director, Shanna Moakler resigned, citing Miss California's failure to accept responsibility and lying as the catalyst.   And I must say, I'm with Ms Moakler.  Are these ladies really sorry when they stand up there and cry and ask for forgiveness?  Who knows.  But Tara didn't blame all of the Bartenders in New York for offering her drinks just because of her stance on something when her crown hit the floor.



                                                   

Not once did the reigning Miss California just come out and say, "Look.  I was young.  Took some racy pictures.  I lied.  Didn't think that it'd be an issue.  My bad.  Thanks for the free boobs California.  Deuces."  Instead she said “I answered truthfully that I had not been photographed in a nude or partially nude situation.”   Huh?  Really?  She also stated that the pictures were meant as modeling shots and that its the photographers fault that one set came out and people who didn't like her opinions on gay marriage are the reasons that the others came out. 

The truth is.  If you take sexy pictures, totally nude or not, and then become famous,  there's a pretty good chance that they will find their way to the public.  That's just the way it is.  You can be mad at the person who released them (I'm sure that I would be), you can even sue them.  But at some point, you have to accept responsibility.  She should just say I lied on the contract, but I'm still a christian and i apologize to the organization. 

Now I don't think that the pictures were so bad that they would disparage the state of California.  But that's not really for me to decide.  Her employer had a contract and she lied on said contract.  Done deal.  They decided to look past that lie and keep her on.  That's their prerogative.  The Donald is not stupid.   Publicity is Publicity.  When was the last time that Miss USA generated this much exciting after-pageant press?  But don't act like we can't see right through it. 

Blushing Ladies Speak:  Do you think that she should've been able to keep her crown?

Be Aware

I have never been a fan of exercising indoors unless I am doing laps in a pool or it is below 40 degress.  I prefer the distraction of exercising outdoors.  I always seem to go a little further and get more done that way.  Yesterday, I decided to drive up to the county sports complex and use the outdoor track and trail.  To my surprise, the outdoor track was closed, and despite the nice day, there was only a young couple working out on the trail surrounding the track.  Normally, the outdoor facilities are packed with people.  The outdoor track area sits behind the sports complex.  If I were the only person outside, I would have just opted for an indoor workout, but I decided that as long the couple remained on the trail so would I. 

As cars moved in and out of the parking lot, I noticed that a man in a 4 x 4 was parked alone and remained in the car.  He kept his head down and appeared to be on the phone.  As I was completing my third lap around the trail, I no longer saw the couple  jogging in front of me or behind me.  When I looked up a little further, I saw them getting into their car and the man in the truck had emerged and was stretching on the corner directly in my path.  I turned down the volume of my Ipod and paid close attention to him.  He wore ragid old basketball shoes, sweats, and a baseball hat.  As I rounded the corner, he looked at me and I knew something was not right.  Without a second thought, I walked directly to my car.  The couple in the car looked at me as if they had been waiting for me to emerge from the trail and when I pulled from the parking lot so did they.

Ladies, whether you are working out, leaving work, leaving a party or whatever, please pay attention to your surroundings.  If something feels wrong, it probably is wrong.  I can't say for sure that the man in the ragid shoes meant me any harm but he sure gave me the willies and I was not about to take any chances.  Street smarts should never be taken lightly - even in the early afternoon on a bright and sunny Sunday.

Weekend Happenings - Los Angeles

Do you live in Los Angeles or will be visiting this weekend?  Here are a few things going on in the land of Hollywood...

A comedian's dream...
Los Angeles Comedy Festival
Acme Comedy Theatre
135 N. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
Friday, May 15th to Sunday, May 17th; Showtimes:  8:00pm, 9:30pm, and 11:00pm.

Good family fun...
Sideshow at the Pier
350 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA
Saturday, May 16th from 2:00pm to 8:00pm.

Into art...
Venice Art Walk and Auction
Register for events at Westminster Elementary School
Westminster at Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA
Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th @ 11:00am.

Celebrity gawking?
Studio City
3919 Lankershim Blvd
Studio City, LA

Ivy
113 N. Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA

What would a day in LA be without a trip to the beach?  Check out some of LA's beaches.

Blushing Ladies Speak:
What spots do you recommend in Los Angeles?  Know of an event in LA this weekend?  Post it in the comments section following this entry.

Product of the Week

I am always on the hunt for makeup that does not feel like makeup and does not irritate my skin.  In my last Product of the Week blog, I raved about Becca.  This week, I think I have found my Becca backup.  Recently, I was at the mall and stopped into the Bare Escentuals store that I had been meaning to check out for weeks.  One of the makeup artists sat me down and selected my shade and showed me how to apply the makeup system.  For best results, she suggested I apply the Mineral Foundation, the Mineral Veil and the Warmth.  I was very happy with the outcome.  My skin looked healthy and even and it did not scream "I AM WEARING MAKEUP".  I celebrated cautiously because I knew that I would need to wait at least three days to see whether there would be an adverse reaction on my skin.  Nothing.  For me, one of the best signs of a good product is the complete lack of break out.

Next time, I will try their lip and eyes lines.  I will keep you posted.

The Power of a Compliment

I'm making  a quick come back to write a couple of entries in a series about my process to lose some weight and it's interesting effects.  

Here it is...the back story...in the new year I decided enough is enough!  I need to drop some ounces (I felt pounds was too much pressure)!  So I started going to the gym and eating right, no more eating out all of that.  So it started paying off so much so that my 2 best buddies got me a personal trainer for my birthday...awesome right?  Yes I suppose but no cause I know he is going to cause me pain.  But here is the surprise, when we met he told me what we were going to work on...all things I was expecting, my butt, stomach, arms.  But then he said I had sexy calves that were already muscular so we don't need to do anything with them.

WHAT???????????????

Stop the presses....Do i really?  FOR REAL?!  No one has ever said that before!  I am floored, but now a few weeks later I figured out why he said it...to build my confidence. 

And that it did folks.  2 days later I was at work wearing a skirt, I went to the bathroom and stopped in front of the full length mirror to do what?  Look at my calves.  I was walking through the hallways like "SAY SOMETHING....DO YOU SEE MY CALVES?  They are the bomb diggity!"  Now I want to go to the gym...why?   To keep these darling specimens in shape, last thing I need to do is lose my sexy calves.  What would I have to live for?

So this leads me to this...a compliment can go a long way towards boosting someone's confidence and life.  I swear to you that since the compliment...I think I am the "Baddest B*tch" aka Gena Fierce.  I wear heels more now cause they make my calves look even better.  Maybe I am a tad bit obsessed, but maybe it's the kick I needed to get me focused on me! 

Give a compliment it goes a long way....

Blushing Ladies speak:  Does a compliment make a difference to you?  How often do you give out compliments? 

The Postpartum Weight Loss Project Part 2 - Walk it out

Well ladies, I picked up my inspiration dress from the cleaners this weekend and hung it in the very front of my closet next to my inspiration jeans.  Since my last trip to the doctor revealed that I was not quite ready to begin intense cardio, I have been taking baby steps in the form of walking.  I started out conquering a mile and half, and now, I have worked my way up to just under three miles.  It is my goal today to accomplish a 4 mile trek.  My husband has suggested two-a-days, a workout in the morning and a workout at night.  I find his eagerness toward my weight loss curious and not well masked.  (I know you are reading this.  I am on to you, dude.)

I have seen a few pounds drop off but not quite the progress I was hoping for at this point.  Hopefully, as I increase my distance I will see a more significant drop.  I mean, summer is very rapidly approaching and I have Bollywood body goals.  I have decided to keep things interesting by setting achievement goals.  I thought it would be motivational to enter myself into some upcoming run/walk races this summer and eventually like to begin training for a sprint triathalon.

Kickboxing, swimming and tennis are still on the workout agenda.  However, I am not very excited about slipping on a swimsuit and heading to the county pool.  Don't get me wrong the pool is great.  It is the walk from the locker room to the pool that I really don't need.  Too bad they don't use dimmers in the pool area.  Oh well.  At any rate, varying your workout is recommended to keep the body from stalling weight loss due to repetitiveness.  Yesterday, my husband and I went to play tennis.  He thought it would be a good time to knock the ball to every inch of the court so I would have to sprint to the ball.  Apparently, a little game of fetch is good for dogs and humans.

Let's not forget the weights.  Last night, I began using light free weights to begin sculpting my upper body, since that is where the bulk of my toning issues exist.  Because I don't want to bulk up, I am using the light weights with increased reps, focusing primarily on my triceps and back.

Blushing Ladies Speak:
What are your exercise and weight loss tips/struggles/goals/achievements?

Weekend Happenings: Atlanta

What to do if you're in Atlanta this weekend:

In the mood for a little jazz.  Check out the kick-off to the Atlanta Jazz Festival on Friday Night
NJS Concert featuring Russell Gunn & Elektrik Butterfly
9pm
SW Atlanta Arts Center
$32 in advance/$37 at the door

Curvy, Fashionable and Fabulous.  You didn't think that we'd forget about you did you? Attend the shopping and networking event for ladies sizes 12 to 26.

Project Curve Appeal Beauty & Fashion Expo
Georgia International Convention Center
2000 Convention Center Concourse
College Park
$10 in advance/$15 at the door.

Looking to refine your mixologist skills?  Take the Art of Mixology and then fix one for mom for mothers day
The Art of Mixology: Chopin Vodka
May 9th, 3:30pm-6:30pm
Room at Twelve Centenniel Park
400 W. Peachtree Rd
Atlanta
The site doesnt give much info.  I suggest calling 404-418-1250

On Sunday.  Do whatever your mama tells ya.  Spend the day with your favorite mother.  Forgot to make reservations. 
No worries.  Check out Open Table.