Dusty Rose Tea Room - A Review

After a failed snowshoeing attempt, my friend and I went to the historic Georgetown.  As it was still early, not much was open yet and the area is very small.  We came upon the Dusty Rose Tea Room where there was a menu posted and thought it would be a nice change...and they were open.

We enter and towards the left is the Rocky Mountain Minatures and towards the right is the tea room.  The tea room was empty as they had just opened so we had the place to ourselves.

Our hostess, the proprietor, showed us to our table and told us to feel free to select another tea cup and saucer, one that spoke to us.  So we walked around the room, looking not only at the tea cups but also the vintage post cards on the tables, the pictures handing from the wall and the atmosphere of the room.

She came back over and gave us menus and told us instead of the Victorian High Tea, they were on the last days of the Christmas Victorian High Tea.  The Afternoon Tea includes eight delicacies served on a two-tiered plate. Those were a little too much for us as it was still early; we each selected the Petite Tea which includes unlimited beverages and four small delicacies.  Of course you can order a la carte or a lunch combo as well; plenty of options.  They had about 6 decaffeinated teas to select from, I selected one and ordered the soup, meat pie, hazelnut chocolate scone and the chocolate peanut butter bar.

While we waited, she told us to select a hat from the wall of hats to wear for our tea.  I went with the most colorful, huge, fun hat I could find.  Many of the hats were being lent to the tea room by a lady in town.

The tea arrived first, each pot in its own cute coozy to keep it warm.

She poured our first cup.

The potato soup arrived. It was delicious and perfect for such a chilly day.

Soon our delicacies arrived.  Woops, the only picture is blurry...but the food was really good.  We asked her if she made everything on site or if she brought in the sweets.  She explained that she tests out the recipes and makes everything onsite.

She asked if we'd like to try different teas. I selected another, this time selecting the Lone Peak Punch.  This tea was a little stronger in flavor compared to the first.  It was good.  I had a sip of my friend's teas as well.  The second tea she selected was the Lewis and Clark Camp Chai.  She added a little sugar and milk, I tried it black.  Then I tried hers...wow, the sugar and milk really enhance the flavor of the Chai.  While that tea was caffeinated, I still had a cup thinking it was New Years Eve and if it helped keep me awake past midnight, I would be happy.

I hope that if you find yourself either in Georgetown wandering the quint streets or if you are looking for something different to do, that you go to the Dusty Rose Tea Room for a wonderful and relaxing experience.

Dusty Rose Tea Room
614 Rose Street
Georgetown, CO 80444
website

roller skating fun at Skate City, a review

I went to Skate City with my friend and her two children, 4 and 7.  The school gave out coupons to use during the break, so we only had to pay $2 for skate rental and the skating part was free for two hours.  Naturally with a deal like that, the place was busy; which was nice to see...I haven't been roller skating since I was about 8 and didn't know roller rinks were still around!

The skates come in full sizes only and for adults in men's sizes only so women...you need to convert your size.  I normally wear an 8.5 - 9....and the 7's were a little tight, which became uncomfortable after a while of skating.

We rented these walkers for $4 each for the kids...and that was smart, the kids lacked a little balance and this really helped...of course it didn't prevent them from falling!  We each took a kid and skated with/next to them so they can go at their own pace.  Half way through our skating I asked my friend if wearing a helmet would have been good for the kids since they fell, a lot.

It took a few laps for me to get used to skates again and I enjoyed skating.  I felt like a kid - it was great!

They played top 40 music which was fine.  They dim the lights so much and some times had strobe lights...which make me dizzy, but is probably fine for most of the people there.  The darkness made it a little more difficult to take non-blurry pictures...but again, it was only so many people's first time skating that the dimness did set the mood.

Every thirty minutes they had a 'game' or race - while we didn't participate in those, it was fun to watch.  There were all different levels of skaters from first timers to very advanced as well as a wide range of ages from little kids skating alone or with their parents to teenagers.  Everyone was so nice; especially the younger kids...they were constantly helping up other kids that fell or asking if they were OK.

Overall, for $5 for skating for 2 hours and reasonable skate rentals if you don't bring your own...I think Skate City is a great place to spend a few hours if you want to do something fun and different and get out of the house.  They also have coupons, promotions, special events and host birthday/private parties.

Book Thoughts: The Cost of Hope: A Memoir

One of my goals this year was to read 10 nonfiction books.  I haven't really cared what topics the books were, but hoped for some variation in my reading.  Choosing the books has been relatively simple. I'd log into the library website, clicked nonfiction and sorted by what is available right now electronically.  I came across Amanda Bennett - The Cost of Hope: A Memoir and began reading.

This book was probably the wrong choice for me, but why I selected it among others that were available is because I was curious about the cost of hope with her husband's cancer.  The story is told from when they met through a little after his death.

I shed less tears than I thought I would, with cancer being a topic I've thought a lot about over the last four months.  Reading about the treatments, the doctors, the cost, the downward fall, the remission, adjusting to new routines, clinical trials, insurance, working, the family, hospice...I couldn't not help but wonder about ManFriend and my aunt especially, but even a past co-worker and my godfather.

I didn't love the style of writing.  She would tell a story then do flashbacks or fastforwards and at times it was confusing (which is surprising because normally I love that style) because it happened so frequently.  But the overall story was a quick read and I 'enjoyed' (for lack of a better word as I type this) reading about cancer from someone who had way more at stake.  It helped me understand what my aunt and uncle are currently going through, and I thought a lot about the past people I've known that had cancer and what their families went through, especially years ago when I didn't quite understand as much.

The one part of the book I was not thrilled about was in the afterward.  After the story, we tend to be curious, we want to know where the people are now.  I would have been happy with knowing what the total cost of care was, more facts about insurance, treatments, the 'interviews' after the fact, realizations that you didn't think of in the moment but realized in hindsight.  She touched a little on that, but also included that she is happy and has moved on, I felt like that should have been left out.  240 pages were about the husband and how they had a rocky relationship to start that turned into respect, devotion and passion for over 20 years.  I am all for moving on, healing, having someone by your side, but I just spent 240 pages reading about how much you loved this guy and what you did to try to save him.  Seemed a little out of place.

Review: NYS Department of Health Free STD Clinic

I figured I should probably get an STD check.  Last June I had one done after I found out ManFriend was with someone else after he moved and thankfully, I was OK for the 3 tests they ran.  So it was just the matter of Mountain Man, Cop#1 and the one night stand to worry about.

Two weeks ago I discovered the NYS Department of Health's FREE clinic.  And since I am so broke, I figured I should go there, it would save me an office visit of about $70 plus all the lab tests, which I think when I got it done last year was about $100-200.  What is even better it is walk-in, so I didn't have to schedule an appointment.

When I got there, I had to fill out a form.  The form had your standard information, name, age, address, email, questions why you are there, etc.  Each form has a number on it.  When the nurse is ready for you, they call out the number, not your name.  I spoke with a nurse who asked about any symptoms, the number of men I was with in the last three months, total number of men, last date of period, if I used protection, etc.  I was then given a new number and asked to wait in the waiting area.

When the  new number was called, I was brought into an exam room with two nurses. They asked me a few questions about my history and told me the importance of using condoms.  They left while I removed my pants, panties, socks and shoes.  When they came back in, they first looked the skin all over my body for rashes or bumps or whatever else.  Then it was time for the vaginal exam, which almost the same procedure as the pap, with a little scraping of the insides and then a feel of the uterus.  They left to bring the dish down to the lab and peered through the microscope while I got redressed and waited in the room.  Within minutes, they came back and told me some results, others would not be ready for about 2 weeks.  I was then asked to return back to the waiting area.

My number was called again and this time I went to the lab where I had a vial of blood taken and a finger prick.  Then I headed back to the waiting room.

15 minutes later my number was called again and I went into another room with another nurse to review the HIV test.  She was more than happy to print out the results, and then she gave me a goodie bag of 26 condoms to get me started.

2 hours later I walked out of the clinic.

So, it was free....but it took 2 hours, and they weren't busy.  If there were more people there I can't imagine how long I would have been there.

The nurses were all so nice and made me feel comfortable.  The front desk and 'security' person were rude and nasty.

Now I have to wait about 2 weeks before I go back for the results of the remaining 4 tests.  Overall, I thought the state health department did a really great job; very through (way more through then my other STD tests).

The rest is on me...to start enforcing condom use or perhaps refrain from sex all together.

Review: Patagonia Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoody

For those of you on the East Coast, you know this winter started off quite cold and then became quite snowy.  The extreme cold was what made me realize I needed a warmer coat.

I bought several coats from several different manufacturers in a variety of styles and colors to decide what I like and what would keep me warm.

My favorite was Patagonia's Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoody.

When I first tried it on, I was surprised to see that it looked more marble than white.  This was due to the fact that you can see the feathers through the shell lining.  I wasn't thrilled about this, but figured the coat was still worth a try.

Patagonia

On my first day of wearing it, the morning was about 22 degrees that felt like 12 degrees.  Under the coat I was wearing a cotton 3/4 sleeve shirt and jeans [normally, if I wore that, I'd have had to wear some arm warmers under my 'regular' coat and if I remembered a scarf].  But with this coat, I didn't need arm warmers.  It kept me warm on my walk to the train and to work.  I really liked the arm hole area that gets a little tighter so with gloves, air does not go up your arm, keeping you warm.  My hair was down, and the hood fit mostly well, helping to keep the wind and cold out.

The coat itself is super light, which is a fantastic feeling that you are warm but don't feel like a big puffy marshmallow.  And even though it is light and compact-able, it is filled with 14.6 ounces of feathers.

The downside?  Stock was selling out and of the colors that were left (a pink, a blue and a white), I liked the white better.  I never had a white coat before, it seemed versatile and wintery.  Unfortunately, as a woman who wears makeup, I realized that if I put the hood up, makeup will rub against the trim...and I don't cake makeup on.  I started to wonder if I can really keep this coat, unfortunately the coat is practically sold out everywhere so I can't exchange for another color (that I like enough).  Perhaps the coat without the hood would be a better option for me, but then I'd have to buy a hat.

My new implant: Nexplanon - a review

A few months ago, ManFriend and I were talking about birth control and my occasional not taking it on time because of my active social life (I wish, it is just a few nights a month I get home really late or not at all).  He suggested something more reliable, like an iud.

I read about the iud and those strings freaked me out.  So did all the negative reviews, and they highly suggest one have had a baby - I don't have that.

Then I stumbled upon Implanon, an arm implant, but also there we so many negative reviews and crazy side effects.

I know I can't trust too many online reviews, granted most are written by normal people, but people tend to write reviews when they have problems.  So while there where thousands if negative reviews, there must be triple - quadruple the number of people who are happy with their birth control.

I had my semi annual pap smear scheduled and I happened to have the other doctor in the practice - amazing it took me 12 years to meet him!  So as he is peering into my vagina I asked him about the iud and Implanon.  Turns out this doctor trains other people how to insert Nexplanon, I wasn't familiar with this birth control, even with my 'extensive' research.  But it is the same concept as Implanon...so I told him I wanted it.

The doctor's office called my insurance and got the OK to purchase the device (this took like 2 weeks). Then I had to wait until the week of my period, since it needs to be implanted within 5 days of the start of your period. So I scheduled my appointment accordingly.

A week before my appointment, ManFriend tells me one of the biggest issues he has with unmarried couples is a child out of wedlock. Which would explain why he hasn't cum inside me yet; we never used a condom.  In this time, I am also very aware that I was having this device inserted just days before he was to move. Of course I started to wonder if he would ever reap the benefit of my new device.

At the doctor's office, they clean my left arm (since I am a righty).  Then he used a needle with some sort of numbing stuff;  this was the most uncomfortable part.  I was looking away, so I didn't see or feel anything, but like 30 seconds later he asked how I felt and I said "I don't feel anything, but I think you are done". And he was. He had me feel the rod in my arm.  So simple. So easy. So quick.  Why did I not hear of this before he told me? And why don't more people get this done? He put a band-aid on and gave me a card with my dates and a warning that only authorized people can remove it.

My arm was slightly sore, but really when I say slightly it was extremely minimal.  It took a few days but I developed a nice black and blue...and while this was minimally sore, it will go away soon and I don't have to worry for three years. So worth it.  (picture of 4 days after)

I just mentioned the Nexplanon will work for three years.  If I decide I want to attempt to get pregnant, they will remove the device and within days it is possible.  If not, then in three years they remove the device and implant a new one. I have the links to Implanon and Nexplanon above - if you want to read about it, I am not going to type all the side effects as part of this blog...except to note that most women who do not keep the Nexplanon in for the three years is because they don't like not getting a period - I have no problems with this...for the last 10 years or so, I've experienced no periods for months at a time, and I personally, love not getting one.

Even if the ManFriend does not get to benefit from my implant, more than a handful of times, I will. So while I originally did this for him, it will be nice not to have to worry about that little pill every night.


Update (5/17/13) - It actually took about 2 weeks adjusting to this while I slept.  I am such a bad sleeper as it is, so depending on how I was laying on my arm while I slept it, I could feel the pressure against the rod and it would wake me up in the middle of the night and I would readjust.  But by the third week, it didn't wake me up anymore.  Also, so far I haven't had any side effects, everything has been the same. 


Update (6/18/13) - The pressure when I sleep no longer bothers me.  I haven't had a period yet, which I am fine with, I am used to not having a period anyway, and actually quite prefer that.   The only thing, if you are super vain with your skin....this might be a problem.  That hole/scap you see above in the picture is still there, and it looks like it isn't going anywhere anytime soon.  Other than that it seems to be fine.  I feel it once in a while depending on what I am doing, but I overall, not an issue.  I have to say that I love not remembering to take the pill at the same time everyday.  It has been a fantastic new routine.

Update (4/2014) - Days away from having the implant for one year.  During this time I spotted just once.  At the beginning I had quite a bit of PMS minus the period, but that craving for sugar/chocolate, that I hadn't really felt before...but thankfully, that feeling subsided after a few months.  The scar on my arm is much lighter in color.  You can see the small circle, but it does bother me at all.  I still absolutely love having the implant instead of the birth control pills.

Gone Girl Review

Considering how many books I read, I don't really write about many of them.  I just finished Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

This book sucked me right in, and I finished it in about 3 days (6 30 minute commutes, and an occasional lunch).  It was by no means an amazing book filled with lots of thought and intrigue, but what I liked about it was about a couple, their problems, revenge, and a little craziness.

The below will spoil the book for you if you have not read it.

Right away, page 29 "They're baffled by my singleness.  A smart, pretty, nice girl, like me, a girl with so many interests and enthusiasms, a cool job (this I don't have), a loving family."  This is me...why would I not want to read on? She caught my attention, I am Amy.

The story rotates each chapter between Amy and her husband, Nick.  I love stories that rotate like this, it keeps my interested and makes me read faster.

So how the story goes is that the first chapter opens up with Nick...on the day of.  I wondered, on the day of what? but that soon becomes apparent - Amy is missing and it also happens to be their 5th wedding anniversary.  The Nick chapters tell you about the investigation and the progress of the days Amy is missing, it is 'current' day, and sheds a lot of light on what Amy is like, and a bit about Nick too.  The Amy chapters are diary entries  over the last few years, and explain about their relationship, which sheds a lot of light on Nick.  As the reader starts to figure out which of these two people they can relate more too...part 2 comes.

Part 2 starts a few twists.  First, an affair...not really a surprise if you read part one, it was clear this is where it was leading.  And then you get into a new twist on the rotating stories.  In part 1, you started to feel really bad for Amy, based on the story she was telling in the diary, and based on some of the things Nick said in his part, but in part 2, this flips around.  The twist? Amy planted the whole thing - although if you read as much as me, you knew this was coming from super early on in the book.  Amy starts to explain a whole other side of their relationship...one that she is portrayed as psychotic.  Things are revealed about Nick that makes you wonder how he put up with this for so long.

Part 3 Amy comes home and continues to manipulate Nick.

So, what did I like about this book?   First, what kind of woman wouldn't want to get revenge?  Second, Amy's stories about her feelings about the husband reminded me all to much of SI.  She nailed some of the thoughts, even if they were fabricated to set him up.  Examples include how you can love someone so much but yet fear them; constantly wondering if today was the day he was going to snap and kill you; the emotional abuse; the exhaustion of knowing the person you share a house/bed with hates you; the amazement of the mistress being your opposite; realizing how stupid you seemed in the eyes of the man that you love - when he knows how he can play you and manipulate you and therefore looses all respect for you; trying so hard keeping something to work; and giving up a lot for the other person.

I can't say that when I found out about the deceit  I didn't think the things Amy did.  How amazing would it have been to set him up for something - I mean, I wouldn't fake my own death, but wouldn't i like to see him suffer?  Of course.  Amy, unfortunately, was a little crazy, but that is what I loved  - she planned and thought of everything to set him up and hurt him back.  It was genius and psychotic but there is no doubt I had a little respect.  [don't judge me, whenever I hear of any spectacular crime, don't we always say WOW at some point after we shake our heads in disbelief].

So there it is, a very incoherent babbling about a recent book I read.  I have to remember if I do this again, to jot down notes or write the blog posts in parts as I read the book.

Commandos

Have you ever went comando? 

There are times a lady does not want panty lines...so what other choice is there aside from wearing underwear?  Not wearing underwear.    Well, now there is a third alternative - a Commando (r).

A Commando is a fabric on one side and adhesive on the other.  They have two different varieties right now - for denim and for cotton (like yoga pants).  The purpose is when not wearing panties that your area does not get roughed up by the fabric of your pants/shorts rubbing against it.

Since I don't wear comfy pants - I tried the denim (I think the only difference might be how sticky the adhesive is?).  The paper came right off the commando and it was fairly easy to apply to the pants/shorts. 

I did not find it weird to not pull up panties every time I used the bathroom and I thought it was comfortable for the most part.  There were times throughout the day when the commando pulled away from the pants a little for normal moving around...and that part that pulled up happened to stick to my area a little - I guess I didn't apply one segment down properly.  If there was hair down there, I can see this being annoying.

At the end of the day, the commando pulled right off. 

I can see this being useful when one wears white pants or somewhat tight bottoms where.  This isn't something I would wear on a regular basis. 

Read more about Commandos here

50 Shades of Crap

A few months ago, a bookclub friend told us about this steamy book she was reading - 50 Shades of Grey.  While we decided not to read it as a bookclub book, we all were going to read it anyway.  Soon after she mentioned the book, I started to hear about it everywhere - the news, other people, store windows, facebook. I read the trilogy last month (not having a computer is making blogging more slow - so my review will not be as comprehensive as it could have been right after I read the books). 

After reading the series, I began to talk about it because I had issues with it.  I was the only one out of the few friends I know that had negative things to say.  People were shocked that I didn't love it.  I'll tell you why.  Here are my top three reasons:

1.  The writing was atrocious.  It read like an 8th grade paper, which is great for all those people who stopped reading after school, and finally picked up a book again because of all the hype.  On top of the lousy writing, it was way to repetitive.  I understand the writer wanted to highlight certain terms or whatever - but reading it over and over and over and over and over was really annoying and distracting.  Am I being too harsh? No, just because I read close to a book a week - I want MORE out of my book.  There are other books out there about sex, love, overcoming issues, etc.  So why was this one so popular? I am struggling to understand. 

2.  The sexiness.  I found that many young people and very naive people enjoyed this part immensely.  I am not saying I am very experienced - but I have experimented a little bit and I have about 14 years of sexual experience.  I found it to be a bit unrealistic in (many) parts and the WOW factor of the toys was not that shocking to me.  I found that I was skimming through the sex scenes because they were not that enjoyable for me. 

However, as I was reading it, I could understand why so many people would want more out of their relationships...desire is important (I wrote a post about that months ago).  I have no doubt that this will put into people's heads they are not happy in their relationship and start cheating or getting divorced, only to not find what they imagine could happen (remember, this is a fictional book).  Sure, there are a few lucky few that have that passion and steam, but a majority of our population will not have that indefinitely.  And for goodness sake - don't wait until you read a book to create steam in your relationship...do that for yourself anytime.  I struggle to wonder how I am single, when I seem to be the only person who understands what it takes to want/have a very healthy sex life on top of a great relationship  (it is not impossible).

3.  The story, while not the best, I kept reading. I wanted to finish the series, I wanted to know if it got better and I wanted to be able to talk about the book to other people.  After all, I read all the Harry Potters, Twilight & Hunger Games. It is hard not to read a full series, I need closure.  I enjoyed book 3 the most because they had a that little bit of action in there.

So there it is.  I did not enjoy the books that much.

Love lessons from Ernest Hemingway

I just finished The Paris Wife by Paula McLain.  As I neared the end of this historical fiction book about Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson, I found it hit so close to home.

If you wanted to read this book and don't know about Ernest Hemingway, then stop reading because I am going to reveal the jist of the book.

Essentially Ernest married Hadley, who was about 7 years older than him. They fall in love and get married. They move to Paris and start a wonderful life of sex, drinking, traveling and some writing. People think they are the perfect couple, and from the wife's point of view, it does seem wonderful. They have a child and things are still OK. On a side topic, I would like to point out that during this time, it seems wonderful - they are broke, but yet they find ways to vacation for weeks or months at a time. They have a nanny for the child and they continue to party and travel without the child. I want that. Anyway, at some point, Ernest falls in love with Hadley's very good friend and begins an affair. Of course the wife doesn't realize this for months, but after it is revealed, and she confronts him...he basically blames her. Wow, talk about hitting home, didn't SI do the same exact thing to me? What is it with men who cheat who displace the fault and blame the 'victim' because she exposed the truth.

 I copied the picture on the left for the following excerpt "His silence was as much as an admission that he was in love with her, but somehow he'd turned it all back on me so the affair wasn't the worst thing, but that I'd had the ...bad taste to mention it".  This sentence captures such an unspoken commonality between women that get cheated on, cheaters have this amazing ability to twist things around and blame the other person for their behaviors.  When I found out about SI and I confronted him and his family, it was way 'worse' that I told the truth about what he did and he could never forgive me or trust me again...but that cheating on me for 3 years was just a speckle of something that happened. What I did, he claimed was worse and unforgivable.  Reading this really hit home. 

On top of that, Ernest thinks he is allowed to have everything he wants (sound familiar SI?) and wants to establish a relationship with both women and have the mistress vacation with them and they eat their meals together, and it is just way to strange. How can a relationship like that really work out? It can't. The pain Hadley goes through because she loves Ernest and doesn't want to let go of him, what she is willing to endure, the pain she feels, to me, it is so familiar. Her eventual decision takes courage but will lead to happiness.

The next picture continues from above and basically just says the same thing "play the victim if you want, but no one's a victim here. You should have kept your goddammed mouth shut. Now it's all shot to hell." Here Ernest is telling Hadley that she is just as much to blame because now he can't have both women, and something needed to change. He couldn't think of letting his mistress go and he didn't want to give up his wife, but Hadley wasn't going to go along with the 'let's all live together and be happy' idea.   This also is familiar from my relationship with SI.  At the time of the breakup I was so devastated that I couldn't think about loosing him to someone else, I did wonder if we all could live together, just so I wouldn't be alone, but that would never have worked for me because I am jealous and I would not have liked it when he was having his 'visits' with her in the next room.  Who would be able to tolerate that? I do not know how the polygamist wives do it, I give them credit.  I don't want to share my man.

Ernest gets what he wants, but it is temporary...he ends up marring I think they said 4 times and then commits suicide. He calls Hadley many years later to talk about their time together and he finally admits that he made a mistake, that it was among the best time of his life.

So, SI wherever you are, you behaved the same way as Ernest Hemingway. I haven't found a love to replace you yet, but I will, eventually. And I really hope that your relationships are not fulfilling, that you are missing something and that you occasionally look back at what you did to me as a regret.  I hope I hear from you in the future when you are near your breaking point, and honestly and truly apologize to me. 

La Valencia in La Jolla

A work trip to La Jolla brought me to La Valencia Hotel. 

The staff was unbelievably helpful and friendly - I think we are all writing to the hotel with Thank You's for the staff.  The hotel layout was a bit confusing with the two wings, and the lobby was on the 6th or 7th floor (street level) because it is on a hill. 

I was shocked when the concierge brought me up to my suite:

living room

bedroom

half bath



master bath




 The Views/Pool:

view from my living room

pool

The town of La Jolla was right on the Pacific Ocean.  We were able to see seals and parts of the sea caves (see future post about this).  The town was a quaint with some great restaurants.

Azya Wine & Chocolate Bar

Summer Friday's are almost over...only two left.  Out of the 14 early Friday's, I had to work 3 of them, 1 I took as vacation, 8 I had plans later that afternoon/evening and 2 I had just free - sitting around my apartment and have lunch and catch up on TV.

Last Friday my co-worker and I went to Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar in NYC for lunch.  It was a nice day, hot actually so we sat outside under an umbrella.  We ordered from their lunch menu; we had a mini panini with a side.  I ordered the white bean dip which was delicious - but they should have given some more bread chips or something to dip into the dip in order to eat it - there were only two bread chips included.  I had the pulled pork & cheddar panini which was very tasty. I also ordered my second ever martini - a raspberry chocolate one (their best selling one according to our waitress) that came with a truffle.  While the martini was good - it was not ideal to drink this with the lunch items.    My co-worker had the hummus and vegetable panini along with their sangria. 

If/when I go back I'd probably order the cheese sampler with fruit if they have it along with a chocolate beverage. 

Review: Lalibela

Can I tell you how much I love Ethiopian food?  This cuisine seems to be a bit more rare then most other cuisines such as Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Indian, etc.  I am fortunate that I had an ex that liked these other kinds of food and exposed me to some amazing flavors.  I tried two or three places in both Washington DC and New York City.  But my favorite Ethiopian food was in Montclair NJ - Mesob Restaurant.  I frequented this place enough that at one point the owner/waiter knew us and we'd always order the meat sampler and bring our own wine.  Unfortunately when I moved my Ethiopian consumption was practically nill. 

A month ago while trying to find a new restaurant to try, my research brought me to a website announcing the opening of Lalibela an Ethiopian Restaurant in Mt. Kisco NY...the first of its kind in Westchester County.  I was overjoyed..but what was the date on that article?  May 2010? Why was I just hearing about it NOW? 

I finally found someone to go there with me (believe it or not, it was hard to find someone interested in eating something unfamiliar and with their hands) yesterday.  I ordered the meat combo which included Siga Wat, Yebag wat, Doro Wat and Misir Wat, Shiro Wat and Cabbage and he ordered the Kitfo.  I really liked all my dishes - however I really didn't try the Doro Wat because it had a bone it in and I didn't really know the person across the table from me.  I loved the lentils (misir wat) and split pea (shiro wat).  I could have eaten more since it has been months since I've had it...but again, I barely knew the person I was with and didn't want to seem like a huge pig...not that it mattered...it wasn't a date, per sae.

I forgot to take a picture, but I found one on their site

I have to say that I still like Mesob in Montclair better for a few reasons (including the selections in the sampler [doro tibs, ye'bang aletcha, sides come with the meat selections], the company I went with, the ambiance, and that I don't remember burping it up so much)...but I am still really glad someplace opened up in Westchester; I am sure I'll be back at some point. 

Review: The Change-Up

About 4 years ago or so, SI and I were walking the streets of Manhattan and were invited to screen a movie for Smokin' Aces, so we ended up going.  I enjoyed it and decided to sign up for notification; since then I rarely attended since I didn't know anyone else in the city - I probably went to three.  At the end of July I was invited to screen The Change-Up with Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds.  I decided I wanted to go by myself...since I needed to fulfil my own quota for solo things this month.

Since I went by myself, I was able to get in line early, I was number 29...which meant that I got a decent seat - and read my book for about an hour.  At these events, they have the last row or two and the first few rows set aside for the public viewers...the rest of the rows are reserved for movie critics or people associated with the film.  I wish the people would seat the incomers because it was so annoying telling people that seats were taken or free..but I guess that is all part of it.  My seat neighbors on my left were a young lesbian couple who were so annoying. The more 'manish' of the two had her shoes off and her feet stunk, was sitting with her legs open so wide, and half the time her hand was either in her pants are right under the top part.  The 'girly' one was annoying with all her complaining and whining.  The girl on my right was alone and we spoke just a few words...you can tell she was annoyed with some of the people too.

I saw previews of The Change-Up on TV and when I went to see Friends with Benefits just days before.  I have to be honest, even the preview didn't make me want to see this movie...but when I got the notice, I figured I needed a 'light' movie to laugh a bit.  And what is with Jason Bateman making a comeback (he was in Horrible Bosses; which I also saw this month) - sure he has had a bunch of small rolls...but two leads in a month?  Did you know he grew up in Rye NY? That is really close to me. I am getting off topic.

The movie starts - and what is great about a screening is there are no previews. As I am sure you have seen the trailers...you know that Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) and Dave (Jason Bateman) piss in a fountain wishing for each other's lives; and very different lives they lead.  Dave is married with three kids and has a great job whereas Mitch is single and does not know much about responsibility and following through.  So like any typical switch-up movie, they freak out when they discover what happens, make a mess out of things while trying to adjust then figure out how to adjust and be proud of what they made of the other's lives - then have a moment of clarity at the same time to want their other life back. 

What I noticed almost immediately is how crooked Ryan Reynolds' bottom teeth are.  I kept looking at them.  What can I say - I value straight teeth.  I am not sure why people with money don't correct simple problems like that...it can't be their trademark - well for him anyway!

So, the movie had some super unrealistic parts that made me appreciate it less...starting in the first 5 minutes when shit flys across and lands in a mouth through day 1 of the transformation when the new 'Dave' is dealing with his twins...how he picks them up & what the kids do on the counter through the whole movie...DISLIKED.   However, there were a few funny lines that I silently chuckled at.  I pictured my 13 year old nephew LOVING this movie...if he was allowed to see an R rated movie...because it is the kind of humor immature people find hilarious.

If I had to rate the movie I'd give it a 3 of 10; maybe?  I wrote about Horrible Bosses not long ago - about that I didn't really like it, but in comparison to this movie...I liked Horrible Bosses a lot better as it was funnier and a little more entertaining.

Apparently reading a pre-screening review from Matthew Fong who enjoyed the movie a lot...maybe it has something to do with being a guy.  Matt Gamble's review is more on my level...the movie which is rated R has a lot of just childish scenarios/gross out humor/pre-pubescent stuff.

Review: B&N Nook

I bought a refurbished Nook about three months ago, but I didn't use it until the beginning of June when there was no way I would have been able to pack 2 or 3 books for my 11 day trip.  I quickly figured out how to buy a book on the nook from the Barnes & Noble website.  Opening a book was easy, as was changing the font, book marking, all of that.

Unfortunately, I am not rich, so I needed to also take advantage of my library's e-book collection where you can borrow a book for 7 or 14 days.  I used OverDrive and took their tutorial, which seemed straightforward. I was quickly able to browse, download the adobe software, and rent a book using my library card.  My problem was to figure out how to sync the nook.  I tried a few different things, but I couldn't find the file on my nook, even though I knew it was there somewhere.  My co-worker was the one who solved my problem the day before my trip...talk about cutting it close.  If you download a book that is not from Barnes & Noble, it is kept in the "My Documents" folder, not in "My B&N Library".  Which totally makes sense, but I didn't realize that there was a my documents folder.  Anyway, hopefully that will help all of  you.

I was excited to finally try my nook.  Unfortunately on the plane, you can not use it for the first and last twenty minutes for take off and landing.  When I was able to power up, I liked that my 'book' was light and easy to hold.  I bought a cover that folded over easily.  At first I didn't think I would use the buttons on the left side - since I am a righty....but I realized depending on how I was sitting it was just as easy to flip the page with my left hand.   I also was initially distracted by the flashing screen when the page turned. It would 'blink' black before the background turned white...but after a while you get used to that too and it wasn't much of a distraction.

Having borrowed books, I was confused by the page numbering system since it seemed like the page numbers changed every 2-3 pages, but I think that is just because the file was to be read on a computer, so with the smaller screen, it didn't adjust the page number based on the screen size.  Even though that was odd, it didn't throw me off too much, they have a line at the bottom with your reading progress and does it really matter what page you are on?  I haven't read a B&N book yet, but I am sure that the page number issue will not be there.

The hardest thing was at times when I was getting tired of reading, I would have liked to know when the chapter ended.  I like to finish a chapter when I can instead just randomly on any page.  I could have pushed the button a few times to see what was ahead, but I didn't, something like that is just easier with a real book.  My friend has the Kindle and she said that the bottom bar did mark chapters...the Nook might too on a B&N bought book, but again, since I haven't opened one of those yet...I am not sure. I didn't have that on the last two books I read on the Nook. 

I finished my book and I had another loaded...so I was able to jump right into another one without having to find it or if I realized one book was too boring to read, there were other options.  Very convenient.

My Nook also has 3G wireless.  I didn't really think I would use that for anything other than buying books, but I was wrong.  While I travelled, and I had Internet access in my hotel room, I was able to log into my FaceBook account, my email, or to read other websites.  Sure, surfing the web is not ideal on a small device and at times I found that the keyboard was difficult to use when buttons I pushed didn't get recognized or the space button didn't leave a space, but I am sure it just takes time to get used to using a flat touchscreen.  I loved that it allowed me to connect to the world in small doses.

Overall I actually like the Nook a lot more than I thought I would.  I love that it is small and light...taking up less room in my bag.  I love that the cover I selected has a pocket.  For my book club, the book selected is not available on OverDrive..and I am not about to spend $15 on a book I might not enjoy...so borrowing from the library is still an option, but if I can do 80% of my reading on the Nook, then I would be very happy. 

Review: Catch Me A Match

I saw a "Westchester Deal of the Day" for Catch Me A Match in February 2011. I knew I wanted to try to find a man a different way since I don't do the whole bar thing and the online dating thing...I am really glad it seems to work for so many other people, but I gave up. So, I checked out their website a few times...but it was so unprofessional looking that I really hesitated thinking - what kind of person would chose them with a site like this? But then I thought, well, I might and I hope someone else in the Westchester area will too, since it is convenient. A few weeks later I met with both of the ladies for all of 20 minutes. I basically reiterated what I said in my online 'application' thing. I did ask them about my age range (30s) and they admitted that most of their clients were in their 40s so I asked how will they find me a match meeting my criteria. They reassured me they went out to meet people and said in most times people get more than 1 date a month. So, I did it, I figured $340 might not be that bad if it worked...and unfortunately I don't have enough money for the NYC ones that are probably way better and I am not thin enough for the trophy wife match makers.

My first date was with someone not only out of my age range (but I thought what is an age? Low 40s could work) but also in a ethnicity that I didn't want. Now I don't want to seem like I have major issues with those things...I could be flexible, but 1) they clearly didn't listen to anything I said and 2) if you are going to break one of my three criteria...do one at a time, not two or three. The guy was nice..but nothing more.  He said he told them that their website was unprofessional as well.

The matchmakers sent me a picture of another guy. Total old dweeb - I thought SERIOUSLY...that guy? Why on Earth would they select him for me?  I refused the date and sent them a file with pictures of people I am attracted to - that I either dated in the past or hooked up with or someone I currently find attractive; there were definitely enough pictures on there to get an idea of the broad range of looks I am comfortable with. 

A month later I get an email the matchmakers met a perfect guy for me. They listed 3 things about him they thought I would like (blue eyes, outgoing, does yoga --& mind you the yoga & eye thing makes no difference to me whatsoever). Again, my match was in his 40s but I accepted the date with out seeing a picture.  He didn't look anything like the pictures I sent them, but he wasn't as unattractive as the #2, but he was retired.  On our date I asked him how he was involved in Catch Me A Match he said that he met them at a Westchester Singles event and they spoke to him all of FIVE minutes. He has negative things to say about Catch Me A Match too, and he isn't even a client. I took some time to decide what I would write on my review - and apparently I took too long because I get an email from them less than 48 hours after the date for my followup.  I fill it out and then they claimed they didn't get it so I had to do it all over again.  In the mean time, my date was nice enough to call me and we made plans without the intervention of the matchmakers.  I went on the second date with this man then the match makers told me he though I was nice and I should try a second date.  At that second date, I realized that drinking those beers/margaritas were helpful on date #1.  This guy just told the same stories over & over again.  I really hate that.  Then looking more closely, he was overweight and not all that attractive.  But aside from just the looks, I knew nothing would transpire based on his personality.  He doesn't have qualities that in the long term would benefit a healthy relationship for me. 

After the first date from date #3, I asked one of the matchmakers if they only met people at the Westchester Singles Events...and that I had hoped they would meet my match at a non-event - like a bar, grocery store, dry cleaner, park. Who knows. They claimed they went other places, but I do think they are all places where it reeks of desperation. I don't think I am there yet!

I don't think I am ugly and I will not 'settle' for someone just because we happen to be two single people in the same county. I was not planning on renewing my contract with them since I feel they have did a crappy job. I wish they were honest about either me being a hard match or not having people I wanted to meet. I mean, how hard could it be to set up a decent looking, nice 31 year old? I thought if I was flexible with them the first time with age/race, that they would do better the second or third time...but nope.  Maybe I should have asked what their husbands looked like so I can get a sense of what they like.

Then in May the matchmakers emailed me to refund me $100 for my last month since they found it 'too difficult to find a single man in his 30s'.  I wish they were honest upfront with how they met people and that they didn't want to really actually look for someone that met what I wanted and instead tried to set me up with people I didn't really want to meet based on my three major criteria points.  I was happy they admitted defeat, but they still took my $240 for two dates that I did more for practice than with hopes of finding a boyfriend.  Since they contacted me regarding the refund, I thought it would arrive soon thereafter.  I sent them two follow-up emails asking about it and never received a response.  It took a full month before my partial refund to be delivered to me, in an unmarked envelope. 

The few blog posts I wrote about Catch Me A Match lead to a few emails of other clients of theirs with very similar stories.  They all agreed that the initial 'interview' went well and they seemed like they knew what they were doing but then the matches were not what people wanted.  The matchmakers contacted them stating they couldn't find them matches...and that is from both sexes and in different age ranges than me!

My advice...if Catch Me A Match is still in business...don't bother signing up for their services.  Join the Westchester Singles Meet Up and you will meet the same type of people instead of wasting your money on their monthly services.

Here are my previous posts about my match making experience:
Catch me a match!
Date #1
The Chase
Date #2

Disney Mania

I am finally back from my trip.  This was my second time at the Disneyland Hotel - and I was happy to see that it is in the process of getting a makeover.  All of the rooms are/were renovated as was the pool area.  Only the hot tub and two of the pools were open, which was fine since it was a whopping 62 degrees and mostly cloudy.  The pool area was open until 10 pm and the water slide closed at 8. 

Part of the renovated pool area

The sleeping rooms have many Micky characteristics...

The headboard above lights up and also plays a little music when you turn it on which was really cute.  The room had a refrigerator, which is helpful for beverages/food...not many hotels these days give you that.  In the closet was a wall safe, which was an awkward size, but fit what I needed it to, a pack and play, an extra pillow, an extra blanket, and iron/ironing board.  Of course a hair dryer was in the bathroom...but it wasn't the best.  Speaking of bathroom...what I liked in my room was that the toilet/tub was in one room and the sink was near the closet; which is ideal when traveling with someone else. 

Since Disney is the "happiest place on Earth" it is no surprise that the customer service was amazing.  All the workers said hello and had big smiles. 

I was there for work...and one of our break refreshments was a tasty pretzel:

Our second night, my co-worker & I decided to try out Disneyland.  We were able to purchase a twilight ticket which was valid from 4pm - 9pm and was $34.  We rode the monorail over to Disneyland and found out that Thunder Mountain was closed for repairs, so we went to Splash Mountain...which also just so happened to close for mechanical issues just as we were getting in line.  Finally after walking for about 30 minutes, we ended up at Space Mountain.  It has been a while since I was in DisneyWorld...but I remember Space Mountain being a one-seat ride...in Disneyland it was a two seater, but of course the same great concept of riding in the dark.  Loved it.   That was the longest line we waited on...so in the 5 hours, we made it on 6 or 7 rides.  Some others included the Indiana Jones (which I don't remember from DisneyWorld - but was highly recommended by my friend Anne), It's a Small World, Finding Nemo, Pirates of the Caribbean, & ___.  We skipped the parade and the fireworks to do as much as we could do in our short time.  Walking around a bit, we did not see any of the characters...I know we were in a bit of a rush, but we did pass the restaurants the central areas and no sightings which made my co-worker sad.

Let's talk a little about Downtown Disney.  We were here a bunch, since it was so close.  There is a movie theater which is good for the night or when it is rainy.  There was a nice variety of restaurants - Mexican, New Orleans, Pizza, ESPN, Rainforrest Cafe, a fancier place, etc.  The food prices seemed reasonable, then again I am from the NYC metro area.  I enjoyed our food and beverage the best at the Mexican place.  One night we stopped in the New Orleans place for their dueling piano show...but was highly disappointed by the quality of the show...but still happy it was something to listen to.  We never made it over to the House of Blues for their show.  They had a little cupcake stand and a confectionery shop where we picked up these:

 

A bit of a walk, but within walking distance, there is a place called Garden Walk on Katella Street.  There are a few restaurants there and a small outdoor-type mall with a movie theater.  We ate at McCormick & Schmidt one night, where I thought the soup I ordered was FABULOUS.

My one small negative about Disneyland Hotel was the Business Center.  Most people wouldn't use this area, but since I had to mail out 5 packages...the worker, the only one that did not have a nametag I might add, was so overwhelmed processing my shipment and making photocopies.  I was behind the counter helping him with the size of the packages and how to do a multiple shipment. He commented that no one has ever went behind the counter to help him, but since we were there for ONE FULL HOUR....I started to loose my patience at 20 minutes and couldn't help myself. 

more candy apples...YUM

Review - Brazillian Bikini Laser Hair Removal & Updates

I started my laser hair removal for my underarms, however, more recently I decided to start the laser procedures on my bikini area and decided to purchase the Brazilian package. 

I have to say that this whole experience has been a learning experience for me since I really don't know much about the area 'down there'.  I am deciding to share with you my experience just in case you ever find yourself where I was and need a little clarification or reassurance.

After I made the appointment over the phone, I also received a confirmation email, which I appreciate because I have to enter everything into my Gmail calendar since I tend to forget everything these days.  I forgot to ask the lady about preparation...so I called back the next day and spoke to her about what I needed to do to prepare.  The Brazilian is everything, but I wasn't ready to do that, so she instructed me to shave the area I want lasered the day before or the day of my appointment.

So, now it was time to decide my forever future.  What did I want my 'down there' to look like in all the years to come?  Nothing? A triangle? A landing strip? A heart? (just kidding, no way)  How to decide?  I spent a little time looking up imagines online and I asked a few men what their overall preference was.  A decision was made. 

But now for the hard part...to shave that region.  I have never done this before, I only buzzed it.  It would be a lot easier if I had someone to shave that area for me.  Since I was a little worried about how long this was going to take, and since I was busy the day before my appointment, I did it 2 evenings before.  I spent a lot of time with the shaving cream and the razor.  I got it to look like what I thought, but I can't cut that straight so little by little more came off.

Unfortunately, the day of my appointment, my area was quite inflamed from the razor - and I even used a lot of shaving cream...I guess I need to replace my cartridge already.  Anyway, it didn't hurt, but it didn't look pretty.

Next was to allow some lady to become very well acquainted with my area.  When I got to the place, my aesthetician was very nice.  She went over the 'basics' and told me about their machine, possible side effects, etc. I filled out two forms then we got down to business.   She brought me into the room and gave me the option of using tiny disposable panties or not.  I figured it would be easier without and if I am doing something out of my comfort zone, might as well go all the way.  She gave me glasses to wear and applied the gel.  She started up the laser and began from the outside in.  You will feel some zapping and it may be a little uncomfortable until you get used to it.  The brazillian removed everything (or as much as you want) - the whole front area, the thigh crease, and the butt trail, as opposed to a 'high bikini/full bikini' that is the basic bikini but a little wider on the top and sides, and the regular bikini is just the very basic bikini line.  Anyway, getting back to my first session, I think the laser setting was somewhat lower because of my irritation, so it didn't zap me as much as my underarms did.  Then I flipped over and it was over before I knew it.  While exposed, I wondered why more people didn't get this done - waxing is way more painful.  It doesn't hurt just feels a little tingly at times and once you get past the being exposed thing - it isn't so bad.  Now having met my certified laser specialist and licensed aesthetician I feel a lot more comfortable for what to expect next time.

Perhaps the actual lasering took maybe 15 minutes? Maybe 10.  I didn't look to see the time before we actually started, but I was there for 30 minutes and that was a lot of talking at the beginning.

I redressed and then got my tip ready.  I am not sure how much to tip.  I had a coupon but I was not sure what their original price is for that service, many other companies have it anywhere from $180 - $400 per session to $800 - over $2,000 or more for the package (usually 6 sessions in a package).  I bought mine for significant less.  I ended up giving her $25 thinking that I was uncomfortable and that the first time is more awkward - but that was like a 50% tip on one session.  My next appointment is in 7 weeks since I am away week 6.  I just need to be really careful not to tan that area too much - and be super careful in July right before my appointment.

I look forward to seeing the progression of less and less hair.

Updates:  At each session, they raised the level of the laser. And I didn't tip that much again, usually somewhere between 5-10 each session, and a little more on the last session when I was "happy" with the results.
After session 1 I barely noticed any difference.
After session 2 I noticed some thinning. Also, shaving  became easier and my body got used to it, so I didn't have to worry about razor burn again.  I decided to start shaving more than my design to thin out that area later on - so for two -three sessions everything was being removed.
After session 3 I noticed that the hair coming through was very blotchy - a good sign.
At session 4, lady tells me I have a lot of hair follicles.  I know this, since I can still see so much hair.  Sure, it is thinning out a lot...but I am worried that it won't all be gone after session #6...and I will have to buy a few more sessions.   I've also been more undecided about my end result, and at session 3 & 4 had more hair removed to 'thin' out what will remain. 
After session 5, I noticed it is much thinner and somewhat blotchy.  At this point I am more concerned with the hair that is still on my upper thigh, I thought that should have been virtually gone by now, but it is not. Knowing I only have one more treatment is stressing me out a little because I know I will need a few more.  Remember laser hair removal is effective up to 80% of most cases, so having some hair left is normal, but I want even less hair.
After session 6, I will need more sessions.  It is a lot less, but still way too much to say it got rid of 80%.  But we are all different (my co worker is very happy after only 3 sessions).  Of course I have to wait until another Groupon because I can't afford to pay full price.

Update:  the laser for my underarms is going very well.  I am not worried about having much hair left when I finish that treatment...I have been very very happy with those results. I had 6 treatments done and two touch ups.  Amazingly happy. {I very rarely shave my underarms...once a month? LOVE IT}

Update 2: Since I was so happy with my underarms - I decided to start the laser hair removal on my face.  I am very pleased with this as well.  Both my underarms and face were done at the same place.

Update 3 (April 2012): After the completion of the first brazillian bikini area, I purchased a 'full bikini' groupon somewhere new.  This place the machine was different - there was a cooling hose. This coupon was for the side of the bikini and the top.  They did not do the upper thigh which I was a little upset about since you still see that in a swimsuit & panties.  But I think I will be fine with the remaining inside hair, since it won't be too much and it should be fairly thin from the first treatment.

Update 4 (Nov. 2012): 
     a)  I am still very pleased with my underarms, I only had the 8 sessions, so there is still a little hair, but it isn't bad.  I will probably go in a year and get it a touch-up to clean it up a little more. 
     b)  My bikini area is kind of a mess.  I had a different package at a different place that was only $150.  They used a machine with a cooling hose, so it numbs you a little bit when you are being lasered - this would be great for beginners ..but I am not sure if the machine is better or the same as others...so hard to know which are the best ones that give you longer results.  Also, when there is a lot less hair, you will notice less zapping...another sign there are less hair follicles.  Now my bikini area is a little more uneven, but overall after the 11 sessions I've had so far, it is extremely noticeably cleaner and the hair is taking about a month to grow back, which they tell me is a good sign.  I have more hair in my leg crease then I'd like but I am still quite pleased, it makes my shaving when need be much easier; but I don't shave too often, no need.  I'll probably get a touch-up or two in the fall to get those random hairs at the place that did my underarms/face - since I am the most happiest with them.  But all in all - I am very pleased with it.
     c)  My face, I had 6 sessions.  I did not shave my face before my sessions because the hair was thin and I didn't want stubble.  After 2 months since the last session, the hair on my face is somewhat noticeable again up close, which makes me feel very uncomfortable - but nothing I am not new to.  I may need to bleach it a little until I decide what to do.  Electrolysis takes forever and is very painful, so I will probably end up with another laser package for my face, or more importantly my cheeks since I was very pleased during the treatment, I just can't stop new hair from growing in.

Update 5 (January 2013):  I decided to do another round of laser on my face, at the same location as the first time.  The lady was surprised  - she doesn't think I'll need another 6 session, but I know I'll need at least 3 (and really the groupon prices are so good, that buying the 6 is cheaper than doing 3 at regular price).  She is very understanding and allowing me to go 8-10 weeks before each session.

Update 6 (June 2013):  I am SO happy with everything.  The face is coming along really nice, and the hair coming in is so fine and sporadic.  I had her touch up my underarms...which I haven't shaved since I started!  This time of year with all the ladies wearing sleeveless shirts, I see a lot of black hair follicles that are shaved but there...and I look and I am so happy that isn't me anymore.  My armpits are nice.  Sure, I get some new hairs...but a touch up once or twice a year fixes that (or a quick shave) this was my first touch up since last year.  I started my bikini yet again....but this time at the same place that I am really happy with.  After one new treatment - I saw results and after 6 weeks such a noticeable difference - I know this time around will work :)  My next appointment is in September - so I have the summer off in case I get tan & to give the hair time to come back in.  I rave about laser hair removal...but my sisters and my mother are hesitant...and I look at them and I am so happy I don't have extra hair on my face, under my arms or my bikini area.  I really wish I had before/after pictures to show you.  The best $1,780 ($300 armpits, $300 face, $300 face, $300 brazilian bikini + $150 high bikini + $300 brazilian bikini + $130 touch-up package) + tips I've spent in a long time.

Update 7 (June 2014):  I had my last bikini session this month.  There were 6 in the package and it took a year to use them...that is averaging going once every other month, which gave the area time for the hair to grow before it was lasered, which is a good sign since I had quite a bit of treatments before.  I don't have to worry about a last minute trip to the beach or an impromptu sleepover...it really looks great.  When I look in the mirror it looks great, but I still trim the hair I left to make it cleaner.  I had my last face treatment about two months ago - and I did have her touch up one spot in June.  Hair will continue to grow, but for the most part the face looks terrific.  And I heard that stress causes facial hair growth...and I have been amazingly stressed since December.  As for the underarms...in the last year I had touch ups once or twice and only shaved twice when I had a work meeting that would have revealed my armpits and a few hairs.  I think out of all three body parts I had done, the underarm was the fastest and longest lasting.  After three years, I've gotten to know the two ladies really well, and it was hard to say goodbye (I am moving, but I will probably still go back there for my touch ups since I have minutes left).

Update 8 (January 2015):  I had a touch-up in November for my underarms and my face. My underarms are still really amazing; I barely shave.  There hasn't been much new growth, but there was some hair and I needed to use up my last few minutes because I moved out of the area.  My face....will that ever be hairless?  I doubt it.  The little new hair growth seems like dark thick hair, but it is in a few sporadic places, so I've shaved it before dates or interviews.  My bikini area hasn't had treatment since June 2014.  I am happy to report that it made a difference.  New hair growth is there, but it is thin and spread out; a quick shave fixes that if needed...but for the most part, I barely notice it.  Eventually, once I get a job and my finances stabilize, I will look into future touch-ups.  But I am still really happy.

I can't tell you how wonderful this has been.  I never had any weird side effects.  I never stayed to ice any areas.  It was easy and addicting (as you can tell by the three year process).

Would I go again? Get more lasered?  Yes, absolutely.  I'd love to have my legs done at some point, and of course I'll need a few touch-ups here and there.

For those of you in Westchester, my FAVORITE laser place is Dare to be Bare.