Arenal - Day 3

We really wanted to head to the top of a volcano but Arenal is off-limits because it is still active (to a degree.  No eruptions or lava flow since 2010.)  Apparently, there were some hikers who travelled up at their own risk and a gas pocket exploded and they were killed by the fumes.  So we debated heading over to a different volcano but decided against the last minute road trip plans.

I'm a sucker for waterfalls and most people mention La Fortuna Waterfall in the Arenal area, so we went over there.  I found that it's a crapshoot what will be what people say things will be as far as the expected "adventure" to get to your intended location.  Some said it was a rough road, some said the hike was hard.  Well the road was no big deal (not paved but definitely driveable) and the hike wasn't a breeze but certainly not advanced.  For $8/person (I think), we took the 490 stone stairs down (which also meant 490 steps back up) and arrived at a sensational waterfall.

The steps.

Optical illusion.   

There was no one there when we arrived around 10 but by the time we left, there were about 20 people.  David went for a swim in the pool and we explored the area and riverbed a bit before heading out.  I felt like with this site, you could make as much or as little of it as you'd like.  In and out in an hour or pack a picnic and spend a few.  It was really a peaceful place worth stopping by.

Couldn't resist a yogi moment.  

We still had many daylight hours and decided to check out 1968 lava flow at the Arenal Volcano National Park.  It was super hot and I think I was just adventured out but I was underwhelmed with the hike.  I thought there would be more lava fields and interesting things along the way.  However, I did have the epiphany that volacnos are just the Earth's butt holes.

Heading back the way we came, we went into town for some casado/tipical plates; the traditional Costa Rican lunch plate. La Choza was recommended by the concierge and it's this huge open outdoor (but covered) space.  A common thing about being in Costa Rica during green season is that the places you go are generally empty.  This has its pros and cons during travel.  At first it makes you kind of skeptical but then its kind of awesome because you can always get a table and you get a lot of attention from your waiter. 

"Volcano Rice" from La Choza.

We spent the rest of the evening relaxing for one last time at the springs.  We found a great little spot, our very own lounge chairs, and for about 20 minutes it was perfect...until the torrential downpour.  Every day at around 5PM it rained but this time, it was different.  It was intense and for almost two hours.  We tried to wait it out under a little towel hut but after about 30 minutes, we ran for cover.  The Springs were overflowing and the towel lady told us she hasnt seen it overflow like this in about a year.  We went and got some banana smoothies at the bar and once it got back to a drizzle, we went back for more!  For round two, I found my favorite pool yet!  We were blissed out, read in the lobby, had a light dinner.  Since it gets dark so early, plus the time difference and not that much to do at night, I was happy to hit the hay a little on the early side.  

Blog Design

For whatever reason, I am loyal to Blogger.  I contemplated switching to another platform or hiring someone (probably will eventually) to just fix this one but thought, "I got this!".  Well, in my journey into trying to figure out how to better my blog, I came across a couple of other blogs worth noting.

There is definitely a certain style I am going for and I'm going to refer to it as the "Lifestyle Format".  Lifestyle blogs are all the rage and I want in.  There is uber-popular sites like Cupcakes & Cashmere (who just relaunched her entire site) and the lovely Ramshackleglam.

On Blogger specifically, I found The Londoner.  She was actually one of the first ones to pop into my search and even had an entry about how she figured it all out on her own and included a couple of blogging tips.  I was motivated by this and respect her lots for successfully doing it solo.  That said, her blog is pretty freaking fab and you should start reading it...now!

Two other super cute sites with similar designs include:

Urban Flip Flops (credits design to Danielle Moss)

Chic Sprinkles

So my loyal readers, this is still a process and I appreciate you sticking with me during this eyesore.  One day I vow, it will be better.  Once again, if anyone has any tips, tricks or referrals, send them my way!  Til then, thanks for reading!  

Washington D.C. Wedding Weekend

A very good friend of ours was getting married in Washington D.C. so we took the train down there on Friday afternoon.  It was actually really easy to take the train, I would definitely do that again.  We smuggled the dog for the ride (shhh, don't tell) and arrived at our dog-friendly hotel, The Fairmont; also where the wedding was going to be (so convenient!).

We went out to dinner at Farmers, Fishers, Bakers and then we went to right next door to The Sequoia, a beautiful room where we had drinks and dessert with the out-of-towners.  It was a really cute spot right on the water.  There was an ice-skating rink and pretty lights.  Apparently this is where the couple had gotten engaged and I could see why.  

On Saturday we went to brunch at the newly re-opened Art and Soul.  I got the BLT Benedict which was great but even greater was the scones before the meal.  O.M.G. !!!!    

After that meal, we thought it would be best to walk it off a bit.  It really sucked that it was so cold so after we made it to the Capitol, we beelined for the first place we could find which happened to be the National Gallery of Art.  Then we decided to head a little further down the Mall to the Smithsonian American History Museum.  I wanted to stick around but my college roommate C. picked me up as soon as we got there so I'll have to return to see Dorothy's Ruby Red slippers!  

We went and got Gabriel and attempted to go to the dog park right outside her house in Adams Morgan but it was too cold and we only stayed 10 minutes.  I found that D.C. is a pretty dog-friendly city.  All along Rock Creek Park (which runs from the Potomic River, 12 miles to Maryland - even the National Zoo is along the path!) there are cool trails and dog parks.  I'd love to go back in warmer weather to really explore - it's very neat to see this thing run all along the middle of the city.  C. did however get a great shot of Gabriel which later ran in a local blog!  Check him out on popville.com!  

It was time to get ready for the wedding and I was really excited because I used Renttherunway.com and ordered a dress and earring combo.  I have never gotten so many compliments on a dress in my life!  Here I am in my Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Sapphire Star Dress and Dannijo Cecile earrings.  

I thought about making a separate blog entry for what a great experience I had with RTR.  It was so easy and saying I am impressed with the company as a whole is an understatement.  Really glad I rented!  

The wedding was absolutely beautiful.  The space at the Fairmont was unique with its elevated dance floor.  It was also really nice to be at a wedding and just be guests.  The last wedding we were at was our own and the past couple, either one of us were in the wedding.  And just a side note, it's heartwarming when you see how happy the couple is to be getting married.  Both the families were just awesome and we were really happy to see them all happy.  OK corny part over, :) 

Sessed: Donni Charm

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of working with a company called Donni Charm.  Alyssa, the creator of the company, is a great woman with a great team behind her.  

The story behind Donni Charm is worth mentioning.  Alyssa went through the tragedy of losing her father unexpectedly and created scarves with charms on them as a way to remember and honor him.  She started to expand in the past two years and for her Spring 2012 catalog and asked my place of work for some additional models and shooting space (see below for finished product).  

I can tell you first hand these products are super soft and super cool.  I wanted everything!  (There is a hamsa charm so you know I am into it.)  In addition to this new Spring line, Donni Charm has also teamed up with the Grateful Dead.  Yes, that Grateful Dead, to create a unique and kick-ass line of scarves.  

Go check them out and get some, a percentage of the sales goes to a selected charity each season.  So yea, it's not only just an amazing line of products but also has a philanthropic side.  Not hard to figure out without saying, who benefits from this season's sales.  

Tom's Shoes

TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS mission transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.


That paragraph was taken from tomsshoes.com.  In my opinion, genius.

Products I Like These Days

Skinny Girl Margaritas

New York Housewife Bethenny Frankel's concoction.  It's 100 calories for a 4oz serving.  Site: http://www.skinnygirlcocktails.com/home.php  

Ohio City Pasta is my second most recent obsession of the month.  Particularly the lemon pepper flavor.  So fresh and delicious!

http://www.ohiocitypasta.com/index.htm

Otera

I've known about Otera's Evil Eye Scarves for a while but now there are new Hamsa ones that I also adore!

Still Life

My least favorite projects in art class were still lifes. If only I thought beyond the box...shoe box that is. Ladies (and gentlemen I guess) I give you still life with Louboutins by Peter Lippmann. (The Frisky)

Christian Louboutin

I don't know if it was once my love for the color red. Or that I am 5 feet tall and long (no pun intended) to be supermodel heights. Or the simple yet sexy look I tend to lean towards. But there is something about a Christian Louboutin shoe that I get butterflies about.

I never was a huge shoe person, in fact, never a huge fashion person at all. I am so not like that! But more recently, I guess as I mature, and am more immersed in the fashion world, this has been brewing inside me and a monster is emerging. For some reason, these shoes are at the top of the mountain for me. It is my dream to own a pair one day. To spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of shoes is definitely absurd. I don't care.

I have always just looked, but this past weekend, I opened up the gates of hell. I dragged David on his very quick visit, to Bergdorfs. I don't know what possessed me but we went up to the shoe department and the salesman actually approached me. Many times I have been on this very floor, with these very salesmen, and never have they approached. I must have had that look in my eye that day. I pointed, he brought, and my shoe obsession was officially in full effect. Heaven, bliss, love. Nothing could have made me happier at that moment, in those shoes. I will have a pair one day.

Here are some of my favorites mostly from the new fall collection. Although the first photo is from a friend of a friends wedding that I thought just looked so classy.






By the way, the line is actually fairly young, only starting in 1991. In his U.S. trademark application, Louboutin explains the inception of the signature red soles (via Wikipedia):

"In 1992 I incorporated the red sole into the design of my shoes. This happened by accident as I felt that the shoes lacked energy so I applied red nail polish to the sole of a shoe. This was such a success that it became a permanent fixture."

His site is also creative, fun, and fabulous. Check it out here: http://www.christianlouboutin.com/

Sessed with The Hangover

Friends pre ordered the tickets on opening night for this gem. We got there an hour early and waited with the crowd. After hundreds of these types of openings, you would think the employees would figure out a good system but they have not. It wasn't crazy chaotic but it was not a pleasant experience. The women actually shouted GO as if it was a race to the theater. Everyone scattered and laughed. It was an experience. Especially with 2 pretzel bites and nacho cheeses (my fave cheese), a small soda and a soda about 5 pounds juggling in my arms.

As for the movie, with a multitude of lines like "Don't let the beard fool you, he's just a child." AND plots about being roofied, I don't know why I ever doubted that I would love this movie. It was hilarious and I love it and if anyone would like to see it, I will go with you.

It was well done. Not the typical guys get drunk and we go on an excursion with them as if we are an innocent, sober bystander, but actually a realistic approach of us blacking out with them and figuring out what the hell happened last night. Very clever and full of surprises. Little naked Chinese surprises. The end was especially memorable when they find the camera and we all experience the photos together. Like we were all buddies in the theater sharing this moment of hystericalness.

Personal thoughts about the actors: Bradley Cooper gets better looking in each movie he makes and Zach Galifianakis killed it. HE KILLED IT.


Complete side note...
I was looking for images and this logo popped up that looked very familiar to me. its from a bands album cover. They are called The Funkoars and their album is called the Hangover. Now check out this pic from Missbehave Magazine. Stunningling similiar. Not sure if they ever mentioned the connection or not but I just wanted to show everyone how smart I am.

Lobster Rolls Be Back

NYMag picks the best. I'll be the judge of that!

My favorite so far: Jordans Lobster. (Pic from Umamimart.com)

Soul Plane

It's on TV again, and I will watch it. Soul Plane is one of my favorite 'go to' movies.

Others in this genre for me:

• How High
  
• Best In Show
  
• Ace Ventura
• White Chicks
  
• Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
• Grandmas Boy
  

Street Fair Food

One of my favorite things about NYC is the street fairs. Jen and I stumbled onto one Sunday evening just as it was closing down. If you ever want a good deal on street fair food, go at this time. We were going to buy zeppoles regardless but when we got there the guy informed us it was buy one get one free! Just cuz he wanted to go home. DELISH!!!

RIP A&S Bagels

Oh man my second favorite bagel place on Long Island burnt to the ground this week. Tears for that.

Can't Stop Eating This

http://www.rosamexicano.com/ShopGiftCardsOnlineStore/ProductDetail/ProductLanding/tabid/315/ProductID/34/Default.aspx

Business Investment

I get a lot of business ideas. Off the top of my head I can only think of 3 that I have been so serious about. Snuggies, which I clearly missed the boat on. I always said I wish it was socially acceptable to wear blankets in public, and go figure, I wasn't the only one who wished this. Then the whole hookah bar thing with SRF, which I still intend to do later on. Then there is Schnitzis.

When I was in Israel, I went to a place called Schnitzis and fell in love. The concept is simple. You pick a flavored schnitzel and its breaded and fried in front of you, put on bread for a sandwich, or served as a platter, you pick your toppings, and enjoy! The sandwich I had in Jtown was incredible! So much so, I had the brilliant idea of bringing this concept back to the states.

I found a VERY similar place in Brooklyn...They are missing the Mexican, which involves Dorito crumbs. I have already emailed them asking businessy questions and will update with answers, if they ever come to me.

Anyone interested in being my investor?

The Dirty

I LOVE this site. I don't know what happened to the Long Island section, that had a friend featured on it but oh well!

http://thedirty.com/

O-H-I-O

Ohio State has the most school spirit of any school. One thing we do is spell out O-H-I-O and they have a commercial with the photos that plays on TV during football games and there is a website that has the pictures people send in, like this one! (That's me and my OSU boys in Eilat, Israel.) Here are some other ones I like:

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things - Israeli Version

Feel free to send me some:


Dalton wine - muscat


Elite Chocolate from Israel. There are Pop Rocks inside the chocolate!!!