Friday Favorite – Cirque de Soleil “O”

While I was in Las Vegas I had the immense pleasure of being able to attend Cirque de Soleil’s performance of “O”.

I had never attended any of the Cirque de Soleils, but had always wanted to. I knew that this was a good opportunity to see one especially since “O” is not a traveling show. It is permanently situated in Las Vegas. This is because part of the show is done in the water and so a special stage has been created for it.

This show was like being transported into a dream world of theater. The music has an afro-cuban world beat sound to it and the costumes were colorful and gorgeous. Apparently each one costs about $10,000 and they last for about 20 shows. All of the entertainers are SCUBA certified.

There were flying ships and amazing dives, synchronized swimming and gymnastics. It was truly a breathtaking spectacle. I sat on the front row and actually received a flower from one of the characters in the show. How Cool! However, I think I would recommend sitting a little bit higher so that you can get a better view of the synchronized swimming. I was on their level, so I could only see heads, feet and hands poking up.

All in all, it was an amazing show full of colors, sound and incredible talent – next time you are in Vegas be sure to see this one!

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Friday Favorite – World’s Softest Socks

These are the softest socks ever. I first discovered them in the Madison, WI airport and bought several as gifts. I love wearing them around the house. They are very cozy. They are called “Spa socks” but I have bought them for both men and women and both love wearing them at home with their jammies. I wear them all the time at home. Click here to get to the link.

They are perfect for cold, snowy or rainy nights and curling up with a good book. If you sleep in your socks, of course, these are simply made for that – personally, I don’t because I hate the way they twist around your feet as you’re sleeping! Now these socks are a bit thick for wearing with shoes, but at $6.99 a pair, you can’t find a more affordable indulgence!

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Friday Favorite – Ballard Designs

Happy Friday, everyone!!!

Today’s Friday favorite is Ballard Designs (click here for link). They are a furniture and household items store. They have locations in Florida, Georgia and Ohio. However, I have always just ordered from their catalog. I love their eclectic style and everything I have purchased from them is of excellent quality. The items arrive in a timley fashion and their customer service department is extremely helpful and friendly.

I have purchased the large kitchen island with teak top. It is beautiful and I always get comments on it when people come over. Unfortunately that particular one is no longer available, but they have many similar designs.

I also purchased the mosular desk and matching file cabinets for my home office.

The picture shows them in white. However, I purchased them in black. I am really happy with the quality and the price was fair for what I got. I wouldn’t call it Wal-mart pricing, but it’s not totally out of reach either. You definitely get the quality that you pay for.

So, check them out and watch for the sales as well!

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Friday Favorite – iPhone

I LOVE my iPhone!!

Everything I need is at my fingertips – literally! The cool thing is that the calendar and the contacts synch automatically with those on my computer. I have a place to take notes on it, I can add contacts or appointments and they show up on my computer, I can access the internet whenever necessary, and it’s all so easy to use!

I’m not even mentioning some of the cool applications you can download. I’ve downloaded some games and the Target store which you can use to shop online at Target, but I’m definitely not the expert in applications.

The only problem is that the touchscreen is so sensitive that sometimes I accidentally hang up on people because my check brushes against it or I put them on hold, or I think I’m on mute and then I un-mute myself.

I spend a LOT of time on my phone because of conference calls and client calls for my business, so this is really my lifeline. If you are someone who spends a lot of time on the phone, I highly recommend you make the jump to an iPhone. One thing I haven’t found is a good bluetooth headset – if you know of one, please let me know!

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Friday Favorite – T-Tapp!

Well, in order to work off the gelato from last week, we need to get our buns in gear! Today you’ll hear about my favorite exercise. This exercise is great for exercisers and non-exercisers alike! It is called T-Tapp and it was created by a woman who used to be a physical therapist. It is really quick to learn (but you do need to be very careful about using proper form!) and can be done without any equipment in a space the size of a closet!

Also, no matter where you live, you can get instruction on proper form by Kirsten Tucker – she is the best T-Tapp instructor! If you are in Houston or Minneapolis, you can do this in person. If not, can even help you long-distance using webcam to get your form corrected.

This system of exercise really works on your lymphatic system to help get rid of toxins, it also help to balance your blood sugar levels and also balances your hormones. The end result is weight loss, muscle firmness and more energy – who could ask for more?

You can check out the main website here: www.t-tapp.com They have some free videos you can watch and learn some of the exercises – you can also order books and DVDs there. However, if you join one of Kirsten’s bootcamps, you get a 20% discount off on any products purchased from her.

Check out Kirsten’s website here: Kirsten Tucker Be sure to sign up for her newsletter and if you are a travel aficionado, please sign up for her travel newsletter. She is planning a trip to New York in December and you can attend no matter where you live!

I urge you to try this exercise whether you are an athlete or a couch potato – you will gain results from it. The bottom line is that when I do it, I lose weight and when I don’t, I don’t!

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Friday Favorite – Ciao Bella Gelato

You didn’t think I’d forgotten, did you? Mercury Retrograde is playing havoc with my computer systems this time around. Laptop dead, cable modem on the fritz, wireless network – down and out. It’s been totally crazy , but I’m hoping my luck will hold long enough for me to get this post out!

So I”m back on a food theme this week…Ciao Bella Gelato – preferably in Pistachio flavor. This is by far the BEST gelato that you can purchase outside of Italy!

They make this gelato with only natural ingredients = no artificial anything or things with names that are unpronounceable! It is so creamy and rich, you only need a little bit to feel completely satisfied. I have only ever tried the pistachio because I started with it and fell in love…but, I’m sure the other flavors are pretty tasty as well, in case you’re not a nut-job like me!

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Friday Favorite – Wen Hair Care System

OK, Here it is…the long-awaited Friday Favorite…

The Wen Hair Care system is awesome. My hair is normally oily on top and dry towards the ends. But, the Wen system really nourishes it. It actually feels like conditioner, not shampoo. You need to massage a bunch of it your hair at the beginning of your shower and leave it in for a while. At the end of your shower you rinse it our and your hair is CLEAN and shiny – with lots of volume and no more dry ends!

I’ve also noticed that I used to have to wash my hair every day and now I can go two or sometimes even three days without washing!

Wow! I sound like a commercial!

Basically you order it online and you get a shipment every three months – you can get any combination four items of shampoo, conditioner and styling cream.

Enjoy!

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Friday Favorite – Nissan Murano

Well, it’s been a tough decision – which favorite to pick for today’s post. I have so many! But, that’s good because it means I have plenty of fodder for Friday posts for several weeks to come. I finally settled on my new car!

While I loved my old one (2004 Honda Civic Coupe EX), it was time to move to something more comfortable and little higher up!. My son-in-law said getting out of the Honda felt like being born and traveling through the birth canal. The last time he got out of my car when I was driving, I cheerfully called out, “It’s a boy!”

Anyway, enough of that fun. After years (and I do mean years) of contemplating, analyzing, comparing, and considering, I decided to get a Nissan Murano. And I am so glad I did. It’s bigger, but not too big. Higher, but not too high and extremely comfortable! I think it looks pretty cool too! So there it is…the second Friday Favorite ever….the Nissan Murano!!

My new wheels!

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A few of my favorite things…

Well, I decided to make Fridays the day I share some of my favorite things. Today it is lavender chocolate. Hey, I know it sounds weird, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

I can’t speak for any others,  I don’t even know if other brands make it, but this one is excellent. You would think that it tastes really perfume-y or flowery, but it really doesn’t. And if you like milk chocolate, you have to at least try this one!

This company makes other blends of chocolates, so if lavender isn’t your thing, maybe chili pepper is.

This is the best chocolate!

Here is an excerpt from the description I found online:

“NEWTREE, the renowned Belgian chocolatier has developed recipes with innovative ingredients, each thoroughly researched by nutritionists and biochemists, for proven health benefits. The results are quite spectacular. TRANQUILITY is one of the family of six luscious chocolate bars that combine all natural chocolate, fruit and botanicals, for fabulous and healthy treats. Escape stress with the sensuous, smooth silkiness of milk chocolate with lime blossom and the finest lavender from Provence, in sunny Southern France. TRANQUILITY transports you at any time of day, but especially before you sleep.”

HMMM…sounds dreamy to me! Let me know what you think!

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