Thursday, December 6, 2012

THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IF YOU OWN A PET.......

If i can save one person some money by reading this then i have done my job.  Pet's are a huge part of our lives and family but they are also a major responsibility- if we have a pet it is our job to take care of them when they are sick, maintain their health and love them- i think that's the least we can do when all they give us is unconditional love.  When i first got Keoki i couldn't believe his vet bills ( remember i live in NYC- ouch!) i had a really tough financial year and decided it would be smart to get pet insurance just in case anything happened and i had to charge it, borrow money, etc.  I can honestly say it was one of the BEST investments i ever made.  I searched and researched and found that Petplan was the best insurance for us. Keoki has been in the emergency room twice since then totaling  about $6000.00!!!!! And i have literally gotten 90% of my money back!!!!  With Petplan you have a choice of deductibles and percentages of what you would like to get back in case of an emergency.  I feel truly blessed and grateful to have invested in this from the beginning because it has literally paid for itself.  There are only 2 plans that i recommend if you are interested in Pet insurance- PETPLAN and EMBRACE ( my friend Daun has that one and loves it).  The thing is you need to purchase it when your dog is young and healthy. Accidents happen so it's better to be safe than sorry and not be stressed about whether you can or cannot afford the right care for your pet.   Check out their websites and invest in something that will make a difference in your bank account and the way you take care of your pet- it is one of the BEST things i ever invested in........
http://www.gopetplan.com/
http://www.embracepetinsurance.com/

                                                      Miss Marilulu ( she has Petplan)



Saturday, November 24, 2012

THE BEST LIP BALM.......

I have an addiction..... I have had it since i was younger..... it's a serious addiction..... to lip balm.  It started with the big Bonnie Bell LipStick but as i grew older and became more health conscience of what i was putting on my body i searched and searched until i found the perfect, natural balm.  Let's call a spade a spade- everyone wants soft, kissable lips and most lip balms leave a waxy coat but i found something that i literally can't live without.... SWEETSATION CHOCO*SMOOTCH organic lip and face balm for dry, chapped and peeling skin.  It has Argan, Calendula, Sea Buckhorn and Coconut Oil along with many other yummy, natural ingredients... It lasts about 2 months, tastes AMAZING on your lips and keeps them nice, soft, hydrated and kissable.  You can only order it on Amazon so i usually buy a few at a time.  At $12.00 a pop they are worth every penny.  I can usually be seen smothering this stuff on my lips numerous times a day and everyone is always asking me what it is.  So if you deal with dry, chapped lips try the balm i literally can't live without.... it's the BEST!!!!!!http://www.amazon.com/Choco-Smooch-Organic-Calendula-Buckthorn/dp/B002ZORWGO/ref=pd_rhf_pe_p_t_2






Friday, October 12, 2012

THE BEST SANDWICH I'VE EVER HAD.

I recently took a trip to my hometown of Miami.  Home is definitely where the heart is and where some of the favorite foods i crave are as well.  My best friend Darcy and i had an amazing time and she indulged my Miami cravings.  I have been going to La Sandwicherie in Miami since i was younger and i crave it when i'm in NY.  They have the best secret sauce and cornichons ( baby pickles) that make any sandwich amazing and the french bread they put your sandwich on is YUMMMMY!!!!  Darcy and i got our usual- a veggie with extra special sauce.  The ambiance of la sandwicherie is nothing special- It's a little counter that's usually packed with Miami locals but you can watch as the staff prepares your sandwich and can see how clean and fresh ( because of their high volume ) everything is.  La Sandwicherie is THE BEST sandwich place i have EVER been to.  It's a slice of home that i highly recommend and just 2 blocks from the beach if there is no room at the counter you can sit by the ocean and have one of the best sandwiches in the world.... You can't really get better than that.... Check out their website http://www.lasandwicherie.com/

Monday, September 24, 2012

The BEST Veterinarian.

Anyone that knows me knows that my dog Keoki is the love of my life and that i would only trust his health in the safest possible hands (yes i am one of those crazy dog people).  Well when i first got him i had a Manhattan vet that i shortly realized was robbing me blind with unnecessary vaccinations, office visits, etc.  I felt really taken advantage of.... One day i was walking my stinker in my hood and bumped into a friend that had also been taken advantage of by this same vet and she told me about the vet she traveled to that was an hour outside of the city, SMITHRIDGE VETERINARY CLINIC, and how the doctors were AMAZING, holistic, integrative based and not thieves so i decided to give them a try and have never looked back.  Dr. Marty Goldstein ( who has a weekly radio show on Martha Stewarts Sirius Radio ) is the owner and people fly from around the world for help with their very ill animals- he also has a wall of fame- even Oprah has taken her furbabies to him!!!! But it's not only Dr. Marty - ALL of the doctors that practice in this facility- are AMAZING, thorough, and on top of their game.  They actually sit and talk with you when you bring your baby in- i was in there for almost an hour for Keoki's annual.  I have nothing but great things to say about this practice and highly trust them.  If you live in the tri-state area and you care about your four legged friend run don't walk here.  They also specialize in treating cancer, etc.  Check out their website or read Dr. Marty's book.  Let's face it animals are part of our family so why not give them the best possible care we can so we can extend their lives.  That's why SmithRidge is the BEST VETERINARY CLINIC!.... Trust me!!!! http://www.smithridge.com/
                                                                 My Dog Keoki

                                                                    Little Marilulu

Sunday, August 5, 2012

BEEN IN A FUNK.

Sorry guys had to post i've been in a bit of a funk lately and will re-post as soon as i get inspired.  Just being honest.... Hope you are all enjoying your summer.  Sending you lots of LOVE and all of the BEST!!!! xoxo

Thursday, July 5, 2012

THE BEST ORGANIC JUICE BAR IN NYC.


In NYC we are so lucky to have access to amazing organic juice bars so it was hard to come up with one just being the BEST- honestly they are all great but this one is my favorite and i am known to walk miles, literally, for my favorite smoothie and juice.  I am addicted to THE JUICE PRESS.  I usually go to the one on 10th between 1st and A but they have a few different locations around the city and are opening one on the West Side soon (Thank God)!!! They have an AMAZING selection of cold pressed juices, raw foods and OFF THE CHAIN smoothies!!!!! My favorite superfood smoothie is Heaven on Earth- it's dates, bananas, homemade almond milk, organic rice protein powder, raw cacao, homemade almond butter and cinnamon!!! YUMMMMMY!!!!! And i am also obsessed with ALL of their juices but especially Love at First Sight- spinach, kale and green apples. And one of my favorite treats is the Raw Oatmeal- My mouth is watering writing this....  The staff is very helpful and nice, they have great cleanses and it's spotlessly clean.  So yes the juice press may be a bit more expensive but the quality, taste and integrity of their products are the reason why- EVERYTHING in this place tastes GREAT!!! So if you're into looking and feeling great check out my favorite juice place in NYC- your taste buds will thank you......
http://juicepress.com/











Thursday, June 28, 2012

THE BEST SUNSCREEN AROUND.

I have fair skin that tans but even though i grew up in South Florida and am a closeted sun worshipper i do believe in Sunscreen and Sunblock.  Only recently did i find a line of products that are inexpensive and do not make me break out!!! ( Almost every sunblock i have ever tried has made my sensitive skin breakout!!!) My friend Tricia told me her dermatologist recommended Ocean Potion for sensitive skin and babies and I LOVED it!!! It's Oxybenzone and PARABEN FREE!!!!!  That makes me SO HAPPY!!!! And yes it's the little things that make me happy... Most of Ocean Potions products are Paraben free!!! I also decided to try the Face Clear Zinc Oxide and the Dark Tanning Oil with Coconut and Carrot oils and it made me DARK ( don't tell my dermatologist i said that) and the daily face lotion with Retinol.  I think these products are the best that i have tried and they are also very inexpensive which makes them even better.  I order mine online at http://www.drugstore.com/search/search_results.asp?srchtree=1&Ntt=Ocean+Potion+Sun+Care&N=4294946569&Ntk=All  So for the summer months i hope you enjoy some Vitamin D the safe way- wearing the best sunblock around!  Happy Sunning!!! xo




Saturday, June 9, 2012

THE BEST PARABEN FREE FACE CREAM!!!

This is for both men and women- i say that only because men forget that they need to moisturize too and who wants to have wrinkles if they don't have to have them?  I have VERY sensitive skin and as anyone that's been reading my blog knows I do not believe in putting parabens on my body because what you put on it goes in it.  Well after searching and searching for something not too expensive i found the BEST skincare!!!! A little line called AUSTRALIANSCENT  BALM of GILEAD- i LOVE this product and it keeps my skin super moisturized and never breaks out!!!! I love the integrity of this balm- everything is natural - no synthetics, no parabens and no worries- i LOVE that!!! My favorite scent is the lemongrass orange ( it smells so yummy i want to eat it) and i have turned so many of my friends onto it and they LOVE it also.  It's also VERY inexpensive and can be purchased at Whole Foods or online at http://www.australianscent.com/ I am actually kind of obsessed with all of their products but LOVE their face balm.  I'm known to slather my face with moisturizer a few times daily and i have had my jar since January and still have some left and it's June so that goes to show you a little goes a long way.  This balm is the BEST so if you want something that's not bad for you or your skin that won't break the bank check out Balm of Gilead by Australian Scent- I know you will love it!!!
http://www.australianscent.com/





Monday, May 21, 2012

The BEST Secret Weapon For Dirty Hair - Besides Washing It

Years ago my friend Melanie and I discovered something at Rickys that changed our life.... Something called dry shampoo.  I will never forget spraying it on our head and laughing so hard we were crying because our hair was white- we were literally  rolling in the aisles.  Since then hair products have come a long way and recently i was turned on to something called ORIBE Dry Texturizing Spray and it changed my life and my hair.  I LOVE this product and i have tried numerous dry shampoos.  All the women out there know that #1 it's not good to wash your hair everyday, #2 it's a pain in the butt to wash your hair everyday, and #3 that almost always the dirtier the hair, the better it looks especially with this stuff.  The smell is AMAZING and it gives you an amazing texture- it also doesn't look white when you spray it in your hair.  When i first tried it i was walking down the street thinking someone around me smelled super lovely and then i realized it was my hair!!!  That's when I went out and bought it- it's around $40.00 but it lasts a long time.  Certain salons carry it , Bigelow Pharmacy in NY, and it's also available  online.  I also recommend the silver line of Oribe- Shampoo and Ultra Rich Conditioner- i LOVE the way they smell and how amazing they are on my hair.  That's why Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray made it on my best list because it will make your "need to be washed hair " last at least another day and make it look and smell great while you're faking it..



Wednesday, April 11, 2012

The BEST Vegetarian Supermarket in NYC!!!!

Hi Everyone!!!
  I'm back!!!  I was on hiatus for a while but you will be sure to see new posts from me from now on!!!  Happy Spring!  What an amazing time of year- it's beautiful to see everything begin to bloom.  I wanted to tell you about my favorite vegetarian supermarket in NYC- it's by far one of my best kept secrets- i actually call it my "Hippie supermarket"- it's called Integral Yoga Natural Foods and it is located on 13th between 7th and 8th- closer to 8th.  I LOVE this store and love supporting small businesses.  Everything in this store is integrated to help you maintain a healthy, well balanced life and is one of the most cost conscience healthy stores i know of in NYC.  I can buy a ton of groceries here for $60.00 and the same amount of stuff would be double at Whole Foods.  I just really love the philosophy of this little hippie grocery store and i know every time i go in there and buy something it is going to be good for me- i mean, what more could you ask for???  It also reminds me of the little grocery stores i used to go to when i was a child in Miami.  They have a wide range of organic fruits and veggies that are always FRESH, a wall of super foods ( which you should eat everyday) and a cute old school juice bar / deli with amazing soups and desserts that are vegan.  They also have a super cool beauty section with a wide range of paraben free and yummy products.  The thing is if you go in to Integral for food you know you will be walking out with something that is good for you and that is why it made my best list- besides the fact that every time i walk in there i feel like i am one of the lucky few that knows about this hidden gem so i wanted to share that with all of you.  So if you live in NYC or are here for a visit don't miss out on  the Hippist, Hippiest grocery store around!!!
http://www.integralyoganaturalfoods.com/Home.html








Wednesday, February 29, 2012

On Hiatus.

Just wanted to let you all know I am on a hiatus doing some investigating work on what's best for all of you so hold tight until after April 1st....  I will be back with lots of GREAT info on what's best!  Lots of Love!!!! xoxo

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

The BEST Cosmetic Dentist in NYC

I LOVE my dentist.  I mean I really love, love, looooove my dentist- how many people can say that? This love affair began years ago.  When I was 7 years old I broke all my front teeth in half on one of those springy things in the park that goes back and forth- needless to say that's when my nightmare began.  For years I had bonds on my teeth that felt like cement in the front of my mouth.  Every four years I would have to get new bonding because it would discolor and chip.  I dreamt of the day I could afford veneers but noticed that some people I knew that had them looked like they had white chicklets in their mouth and knew that i would want something very natural and beautiful and that's when my journey began.  I saw Dr. Lowenburg and got a consultation and he looked at me and told me everything he could do to make my mouth look "beautiful"- he was confident and I could tell he was a perfectionist and dental genius but I had to get a few more opinions because, as you know, i search and search to make sure what I have is the best :)  So I saw some of the other "top" New York dentists and NOTHING could compare.  Some would ask me to bring them in pictures of what i would want my teeth to look like (what??  How am i supposed to know what would look good???) and some just didn't seem to have the passion for cosmetic dentistry that Dr.Lowenburg had.  After years of searching and saving my pennies I decided to go back to the BEST dentist that i saw and the saying that "all good things come to those who wait" unfolded.  I went from cement mouth to having a BEAUTIFUL set of teeth.  The first time i saw and felt my veneers i literally cried because those bonds had been the thorn in my side for years.... I'm a private person and would normally not want to tell people I have veneers but if i can save one person from bad veneers I've done my job here.  If you want the BEST cosmetic dentist in the United States go see Dr. Lowenburg. Dr. Lituchy and Cantor are amazing too- everyone in their office is but I have to say that Dr. Lowenburg is my fave :)  I also go to to them for cleanings and regular dental treatments ( Esther is the best dental hygenist).  The staff makes you feel like family and you are in the BEST hands in this practice.  If you're into the whole celebrity thing they have a long list of celebrity smiles.. You may be able to find veneers cheaper someplace else but take it from me- you get what you pay for and I searched and searched until I found the best... I made my dentist promise he would never retire and he said he wouldn't :).   That's why Dr. Lowenburg is on the top of my list so if you're thinking of having a smile makeover he's the man!!!!- Trust me!!!!
http://www.lowenbergandlituchy.com/home.html

Sunday, January 1, 2012

To your BEST year EVER!!!!! Happy 2012!!!

Wishing all of you one of the BEST years you will ever have.  I have a really good feeling about 2012 and I wish everyone an amazing new year filled with peace, serenity, love, happiness, financial security, and every little thing your heart desires.  Remember to do what feels good for you and only the BEST will follow- it's the law of attraction.  With LOVE from my heart to yours- xoxo