Be Well

I've always loved Gwyneth's attitude as it relates to her outlook on health and fitness. She believes in working hard to take care of the body, while indulging every once in a while. (Not to mention, she is a serious girl crush of mine). She just released her Winter Detox Mag via GOOP and I'm looking forward to trying a few of the recipes. Also noteworthy this month, my dear friend Mere just launched "BE WELL" where she'll be sharing lots of healthy recipes too. Time to pony up and make that Vitamix a reality...

Here's to "Being well" in 2014. Thanks for the inspiration, GP and Mere!

The Hustle before Sunday...

Provided that I can ditch the NyQuil and tissue box in the next day or so, my goal is to see American Hustle before the 71st Golden Globes this Sunday. The film, along with 12 Years A Slave is matched with seven nominations from Hollywood Foreign Press voters.

A MUST in 2014

Live music has always punctured deep into my soul. I need it, I want it and I crave it. Upon moving to San Francisco, I was feeling a void from not being close to home to enjoy our local reggae band ("Hot Knives," anyone?!?). It was one night at the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco (the "other" Boom Boom), I found my fix. When I first saw Will Magid and his band at the Boom Boom, I felt like I struck gold. Now, if you want to persuade me to see music, the mere mention of "trumpet" will really get me fired up. Will Magid's sound is vibrant with the sounds of horns, lively percussion, classical strings and energy like no other. Oh yeah, a whole LOT of trumpet.  (Think electronic meets funk meets soul meets New Orleans meets swamp). It's the kind of music that will make you high with your own sweat, infectious happiness and you'll find the dance moves you never thought you had.

Seeing Will Magid is like having a hot love affair - your mind fixates on the sensations you experience in the moment and you can only think about getting more. If you're like me and plan to integrate more live music into your 2014, get Will Magid high on that list. See their upcoming show schedule here and be sure to sample their sounds as well as like them on Facebook.

Above photo credit: Lauren Merrigan

White Christmas

One of my favorite Christmas movies is the 1954 musical-romantic comedy, White Christmas. I have memories of watching the sister act with my own sister absolutely mesmerized by the glamorous costumes the Haynes sister adorned and all the allure the 1950's sets offered, being too young to truly grasp the plot of the movie. (Watch a clip of sister act here). Yesterday, I spent the afternoon seeing the film at the Jane Pickens Theater, followed by chowder and a bloody mary at The Black Pearl. It was the perfect winter day that subtly reminded me of the ease and enjoyment that the holidays bring.

Wishing you all the ease, joy and beauty the holiday can possibly offer you and your family.