Girls Night Out: SoHo

Last night, my cousin Alexandra and I enjoyed an evening of pampering and good food down in SoHo.

Great Jones Spa: The perfect place to unwind

We met up at Great Jones Spa, an oasis of relaxation that makes you forget you’re in NYC. After getting massages, we enjoyed the steam room and Jacuzzi in the spa’s Water Lounge. Heavenly.

For dinner, we headed up the block to an inviting bistro on Lafayette Street with rustic charm and lots of candles.

Over a delicious meal (grilled shrimp, shaved fennel and orange salad, brick oven margherita pizza for me, chilled tomato soup and rigatoni in cream sauce for Alexa), we talked about the allure of old flames and the restorative powers of travel.

As I was reminded during my recent business trip to the USVI, there’s nothing like a change of scenery -- especially one that involves sun, sand and sea -- to make you feel recharged and ready to take on whatever awaits back home.

Though my upcoming getaways (Kansas City and, hopefully, London) will be of the urban variety, I’m eagerly anticipating them as well.

Up next…a review of "Blithe Spirit" and a little online exposure for my professional and personal pursuits.

Pampering With A Purpose

I’m a big believer in the restorative powers of pampering rituals. From a heavenly semi-outdoor body massage in Bali to a delightful foot spa bath in Sydney, I’ve experienced this in more than a few far flung places.

Here in the Big Apple, some of my best unwinding moments have happened at Paul Labrecque Salon and Great Jones Spa. My favorite destination for pampering, though, is Dashing Diva. Nobody does the art of pampering better than this first class nail spa.

Dashing Diva: My favorite nail spa is helping women learn about extending fertility

Later this month, Dashing Diva is teaming up with the American Fertility Association for Martinis & Manicures, a new series of events aimed at educating women about conceiving later. Dr. Jamie Grifo, Program Director of the NYU Fertility Center, will be on hand. An added bonus – both the martinis and the manicures are free.

I’m planning to attend with a few of my fellow thirty-something gal pals. Though my biological clock isn’t exactly ticking, I know that with 35 knocking on my door, this is a good time for me to find out more about the road to motherhood.

Manicures & Martinis takes place on Tuesday January 27th at 6pm at Dashing Diva’s 15th Street location in NYC. The event is expected to roll through approximately 20 US cities in 2009.

Sunday Afternoon At The Spa

Yesterday, my friend Bobbi and I spent the afternoon at Great Jones Spa. Located in the heart of SoHo, Great Jones Spa (http://www.greatjonesspa.com/) offers an idyllic respite from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.

While Bobbi enjoyed a massage, I treated myself to a heavenly facial. During my 60-minute treatment with knowledgeable therapist Maria, I learned the soothing wonders of a honey-based mask and the unwinding power of a well-executed neck and shoulder massage. I emerged from my facial feeling refreshed and wishing I could go makeup-free for good.

Relaxation Haven: The Water Lounge at NYC's Great Jones Spa.

After our treatments, Bobbi and I met downstairs -- the spa has four levels -- in the water lounge. Boasting a three-story indoor waterfall, thermal hot tub and cold plunge pool, as well as a sauna and steam room, the lounge (a complimentary perk when booking a treatment of $100 or more) makes you feel miles away from stress of any kind. Skylights above enhance the relaxation effect.

While kicking back in the water lounge, Bobbi and I shared our thoughts on dating purely for fun (yea) and breast implants (nay), as well as the perils of examining a suitor’s Facebook and/or MySpace profiles. We also decided to make Spa Sundays a more regular tradition. Because you can never have too much pampering, or too much female bonding.