Orgasm. In Multiple. Thank you, Secret Santa.

Back to the daily grind finally.

Finally? Yeah, I think I missed my "working-self." I was surprised to find myself looking forward to the dreaded early morning, the mid-day lunch break, and the anticipated end of the workday. I definitely LOVE what I do for living, although as with anything you love, my work does have its challenges. Maybe it's the challenges that I crave for? I don't know.

Now, here's what I know for sure. I am a girl who takes pleasure in simple things. I love minimizing complications. Maximizing pleasures. Multitasking is a key vocabulary word for me.

Enter simplifying, uncomplicated, multitasking products. Ah- now, you got me!

I'd like to introduce you to my new addition to my morning-routine: NARS Multiple in Orgasm. I think I first met this stick either in a Space.NK or Sephora catalogue. It's a miracle tube wrapped in a chic little black tube (looks suspiciously like a pocket rocket- not that there's anything wrong with that- just an observation). Acts as a subtle gloss-on blush, eye shadow, and with a little help of some lip balm, a lip gloss. I absolutely love it. And I have my Secret Santa to thank for it.

Apparently, there's a whole story behind the "Multiple"- which makes it a little more charming:

" In 1996 Harper's Bazaar did a story featuring six of the top makeup artists of the time. The direction for each was to pick their favorite model, pick their favorite look and the magazine would credit every product used.

Carolyn Murphy was the choice of François Nars. François was inspired to showcase beautiful, translucent looking skin - a departure from the heavily matted skin in fashion at the time. François choose to use a single lipstick on eyes, cheeks and lips to add a touch of color and a healthy glow. Nothing else was added.
NARS was credited with exactly the one product. The caption read: “NARS Brown Out - Tangier Lipstick on eyes, face and lips”

Soon customers started buying lipstick for eyes, face and lips to re-create the beautiful skin they'd seen in Harper's Bazaar, but we all know that lipstick is not the best for face and eyes. This led François to create a universal texture - The Multiple was born. A revolutionary stick for the entire face in a cream-to-powder formula that was oil-free.

The single image which transformed an industry."

From NARS website: http://www.narscosmetics.com/the_multiple.htm

Sweet.

Seems like the whole beauty industry is on the "multitasker" bandwagon. The New York Times reviewed several, what they called "Beauty Care’s Swiss Army Knives," products that save money, time and energy, just this past Sunday. Even the ever-so-high-and-mighty Vogue spent some web bytes on Winter 2008 beauty bargains, under "splurge OR SAVE." Recommended reads if you're thinking of replacing your old products with new, more pocket-efficient ones.

Simplify. Now there's a new year's resolution I can keep...

It's All About Taming the Hair: The Marilyn Brush

So you get the best coffee from your favorite shop of joe, you get the best school for your kid, you live in the best town for the recreation, you go to the best bar for killer mojitos, seek the best boots for the fall, and the list goes on... So, what do you do, when you have the best haircut ever (see my post on Lindsay hair), to highlight its features in the best way possible? I am talking about the gorgeous layers, the volume, and the shine.

Well, very simple: You get the best hairbrush possible!

Enter: The Marilyn Brush. Bristles made from 100% boar, these brushes come in many shapes and sizes, and you pick them depending on your need. The company offers ceramic brushes, made of a combination of plastic and ceramic, which allows the brush to heat for up to 10 minutes, thereby reducing time on-task with your blow-dryer and keeping your ends just spiffy without any heat damage! Now, that's not only a smart way to reduce your morning routine time but also a great way to go green at home. Now, here's a company that takes your hair seriously!

Recommended by my glamorous-haired friend (you're the best!), I purchased the one with the hour-glass barrel, size 3.5, to get more oomph and nip-tuck for my hair. (Ummm... Confession: I cannot wait until Nip Tuck's new season starts! Such a guilty pleasure, it's even on my mobile...)

I ordered mine online through the company's website- total instant gratification- you can also get it at Zitomer's Pharmacy; the closest one to GCT is at 40 W 57th St, between 5th & 6th Ave's.

Brush away those potential bad hair days!

SPACE.NK is here!

There are a few things I get excited about, and one of them is finding a beloved store in the City in my own backyard. To add to my excitement, this time it is a global favorite, and I am simply thrilled! I think the last time I felt this way was when Target partnered with Boots- a total "must-visit-when-in-the-UK" destination for me...

Space NK opened up its NYC flagship store on 99 Greene Street in Soho. I've made my pilgrimage, and opened up my wallet without a blink- I absolutely love the brands they carry as well as their own brand.

And now, they're in Scarsdale, right on Harwood Court- an ideal location for a boutique apothecary. Oh, I am getting goosebumps!!! It has a gorgeous layout- all white- and although some may not find the space large, I found it's pretty spacious for its location.

You know I love sharing my finds, so here are some faves from Space NK:

• Space NK Seaweed Body Polish- perfect way to exfoliate before that waxing appointment and pre-beach sunning session
• Philip B Travel Kit- a set of shampoo and conditioners small enough to put in your carry-on and large enough to have it last for that week in the summer cottage
• Space NK Foot File- very handy for in-between summer pedicures
• Go Smile Touch Up Mini Mint- a good excuse to run to the ladies room to get the red wine stain off your teeth

If you are not familiar with SpaceNK, then go online to their website (or, click here) and order their catalogue. It arrives at your mailbox in a handwritten envelope a couple of days after you click send.

Now, that's British sensibility!

About Lindsay and My Hair

Early July, HBO On-Demand was running Georgia Rule- a movie about a generation of women, clashing, congealing, and then clashing again and coming together for good. What interested me more than the plot was- ready for this one?- Lindsay Lohan's hair. Yes. She had gorgeous, long-layered hair. And I know, she has probably more extensions than anyone, more hair-coloring jobs than my years of hair dying combined, a stylist at hand, and all those countless luxuries that those in the eye of the public can afford. With all that said, I wanted her hair.

So afraid that I was reverting to my teeny-boppy years, defined by the 'original' 90210 days, I emailed my girlfriend who is always up and about these things. After a few confessional email exchanges, she reassured me that my obsessions was ok, it wasn't Lindsay that I was yearning after but her haircut. Whew. Then she made me promise that I pass on the research after I am through. No problem.

So, I went online. First things first, I needed to get a photograph of her from the movie. The photograph had to reflect the best part of her hair that I loved: the distinct long-layers, the length, and the tousled effect. Definitely NOT the color- so totally not! Not that it's not to die-for, but, see, I am a brunette who has finally found her own natural hair color and proud & protective of it. And here is why:

My dalliance with my hair color goes back to elementary years where I used to use a lemon-water mixture to lighten my hair in my grandmother's backyard. In the middle school, I continued using the lemon-water solution but added small doses of peroxide to speed up the process. Then, I moved on to experimenting with henna, trying every brand that Ricky's carried. Not only it added subtle color, but also gave shine to die for. After a few years of increasingly reddish hair color, I moved onto semi-permanent hair dyes. Now, in this territory, I started off with natural ones like Natural Instincts and Herbal Essences. After a disastrous "Bozo-the-Clown" experience where my then-boyfriend hubby had to run to the nearest CVS to get 'corrective' dark brown hair color so that I'd look semi-decent to his friends who were meeting me the first time EVER (still a story we share & laugh about), I went professional.

During my professionally-done hair coloring days, I first started with honey-ish highlights around my face. Noticing that my hair was increasingly getting lighter, I thought I would extend the highlighting from sectional to all-over my hair. During these years, I went highlight- obsessed: I would randomly ask women (on subways, business meetings,...) who I thought had amazing highlights about where they went. After a few different hair-colorists and four to five sessions of all-around highlights, I was on my to becoming a very light brown brunette. Now, with my olive complexion, that was not a pretty scene. In addition, I was spending a fortune that should've really been going into a 401k account per Suzie Orman. So, I decided to go bare, and forget all about highlights.

Well, that lasted, ummm, about two months, until I realized I needed some serious help: Coming down the escalators at Saks Fifth Avenue, I saw a woman- me- with multitude of hair colors that ranged from brassy orange blond to very dark brown. Literally tears running down my cheeks, I ran to Dean & Deluca and treated myself to a full-fat cappuccino and a walnut brownie. Now that explains my relationship with food, doesn't it?

I called my Mom. Now, my Mom who lives in Istanbul, visits her hairdresser on a weekly basis- which is a norm in major cities in Turkey- to get her weekly treatments, blow-outs, styling, and coloring. She said she would talk to Mehmet, her hair stylist of decades, and then get back to me. So, it was upon their urging, I waited until I went to Istanbul to get my now-multinational "hair issue" fixed.

Mehmet, true to his word, did a fantastic job! My hair was finally one color yet subtly multi-toned, and from what I remember, the closest to its natural shade. Now, I needed someone in the City who I can trust would maintain my hair in between my visits to Istanbul. This is how I started making the pilgrimage from Westchester to Astoria to see Baris, the owner of Friends hair salon.

Equipped with the empty box of hair coloring that fixed all my problems, I was treated like a queen at Friends- they are so friendly and so amazingly knowledgeable about hair, from the latest styles to the latest techniques. Yet, the travel was taking a toll, and I, very reluctantly, started going locally. By the way, from what I hear, those guys also work in Toka in the City, NYC home of the very famous DC salon. With the end of my visits to Friends came the end of my hair coloring adventure.

Going back, a picture of Linsday's haircut from Georgia Rule. Got it. Check. The next step: Find who does her hair. Thanks to the Internet, that was easy: Neil George. Bad news: There's no New York City outpost and I am not traveling to LA anytime soon. More research led me to Rare Salon in the Tribeca. I was conflicted at this point: Do I take the picture and go to my local salon (who has gone very price-y now), or do I give Rare a try?

I picked the latter and went to see Alana. I think this has been one of the best decisions I made about my hair without borrowing from my retirement account. Alana not only gave the most luscious layers to my hair but she also gave me so many usable tips to play around with my new hairstyle. It's been so much fun!

Now, who says a girl cannot have a movie star hair without paying a hefty price?

Botkier

Right up there with Tory Burch, I admire Monica Botkier. She's a native City girl who has an eye and penchant for clean design with a modern twist.

This is how I was introduced to Botkier, I will never forget it: I think it was Fall of 2006, I was on the 4 line on my way from Jeniette back to GCT to catch the train back to the 'burbs. Usually buried in a magazine, my eyes caught a glorious deep burnt orange bag- with fringes and all- standing in front me on the arm of a girl. It was not only calling my name but also winking at me. Cheater. I admired the worn soft supple leather against the backdrop of heavy-duty metals of multiple zippers, the western-inspired fringes, the "I don't care if I don't look all put together, but you know I really am" look... Such classic lines with the modern tweaks... I wanted it. No, I needed it. The ride was short, and I needed to know who created such a beauty. And that's how I met her.

Over the past years, I've been stalking Botkier. Yes, stalking. I missed the 2007 sample sale, and then I missed this summer's sample sale. Needless to say, I was devastated. Until today...

I was having a breakfast of pecan-honey buns (frozen, reheated at 325F for 25 min.s) and Tassimo Starbucks House Coffee on my patio and browsing through InStyle's August issue when I saw that Botkier has collaborated with Target for an inexpensive line! Oh, my- could it be true??? I rushed to my computer, googled "botkier and target" and there it was!

My first instinct was put every single style in my shopping cart- and I did!!! Noticing my greed and need for instant gratification, I took a quick break and emailed my girlfriend who shares my addiction to Botkier; she responded immediately with an "OMG"! Indeed. We went back and forth reviewing the bags, complaining about the PVC (c'mon- even Marc Jacobs uses real leather for its inexpensive line!!!), debating over the color fuchsia, making the images larger, smaller,..., until only 3 styles remained in my shopping bag.

In order to avoid rash decision-making, I even took a break to take a shower (and a great excuse to use my absolute new fave body moisturizer: Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil). Checked to see if the mailman delivered. Tidied up the living room.

With a clearer head, I revised and pressed the "confirm order" button. Let's see, Botkier! Are you going to live up to your reputation?

Color, color, everywhere!

Just as we thought grey was the "new black" or that black was back being the "new black," color enveloped us all over!

Those of us who have seen "Sex and the City" can tell that screaming yellows, navel oranges, bluer-than-the-sky blues and bright-hello-there Kelly greens are back! I think I lost count of the number of yellow shoes and belts worn by the actresses! Needless to say, I was wearing my snake-skin yellow pumps to the premier... A girl must have her colors!!

Just as I was about to block black out of my summer wardrobe, I looked through my own make-up bag to see what kinds of colors I have to compliment my new ambitious move. Hmm, not much in there other than many shades of gold & bronze & silver (all- of, course- to compliment my usual all-black attire). So, I have been in the mood thinking about adding some color to my orange make-up bag.

Hey, this is no challenge to me! I reached out to my personal DIVA, owner of Thevi Cosmetics, a brand new venture combining beauty and diversity, and guess what? Yes, it's all about color! Celebrating the launch of its brand-new website, Thevi brings us options to wear color without looking like we're in line waiting to audition for Bozo-the-Clown for Barnum & Bailey! (OK- not that there's anything wrong with Mr. Bozo, it's just not my career path...)

Here's how the owner, Thevaki Thambirajah, describes her line: "This has been a passion and dream for the past 3 years. Through my own journey growing up in the United States, I found the market needed a beauty brand that would celebrate women who balance both modern lifestyles and the ethnic traditions. I've created this modern line of cosmetics, which women can easily find colors to match their skin-tone and express their love of color in their everyday lives."

Two-thumbs up for Thevi! So, if you embrace color in food, fashion, home, spirituality, nature,..., check out this new brand of cosmetics that celebrates color in our lifestyles and traditions.

Yogurt on My Back, Yogurt in My Tummy, Yogurt on My Face!

Whenever we got sunburnt under the Aegean sun, my grandmother would run to the fridge and bring out the yogurt- she'd smear the white goodness all over the burnt spots, which was usually cheeks, shoulders and back in my case. I'd feel like a goddess under the cool touch of the yogurt, and often pretend, I was a character from Dallas and Lucy was my best friend, summering with me...

My grandmother made the yogurt herself- from the fresh milk delivered to us by a short, stocky woman in flowery shalwars and brown slippers. She'd first boil the milk- her way of pasteurizing it- and then separate the creamy goodness (mixed in with honey and pecans/walnuts/almonds, the buttermilk would taste divine!), and then put aside some to be converted into her thick, creamy yogurts. Her yogurt was always the center of our meals- complementing the fried eggplant, or as a sauce on our manti, or in form of refreshing cacik or cold ayran, or mixed in with homemade sour cherry jam as breakfast or dessert...

Today, I am delighted to be able to find yogurt of similar consistency at my local A&P. My favorites are the thick and gooey Fage Total 0% or the Oikos brand's creamy version. Whenever I end up at Trader Joe's (and I seem to do so often!), I reach out for their own brand- it is equally de-lish. For a quick pick-me-up, I drizzle a little honey and sprinkle toasted pecan maple syrup granola, also from Trader Joe's. It's an all-time fave.

I have been reading a lot about yogurt and its earthly goodness, so I decided to mimic what my grandmother used to do- put it on my face! About a couple of months ago, I did some research on available products out in the market, and decided to try out the Korres brand. For my combination sensitive skin (oily t-zone, dry cheeks, hormonally-imbalanced chin), I had picked up their yoghurt velvety moisturising cream and yoghurt mask- both for normal and combination skin. The moment I spread the luscious goodness on my face, it took me back to our summer house with our olive tree whooshing against the salty breeze, the almost fluorescent pink and purple bougainvilleas draped against its white walls and my grandmother humming to a fasil on the AM radio...

The whole product line at Korres reminds me of the homemade remedies that I saw my grandparents use- my grandfather used to boil a similar concoction to Korres's cough syrup made with honey, fennel, aniseed and thyme. I am also enamoured with their White Tea fluid gel- a light cleanser that does not leave the face dry or with film. Usually very finicky, my skin is loving all of these products. Recently, I tried to switch to my previous face regimen- just because-, my skin cried out in red blotches and asked for the yogurt back!

Oh, I noticed that they have a yoghurt cooling gel for sun ailments- I think I might pick it up for this summer...

Girls Who Love to Treat, Lunch and Dine

It's complete Winter Wonderland outside! For some reason, I did not get enough sleep last night, but unexpectedly, and to my surprise, woke up with such gusto, just in time to drop hubby off at the 7:30 train.

Driving on all four-wheels, we passed by sleepy passengers waiting for various BeeLine buses along the main road. I have to tell you, there is something in the air, I could not stop smiling all the way to and from the train station. In honor of my mood, hubby got a luxurious drop-off spot, to everyone's envy, without getting a single flake in his hair. He was smiling, too!

Having the entire week off to myself, I called my girlfriends with whom I had not really had the chance to spend one-on-one time lately, and put lunch dates on our calendars. In preparation to my pampered week, I headed over to my favorite hair salon in Westchester, Salon Topaz in Dobbs Ferry, and submitted my hair to Lisa's creative shears. This was my second visit to this lovely place, and I left triumphant once again!

My first lunch spot was the New Leaf Cafe in Fort Tyron Park, in what's now called "Hudson Heights," (previously known as "Washington Heights" to those of us locals who knew the area before the real estate brokers capitalized on its gorgeous views of the Hudson River) a gentrifying neighborhood of professional moms and dads who work in nearby colleges and hospitals. The cafe is by the 190th Street stop on the A-train as you enter the park. It's a spacious cafe- with clean lines and tasteful minimal decoration.

My friend started with French Onion soup- looked less cheesier than its counterparts- while I sipped my Côtes du Rhône wine by the glass. My entrée arrived promptly- Mediterranean Salad with lemon-parsley grilled chicken and goat cheese. The dish was composed of simple and distinct flavors that blended in nicely with the rest of the plate. I am always afraid of the overpowering prowess of the goat cheese- but not here, not in this salad. (I think I might be able to replicate the grill chicken's flavor using a marinade like Emeril's Lemon Rosemary Gaaahlic at home) My girlfriend got the Crabcake Sandwich which was accompanied by architecturally designed potato chips and red cabbage cole slaw. She loved it and we both licked our plates clean!

The portions were not too big or small- just the right size that allowed us to venture into the land of desserts. And I'm glad we did! I usually have a weakness for warm tarts and tartelets filled with pecans and walnuts, and that's what the daily special was! Bingo for the tummy! My warm walnut tartelet arrived with a scoop of dulce de leche ice cream craftfully placed in a tulle of pastry. I was in heaven! My friend ordered the three-flavor ice cream and happily indulged in it. I was equally happy with our waiter who noticed that this was an occasion for two girls having lunch & talk, so he left us respectfully alone, only coming in to fill our glasses with ice water.

The same day, I met with another girlfriend for mani and pedis in Union Square. We went to my local fave spot, Jeniette, that I've been frequenting since about 1999 when I worked in the neighborhood. Jenny was not there; nonetheless, we had great service and lovely time getting pampered. And at a decent Manhattan price! From there, we headed over to Filene's Basement where I bought myself a pair of cashmere-lined dark brown leather gloves at a bargain price. The day was getting better!

Starved at this point, we went to the nearby unassuming but always crowded Spice and indulged in delicious Thai food. My girlfriend got my absolutely fave Drunk Man Noodles- spicy broad rice noodles, eggs, sweet basil, chili with chicken, shrimp & squid, and I got the Japanese Eggplant with Sweet Basil- sauteed eggplant with garlic, basil & chili sauce with chicken. We also indulged in Mango Martinis and Malbecs. Tummies absolutely full, we headed over to the Coffee Shop for caipirinhas and facetime. We got our end of the bargain AND a nice viewing of the total lunar eclipse. What a treat and a half!

My next lunch spot was a stone throw's away from home, at the Red Hat in Irvington. I had not been to it since it moved from its Main Street location to the waterfront in a converted warehouse. Oh- I have to mention, I went into the nearby One, thinking that it was the Red Hat, and found myself swiftly out the door when I did not see Red Hat's trademark lady in the red hat logo! By the way, my very food-savvy friend swears by One, and recommends it highly for those special occasion dinners. I also noticed that they have my fave appetizer: Caramelized Vidalia Onion and Goat Cheese Tart with peppered walnuts, roasted figs, acacia dressed baby lettuces on their lunch & dinner menu- perhaps, the next destination?

In any case, going back to Red Hat, the ladies welcomed us at the front door. There was a tad bit of confusion as to which one would take our coats, but alas, the coats off our arms, we headed upstairs to the dining room. What commanding views of the Hudson! We took our seats at a corner red banquette and started off with mini sourdough breads and glasses of iced water. The lunch menu looked simply divine- I could've had everything on it!

Upon my friend's recommendation (she'd been here a number of times), I ordered the Classic Salad Nicoise with seared yellowfin tuna, fingerlings, haricots verts, tomato, hard cooked egg, and lemon vinaigrette. I am often disappointed in the heaviness of such an intently light dish, and Red Hat did not disappoint me. The tuna was perfectly quickly seared, the lettuce lightly flavored with the lemon vinaigrette, and the haricot verts crisp to the bite. Again, I was in food heaven. My girlfriend was craving for something "egg-y" so she ordered the Warm Wild Mushroom Salad with toasted pine nuts, fried farm egg, shoestrings, and pinenut vinaigrette. De-lish! Both my girlfriend and I got lost in our food and conversation, we did not even notice that we spent about 2.5 hours- and not a single waiter bothered us! Now, that's a complete treat!

So, today's plan was to head over to Columbus Bakery in UWS with another girlfriend and indulge in their infamous tuna salad- a mix of tuna fish, green apples, cranberries in what they insist is yogurt, but I'd like to differ & think that it's more mayo-based. We used to have it at least once a week when I worked in the WFC 2. And I was thinking of, afterwards, heading over to Levain Bakery for their to-die-for chocolate chip walnut cookie...

Alas, mother nature is asking me to take a culinary break. So, as I am sipping my Mastro Lorenzo Crema that my Tassimo so diligently produces, I cannot help but think about what I will be having for lunch... I wonder if the roads to the Whole Foods will be cleaned by lunchtime to get fresh sushi... Hmmm...

Holiday Cleaning... Well, kind of...

So, this is a tale that has been making the rounds at various family gatherings: Sometimes it takes place in Vienna, sometimes in Baghdad, and occasionally in Ankara. The setting is not as much important as the emotions attached to it. As the story goes, on a gray (substitute city name) day, my mom apparently had a terrible cold, so she decided to place me in front of TV so that she can take a nap. With all her trust in me, she curled under her covers in bed. What probably felt like a short while, must've been longer than she had intended, because when she woke up, the scene could've been from a Tarantino movie: Me, sitting in front of her white lacquer vanity, with her Mary Q eyeshadows all over my eyelids, her Lancome mascara smeared across my eyelashes, her Chanel lipsticks across my cheeks, and her prized Dior blush across my forehead and other various spots across the room... The air infused with L'air du Temps... To put all this in context, these were the times when my parents were at the start of their careers, so whatever money or possession they had was more precious than ever. And there I was, standing in front of my mother's vanity and wasting away...

I often think of this story during the holidays, especially at the end of a year. It becomes more 'real' when the credit card company sends my entire year's purchases in one annual statement broken down into categories. And every year, I make a promise to myself not to waste money on items-du-jour, and start believing in investing in 'classics' that will last forever (although the word "forever" can be a relative term). This, to me, feels like holiday cleaning of the wallet, the closet, the cabinet and the soul.

So, my holiday cleaning started early December. Inspired by a New York Times article "Sans Makeup, S'il Vous Plait (May 25, 2006), I headed directly to my local mecca, the Westchester. I started off with a eggnog latte from 4-bucks (ode to my friends who insist that everything costs at least $4 at Starbucks!) and equipped with a slice of marble pound loaf, I went straight to the Yves Saint Laurent counter at Nordstrom's. I invested in a Touche Eclat- a great all-around highlighter for the eyes, right underneath eyebrows, sides of the nose, and around lips. Apparently, one of the greatest signs of ageing can be seen around your lips as they get darker with age. Who knew? Well, now that was taken care of, I rushed over to the adjacent Armani counter in search of eyeshadows no. 36 and 10. They were waiting for me right there- hooray! Slightly peeking at the price tags, just as unbelievable as the Jets having a shot at Superbowl, I thanked the lovely salesperson, and walked out. Ick! $24 x 2 + tax for a pair of tiny eyeshadows?? I guess some things may remain as classics and admired from afar.

In search of Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer and (now needs to be replaced) Armani-esque eyeshadows, I headed over to Sephora- where quality of service and quantity of shoppers always vary with no statistical support. I always get extremely distracted there: I somehow find myself sniffing Jessica Simpson's (short-lived) whipped body cream, or using Stila lip plumpers, or anything that's not directly related to my purpose. I guess that's the point, right? Anyway... Frustrated by not being able to locate the Laura Mercier products, I left the store with Benefit's Georgia powder (for that overall peach-y sheen), Smashbox's Strobe eyelighters (notice the marketing word- eyelighters, aka. eyeshadow with slight tint of highlighters. Very spork-like!), and Nars Deep Throat blush (who named this one- Robin Byrd!?!?).

I thought of going back into Nordstrom's but a little voice whispered to me that I needed to head over to Costco to get some shrimp for the company we were having later that day. After all, I promised hubby that I would take care of that. "You, you," the voice echoed sounding awfully like Robert DeNiro in the movie "Analyze This" or was it "Analyze That"? I get confused. It was my hubby disguised in that little voice, "get over to Costco!"

Costco, a place of great wonders, and sometimes, treasures. Potentially dangerous. Last year, when I went in to get some meatballs, I came out with three two-ply cashmere sweaters. Who would've thought?? And, the year before, I got a bargain on a winter coat with the fur trim and all. Hmm, maybe there is a pattern?

I headed straight over to the back where the seafood resides. Well... I did take a slight detour by the beauty aisles. As my eyes darted quickly across Elizabeth Arden creams, Nexus shampoos, and then I saw it. It came in a box in a hard-plastic cover. In bold letters, it screamed at me: "Bare Escentuals- seven piece everyday eye collection." I remember you! I remembered you from a conversation I had in Montreal with a cousin of a friend who works for a dermatologist. Her makeup was so incredibly amazing that at the end of our stay, I had to ask her what she used. Very graciously, she said she only used mineral-based products. I remember making a mental note that I would try you. "Duh, Esra! Remember me?" said the box! (Yes, I do have conversation not only when driving with drivers in other cars, but also, at stores with products!) Match made in heaven. With a price tag of a little over $30 bucks, this was my Armani!

With a shrimp tray and my brand-new essential eye collection, I came home. I popped the shrimp in the fridge and the 60-minute disc that came with my eye makeup in the DVD player. I emptied my makeup case of all the old stuff. Feeling rather triumphant and cleansed of old mistakes, I settled down with my cup of Earl Grey with milk & honey...

Spa Services in Westchester

I love nail salons. I love spas. And I am sure we all recognize the difference, but most often, the lines can be blurry.

In my mind, I always equated spas to boyfriends: First, there is always a list of them. You can pick and choose depending on your mood (and need for services). If you are happy with one, then you are in a blissful state of mind. If you are not happy with your current one, you simply move on to the next. No hard feelings? Well, often times, break-ups can be painful, you never know how the next spa is going to treat you or you don't know how good you had it. Bowing your head and swallowing your pride, you can always go back for one more. But as my grandmother always says, things happen for a good reason; you may not recognize it at first.

So, my local spa history started with Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa at the Westchester. I was used to frequenting the 5th Avenue location, so familiar products, same gracious service, and delicious teas and coffees offered in a plush setting were all I thought I needed. Just as I was getting comfortable, my "treatment lady" left. I was heartbroken.

Then began my treks back into the City to my original digs. When I had half a day to spend, I would hop on the train, usually at an off-peak time. 45 minutes (and an all-aggravating eavesdropping on a seatmate's phone conversation) later rushing to the 4 or the 5, I would get to Union Square to Jeniette Day Spa to Jennie's welcoming hands. It wasn't until I started working in the Flatiron District that I found this incredible spot- professionalism and amazing service at great values! I wish they were just closer...

On the other hand, Mario Badescu's location worked fairly well for my treks from GCT, but I've come to realize that I love its products more than the experience at the spa. Just a matter of preference.

If I planned to meet my hubby for apres-work drinks, I would head over the J. Sisters in midtown, and in a jiffy, feel like a freshly plucked chicken! I always admire the speediness of this place, but most often felt that I was just a credit card.

Same with Bliss. When it first opened up, after devouring articles over Marcia Kilgore's genius move into the business, I was probably one of their first customers. Eagerly, I embraced and loved Bliss. I still do. But over a period of year or two, I changed about 4-5 "treatment ladies" because they had left- to go somewhere else or retire? Some called to invite to their new spa du-jour. I don't know, I liked them at Bliss. Sometimes I wonder if I could've had a different relationship with Bliss...

Another one of my heartaches came from The Spa at the Chelsea Piers. This time, it was not the changing staff, but rather a brutal MetroNorth-subway-bus trip to the West Side. When my hubby played at the Chelsea Skating Rink, we'd make a date out of it, but alas, even he has moved on.

I was thinking of trying out Oasis Day Spa but after redeeming our Valentine's Day couple's massage gift certificate, I did not feel warm and fuzzy about the location. It seemed too close to going to work rather than going to get pampered.

All this traveling was getting to me. So, I went online to SpaFinder to locate some place closer. Hence, my encounter with Completely Bare in Scarsdale. Located smack in the middle of the village of Scarsdale, I found this place cozy and welcoming but too pricey. And did I really want to be embellished with Swarowski crystals after a bikini wax? Hmmm, not me.

I then headed over to Mamaroneck to Bodicures. Located in what reminded me of a Nantucket cottage, this place had all the little touches that made you feel you were home. But alas, this was not my home. After a pleasant but long treatment, I was tempted to go to Sherwood's and eat my sorrows in form of ribs.

My search then led me over to Tranquility Spa. Before they moved into their current location, the spa was located on a second floor of a building that also housed a furniture retailer. Ambiance-wise, a big minus. I was terribly late to my appointment, but the gracious lady at the reception told me it was all ok and that they'd take me in shortly. And they did. I forgot all about the furniture retailer downstairs. A chatty young girl assisted me to the treatment room- I thought I was in a Jack Nicholson movie, what was the name? She continued talking about her recent certificate from the NY School of Esthetics, and her boyfriend, and her cat,... I just had about enough. And I remembered: The Shining- that was the movie! My sister-in-law just gave me a gift certificate to the new location- I think I am going to give the new location a try.

Too many bruises on the body, ego and wallet, I bowed my head and went back to the Red Door Spa for one more try. For now, I feel like I hit the jackpot! Michelle is just wonderful- bubbly and welcoming, and they just added a few new coffee flavors in their waiting lounge...

With that said, my cheating heart so afraid of being broken again, I am compiling a new list of spas that I might want to try:

• Shine Salon & Spa in Ossining
• Park Avenue Medical Spa in Armonk
• ...