Friday, April 23, 2010

BLISS!



Bliss Spa is fab! It is going to be a definite to-do when I need a pick me up! I visited Bliss 49 located at 541 Lexington Avenue and I am compelled to share that all the hype about their waxing techniques are true!
In the interest of providing TMI I recommend that if you go to the same location to request Dee she is a waxing specialist and esthetician.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

3012: April=Atlanta=Awesomeness

Atlanta was truly AWESOME! Friendly people and good times...3012 keeps getting better with each passing month!

WHERE WE STAYED!
Renaissance Downtown Atlanta Hotel

LOCATION: Easily accessible by public transportation. Near the landmark eatery The Varsity and Georgia Tech University.

AMENITIES: Roof top pool

LIKES: Request for extra towels was filled. Room had a balcony with a great view of downtown Atlanta.

DISLIKES: No fridge or microwave.









WHERE WE PLAYED!

The King Center

At the King Center you can get a tour of Dr. Martin Luther King's birth home, see Ebenezer Baptist Church, view the Eternal Flame and Reflection Pool.
This is a must see Atlanta landmark site, it is an opportunity to learn about and reflect on the life and influence of a powerful black leader!



Georgia Aquarium

(pic taken from my blackberry)

The lines for the aquarium were ridiculous, and there were tons of families there, so please go with a lot of patience. The aquatic life you will see is absolutely breath taking...I did not want to leave! My favorite section of the aquarium was the Ocean Voyager.


Wet Willies
This is a great place to pre-game before the club. Part of the chain that was made famous in Miami, Wet Willies in Atlanta is the place to be! It starts to get crowded around 5pm on a Saturday. The staff was attentive and courteous. The daiquiri's were amazing, I recommend mixing mango and melon....beware of the jello shots, they are trouble!


The Velvet Room
No you are not hallucinating, that is Boris Kodjoe in the picture, we were fortunate enough to be graced by his sexiness! The Velvet Room has a spacious and sexy atmosphere on the inside. On the outside it is in the middle of a strip mall, next door to a Big Lots! If you get a free pass to get in get there early because "security" will hold the line.


Life Nightclub

Had a great time here! (not much else to say, lol)









WHERE WE ATE!
The Varsity
Seriously overrated! The chilly dog and onion rings I ate were not memorable and the varsity orange soda was not good at all! The atmosphere was much better. The dining areas are split into different rooms, each room has a different television station playing. I ate in the ESPN room and sat in a traditional school chair w/ attached desk.


Waffle House

This was my first time eating here and I loved it! The food was more than enough and most importantly the price was right....
Where else can you get three egg whites, toast, bacon, grits, a blueberry waffle, and orange juice for under $9?






Goodfellas Pizza & Wings


Located across the street from The Varsity. This is the spot for fried, greasy, yet tasty food!




Busy Bees


Unfortunately I was unable to taste this fine southern cuisine due to the fact that they are closed on Saturday :-( This place is a true hole in the wall spot, and if you drive too fast...you will miss it. The 3012 Divas told me that the food was good, but the place was packed on Sunday.

Next Stop on the 3012 Tour: ??????....Stay Tuned!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Sally Hansen is the S#%*!


(Shown Above: Turquoise Chrome)

I have been obsessed with nail polish since high school...it was my main form of self expression since I was too chicken to do anything drastic to my hair and I was far from a fashionista! I am always falling in love with bright, rich colors.

I was in CVS when I stumbled upon the newest Sally Hansen product called the Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Chrome Pen. When I saw the color on the box it instantly reminded my of the minx nail treatment I have seen on celebrities like Beyonce. I don't know about you but I do not have the time or the money to get a minx treatment. Now you can get it for $6.50!

If the price wasn't good enough, this nail pen is easy to use, it is not messy, it's not as smelly as traditional nail polish, one coat is good enough and it REALLY drys QUICK FAST!

This is the perfect MUST HAVE for the busy woman on the go. Throw it in your purse for touch ups. This pen will also make self pedicures so easy! Don't worry if chrome is too much for you, they have regular colors as well.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

3012: MARCH MADNESS!

I'd like to start off this post by shouting out our 3012 unofficial sponsors: Bacardi, Smirnoff, Milagro, Ciroc, & Red Bull....
Okay, I must say that this has been the best weekend of the tour so far in regards to alcohol and dancing!

WHERE WE STAYED!

LOCATION:Located in midtown Manhattan. Near many eateries and in walking distance to Grand Central Station.
AMENITIES: The usual.
LIKES: Spacious! We had a two bedroom suite equipped with two full bathrooms, a large living/dining area and full kitchen.
DISLIKES: The kitchen needs a huge update. No doorman to hail a cab :-(



WHERE WE PLAYED!

BOB BAR



$5 cover $2 coat check and the best music ALL NIGHT LONG...we parted till 4 am! This place is minuscule and was packed on a Friday night. We arrived a little before midnight and it started clearing out close to 1 am. The drinks average $12 so make sure to pre-game @ home or the hotel before heading down there! I will be back again!

PULSE KARAOKE LOUNGE



This is a great place to hang out with friends and let loose! I recommend going with a group of 4 or more and reserving a private room. We reserved the Just Dance Package for $32 per person (w/ tax). This package offers 2 hours of private karaoke fun, 2 alcoholic beverages and 2 non-alcoholic beverages. The two hours flew by! I suggest coming with a list of artists and songs, so you don't waste time. The room had strobe lights that gave it a club vibe and music selection was operated by punching your selections into an I-touch. There are other packages available or you can chill in the lounge and karaoke with strangers (not sure how much this is).

ALPHABET LOUNGE



At first we didn't think we would like this place...but it grew on us, or the alcohol kicked in. Either way we had a great time here. I must say that they owner Babu is prompt with responding to inquiries, courteous and cooperative. We reserved one table which was for $150 worth of drinks and about two seats. This place is tiny and the music gets better as the night goes on. Although we didn't shut this place down we stayed for a good amount of time. The waitress was always checking on us and quick to bring back drinks!

WHERE WE ATE!


The weather for this weekend of the tour was a mess with torrential rain and 50 mph winds. We ate at the McDonald's on the corner of 39th and 2nd, and we ordered from a local Chinese restaurant. We did not get a chance to try any of the wonderful eateries in the city, but there will always be time for that another day!

NEXT MONTH: ATL BABY! Dirty South...Where you at!?

Saturday, February 27, 2010

3012: February in D.C. aka Plan B



The second stop on the 3012 Tour was our nations capitol Washington, D.C. Originally we were supposed to go early in the month, but had to postpone because of mother nature and her desire to blanket the northeast with several feet of snow (see above). We also has to squeeze all the fun into Saturday & Sunday only. There were a few things on the itinerary that fell through and we had to shift gears...hence plan B was always in full-effect!

This trip truly made me realize it is not about where you go and what you do but who you decide to spend your time with. I was able to travel (business class...and I highly recommend it) with my wonderful cousin and we had a great conversation all the way to D.C. from NY. Once in D.C. we met up with two of my beloved two college roommates, and fabulous family members and a close friend of one roommate. I could not imagine spending my time in D.C. with a greater group of women. We laughed non-stop and enjoyed ourselves more then all the people around us!

WHERE WE STAYED!

Unfortunately we stayed at the same place we did last time, and I know I gave it a great review...but that was before I came home with bed bug bites! So you can scroll down to my January posting and get the name of the D.C. Hotel to stay far away from!


WHERE WE PLAYED!

International Spy Museum


This is a cool museum for people of all ages. We did the basic package where you just tour the museum. There were offers of special events where you can be a detective and solve a crime.
It was interesting to see all of the tools and read about the techniques used by spies of all nationalities over the years.
Most interesting fact: Harriet Tubman was a spy!

GALAXY RECESS

This was an event put on by Host-DC. Held at the Sheraton National in Arlington, VA (minutes away from DC) the event let adults become a kid again! With a conference room full of tables with classic board games, a Wii set up, DJ (that was playin' all the hits) and alcohol for purchase...this was the place to be!
My friends and I held it down at the pictionary station! Fun Times!


You can follow HOSTDC on twitter for upcoming events!

GEORGETOWN

This is the D.C. spot for all things trendy & expensive! Lots of shops and restaurants. The newest trend: Georgetown Cupcakes....there was a line around the corner that stayed long. Luckily, some friendly women told us where we could get some of the delicious cupcakes for free just for browsing around a boutique.


WHERE WE ATE!
EATONVILLE

Yummy Yum Yum! If you love southern cuisine this is the place for you! There were a variety of comfortable seating arrangements, the food was fantastic, the drinks were tasty and the staff was phenomenal!
Our waitress split up the bill for us with out us even asking, she didn't ignore us and was prompt with all requests.
Best thing on the menu and a must have is the Mac & Cheese...OMG!
You can follow eatonville on twitter & facebook (go figure!)

THE DINER

Located in the Adams Morgan section of D.C.The Diner is a great place to go for breakfast no matter what time of day, that is if you do not mind the wait. We had to wait 30 minutes but it was sooo worth it. We all cleaned our breakfast platters and washed them down with mimosas!

B.Smith's

This restaurant was a last minute find for us. We needed some food before we headed home. Located in D.C.'s Union Station B.Smith's is said to have one of the most beautiful dining rooms in America. I just thought the place was cavernous and decor was over done for a Southern, Cajun, Creole restaurant. We ordered appetizers and the portions were huge. The food was good but far from great. If you are used to Southern cooking then you have had better, this seems to be a place fit for those new to the cuisine.
The service was up to par. Don't be surprised when you are asked for your full name by the greeter...the waiter/waitress will use it to formally address you and your guests at the dinner table.

NEXT MONTH: New York,NY! There are a lot of exciting things planned for this stop...so, rest up and get ready to party hard in the city that NEVER sleeps!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

3012: First stop Philly with a dash of D.C.!

This past weekend was the start of the 3012 Tour...can you say excited?! We had planned to spend the whole weekend in Philly, instead we spent one night there and one night in D.C. to help celebrate the 30th birthday of a friend. We had a great time filled with laughs, cocktails, dancing, great food...and more cocktails!

WHERE WE STAYED!

Club Quarters Philadelphia
Club Quarters is a new concept hotel for members-only business travelers during the week and available to non-members (like myself) on the weekend. Although the rooms are tiny there are many things I liked about this hotel.
LOCATION:Prime! It is on 16th and Chestnut next to tons of shopping, restaurants and public transportation.
AMENITIES: Complementary bottled water via a self-serve dispenser (very cool), fridge and microwave in the room....great for pre-gaming and leftovers ;-)
LIKES: Quick self check-in and check-out via kiosk, key-activated elevators, and prompt housekeeping services
DISLIKES: Tiny bathroom (think airplane size,
lol), $35.00 for late checkout (we decided against it)


WHERE WE PLAYED!


Located in Old City, Philladelphia. This place was packed with party goers. Getting a table meant buying only two rounds of drinks, with one drink averaging $10...needless to say we got a table! My drink of choice was the Voodoo Martini...yummy! This is definitely a place to party on a Friday night, with reasonably priced delicious drinks and a constant flow of great music.

The Palmer Social Club
A stifling sweat box with two floors of a hot ghetto mess...please do not enter!

WHERE WE ATE!

Pho Cali
This authentic Pho gem is located in Chinatown at 1000 Arch street (a block behind the greyhound bus depot). I ordered the Pho Tom (Shrimp) and it was delicious. This was my first time trying Pho and I am hooked! The ingredients were fresh, the broth was hot and tasty. Service here was satisfactory and prompt.









D.C.- WHERE WE STAYED!

St.Gregory Luxury Hotel & Suites
LOCATION:Prime! This fab hotel is located in the wonderful Dupont Circle area of D.C.
AMENITIES:Mini fridge, valet and bellmen services
LIKES: Courteous staff, free late check out, spacious room with a designated make-up area!
DISLIKES: n/a


WHERE WE PLAYED!

Timehri International

Located in the Adam's Morgan section of D.C. this basement-like bar plays laid back reggae music and serves fruity island drinks such as rum punch. It is a small space that can get packed quickly. The burning incense smell horrible, but if you make your way past the entrance to the small dance floor the smell is no longer a problem.

WHERE WE ATE!

Lauriol Plaza
This restaurant boasts "The best Mexican food in D.C."
Without tasting Mexican food at other places in D.C. I would have to say they are spot on. To say that this place was crowded is an understatement. Luckily we were there for a reserved birthday party and had no wait time, but I overheard people mentioning a two hour wait. I knew the food had to be good just by the amount of people in there...and boy was it!
As recommended by friend we ordered the seafood enchiladas with shrimp and scallops (an off the menu item). Trust me when I say this dish is heaven on a plate and this restaurant is a D.C. must! Just make sure to MAKE RESERVATIONS!

Austin Grill

On the way home we stopped for lunch in Silver Spring, MD. Austin Grill has an awesome drink menu that is worth checking out...the food was nothing special. They have a few Maryland locations and one in D.C.
That is a picture of my mango lime margarita that I invented...lol!


NEXT MONTH: Washington D.C. (officially) We will be staying in a different hotel, trying out one or two interesting tourist attractions, dining at different restaurants and of course partying the night away at two different D.C. hot spots!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

3012 Tour



The 3012 Tour begins this month!
Turning 30 years old 12 times in 12 different cities!

I will be posting details of all the FUN times here month by month in addition to my everyday Simple Pleasures! Stayed tuned for info on the hottest clubs/lounges, restaurants, and tourist attractions!

Buckle up baby...2010 is going to be one hell of a ride!