Category Archives: General

Wanderlust: New York City

NYC-Buildings

It’s a funny thing, parenthood. It’s Saturday, we’ve got a babysitter for 24 hours, and the best and most exciting use I can find for my time is catching up on work and running errands. And this makes me perfectly happy. I was tinkering around on my site, making updates, when I came across this draft of images from my last trip to Manhattan in September 2012. It was fashion week, I was attending some very trendy events, and, newly pregnant, decided it was a good idea to fit into an obscenely tight pair of red skinny jeans. I regretted it almost immediately when, two hours later, I realized I’d forgotten to factor in my newly growing belly’s need for space when sitting. Thankfully, Lucy is now out and safely on the other side of the bump with no zipper marks to speak of.

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Miami Staycation: Food & Fun

You know, I almost didn’t post this but then I realized there was no way I could omit a Sinbad photo op. I mean, come on – it’s Sinbad! Though this post is a bit of a mish-mash of random (but honestly, very fun) things we did over the course of our Miami staycation, these moments reminded us why we are pretty fortunate to live in this city (now and then and only when there’s decent parking involved).

We rediscovered Monty’s South Beach, a location that not only has spectacular views but also boasts a bar-side pool, so as not to interfere with simultaneous oyster-shooting and tanning. We also discovered that Chili’s is no place for anyone over 30 (that black light pic is the only good thing that came out of that venture – our stomachs are still very upset at us). And we made a pit-stop at some generic Chinese restaurant where we were comfortingly addressed in broken English by a woman who actually had perfectly coherent language skills when addressing her staff.

But let’s get back to Sinbad. I mean, what really needs to be said? If you grew up in the 90’s (and I hope I’m not one of the few), then you can probably share in my Different World inspired glee (I was always rooting for him and Jaleesa). But even now, the guy is still really funny and just plain nice. It was one of those adolescent tv-dreams-come-true — good enough to round out one heck of a staycation and justifying that two-drink minimum at the Improv.

P.S. I wonder where he gets his wardrobe…

In this post: Amorium Jewelry Purple Skull Ring, His & Hers Converse Chuck Taylors

3 Ways to Find Professional Massages for the Frugal Minded

Thanks so much to Kate Sorensen of Coupon Cravings for guest-posting and helping us all find our way to a well-deserved massage without breaking the bank. I, for one, will certainly be heeding her advice. Enjoy!

Getting a massage is a good way to de-stress.  Sometimes you  just need a moment to yourself to relax and recuperate.  But looking  at the prices of  most  massages can put the stress right back into the process.  It  has  long seemed  that professional massages are a luxury reserved for the affluent.  But this doesn’t have to be the case.  There are ways to find professional massages at discounted prices that won’t raise your blood pressure.  Here are three ideas for how to get a good massage for fairly cheap.

  1. Look online at  Groupon for discountsGroupon.com offers discounts of up to 80 percent on all different kinds of massages.  Whether you’re looking for Swedish, shiatsu, or deep tissue massages, there’s a good chance you’ll find one on Groupon.  On their website they explain that all their discount massages are from carefully-chosen, reputable businesses, so you can be sure your massage will take place in a clean and comfortable environment.
  2. Check out massage schools in your area.  Students at most  massage therapy schools are  required  to have a certain number of hours of hands-on experience.  They usually  have a student clinic where  this takes place.  They aren’t free, but the cost is much less expensive than your average massage.  Check online at the school’s website for information about student massages, or, if you can’t  find  the  information online, call the school and ask.
  3. Try one of the increasing number of no-frills massage boutiques.  Because of its popularity, massage parlors are popping up all over the place.  Arthritis Today explains that now there are a number of new franchises that cater to those of more modest means.  They offer 60 minute massages for around $40.  This is an exceptional bargain for a good massage.  The savings is due to the fact that these boutiques don’t spend as much time or money on the atmosphere and extras you’ll get at a spa.  But the massage itself can be just as good, and that’s what you really want to spend your money on.  Here are a few of these massage boutiques: Massage Envy, Massage Heights,  LaVida Massage, and Zen Massage.

If you find yourself dealing with a lot of tension and stress, a massage might be just what you need to unwind.  You  may have always felt that this is a luxury you simply can’t afford.  However, if  you’re willing  to  look for deals, or get a massage in a no-frills environment, you can find  your  way to a soothing,  relaxing  and  inexpensive  massage.

Year Two

Today I’m excited to celebrate year two of the blog and all that’s come along with it. When I started Bubbles & Ink, it was nothing more than a hobby – something for my friends and family to see what I was up to. Two years later, I’m so grateful for everyone who’s decided to keep reading and all the amazing opportunities that have come of it.

To celebrate, I rounded up some of my favorite posts from the past couple of years. Just click on the pic and it’ll take you to the original post. I hope you enjoy reminiscing as much as I did. And if there’s something you’d like to see more of, let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear what you’d like to see in year three. Thanks for reading… xxoo

 

 

 


An Education in Diamonds

Sometimes the only thing that can make a girl feel better after a really rough day is a little daydreaming. I was indulging in some online retail therapy when I came across a really great little diamond tutorial from Seventy Seven Diamonds. I remember reading up on my 4 C’s back before I had a ring on my finger. These little charts took me back – and actually cheered me up (as did the site’s fabulous collection of all things diamond.) I hope you find it educational. A girl really should know all of her C’s (and then some), after all.

By the way, for some serious indulgence, check out their blog. The Elizabeth Taylor post alone will make you smile at least a little.


One Long Year

I suppose I should take it as a sign of good things that last month came and went and I was truly too busy to remember that it marked a whole year since I decided to start Bubbles&Ink and take on writing as my full-time profession. I couldn’t feel more blessed. Thank God for this amazing year and for the people who have been so supportive during this transitional time. I only hope that I’ll be in the same predicament next year.

Much love and Cheers!

American Cancer Society Relay For Life Brickell, Downtown, The Roads

Join us this weekend on Watson Island for the first American Cancer Society Relay for Life of the Roads, Brickell, and Downtown. Free music, entertainment, and art over an eighteen-hour celebration of life for those who have beat cancer, are living with it, and will not lose hope of finding a cure for this disease that affects so many.

How to Help Japan

As we all know, the situation in Japan is heartbreakingly tragic. It’s been a month since the shocking series of events began to unfold and there is a dire need for relief in a country that is desperately trying to rebuild.

There are several different organizations that are currently accepting  both tangible and monetary donations. If you’re trying to figure out how to help Japan, please read this list by the Huffington Post. You’ve heard the cliche, but it always rings true: Every little bit helps.

ban.do signature scarf

I’m finding it hard to take my mind off pretty things today. Quite appropriately, ban.do just sent me an email about the arrival of their new signature scarf (100% silk – pics below). Enter code “sigscarf” through April 13th to get 15% off this adorable little wrap.

While you’re there, do some good by checking out their Hearts for Japan section, with proceeds going to relief efforts in Japan.