Asian and Black don't crack....

Who said facials need to cost a lot of money or time?  When you're broke or out of time and of need of a quick fix, I've been using these 2 staples for over 20+ years since reading it ages ago in a magazine like Allure.  I still do egg whites on the face from time to time but reach way back into your cabinets and dig out the Noxema.  That's right, I said it correctly, this should bring back some serious memories and after giving pause to those moments, head to the kitchen for some loose oatmeal...I usually always have Quaker oats (not the microwave kind) on hand.

In the lid of the Noxema, take about 3-5 healthy pinches (you'll find your perfect number the more times you play around with this concoction) and add about 2-3 small scoops of Noxema and stir.  Once everything is mixed together, apply all over the face skipping the eyes and mouth please and let sit for about 15-20 minutes.  Tingling will occur and yes, you will look like a wilderbeast but while doing so, I have found this mask to subside cyst like pimples, bring smaller pimples to the surface and give me glowing skin.  Tissue off as much of the product you can then rinse the rest off.  Although I'm able to afford a nice facial once a month now, on other weeks I still do small facials at home to upkeep my skin because taking care of my outsides are just as important as taking care of my insides and this tried and true facial hasn't disappointed me in all these years.  Play around with the mixture, maybe you need more oatmeal, maybe less Noxema...whatever your mix is, play with the times starting with 5-10 minutes first to check for any irritation then move on.  One of my best kept facial secrets with no cooking involved and cost about $8-$10 for both items with multiple uses.  Enjoy!

Prince Deux

Who starts off a packed house concert in their 2nd week with a slow, melodic, gospel sounding number????  Prince!  Once again I attended the concert, this time in the $25 upper, upper with a good view of the stage and clear shot of 2 jumbo trons.  What an amazing experience worth every penny and then some.  For the basic price of a movie ticket plus concessions or a ramped up meal, you can see a super fantastic musical artist perform his heart out, which includes crawling on the floor, lots of sexy walking/dancing, guitar rifts that are effortless and nuts, pure singing bliss and funky funk.  If that isn't enough for you (maybe you're hard to please) then an opening act featuring Sheila E. and the fam will surely let you know you're getting more than the standard.  You can go to the movies next week, get that pair of shoes next time, and skip that extravagant meal this once.  Don't miss the chance to see a truly moving show performed by one of the greats for only 21 days in L.A., 6 days down...you still have some time.

Prince...

My beast is a super fan, as with many people I know and although I never liked Prince until people seemed to be over Prince, I never fully appreciated his musical genius until last night.  Prince is officially performing 21 full days in L.A. at the Forum in Inglewood...smack dab in the hood.  For as little as $25 you can see an amazing artist sing like no body's business, dance sexy in heels and kill the guitar/piano.  Yes you'll be sitting in the upper level but you'll still have a decent enough view and see someone musically gifted in your lifetime and although we had $200 seats in the upper middle, I'll be there next week in the upper, upper for $25 enjoying it just the same.  

Prince went on and on and on....3 full hours on, sounding just as magical as he did when he started.  Encore after encore, while people left not knowing that he was going to play over and over again while the rest of us just waited to see and then surprised once again with him returning to the stage.  8 times, this super fantastic performer returned and I ate it up knowing I'm now a bonafide fan.  First concert seeing Prince and it won't be my last, especially if he keeps having guests like Shiela E. drumming it up and singing her "Love Bazaar and Glamorous Life."  If this man is appearing anywhere near you, make it a point to see this truly entertaining performer and leave realizing you just saw one of the greatest artist of our time. 

Sushi Ran/Shin

Sushi Ran is located on Riverside in North Hollywoodish, cusp of Burbankish.  Strip mall dining isn't usually my thing unless it's been raved about by friends...someone....well, anyone.  After a freak electrical incident, my usual strip mall sushi stop (Sushi Mac on Ventura in Sherman Oaks) has been closed and I needed something quick and easy.  Now I've passed up this joint several times coming from my infrared wraps because of not knowing but you never know when one day you'll be forced out of hunger just to try something new and I'm so glad one day, my hunger wouldn't take a back seat.  I decided to drop by before my service upstairs and look at the menu, then asked one of the girls working if she ever stopped by and she stated she had and loved it.  That was enough for my senses to say just take a chance and so glad I did and have been stopping there regularly whenever in the area.  Decided to try the salmon lunch special which basically came with everything.  It's a japanese joint with korean undertones and they do work well together I must say.  Salad was super green with a thick, creamy dressing that had snap to it along with a good size miso soup with slivers of seaweed and small chunks of tofu.  Then came the tray of trays!  Feast for one please!!!!  Salmon, cooked to perfection...flaky with a crispy bottom drizzled with the lightest hint of teriyaki sauce.  I do believe most places hide the true flavor of their food by masking it with teriyaki or other sauces because in essence the food isn't prepared well, not here thank goodness.  Salmon came with a scoop of rice, 6 big pieces of spicy tuna roll, pickled cucumber dish and some cold, creamy style noodles.  Spicy tuna wasn't fishy which is always appreciated since I am not one that likes fishy. It was plain with great texture but when ponzu, wasabi, red chili paste and ginger are added I had to do a happy food dance.  Cold, creamy noodles were bland the first time, but when I came back they had added a little bit of a pop which reminded me of a lighter, creamier take on Bi Bim Book Su which I am beginning to enjoy more and more.  Could only eat the sushi and 1/2 of the salmon, so for $12 plus tax and tip, I walked away with 2 meals total.  I love big portions but only when the food is delicious and for this price, I'm a fan!

Korean BBQ has always been my favorite and the hardest to please me on.  Being half Korean and having an amazing cook of a korean mom doesn't fare well in this dept. because my mom will win every time, so I go hoping its good enough if anything and Shin in Hollywood on Wilcox didn't disappoint.  A bit pricey with the "grill your own" menu but presentation is key here along with good taste.  The portions were small when they arrived but I assure you as you eat, your belly will be thankful with all the goodness to it's breaking point which of course I had to take it there.  Not as many side dishes as most k-bbq houses but enough to tickle your palate with kimichi, spicy fish cake, sesame bean sprouts and broccoli.  The salad was super with it's drizzled ponzu concoction dressing and each dish of bulgogi, spicy pork and shrimp was tasty.

Now most korean stops don't do desserts but after being stuffed to the nines, I had to pull out my emergency dessert pouch to try their green tea pancake which had to come with ice cream.  Chocked full of cinnamony goodness I am so glad I decided to man up and end this meal with this delicious surprise.  Price to portions compared to my favorite korean meal in the valley isn't worth it, however if you're in the area and hungry, it's a place to stop in and check out...even if it's only for the dessert!  











 

Horse Ride and Miramonte Spa in Palm Springs

This 2 day, girl's vacay in the desert was all done through Living Social, showing you can plan a small trip and still save lots of money so you can spend it on other necessities while out....like spa treatments!  Ha!  Booked a horse back riding session through Palm Springs Sightseeing Tours for 2p Sunday, April 3rd after realizing that we would only be about 20 minutes away after and in perfect timing to check into the spa.  For $89, me and my bf got a 1 hour ride at Lake Cahuilla relearning how to feel comfortable on a horse and then was served a bbq chicken sandwich with salad and a cold beer for lunch.  I haven't been on a horse in over a decade so thank goodness I had a slightly stubborn, short cut taking stud named Diamond who made me think that I really need to do this more often!  The picnic lunch that was served with the ride was okay, dry but after the horse experience and perfect weather, I'm not one to complain...I was nourished and off on time with a cold beer to check in to the resort.  Total cost after tip: $105 and well worth it!

Miramonte Spa and Resort is located in Indian Wells and the spa was rated #1 in America by Conde Nast Traveler, so of course that was a must during our stay.  Started with a very chilled strawberry drop infused with their very own, grown lemons for my soul sista Stephanie, had a sip and deliciousness trickled down my throat.  Oh my, what a way to start.  Walked the grounds were we saw 2 pools, a sauna and a fitness room nestled in between lemon trees and small gardens where they grew their own sage, oregano, chives and such, gotta love home grown ingredients!

The room contained 2 queen size comfy beds, a very nice size plasma and plenty of space for us.  2 sinks allowed primping quickly to get ready for our 3 course dinner which was located with a skip, hop and a jump.  I started with the lobster bisque, which had depth and rich flavor without it being too overpowering and a full bodied, baby smooth Malbec...then the seafood paella came.  Oh my!!!!!

 Now I didn't love their take on the paella which was creamy/runny risotto with peas instead of spanish style rice, but the seafood was to die for.  I don't really like scallops but these were like seafood steaks on the plate and seasoned to perfection.  I finished with the strawberry shortcake which was delicate and smooth topped with some chocolate covered strawberries courtesy of the kitchen.



Pictured to the left eaten, because that's what happens when you bring me fantastic desserts!  3 course meal with wine will run you about $40 plus tax and tip, don't skip on this experience at least once during your stay because the choices are fantastic.  They have 2 affordable 3 course prix fixe dining menus, one with more beef that's about $40 and one with more seafood for $30, get your stomach ready and try one!

The next morning we started with a fruit plate on our small open patio because we were still stuffed and strolled over to the spa for the beginning of our relaxation services.  I started in the eucalyptus steam room and soaked in one of the two 98 degreee salt baths before my service.  I had a wine bath ($45/15 min.) that had lemon oil and rosemary infusion along with a local wine poured in and while soaking, I had some of that wine along with  their trail mix of granola, dried cranberries and citrus brushed almonds-YUMMY!!!  Now all spa services, should be this amazing when you're spending money and now I have a new standard.  I got the absolute vitality wrap ($155) which involved a choosing of a word on a stone to focus in on, lymph node oil placement, light body scrub, then monticelli mud swiped all over causing tingling sensations while cocooned and compressed, mini facial performed, vichy shower (raindrops from heaven) for a warm rinse and then finished off with the application of oil.  Super Fantastic!!!  Leisurely had a portebello sandwich with a salad in the courtyard relaxing away and saying how perfect each service was for the both of us.  Followed suit with room service to keep with the lazy mode and split the tasty crabcake, chowed down on the salmon dinner and finished it off with the carrot cake from Urth Cafe (LA) with Sophia's rose wine.


Woke up to another perfect day to eat on the patio part of the dining room to leave on the strawberry drop, lobster quesidilla and peking duck spring rolls.  Perfect ending to a perfect trip.  Total cost around $500 each including food, tips, spa treatments and room so instead of this trip being $1000 or so a piece, we did it for $600.  This resort is now on the radar and will get a return visit with or without the extra savings!