The Succulent Wife's Favorite Things

Your Dreams Come True: The Pure Inventions Cocoa Extracts are Here!!!

I've written about the Pure Inventions Green Tea Extracts before... I can't imagine spending my summer without them (i live in Las Vegas and need to hydrate ... a lot, and drinking plain water just gets, hummmm, well, boring).

So,I'm quite excited to announce that The Succulent Wife now carries the brand new Pure Inventions Cocoa Extracts. And guess what, these have all the great - wait, fabulous - antioxidant properties of the cocoa bean and the irresistible taste of chocolate with NONE of the calories or sugar!!!!

There are many ways to use these extracts: in water, hot or cold, as an addition to your coffee to make it a mocha, in yogurt, in cereal, and wherever you want to add pure cocoa flavor.

The benefits? I knew you'd ask, although you are afraid that this is too good to be true. The Pure Inventions Pure Cocoa Antioxidant Extracts contain the highest amounts of chocolate antioxidants, including flavanols (these are the cocoa’s antioxidants) and polyphenols associated with lower blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health. Scientific studies have shown that these flavanols seem to prevent both cell damage and inflammation. Recent studies show that cocoa may also help improve skin structure and density and that cocoa may support, protect and increase blood flow to the skin – improving its appearance!

Pure Inventions uses Lo Han fruit in these delicious formulations as a natural sweetener. Excellent for digestion, Lo Han is grown in Southern China and is called the “longevity fruit.” Together, these ingredients form an amazing combination of health benefits with a rich, unique taste.

The 2 ounces bottles are available in Chocolate Cocoa, Vanilla Cocoa or Mint Cocoa. Yum! Oh, and take a look at the gift sets too, which contain a one ounce bottle of each cocoa extract flavor.

Just good - or, is that delicious? - enough to be true!

The Belamar Hotel -- Affordable Boutique Hotel

I spent just one short night at this lovely boutique hotel last week. I had to drop off my daughter at LAX early the next morning, so Manhattan Beach looked like an excellent choice as a place to spend a day and evening together before her two week séjour away from home (I will totally set aside the fact that her departure -- she's 10. And a half -- was waaaaay harder for me than it was for her).

Anyhoo, a little bit of research unveiled the Belamar - only one L  - Hotel. I always, always read reviews on Trip Advisor before I commit to staying at any independent hotel property. Reviews were excellent and I will add my favorable comments to the mix. Although the hotel is 1.5 miles away from downtown Manhattan Beach and from the beach itself, we thoroughly enjoyed walking there, through the residential neighborhood and admiring this and that house. There are parking meters along the beach if driving is your thing.

The room was EXACTLY as pictured here. Pristine and clean and lovely and a relaxing shade of turquoise blue. The  artwork displayed throughout the hotel was amusing, not serious or self-important which was a nice way to make the hotel more "approachable" to some of us who may not feel like our cool factor is totally up to par.

Since we had a huge ice cream sunday at the fabulous Manhattan Beach Creamery, we weren't hungry for dinner till late, so decided to stay in, order a movie and get room service. Not only was the food really, really good, but the prices - relative to room service pricing - were actually reasonable.

We did not go for a swim but did go down to take a look at the pool. It almost qualifies as an interior pool as it is surrounded by 3 solid walls and has a roof that seems to slide open, but a cozy fireplace and candles and great lounge chairs make it very inviting. Oh, and the water was warm.

Highly recommended by moi. I'm going back. Oh, forgot to mention the free WiFi. Duh!

1-800-FREE411 -- Free Directory Assistance. Yeah!!

Or store 1.800.373.3411 on your speed dial.

In case you didn't know about this already, this is a FREE directory assistance service, most practical to avoid being gouged by the phone companies. What is it now? $1.50? $1.99 to get a number?

The only caveat is that this service is made available because of the advertising, so you will have to sit through a short ad before making your request.  I can deal with that!

via TrendCentral

Is your mailbox a junk mail graveyard?

An excerpt from today's Ideal Bite... bite ( I love this daily newsletter):

MAILBOX OR MAUSOLEUM?

Unwanted mail crowds out invites and tax refunds, and uses up valuable natural resources like trees, water, and energy. Point, click, and put to rest credit-card offers and catalog clutter once and for all.

The Benefits
Keeps you out of the sanitarium. Each American receives almost 560 pieces of junk mail per year - more than enough to drive you crazy.

Saves energy. Junk mail consumes more energy than 2.8 million cars every year.

More trees. Annually, 100 million trees are used to make junk mail.

More free time. Americans waste about 8 hours per year dealing with junk mail.

Wanna Try
DirectMail.com - free, quick way to get your name off commercial mailing lists.

OptOutPrescreen.com - opt out of pre-approved credit card and insurance offers online or by phone: 1-888-5-OPTOUT.

EcoLogical Mail Coalition - helps businesses stop mail addressed to former employees.

Native Forest Network's Guide - five easy steps to stop junk mail.

I am soooooo opting out, right after I press Save for this article.

Delectable Summer Refreshment: Fresh Mint Tea

My kids and husband clamor for this. And it's sooooooooo easy to make. I buy a pack of fresh mint leaves at Trader Joe's (you know, my second home). It's packed full of mint leaves, 2 ounces worth at a whopping $1.39. All that one needs to do is to remove the stems, place the leaves in a teapot, add boiling water and steep for about 5 minutes. I actually steep the same leaves a second time and since my teapot is small, I go through two rounds of this. I add stevia to sweeten. It complements the mint flavor very nicely and doesn't add any calories. So this is actually a totally guilt-free drink. My kids like it cold, over ice. I like it hot. The whole two ounces of mint yields about 2 to 3 quarts of fresh mint tea.

 

Of course, I prepare this because it is simply delicious, but wow, there are actually health benefits to it too. Mint has long been known for its ability to calm up stomachs and to sooth the digestive tract. It has other benefits too, but you can do that research on your own. And, shhhhh, don't tell the kids that it might be good for them.

Try it and let me know what you think!

Shu Uemura Tokyo Lash Bar Collection - Fashion for You Eyes

I’m feeling a little ambivalent about these. Or is it that I’m feeling too old? Although I would not be wearing these myself, I think that they are kind of fun. I can see that women in

Tokyo

would have no problems wearing these on the street. This might be tame for many of them… The Shu Uemura lash bars have been around for a couple of years, but these lashes are bringing it to a whole new level.

 

Let’s see where this trend goes, if anywhere…

The Artisan Hotel, Las Vegas: Best Kept Secret in town

I had a lovely evening last night with fellow succulent women Michelle and Susan. Susan had recommended the Artisan Hotel to us before, for its lounge and restaurant. Us locals usually shun the glossy and highly commercial Las Vegas Strip venues in favor of independent local gems. These are few and far between, but as this city is growing up, there are more and more to be found. The Artisan Hotel is one such find. It took me a couple of years before I actually found the right excuse to make it inside. And even though I had not heard anyone speak about it until recently, I always suspected that it was something “special”. I think its location is pretty inauspicious, but could also be called “convenient”. The hotel abuts the exit of our major freeway, the I-15 and Sahara. Not a quiet corner to say the least. But taking this very exit too many times to mention to drive or pick up my son from school, I always remarked on the exterior details of this hotel, signs that there was something quite promising inside. Things like the wonderful plant urns that surround the property’s wall and the stylish exterior draperies (yes, draperies!!!) that adorn the exterior staircase. Now, if a hotel is careful enough to adorn its fire escape staircase with draperies, you can imagine the things that they will care about indoors!

Indeed, this place is not a disappointment. On the contrary, what a “find” this is. And, it does not look like anything else in town. What a relief!! The photos unfortunately do not do justice to the drama of the hotel decor. They have created a feast for all senses, where sight, sound (perfect lounge music) and smell (some delightful scent was circulated in the air) are immediately catered to. The setting is purposefully dark and pays reverence to classic art as antiques and framed reproductions hang on every flat surface, ceiling included. Candles and votives are lit everywhere to add to the unique atmosphere.

We had a light dinner and drinks in the restaurant. Food was wonderful and nicely presented. Classy and attentive service. We felt quite hip and succulent sitting in this very different and unique environment.

I have not seen the rooms but have checked out reviews on Trip Advisor. I’m pretty sure that I would recommend this hotel to friend traveling to LV seeking a non-formula experience. The price definitely seems right.

I’m going back for a romantic evening with hubby.

LuluLemon Athletica, my Favorite Yoga Wear Brand

I was introduced to lululemon by my sister, Liza, a brilliant ballerina, now yoga and Pilates instructor, among other things...  She took me shopping in the lululemon store in Montreal for the first time about 4 years ago. We don’t have a lululemon store here in Las Vegas and I guess that my sense of withdrawal is what prompted this post. Every time I go back to visit (Montreal being my hometown), I make sure to drop by the store and check out what’s new. No matter what time of day, the store is always packed with items quite literally flying off the shelves.

Why do I like this company’s athletic clothing? Well, I like their designs, colors, fit, quality, thoughtful details (like that little pocket that fits a single key). I like the chafe-free flat seams and the wicking/quick dry fabrics. The staff is always cheery and the store’s atmosphere uplifting. I guess that I was subconsciously noticing something imperceptible too in each store visit, like the “energy”.  Indeed, here is an excerpt from the corporate culture page of the lululemon website: “The LAW OF ATTRACTION is the fundamental law that lululemon was built on from its 1998 inception.  All our training and culture is predicated on developing great people so we can attract great people.  This is not marketing lip service.  Just ask the people who work with us.   Our vision is “to elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness” and we are growing so we can train more people and spread the word of the “The Secret” – which to us at lululemon is not so secret.” Working much on that premise myself, I like that.

Unfortunately the corporate lululemon website does not sell online. If they have a store in your city, check it out, if not, look for it when you travel or find an independent retailer that carries the brand. The items are somewhat pricey but will last forever. I still have all my original items and they are in perfect condition. Some of their best selling styles, now deemed to be classics, are still available. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

The Gather Tank  (left) is my favorite of all because it is long, almost tunic length and doesn't ride up. I don't have to adjust it down after every downward dog. The Whisper Tank is one of the first tops that I got at lululemon and has incredibly flattering fit. But if your breasts are slightly abundant, be warned, you will find yourself more sultry looking than intended during the twisting poses.

My favorite bottoms are the Hip Pants, with their flared bottoms,  help counter my  weighty hips and thighs. Oh well, I'm working on it... And in summer, I love their cropped pants. I would rather die than be found wearing shorts. Not gonna happen. Cropped pants is as far as I will go. Gotta protect the innocent.

The Lulu Hoodie is another classic that I love. Even bought one for my 10 year old in XS adult size. It's still a little big for her and sleeves are way too long, but she loves it and relishes the fact that she will grow into it and still have it for years to come. I have a matching one. She loves that we can play twins. And this skirt, although i don't personally own one, a friend of mine does, and it makes for a totally adorable cover up over shorts or bathing suit or even as a cute ensemble with a coordinate tank or tee.

I'm really partial to this brand and the fact that it's Canadian also makes me very proud. That and Cirque du Soleil.

The Cutest Etched Glasses by Bread and Badger - Great Men's Gift Idea!

Clearly, The Succulent Wife caters to women, but we are quite excited to propose this really cute gift idea for the guys: etched pint and double old fashioned drinking glasses by Amanda Siska for Bread and Badger. Inspired by tattoo art, these retro pin up gals are so innocently seductive.

A great gift for anyone who appreciates the female form. Think Fathers Day, Bachelor Party, Brother’s birthday… Indeed, here are some women you won’t mind your man holding on to…

An exclusive design for The Succulent Wife, you will not find these anywhere else.
 

... We Climbed in Trees

I capture this last month as we were on our way out of Bryce Canyon and entering the historic little town of Panguitch, UT.

No verbiage needed here. These little road signs say it all...

Best Dessert Idea EVER & Under 90 Seconds to Prepare

I just hosted a ladies night at my home and served this and got the regular oooohhhhs and ahhhhs when the guests saw this dessert presentation. I serve this chocolate platter as the accompaniment to a lighter dessert. So easy, you’ll get it done in 90 seconds. OK, maybe 120 seconds if you count the time to pull out your platter and cheese knives (yep, cheese knives). All I do is get 2 or 3 kinds of chunk chocolate, usually found in the bulk bins. These Ghirardelli pieces are from Trader Joe’s but Whole Foods also has some good choices like white chocolate with cranberries or milk chocolate with hazelnuts. Simply lay these on a cutting board, garnish with fruit or berries of your choice and stick a hard-cheese knife in each piece of choco.

Guests love cutting off their own piece(s) sized according to their appetite or craving. And this amount of chocolate laid out for immediate and unmonitored consumption always gives off a flair of decadence. Huuummmmm. We like decadence.