Science Fair

Earlier this week our good friend Rebecca Wierda invited Eloise and me to attend her son's science fair.  Unfortunately, Eloise was unable to go and because we are inseperable, I nearly declined the invitation. However, Rebecca knows me too well.  She enticed me to attend with the prospect of meeting super hot Single Dad, so I put on a cute outfit and got pumped to learn some chemistry!  Little did I know I WAS the science experiment!  

I had been hoodwinked into serving as a prop in a demonstration about prosthetic limbs!!! I soon realized that this had been her plan all along!  I never would have gone had I known what I was signing up for.  After being touched by sticky kid fingers and covered in molding clay I was banished to ride home in the trunk.  When I was in the vulnerable position with limbs detached and with a ridiculous over-sized tee-shirt on she decided to snap these "hilarious'' photos of me.  I see how you are Rebecca! I'm such a good friend and shop only at Leigh's and this is how you treat me!? 

Bengtson Center Spring Skin Care Event

This past Thursday Lola invited me to join her at the Be A Glow Getter! Spring Skin Care Event at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery.  The annual event is a fun opportunity to socialize as well as check out the newest products and procedures available for achieving rejuvenated springtime skin.  We will be stepping out a lot this Spring and we want to be sure to put our best faces forward!

The Bengtson Center, which specializes in cosmetic surgery as well as skin care treatments, boasts beautiful and state-of-the-art facilities.  It recently relocated to the new Grand Rapids Women's Health Center on the Medical Mile and is apparently the place to be!  Everyone came out to see The Bengtson Center's top vendors show off their most popular products and services and take advantage of special pricing.

Lola (Right) and I photographed by Andidream Photography

We both had on pieces from our most recent Leigh's shopping spree.  I layered an Elie Tahari jacket over an orange Skinny Tees cami and completed the outfit with Vince pants and Donald Pliner cork wedges.  Lola had on a Trina Turk top and skirt, strappy Michael Kors sandals, and a Brighton necklace.

Some of my favorite vendors at the Be a Glow Getter! Event included Elina Organic Skin Care (which is made in Michigan!), Design 1 Salon Spa (whose fashion show we attended in December), and Aura cosmetics.  Our wine samples were provided by my favorite local wine shop- Martha's Vineyard- and gourmet pizzas and desserts were catered by Nantucket Baking Company. As if I wasn't already thoroughly impressed with The Bengtson Center, they had decided to use the event as an opportunity to give back.  They are partnering with local nonprofits to help local mothers in need.  Everyone was encouraged to donate a pack of diapers so I picked up a couple for Lola and I to bring.  I am a mother of two myself and think this is a great cause to support!  After learning about the latest and greatest solutions available for "getting our glow on" Lola and I determined that we both have similar skin care needs- our fair complexions make it difficult for us to maintain a healthy-looking tan.  We were suggested a self-tanner from Aura Cosmetics to achieve our desired radiant, springtime skin and we are absolutely in love with it.  (Lola had originally been set on a slightly more aggressive Spring skin care regiment of Botox, however after speaking with the representative it was determined that she really had no fine lines or wrinkles to worry about).  We can't wait for our next chance to visit The Bengtson Center!

YMCA Spring Expo

Eloise (Left) and I at the Spring Expo

I'm afraid that I may be single handedly responsible for putting my favorite cocktail lounges out of business because of my lack of patronage- I stayed in on yet another Friday in order to be fully energized for an action packed Saturday with Eloise and her kids at the David D. Hunting YMCA. 

The Y was hosting a spring expo that we didn't want to miss which featured vendors from local businesses, and we thought that the kids would enjoy spending some time in the pool (girl's day under the guise of kid's play date).  Spray tans, manicures, and massages were all being offered!  Eloise jumped at the free massage (she is still sore from yoga last week) while her daughter and I got our nails painted and her 4-year-old son was entertained by a balloon. 

In the Fitness Center

I had never visited the Y before so Eloise gave me a tour.  I was very impressed- the building is both beautiful and designed to meet environmentally friendly standards.  My favorite part is the glass walls which offer a view of downtown Grand Rapids.  I also discovered that the Y is a great place to socialize (aka buff men everywhere)!  I think I made good impressions in my colorful Tory Burch tunic and jacket and Vince shorts.  Eloise was also cute and practical in a Workers for Freedom skirt and Plenty by Tracy Reese top  

 

By the Pool

Our final stop was the pool.  We hung out on the deck while the kids splashed around, but I did end up dipping my feet in.  The heated water gave me a preview of my much anticipated spring break vaca!  Fortunately Eloise and I are both able to get away for a bit next week- to separate but equally warm spring break destinations. 

I'm glad I got to check out the Y!  I am seriously considering becoming a member so I can work out with Eloise!    

Seva Yoga

Lola (Right) and I

      To my surprise Lola has been sustaining her healthful lifestyle choices (and relationship with new boy toy) of regular yoga practice and limited alcohol consumption. When I told her I wouldn't believe it until I saw it, she invited me to join her for a class at her favorite studio, Seva Yoga, in Gaslight Village.
   

We matched the paintings!

      On Friday I met her and her Yogi boyfriend at 8 AM for my first ever vinyasa yoga class. Kudos to Lola for sticking with it!  Yoga is not easy and she made sure to let me know.  Her smart comments about my lack of flexibility revealed her not-so-secret vindication.  But at least I looked cute when I was falling out of tree pose onto my butt. I had on my green Solo Moda jacket, Tribal pants, and Michael Stars tank. Lola wore a Tribal ensemble purchased at Leigh's of course.

      Although it was a challenge I enjoyed the experience.  I am definitely going to incorporate some yoga stretches into my training for the 25K 5/3rd Riverbank Run.  Which gives me an idea- I think I'll turn the tables and invite Lola to go for a light 9 mile warm up with me one of these days.

      I also found out that Seva Yoga is stopping by our favorite place! They will be at Leigh's this week for Beauty and Wellness Week.  Michele our instructor will be discussing topics such as aromatherapy and detox as well as teaching gentle yoga and restorative yoga sessions.  Hope to see you there!

Lunch at The Green Well

On Friday Eloise and I went out to lunch at our favorite East Hills eatery- The Green Well Gastro Pub.  The laid back atmosphere, eclectic menu, and vast beverage selection made it the perfect place to recap our busy weeks!

Our new friends John and Susan

Eloise (Left) and I

Eloise had on a cute 3.1 Philip Lim cardigan and pleated See by Chloe trousers which she accessorized with a Sarah Calender necklace and her practical Lilly Pulitzer flats.

I wore a striped Vince shirt, 3.1 Philip Lim pants, a Kenneth Jay Lane necklace, and my favorite Venezia-Milano ruffle-front trench.  I completed my outfit with strappy Cole Haan sandals which, as Eloise pointed out, revealed my eagerness for the arrival of spring (she may have been suggesting that they were not appropriate to wear in February in Michigan when its 35 degrees but I think she is just jealous of my new purchase).

Our baked goat cheese appetizer

My seafood platter

Eloise's pad thai 

For our appetizer we shared the baked goat cheese (from a local farmer of course- I love their emphasis on sustainability!) that was served with tomato salad, bacon, and pesto.  I ordered the seafood platter for my entrée paired with an Albarino from Spain, the featured wine of the week.  Eloise decided on the pad thai and a "dark and stormy" to drink which is a dream pairing of dark rum and home-made ginger syrup.  As always our dining experience at The Green Well was outstanding.  I can't wait for summer so we can enjoy cocktails on the patio!

Spa Week at Leigh's

As soon as I received my mailer from Leigh's announcing their Spa Week I set up an appointment for Lola and I.  The timing was perfect- after braving Snowpocalypse 2011 and with v-day right around the corner we could both use some serious pampering!

Lola (Left) and I

Lola showed up to our date in an unusually subdued olive green Elliott Lauren sweat suit and Tribal tee shirt which she accessorized with BCBG Max Azria flats and a Simon Sebbag necklace.  When I asked what was up with the earthy ensemble I learned that Lola had recently taken a holistic approach to fighting the winter blues...by trading cosmos for 8 AM hot yoga classes!?!?  I was a picture of fashion and function in my orange Tribal jacket and tee shirt, black Tribal pants, and a sporty lime green ToyWatch.

Healthful snacks!

Getting everything set up for our paraffin treatment.

Our visit to Leigh's was in keeping with Lola's new focus on self improvement.  We enjoyed rejuvenating paraffin treatments and facials using products from Natura Bisse, Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy, and Fresh, as well as tips on how to update makeup for spring using the newest from Yves Saint Laurent and LeClerc.  Leigh's cosmetic team is amazing!

After our facials we decided to do some shopping.  Lola used her lifestyle change as an excuse to purchase yet another set of Elliott Lauren workout clothes and I picked up a flirty Valentino Red top to wear on my Valentine's Day date with my husband.  When the subject of the lovers' holiday day came up I learned that Lola would be going out with a fellow yogi- 8 AM all makes sense now! Facials, shopping, and the latest update on Lola's love life made for a fantastic Gal-entines Day at Leigh's!

Friday Night at the GRAM

After muddling through my Friday (Thursday night is Ladies Night at Bar Divani) I was looking forward to an atypical low key night at home, however, when Eloise called me at the last minute to stand in as her date for the evening I couldn’t refuse. She had been planning to catch the Diana - A Celebration exhibition at the Grand Rapids Art Museum with her husband but when both children simultaneously came down with the stomach flu he graciously offered to stay home with them while she enjoyed the well deserved night out.

I quickly threw together an outfit which included a Vince blouse, Eileen Fisher wrap, Laura Jorge necklace, and faux leather pants by A Woman. In contrast Eloise was perfectly put together in a Valentino Red jacket, Michael Stars turtleneck, Robert Rodriguez necklace, and Vince jeans.

The exhibition was amazing! I was thrilled to see Princess Di's numerous designer dresses including her famous royal wedding gown. When we meandered back into the lobby we were pleasantly surprised to discover live piano music and a stocked bar. We both enjoyed a cocktail and I immediately began to feel more like myself. I began conversing with an immaculately dressed tall, dark, and handsome and learned that a panel discussion on fashion had been planned for the evening as part of the Friday Night Conversations at the GRAM. Of course we had to attend! Eloise and I followed my new friend into the cafe where we learned what inspires local fashion designers Kirk Johnson and Benjamin Gott. Although it was at the expense of the sick kiddies (who I’ve been told are all better now) Eloise and I enjoyed an amazing, unexpected, fashion-infused evening out together!