Real Housewives of Miami- Overly Confident Woman. Slightly Fizzled Instead of Sizzling.

February 23, 2011

So who watched Real Housewives of Miami last night? It's about time they aired the premier since it was filmed a year ago!  

For starters, isn't this Real Housewives of Miami not Fort Lauderdale? Just checking.... Maybe because Larsa spends enough time in Miami with the other wives, she gets a "bravo tv different county but it's okay waiver" !??  Besides that I liked what I first saw of Larsa.  She looks great for having 4 kids and with taking care of the 4 kids, her husband, and managing all the finances, she certainly has her hands full.  She doesn't seem like she'll cause too much trouble- she's all about family but does make time for her girlfriends--- she's kind of like Miami's version of Kyle circa first half of the season.

 Adrianna is annoying... such a flirt...one second she's engaged the next second she just has a bf and the next second she's flirting with ten men!? Apparently finding out her husband had another wife while they were still married made her want to be scummy just like him!? She has a little too much confidence and needs to practice speaking English because saying "I'm not any lesser because I'm don't have blond hair and blue eyes...." well that just doesn't fly!  She's reminding me of Camille's evil latin twin who isn't as rich?

Christy is also annoying.... she thinks she's Gods Gift to the World....  Does anyone know why she split with Glen Rice or why he split with her? And did I understand her right when she said she has full custody of 2 of her step sons, so does that mean their real mother is just totally out of the picture and obviously Glen is too?

Marysol's mother seems like she may be on the show more them Marysol.... How awkward when the mother was digging for sex stories from her daughter!? Her face is so plastic looking, yet she tried to say she doesn't believe in plastic surgery!?? What alternate universe is she living on that she thinks we belive her?  I've never heard of her PR firm by the way... anyone?  And lastly how awkward was it when she asked her all female staff how their weekend was when it was Friday? Clearly she is an air head...

"Some people look at me and they look at my husband and just because he's older and maybe doesn't look a certain way....." says Alexia... Deeming herself the "cuban barbie," this woman proves why they are so many higher schoolers out at clubs all night. I remember when I first started going out in the club scene here back in '07 and I'd be out on a Tuesday night at Rok Bar or Mynt, and I'd find out some of these kids were in high school- out till 5 am on a school night and buying tables... I figured they were pretending they were staying at a friends house or their parents were out partying somewhere too or  they were away, but Alexa just proved that maybe a lot of "Cuban Barbie" moms know what their kids are doing but are okay with their 17 year olds staying out all night and going on cruises with their girlfriends.  Instead of lecturing her son about eating healthy so he can be a model and actor, she should focus on convincing her son to wait till he's out of high school to use a fake ID?

Now Lea Black is an odd addition to the group.  She looks like she belongs on the Real Housewives of Dallas, which makes sense because she said she's from Texas but HELLO you are in Miami now, Lea! The MOM jeans you wore at the girls cooking lesson/dinner party were hideous and a major fashion don't with the white button down tied in like a wierd early 90s type of way!??  However maybe her roll is to be the "mom" of the group, the organizer, and she must throw great parties at that house of hers....

Overall, I'm not too wow-ed. Beverly Hills is better, and I'm so sad to say that since Miami is my city, but Dear Bravo maybe you need me on there in a few years with my friends :)  Of course I'll keep watching though.... and the previews look like there's lots of drama to come...

Cameos on the show-
Dennis Rodman- didn't know he still existed?
Casa Tua
Penguin/C&C Store on Lincoln

xoxoxo,
L

The Customer Experience Expands into the Medical Field: Spa Environment, Customer Survey, and FLOWERS!

February 16, 2011

I am always pleasantly surprised by a great customer experience!  My first visit a few weeks ago to Dr. Gallardo and Lamos was quite enjoyable- I mean as enjoyable as an appointment can be when your mouth and gums are being prodded at and you are told just how little insurance will cover.... But in all seriousness, the waiting room was serenely decorated with soothing colors, a subtle yet fragrant scent, and candles. I was offered water, coffee, or tea upon my arrival.  When I chose water, I had the option of cold or room temperature.  While I was waiting in the chair for the Periodontist to arrive, i watched the news on the flat screen TV.  The doctor greeted me kindly and did a mini interview with me, such as what do I like about my smile or not like, my favorite foods, etc... It was kind of cheesey but in a funny ice breaker kind of way. I also got a survey via email to fill out about my first visit experience, which I quickly filled out with positive feedback. 

The other really cool thing this office does is they email and text appointment reminders! Way better then a phone call or having to return a VM! So simple yet so genius!

After the initial exam was done, I met the doctor in the conference room where I was presented with a few different options.  We decided together on the best option, which included considering what was medically necessary and costs.  By the time I left my appointment, I had my surgery scheduled, my prescriptions written, and was totally in the loop with the gum grafts I would be getting- different from Boston in the fact that they would be using donor gums instead of having to take the gums from the roof of my mouth to sewn onto the receding area.  And they would be knocking me out.  All making for a less invasive procedure and a less traumatizing experience and better healing!

I had to take some pill yesterday morning an hour before the surgery, which made me loopy and relaxed.  I remember being sort of in and out of sleep during the surgery but Giovanni said they told him I was out cold and I was just remembering before I drifted off and then when they woke me up.  Once I got home, I slept most of the afternoon and so far the pain isn't bad at all. 

Today I was back at work and I got a call from my front desk that I had a delivery while I was at work for flowers.  I got home and there was a beautiful bouquet from the doctors "wishing me a speedy recovery."  Talk about a great customer experience!!

xoxo,
Lauren

Girls Spa Days: A MUST, Zuma Buzz Continues and always filled with TALL Woman!

Saturday February 12

Hello My Readers and Happy Weekend!

I woke up Saturday morning ecstatic because we just got a cleaning lady and she is going to come every week!  I don't know about you guys but with long hours of work, working out, a social life, and a teeny bit of r & r time combined with a husband that works even longer hours and spends almost 3 hours in the car each day commuting doesn't leave to much time for cleaning!  Very excited about the deal I just scored for $60 a week, thanks to my friends Tonya and Mo's recommendation.  This is going to make life so much easier!!! 

So Zuma continues to be THE HOT SPOT!  Went there after work last night with some friends and sure enough starting around 9:00 that place is buzzing! The food never disappoints! Insider tip- the watermelon martini may have disappeared off of the cocktail list, but you can still order it! And no it's not some fake watermelon crap mixed with cheap vodka- its muddled watermelon with top shelf vodka and sake- no sugar or fake stuff- and it's to die for! Ate some of the usual suspects last night, such as the spicy yellow tail, the beef tataki, the rice pot, the heavenly miso cod, etc.... Tried the fillet for the first time which was delicious and lived up to the expectations that the beef skewers, rib eye, and skirt steak built up!  Every time I'm in Zuma, especially when we sit in the lounge area over looking the bar, I'm always amazed by all of the tall women! I mean we live in Miami so I'm used to seeing models all the time and lots of beautiful people, but at Zuma it's as if every tall glamazon calls the others in their pack and makes sure to always be at Zuma at the same time! I think when sitting at a table and looking up, they look even taller! Oh what I would do to be 6 feet and blond for a day? I mean I've tried the blond thing but the tall thing you cant exactly try out!?? For now I'll take my 6 inch Louboutins or my new 5 inch black patent leather hidden platform Pour La Victoire pumps. 


So who loves a great massage and a great spa? I mean who doesn't right? My friends and I have instituted Girls Spa Day reoccurring every 6 weeks.  I mean how fabulous is that? We went to the Standard for our first 2011 Girls Spa Day and due to Lisa not knowing the Hammam was coed and getting naked in a bath only to have men then walking in and feeling super uncomfortable and not getting the proper bath experience, we all now have 20% off our next Spa Day at the Standard. What's better then a day that includes a massage, fun in the sun, and wine and lunch with you girlfriends? For all you ladies out there, I highly recommend instituting spa day!

dB Bistro Moderne, Michys in Miami v. Michelle Berstein's in Palm Beach, and a Girl's Superbowl Highlights

Sunday February 6, 2011

dB Bistro Moderne moved in a stone throws away from me in the new JW Marriort Marquis.   Anyone whose eaten at Daniel Boulud's restaurant, Daniel probably, dropped almost a grand per couple.  For those foodies who would prefer not to "break the bank" or at least maybe just a mini bank can enjoy a great meal, in a great atmosphere, with good services (yes I said good service) for about $200 a couple-- the average cost of a good meal in Miami at most swanky places if you are drinking, doing apps, dinner, coffee/ teas, and maybe sharing a desert....  I had the Grouper Aux Epices which was prepared with braised peppers, chick pea panisse, and cilantro.  The famous dB entree is the $32 burger with braised short ribs and foie grass which Mo had, and he attested that it lived up to its reputation. I would definitely go back there for dinner or just even for a drink as the bar area was very nice and spacious- complete with a low bar with comfortable seats at "regular height."

Continuing with good food, Michy's is a hidden gem up on 69th and Biscayne.
 
Despite the obscure location (although not so obscure- since Soyka and the whole group of restaurants and shops there is only 10 blocks away), it is always packed.  I love how you can half your choice of half or full sized appetizers and entrees, and the food is delicious.  On Friday Giovanni and I went there for date night and we shared the ceviche and tuna tartar appetizers along with the Malaysian curry snapper and the short ribs.  Michy's definitely kicked its Palm Beach asses counterpart. My stone crab crudo and Cioppino entree last night was only sub par. The atmosphere was completely different as well.  While Michy's is eclectic and cozy, Michelle B's in Palm Beach in the Omphoy Hotel was much more old world style.

To cap off the weekend, which consisted of Michy's, Girls Spa Day at the Standard, MBs in Palm Beach, a stop in Delray Beach to meet a few of G's cousins who I had never met before and meet up with Andy, spinning, pilates, and regular Sunday things, was Fado.  I watched the first half with 2 other couples at Fado's Irish Pub.  Yes I was at a pub, but don't worry we had a reserved table and it was surprisingly nice for a "pub." While I had my back to the TV for everything but the national anthem and half time, as I was busy drinking wine and talking fashion designers, Pilate's, lingerie, Valentine's Day plans at Casa Tua, etc.... with the girls, I did watch the 2 important parts.  Now Christine Aguilera looked gorgeous and very polished in her conservative black  dress and blazer.

I spotted her Christian Louboutins from the second she came on screen with the gorgeous sparkly silver cap toe.  From the TV they looked black, and I thought they were the original ones I searched for in NY in December but after googling, they were actually red...even more luscious!  The crazy thing is that by surfing the net, I just found out Christina flubbed a line.  She repeated a variation of an earlier line during the anthem. Now I was too transfixed by her voice, her presence, and her shoes to notice this, but apparently its all over the Internet, especially via social networking sites, and I'm sure it will be big news in the AM.  I wonder what the repercussions are? Will she not get paid?  Will she owe the Superbowl money? Will she lose fans? Did she realize she messed up?

For the half time show, I turned my chair around, tweeting a few times during it.

Fergie looked amazing- not tranny or post-meth addict like she often looks.  Her body looked amazing in her space age, rocker chick, flashy get up with the lace up boots, and her face had a soft look to it- a nice change from the normal harshness she portrays.


Her blond hair was on par and overall she really captured a feminine rocker glitzy look.  Every time I hear "I got a Feeling," I think of my wedding when Giovanni and I walked down the stairs to get introduced into our reception.  My fear of tripping down 30 steps erased as my band played the song, sounding just as if Fergie was performing.  Our bridesmaids and groomsmen surprised us with throwing L & G napkins, Miami club style, as we made our way down the stairs.  It is such a high energy, up beat song.  How can you not love it? Besides Fergie looking Fergalicous, her band was cool-weird space age looking as always and all the martians- I mean- back up dancers were so futuristicly awesome.

The Slash showing up was so funny and unsuspecting, yet worked so well with "Sweet Child of Mine."  And Usher is always a great addition to any performance rockin it with "Lets Get it Started." "Where is the Love" complete with L O V E spelled out on the field, segawayed into "The Time (Dirty Big)" and "Time of My Life," which PS totally brings me back to my favorite movie, Dirty Dancing, and yes I am serious...  The BEPs end with "I Gotta a Feeling," which is another song that I think is hard to ever get sick of.  I think overall the performance showed great on TV, and I'm sure the visual effects were just as amazing live.  Apparantly, not everyone liked the perfroamnce as much as I did according to my quick online research... tough audience I suppose or not everyone has good music taste?

As far as Fado, we all left after half time to get some rest before another busy work week begins, and now I'm enjoying the end of my Sunday night in true Sunday night form, in bed with the TV on.

Signing off xoxo,
Lauren

PS- Anyone Else love Eminem for Chrysler ad??
PPS- Girls Spa Day 2011 will now happen every 6 to 8 weeks at different spas.  This Saturday there were 8 of us, and it will be part of an upcoming blog
PPPS- Real Housewives of Miami premiers Feb 22nd! So beyond excited!
PPPPS-I've had my sketchers shape ups for over a year now, and after that Kim Kardashian commercial, I think the rest of America will have them....