Babies Everywhere!

As you know in my previous post "Gift Scam of the Century," 99% of my friends are now married. The natural progression of time calls for one thing...babies!

When my friends started having kids I had no clue what to get them. Something sentimental or the hipster present? For some reason, I thought living in Los Angeles automatically lined me up to give some sort of "unique" gift. Black & white crib mobiles (b&w supposedly stimulates a baby's brain), Rolling Stones onsies, Kitson Kids over priced junk...when it hit me. What I remember most from my childhood are the beautifully illustrated classic books that my mother kept safely on a very high shelf...and so the book buying and book gifting began.

I usually package 2-4 books together with a little note about how they inspired me as a little girl...oh, and be sure to ask for a gift certificate so moms can make an easy exchange if your choice is already a part of their collection.

Here are some of my favorite new and old books for the little ones in your life...
Where the Wild Things are
The Giving Tree
Velveteen Rabbit
The Snow Queen
Make Way for Ducklings
Rapunzel
Madeline
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Corduroy
If you want to splurge...The World of Peter Rabbit box set

I.M. Healthy

Ok, so I am not all that healthy when it comes to food. While I am definitely a picky eater, I don't always go for the veggies. I prefer a combo #1 from Chick-Fil-A over roasted duck at Spago (see Picky-Chick link if you are unfamiliar with CFA...travesty). My usual diet consists of lots of carbs, lots of sugar and the occasional "barely nutritious" vegetable (i.e. squash, zucchini, mushrooms). This "feature" has become a winner with my significant other (i.e. "cheap date").

What I have added to my repertoire is the closest thing to healthy this chick will probably get. It's called Soynut Butter...it's like peanut butter, but made with soynuts! It's SO good! Whew knew? I actually now prefer the taste over traditional peanut butter and love spreading it all over a very nutritious apple.

See mom, that's healthy!

Ready to Serve

In Los Angeles, it's hard to find that in-between restaurant. Something that has good atmosphere and an eclectic menu without the ridiculous prices. Thankfully, the owners of Grace opened BLD last week.

"Breakfast Lunch Dinner" is adding much needed sophistication to it's neighborhood (a few blocks from The Grove) without inflating the cost of basic bites. For about $12 an entree, you can get everything from a hemp seed crusted tofu salad...to a traditional pork burger...to a fabulous exotic cheese plate (that includes a white truffle selection!). The space is beautifully designed with warm palates and soft lighting (major improvement from when the spot was home to Opaline and Red). The acoustics manage to keep the volume at a bearable level with under-the-radar music playing in the background.

With few breakfast options in the area (achem...Toast's bland menu and club-like list to get a table), BLD will bring much relief to those wanting a good meal at any time of the day...without the drama.

BLD
7450 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.930.9744

Picky-Chick Getaway - Ojai

If there is one thing about a picky-chick it's that she likes to va-cay in style. Forget the hip spots US Weekly says Brad & Angelina were spotted...I am talking about someplace that doesn't require a private jet or your children's college fund.

The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is one of the most beautiful and relaxing resorts in Southern California. It's little over an hour north of Los Angeles and there isn't a whole lot to do...golf, spa, eat, drink. That's basically it and that's what is so fabulous about Ojai (pronounced "oh, hi Susan"). If you book a suite (approx $600 and up a night) you can enjoy an beautifully decorated & oversized room with jacuzzi tub, gas fireplace and all the wonderful Ojai Spa products (less expensive rooms are available for $350 and up).

It's perfect for a romantic weekend with your beau or spa time with your girlfriends. The laid back atmosphere and quiet guests (yes, quiet!) allow you to head home feeling nothing more than relaxed and rejuvenated!

Here are some of the highlights:
- The golf course was rated one of the best in California
- The spa smells of lavender and offers just the right treatments.
- Jimmy's bar (named after Jimmy Demaret) has the best thin crust pizza you'll ever taste.
- Jimmy, the course's Starter (no connection to the bar), has been guarding the greens since High School...and always with a smile!

Friendly Picking

News alert for all your Picky-Chicks...

You don't have to be best friends with everyone!

As we get older it's imperative that we are just as picky about who we spend time
with as we are a handbag or pair of shoes. For some reason, most of us think we have to be friends or stay friends with someone we just don't really click with. Luckily, with age comes a true sense of yourself. Sometimes you realize a friend is no longer the right fit. Here are a few examples...Maybe it hits you that every time you are with this person you gossip more than usual or come home in a bad mood.
Maybe you don't like the way they talk to their boyfriend or even other friends. The other side of this is that there is just nothing stimulating in the relationship. You don't learn anything by being friends with this person.

Guess what? It's ok to have the "break-up" talk. The truth is, if there is even a little tension in the relationship they probably agree that calling it quits might be best.

There is no need to be insensitive about it...just be honest. It will only make more room in your schedule (and heart) for those friends you truly love.

(kisses to my angels, LJ, Rain & AP...friends I'll never have to dump)

Golf Widow 101

I know what you are thinking..."my boyfriend barely likes golf." Well ladies let me tell you something. Your significant other may "barely like" golf now, but this will change...overnight. One day you are planning weekends together to exotic locales...next you're packing 60+ sunscreen into his golf bag and sending him off as if he's in 1st grade.

Rather than bitch and moan about your guy prefering the links over you, start being part of the deal. Now don't rush out and buy a cute golf outfit and spend a fortune on clubs (trust me, I was tempted). That is not what this is about. You don't have to actually play golf to benefit from 18 holes.

Next time you go to plan a weekend away, pick a golf resort. There are tons to chose from and many offer great packages that include spa treaments. Yes, you heard me...spa treatments. That is where your getaway kicks in. While he's swingin' the clubs, you're gettin' the rubs! Meet up later for a sunset cocktail and cheers each other for being so fabulous.

Here are a few sites that can help you chose the spot that's right for you:

Golf Resorts Online
Golf Link
Finest Golf Resorts
Priceline

Listen to Me - Lily Allen

Let me introduce you to Lily Allen. She is an adorable, 21 year old British singer with an amazing voice. Her unique style portrays "youthful edge" alongside the flare and energy of old time Hollywood. She's already making her mark in the UK.

A co-worker of mine started playing her music in the office and I just fell in love.

Trust me on this one. Here's how you can check her out...

Myspace
Billboard Magazine
BBC News

Moooo!

Most of us live and die for the sugary things in life. Whether it's kisses from a loved one or chocolate from See's Candies, girls love it all! The only issue with endulging in the latter is...well...we get fat.

If you are craving something sweet, but don't want to add to your thighs, try Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches. They are amazingly good and only 140 calories with 1.5 grams of fat...oh, and they aren't like half the size of normal treats like most "diet" desserts. Nothing worse than opening an ice cream bar and it's the size of your lipgloss.

Right on Skinny Cows! Here's to the sweet things in life!

Picky-Chick Trick!

Since my thirteenth birthday I have enjoyed the girly pleasure of wearing make-up. What I haven't enjoyed quite as much is trying to get it off! I have spent a fortune buying just about every make-up remover on the market. Clinique, Almay, L'Oreal and even Ponds. Not to knock these very reputable brands, but something went wrong with each one. As you know, Picky-Chicks don't always need to bash what doesn't work...they just promote what does.

Are you ready for the best kept secret in eye make-up remover? Are you sure you are ready? It's gonna surprise you...ok...here goes. Johnson's Baby Shampoo! Yes, I am serious! With the tiniest amount, all your make-up nightmares will wash away and the "no tears" marketing scheme is for real! It never burns or irritates. Another key benefit is that because it's only the most popular (and affordable) baby shampoo out there you can buy little travel sizes...ideal for the shower or a weekend getaway.

No "thank-yous" necessary...really, it's my pleasure.

The Bottom Line

All you girls who think, "you can't really tell I have granny panties on"...you are wrong. The world can tell and the world wants to HURL.

Instead of going into how you turn off every man, woman and child with your cotton lines pressed against your tight pants, I am going to offer the best news since Britney announced her second pregnancy...Hanky Panky thong underwear.

These miracle panties were introduced to me by a friend in a dressing room. I was sold in a matter of minutes by her insistence that these were the most comfortable and flattering undies she had ever purchased. I quickly marched into Neiman's where I bought 3 pairs. I have since added every color offered to my collection. They are reasonably priced ($18 a pop) and are truly the most comfy panties I have ever put on.

Here's the bottom line...when it comes to your underwear...their shouldn't be one, so try a pair of hanky panky!

*Another option that P-C does not necessarily endorse: The Anti Panty

A Picky-Chick Flick

So you are walking aimlessly through the aisles of Blockbuster. It's the most frustrating feeling in the world. You look from one title to another wondering how in the world these movies get made (i.e. "Soul Plane" starring Tom Arnold).

Well, there is a God and he brought you "Frances." In 1982 Jessica Lange nearly nabbed an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her performance in the biography of the late 1930's actress Frances Farmer. At times the film is unbelievable...the actress is labeled an outcast by Hollywood, declared insane, institutionalized and ultimately lobotomized (in recent years this was declared false).

Fact or fiction, Ms. Lange does an exceptional job.

So, until Tinstletown decides to stop throwing money at cheap laughs, I suggest any true Picky-Chick stay home and watch one of Jessica Lange's best achievements.

Nit Pick of the Week

Why do restaurants serve cold beverages in a glass right out of the dishwasher? All hot and turnin' what should be my refreshing drink into luke warm pi**-water. Nothing worse!

I understand...it's a supply and demand thing...they're washing and serving as fast as Jackie Joyner, but it would be great if they could invest in a few more glasses and stop ruining my ice-t.