Adventurous Anggg

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Flirtatiously Snatched, the Brazilian way

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Ok ladies, let’s talk about getting your ‘snatch,’ snatched…  How many of you have taken the plunge and went commando for a full Brazilian wax?  For context, Brazilian wax is the removal of lower body hair in the front, back and every where in between.

courtesy @FlirstSalonBurbank Instagram

courtesy @FlirstSalonBurbank Instagram

Well, I’ve been getting Brazilian waxes for over 7 years now and I’m never turning back.  Over the years I’ve introduced a few friends to the monthly ritual and even educated veterans on what can make the process more “pleasant.”  One thing that I truly stand behind is the quality of wax and salon, as there are so many options out there.  In the 7 years, I’ve only used grade-A gel wax and hard wax for that sensitive region below the belt.  With diligence and research this can completely change your waxing experience and be a bit more pleasurable.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area, I highly suggest checking out Flirt Salon in Burbank.  The owner Sandi is a gem and the salon provides all the ambiance, accessories and products that you need to maintain your wax.  Each room is equipped with ceiling fans to control the climate, which is helpful as you will get a little clammy.  There are also butterflies and other ornaments on the ceiling to serve as a distraction during your session, it’s definitely cute & a nice touch.  I discovered Flirt after thorough research to find a salon that carries hard wax and blue gel wax.  I’ve had countless bad experiences with honey waxes on my eyebrows, so I forbid it getting any where close to my privates.  I consider myself a loyal customer, so when I embarked on my first appoint with Ginger at Flirt Salon I haven’t turned back.

Flirt SalonHere’s a few tips when preparing for your first Brazilian wax session:

  1. Research the perfect wax salon for you.  Don’t just go to the local, convenient nail shop.  It’s best to invest wisely to avoid any traumatic experiences and be excited to go back, so I highly suggested a boutique wax salon.
  2. Take ibuprofen at least 40 minutes before the appointment
  3. Be fresh & clean.  Whether it’s a shower or thoroughly cleaning the area to be waxed (most salons provide baby wipes in the restroom to freshen up before the wax session)
  4. Don’t be shy, accept the offer for a drink (aka red wine, if they got it!) – most boutique waxing salons have a variety of calming libations on hand
  5. Relax…  I know it’s easier said than done, but the more relaxed the less pain
  6. Connect with your esthetician.  If they are THAT close to you, might as well get to know them and build a trusting relationship
  7. Tip well.  I think this speaks for its self
  8. Exfoliate daily or as often as possible to prevent in-grown hair and keep your bottom buffed to perfection

There are quite a few benefits converting over to being flirtatiously snatched.  First off, no more itching & stubble from hair growth typically experienced from shaving.  Secondly, waxes usually last well over 3 weeks and the hair grows back gradual and faint, which allows up to 6 weeks before the next session.  Thirdly, no more awkward shaving sessions resulting in tired arms and balls of hair in the shower while still realizing that you ‘missed a spot.’  Lastly, the sensation down there will be amplified and I’m sure your significant other will enjoy the new sensual smoother surface.

 

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CUBA PART I: Yeah we went to Cuba illegally, HERE’S HOW…

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So yeah I went to another country with a friend, we bought a ticket to Cuba from a drunk Mexican at the airport in Cancun and almost went to blows inside Margaritaville at Cancun airport.  But in the end, the process was still an adventure that was nothing short of PRICELESS.

Nat Geo Kuba Traveler

In preparation for our trip, there was a combination of excitement, nervousness and even doubt.  With the embargo in place, we knew this trip would be a risk but what’s life without a bit of tomfoolery.  We scurried the Internet for real life stories of everyday Americans that successful trekked to Havana, Cuba.  The web was full of great insight and suggestions from the blogger community, however some things just didn’t go as planned when we got there.  Even with the conflicting accounts online, here’s a few blogs we found helpful:

http://dontforgettomove.com/americans-traveing-to-cuba-illegally/#

http://triphackr.com/how-to-travel-to-cuba-illegally

American Car!

Want to travel to Cuba illegally too?  Here’s the inside scoop on what to understand and expect:

1.    Legal Travel vs. Illegal Travel – Please be warned traveling from America to Cuba legally is expensive. Since President Obama has been in office, the US has eased up on restrictions allowing Americans to visit Cuba under very specific guidelines and special visas.  The legal option would require going through a tour company or group under educational, cultural, journalistic or religious purposes.  On the contrary, traveling illegally is very affordable depending on the country from which you enter.  The Cuban community is very open to American travelers and offer housing also know as Casa Particulars, as an alternative to resort or hotel lodging.

2.    Getting There – You can either pre-book (highly suggested) or figure it out when you get there.  We decided the latter, hence getting our entire trip booked through a drunk Mexican dude & having a stressful heated exchange in the middle of Cancun airport.  It was risky, however we got there safe & sound with ZERO incident from our ‘travel agent.’  He was very resourceful and even secured our shuttle service to Playa de Carmen where we stayed two nights before our departure to Cuba.

There are multiple cities that have direct flights to Havana.  We decided on Cancun after reports of frequent flights along with affordable ticket prices through AeroMexico, Copa Airlines and Cubana Aviacion.  Please note that some airlines have limited departures based on days of week for flights departing to Cuba.  Our round-trip ticket prices from Cancun to Cuba cost between $300 – $750.

3.    Passport, stamped or no? – It is imperative to pre-purchase your Cuban visa before boarding your flight.  In Cancun it costs $25 and was a very simple process, just be sure to keep this slip for your return flight.  The passport stamping process was the tricky part for us.  Most bloggers wrote that Cuban customs officers will stamp the visa receipt, which is recommended and preferred.  However, our American passports were actually stamped by Cuban customs officers.  We were completely freaked out!  Just be warned that this may happen and be prepared for any outcome.  Luckily our return to US was uneventful.

4.    Currency: CUC vs. Cuban Peso – You cannot use US debit or credit cards once inside the country, so please be sure to bring plenty of cash.  As tourists you will need to exchange USD to CUC, which is convertible to about 1:1 with additional exchange fees.  The Cuban Peso is used only by local Cuban’s which is the unit in which their salaries are paid.  For perspective the CUC is 25 times more valuable than the local Cuban peso.

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There is so much more to know about this beautiful city, however we will leave that up for individual interpretation through future posts on our specific experiences in Old Havana.  Please be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my blog, to get updates on our Cuba trip & other exciting adventures in the horizon.

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On top of Pasadena: Henninger Flats

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Overlooking Foothill Blvd and the 210 Freeway is Henninger Flats sitting right above Pasadena, California.  The exceptional convenience and ease from city-life to this serene mountainous escape makes the 2+ mile hike onward & upward worthwhile.  As a first timer and fairly infrequent hiker, I took the invitation as I would a stroll through Fryman Cyn or Griffith Park.  BOY, was I in for an exsertus surprise!  At 2,600 feet above sea level, Henninger Flats is atop Eaton Canyon within the San Gabriel Mountains inside the Angeles National Forest.  Starting at the residential area below, for well over an hour straight we trekked uphill for about 2 miles before we made it to the top.  Along the way there were outlooks and benches to take in the beautiful view.  We ceased the opportunity to gulp down water for hydration and was overly ambitious performing tricep dips on the benches until muscle fatigue.  It hurt sooo GOOD! *insert sarcasm here*

The trail does not offer much shade, so protection from the sun is definitely mandatory.  Having an affinity towards Eaton Canyon, I enjoyed looking down at oh so familiar bridge and trails leading to the waterfalls below.  The entire expedition took approximately 3 hours from bottom to top and back to the car.  I highly suggest bringing plenty of water and a light picnic to enjoy once you get to the top.  There’s plenty of shade at Henninger Flats, along with grills and a quaint little museum with stuffed animal carcasses (which I don’t exactly appreciate).  It’s a known campers haven, so feel free to pitch a tent if you can make it up there with your gear.  Campers & sightseers can also reach the top through a road that leads straight to the camping grounds.  I definitely rank Henninger Flats a ‘must do’ for anyone that enjoys hiking and is looking for a challenge.  It’s amazing how many gems are right outside your front door, all you have to do is dig a little deeper.  Even after 5 years in Los Angeles the sunsets amaze me and skyline of mountains near and far keep me in awe.  Now to find the next adventurous hike to conquer and see the land from a different lens.

 

To iFLY or not to Skydive…

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I’ve contemplated skydiving for the past 10 years, and at this stage of my life I’m on the NOT side of the fence.  There’s a few things that make me hesitate, #1 I don’t want to sh*t myself while riding tandem with a handsome risk-taking hunk.  #2 what do I have to prove, that I’m not scared of heights, I’m fearless or I just do pretty dope stuff?!  That’s typically the story I hear from most people that’s done the real thing.  So to test the waters a few friends and I got sauced up on mimosas and someone randomly came up with the bright good idea to do iFLY.  (DISCLAIMER: I do not encourage any one to try this while under the influence of alcohol or any drugs.  Concentration and following directions are critical for the experience)

Universal City Walk is considered the entertainment capital of LA, it’s full of tourists, SoCal teens and first dates.  When first approaching the iFLY contraption, there was a crowd of folks watching in awe as the instructor put on a show of amazing back flips and tricks.  Once I paid for the experience and signed the waivers, our group was quickly ushered inside to watch a 10 minute video chopped up with instructions and safety tips.  We were given cool one-piece suits, helmets & goggles prior to entering the high-powered skydiving simulation.

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Overall the experience definitely gave me a rush!  However, having a oversized fan forcing you into the air and blowing up your nostrils isn’t the most pleasant feeling.  I had a hard time remembering all the instructions and moves to maintain balance to allow the air to take me higher.  My mind was still a bit hazy and all I could concentrate on is not getting my jaw latched on the fan below.

It just so happened a few friends actually took the plunge to jump out of a plane and shared their experience with me.  Some mentioned the feeling of serenity, awe and just empowerment.  Others was high off the rush and have even started planning their second jump.  Most people that I’ve met, that’s actually leapt off a plane, truly felt it was a life altering experience and highly recommends it.  I’ve honestly amused myself with the idea and may come to a crossroads in my life that may push me over the edge.  Until then, iFLY will do…  In the meantime, feel free to share and even encourage me with your experience of the real thing.

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3 vineyards + 10 miles = 13 ways to get drunk on a bike

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During my exploration of the California lifestyle, I organized a group trip with professional colleagues to team-build and exhale with the Santa Barbara Adventure Company.  We thought it would be a great idea to bike and booze through the beautiful Santa Ynez wine country.  Being a semi-city girl, not riding a bike for over two decades, I had to give myself a pat on the back to make it through 10 miles of easy riding along the beautiful landscape of popular California vintners.

The SBAC staff was young, exciting and very accommodating.  The selections from each winery ranged from light whites to robust reds, with each location offering it’s own special charm.  My absolute favorite was Riverbench Vineyard & Winery, our last stop on Foxen Canyon Road.  This is where I purchased a flavorful rosé that I had the pleasure of sharing with someone special :).  I even had a chance to pick a grape and experience the sweet burst of goodness straight from the vine.

Bike & Booze: 13 ways to get drunk on a bike

  1. Dress comfortable
  2. Wear sunblock
  3. Wear a hat
  4. Don’t wear flip-flops
  5. Be sure to wear protective gear (helmet, elbow pads, etc.)
  6. If it’s been awhile, practice in the parking lot & pace yourself
  7. Stay hydrated
  8. Be sure to refuel with snacks & hearty lunch
  9. Take the time to smell and embody the flavor of each wine selection
  10. Strategize each complimentary full glass of wine (start with whites, then go to reds)
  11. Charm & secretly tip the pourer 😉
  12. Only purchase a bottle that you are in love with
  13. Eat the complimentary crackers in moderation