Thursday, August 27, 2009

Sbicca



It was yet another fabulous "Ladies Night Out", organized (but, alas, not attended) by Nariman Lennick. We traveled to Del Mar this time, to taste the culinary samplings of a beachy bistro called "Sbicca". I am not sure I pronounce it correctly, so I am glad I only have to type it! I do know that I have some great shoes with the same name!



















Upon arrival at the predesignated 6:30 p.m., we were escorted to the upper patio, where the sun was still in full force. The day's high temperatures still prevailed, even though we were steps from the shore. I immediately cursed myself for forgetting my sunglasses, but was able to get a seat that was slightly angled away from the bright rays.




















In attendance were Lauren, Regina, Kat, Melissa, and yours truly. We expected two more of our "Crosbyotches" to attend, but last- minute glitches in their schedule prohibited Dina and Nariman from joining us. They were sorely missed!

















The main menu was varied, and we were also given permission to order from the bar/appetizer menu! I started my meal with their artichoke/hearts of palm dip which was accompanied by pita triangles. SOOOOO good! The sirloin burger I ordered afterward (sans the bun!) was topped with mushrooms and onions, and was a delight! Melissa let me try a bite of her blackened Halibut, which was equally delish! Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal and, of course, each other's company! I am pretty sure we would all have fun anywhere we went!


















That's all for now...until next time!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Smooth Operator...-Sade'

















Last night, Lila and Jason Jarvis opened their beautiful home to the Crosbyotches (and friends!) for "An Evening of Beauty and Rejuvenation", an event organized by Nora and Dr. Phillip Balikian. Phillip's brother, Dr. Richard Balikian, is a top-notch facial plastic surgeon, as well as a skilled provider of non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Luckily, Dr. Richard recently opened a second office in nearby La Jolla! By the end of his residency, he had completed well over 2000 procedures as the primary surgeon! He is a "master injector", hired by several companies including Botox, to actually TEACH other doctors how to properly administer their product! Impressive!










We were treated to DIVINE appetizer cuisine with wine pairings created by Phillip and Nora (I SWEAR they should go into catering!!) One dish featured peppers marinated in Balsamic vingar and sugar for a few days, atop toasted french bread. Insanely delicious! We also feasted on beautifully presented appetizers of sliced sirloin, shrimp, stuffed olives, eel, tuna sashimi, and there was one made with crab, corn, cream cheese, and cumin, in a teeny-tiny corn tortilla bowl (how's that for alliteration!) that was just wonderful!







While explaining the various options available for facial rejuvenation, Dr. Richard showed us many "before and after" photos, demonstrating his remarkable skills. I watched in earnest, imagining my dwindling bank account! This was followed by a question and answer session. Surprisingly, many of the procedures had very little "downtime". I am excited! I am getting to a point in my life where I need to start some serious "maintenance".

Note to self: start "face fund" soon!




























We were then able to get Botox injections at a "very appealing Crosbyotch rate". I am pretty sure my hand went up first! Though some of the ladies were new to the process, Richard put us all at ease with his kind, confident manner. Those who opted out of having anything done at Lila's, were offered the same rate in his office. How nice! Without naming names, one of the ladies' transformations was so dramatic, I could not believe my eyes! She was beautiful already, but the "fillers" Dr. Balikian administered made a remarkable and immediate difference! She looked at LEAST 10 years younger!




It was a great event! I personally want to thank all those involved in setting it up, and especially Dr. Richard! Oh, and thanks for bringing your exceptionally sweet and gorgeous assistants!





















One of the best parts of the event for me, was that I got my "Baby Harlow" fix! Of course, the minute I started to hold her, she fell asleep. (Shocker, I know!) What a cutie!





To find out more about Dr. Richard, and see his work, check out his website: http://www.drbalikian.com/ . His photo does not do him justice, though. I am working on that! I wonder if he would trade photos for Botox?! Hmmmm....

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

COUGARPALOOZA, baby!!!

Well, kitties, here you are in all your PURR-fection! Enjoy, and thanks for making my "Bunko" so much fun! Love you all...