Saturday, August 25, 2007

I guess I'm not a Feminist anymore

So, as a "large chested" gal (I wear a 34H or 36G, depending on brand), I was very interested in the latest innovation from an Israeli company called the "cup and up". This is the link:

http://israel21c.org/bin/en.jsp?enDispWho=Articles%5El1738&enPage=BlankPage&enDisplay=view&enDispWhat=object&enVersion=0&enZone=Health&

So anyway, it's basically an implantable bra. Now, all kinds of feminists are totally attacking this procedure. They are talking about the horror of surgery for basically a permanent bra instead of an external one. They ask WHY anyone would consider going through surgery to have this procedure. Well, I'll tell you: vanity and convenience.

I LOVE spaghetti strap dresses. And I love the backless look. I like wearing tank tops. Unfortunately NO ONE makes many discrete bras in an H cup. I have a few ill-fitting strapless bras. There's no such thing as a stick on bra or a backless bra in my size. My bras constantly show, or I go without (NOT a good look). With this implantable bra, I could have the look of support without the external bra being necessary.

I'm not saying it would be an everyday "I don't need a bra, I have an internal one" thing, like it could probably be for many smaller chested women, but think of the possibilities for those of us with larger chests that we don't necessarily want lopped off. (my shoulders are big too, so I'm actually proportionate, thank you very much).

Also, I would love to have a bit of extra internal support to help with the strapless bras I have. I think this is going to be huge among younger mothers who have major sag after breastfeeding. THis is such a less invasive and apparently more successful alternative to the breast lift nowadays, which is just scary looking. I bet it becomes pretty much as popular as lasik surgery.

Personally, I am counting down the days until this becomes available. I'll just hand in my feminism card, if I must. I'd rather NOT look like my boobs are growing out of my bellybutton just so I can wear my backless formal gown out....my vanity wins. Oh well.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Restaurant Guy Savoy in Las Vegas

So, The husband (DH) and I had dinner at Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas last week. I have to say, it was one of the best dining experiences of my life.

We started off with some Champagne. we were given a wide choice of champagnes by the glass (I hate the skimpy "by the glass" offerings at most restaurants). We ended up with the restaurant's signature champagne (A good choice). The sommelier was well informed and worked with us in explaining our choices and what he felt would be a good idea. The waiter, who had truly perfected the balance between friendly and excellent service, brought us some bread and asked us if we were interested in seeing the menu right away, or if we wanted to enjoy our champagne for a while. This was greatly appreciated, as we usually feel rushed through our pre-dinner champagne and into the meal. So we sat eating excellent French Bread and sipping our wine.

When we were ready we were brought the menus. Now, like many high-end restaurants (especially in Vegas), Restaurant Guy Savoy offers a tasting menu (a multi-course pre-set meal made up of smaller portions; all for a set price). However, for the first time in memory, we were offered the option to create our own "tasting" where we could decide on a number of appetizers and/or entrees, get demi-portions for a reduced price, and sample the menu's offerings that we found most appealing. Well, who WOULDN'T take that offer??

We ended up with a very "traditional" French menu...mostly. We started with the colors of Caviar, then the layers of Foie gras appetizer, and the signature black truffle soup as appetizers. We then went on to a rabbit confit, then Veal Sweetbreads. For dessert we shard the cherries and the chocolate desserts. We also had the sommelier pair each course with a demi-glass of wine (partial pour), and finished off with candies and cappuccinos (It was late, I didn't want the straight espresso). We skipped the traditional cheese between the meal and dessert because I was pretty full, and wanted to be comfortable.

Without going into super detail about every delectable course, I thought the meal was FABULOUS. We actually got (get this) matched BREAD with our meals, which was wonderful. the setting was comfortable and opulent without feeling stuffy and pretentious. Guy Savoy's son, Franck is in charge of the Las Vegas restaurant, and he was a wonderful host. He was personable, friendly, and earnest. I enjoyed talking to him and meeting him. he has obviously found his calling.

The meal we had at Guy Savoy was easily one of the best meals I have EVER had. We have put this restaurant on our short "must return" list of "fancy" restaurants we have eaten at. I recommend this restaurant to anyone, from the sophisticated foodie to the couple looking for w great "fancy restaurant" for a special occasion.

Restaurant Guy Savoy. Enjoy. And be sure to have one of the strawberry lollipops....they'll make you feel like they are replacing a silver spoon. Mmmm.....

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Cheese

So, I have this deep and abiding love for cheese...most cheese. I hate Brie, but other than that, good cheese is my weakness. I eat cheese with fruit and wine for dinner at least once a week.

I just recently discovered another amazing French cheese. My absolute favorite cheese is a French cheese called Comte. This new cheese was at the store near the Comte, so I figured I'd try it. It's called Boursin. It has this wonderful smoothness, kind of like cream cheese, but without the long thick finish in your mouth. It also isn't chalky, like many soft cheeses can be. The texture is wonderful, and the taste is a nice blend of garlic, saltiness (in a good way), and rich cheeseyness. Yum.

I highly recommend it if you run across it....and if you've never tried Comte, you haven't lived.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

I am the Omega Geek

It sucks being a geek who's married to an ubergeek with an ubergeek for a twin brother. Our friends are ubergeeks. I feel like I belong on the short bus. I know very little of MMORPGs (though I can speak "Everquest" with the best of them). I don't enjoy programming. Twinking characters (in whatever) to me seems futile, and like something I just suck at. I am not a fan of much sci fi...Battlestar Galactica, Star Blazers, Robotech, and Babylon Five are not my ideas of fun watching. I only got a 4 on my AP calc exam. I didn't major in science or engineering in college. I don't get the inside Perl jokes or thinly veiled references to obscure characters from Ibn Khaldoun....Dude, I don't even know who Ibn Khaldoun IS! I don't understand why I need to know the proper languages spoken in all of the provinces of Greece in the 3rd century BC, just so I can know how many points my D&D character needs to take in languages. WHY WHY WHY??

I am so NOT the alpha geek. yes, I have Geek traits, I "run" with geeks (like I said above, I MARRIED an Alpha geek), I am well versed in D&D, V:tM, WoD, and now even have learned GURPS! I know Pi to...ok, 5 places. I use math liberally in my sewing. I have read The Prince, but not the Art of War. I read and enjoyed Atlas Shrugged. I study areas of linguistics and foreign languages for fun. I was .001 points shy of graduating Summa Cum Laude from university. I frequently use words that contain more than three syllables. I am called a geek by friends. I can usually completely understand and fully follow most "geek conversations", but I usually have very little in-depth insight to contribute to debates and arguments....especially regarding how to properly break WoW characters. Yet, I am so the short-bus geek compared to so many people I know.

Thus, as I am the antithesis of the Alpha Geek, I have therefore declared myself:

The OMEGA geek.

Long live the omega.....somebody's gotta be the lowest common denominator. That is my role in life, always to strive, never to rise. I am Omega.

The Little things sometimes make the biggest difference

I decided to start having my nails done professionally about 2 months ago. Ooooh. Huge decision, I know. The funny thing is, it ended up being life-changing. Since I decided to start making my hands and toes pretty, I have managed to lose nearly 20 lbs., I have upgraded my look to being more put-together and actually *gasp!* compliment receiving, and I have been generally happier on a daily basis. All from deciding to let some little Korean lady wrap my already-long nails in strengthening gel and paint them funky colors.

Sometimes, that change we need actually IS in a haircut, or a new lipstick color, or getting a manicure/pedicure. And sometimes it isn't. I do truly believe, though, that we all have to find those little things that help us deal with the big ones.