More often than not, when having conversations with people around the world I’m asked what are my favorites of my travels.  My favorite travel romance experience, my favorite travel friendship experience, my favorite hotel, my favorite beach, etc.…. and I can instantly think of that one that stands out in my mind.

Although not as popular of a subject as whom I’ve exchanged kisses with in some exotic locale, I now have a clear favorite for a manicure and pedicure in the world, The Feel Good Factor in Hong Kong.  Aesthetically speaking, my nails look flawless, and sensitivity speaking, afterwards I felt completely relaxed, this Mani / Pedi combo took the cake.  It was literally so good that I hope my polish chips before I depart Hong Kong just to have an excuse to return!

I walked into FGF yesterday, in need of the works and instantly felt at home with the chic yet comfy harem like décor and the immediate friendship that I developed with the Spa Director, Helen.

In addition to being pampered to perfection, Helen helped me find an “Emergency Hair Stylist” to come to my rescue for a wedding that I would be attending in town.  She introduced me to Paul, Mike and Gabriel from Era by Paul Gerrard, we had a glass of sauvignon blanc, in their salon, chatted about the look that I wanted to achieve, set my appointment and had a couple laughs along the way.

What I love the most about my decision to check out The Feel Good Factor, above the phenomenal Mani / Pedi is that I really consider this more than a beauty and pampering experience, but a true friendship experience.  Starting with the recommendation of the spa by friend Jaillan at Savoir There and ending a few short hours later with 4 new friends in Hong Kong, who I certainly will visit upon every return to this city!

After a weekend of bar-crawls and food-truck binging, I’m planning some necessary me-time. And to make the transition back to reality a little easier, I’m swapping green beer for a few other emerald-colored beverages.

Don’t get me wrong, the juices below DO NOT taste like beer, however they will help you blend in with any St.Patty’s Day stragglers at Happy Hour tonight. Check out my very own version of an Irish Exit:

For the Novice Cleanser

Take Shots (and no, not another Irish Car Bomb)! Organic Avenue Boosters are one-gulp greens that mean you don’t have to quit food cold turkey. Try Chlorophyll to cleanse or Cilantro Lime to help detox your blood. Wheatgrass is my go-to. It’s an oxygen booster that works wonders on my skin.

Boosters, $4, OrganicAvenue.com

For the Intermediate Cleanser

In one day, the Classic Reset Cleanse from Ritual Wellness has me feeling happier, well rested and more energetic. Plus, a whole day of detox helps kick-start a week of healthy eating. This of course will (hopefully) lead to shedding the beer belly I packed on over the weekend.

Classic Reset Cleanse, $75, RitualCleanse.com

For the Expert Cleanser

Take a three-day tour into the juice world with BluePrint Cleanse. I’m a fan of the Cashew Milk (okay, this one isn’t technically green, but it’s organic so it kind of counts right?) The door-to-door delivery makes this cleanse tough to pass up.

Foundation Cleanse, $65/day, BluePrintCleanse.com

Okay, I admit, I’ve only mastered the one-day cleanse before I crack. But, I am always on the lookout for homemade recipes if anyone wants to share?

Good Luck!!

Only on St. Patrick’s Day does beer become one of the most important ingredients to a cocktail that everyone must drink.  Of course, beer is a great stand alone drink for the day’s festivities, Guinness even better and a green beer, well, if you don’t mind sporting the colored mouth for the next 24 hours, it takes the cake, or the pot of gold shall we say.

For me, a green beer cocktail was an instant no brainer as I merely had to get the right shade of green to work with a refreshing beer cocktail invented a couple of summers back, by my brother, Jeff.  So, after swaping out this mixer for that, and a few tweaks on portion size, plus the ever important, green food coloring, the Tipsy Gypsy beer cocktail was born.

Want to enjoy the same cocktail that I’ll be sipping off of all weekend long?

Here are the simple steps to getting tipsy with the Tipsy Gypsy:

1. Fill a pint glass half way with ice.

2. Pour half of a Blue Moon beer into the pint glass.

3.  Pour 1 shot of Amaretto di Saronno into the pint glass.

4.  Splash a bit of lemonade, approximately 1 shot, my preferred, San Pelligrino Limonata with its slight carbonation.

5. Add 1 tiny drop of green food coloring.

6. Stir with a spoon until the green color is distributed evenly.

Cheers & Enjoy!

Gypsy

Happy Valentines Day!

Did you know I love hangbags? Hint, Hint….

If you’re really looking to win over my heart, don’t show up tonight with a dozen roses and definitely leave the box of fancy chocolates behind, but you could come equipped with a box containing this lovely peach, pink and orange leather travel clutch by Elnaz Niknani.

Don’t worry, I won’t be heartbroken if that box contains some other goodies instead…a lacy piece of lingerie or a sparkly bauble for my finger.  I’ll just have to enter Momondo’s Travel / Fashion Contest and try to obtain this bag for myself ;-).

You can enter right here as well, now through Feb. 19th!

I can already invision myself carrying the bag on  my next chic night out…little black dress, strappy stilettos and yes, a pop of color!