Thanksgiving....

Dear extended family,
Thanksgiving day is around the corner, this particular year I am especially thankful for many great things.
For one, this is the first year in many that I am getting to share it back home with my folks.
For two, we have certainly come a long way since last Thanksgiving and I am truly thankful for the many lessons learned, although tough, at least learned. Surviving in a major city during economic downfall is not an easy task.
Its been a tough year for everyone, but I know its been the toughest on the homeless.
Los Angeles has the largest population of homelessness in the country.
The increase of foreclosures will only add to that stat.
Homeless people are still people. They have children and they have pets. They could've even had a house, a job, and a bright future. They could've even just lost it all barely yesterday.
As a resident of downtown Los Angeles, I cross paths with easily a dozen homeless persons daily.
Its sad, but eventually you get exhausted (and broke) from handing out your last dollar everyday.

Ever hand over a bill to a homeless person and wonder what they ended up buying with it?
Trust me, they ain't running to the dollar menu...they're running to the nearest liquor store.
If your'e like me, you want to do more than just hand over a dollar, and you wonder how....
WELL, here's one way to start:
A $1.84 can feed one person.
The Union Rescue Mission can help make sure that your donation actually goes towards a meal!!!
Viola! Mission accomplished. =)
www.urm.org/meals
A donation of $36.80 will provide Thanksgiving dinner for a table of 20!
That my friends, is truly something incredible.
Yes, for the retail price of an average family turkey, we can feed 20 people.
I am so blessed to have a warm home and family to give thanks with this year, knowing that we made this possible for another family,well.... its just the dessert.
Phil and I donated today, if you can, if you will, log onto: www.urm.org/meals
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Many Blessings.
xoxo
-misschatterbox

NAILED IT!!

So,
I'm able to grow my own beautiful, healthy nails.....but at what cost?
I sacrifice alot in order to keep up with the maintenance, but mostly my time. If you do your own natural nails, you know the deal: eat your veggies, cook with garlic; file, trim, moisturize, remove and re-polish every 2 days to avoid chips and breakage, avoid hot water, and for goodness sake, use the gloves for housework.
This is a lot of baggage!!

For months now,  I have been contemplating getting back into the salon for those weekly manicures and even worse, going back to acrylics and calling it a day.
Let's face it honey, time isn't what it used to be and money isn't what it used to be.
Unfortunately, the two still go hand and hand, (pardon the pun) time equals money!
We have got to ration both people!!
If I get a regular manicure once a week, truthfully, the polish is only lasting, MAX 3 days.
If I get acrylics, overlay or gel, the polish will be perfect for at least a week and a half, yet I'm sacrificing my natural nail and not to mention my sense of touch!
How can I be expected to keep a perfectly polished manicure, work a full day, entertain, have a clean home AND still look fabulous?? Hello!? This is not the "REAL" housewives of Beverly Hills...and FYI...I live downtown. (lol)

I think I may have just found the perfect solution!
Some of you may have read today's fb posts regarding the topic and I was blessed to receive such great feedback from true friends! =)
Everyone voted for natural nails, but if you kept up, you noticed that one friend in particular actually offered an easy compromise....or what I call a solution!
(Thanks Rachel!!)
"Shellac".....
I immediately googled it and hoped that it wasn't just another name for the once hyped "minx" treatment...
It wasn't!
(fyi :minx, is too expensive, very time consuming, still ruins your nails and is highly over-rated if you ask me. Aren't you glad you did =) lol)
I stumbled across an excellent article which featured news about a new "top secret", nail color.
(a link to the article is below so that you have to first finish reading this article)
The brand, CND had created "Shellac".
O.M.G.!!
I found the nearest salon servicing the polish and ran over within the hour.
This is not an acrylic powder, plastic or gel that has to be buffed and drilled onto your nail, this goes on like nail polish!
In between coats, the manicurist has to set it under the UV thing, but I swear, the entire process is pain free and it wasn't any longer than a regular manicure!
The polish is supposed to last 14 days, I'll do a follow up of course in 7, then again on the 14th day so you can see for yourself.
The benefits to Shellac vs minx, (besides the savings) is that supposedly at the end of the 14 days; the polish is easily removed with Shellac, instead of hours of soaking with minx, plus no damage to your natural nail.
=)
I'll keep you posted.
So far I am very excited and have already renamed the manicure from the Shellac to the Chillax....cuz that's what I'm about to do!
xoxo.
p.s. Rache, we'll still get something in NYC next week, don't worry. love ya! =)
p.p.s...This "top secret" goldmine is apparently old news already....I just spoke to my mother who said she got it done earlier this week and dare I tell ppl this........at her local mall!...Aiye.
www.alllaqueredup.com/2010/03/introducing-cnd-shellac-hybrid-nail-color.html

http://www.cnd.com/

-misschatterbox.

Day: 1

Happy Halloween!!

(l to r: Lucy, Lisa, Cinnya, Lindsy, Me and Kiko)

Thanks a million Bark Pet Photography!!
Bark Pet Photography worked a miracle here. I mean, who else could have gotten this shot? Certainly not me!! Three overly excited dogs (and 4 equally anxious humans) all facing the camera all at the same time!??
I apologize for the photo quality above...I would like for you to know, the actual photo we obtained from Bark Pet Photography is by far better in comparison!
I can't express enough how great the final product turned out. I took at least 20 photos this evening and not ONE of the photos had a single dog facing forward.  Needless to say, if any of you are considering taking photos with your pets, I strongly recommend Bark!
The two easiest ways I know to contact them are:

Website:

http://www.barkpetphotography.com

Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/barkpetphotography

A+ for sure.
Anyhow, this piece is supposed to be about Halloween and a follow up actual pet event....so having said that.....
The event over-all was spectacular.
Great food, great drinks, raffles (hey,  I even won a prize!!!) and most importantly, great new friends.
There is something so special about being able to spend time with an animal; people who have the luxury of having pets know this and are genuinely just as special themselves.
For the most part, there were no major fights to report and I think there was only "one" poop incident. (that we could smell anyhow) Everyone's dog was social, even Lady Gaga's Pomeranian once you went over to her of course..
I'll leave you with this,
Some people consider "Halloween" to be a negative or demonic holiday, a day of the dead and one that should not even be given any thought to or attention because of its original history....I say whatever your beliefs are, it was great to see everyone being so festive, and relatively happy.  If that is not enough reason to celebrate this holiday, then what is? I for one can honestly say that there was nothing negative about this evening and I will never think of Halloween in the same way again.  (its a good thing) =)
Thank you to all my friends, and all my new friends who attended tonight.
I hope we indeed did a great part in helping to fund the Downtown La Dog Park and I hope to see you all again there real soon!
-Happy Halloween!!!
xoxo
http://www.thescoopbymisschatterbox.blogspot.com/

3rd Annual Pussy & Pooch Pet Social and Costume Party!!!!

It's the end of OCTOBER already and that could only mean one thing to anyone with a pulse....(zombies and vampires; I mean no disrespect).....it's HALLOWEEN time!!!!
(insert: Its also the birth month of a very special person in my life, my brother Joe.  A very Happy Birthday wish goes out to my brother who hates that his special day is associated with Halloween, we still love you just the same Joe.)

But I digress; This season is great for so many of you out there, not only do you get a free pass to dress crazy without the fashion police behind you,  you actually have a legit excuse all while having a really good time!
As for me and my bestie, our really good time is coming up this week!! The highly anticipated Pussy and Pooch Pet Social and Costume Party  is finally here!!

Many of you often ask where I get such creative ideas from and how I am able to give out such great advice. For that answer I can only tell you one thing; I sometimes wonder the same thing myself.....JOKING (but not really).
The truth is, I am often asked for advice on rather important decisions.... Such important decisions include the ones we make everyday involving our beloved best friends. As a life long dog owner and lover, I offer my personal experiences as well as remedies straight from the heart.........and...well.... when that doesn't work; I run down to my neighbors, @ Pussy and Pooch! They are always sure to have the answers!
*hint: my secret is on the table. Take one please and pass it down.*

Pussy & Pooch is by far the most fashionable pet boutique ANYWHERE, hands down let alone in downtown La. I don't care if you live in Paris, even snooty French men will not be able to find a more respectable place to service their poodles.
Pussy and Pooch stands clearly in a class of its own offering the latest in toys, bedding, accessories and most importantly, nuitrition and customer service.
I always tell you all...you cannot put a price on quality and here you won't have to.  At Pussy and Pooch, you are guaranteed to get memorable expert advice as well as quality merchandise.
Wait. I sound like a furniture commercial here. But its all true!
Moving forward. I can personally guarantee that there is not a question, concern, issue or complaint, that will go un answered ..just ask and you shall receive. (Believe me, if it can be done, my dogs have done it).
The staff is completely knowledgeable and ridiculously friendly. You'll instantly feel welcome the minute you step through the door. However, buyer beware**besides having all the great necessities you went there for in the first place, you will not be able to resist the many surprising luxuries you never even knew existed.
(yea. think grocery store vs. empty stomach. You just cannot win this battle)
Items include: award winning pet foods, and wickedly awesome pet café and "pawbar", blinged out collars and charms, pee-pee repellent; hello!! who doesn't need a lil smell-u-lator!?, and did I mention there was a pawbar?? (I am not referring to the uncovered bar of stale treats you find at your local "Petco"), THIS paw- bar you have to see to believe!
Although I could go on forever with why you should make your new pet shop Pussy and Pooch, there is such a thing as a word limit on these blogs….so…do yourself a favor and check it out asap for yourselves! Yes, you can thank me later as usual. xoxo.

Janene Z., the fabulous founder of Pussy and Pouch and a 14 yr. downtown Los Angeles resident and advocate graciously honors us all by hosting the paw studded event this Thursday, October 28th.  The 3rd annual costume party is already destined to be "FURLICIOUS" and I cannot wait to see you there!!!
Just so you know, previous year’s events brought in 150-200 people and about 75-100 dogs, each year is followed by increased word of mouth and celebrity ....so come correct! How many will attend in 2010?? Will you be in attendance along with Fido??!!

I have to lastly say, this year’s event holds especially close to my heart because proceeds will go towards the one and only off-leash community Dog Park in Downtown Los Angeles!! Hello!? No more cruising the fashion district as part of Kiko’s “playtime’. Downtown needs the park badly and running it takes funds.….The park is now run by a non-profit organization and Pussy and Pouch along with other vendors are gracious enough to put proceeds from this year’s  Howl-o-ween event toward the cause! There is a suggested $10 minimum donation towards the park so please make room within your costumes for some cash. Cash is King! (Girls, I know this will be difficult for some of you, so work your magic. You know where I mean).
Further details about this event and or the dog park can be found further below as well as on the following websites:
http://www.pussyandpooch.com/
www.laraba.org
Details of the Party taken straight from the Pussy and Pooch website are below just incase you are too lazy!! Happy Halloween everyone!!!:
Costume Contest | 8pm + Raffle | 9pm
Prizes for Best Pet, Best Human, Best Human + Pet Duo
*Costumes for pets and people are encouraged
Lots of prizes from all your favorite local businesses including GoDogLA, Wurstkuche, UrbanManna, Neihule Salon, PETaPOTTY, and More!
and ummmm...again, don't forget the wallets people!!
When: Thursday, Oct 28th | 6pm-9pm
Where: Barker Block Lofts | 521 Molino St. (Arts District) map it!
What: Costume Contest + Raffle for Amazing Prizes | Featuring Pet Costume Couture by Lena Pavia & models Pinups for Pups
PLUS
Libations + Tasty Nibbles | DJ | Pet Patio courtesy of PETaPOTTY
Pet Photos by bark PET PHOTOGRAPHY | Sweet + Meaty Pet Treats from the Pawbar®

Pussy & Pooch is located at:

564 South Main Street

Los Angeles, CA 90013
(if you didn’t already get it, this particular boutique is located downtown)
Hours of operation are:
M-Thurs. 10am-8pm; Fri-Sat:10am-7pm and Sunday 10am-6pm
213-438-0900
or 24/7 online at:
http://www.pussyandpooch.com/
Don’t live downtown or nearby? Don’t cry!!
Pussy and Pooch has a second location which I haven't yet visited but will go out on a limb here and safely mention:
Belmont Shore - Long Beach

4818 E. 2nd Street

Long Beach, CA 90803
562-434-7700
Thank you, Janene and Pussy and Pooch staff!
xoxo

VENTING..... Much??!!

Need to Vent?
Today was actually a very productive and successful day for me....until..."someone" let me down in a major way.
(that someone shall remain nameless for now)
The point is, everyone needs to vent at some point and venting is healthy!!
The problem is, not everyone can actually get it done tactfully enough or get to the point where they actually feel better about it afterwards!
Day to day life is challenging enough...we often don't get the opportunity to let it all out before it becomes a bomb. We tend to push things aside for later, or hold things inside for the better.  This behavior is counter-productive and could affect your overall well being, as well as family life and your personal relationships...

Lil Wayne said it best, but I'll try to duplicate his genius: whoever said the day was only 24 hours long, wasn't a hustler, write a letter to Obama and ask him to make it a 27 hour day....
WELL.....here are 2 of my realistic options:
#1. Use a private landline to call your own cell phone. Leave a vm for yourself with all the gritty details of your dilema. Play back, hereby; venting....and delete.
#2. Write a letter to the person (s) you feel are at fault and be discriptive as to why....seal the letter in a self addressed envelope...either mail the letter to yourself.....or NEVER send it out at all. (Trust me, after reading the letter to yourself a few times, you will feel better.)

There, you now have (2) options on how to make your life easier. (for now)
The world would be such a better place if we all vented when we were supposed to; instead of when its too late...
With these options, you can still let it all out while saving yourself the possible embarrassment or any further scandal. Plus, venting in private is so much classier anyhow.
 =)
xoxo.

Sesame Street "I love my hair" song....

Elizabeth Deburgo

DID EVERYONE see and hear the new Sesame Street Muppet sing the song " I LOVE MY HAIR"????
I literally cried.
Thank you Mr. Joey Mazzarino for creating such a monumental event.
It is wonderfrul to know after all these yrs., they are still making such an impact on so many children and on our future leaders.
More than 300,000 hits on youtube.

Its truely inspiring to remember how one person can change the minds of millions.

Especially, young minds. =)

Kudos to Sesame Street!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enpFde5rgmw