A Real(istic) Plan B? (The Back-Up Plan)

This past weekend a few girlfriends and I headed to the theatre to support my fave celebrity Ms. J Lo in "The Back-Up Plan". Regardless of any reviews I was going to see it; and after enjoying it I thought why not give it a review myself. 

From the moment the credits finish rolling you jump right into Zoe's (played by J Lo) shoes: mid 30's pretty woman who is single, self sufficient, and conscious of her biological clock. Within the first 5 minutes, she is artificially inseminated and ready to tackle being a single mom. It was a cute story line, more importantly a REAL one -- the issue women face at that age when they are either single and or not a mom but yet wish to be.

You have a established city girl who meets a gorgeous newly maturing hot guy. She finds out she is pregnant with twins, and he sticks by her side. Just like that. . .after a walk in the park and comedic exchange with Anthony Anderson on a Central Park bench, he commits.  While this movie was good and very funny, and of course had not only a happy ending, but an "additional" twist. . . it was a bit fairytale like.

As the movie goes on, in my opinion this real issue wasn't handled or pictured too realistically. Perhaps I was looking for more from this film, as I approach my mid 30's and my inner circle does represent Zoe. But this was just a movie, and not a social thesis. Perhaps the larger issue of middle aged women should be addressed in another post :-)

In all, her supporting actors were believable, comedic, and didn't cloud Ms. J Lo's shine. I think those that would turn their nose at this flick, should think again. If nothing else it was funny and a feel good girlfriend moment. Please feel free to share your thoughts if you too have seen the movie, and if not, what are you waiting for?

Bubbly Yours,

Dana Storm a/k/a Elmo'sWorld The Remix

Spa of the Sea

I may have mentioned in the past that although I love to travel, one thing I have never explored is a cruise. I'm a more experience places by way of land kinda girl. Until now! I was perusing my twitter timeline and came across this great find on ABC NEWS "The Norwegian Epic Will Be Home to the Largest Cruise Spa and Fitness Facility". Naturally I was intrigued as I love spa treatments. Perhaps this is the reason to give in and try a cruise. I read on and oh what treats I did find. The Norwegian Epic plans to debut the following:

*the largest spa and fitness facility at sea, measuring more than 31,000 square feet

*ice cream-themed manis and pedis for kids
*customizable salt scrubs and massages

*39 spa-dedicated staterooms - offering free access to the ship's Hydrotherapy Courtyard and Thermal Suite. There will be eight spa suites with in-room whirlpools.

*feature 24 treatments rooms as well as two "couple's villas" and two "solo villas" for massages (each has a private, outdoor whirlpool), plus two exotic Rasul steam rooms where guests have access to organic muds, exfoliants and oils for rinsing off under the warm, rainforest-style shower. Guests can also create their own DIY sugar or salt scrub. Six treatment rooms feature balconies with chaise lounges.
*a full-service salon and barber shop.
*ME! Bath Ice Cream Social, an opportunity for a group of kids to get together and test out the products.
* mother-daughter and father-son massage options for family bonding.
*the Thai Herbal Poultice Massage, heated herbal poultices (soft, moist, clay-like spreads) are placed on pressure points to augment Eastern and Western massage techniques.

*Bamboo Massage therapists use bamboo shoots soaked in essential oils to work muscles.

* Bliss triple oxygen combines a fruit acid wash, oxygen wrap, oxygen and milk mask, and more to revive spagoers' complexions while Bliss fatgirlslim is a detoxifying, body-toning treatment that involves dry brushing followed by firming grapefruit essential oils, a seaweed mask and heated wrap. 
*a 24-Karat Gold Facial, which we've seen onboard Celebrity's Solstice-class ships. Here, it is a blend of pure gold leaf, rose quartz and medicinal plants.

 For Fitness expect TRX and kettlebell training; group cycling, on Activo spinning bikes; a Gravity reformer, a Pilates training system; and body sculpting boot camp classes. That's in in addition to the more traditional yoga and Pilates offerings. Facility will have 37 treadmills, 18 cross trainers, weights, and special areas for stretching and aerobics. Up on the pool deck, you'll also find the cruise industry's first-ever rappelling wall.
Breathtaking to say the least. . . I can only imagine what the costs will be for this luxury. As soon as I know I will be sure to update you on this great find.

Bubbly Yours,

Dana Storm a/k/a Elmo's World The Remix