Hellooooo summer! This heat has been a real slap in the face right? But unlike many people in the world, us New Yorkers have to keep working and deal with it. Hot humid heat + working on events = Much needed rest!

I'm one that tends to be active at all times, and then, BAM! I crash. As much as I try to take time for myself and make sure I get enough rest, there are days when it simply doesn’t happen. Here are seven ways I find to relax:

1. Skipping School!
I worked non-stop over the last two weeks and to top it all off this weekend I did a wedding (Which was amazing! I will show you snaps next week). After all of that my fuel gage was at empty. So Monday morning I woke up and hit the snooze button one too many times and called into the office for a much-deserved day off.

After thoroughly recharging my sleep batteries I thought some retail therapy would boost my energy as well. I headed to Paul Smith and found some great cufflinks as a present for my friend, celeb hair stylist John Barrett. He is celebrating his recent American citizenship.  I bought him the $$ links that, to me, represent achieving the American Dream. Congrats John!

2. BLT Fish
When I have had a stressful day and no desire to cook at home, I head out for a relaxing dinner. I took my friend and wonderful dermatologist Rob Warner of Park Avenue Dermatology, to dinner at BLT Fish on 17th Street. Rob is a great friend of my forehead and mine. He makes it look soft and smooth 24/7 (yes, I get help!). The third floor dining room is very elegant and the open kitchen adds to an energetic environment. We ordered some great dishes but my favorite was the caramelized scallops, which was a special that night. I paired them with a dry and delectable rose. The service here is always superb and I enjoy coming in, settling down and catching up with great friends.
Park Avenue Dermatology corner of 64th and Park
Bistro Laurent Tourondel (212) 691-8888 21 W 17th St, New York, NY


3. Hawaiian Black Lava Salt
As you can tell, culinary adventures are one of the ways I relax. When I was in Israel I happened upon Hawaiian Black Lava Salt. YUM! It is not as salty as sea salt and its black and crystal-like texture is perfect in little dishes along with a dish of olive oil for dipping breads or dressing salads.

4. Tasting Bars
In my continual effort to live a healthy life, I am always excited about cocktails concocted with freshly squeezed juices and herbs. Many of my clients request tasting bars at their events and I love them for it. Here is how it works:
Instead of offering a full bar you offer a selection of herbs and fresh juices and one or two or three types of liquor (Vodka, Gin, Tequila) as the base. I either give my guests the option of six premixed cocktail options or I let them whip up with their own cocktail recipe. The presentation can be colorful and fun and it is a great way to interact with guests and make the party more memorable.

5. Workout
Many may not believe it, but working out is very relaxing to me! I work out at least five times a week: two with trainers (I use two different trainers as I don't like them getting too comfortable...) where one day we work on upper body and the other, lower body. Two more days are dedicated to cardio and the fifth is my choice. I enjoy pushing myself on the machines and free weights and it is always gratifying to see the results (and when other people notice them too!)

6. Camille Cosmecuticals NY
This is one of my favorite product lines created by Camille Meyers of TriBeCa MedSpa. I use Vita Cleanse Gel to clean my skin and then I apply Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum and finish the process with Squalane Moisture seal. After two weeks of using this line my skin was as smooth as a baby’s behind! To get your own products and great results check out www.tribecamedspa.com


7. www.who.repswhat.com
OK, so I cant relax all the time! But when I have some down time at work I surf this site. I find great event sponsors here to reach out to for my next exciting project!