Most people consider reading a solitary activity — a way to wind down after a long day, something you do in bed before sleep, or while perched in a cafe drinking a latte, or an [enter overpriced espresso drink here]. Perhaps every now and then you share it with your significant other, or your pet even. (I know my cat loves Harry Potter.) But what many often forget is that there is more to books and reading than the solace they can provide an individual. Since the creation of eBook reading devices, such as the Sony Reader and the Amazon Kindle, the reading experience, for some, has drastically...

So I indulged on Sunday and had my first facial. A fancy, schmancy treatment with particle-free dermabrasions and that whole ordeal. About a month ago, I figured, what the hell, it’s going to be Spa Week/Month. The rate was unbeatable. I secured one of the last weekend appointments. After having one of the most pleasant Sunday afternoons I’ve had in a while, prancing around in Cow Hollow catching up with a friend, I made my way to the day spa, a short walk down the hill from my flat. It wasn’t difficult to soak up the relaxing, heavily-floral-scented atmosphere. And the soft palms...

I never started noticing I did this until a close friend of mine asked if I did (asking me, I’m guessing, to rationalize her own doings). At least I know I’m not alone in liking to give my feet fresh air during the day. I mean, to avoid copious swelling & redness, noticeable odor, and blisters, I slip off my shoes while I’m seated at my desk. Granted, I have a decently private office, shared with only one colleague, and it’s carpeted. Plus, I work in fashion — it’s not like we wear comfortable shoes to the office. Think: 3-4″ heels (yes, I know this...