A doctored design equals surgical jewelry

Skeletal-Metal.pngDo we think that two jobs are better than one?

Depends. In the case of the waitress/cab driver, not really. But where this particular jewelry designer is concerned? Definitely. Mike Crovetti may be the only orthopedic surgeon in the world to also make the jump to jewelry designer, and it seems his second job is paying off.

Crovetti was using metal reconstructive plates to mend bones when he noticed that the bendable material would also make a great ring. He began wearing it, and after several where-did-you-get-that requests, decided to take his fortuitous discovery more seriously. Hence, Skeletal Metal was born. Crovetti's line includes not only rings, but necklaces, earrings and bracelets in both masculine and feminine designs. And due to its unique creation process and individual significance (this metal might be holding your elbow, knee or ankle together) for the person wearing it, Skeletal Metal has become a popular choice among extreme athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.

Make no bones about it ... this jewelry is unique (to say the least).

Stripper 101: Vegas style fitness

stripper-101-in-Vegas.pngMen: It's Sin City... do you know where your women are? If not, you might want to check out a class called "Stripper 101" or who knows maybe you want to sign them up.

The class is held in a theater at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino (formerly the Aladdin), and has become so popular that it's now offered daily.

Approximately a dozen or so women, every day, from their 20s to 50s enthusiastically learn how to do a striptease. It's a sweat-inducing low impact aerobic workout designed to instill a positive body image and increase self-confidence, while developing a strong sense of sensuality.

The mantra: Grab Life by the Pole!

The fact is that you won't burn a ton of calories but it is still an exotic dancing workout that involves lunges, squats, kicks, and stretches that will reach all of the major muscle groups.

It's not for everyone: some women even find the whole concept demeaning, but for the most part I'm all for trying new things. Who knows you may just end up feeling more sexy and liberated (no matter what shape or size you are), and honestly isn't that what the class is all about? The cost is $40-$60 and includes a drink (which you will probably need).

The best part: Each woman walks away with a "stripper's license".

In short, this souvenir is sure to become the toast of your trip. A little better than those commemorative shot glasses you just bought.

Making a splash in Vegas

Moorea-Beach-Club.pngWhat's an opium bed? Well, it's not where the poppies grow, that's for sure; it's just one of the plush amenities at the exclusive Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay. Eighty square feet of poolside pleasure comprise the pillowy retreats, which also offer a lock box for your treasured possessions, personalized service and a fresh fruit tray. If the staff won't hand-feed you grapes, there will surely be another guest nearby who will. That's just how they roll.

Moorea is home to European-style bathing, which means tops are optional, which means men pay a premium to get in and women skate by on the cheap -- but I'm told that the expense (for you men) is well worth it. Those flying solo can hunker down on a chaise lounge, groups of four can head for the daybeds or the aforementioned opium beds, and six to eight can splurge for a pavilion.

The latter buys you true only-in-Vegas luxury with flat-screen TVs, a king-size bed and CD player. What other pool clubs call a cabana, they call a pavilion.

Just one more reason to make the escape to Moorea today!

Not interest in relaxing? You might want to try one of Vegas' Infamous Pool Parties:

Ditch Fridays: Ditch Fridays, at the Palms, is the perfect excuse to blow off the last day of the work-week for poolside dining, designer fashion shows, prize giveaways an resident DJ Skribble, who hosts the weekly party all summer long (noon - 6pm Fri. Cover: $20. Local ladies admitted free).

Flamingo Pools: That's right, a little slice of tropical heaven is found right smack in the middle of the Mojave, where the Flamingo pools stretch their long pink legs across 15 acres of watery rapture. For the over 21-crowd, the Flamingo Go Pool offers European sunbathing. -- Although this past weekend even though it was over 21, it wasn't much over, so keep that in mind! (Women are free, I didn't catch what it costs for men.)

Mint Mondays: Start the workweek off the right way with the Tropica's cool, refreshing pool party that offers pool volleyball and swim-up blackjack tables, plus barbecue and minty drinks. A DJ spins from noon - 7pm when a band takes over on the poolside stage.

Rehab: After a weekend of partying in Sin City, the best place to go is Rehab Pool Party at the Hard Rock Hotel. Every Sunday from noon till eight, the Hard Rock pool is transformed into the wildest pool party of all time. The party at the pool is enclosed completely by mountains etched with cabanas and restaurants. Sandy beaches, lazy rivers, hot tubs complete with your own blackjack dealer are just a few of the amenities. VIP Cabanas are available, but very limited. (11am - sunset on Sunday. Cover: $20 for women, $40 for men. Local ladies admitted free.). I recommend it, even if you haven't been bad in Vegas.

Because really you shouldn’t have to get wasted in order to deserve a little rehab.

Sunday in Las Vegas

Sunday-Brunch.pngFrom the East Coast to the West Coast, Sunday brunch has become a tradition for friends and family. While you can find brunch offerings at pretty much every casino in Vegas, while you're there (like I am now) take one Sunday to step off the Strip and toast some Bellinis over bagels at Vox Wine Lounge (2630 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, at Eastern Avenue). The venue's Sunday brunch comes with all the traditional fixins plus some incredible, inventive dishes. Dine on feta and basil frittata, chorizo and eggs or feed your sweet Sunday-morning tooth with fresh scones, crepes, cinnamon buns and eclairs.

Got a hangover? Then indulge in a little hair of the dog and grab yourself a mimosa or Bellini from the Vox champagne cart or grab a delicious tomato infusion for the legendary Bloody Mary cart. And let's not forget the tunes ... as you're spreading some jam, take in the live jazz.

Ahhh, is it Sunday yet?

Oakley Enduring: She's got game

Oakley-Enduring.pngYou can express a lot with your eyes: doe eyes, wide eyes, evil eyes, or bedroom eyes. But how you hide your eyes can say just as much.

Enter Oakley. Whether you’re a carefree beach bunny (Oakley Riddle), a sultry woman of mystery (Oakley Eternal), or a corporate tycoon (Oakley Ravishing), Oakley has you covered. Their vast collection ranges from Active Lifestyle to Asian Fit, so you’ll have no trouble bringing out the real you (or the you that you want to be today).

Though, if you're anything like me, the new Enduring line will be more your style. The Oakley Enduring Sunglass is an entirely new dimension of performance, fit and style made exclusively for athletic women by athletic women -- yes, they enlisted female athletes in the design process.

The result: The fit is engineered specifically for women, and you can adjust it with two included sizes of nosepiece. Unobtainium components keep the lightweight frame comfortably in place by increasing grip with perspiration no matter what sport you do (aside from running and climbing, I even wore these horseback riding). UV filtering is an uncompromising 100%, and the lens curvature helps protect the delicate skin around your eyes from the wrinkling rays of ultraviolet light.

And, because I love packaging, I just had to mention that the Enduring sunglasses are not only good looking but they come with a protective sports-specific Oakley Soft Vault that has space for storing an extra optional lens (see gallery).

So you’ll not only look better on the court, field, or at the net, you’ll look better in real life.

And that sounds like a total win-win.

$155 to $175 at Oakley. Try the Damson frame (shown above), or -- even better -- you can leave a comment or sign up for LIFT newsletters for a chance to win a pair!
Posted on 07.8.2008 by Registered CommenterTanya Ryno in | Comments4 Comments

Greg Oden goes lateral

From SWEAT SPOT written by Anna K. Clemmons for ESPN Magazine July 2008

The Jock: Greg Oden
The Workout: Resisted defensive slide
The Benefit: Boosts balance and strength

For a guy who has yet to see a minute of NBA action, former No. 1 pick Greg Oden sure has kept our attention. And the spotlight will only be brighter when he finally makes his debut with the Blazers in the fall. With that kind of extended buildup, he'd better be ready to go. Oden has been working hard to get back into game shape as he continues to rehab his right knee, which underwent microfracture surgery last September. In the resisted defensive slide, personal trainer Robb Rogers loops rubber bands around Oden's waist and upper thigh. As the big man takes lateral strides -- crossing one foot over the other, as he does on the court -- Rogers pulls on the bands, forcing Oden to use his core and leg muscles to stay balanced. The exercise emphasizes coordination and strength as well as proper alignment of the legs. "I'm mindful of everything I do to make sure I don't kill my knee," Oden says. After all, it's going to have to support the weight of his seven-foot frame -- and of all our expectations.
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