The Kohler Handshower - Fashionably Eco-Friendly

How many gallons water do you think the average person uses per day? Believe it or not 170 gallons! That's 2.8 gallons per minute! You could conserve water just by changing out your showerhead and replacing with an eco-friendly, efficient one.

I've been wanting to replace my showerhead with a handheld one for awhile. I love being able to choose my water coverage - concentrated, focused or full, wide spray with this new Kohler handshower. It's a feature my previous showerhead did not have. The three-function spray delivers 1.75 gallons per minute, saving up to 30% water consumption versus conventional handshowers. It also has an ergonomic spray head, allowing me to easily adjust the direction of the water. The 60" hose definitely makes it easier to clean my bathtub. When I don't use the handheld showerhead, I just keep it in place by mounting the hose on the shower arm mount.

The handshower model I have is part of the Purist collection. It is very sleek and sculptural in design, with a polished chrome finish. It definitely has stand-out appeal. I feel like it's saying "look at me" since it's not modest nor petite looking. I've never paid attention to how much of a difference a showerhead can make but it certainly does, in design, function and conserving water. With my new handshower, I'll be saving more than 10,000 gallons of water each year! Thank you Kohler!

Go to www.kohler.com to learn more about Kohler's products and services.

- Kim Weling

Looking for a New Happy Hour Spot? Check Out West 3rd Common

My newest, favorite spot for happy hour and food is West 3rd Common, an upscale gastropub on West 3rd & Broadway in NoHo. I had a great time catching up with friends while sipping Blueberry Pie martinis (Stoli Blueberry, Bailey's and Butterscotch Schnapps) and sampling the menu.

West 3rd Common was recently opened by Dan Warren, who also owns Common Ground in the East Village. West 3rd Common offers an upscale take on traditional bar food delivered by a chef with southern roots, including steamed burgers, create-your-own grilled cheese sandwiches, and all-you-can-drink brunch on the weekends including unlimited mimosas, screwdrivers & bloody mary’s for $20 including your entree.

The lounge-like atmosphere has an on-demand jukebox, a wall full of board games you can bring to your table, and several flat screens. This is definitely a great place to hold a special event or just hang out with friends.

I don't normally eat duck, but the duck sliders with kim chi and sweet hoisen were pretty amazing. So was the pulled BBQ pork sandwich and garlic french fries which I couldn't stop eating. Everything was so tasty, I don't think I've ever had better bar food! Thank you Dan and Alyson for hosting a lovely evening with spectacular food, service and drinks!

Location: 1 West 3rd Street (between Broadway & Mercer)
Hours: Mon – Wed, 12pm – 2am; Thursday – Sunday, 12pm – 4am
Happy Hour: Everyday 4pm – 8pm ($3 Draft Beers, $4 well drinks & wine, $5 Cosmos & Appletinis)
Brunch: $20 includes entrée + all-you-can-drink mimosas, screwdrivers & bloody mary’s.
Phone #: 212-529-2059

Website: www.West3rdCommon.com

Spa Week Spring 2010 is Coming!

Spa Week is coming - April 12th - 18th! Book your appointment now and take advantage of offered $50 treatments at your favorite spa or try a new one. Go to http://www.spaweek.com/ to see a list of participating spas. This 12th edition of the Spa Week Event includes over 800 spas across North America.

Nintendo DSi XL™ Launch

The wait is over! The new handheld Nintendo DSi XL™ launches today, March 28th, with a 4.2 inch extra-large screen - 93% larger than those on the Nintendo DS™ Lite system. The Nintendo DSi XL retails for $189.99 and includes three pre-installed games on the system - the brain-training games Brain Age™ Express: Math and Brain Age™ Express: Arts & Letters, as well as Photo Clock, which lets users customize the pictures on the background of their clock. Nintendo DSi XL is available in Burgundy or Bronze, with a glossy top and a matte-finish bottom for a better grip. The graphics are so clear and eye-popping, you'll just have to see it for yourself.

Nintendo DSi XL is also launching two portable games - America’s Test Kitchen: Let’s Get Cooking uses the larger screens to help multiple chefs chip in to prepare delicious recipes. In WarioWare™: D.I.Y., the larger screens help players see all the details as they create and share their own microgames.

I have never had my own Nintendo DSi system, but now is a good time as any to get one and join in the fun. Nintendo DSi XL includes all the same features as the Nintendo DSi system, including two cameras and photo-and sound-manipulation tools. With a broadband Internet connection, you can also upload photos directly to Facebook to share with friends or access downloadable Nintendo DSiWare™ games via the Nintendo DSi Shop.

I think gaming with the Nintendo DSi XL would be a fun way to pass the time since I always seem to be in transit, whether I'm on a bus, subway or plane (no intention of using while driving or walking - want to avoid accidents!). Super Mario Brothers will still always be my favorite Nintendo game, so I can't wait to play the newest version on the Nintendo Dsi XL. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendodsi.com/.

- Kim Weling

Esprit Flagship Store Launch

Esprit models

Tonight I attended the Esprit grand opening celebration at 34th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue. The three floor store, carrying men's and women's clothing and accessories, is the brand's largest in North America and second largest in the world, occupying approximately 18,000 square feet of space. This marks Esprit's fifth store in Manhattan, with other locations including Rockefeller Center, Flatiron, Soho and TimeWarner.

Celebrity attendees included Emmy Rossum, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Erin Lucas and Robert Verdi. Macy Gray arrived extremely late, performing her soon-to-be released single "Beauty in the World" to close the event.

Attendees received a raffle ticket, entitling them to choose a mystery gift card with different denominations of $10, $20, $50 and $100. I got a $20 gift card. I definitely saw some pieces I liked, including some cute dresses and a leather jacket. It was a fun night of champagne, hors d'eouvres and shopping.

*In honor of the Esprit 34th Street's grand opening to the public on March 25th and March 26th, Esprit 34th Street invites customers to "Love it and Leave it." At 9am, noon and 5:30pm, the first 50 people lined up outside who have an invitation will receive a wristband to participate. When they fall in love with a new Esprit outfit and decide to leave a clothing item of their own for donation to the Salvation Army, they get that outfit for Free! Anyone who is not participating in "Love it and Leave it" and tries on any item in the store will receive a $20 Cash Card. Get an invitation and learn more at: www.loveitandleaveit.com.

- Kim Weling

Ann Taylor Summer 2010

With spring finally here and summer around the corner (can't wait for summer Fridays!), I am looking forward to wearing mini dresses and skirts, sleeveless tunics and halter tops.

For early Summer 2010, Ann Taylor is inspired by the hidden gardens of Charleston. The focus is on lace details, classic black and white, pops of sorbet pastel colors and vintage-inspired jewelry, creating a refined feminine chic, defining the well-dressed woman.

You can't go wrong with classic black and white pieces, like the crepe ribbon skirt, boyfriend jacket or cotton silk double-breasted jacket. 1/2 sleeve crewneck cardigans are a must-have and great for layering.

In June you'll see a kaleidoscope of exotic prints and vibrant colors inspired by Gauguin's Tahiti and the natural artistry of the islands, providing a twist of urban sophistication.

As summer continues, lush colors and prints are inspired by aqua skies and azure water, as shimmering silks and jewels create a refreshing look.

- Kim Weling











This has become one of my favorites - the dramatic Noir necklace, $158 (right)


If you are looking for a piece to add to your wardrobe, make sure you add the cotton trench shirtdress (right) to your list ($128). It's suitable for work and for going out afterwards.

This pavé encrusted stone necklace ($78) is at the top of my list for summer jewlery.

Heirloom bib necklace, $68

Take your pick. Dress up your outfit and add a luxurious, lightweight layer with mirage, floral and vibrant animal print, sheer and metallic luxe and washed cashmere scarves.

More metallic luxe and iconic animal print scarves

Romantic ruffle top, $68 (left)

I absolutely can't wait to get this 3/4 sleeve sequin crop (top right) and Kaylee embellished flip flop, $78.

Cotton silk double-breasted jacket, $178 (left)

Tiered ruffle tank, $68 (middle)

Leopard print sheath dress, $168 (left)
ruffle-front sheath dress, $138 (right)

Elodie t-strap sandal, $98

Looking for a comfortable yet glamorous sandal, try this gladiator-style Piper embellished sandal, $158.

Thea woven zip-back sandal, $178. Also available to match is the woven clutch, $98 and woven belt, $48 (not shown).

Liberty of London for Target Pop-Up Shop with Naomi Watts

Liberty of London for Target Launched nationwide today at Target stores and at target.com, but I had the opportunity to attend the Liberty of London for Target pop-up shop preview on March 10th at Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street.

I'm glad I made it to the preview because I heard later in the day it was a mob scene with a line down the block and items flying off the shelves, leaving lots of empty space. As soon as I entered the shop, I was given a Liberty of London wallet (Kiss Lock Wallet in Jennifer Flowers Blue print), with a $50 gift card inside! How excited was I! The wallet would have definitely been my first choice of purchase.

I had just missed photographers taking photos of Naomi Watts outside the pop-up shop but had caught up with her inside while she was doing some shopping. I asked for her photo and she was incredibly nice, asking me to get in the picture and then asked someone take the picture with my camera.

As I looked around the shop and enjoyed the fruit and quiche hors d'oeuvres, I was amazed at how much merchandise was in the shop - bikes for adults and kids, bedding, storage boxes, chairs, ceramic canisters, teapots and plates, flip flops, totes, umbrellas, underwear, sleepwear, swimwear, dresses and more - everything you can possibly need.

I am usually not into prints, especially florals, but I just can't help but love this collection. The prints are so colorful and happy, it really makes you look forward to spring and summer. I bought a dress in a multi color royal print, not realizing it's actually a tunic swim coverup. I still think it will work as a dress, especially when I wear it with a navy cardigan.

I meant to go back to the pop-up shop and was surprised when I heard it was closed by Friday as all the inventory sold out. That is a first I've heard of a pop-up shop selling out before the last day. Everything is so reasonably priced - it's a steal! If you plan on shopping for Liberty of London for Target online at target.com, note that many of the items are already sold out. I'm sure that will be the case at the stores too so you better get to your local Target store soon!

- Kim Weling

Kristin Davis Hosts New York Moves Magazine Spring Issue Celebration

On March 10th, New York Moves Magazine celebrated the release of the anticipated Spring 2010 Fashion Issue with host Kristin Davis at the Ethan Allen Design Center. Kristin looked gorgeous in a black Balenciaga dress.