The Munch

There is this pizza spot that Probe loves in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint section in Brooklyn (Anna Maria/179 Bedford Avenue/BK) He’s been talking about it for years. Every time we visit friends or have to be in the neighborhood, we MUST get a slice. As luck would have it, we found ourselves in Billyburg one late-Saturday-night/early-Sunday-morning and ended up at Anna Maria’s.

I know I don’t look too happy, but really I was. It was a long day. I was content. I ate and drank every bit. I also don’t know what happened, but I’m now a convert. This is the best pizza ever. I think I’ve crossed over and am now part of the cult. If you’re in NYC and want a good slice - even at like, 4 am… this is the joint.

Yes! I am talking about popcorn, the glorious, low calorie, easy-to-make snack for all ages. I originally bought this popcorn maker so my kids could make it by themselves. For one, I was over buying popcorn from the store every day (what a rip off!!) and for two, I hated making it, whether in the microwave or stove, every time they had a craving.

Anyway, I have come to love this machine. It is so inexpensive (I paid $15 on sale at Walmart) and it pops nearly every kernel every time. In less than 2 minutes, the kids have a big ass bowl to watch their favorite show with or to split amongst themselves. The clean-up is a cinch and I have the option of adding salt or butter. Most times I do, but sometimes I can get the kids to eat it with no toppings at all. Win win for everyone.

A very lovely fashionista/editor/friend of mine recently introduced me to good to go, a product in the Nail Treatment line by Essie. To say that I fell in love with it almost instantly would be an understatement. In between outings she stopped through the crib and did some nail maintenance; a quick color change (light to dark!!) applied a top coat and was out the door. Of course, I held the doors for her and helped her into her car, but that was merely being over-cautious. Seriously. This product truly lives up to its name: the fastest drying top coat.

You apply your color and a layer of this topcoat will give you the professional salon-like glossy look you’re used to shelling out at least $15 bucks for.  You can do basic things like grab your purse, turn off all lights and get out the house, jump in your whip or hail a taxi… the basics. I haven’t tried or would suggest fiddling through your purse to find your keys, BlackBerry/iPhone, lip gloss or gum. Get all that stuff BEFORE you do your nails or wait at least 10 minutes, which may or may not put a halt in your plans. Overall, I say, if you are on-the-go, then good to go is for you.

New for ‘09 is Essie’s releases, matte about you. Now this topcoat does the quite the opposite of good to go. Instead of that “shiny-shiny” good to go gives you, matte about you is well… simply that: matte. And of course, it’s just in time for Fall ‘09 which touts matte nails as the latest fashion trend.

So… for a busy working-mom trying to keep up with my children and fashion, at $10 a pop, these products are well worth the investment. Purchase from Essie here.