I’m white.  By race (unless Im lucky enough to be considered as “other”. boo!) and skin type. So, a girl like me makes herself seen at the tanning salon a couple of times a year…or maybe a little more than a couple. Doesnt really matter, the bottom line is, Ive laid down, stood up, been machine sprayed, and hand touched-up plenty.  I know what works for me, what I like, and most of all, what I love.  Nothing feels better than walking into a shop and being greeted by your first name rather than a fingerprint, smiles from the second you walk in to the moment you leave, and energy up the yin yang.  That’s exactly what you get when you arrive at the artificial sun known as Kaotic Tan. This gem, designed by Black Garlic Creative, is the Cheers of tanning salons.  It’s quaint, always has high energy music bumping, a staff who knows how to have a great time, even at work, and a feeling even an ecstasy trip cant provide.  With three witty-named levels (White, Milk, Dark Chocolate), you can consume all the Vitamin D you need for weeks with a quick 10 minute session.  If you’re the “need it now” or “safety first” type, they’ve got a spray tanning booth that will have you glowing brighter than J.Lo.  And to address a common misconception, Mystic Tan will leave you as orange as an Oompa Loompa, Versa Spa (the spray tanning machine at Kaotic Tan) will give you the bronzing skin you’re looking for. Don’t worry if this is your first time tanning or at this tanning salon specifically, a trained Kaotic Tan team member will give you a thorough analysis of your skin and put you on the right track to tan.

Get colored, get Kaotic.

:KaoticTan.com

@1200 N. Pacific Avenue #104 Glendale, California 91202

#818.247.8269

nJOY from nKAY

Coachella 2010: How does it all work? from Nonee Kay on Vimeo.

I dont believe in rules…unless you’re talking about rulers because that is just a down right great invention.  Anywho, after years of attending this particular festival, I’ve noticed a couple things that may aid in your festival-going process.  The video shares some tips on how to keep alive and well by the end of the night and on to the next morning.  No one likes a burnout.

nJOY from nKAY

For anyone who has not had the pleasure of flying with Virgin America, you are missing out on a completely worthwhile experience.  While flying in and out of San Francisco to Los Angeles, I refuse to fly with any other airline.  First, Virgin is known for it’s exceptionally low rates, beating out all of its competition.  They were actually one of the last airlines to enforce baggage fees.  Unfortunately, they charge 25 dollars for each extra baggage you turn in, but who doesn’t nowadays?  Other than having the most friendly and well-dressed staff, the inside of a VA plane looks like an eclectic lounge.  Neon pink lights outlining the cabin’s ceiling, television screens behind each seat stocked with games, music videos, movies, tv shows, and even a google map showing exactly where the plane is heading, how fast, it’s elevation, and the remaining miles to your destination.  VA has truly created an incredible brand for itself.  Almost every flight is wifi accessible, so no email can go not replied or tweet unsent.  If you ask any VA flier, most would agree that the in flight safety video is their favorite part of the whole trip.  Unless you’re seated in first class, you are no longer staring at a flight attendant named Cadence or Sheila manually performing how to fasten your seatbelt and inflate your life vest.  Rather, the innovative masterminds at VA have created an animated video to inform and entertain all guests aboard about all safety features in the cabin in case of an emergency.  Check out the video above and let me know what you think.  It will be worth the 4:39 you spend watching and laughing, at the very least smiling, throughout the video.

nJOY from nKAY

Are you wine over beer?  White over Black?  Tea over Coffee?  Then I take it the herbs interest you.  San Francisco’s Samovar Tea Lounge is one of the cities greatest assets and fits perfectly into the towns well-known “Earthy” theme.  With locations in the Castro-Mission, Yerba Buena Gardens, and Zen Valley, Samovar is not only home to one of the largest selection of teas in the city, but also makes a great hunger ceasing stop.  I stopped by at Samovar’s Yerba Buena locations on what seemed to be the most beautiful Sunday in all of history.

The magnificent view from the outdoor table we requested on a sunny San Franciscan Sunday.  Concrete meet grass.  Tea meet lips.

The cuppa Mango Mist tea which happened to be one of their specials for the day was everything I expected it to be.  A sweet rice water base with a hint of Mango made my tongue do a summersault in my mouth.  Served as a free-leafed cluster in the mini-tea pot, each pot brewed more potent than the next to have a lasting flavor, I yearn for again soon.

A tea expert had to take Carissa back to demonstrate how to self serve her bottomless Russian Black Tea Blend.  Sugar and milk were also made available at her disposal.

Russian Black tea blend with a splash of soy milk and a dash of Splenda.

Remember the goodies I was talking about?  Here is the Grilled Duck Jook:  Rice, slow cooked to a silken custard and served with tasty toppings: scallions, toasted garlic, peanuts, nori, cilantro, sriracha, and tamari soy sauce.

Here is a closer look at the Jook.  This time it is served with Smoked Salmon instead of the Duck.

Grilled Agor Cheese, Pesto, and Sundried Tomato served on a toasted whole-wheat, seeded, ciabata, with mayo, side salad w/tarragon-balsamic vinaigrette, and fresh fruit.  Let’s just say if you had your own Agor Cheese manufacturing factory, we would so be dating right now.

Lovely handmade Vegetarian Squash Dumplings with a Spicy Sesame-Soy sauce.  My favorite part?  The shape.  I like you different.

Perfect spot to enjoy the city, catch up with friends, release your stresses on a bright green leaf and watch it flutter away in the wind.

Zen Valley

Open Every Day : 10am – 10 pm
297 Page Street
(@ Laguna Street)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 861-0303

Yerba Buena Gardens

Open Sunday – Wednesday: 10am – 8 pm
Thursday – Saturday: 10am – 9 pm
730 Howard Street
(above the waterfall in Yerba Buena Gardens)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: (415) 227-9400

Mission-Castro

Open Everyday :  10am – 10pm
498 Sanchez St.
(@ 18th Street)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone: (415) 626-4700

nJOY from nKAY

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Tags: Castro, Hayes, Mission, Samovar, San Francisco, Tea, Tea Lounge, Yerba Buena, Zen Valley