Christmas Music…

Will someone please explain to me why stores start playing Christmas music before Halloween? It’s very confusing when you walk into a shop in September and you see tree decorations for sale. I don’t know about you, but the more stores try to shove Christmas in July at me, the more I want to hide until it’s over. Don’t get me wrong, I love prezzies. It’s fun buying them, especially if you prescribe to the philosophy of buying one present for them and another present for yourself – after all, it’s all about balance, isn’t it?

But if you’re ready to run screaming into the night, or if you think your dog has it right and you may join her under the bed, I’ve got a few stress busters I want to share with you.

I’m pulling out the cliché, “laughter is the best medicine” right now for two reasons – reason #1 – good transition and reason #2 – laughter kicks stress out the door. So, if you’re looking for some relief, check out the Midnight Pajama Jam at the Marquee (356 Bowery, between Great Jones and E. 4th St). Hosted by Jon Benjamin (Dr. Katz) and Jon Glaser (Late Night with Conan O’Brien). It’s alterna-comedy with an over sensitive octopus, dare-taking politicos, and more. Guests include; Sean Conroy (Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend and Crossballs!) Doors open at 7:30 PM, show’s at 8 PM and it’s only $5.00 More information call 212-664-2957

When you’re body needs a little pampering, try Haven Spa’s yummy cocktail inspired manicures and pedicures. There’s the Spiked Cider, Hot Buttered Rum, Candy Cane Schnapps Shot and Irish Coffee manicures and pedicures. Each treatment smells terrific and has an element from a cocktail. Haven’s Spike Cider has Macintosh apple body butter to soften your skin; the Hot Buttered Rum has a buttery sugar cube scrub to buff away dead skin; The Candy Cane Schnapps Shot uses a peppermint soak and the Irish Coffee uses an invigorating java bath. Oh the many ways you can pamper yourself! Each Haven holiday spa pedicure has a “sole softener” treatment that exfoliates hard to get rid of calluses, so your feet will look wonderful in holiday sandals. Manicures last 45 minutes and is $30.00. Pedicures last 60 minutes and is $60.00

And right now Haven Spa has a few holiday specials that you can use. From now until November 30th, you get a free $10 gift card with the purchase of $100 in gift cards. December 1st through the 15th, you receive a free haven signature box with every purchase of $200 in gift cards.

Haven Spa is located at 150 Mercer Street, 212-343-3515. More information give them a call or visit their website http://www.havensoho.com

SSS Sample Sales is having the final three days of the Ben Sherman and Evisu sale. Evisu tees, shirts, jeans and more are $30 – $100, Ben Sherman jeans, pants, shirts, sweaters, shoes, and sneakers $29, four for $100, and Ben Sherman blazers and unlined jackets $35, lined $60. There’s also lots of holiday gifts and 7 gauge cashmere cocoon, cashmere ponchos and capelets. B.x2 picture frames, Inhabit cashmere, Free People tops and bottoms and more

SSS Sample Sales at 261 W36th St (between 7th & 8th avenue) 2nd Floor. Today, 10 AM – 7 PM and Wednesday 10 AM – 6 PM. More information http://www.clothingline.com

And finally a holiday event that happens when it’s supposed to, I’m talking about the Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center on November 30th. Every year, celebs perform and the prettiest lights in the city come on and twinkle. Get there early, because it gets crowded very quickly.