This has a particularly cold and snowy January so far and the thought of going without enough food to eat is certainly a chilling one. Thank goodness for the Greater Boston Food Bank, New England’s largest hunger-relief organization providing food for 394,000 people annually throughout eastern Massachusetts.

Picking a place to celebrate your birthday can become an event within itself. There are a number of different factors to be considered, none of which present us with easy decisions to make. Dynamics such as guest list, location, style and level of intended birthday narcissism all require equal consideration. Throughout the many birthday celebrations I’ve been a part of, I’ve found that there are two types of people: those who excessively love their birthday and those who timidly hate it; to find someone who falls in between is a rare commodity. Whether you are the love or hate type, birthday festivities are always in order and are usually hard to avoid.

We wait for this event, much like a first-time parent anticipates the birth of his or her child. We congregate with friends and throw parties in its honor, or we set our TiVos lest we be detained elsewhere. Monday morning water-cooler chat abounds following its air, as Americans are more cognizant of and interested in this event than other happenings such as health-care reform or economic recovery.

Haute New Yorkers turned out for a good cause Wednesday night. The Foundation Fighting Blindness’ Banking on a Cure Awards Dinner at the historic Plaza Hotel drew 350 attendees celebrating Wall Street's vision to help end blindness. The gala event honored Aryeh B. Bourkoff, vice chairman at UBS Investment Bank, and Dr. Stanley Chang, the chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Medical Center.

Love at first sight does exist. When I laid eyes on the new Charles Albert statement rings worn by some of my favorite celebrities, I knew I had to have one. And, now that they are coming to Sucre in the heart of the West Village starting today, I know for sure that I can get one...or two...or three.

We all know who said, "Life is like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're going to get." Well, Forrest, in the world of spa treatments, we know exactly what to expect from a box, or a tub full. Chocolate has been shown to have some miraculous effects, from stress relief to body contouring to elevating your mood. So, while eating chocolate is oh-so-delightful; why not go the calorie-free route and dip yourself in it? We've got a list of five spa treatments in New York City that will leave you feeling like you've experienced the chocolate Midas touch.

Spectacular penthouse unit with panoramic views of Card Sound Bay, golf course and marina! Four bedroom and four and one half baths, terrace overlooking the bay for wonderful sunsets!

Dining in a very dimly lit atmosphere can be a little disconcerting if you cannot see your food very well… even when you know what you have ordered. Now imagine dining in total darkness on a meal that has been selected for you without its contents being revealed to you. If this sounds like a tantalizing or intriguing concept to you, you are in luck.

Elegantly long fitted dresses by London-based Italian designer Alessandra Rich are inspired by Arabian Abayas. Crafted from luxurious lace and silk, these abayas have the look of a simple yet sophisticated long evening gown, classy enough to wear out or for casual everyday attire.

Dark, creamy, rich and buttery chocolate, indulge yourself in a spa treatment using of your favorite luscious treat. Just a small bite of chocolate provides you with a list of beneficial nutrients such as potassium zinc, magnesium and iron. Applied on the skin, chocolate is believed to be incredibly nourishing and helpful for overall relaxation due to its luxurious texture. Treat yourself to a full-on pampering session at these top spots for chocolate spa treatments.

Brainchild of Chicago restaurateur Tom Powers, Gastrotommy.com is a cutting edge website that offers unparalleled, bi-monthly food and wine education direct from the best winemakers, chefs, and sommeliers as well as deep discounts on food and wine via an HD web-only show. There are currently 13 episodes on the shot in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Chicago featuring Frank Ostini of The Hitching Post, Rhone specialist Bob Lindquist and Donnie Madia and Paul Kahan of Publican and Blackbird among others. Gastrommy will shoot in the San Francisco Bay area in January, New York in March and New Orleans in May with celebrated guests including Rajat Parr of the Michael Mina group and author of Secrets of the Sommeliers, Sergio Esposito, CEO Italian Wine Merchants, and Mindy Segal, Chef/Owner Hot Chocolate.

Nearly anything chocolate can be considered a treat. And while the concept of covering yourself in chocolate may seem like a silly indulgence, its hydrating properties for your skin are truly remarkable. The cocoa butter soothes and hydrates while the aromatherapy component is enough to make your sense delighted. It’s the no calorie chocolate fix. But where can you get yourself properly coated in chocolate goodness? Haute Living presents the top 5 chocolate spa treatments in Boston to help you on your chocolate quest.

Despite what you were told in Junior High, chocolate happens to be good for your skin. Who knew the tasty treat is also packed with anti-oxidents? Don't believe me? Let the following five spa treatments show you the benefits of cocoa. Now, if only they discovered that chocolate doesn't have any calories.

Chocolate plus the spa -- what could be more perfect than that? Here are the Top 5 chocolate spa treatments in the Valley, and the best part is you don't even have to feel guilty for indulging in them.

Yes, it’s true. Everything is better with chocolate! Currently we are in the thick of Old Man Winter’s clutches and it seems as though pampering and indulging in the decadence of spa treatments has taken a back seat to shoveling snow, salting driveways and managing to make your way through the bristling temperatures that have plagued us for the past six weeks. However, I have a few treats today that will take the love of hot coco, candy bars and chocolate cake and turn them into relaxing and enviable spa treatments that will have you feeling divine and smelling even better. There are facials, mani-pedis and everything in between, all with a chocolate twist and some of the most fabulous treatments for you to luxuriate in. Whether you need a little routine maintenance or want to look your best for date night, here are the best chocolate spa treatments in Atlanta that are good enough to eat.

It's almost Valentine's Day, and there's one thing on your mind: chocolate. After all, it's the holiday where the sweet stuff doesn't stick to your thighs...unless, of course, it's in the form of a spa body treatment. Chocolate isn't just for devouring anymore. Indulge in your favorite guilty pleasure this month by getting a chocolate spa treatment at one of these great Dallas-area pampering palaces.

You might think of chocolate as that decadent treat to end your meal. Or that sweet something you give your paramour. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, consider a delicious chocolate spa treatment meant for couples or as a way to indulge yourself. Chocolate contains anti-oxidant properties that help smooth our wrinkles and hydrate your skin. Check out these great chocolate-inspired spa treatments.

There are numerous benefits to smearing chocolate all over your body rather than simply eating it. No surprise to chocolate lovers is that cocoa induces the production of endorphins making you feel altogether happier. Although what might be surprising is that at certain concentrations, these substances can activate the natural process of fat elimination—which certainly wouldn’t be the case if you just shoved it in your gob. So finally, chocolate to make you slim. Marie Teather see what chocolate treatments London has to offer.