Faves and raves

PERSONAL STATS

AGE: 39

OCCUPATION: Founder of Bossa Beauty, a line of natural skin care products using ingredients from the Brazilian rainforest (www.bossabeauty.com)

NEIGHBORHOOD: Marina

YEARS IN THE CITY: Six

SELF-DESCRIPTION: Natural and positively Brazilian in S.F.

Favorite Nail Salon

Ciao Bella

WHERE: 2277 Chestnut St. between Avila and Scott streets

WHAT: Mani/pedis and leg massages

INFO: (415) 771-6666

I like to have my nails really short, and they do a good job. The staff is so friendly; they’re all sisters. I always get a hug from one of them when I leave.

Favorite Brazilian hangout

Bossa Nova

WHERE: 139 Eighth St. between Minna and Mission streets

WHAT: Happy hour cocktails, such as caipirinhas and mojitos

INFO: (415) 558-8004 or www.bossanovasf.com

I had the launch party for Bossa Beauty here; it’s such a fun spot! I love coming here for happy hour.

Favorite guilty pleasure

Fisherman’s Wharf

WHERE: Jefferson Street and The Embarcadero

WHAT: Eating crab and clam chowder

My husband, Adam, and I will go there when we don’t feel like cooking and get chowder in bread bowls at Boudin and crab on the Wharf. It’s really touristy but so much fun!

Favorite Makeup Store

Sephora

WHERE: 2083 Union St. at Webster Street

What: Stocking up on Lancome products

Info: (415) 614-2704 or www.sephora.com

Sephora has such a large selection of different brands. The staff gives great tips, too.

Favorite restaurant

Koh Samui & The Monkey

WHERE: 415 Brannan St. between Third and Fourth streets

WHAT: Sharing catfish in mango curry with friends

INFO: (415) 369-0007 or www.kohsamuiandthemonkey.com

I’ve started to move towards being vegetarian, and they have a lot of good options here. I also love the bags of gold; they’re deep-fried and delicious!

Favorite Cafe

La Boulange de Polk

WHERE: 2130 Polk St. between Green and Union streets

WHAT: Ordering an almond croissant

INFO: (415) 345-1107 or www.baybread.com

I love coming here with friends. I always see someone I know. Plus, the almond croissant is the best in The City.

Favorite Jewelry Store

Jewelry Mart

WHERE: 888 Brannan St. at Eighth Street

WHAT: Buying earrings, necklaces and gifts for friends

INFO: (415) 861-7733 or www.gcjm.com

This place is a huge warehouse full of fun little jewelry stores. A lot of it looks expensive, but you can find really affordable pieces.

Favorite Date Spot

Ristorante Gondola

WHERE: 15 Columbus Ave. at Washington Street

WHAT: Noshing on homemade pasta

INFO: (415) 956-5528

My husband and I know the owners. Whenever we’re there, I try something different, but their pastas, like the gnocchi, are excellent.