Mem Weekend '11

Sooo glad this week has come to an end! This will be short and sweet!! Enjoy the weekend, the weather, the beach (I wish), the BBQ's, etc!! Anything and everything that Memorial Day Weekend has to offer!! I'm off to see my favorite little boy in the world (aka my nephew)!! XOXO

Good Morning!!

Three quick things about my day so far. It's only 10 am and it's already interesting.

1. Confession. I left my house this morning in such a whirlwind. Do you ever have those days? I had plenty of time and then all of a sudden I was late. I was running around like an idiot and trying to through an outfit together - which I don't even think looks good - but meh - it's Thursday. I finally depart my apartment - lock the door - elevator - good morning to my doorman - start my trek. I'm about 5 blocks in when I realize that in my haste I forgot a majorly important thing. Like very major. I forgot to BRUSH MY TEETH!!!

WTF is wrong with me?! And the weirdest thing is that literally the other day while walking to work I thought to myself "wouldn't it be weird if you forgot to brush your teeth?!" - just little inner-monologues I have with myself. And it happened!! I was so mortified. I pretty much figured that everyone on the street knew of my poor hygiene. I never forget to do that - its just obviously part of my routine! So I ran myself into the next CVS I saw and grabbed those new disposable toothbrushes and about 4 other things I realized I needed. Got into my office without speaking to anyone and quickly whipped them out. They actually work fairly well. I mean - if you're in a pinch! I wouldn't use them as my regular toothbrush - but I now have 4 "extras" in my desk - just in case!

2. Piano Man. As I was mortifyingly walking to work this morning I saw something else that made me less embarrassed about myself. There was a man walking towards me in a suit with his head phones on (ummm totally dating myself - I should have said "iPod on") and he was full out playing the air piano.

Basically practicing his skills while walking. I'm all for "2 birds 1 stone" - but seriously - in the middle of the sidewalk you need to play your piano?! And I'm not talking just "pretending" to play - he was full on "playing" certain keys, pedal, etc. The best part is that no one really even flinched. You gotta love New York!

3. Blue Man Group. Also while on my crusade to the office - I passed another man in an interesting get-up. He was fully decked out - feeling his best - thinking he was the shiz - in an electric blue/cobalt suit.

Who wears that?! I mean I know I prob shouldn't be judging on people's attire - those in glass houses and all - but where do you work where that would be an appropriate outfit for the "office"?! And where does one even find such a thing?! It literally blinded me! So bright - and it was too early for something so bright to be in my face.

Hopefully this day will get a little less weird. I mean maybe I got all the "weirdness" out first thing - instead of being spread out through my day! I'm just glad it's Thursday - one more day and then a THREE DAY WEEKEND!!! Yee-ha! (Ummm I'm a little embarrassed about that - but not enough to delete it - sorry I'm not sorry.)

Headboard From Hell

I thought last night would be a nice relaxing night of putting together my new headboard and watching Glee. Well that's what I did - but relaxing it was NOT!

My sister is staying with me a few nights a week because she just started a fab internship in the big city. We had a great dinner followed of course by Pinkberry and headed home for the night. I had gotten my new headboard from West Elm delivered during the day - another aggravation - but I digress - so I was so excited to slap that sucker on! Here's the pic of what it should look like:

So I unpacked it and whipped out my instructions. They keep the instructions on their website to try to "go green" - so I printed them out and was ready to go. looked simple enough! We'd have this thing up in no time. WRONG. One slight thing - the instructions mentioned 2 pieces that didn't come with the headboard. So I made a lil call and after many transfers and my face getting increasingly redder from anger - I was informed that the instructions that are on the website - the only ones they give you - are not in fact accurate. I didn't need those pieces. So I asked simply:

Me: Ok - can you just send me or email me the correct instructions then?
West Elm: Yes - not a problem
Me: Ok - I'll just wait a few minutes until they come through my email.
West Elm: Oh - no it's going to take at least 24 hours. I have to put in a request for the directions - we don’t just have them.

Oh, I’m sorry…what?! You don't have the real directions on hand - yet you don’t include them with the delivery - and the ones online are wrong. So not only do I have to call you to ask about it - but then I have to wait AT LEAST 24 hours before you can so kindly email them to me?! So basically I lost it. My sister was laughing - I was screaming - it was a scene. Something I thought would be so easy turned into insanity.

By that point it was time for Glee. I calmed myself down. Thinking we could do this tomorrow night, I'd still have my sister there to help me. But by the time Glee was over - I was raring to go. Determined to get this thing on my damn bed. My sister and I are two intelligent women - we could figure this out!

A few flat washers, sweating, cursing and bolts later - we stuck that thing up. Will it stay - I don’t know. Will I hear a crash in the middle of the night and have my head suddenly against the wall - possibly. But it's up…for now!

Lunch Lady

Happy Monday - bleh! I had a fabulous weekend - got to babysit one of my favorite little boys! It was so fun. One of my best friends from college came into the city this past Saturday with her little family. We all went to the Central Park Zoo for the morning. Saturday was gorg! And then I got to babysit so her and her husband could go to an engagement party. We had so much fun! Went for a walk, played on my yoga mat (little things), had dinner …it was great! Then yesterday was so gross and disgusting - I only emerged from my lair once to go to the grocery store. Then I promptly ran back home to dive onto my couch. Which is where I remained for the entirety of the day. My allergies were off this hizzle - so it was just what I needed!

So here's the sadness of the day - my lunch is already over. As I've mentioned before, I do enjoy food. And because of that my work days are usually cut in half by the excitement that is lunch time. I have my breakfast at work (Greek yogurt & strawberries) and then around noon I'm allowed to have lunch. This means that my day is half way through! But today it's sad because I finished my lunch by like 12:15 pm and now - here we are. I still have more than 4 hours left! This is not an enjoyable way to deal with the hell that is Monday!

However - I will share with you my new favorite lunch treat! I try to be good about bringing my lunch. Living/working in NYC can get expensive and when you realize you're dropping about $15/ day on lunch - that's $75 a week - it kinda makes my stomach hurt (not enough to not eat lunch though, obviously). So - my solution is to try my best to bring something at least a few days a week. A lot of times its leftovers. At my old job it was great - I'd just basically bring my fridge and we'd concoct our lunches in the kitchen and it was great. Here - not so much. Bringing your lunch is a rarity and I feel very self-conscious when I'm in the kitchen "preparing". So I try to keep the prep to a minimum here! You can imagine my excitement when I found these:

Amy's Pocket Sandwiches. Now I'm a fan of Amy's products - so I was happy to try these new little situations. Seriously - they are amazing. So good - and because it's Amy's - not bad for you at all! I've had the Cheese Pizza, the Spinach Feta & the Spinach Pizza. I'm going to try the Broccoli & Cheese this week! The best part is - they're super easy to transport and heat up! It's a perfect solution! The only down side - I eat them quickly and then they're gone!

So for all you "lunch packers" run (don't walk) to your nearest grocery store and pick some of these up! I promise - they won't disappoint. Oh and they do fill you up. I normally eat an apple as an "afternoon snack" and this totally ties me over until then! Happy lunching!

You Can't Say Bomb In A Bar

Sooo last night was interesting to say the least. I went out with Chase & Hazel and as per usual, things got weird. I love this city - but there are some strange people here and I happen to encounter all of them!!

We started the night at Rattle N Hum. We had never been, so we thought we'd give it a try. It was great - great selection of beers on tap - fun atmosphere - the food was pretty good. The only problem - it was about 145 degrees in there. Like so unbearably hot. I was, of course, sweating - but so were Hazel & Chase. And this poor man across the room looked like he just jumped in a pool. He was drenched - in his business clothes - drenched. So sad. After we finished up dinner, we had to leave. It was just wayyy too hot. We headed over to Galway Hooker. I had my birthday party at the West Village location, but I've never been to the East Side one. It was fun. Not too crowded - good music. We were having a good time. Hazel wasn't feeling that well - so she called it an early night. Chase and I decided to stay for one more drink and see how we felt. This is when things took a turn.

We were sitting at the bar - minding our own business - chatting away when this random guy approached Chase. He had slicked back hair and was wearing a leather jacket and tight jeans - need I say more?! He creepily went up behind her and asked her if he could leave his book bag with her while he went outside to smoke. She was kinda taken aback - not sure what was going on - next thing - book bag on the ground in between our 2 bar stools. He leaves. We both immediately start freaking out - certain there is a bomb in the bag. I'm watching his every more outside. Chase said, "if he leaves - we're outa here". Of course I agreed. He came a few minutes later and was all smiles and wanting to chat. Neither of us were really feeling it, but of course it was a ridiculous convo.

Chase:  We thought you had a bomb in that bag.  (nervous giggles)
Guy:  Haha - oh yah there's a bomb in here - a bomb in the bag (creepy trailing off laughter)
Me:  Prob shouldn't say "bomb" in a bar.
Awkward silence
Guy: So what do you girls do?
Chase: We're lawyers.
Guy: Do you like it?
Me: Some days I do - some days I don't.
Chase: What do you do? (and then looks at me and says "besides make bombs")
Guy: I'm a chef. I only do private parties - I don’t like catering to so much. (Umm last time I checked they were the same thing).
Me & Chase: Cool.
Guy: Where do you live?
Chase: Brooklyn (and no neither of us lives in Brooklyn nor do we know anything about Brooklyn)
Guy: Oh crazy - me too! Where abouts?
Me: Dumbo (the only place I know)
Guy: Me too! DO you know the Golden Apartments (or whatever he said)?
Me: OH yah - totally - that's a great area.
Guy: Oh let me go get my friend to join us - be right back (leaves his bag - again)
Chase looks at me: We HAVE to get out of here - that's totally a bomb.

So we left - actually we ran a little bit. And then we stumbled upon the best bar EVER. It's called The Wharf. It was fabulous. The only part I didn't like was when Chase & I were in the bathroom and this girl was POUNDING on the door yelling about how she was sick blah blah blah. So we opened the door to find this little thing - all drunk. So gross. We then went to sit at the bar - turned around and she was making out with some dude. I looked at Chase and said "oh looks like someone is feeling better". Hein. We had a great time there and we even met another interesting person. He was very loud and thought he was pretty cool. He was chatting us up about how awesome he was and how he was there alone. All this ridiculousness that I didn't care to listen to. Chase then wanted to go to this other bar downtown, so of course this clown decides he's coming with us. We go to get into the cab and who slides in, too, but the guy that girl (the one from the bathroom) was sucking face with!! Of course Chase took advantage and decides to make fun of him:

Chase: Dude you were totally making out with a sick girl who was so drunk.
Dude: No I wasn't.
Chase: Yes you were - so gross.
Dude: I'm engaged - that wasn't me. (Later the other guy told us he really wasn't engaged he just wanted us to stop making fun of him - I still don't buy it.)
Chase: It was totally you and that makes you even more of a jerk.

So the cab ride was awkward. We get there and the big spender was all "oh I got this" - the cab was $5. We get inside and I coined it the "Land of Little People". Everyone was about 21 years old. All right out of college - ridiculous. The girls were all tiny and skinny and throwing themselves at guys - all drunk.

It was insane. Even though Chase proclaimed "I'm not threatened by these whores" - we were a little out of our element. The band was good though and maybe on another night I might have been more into it. But I just wasn't feeling it. So we called it a night!

I got home - chatted with the doorman - totally normal. I literally walked into my apt and fell into bed. This morning - woke up - couldn't breath - can't really talk - allergies OOC!!! But I mean it's FRIDAY - so it's all good! Enjoy your weekends you crazy kids!

I Have A Love/Hate With Summer

Guys seriously - we are entering into two of the top reasons why I don't like summer. Even though I LOVE summer, there are a few things I take issue to. The first is actually getting there - my allergies are like off the charts and the second - sweating - obviously.

So this morning I did NOT wake up feeling like P. Diddy. I was a disaster! Sneezing - my eyes were itchy - my throat felt like it was closing up. Just disgusting.

These changing seasons really do a number on me. And this year in particular seems like the worst ever - amirite?! Is anyone else having major issues this year?! I mean every year I prob say "this is the worst" - but seriously - I think this might in fact be - THE WORST. I've also had a migraine for like 3 straight days - totally not helping matters!


Ok onto my second issue - sweating. By now you should all know that I have a sweating problem. It's insane. I don’t smell - I just sweat. It's embarrassing and awful all rolled into one. Like yesterday after my spin class - I got back to my office - drenched. Like it wouldn't stop. I had to close my door for an hour and hope that I "came to" and eventually it stopped. Ridiculous. The worst part though is that I walk to work - which I love. But by the time I actually get here on these humid, hot days - I'm drenched.

I wish there were showers at work - because I'd just assume take one here. It's really quite disgusting. I'm at the point where I don’t even dry my hair - became not only does it add extra heat - but it's pretty much wet by the time I get here anyways - so what's really the point?! The air drying is better for your hair anyway, and it helps to "keep me cool" on my walk.


It reminds me of this one fateful day when I was en route to work in DC. I was getting the Metro and it was about 800 degrees down there. I was also sweating before I even left my apartment - walked out into basically a "soup like" atmosphere - so by the time I climbed down the 7 miles worth of steps to get to the Metro - I was done for. Usually I carry a tissue/napkin at all time in case of situations like this. I try to "blot" the sweat away and look somewhat like a normal person. But I went to go get one out of my bag - shear panic - there was nothing. I was rifling and found NOTHING! Not even piece of paper I could use. Of course this made me panic more which in turn made me sweat more. I realized what I had to do. And as embarrassing as it was - you know the whole desperate times - desperate measures. I had to resort to using a panty liner. Yes folks - a panty liner that I had in my "make up bag" for emergencies - along with 5 other tampons.

I had no choice. So I pulled it out discreetly - hoping that no one saw me and began to "blot". And wouldn't ya know - it was the most amazing thing ever. That thing absorbed the sweat like a champ! I think it was the best embarrassing decision I've ever had to make.


So Summer - as much as I welcome you with open arms and embrace your wonderful beach days and outdoor dining/drinking - I just wish you'd lay off the humidity and stop causing me to sweat and wheeze all at the same time. If we could just eliminate those factors - I'd be the happiest girl alive!

Treadmill Performances Are Not OK

I know I've mentioned this before, but yesterday it was brought to a whole new level, my gym is CRAY CRAY!! I'm sure that most of you go to crazy gyms too - and I'd love to hear your stories. I guess most gyms do have an element of insanity to them. It just takes all kinds. But yesterday - ridiculous.

I've just recently been able to start running again. I probably shouldn't be, but I figure I'll just listen to my body. If it decides to completely break on me - then I'll know it's time to stop. But for now - I'm keeping my mileage low and I'm not sprinting anytime soon! Since I'm just getting back into it, I'm still a little uneasy on the treadmill. I mean I'm not flying off or anything, but I'm just more cautious than I have ever been. One little move the wrong way and I panic, wrap my hands/arms around the bars and know that I can always use my head to hit the large red "STOP" button that sits in the middle of the console. I'm just trying to prevent an epic failure.

I was just getting into my rhythm and watching a Friends re-run - which is the best way to pass the time while running - and it happened. The guy that was 2 treadmills down was like sprinting and trying to be all cool. And all of a sudden he starts signing - and I'm not talking quietly. I'm talking screaming at the top of his lungs - yelling - singing. Well this was enough to scare the B-Jesus out of me. I nearly lost my footing - my heart was pounding. I mean I'm just running along LOL'ing at Joey and all of a sudden he feels the need to belt out a song?!

It was basically just 3 lines or so, and then it was silent again. OK back to my running, heart and blood pressure have stabilized.

And then it happened AGAIN! Like 10 minutes later! Screaming/yelling/ belting - some talk about a river and a mounting - and it didn't stop there. He then decided to use his console as a drum set! So he's banging on the console and yelling all the while probably running at about 7 miles/hour. The guy next to me - looks at me - I'm in shock - looks at him - he has his eyes closed and is in a full on jam session. It was just insane! And he's all - whatever - I don’t care what anyone thinks - I'm an amazing singer/performer and everyone wants to listen to me.

I'm all for hyping yourself up and getting through that workout. But I've also run marathons, 10 milers, etc. and I have never had to encounter this type of behavior. In the actual race or the training. I mean this guy was just running like 3 miles and calling it a workout. There was just no need for it. I can't stand when people think that they are the only ones in the room. Like when you're on a subway and someone just starts signing. I'm sorry ma'am - but you're not Adele and sir - you are no Jay-Z. Lets just keep that type of behavior to the confines of your homes. Or when its an appropriate arena. Thank you and have a lovely day!

Tiger Hair Is A Great Look For You!

So speaking of hair highlights…don't ever ask me to do yours. I'm not quite sure why I thought of this story - but replaying it in my head made me laugh and it all came flooding back to me. It involves me, my bestie from home, Corey, and a wand of hair dye.

Corey and I grew up together. She is one of my closest, oldest friends. Over the years we've gotten ourselves into a few situations - renting me what should have been condemned house in Radford, VA; nearly getting killed by a mattress that flew off a car in front of us; celebrating my 21st birthday; the list goes on. Now Corey is married with two adorable kids. Even though those crazy days may numbered, we still have the memories and we're still good friends!

So Corey wanted to "touch up" her highlights. She has dirty blond hair and wanted to touch up the blond "streaks". Since we were fresh out of college, our budgets weren't the most abundant! Actually at the time she was tutoring (she's a teacher) and I was nanny-ing - so you can see where I'm going with this. She asked me to come over and help her do this hair treatment. Now please know that I can barely brush my own hair - let along "do" someone else's. I was fully open and honest about my lack of talent in the beauty salon arena. She said it was super easy and wouldn't be an issue at all. I've also never done ANYTHING to my hair - so I have NO CLUE how highlights, low lights, etc. work.

I got to her apartment and she showed me the "kit". It had this little wand in it that you put the hair dye/cream.

She told me to just start at her top part and work my way down to the ends of her hair. The "wand" was designed to give the appearance of perfect highlights - no mess - easy peasey! So we began. She sat on the toilet and we chatted away. I was totally impressed at my hair skills - thinking maybe I'd just do that for a living. She helped me and told me how amazing this was going to look. We were so pleased with ourselves! So then she had to leave it on for 20 minutes and then we'd rinse it out and see our masterpiece.

We went into her living room, sat on the couch and began to go through old photo albums. We were having such a good time and reminiscing. It was a great afternoon. UNTIL we realized that stuff had been in her hair for about an hour. WHOOPS!! We both jumped up, screamed and ran to the bathroom. I through her head in the bathtub and began rinsing. She then flipped her head up and this was my reaction:

I kid you not - she had tiger hair. Like it was bright orange/yellow and blond stripped. Some areas had large "chunks" of orange, some had a tiny streak, some had a circle of orange.

And it wasn't even consistent - it was almost like lines on a road - like the "passing" lines. Totally ridiculous.

So in true Corey & I fashion - we didn't cry - yet - we burst out laughing. She then started to panic a bit because she had to tutor in 2 hours. I quickly called my mom yelling into the phone "WHAT DO WE DO!?!?!" She advised me to call our local hair salon and hope they'd fix it. So I did that - they told me to come in right away and they'd try to squeeze her in. So off we went.

Now this place is pretty snobby - they are the only "game" in town and they think they are just the best of the best. Which I did go there and I did like them, but it's slightly ridiculous. Anyways - you can imagine the looks when Corey and I flew in there.

The first thing they said was "who did this to you?!" I sheepishly raised my hand. Then I got in trouble. But they told her they'd try to help her and get in back to normal. I stayed there with her - I felt like she was in surgery. They are very serious about hair. I paced, I bit my nails, I sighed. Finally she emerged. It looked amazing. You would NEVER be able to tell. I couldn't even believe it. And the best part was - they felt so bad for her - they did it for FREE! So all was good!

Lesson learned - NEVER use those at home products. Or if you do - make sure you know what you're doing. I for one DID NOT. I'm just glad Corey took it in stride and we're still friends! Sooo if anyone is looking for a stylist for Tiger Hair - you know who to call!

Oh, Totally Normal

First things first - I apologize for the delay in posting this.  It has been, for lack of a better word, a hellish day.  Let's just say I've already burst into tears twice.  Happy Monday!!

On to happier things - my weekend recap!  This weekend was the birthday celebration of Amy!!  We had so much fun and obvi craziness ensued.  The hags just never seem to disappoint in that department! 

Friday night I told the lovely Amtrak on up to Beantown.  I was greeted by Amy and her husband.  Shortly after Coco arrived. The other girls got stuck in DC - apparently you need a captain to fly your plane - minor details - and they were lacking in that department.  So eventually Sydney, Ruby & Hilary rolled on it.  Amy's husband is studying to be a sommelier, so he was kind enough to do a "mock wine tasting" for us.  It was so much fun and very professional!  Just what I needed for a rainy Friday night!

Saturday we got up and had a great brunch and then headed over to see Bridesmaids.  It was during this car ride that my favorite quote of the whole weekend was said by Hilary.  We were having a random conversation about shaving.  This was the exchange:

Hilary:  The woman that used to sheer our sheep didn’t shave her armpits.
Everyone in the car:  Nothing - Silent
Me:  Ummm did no one just pick up on what Hilary just said.  I can't.  What?!  She just said - like this whole sentence is normal - " The woman that used to sheer our sheep didn’t shave her armpits."  Does anyone have any reactions to this?!
Everyone in the car:  BURST OUT LAUGHING

And that is why I love my friends.  Before we actually entered the theater - since we were early - we thought it would only make sense to just drink a 24 ounce beer - I mean because that's normal. 

Then on to the movies!  Do yourselves a favor - if you haven't seen this - GOOOOO!  It was beyond hilarious and I'm obsessed.  I loved it.  Totally classic!  And the best part is that some old lady in our theatre yelled out "that's awful" really loud when they showed one of the gowns.  Love the audience participation! 

We then quickly got changed and ready for the night.  We had dinner at Cafeteria.  Again - highly recommend.  It's a really fun atmosphere and the food is good.  The drinks are really fun, too.  At the end of dinner, after we'd consumed like everything on the menu, we had a little bday celebration treat.  It was beyond good - like 5 different ice cream flavors, fruit, brownie, hot fudge, could you just?!

The rest of the evening was a series of uncomfortability for me.  We went to this bar called the Liquor Store.  When we walked in - we were basically the oldest girls by like a lot.  Prob almost 10 years.  All the girls there were dressed as if there was a hooker casting call at the bar.  I have never in my life seen such sights.  These dresses barely even covered their butts (and some didn’t) - let alone other things!  I felt like a major hag - but seriously - who let them out of the house?! 

Then I looked over and there was bull that you could ride.  

Now throughout the course of the night - this got increasingly more entertaining.   I've put a few pics below of 2 of my favorites.  

This girl wore a sweater with snowflakes & khakis and glasses.   She just didn't care and was totally happy!

Now this girl thought Spanx were ok to be in public - notice the red part is actually her dress.

These did not include the girls that decided it would be a good idea to ride this thing in a dress.  I saw more butts that night than I care to remember!

The main reason that Amy wanted to go to this bar was the "entertainment" of the evening.  "Mini-Gaga" was performing. Picture below.  She also preformed with "Mini- Beyonce".  They were…interesting. 

Of course Ruby was determined to get a picture with them.  So after their performance we ran after and try to find them.  As we were running across the bar - all trying to stay together - it was grossly crowded - a disgusting thing happened to me.  Sydney was behind me and can attest to this whole situation.  I was walking and she was grabbed onto me and we were trying to just maneuver the crowds.  All of a sudden some man literally tickled my stomach.  WTF?!  

Literally he put his hand on my stomach - tickled - and said "tickle tickle".  Now this is the second "tickle incident" I've had in 2 weeks - what about me says "please tickle" - I HATE it!  I looked up at him - disgusted - and said "REALLY?! Why do you think that was ok?!"  He replied, "What - I just tickled".  I then yelled "WELL DON'T - THAT'S NOT OK!!"  All the while - Sydney is just about peeing her pants!  Why is this my life?!

We finally got to the performers and were able to take an amazing pic of them on the bull with us surrounding - don't worry - everyone was totally jealous.  It's really NBD. 

After that it was time to call it a night.  We headed home and settled in for the night!  Sunday - Sydney thought she was going to die.  Could have been that this was her drink line up for the evening:
Pomegranate Lemonade (2)
Dirty Martini
Bailey's
Red Bull Vodka
Beer

I took my first Acela trip home - kinda loved it.  Now I'm going to have a hard time going back to the "regular" train.  I then laid on my couch and enjoyed catching up on last weeks RHW episodes followed by my Sunday line up - Mob Wives, Audrina, Saddle Ranch & Khloe & Lamar!  And now I'm hating Monday - seems about right!

Working For The Weekend!

Happy Friday!! So glad it's here! I'm, once again, heading out of town for the weekend. I'm training it up to Boston to ring in my girl, Amy's big 3-0! Should be fun - the hags will be out in full force! Watch out Baaaaaston!


So 2 quick things that I'd like to share. These are 2 things that I've become obsessed with recently.

1. Massage Bars. So I read about these on Hay Girl Hay and quickly ran to Lush to grab one. And now I'm obsessed. Basically you apply them after the shower - so it's kind of like lotion - only BETTER! You rub them into your skin - so it massages you, too. And your skin is sooo soft after - it's fabulous. They have a few different styles/scents. I went with the Each Peach (which I was informed is referencing your butt - "peaches" - it DOES NOT smell like peaches).

This was a very citrus-y scent - so I was drawn to that. I also got the tin so it has a lil home.

Bottom line - you need to have one. And they're aren't that $$ - the total (with tin) was only like $12. So my new regime is Massage Bar by day - Coconut Oil by night!!

2. Parks and Recreation. Ok so I know it's been out for 3 seasons now, but last season I just started to get more into it towards the end. This season - I mean I can't - it's hilarious. I was watching it last night and literally laughing out loud. Amy Poehler is genius, however my hands down favorite character of all time is Aziz Ansari's character - Tom Haverford. He is insanely hysterical. The whole case together is just perfection. If you don’t watch this show aleady - I highly recommend you start. A few weeks back he did this clip talking about his "slang" - I literally almost peed my pants and now I just watch it when I need to be happy.  I've been having some technical dificulties uploading it - so for now - here's the link - http://youtu.be/FbR7mpX07Uw!

I hope these 2 new fun things will help you through this Friday and push you into the weekend! Run out and grab a massage bar then race home and watch Parks and Recreation - sounds like the perfect evening to me!! XOXO

Rooftop Bar - Check. Horse Drawn Carriage - Check.

First off - can we talk about this weather?! I think Spring has finally sprung!!! Yay!! I went for a run this morning and I felt like Phoebe from Friends - like just loving it and taking it all in!

Last night Hazel and I went to the rooftop bar, Hudson Terrace. I'm actually planning a work event there this summer, so I was invited to this VIP Preview Event. I know - I'm so important. I asked Hazel to join me since she does a lot of event planning, too. The place was gorgeous - but a little deceiving.

They show all these great "views" online - but in actuality - it's just one section that you can even see the views out of. So that was a little disappointing, but all in all the place was great. We had some fabulous drinks - we tried to taste the food - but there was this group of women that literally mauled the poor waiters right as the got through the kitchen door.

I swear - I don't know that they ever made it past these 5 women - totally ridiculous. All in all though we had a good time - and got to just enjoy being outside and having some free drinks!

After the bar we were starving - so we headed out to find someplace to eat. As we were walking 2 random things occurred - 1. All of a sudden this horse drawn carriage turned the corner and was heading up 11th Ave. What?! Totally out of place! And then we walked a little further and found this tire - like this - in the street - so weird!  Obviously Hazel needed a quick pic with it:

In our hunger search we stumbled upon Southern Hospitality. I immediately was convince JT was actually going to be there (it's his restaurant) - so of COURSE we had to have dinner there.

I've also been wanting to try it - so this was perfect! We actually wound up getting the same thing - pulled pork sandwiches. They were ok - not the best BBQ I've ever had - but they were ok. BUT we also got a side of macaroni & cheese to share - that my friends was amazing! It comes in a skillet-esqe dish - delish!!

After we inhaled our food we decided to treat ourselves to a cab ride over to the East side to avoid the subway. We get in and immediately the driver goes in the wrong direction. This then causes us to hit major traffic and we hadn't even hit Lexington yet! We were so enraged - we just got out and walked. Not the best way to end our evening!

In conclusion (I miss this from my college years), it was a great night! I got to see a new place, eat at a new restaurant and have a few laughs with Hazel! A great Wednesday night!

Octopus Fight

Seriously guys - yesterday was like a debacle of epic proportions. From my dressing situation straight through my acupuncture appointment! Just not one of my better days!!

I got to work and realized that not only had I left both my breakfast & lunch neatly packed ready to go in my refrigerator…but I also left my shoes!! I, like most "commuting" women, have "commuter shoes". I keep about 5 pairs of heels/flats in one of my desk drawers. I always have a pair of brown/black of each and then usually some random pair winds up in there! So I thought for SURE that I had a black pair in there - no dice. Closest I came was a pair of tan wedges - whoops and whoops! So let me break this down for you. My outfit yesterday was beyond hein. I don't know what I was thinking. I actually went to the bathroom at one point and thought "oh good LORD you look awful!" And then to add the shoes on top of it - worst. And to top that off - I just braided my wet hair out of the shower. Looookkkinng Good!! So basically here is the ensemble:

Now to the naked eye it might not look THAT bad.  Let me break it down.  The skirt was a pencil skirt that came up so high it basically cut off my circulation.  And the shirt - cap sleeves - NEVER a good look for me.  They make my arms look "large & in charge"! 

Complete disclosure - there are times that I go to work that I really could care less if I look all that fabulous. I barely see anyone on a daily basis - so unless I know I'm going to see my work crush or I'm going out after work - meh! So this prompted a great "reader request" to start discussing when I wear such outfits to work. You may be seeing more of these little posts - actually more than I care to admit!

So after a crazy day at work I headed to acupuncture for what I thought would be a relatively relaxing session. WRONG. She decided that in addition to my treatment (which went long by accident - 40 minutes!), she tried "cupping" on me. Basically she takes like 20 little jars of sorts - puts them on my back - suctions them to my skin - and it causes pain - and then leaves me in the room for 5 minutes. Oh totally relaxing and soothing! So this is what my lower back looked like:

And I should also mention that just before she put them on she was like "It's not a big deal, but when I take them off, you will probably look like you got in a fight with an octopus". Oh, I mean - that does happen to me daily - so it won't really matter! WHAT?! Basically now my back has red circles all over it. The only thing that really sold me on this was she also mentioned that Gwyneth Paltrow does it - so obviously I was sold on that. But this was a pic from when she did it before a premier:

Anywho - it was an experience and apparently because I didn't get "that red", she's gonna suction harder next time!!

Sooo I figured I'd drown my sorrows at the Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale! I had gotten a VIP invite - totally thought I was important. I sauntered up to the address - realized the line to GET IN was wrapped around the block. Pressed my face up against the window realized I wanted EVERYTHING and quickly got to the end of the line! Waited for about a half hour - not even close. Grabbed some woman who was leaving and asked her what it was like - she looked haggard - and she replied "it was awful - I waited over 2 hours just to check out!". The girls in front/behind me were yelling at me as if we were in the trenches:

Me: I'm out - not worth it!
Random Girls: You waited this long - you can't leave now!! You have to stay!!
Me: I just don’t think I have it in me - I mean I was just cupped!
Random Girls: What you think you have better things to do?! I mean - you're going to regret this.
Me: PEACE OUT!!

So I took myself home. Watched Glee - which was awesome. And called it a night. So glad to jump into bed and dream of being attacked by an octopus.

"Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of"

I was walking to work this morning - which is where I do a lot of thinking (it is a mile) - and I realized that I think I've fallen in love. I've fallen in love with NYC - that is. It's one of my favorite Sex & The City episodes: "Anchors Away", where Carrie so eloquently says to her "sailor":

Louis: I have to say, this is my first trip to New York...not for me. The garbage, the noise, I don't know how you put up with it.
Carrie: Thanks. I had a great time.
Louis: Wait, you're going home alone? It's rough out there.
Carrie: Nah. It isn't so bad.
Carrie (voiceover): If Louis was right, and you only get one great love, then New York may just be mine...and I can't have nobody talkin' shit about my boyfriend.

So in honor of this new found love that I'm feeling, I though it would be fun to enlighten you on the Top 10 Reasons Why I love NYC. I mean there are def more than 10, but this will give you a taste!!

1. The Fashion. The fashion here is like nothing I've ever seen before. And the best part is - something that you think looks so ridiculous, someone else will think is amazing. I could wear a potato sack here and somewhere along my night - someone will tell me it looks fabulous. I think I've really come into my own here - I've taken a few risks and enhanced my inner "Project Runway". I was literally sitting outside a restaurant waiting for my table to be called and this woman walked by with these red tight, spandex-y pants with this horrific white design all over it. I thought to myself "man, she looks like an idiot" and just as I was having my inner dialogue the girls next to me yelled "omg - we LOVE your pants! They are to die for!" And there you have it. It's a contstant fashion show!

2. The City That Never Sleeps. It honestly is - I thought it was a "myth" - but nope! You can always find someone up at any given hour. This has gotten me into trouble though - I have been caught a few times now sauntering home at 5 AM! What business does an old hag like myself have being out at 5 AM?! You just get caught up in the night and having fun!!

3. Delivery. It is insane - you can get ANYTHING delivered here. Not only your regular pizza, sandwiches, etc. I'm talking oh ice cream - sure. Groceries - no problem. Medicine - check. Snacks (like chips, cookies, etc.) - absolutely. Whatever you bought at The Container Store - done and done. It's utterly ridiculous! And now I'm so accustomed to it - I can't think of anything better!

4. People Watching. It is HANDS DOWN the best place to people watch. Sometimes on my lunch hour I just sit outside and watch. It's the best show EVER. You see all types - just soooo much good people watching!

5. The People. Some people from the "outside" may complain that New Yorkers are the worst. I disagree. These are some of the finest, nicest, kindest people I have ever met. I'm not gonna lie - there are complete jerks - but as a whole - they are great. They are willing to talk to anyone about anything. It just cracks me up the amount of random conversations that I have over the course of a day. They are also kind. A few weeks ago I was crossing the street - Park Avenue and there was a man coming towards me. Well he tripped and feel flat on his face - like no bracing the fall with his hands. It was so hard - I honestly didn't know if he was going to get up. It was really scary. Within 0.2 seconds there were about 10 people around him, helping him up, getting his laptop, putting his phone back together (because it broke). And then they helped him across the street. It was really great to see that many people helping a complete stranger.

6. The Food. NYC has some of the BEST restaurants I've ever eaten at. I'm not just talking about the fancy-schmancy ones. I'm also talking about the "Street Meat", food trucks, and little dive places that only if you live here you know about.

The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck - I havn't tried it yet - but hear it's AMAZING!  It's on my list!

Halal Guys - It's right outside my office - seriously - sooo good!!

The food is just delish and I love trying new places. The best part/most overwhelming part - is that I could literally try a new place everyday (for breakfast, lunch & dinner) and not get to every place in this city. It's crazy!

7. The Culture. There is always something going on in the city. You rarely find yourself bored with nothing to do. Any given day there is a different festival, exhibit, show, etc. to entertain yourself. Never a dull moment!!

8. Walking. I walk EVERYWHERE here! Literally - I don't think I've ever walked so much. Just to and from work everyday is a good 2 miles. I love not having a car (although at times I miss it), but it's great just being able to wander around and take it all in.

Obviously on those cold rainy days - I love for door to door service, but most of the days I'm just so happy to do it. In the morning it's a great way to get me ready for my day and at night, it lets me "come down" from my work day and leave work "at work". And on the weekends - I love nothing more than just going out and running errands - just walking all over the place!


9. Location, Location, Location. Everything here is just a cab ride away! It's great. The actual island is only 13.4 miles long and at its widest is 2.3 miles wide. It funny - because for this many people - it really isn't all that big!! Not only can you just jump in a cab, hop on a subway/bus, or simply walk - you are also in a great area for travel. The train and 3 major airports are all right here! It's fabulous!

10. Celebrity Sightings. The great part is how "casual" and how "uninterested" people are when they see celebrities here. Some people will yell, say hello - but for the most part everyone just does there thing. I think celebrities enjoy that about being in NYC. There are always movie/tv shoots going on. I pass them on a daily basis - its fun to try to see what's going on! I've had a few spottings (Russell Simmons, Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump - to name a few) - but I'm hoping for more! I always have my eyes open!!

30 Rock is always out and about filming - it's my mission to see them!

NYC's fav Upper East-Siders.  I'm determined to see the filming of Gossip Girl!

These 10 are just the tip of the iceberg for me. My hope is that the longer I stay here, my list will grow even more. But for now - I'm just loving where I am and my surroundings. I'm quite the happy New Yorker! And to sum it up, again in the words of Carrie Bradshaw:

Miranda: Why do I think living in Manhattan is so fantastic?
Carrie: Because it is.