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Happy Wednesday all you party people!  I hope everyone has some fun and exciting plans for the weekend!  Due to the Easter holiday - I'm shipping up to Boston to spend the weekend with my parents & sisters.  I’m hoping for good weather - and as always - good food!  Might even get a chance to catch up with a few peeps living up there in good 'ol Baaaahhhhston.  Get it?!  That's "Boston" in a Boston accent.

Ok so anyway…Ruby sent along this fabulous website link to me today and I'd like to share!  It's calledBirchbox and you can join for $10 a month and you get a box full of beauty goodies each month!  You can also tailor your account to be sure that you're getting samples of products you actually might want to purchase.  There are also a ton of really great brands that are participating.  So if you love getting and testing out new products - this might be a fabulous way to do so!  It's also great because you've only spent $10 and not a ton of money for something if you don't like it.  

That's the worst!  It seriously maddens me when I spend money on something that I use once and then I hate it! 

This concept is also similar to the JewelMint and ShoeDazzle - only those you create a profile and everything is one price.  For JewelMint it's jewelry for $29.99 and for ShoeDazzle it's shoes for  $39.95. On both sites you create a profile and then they send you the shoes/jewelry that would best fit your style. Pretty cool - or as my boss would say "pretty nifty". 

Speaking of bargains - I'm so amped!  I took a pair of jeans to be hemmed - which btw I never have to do because of my height, but I digress.  I went to a few different places that all quoted $25+ to do a simple hem and a week to get them back.  THEN I stumbled upon this little gem called Dejavu - amazing friends!  $4.95/pair of pants or jeans!!  

I'm sorry - that's a steal!  I'll report on how they come out - but honestly, how badly can you screw that up?!  Let's circle back to that question when I pick them up in 2 DAYS and I'm now the proud owner of "jorts". 

Enjoy this gorg weather everyone!!  XOXO

The Night Dana Carvey Wouldn't Leave Me Alone/I Heart Austin

Ok - "surrrry folks - parks closed - moose outside shoulda told ya!"  And if you don't get that reference I sorta feel sorry for you.  

Anywho - sorry for the delay - I had some brother's wedding things to tend to last week!  Their big day is coming up in 2 months!!  Wahhoooo!!  But I digress…now back to my story!

Thursday Night

Hazel had a work happy hour that she had to attend/run/organize/be everything for.  So I joined her - never one to turn down free food/drinks and it was another gorg night!  Basically after a little while, I was being more awkward then I've ever been.  No one really wanted to talk to me and one gentleman actually said "you look like a lost soul".   So that was my cue to exit and just sit myself at the bar and watch basketball until she wrapped up!  So I headed to the outdoor bar, got a seat and was answering emails, watching the game, entertaining myself.  Next to me was this guy - I swear to God was  Dana Carvey look-alike.  He even talked like him - that voice he does in the "isn't that special" skit.  

Oh and he was a office furniture salesman.  Dying.  Well he took a liking to me and would.not.stop talking!  He was about 50+ and I really had no interest.  He kept telling me how pretty I was, asking about dating in NYC, said he'd like to come visit.  Oh that's right folks - he was looking for an invite to come visit - what?!?!  My favorite line was when he looked at me through his spectacles and said "you have really pretty eyes. Everyone tells me that too.  We have like the same eyes.  Let me look closer (leans in) - yup they're the same."  What is going on?!  I wanted to crawl under the bar stool and cry.  This was the best TX had to offer me?!  I'm sorry - he was a nice man, just came on a little thick and I clearly wasn't into it.  I was very polite and kind though, I wasn't rude.  Eventually he left - sigh of relief all the way around!

Hazel finished up and had invited her brother and his wife to join us for a few drinks.  It was great to meet them - totally love!  We hung out for awhile - it was just so nice out we didn't want to leave!  We had a great time!!

Friday

Austin day!!!  Yippeeeee I get to see Hermione!  I got up and Hazel had to go to the office for a few hours.  So I went to breakfast at this place - Twin Sisters.  It was great - a nice leisurely morning!  Then I headed back to meet Hazel and got ready for our trip to Austin. 

We left and grabbed lunch on the way - prob the most amazing place I've ever been to.  We had BBQ at Rudy's that was the best I've had in my life.  

It's served on paper - that's right - just paper.  And we had some sides which were even more amazing.  The clientele was straight up Texas - I loved every second of it! 

We got up to Austin and headed right to Hermione's apartment.  After our initial yelling/squealing with excitement over seeing each other we all get ready for dinner.  First we had a drink at this great Mexican place then we headed to Lamberts - again - amazing.  I think I prob gained like 10 pounds on this trip! After that we went out to a few bars - so much fun!  Some of the best people watching I've ever seen!! 

Saturday morning Hermione had to head out of town - wahhh - but Hazel and I got to stay at her apt!  We went to breakfast at this place - soooo hometowny I loved it.  I had "migas" - yah that's right I know the lingo.  For those of you NOT in the know - it's like eggs & tortillas.  They were superb!  Only in TX do you get chips & salsa with your breakfast - it was fabulous.  Then Hazel took me on a tour of campus and downtown Austin!  I hit up the bookstore - saw a few key places.  After that we went for a walk around the lake - again - weather was amazing! 

The afternoon was spent a great bar - sitting outside - enjoying some beer!  We watched the basketball games, a few of her friends stopped by, nice and relaxing!  We also went to this area of Austin - Rainey Street.  Basically this guy just bought up some old houses and converted them into bars - it's the coolest little section.  We went to Clive - it was fabulous!  Here are some pics:

We didn't stay out too late - I had to get up at 4:30 AM for my flight, which was not the most fun - BUT no biggie! 

Sunday

Sunday came wayyyy to quickly.  I was so sad to leave Hazel!  I had such a good trip and it was fun to see a new city.  I'm pretty much obsessed with Austin and would love to go back soon!  It's such an amazing city!  It's never fun to come back from vacay - but it was good to be home in my apartment and back into a routine!

Tejas Part 2

Ok soooo waking up in San Antonio!!  Wahoo!  The weather could not have been better the whole time I was there - it was just picture perfect!  Here's a little summary of my stay in the big SA.

Wednesday

I got up, had coffee with Hazel and we chatted a bit.  She had to go to work, so I just hung out for a bit and then headed out.  I went and got a great mani/pedi.  Don’t worry I was helping all the workers with their translations.  They kept running up to me with their new iPad and asking questions on meanings and pronunciation.  Basically I was in there for about 2 hours and most of it was spent in "classroom mode". I loved every second - and my mani is still intact which is quite amazing.  I got this color - which I'm completely obsessed with!

Then I had a great little "hometown" lunch at this place called "EZs".  

Loved all the local watching! They even had sweet potato tater tots - I'm sorry - don't mind if I do!

Now I needed a little relaxation station.  Hazel has a pool at her apartment complex, so I took myself over there and laid out for a few hours.  I'm reading Mindy Kaling's (Kelly Kapour from the Office) latest book - it's hilarious.  

So it has been keeping me quite entertained!

Hazel got home from work a little early, so we were able to head out to a low key happy hour.  It was so nice, we sat outside at a wine bar, had a glass of wine, got all caught up!  It was great.  Then we went to this great Mexican place for dinner - so delish.  We got home watched a little TV, then we both crashed. I think we were both still exhausted from the late night before!

Thursday

Another amazing day!  I went with Hazel to her office and then we went downtown together.  She had a work event/meetings, so it worked out well.  I took myself to the Alamo - where it all went down!  It's not too crazy exciting, BUT it's history, so my dad was thrilled that I went.  

Then I walked along the Riverwalk - it's just so adorable.  If you've never been to San Antonio - the Riverwalk is an area of the city.  It's this stretch of the river and on either side of it there are a ton of little restaurants and shops.  They all have outdoor seating and it's just so cute.  Here's a little picture:

I grabbed lunch outside, read my book, watched people, may or may not have had a margarita.  It was so nice and relaxing.  Then I went to a park and read until Hazel was done with her meetings. 

Thursday night she had a work happy hour that I attended - I'll have to give you more details on that one tomorrow!  Duty calls and I need to get back to work!!

Just My Life For The Past Week...

Howdy!  So I know I've been absent for a little while - BUT for good reason - I was on a mini-vacay!!  I went out to good 'ol Tejas to enjoy some great friends, good food & fabulous drinks!!  So I'll break it down for you - prob in 2 parts.  OH and I also saw Isabella in Philly - I'll do that first - ok I'm scattered!

Philly - The City of UNbrotherly Love

Let me break this down for you in bullets, so this post isn't like 8 pages long.  Basically I went for the weekend - got in Friday night/left Sunday morning.  Here are  few takeaways:

-We went to this little hole in the wall Mexican place for dinner  with my brother & his fiancé.  It was hilarious - there was insane décor all over the place, they were playing Frank Sinatra, there was only room for about 20 people.  It was hysterical.  The waiter helping us had tinted glasses, hair slicked back, a white cowboy-esque type shirt on, denim faded jeans and a smile that wouldn't quit.  About half way through our dinner a private party rolled through and they were basically kicking us out.  The food was good, though and I had a fantastic grapefruit margarita!!

-Saturday was spent wandering around and shopping.  Just loving the gorg weather on St. Patrick's Day in my Ireland shirt.  UNTIL some homeless woman yelled this to me - in front of all of Philly - "YOU'RE NOT IRISH - YOU'RE A WHORE!"  Oh ummm ok.  So that was fun.  God I just LOVE Philly!!

-We then went out to a bar to join the rest of the city in SPD debauchery.  We got to the 2^nd place and eventually got a few seats at the bar.  It was great - we just hung out, watched people, drank some beer, had a few laughs.  The perfect way to spend the evening!  UNTIL some guy comes rolling up next to me and is immediately angry.  Like before he even got to me, he hated my guts.  This was our exchange (may be slightly altered - but no joke this is basically how it went):

Me:  (sitting quietly drinking my beer - chatting with Isabella & her friend.)
Guy:  I'm a male nurse.
Me:  Cool
Guy:  I work in the operating room and see heart surgery.
Me:  That's great.
Guy:  You don’t even know - I'm better than the surgeon.
Me:  Oh really? (really not trying to engage or wanting to talk to him)
Guy:  I hope have a heart attack die.
Me:  Umm that's a little aggressive and unnecessary.
Guy:  You don’t even know how great I am as a male nurse and in the operating room, basically I'm the best in there - above the surgeons & doctors.
Me:  Ok - well I'm just going to drink my beer and pretend you're not an awful human being.
Guy:  If you had a heart attack you'd be transported to my hospital because it’s the best.
Me:  Welp I don’t live here, so there's that.  Please just stop talking to me.

Eventually Isabella's friend stepped in with some choice words and he vanished.  

-We were home, ordering dinner by 9:30 pm.  Period.  

-Sunday we got up, grabbed breakfast & went to drive me to the train station.  Isabella's car wouldn't start.  Womp womp - battery died.  Had to grab a cab.  Train ride back was uneventful.

Back in the good 'ol NYC

Giuliana & I saw 21 Jump Street when I got back.  Let me just say - I basically peed my pants.  Like I haven't laughed this hard in a movie prob since Bridesmaids.  It was stellar.  I actually have to go and watch it again because I’m sure I missed things on account of my laughter.

Off to Tejas I Go...Can't wait to see Hazel & Hermione (btw - this was her choice for a name)!!

I left Tuesday night.  I was basically running through the airport for absolutely no reason and got to my gate in a full out sweat patrol.  Oh don't worry - I just had to have my dermatologist prescribe me prescription strength deodorant (fingers crossed it works)!  I grabbed some dinner and the off I went.  I sat next to this high school/college boy who was quiet as a mouse - so I was thrilled!  And I flew JetBlue, so I didn't even have to miss out on my evening shows!  Amazing!  I got to Austin and Hazel was there to fetch me.  It was really late so we just headed right back to San Antonio to her new apartment!  LOVE - and she a new puppy which is adorbs!  We pretty much went right to bed - we were both exhausted! 

Ok so I'll pick up here tomorrow!  The adventure continues!!! 

Ummm...No Thank You

So let's discuss what happened to me today.  I went to this place called Dishes for my salad at lunch.  It's a great place if you live in NYC - salads are fab and the food is always fresh/good.  I got my salad, went to pay, asked for an iced tea.  They told me to pick it up on the other side of the counter.  It was jam packed.  So I walked over, was waiting and being awkward (shocking) as others tried to get around me. Finally it came I had to reach to get it and the guy behind me kindly helped a sister out.  I thought - well that was nice and proceeded to walk outside.  Next thing I know he's standing next to me at the cross walk and begins to ask me like 20 questions (what do you do, what are you eating for lunch, how do you like your job, etc.).  I was trying to be nice and friendly - but I really wasn't in the mood.  Eventually the light turned and we had to walk across the street together.  Again I was being nice and praying that we didn't have to continue this for the next like 4 blocks.  So I started going left and I could see he thought about following suit, but then was going right and yelled out "can I buy you a drink sometime" - I politely replied - "no thank you" head down and walked the other way. 

SOOOO here's the thing.  1. I'm incredibly awkward when it comes to situations like this.  2.  The whole way back to my office I thought - did I really do the right thing??  3.  Beggars can't be choosers HOWEVER I feel like I also thought it was pretty bizarre.  4.  I was reassured by 2 friends that I did in fact make the right decision considering he looked to be 40+ years old, had an accent I couldn't understand and I swear to GOD resembled Larry from the 3 Stooges.

So I'll leave you with that image.  Thank you and Good Night!  XOXO

FEVER in the morning...FEVER All Through The Night...

Well unbeknownst to me - I'm getting a lil spring fever-y.  Not to be confused with Bieber Fever.  I thought I might share a few of my new spring obsessions!!  Looking forward to it being warmer and taking advantage of this gorg weather!!

Nail Call - haha - I just thought of this - and it has to be to the tune of "MAILLL CALLL".  I crack myself up.  Ok so here are a few new hues that I'm loving.  I just had both of these on my toes/fingers and I'm thoroughly enjoying! 

This is "Acrewed Interest" - it's a perfect peachy/nude.

This is "Ole Caliente" - it's a orangey/pink - goes with everything!

I'm also excited about some of the new OPI collection - The Holland Collection…

"Dontcha Just Love OPI" - LOVE the purple!

"Kiss Me On My Tulips" - Well first I love tulips and second - OBSESSED with pinks!

Benefit - So a few weeks back I was getting my eyebrows threaded and I was at the Benefit Brow Bar. There I was introduced to 2 products that I think are worth noting.  I'm pretty much a strict Bobbi Brown/Clinique kinda girl, but I was enticed by these 2 products:

This mascara really does lengthen and make your lashes pop.

Perfect for under eyes & blemishes.

Clothes & Shoes - my favorite section!  Here are a few new items I've added to my wardrobe this Spring!

I got these "Cafe Capris" from JCrew - I chose black.

This is what they look like on the model - shockingly this is not me.

I've been lusting after Nude pumps for 3 years and finally bought these Cole Haan Air Violet 60 - AMAZE 

An adorable Banana Republic - perfect for work - love the grey.

Another great Banana skirt - I actually got in navy & khaki - totally love the stretch fit.

I'm always in need of white button downs - this one is great from the Gap

Haven't bought these yet - waiting for Bloomies Friends & Family - but a great heel from Tory Burch - love the peep toe.

5" Chino Shorts from JCrew - loving the green - but not sure my legs can handle them!

I did get these - again 5" shorts in Shadow - love the fit.

Hope this jump starts your spring!!   

So This Is Where My Life Has Been

Ok so first off - I'M SO SORRY!!  I know I sound like a broken record - but seriously - things have been crazzzy.  Some I can discuss, some I'd rather not - maybe they'll come up at a later date in time - but for now - I'm gonna keep 'em to myself!  That's what I'm best at - bottle it up and then you'll all get the brunt of it when it boils on over!  Anywho sooo instead of a long dramatic post, I figured I'd list out some of the situations I've encountered in the past week/week & a half. 

1.  Last Thursday I passed a man on the street in full out jeans overalls.  He was not a small man.  He was pacing up and down the sidewalk on his cell phone.  He was SCREAMING obscenities (including, but not limited to, "I will kill you", "I hate your f'ing guts", "I will come to your apartment, grab you by the neck, and knock all your teeth in").  Oh btw - it was 8 am.  Good morning NYC!

2.  I've been going to a new place to get my salads at lunch time.  The first encounter with said place went something like this:
Salad Lady:  Do you want it chopped?
Me:  No thank you - just break up the avocado & goat cheese.
Salad Lady:  Ok.  (proceeds to chop the whole thing)
Me:  Wait (she stops)- no just the avocado & goat cheese.
Salad Lady:  Ok.  (proceeds to chop the whole thing)
Other Salad Lady that works there:  No - she doesn't want it chopped.
Salad Lady:  Ok.  (proceeds to chop the whole thing)
This went on for about 3 more times - I was basically in tears - finally she just threw it in my bowl and wanna know the 2 things that were not "chopped" when I got to my desk - in the WHOLE salad - the GD avocado & goat cheese!  I took one bite at it was solely goat cheese. 

3.  My cousin wanted to set me up with her tennis pro.  So I went out to their NJ house for a night and she arranged for a Saturday lesson.  Let me break this down, I knew what she was doing but this dude DID NOT.  Oh and also - it was a semi-private lesson - so it was her and & I with this kid.  Let's just say that he barely talks and was so beyond shy.  I was trying to be nice, but all he did was tell me I was doing everything wrong and praising my cousin.  OH and did I mention that I haven't played in 3 years, so the fact that I even HIT the ball was amazing to me!  Let's just say there is no Wimbledon vacay in our future.

4.  I bought this Pilates package on Rue La La.  I tried to sign up for my first session the other day and the woman informed me that since I had never done the machines before, it'd prob be best to do a private 1 hour lesson first.   So that's fine, I made my arrangements and she even gave me a discount.  Well I had my private session the other day.  It was with the owner of the studio.  Oh and let me back track, I'd never been here before, but I knew it was going to be fabulous when I saw the décor and this gem in the changing room:

So obviously I knew I was in good hands.  I went upstairs to the "studio area" to wait for my instructor. Then he approached me…this is a brief description:
            -He's about 70
            -He has a huge belly - skinny - but just with a huge belly
            -Skin of leather
            -A few long finger nails
            -Spoke in the thickest NY accent I have ever heard
Oh and I should mention that his name was "Sal".  He opened his mouth and I could barely understand half of what he said to me the entire time.  There was a lot of "looking into his eyes", which obvs made me giggle/was uncomfortable.  He told me that everything I was doing in terms of other exercise was wrong and I needed to learn my body's "movement".  He also made me watch him doing some sort of kick and I was trying to divert my eyes from where he wanted me to watch - lets just say Sal's sweatpants were a little tight!  I mean we hugged it out at the end, I have no clue what happened during that hour, but I do know that I have 10 more sessions and I'm going back today.  So there's that.

5.  I got a massage on Saturday - I'm still sore.  It was an Extreme Sports Deep Tissue Massage - again - I'm still sore today.  But she used this like heat solution that went on my back with a paintbrush.  I felt like I was on fire and I prob have 3^rd degree burns on my back (because clearly I can't see back there), but I was basically in tears when it was over because it just "hurt so good". 

6.  I saw "Friends with Kids" over the weekend - highly recommend it - it's pretty funny. 

7.  I watched a few episodes of "I Just Want My Pants Back" on MTV.  It's actually pretty funny.  But I keep thinking of this one line where a girl describes her arms as "a baby's thigh" and I can't handle it.  ALL day I looked down and thought just that.

8.  I'll leave you with this…I woke up singing "Chantilly Lace" this morning and I can't get it out of my head.  Why you may ask - I have NO CLUE!!

Ok - so this week - prom prom I'll be better - I have a few things I'd like to discuss, so we're off to a good start!!  XOXO