Zits-be-gone?

Most impt part of this article is that Dr. Doris Day is my dermo!!!!!

Free and Clear BY AJA MANGUM
The latest quick zit-be-gone fix comes in the form of the new Isolaz treatment. In simple-people talk, it's a machine with a suction cup that literally sucks the sebum out of your pores with a laser that tackles discoloration and Rosacea. Your face is sprayed with water throughout the twenty-minute treatment to protect from any laser burns. There's no downtime or redness even though your face may feel a bit warm following the treatment. Most people with pustular or comedonal acne need four to five sessions every three weeks, but after one treatment, you'll notice the clogged volcanoes on your face are smaller the next day and pores and blemishes are visibly lighter. Besides being zit-free, your skin becomes low maintenance with less need for those harsh, overdrying products.
$375 per session at Dr. Doris Day, 135 E. 71st St., nr. Lexington Ave., Ste. 1A (212-772-0740).

Design your own room!

I've been blogging about design a lot lately. I know. I have a new project, now that the kitchen and bathroom are done, so I'm all about furniture/paint/accessories/etc again.

I know a few of you are moving soon and are in the process of working with decorators (and friends that call themselves decorators) so, if you have extra time at work, at home, on vacation...check out this fun (addicting) design site.

Also, one of my 1st posts, the one about www.ployvore.com, anyway, you can also do some room designing on that site too, although it is meant (as far as I'm concerned) for outfit planning.

My Name is JES and I'm anti-emoticons

They're annoying, unprofessional and if you can't just express what you want to say using words then you should just draw a cartoon instead of resorting to computer generated smiley faces and frowny faces. Ugh!

These don't bother me as much(JK)...but mostly bc I abbreviate too often.

This article by David Pogue of the NYTimes tries to update online shorthand. IMHO it's time for an update. Just because someone is capable of having FCAO doesn't mean they have to without being efficient with their letters.

So, I hope you enjoy COMB and I'll BRB.

I hate myself for this post, but I do like David Pogue.

Ever feel like a supermodel?

Check this out!

Speaking of design...again..

I've posted pix of our bathroom and I've had some requests for kitchen photos.

You'll see I love the little glass tiles. Bizassa is the best and their show room in SoHo is one of the most amazing places I've ever seen, like a tile wonderland. Go for a field trip! Make your Labor Day plans now! You don't have to be into decorating or have any style, you'll still appreciate it. Then go wander around and find MarieBelle chocolate for the perfect end-of-summer/pre-fall snack (cold hot chocolate sounds good to me, stupid WW cartoon devil popped-up next to my head on that one)

Here you go...

Kitchen Before:

Kitchen Floor with new saddle:Kitchen straight on:

Cubbie for cookbooks:

Ha ha, I know it's empty. Stop laughing. It's full now. I/we got lovely cookbooks for our wedding and I have my(tho I got it from someone else) world (Brooklyn/NYC/MD) famous peanut-butter-cookie-bar-yummy-goodness-bar recipie there now too and of course I have the cookbook any self-respecting spa lover has: The Canyon Ranch Cookbook.

Close-up of glass tiles/backsplash:

Interior and above cabinet lighting (the interior cabinet light looks like it ends at the 1st shelf but at the time we had the solid cabinets that came w/. Now we have glass and the light goes through):

Speaking of design...

This is the most fun!

If you are looking for a lamp this is a creative and unique way to get exactly what you want (and how often can you say that?)...match the kitchen, living room, or whatever kind of room you want to decorate.

Wine, Dine, & Design

I love DWR. I love wine (I've finally branched into red but I still don't know what kind I like unless A orders...I don't think it's pathetic and that as a liberated woman I should order for myself. I really really don't. It makes him feel very important and I like to need to need him. Plus, I just can't remember everything, gosh!). I love food (too much recently).

So this is the perfect event for me. I also love downtown.

Dining, Wine and Design at DWR
Sample wines from around the world while test driving chairs
September 5th, 5-7pm (and every Wednesday through September 26)
DWR NYC - Tribeca Studio, 124 Hudson St, 212.219.2217

I've been wanting to go to a DWR event for ages, but now that my apt is done I can't being myself to go and dream about what else I can have.

Oooo, Just saw this new addition: Wine, Food, Design and a SALE!
DWR Wine and Design
Up to 15% off when you buy six or more matching or mixed seating
Through October 1st
Tribeca Studio, 124 Hudson St., 212.219.2217

SO much stupidness going on I can't ignore it!

For instance:

How do these even stay up? The belt isn't really doing anything, really!
If anyone can actually explain the anti-gravity at work here, please, please let me know. Plus, being a lawyer makes me love that this is now a legal issue. Save us all!

Truth or Dare?

Truth? Ever spent the night in jail?
Dare? Want to spend the night in jail?

Either way the answer is yes! Normally I only post abt NYC, but since I was born in Boston, went to college there and just LOVE the city I'll include this. (I'll also sometimes post abt MD or DC, (MD is Maryland, not Montana or Morth Dakota...there are people that stupid in our country...I'll spare you the Miss South Carolina video, but it should go here ___).

Check out this slide show of a "new" hotel in Boston.

OK I can't resist, but it's only because my favorite part is Slater (didn't want to link to this bc you all should really know who I mean, but just in case you're not generation X/Y/Z/whatever) trying not to crack up at the end and my other favorite part is that Aimee Teegarden, the judge asking the question, is on Friday Night Lights, my favorite show.

New and Interesting Exercise classes

Pole dancing is SO 5 minutes ago (but if anyone wants to go I'm game...someone's bachelorette party must be coming up soon....) so try these:
Flight or Fight? or Jump?

Aerial Dance uses low-flying trapezes, hoops, aerial fabric and other aerial apparatus to make you stronger and more flexible than you ever imagined! At Fly By Night Dance Theater, all workshops include instruction on basic hangs and trapeze skills, so you can learn how to fly through the air with the greatest of ease—all while getting a great workout.

Samurai Sword Fighting. At Samurai Sword Soul’s general classes, students learn the art of TATE, which is fighting choreography using performers' bodies and weapons. Instruction includes very basic sword techniques and combinations. When you’ve come far enough along in your training, you can try Kakari Keiko—which is a real battle between you and an opponent.

Pogo Boot Camp. Return to your elementary school playground(GO Potomac Elementary and Green Acres!!!) by taking Crunch Fitness’ Pogo Boot Camp. This fun, high-intensity workout uses a state of the art pogo stick (who knew there WAS such a thing!) called the Flybar 800 to get your heart rate pumping as you bounce your way to cardio fitness.

I think when they put four-square on every corner in NYC people will exercise more. Or tether-ball in the subway? LOVE tether-ball!

Blech!

Ever wake up and feel like you need concealer everywhere, instead of foundation (or in my case tinted moisterizer)?
UPDATE: Just saw this on elle.com click the link to see the best concealers.

Today is that day. Thank god this is a long weekend. A and I have reservations on Saturday at Per Se as a 30th BDAY gift to both of us from his parents/my in-laws. Looking forward to comparing it to French Laundry where we went for our 1st anniversary, a gift from my parents/his in-laws.


Now I just need a face peel, elastic skirt and a mani/pedi.

I have arrived!

My Payless booties are are VOGUE! The September issue, which any good (aspiring) fashionista knows is the ONLY issue. This year it is so huge they had to give to my doorman....it wouldn't even fit in the mailbox!

Field Trip from work?

Wish they offered this on the weekend!

Field trip to the Moon!

My favorite museum growing up in MD, right outside DC, was always the Air & Space museum. I've grown out of the allure of space ice cream but give me those glow-in-the-dark star stickers on the ceiling any day . . . or night.

This is tragic and horrible and I'm sorry to even do this to you...

but honestly, this just proves that there is someone for everyone....
This is apparently their wedding dance....

When I whine I sound like Cartman

This is one of the most hysterical shows on TV. I wasn't always a fan of cartoons for grown-ups, mostly bc I adore the cartoons of my youth...all those Saturday AM shows...Gummy Bears (I have a stuffed Cubbi..the pink one, and I can name them in age order w/the appropriate color...I can also tie a cherry stem in a know with my tongue, but that's not very Saturday morning....), Smurfs (LOVE them) (also you have to know the villains, so far we have Duke Igthorn (who looked just like my very sweet piano teacher!) and Gargamel with his cat Azriel), Snorks (which, I'm embarrassed to admit only made sense after I went SNORKeling on my honeymoon),TMNT (which were a bit later, but my brother (the blog creator) is 6 years younger, so I got all his cartoons too...like He-Man(I had the biggest crush, look at his face!)/She-ra and (something abt slime and a rat named Splinter in TMNT, and obviously Skeletor was the villain in He-Man)). What else? Umm, Strawberry Shortcake (once saw a movie called something like Strawberry Shortcake Takes Manhattan, anyone know what this is?), My Little Pony (was the cartoon or the toy first? ps. the site says for "more than 20 years." Is that a long time?)

Ok, the above is frighteningly how my brain works...What this post is supposed to be about is South Park and the continuation of the series. Yipee!

Since I'm too old for highschool shows...

Even though I watched 90' well into my 20s (and repeats any time they're on) I LOVE Friday Night Lights. I could care less about football, trust me. The show is really not about the sport as much as the people and their relationships. The acting is good, the actors are HOT and it's good entertaining fun.

What's more? You can see the entire 1st season on DVD now before the second season starts. A, are you there? Are you reading this? Happy Labor Day to meeeee? Happy ummm Back to School Season (get it, they're in high school and the season and ...)? If it's magically in our DVD cabinet (the one on the left) I'll be eternally grateful and promise to watch it when you're not home.

I love going to the spa, but...

I hate to malign Bliss Spa since everyone knows I love it there (and also my boss' mother works there) but I went to the new 57th street location and I was underwhelmed. The treatments are the same everywhere and they have their branding down which is nice because there are no surprises (except that I ate about 10 of the bite sized brownies...the surprise is I only was supposed to have 2 (one because they're delish and the second because you can't just have one, plus they're TINY)). However, the manicure, while nice, wasn't great and it should be. The mani/pedi space is small, not tight, but it's freaking Bliss Spa, they can have a really nice space!

Really this isn't an anti-Bliss post, but I wanted to tell everyone about a little secret nail place where I have so far had 2 of the best manicures ever. They latest FOREVER and I type all day and wash my hands and I was even moving furniture. City Nails on 39th street between 5th and 6th Aves, closer to 6th. I know, ick 'hood, but leave work, get your nails done, then go to Bryant Park, Pera, Salute or Aisa de Cuba for dinner! It's one of the dive-y places, but clean and normal.

I'm LOVING Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs.

Possibly NSFW...not really...

For those who don't work in an office where there may be someone reading your email (or watching videos) over your shoulder...or in some IT dept elsewhere NSFW is a global warning: Not Safe For Work.

This post is perfectly safe for work, but this woman's boobs are slightly offensive, even though she's selling a brilliant product and the offensive part of her is sort-of crucial to the selling...
you'll see.

It might be almost the end of summer...everyone should buy their academic calendars now, but there are still a few hot days in our future. This is perfect for those days!

My Favorite Store in NYC...

...used to be Lunettes et Chocolat. Tragically it has closed (which i only found out in researching this blog). I'm sad, but will be able to console myself in the new MarieBelle store opening on Madison in the 60s.

Lunette et Chocolat was an adorable store in Nolita that sold glasses and chocolates and ages ago there was a cafe in the back where they sold the world's best lemonade and alfajores. Sigh.

Anyway, the chocolates sold at Lunette et Chocolat were MarieBelle chocolates. They also have the traditional hot chocolate...not the runny Swiss Miss stuff, but the thick just-melted-chocolate-bar kind, the kind that turns to pudding if you take it outside in the cold, the kind that you dream about, the kind of hot chocolate that makes you wish they had it on rainy days at camp, the kind that makes you feel like an adult because it's so decadent...That kind of hot chocolate. (they also have it at Ladurée but it's way too early in the year for a hot chocolate post).

Anyways, the post that was supposed to be about the new store opening turned into a rant. I'm just a little shocked to find out my favorite store closed...and who even knows when?

Banana is BACK!

I've been anti-Banana for a while now. They've been boring and predictable and things just fit strangely.

Anyways, I was in the Banana on lower 5th and THEY FINALLY GOT IT TOGETHER!!!

Tons of cute work tops and sweaters that will easily translate to the weekend. I'm loving the sweaters and cardigans. They honestly don't look as adorable online, but trust me. Go to the store and buy your new fall wardrobe, or pieces, at least.

Treats Truck

This is long overdue.

On Thursday THE TRUCK was parked on 38th and 5th, just a few blocks from my office. FINALLY, I had no excuses! I grabbed (OK, so they dragged me from my desk....OK, I was willing to take a break....OK, I was desperate to go) two friends from work and ran down the street (it was humid, we walked slowly).

I got a delish rice krispie treat to share (my, myself and I split it....which is why the "lifestyle change" that should be Weight Watchers, is not 100% working out for me, myself, or I), and 4 mini cookies w/icing. They looked like sugar cookies w/that hard white icing w/those obnoxious round sprinkles (who invented those, they just hurt and don't even taste...is that what people in the mid-west mean when they say "jimmies" those stupid hurty ball things(stop giggling)?). However, they were sugar/butter cookies w/the perfect cupcake/cake/from a jar(but made from scratch to taste perfect) icing and only a few of those stupid round sprinkles.

HEAVEN!

And the best part: I'm all about singing up for things. I'd fill out anything and live for the stampy cards at Hale & Hearty. Anyway...so they have stampy cards, but the stampy part (not the part they hole punch w/a flower(love it!) but the thing they punch out of, is a truck! BRILLIANT! They really thought this through and since everyone knows "it's the little things" this one little thing(the truck as stampy card) really impressed me.

My Sister-in-law is FAMOUS!

And talking about our favorite things: samples sales and shoes!!!

Here she is: http://www.topbutton.com/shoptalk.aspx?ShopTalk=80&Number=264

1/2 naked Presidents - Gobal Warming

WHY OH WHY?

First this:

Then this needed to be photoshopped:

Mon Dieu!

Grammer/Spelling

I've posted before about my not always stellar spelling and I blamed it on an educational institution I attended. That wasn't totally fair. Plus, after law school and being forced to type in hyperspeed so as not to miss a word of the professor's brilliance, I started abbreviating evrythng. I know what it means, so just please bear with me.

Blisstastic!

From NY Magazine:

TOMORROW:
Spend just $85 dollars at the Bliss spa in Bloomingdale's and you'll be treated to a complimentary 45-minute facial. When: 11–7.Where: Bloomingdale's Soho, 504 Broadway, nr. Broome St. (212-729-5137).

I Love the Bloomies in Soho. I live only a 4 min walk away (I timed it when I first moved in) from the 3rd Ave Men's Store northern-most entrance of the flagship on the UES, but the Soho location (even tho they keep changing their cafes...JUST STOP IT ALREADY!) is pared down and really the only things you need. PLUS: you don't have to go through the Men's dept (waste of space) to get to the good stuff.

I also LOVE Bliss Spa. Yeah, they've opened too many and they're not the same little company they once were, but they give great manicures and i love a body treatment no matter what. In fact, all of that said, I'm going to the new (to me) 57th St location this Sunday for a treatment and mani.

WHOOPIE!

Napkins worth planning a party for

I adore these and this site, but these napkins, as much as a paper product can be coveted (like greeting cards and stickers (Meri Meri anyone?)), are my new reason to plan a party.

Those of you that know me know that if I plan it it will be cancelled, and not for any reason in my control (fine I chose when to renovate, but that was a separate project I cldn't control the contractors) so maybe I'll have to have an impromptu party and have these napkins front and center!

Chloe Bags SALE SALE SALE!!!

Hundreds of Chloe bags just reduced to 75% off so HURRY down.

Sale ends at 6pm today.

The Altman Building135 W 18th St (between 6th & 7th) (1 block from City Bakery!!!)

Original Retail: $2200 New BDB Sale Price: $650Original Retail: $1720 New BDB Sale Price: $550

Inexpensive Save The Date

These coaster calendars are adorable and simple. Just circle your date scribble some info on the back and toss it in the mail.

NY Mag + Home Decor = New Favorite Resource

I realize I use the word "resource" often and I think maybe I shld've been a librarian. I love research and organization and reading and have stayed at the Library Hotel in NYC (in the Erotica Room on the most freezing coldest day a few years ago).

Anyway, like the word shop-o-holic, Shopamatic, is... well, they sound similar. Shopomatic is a new thing from NY Magazine and this is how they decribe it:

Shop-A-Matic is an online catalog of New York stores. New York Magazine's editors scoured home-décor shops all over the city to find a broad range of the most attractive products, from Ikea to Knoll. In September, we'll add accessories; expect new categories monthly as well as updates to existing catalogs.

Sounds great to me. Check it out if you're looking to furnish your apt/house or just like to dream.

I don't do Pilates, but...

This event sounds like a good time!

Pilates for Pink which benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
On October 7 Shape magazine will be in Union Square Park.

I like Shape Magazine bc it's not only abt food and exercise, but also interesting events, and stats and sometimes fashion.

I'm guessing there will be giveaways, contents, and pilates. If you're in the 'hood, live there, or really need to check out Forever 21 and grab a snack at Whole Foods or take a walk to City Bakery, stop by. It's a Sunday so really, there's no excuse.

Learn something new everyday!

So there's basically a job for anything, like, someone had to make the plastic that the keyboard keys are covered with and the paper that is my business card and the cloth whateveritis that covers the speakers on my desk and umm, lots of other stuff. Like one of A's cousin's (and mine too I guess), is a tassel manufacturer/distributor (not sure exactly but he's 1 of 4 in the country or world or something impressive-er...his son got married this weekend to another lovely girl who went to Bdeis) Anyways....so the new job I just found out exists, although I've presumed for years...FOOD STYLIST. Of course all of the photos of food in magazines is photo shopped, just like the celebs, but I didn't want to believe it. The castle cake in the William-Sonoma catalogue for example...

There are people who do this professionally. I want to be one (a food stylist...not a castle cake). YUM!

Sample Sales...by Daily Candy

Here is the info, delivered today by Daily Candy NY. I LOVE this site and receive lots of great info from them that I am happy to pass along.

This is one of the best emails you will receive. Make a date:
I already tried early last week to register for Prada...good luck w/that. It was totally full. Jimmy Choo and Intermix are the most tempting.

Happy Shopping!

What: Prada
Why: Italian powerhouse unloads ready-to-wear, shoes, and accessories for men and women at 70 percent off.
When: Aug. 21-23. Tues.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: The Fuller Building, 45 E. 57th St., at Madison Ave., 2nd flr. By appointment only. Register online at pradasamplesale.com.

What: Jimmy Choo
Why: The notorious sample sale with shoes, bags, and accessories from 65 percent off.
When: Aug. 23. Thurs., noon-7:30 p.m.
Where: Warwick Hotel, 65 W. 54th St., at Sixth Ave.

What: Mulberry
Why: Up to 75 percent off the coveted English luxury leather goods.
When: Aug. 22 & 23. Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 140 W. 57th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., ste. 9b.

What: Intermix Warehouse Sale
Why: Stella McCartney coats, were $1,760, now $549; Chloé dresses, were $1,560, now $499; Sergio Rossi flats, were $495, now $149; Alice Ritter cropped jackets, were $460, now $159; Geren Ford tops, were $255, now $79.
When: Aug. 23-26. Thurs.-Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves.

What: Aero
Why: Up to 75 percent off Aero; Thomas O’Brien; and vintage furniture, bedding, tabletop, and other home accessories.
When: Thru Sept. 1. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 419 Broome St., b/t Crosby & Lafayette Sts. (212-966-1500).

What: Charlotte Ronson
Why: Summer dresses for $75; wedge shoes for $45; sweaters for $70.
When: Aug. 22-24. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 1071 Sixth Ave., b/t 40th & 41st Sts., ste. 301 (212-616-1005).

What: Hayden-Harnett
Why: Up to 80 percent off clothes, bags, and other accessories, with 20 percent of proceeds benefiting the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
When: Aug. 22-25. Wed.-Sat., 12:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Edge NY, 65 Bleecker St., b/t Broadway & Lafayette St. (212-358-0255).

Hate "Sorry, it's discontinued" as much as me?

Honestly, this seems to happen to my mom all the time. M, this is for you...and anyone else that NEEDS their lipstick, perfume, and/or blush back!

This service, brought to you by Estee Lauder (my personal favorite for face wash, OK La Mer face wash(amazing, you can literally see EVERY pore...if you want to), then Estee Lauder idealist and eye night stuff and some other serum...who can keep it all straight?), will "reunite" you with your discontinued skincare, makeup, and fragrance stuff from M.A.C., Clinique, Estee Lauder.

Here's hoping it will never happen to you, or anyone you know, but just in case it does...be the one to save the day....

Happy shopping!

The Countdown Begins

This looks fantastic! Like the favorite book I have yet to read. Plus, Cate Blanchett has already played Elizabeth so she's a pro.

Who's coming with me? The trailer says it opens Nov 2, but the dates on the link say Oct 12. We'll see.

Until, then, I"ll be reading Philippa Gregory (see links on the right) and other historical fiction.

Sigh, Golden Age

The Criminal Justice Major WINS!

So A pointed out that in my post about the new bathroom I used the WRONG WORD...I said that our contractor guy was my night in shining armour, rather than my KNIGHT.

As someone who takes Disney Princess Gummy Vitamins (I only have to double the recommended dose) I am horrified and apologize. Plus, as an English major I am slightly disgusted with myself.

However, I blame my middle school education. I LOVED Green Acres School (GAS), however they weren't the best spelling teachers. Alas, I'd rather LOVE school and be able to blog about it later than spell every single thing correctly.

Black!!! And one 1/2 off!!!

Miracle of miracles! I went to Payless yesterday to make good on the outcome of the booties poll and low and behold...BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!

For some reason these shoes fit HUGE, so although I'm normally a 7.5/8 I got a 6.5W and those are perfect. I bought black and figured I'd get grey 1/2 off. Alas, no grey in that size, but it turns out the grey are little cheapy(er) looking so I opted for some sneakery things.

PLUS, with your AAA card you get 10% off so it was all practically FREE!!!

Wanted to wear them today, but I'll have to get all of my pants re-hemmed 1st and I'm getting a pedi so that was another reason to save them for the first perfect fall day.

Thanks all for voting.

FINALLY, someone put into words how NYers feel about pedestrian tourists!

If I could put this on a bumper sticker I would (on a really long bumper)(I know it's about walking so why put it on a car, but it's more a mantra thing) or on a poster all over NYC in the summer and during the winter holidays.

ARG! Maybe I won't walk home from work today....I do weave quite well though....

These are my two new favorite paragraphs ever written (maybe):

“Walking speed absolutely reflects health status,” Simonsick says. So when you irritatedly blow past a trio of ambling visitors from Ohio or Iowa on the subway platform, you’re not just being an obnoxious New Yorker. You’re demonstrating that you’re going to outlive them—and enjoy better health while they slowly degrade.

The thing is, as Simonsick points out, New York is literally designed to force people to walk, to climb stairs—and to do it quickly. Driving in the city is maddening, pushing us onto the sidewalks and up and down the stairs to the subways. What’s more, our social contract dictates that you should move your ass when you’re on the sidewalk, so as not to annoy your fellow walkers. (A recent ranking of cities found that New York has the fastest pedestrians in the country.) As Simonsick sees it, the very structure of the city coerces us to exercise far more than people elsewhere in the U.S., in a way that is strongly correlated with a far-better life expectancy. Every city block doubles as a racewalking track, every subway station, a StairMaster. Seen this way, the whole city looks like a massive exercise machine dedicated to improving our health while we run errands.

-By Clive Thompson, NY Magazine: Why New Yorkers Last Longer

I do love that the way NYers walk makes us healthier! Starbucks in hand, bag on shoulder, watch-out other people on the sidewalk...

Are you "That Gal" ??

Want to find out?

Benefit is having a nationwide "That Gal" talent search.

If you win you get:

• TV hosting spot on Extra
• Your photo in Lucky Magazine!!!
• An audition for talent representation with the William Morris Agency
• Feature story on Sephora.com
• One-year supply of Benefit makeup

To enter: go to the Sephora in Times Square on Friday, August 24. ...

or, but this is easier and boring: enter online here.

Bridesmaids or Zombies?

Most of my friends have heard me say that I would get married all over again every day I loved it so much. The day itself was just perfect.
However, I'm rethinking. If I could go back, the one thing I would change is that I would've made my entire wedding party learn a dance routine. These people are AWESOME!

My most recent project

I recently posted about home renovation and wanted to show some proof of my completed bathroom. I LOVE Bisazza tiles (the little glass tiles that we also have in our kitchen that the Brandy Library stole and used as their bar surface) so we used some of those.

The white floor does get dirty quickly, but really any bathroom floor gets dirty, on white you can see it sooner...

Here's the vanity with mirrored medicine cabinet above and the shower to the right:

Here's the toilet (the seat closes on its own!) and second mirror (which I should have made a second medicine cabinet). Notice the brushed nickel wall border:

Here's the tile close up, you can see the general pattern in the other photos:

Here's the shower door w/shower shelf and our ghetto bleached towels (stupid laundress ruined them all, still fluffy and a wedding gift. I hadn't planned on publishing them for all to see, but there you go):

Here's the shower w/the back of the door showing the matching "robe" hook (does anyone wear a robe?):

Here's the entire shower with our awesome shower head and our other shower shelf:

I can't change it so any negative comments you are invited to keep to yourselves. We used MyHomeUs to do the work and I LOVED them. Our project manager, Joe Doyle, was like a knight in shining armour compared to the nightmare stories you hear about contractors. Did things go wrong? Of course...it was a gut renovation. It is wonderful and new and all ours? YUP! It's nice to live in NYC and be the only people to have ever used the tub!

Tons to get to today!

Starting with: SHOES!!!

First of all, I've decided, with your help, to gt the black booties. Turns out they run huge, so I'll pretend when I wear them I have little tiny feet.

Second of all, SAKS' NEW SHOE DEPT OPENS TOMORROW! They moved all the shoes to the 8th floor (I'm hoping they have an express elevator). The new zip code, for only the 8th floor, is 10022 (if you want to send fan mail). The shoe fashion show on the Today Show this morning was inspiring, and metallic is still in/back in for fall. Since I've already committed to the Payless booties, I'll have to skip the GORGEOUS Chanel pewter ones...but maybe for Hannukah, or before that, Thanksgiving....A, are you reading this?

OHMIGOD, just went to check the Saks website and on the front page (at least right now) there's a note to enter "Shoe" when you check out from an online purchase of any shoes and you get a limited edition designer stamp w/shoes on it. Perfect for mailing that fan mail!!! And they do have the express elevator I dreamed of...check it all out here (shld've done my due diligence...)

There was something else about shoes, but I forgot....must get coffee.

Much more later, JES

PS from later: TOTALLY forgot about the adorable cafe on 5 that my mom and I went to. Delish sandwiches and a great bar w/views of Rock Center without all the tourists (more on that later). I love the cafe colors...greys, metal, lavender and the tile was really nice too. Comfy chairs, and right next to what was then (just this Monday) the contemporary shoe dept. Wonder what it is now?

Take this Google Maps!

This is a map of heaven.

This is a map of heaven and earth.

This inspires me...note to self: learn how to create map w/stuff on it and add it to blog

Note to Joel - remember those map pins I got you? this is the virtual version. hey, didn't you create a program where people can find places they lived and rate the emotionality of those places? should I maybe just email you and save everyone else...I need that program Joely.

WW, otherwise known as "The Watch"

I've been on and off Weight Watchers for a while now...Yes, I KNOW it's supposed to be a life style change, but I wasn't ready to commit then, or the other 2 times.

My freaking vitamins even have points. I KNOW they're "like" candy, but as long as I'm getting my RDA I'm gonna eat them however I want. Plus, I pretend they're like Smarties...ya know, eat one and your smart. Eat a Nerd and ....

So this is a public annoucement that I'm BACK ON IT. Ignoring most of what I had for lunch today. I'm not gonna post about it too often...I don't wanna be the fat-ish girl posting about being gross and complain-y and doing nottihng about it...plus, who really wants to hear it, but I figure if you all know I HAVE to stay on it.

No matter how many times I ask A to not let me eat stuff, he never listens. Alas...

Post for Joel

Since my brother is moving to San Fran in a few weeks to get his MFA (Masters in Fine Arts) I will try to throw in a few posts just for him....

Here's a resto that was just featured on one the jillion sites I read: The Slanted Door

Have fun!!!

A and I are looking forward to visiting and taking some side trips to Napa, Yellowstone, and wherever else is close to San Fran. I can skip Alcatraz... but not the sourdough bread. Never skip the bread! ...which brings me to my next post...

Days of our Lives

Since this is a private site (on the www) I can finally admit that I love Days of Our Lives. It started in law school when I was studying for the Bar. I KNOW, I was "studying" (whatever, I passed so who cares now). Anyway, every morning, after BarBri(cue stomach ache), I'd go home and rest my brain and eat lunch on the couch in front of the TV watching Days.

Since I can't watch it anymore...job shmob...I read spoilers online. Turns out in Canada they get the episodes a day before us....is Salem in Canada? So, those awesome neighbors post about the episodes online.

The site I read has a scary warning about copyright law that I'm not about to ignore (law school was serious) so I'll just send you here and we'll see what you find.

Like Wine? Like Cheese?

You should've been at my friend's BDAY party this past weekend...

If you missed it, you can always take a class at Tasting World where they offer classes on wine tasting and cheese pairings, etc....

If you go, let me know how it is.

I know there's tons of places like this in NYC. Like this one where many are listed in one place.

One day I'll try them all!

2 Maddona References in one day!

Anyone know the first? Anyone?

NYC Madonna event in honor of her BDAY: The Maddonathon

Sounds like exercise but it's not!

Crazy for You...

I wait all year for the Today Show segment "Today Throws A Wedding." I've seen every one and it's fun to plan (I mean watch them plan). I must be honest, I rarely vote but I just love watching.

We met the 4 wedding couples today and here they are...
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/19915231 (my personal fav? Beth and Will but vote for whomever you want...)

This year Today is throwing a Martha Stewart Wedding!!!!

Need a great idea for a wedding gift for the bride and groom? This is another link from the Today Show that is adorable and thematic (sometimes great, sometimes overkill, and please no rhyming!)

Wanna be a part of it?

Please check out the subscription option in the right-hand column.

See you in email or cyberspace. Is that the same thing?

Life Cycles

I've noticed that my interests change as my life changes. Duh, right? But in looking over my old posts on Yahoo I can clearly see that during my wedding year there were a ton of posts about wedding related info: stationery, favors, dress sales, shower locations, etc, etc, etc. NOTE: I still have all of that info so, should anyone need ideas, suggestions, links, whatever, please get in touch. I LOVE all things wedding related.

However, my wedding is long past (April 9, 2005) and so I moved on to home decorating and renovation. Furniture, paint, organizational products, etc. I still have all of that info as well so feel free to ask about that. I LOVE all things organizational. But now that's done too (unless we buy the apt next door which is fully renovated and decorated in my head - large master suite w/rainfall shower, TWO sinks, walk-in his/hers closets, small office, vanity, SIGH)

Moving on....now I in the midst of attending 30th BDAY parties and planning my own (done with that as of today though). Need any advice on restaurants in NYC with outdoor spaces that are not on a sidewalk? Get in touch.

All that said, I saw this today and think that anyone engaged or in the wedding planning business, or anyone with an ipod should check it out - Wedding Podcast
I can always live vicariously....

Booties

Had to return red patent leather shoes to Payless (my secret shoe store...I swear, I bought a pair of shoes there in high school and they latest forever. My perfect shoes from Banana, only a few yrs old that, I have in black and brown (they're that perfect!) are falling apart. I don't want to talk about it and anyone at work that points it out is in trouble.) today at lunch (and do a birthday errand...you'll see) and I saw the booties below in black and grey. They don't look cheap and I just can't commit to the whole bootie thing for fall. These would look cute with tights and a dress, right? right?

Like this: (the outfit is "in theory" it was the best I could do under pressure to show off the booties, booties booties booties)

Ready for a new BLT?

We are big fans of all the BLT restaurants in NYC. I haven't been to the one in DC yet with the Stillmans but I plan to go one day soon.

Now there will be a new one in NY.

Check out this article about BLT Market for more info.

Sounds good to me and although it is in the heart of the mid-town lunch corridor, the sort-of strange locale of BLT Steak (57th btwn Park and Lex) hasn't been such a deterrent so 1430 Sixth Ave nr. 58th St. shouldn't been too terrible.

We'll see...

Drink much?

I had a busy weekend. It started Friday night with a DELISH birthday dinner at Kittichai which is my new favorite Thai restaurant. (Land on the UES and UWS is also FAB but BYOB so it's a different event)

Kittichai was pretty, the food was great, the decor was different and interesting and not in the overly trendy obnoxious-y way, even the plates were nice. The company made it all the better (you know who you are!). The drinks were some of the best I've had in a while....pineapple caipirinha anyone? YUM!

It is in the Thompson Hotel which also has a very cool roof deck (that I looked at for my BDAY party...but passed [if anyone wants to throw me a surprise party I really really liked that pineapple caipirinha . . . triple berry mojito not as much])

Rest of the weekend was great too. Went to wineries out on the North Fork of LI for a friend's 30th. It was a great day, gorgeous weather, wine and cheese and crackers and good friends. Plus, you can't go wrong with Old School or Wedding Crashers on the bus!

Looking forward to having some of the wine we bought soon. Can you tell my work day is almost over? caipirinhas and wine....

EventsbyJES is the new EventsbyJES

In a different world I had a yahoo group by the same name: EventsbyJES.
Here is a link to see some old posts should you need to see my complete posting history before becoming "involved" further.

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This can be kinda if-y so if for some reason it doesn't work out, just trust me. You won't be dissapointed

I couldn't wait to post this site!

My new favorite website is http://www.polyvore.com/

This is what I created today. A not so great rendition of what I'm wearing today (note the cream color on the dress is white IRL and the jacket is the right shape but mine is more "trench-y" and I have an umbrella from Uniqlo(LOVE it)):


As you can see, you can create outfits, with all different components. See what you want to wear tomorrow...Does that dress really go with those shoes??? Even add furniture and backgrounds. Is this work appropriate? Try it in front of a desk... Want to wear it to bed? That can happen too.

Go crazy and please share whatever you come up with. I'll try to post outfits every so often...if the mood strikes.

When was your first time?

Dear Readers,

Welcome to my first actual post. My adorable and talented little brother created this blog for me for my 30th BDAY. He hopes that I start the event planning business I should.

While I hate to disappoint anyone (especially Joely) I may have to build up to a full fledged event planning boutique. In the mean time, I am happy to share fun ideas and things I've found while bookmarking websites for the past few years.

I'm big into folders and have saved things about food, events, party favors, stationary, shopping and other fun NYC related things and I want a place to share these things with you as I find them.

I will be experimenting with the options on this blog and will try to update it periodically.

I hope you all check back often to see what's new. I'm looking forward to getting started!

Please check below for some of my favorite links....things I read daily.

Welcome to EventsbyJES.

Always,
JES