Want to give the MOST unique gift?

The one made JUST FOR THEM?

Here are two/three ways to do that. One is online and the other is in NYC only...unless you know someone here who can go and do it for you....

UPDATE: Another personalizable gift, this one from BLISS! Whippee! (that's Whoopie and Yipee combined since it's THAT exciting).

You can design your own gift set from a group of their top-selling items. There's 30 things to choose from, or don't make any choices at all and just get them all (or is that 30 choices?). Regardless, you can get a great gift for anyone on your list, including you. Good to stock up now for events next year...hand cream and the moisturizing gloves for the friend who just got engaged? foot cream and the moisturizing socks for the friend who's preggo? "comments" me if you need any more gift ideas. I LOVE this stuff.

Click here for all your options



1. Make a personalized cookbook, a Tastebook. Hardcover, easy-open binder (which allows them to add to it, making it even more personalized), professionally bound, get 100 recipes for $34.95. Because it's a cookbook you can start from scratch or with a pre-made mix! Put their name and occasion on the cover. Make a title. Make yourself one! You can design the cover and use epicurious.com for recipes which has recipes form Bon Appetite and Gourmet magazines. There are labels tabs so you can make an all dessert Tastebook and let them add whatever else they want. Here's where to get started: Tastebook

and

2. This was in BFF Bridal and Daily Candy NYC, but I'm sure wandering around SoHo you'd see people wandering around w/Swarovski encrusted (or maybe just personalized) Moet and Chandon champagne bottles. It's BYOB so buy a case and get them all personalized for different people, or just put days of the week on them. Buy mini bottles and put your wedding date or your new monogram and call them party favors. Celebrate a big birthday that hasn't happened yet, or a big anniversary that you know you'll want to celebrate. My mind is reeling with possibilities. It's $30 for up to 7 characters on any size bottle.
Plus, you get to go to SoHo
Locale: 455 W. Broadway between Houston and Price Sts
When: Friday-Sunday in December 2007 (hello New Years Eve!?)
Here's the info: Cheers!

Love to Nest?

UPDATE: Another little Babushka thingy. This one's from Anthro (sigh): Umm, OK the picture isn't posting. Here's the link to the salt and pepper shakers. They have a quite nice design on them

These are such a great version of the traditional Russian Nesting Dolls.

Plus, I LOVE the website http://www.spoonsisters.com/. They have great, sometimes funny, gifts and interesting products you don't see everywhere.

Elle's Dec issue had a little round up of the trend as well. Make your own
and be way ahead!

If I remember I'll double check the page and add to the post. Otherwise, go flip through a copy on the street or at a Barnes. You might learn something else while you're reading.

FOUND IT: Page 305. Top part of the page.

NY Botanical Garden EVENTS...

...including the famed Train Show!

Click here for all the info.

SHOP NYC

The GEN Art

Invites you to SHOP NYC
Join us for an amazing evening of shopping, cocktails, music and pampering...
Wednesday, December 5
VIP Ticket Presale
Shop the best items first, includes gift bag, open champagne bar and a 1 year (6 issue) subscription to Blueprint Magazine(a $7.95 value!)
4:00 - 6:00pm

General Admission Sale 6:00 - 10:00pm
The Puck Building
293 Lafayette Street(b/w Houston & Prince Streets)
New York, NY

Gen Art is proud to invite you to SHOP NYC, showcasing the wares of 50+ emerging high-end designers who will sell their spring / summer collections at discounted prices in womenswear, menswear and accessories. Don't miss a great event for buying holiday gifts for yourself and others!

For a list of participating designers click HERE.

Where do you wish you were?

While looking for some cute holiday party tops I came across what I'm calling vacation sweaters. I'd take them all and change them depending on my mood. I might even put a brooch on exactly where I'd like to go, or where I've been.

Enjoy! If you'd like to buy one, click here.

Meatpacking District - Details Magazine ShoppingEvent

This is direct from NYC.com with the important parts highlighted: (hmm, I've got plans at 2pm for hot choc w/a friend after the bathroom video shoot (I'm so nervous!) but maybe after that I can head downtown?).

EDITORIAL REVIEW
Details magazine is helping to celebrate New York’s famed Meatpacking District with a day of shopping, style, music, entertainment and special guests on Saturday, December 1, 2007, noon-5pm, throughout the Meatpacking District.

The day will feature discounts up to 20% off at some of the area’s hottest stores, including Theory, Tracy Reese, Banana Republic, Puma, An Earnest Cut & Sew, Calypso, Scoop Men, Rebecca & Drew and more.

Participating restaurants will feature free Bollinger champagne tastings, food tastings and discounts.

The Hotel Gansevoort [also the spot for the annual Stillman Father/Daughter weekend!See you at Jeffrey!] will host seven pop-up stores including Le Blanc, Remington, Asics, Dunhill, Hanes, Epson, and Kenneth Cole. Kenneth Cole will feature its famed “Production Truck” and will sell limited edition t-shirts to benefit World AIDS Day.

Guests can also bid on silent auction items ranging from exclusive dinners to one-of-a-kind fashion items and experiences.

WHEN: Saturday, December 1, 2007
TIME: Noon – 5:00 PM

Design-Her Gals

Want to make a gift literally personalized? make notecards, t-shirts, mugs, aprons, and wine tags(cool!) almost anything with a cartoon imagine for your, your family, friends, pets, whatever and you can look like you!

I've made bridal things, pregnancy things, BDAY party invites ( a few versions) and I've received TY notes for the same party. I LOVE this site!

NOW: Get 25% off all purchases for the next FOUR(4) days!!!

Again, buy things now for events you have coming up...like a housewarming, baby shower, wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party, birthdays, no reason at all....

Here's the site: www.designhergals.com

You'll be overwhelmed by adorable! Make yourself whomever you want to be....never made the cheerleading squad? Give yourself some pompoms! Always wanted a dog? pick 1, pick 5. Wish your guy had blonde hair and blue eyes? You really can change them!

ENJOY.

Oh, the secret 25% off code is: KICKOFF2
(expires midnight Monday, December 3rd)

Miracle On Madison THIS SUNDAY!

There's been some confusion lately over this Sunday v. next Sunday. THIS Sunday is the 2nd of Dec. NEXT Sunday is the 9th of Dec.



THIS Sunday is the Miracle on Madison (so if you've been a dedicated reader you would already have Meatpacking in your palm/date book for Saturday and now you have Sunday plans as well....NO excuses for not finishing your wishlists and giftlists by the end of this weekend! Right in time for Hannukah and early for XMas...you're welcome).

Here's the intro info from the site linked to above (as usual w/the important parts hilighted in bold):
On Sunday, December 2nd you can enjoy holiday shopping and help children in need! Shop at any of the Miracle on Madison Avenue participating retailers and 20% of every purchase you make will benefit children in need. Click here to view participant list. [the list is LONG]
Show your Miracle Shoppers’ Card at participating stores and your purchase will support the health services of The Children’s Aid Society. Click here to download the shoppers' card Meet Andy Phillips of the New York Yankees, Tamara Tunie of Law and Order SVU and other special guests at the Miracle Opening Ceremony at noon. From shopping to spa treatments, from gourmet tastings to kids’ entertainment, live music and a luxury raffle, there is truly something for everyone!

I love my 'hood: Attend the Miracle Ribbon Cutting at the Opening Ceremony Noon on Madison Avenue and 69th Street!

OHMIGOD, I just read more closely...There's going to be a REAL SIMPLE GIFT WRAPPING TENT! I may go just to see it. Here's that info: 70-71st: Real Simple Gift Wrap Tent Let the experts wrap your holiday gifts

I may just stop by....of course I'll be on Madison for hot choc on Saturday....nothing like two days in a row (three really but that's just because I was networking at a private event at Saks this morning! It was outofcontrol cool! I was one of THREE people on the entire NEW SHOE FLOOR! and everything was 15% off. Literally like a kid in a candy store....In fact I wanted to BE a candy store when I was little so it was the perfect morning...except 8-10am wasn't enough time w/the mobs who descended.) Sorry, I lost my train of thought. I got the COOLEST new fold-over large clutch w/shoulder strap for Hannukah (thanks mystery elf!) ..anyways, go to Madison Ave on Sunday and look for me stalking the gift wrapping table. I'm actually going to be at Borders in Time Warner wrapping gifts in a few weekends for Haddasah..I'm an expert Jewish gift wrapper, having taken a class at the 92nd St Y. I think I could wrap an ornament or tinsel though too. I'm an equal opportunity wrapper! PS. In Japan they make folds on their gifts for good luck..in odd numbers. Just a little FYI Trivia for you on a Friday evening. Toss it around at your dinner parties tonight.

I can't resist: here's my new bag but I got it on sale and + 15% off! OY! have to write a TY to my work friend who got sick and couldn't' go so I took her place. Hmm, should I have bought her something? Too late...sorry J.L.P.

SALE ALERT- Lauren Merkin

Every NYC gal needs a Lauren Merkin bag.

I love my Tahiti bag...so named by whomever names the bags and by myself bc I took it on my Tahitian (Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea) honeymoon.

Anyways, there's a sample sale where the deals are always great. I once braved a rain storm to go...

Locale: 231 WEST 29TH ST, SUITE 201, BETWEEN 7TH & 8TH AVE
When: DEC 4 TUES - 6 THURS from 11 am - 7 pm
$$$: CASH. AMEX, VISA, M/C, DISCOVER no checks please.

Check out www.laurenmerkin.com for some hint of what'll be there, no online sale however.

Ever heard of a blog-tour?

I'm sure you've all heard that Nina Garcia wrote a book. Who? the Elle Fashion Director and Project Runway judge, duh! It's called The Little Black Book of Style.

Anyways, she's going on a blog tour thru the blogosphere to all the best fashion blogs, including, well I read all of them so including these ones on these days:

12/3 - Fashionista
12/4 - Coquette
12/5 - BussBuss
12/6 - FabSugar
12/7 - Fashiontribes

Buss Buss has invited their readers to send in questions for Nina to answer. Since you're my reader and I'm their reader it makes you their reader by default. I don't send all their info, it's not all super duper, but I like a lot of what they post. The market is so saturated (so why not join then, JES?)...

What would you ask Nina? Email your question(s) to editor@bussbuss.com by midnight tonight!

Puddin' on the...

...pounds:

OHMIGOD and WOW!!!


From Zagats Buzz: All I can see is this:

The wait for the puddin' is over. ChikaLicious Puddin', the to-go sibling to popular dessert specialist ChikaLicious, has opened.
Calling itself "America's First Made-To-Order Take Away Desserts" spot, Puddin' will initially feature only three menu items: Brioche Bread Puddin', Steamed Apple Puddin' and Adult Chocolate Puddin' and that is it. No rice, no seats and hopefully a much shorter line than its older sibling.

...ritz:

I LOVE bread pudding. There's a spot downtown that makes white chocolate brioche bread pudding. You cld die on the spot from delight. Club Med always had FAB chocolate bread. Unlimited FAB chocolate bread... and that's when i was young enough to not care what I looked like in a bathing suit...I also ate fro yo like it was free. Well, it was all inclusive, but you know what I mean. I do recall a particularly tragic outfit...Lamere, are you reading this? I'll NEVER EVER FORGIVE YOU! I wore, WHY DID I OWN THIS?, A hot pink full body (i can hardly continue) shiny jumpsuit. Honestly, to my ankles and wrists. I then put on a stretchy plastic belt thingy that clipped onto itself. It was like a water-proof key chain...but I was so hip/crazy that I wore it as a belt. Then I mortified myself and did a tragi-comic "dance" routine for the kids show. I apologize to all that were there for I'm sure I had horrific VPL and I can't believe I remember any of this. It should be locked away in a dungeon to be forgotten. Oh, to be young, stupid, thin enough to wear a KEY CHAIN as a belt (i MUST be remembering that wrong), and clearly 100% unselfconscious. Sigh.

Seasonal Events

This info is from UrbanBaby Daily NYC:

Family Hanukkah Festival
The 92nd St. Y hosts holiday performances, storytelling, music, arts and crafts, latke-cooking and dancing. Families are encouraged to bring a small unwrapped gift (valued up to $10) to donate to children in need.
When: Sun. 12/2, 10:30am-2:30pm;
Ages 3-8; $20/Adult, $15/Child (children under 2 free).
Where: Lexington Ave. at 92nd St., 92y.org

and

JCP's Tribeca Trunk Show
Shop for Hanukkah and other holiday gifts among local vendors selling clothing, jewelry, books, stationery, toys and other items. Ten percent of profits benefits the Jewish Community Project Downtown.
When: Thurs. 11/29, 6-9pm.
Where: 146 Duane St., jcpdowntown.org.

also

Christmas Festival
Shop among 40 vendors selling holiday gifts from hand-painted scarves to vintage cufflinks.
When: Fri. & Sat. 11/30 & 12/1, Fri. 11am-8:30pm, Sat. 10am-5pm.
Where: Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 2 East 90th St. at Fifth Ave., christmasfestivalnyc.org.

Hello again.

UPDATE BELOW

So I'm not a bragger, or braggart, or whatever, (as I type I realize how tragic my manicure (from last night) is...really, not well done and I already put clear polish on top and then it chipped more...awesome!)...anyways, but i TOTALLY AM BETTER THAN THEM!

Who is them? Martha Stewart! Yup! Put up or shut up, you say?

In Blueprint Magazine, Martha's "Fresh Fun Guide to Personal Style" which i LOVE like I love Domino and Real Simple, but a tiny bit more bc I heart Martha (and not in an I'm-better-than-you-pitty way either) (pps. a friend, for her BDAY is going to the taping of Martha's show! AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!) , so in the magazine they have a list of 100 things (I read it with pen in hand). This month the list is: 100 Reasons to be Thankful During the Holidays. (Which really, could be called 100 Reasons why people can just read EventsbyJES and skip this Martha nonsense for 98 Reasons) Predictable, but OK. So Numbers 31 and 55 I've already blogged about! People, seriously! Martha's got nothing on me! What are those numbers. Let's compare:



Martha's #31:
Entrust Your Party's DJ Duties to the Electronic Minds Behind
31. pandora.com

MY Post (YESTERDAY): Click here.


Martha's #55:
Supplement With YouTube's Finest Programming
55. Choreographed wedding dances (see "Dirty Dancing" and "Thriller")

MY Post: Click here and here.


Here's another wedding dance video I received from a friend. I like big butts and I can't lie...

glumbert - Best wedding first dance ever

Party today in SoHo

its for kids, but maybe you'll find a gift for a niece or nephew...or yourself....

Scholastic Store Reopening Party
Locale: 557 Broadway, near Prince St.
When: 10am-7pm
Fun Stuff: Hot cider and gingerbread cookies

I love all the accessories...

on earth. But mostly in this great feature on shopbop.com

Here's the link. Now you'll know how to wear your LBD anywhere you need to go...


ps. I really don't love every accessory, like ornament earrings, really, no reason for those, and umm, anything with fringe, burn it unless you're a real cowboy/girl. What else, reverse French manicures, I just don't get it, if we can consider manicures an accessory as opposed to necessity.

Read all about it!

Here's the news we've all been waiting for:

The New York Fall 2008 Collections will be shown February 1 - 8, 2008.

Fireworks! Champagne! J.Mendel!

Awesome Movie List! ALERT - GIVE AWAY!!!!

Ladies & Gentlemen,


GIVEWAY IS NOW CLOSED! CONGRATS MARY!!!! Since I only received one response MARY WON TWICE!!!! Shh, she doesn't know yet!

Next time you all should participate. Who knows what you'll win!?


**This giveaway is still open. By my count there may be a tie and so far only one reader has responded (Thank You Mary). I am willing to honor both correct answers since it's a tie. I will contact the winner(s) next week to find out which DVD they'd love to own. **

_____________________________________

Got this from Glam.com

Top 25 movies: "Glam’s top 25 fail-safe films that we turn to again and again for their humor, heart, and style."

Here's the link and here's the list (perfect Bach Party or Shower gift):
Clueless
Legally Blonde
Pretty Woman
Bring it On
Mean Girls
The Notebook
NOTE: I have too many comments abt each movie it's hard to refrain.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Waiting to Exhale
The Cutting Edge
The Sweetest Thing
Dirty Dancing
Sixteen Candles
When Harry Met Sally
Notting Hill
Bridget Jones's Diary
Charlies Angels
My Best Friend's Wedding
The Devil Wears Prada
13 Going On 30
NOTE: I don't want this list to end. I need EVERYSINGLE DVD! I'm reliving my entire life here
The Wedding Planner
Shakespeare In Love
Sweet Home Alabama
Serendipity
Cruel Intentions
Wimbledon
APPLAUSE APPLAUSE!

Anyone who can name which starring actress is the most featured on the list gets the DVD of her choice. I'm serious. I'm in a giving mood since I go on vacay tomorrow. Personal emails NOT accepted. I don't care how close we are. Leave a comment with your answer and I'll get you the DVD you want. First person with the right answer wins.

And they're off....

NYMagazine is brilliant once again!

And not only because they managed to work in not one but TWO references to Pretty in Pink (one of my top 3 favorite movies) but they also got to mention Mean Girls one of the other great movies of our time. This is a Gossip Girl helper. I don't watch it, but did learn at Thanksgiving that one of the girl characters goes to my high school. As in, GOES, not went, but is a student there, when she's not being tutored on set. I may also take this time to mention that Daren Star of 90210 fame also went to my high school AND was Bar Mitzvah'd in my shul (at least that's the rumor). So I suppose that means people from Potomac are brilliant, sophisticated and know how to "act" like they are jappy, over indulged, well educated, teenagers. What? you didn't get a corvette like Steve Sanders? Hmmm, ironically, a close friend and co-WCHS alum now works on the hit MTV show, My Super Sweet 16. Coincidence? My super-sweet-16 was at The Melting Pot. It ROCKED! I still have my t-shirt and have been known to throw a kick-a** fondue party in my new "grown-up" apt.

I know I'm dating myself w/the 90' references (for those of you unsure that 90'210, not 90's like the decade) and Pretty in Pink and not watching Gossip Girl, but whatevs. I'm a blogger right? That's modern...

Check this out. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Blane and Steff. Did anyone know McDonnagh was Blane's last name? He didn't strike me as Irish, or Scottish or whatever-ish. WASP for sure, but...

UPDATE: My work friend, who was upset at the lack of a shout-out, actually hung-out w/the cast over Thanksgiving. Apparently her cousin is friends w/them. Neat-o!

Seriously?!!!???

Nanette Lepore Online Sale

it's through Neimans.

Here's the link to some GREAT deals! Perfect for all the holiday parties all you popular girls are invited to!

There's also an in-store event
Locale: 423 Broome St.
When: Thursday, Nov 29 4-8pm.
Fun Parts: There'll be cocktails and shopping!

same deal at their store in LA, LV, Boston and Chicago.

You've all seen the GAP ads w/the famous people.

Now make your own GAP video for your friends and family to see.

Personalized Starbucks cards not enough? Head to the GAP Tidings Mobile Studio and bring good tidings everywhere...or however that song goes...

Best Dining Options Near Rockefeller Center - Insieme - Anthos - La Grenouille - Bar Americain - The Burger Joint -- New York Magazine

Apparently if you subscribe to the blog (see the space on the RIGHT) you will get daily emails when there are new posts (all the time!) and in those emails you can see items like this in full size, without the right side being cut off. I apologize and will try to find a work around.

In the meantime, go to this link for the same info as below.

Here's my input:
In case you didn't know I love NYMag. If you're skipping the tree and just going to Anthro, J.Crew or one of the MANY other shopping destinations, hello SAKS, these restos are all in the 'hood for that too. I think shopping makes me hungrier than looking at a tree, no matter how lit up it is...
Enjoy, JES

* Please note, the sender's email address has not been verified. In case you didn't know I love NYMag. If you're skipping the tree and just going to Anthro, J.Crew or one of the MANY other shopping destinations, hello SAKS, these restos are all in the 'hood for that too. I think shopping makes me hungrier than looking at a tree, no matter how lit up it is... Enjoy, JES Click the following to access the sent link: Best Dining Options Near Rockefeller Center - Insieme - Anthos - La Grenouille - Bar Americain - The Burger Joint -- New York Magazine* Get your EMAIL THIS Browser Button and use it to email information from any Web site. *This article can also be accessed if you copy and paste the entire address below into your web browser. http://nymag.com/restaurants/shortlists/41256

Shopping Sales GALORE!

Here's one from Fashionista NY:

Join us at our Nov 29-30 sale and find some of the most desired names in fashion. Featuring pieces from Blumarine, Cavalli, Claude Montana, Roberta Scarpa, and Emmanuel Ungaro, at up to 70% off. The sale will also feature a larger-than-ever collection of bags and sunglasses from Chloe, Balenciaga, Gucci, Prada, and more! We offer up to 70% savings for 100% fabulous!
Special Offer: Get 10% off if you buy two or more items (on Fashionista NY items only, please ask before checkout).
Event Details:
Date: November 29-30, 10 am - 7 pm
Location: 275 W. 39th St.(between 7th and 8th Aves.) 10th Floor New York, NY 10018
Methods of payment: Cash/Visa/MC/Amex

More to come...

Here's more:
Shop: Olive and Bettes: Splendid Tees are $15!!!
Locale: 1070 Madison Ave, near 80th St(and my old gyn)
Ph: 212-717-9655
Payment: Amex, MC, Visa
When: 12/3 from 8am-7pm

From Metropolitain Pavilion, where these sales will take place:

L.A.M.B.
Jill Stuart
Harajuku Lovers
handbags & accessories sample sale event

December 4th - 5th
Tuesday, 8am to 8pm
Wednesday, 8am to 6pm
American Express, MasterCard, Visa

The Level at Metropolitan Pavilion
123 West 18th Street
5th Floor
(Between 6th and 7th Avenues)

Contact: 212.388.0339 www.savvynyc.com

~

Lambertson Truex

Wednesday, December 5th - Friday, December 7th
9am-6:30pm daily

Metropolitan Pavilion's Gallery
123 West 18th Street
4th Floor
(Between 6th and 7th Avenues)

www.lambertsontruex.com

Need a gift for friends w/kids?

Not yet?

Save this until you do...

It's like a card game for adults w/kid-friendly activities..

City Kids Deck at www.cityshuffle.com

Best part: get a free cupcake at Cupcake Cafe.
Second best: get 2-for-1 entry to Wollman Rink
Third best: every card has a fun kiddy discount!

found this little tidbit in NYMag (of course!)

My Favorite Store is Anthropologie

even though I can't always find the perfect thing. I love the matchy-ness without everything being too cute matchy-matchy. Anything I've ever purchased from Anthro it always a compliment gatherer.

This section of their website is adorable. Are you dancing 'til Midnight or 'til Dawn? Well you'll need similar but different outfits won't you? YES and Anthro, loyal as ever, has your outfits already picked out.

Click here for the low-down.

I love and adore Daily Candy...

However, sometimes I don't love all the sales they list...how can one girl love everything about everything?

So, I'm sending you the ones I would like to go to. Really, isn't that why you read this? For my witty editing of all things in NYC and the WWW.

So, of the sales Daily Candy posted today, these are my favorites:
What: Abaeté
Why: Super sexy and sophisticated party dresses are 60 percent off.
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 3. Mon., Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., noon-7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 560 Broadway, at Prince St., ste. 509 (212-334-4755).
Mostly bc Abaeté made shoes for Payless and I started my blog w/some Payless love.

Also:
What: Tracy Reese & Plenty by Tracy Reese
Why: Silk dresses, were $285, now $115; tunics, were $275, now $100; clutches, were $395, now $170.
When: Thru Nov. 29. Tues. & Wed., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 145 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves. (212-388-0339).
Tracy Reese and Plenty go together w/Nanette and Rebecca Taylor for me. Adorable feminine clothing that I'll wear until I can afford a full wardrobe of Louis Vuitton and J.Mendel, two of the most luxurious yet feminine lines I've seen. You know I'll always throw some Old Navy and H&M in there.

While I'm in italics and typing away I must mention that I am wearing a gigunda(sp?) ring that I've "inherited." Since I'm not practicing I can't recall if you can inherit from someone who isn't dead yet. Regardless, it's mine and I f-ing LOVE it. I promise it's not for everyday wear, but it has been fun. In it I'm Fessica, the glam, taller, thinner, richer, less in need of laser-hair removal (altho I LOVE it and will talk about it if anyone has any questions, I shld be on a commercial I swear!) or a dermo or any dr's at all, version of myself.

Speaking of glam, I'll continue w/the italics bc it makes it look like I'm speaking a foreign language, or about a book or movie title, depending on which "Elements of Style" by. Strunk you're reading (I was an English major and the daughter of a linguist so I'm talking about a GRAMMAR book boys and girls, not a book by In Style although I have that on my shelf too).

Now I'm just rambling. Go shopping, enjoy it. Save $ at the sales mentioned above.

ABC Carpet, Santa and Hot Chocolate!

Guess why I'm posting this?

Is it because I cried, real star-struck-tears when I saw Scott Wolf and his MOM buying a bed (I think I overheard correctly (Scott I LOVE YOU!)) at ABC Carpet a few years ago? We almost ran away together but he didn't see me.

Is it because I bought WAY TOO expensive night tables that look like they came from an asylum (they're SO cool) but now they're perfect and I'll never part with them from ABC Carpet when I moved to NY?

Is it because I LOVE LOVE LOVE hot chocolate and have repeatedly purchased gifts for lamere at Michel Cluizel (the little chocolate resto inside ABC Carpet right near Pipa and Le Pain Quotidien(sp?)) so that I could get samples?

Yes, it is for all of those reasons, but mostly so that I can post anything at all about Scott Wolf. Party of Five on DVD would be the ULTIMATE JES gift. I already told A if he needs any gift ideas just read this blog. Lamere listened without even having to...of course...and got me the Hannukah countdowner thingy I mentioned here.

Click here for the events posting and more info. We'll all need some hot chocolate soon.

Must go join A on the couch. I know in the future he won't think I'm as adorable as he does now so I should spend time with him so I can remind him later...

Personal guided Shopping!

Just in time for the holidays! Hannukah is VERY early! It'll be here before you know it! XMas is the same time ever year but still manages to sneak up on us!

This is from The List NYC:

$450 OFF!	An amazing offer from THE LIST!
Major Shopping/Gift Perk! Coup de Coeur There's nothing less gratifying than fruitless shopping. So when you're on a serious mission to seize the pieces you desperately need, there's no one better to assist you than Coup de Coeur, the guided shopping tour service run by two stylists who approach a day of shopping like it's a military operation.Owners Lucia Marcelle Tait and Amanda Doll Sheppard will create a personalized itinerary just for you, expertly navigate the racks, and get you insider discounts (up to 20 percent off!) at select shops. They'll even arrange for star treatment like private rooms, champagne, and more. Most important, they'll make sure the day results in just what you set out for whether it's a few key pieces to elevate your closet or a brand new look. Now as you'd imagine, this personal-shopper-for-a-day VIP service doesn't come cheap. Many of Coup de Coeur's clients are hedge fund and Hollywood types who don't have time to mess around and don't mind paying the price for a satisfaction-guaranteed spree. But because you're on The List, you of course get an amazing deal: Four hours of unadulterated shopping for you and two of your friends for just $300 (regularly $750!). And this offer includes gift certificates too. (It's the one gift you can give and get in on!) Oh, and they do men also. Simply call or email that you're on The List to book your specially priced tour. Offer good through December 31st. Gift certificates valid for up to one year from date of purchase. 917-464-3699, info@coupdecoeurny.com, www.coupdecoeurny.com. P.S. Got friends you think would enjoy this perk? Invite them to sign up at www.thelistnyc.com and they too will receive this Perk Alert.
Enjoy! THE LIST	Expires December 31, 2007

go to http://www.thelistnyc.com/ to subscribe.

ARG! Why does that happen!? OH well, hopefully you can see the important info. Please leve me a comment if you want more info.

I'm not so sure about this...

According to BlogChealsea: Biscotti is the New Cupcake.

I beg to differ. No matter how happy a chocolate-dipped-biscotti makes me dunked into a latte, all warm and crumbly, it's NOT a cupcake.

However, I plan to make A come with me to this new resto/cafe/biscotti-haven. Always fun to try a new place with new fun desserts.

I actually found a GREAT low-fat biscotti mix at TJMaxx...ya know where they have the food stuff? like in housewares, like for gifts and stuff...I got it in college. Anyways, it was delish. You really do bake the twice.

Nail Filing For Dummies

Read this from the blog All Lacquered Up.

I subscribed. You never know when there will be a nail polish emergency. I'm not kidding at all. Open toe shoes, run in stockings, unexpected chip (aren't they all), etc...all emergencies.

I think the BEST bridal shower favor (besides an umbrella which I'm using today, Allison) is a Spiffer. A What? A Spiffer. A pen/nail file/nail pusher/perfect invention. Well, they're prefect for Bridal Bingo and are excellent as key chains if they are your favorite thing, but truly...they're the best when you use them to write a deposit ticket at Citibank! or whatever.

More from Spoonsisters

Great idea or fashion mistake? I'm anti-mules as a rule (drug runners and donkeys (FYI a mule is really a donkey+ horse) are OK, but those slides that sound like flip-flops ICK!)

You decide:
Click on the pix to find out more.

UPDATE: For those of you that insist on wearing slides, the least you could do is not let your pants smoosh under your heel between your shoe...These should help. See, "they" make all these things to solve the problem of slides...maybe they should be banned?

I heart calendars

I saw one at the mall yesterday (yes, I went to the mall the Friday after Thanksgiving. What? you didn't?) that is apparently of baseball fields all over the US shaped like a baseball diamond (which isn't really a diamond, but OK). I didn't stop to look at it(time waster) but I imagine some luck person is just gonna love it!

Otherwise though, I love calendars, filofaxes, datebooks, palm pilots, outlook(less so thought bc that's a work thing), etc, etc, etc...so this article from the WSJ was very interesting.

Yeah, I know a Rolodex isn't a calendar but it's a organizational system that I can relate to. Plus, it's spins, whoopie. My old hag of a boss had one and we were always in trouble when we cldn't find the info she needed IMMEDIATELY. I think she had 3-4 actually.

Read the article at the link above and make sure to look at the pix of the old/original versions of the blackberry and palm.

My business cards are in two file boxes w/file separators labels things like food, doctors, friends, family, shops, membership/punchy cards, etc...For some reason that I don't understand and can't stand A refuses to use the filing system and leaves his business cards all over his side of the desk! Why do I care if it's his side of the desk? Even if it is a big desk? It's still my space too and I don't leave my...things, I don't even know what those things cld be since he wldn't care, but I don't leave them all over the place in his area. ARG! So, compartmentalizing is KEY! In work, life and on the top (and OF COURSE the inside) of your desk.

Don't worry, A's "pile of crap" is important to him and therefore important to me. Being married is FUN.

PS. I think my parents got it right. Her desk is upstairs (in fact the exact same desk A and I have in our apt) and his desk is downstairs. Well, she has one upstairs and downstairs and he has...well they have separate computers.

Menorah Lighting...and XMas Trees

Here's a list of the tree and menorah lightings coming up in NYC. Of course the menorah lighting is in Bklyn.

A few years ago I went w/my in-laws driving around some 'hood in Brooklyn looking at the crazy lights people put up. I felt more American somehow waiting on line to see the craziness of other people...However, I choose to be an equal opportunity hypocrite. Caroline Kennedy recently said on the Today Show that Christmas is a patriotic holiday. I won't get all political but are you f-ing kidding me!? Church and State anyone? ANYONE?

I remember going to see a 100 foot tall Christmas tree in FL when I used to visit my grandparents. There was a HUGE train set and all sort of other fun kids stuff. I just liked flying all the way there alone. That was when the airlines still gave kids wing pins.

THE LIST: I found this on a website with a name that HONESTLY doesn't have anything to do with me right now. MommyPoppins.com has round-ups of great things to do with kids (and adults) in NYC. You can find the complete list here.

Lincoln Center Holiday Tree Lighting
The Lincoln Center Christmas Tree Lighting event is a spectacle befitting the epicenter of performing arts with performances of The New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, excerpts from the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Hansel and Gretel and seasonal songs by folk/pop singer Dar Williams and the New Orleans Hot 8 Brass Band.

Of course, what your kids will really care about is that Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be there to help light the 50 foot tree Wedgewood decorated tree.

The tree lighting is just the beginning of this evening though. After the Lincoln Center Christmas Tree is lit, begins Winter’s Eve, the largest Winter Holiday festival in New York.

Winter’s Eve is a neighborhood celebration with free food, entertainment and family fun that begins at Lincoln Center, The Time Warner Center and stretches up Broadway into the Upper West Side. This event is huge with tons of great stuff including children’s musical performances, circus performers, ice sculptors, Santa Claus, story reading, and a scavenger hunt hosted by Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunts. [I think Watson Scavenger Hunts are the greatest, A and I did one once of the Brooklyn Museum]

Area restaurants will be offering tastings in front of the Time Warner Center either for free or just a few dollars and Starbucks will be giving away free peppermint hot chocolates and gingerbread lattes. Many of the shops will also be having special offers and Jacadi is doing a giveaway of a $250 shopping spree.

All of this starts at 5:30PM on Monday, November 26th at Lincoln Center and Winter’s Eve starts at 6PM.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Creche
I find the Met’s Christmas tree to be one of the most magical holiday sightings in New York. I don’t know if it is the sublime surroundings of the Museum or the hushed atmosphere or just the fact that I always seem to stumble on it and the sense of discovery of this wonderful tree is like stumbling upon a beautiful flower in the middle of a forest.

The tree is 20 feet high and placed in front of the 18th Century choir screen from the Spanish Cathedral of Valladolid. The tree is adorned with 18th Century Neapolitan cherubs and angels and at its base is an exquisite nativity scene.

There is a spectacular tree lighting ceremony every Friday and Saturday at 7PM starting Friday, November 23th.

American Museum of Natural History Origami Holiday Tree
Okay, this one doesn’t actually include a tree lighting per se, but with 500 origami Fantastic Creatures both Mythic and Real, who needs lights? In the theme of the Mythic Creatures exhibit, the Holiday Tree will be ornamented with mythic creatures such as dragons, mermaids, unicorns, as well as real animals like narwhals and peacocks.

Members of Origami USA started in July to create all the animals for the tree and there will be members on hand to teach visitors of all ages origami when they come to see the tree. November 19 through January 1, 2008.

Grand Army Plazas Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Christmas trees don’t get to have all the fun. Hanukkah is, after all the celebration of lights, and there will be two giant menorah lightings. Both take place in Grand Army Plaza (both the one in Manhattan and in Brooklyn, where the world’s largest Menorah stands).
Every night of Hanukkah, beginning December 6th, but on the first night there is usually a celebration with dancing. Grand Army Plaza Manhattan (59th Street and Fifth) and Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn.

Wanna post on YouTube in a flash?

This camera can make it EASY EASY EASY!

COOL! Esp for the blogger in your life...or the mom who is video-ing the new baby. I recently got a new FAB digital camera but this wld be on my short list if I didn't already have one that I love.

Box of Books

I LOVE boxed sets. They're the perfect corollary to a list. In fact some boxed sets are lists. Zagats or Michelin boxed set IS a list. Harry Potter boxed set the perfect gift for the child in your life...or some 30 year olds I know. Sure to be a collectors item.

Lip Blams...just in time for the winter driness

I've noticed recently LOTS of lip balm sets. Lip balm, lip gloss, lip stuff, whatever you call it...you'll need some soon. Like when the building turns the heat on and you don't really notice until you wake up in the morning and your lips hurt. Because of the dryness people, stop it!

Here are the few I've seen or told friends about.

Kiehls
Mac
Bigelow - This is awesome and according to BFF Bridal (and myself ... I always agree with my BFF) it's perfect for the bathroom at your wedding or just 2d or 3d home...or fractional)

There are bound to be more...I'm not even breaking the seal on the Sephora website, but these are my current faves. I don't even wear lip gloss, my hair sticks to it.

UPDATE: Found another one: E.L.F. Cosmetics Holiday Grab Bag for $50. You can really choose anything, or 50 of something or 50 of anything or 50 lip glosses and they are received in a jar. check out www.eyeslipsface.com for more info.

What goes with chicken?

Tacky or brilliant, you decide. Wanna be THAT GUY? You know the one, the guy who always knows which wine to order esp when he's at dinner the night after thanksgiving in DC with your parents and cousin. Get this. You know what? Why the whole set...slap your own label on it if you want....you can be THAT guy too.

The Ultimate Gift Guide

UPDATED: OK, in the past 30 minutes, I've emailed myself and drafted abt 5 new posts based only on this gift roundup. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! The In Style people are brilliant!

I know there are lists and lists of lists but this one has been a repeated favorite. Family and friends may recognize a few things early next month....maybe.

I stopped getting In Style magazine because they were IDIOTS and I HATED them, but the content is more important to me than their moronitude. Why should I punish myself because they don't know anything about magazine subscriptions? I know, that's what I thought. So, YIPEE, I'm going to get it again and it's a Hannukah gift! So, since I might not get the Dec issue I had to look for the gift list online.

Really all my favorite magazines are online too, but I so much enjoy ripping out the pages I want to read (right now in my bedroom I have a carry-on/tote filled with what some untrained eyes might thing is garbage (or in this green age....recyclable compost or whatever)....really tho, why carry around 2 old-er issues of vogue when I'm not reading the pages w/the pictures and ads, they weigh a ton).

Anyway, here's the ultimate (according to ME) gift guide. There are others but none that in their entirety demand post-it flags and scribbled notes. Some people might not see gifts from this list for a few years...I hide them(the gifts, not the people)

PS. Someone once asked me which magazines I subscribe to here's that list (lists lists lists, I love lists). Highlights remains a favorite although I haven't seen it since I went to the pediatrician (and looking back it was probably covered in snot and germs, ICK)
Vogue
In Style(again)
New York Magazine
Elle (second part of In Style Hannukah gift!)
Domino
Lucky
Real Simple
Blue Print
Self
Shape (this one is just to read about the food...I skip the exercise parts)
and other's too...those ones are like the 7th dwarf (which has been happening a lot lately)

When do I have time to read them all between Friday Night Lights and ER and Greys and Californication and Private Practice (I admit it) and the end and beginnings of all the shows that come before and after those (DVR is great!)? It takes a while, but it gives me plenty to write about. Look forward to lots more info from Elle and In Style, edited of course of content and boringness.

Going Shopping Tomorrow?

Here are the places you can eat in NYC, divided by 'hood.
Enjoy!

Another excellent review for Tailor

This one in the NYTimes.

See mine here. I'm still not over the smoked coke! Relax people, it was a drink!

Movie Time

I know I just sort-a signed off for Thanksgiving, but I can't stop!

NEXT THURSDAY FILM
Exclusive Screening of No Country for Old Men
The hits just keep on coming. This time, it's No Country for Old Men, the Coen Brothers epic based on the Cormac McCarthy novel, brought to you by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. with partners Social Diva and Tablet Hotels. And after the movie, Partida Tequila helps you make sense of the ending.
411: Nov 29, screenings at 6:30 and 9, Bryant Park Hotel, 40 W. 40th St (between 5th and 6th); space is limited, RSVP here with time preference

Not sure if they are still accepting RSVPs but it's worth a try!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I'm on-call for work this week(end) and I was already busy last night. Those candidates, I'm sure, will be thankful to have a job on Monday!

Hope you all enjoy your holiday. I'll be enjoying wearing a new dress without a waist, that's the dress, not me. I definitely have a waist. I always like coming home (yes, MD is still "home" in my cell too, much to A's consternation(correct usage?)) and hanging out.

Must go iron my hair to be pretty for dinner.

ENJOY and Calories (and points) don't count on Thanksgiving!

Great Shoe Sale!

Hollywould's metallic ballet flats (now $195), ostrich stamped heels (now $350), and leopard patent flats (now $275) are marked down by up to 40 percent off.
When: Through 12/15; Mon.–Sat. (11:30–7); Sun. (noon–5).
Where: 198 Elizabeth St., nr. Prince St. (212-219-1905).

I know you guys all know this, but now it's official

Holiday Gift Fair
On your way back from the ‘burbs, check out Grand Central's annual selection of vendors with accessories, clothing and kiddy goods.

When: Through 12/29, Mon.-Sat. 10am-8pm; Sun. 11am-7pm.
Where: Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall,
grandcentralholiday.com.


I've been updating you: Here and Here.

The BIG Lebowski

I LOVE this movie. The first time I saw it, when I was abroad in London, I laughed so hard I cried. When I saw it again at home it was still funny, but maybe it was the company I saw it with the 1st time. If you told me then that I'd marry someone who'd been on the bowling team (yes, it's true. I admit it for him and am embarrassed for myself) and that I'd call him "Dude," I would not have believed you, but now it all makes sense. Alas, there's no swinging from the ceiling or whatever happened in the f-'ed up scene.

Just go see it or rent it or netflix it. I laughed so hard I cried.

FILMThe Big Lebowski (1998)

• 
  Bill Green, Abide

When

Thur Nov 22 (midnight)

Where

Landmark Sunshine (143 E Houston St, 212.330.8182)

Price

$10.75

Details

Event Info

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This Thanksgiving, celebrate with the unemployed losers, bowling pederasts, and testy nihilists of the Coen brothers' imagination, instead of those in your own family. In The Big Lebowski, Jeff Bridges heads an inspiring ensemble cast (including Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, John Goodman, John Turturro, and, erm, Flea) as the CCR-loving, lackadaisical bowler Jeffrey "the Dude" Lebowski. Following a little mix-up with some "rug-pissers" involving a much wealthier Lebowski, the Dude sets out to exact retribution, only to get sucked into a kidnapping scheme of Raymond Chandler proportions. Highly entertaining and immediately quotable, the flick has amassed an ardent following (fests are involved) to become a legit cult classic. Screw the mashed potatoes — bring on the White Russians. – Leah Taylor

Note: There are additional midnight screenings on Fri Nov 23 and Sat Nov 24.