Sooo Sorry!

I didn't realize I would be taking a week off! I mean, I knew I was going home to MD, but didn't think I'd be so busy sleeping in and hanging-out. It took forever just to get through all the coupon emails I got...LAST MINUTE everything.

I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday week(end), no matter what you celebrate.

I'll be back in NYC Tuesday then Friday I'll be in VT skiing with friends for NYE.

I have been saving some fun things to post and hope to surprise you (and myself) later this week. However, If I don't have time between my unpacking and repacking I will say Happy New Year now! I hope it is celebratory and that we can all put 2007 behind us and look forward to all new and good things in 2008! I know I'm ready!

Miss UrbanFetch and Kozmo?

You know, those awesome, fast, delivery services in NYC?

Alas, they're gone. UrbanFetch is still a delivery service, but corporate only. Or else bike messengers just carry the bags around.

There's a new option. Their website doesn't thrill me, but you can get H&H bagels and milk and juice, so if you have an unexpected sleepover, you can get breakfast no problem.

Here's their site w/all the info you'll need. They also delivery newspapers. Why, don't the doormen do that? No, ANY newspaper apparently. Still I think you can do that on your own....but I haven't done any background research.

Try it for yourselves and let me know how it is. With Freshdirect and my type A plan aheadness, we rarely have a food/milk/juice/newspaper shortages, although one never knows what can happen...

Love the brand Free People?

I do sometimes. More often not, but occasionally I'll find something adorable. They're a little like Anthro, but more high school.

Anyways, they're opening an actual store in NYC, TODAY!

Here's the info: 79 5th Ave which is between 15th and 16th, right near Anthro, just in case you need a comparison...and a more expensive store to shop in.

Welcome to the neighborhood Free People!

Are you a runner?

I don't have the energy either. I did love cheering on a friend at the NYC Marathon this year. Go Team Little Feat!!! You can see some pictures on the right...the brown shirts are the team colors.

If you love to travel and love to run why not do both? No need to take a bus tour when there's City Running Tours. Take a run in NY, San Diego, Chicago or DC. Perfect for a business traveler who "never gets to see the city they travel to."

You have to buy tickets in advance and you run w/a trained guide and runner. Not sure if they're a trained runner or if they "run like a girl" which, as I witnessed at the Marathon is better than a lot of boys out there. Women can better accessorize and thus, have the right outfits, water-bottle-belts, snack bars, etc....I'm not demeaning women w/the "run like a girl" comment. Someone I know and love who occasionally reads this walks like a little ballerina sometimes, but he's cute so I overlook it. He also runs like a grown-up in Central Park which is more than I do, so no matter how you run, good for you!!! Why not do it with a guide, run that is.

The Met, Fashion and Blogging. My dream come true!

There's a new exhibit, just one day old, at the Metropolotain Museum of Art in NYC.

The Met is displaying 40 new acquisitions from its Costume Institute in blog.mode: addressing fashion. That's fantastic, but more importantly, we, the fashion loving public can comment on the pieces through their website.

This is the info from the museum itself: (why are boats and countries female? like i took her for a sail, or mother russia? mother russia's a bad example maybe, but really why?)(Speaking of, Valdimir Putin is Time magazine's Person of the Year...BORING!)

As a living art form, fashion is open to multiple readings. A vibrant reflection of contemporary culture, fashion "especially in its most avant-garde expressions”affects us through its intense visual impact. blog.mode: addressing
fashion is the first in a series of shows designed to promote critical and creative dialogues about fashion. The exhibition presents some forty costumes and accessories dating from the eighteenth century to the present "all recent Metropolitan Museum acquisitions”and invites visitors to share their reactions online or from a "blogbar" of computer terminals in the exhibition galleries. The exhibition is made possible by Manolo Blahnik.

YIPEE! Really don't take advantage of the museums here enough!

Ice Skating in NYC

Thank you NYMagazine Best Bets:

MANHATTAN
• Lasker Rink and Wollman Rink are open seven days a week. Check nycgovparks.org for hours. Admission is $9.50 to $12 for adults, $4.75 for seniors and children. Skate rental is $5 (Central Park N. at 107th St.; 917-492-3857; and Central Park S. at 63rd St.; 212-439-6900).
• The ice rink at Rockefeller Center is open seven days a week. Check rapatina.com/icerink for holiday hours. Admission is $13.50 and up for adults, $9.50 and up for seniors and children. Skate rental is $9 (Fifth Ave. at 49th St.; 212-332-7654).
• The Pond at Bryant Park is open Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight. Admission is free. Skate rental is $10 (40th St. nr. Sixth Ave.; 866-221-5157).

BROOKLYN
• Abe Stark Rink at the Coney Island Boardwalk is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Admission is $8; skate rental is $4.50 (Coney Island Boardwalk at W. 19th St.; 718-946-6536).
• Kate Wollman Rink in Prospect Park is open daily. Check nycgovparks.org for hours. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children. Skate rental is $5.50 (East Dr. nr. Parkside and Ocean Aves.; 718-287-6431).

QUEENS
• World’s Fair Ice Skating Rink (call for days and hours). Admission is $5 to $8. Skate rental is $4.50 (New York City Building, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park; 718-271-1996).

STATEN ISLAND
• Staten Island War Memorial Ice Skating Rink is open on weekends only. Admission is $8. Skate rental is $4.50 (Clove Lakes Park, Victory Blvd. nr. Clove Rd.; 718-720-1010).

Wine Sale!

The Strong Buzz, a restaurant email/blog I've been reading, not only wrote an excellent review of The Smith, where I'm going tonight, but also alerted me (and now you) to a wine sale at Zoë Townhouse, a gorgeous, perfect for winter, lunch/dinner/brunch spot on the UES. I went recently(-ish) for a work dinner and LOVED it.

Here is Andrea Strong's writ-up of the wine sale at Zoë:

Sip back and relax this holiday season with Zoë townhouse's holiday wine sale. Through January 1st, you’ll have a chance to sample their award winning, all-American wine list for an unbeatable deal. From noon to 7:00 pm, Monday-Friday, you'll be treated to 15% off of the restaurant's entire list. Do you really need a reason for making this your holiday shopping respite? Zoë townhouse is located at 135 East 62nd Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues). For reservations, please call 212-753-6000.

Seriously...I shld buy stock in NYMagazine

A wanted to order Time Out and I refused. Besides the fact that it's pointless to get both, Time Out is a pain to read and it's just not up to par. Not that NYMagazine is a literary powerhouse, it's not. However, it's fun to read, has tons of great NY info and is written like real people will read it.

That's my endorsement. In case I don't blog about it enough. I especially like their resto info.

This little bit is brilliant! Wondering what 'hood to hang in? Read Spot Check.

Kosher Resto

Clubhouse Cafe. click for more info.

Same owner as La Marais, the kosher steakhouse across the street. PS. La Marais is the Jewish quarter in Paris (now also the gay 'hood which really means it's all open on Xmas and tons of fun!)

WOW! Great minds come together...

This little info bite (cldn't resist) from NYMag's Blog Grub Street:

Though a deal is not yet signed, we can report that Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s partnership with Japanese restaurateurs the Matsushita brothers is back on.

Umm, yeah here's the math:
the guy behind Jean-Gorges, and Vong and other places PLUS Matsuhisa (which, for those of you don't know is the last name of NOBU and the name of the Nobu resto in Aspen) EQUALS
restaurant perfection (we hope).

Nobu is FAB (melt in your mouth new style sashimi) and Vong is good (altho I went 100 years ago on a date w/some guy who was a good kisser(the one time I finally let him kiss me. STUPID STUPID STUPID) but only wanted to go out and cldn't just relax and also never had a hair out of place...hey you, are you reading this, do you think I'm talking about you? Can you tell me your last name again so I can google you please. Thanks. PS. your 1st name starts w/a B and your dad's a federal judge (Hello your honor)).
Save it, everyone googles everyone! The scary thing is using google images. YIKES!

Speaking of math, I'm never eating again so you all can enjoy this new restaurant if it ever opens. I went to the dr, where I KNOW you can decline to be weighed but I just choose to turn around so I can't see the big heavy bars move to the right. I can just hear the clicking...lots of clicking. So I ask the nurse to just tell me the difference between last time and this time. NOT THE WEIGHT (I refuse to take ownership of it) ITSELF, just THE DIFFERENCE! I knew there was a difference (and not in my favor) because my pants say so. So she can't do the math and instead not only reminds me what I weighed last time(who cares) but also WHAT I WEIGH NOW. I DON"T WANT TO KNOW!!!! ARG! Stupid nurse! Does she think I turned around bc I'm stupid and don't know how to stand on a scale? I was smart enough to take my shoes off....
So, bottom line (or big bottom, or tummy fattness or nothing fits or fat and gross or going to shop in the Women's Dept starting now) she can't do math and now I hate everything and everyone. I'm a little pissed off at myself, but there's too much of me to hate right now so I'll get to that later. Ya know how you have a weight that if you get to you'll kill yourself? yeah, I'm that plus 10! I can do math. I'll be the fat, smart funny friend.

Going to jog around the office then the block, then the world.

Looking for the perfect card....

to email?

Try the funny ones from jibjab.com you can even personalize it.....

Adorable!

I know we HATE bathing suits but this is SO cute!!!!

This is funny!

Click to buy this.

Shoe Sale from NYMag

ENDING SATURDAY
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).

Need a baby gift?

Check out my cousin's friend's new site:

We are so proud to announce that our website/online store is officially launched!www.birdlette.com
There are 27 different designs in there from 3-6 month (onesies) up to 6T!
In celebration, we're offering a 15% off holiday coupon- effective through January 5th-just use the coupon code HOLIDAY7 upon checkout.


Enjoy!

Is it your BDAY? Are you on a diet?

Play with this:

Click photo for a link to The Land of Nod.

Ever wonder what your nail polish choices say about you?

Are you a vamp? Are you naughty n' nice? A regular mademoiselle?

No matter who you are, or who you present to the world:

from www.youngnails.com/g?t=nail_art_gallery

this little time waster will help you figure it all out.

Click here to learn your nail color personality.

I'm a Social Butterfly. Duh!

Seriously? An anti-aging shower?

Anyone who lives or has lived in an apartment in NYC knows that the MOST important thing is water pressure. No, it's not a view or a terrace or a hot doorman. None of those things matter if you're shower is lame.

This may not give you the magical shower pressure, but it will make you look better and really, that's the most important thing.

Here is a link to the magic: Anti-Aging Shower Head

Of course we already finished renovating our bathroom so we'll have to wait until we move to get this little gem.

Please post in comments if you honestly believe this will make a difference.

Make your own Snow Globe!

If you can't make it to the gym, Equinox (my current gym of choice), can still give you a little fun and relaxation (if that's what going to the gym is like for you...I've heard that rumour).

Give yourself a pony, go to the mountains with a hot snowboarder, have wedding cake on the beach. Do whatever you wanna do at www.WishYouWereCheer.com cute right?

Have fun and feel free to post your globe, or a link to it, in the comments.

This made me laugh out loud...or LOL for those who like that...

Gingerbread people doing yoga! Find them here.

One of my favorite daily guilty pleasures...

Hungry-girl.com is a great site for anyone, not just dieters. The author has since expanded to write in People magazine, and the Weight Watchers website (or so she says...I haven't looked in a while but don't judge me).

Anyways, today's email was the best yet! I often read parts of them, but this entire one is GREAT! If it weren't sleet-rain-snow-grossing out I'd get myself a Tall Nonfat Gingerbread Latte with Sugar-Free Syrup (which really should be a Tall-Sugar Free-Gingerbread-Latte-w/Skim (or Skim Latte...depending on your barista)).

Here's the unedited email and a link to her site:
[Upon closer inspection I must admit I could do without the egg nog ice cream and the vitasoy anything, but otherwise YUMMY!]

Check out our list of the greatest holiday finds around... and let the chewing (and sipping) begin!

1. Starbucks Tall Nonfat Gingerbread Latte with Sugar-Free Syrup
PER SERVING (12 ounces w/o whipped cream): 90 calories, 0g fat, 125mg sodium, 14g carbs, 0g fiber, 12g sugars, 9g protein -- POINTS® value 2*
The java masters over at Starbucks have done a pretty impressive job with this latte. It tastes like an actual gingerbread man jumped into a cup of coffee, took a 17-hour bath, and then took off (okay, that sounds slightly gross, but you get the idea). This cinnamony cookie-inspired flavor is a welcome addition in a world of peppermint and egg nog (the standard seasonal flavors). Remember to order it with fat-free milk and sugar-free syrup (and no whipped cream), and your cup'll have just 90 fat-free calories.

2. Miss Meringue Meringues: Peppermint Crush
PER SERVING (about 9 cookies): 110 calories, 0g fat, 20mg sodium, 25g carbs, 0g fiber, 25g sugars, 1g protein -- POINTS® value 2*
They're baaa-aack! Our favorite melt-in-your-mouth, red-speckled, seasonal crunchers have resurfaced just in time for the holidays. Each beauteous mini meringue (they look like little snow-covered mountain peaks!) has just about 12 fat-free calories. And most importantly, the peppermint taste is far from that toothpaste flavor you might be imagining -- it's really more like a decadent white chocolate taste with the perfect amount of candy-cane-ish pepp thrown in. BTW, Miss M. also makes awesome Mint Chocolate Chip Minis with real itty-bitty chocolate chips in each one (1 serving of about 12 cookies = 120 calories, 1.5g fat -- POINTS® value 2*). Click here to find stores near you that sell Miss Meringue's stuff.

3. Pillsbury Reduced Fat Cinnamon Rolls with Icing!
PER SERVING (1 roll): 140 calories, 3.5g fat, 340mg sodium, 24g carbs, <1g fiber, 10g sugars, 2g protein -- POINTS® value 3*
We CANNOT get over the fact that we can chew a warm, icing-glazed, sweet cinnamon roll for just 140 calories and 3.5 grams of fat. Trust us -- you can't tell the difference between these and the originals (unless you happen to have a degree in pastry tasting with a concentration in cinnamon rolls). Find 'em in the fridge section of the supermarket.

4. Dreyer's/Edy's Limited Edition Slow Churned Light Ice Cream: Peppermint and Egg Nog
PER SERVING (1/2 cup): 110 calories, 3 - 3.5g fat, 40mg sodium, 17 - 18g carbs, 0g fiber, 13g sugars, 2 - 3g protein -- POINTS® value 2*
Even if you despise peppermint and loathe egg nog, chances are you'll still fall madly in love with these holiday-flavored light ice creams. The peppermint one tastes like candy canes 'n cream, and the egg nog flavor is like a sweetly spiced vat of velvety vanilla goodness. Heads up: Make sure to get the ones marked Slow Churned for the impressive nutritional stats (they also make similar-looking ones that aren't as low in calories and fat). Snatch these up FAST (and stock up!), 'cuz they'll vanish from freezer aisles right after the holidays (sad times!).

5. Alpine Sugar-Free Spiced Cider Mix
PER SERVING (1 pouch, 6 - 8 oz. prepared): 15 calories, 0g fat, 30mg sodium, 4g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugars, 0g protein -- POINTS® value 0*
This oldie-but-goodie is an all-star in our minds (and in our mugs!). It has an insanely low 15 calories per pouch, and you can do so much with it. Use it in recipes like HG’s Hot Cran-Apple Cider and our Caramel Apple Cinnamon Surprise. You can even whip up a batch of our Bestest Baked Apples, swapping the soda for 12 ounces of this super cider (prepared). Or you can sip it straight -- it's great both hot and cold! Score some at the supermarket (it usually hangs out next to the coffee, tea and hot cocoa), or order it online.

6. Peppermint Tootsie Roll Pops
PER SERVING (1 pop): 60 calories, 0g fat, 0mg sodium, 15g carbs, 0g fiber, 10g sugars, 0g protein -- POINTS® value 1*
These loveable lollies are basically candy canes giving giant bear hugs to chewy Tootsie Roll nuggets (cute!). These 60-calorie pops are the perfect way to fight a chocolate mint craving, 'cuz they last a looooong time. And since we prefer the chocolate to the mint, we're glad the last thing you chomp on is the chewy chocolatey center. Find these suckers at supermarkets and other candy spots, or avoid the crowds and order online.

7. Marshmallow Peeps: Snowmen, Trees, Peppermint Stars, and Holiday Cookie Flavored Cutouts
PER SERVING (3 Snowmen, Trees, or Stars): 110 - 130 calories, 0g fat, 15mg sodium, 26 - 33g carbs, 0g fiber, 26 - 29g sugars, 1g protein -- POINTS® value 2 - 3*
PER SERVING (2 Cutouts): 100 calories, 0g fat, 10mg sodium, 25g carbs, 0g fiber, 23g sugars, 0g protein -- POINTS® value 2*
Marshmallows make us smile no matter what shape or size they are. But cute ones in holiday shapes are the best! FYI, the Peppermint Stars are brand-new this year, and they're the first Peeps in history to be peppermint-flavored. And those cookie-flavored ones are shaped like totally adorable gingerbread men (but taste like yummy sugar cookies). Woohoo!

8. Vitasoy Soy Drinks: Peppermint Chocolate and Holly Nog
PER SERVING (8 oz.): 120 - 140 calories, 2 - 4g fat, 100 - 120mg sodium, 22 - 24g carbs, 0 - 1g fiber, 20 - 22g sugars, 4g protein -- POINTS® value 2 - 3*
Rounding out the list are Vitasoy's holiday beverages, which are amazingly delicious (and dairy-free!). Rather than down a full cup in one sitting, we love to stir a few ounces into coffee drinks and shakes. The Peppermint Chocolate tastes like someone swirled a candy cane in a container of chocolate milk for a reeaaaally long time. The Holly Nog is sweet and noggy, and it's got some of the best stats of all the nogs on the shelves. Look for these in the non-refrigerated section of the grocery store with the boxed soymilks (click here to find stores near you that sell Vitasoy stuff), or snag some online by clicking here or here.

Dessert in your cup!

I've long been a fan of the alcoholic egg cream at Schiller's Liquor Bar so to see it included in this delicious list on zagat.com made me VERY happy!

Here is an excerpt from a larger dessert/drink round up: (find the whole article here)
I look the liberty to highlight my favorite parts....
Malt Shop Liquor
The newest burger joints are adding a grown-up kick to their thick milkshakes. At Stand near Union Square, customers suck down a multicolored array of fountain drinks ranging from shortcake-y strawberry ice cream with vanilla vodka to an elevated reincarnation of the Shamrock Shake – light green with fresh mint and a hit of bourbon. A few blocks west at Laurent Tourondel's BLT Burger, old-fashioned glasses, complete with fat straws and syrup all around the sides, deliver a serious shot of hooch. While the Night Rider – chocolate ice cream, Oreos and Kahlua – makes a tempting combo, it's Grandma's Treat – a caramel-drizzled vanilla shake spiked with Maker's Mark – that really packs a punch. And when you're in the mood for some Fox's U-Bet the way Gram never had (or maybe she did?), head downtown to Schiller's for a liquored-up egg cream.

Sugar in Your Cup
Tipping the balance, the East Village's new Back Forty mixes a little dessert with its alcohol in the form of a float made with a pint of malty, slightly sour Irish stout topped by a scoop of vanilla. As sweets go, the ice cream does more for the beer than the beer does for the ice cream, so it's best reserved for brew aficionados in the mood for a twist. Offering even more immediate imbibing, Chocolat Michel Cluizel at ABC Carpet does away with the glass altogether, serving shots of liqueur in petite dark chocolate cups as well as in the pre-filled, ID-required bonbons – a serious challenger to those 85-percent cocoa bars. And at Park Avenue Winter, pecan biscotti can be dipped into a steamy mug of cider with hot buttered rum, nutmeg and cinnamon

I've been wanting to go to Park Avenue Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring since it opened. Must add it to my list! Someone I know was the Indian Princess SummerFallWinterSpring. That's Native American to those who know what totanka is. Or Magwa. Or Potomac.

The Second Ave Deli Returns!!!

On umm, East 33rd St. Between Lex and 3rd. There's been some generational changes, but they are preserving the important parts of the deli we've all come to miss.

Monday, December 17 is the big day.

Read zagat.com for additional details.

Still deciding about TB flats?

GO FOR IT. They're comfy and even if they're OUT in a few months you can wear them as slippers for 60% off!

from NYMag.com:

STARTING TODAY
Tory Burch's ubiquitous signature flats are on sale along with rain boots, sequined dresses, and totes discounted by 60 percent.
When: 12/12 and 12/14 (10–6); 12/13 (10–7); 12/15 (10–4).
Where: 261 W. 36th St., nr. Eighth Ave., second fl. (212-947-8748).

Holiday Lights

This is awesome, in a Christmas-y over-the-top people-have-too-much-time-on-their-hands kinda way. Impressive nonetheless:

SALES SALES SALES!

Sorry this is at the end of the day (after some sales have started). Work was BUSY today!!!

You may have already seen these on Daily Candy, but just in case:
What: Diane von Furstenberg
Why: Iconic dresses, coats, gowns, sweaters, and other stuff at up to 75 percent off.
When: Dec. 10-15. Mon., noon-6 p.m.; Tues., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wed. & Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 260 Fifth Ave., b/t 28th & 29th Sts. (212-725-5400).

What: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent and Adampluseve
Why: Up to 80 percent off of-the-moment coats, tops, dresses, skirts, and sweaters.
When: Dec. 13-15. Thurs., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 145 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves. (212-388-0339).

What: Colette Malouf
Why: Headbands, scarves, ponytail holders, and cuffs from 50 percent off.
When: Dec. 12 & 13. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 594 Broadway, b/t Houston & Prince Sts., ste. 305 (212-941-9588).

This is the building where I used to work. Hi V.F. !! Hi L.G.H.!! Hi E.V.!!
What: Lola Hats
Why: Caps (and more) priced $45-$140. Cash only.
When: Dec. 11-13. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: 535 Eighth Ave., b/t 36th & 37th Sts., 20th flr. (212-279-9093).

CONTEST!!! It's DiiiRTY!

I think everyone I know needs this key chain.

I was on the Fred Flare website looking for some 1st BDAY party favor inspiration and instead I found this!!!

There are six "classic lines"

1. Nobody puts Baby in the corner!
2. my guess: I carried a watermelon?
3. ??
4. ??
5. ??
6. ??

If you can name the other four Classic Lines on this key chain, you win a DVD of Dirty Dancing.

Just enter your answers in comments. The first person to respond with all the write answers wins! Of course we need to wait until I get my new key chain to verify.

YIPEE!!! I heart Dirty Dancing. Hey you, S.F. I KNOW you can win this!

Need anything to wear to a holiday party?

Here's the sale for you:

Direct from NYMag:

Diane von Furstenberg dresses, coats, and sportswear are 45 to 75 percent off; gowns and beaded dresses are now $300.
When: 12/10 (noon–6); 12/11 (9–6); 12/12 and 12/13 (10–7); 12/14 (9–5); 12/15 (10–3). Where: 260 Fifth Ave., nr. 28th St. (212-725-5400).

Another personalized item...for the tech-y in your life

Ya know how you have a phone and and blackberry and a camera and an ipod and whatever other electronic you have, and then HE has them too...

Get him one and one for yourself, or if you can share, make one for your house!

Customize a CallPod. It's the hip tech-forward way to customize.

Here's a sample:

Luxury Bag Sale!

Direct from julieb.com:

gucci, fendi, prada. the gang's all here at the farantino handbag sale happening december 7th from 4:30PM - 9PM and on december 8th from 10AM - 6PM. discounted bags. free MAC makeovers and champagne. and the first 50 guests will be automatically entered to win a designer item. think that's good? it gets better. the event is free, so run, don't walk to the farantino sale at the waldorf astoria towers. www.farantino.com

Enjoy Ladies (and smart Gentlemen buying gifts!)

MAJOR Holiday Gift-y Show

Locale: The Metropolitan Pavilion 125 West 18th St between 6th and 7th Ave
When: Saturday, December 8, 10am til 8pm
Fun Stuf: Amy Sedaris will be participating as a vendor, signing her book, I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, and selling some of her handmade goods!!!

Click on the poster above for all the details!

There will be food, dancing, and tons of great craft-y gifts!

I know I'm all about PERSONALIZATION

There are SO many options and so far I think these are the best.



Of course F.A.O. Schwarz has the bestest, tip topiest and coolest things. They'll take too long to be the perfect 8th Hannukah gift or even to be under the tree but save these ideas for BDAYS and the next dance recital!

They've got Make Your Own: Tutu (one of my top 2 faves), Monster, DOLL HOUSE (my other fave), Teddy Bear, Wood Puzzle, Maclaren Stroller, Doll, Comic Book and Become a Fashion Designer.



AWESOME!!!!



Check them all out here.

• Your kid a ballerina, your wife always want to be? Hello, personalized Tutu!!!


• Your kid afraid of monsters? Let them make their own to scare away the others.


• Always wanted a mini version of your summer house to play with in the winter? Want to test the new color scheme on a smaller scale? Make your own Doll House!


• Build-A-Bear too "mall" for you? (ps. still waiting for my surprise party/gift card to build-a-bear. I'm NOT kidding. It's freaking the coolest thing I've ever seen.) If you want to go up-scale make a Steiff bear online. PS. My Dad gets me teddy bears for special occasions. What? Who cares if I'm 30. He's still my dad. They're fluffy and cute and personalized. So the one I got when I had appendicitis has a bandage exactly where the little bear appendix would have been. ADORABLE! He used to get me tall thin porcelain faced dolls when I was sick as a kid(not often but when I was sick it was BAD) and now I get short, stuffed furry animals. So my hormones changed. He could've been more subtle. (just kidding dad, you know i love the bears!)


• Your kid an artiste? have them draw a picture and turn it into a puzzle. Adorable and it will keep them occupied. (N.B. I don't have kids so depending on age they might eat the pieces. You know your kids.) Plus, it will exercise their mind (and possibly yours).


• Sick of the Bugaboos ALL OVER THE PLACE? Want something unique for your perfect angel? Make yourself (and them) and custom stroller. You want them to have everything. You might as well start with the best!
• I know American Girl is all the rage. But the old school standard will always be Madame Alexander. Have her make your little prince(ss) the doll of their dreams. I once got a stuffed doll w/my face as the doll's face. Literally, it was a picture of me. CREEPY. I was younger and cute, but creepy. DOLL


• Your kid want to be a super hero? Do you? Make your own Marvel Comic Book. Think different heroes should fight different bad guys? Do it. Make a series. Who knows, maybe one day someone famous will play you on the big screen.


• Did you play with Fashion Plates as a kid? You know those interchangeable plates that you'd then rub pencil/crayon over to make the pictures come out? Obsessed with Project Runway. Get this for yourself and be a fashion designer for real!

Red Envelopes and Gingerbread

UPDATE: I found a VIRITUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE for those non-bakers in the group. The blog Allsorts has a link to it. Here's that link.

This is two posts in one because I got a gift for "someone" from Red Envelope but they don't know yet and it's PERFECT. The hint is the title.

Because I shopped w/Red Envelope I got this email I'm sharing w/you all:

Thank you for recently choosing to shop with us. As a thank you, we would like to extend our Friends + Family discount to you. SAVE 20% ON ALL GIFTS NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 14. Enter FRIEND2007 in the promotion field or click through this email for automatic savings. Happy Holidays from Red Envelope!

Enjoy and shop fun!

There are gingerbread houses going up all over the place. Want to go see the edible edifices? having Hansel & Gretel nightmares? cliff's notes: They eat the witch's house and she kidnaps them and something about putting her in the oven and something about bread crumbs. The important part is eating the house.


Here are a few places to go brought to us by the letters X.M.A. and S. and also our friends at UrbanBaby Daily NYC:


Annual Church Street School Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops
Kids from 2 to 92 can decorate their own secret recipe gingerbread house with sugarplums galore. These magical houses are almost too pretty to eat, but you won't be able to resist. Inquire about the special adult workshops.
When: Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16; Saturdays 2:15pm & 4pm; Sundays 11am, 1pm & 3pm;
[Cost]: $95 per house (includes everything).
Where: Church Street School for Music and Art, 74 Warren St. (bet. Greenwich & West Broadway), 212-571-7290, churchstreetschool.org.


Gingerbread Adventures
Taste, touch and smell the spices and other ingredients that comprise these elaborate kid-sized gingerbread houses dreamed up by the pros. The confectionary creations include kid-sized gingerbread house to explore.
When: Through 1/13/08; Weekdays 1:30-5:30pm, Weekends 10am-5:30pm.
Where: The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx River Parkway & Fordham Road, Bronx, NY, 718-817-8700, nybg.org.

Animal House
Chelsea Market hosts the 5th annual Gingerbread Homes for Animals pastry exhibit, featuring animal-inspired edible gingerbread dwellings created by leading pastry chefs. A portion of funds raised (through donations and the sale of aprons and pins) goes to the Picasso Veterinary Fund.
When: Dec. 8, 9, 15 & 16, 10am-6pm;
[Cost]: Free.
Where: Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave. (bet. 15th & 16th St.), 917-239-9229, rational-animal.org .


Soutine
Pick up a holiday gingerbread kit at this UWS pastry shop. Depending on how crafty you feel, choose an assembled, ready-to-decorate house, a DIY version to build or try it from scratch.
When: Open Mon.-Fri. 8am-7pm, Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-3pm.
Where: 104 West 70th St. (bet. Columbus & Broadway), 212-496-1450, soutine.com.


There is also a gingerbread house show at the Mariott Marquis. Info from NYMag.
Find the info here. Also note (from the comments) that "the houses can be found on the hotel's 8th floor, and will be on display for the next two weeks."


Definitely go check it out. Here's a preview from the link above:

Want to learn how to bake?

Bread?


Sign up for a class at Sullivan Street Bakery.


Here's the calendar and a link.

Lorele NYC is having a PARTY

German Beer tasting and dinner.

Wed 12/12 at 7pm.

Sounds fun. There's a pear-apfeltart for dessert!

Enjoy.

Charity + David Duchovny = Swoon

GirlieGirl Army and Charity Buzz joined forces to find me the perfect gift. I mean, it's for charity, but also for me.

These are the list of items GirlieGirl highlighted in their/her(?) email:
I'd like any or all of them. Thanks.

A, if you're reading this....Monday is still date night to watch Californication EVEN IF YOU WIN THIS FOR ME! PS. I bolded the ones I want.

It's a pretty crazy list!

Following are some of over 50 items NOW available for the bidding:

· For the old-school “Clueless” fans, how about lunch with Alicia Silverstone?
· What sardonic hipster wouldn’t want a visit to the set of the “Sarah Silverman Show “– and a meet and greet with Sarah herself!
· A visit to the set of “Californication” and a meet and greet with our favorite dirty boy, David Duchovny.
· A meet and greet with Joan Jett, after seeing her play live, and having her personalize and sign an electric guitar that she bought specially for you.
· A visit to the NYC art studio of legendary artist Peter Max, and dinner with him and his wife.
· Lunch with Heather Mills.
· A private dinner cooked by celebrity chef (“Vegan Cupcakes Take over the World”) Isa Chandra Moskowitz in your home for you and your closest friends.
· A surfing lesson with Daniela Sea (of “The L Word”).
· Two VIP, all-access Passes to Lollapalooza!!
· A day of snowboarding (and lunch) with Martina Navratilova in Aspen. [but skiing]
· A trip to Disneyland with Jennifer Coolidge and 6 of your closest friends, in Los Angeles.
· Tickets and backstage passes to a Santana show.
· A hang with “Skinny Bitch” author, Rory Freedman.
· A DJ lesson with internationally acclaimed rapper, DJ, and NYC legend, Princess Superstar.
· A day in the West Village with Kristen Johnston.
· Lunch with supermodel Tatjana Patitz in New York.
· A private yoga session with Jivamukti founder, and yogi-to-the-stars, Sharon Gannon.
· A tour of actor Ed Begley Jr’s Solar powered home, and lunch with him.
· Tickets to see the Indigo Girls with a meet and greet.
· Your boots signed by Nancy Sinatra.
· Gorgeous “corset ring” by Exhibitionist.
· Tickets to the “Ellen” show from Ellen DeGeneres!
· 1 Week Stay at the Marriott Newport Coast Villas.
· Original Drawing from Cartoonist Dan Piraro, and Dinner with Dan at Candle 79.
· Goodies from Joaquin Phoenix.
· A meal with brilliant novelist (and daughter of Alice), Rebecca Walker.
· Stay at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health.
· A weeks worth of in-house gourmet catering! Like having a private chef!
· A meal with Paul Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman)!
· Fabulous seats/ tickets to the Orchestra of St. Luke's at Carnegie Hall.
· Book signed by Gloria Steinem.
· Signed Skull from Emily Deschanel of “BONES.”
· Adorable Emmy Dudley Painting.
· A weekend in the Hamptons.
· A Signed Copy of Annie Leibovitz Book "A Photographer's Life: 1990 - 2005"
· A session with Eva Longoria and Carmen Electra’s psychic; Psychic Girl!
· Alanis Morisette’s harmonica.
· Lunch with Baywatch Babe, and incredible amazon, Alexandra Paul.
· Customized, one-of-a-kind Le Sport sac bags by Amy Davis (Paper Magazine’s genius illustrator).
· A gourmet, organic meal for 4 – prepared and served in your home by chic catering duo, Savory & Seed.
· Absolutely gorgeous Necklace by Olia Toporovsky.

AND MANY, MANY MORE ITEMS HERE!!

Would you rather spray now or scrape later?

How do you get the wax of the menorah, or off anything really?

One option is to spray Wax-Off onto candlesticks before lighting candles. It's just $5.95. Call (800) 583-2476 or judaism.com.

Another option is Goo Gone, the favorite of new brides everywhere. You WILL need this to get all the price stickers and scanners off all of your new plates, vases, frames, pots, etc! Turns out they also make a Candle Wax Lifter...of course! The Goo Gone site is here. No time to waste, it's already the second day (well first day really. Tonight is the second night and there's 8 nights)

L'Chaim, Chin Chin and Cheers!

Drink up ladies and gentlemen!

Tomorrow is 74 years since the stupid alcohol-is-illegal amendment was repealed.

December 5 is officially Repeal Day.

There are parties all over NYC. Create your own in any bar in any 'hood. Create your own party in your own apartment (or townhouse if you're lucky).

Watch Legends of The Fall and wait for the scene at the end where the bad guys come and Tristan fights one of them in a warehouse of contraband alcohol.

In case you're not convinced...

OHMIGOD! Ladies, expect a line!

from NYMag:


STARTING THURSDAY
Buttery leather bags from Botkier start at $200.

When: 12/6 and 12/7 (10–7); 12/8 and 12/9 (11–6).

Where: 70 Greene St., nr. Broome St. (646-747-4149).



hmm, 70 Greene St must be near 99 Greene St. Go to Space NK after you buy your new bag and make a game plan for the Dec 12 party!!!

Another London Import...

I'd rather go to London to get my TopShop because that way not everyone else will have it.

Space NK, however, is a wonderful addition. Their stores in London were fun, like shopping in a candy store is fun. When I lived in London I didn't yet know my sister-in-law, but I can imagine now that she would LOVE this store! ps. I LOVE being able to say "when I lived in London" as I sit in my sample sale Theory sweater, editor pants, banana shoes and spanx socks. I think everyone I know as seen my in this outfit. It's like an old friend. I've purchased countless pairs of the same pants bc they just work for me. I've had the same black shoes re-soled countless times and I get new heels put on quarterly. I just purchased more spanx because they're perfect and I wear them almost every day. I remember looking at the potions in Lamere's bathroom wondering how she knew what she wanted and how she could possibly decide which lipstick/eyeshadow/moisturizer was good for her. I remember her telling me I would understand one day and that you just have to keep trying things until you find what works for you. I don't feel super hot today (the vicks inhaler sent a shock to my brain via my sinuses) but this outfit works and I know that my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer is good for me and I'm still working on the eye shadow...Bobbi Brown is good for now. I'm still learning.

Maybe if I go to the simultaneous parties at the 2 Space NK locations in NYC I can do some further research and feel like I'm back in London.
WHEN: Wed, Dec 12 from 6-9pm [RSVP by 12/11]
LOCALE: 99 Greene St [212-508-0616] AND 217 Columbus Ave [212-508-0854]
FUN STUFF: Go for skincare consults, talk to experts, have chocolate and champagne and get a goodie bag while supplies last!

Need a hostess gift?

How about a DIY gift?

Remember these?

I made 100s of these!!! Now I know better and I'd make some that match something instead of random colors.

Find this make-it-yourself kit and many more at The Land of Nod. It's for "kids" and the young at heart.

Who will you be?

We all too often judge a book by it's cover. Romance novels, chic-lit, self-help...

Which one will you be? Pick one, make shoes for that persona and pick again. Be everyone, be no one, be the girl with shoes no one else has. It's all about the important things, be a dreamer, a realist, an athlete and a hipster. You CAN be all things to all people...it all starts with the shoes!

The dreamer: tupli.com

The realist: stevemadden.com

The athlete: nikeid.com

The hipster: vans.com

Click through the links above to create custom shoes....become a collector.

Read more about it in the NYTimes.

I know you may have seen this one on Daily Candy

but look again:

These are the BEST underwear! and they are usually $18/pair!

What: Hanky Panky
Why: Stockpile thongs for $10, sleepwear for $18, boy shorts for $14.
When: Dec. 4-7. Tues.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: 260 Fifth Ave., b/t 28th & 29th Sts. (212-725-4996).

Here's another. I'm wearing some of these earrings right now and have received two necklaces as gifts from people who's taste I trust.
What: Alexis Bittar
Why: Lucite and gemstone jewelry is 70 percent off.
When: Dec. 7-9. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: 147 W. 15th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves. Cash only.

Also, the world famous Theory Sample Sale: get ready girls, there's lines every day! It's right near my old office. I have sweaters from this sale for years...grey cowl neck, warm and toasty...was perfect 5 years ago and is even better now that grey is back this season and will be perfect in VT for New Years!
What: Theory
Why: The best ever basics.
When: til Dec 7th.
Where: 261 W 36th St (btwn 7th and 8th Ave) – 2nd Floor. 212-947-8748

NSFW - sorta

We all know and love Hello Kitty . . . but do we really?

I think we all must grow-up sometime, but this is too much. I KNOW it's only a shoulder massager, but...

Click (just once) to get to the article about this "product"

I used to LOVE to go shopping at the big department store because right before the kids clothes was a huge Hello Kitty stand w/stickers and tiny notepaper. I do not recall ever seeing the item above.

Have shoes to give away?

I know I do, since I bought some in the wrong size...don't ask why. I had new closets installed and still my shoes don't fit. Fine, I've bought more since we moved in but still....


I recently sold a pair of shoes I'd never even worn on ebay. Thanks "fishon5710"!!! These ones:


Anyways, if you have shoes in your closet, or on the floor, or under your bed, or anywhere at all, that you'd like to get rid of (to make room for more) or to donate (and get a tax write off so you have more $ to buy more shoes...I know that's how it works right?) go to http://www.piperlime.com/ the Old Navy/Gap/Banana Republic shoe site.

Here is all the info which can also be found by clicking on the difficult to read info below (sorry about that).

ALSO: Piperlime will be in NYC this week and next at these locations. Drop off your shoes and get $15 off any purchase over $75 on their site as a TY. Here's the schedule:

Mon 12/3 and Tues 12/4 from 8am-6pm at the Mars 2112 Building at Broadway at 51st

Wed 12/5 and Thurs 12/6 from 8am-6pm at Grand Central Terminal at Park and 42nd (plus you can go to the holiday gift fair/show/whatever. I wandered around and if you have your list you might do quite well.)

Mon 12/10 and Tues 12/11 from 8am-6pm at the Flatiron Building at 5th Ave at 23rd (then wander down 5th Ave to Club Monaco, Intermix, Anthro, J.Crew, Banana, Gap, Black House/White Market (or whatever it's called), and all the other "mall" stores, then Union Square and ABC Carpet and you can keep walking to SoHo or the Village and just walk and shop, walk and shop and eat. ENJOY!)

Shopping and Drink Specials -YIPEE!

In Your Skivvies is having a shopping event in Hoboken, NJ this evening from 7-11pm.

All of the info is below.

Feeling left out this Hannukah season?

UPDATE: At my friend A.(K).S and her husband R.S. and another friend I.(I.)?.'s joint 29/30th BDAY Parties in NYC I actually met the owner of the site that sells the item below. The small world connections got smaller and smaller tonight. Her husband used to work in the same building where my 1st job out-of-law school was and both she and my husband grew up in Bklyn. Also, found out a law-school BFF's soon to be sister-in-law (the taller one) was a "little sister" of an old friend who also went to law school(for one year anyway) w/all of us. There's an application on Facebook that allows you to link all of your friends in a way that enables you to see the networks, but if not everyone you know is on Facebook, then...I've often said I wanted to draw out the map of relations.


Want to decorate your house with so many lights you can't sleep?

Wish you had a garden gnome?

Try this:


Click the photo for a link to the site: www.popjudaica.com.