Today's Theme: The 80's

I wish I wrote this post: "The 10 Most Terrifyingly Inspirational '80s Songs"

My kid HAS to be this!

I F-ing LOVE this party idea...

...and will adopt it as my own, since I'm sure some event planner came up with it and not Ashley Simpson.

See the pix here.

In honor of Halloween...

I'm feeling old since I don't even get home from work until it's too late to see the building kids trick or treat. A's giving them Take 5 bars and Baby Ruths (he picked the baby ruths..not a huge fan).

Anyway, here are 2 candy/sweet events coming up that I know I'm gonna try to go to...

Chocolate Week (I know I posted this before, but really, it's chocolate WEEK!)
and
Sweet (hmm, that site looks familiar too...oh well).

I went to MarieBelle for hot choc today after picking up my coat (which is fixed and without them ruining the lining (thank god)). The two VERY gay guys were very sweet (ha ha, get it?). One is going to be a pimp tonight in the parade...because at least it's legal for one night...and the other didn't say, but who cares because I got a free sample! The store is beautiful and they have a very fun Lulu Guiness carpet (the one on the left) when you walk in. Not too much room for an event, but perhaps a small, like 10-15(max), party. The chocolate store part is in the front, near the windows on the street, which strikes me as stupid since it's hot at the windows and it's be nicer to sit at the windows and have people who just want to buy chocolate walk in the door and buy then leave, rather than having to walk thru the diners to buy then back out again to leave...but they didn't call to ask me. Still, the space is very pretty and altho it is upstairs and you have to buzz-up (also annoying) it's worth the trip!

Anyone heard this song before?

Gambler by Madonna of the La Isla Bonita Supermix album?

I'm listening to it now on http://www.pandora.com/ (LOVE IT). Just unusual for me to hear a Madonna song for the 1st time in 2007.

Pandora is a really cool thing besides this "new" Madonna song. You enter songs or artists you like and for free, online it'll play similar songs/artists, you can tell it what you like and don't like and it remembers. It's awesome and easy for work.

Gotta go..."Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" just started....guess which "station" I'm listening to? Awesome 80's? Nope, I just typed in Madonna and they play stuff I love all day. ps. someone wore a Brandeis sweatshirt in this movie...and Sarah Jessica Parker was not that person.

Seriously?

Cold Stone and Beard Papas around the corner from each other? I KNEW downtown was the place to be!

Strange that Cold Stone will also serve soup...given is name (COLD) and all but whatever. Make me some chocolate with graham cracker crust and marshmallow any day....and brownie....and peanut butter...i found the caramel (incl snickers and twix) get hard in the cold of the ice cream..just and FYI.

See my post earlier today about my need for stuff in my food. My little bro was always happy with creamsicle flavors (and my grama, but...well she's not on the top of my list right now, but she liked it too so...) which I think is just a crime against ice cream. They're both strange that way.

This is BRILLIANT

I love this coat rack and I saw a chandelier earlier today that's very similar but w/o add-ons like bulbs or hooks.

I also love the cupcake talk in the little burb by NY Magazine.

Whoopie! Quick Google search found me the chandelier. Here it is. I think if you make a little box on your wall or something and paste this on top you cld maybe thread some little light bulbs thru and make it a working/stick-on chandelier....maybe. I'm not a big DIY-er, altho I want to be.

Need any new "school" supplies?

Hint: The answer is always YES!

Esp when they come from See Jane Work at 25% off!!!

Sex In the City

Just saw, from my office window, another wedding dress scene! right in front of the NYC library on 5th at 42nd street!!!!! I've heard people yelling all day and finally looked to see what it was.

AWESOME!

Is it wrong to want to buy ths for myself?

What if you're already married, for too long for this gift to make any sense?

Hmm...

THIS is the coolest engagement/wedding gift from a groom to a bride I've ever seen. Now, how to tell them all that it exists? Ladies, just send me your guy's email and I'll spam him until he gets it! Or just send me your email and I'll email you the second you get engaged so you can get it for your wedding bands.

Just think a mini wedding/engagement video right there, in the ring box!

I have no memory of whether my ring came out of a box. I wldn't even let A get down on one knee bc I refused to let go of him. The rest is a diamond induced blur.

Love peanut butter?

Who doesn't (unless you're allergic)? It's fun, often retro, and just freaking yummy! Any flavor. I try to stay away from the too natural ones w/the oil on the top (A, are you hearing me!?). I prefer my oil already mixed in...trick me, hide it, whatever, I don't want to see it. Also, I prefer crunchy, but I like stuff in my food, I don't enjoy plain vanilla anything, I need NY Superfudge Chunk and Everything But The ...


Anyways, Peanut Butter & Co, a store/resto in NY devoted to all things peanut butter, has made limited edition peanut butter cups! You can pre-order mine and have them in time for Thanksgiving! What that's not a gift-y holiday? Forget you then. Next friend in line? Yes, you, order my peanut butter cups please. I said please! Fine, I'll get them for myself and I'm NOT SHARING!

See you here...

A hilton in tribeca? sounds nightmarish, but it's nothing compared to the aptly named resto cleaverhouse. mathieu palombino (BLT fish, BLT steak) is holding the culinary cleaver here, offering a mod-american menu. think tableside prepared steak tartare in a space with floor to ceiling windows and an herb garden suspended over the dining room. opens mid-november. 268 west broadway. at sixth avenue. 212.244.6018.
-JulieB.com

It's open! It's here! YIPEE! RUN don't walk!

This news makes my day better. Why it needs to be made better in a moment.

MARIEBELLE CHOCOLATE STORE OPENED ON MADISON AVE! Not just anywhere either, between 65th and 66th! I LIVE ON 66th! Not near Madison (altho I did for abt 2 months during bathroom renovation, but whatever). Heaven on earth has come to the UES.

Here is everything you need to know: MarieBelle

This part especially stuck out: "Each of our Tea Salons can be reserved for private events. The elegantly appointed rooms are perfect for your next shower or small gathering."
Bridal or Baby shower anyone?

Anyways, after having the entire NYC fire squad (or whatever they are) on my block this morning (including adorable firemen) for no reason, not even the doorman(also adorable) knew what was going on, then going to the tailor and seeing the evil witch who is the head of the career center at BLS, I refuse to lessen this blog by writing her name. I loath her! Anyway, she was SO rude to the tailor I was in shock, which just 100% confirmed that it was her and her stupid dog I've seen wandering around my happy 'hood. I didn't want to believe any condo/co-op board wld allow evil to live in their building. Then the cleaning lady called...which meant I got to talk to the doorman again(yipee) because I forgot to leave her the key. What? I have paper towels and dish soap! I can't remember everything all the time!

But then, I got to work and saw the email from my friend MarieBelle and all was well again. Sigh.

Maybe the heavenly-ness of MarieBelle can turn the evil that remains nameless (she's like Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetle....) into a melted pool of witch goop. And in other movie news, Dirty Dancing was on last night. Is it wrong to cry when he leaves in the dust even when you know he'll come back and they'll do the lift and Kellerman's will close and Robbie will get what's coming to him? No, i didn't think so. A and I almost broke up when he thought it would be a good idea to talk to me when Patrick was doing his solo part on the floor, ya know, right before the group of dirty dancers starts dancing towards the stage...right before THE LIFT. I explained that sometimes people we love still love each other even if THEY SHOULD NEVER EVER TALK EVER DURING THE LAST 5 MINUTES OF DIRTY DANCING! I need to have a long talk w/his mother!

Some info abt events

See BOLD for updates
Here are three links to three things coming up that you might be interested in...

1. http://www.wired.com/promo/wiredlivinghome/ umm, so this is in LA. ooops, interesting nonetheless

2. http://www.lighthouse.org/aboutus/lighthouse-events/the-posh-interiors-sale/ also, most of this stuff is uggs, but it's just something to do and M.A.S.H. related so...

3. http://www.7thonsale.ebay.com/ NO excuse not to do this...it's already in my palm!

All three are home and/or shopping related. ENJOY and let me know how it all goes...

This is AWESOME!

Please add this to your fall and spring wardrobes.

How was your weekend?

Good? Super? Did a little pre-Halloween partying?

My weekend was pretty darn great. Perfect fall weather (Sunday anyway) so I could wear my new sweaters and coats. (No matter that on Saturday I wore what everyone else at Saks was swearing on Sunday...jeans, black shoes, black long sleeve-T (note to self, get more bacl lngsleeve t-s at old navy ASAP) w/a short bell or pouf-sleeve mid-thigh large-knit grey sweater...Mine is Vince and super soft...even A said so).

Went to 2, no 3, no I lost count, new stores/bakeries/candy shops, I'd been wanting to try. Saw a DRV-IN movie in NYC! What? Yes, a drive-in movie right on the LES! Pictures below.

Friday, I don't really remember. I do know that it was the 1st Friday in 3 weeks I wasn't making an apple pie!

(that's my hand w/my messed-up manicure hidden behind my apple corer...what, not everyone has an apple corere? I'm a regular Martha Stewart!)

Saturday, A and I, even tho it was raining and even tho he may have had homework, hung out all day and 1st tried the new cafe at the expanded upstairs Food Emporium on 3rd and 67-68th. GREAT latte, and since it's a grocery store and the cafe was out of plain bagels (yeah, I had a bagel, don't judge me!) they just went to get one. They didn't need 5 people behind the counter, but it was good and I got to check it off my list. The going there, not the bagel. Then, we dreidled around (gotta give lamere credit for that one) and went to Bloomies, where I'd been needing to go to look for a bag (more on that in my Sunday recap). A got stuff he needed...men's dept = BORING. He finally got a grown-up wallet. He had one when we met, then I found a money clip in a cab and he adopted that, to many complaints, even when I bought him a new one, not previously owned and discarded, for his 30th (among other things), he returned it. ANYWAYS...So, got lots done at Bloomies. Got to see bags I'd seen online, in real life and learned the straps are either too long or too short or too expensive.

I got this in black. It's MUCH cooler than it looks in person and yeah, I KNOW IT'S A BABY BAG. I KNOW. I don't need one yet, so relax everyone. It was the perfect size and appropriately pocket-y. Not to say I'm throwing the included changing pad away, but I don't need to change my kid on a Marc by Marc Jacobs plasticized thing. Really....There are much more important brands to poop on. Plus, I gotta save for the world's coolest stroller!

OK, where was I? Saturday, so, umm, Bloomies, etc. Then we went to pick up my coat which was being monogrammed and altered (sleeves shortened). Do you know anyone who spells Jessica Jesicca? Apparently the F-ing monogram artists/morons do. So now they have to fix it. So, let that be a lesson to you all, NO WHERE is perfect. Not even places with the best service. Where they give you champagne for fun. ARG! The horrified look on the salesgirl's face didn't even really help. But I knew we had a lot more to do so I moved on, got more coffee and continued.

We ended our day downtown, but not before returning stuff at Uniqlo in SoHo, and then finding my new perfect trench w/a removable lining that I've been looking for forever, on the way out so we turned around and bought it. Yipee! My black rain-trench is just not working. I've have it altered, more than once, and it's still annoying every time i wear it. DONE. My Burberry rain coat is so old it's just icky by now. The lining doesn't lay flat and I'm just sick of it. So this NEW coat can replace both! Yipee! YIPEE!

Then we wandered our way to the LES, popping (ha ha...wait for it) into the new candy store you may or may not have read all about, Papabubble. YUM! We got the eucalyptus, honey lemon, and for me the chocolate filled spearmint. They really are pretty, but get a Werthers and save your $.


Next we went to Katz's for dinner. OHMIGOD. It was so freaking good! We split a knoblewurst w/sauerkraut and hot corned beef sandwiches. What's knoblewurst? A giant hot dog. OHMIGOD! DELISH. Reminded me of the time my papa made me salami and eggs. I want that to be my last meal....and considering the cholesterol content it might be! Did I say OHMIGOD? Then we wandered around(tried to digest) the LES for a bit, waiting for our movie to start.

Yes, our DRIVE IN movie! Here are some pix. It was really fun and a very well executed concept. Only $75 for the car/movie and DVD of whatever you see (if the Amazon delivery comes in in time...for the experience alone it was worth it) I've had "go to a drive-in" on my list since the 1st time I saw Grease. "why-y-y-y-y oh why" CHECK it off my list, so, if you're keeping track of the list, we've got new coat to replace 2 others, drive-in, new candy store, and we're not even done w/Saturday yet! I know I already wrote abt the bag, but that didn't happen 'til Sunday.

out side while another movie is going on

inside the car and the tree w/the little lights in it.Our view from the back-seat!

Move title from our seat. Us, finally, at a drive in movie (with my OLD bag in the front seat).

Bored yet? just wait! Preview: 20% off everything at Saks! I KNOW, crazy right?!

Ok, so after the movie, which was just a fun thing to do...OH wait! Before the movie I go to go back to Schiller's Liquor Bar. I'd been a few years ago, before our wedding, and had an alcoholic egg cream. I LOVED it and made sure we had them at our wedding. The one picture of me w/my dad at cocktail hour is of us with rootbeer floats (an understandable partner to an eggcream).
The drink is no longer on the menu, but I ordered one and the VERY nice bartender made me one. YUMMY! Then we went to the movie.


Then after the movie we went to a new bakery called How Sweet It Is. The link there also will tell you abt Papabubble. The former pastry chef at River Cafe, who co-opened the bakery used to work out at Golds Gym in Bklyn where I worked out during law school and for wedding-prep. And, now that I look at the trainers website, I can see that the pastry chef is listed as a trainer there! Better to work off all those pastry calories! She was really nice and the chocolate sea-salt-caramel tart I had was DELISH so I hope the bakery does well. A also loved his honey panna cotta. They make wedding cakes too at their catering location. Note: if you go to the site, click on "Arber O. Deda," click on "View My Clients Gallery," and the second client is ME! Right now I'm in between the before and after. The After was taken the night of my bachelorette party. I looked great!


Moving on....Sunday I needed to return some shoes at Saks and since this post is getting realllly long, I'll just say that the shoe dept was out of control, but why? Friends and Family 20% off almost everything in the store and 15% off cosmetics. I didn't need much, except a new bag which I got (see above) and some more of this and this, at 15% off I couldn't not!

The end. Now it's Monday and the start of a new week!

Yipee! A SPA EVENT!

and right near my office...perfect for a mid-day relaxation hit.


From Oct 31 through Nov 3 in GRAND CENTRAL (in the part where they have the Holiday
gift-y stuff) there will be a SpaFinder Spa Experience event.

Of course there is a sweepstakes to win a trip to a destination spa...as opposed to a day spa. Don't know the difference? Attend this event. Altho, in all seriousness, if you can read English you shld be able to tell the difference....don't mean to be snooty, maybe I need a relaxing spa treatment...

All of these spas will be exhibitors:
Avon Wellness
The Body Holiday at LeSport
Clarins Skin Spa
Cliffs Communities
CuisinArt Resort & Spa
Darphin Paris
Élan Resort & Spa
Elite Island Resorts
Emerson Resort & Spa
Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort
Gran Meliã Puerto Rico
Half Moon
Hyatt Pure Spas
Islands of the Bahamas
Israel Ministry of Tourism
Jane Iredale, The Skincare Make Up
Jet Blue Airways
Leading Hotels of the World
The Lodge at Woodloch
MD Skincare by Dr. Dennis Gross
Mexico Tourism
Miraval Life in Balance®
Moss Spa and Yoga
Oasis Day Spa
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Park Hotel Kenmare
Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa
Radisson Resorts, Aruba & St. Martin
Rancho La Puerta
Red Door Lifestyle Spa at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure Conference Center & Spa
Red Door Spa at The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa
Red Mountain Spa
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
Saybrook Point Inn & Spa
Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa
Skaná, The Spa at Turning Stone
Sphatika Holistic Treatment Center
St. Lucia Tourist Board
Ste. Anne's Country Inn & Spa
Switzerland Tourism
Tourism Quebec
White + Warren

Sad to report this inside scoop...

Anyone with friends in Boston needs to know this. Anyone who's ever lived and shopped in Boston needs to know this.

It is with great sadness that I report the eventual closing of all Jasmine Sola locations. I KNOW! It's horrible.

Apparently their merchandise was just too widely priced...like Forever 21 prices on some jewelry and then next to that a $500 sweater coat....They are owned by NY & Co and that company decided (morons) to close the Jasmin Sola stores.

Work people: ya know that brown coat I tried to wear as a dress? the brown shiny one? that's from Jasmin Sola

Alas, another FAB location of great deals and great fashion, and great shoes, and get memories, will be no longer.

Sigh.

Worth a trip for the closing sales?

PS. This is not public knowledge yet. I'm just full of interesting info (thanks to people I work with with book club connections...People, this is why we should all be in book clubs! It's all about the networking! Reading, getting smarter, shopping, it's all related. Is it wrong to take a taxi to work so that my commute is longer so I can read my book? I don't do that I'm just taking a survey)

Heaven on Earth?

Sweet!

No, it's the name of the event. At $200/ticket it's a bit pricey but going to all the restos on the list just to have dessert would cost about $2000 if not more, so it's worth it!

PLUS, you're welcome, I have a COUPON CODE so for you guys it's only $160!!! YUP!

Check out the event website and read through the list of pastry/dessert/yummy goodness chefs participating from some of the most famous dessert restos (that's resto's famous for dessert) in NYC!

I DESPERATELY want to go! Maybe after dinner, or instead of diner with my friend from high school and her husband!? Not serious (fingers crossed behind my back) bc $160 per person for "dinner" on a random Friday night is a bit much, but OHMIGOD, YUMMMMM!

Oh yeah, it's sponsored by some charities and there will be wine/champagne there too....

How many have you been to?

I'm a big fan of lists (duh) and also OpenTable. I love collecting things too...like points that I never use. I feel silly using a coupon at dinner, even tho I cld probably go to a few resto's for free on all the OpenTable points I've got.

It's like a personal online dinner reservation concierge. Haven't tried it but apparently you can make a Per Se reservation online!

Check out this list and make some reservations NOW!


Top 40 Restaurants in the US
Congratulations to the OpenTable restaurants just named by GAYOT.com as theTop 40 Restaurants in the US.
Atlanta:Bacchanalia
Boston:L'Espalier
California Central Coast:Marinus
Chicago:
Avenues
Charlie Trotter's
Everest
TRU
DC:
CityZen
Michel Richard Citronelle
Honolulu:Chef Mavro
Los Angeles:
Melisse
Patina
Providence
Spago Beverly Hills
Sona
New Orleans:Restaurant August
New York:
Bouley
Daniel
Eleven Madison Park
Le Bernardin
Le Cirque
Per Se
The Modern
Philadelphia:Le Bec-Fin
San Francisco:
Cyrus
Michael
Mina
Silks
The Dining Room At The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
The French Laundry

BRILLIANT! Love this store!

This is perfectly explained in the NYMag review, but I'll just say that in NYC this is a perfect, if unconventional (but only sort of) way to organize a wine store.

Since I'm all about organization and doing it in a creative way (I emailed a friend today about finding zen in the Container Store...seriously...some people tweeze to relax(i think it's the required focus or horrific results w/only yourself to blame), I wander the Container Store and dream of the person I could be with the correct colored folders and tabs to put on them...yeah, I'm the first born.)

Anyways, read this.

Also, another brilliant thing from this store: Candy and Wine Pairing for a sophisticated Halloween ...I wld've gone w/Dessert Wine (we all know it goes with Twinkies...please tell me you get the reference, please!)

Wondering which alcoholic beverage goes best with Halloween-themed Snickers? Head to Bottlerocket Sunday for a free wine and candy tasting from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Love those lawyer brides!!!

I said ALL WHITE FLOWERS! ALL WHITE!

WHAT is this red rose!? You're SO sued! Read this to see if I won't do it!

PS. Anyone know this couple or attend the wedding?

Want to hide behind your clothes?

Move to Japan.

Check out this slide show from the NYTimes to see a child transformed into a fire hydrant and a woman turn into a vending machine (no, not at 4:15pm because she's bored and hungry...because she's scared and being chased).

Or, just toss your purse on the ground and watch it camouflage itself into a man-hole cover! Magical (filthy, but magical)

The accompanying article explains more about how Japanese people plan to escape in plain site!

YIPEE! It's not even Halloween, but...

I wait every year for this day!!!!

What's today? People!? Come ON! Today is the day you can get holiday gifts/gift wrap/crapola on the Container Store website!!!!

I don't do stocking stuffers...mostly bc I don't hang stockings (unless I've just done laundry), but I have always loved little gifts, little books (Beatrix Potter), little bags ( I know day clutches are going on now, but I will always prefer the little thing that fits nothing), little jewelry boxes...

Anyways, today's the day people. Get on board!

sorry wrapping ppr lady...didn't meant to cut your smiling head off.

The COOLEST!

Check out this cafe. Looks like something from the Neiman Marcus Xmas Catalogue.

I'll be at Time Warner in November!!!

All summer it was iced dopio in a grande cup, please.

Of course, they'd repeat it back in pig latin... (type of cup/size/flavors/milk/espresso shots/etc TRUST ME...or don't, they don't care, they'll say it however they want anyway)

Now that it's... still summer...in NYC, I'm actually in my office in a tank top (another perk of being a non-practicing atty)...and just being generally sweaty and humid right now. I'm humid. The metal on my tank top is gonna rust I'm so humid. Yeah, I have some embellishment on my tank top.

Moving on...maybe it's the hot coffee that brought my temperature up. Maybe it's the delish toasted marshmallow fake flavored syrup I had the barista at the starbucks/barnes & noble cafe put in. I cld've had it in a mocha...maybe when it's warm enough to wear a new sweater w/o wanting to faint...but I'll save that treat for a special occasion. Hmm, maybe I'll bring it home and dip graham crackers in it. Since I had a s'more(s?) at A's cousin's pre-halloween scary movie party (brilliant in-home surprise treat!) I've been craving them. Really since birth, but I'll give A's family credit on this one.

If I weren't so freaking humid I'd go to City Bakery at lunch today (no it's no where near my office) and get some homemade marshmallows and have a fun night. Instead I'll bake another apple pie for more of A's cousins. He's very popular w/his family! Plus, I just like making pie. Really I love being related (under the laws of MD, DC and NY...and maybe other places) to people from Staten Island. One never knows where your life will lead. Maybe I'll swear sarongs and drink mai tais...all this Island talk makes me want to be on the beach with a breeze...or maybe it's the hot coffee....

Who's ready for fall/winter? Check Yes___ or No___, now fold the note up like an arrow and pass it to me.

Such a pedestrian argument...

Anyone that's ever live in THE CITY knows that tourists are the anti-pedestrian. GET OUT OF MY WAY, MUST YOU WALK 4 ACROSS? I don't care if you're on your way to the American Girl Store, MOVE IT, I'm on my way to lunch and I have a job to get back to. Plus, you're annoying bc I'm sure your McMansion costs 1/2 of what my 1 bedroom costs so MOVE IT w/your soccer mom hair and stupid capri pants.

But, when one of our own, one of our fellow city dwellers gets caught doing what is SO ANNOYING, it may be wrong morally, but legally? The highest court in NY State will decide.

Do cops and lawyers really really have nothing better to do?

Read this and tell me what you think.

My favorite quote from the NYTimes article:

“All I could think of was a bunch of lawyers from the New York City Bar Association standing around trying to figure out where to have lunch,” Judge Pigott said. (The association has offices a block and a half from Times Square.)

Full disclosure: I'm a member of the NYCBA.

Bridal Shower Coming Up?

For those of you who don't yet have the perfect favors or who need to suggest something to a less than favorable (ha ha) friend...I FOUND THEM!

These are one of my favorite things, although I am very slightly anti umbrella's at showers only bc it's SO in your face it's not giving your guests enough credit. That said, my favorite umbrella was a bridal shower gift...so, say whatever you want....

PS. they're not cheap so maybe they cld be centerpieces and each guest cld have 1-2 chocolates.

note to self: plan party w/bridal shower theme...BRILLIANT!

PPS. Some of you notice that I write to you in code, or about you (only favorably of course). Yeah, some of you are just wrong so stop flattering yourself, keep reading, but stop thinking it's all about you...Some of you, however, are 100% correct. It is all about you! Who is who? I think we all know who thinks it's all about them. They're wrong. Too cryptic? Basically, if you think I mean you, I don't. If you know I mean you, I do.

Bloomies Event Oct 24

Tango magazine, which I read once, I think i got it at the airport or something, is having an event @ Bloomies.

Check out all the details here.

Learn how to be a good entertainer. Since I keep whining that hosting people makes me nervous even tho I'm a trained professional and have a great apt that we put all this work into and now we're the only ones who enjoy it (altho i had the work done for us and not anyone else so who cares right?), anyways, I'd love to have people over...I get to wear something comfy, maybe not even shoes, and I don't have to go anywhere but I still have fun...I guess I shld go to this class....AND I'm going to WIN the TRIP TO MEXICO!

Save the Date - Sample Sale

November 6, 7, and 8th...

Click the pix above to get to the main site.

I want...

...to live in a world and be THAT person who uses these at a tea party...or just for fun...


Sigh. Such total cuteness and they reek of southern charm and people saying y'all, which BTW, people in MD DO NOT SAY. Yes, we are below the Mason Dixson line (why did I not have a cotillion?) but fought for the Union... I read Across Five Aprils...I know my Civil War History, but just don't say it, no matter how much A teases my abt my MD accent.

In honor of yesterday's post...

I'm using Miss. Alma today. Also wearing some HIGH heels, but I have a business lunch today and although my spanx will make lunch not as much fun as sweatpants I will suffer through.

Currently poofing over the spanx...don't they have a full body cast or something? blechchchch.

hmm, also wearing Forever 21 necklace...no pix of that tho.

Better stop rambling and get ready for my big fancy lawyer lunch. I KNOW what I'm talking about, I KNOW what I'm talking about, I KNOW what I'm talking about....I know what I'm TALKING about, I know what I'm TALKING about...I know WHAT I'm talking about, I know WHAT I'm talking about, I know WHAT I'm talking about...whatever my mantra, I know something!

Guess what everyone...

According to HungryGirl:

Today, October 18th, is
National Chocolate Cupcake Day! Perhaps it's time to whip up a batch of Yum Yum Brownie Muffins?! (Or, if you're feeling lazy, just grab a Hostess 100 Calorie Pack of chocolate cupcakes instead.) (emphasis mine)

L&T F&F Sale!

What what what?

Lord & Taylor Friends and Family sale!!!

If you click on the pix above you'll get to the coupon.

WHOOOOPIE! Basically you can get the SAME Nanette Lepore / Rebecca Taylor / BCBG / etc stuff as in Bloomies abt 20 blocks north (and 3-4 aves, depending on if you want to enter on the men's side(ick) or fancy bags and make-up), BUT all for 20% off!!!!

Now, when you go to L&T there's even more of a reason to get BCBG stuff (if you can w/the coupon) bc a NEW BCBG store just opened on 40th and 5th (NE corner) and my undergrad/law school friend reports that there are THREE stories! How is that an "even more reason"? Well, it just is bc, well, I don't really know. Always better to use a coupon. I think my family wld laugh if I called myself frugal (A are you reading this? Lamere who knows I never look at price tags...) but really, ask any of my NYC friends and they'll tell you (esp work friends) 80% of my wardrobe, fine 30%, is H&M. I have a necklace I've worn to death from Forever 21 and I ALWAYS get compliments, sometimes from the same people who don't recognize it...it's like a chameleon necklace. Anyways, I'm frugal and don't see why one shld spend full price for something if they don't have to and can find the exact same thing cheaper elsewhere then have more $ to spend on something else. It is just stupid...unless of course it's just off the runway, then SPEND SPEND SPEND bc that's completely cool!

Been there, done that...

...still COOL!

A friend at work was telling me about another secret bar she's been to. Yeah, she's 24 and I'm 30, but I've been to one too! So there. ps.I'll find out where she went, she said it was a speakeasy and they served the drinks in tea cups to disguise the alcohol. I love tea parties and going out so that's the perfect combo for me.

Just read this review(?) and I think I blogged abt it before, but since I've already been here I feel like I can break the secret ...PDT = Please Don't Tell....ooops. I'm one that always follows directions, but not this time:

PDT
113 St. Marks Place
212 614 0386
Another not so secret speakeasy? Yah, it's definitely not so secret when even Esquire's married with kids drinks columnist knows about it. But we love him (and no one knows a good drink like him) so we were happy to see him there alongside us. It does come with all the rules: no standing, make a reservation and what not. They say it's casual and if there's space no problem but that's not true. A respect for a time when men wore hats (porkpies and fedoras of course), drank orange bitters and listened to Old Blue Eyes is what they're going for. Smacked up with a whole lot of new age attitude courtesy of fake vintage t shirts and tunes from the New Romantics (aka wannabe New Wave.) So a tad wannabe all around but still one of the best of the New Age speakeasy and a breath of fresh air (or no air considering the room) from the mega clubs of the past. p.s. it's through the phone booth inside the hot dogs place.

UPDATE: My work friend remembered where she went: The Back Room. she'll find out where it was. It was so secret she forgot!

I have reddish hair and freckles...

...and I didn't always behave. But I did not have a chest of gold or dad that's a pirate (right mom?) or a spotted horse or a friend names Anika and her bother who's name I forgot...

I LOVED Pippi Longstocking! I wanted to BE her! She was the luckiest girl on earth!

I was traumatized years later to learn all the movies were dubbed. Maybe I was a stupid kid and didn't notice their mouths didn't match the words they were saying....maybe it was so fantastical it didn't matter.

Regardless of all of it, the creator/genius of Pippi wld've been 100 years old this year and there's an event in honor of that event.

Shimmer and Shine

Glitter makes everyone happy. Unless it falls all over the floor or is stuck on your face and you don't know (or remember) how it got there....

NY Magazine wrote a brief history of glitter, that everyone should know...happy reading.

Beauty Products Sample Sale

November 28, 2007
When: 5pm to 9pm
Where: West Side Loft, 336 W 37th St, New York, NY
Cost: $25 for VIP Tickets including goodie bag
What: The Beauty Sample Sale, a beauty bonanza bringing together the best names in beauty, all under one roof. Guests will sample complimentary beauty services courtesy of the world's prettiest brands, from hair care to skin care from cosmetics to cosmeceuticals. The sampling doesn't stop there, save money with sample sale prices on beauty's top collections, products and more. Save face as the most respected beauty experts share tricks of the trade, trends and celebrity secrets. Sample on the go with overflowing goodie bags filled with full and sample size products. Oh, and did we mention more than generous "samplings" of cocktails, snacks and more?Purchase tickets online at http://www.prettycity.com/beautysamplesale/tickets.htm

Need a quick INTERNATIONAL getway?

Here's a great weekend trip itinerary for Montreal. Yeah, same continent, no jet lag, quicker than a drive to some parts of NJ and they speak French so it'll feel like you're even farther away!

Check out this trip guide from HipGuides.

Lots to get to today...

1st. Is your purse a pain? We all know you can't have enough.

Sometimes I still like to look @ the diagrams of my closet (not only bc I love blueprints and floor plans) because there's a special place for "small handbags" AKA the bags you hold like this [picture A (or any boy you know) holding his hand folded in half clutching a Clutch bag. He was trying to tell me what to wear to my surprise 30th Bday party. THANKS AGAIN GUYS! I have the greatest friends!!! And yeah, I'm 30. I have grey hair and wrinkles and look at anti-aging stuff at Duane Reade/Walgreens/CVS/Peoples (anyone remember Peoples?)].

Ok, so really, does your purse hurt your back, shoulder, inner-elbow (elbow pit?) [speaking of, I actually had to go to the Dr abt that. My arm was getting numb from holding my bag in the crook of my arm(?) and I didn't know that that was why. It was scary. Dr said to get a new bag (umm, can you write that on a prescription pad so I can frame it and hang it in my dressing room in my new house that I don't have yet?). I also sleep w/my arm bent which didn't help. So ladies, if this happens to you, go to the Dr, but you might just need a shoulder bag. I wld never blame my black epi-leather alma that I got the day I got engaged. It's not her fault. Now she's for special occasions only and I schlep around my 9West crinkle-patent leather tote that's a copy of something but I don't know (or care) what.]

OHMIGOD, can I please just get to the point!? blah blah blah there's a NYTimes article abt big bags being full of stuff and too heavy...here it is: When Your Purse is a Pain

Wanna make your own chocolate bars?

Check out this Chow project.

YUMMMY.

Bloomies Refresher

I know you all my previous post about the upcoming events at Bloomingdale's.

Since you may have forgotten some of the details, here's one that's coming up soon:
Beauty Benefits. Thursday Oct 18- Sunday Oct 28.
Free samples, gifts w/purchase, makeup artist consultations and more!!!

For details either call Beauty At Your Service,
59th Street: 212-705-2333 or
Soho 212-729-5900 (anyone else think its interesting that the Soho Location has 5900 as their phone #, think they cld've planned that better?)

anyways, you can also find all the info at www.bloomingdales.com of course!

Elie Tahari

Just yesterday I saw the Tahari trucks (seriously) dropping stuff off on my way to the post office.

I work just down the street from the Theory/Tahari showroom/sample sale location.

Next week:
Tuesday10/23 - Friday10/26 from 8:30AM - 7:30PM and
Saturday 10/27 from 10AM - 5 PM

Elie Tahari's clothes/etc will be 70%-80% off!

Where? 510 5th Ave at 43rd street, right next to Europa Cafe. They're taking Amex, MC and Visa so shop your hearts out and pay for it later! Plus, I think next week is payday!!!

Fun Movie Event from NYMag

I just got this via email:

Payless BOGO!

What is BOGO and why do I want to go to Payless?

FYI and BTW, BOGO is Buy One Get One (1/2 off). 1/2 off at Payless is like, well, it's WAY less than my lunch today. Plus w/your AAA card (all of my BFFs(except one but we haven't spoken in too long, if you think I'm writing about you and your name starts w/a "V" then your right!) are from the 'burbs and drive so I know somewhere you have a AAA card) you get 10% off.

10% off the sale price or your total purchase price? ARG, don't be that person in line. Just buy the freaking 2 pairs (or 4 or 6 or whatever) of shoes and get out.

ps. if the math works out the same, don't laugh at me. I don't really look at the prices in Payless. It's payLESS, so it's good for you.

My grama's not top on my list these days, but she's cute bc she calls Payless, Savemore. Old people are adorable.

This weekend...

I know it's only Monday, but I could use something to look forward to, since I already forgot to wear my perfect new red coat today and was a little chilly. I remembered my grey scarf thingy ($10 on a cruise!!!) since grey is very NOW, but still, the red jacket wld've been perfect.

Moving on....This Friday, Saturday and Sunday be in Chelsea for a gallery tour.

High Line Open Studios is this weekend. For 3 days over 50 private galleries along the High Line are open to the public. This adorable map also gives you the locations of the closest restaurants so you can grab a snack and keep shopping/looking.

Thursday from 6-8 is the opening reception. Not sure if that's also open to the public or only the fabulous. Anyone reading this is both, obviously!

Have a great week and an art-filled weekend.

I LOVE my 'hood.

Not only are there 4 Searles within 5-6 blocks (2 on 3rd ave alone), but for some cheaper options, I have Bebe(when did it become all trashy?), Arden B., Ann Taylor Loft, H&M, and OF COURSE, Bloomies(not always a cheaper option...rarely actually).

Now we have a new French addition. No, not French Connection, but the East Side (Upper East and East Coast) just got our very own Diab'less. It's on 3rd Ave, between 66th and 67th. It replaced the old T-Mobile store (so long). Everything is 25% off, or 15%, I can't remember so GO now for the most adorable coats and dresses. It's not cheap, but neither is a flight to LA or Paris to go to the other locations.

OCT Apartment Therapy Sales and Events

Check out Culture Fest and Domino's Design Bazaar!

Weekly Sales Calendar (with events too)"Nothing you do for your home is ever wasted."October 11, 2007

Art & Design Events...
AT Events
October is AT Fall Colors Contest! Enter Now!!
Fall Cure is in effect!
Cure Masterclass at Domino Bazaar with AT's own Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan!

Yonel Lebovici Exhibit and Sale
Scultpture and furniture inspired by everyday objects
Through October 26th
Maison Gerard, 53 East 10th St., 212.674.7611

3Form Showroom Opening
Showroom with a display of resin panels that explore texture, space, color, and structure
October 24th, 7-10pm, rsvp: party@metropolismag.com
520 8th Ave., 20th fl.

Culture Fest NYC 2007
More than 100 local arts and culture organizations in Battery Park
October 13th and 14th
Battery Park, (State St. and Battery Place) 212.484.1200

Modern on the Inside
Here Dwell editors and industry leaders discuss what you need to know about modern home design
October 24th, 5-8pm
Architects and Designers Building, 150 East 58th St, 212.644.2766

Conran Shop Hosts Metropolitan Home's "Who's Next?"
Exhibit of innovative products, designs, and up-and-coming designer and architects
October 23rd through 31st
407 East 59th. 212.755.9079

A Psychic Vacuum
Mike Nelson has created a 16,000 sq ft art installation in one of the unused buildings of the Essex Market.
Through October 28th, Friday through Sunday, 12-6pm
117 Delancey St. at Essex Street

Bergman & Antonioni Film Posters Exhibit
Posteritati exhibits vintage posters from Bergman & Antonioni films
Through January 31st
239 Centre Street, 212.226.2207

Domino Design Bazaar
Home Vendors, savings on select items, decorating, entertainment and cooking classes.
October 11th through 14th
275 Hudson St. @ Spring St.

“Museum of World Wonders: Cabinet of Curiosities”
Takeshi Yamada’s fantastical creations—including a Canadian hairy trout, a sea rabbit and a six-foot-long Fiji mermaid—are usually only on display at circus sideshows, but you can catch a glimpse
Through January 1st, 2008
Brooklyn Public Library, 1901 Mermaid Ave at W 19th St Coney Island, 718.265.3220


October Sales...
The Modern Show at the Armory
Mid-century designers
October 12th through 14th
69th Regiment Armory, Lexington Ave. at 26th St. 212.255 0020

DWR Semi-Annual Sale
Take 10% off thousands of classic and new items
Through October 16th
All DWR studios. 800.944.2233

Pratesi Linen Sale
Up to 75% off Italian linens
October 14th through 16th
317 W. 33rd St., nr. Eighth Ave. 718.747.1656

Cassina Warehouse Sale
Up to 70% off furniture and lighting
October 12th through 14th
200 McKay Road, Huntington Station 631.423.4560

Kartell Sale
Up to 50% off overstock, floor samples, and discountinued home furnishings
Through October 14th
39 Greene St., nr. Broome 212.966.6665

Crate and Barrel Custom Upholstery Sale
Up to 25% off 2000 fabrics and leathers
Through October 14th
650 Madison Ave., and 611 Broadway

Dwell and Dwell Baby Overstock Sale
Up to 80% off
Through October 11th
76 Greene Street, 212.219.9343

Chelsea Garden Center Sale
Up to 25% off teak furniture, shrubs, and pottery
The month of October
580 Eleventh Ave., at 44th St. 212.727.7100
444 Van Brunt St., nr. Reed St., Red Hook, Brooklyn 718.875.2100

Carini Lang Annual Autumn Sale
Up to 75% off silk, wool and mohair rugs
Through October 13th
335 Greenwich Street, 646.613.0497

Container Store Shelving Sale
Up to 25% off
Through October 21st
6th Ave. between 18th and 19th Sts. 212.366.4200

Tufenkian Semi-Annual Showroom Sale
Up to 75% off
October 18th through 28th
919 Third Avenue (55th St) 800.432.9917 x1
Know of a good sale? Send us the tip....

Are you a BRIDE? Know someone who is?

Want to be one? Just LOVE all things wedding?

There's an entire HOUSE for you this month! You can stop in as many times as you'd like. All the details are here.

Of course it is sponsored by Brides.com. This month long event(s) looks amazing! There are seminars w/the experts, teas, workouts, vendors, ideas, and other brides.

If anyone wants company....just let me know.

PS: In FULL DISCLOSURE I must note that David Tutera is one of the "Lifestyle Experts."

He did the flowers for my wedding. They were perfection and gorgeous, except my bouquet which was NOT what my sample looked like but he fixed it. He is 100% DIVA and was not a pleasure to work with...does ALL WHITE FLOWERS sound like please throw some red roses in because that's what YOU want? No, I didn't think so. Except for the cocktail hours in the green room where we wanted only green flowers. That aside, the flowers on the day of my wedding were outofcontrol...but he's not on the top of my list of "experts" about anything. Even still I'd change not one detail about my wedding day (except the one where my Grama had a heart attack abt 5 minutes before the ceremony was ambulanced out...she's fine now, but it was an adventure). Here's some pix so you can see what I mean. I cldn't just pick a few so here you go:

All photos by Robert Isacson located in MD.

Hot Cocoa & Hazelnut. YUM!

Would you eat something intended for a pedicure? If it sounds delicious?

Try this from NYMag:
Get your heels polished and cuticles moisturized at Sweet Lily's where the new Hot Cocoa & Hazelnut pedicure is 10 percent off for New York readers.
When: Through 10/31; Mon.–Fri. (11–8); Sat. (10–6).
Where: 222 W. Broadway, nr. Franklin St. (212-925-5441).

Love your LUCKY Magazine?

Can't wait to get the little post-it sticky tabs and tab your issue for future reference?

This event is for you!

LUCKY SHOPS! Just like the originator Shecky's, but with bigger brands and more established designers. (In this case I mean a larger number of established designers[more established-designers] and designers that are more established [more-established designers])

PLUS, and not even your favorite dept store can promise this:
FREE HEMMING WHILE YOU WAIT! Seamstresses at the Singer Sewing Booth will adjust the length of your Denim Bar jeans so you can wear your jeans right away.
AMAZING!!!

Get tickets and go shopping! Can't promise it's worth taking Friday off, or just 1/2 a day (since it starts at 12noon), but definitely worth waiting on line Saturday. Get your hot chocolate at City Bakery 1 avenue away and stay warm while you check out all the other girls on line. What? you don't look at other girls? SPARE ME. We all check each other out. Hmm, wonder where got her headband, jeans, leggings, flats, bag, etc...YOU KNOW YOU DO IT TOO. Wish I looked like her, had her hair, skin, etc...or Thank God I don't have her butt, hands, legs, etc. It's a vicious game, but we all play.

Love NYC? Love Design? READ THIS

House & Garden is sponsoring New York City Design Week starting next week, October 15-21. It should actually BE Fall by then, not this humid-hotness what-am-I-supposed-to-wear weather, so throw on your chunky sweaters (but w/a T underneath for layering...one can get really hot walking around...I'm just saying) and grab your tickets and go!

I think this is PERFECT for the fashion loving foodie in your life:
DINNER WITH ISAAC MIZRAHI & MARIO BATALI

The dizzyingly gifted Isaac Mizrahi-fashion designer, talk-show host and cabaret charmer-will set a place for you at the dinner table in his design studio, while the culinary genius, Mario Batali, whips up a fabulous Italian meal. Expect an absolutely unforgettable evening of wit, wine, food and song. (You know Isaac, he simply can't help himself!)

Yeah, so what it's $1000? Happy Hannukah!? Anyone?

Or maybe this, for the girl who CAN'T WAIT for the Sex In the City movie to come out:
COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATION WITH CANDACE BUSHNELL

We've read her novels, watched multiple reruns of her hit series, "Sex in the City," and have heard much about Lipstick Jungle. Here's a rare chance to hear how celebrated author Candace Bushnell dreams up the rooms where her characters live, laugh and love. Find out why her characters' apartments and neighborhoods are as crucial in defining them as the clothes they wear and how Bushnell's literary vision ultimately translates into the visual media of television and film.

There are TONS of great events. Just go to the site and check them out before they get sold out.

Wedding Barbie?

Anyone who asks knows I'm a BIG fan of Kleinfelds(and not so much Carolina Herrera..the gowns wldn't even fit in the "dressing" room)! I got my gown, shoes, veil, hair thingys, and head piece there, and i think that's it. They're experts. Yeah, is it like a factory? It can be, but only bc they know what they're doing and they are efficient.

If you want to be coddled and fawned over, they do that too, just don't be a snootty pain in the a** (yes YOU) and you won't be disappointed.

So, now that there's a show about everything, Fridays at 10 (which means you can watch after Friday Night Lights at 9-10 on NBC) on TLC there's "Say Yes to the Dress." Fine maybe you're out with your boyfriend/fiancee Friday nights, but maybe you stay in and make him go out so you can watch a show about wedding dresses...put a face mask on, throw some lotion on your feet and put on socks (isn't that what all the magazines say to do?), grab a magazine for the commercials and pour yourself a glass of wine. Sure honey, have fun with the boys....

No joke, this Friday I'll be home making apple pie and cookie bars. And that's why my wedding dress will never fit again, sigh. Whatever, I have 2 things to go to this weekend that require thoughtful gifts and in both cases food is appropriate, plus apple pie is VERY fall and cookie bars are very all-the-time.

ps. if for any reason you need something to do, the new dress show site has puzzles!!

I collected bandaids

not used ones...eeeewwww, just ones w/cool designs. They're all over the hutch on my desk in MD.

Anyways, I was stupid I shld've collected kisses (I did that later, but that's not blog appropriate [M/D, just kidding, I never did that, eeeewwww]). I mean THESE kisses. Looks like that little girl beat me to it!

Hmmm, gotta get me some of those crunchy caramel ones. YUMMMMY.

THANK GOD they just opened a Walgreens near my apt. They have the best selection. When I'm buying exciting things like TP and energy efficient light bulbs (fine A bought those) and eye make-up remover I peruse the stuff they leave for impulse shoppers like me. They have every flavor of everything. Not just twix, but peanut butter/caramel/skor/snickers flavor....in my dreams.

Little late on this one...maybe it was all the wine...

Want to learn more about wine? Didn't have enough last time you were in Napa/Sonoma?

Check out all of these classes! Learn how to be a wine snob.

I'd like to be a chocolate snob myself. Do dark chocolate peanut M&M's from the work vending machine count? I thought so. A trusted friend pointed out that dark choc has anti-oxidants (shld I put those on my face too? An M&M mask perhaps?) and peanuts have protein (is that what you said?) or healthy fat, or just fat, or something good for me. I say make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and other is your enabler.

LOVE Martha Stewart! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

I know my generation was taught we can be anything we want...as long as it's educated and that we have the option to work for as long as we'd like to.

I got the education part (I'm an attorney, in case anyone I don't know is reading this..doubtful...and lawyers can still say gonna and whatevs, smart people can say and do whatever we want...which is another part of the lesson that doesn't really belong in these parenthesises), and I love my job (really, ask anyone who knows me, which we already established is YOU) so I've been pretty lucky.

However, I LOVE Martha Stewart and if I had room I would make a room for scrapbooking and I would wrap gifts like Kate's Paperie...in fact I'd even work there. I have in my office right now, construction paper, a glue stick and a paper cutter. After work I need to do some crafts that are none of anyone's business (soon-to-be Mrs. Friedmann). Note to work people: I am using my own imported glue stick, I purchased the construction paper at Staples across the street (could they be any stupider in there?), the paper cutter is SLS's, but I'll put it back in the coat closet for your own crafting needs. I also live for the Container Store and apparently have always loved little things, little books, little pads of paper, etc...LOVE IT!

OHMIGOD, I actually had to check my links to see what the F I wanted to talk about...here it is:
100 Reasons to Learn Something.

I've been meaning to post this...

but I couldn't find it..HA HA HA. because it was hidden...HA HA HA. Oh I didn't tell you what I'm talking about yet? Sorry I just had a rice krispie treat and I'm riding the wave....

Here is something I ripped out of Lucky magazine.

Hidden Stores:
Camp: this store rents out space in a rural-focused RE firm.
117 Perry Street, btwn Hudson/Greenwich
212-463-0419

The Dressing Room: behind the bar in this...umm..bar is a stairway that goes down to a resale shop full of great small names
75A Orchard St, btwn Broome and Grand
212-966-7330

I Heart: look for the pink neon heart at the entrance, this store is in the basement (note: Sonic Youth used to practice here)
262 Mott St, btwn Houston and Prince (I heart NoLIta)
212-219-9265

Kiosk: second floor of random SoHo building, find regionally focused gifts (now it's all from Finland, last season it was Germany)
95 Spring St, btwn Broadway and Mercer
212-226-8601
kioskkiosk.com

Pippen Home: wander down an alley to find this antiques shop
112 1/2 (love the 1/2) W 17th St, btwn 6th and 7th Aves
212-206-0008
See also: Pippen Jewelry: same thing w/o the "1/2" in the address, you'll see this store 1st.

2 sales I have to post

Anyone going to Woodbury this weekend? You should be...fall foliage (even tho it's supposed to be 80+ in NYC tomorrow...note to self: shave), stop for cider and pumpkin picking...oh also, shopping:
Hit upstate over the long weekend and save an additional 10 to 50 percent on already reduced Escada, MaxMara, and Michael Kors at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. When: 10/5–10/8; call for hours. Where: 498 Red Apple Valley Ct., Central Valley, N.Y. (845-928-4000).

STARTING TOMORROW - Never too early for holiday dress shopping...sequins are IT for fall. I'm skipping them, but that doesn't mean you should.
Fun party frocks are up to 80 percent off at the Betsey Johnson warehouse; sequined strapless dresses were $375 but are now $95. When: 10/4 and 10/5 (10–8).Where: 263 W. 38th St., nr. Seventh Ave. (212-391-6495).

Some upcoming events

I just got an email from NYMag (my go-to source for all things NYC) and here is their list of upcoming events: (I removed 1-2 that i KNOW i already posted about...)


Girls Night In at Bloomingdale’s
Next Thursday, don’t go out…stay in! Join us for Bloomingdale’s first-ever “Girls Night In” event. Discover the newest looks from the hottest contemporary Intimates designers and meet the bra fit specialists who will help you find the perfect size and style that will enhance your fall wardrobe. While you’re there, step up to our “Make Your Own Sachet Bar,” [how cool is that!?] have a psychic experience, snack on your favorite take-out/order-in treats, and try the newest cocktail sensations from Café Boheme.
With your $200 Intimates purchase, get a $25 gift card. Spend $300 and receive a gift bag.**Limited time offer, while supplies last.
Thursday, October 116–8 p.m.
Intimates, 4th Floor59th Street
Please reply to 212-508-0854 by October 7.

Fashion Talks at FIAF
Discover the creative genius of designers from three legendary French fashion houses as they talk about their work and process. Moderated by Pamela Golbin, Curator of Twentieth-century and Contemporary Fashion at the Musée de la Monde et du Textile in Paris.
Véronique Nichanian of Hermès
Friday, November 9 7 p.m.

Bruno Frisoni of Roger Vivier
Friday, November 30 7 p.m.

Olivier Theyskens of Nina Ricci
Friday, December 7 7 p.m.

FIAF French Institute Alliance Française
Florence Gould Hall55 East 59th Street(between Park and Madison Avenues)
fiaf.org

New York Natural: Health and Wellness Showcase
Wednesday, February 27, 20085–8 p.m.
The Altman Building
Start 2008 feeling refreshed and renewed. New Yorkers are always on the move, often forgetting to take time for themselves. We invite you to a few moments of peace at the inaugural New York Natural. Stroll among vendors offering solutions to your health and wellness needs with the latest industry expertise in nutrition information, medical guidance, spa services, beauty and skincare tips, fitness advice and apparel, healthy food and beverages, and eco-friendly products.

Taste of New York
Monday, November 5
The Puck Building
VIP Preview 6–7 p.m., $200
General Admission 7–9 p.m., $145
Join New York magazine's culinary editor Gillian Duffy and over 40 of New York City's best chefs at Taste of New York, presented by Virgin Atlantic. Sample signature dishes while enjoying wine and cocktails. A portion of the proceeds will benefit City Harvest. VIP tickets include a one-hour preview from 6–7 p.m., access to the VIP lounge and a luxury gift bag. Tickets on sale now on nymag.com/taste

Interesting Central Park Ghost Trivia...

It's Halloween month, which, as a child, meant planning my costume ALL MONTH, and probably part of September. Now that I'm too old to be a sexy nurse/pirate/doctor/vampire/witch/princess(never mind that one, never too old to be any kind of princess)/cow girl/monster/etc I think about pumpkin pie, hot cider (maybe these new thoughts explain why I can't be a sexy anything anymore)...moving on...this trivia Q from Watson Adventures is some interesting NYC history....

QUESTION: Poltergeists on Ice! It won’t be cold enough to see two Central Park ghosts on the October 7 Secrets of Central Park Hunt. That’s because the spectral Van der Voort sisters are always seen skating on a pond. Rosetta and Janet lived together in a brownstone mansion and loved to skate. They both died in 1880, and during World War I they were first spotted on the ice, one in a red dress, the other in purple. (Where they were between 1880 and the war is not recorded by the legend, but you get used to these sorts of incongruities when reading ghost stories.) They probably originally skated on Ladies’ Pond. Where is or was Ladies’ Pond?
(a) It used to be where the Conservatory Water is today, where people now sail model boats.
(b) It’s now Wollman Rink.
(c) It used to be under the 77th Street access road, but Robert Moses filled it in.
(d) Next to Men’s Pond, but the lines for Ladies’ Pond are always much longer.

ANSWER: (c) According to the always interesting Forgotten-NY.com: “Eaglevale Bridge...carries the 77th Street access road over the bridle path and what was once Ladies’ Pond (reserved for ladies-only ice skating in the 1890s. Why ladies only? To put skates on, women had to expose their ankles and Peeping Toms abounded), before Robert Moses filled it in in 1936 and replaced it with a playground.”

And to think, just an ankle was sexy...I have ankles....(NO JOKE, my phone just vibrated w/a text abt pumpkin facials! perfection!)