Thursday, January 31, 2008

WHAT!? No more turkey bacon and low-fat cheese!?

Starbucks strikes again! After they installed all those ovens, now this:
Starbucks Corp. unveiled the first moves of Chief Executive Howard Schultz's turnaround plan, saying it would cut by 350 the net number of locations it plans to add this year while halting sales of hot breakfast sandwiches because their smell interferes with the aroma of coffee. - WSJ

At least you can still use the oven to heat up your turkey and cheese, or your scone or your whatever else they'll still serve.

I must admit, the breakfast sandwiches are kinda good and honestly, are they stupid enough to think anyone goes to Sbucks for the aroma? They all smell the same and it's not always good. I'd rather smell turkey bacon and cheese and english muffin. Maybe they'll forget to stop selling them at the 66th and 3rd location? or any location on 3rd on the UES....or near my office....

Tomorrow is best day ever!

Should it be "tomorrow will be"? whatever.

TOMORROW IS FEBRUARY! yeah, Valentine's day, yeah, short month, yeah, yeah, yeah...

More than all of that, it's the HOT CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL at City Bakery!!!!! Whoopdie Doo!!! It's all month! They'll have a different flavor everyday....in addition, of course, to their regular perfect flavor + marshmallow! The freaking marshmallows are the freaking bestest!

One year they even closed 18th street and had ice skating! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

PS. I've been working on a Googlemaps hot chocolate map for ages...it's coming soon, I swear.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

I want everything on this page!

Fred Flare Valentine's Day

except not the bike (I can't ride one) and not the cameras. But, yeah, everything else. Oh and not the record player thing.

The food washcloths are the freaking cutest and the slice of cake purse is too stupid not to have in my bag!

I knew someone once who made a H.U.M. mix tape

A what? A Hook Up Mix mix tape. I'm not proud to say I was suckered by it, however it did win me a copy and now I sort-of don't get lost on the DC Beltway anymore, but that's a story for another time.

Now, he's long gone, but I still have the tape from a time I like to call, camp and high school.

What to do with the antiquated technology now? put it on my ipod? if only i could. I have the programs, etc but not the time.

This is the COOOOOOLEST things EVER! Leave it to Daily Candy to find the modern mix tape...just in time for Valentine's Day. Is it cheating to give your husband a H.U.M. Mix on a USB when he's a sure thing anyway?

Brilliant!

Who hates when their bag (often fancy and nice and new since you're going out) has to go on the floor? Hands up ladies!

Who hates when their bag, since on the floor, is filthy when you pick it up...even tho you were so smart and got a bag w/the little doo dads on the bottom so it wldn't get dirty? We Do! We Do!

Who hates when they spend the time switching bags to go out for a nice dinner (bc you should all know by now a day bag and a night bag are NOT THE SAME THING!) and it ends up on the floor and is too hip and cool to have the doo dads (since it's probably a clutch and thus by definition shouldn't end up on the floor...unless you're having a realllllly good time) and now your perfect doo dad-less clutch is dirty? WE DO!

Our hero has arrived in restaurateur Alain Ducasse. Yes, we've all heard of him (and may not be able to afford to eat at his restaurants, since we can't stop buying new bags) but he really is brilliant.

This article in NY Mag explains that Essex House and his new resto, opening TODAY, have a little chair for your purse. So, if you can't make it to the American Girl Store for tea with your doll (or would rather poke your eyes out) your second favorite friend can have a seat all her own. And shouldn't she? She carries all the essentials with style and grace...and now you can do your part to keep her clean! ...of course they have them everywhere in Japan already...the flight's too long for me right now. I'll see you at Adour. The NEW bag-friendly spot.

I know, some of your are saying, what about the cool hangy things they sell at container store (this one's not from Container Store(mine is and has a mirror, but this one might be a good V-day gift for someone with the problems outlined above)? ya know, the bag hook-on-to-the-table-thingys. Those are good too, but you kick them and they sometimes fall. Plus, you don't want anything to distract from the game of footsie you're playing w/the nice guy who's buying you dinner (stop it feminists, many of my friends make more than their sigothers but who doesn't like to have dinner bought for them...it's my fantasy). FYI - I use mine in my closet to hold up the bags I use most often so i don't have to find them and the straps don't get all tangled and smooshed. HATE smooshed straps, they're never the same.

Monday, January 28, 2008

I yawn every time A talks about work...

....so this museum is NOT for me! Honestly, how fun could it really be!?

Anyways, it's the ...wait for it...Museum of American Finance. YIPEE! I cld die of boredom.

OK, not fair, I haven't been and maybe there's a cool water slide or something, but....

I found this on Mommy Poppins (which I've mentioned before, I just LOVE the name since Julie Andrews is the bestest). Here is a link to her posting and a video of her visit to the museum. The video is worth watching for the soundtrack and her kids' comments at the end.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

I "used to" collect band-aids

If I find myself in Walgreens/Duane Reade/CVS/etc and I see a new kind I hold back but secretly desperately want to add the fun new cartoony design to my collection. I have some great ones!

Anyways, I don't realy collect anything now, in college it was candles (VERY unique), in grade school it was stickers (oilys and puffys still rock!) and charms (remember those? my fav was the baby bottle you cld drink from!), forever I've collected crystals...not the new agey kind, but the Swarovski type...like figurines, etc...I even had a bride and groom as my wedding cake topper.

Anyways, (I think that's the idea paragraph starter...and makes me sound uber-intelligent) I just saw these online (in Daily Candy): Make Your Own Bandaids
The full name is Ouchies: hide your wound, not your style. I could've used these today after my dr's appt!

Ya know, there's a woman running for president...

Really! You didn't know? Seriously?

Go to this website pronto and see what else you're missing: http://www.citizenjanepolitics.com/

Not sure which is cooler: her husband has already been president or that her daughter could potentially get married at the White House!!! Since the current president's daughter decided to get married in Texas...who's an idiot, billions of people get married in Texas....anyways, I'd be happy to design a FAB save-the-date White Wedding....Winter White....White Roses (from THE Rose Garden) ....White HOUSE! Duh!

27 Dresses

I saw it last night with girlfriends from college, all of whom had been bridesmaids in some ven-diagram sort of way for each other.

The movie was cute, predictable but perfect in that rom-com sort-of way. I just love Katherine Heigl and can really only see her as herself in Knocked Up!

In other news, I look like I've been beaten up...in my elbow pit. I love when you have to give blood and they "miss" or say "oops" and then you realize you're in a short-sleeve sweater and when you get to work you're going to look like an addict. Oh well....

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Cupcake Clothes


These I found on LilSugar!! ADORABLE!!!! Ok, not actually cute but cupcakes are cute no matter what!

Bellini anyone?

Anyone care to know the history of the Bellini, and to have some with brunch?

Read this from Andrea Strong of The Strong Buzz:
Saturday: Bottomless Bellinis for Brunch The union of white peach puree and Prosecco dates back 1948 at Harry’s Bar in Venice where Guiseppe Cipriani created the Bellini, in honor of Venetian artist Jacopo Bellini, who was renowned for his paintings of religious figures bathed in a golden glow. Sixty years later, the anniversary of this now classic brunch cocktail is being honored at the W New York Court with a $35 three-course, all-you-can-drink Bellini Brunch in partnership with Martini & Rossi. Icon’s Martini & Rossi Bellini Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 10am -1pm at Icon, located at the W New York – The Court, 130 East 39th Street at Lexington Ave, 212-253-8888.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

I miss my forgotten Purseket

Bussbuss.com reminded me today, JUST IN TIME, about my purseket. I'd bought one for my Louis Vuitton Alma bag to keep it neat and tidy inside. Since Alma hurt my arm (she didn't mean to) I had to retire her for special occasions only. Issue: She was a elbow-pit carry bag or handles only as you can see below:

I just recently acquired a GORG new Hogan bag that is kinda bottom-less-pit-y. Plus, if all the stuff inside your black bag is also black....well. Purseket to the rescue when I get home tonight.

BRILLIANT!!! Thanks Bussbuss. Whoever you are....

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

The Cupcakes are coming! The Cupcakes are coming!

Magnolia bakery is opening next week on the UWS!

Where exactly? 200 Columbus Ave at 69th St

Don't believe me? Call them yourself: (212)724-8101

WHOOPIE! Just a bus ride and 3 blocks away!!!! See you there!!!!

Altho I am partial to Crumbs after they've been in the fridge...the icing gets better cold. I hope when I have cravings they're for cupcakes...at least then it will be justified! Now, no real excuse....

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE: I just found myself linked to on a blog I read almost daily!(Cupcakes Take The Cake) I even have a link to them on the right. See "The Most Perfect Food" links. This may not seem like the biggest deal to you, but for a new-ish blogger it's HUGE! Regardless, it's fun to read about yourself (altho in full disclosure I was eating a brownie...not a cupcake....while reading).

It's like seeing yourself on TV and not knowing you're going to be on! It's like seeing the girl you have a girl-crush on wearing YOUR jacket! It's like having the hot guy from high school stop you on the street for directions and him not knowing who you are because you look SO great! It's like running into an ex-boyfriend with your HOT husband and you're pregnant.

Info from my rolodex....

I'm not promising much since I haven't taken cards from anywhere in a while...hence many cards from places that are gone, but here's some random NYC stuff I found:

Divine Bar - we used to go all the time, are we too old or is it gone or are we over it? There was one of the east side and then they opened a "new" on in the theater district I think. I know they had fun wine tastings even tho I never went...I always thought they'd be fun. Didn't we have a sorority reunion there 1000 years ago? www.divinebar.citysearch.com and www.vino-versity.com

Advance Movie Tickets for the Lincoln Plaza Cinema. They play mostly artsy movies that I like. I've never tried this service but give it a try: www.lincolnplazacinema.com or call 212-757-2280. Theater is located on Broadway btwn 62/63d streets.

Fill-r-Up - a gift basket boutique. www.fill-r-up.com or 1-866-fillrup.

Lady M - prettiest most delish bakery ever! 41 East 78th street, close to Madison. You could die for their crepe cake! I had it at my bridal shower and any occasion I can now. www.ladymconfections.com

Michel Cluizel - chocolate store in ABC Carpet. Delish and a little chocolate oasis right near Union Square (unlike Chocolate by the Bald Man which is also great but hardly an oasis!). www.chocolatmichelcluizel.com

Gusto on Greeenwhich. www.gustonyc.com

Yonah Schimmel - gotta get a good knish! Of course they're on the LES. E. Houston btwn 1st and 2nd Aves. GO NOW! www.yonahschimmel.com and www.knishery.com

OK, here's a list of stores I've liked enough to take a card. I'm not grading them, just check them out in person or online if you want...
Only Hearts - comfy lingerie and camis
Shakespear's Sister - books and cards
Neighborhoodies - LOVE this
La Brea - stuff store including cards and gifty things
Olive & Bette's - cute clothes
Chuckies - drool worthy shoes
The Shoe Box - duh
Scoop - clothes
Anik - UES clothes
Pookie & Sebastian - poorly made but occasionally cute going out stuff
Delfino - bags
Tiny Living- "furnishings for small spaces" They're not kidding. I went to the store. Awesome!

OK, that's it for now. Hmm, I wonder if A will bring me flowers for becoming famous today....He has class so he's maybe concentrating on other things, but maybe....

Rolodex

So I don't actually have a rolodex, but I(we) do have 2 3x5 index card card sized boxes filled with business cards.

They're filed for easy reference (even though the 2 boxes are too full to even close properly and they're behind stuff to they're not easy to get to). Party/Shops/Food/Services (Salon/Car) in one box and Friends/Family/Attys/Dr/Club Cards/Phone Cards/Brklyn/Misc(always a helpful category)/Membership Cards (not totally sure the difference between club cards and this section) and finally Aspen.

Tonight I'm going through them....I've already found some cards from my favorite stores that have since closed: Lunettes et Chocolat anyone? Before NoLIta was as cool/hip/over as it is now...sigh. Hoping to find some good sources of new stuff for you guys(me).

Back to sorting, reminiscing, head shaking.

Beautiful Books!

MUG (Manhattan User's Guide) told me that

Taschen's warehouse sale takes place 1/18 and 1/19, 11-8, and 1/20, 12-7, at their Soho store, 107 Greene [Prince/Spring] 212.226.2212. Art and design titles will be up to 75% off, and there will be a selection of rare and out-of-print titles, too.

I spent WAY too long in their store in Paris last winter!

Monday, January 14, 2008

And then god created woman...

in HER image...

Check out this cake: it's FAB! Just like I'm sure the bride thinks she is....


Rach, it's not too late! You can still change your cake for this weekend!

You Hoooo...

Here I am! I know, you thought I'd disappeared forever!

Not to worry, everyone's (me really) been so busy lately with the winding up of the holidays and vacations, etc....I'M BACK!

MD was great, my few days in NY (at work) were nice and Aspen, as always, was FAB. It's like that nursery rhyme, the Skier, the Jeweler and the Gallery Owner, oh wait, it's the butcher, the baker and the candle stick maker. Either way it was great! I'm already wearing my new sweater (again!).

There was record snow but OF COURSE I couldn't ski. I'm the one that fell on my way off the freaking plane. No fun face-plant story for me...I bit it on the ramp. I hadn't even touched foot to soil yet! The adorable man who I tried to not stare at the entire 25 min flight asked how I was...I was the 1st one off the plane. Anyways, I'm still a bit bruised but I'm a trooper.

More news and shopping info and fun NYC events coming soon.

Missed you guys!

Monday, January 7, 2008

Sorry I've been so MIA

I was away, then back for 2 days, then away again then back for a few days and now I'm going away again tomorrow through Saturday. I'll be in Aspen with internet access, but I'm not sure how much skiing/shopping I'll be doing. You understand!

I spent today making plans w/friends for the new year and some post-honeymoon catch-ups. Not mine, but someone else...who's wedding is in less than 2 weeks!!!!

Anyways, now that my calendar is full, I'm on my way traveling, and my diet still hasn't started (stupid work birthdays w/Crumbs cupcakes!), I promise to be back blogging ASAP.

Until then, JES

Thursday, January 3, 2008

So we all know abt Chocolate Tastings, and

wine tastings, and chocolate tastings, and brandy tastings, but Coffee Tastings?

Yes, Andrea Strong of The Strong Buzz wrote about Counter Culture (I love creative store/resto names, like Curl Up and Dye, can you think of others?) where they have tastings all over the country...or the East Coast anyway. Here is a direct link to the Cupping Room.

I think a tasting might be too acidic for me...mostly bc I can't drink black coffee. I'm not hardcore like A. I think a chocolate+wine+coffee tasting wld be perfect! I'll make my 1st $million!!!

Oh gotta go....someone at work just brought in Doughnut Plant donuts...Donut tasting anyone...resolutions start tomorrow!

UPDATE:Found a new-to-me wine tasting place: Tasting World. It looks like there's tons of options, just wine, just cheese, wine and cheese, diff kinds of wine, etc..even a (and you all know i LOVE) design-your-own tasting. Perfect for a 35th BDAY party....since it's the next BIG bday I'll be celebrating.

Also, GridSkipper, a travel site, has a notice about an event sponsored by the NYCDAT (NYC Degustation Advisory Team). It's a Cheese, Beer and Chocolate Pairing at Jimmys No. 43 on Jan 22. I don't like beer, but it sounds like a fun idea!

Skinny is the new Non-Fat

After reading an aritcle about words and phrases that are OVER (including ___ is the new __) and realizing I was jumped by a member of GNO on the Sbucks Skinny Latte line I feel compelled to out myself.


1. I don't care what the article says (and wld post a link but I can't find it right now because forgetting is the new remembering).

2. I don't have to know everything about Sbucks first. It's ok. I get free coffee at work anyways so spending $ on something that's 3 WW pts is just silly. Altho a 3 pt Skinny Mocha Latte sounds OK to me...for a treat.


Don't be fooled. I'm not back on WW until after Aspen. I have been gyming it up more...like yesterday and today (if i go today). I think my new locker there will make all the difference. I can get a caboodle and pimp it out w/all new shampoo/facial cleaners/exfoliants/hair brush/moisturizer/etc....Plus, my shin muscles still hurt from ski(boots)ing. Apparently it's VT law to have the saftey bar but not a foot rest! Stupid Green Mountain drinking people!


Oh, the point (Dad wld say: Land the plane JES), is that there are new drinks at Sbucks!

Ever laughed 'til you cried?

I did, a few times this weekend.

Not only when I skied right into my friend from 2 feet away at abt 4 MPH. It was a classy move, or when I face planted off the lift, on the first run of the 1st day. It was bc A's pole was in front of me. I swear!

Turns out I'm not the only one...and neither is the rest of the human race. Orangutans laugh too. Ya know, the Scopes Trial, etc... Believe what you want. I know someone very close to me looks like a monkey. It's science and it's online and it's on BBC (they know everything bc they have that fun accent!). It's gotta be true!

Seriously? ICK!

Making a comeback: Male belly dancers in Egypt

There's nothing else for the Herald Tribune to write about!

HAPPY 2008!

Here we all are. The year my friends and I are officially IN OUR 30s. Hello grey hair. Hello less collagen. Hello knowing who your true life-time friends are. Hello wondering if you really can get a tummy tuck and C-section at the same time. Hello wondering if you're ever too old to shop at Express and Forever 21...ya know, just for the basics.

Hello 2008. I had a random dream last night abt some guy I went to middle school with that I didn't even have a crush on. What's that about? I tried to google him and found nothing. Arg!

Planning to get to lots of stuff this week..um, it's Thursday. Redo- planning to get to lots of stuff ASAP. I'm away again next week in Aspen (I know Mariah was already there and Heidi and Seal but the Stillmans like the slopes (and shops) to themselves!) to spa and ski some more, so hopefully I'll get to all my updates in the next few days.

I just got back from Mt. Snow, VT where A and I stayed in a condo w/friends and skied like pros. She's my friend from law school and he's my friend from Bdeis so the Jewish-Geo was a little overwhelming. Her friend from UMass was there w/her husband and the UMass friend's friend was there w/his girlfriend. It was a great time!!! Looking forward to going back next year! Here's a pix of the celebration. I think the tiaras say it all!

Daily Candy - YUMMY!!