Fall Colds

After all the festivities of homecoming this past weekend followed by a straight day of terrible rainy weather, I have come down with a terrible cold- the kind where your nose is running like a faucet, but at the same time your head feels totally clogged and pounds. Being sick as an adult really sucks.

When I was little and I got sick, it was an excuse to stay home from school and watch TV all day. My mom made me a special bed on the couch with enough pillows and blankets to prop me up into viewing position without exerting a single muscle group. Then she'd bring me cool compresses, soup, antibiotics, hot tea with lemon, and generally anything you can think of that makes you feel better when you're ill. Before you judge me for being overly pampered, take note that my mom's a nurse. Caring for people when they're sick is just what she does, and she's good at it.

Flash forward about 15 years. Being sick is total torture. Not only do I still have to go to work because deadlines cannot wait, but no one caters to my every need. I have to cook my own ramen. There is too little time in bed, not enough pampering, and lots of suffering through days of trying to function while your body is at half power. I have a lot of cold remedies, and I'm trying them all to see if I can get rid of this bug by the end of the week: lots of lemon juice in everything, lots of vitamin c and zinc, honey to soothe my sore throat, roasted garlic for it's healing powers, and lots of hot beverages to keep me caffeinated enough to keep going. Even though they have eased my suffering a little, sometimes being an adult is just no fun. Am I right?

Cute Boots

What is an entire rainy day good for besides an excuse to stay in and watch HBO? Why an excuse to wear cute galoshes of course. No where else have I seen so many varieties of rain boots besides NYC. We walk everywhere here, and when it comes to keeping our feet dry, we mean business. I don't think I'll ever top the rain proof ensemble I had during college: brookstone umbrella, leggings (a rainy day's best friend), a matching GAP raincoat and rain hat, and bright red rain boots. But that will not stop me from trying. I'm always on the look out for ways to stay dry, and still look fashionable. The latest rain accessory I acquired? A white patent raincoat that I stole from my mom's closet with a ruffle along the bottom. Though it squeaks like crazy every time I sit on the subway, it is totally impermeable to the rain, and very mod-60's if I do say so myself.

I have never been one to spend a lot on a pair of rain boots that I plan to use mostly to stomp through dirty puddles. I've stuck with the same fire engine red pair for years. Though I've been checking out the varieties out there, and there are some that are so adorable I'm thinking of changing my ways. Check out my faves.

For years, I have been whining every time it is cold and it rains. Why can't someone make my Uggs magically waterproof so my feet can be warm, comfy, cradeled in fur and dry? Finally someone has heard my prayers and invented these shearling lined Ugg rain boots. Can't afford Uggs? Check out these handy fleece rain boot liners!

 Chloe went ahead and sassed up the old classic with some laces to keep things interesting, and a little heel to give the rubber shoe a little lady like flair.

How cute are these?? You can find them at DKNY, and they come in Gray, Red, and Purple. I love a bright color on a rainy day.

The height and fit at the top lengthens and slenderizes and leg. The more matte finish of the Hunter rain boot makes these the only pair I've seen people pull off for the entire day even after it stops raining. Something about them makes me want to take a romp through the English country side. How about you?

Rainy days and Mondays

There's nothing more annoying than an absolute downpour during your morning commute. You've spent the past hour or so trying to make yourself presentable for the day, and then you go out and the weather destroys it all. Your pants get soaked, your hair frizzes up, and if it's a particularly bad storm, your makeup washes off. It is the worst. But then, once I'm inside and dry again, it's kind of fun to look out at a rainy day. On a sunny day, I have a gorgeous, unobstructed view of the Chrysler building from my office window. Right now, it is totally blocked out by a heavy fog. There's something a little magical about the fog. It gives everything an aura of magic or unreality when the clouds come down to earth and envelope what ever is in their path. I always think it's fun when it's bad weather in NYC to look up at all the sky scrapers and see which ones that were formerly visible have lost their tops to the clouds, and disappeared into the fog. Here are some gorgeous pictures of foggy days to pick you up if you're having a rainy Monday too.

The train disappearing into a cloud of fog.

 

The Brooklyn Bridge in the fog

 A magical castle in an island of fog

 Where city meets the park and trees wrapped in fog.

And finally, the staircase to no where.

Bolivian Women Wrestlers

I first saw this video on Yes & Yes. I must admit, I have a special spot in my heart for Bolivia ever since I spend 2 weeks there chaperoning a trip of undergrads from my Alma Mater. The countryside, the spirit of the people, and the beauty of the Andes left their mark. I spent most of my time there learning about Bolivian culture, and had the opportunity to meet a Shaman and many locals of Cochabamba. Check out this trailer for a movie about Carmen Rosa, an indigenous Bolivian woman who broke in to the male dominated world of Bolivian wrestling.

Fashion Week Photos

Fashion week is long over, but finally here are the promised pics from the fashion show I went to. Do you all ever have trouble getting yourself to connect your camera to your computer and zap the pics into the internet? I know I do. It has been far too long since I uploaded.

The show I attended was the Fashion Next show sponsored by Elle and Kate Spade. It was the results of a months long project where Elle sought out young designers at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), and had them compete for prizes. It was exposure most young designers can only dream of, and the end result was a show at NYC fashion week to show off their collections. This was the show I went to. I love the idea of supporting young talent, and I was really impressed with the professional look of some of the designs. Here's to hoping it will be the first of many shows for me. I got a taste, and it left me wanting more. Enjoy the pics!

My girlfriends and I at the show

The runway, as they are uncovering it

My favorite look, a metal mesh dress

Most unique. 

Homecoming

Sigh. Isn't there something nice even about the word homecoming? It conjures up images of returning to your place of rest, where you're most comfortable, that place you love. There's the homecoming football game. It's always in the fall. It's that time of year when you are full of back to school possibilities, and if you're lucky it's an absolutely gorgeous autumn day with sunny skies and crisp temperatures.

Tomorrow is my Alma mater, Fordham's homecoming celebration. I've been harassing all my friends for months to make sure that we have a good turn out. After you graduate, homecoming is even better. It's a return to college for a day,where you lived happily for so long and made so many amazing friends. Its a day when you can wander around campus with all you college friends, bump into people you lost touch with, and go to all the bars where you spent a good chunk of your four years. It's a lovely thing to go back to school minus the homework and the classes. I could not be more excited.

Fordham pulls out all the stops for homecoming. They set up a tent on the lawn that is typically reserved only for sunbathing and graduation. They rent luxury porta potty trailers complete with flushing toilets and lights. You can actually eat the catered food without having to lay down in discomfort for an hour afterwards (more than I can say for Fordham's cafeteria). They give out Fordham school spirit in the form of flags and banners and antibacterial hand soap. And yes, they will be serving $2 beers and wines to everyone of age.

We'll all dress up in any Fordham attire we can find, go to the beer tent, and maybe, just maybe if it doesn't rain go watch the good old rams lose to whatever team they're playing this year. Hey, Fordham was never known for their excellence in sports.

Blog you should be reading

Have you ever read this blog? Because you should. I need to add it to my daily blog list. Ever since a friend recommended it to me a few months back when I was bored at work, I've found myself googling the url once a day for my afternoon chuckle. It's up there with texts from last night when you need a fun, easy, laugh in the middle of your day. Check it out. It will make your love life seem awesome.

Fall Downtown

Broke? Don't let that stop you from having a little culture in your life. Arts and cultural institutions below Houston street have banded together to create Fall Downtown, a festival of events for free or for cheap. Organizations that are participating include: 3 Legged Dog, Battery Dance Co, Blue Coyote & Access, The Flea, and more. Events go from now (tonight's the kick off) to December 21st. You can peruse the selections, and buy tickets at this website. There's dance, there's film, there's music, there's events for kids. This season has a little something for everyone.

Sunday Funday

There are so many things I love about fall in NYC. The temperatures cool from unbearable to lovely. It's time for homecoming at my college. It's finally cool enough that I can run outside. I can start wearing hoodies and boots! Chili and soups are back on the menu. And, of course, Sunday Funday returns with football season. There is no better excuse than football to turn the dreaded day before a whole week of work into a day of beer, yummy food, and friends. Hooray for the NFL.

No Smoking on the Beach

 

Earlier this week, Mayor Bloomberg extended the ban on smoking from indoors to a major outdoor public space: the beach. In addition to no longer being able to smoke in clubs, bars, and restaurants, smokers will no longer be able to light up while lounging in the sand. Smoking is now officially against the law on NYC's 14 miles of beach, and in 1,700 parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities. Score 1 for the environment! And for fresh air! Yay for no longer getting cig butts stuck between my toes when I'm walking on the beach! With prices rising, and spaces for smoking dwindling, it really must suck to be a smoker these days.

DIY Studded bag

Have you been lusting after one of the great studded bags that are out this season? The Alexander Wang Coco Duffel perhaps? I know I have. Not only does it look adorable, but the little studs:

1. Protect the leather of the bottom when I inevitable sit my bag down on a beer soaked bar, 
2. Match my fave earrings, and
3. Add a little flash to what would otherwise be a very basic bag.

They take a classic piece, and make a little bit funky. What more could you want in a purse? Celebs Mary Kate Olsen and Kristin Cavallari agree. They have both been spotted carrying this must for fall piece.

But wait? You weren't a child TV star? You didn't gain fame and fortune by slutting around Laguna Beach on camera? You can't afford the high fashion price tag attached to this gem? Me either!

Never fear. You don't have to let this awesome idea pass you by. InStyle magazine's September issue gives a handy DIY guide for how to make your own personalized studded purse. The bonus? You won't catch anyone else sporting the same bag, AND you won't have to live a ramen-only diet for a month to afford it.

Here's how you do it. Take your fave, beat up flat bottomed purse. I have a lovely creamy tan Liz Claiborne sitting in my closet waiting for a face lift after too many spills ruined the leather on the bottom. Buy a craft knife (Exacto). Buy a box of brads from a craft store in the shape/metal tint you wish. I'm planning on round and brass. Cut little slits in the bottom of the purse just large enough to slip the brad in. Make sure to pull the lining up so you only cut through the exterior of the purse. Slide the brad in, feel through the lining to open the brad and secure in place. Arrange brads in the pattern you desire. Voila. Your original, haute, studded bag. Genius, no?

Words of Wisdom

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Acqua Di Parma Magnolia Nobile

Last night at Fashion's Night Out, after sipping some Belvedere cocktails at DKNY, we found ourselves meandering across the street to Barney's to check out the scene there. We were on the hunt for cologne for a friend's birthday. The sales person was fantastic. He let us smell nearly every scent they had, and after picking out the cologne we wanted, turned to try to sell us some perfume to treat ourselves.  I typically rotate between Dior Pure Poison and Stella McCartney Rose Absolute, so I wasn't really on the market for a new perfume. But then. The salesman spritzed some of Acqua di Parma's Magnolia Nobile on my wrist, and the wrists of my two friends. We all fell in love at first sniff. I couldn't stop raising my wrist to my nose to take another whiff. Most times when I'm perfume shopping, a scent that smells good on one person smells terrible on another. The smells morph when they hit your body chemistry and change on each person.

I was surprised. I am very picky about perfumes. Many are too strong, and give me a headache. Some turn my stomach. It is difficult for me to find one I like enough to wear every day. And, while I admire magnolias for their beauty, I had no idea they had a scent.

This perfume brings out the most pure, and "noble" aspects of the magnolia flower, and blends its scent with Italian Citron, Bergamot, Lemon, Arabian Jasmine, Bulgarian Rose, Tuberose, Sandalwood,Vetvier, Patchouli, and (Ew) Vanilla. There is nothing I loathe more that vanillay perfumes, but this particular scent is so seamlessly blended that all you get is inhale and ahhhh. All three of us were itching to buy a bottle on the spot. We even considered breaking the cardinal rule of not wearing the same perfume as your friends. It is that good.

NYC County Fair

This weekend, a real country county fair is coming to NYC. I happen to love county fairs. I grew up in the country, where during any given summer, I had several fairs to choose from. I preferred the Saratoga and Altamont fairs, but any combination of kitschy crafts, dangerous looking carnival rides, greasy food, and farm animals really makes me happy. Though I’ve gotten used to not being able to go every year, summer just doesn’t really feel like summer until I’ve gone to a county fair.

I still remember the thrills of being a little kid, getting an unlimited ride bracelet and running around going on everything from the Flying Spaceship (a spaceship shaped ride that spins around so fast you get sucked to the wall), and the Scrambler (sit in a little car and spin around and around and around, totally smushing people in the car with you), to the more tame Giant Wavy Slide and the House of Mirrors. It was fun for a whole day.

Though now that I’m a little older, I must admit, some of those rides I loved look like they might collapse at any moment, and the upside down ones sometimes have me fearing for my life. They’re still a good time for some cheap thrills, but now I love fairs more for the ridiculous food: fried dough, blooming onions, cotton candy! Oh my! And of course for the games---I kick butt at the popping balloons with darts game, and the shoot water at the clown’s mouth game—and the craft vendors.

I always thought that the closest thing NYC had to a fair of this type was the Feast of San Gennaro, which I attend every year, but lacks the full carnival aspect if a real fair.

Well I was wrong. This coming Sunday, NYC is putting on the 8th annual County Fair. It is complete with Clowns, Jugglers, Stilt Walkers, carnival rides, sideshow performers, a petting zoo, a green marker, fair games, and vendors galore. It’s all happening between 1 and 6pm at the Riverside Park on the Hudson between 68th and 72nd Streets. Check out this website for all the details. I can’t wait!

Just in case you didn't know...

NYC Fashion week kicks off today! It's a special fashion week for me, since I am attending my very first NYC fashion show this year (stay tuned for pics and info). YAY! This is fashion week's first time in its new location at Lincoln Center Plaza rather than the tents at Bryant Park.

IF you can't score tix to a show (I know how you feel *tear*) you can still get in on the fun tomorrow night at retailers across NYC during Fashion's Night Out. The event started out as a promotion designed to get shoppers out for a little fun and spendy shopping during the recession. This year it has morphed into a full on festivity.

You can hop on and off free Fashion ride buses, and cruise the city for free in style. There are events from shred your own t-shirts, to sipping champagne and eating canapes as collections are introduced peppering SOHO, and lining 5th ave. Check out this link to plan your itinerary for the night. Though from all of the options listed, you are bound to be overwhelmed with the sheer fun of every choice of the night. Have fun!

Kona Mocha Coffee

Have you ever tried this coffee? And by this I mean Hawaiian Isles Kona Mocha coffee. Because you should.

It is seriously SO DELICIOUS. Kona coffee is known for being delicious. It is grown on the Hualalai and Maunua Loa volcanoes in the Kona region of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is one of the most sought after coffees in the world. This is the best Kona coffee I've ever tried. And if you put in twice the amount you typically would when brewing, it gives you super human speed. Once, after having a cup of a supercharged pot, I put in 2 loads of laundry, ran to the corner store for detergent, and had my dinner on the stove cooking in 10 minutes flat. And it tastes smooth and chocalatey to boot. I would love to try making a mocha frappe outta this stuff.

So where do you get it? It is Hawaiian after all. Well, I can't imagine an easier excuse to take a tropical vaycay. I happen to be lucky enough to have a roomy who is from Hawaii (she's the one who got me hooked in the first place) who keeps a constant supply on hand. But if you aren't planning a visit anytime soon, and don't know anyone who lives there, check out this site to order yourself up some of this good stuff.

Words of Wisdom for the day.

Urban Outfitters comes to the Upper East Side

With all the fabulous stuff that has been popping up on the Upper East Side (first H&M, then Sephora, then Shake Shack-NOW THIS!), I may just never move. Urban Outfitters is opening up a branch in my daily walking path to and fro the subway. The new store's address is technically 200 East 86th street, but from the looks of the construction it will be located on 3rd Ave between 86th and 85th. It's set to open October 7th. Countdown begins now.

Parked: Food Truck Fest

Are you sticking around NYC this holiday weekend? Have you had enough barbecued food this summer? Have you been wanting to try a special food truck, but just unable to track it down while it roams all over NYC?

Take a break from your burgers and hot dogs and head over to Governor's Island this Sunday, September 5th for a food truck extravaganza. The festival is on from 12-5pm. Trucks from Jamaican Dutchy, Rickshaw Dumpling, Green Pirate Juice, Red Hook Lobster Pound, Halo Berlin, Van Leeuwan Artisan Ice Cream, The Cinnamon Snail, Kelvin Natural Slush Co, and Hermilinda Mexicana will be parked on Colonel's Row. Bring a picnic blanket, and your appetite. Even more trucks are scheduled to appear. AND kick off your labor day parties with some locally crafted beers.

You can find the official details, and photos from last year's Parked festival here.

Elizabeth Olsen: Where has she been hiding?

Turns out Mary Kate and Ashely have a secret sister. Who knew? Ok, I knew that somewhere out there the famous twins had another brother and sister who they named their Elizabeth and James clothing line after. Elizabeth and James is a spin off collection that is slightly more affordable than the wildly successful luxury basics brand The Row that the Olsen twins pioneered. But who knew the namesake of such awesome clothes was so strikingly pretty and strangely similar looking to her big sisters. I find it simply amazing that with their striking likeness, that Elizabeth has managed to stay out of her sister's spotlights for so long.

She will be hiding in the shadows no longer though. Elizabeth just wrapped shooting, Peace, Love and Understanding, a flick where she's cast as Zoe, the granddaughter of Jane Fonda's character. Next Elizabeth Olsen is slated in a starring role in the indie piece, Martha Marcy May Marlene (that's a tongue twister!).

Since the Mary Kate and Ashley have mostly left their acting behind with made for TV movies in their toddler years, there's plenty of room for a rising acting star in the family. I'm sure the world will be happy to keep their eyes on another Olsen in the limelight.

Handleless blow dryer

It is about time someone invented something like this. It's Chi brand, which is no surprise, since they make pretty much the best in all hair styling tools (have you tried their ceramic straightening iron?!).

They took the handle off your typical dryer, and attached a gripper to the nozzle so that you can direct air flow vertically down onto your hair in the manner that stylists typically use a dryer. I should know, I had my hair done last night, and two separate stylists blow dried my hair simultaneously, both grabbing onto the nozzle for better maneuvering rather than the long and unwieldy typical L-shaped handle.

And the Chi Hand Shot Ceramic (if you want to call it by its proper name), boasts ceramic coated grills that produce negatively charged ions to cut back on static, frizz, and drying time. It makes your hair sleek and smooth without burning your hand, and is easy to stash in a bag for travel. It's pretty much the perfect hair drying machine.

I win!

 I knew I would (eventually). Some of you who know me, may know that I have an affinity for trying to win things. I love scratch off tickets, occasionally play the lotto, and enter sweepstakes online, oh, pretty much whenever I have some free time at work.And get this, I actually think I'm going to win the stuff every time I try.


I figure I've got all these great friends, a great family, a pretty sweet apartment, a J-O-B, and I live in the city I love. I'm a pretty lucky gal, why shouldn't I win? Now I have 4 tickets to a NYC fashion show next week to top it all off. Thanks ELLE! I could not be more excited. Attending a fashion week show has been on my list of things to do since I moved to NYC, and now I've got tix, and seats to see one with 3 yet to be determined guests. Yay!

The only unfortunate part to this whole scenario is that now it's just reinforced my belief that yes, I really can win! Kind of like that one time I won $80 on a $1 scratch off. Let's just say that my little trying to win things habit doesn't seem like it will be waning anytime soon...

Fortune Cookie Wisdom

Isn't it funny how much fun it is to break open a dessert at the end of a meal and find a little piece of advice? I don't even eat fortune cookies. I think they taste gross, but I am always the first to crack it open to find the little paper inside. Sometimes they are spot on. It makes you wonder if the waiter picked that cookie out for you, or if the winds of destiny are blowing your way.

Best fortune I've gotten: Don't wait for your ship to come in. Swim out to it.

Everyone needs a kick in the pants to get going now and again right?

Weirdest fortune I've gotten: Someone is thinking kinky thoughts about you.

This one was from Tao (also known as the restaurant with the giant Buddha inside). Maybe they make "funny" fortunes to entertain their guests. Otherwise it was just a little strange.

Here's some other good ones I came across:

So true.

Aaannd the fortune I hope to receive next time I open up a cookie.

What's the best/worst fortune you've ever received?

I think I may be in love (with this jewler)

I heard of Jewelry by Veronique in my fall fashion issue of InStyle magazine. Rachel Bilson lists the mermaid ring as one of her new obsessions, and now it's one of mine (damn her awesome fashion sense!!). I LOVE this ring, and need to own it. It's so cute and fantastic. You'll recall from this post that I have a thing for seashore themed jewelry. I checked out Jewelry by Veronique's collection. It's great. Not only does the mermaid come in silver or gold, you can buy her in a necklace. They sell starfish earrings! And unicorn pendants! And butterflies!


Not everything they sell is a home run in my book. I say nix the peace and love collection. It's a little too flower child for my liking, and I'm not a fan of the charm necklaces. But there's enough wonderfully whimsical stuff to take a look. Go ahead, indulge your inner girly girl and check it out.