not your typical jersey girl

that's a wrap

2007-12-31T19:51:00.000-05:00

2007 year in review...

Favorite day: May 5th
Worst day: July 18th
Favorite flicks: waitress, volver, once
Favorite books: hp and the deathly hallows, eat love pray (in progress)
Days I remembered to take multivitamin: 3
Weddings attended: 4
Weddings in which I was the bride: 1
Times seen or mentioned in a magazine (excluding masthead): 3
Lbs lost: 30
Lbs gained after said lbs were lost: 15
Margaritas to thank: 42
Hair colors: 3
Times evacuated office building by the steps: 4
Steam pipe explosions from which I had to run: 1
Vacations: 2
Interviews: 5
Job offers accepted: 1

...And that brings us to the year's end. I start my new job later this week as photo editor extraordinaire.

Here's wishing you warmth, passion, inspiration, strength, laughter, and much to celebrate in 2008!
Cheers!!!

it's a good excuse, i swear...

2007-12-16T21:50:00.000-05:00

Things have been pretty hectic in my world lately, and it hasn't been anything I could blog about... hence the lack of blogging. The biggest news though I can finally share... I gave my notice at work! I'm going to be heading to another magazine starting in the new year to be the Photo Editor there. Should be an exciting new endeavor, with lots more responsibilities and creative potential. I can't wait! It'll be sad though leaving my current mag. I've only been there for two years (my anniversary was last Thursday), but I'm really feeling sentimental.

The day after I gave my notice we had our magazine holiday party. It was at Tortilla Flats this year, a fun tex/mex place in Greenwich Village. I had yummy sangria and margaritas, but was forced to wear neon necklace things, which made it feel more like a kid's bar mitzvah than an adult work party. At least the drinks and delish mexican food made up for it. Best part was watching my coworkers try to hula hoop after several hours of drinking. Hilarious. I'll truly miss this crew. Especially a few of my coworkers with whom I've become really close, but hopefully we'll keep up our girls nights out!

my brother's band

2007-11-26T21:38:00.000-05:00

Check out the Pimps on NPR radio...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16170431

He's Brian... the one in the middle, in case you couldn't guess.

halloween nyc-style

2007-11-03T17:04:00.001-04:00

This Halloween I had my first experience with the spectacular NYC Village Halloween Parade. For those who have never been or don't know, it is total craziness. 6th Avenue becomes a mass of drunk, high, costumed, sometimes naked, freaks... And this year, I was one such freak.

Unfortunately, I wasn't drunk or costumed (or high or naked). I was the paparazzi. I think I mentioned that I have been taking a location and event photography class, well, the final session was last Wednesday, and it took place at the parade. Before I left work, I bundled up, not knowing that it would turn out to be a perfectly crisp but not cold autumn evening. I switched to a small purse for necessities and my smallest camera bag, containing nothing more than a camera, one lens, and a flash, and I was off. My class met up near 6th and 17th, where we were supposed to be capturing the parade. The only problem was that there were four rows of people in front of us, and with me being a shorty and all, I couldn't see a thing. By 15 minutes in I was totally frustrated, as were two other shorty girls, so we left in search of the perfect shot (photo shot, not drink shot, although that would have been nice).

We wandered down 7th towards the heart of it all, Christopher Street. By the time we got there, the parade had well passed, and chaos ensued, which was fabulous for photos, but not-so-great for someone who hates smooshy crowds and being pushed, or the pregnant girl I was with. I have no idea how there were people there with little children and babies. What were they thinking? One girl I was with actually had a guy grab her hand and put it on his package, and the other (the pregnant one) got egged. Seriously. Thankfully it was just the back of her shoe that got splattered, but she was pissed nonetheless because they were brand new black Uggs. Bummer.

I'm glad I experienced it though. There were really fun and exciting moments, and I ended up with some fab photos, especially of fabulous drag queens, masked adventurers, and gory accident victims.

Next year, however, I'll be glad to be back home comfy and cozy handing out candy to local treaters to the sound of the Great Pumpkin.

it's my party...

2007-10-28T01:38:00.001-04:00

So... It's my birthday. I have to admit though, I have not been into the whole birthday thing this year, especially since I've been feeling in a bit of a funk lately. In fact, the whole thing has been giving me agita. There are always high expectations that go along with events such as birthdays, which inevitably leads to disappointment.

Thinking back to past birthdays, I seem to recall a lot of tears thanks to big plans and the high expectations. Pretty much every year I would have a big shindig, and every year something or other would go wrong. One time, my parents planned for a bunch of my classmates and I to go to a show at Lincoln Center. They even rented a bus to get everyone into Manhattan. I was so excited, especially when the day finally arrived and my friends started to arrive in their costumes for the halloween themed day. Unfortunately, the bus never showed up, so we ended up being stranded at my house with no way of getting to the party. Sad. Many of the other situations involved disappointment with friends. Those always seemed to happen around my birthday. I'll never get it.

Over time, I have learned that I should just not plan too much, but I also learned that I should not sit home and do nothing, because that's just sad in itself. So this year I'm just going to do what I want to do, which happens to be getting pom margaritas and mexican food (guac made at the table... yum) with the hub, and possibly a few friends, and then going for drinks. Nothing extraordinary, but it should be nice. I already got a beautiful Movado watch from the hub yesterday, a b-day/wedding present, and a circle necklace from my mom that I had been eyeing since last year, so at least it's off to a nice start. Hopefully, despite the funk, I can slide through this one without needing waterproof mascara.

la vida loca

2007-09-28T23:13:00.000-04:00

I've been told that after people get married, they often go m.i.a. for a while. My experience, however, has been quite the opposite. I was so caught up in the wedding hoopla for over a year, that I wasn't going out very much... Now, I have been making up for it... I've been going out all the time after work, boozing it up, catching up with old friends, and even taking a class. It's been a lot of fun, but has definitely made keeping up with the blog a bit of a challenge. Will try to catch you up though, at least with some glimpses from the past few weeks:

~Went to the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. Talk about deliciousness. For ten days, the streets are all blocked off around that area, and are lined with carny games, knickknack stands, and most of all food vendors, lots and lots of food vendors, selling every sort of sugary, greasy, so bad for you but oh so good food, from zeppoles and cannolis to sausage with peppers to fried oreos (seriously), and we wanted to try it all. Thankfully, I went with friends who were up for going splitsies, so we could try more, and not go totally crazy.

~Painted the town (well, more like the east side) with my coworkers. For the past few months, the magazine workmates and I have been regularly going out for drinks after work. Generally, we start at this one bbq-type place for margaritas, and then go on from there... Sometimes we end up playing pool, or crashing other coworkers' rooftop parties, trying girly shots along the way, or hitting up the local karaoke bar for saki bombs and a nice dose of embarrassment. Good times.

~Started a photo class. It is a six week location and event photography class. Each session in a different place. Our first class entailed shooting a dress rehearsal for a play. I was very tired going into a three hour class after a full day of work, but I really enjoyed the challenge, and feeling like I was creating again, and not just coordinating. I'm already looking ahead to more classes. Not just in photography (although I'd like to take more of those too), but I'd really love to take a writing class again, and maybe experiment with mixed media. One thing at a time though.

~Did some Yom Kippuring. Spent the break-the-fast meal with my mom et all (her hub, his 4 grown kids, their spouses, and combined 7 kids between 2 and 7 years old, mostly boys), and my hub's fam. Was quite the zoo, but nice to catch up, and time to enjoy more deliciousness. Ate bagels, kugel, (and some of the mac 'n cheese and cookies intended for the kids). I almost let a four year old take my plastic glass of white wine, but thankfully caught it in time. To his defense, it did look a lot like apple juice.

In short, my diet has totally gone to hell, but at least I'm enjoying myself (and haven't gained too much back). This week, I have a last day celebration for a workmate who is leaving, several close friends' birthdays, class, and a bachelorette party to look forward to... Thank goodness for DVR.

spank me

2007-09-18T21:45:00.000-04:00

I'm a bad blog mom. NYTJG turned two years old over a month ago, and I missed it. No song, no cupcakes, no nada... The horror.

She has gone through a lot of phases and changes in her two years (a mishmash of madness, from panty confessions to insomnia photos to wedding schtuff), leading to a recent blogdentity crisis and now a url move, but she's a little trooper, and will keep on keeping on.

So, if you are willing to stay for the ride, I'm not jumping ship, so please update your blogrolls or bookmarks, and I promise to try and be a better blogger and blog mommy.

I'm thinking I could use a fun new alias though, to go with the new digs... For me, not the blog... Any suggestions?

6 years later...

2007-09-11T11:46:00.000-04:00

it's not easy feeling green

2007-08-28T21:04:00.000-04:00

I woke up yesterday feeling queasy and green... and NO, I'm NOT preggers, which for some reason seems to be the first thing people ask these me these days any time I am not feeling 100%. That said, I woke up feeling nauseated, and even after putting on bronzer, I still looked ghostly. I snoozed about 5 times until I could drag myself out of bed, and threw on clothes, opting for comfort... a studded tee, black pants, and my most comfy (aka cotton/faded/stretched) undies with grumpy on them from the Seven Dwarfs.

I made my way into the city, stopping after each leg of the commute to sit down for a few minutes to recoup. That should have been my cue to turn around, but no, for some reason I refuse to ever miss work unless I have a documented fever (which is impossible without owning a thermometer) or am actively throwing up. So I kept going. After several attempts to board the super crowded 4 or 5 trains, I was finally able to squish in. You know what's not fun...? Feeling like you are going to spew when you are smashed up against a train door, unable to move at all. I repeat, NOT fun. I felt like everyone was staring at me and my pallid colorless face. I could feel the sweat forming at the star tattoo on the back of my neck, and couldn't even free a hand wipe it. I know, gross. I even resorted to counting backwards in my head from 100 to get though the ride, and finally, I made it.

As the day progressed, it went from bad to worse, culminating towards the end of the day with a shooting pain in the right side of my middle. An excrusiating pain that wouldn't go away and just kept getting worse, to the point where I couldn't stand without bending over.

I started getting nervous... Not only at the idea that I might have been having an appendix problem or something like that, but I was even more concerned about the fact that I was wearing my grumpy undies. That some doctor might have to see my big frumpy stretched out cotton undies. It is always said that you should wear clean underwear in case of an accident or something, but no one ever said anything about the condition of them. I think that there should be an addendum to that old saying, something along the lines of always wear clean undies in case of emergency, and make sure they look good and fit well!

I toughed it out and didn't go to the doctor, partially due to my embarrassment about the panties, but thankfully I started feeling better by the evening. Suffice it to say, the Grumpys have made their final appearance.

what's in your pants

2007-08-19T23:28:00.000-04:00

Do you ever take off your pants in a rush, and accidentally leave a sock or panties or something in them, and then when you put them on to wear again, you leave the house with a little something extra in your pants? I am not too proud to admit it... I am one such fool.

Last weekend, as I was walking into a movie theater to see the Simpson's, I felt a strange sensation on the back of my leg, just above my knee... The dreaded bump. The theater was only taking cash, so I had to walk all the way across the huge parking lot with it still in there in order to get to a bank and get cash. I couldn't even get into the theater for a minute to access the bathroom without a ticket. So I proceeded to walk, as calmly as possible, across the lot, trying not to obsess about how odd the bump must look in the back my pants. I finally arrived at the bank's ATM alcove, and decided I couldn't wait to get back to the theater's bathroom to take it out. I had to find a way to make it happen. Unfortunately, it was not budging. I tried a few shimmee shake moves, but alas, nada, so I attempted to use my other foot to work it out. It still wouldn't budge. So, as a last resort, I backed myself against the wall and shoved my hand in as stealthily as possible (which wasn't very), first up the pant leg, but it was too high, then down the back on my pants. I finally retrieved it. The culprit... a lonely black sock, which I shoved into my purse as quickly as possible.

Note to self... Despite feverish haste, make sure to throw clothes off in different directions.

remembering the doozers

2007-08-08T23:22:00.000-04:00

It has become a bit of a routine lately, when I get to work in the morning (which was over an hour late today due to the post-storm commuter's nightmare, but that's another story), I glance down at Lexington through my window at the ConEd folks below, and I can't help but think of the Doozers from Fraggle Rock... Remember those little ant-sized workers, with their yellow hard hats and big worker boots?

But, is it my imagination, or has this thing tripled in size?

week 1...
week 2...
And yet, they still have time to sit and hang out in the hole...
I have to say, they have been very busy at work though (ie. jackhammering through the day - fun), so hopefully they are plugging on through it, and the whole thing will soon just be a blast from the past.

you take the good, you take the bad

2007-07-24T21:25:00.000-04:00

My building was still closed today, due to last week's steam pipe explosion, so I've been working from home. Most of the time, I'd be thrilled to be able to work in my PJs on my laptop from bed, but in this case, it has truly been a pain and a half. We finally got on our server, but everything is so effing slow from home... And we have to get the magazine out on deadline. There are seriously no options. But, as stressful as the experience has been (both explosion and work drama), it really has been nice to have some time to decompress at home with the pup.

I have been trying now to focus on the good things that have happened in the past few weeks...

-I finally got my hair cut (all the way to my chin), after not getting it cut since last october because of the wedding... It felt amazing. Not feeling photo-ready at the moment, but trust me, it works... I'm a babe. :)

-I actually went to see a few movies in theaters recently (not just Netflix)... Saw Harry Potter, Knocked Up, and Sicko. Would actually recommend all three. Most of all Sicko.

-Our patio "garden" is growing beautifully, thanks to the hub. We have tomatoes, a plump bell pepper, and our two "love plants," a wedding shower gift, are still alive and thriving.

-Discovered (and became obsessed with) Amy Winehouse. Swoon. I can't believe that voice comes out of that girl... And Kathy Griffin. Funniest woman EVER. Evidently, she can make me laugh through the most difficult of situations. Tonight is the season finale... Tear.

-Went to a restaurant that I had been dying to return to for over a year (after going for a bachelorette party), called Buddakan, and had luscious edamame dumplings about which I had been totally obsessing. Drool. I could finally justify going to such a meal thanks to the good news that follows (drum roll please)...

-I actually got a promotion from Assistant Photo Editor to Associate Photo Editor. I am so appreciative, especially because there were so many people that deserved promotions this year, and they only had a few to give... Definitely a step in the right direction, and Buddakan was the perfect way to celebrate.

**This just in... Looks like we'll be heading back into the building tomorrow... Wish me luck.

yesterday's explosion

2007-07-19T20:24:00.000-04:00

As the hands of the big round clock on my office wall approached 5:50, I sent my last e-mail for the day, something about sending a rug to a photo shoot for Friday. I sat for a moment, chatting with a coworker about our plans for the evening, which entailed dinner with an old friend for me (which is why I was in the office later than usual), and a Target run for her, and we were venting about annoying commuters... And that's when it started. I thought it was thunder at first, and then the building started to shake. Someone yelled to get under a desk. We started to, until we saw the brown smoke and debris shoot up past our 9th story windows and surround the building. The thunderous roar continued, and the floor kept shaking. My two coworkers and I grabbed each other, and ran for the closest stairwell.

Running down those flights of stairs seemed to be happening in slow motion. I kept looking for my one coworker ahead of me, and one behind me, to make sure we were still together. When we got to the bottom, we could hear a woman's voice over the speaker telling us to evacuate. The rumbling got louder. There were no windows, but the floor and walls were shaking around us. People pushed towards an exit door, but whoever was at the front could tell that whatever was happening, was happening right on the other side of that door, so we couldn't open it. I am so thankful for whoever that was. If they had opened that door, it would have been right on Lexington by 41st, and everything- the heat and ash and debris, would have shot in and pummeled us all.

We started running the other way. People were yelling about Grand Central and the subways, which run right under our building, and explosions, and terrorists. I could barely hear them though, between the deafening roar and the high pitched pulses of the building's alarm. There was someone with a walkie talkie directing us towards another exit, and trying to keep people calm. Not an easy task, although I think many people were still in a state of shock. Through the darkness of the seemingly endless corridors, I finally saw a sliver of the outside world. What literally looked like a light at the end of a tunnel.

I felt a combination of relief and total fear about what I was about to see and experience. As I exited, I heard a woman yell, don't look back, run for your life.

We ran down 41st, trying not to trip on abandoned shoes and bags that were strewn on streets and sidewalks. I was about a block and a half away, when I had to turn and look. It was exactly what I had seen in a nightmare I had several months back... People screaming and pushing. Clouds of smoke and ash rising to the sky. Manhattan, a rumble and smokey blur.

With all of the movement at the bottom of the smoke plume, and the way it seemed to be spreading, I thought the explosion was moving. The only thing I could think, was that the explosion was moving through the subway lines. In my mind, behind that smoke, buildings were falling to the ground, and the subway lines were spreading the explosion across Manhattan.

We kept running, and trying to call our families. My phone kept saying call failed. I was imagining my husband or my mother turning on the tv and seeing my building, submerged in all that smoke, and the people running, so reminiscent of 9-11. I finally reached them, thankfully before the explosion reached the news, and as calmly as possible, explained that I was okay, but that something was happening in New York and I was trying to get away. We walked up the East side, on 2nd I think, but knew that we had to get across to the West side to catch a bus to Jersey. Even though people started calling and telling us that the path trains and the other subways lines besides the Grand Central lines were okay, there was no way that I was stepping foot on a subway. As we attempted to cross back across Lexington, a few streets higher, by 45th or so, we stopped in our tracks, seeing the smoke plume that we had just been inches away from, now from a distance.

My phone cam could not begin to capture the magnitude...

I now know that it was just a pipe explosion, but as I was experiencing it, the only thing I knew was the roar, and the shaking, and the look of terror on people's faces as they were running for their lives. I've been watching the news, and see that it was only a pipe, but my body and mind don't seem to be accepting that. I just hope that they will let me actually get some sleep tonight. Apparently, even wine and ambien can't keep me from looking back.

garden of eden

2007-06-27T21:45:00.000-04:00

it's mauilicious

2007-06-24T21:32:00.000-04:00

I can't believe Maui was already over a month ago. Sigh... I wish I was back there now, enjoying a nice couples massage on the beach. The hotel was gorgeous. There were animals all around (flamingos, penguins, parrots, and koi galore), and waterfalls. We drank tropical drinks by (and in) the pool, went to a luau, and on a dinner cruise, during which we saw whales and dolphins, even though everyone said whale watching season was over. We also took a catamaran sunset cocktail cruise, which was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. We drove the winding road to Hana, past rainforrests and waterfalls, swam at a black sand beach, dipped our toes in the legendary seven pools, and ate lots of delicious fish. Until alas, it was time to say goodbye and mahalo to Hawaii...

the wedding post

2007-05-24T20:29:00.000-04:00

I'm back... The wedding was amazing. I have to admit though, it was such a whirlwind, that I barely remember it! I will really have to live it through the photos and video. We get our proofs in a few weeks. I can't wait. It ended up being a gorgeous day, despite the little rain clouds drawn in the paper that morning. So, we were able to take portraits at the Brooklyn Bridge, and have the ceremony outdoors as planned at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Here is a photo of our portrait session taken by my new bro-in-law...
The ceremony was supposed to be under a big weeping tree, but with the strange winter we had, the cherry blossoms ended up staying in bloom two weeks past when they were supposed to wilt... So we couldn't resist. We made a last minute change, and had our ceremony moved right under the cherry blossoms...And my nephew was a rock star of a ring bearer, despite the sticker residue left on his face from the cars movie stickers he had stuck all over himself that day...Then we partied on into the night, in the Garden's glass domed reception hall, with friends and family, including the Franco-American Lauren who flew out from the UK to celebrate with us...It's funny, I thought I would be an emotional wreck, but I was surprisingly calm (with the exception of the five minute period when I was told that my veil was missing). But overall, I was so relaxed that I kept asking everyone when I was supposed to freak out. It was just so incredible to be surrounded by so much love. And everyone was so amazing, from my bridesmaids, to my mom and sister, to the vendors, to the coordinators at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The hub and I were truly able to live a dream... Alas, now back to the real world!

pangs of love

2007-05-03T10:06:00.000-04:00

It's wedding week, and I have to admit, yesterday, as I was sitting at my desk at work, I started to get little butterflies in my stomach. Not huge knots of impending doom or anything, just the little anxious pangs that happen when a life changing event is about to occur. I suddenly felt that there was so much left to do, even though I know everything is in order. We've made programs, scedules, hotel bags, place cars, table cards... We've done it all. We've even been able to add little touches, like flip flops in case the grass is wet and women's heels are sinking in or in case their feet get tired from all of the dancing we are going to do! I just want everyone to be happy, comfortable, and having fun.

But alas, the pangs continue.

I've been trying to ease the pangs by making lists. And lists of lists. And lists of lists of lists. Okay, maybe just a few lists, but it makes me feel productive. I have to-do lists, and lists of things to bring, for the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, the reception, and of course... the honeymoon.

I'm definitely looking forward to Sunday, when I will be Maui-bound, and list-free. I'm sure when I get back, I will have plenty of stories to share! Aloha...

spanx me, baby

2007-04-29T21:55:00.000-04:00

I have to admit, the real reason I was able to convince myself to put on a dress for the shower, was that I wanted to try out my new purchase... my Spanx.

Our magazine ran a feature about finding the perfect bra, in which we featured a store in Manhattan called "Intimacy" that supposedly has great fitters. So, when I found myself 15 minutes before my wedding dress fitting without a bra or anything, I headed right over to beg them to help me out with my bra-mergency... And help they did.

The fitter looked me up and down, and without even measuring, the first bra she handed me was perfect. If you can imagine, it was a size E!?! But she explained that it was because they deal with European sizes. She was also the one who suggested Spanx. If you don't know what they are, they suck you in and smoothe you out, and are surprisingly comfortable. The best thing about Spanx "Higher Power" is that they come all the way up to your bra, so there is no spillage over the top. They may not be the sexiest thing, especially trying to put them on, which for me meant grunting and groaning (not in a good way), but they work well, so I'm a fan.

I was out the door in 10 minutes, with a bra, Spanx, a pair of blue lacy Hany Pankys to be my "something blue," as well as a few pairs of socks and a cute lacy top... and, as always, a much lighter wallet, but it was worth it. There's nothing better than the perfect undergarments to complement the look and feeling of a special day!

when it rains...

2007-04-25T21:39:00.000-04:00

...sit back and enjoy the shower. As surprising as this may sound, I really like my soon to be mom-in-law. She's a very loving and creative middle school art teacher. She also has some of the best friends imaginable. They even wanted to throw a shower/luncheon for me, a girl they barely know. The only problem was that it was on April 15th... the day of the monsoon. It was pouring so hard that it felt like the water was shooting up from the ground. And yet, I still convinced myself to wear a dress. But hey, rain is supposed to be good luck, right? Especially for a shower.

Despite the flooding that Jersey is oh so famous for, there were about 12 women there. We sat around drinking mimosas and eating and chatting... Until the hostess said that it was time for the games. I stopped in my tracks... Games? I'm not really a games sort of gal, but I went with it, and actually ended up having fun.

Here I am (embracing the cheese) after playing the match game, and proving (by answering questions as he would) that the man and I are indeed a perfect match.The second game was a little more out there, but perfect for this group. The women broke into groups, and made wedding gowns out of toilet paper. Yes, toilet paper. Thankfully, I got to walk around and take photos, instead of participating, because I was "the judge." It actually felt a lot like an episode of Project Runway, because there were four art teachers in the bunch, so they were all so creative. They even made little rosettes and added trim. Very fancy. After the fashion show, we opened a few "pamper the bride" presents, the most risque of which actually came from the MIL. It was a totally see-through little number from Victoria's Secret with a matching floral thong... Needless to say, my face turned as bright as the frock's fuscia flowers. The sweetest thing that they did though, was to go in together to get a gift card to a spa for me and the MIL, so we can bond... I can only hope that my friends and I can spoil future daughter-in-laws in just the same way. But in the meantime... I'll enjoy the lingerie.

and so it starts

2007-04-24T21:57:00.000-04:00

Hi... Sorry I've been m.i.a., but I've had to switch over into wedding mode recently, in order to take care of all of the details in my "free time," while still working every day. There always seems to be something... fittings, table assignments, rings, hair/makeup trial, meeting with the band, the florist, the rabbi. But I think everything is pretty much together (except for the programs and place cards, which are next on the list). It's all been pretty laid back, which is nice, and fun. Probably because we have had over a year to arrange everything, and none of us are "freak out" types. And the best part, is that we are going to have lots of help with the finishing touches, since my sister (and nephews), and my college roomie Lauren are coming into town in the next few days from Texas and England, and will be around till the wedding. I think we are going to have lots of fun. Especially this weekend for the bachelorette party. I don't know anything about the "party," except the date, but I know it will be a great time, no matter what. I mean, just having my girls together will make it amazing... I can't wait!

viva las vegas

2007-04-05T21:15:00.000-04:00

Vegas was quite a trip. Stayed at the fabulous Mandalay Bay...Loved the room, especially the incredible view of the strip...
My cousin's wedding at the Four Seasons was beautiful. Very elegant. Although it may not be evident from this photo, my bro and I rocked the dance floor...
And what Vegas wedding would be complete without an Elvis impersonator...
But my favorite part would probably have to be the video slots, especially goldfish and kaboom, the highlight being when I turned $5 into $60 at the Bellagio...
The only problem was that whenever I won, I wanted to keep playing and playing. It was worth it though, and so much fun, especially for my first real Vegas experience. I will definitely be visiting Sin City again in the future, hopefully with more money and more time to spend.

cone head

2007-03-28T23:09:00.000-04:00

St. Patty's Day weekend, my dog Audrey woke up with a swollen face. It was the weekend and a holiday, so many vets were closed... no surprise there. You may remember the chocolate eating fiasco on Christmas Eve. But, unlike that time, I did end up finding a vet relatively closeby that was open. The doc said she had an infection and had to go back in for dental surgery, including an overnight stay. During the surgery, she had 4 teeth removed and a drain put in.

Part of her face was shaved and there was an incision with a tube coming out of it that was stitched to her face, and thus, she was presented with the dreaded cone...

Poor thing. Thankfully, when she went back on Tuesday, the doc gave her the all clear. The tubes came out and she's cone-free once again. Happy day.

Now I can go away and not be too worried. I'm off to Vegas tomorrow for my cousin's wedding this weekend. Parrr-tay! I'm very excited. The only time I have been to LV was on the drive cross-country for about five minutes, so it should be a good time. Wish me lots of luck.

gators take manhattan

2007-02-22T23:14:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, reps from Gatorland, an alligator theme park and preserve near Orlando, came to visit the magazine for a deskside chat with some of our editors. It was not a normal deskside though, because they brought their reluctant coworker Izzy along...

I think he liked me. He didn't squirm at all in my hands, after freaking out when my coworker tried to hold him. Good thing Gatorland's "Dean of Gator Wrestling" was on hand to keep everything under control. He said that Izzy will get to be 14 or 15 feet long. Hmmm, I don't think I'd want to get so up close and personal with him then.

After my encounter, I was able to leave work early (yay for prez weekend), and take that opportunity to go and buy bridal shoes, just in time for my first fitting, which is this weekend. And, in case you were wondering, I did not buy any alligator skin shoes.

it's on...

2007-02-13T22:48:00.000-05:00

...or off, hopefully. I have to come out of the closet about something (actually cabinet would be more appropriate in this case). I have been involved with it for a little over a month now, and I just can't keep it a secret any more...

It's Nutrisystem (and working out), and I'm totally into it. I have lost 12 pounds so far, and am feeling great. I know it's not for everyone, but it's perfect for me, and you know why? Because it's totally brainless.

There's no thinking, or calculating, or cooking. Everything for the month (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and desserts) is sent to me in a big box at the beginning of the month (with the exception of fruits, veggies and dairy that I have to supplement), and I separate them out by meal. So in the morning, all I have to do is grab a breakfast, a lunch, some fruit and dairy snacks, and I'm set for the day. Easy. Dealing with the temptations at work is another story... not so easy, but I'm doing it. I haven't sampled any of the magazine's test recipes since New Year's, which is a big feat in itself. The best part though, is that I get to skip the daily struggle of "what's for lunch?" and "what's for dinner?" A struggle that once ruled my life.

Also, it occurred to me last week when the man called my work pants "parachute pants," that maybe I'll soon be able to venture into the two large suitcases taking up my closet. The suitcases that I have moved with twice, but have not dared to enter since I was living in LA. I know that I'm not there yet, and there's still a long way to go to a healthier, leaner me, but... it's a start. And I know that with every step (or bike revolution), I'm getting closer.

playing with the new toy

2007-02-11T16:25:00.000-05:00

4 eyes and a dream

2007-01-17T23:03:00.000-05:00

With the new year, comes a new old look for this Jersey girl...

It's taking me a while to adjust back to glasses though. The unfamiliar fuzziness at the bottom of my view keeps making me feel like I'm going to fall. I'll be rushing down steps into the subway, and suddenly have to grab onto the railing. Or I'll find myself taking big phantom steps, like I'm stepping over a big hole, when I'm clearly walking on flat ground. I keep trying to play it off, but I am just not smooth. I'll be fine though, eventually, as long as I don't fall on my face and break them before I get adjusted.

At least I can take comfort in the 30 day "happiness guarantee" provided by LensCrafters. I love it. I wish that everything would come with such a guarantee. Haircuts, dates, jobs... I mean, wouldn't it be amazing, 29 days into employment, being able to say... "this is not really working for me, the whole phone thing, how 'bout we try something else?"

Yes, that would be nice, but for the moment, I will be content with my new frames, the happiness guarantee at LensCrafters... and my own version of the happiness guarantee that I will be implementing in my home. It's true, because after all, as the Crafters say, we all deserve to be 100% satisfied.

yee-haw-ly night

2006-12-30T22:10:00.000-05:00

Our magazine holiday party was at the Rodeo Bar this year, and I learned several important things...I learned that beer cans make great ornaments.I learned that margaritas make me loopy. Very loopy.And I learned that coworkers+karaoke=hilarious entertainment!

sometimes the holiday season can be a dizzy whirl

2006-12-25T16:14:00.000-05:00

My Christmas Eve was spent in an ER. An animal ER. While I was out at the movies, Audrey decided to rummage through my purse and snack on some chocolate. Not just any chocolate. Dark raspberry filled Godiva chocolate. She's got fancy taste. As a holiday present for the magazine, Godiva had given us a huge box of their new line of chocolates to sample, about 2'x3' worth, and they had been refilling it for the last four weeks. I tried to stay away from the box (after sampling some the first day), but decided to bring a bar home for the man. Unfortunately, the dog got to it first. She had only bit into a small portion, maybe an ounce or two, but with it being dark chocolate and with her being a bitty thing of 10.5 pounds, we didn't want to take any chances. We called the vet and they referred us to an emergency center. It should have taken us about half an hour to get there, but we probably made it in half that time. The place and the people there were very nice, and took good care of Audrey. The doctor ended up giving her a shot to make her throw up, and some activated charcoal. Yes, charcoal. So, poor Audrey got coal for Christmas. How grinchy of them. It was a scary (and expensive) ordeal, and needless to say, there will be no more chocolate in my home, but the important thing is that she is okay, and back to her cuddly lovable self.

why i can't celebrate x-mas

2006-12-23T02:37:00.000-05:00

No, it's not just because I'm Jewish. It's because if a large man in a puffy suit even tried to enter my house, be it by fireplace or by front door, my sweet little dream of a dog would turn into a little devil and attack. I can see it now... red fabric frayed and flying, patten leather squeaking, and white hair tufts floating to rest on top of the television.

Not a pretty sight.

I guess I will have to settle for a lifetime of Chinese food and movies on Christmas with the rest of the Jews.

have I mentioned how much I love jet blue?

2006-12-20T23:42:00.000-05:00

The personal televisions are such a wonderful luxury that it almost made up for the fact that my flight to West Palm was delayed for two hours last Friday. Almost. I had four days left that I had to take off of work before the end of the year or I would lose them, so I went to soak up the sun and visit my mom (and my cat) at their winter villa in Florida. I got to see my mom and the little prince Yogi...But alas, the sun was nowhere to be found. It was rainy, gray, and gross for the first two days, during which time I saw the underwhelming Pursuit of Happyness. Zzzzzzz. Snoore. Eventually, however, the sun came out...I got to play outside, do a bit of shopping, and check out the Marilyn Monroe exhibit at the museum in Boca. I even got to indulge in a bit of poolside lounging yesterday...Overall, it was a great getaway. I just wish the trip (and my tan) lasted more than a few days.

sex and beef

2006-12-09T22:11:00.000-05:00

Today, after enjoying a cute film called Kinky Boots, I did my weekly check of the new Netflix releases, and came across one called MAD COWGIRL.
With a name like that, I had to click it. The description was as follows...

Director Gregory Hatanaka's twisted thriller stars Sarah Lassez as Therese, a health inspector whose progressively delusional psyche leads her on a surreal -- and bloody -- odyssey. To cope with her marital split, Therese takes up with a slimy televangelist (Walter Koenig), indulges her appetites for sex and beef, and obsesses over a kung fu TV show. Meanwhile, her meat packer brother (James Duval) may have infected her with mad cow disease.

Seriously??? As much as I appreciate sex and beef, I don't think I can bring myself to add it to the queue. Even with the tagline, "If You Eat It, You Will Be in Hell." But, if the sequel involves Therese moving to New Jersey, and getting back at her brother using killer green onions at Taco Bell, now that may be Netflix worthy.

gobble, gobble

2006-11-23T20:50:00.000-05:00

Hope you are enjoying your stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, on one of the most delicious days of the year. I have been a bit distracted lately, but promise to be back soon with regular posts.

unleashing the beast

2006-10-31T19:22:00.000-05:00

Audrey is dressed up and ready to go. Now if only she would act as sweet as she looks...Unfortunately, Halloween brings out the worst in this dog. She is NOT a fan. One year she almost ate a little Superman just for reaching at her with a cape on. She started barking and snarling like a pint sized Pitt Bull. So, if you encounter a small furry Yankee walking the streets of Jersey City this evening, don't be fooled by her stature... BEWARE OF THE HALLOWEEN BEAST!

the doctor is in

2006-10-29T23:50:00.000-05:00

After an exciting trip to Scrubs and Beyond, and a foray into the art of making faux hospital badges out of film sleeves, I went to a pre-Halloween fiesta at my friend/coworker's house on Friday dressed as Meredith from Grey's Anatomy.The decor was very festive.And I kicked butt at pool. Granted, I won on a scratch by the opponent, but I still kicked butt.Then when 12AM rolled around, the fabulous hostess brought out a frosted shot glass especially for me.And an ecclectic group of pirates, cowboys, and angels broke into a drunken rendition of happy birthday Dr. Grey.Another year... Another adventure.

showering with 60 other women

2006-10-27T00:04:00.000-04:00

Why are showers only thrown for happy occasions, like getting married and having babies? The time when someone really needs to be showered with love and support is when something really crappy happens. I mean, how amazing would it be to have a "sorry you just lost your job shower?" Or how about a "sorry your boyfriend/lover/husband is an ass shower?" And for that matter, why doesn't Hallmark make cards for such occasions? Seriously though, what better time is there than when you feel totally stressed and at your breaking point to be showered with attention and presents? Especially gifts relating to food and things to make you feel sexy!

When I am feeling down, all I want to do is eat and stay in bed. Why not heighten that experienced for the person feeling bad? I can see it now... Here is a wine opener to help you drown your sorrows. Here is an ice cream maker to help you eat through your emotions. Here are fireplace pokers to help you burn your memorabilia...

That said, my bridal shower was last weekend, and I wouldn't have traded it for anything. It was so nice, but the whole thing just flew by. If I didn't have about a zillion photos to jog my memory, I would have forgotten virtually everything. I imagine that this is how I looked majority of the time, with a big goofy (albeit a bit overwhelmed) grin...The room was packed with family and friends of my mom, my grandma, and the future mom-in-law, as well as a few of my friends. The food was delish, especially the apple pancakes, blinzes, and last but not least, the ice cream bar. Yum. There were some fabulous gifts...And some interesting and entertaining ones, including white sunglasses with a dove, a plate with a '70s sailor on it, a negligee from the man's grandma, and a bra and panties set from my grandma that caused me to turn at least five shades of red...The bow hat and tissue paper bouquet were a bit silly, but the man's mom (a middle school art teacher) and her arty friend were excited to create them, so I went with it... Not everyone was thrilled with the shower. My nephew thought the event was a bit of a snoozer...But I was filled with Joy...Next time I'm feeling down, I may not be thrown a shower, but at least I can look back at the photos and know that I am loved... That, or I can take that ice cream maker out for a spin!

howl-oween.

2006-10-16T00:09:00.000-04:00

It's October, which means Halloween is just around the corner. Now comes the important task of finding a costume. I'm thinking of going with something fun and flirty this year. There are a surprising amount of options...So many choices. And if I opt for a little something along these lines... ...you may even catch me with a duster. Shocking, I know, but it could happen. I just wish they were a little more workplace friendly. We are supposed to dress up on the 27th, and then I have a party that night. Guess I'll have to give it a bit more thought.

Do you know what you are going to be yet? How 'bout a favorite costume?
Have a sexy Halloween!

hnt: hot meat

2006-09-28T00:31:00.000-04:00

Do you ever say or think something, even just a word or phrase, and then it bounces around in your head for hours?

I had a situation like that today. My coworker and I went to one of those super-duper hot and cold salad bars, that have everything from from fruit and salads to eggrolls and pastas to the kitchen sink. So, on the way back to the office, we were discussing how difficult it is for me to go to those places, because I am always tempted to throw in food items that are not so healthy. And that is when I blurt it out... "Sometimes I just like a hot piece of meat in my mouth." Needless to say, I am now the hot meat girl of the magazine.

careful: it stains

2006-09-25T00:33:00.000-04:00

Another perk of working in magazine-land, is that there are always interesting books around, many of which are still in the editing phase. One such book is called, Field Guide to Stains, How to Identify and Remove Virtually Every Stain Known to Man, by Friedman, Wagner, and Armstrong. It is a 280 page how-to book on removing everything from red-wine to sweat, to hummus, to Worcestershire sauce. As it says on the jacket, a must-have for everyone about to venture out into the wild, to the kitchen, or to a night out on the town! The little bit I have read is quite amusing, with interesting tips, but there is one specific entry that really jumped out at me...

Semen (I will not subject you to the photo):

General Decription:The viscid whitish fluid produced in the male reproductive organs, containing spermatozoa. On average, a man ejaculates fourteen gallons of semen in his lifetime, and reproduces only an average of 1.2 children, in the United States. This amounts to quite a bit of semen that does not reach its destination, which in turn leads to quite a few stained sheets.

Season: Semen knows no season-the human male is always ready to reproduce. Risk of staining increases, however, around the fourteen of February each year, as well as during the time "spring fever," which is epidemic, strikes.

Areas of occurrence: Sheets, pants, underwear, and towels are common places to find this stain but it is possible for semen to wind up on any piece of clothing after being swept up in the moment. Semen has been discovere as far from the mark as the floor, a t-shirt, pajama top, dress, the pillowcase, even a curtain, following extreme carelessness.

Time of occurrence: This stain may occur at any time, but early morning and late night are standard. Stains are usually found in the morning, either because they've just been created, or because daylight exposes evidence from last night's activities.

REMOVAL:
1. Hold fabric stain-side down under cold running water to force water through fabric.
2. Soak and agitate the fabric in cold water until loosened.
3. If the stain remains, rub a liquid detergent into the stain and let sit for several minutes.
4. Launder according to garment label.

Now go ahead and enjoy some good clean fun.

forgive me, it was the '80s

2006-09-22T10:06:00.000-04:00

I'm in the Worst School Picture EVAH!! contest over at MommaK's... Can you tell which of the horrible school photos is of me??

**************************
UPDATE: Pusher was right! #6 was my 6th grade school photo. I don't know what was worse... that body wave, the braces, the glasses, or that hideous matching hat/jacket combo (which was accompanied by a matching skirt and white tube socks with loafers)... Yikes!

It's all about the dress

2006-09-21T00:18:00.000-04:00

It has been a very productive few weeks. The wedding plans are starting to come together, one thing at a time, in a very relaxed and not bride-zilla-ish way. And last weekend, I found THE dress, which is a load off, especially after my not-so-great Kleinfeld's experience. It is simple and elegant, and I felt great in it, so I know it will be perfect. And, future brides and/or parents of brides take note, the best part (okay, maybe not the BEST), but a good part, was that I put through an application for a new Sak's account, so we got 10% off. Granted, that barely covers the alterations fee, but it was still a nice bonus.It was overall a great experience at Saks, that is, after an initial hiccup. When we(my mother and I) first walked in, we were introduced to Austin Scarlett from season 1 of Project Runway (which I didn't watch at the time, but it is now one of my favorite shows). He was there because Saks was having a trunk show of the Kenneth Pool line for Amsale, which he is now designing. The dresses were totally not my style though, you know, tons of beading and poof, and the people there kept trying to sell us on them. No, thank you. So, finally my mom said something along the lines of: No offense, but these are way over-the-top, just totally wrong, wrong dresses, wrong people... I think at that point my cheeks turned about ten shades of red. I know that my mom meant that we were the wrong people for the dresses, but I was worried that they might interpret it as them being the wrong people (because Austin is pretty over-the-top himself and flamboyant). Austin may have taken offense, but, oh well. He'll get over it, and based on the few other brides and moms we encountered, I'm sure he has had to deal with much worse. The good thing was that our consultant Tedree definitely got the picture, and after that, it was smooth sailing. The first dress that she brought into the dressing room ended up being the one. It is a Vera Wang, but surprisingly it was a lot less expensive than most of the others that we had seen, especially with the 10% off. I tried on a few others, and there was one other that I really loved as well, that had some beautiful detailing, but the first one just felt better on, and I think that is the most important part. I have to feel comfortable whether I am this weight or 20 lbs lighter, so I can dance the night away, hora my tuchus off, and be lifted in that damn chair (something I am obviously NOT too thrilled about, but will accept because of Jewish tradition). So that was that. A glass of champagne, a few measurements, and a bunch of signatures later... Signed, sealed, delivered (6mos from now), it's ours.

time after time

2006-09-19T00:28:00.000-04:00

What is with the resurgence of '80s-looking clothes this fall? Leggings and tights, layered skirts, shirts off one shoulder, crazy patterns, blue eyeshadow, and even *gasp* socks with heals? Yikes! The craziest part is that on certain people the 80's look is totally hot. I never thought I would utter such words. My intern, for example, is totally able to pull off the leggings look. I, on the other hand, would never think of attempting such a thing. If someone like me (read, not a teen or stick thin) tried them on, I would look like a huge mess, literally. Not a pretty picture. And no matter what the reality was, I would feel like one of those bulging women who wear leggings with oversized sweatshirts of ironed on cats and flowers. Gross. I think there should be a warning on trendy clothes. Something like, WARNING: Only wear if you are a 14-18 year-old girl, who resembles a twig or an alien. I mean, seriously, have you seen the models from this year's fashion week in Bryant Park? Scary. I wouldn't want to shake their hands, because I'd be scared that I would break them. I thought that look went out with the leggings of the '80s, but I guess that is making a comeback as well. What is this world coming to? Fortunately, there is still at least one person at a magazine who refuses to succumb.

However, when slap-bracelets make a reappearance, I'm totally there.

Am I going nuts?

2006-09-18T00:04:00.000-04:00

When I looked in my mailbox today, what did I find with my netflix picks? A catalog addressed to me, a very specific catalog, one that I had never heard of before, called Pecans, plain and fancy. Why would I get such a catalog, devoted solely to pecans? I can't figure it out. I've never bought any sort of nuts through a catalog, internet, or anything, except maybe at a supermarket for a party. How then, did these nutty people happen upon my info? And why would they think that I would need an entire catalog for Pecans? No freakin' clue. And these nuts are not cheap. Maybe that's what they mean by "fancy." If I had $160.95 to spend on Pecan Cluster "Holly-Day" gifts or Old Fashioned Pecan Logs, I'd be thrilled, but I would have to be nuts to spend that kind of money on nuts, plain and simple.

woah.

2006-09-13T21:05:00.000-04:00

ground zero 9/11/06

2006-09-12T09:47:00.000-04:00

The phone parted with this one photo, but is still holding on to the rest. Will post more photos when I can.

Remembering 9/11

2006-09-11T16:11:00.000-04:00

Emotions are high in New York today. For me, it hit home, so to speak, as the PATH train was pulling into the World Trade Center station this morning, and my ipod randomly started playing Aretha Franklin's "Amazing Grace." It was my normal commute, but it did not feel normal at all. I couldn't help but think of the people who were making the very same commute, at the very same time (8:46AM), five years ago.

As we pulled into the station, I could see rows of flags and people lined up across the vast expanse that is Ground Zero, mostly men and women in uniform, where there would normally just be a smattering of construction workers and cranes. There were also tons of people crowding around outside the sight, many of whom were holding signs.

I took several photos this morning with my phone, including one of a huge sign that said "The Bush Regime Engineered 9-11", but my Razr has decided not to let me share them. So, for the time being, I will post this photo I took of last year's tribute.More to come...

I'm baaack

2006-09-04T00:45:00.000-04:00

Texas was great, that is, except for the plane rides. The worst of which being when I got on a plane, and the guy sitting next to me proceeded to ask me if I had heard about the plane crash that had occurred that morning. Note to travelers: It is not a good idea to talk about plane crashes to strangers on a plane, if you don't want to freak them out. Common Sense? I guess not. The second worst flight experience was the first leg going down. There were storms of outside of Houston, so after circling for a long time, the pilot informed us that we were out of fuel and had to be diverted to Beaumont. Surprisingly enough, I had always wanted to visit Beaumont, after being in an emotional play during high school when I played a USO girl during the Vietnam war who was from there, but when I was sitting on the runway there for an hour, not so much. The flight attendants started a second movie for us, which was enjoyable and made the time fly by, however, the plane landed before it was done, and I never got to see the end, so now I will have to add that silly fluff of a plane movie to my netflix queue to have some closure. I need closure.

My nephew is super cute though, and the bris party was fun. I even was chosen to be the Kvatterin, which means I carried the baby to have his you know what, you know what-ted. I kept boasting that I was going to be the official Kvetcher (which means "complainer" in Yiddish), because I kept forgetting the real name. In the initial photos I saw of my nephew, he looked a bit smooshy (which was no surprise after his three week stay in the canal), but when I went to meet him a week later, his head was perfectly round and he looked like a little cherub. It's amazing what the body can go through and just pop right back. I couldn't help but take about a billion photos while I was in Texas(no surprises there). I will only subject you to four. **This is where I pause for a collective "aaaaaaww".

Okay, maybe one more photo. Here I am with the little guy, who was looking a bit red after a good cry. He had just woken up from a nap on my voluptuous pillows, and wanted something that they just could not provide him with.

So now, me and my pillows are back home, and will not be traveling again for a long time. Other than that, I have been busy this past week entertaining(and being entertained by) the most fabulous houseguests ever, while drinking pitchers of margaritas, playing dress-up, and pretending that the summer is not coming to an end.

one for the road

2006-08-23T12:18:00.000-04:00

Colorado was beautiful. Flew in to Denver, and rented a convertable for the 4 something hour ride to Aspen. It was cheaper that way, and turned out to be a gorgeous ride.My favorite part of Aspen (besides the cobblestone streets, dogs everywhere, and primo people watching) would probably have to be the gondola ride up to the top of a mountain. It was so high up though, I kept losing my breath, and not just because it was breathtaking.Here I am at the top. Trying to smile, but looking a bit like I'm going to pass out. Then, on the way back to Denver, I stopped to take this dorky photo, but it was so windy that my hair kept blowing in my face and getting stuck in my lip gloss. Independence Pass is supposedly one of the highest paved roads in the US, and is so narrow and winding that it is closed most of the year, except a few months in the summer, so i'm glad I was able to enjoy it when I was there.

I'm in Jersey again, but getting ready to head out in a few hours to Newark airport to leave once again. I'm off the the Rio Grande Valley of Texas this time, mere miles from the Mexican border, to meet the new nephew. Yee-haw... From one of the highest locales (altitude 12,000+) to one of the lowest (altitude 122) in a week. Giddy-up.

the event

2006-08-20T01:15:00.000-04:00

The wedding I went to in Colorado was pretty spectacular. The ceremony was outdoors (thankfully it was not raining at that point), by a lake with a gorgeous view of the mountains...There were about a billion flowers shipped in from Europe, and amazing attention to detail (thanks to an m.o.b, mother-of-the-bride, with a lot of time on her hands), on everything from the floral lanterns hanging from the ceiling, to the theatre-style lighting, to the heart shaped butter...And there was even an oxygen bar, and a huge ice sculpture/fountain with the bride and groom's initials on the top and tubes carved in that poured Grey Goose into shot glasses...But the thing that really made it a great event, was that I was there...Or maybe it was the sushi bar.

welcome to the world, little one

2006-08-18T11:06:00.000-04:00

I'm an Auntie again... Yay! William Merrill (named after his two grandfathers, who both passed away before his birth), aka Billy, was born yesterday at 6:30 p.m. He's a true Texas sized baby at 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 19 inches long, especially compared to his big brother Sam, who was born 2 months premature in 2002, at 3 lbs. 15oz. I will be going down to Texas for the bris party next week. I can't wait to meet him, and kiss that little Cabbage Patch Kid nose... Mazel-tov Stef, Bob, and Sam!

off to the mountains

2006-08-10T22:24:00.000-04:00

My toes are painted, my hair is cut and highlighted, and my legs are extra smooth and lotioned... It must be vacation time!

Yes, it's true. My Honeydews and I are heading out first thing in the AM to Aspen to celebrate my childhood best friend's wedding. I hope the airport is not too crazy after what happened in the UK.

My return is scheduled for late Monday, but if my sister has her baby in the next day or so, I will go directly from Aspen to Texas for the rest of the week. I promise to return soon though, with photos and stories from my adventures... Tootles, for now.

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-08-07T00:13:00.000-04:00

One of the strangest things about working at a magazine, is needing to work on issues months in advance. From 9-5:30-ish, five days a week, We have to sit at our desks and be virtually transported into the future.

Now, for instance, we are finishing up October and moving on to November. I no longer get to search through images and plan shoots involving hot people frolicking on beaches or enjoying fun summer picnics, I now have to hone in on people in coats and scarves. It's gotten me totally out of whack, especially with this past week's heat wave. I walk outside expecting it to be cool, and am totally caught off guard by the wall of drenching heat.

Last week, we actually had candy canes and chocolate Santas going around the office. Candy canes and chocolate Santas! It's the first week in August for goodness sake, I don't want to be thinking about snow. At least this is better than when we have to think about summer during the winter. Now that is really depressing. But alas, it is the life of a magazine photo fairy. I will continue living my duel life, and prepare myself to soon be decking the halls. Fa lala, lala, lala...

losing power

2006-08-04T12:55:00.000-04:00

After many years of suffering, I have finally unearthed the source of my insomnia... Electricity.

It was 8:59PM last night, when it happened. After all the ads during Project Runway, and at the urging of several coworkers, I finally was giving the train wreck of a reality show Work Out a chance, and it was just starting to suck me in, when there was a jolting POP, and then darkness. A hush fell over the community. There was total silence for about two minutes, until I heard a woman's voice from outside yell, hell no... heeeeell no, and then there was a murmur as all the locals began to gather in the streets. Hell no, was all I could hear.

It's amazing how blackouts bring people together. Blackouts, ambulances, and firetrucks. As if they are mice who smell cheese outside their mouse holes... They gather. It feels a bit like a science experiment to me. Like some being with power, be it God, aliens, Tom Cruise, or an Exec at PSE&G who has a kid in need of a science project. I can see the title drawn on posterboard now... Watch as the otherwise anti-social and isolating loners suddenly become social creatures in times of potential crisis.

Then suddenly it hit me. It was 9:00. Heeeell no, I burst out. Not only was my TV not working, but I realized that the DVR would not be recording the results show for So You Think You Can Dance. The horror. 10 minutes passed as I sat on the couch motionless, staring at the blank screen. 10 more passed. I went from visualizing the show to imagining those unfortunate people in Queens who had to live for a week or so without power. It's hard to image, I had only been without television and internet for about 20 minutes, and I already felt totally lost. I'm so pathetic.

I was also sleep deprived after a nightmare of a Tuesday night, when I got out of bed at 2 or so and started taking long exposure photos of light sources, which is evidently what I do when I have bad nights these days. 84 of them to be exact. All photos of lights. I was convinced that they were the most amazing thing EVER, and that I was going to put them together and create an experimental film that would give the illusion of life and motion from the still photos. Genius. Until I looked at them the next day and they just looked like 84 fuzzy blobs. Needless to say, my midnight madness threw off my non-existent sleep schedule, so last night I was a zombie anyway.

It was 9:30 or so when I took a sleeping pill, walked Audrey, and within 20 minutes, I was out like a light. A fuzzy blob of a light. And for the first time in probably 5 years, I fell asleep before 1AM... and I have to say, it feels pretty great.

Now, if only I could sue the electric company for all those sleepless nights I spent watching stupid movies and blogging, I'd be a billionaire, and I'd really be feeling great.

HNT: summer in the city...

2006-07-27T00:02:00.000-04:00

...means cleavage, cleavage, cleavage.

I realized yesterday at work during a mid-stock-search daydream that my childhood best friend's wedding in Aspen is only a few weeks away, and I have nothing to wear... Yikes! So on my way home, I stopped and tried on a few dresses, but I couldn't decide which one to get... so I got all four. Now I need help... Which should I keep?

black lace...
strapless chiffon...
nature girl...
or bit o' bling...

For more HNT, click on the sexy Half Nekkid Thursday sidebar link.

Another reason why Dove shampoo is heads above the rest.

2006-07-22T15:34:00.000-04:00

Directions: Wet hair, lather, rinse.

Why, in this day and age, do so many shampoo companies feel that they should keep the repeat step? Lather, rinse, repeat. Do they have it so people will run out of shampoo faster and need to buy another bottle? Or do some people really need to repeat?

Some packages say: Lather, rinse, repeat as needed. How am I supposed to know if my hair necessitates a second go? Is the as needed intended for regular washers, or is it just intended for people who don't wash their hair for weeks at a time? Or is it intended for special circumstances of extreme grunginess, like when people get back from camping trips in the woods?

And I really don't get when the directions say: Lather, rinse, repeat as desired. As desired? Do people really have a strong desire to repeat? As desired sounds like they get off on it or something. Maybe if Herbal Essences really caused the reaction it did in the commercials, then I can see a desire to repeat, and repeat, and repeat... But Head and Shoulders? I think not.

But the biggest question here is: Why do shampoo bottles even need instructions? Does anyone actually follow them anyway? I think it is safe to assume that if you need instructions on how to use shampoo, you have bigger problems than your hair.

Doggy Style

2006-07-13T19:01:00.000-04:00

I was looking through old photos from LA, and came across some images of Audrey and her West Coast pals that are quite risque.Especially the photos of Audrey and her girlfriend Pepper.That.face.is.priceless.

A week in the life

2006-07-05T00:14:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of the happenings of the past week, with cell phone photos, that have kept this Jersey girl from her beloved blog. Please forgive.

Had to make a last minute drive up to Maine last Tuesday night after work with four friends. Unfortunately, it was for the funeral of a friend's dad. We came back on Wednesday. This sign was the highlight of the drive home...If you can't see, it says, Nature Calling? Really, really clean washrooms. I didn't try the washrooms, but a friend confirmed that the sign's assertion was truthful. Then on Thursday afternoon, I left work early to have root canal. Fun, fun. But, it really wasn't all that bad. I was totally numb, on pain killers, and had a TV to watch the Food Network while they were doing the deed. Who knew you could cook a whole meal in 30 minutes? Thanks Rachael Ray. Then on Friday, I went to a Yankees game, and there was a rain delay for the second time in a row...The last game I was at, a few Fridays ago, we waited an hour and a half for play to resume. This time, I just couldn't do it. I was no longer numb, or on pain killers, so the mouth was a bit sore. I had my dippin dots and was on my way.

I think things are finally turning around though. We went over to watch the fireworks by where I used to live, near the Statue of Liberty, which was rain-free and very enjoyable...Hope you had a Happy 4th!

My day as a mannequin

2006-06-26T00:06:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, my mother and I began the search for the perfect wedding dress. We decided to make an appointment at what is probably the most famous wedding dress store in New York, Kleinfelds. As you can probably tell by these photos, we took it very seriously......or not. We only got these two photos in before a woman pointed to a sign on the wall that said no photographing or sketching allowed... Oops! Fortunately, they didn't kick us out into the rain, and Rosario, although not the most enthusiastic consultant, did end up finding us one very good possibility. It was a great way to shop, being able to say what I wanted, and then having someone there to find it and bring it right to me with several other options. But it was a bit strange to be standing on a pedestal in front of my mom, a stranger, and several full length mirrors, in just my Honeydews. Does not leave much to the imagination. At least I have some time though as the nuptials are not till next spring, so I'll try one or two more stores (and hopefully lose a few more pounds) before making the final decision.

Please leave a message

2006-06-21T00:03:00.000-04:00

Why is it so hard to make an outgoing answering machine message? I mean, seriously, how hard is it to say, Hi this is danielle, please leave a message...?

Evidently, if you are anything like me, it is brain freakin' surgery. I don't think I've ever done it in less than five tries. Sometimes ten or fifteen.

Today's episode went something like this (abridged version): Hi this is Danielle, please leave a... wait, where's the stop button on this thing? Beeeep. Shit. Take two. Hi this is Danielle... Beeeep. Did I say my name weird? Let me listen to that back. Hi this is Danielle...Hi this is Danielle...Hi this is Danielle... Yes, I said my name weird. Do I actually say my name like that? Dañielle. Da-NI-elle. DAN-ielle. Dani-ELLE. How do I say my name again? Uggh, I just need to spit it out. HithisisDaniellepleaseleaveamessage...Beeeep. Woah, slow down Danielle. Wait, did I just talk to myself in third person? I need some serious therapy. HI.this.IS.Dan.ielle.PLEASE.leave.A.mess.age... Beeeep. No, no, no. What am I, a robot? NEXT. One more. Too depressing sounding. NEXT. Too quiet for Grandma. Really, one more this time. NEXT. Too peppy. What's my motivation? Last one, I swear. NEXT. Rrrrgh, what is that strange rustling noise? Screw it! I'm done. Rustling noise it is. Perfect.

So if you call and you hear something like, shcihr-HI-THIS-shctfyhsh-IS DAN-schs-IELLE scthfchhrsh-MESSAGE...Beeeep... You probably have the right number, and if you don't like it, then don't leave a message, 'cause chances are I won't get back to you anyway.

Reliving the same Day

2006-06-17T21:36:00.000-04:00

I'm not usually one to point out observations about other magazines, but this one I just had to share.

Here is last year's July issue of one particular magazine...And here is this July's issue of that same magazine...Hmmm... Now why didn't I think of just flipping things over to make them new? Very creative. I should try it out... How do I look?

HNT skin

2006-06-15T00:03:00.000-04:00

**For more HNT, click here or the sexy sidebar link.

the egg-ccentricity of embassy suites

2006-06-14T00:13:00.000-04:00

This morning at work, two of the top food gurus from Embassy Suites (including chef Roy Choi whose name is so fun to say RoyChoi RoyChoi RoyChoi) came in to give a demonstration on making the "perfect omelet." There were four omelet stations with 10 toppings, fresh fruit, pastries, juice and coffee. Plus, they gave us huge mugs and goodie bags with a frying pan, spatula, apron, recipes, and a luggage tag. Evidently, the hotel chain is re-eggniting their complimentary cooked-to-order beakfast to heighten the breakfast experience. Seriously? They can heighten my experience any day. In fact, I'm open to anyone else who wants to join on that bandwagon too. I prefer egg whites to whole eggs, with spinach and well-done onions please, fruit on the side, and dry wheat toast. Anyone want to heighten my lunch experience? Dinner? Now, if only they gave away free stays at their hotels, that would really make me feel egg-static.

This is what it looks like...

2006-06-13T00:17:00.000-04:00

...when I am doing my photo thang (although usually not in pink)....when Audrey is being stroked by my cousin's baby girl Isabella, who was rockin' the Juicy couture....when my nephew and I say cheeeese....when a bunch of Jerz Jews get together in the 'burbs to celebrate the engagement of a Jersey girl and her man.

This used to be my playground a.k.a. female bonding

2006-06-06T00:29:00.000-04:00

Today was our second monthly art/photo department pot-luck style cubicle lunch. Last month, our first lunch was supposed to be a one-time thing to celebrate Ocho de Mayo (our Art Director was out on Cinco De Mayo, so we decided to extend the holiday). Everyone brought in something related to the theme to contribute to the meal. Unfortunately, we could not partake in any mid-day margaritas, but there was still lots of other deliciousness (including homemade guac and quesadillas). I took the easy route and brought the chips, salsa, and salsa con queso. The lunch went over so well that we decided to make themed lunches a monthly thing. We are such dorks, I know, but at least we are creative dorks... The best kind!

For this, our second monthly, we decided to have our theme be based on a movie, so everyone wrote their choices on little folded pieces of paper, and one was picked out of a bowl. My movie idea was Splash, which was not chosen, but we did get a good one, one of my all-time favorites, A League of Their Own. My contributions to the meal were Rocbleu cheese, which is a stinky but delicious melding of Roquefort and Brie cheeses. Get it? Roquefort, as in the Rockford Peaches team from the movie? I also brought Carr's Whole Wheat Crackers to compliment the cheese, which happen to be the best crackers EVER. Anyway, a good time was had by all. We had sweet and sour hotdogs, baseball shaped mozzarella salad, baseball field dirt (made from Rice Krispies, Whole Wheat Cheerios, chocolate chips, and marshmallow), and of course, there was a heaping supply of Betty Spaghetti.

After the meal, we decided on July's theme (again based on movie suggestions in a bowl), and the next theme will be (drumroll please)... Chocolat... Starring the delicious combo of Johnny Depp, Juliette Binoche, France, and chocolate. So, does anyone have suggestions for easy to make/buy contributions to fit the theme? Emphasis on the easy, mind you... It still may be a while before I can jump from a frozen meal to a molé masterpiece.

Walk on through the rain

2006-06-05T00:43:00.000-04:00

The Walk to D'Feet ALS was a success!It was a bit damp out, so Audrey stayed home, but I, along with hundreds of others, braved the rain in support of the ALS Associations efforts.Thank you to those who contributed and helped my Walk team, FOR MERRILL, to raise over $2100 for ALS research and programs.

Blogalicious birthday wishes

2006-06-04T00:09:00.000-04:00

Sunday, June 4th, marks a very special occasion. It is the birthday of one of the most amazingly talented and beautiful women I have ever met, not to mention the most fun roommate ever. Please make sure to stop by and wish the fabulous Franco-American a very happy birthday!

HNT blurred vision

2006-06-01T00:04:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling a bit fuzzy this week... Have not been sleeping very well, and have been feeling a bit out of sorts.At least I am pretty happy with my new 'do (not that you can really tell in these pics). I chopped off a few inches and put some highlights in. But I'm definitely wishing I could just hang out under my blankets. At least until my ALS Walk this weekend in memory of my dad (there's still time if you would like to support the Walk).

**For more HNT, visit the mastermind O.

Welcome to Aguadilla

2006-05-27T11:18:00.000-04:00

I just noticed that Jet Blue now flies to Aguadilla Puerto Rico from Newark, so I decided to do a search to find out more about Aguadilla. This is a screen grab from my research...

You can click on the image to see a larger view. Notice anything strange? How about the phrase, "famous for it's crystal clear waters, Gas Chambers, and Wilderness."

Somehow I don't think visiting the famous Gas Chambers of Aguadilla will make it to the top of my vacation wish list any time soon.

For Sensible Munching

2006-05-26T00:08:00.000-04:00

I just can't help but love them... The 100 Calorie Snack Packs. Tasty, low-cal, and portion controlled. They are the best of everything, and lucky for us, it seems that the trend is growing. Several manufacturers have jumped on the band wagon, including Nabisco, Frito Lays and Pepperidge Farms.

They now make 100 Cal packs of Doritos, Cheetos, Ritz chips, Wheat Thins, Goldfish(original and chocolate), and Cheese Nips, not to mention the Oreo and Chips Ahoy crisps... Yum. And all only 100 Calories... How do they do it? Seriously?

They are perfect for me, being a snack-a-holic and all. I would love to be snacking all through the day if possible, especially at work, and these snack packs prevent me from trying the really unhealthy stuff that comes out of the magazine's test kitchen (ie. this week's carmel apples and crumbly apple dessert). Right now, as I am posting, I am eating Cool Ranch Doritos, GUILT-FREE. It's so exciting. I'm about 12 pounds down (from where I admit to have gotten up to, but don't ask), and two pants sizes.

Now, if they only made 100 Cal steak dinners, I'd be set...

HNT/Hot and bothered: Part 1

2006-05-25T00:04:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, I attended a bridal shower then bachelorette party extravaganza for my closest childhood friend. In preparation, I went to a store called Ricky's. For those who are not familiar with Ricky's, they have sections for everything from Manic Panic and beauty supplies, to cowboy hats and XXX paraphanalia. I was all set with my wholesome Jewish girl gifts for the shower (a Judaica wall hanging symbolizing health, happiness, and good luck, and a two tier fruit basket from her registry), but I still needed something for the bachelorette party. I made a b-line for the dark room in the back with the beaded curtain entryway and neon arrow of flashing Xs...

As I parted the beads and popped my head in, I was greeted by an army of plastic penises, in every color, shape, and size imaginable, standing at attention mere inches from my face. I could feel myself blushing, purely out of surprise. If I had been there with someone else, it would have been a different story. We could have laughed about it all and played it up. But going alone into one of those places feels a bit sketchy. The awkwardness lasted all of about two seconds before I started getting into my options... There were the pink fuzzy hand cuffs, drink stirrers shaped like penises, edible undies for him, and a naked orgy of people about an inch tall that you throw in someone's drink and they grow. But it really came down to two. The candy necklace garter belt or the edible body paint... I opted for the paint.

Pictured is my ghetto version of edible body paint a.k.a. ketchup!

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Banished to the blogosphere's corner

2006-05-16T23:06:00.000-04:00

I have come down with an unfortunate condition that has been worsening over the past few weeks. It is television induced blog blanking.

I swear, I keep thinking of the sexiest, hottest, most bizarre things to tell you, and then the moment I turn on the TV, I go totally and completely blank.

Between Grey's the past two nights and Idol tonight, I'm surprised I can even form any words right now. Okay, so there have been a few other things on my plate as well, including a wedding I photographed two weekends ago, that I have been organizing and playing with ever since, but mostly I blame the HD-DVR-Netflix-Devil Box that continues to seduce me.

Hopefully, after the season (and series) finales this week, my condition will fade and I will be back in true form, sans dunce cap.

HNT: In Nature

2006-05-11T00:03:00.000-04:00

That was me last Saturday, feeling very peaceful (and finally shedding the layers because it was beautiful out) at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

**For more Half Nekkid Thursday, click on sexy sidebar link.

hey you

2006-05-06T00:41:00.000-04:00

You know what really gets my goat? Hey-you-ers. Uggh. Those people who use "hey you" no matter how close you get to them. Whether you are coworkers, classmates, or good friends, it doesn't matter. Everyone gets the hey you. I once was involved with a hey-you-er, and still got the hey you even after we were, well, intimate. It didn't end. Via email, on the phone, as a greeting, even *gasp* in bed. Hey you. Needless to say, that didn't last.

I just don't get it. Do they think it's cute or funny? Are they lazy? Or are they just really bad at remembering names? Whatever it is, give it up. Is it really that hard to personalize? Use a name or a nickname, or you just might be hey-you-ing yourself out of a good thing.

HNT: getting our grill on

2006-04-27T00:09:00.000-04:00

The new home is coming along, one piece at a time. We got a fun new grill this week...It's a Char-Broil 1650 W Electric Caddie Grill (we are only allowed to have electric grills in our community). It is pretty and blue, and it grills. That's about as much as I know about it.Here is the man popping the grill's cherry, with chicken and eggplant. It was delish... Much better than the usual frozen dinners or take-out!
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goody, goody, gumdrops

2006-04-25T01:00:00.000-04:00

After all of the drama with my last hairbrush cleaning episode, I was ready for a new brush. So when I heard that one of the magazines in the building where I work was going to have a beauty sale, I knew that it would be the perfect opportunity. There would be piles of merchandise for 1-5 dollars, that would go to charity, just waiting for me, if I could maneuver through the crowd.

I knew it would not be easy. 50 women with bags would be waiting at the doors, ready to storm the conference room, and grab without thinking. It was set to start at 12:30. I arrived at 12:15. I was not the first. 12:20, the crowd was getting bigger. Anticipation was building. 12:28, 29, 30, and we're off... I entered the room, being pushed toward the right, where there were toys and nailpolish bottles heaped in boxes. I next encountered chairs stacked with tupperware, then was face to face with the face creams and hair gel. I knew I was on the right track, yet I was not navigating fast enough. Hands were grabbing and plucking things as if they were going out of style. That's when I finally saw it. A single blue box with a brush inside, round, bristled, that was enough for me... Sold.

Once home, sitting at my vanity, I pulled the purchase from my bag. The first thing I saw was the name Goody on it, which I have to admit, I was less than thrilled about. I have always associated Goody with those rubberbands that little girls wear, with bright plastic balls on them. But for a dollar, it was worth a try. So I started scanning the packaging. There was something about less snagging, evenly distributing heat, and ergonomic design, but what really caught my attention was the quick release button on the top. A button? I took the brush out of the box to give it a try. Suddenly, the bristles went in, like a turtle into it's shell... I was taken aback. Had I unintentionally stumbled upon the answer to my hairbrush woes?

Yesterday would be the big test. My first actual brush cleaning experience with the Goody. I pushed the button and began to guide the hair. I needed no scissors, no comb, and it took me less than 30 seconds to extricate the brush from the hair. A feature that was supposed to help prevent tangles, ended up making cleaning a breeze. So, if you too have brush cleaning issues... You gotta getta Goody (opt for Ouchless round).

What was Manischewitz thinking?

2006-04-18T12:07:00.000-04:00

I was doing a great job "keeping Passover" this year. I was on a strict diet, since Pesach started last Wednesday, of Matzah and salad (and mom's seder leftovers). I hadn't had any bread to eat, or leavened cakes, biscuits or crackers, cereals, wheat, barley, oats, rice, dry beans, or dry peas. I was living happily in the belief that I was being a good Jewish girl, until...
this was brought to my attention tonight (after 2 boxes were consumed)...

Do you see that? Matzah not for Passover? Can somebody please explain this to me? Isn't Matzah specially made for Passover? What's next Manischevitz, Passover wine that's "not for Passover"? Is nothing sacred any more?

the dreaded stank

2006-04-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

The one thing that is more horrifying than walking into a smelly public bathroom, is walking into a smelly public bathroom and then having someone walk in after you.

I mean, you know they are thinking that you were the one who caused that foul stench. Deductive reasoning... A person made the bathroom stink. You are the only person in the bathroom. Therefore, you made the bathroom stink.

I, for one, can't bare the thought of anyone thinking that I could be the source. I'm someone who would not dream of doing that in a public restroom. Freaks.me.out. But the worst, is encountering such a situation in the work environment, when, say, the Editor-in-chief is the one who walks in. Uggh.

So I have decided, from here on out, that if I ever open a ladies room door and encounter a wall of stank, I will switch into fast forward mode, engage in speed peeing, so I can book it out of there, making a quick escape before anyone has the chance to enter.

And if you do see me leaving a stinky bathroom, please know I didn't do it.

Walk to D'Feat ALS

2006-04-13T00:47:00.000-04:00

I have been quite the busy Jersey girl these days. Between a redesign at the magazine, photo stuff, and wedding plans, I have had my hands quite full. But, there is always time for more, right? Especially when it has to do with a cause that is close to your heart.

On June 3rd, I have decided to do the Walk to D'Feat ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), in memory of my father, who passed away from the disease in 2001.

If you don't know, ALS is a fatal, neuromuscular disease, which attacks the motor neurons making even the simplest movements of walking, speaking and gesturing impossible. Ultimately the body becomes paralyzed, yet through it all, the mind remains unaffected.

So, that's what I've been up to recently. Just thought I would share. If you would like to visit my personal Walk site, which includes a photo of me from my blond days, you can click here.

HNT sleepless

2006-04-06T00:12:00.000-04:00

Too tired to write... But never too tired to photograph.*For more HNT, click on the Halk Nekkid sidebar link.

Revenge of the mullet

2006-04-05T00:02:00.000-04:00

Evidently, mullets are all the rage in Manhattan again. In the past few weeks, I've spotted multitudes with mulletude, all over town. And not just traditional mullets. I have been lucky enough to catch glimpses of some of the more rare versions, including: the blossoming femullet(for the ladies), the silver mullet, and even the rat tail mullet (one man had a dreaded tail that was nearly a foot long). But today's addition, captured below with my phone cam on the 4 train, is in a category all its own.

"Not sure whether you want to be a blonde or a brunette... Now you can have the best of both worlds with: The Duotone Mullet.

Chocolate on the top, vanilla on the bottom. Coming soon to a salon near you."

For more info on the achy-breaky-bad-mistakey/beaver paddle/camaro cut/mudflap/neckwarmer/schlong(short and long) look, you can refer to ilovemullets.com the Premiere Spot for Mullet Hairstyle Related Poetry, mulletsgalore.com, or one of the many other mullet appreciation sites on the web.

Archiving photos

2006-04-03T00:47:00.000-04:00

During the course of scanning 75 photos this weekend, I discovered that my grandmother was a real babe in the '40s (and still is).And that I was quite the cheeky child...

HNT: Poolside

2006-03-30T00:04:00.000-05:00

Here are my pink toes (and a piece of my nephew) in a photo taken on Tuesday. It hasn't even been two days, but it already feels like ages ago.
The trip was a nice break from my routine. Three days, jam packed... pool, beach, family, and I even learned to fish with the guys!Check out more HNT fun by clicking the Half Nekkid Thursday sidebar link.

See ya!

2006-03-25T11:42:00.000-05:00

I'm off on a quickie vacay. In honor of the occasion, I decided to embrace my inner girlie-girl, and get a pedicure.

I have to admit, I was a little annoyed with the pedicurist when she was putting the finishing touches on my toes and asked, I do your brows?

My mind started racing, What's wrong with my brows? Do I need to have them done? Am I starting to look like Peter Gallagher? Seriously, I wonder if those girls sit around after hours, and plot out how to make people feel self-conscious, so they can make more money. It is just so wrong.

But she did do a nice job with the pedi. My toes are painted pink, and they're ready to dig into some warm sand... See you in a few days!

HNT: Like Orangina

2006-03-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here I am...
a bit of a mess.
Exhausted after a long day of work at the magazine, and then a night of losing at poker. But there is a glimmer of happiness on that face, because the right person was voted off of American Idol. I know, I'm a big dork. Is it wrong to get so much pleasure from someone else's pain?

Click on the Half Nekkid Thursday sidebar link for more fun via O's.

It's a taxing job

2006-03-20T23:25:00.000-05:00

Trying to get my tax-y goodness in order for a CPA meeting tomorrow. It's amazing to see on two pages how much money can just slip away... Ah, the wonder of Quicken.

At least I can feel good that a large percentage went to charities. In 2005, I helped preemie babies like my nephew through the March of Dimes, gave to the US fund for Unicef, helped other families and people like my dad who are suffering from ALS, also the Coalition for the Homeless, Breast Cancer research, Red Cross for Katrina relief efforts, Project Sunshine to help sick children, and the Alliance for Lupus.

I actually think I have unintentionally taken care of my tithing this year, which in the Jewish religion is the practice of giving away 10% of what you make to help others. It is said to bring you more wealth in the end... So donate away!

HNT: Closet Case

2006-03-16T10:36:00.000-05:00

I have another confession to make... No, it's not that kind of closet confession. Been there, done that.

This one is a real secret that I have kept behind closed doors. Well, one closed door in particular...
My closet. The truth is: I have lived in my new home for well over two months now, and I have yet to unpack my clothes. I know, the horror. My nice walk-in closet has been defiled by full suitcases, backpacks, and a huge black garbage bag full of shoes. Seriously. A trash bag 'o shoes.

There are many things that may have contributed to it getting this far... Maybe it's the fact that I can't fit into any of my clothes yet, or perhaps it's that summer clothes bum me out when it's cold, or maybe it is the fact that my closet is the one space in my home that is mine alone, and since things are going well in all the other areas of my life, I need to do something to self-sabotage... Oooor maybe I'm just tired, a.k.a. lazy.

But now, the plot thickens. Several nights ago, as I was readying myself to retire to the boudoir, I went to flip the closet's light switch to on, and there was a pop and then a flash, and suddenly everything went dark. I think the closet was trying to tell me something. My bulb had bust, and I was thrust into total darkness, too embarrassed by the condition of the space, and too intent on maintaining the privacy of that space, to tell the man. I know I could just change it myself, which would take all of about two minutes, but it just hasn't happened. So for three days now, I have been in secret darkness, not only living out of suitcases, but fumbling around trying to find clothes and socks to match in the dark.

In short, if the state of a person's closet directly correlates to the state of their life... I am in serious trouble.

******
For more Half Nekkid Thursday (HNT), click on that sexy sidebar link to the right. Grrrr baby.

On newstands today...

2006-03-13T22:05:00.000-05:00

If you happen to see the following two magazines, you can check out this Jersey girl's photography in print.

On page 34 of the March issue of Psychology Today, there's a portrait of the private eye to the stars...

And two more portraits on page 12 of the Spring issue of Oprah's O at Home...
The on-page gutter credits (in the middle crease of the magazine), identify the photos... It's no spread in W, but I'm sure my grandma will be proud!

HNT: Check out my juicy mangos...

2006-03-08T12:12:00.000-05:00

**I'm posting HNT early this week, since I won't be able to post tonight...

Succulent, don't you think? My new addiction... Sweet, tangy, and makes me drool just thinking about it... No, I'm not talking about Dr. McDreamy (although he is pretty delicious), I'm talking about mango... as in, the fruit.

I've always been rather obsessed with food, especially snacks, constantly thinking about the next thing I am going to eat, and the thing after that; but mango was never really one of those foods on my radar. I never even gave it a thought, except on the rare occasion when I would encounter an unfamiliar bite of fruit salad or a candied cube of dried fruit in with trail mix.

Things all changed last week though, as I was waiting at the register of the craptastic deli/salad bar/sushi-rama/smoothie hut/florist downstairs from where I work. There it was, on display for all to admire, love in the guise of a stack of round clear plastic containers with sliced yellow fruit inside, and stickers that read a mere $1.99. $1.99 for a healthy(er) snack? I had to give it a go.

Once back at my desk, I revealed the plastic fruit-filled container from within the generic white plastic bag, carefully but deliberately, like unwrapping a present. I then loaded up the plastic fork and let the luscious fruit slide past my readied lips. That first memorable moment is emblazoned on my memory. I closed my eyes, momentarily escaping the green haze of fluorescent lights and computer screen's glow, and fully experience the flavor, as it slid down my throat. I was instantly transported to a beach, drinking cocktails with my love beneath a palm tree.

I have a problem now though... No other snack will do it for me any more. I have started craving it's sweet deliciousness all the time, to the point where I fantasize about eating it. Seriously. I may soon be in need of MA... Mango-eaters anonymous.

*********
When Thursday rolls around, click on the sexy sidebar link for more Half Nekkid Thursday (HNT) fun!

My body, my business, be-otch!

2006-03-07T12:03:00.000-05:00

Did you hear? It's scary, but true: South Dakota has banned abortion.

The bill, which is clearly part of a larger anti-choice strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade, was signed on Monday by Gov. Mike Rounds.

The South Dakota law outlaws abortion in almost all cases, including cases of rape or incest. Doctors who violate the ban could face up to five years in prison... Yikes!

Please join me in sending messages to our governors asking them to hold the line on a woman's right to choose. Click here to learn more and take action.

Missy Hissy

2006-03-06T01:25:00.000-05:00

Waaah... I want to jump around and stomp my feet. I want to pound my fists on the floor and wail. I want to moan and groan, and stick out my lower lip in a big dramatic pout.

No, it's not because Crash won the Oscar for Best Picture (although I do think Brokeback Mountain should have won). I am simply upset because I don't want to go to sleep.

This happens every Sunday (and most other nights of the week). I feel like a kid with a bedtime earlier than her friends (yes, I was always that girl... 8PM sharp). But Mo-omm, I'm awake and I want to stay up. I'm not ready for the weekend to be over!

But, the truth is, I know I'll feel worse in the morning if I don't hit the sheets now. So, I'm off... Off to suffer with my nightly struggle. Off to try and quiet my mind. Hopefully I won't have a song in my head like last night... Domo Arigato Mister Roboto... Oh crap. I'm screwed.

HNT Pieces

2006-03-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

For more Half Nekkid Thursday, click on the sexy sidebar link.

She really gets me going

2006-02-26T01:04:00.000-05:00

He brought this eye-sore into my beautiful home...

So I, in turn, got this...

As I have said before, I really have a thing against treadmills, and it's mere presence in my home is really upsetting me. But, I'm realizing that I've got to just suck it up, for my health, and ignore the fact that these huge monstrosities are taking up my whole second bedroom. I have to find a way to accept them and maybe even to eventually embrace them as part of my home.

Maybe I'll feel better about it if I dress my bike up a bit, to feel more connected to it. I could tie a white basket with purple flowers to the front of my bike, just like I did with my childhood bike, Katie. Yes, that's it. The new ProForm shall from here on out be called Katie-bike.

I just hope the fiancé doesn't get concerned when I tell him I'm off to ride Katie... and then I come back all hot, sweaty, and panting. Saying, "Katie, she's the best, she really makes me hot and gets me going."

Message from my former self

2006-02-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

Wear what you want to wear, even if it means sporting rainbow striped socks, a Smurfette ringer tee, and no pants...Eat with your hands and get messy...
And rock out like a rockstar, even if your guitar has no strings...
Have fun and play hard! XOXO, Baby D

Spreading the Grey bug

2006-02-16T09:02:00.001-05:00

If you have not yet checked out Grey's Anatomy, or if you missed it last Sunday, here is your chance... I don't usually post things like this, but my DVR guide told me that last Sunday's explosive episode is on again tonight, and I was too excited not to share! This is honestly one of the best hours I have seen on television in a very long time. And I watch a lot of TV!

I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I held my breath for longer than I thought was possible. I know it may not be for everyone, but how can it hurt to give it a whirl? Then please come back and let me know what you think. All comments welcome.

Encore broadcast: Thursday 9:30/8:30c on ABC

Watch as the Code Black unfolds...

Eulogy for my dearly departed diet

2006-02-14T22:33:00.000-05:00

I am joined today by my loving blogfriends, in the hopes that by sharing the grief that we feel, we can find strength and comfort in each other. On this, the day of death known as St. Valentine's Day, we mourn the loss of so many great diets.

What can I say about the recently departed? I, along with so many other individuals, have been deeply affected by their presence in our lives. We laughed. We cried... We obsessed.

To the others who they have left behind: the mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, people of all shapes and sizes; I stand with you in this time of deep sorrow and remember... We remember the times they brought us through birthdays without cake. Thanksgivings without pumpkin pie. Passovers without macaroons. Yes, we remember.

So let us join virtual hands, and take a moment of silence, a prayer of hope that their spirits will rise again after this day has passed. And let us thank the higher powers Hallmarkian that this phenomenon occurs only once a year.

And together, let us say...
Amen

Snowed in

2006-02-12T20:21:00.000-05:00

Watching the snow build up. Staying warm inside.Remembering the excitement of Snow Days.Wishing I could be a child, to feel that soaring in my stomach again.

Blogsperation

2006-02-09T00:12:00.000-05:00

In celebration of MommaK's Thank Your Fairy Blog Mother Week 2006, I would like to take a moment to thank my very special F.B.M... What, you may be wondering, is a Fairy Blog Mother? A Fairy Blog Mother is someone who first inspired you to begin a blog of your own. My Fairy Blog Mother is not only a talented writer and photographer, but she happens to be one of the best friends I have ever had. From her earliest posts, in which she expressed everything from her deep love for Barney Rubble to her hatred for sweaty gym guys; this sassy Franco-American single handedly got me addicted to the blogosphere. I loved the intimate feeling of connection that was established through the crafting of her blog, and especially how I was able to feel connected to her, even though she lived all the way across the pond... Not a small feat.
So, please join me as I raise a glass to my blog-sperational Fairy Blog Mother, the one and only, bodacious, blog-a-licious, Lauren. Cheers...

Warming the house

2006-02-06T00:02:00.000-05:00

We're pooped! It was a very tiring weekend. My mom was here visiting (she's a snow bird now, living in Jersey for the summer, and Florida for the winter). So on Saturday, we took her, and the future in-laws, to a possible wedding location that we fell in love with.

Then, as soon as we got home, people started arriving for our housewarming party, which ended up being possibly one of the
longest housewarmings in history... Family and friends were here from 2PM to 2AM!

The first wave of guests, approx. 2-6PM, was comprised of mostly family, a few childhood friends, and one fabulous former magazine coworker who makes the best chili ever. She brought a few tupperware containers full, which I selfishly did not serve to the party guests, because I wanted to save it for myself!

The second wave, was my brother and the late-arrival friends, which included the poker crew, who thankfully did not hold the chair incident against me. We celebrated with hours of eating, drinking, debating, toasting, and lots and lots of laughing.

Overall, it was a blast... but I could definitely use another weekend to recover!

HNT Haircut

2006-02-02T21:36:00.000-05:00

I went to get my hair cut after work today.It is kind of hard to see in the photos, but it finally has shape again.
And I feel lighter with layers again, more fun and sexy... It's amazing how different a haircut can make you feel!

To see some fabulous Half-Nekkidness, click on the sexy sidebar link...

Subway riders beware

2006-01-31T01:19:00.000-05:00

The glare is back... You know, that NYC commuter's glare that strikes some of us at times, especially at certain times of the month.

That familiar combo of the evil eye, disgust, irritation, and impatience, with a touch of testiness.

After disappearing for a few weeks when I was floating through on the exciting happenings in my life, the glare is back. It's back, and it's evil as ever.

So if your near the 4 or 5 train, watch out! If you even think of pushing me so you can squish into a full train, or if you yell in my ear, or even if you cut me off on the escalator... Expect a look that you may never be able to shake. Ever. In fact, I would not be surprised if someone burst into flames from the mere site... Consider yourself warned.

Oh dear... What would Ms Subways say?

Hat me baby, one more time

2006-01-28T00:04:00.000-05:00

Who was it who thought that it would be a good idea to take cardboard and make it into pointy cones to put on top of the heads of children at birthday parties, and then attach them with tight elastic bands under their chins?
And why?

**My nephew, pictured above, is turning three next week...
Happy Birthday Sammy!**