Archive of ‘Life’ category

Some people give me the creeps.

Happy Saturday !! So I had quite an eventful one and I hope yours was too. I woke up earlier than usual and picked up a package from the post office.. after that I headed into the city on my Vespa with my roomie (= We went to the Upper West Side and ate at a place called Big Nicks.. (delicious). On the way there we took a route over the Queensboro bridge and thru Central Park, it was an absolutely beautiful ride and Fall day ! On the way home however.. we got rained out. We were soaked to the bone but it was a lot of fun anyhow, a bus driver even opened her window to tell us to be careful ahahah.. anyway after I dried up I went back to the city to wander and for a show… here are some goodies I found on the way..

Near the flatiron they were having live music in Madison Square park and an outdoor food event… I got bacon and maple syrup macaroons ! I thought I could die happy after that, two of my likes collided. I also got a nutella and hazelnut one too.. Mmmmm Mm! I stumbled across a new design store as well that opened a few hours before I got there for their debut.. so cool. Its a finnish design company that is making a come back, originally popular in the 60’s and 70’s (I knew it reminded me of mod era style for some reason) totally cool. Marimekko. 

(The outdoor foodie market)

…Lamb?…..

After this I hopped on the subway to Union Square where they were also having their usual Farmers Market.. I wandered around a bit and came across the Andy Warhol monument.. someone had thrown a can of tomato soup across it which I first thought was terrible but then decided good for photos.

I’m assuming if Warhol were still alive he’d have thought something similar.. “oh, that’s terrible..” I soon wandered into the park to read but it started raining so I retreated to the nearest Starbucks (I know, but they have bathrooms!) and loitered there until I met up with my friends for the show. Now, if your unfamiliar with X, well, get familiar.. ahahah. They are on a current tour with no opening bands but instead playing a film before hand that is chock full of great material. Read more here: !!! and here: !!!!  Below are some stills I was able to capture.

 Irving Plaza (it was previously called the Fillmore..)

I think John Doe is cute.

I was able to capture the Wolf !!!

Smile.

Billy Zoom kind of creeps me out but this is a good picture so no matter..

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQLe9FdXXXw]

Enjoy.

A So so SoHo Sunday

So after sleeping the day away yesterday I decided I needed to get out of my apartment and see the light of day… Since catching sight of the Anna Sui 2011 Fall/Winter Collection (amazing btw) I realized I had never set foot in her store so.. what a better day than a sunny sunday to do it…. I ate a quick bite and hopped the train to Prince St….

On my way to her store a couple flower laiden girls gave me a huge flower clip for a 10% off promo at Kate Spade.. I didn’t go but promptly put the flower in my hair.. it seemed appropriate for my mood/day. Eventually I came upon Anna… and oh how wonderful her store is.. a mix of 60’s, 70’s, bohemian and goth chic… beautiful. I wanted everything…

I did leave with one special item however.. I went with the intention of getting some foundation so I purchased a pressed powder and a case thats limited edition just released yesterday I guess, usually it comes with a black rose case.. I figured I could always switch it out to that one later..

Since I only intended on going to Anna Sui I left indecisive upon what to do next, I decided to hunt down some coffee and a snack….along the way I wandered in and out of various places like Burberry, LF, Space.NK, Sephora, Ben Sherman, Free People, etc.. etc.. Soho is a dangerous place for willing (and unwilling) pocketbooks… I ended up purchasing a couple more items (mint colored ruffled tap shorts and a purple slouchy crop top, Jemma Kidd lip stain! A must for everyday use, better than gunky lipstick) and flower headband. All on major sale.. SCORE.

Of course in SoHo there are also a million things of street art to behold and funny things too such as.. whomever had the ingenious idea of covering up the cross walk signs like this:

I also hit up one of the many cool trucks you’ll find peddling everything from ice cream to paintings and t-shirts..

There is no comparison to naturally sourced and produced foods.. this is the flavor I eventually chose.. its pronounced something like “John do ya’?” as in “Do ya’ want some ice cream?” This is how the girl explained it to me-cute. After eating my ice cream and people watching I hurried to get home because the weather was making me itch for a ride on my scooter. So my roomie and I went for a night ride to Brooklyn, fed some kitties and then ate some tasty food. Now I’m writing this from bed about to finish up my book, Wicked. I hope everyone else had a nice lazy Sunday as well. Cheers!!

Everyone needs a Dumbledore.

READ THIS.

Above is an absolute treasure of a speech, check it out. Also concerning the fictional wizard, he represents something in which every person should have in their lives.. someone looking out who is wise and kind and calming. I hope you have one.

Xo.

Posted in Life, Nerd Alert! // Comments Off on Everyone needs a Dumbledore.

Fashion’s Night Out

So for the Third Annual FNO all of Manhattan and parts of Queens and Brooklyn celebrated Fashion Week with drinks, music, and of course, shopping… Various stores all over New York were a buzz and a bit packed with all kinds during this event. I chose to go to SoHo and Bleecker St. as it has the most shops packed into a rather small space, that way my friend and I could get the most out of our time. Most of the stores started their events at 6pm and ended around 10pm… So after work I changed and headed to SoHo with the lovely Nathalie. First order of business… Betsey !

These two girls were dancing in the window, although the one on the left stood still when she saw us taking a picture, they both looked as perfect as mannequins… Betsey Johnson was doing mini-makeovers (make-up and hair! with purchase), cupcakes, and yoplait yogurt ? was being handed out with neon pink spoons and napkins….

Now..we mustn’t forget the PINK champagne or DJ’s that look like little floating clouds of fluff and glitter..

Next we wandered next door to an Adidas specialty store that sold their lines of designer collaborations and shoes you could design yourself (design workshop)… we were free drink hunting (not difficult during fashion week)

<3 JEREMY SCOTT! <3 

Ciroc and Moscato on ice. 

I was surprised to find that most if not all stores were serving not only champagne but actual cocktails… of the ingredients I saw used some were.. limes, mint, bitters, anaise, and your promotions of new (some old) wines and liquors. After adidas we were headed to the Billionaire Boys Club to check it out where Pharrell Williams was slated for an appearance as well…. FNO BBC SHIRTS ! at any rate when we arrived there was a gigantic crowd out front..so we gave up on that. Luckily Benefit Cosmetics was giving out free swag so we hopped on that, we only had to drink what tasted like a sour apple juice out of little neon orange plastic vials and tell them our deepest darkest beauty secrets… ya… weird female initiation type stuff (hahah not really) mine was that I don’t shave my legs much in the winter, little did I know my friend said the same thing! hahah, the girl I told laughed. After that we wandered in and out of various places and headed to TopShop of course.

TopShop had a DJ, mini-make overs using their make-up line and a drawing for a trip to London Fashion week and a $1000.00 shopping spree…..why, certainly we entered that.

SWAGswagSWAGswagSWAGswagSwagSWAGsWaGSwagswagswagSwAGSWAGswAgSWag

Benefit- Mascara, mini perfume, make-up bag, gift card, tote bag and some samples

Mulberry AW 2011- Fox Mask with black ribbon, sticker sheet with lots of woodland creature illustrations, nail wraps in gold/black, Kiehl’s body wash, tote bag.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CdgftzjMSA]

As far as celebrity sightings go besides a few known rappers hanging around BBC (Billionaires Boys Club) … Kim Kardashian at her new store DASH (for about 5 minutes and it got MOBBED) and Pauly D at American Apparel (we only witnessed his car trying to drive away from yet another mob of screaming people running after it and practically climbing on top.. SERIOUSLY) I guess you just need to have no class and a reality show and you too can be mobbed during New York Fashion Week… geesh.. In all seriousness though the way these “celebrities” got bombarded it was borderline scary. I never want to be famous.

On that note… here is what I purchased from the night.. I was very well behaved..

#1- I love french fries.

#2- This eyeliner crayon in Equinox (a rose gold) is so easy to just swipe on and I get endless compliments on it… I had to buy more, its great for low maintenance t-shirt/jeans kind of girls

#3- Those shoes…..cost me…… $30 ! Originally $105 !!?? Really. They are the best fitting shoes I have found in awhile. Score.

Cheers my fellow Ladies and Gents, I hope all your dreams come true fashionably late-er- ON TIME. Good Night.

Post Script-  A couple celebrity pictures… I think Daniel looks adorkable.

Hell is where the heart is.

Well… sort of… actually I live in a place.. called Michigan, and within that mitten shaped state a place called Hell. Hell Michigan, and yes its a real place, near Ann Arbor, which is near-ish to Detroit and Ferndale and Royal Oak and all the places of my old stomping grounds. I moved there when I was 18 from a suburb of Detroit. This weekend I was able to go home and it was lovely, so here is a quick picture diary, come, hop a plane with me…

Moving side walks.. I have always and will always love them..at least until the day as an old woman in an airport my cane catches and I fall face first in my orthopedic shoes into the moving vertical lines… but.. even then I will probably still like them..

Dorothy had ruby slippers, well I have my own version.

A neighbor near by (as in way down the road) had a little stand up in their yard, you leave money in the can and bag it up yourself. Yes, I lived in apple pie town, where people are pretty trusting and the Mcdonalds is even really nice. This type of stand is not unusual and reminds me of why I like home so much, I could have taken a million pictures…

When I was 18 I worked in Hell. It was probably the only place that would hire me actually seeing as I had neon pink hair at the time… this is believe it or not a decent tourist draw and biker hang out (weird mix) and I was actually flashed a couple times by some biker “babes” ( I use that term loosely) in the store much to my abject horror. Ohhh, bikers. The store is a mix of lots of random halloween stuff, t-shirts with clever Hell puns and.. icecream.. really good icecream actually, and I ate it all day long. So of course first stop off the plane was ice cream in Hell.

This is rather accurate.

Afterwards we went swimming….

It was probably the last nice day of summer and unfortunately as they say Labor Day weekend is the last summer weekend.. my heart sinks a bit at the thought. (Even though Fall is my favorite its followed too closely by the W word…)

The following day we had a huge BBQ and bonfire with the majority of my family which was nice but quite a bit of work for my parents.. but they are total sweethearts and made it happen. I also got to see my kitties ! They are both Sphynx Cats and everyone thinks they are aliens or the cutest cats ever. I think both. I love my alien cats. I hope everyone else had a nice weekend too ! Happy um… Tuesday? Back to work I presume? Well then.. HOP TO IT !

(This frog hitched a ride on my jeans, little suction cup fingers…)

Posted in Life // Comments Off on Hell is where the heart is.

Figures.

Just when I was going to book a weekend stay here because well, its wonderful, this happens. )= 

The Chelsea Hotel is closed until further notice. Here are various articles about the Hotel and its current state.

The Guardian- Uk

Gothamist 

The New York Times 

So long old friend…I remember your art filled lobby and legendary tales…

Posted in Life // Comments Off on Figures.

Fish Guts

So yes, I tend to spill my guts a lot, in a nice big messy pile on display for bystanders to see. Why? Am I an exhibitionist? Am I a masochist? Do I enjoy committing social suicide? I am unsure. Am I too honest and open? yes, probably. While I don’t see it as a negative, one must be cautious. It seems there are many sides to the die, as Weezer attests to (12 sides and more!) and in relation to people you may not like or expect every side. I have learned not to trust so easily (unfortunate) because people are not very nice after all… I have learned a lot so far in my 27 years and mostly how important it is to guard your heart. People will rip it to shreds given the chance. I am weary of this, I am down trodden and tired of experiencing this in myself and observing it happening to others. How and why do people become so.. I’m not even sure one word can sum it up.. Selfish? Cruel? Immature? Self Centered? Judgmental? Pretentious? For me this is the ugly underbelly of human nature, sure I believe people are good to a point, but I meet, like each of you have, people from time to time that test this belief. I also realize that it seems all of humanity is lurching and groping for some sort of connection, answers, LOVE. When Lennon and McCartney penned the lyric “All you need is love” they were quite right. Its simple, its true. However we have made a mess of love. It seems to me I see a lot of empty souls wandering these streets and some of them have hurt me but I know, I know, I only feel sorry-for them and secondly for me.. because Ladies and Gentleman we are in a sad state. You are much more valuable than you can imagine. If you’ve ever been in an atmosphere of turmoil and then been lucky enough to experience one of harmony/caring/kindness then you know the difference. If not, I’m sorry, your one of the many who needs to experience a revolution. One in thinking, in atmosphere. People are lonely; dissatisfied. Why? What’s filling your void? We’ve all got one and at least for me I know what fills it. Love. This can come in many forms. Don’t buy what the world is selling. Find your worth, it will change your life. Don’t give up even if people seem to keep pushing you down, after all, the night is darkest before the dawn. (and yes I stole that from The Dark Knight)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4p8qxGbpOk]

Now please, try and treat each other better.

It’s Only Rock N’ Roll

SO…. First Saturday off in nearly a month… the weather is perfect.. what is one to do? Well being a girl, why not Calgel? What is this gel you speak of? Well… its only the perfect solution for low maintenance clumsy girls such as myself (and perhaps you too??) I had heard of Sakura Salon for these popular japanese nails they offer (one of only a few in all of Nyc! tisk tisk) I have always wanted some fun nails and here was the perfect start! So a riding I went to the Lower East Side and had myself a nice little day … I wandered around a bit pre-nail appointment and here are some of my little serendipity moments along the way…

I parked next to the now defunct Mars Bar… It is littered with spray painted I miss you’s and “The Last Summer”… The first time I came here it was solely because a friend and I were seeking out the dirtiest punk/dive bars while on our visit, this one came up on the list pretty easily, and so it was that I used the bathroom (which reaked of pure ammonia and was not much bigger than an airplane bathroom) simply to conquer what was known as the dirtiest bar in Nyc’s bathroom.. images of Trainspotting briefly crossed my mind but I was too busy not inhaling to fully regale them….. So not only is this place closed but also John Varvatos has taken up residence in the old CBGB’s.. (another landmark I was fortunate to have drank in years ago). I went in and talked to one of the sales people whom informed me that all the walls, floor, etc are original, they even took large sections of the wall (which was covered in flyers, stickers.. ahem.. etc..) and basically put big frames over them museum style sealing them off for preservation. Of course the store is beautiful, but it is a sad beauty, for what once was and what is. I appreciated the attempt at preservation however, and apparently they have music nights the first Thursday of every month where musicians perform in ……store (I don’t like calling that building a store but… alas)

They also have records for sale as well as old amplifiers, speakers, record players… I rather liked that bit too. Next up, in my search for sustenance !.. I found The Juice Press 

Its Vegan and raw and DELICIOUS! And it is how I am aiming to eat because I feel wonderful when I do, they are also opening one near my work.. this could mean trouble for my pocket book….. last but not least… I did a run thru of Patricia Field because it was nearby and I still had more time to burn.. I behaved and bought a pocket sized amount.. (;

OH! I almost forgot I stumbled upon a nice little coffee house/poetry theatre and URBANOLOGY. An interactive game put on by The Guggenheim and BMW? Check the link, it was educational in a fun way… don’t believe me? Play online.

… And finally….  Sakura.

I was greeted warmly by the receptionist who offered me a drink while I waited (Hot tea!) and I was left to browse thru numerous magazines, mostly japanese, which I couldn’t read but they have the best pictures to make things up to… Anyway once my nail tech was available she sat me down and we discussed design. I had only booked an appointment for what they called a glitter gradation, anything else further requires more time and more $$$. We decided a couple fingers solid glitter (next time black w/leopard print and pyramid studs!) she then prepped my nails and began the process which was roughly one coat clear calgel then calgel mixed with the glitter of my choosing and finally a top coat. Between each application you place your hand under a UV lamp to quick dry them and harden the gel. Maintenance requires a new topcoat once a week to keep it fresh, otherwise they last up to 3 weeks and are not to crack, chip, or peel off. This is ideal for people such as myself that are rough on their hands. The atmosphere of Sakura is that of a spa, calm, tranquil… almost too much because as this is a time consuming event (nearly 3 hours) I started to fall asleep only prompted awake by my technicians prodding.. “Are you ok?!” ahahah. yes. Afterwards they massage your hand/fingers with aromatherapy lotion and off you go! This no doubt costs a pretty penny…  about $60 plus tip.. however you get what you pay for. I shall see how this holds up but so far I love it!

This cat is addicted to Calgel sniffing !

Cheers!

It’s Only Rock N’ Roll

SO…. First Saturday off in nearly a month… the weather is perfect.. what is one to do? Well being a girl, why not Calgel? What is this gel you speak of? Well… its only the perfect solution for low maintenance clumsy girls such as myself (and perhaps you too??) I had heard of Sakura Salon for these popular japanese nails they offer (one of only a few in all of Nyc! tisk tisk) I have always wanted some fun nails and here was the perfect start! So a riding I went to the Lower East Side and had myself a nice little day … I wandered around a bit pre-nail appointment and here are some of my little serendipity moments along the way…

I parked next to the now defunct Mars Bar… It is littered with spray painted I miss you’s and “The Last Summer”… The first time I came here it was solely because a friend and I were seeking out the dirtiest punk/dive bars while on our visit, this one came up on the list pretty easily, and so it was that I used the bathroom (which reaked of pure ammonia and was not much bigger than an airplane bathroom) simply to conquer what was known as the dirtiest bar in Nyc’s bathroom.. images of Trainspotting briefly crossed my mind but I was too busy not inhaling to fully regale them….. So not only is this place closed but also John Varvatos has taken up residence in the old CBGB’s.. (another landmark I was fortunate to have drank in years ago). I went in and talked to one of the sales people whom informed me that all the walls, floor, etc are original, they even took large sections of the wall (which was covered in flyers, stickers.. ahem.. etc..) and basically put big frames over them museum style sealing them off for preservation. Of course the store is beautiful, but it is a sad beauty, for what once was and what is. I appreciated the attempt at preservation however, and apparently they have music nights the first Thursday of every month where musicians perform in ……store (I don’t like calling that building a store but… alas)

They also have records for sale as well as old amplifiers, speakers, record players… I rather liked that bit too. Next up, in my search for sustenance !.. I found The Juice Press 

Its Vegan and raw and DELICIOUS! And it is how I am aiming to eat because I feel wonderful when I do, they are also opening one near my work.. this could mean trouble for my pocket book….. last but not least… I did a run thru of Patricia Field because it was nearby and I still had more time to burn.. I behaved and bought a pocket sized amount.. (;

OH! I almost forgot I stumbled upon a nice little coffee house/poetry theatre and URBANOLOGY. An interactive game put on by The Guggenheim and BMW? Check the link, it was educational in a fun way… don’t believe me? Play online.

… And finally….  Sakura.

I was greeted warmly by the receptionist who offered me a drink while I waited (Hot tea!) and I was left to browse thru numerous magazines, mostly japanese, which I couldn’t read but they have the best pictures to make things up to… Anyway once my nail tech was available she sat me down and we discussed design. I had only booked an appointment for what they called a glitter gradation, anything else further requires more time and more $$$. We decided a couple fingers solid glitter (next time black w/leopard print and pyramid studs!) she then prepped my nails and began the process which was roughly one coat clear calgel then calgel mixed with the glitter of my choosing and finally a top coat. Between each application you place your hand under a UV lamp to quick dry them and harden the gel. Maintenance requires a new topcoat once a week to keep it fresh, otherwise they last up to 3 weeks and are not to crack, chip, or peel off. This is ideal for people such as myself that are rough on their hands. The atmosphere of Sakura is that of a spa, calm, tranquil… almost too much because as this is a time consuming event (nearly 3 hours) I started to fall asleep only prompted awake by my technicians prodding.. “Are you ok?!” ahahah. yes. Afterwards they massage your hand/fingers with aromatherapy lotion and off you go! This no doubt costs a pretty penny…  about $60 plus tip.. however you get what you pay for. I shall see how this holds up but so far I love it!

This cat is addicted to Calgel sniffing !

Cheers!

Wax Attax

So when I first moved to the apple I discovered not only seamlessweb (you’ll never cook again, I swear) I also found livingsocial. Both are websites you order things from, one food, the other, services. Luckily I bulked up a little cart of things that you can use within a certain time frame (a year, 6 mos, etc) and now that I’m being even thriftier.. I may be on the budget of a pauper but I still live like a prince (in my mind ahaha). Today I used a couple of my vouchers/coupons to visit Saloni Threading Salon. I got a 30-minute facial, eyebrow threading, and a bikini wax.( by the by, what DO you tip someone who does bikini waxing?? I mean I don’t even like to touch feet really) It turns out this spa is one little cozy room with two private rooms for facials and waxing, they have been there 7 years! I enjoyed it and it was steeply discounted so no complaints. I included my journey along the way…

Saloni

When I first got off the subway into Union Square I nearly forgot, there is a HUGE farmers market! They do it weekly in the summer and fall, weather permitting. I love Union Square, there is a lot to do and see there. I ended up talking to a vendor about the Market and her products, Sheep’s milk cheeses, yogurt (yes you read it correctly) and meats. As it turns out sheep’s milk contains much more nutrients than goat’s milk OR cow’s milk! I was given samples to try and lets just say, I found a new favorite dairy animal. I bought lavender & honey cheese and some yogurt. The flavor of Sheep’s milk is mild and smooth( see also: delicious) I was not prepared to do any heavy shopping but I will be back. I mean, really, fresh beautiful local produce and products being sold street side right in Manhattan !? I love this city.

(Pssssst.. Link up here—-> Food Me!

I realize I seem to be taking a lot of carrot pictures, they are just so…. perfect looking! I like the color contrast. After the Market I wandered to… *drum roll* FORBIDDEN PLANET! Dun dun dun duuuun

Caption: I <3 Men in Uniform, I only date Super Heroes, Ladies Night

Afterwards I hopped over to Max Brenners.. this place I have walked by several times but never went in because it looks expensive and well.. it is.. I got something called a Golden Latte (various yummy juices) and a Nutella Crepe and it came to about $16.50.. yikes. I must say its a bit too sugary for me and I have had much better crepes in Astoria. So it was not worth the price, however the atmosphere is amazing and the products are creative.. Chocolate syringe anyone?

I’d recommend a visit, mostly because the sheer sight of it all and the shop is lovely even though my crepe was so so. I will be returning to buy some chocolate goodies one day I’m sure.. (they have a store inside the eatery aka “chocolate bar”)

After these places I went to Saloni and it was a much needed break. I had just worked an overnight shift and have been working a lot in general so it was nice that I had saved those vouchers from so long ago to use now! Of course afterwards I stumbled out into the bright street from the dim calm of Saloni and made one last stop at one of my favorite stores: Callalilai Union Square

It is a hit or miss store, even if you miss there is always something however, they have amazing bags on hand as well as belts at all times. Most if not all the shoes are tenderly made by the best, IN ITALY. They actually look like vintage shoes made in america by the way they are stamped and how the leather is sewn, however they are not, these shoes are newly made in Italy, where they still know how to make a good pair of shoes. They look vintage only because ours stopped looking that way because we manufacture/accept crap now! Today in particular was a big HIT, if I had reverted to my old ways I would have dropped at least a few hundred on some amazing pieces but instead I purchased one item, on sale. A unique dress that the lovely ladies here even steamed for me before they wrapped it up (they are quite helpful here) Needless to say in N.y. you don’t necessarily have to have money to enjoy the fancy things in life.  I felt very pampered today and boy did I need it ! Check out the shops blog and of course check out the shop if your ever in town ! The one in Union Square is in a beautiful antique shop, the atmosphere alone is wonderful. I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Back to work for me tomorrow, I have financial goals people. ha.

Ps… On my way home I stopped to browse at SITE, a great local store, I plan to do more extensive coverage of them in my community portion, until then check out the webSITE.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mQ4reLS8Lo&ob=av2e]

Enjoy.

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