Would have been perfect this week!

I found this adorable umbrella by Moschino that I think might just possibly be the sweetest thing. Think back to the floods of this week and how nice it would have been to be comfy and dry under this little beauty... I love the shape, which covers your shoulders so you're not getting dripped on and the polka dots just cheer up a rainy day:)
Combine it with a fabulous pair of black shiny rubber boots and you're all set for the trek to work! Gotta love New York in the rain:)

The Nude You...

I know that we all have deep insecurities and hate parts of our bodies and that we all have a few parts we secretly adore...so what if? What if there was a way to have a nude photo take of yourself for whoever, that really glorifies the amazing women you are! Fat, skinny, chubby, flat chested, but has a great ass...how much fun would it be to have an artist take some incredible pictures of you naked!

I absolutely LOVE the idea. Yes, I would be a little wierded out to start, but I think I could get into it, especially after seeing some of this woman's previous work... It's very inspiring!

If you can cook together it's meant to be...

This past weekend besides being just wonderful in that very busy, lot's of family, lot's of food kind of way, was very enlightening as well! My boyfriend and I cooked together for the first time. We decided that we would cook a full lunch. Our menu was as follows:

To start: Goat cheese pillows wrapped in Proscuitto Parma with Sundried tomotoes, with a pesto dressing.

The meal: Sausage stuffed mushrooms....AMAZING!
Potatoes with onions
Creamed spinach with mascarpone cheese
Fillet Mignon

The meal was very good, but I had so much fun cooking with him that it made the whole thing so much more enjoyable! It took us a very efficient 2 1/2 hours to complete our cooking. It was just so nice to be able to be in a space with someone who respects you in the kitchen and at the same time takes control of certain projects so that you don't feel like you have to do everything. I would strongly suggest cooking with your significant other...it's a good sign if you can finish cooking without wanting to throw things at them! I've had many experiences with people in my kitchen that I just wanted to throw garbage at...yes, you heard me...garbage. This was NOTHING like that!

Food Poisoning

As I was curled up on the floor of my bathroom last night, cold and clammy and just dying...I thought to myself, how the hell can I make myself feel better?! Is there a cure for this? Am I dying? Seriously, I think food poisoning is the worst thing ever! It's not like a bad cold or infection where there are THINGS that can help...no no no...with food poisoning you just have to ride it out...Such a shame too, because I had a wonderful dinner last night with two great friends at an adorable Middle Eastern place and I really enjoyed myself...Sadly, I will NEVER be returning ...I think my stomach would murder me! UGH! the agony! AND I'm not being even a little bit dramatic!

Sometimes what you desire happens!

I write daily desires because well, I like the stuff or ideas and I think maybe one day I'll buy them for myself or someone else will like them and find pleasure in discovering them too...
The other day, well actually for the past 3 weeks I've been desiring my favorite flowers...peonies. I love these flowers! They are the perfect flowers...smell incredible, rich in color and just make me smile all the time. Every spring I get peony crazed and buy then on the street! Just yesterday I said something to my boyfriend about how much I love them and have to stop and grab some today on my way home from work...

So this morning a very nice man delivered to me the most incredible bunch of peonies with a note attached that says, "Happy Spring, love ..." Amazing! Lovely, Special!!!!

How great is he????!!!!

Monday's Desire...

I don't think we give it up for the 1940's enough...wouldn't you all agree....?
I was introduced to a product today that is just so fabulous that we should all shout a big thank you to the ladies of the 1940's who invented it! AND, a big thank you to Miss. Emily for bringing it to 2006! Such a fabulous way to be safe, but do it with style:)

PURSE HANGERS!
They hook onto your table and leave a very pretty coin shaped peice on top, which then stablizes the hook so you can place you bag on it...brilliant!

I hate putting my adorable, amazing bags on floor of some restaurant! I mean afterall these are beautiful bags...they should be seen right?! WHY hide them and still not know who's grabbing them from under our chairs....And we all the know the rule to NEVER, I repeat, NEVER hang your bag on the back of your chair!!!! So my answer is this...www.purse-hanger.com
love it! Everyone should have one...well, every lady, that is:)

Good friends...thank you for a wonderful weekend!

I got back early this morning from a fun weekend in Washington with my best friends from college. It's always amazing to me that warm fuzzy feeling I get when I go back there...It's like I see those girls and there's no bullshit, no wierd glances like I didn't do something, no snotty comments, no crap, because well, they haven't seen me in forever and it's still ok, because we're best friends and there are certain things that are just understood between best friends. You know what I'm talking about right?

I miss that feeling and when I leave, I can't wait to get my fix again. Maybe it's because it is so rare that I see them and so it's such a luxury that nothing bothers me when I'm there...but still...this morning when I got on my 9AM shuttle back to Manhattan I felt like I was missing something and that feeling is not going to go away till July, when I see them again.

Seriously, just being able to sit with your friend in silence and have total calm is amazing. I love not having to worry about what I say, because they certainly are not judging me. It's like you have these people who just are always there for you, not because you feel some sense of obligation to each other, but because you all really care.

I'm sure you all have friends like these...and I just don't think we appreciate them enough.

Mushy moment, I know...but I had such a wonderful weekend that I had to say a big thank you to the wonderful ladies down in D.C.!!!!!!

The Player's Club...

I got some VERY exciting news last night and I have to write about it! Marquis Jets has an anual trip they organize for a few of their select top earners, sales people, marketing people... This trip is the MOST DESIRED trip and it's pretty slim that you're going on it, even if you think you are...But, luckily one of my very best friends is a Marquis Jet superstar and she has so very graciously invited me to accompany her on this trip of trips! We fly down on one of their jets to The Ocean Club in Nassau Bahamas for 4 days of fabulous treatment and fun! I can't wait! This will be my first official flight on a private jet...I've walked on a few, but never actually flew on one, so this should be so exciting. I feel like a little kid!

Right now I have to start planning on what I'm going be wearing and what I need to bring with me...oh wait, that's right...NOTHING, because everything is there for us to use and enjoy:)

I still feel like it's a dream...I'm going to ride it for as long as it lasts:)

I will definitely update on how the trip went...I leave in 2 weeks!

Back to my roots...

For the past six months I've been blonde...I started as strawberry blonde, then went to bright blonde and then back to a combo...the color was amazing...I was always shocked at the quality of the color and how it was possible for someone like me to actually be blonde. The problem was I never really felt like myself. uhmm not to mention, I had to dye my roots every 3 weeks.... It's strange being a dark brunette your whole life and then one day you have a whole head of golden hair...felt like an out of body experience...Not to mention, so many things are different. People treat you diffferently, look at you differently...very interesting experiment.

I know for sure though now, that I can't handle it. I am not able to handle the things that go along with being blonde. I actually had a mentor metion to me that I should consider going back to dark because pitching new clients as a business owner might be easier as a brunette! Not so sure how true that is, but I can say that as a brunette we pitched it, we got it...as a blonde, well, we've lost a few. If they were women, it was a no go, if men, then yes. Very funny how that works isn't it? Says something about women though... Not to mention, I never felt sexy, which is very important to me, as I'm sure it is to most women.

I have blonde friends who are fabulous, sexy and stunning, and they work it! They are successful and confident! Maybe because they were born that way...but not me. I had my locks dyed back on monday and I felt so freakin amazing walking out with my dark hair! I walked differently, didn't have to worry if my eyebrows matched my hair, was looked at differently and most important, I have my confidence back! It feels so good!

I'm sure one day I'll think about going light again and god know, there were lot's of people telling me to stay light and that I looked great as a blonde, but ultimately, I'm a dark haired chic. Who knows...maybe in 6 months I'll go red! Red heads have a ton of fun too:) But you'll never see me mousy brown hair! I don't do weak colors! hehehe Don't know too many people who do! If you're going to look fabulous, have amazing hair!

The Desire to eat can be so strong!

I'm an eater...I'm a foodie...I'm whatever you want to call me in relation to loving food. Some might say "chubby," I say, "happily full." hehehe... I love to experiment with food, love the smell of it and absolutely adore going to new restaurants! Seriously, I'm actually surprised I'm not 300lbs considering how much my boyfriend and I eat out, because well, it's a lot! And when we find a place we love...oh watch out! We're there! It was Otto(still might be his fav), then it was the Turkish Kitchen(is STILL AMAZING), and now it's Landmarc...(I really have no words other than fabulous, fun, romantic, chic...ok so I have a few words)
So I say with much excitement that my desire for today is Del Posto! As I'm sure many of you know, this is Mario Batali's new place and it's generated quite the buzz...NO, this is not from some insanely driven PR effort, although I'm sure the crew handling it is doing a great job, I think this one speaks for itself. This is magnificently decorated, planned wonderfully, oh yeh...and cost a breezy $10 million dollars! Oh and the food is amazing as well...so I hear. I want to try it all!!!! Can't wait! IF any of you have been, please tell me what you ate and what you LOVED!

Ciao for now!

Taking you back...

I was recently introduced to this very fun collection of jewelry through a friend of a friend. You know how it is...someone knows someone amazing who has this incredible gift for making super fun stuff and they spread the word...

The line is called vadisturner and you really, well you just have to LOOK at it to put a smile on your face. It's not complicated stuff or very hard to make, but it lights up a room and makes you want to pop lot's of colorful gumballs in your mouth and blow REALLY big bubbles. It takes you back to night of scrabble with friends and family and rainy days of playing with lot's of yarn, trying to create something "pretty" as a kid:) It's not expensive, it wears well and it's ALWAYS a topic for conversation!

Today's Desire!

I'm very excited about this little craving...It's the Temperly London Sweet Pea Intarsia Dress. I've been following Temperly for a few years and I've always enjoyed the collections, but I never really started "stalking" the line till this past fashion week, when my show and Termperly went up against one another...We changed the timing of OUR show...Are you kidding!!!! Temperly is lovely and chic and has a serious cult following, not to mention the entire collection has been picked up by SAKS, which well it very cool.

Anyway, this dress is a little different. I love the Mayan inspired print and I also like that it has little sleeves. I love strapless and thin strapped dresses, but it's nice to see this every once in a while. God knows I would look awful in this, but a girl can dream right?!

So enjoy!

Interesting Factoid...

In today's WWD, there is an article on "Areas That Accessorize." I'd like to state with a HUGE amount of shock, that Manhattan, the one and only New York City, is NOT on the top 10 list!
The rankings are:
1. Washington-MD-VA-W.VA

2. Stamford- Norwalk CT

3. Chicago

4. San Francisco

5. Philadelphia

6. Nassau-Suffolk, NY

7. San Jose

8. Boston

9. Detroit

10. Minneapolis-Saint Paul-Wis

New York actually came in 15th and Los Angeles came in at 18th!


I have to admit I'm a little surprised, but when I really think about the facts...I guess it's not that shocking. But still...LET'S PICK IT UP PEOPLE!!!!
Next quarter...I want to at least be #9! I know enough people who love accessories, let's show them what we can do here in NYC!

Desire of the Day...

So I think I'm going to start posting something everyday that I desire:) It might be affordable or it might be, well...just plain insane, but whatever:)
Today's desire of the day comes to us from Lauren Moffatt, a fabulous handbag designer! HOW CUTE IS THIS!!!!?

I think this is a perfect summer clutch and it will glide into fall as well...it's all about versatility people! I have to say, I'm not the biggest clutch person in the world. I really cherish my bags and I like to have my hands free. But look at how cute this is! And I think it will fit more than just one of my chosen lip balms or glosses...don't you hate when you have a great little bag and all that fits is a tiny little tube of something...? YUCK! I need space!

Anyway, there you have it...my desire of the day!

Let's Ruffle a Few Feathers...

I didn't write this...A Marine who is currently in Iraq sent it to me...I don't agree or disagree with it...And well the part about kicking soccer out, well that's just insane...as might be the part about drilling for oil in Alaska...Someone actually wrote this...Maybe they didn't think it through completely or maybe they're just angry because they've been in Iraq or maybe they just want to piss everyone off...I don't really know. But read it and take from it what you will or won't. If nothing else, it will give you something to think about whether you think of points to refute the ideas or make you think about how this might be right...do with it what you will.

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?

My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of Iraq regime has been completed. Since congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete. This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, Australia, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war. The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell-holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France. In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China. I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA
treaty - starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska - which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there. They care.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, "darn tootin."

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup Soccer from America. To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you and we won't forget.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.

God bless America. Thank you and good night.

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English, thank a soldier.

My latest Hobby...

I currently represent a few jewelry designers who make some fabulous stuff! For example, www.jennifergrove.com Wonderful, easy-to-wear stuff that is not going to kill your wallet. And also knowing that the designer is possibly one of the sweetest people alive, doesn't hurt. It actually makes you want to buy more!

So the other day I wondered into a bead store and just picked up some great semi-precious stones. I started to formulate a necklace that I would make for my mom for Mother's Day and well, I got REALLY into! Then today, I went back to the store to make another friend of mine a necklace for her birthday. I purchased some smokey quartz, some jade and some awesome light purple stone, which I can't remember, but it's awesome! Then I made another friend a necklace and she LOVES it! Ithink I found my calling! hehehe Just kidding ,but it really is fun and some of the stuff I've made is super pretty.

Sadly I'm slightly unskilled in the earring making department...uhmmm I suck at it actually so that' s my next challenge and oh yes...I will succeed:)

For the love of shoes!

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have a slight obsession with Shoes and handbags. Not just any shoes and bags, but very expensive shoes and bags. ( This is in addition to my hair and skin care addiction...yes, I have problems, but hey, I'm happy)

So it's that time of year again and I've been passing some very pretty shoes lately and it's all just getting to be too much...My hands start to shake, I can smell the leather and before I know it I'm knee deep in boxes and my credit card debt just jump another grand... I like them all! Laboutins, Blahniks, Choos, Ferragamo, Chanel, Prada, Marc Jacobs...all the way to the adorable shoes at banana Republic, jcrew, Bakers, and even Target! I LOVE SHOES! So you can imagine how hard it is for me to see all these fabulous sandles everywhere!

Today I broke down. My first mistake was heading into Sacco, where I was overwhelmed by slides and mules and thongs...I purchased a stunning pair of kitten heels and a pair of braided leather thongs by Bernado.( These are fantastic sandals! i buy a pair ever summer. They are chic and comfy and only run about $90)
I then went to Saks...hmmm...bad bad bad. The Laboutin section there is just too much to handle for me...They are all so pretty and I always find myself buying a pair. Today I bought a pair of red stunners...they might go back...Just a thought.
Then there was Jcrew...How cute are those espadrills with the ribbons and the patterned fronts!? I got a pair a little while back, but I decided they just didnt' do anything for me. SO I exchanged them for a VERY cute little bag and some pants. See! that was a smart purchase!

Now if only I can stay strong through my battle of the bag phase...it's coming, I know it is. Considering market week starts next week for all accessory company, the shit is going to hit the fan in my wallet. Basically all the spring bag samples are done with and fall is being pushed sooooo showrooms are clearing out samples of FABULOUS bags...and I know I'm going to be presented with some great options...now the trick is to say NO! I mean, a $1000 bag for $200 is a great deal, but I can't stop at one...and that's where I run into trouble.

Right now I'm sweating this Jimmy Choo bag, but alas I don't think it's going to happen unless by some miracle I become friends with the showroom and well, that's just not gonna happen...I'm not that cool:( hehehe maybe one day!

Waiting...

I watched a really funny, but fucking stupid movie last night called Waiting...It's definitley not winning an Oscar anytime soon, but "damn Gina!" that movie is so funny! I laughed my ass off! This movie is about a bunch of 20 something's that work in a restaurant called Shananigans...If you've EVER worked in a restaurant, you must see this movie! You will see all your past restaurant friends in these people...you will see your old manager, the hot asshole who you used to sweat, the douchebag who farts and spits on everything, the freak guy who stalked you, the angry bitchy girl who hates life, the slutty hostess who wants to nail the hot asshole you used to sweat, ahhh yes...the list goes on and on...SEE IT!

*** oh and did I mention Ryan Reynolds is in it...uhmmm yeh...he's hot.

Some more Crack...for your hair.

I know in the past I've told you that Pantene is the Crack of all shampoos...And I still agree with this, but about 3 days ago I gave into the urge to buy more Pantene product. I got this new Restorative collection conditioner for antifrizz....This stuff is fantastico!!! Seriously, amazing! I was deperate for something to tame my hair when I just do a half-assed blow dry...you know what I'm talking about...where you just dry the front two panels of hair and the rest goes to shit...Yeh so I use the stuff, do my half-assed blow out and run out the door. A half hour later my boyfriend asks me if I've had my hair blown out because it looks fantastic...THANK YOU PANTENE! This stuff makes you hair super smooth and sleek. It doesn't allow the air to frizz it out at all. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

The ultimate test will be a hot and humid Manhattan day!!!! But for now it's all about the Pantene Restorative:)

Life is good...

As crazy as this past weekend seemed--with tons of family members streaming through my house, with kids screaming and yelling about the eggs they found hidden in the bushes, and dogs running wild in the grass-- it was a fantastic time.
Saturday morning Ken and I got up together and took Oscar for a walk. I didn't realize it was 80degrees!!! By the time I got to my apt I was dying of heat and I think Oscar was in some sort of shock, because he would sprint for a few seconds and then stop dead in his tracks panting up a storm! I think he was testing to see how hot it really was! hehehe We then quickly picked up some flowers, wine, chocolate, showered and packed up. Ken picked us up at 2ish and we headed out for a weekend with the parents. I have to admit I was a little nervous at the thought of spending serious quality time with mom and dad...They are great people, but my dad can be a tad tough and moody...
We arrived and were immediately put to work getting the table ready, helping with cooking and organizing plates and stuff. We then sat around a bit drinking wine on the patio and eating lot's of yummy cheeses:) Not soon after we finished our last sips of wine my dad suggested we go for a walk...Actually, no...I suggested we walk down to the lake. (uhmm the lake is at the bottom of a not so big hill and that was it) So my dad decides we should go for a WALK. He come out of the house with walking sticks and his boots on...hmmm...I went into panic mode but there was nothing I could do...his mind was made up!
So we start down the hill...me in my flip flops kind of dragging along... At one point, about 15 into the walk I had an out of body experience where I saw my dad out in front in his boots, Ken in his Gucci loafers and Lacoste polo and me in my little skirt with flip flops, and it was just too funny! I mean seriously...we looked like such city people it was crazy!!!!! who hikes in Gucci loafers!!! hehehe we do!

Sunday, well Sunday was a crazy day. Started with church then shifted to serious family mode... Soon after, friends showed up and then it all went to hell with people everywhere! A great time was had by all:)

Arriving back in the city last night was wonderful! We were beaming while sitting in traffice coming uptown! God I love New York!