Fashion Week!

Okay, okay...I know it is beyond belated. However, I wanted to share my fashion week experiences. :) Yes, I have attended a New York City Fashion Week Fashion Show. Correction, I have attended 3 New York City Fashion Week Fashion Shows.

This year was the first public fashion show in the city. It was also the first year Fashion Week was not at Bryant Park. Lincoln Center hosted Fashion Week and the week was kicked off in true fashion with a fashion show opened to the public. In initially hearing this news, the tickets for the event were sold out. Super sad face. Lucky for me I have my Go-To Girl, Adrianna. She is my celebrity loving media darling soul mate. Her mom had gotten tickets to Fashion Night Out The Show (the formal name of the public fashion show event) for her and her step sister, but with the step sister not able to attend she graciously asked me if I wanted to join. I accepted, it was the polite thing to do.

Models making an entrance via NYC double decker tour bus

I was in the midst of the most iconic fashion models, designers and celebrities and right then and there I fell in love with New York City all over again and again and again, as each new look passed by me.

Giselle aka my fashion crush

The event aired on CBS and my Grandmama even watched and called me to say how amazing it was to watch and how thrilled she was that I attended. I loved dishing about the event with my almost 85 year old grandmother even more than attending the show itself. Which only goes to show you, fashion truly is timeless.

Ariel shot of the cat walk around Lincoln Center Fountain

Hiatus

I have been a bad blogger! I confess I have yet to get the hang of this blogging fad ( sigh, how I wish sometimes it was just that). I have much to update. I am going to make an effort to write here more and cut down on my word count. :)

Craig is on my list!

There are few things I despise less than searching for an apartment. The only other thing would probably be searching for a job...

Searching for a new apartment is very similar to finding a new job. At least in NY. You are searching for not only a space and neighborhood that is good for you, but also....roommates. Though I am fortunate that my income does allow me to bunk alone, I'm just not ready. I'm not certain which neighborhood I want to set my roots in and I'm also not prepared to part with a small fortune monthly. Considering I've yet to hit my six month mark in the city, I feel its best financially to keep my savings saved and invest in a modest little hole in the wall to call my NYC home. Plus, this way I have more funds to explore this magnificent city.

So far, my craigslist adventures have turned out a flat out rejection, being stood up and the roommate version of a proposal.

I thought I had hit the jackpot when I found Laura and her two roommates. Laura was looking for a sublet for her ADORABLE Park Slope apartment. My heart melted when I looked at the exposed brick photo on craigslist. I met with the two girls I would call my future roommates and all was seemingly well. We fell in mutual roommate "like" when I asked a random question that they had forgotten during my 21 questions interview. I thought it only natural to ask, "So...when do you shower?" I got nervous when Laura laughed, thinking this may have not been an appropriate question upon first meeting someone. Laura then explained that this was one of her initial question that she had forgotten to ask me. She had previously asked the prior applicant this question and was met with a harsh reply of, "What does that have to do with anything?"

To me, this question seemed natural. If we are all getting ready for work at the same time each morning, this can be a hazard! Especially with three ladies and one bathroom. Not only did it seem fateful that we asked the same question, we also had a very workable shower schedule aligned. I left the interview confident I had found my new home! (it definitely helped that I asked to use the restroom before leaving and totally eavesdropped on the girls saying they loved me:) )

Well, a week went by and...no word :( I was pretty crushed and confused. So naturally, I emailed. Turns out the girls had a friend who needed a room and it went to her. Though I did get a very nice "Dear John" email.

"you would have been a great fit, but..."

so I pounded the key board again...www.craigslist.com

and met Kara. Kara had a spacious room with a brick fireplace! (I apparently have a thing for bricks) I was even more excited about this Greenpoint/Williamsburg apartment than the Park Slope rejection. Greenpoint/Williamsburg is a much closer commute to the city. Though I was in room love with the Park Slope apartment the commute was just a little too far from both city to train stop and more importantly, train stop to apartment. Well, I had no idea how far Greenpoint/Williamsburg would take me.

The MTA and I have a love hate relationship. I love it when my trains run on time with zero scheduled maintenance. I hate when they run late, or not at all, and have changes in tracks due to maintenance. Unfortunately on Monday night, when I was headed to view my potential future home, the E decided it was not going to run. After hearing a muffled voice echo over the loud speaker at the Queens Plaza track my heart raced. I had no idea what the voice was saying, but I knew...like we all knew standing there...it was bad news. After waiting for minutes, hoping my little voice was wrong about the muffled voice a kind young man (16 year old braces wearing pint of a man) asked if I was going to Court Square...I was! Thankfully Marky, yes Marky. Was also not only headed to Nassau Ave, he would be walking right by the block that was my final destination. He was my little MTA misdirect God send. Marky walked with me from Queens plaza to Ely st where we would catch the G (aka the most unreliable train in the city) to Nassau Ave. Once there Marky escorted me oooh about 15 blocks (uuuggghhhh!!!!) to the door of Kara and her two roommates. Marky went on his way home after giving me an escort and tour of the neighborhood (including where I can score alcohol without an ID...sweet!), of course not before asking me to facebook him.

I texted Kara when I made it to her door. I had already given the apartment a strike in the obscene distance that it took me to get to the apartment (it did not help that it was dark and raining). Kara was at the door in an instant and showed great joy in seeing me, I would soon discover why. It was a much easier commute from door to door once in the apartment. On the second floor we entered the apartment. Right away the space was neat and clean, and had an aroma of a um, herbal scent. I met Marta, the young woman whose lease I would be taking over. Marta kindly stood up from her friend and guitar to meet me. She gave me a bear hug and planted a big wet one on my cheek. I pulled away quickly and looked into her incredibly dilated eyes and immediately became uncomfortable. Strike two. I am not naive. I understand its NY and these are young girls in fashion school, but come on! Lets keep the "herbal remedies" away until after I sign the lease. Strike three was all that I would have needed for a strike out. I was welcomed into the layout of Railroad style apartments. Essentially its walking through roommate A and roommate B's room to get to the kitchen, bathroom or...the rest of the apt for that matter. This railroad style had the perk of my own entrance (I'm listening). Oh, except for the fact that it is also the entrance Kara will be using to get into her room. Okay, so have a 20 something stoned student walk through my room anytime she wanted to go into hers (strike out!) I smiled as politely as I could when Kara mentioned the possibility of a curtain that could be set up if I wanted privacy (of course I want privacy, aka a wall! ). As I grinned and thought to myself, "How much longer do I have to stand her and smile until its okay for me to go home?" Kara suddenly let out a screech of excitement at the sight of my necklace. "OMG, I love your necklace, I think I have the same one. I don't know where it is, I should find it. I love you. You have to live here. I love you." I guess that was it for Kara, one mutually owned piece of jewelry and she was sold on me. I however ,was not sold on her or her idea of curtains masquerading as walls. I was upfront (my new life resolution.) I told her I was not comfortable with the railroad set up and I appreciated her taking the time to meet me. I headed home discouraged that I had wasted so much time, trekking all the way to Brooklyn (in the rain) and reconsidered my idealized view of "roommates."

Though I chuckle to myself when I read the listings that mention the following:

"No meat allowed in the home, I'm vegan and it will not be tolerated"
(I'm happy to tolerate and appreciate your values, all aside...I am glad you posted this and hence did not waste my time.)

"I take very seriously the rumor that batman is not real."
(I take it very seriously, that you take this seriously.)

"Television must be watched with headphones."
(because NYC residents don't just walk around with headphones in on the subway, they live in them.)

"Please respond with a sentence about yourself, including your favorite ice cream flavor."
(because ice cream flavor preference is scientifically proven to correspond with potential roommate compatibility) This one did not bother me and I happily replied with Cookies & Cream :)

I love these lines, however ridiculous they may be. At least tell me your room is obnoxiously set up and you're 420 friendly. Tell me you have a questionable relationship with comic book figures. I get it, and I will respectfully decline your future roommate status in my life.

In the middle of the rejection of me and my rejection of Railroad rooms there was a reply to my reply of a post that ended in me at an apartment somewhere in Brooklyn, calling a number without voice mail and waiting 25 minutes until I gave up. I have never, ever been stood up before and while the Internet does warn of scams, I thought who would possibly have the time to post an advertisement for an available room, reply to an email, verify through a text message, give directions and then not have the decency to cancel or at least text if the room was then taken?! All I know, after all of the adventures in apartment hunting are said and done, I will find great peace in the comfort of my new home and what it took to find...fingers crossed!

I adore Zooey Deschanel!

Video Premiere: She & Him: "In the Sun"

Happy Purim!

I have always had a great fascination with the culture and religion of others. I studied Religion in College and considered majoring in the study. One of my most interesting classes was World Religions. Having a new insight into the Jewish faith, I love being able to open my eyes to a world I was not aware of, until now...

Today is a very joyous day in the Jewish faith. Today is Purim. "What is Purim?" you ask. No worries, I was asking myself the same thing when the boss lady had a costume of a popular action figure ordered for the redhead. I was confused seeing as it was then the end of January and last I checked the only occasion I knew of that allowed children to dress as their action heroes and receive tasty treats was Halloween, three months ago! Turns out Purim has a few similarities to Halloween, yes young children are allowed to dress up and they receive treats. The traditional festive Purim treat is called Hamentaschen, triangle shaped cookies with fruit filling.

yummy hamentschen!

The Holiday commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination. The Purim holiday is preceded by a fast and is celebrated with the reading of the Book of Esther. During the reading when the name of Haman (bad guy trying to destroy the Jews) is mentioned you are allowed to hiss, stamp your feet and play loud noise makers to "blot out the name of Haman".

Costume parties, carnivals, cookies and noisemakers! No wonder Americans sometimes refer to Purim as the Jewish Mardi Gras!

6 Degrees of NYC!

One of the (many) benefits of moving to NYC is the network. I have found that many friends that I know have a friend who has also made the move. There is something about moving to New York that I feel bonds you. When you meet you already have an instant bond and similarity. You are the brave ones. Because of this I have had many friends introduce me to their friends who are now living in NYC. I have been thoroughly impressed with the outreach I find from these people. It is like they are all cheering for you, they all want you to make it in the city and pay it forward to another new New Yorker one day. I can not put it into words. I was nervous coming up her with the one friend I had in the city subletting her apartment to me and temporarily residing in Chicago. However, I felt so welcomed by her friends. Also, with Katie's visit I was able to connect with new friends and previous acquaintances from College.
This evening I was off to meet another Florida native turned New Yorker. I was chatting with a friend on Facebook this weekend when she mentioned she had a friend who had moved up here this past summer. She immediately messaged both G and myself. Seconds later we had made plans to meet up! It is always a great feeling knowing someone is interested in meeting you and helping you find your way. I was hoping to rack G's brain with how she found an apt where she was working..Remember, my current situation is temporary and soon coming to an end. Carolynn will be back March 17th and I'll be in need of a new apt and a new job by March 22! G and I had made plans to try a chocolate bar she had wanted to try. Unfortunately G had lost her wallet today and we had to reschedule. I was bummed, but glad that I had ventured to mid-town today. I still need to find my way around this often intimidating city. So I had some time to kill and found myself walking the streets of New York City. Thankfully, it was a beautiful night, slightly chilly, but only 40 degrees! I tested my Lenten promise (to give up shopping!) by walking down 5th ave, said hello to the Chrysler building (my favorite site in all of NYC), and was asked for directions.... I often get asked for directions when on the subway or walking the streets. I feel empowered thinking to myself, "Yes! I must look like a real New Yorker!" However ,I think its more likely that I look like a friendly face and not anything that resembles a jaded New Yorker. I was asked directions by a mother and daughter, "Is 5th ave in this direction?" I had no idea. I had come off at 7th and knew that 8th ( I was headed towards 9th) was either a left or a right. Since I had time, I guessed (wrongly) left and took a stroll. As we approached 6th, I stated, "Yes, you are going the right way, I am not." They looked at my puzzled. I mean, why would this crazy lady (me) be going the wrong way intentionally. I explained I had just moved here and was trying to get to 9th ave and coming from 7th, which is how I knew they were on the right path. They were very pleasant and we talked briefly as we came to 5th and I decided to walk on a bit further instead of do the embarrassing stop and turn around in the middle of the sidewalk (which I do often) when you realize you're headed in the wrong direction. I had time to spare and I get very sentimental when I see mothers and daughters together. I asked if they were visiting, they were in a sense. The daughter was touring NYU. I told her how I always wanted to attend NYU, but unfortunately given some changes during that time, it was best for me to stay in FL for college. They asked me why I moved to NY. "I have always wanted to live in NYC" I told them. With that the mother told me, like only a mother could, "You are so brave." I had never thought of myself as brave. I joked to her, "Brave or crazy" we laughed and wish each other luck, then went our separate ways. I think we all have choices daily that can make us face our fears and show bravery. What is that one thing you have always wanted to do, or experience? What changes have you put off in your life? What is standing in your way? What do you really have to lose? Think of what you have to gain. Be brave. Even if people call you crazy, even if you feel the obstacles in your way may defeat you, be strong. Live the life you always dreamed. Trust me, you'll never regret it. Even if it turns out to not be what you expected.

Serendipity

Love, love is what brought my dear friend and old college roommate, Katie, to New York City this past weekend. Katie and I were not able to meet up before I left the Sunshine State due to my work place requiring me to fulfill the 2 weeks of my 2 week notice. I know, I know that should have been expected. However, every other individual who has ever given their two week notice has been escorted from the buliding immediatelly. Except for me. I am supposedly, "trustworthy" and therefore was swamped come moving day! Katie and I decided the perfect solution to us not being able to say farewell, was for her to visit...Valentine's Day weekend!

Best idea...everrrrrr.

When I was younger, I remember the absolute fondness I had for this holiday. I love romance, chocolate (espeacially out of heart shaped boxs), and of course the little hearts with words. I adore them, even though they taste like chalk. I would be filled with glee upon first seeing the valentines cards pop up in Publix ( the most amazing grocery store on the face of this earth, sadly not in NY) or Walmart ( they sell just about everything, but walls! Also, not in NY). And to be certain that no one else would have the same valentines as I, I made my own. Yep, handmade Valentine's hearts with puffy painted names of my classmates. It was the one day of the year I could eat candy for breakfast. My dad would always get my mother, sister, brother and me Valentines Chocolate...it just tastes better. Even though its a "Halmark Holiday" I feel it can bring out the best in people, and who doesn't love an excuse to express your love?!

I remember one year in college, my dad called me and said he was in the parking lot near my dorm. I walked out and he had a Valentine's Day ballon and $100 cash for me! He said, "Go have a Happy Valentines Day." It was one of the most thoughtful things he ever did for me, my roommate at the time appreciated it too...I treated her to Outback Steakhouse. I have never had a significant other on Valentines Day and that has never bothered me. I always felt like this day was not just about Romantic Love. Not about your significant other. It is about taking the time to acknowledge those who you love and who make your life more lovely. This weekend, Katie and I even got to talking about our married and attached friends and their plans for Valentines Day, "nothing". It seemed those friends and loved ones who are attached were the least bit concerened about the holiday, the single women were worrying enough for them all! I almost feel pressure to feel pressured by all the pressured woman who are single on Valentines Day. But, Katie and I were too busy having a fabulous weekend to think of what we were missing out on being single...

Katie outside of Serendipity 3!

One of Katie's favorite movies is Serendipity with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Its an adorable tale of a fate devoted young woman, Sara and Jonathan, a man determined to show Sara that chance and fate both need to be seized. It is one of those mussy, romantic comedy's most woman love and most men, well they must love the woman they watch them with. Anyway, The movie as a scene at Serendipity 3 an amazing restuarant known primarily for there frozen hot chocolate. Which Katie enjoyed impensely (so much so, she also enjoyed the remainder of mine, I was not equiped to finish)

you really must try it!

After a divinely scrumptious dessert, Katie and I went to see Valentine's Day. It was perfect. Katie and I had no reservations at Serendipity 3, did not pre-purchase movie tickets. We just went for it....and it coud have not all corresponded so elegantly. Katie and I showed up at Serendipity at about 11:45 (they open at 11:30) and put our name in for a table for two. We then went down the street to the most amazing candy store I have ever seen, Dylan's Candy Bar. We treated ourselves to an assortment of tasty delights. Katie enjoyed the chocolate fountain and I tasted the latest fudge sample, yummmmm blueberry! Thirty mins later, we headed back to Serendipity just in time to be seated. Though we were actually third down on the waiting list, the polite young man at the host desk sat us immediately. :)



After just trying to find some clips from youtube on Serendipity to give you an idea of the decadently decorated atmostphere, I just realized we actually sat in the SAME EXACT seats as the stars in the movie. Katie thought it was pretty close, but looks like it was indeed the same position. All I have to say is, you must try the frozen hot chocolate if you find yourself in NYC. We finished our desserts and went across the street to the movie plex and say Valentine's Day, which was starting in five minutes. It was a light hearted romantic comedy with many a A lister. If you do see Valentine's Day, after the credits roll, stay seated. The last blooper with Julia Roberts was my favorite part of the entire movie....they really should have worked it in!



After a fulfillng Valentine's Day Katie and I went to a friends Play. It was a Non Profit theather group that put on a 24 hr production. Writers met and pulled out of a hat the directors and actors ( four) that they would be working with. They entire process, from writing the first word to the final curtain took place in 24 hours. Katie's friend from college, who is now living and working as a director in NYC, directed the final performance. There were six performances and I throughly enjoyed watching each performance and how with the same theme ( the paranormal) each play (about fifteen minutes long) was vastly different. I laughed, I cringed, I would love to go to something like this again!

My Valentine 2010


After the final performance Katie and I went out to another college pal's bar in the city. House of Brews. It was great to meet some of Katie's friends who are now in the city. They were all so welcoming and generous. Before we called it a night we were able to see the ice sculpture in the middle of time square.....





I really love that I was able to spend a weekend with my good friend and meet such great New Yorks who I share a common bond with (University of South Florida Alumni in the City, what what!). I could have have asked for a better Valentine's Day weekend.

Time Square ice sculpture, February 14, 2010