Happy Friday

My new idea is to accomplish at least one pre-determined thing every weekend. This weekend I plan to finish this masterpiece:. Colum McCann's TRANSATLANTIC (on sale in June).

(And forgive my banged-up copy.. I have been taking this everywhere with me.)

Cosmetics Market

I visited the Cosmetics Market today when I had some free time, and let me tell you, it is one big mess. I did find a couple things, but I had to dig. For those who don't know, the Cosmetics Market on 37th and 5th is a discounted warehouse-style store for makeup and beauty products. They have a lot of name-brand items for very little money. I picked up a Revlon Kissable balm stain for $2, for example. That said, the place is a mess! They should clean it up a bit. But it is fun to go in and look -- they never have exactly what I'm looking for but I always end up leaving with a few things..

Today I picked up:
1. Estee Lauder large handbag mirror ($2)
2. Revlon Kissable balm stain (around $2)
3. Lisi eyeshadow in Satin Eyes (a pretty light purple with gold flecks -- $4). And can I say their packaging is lot like NARS?

Tips for the Cosmetics Market:
-Just breathe, the nasty testers won't hurt you. Just don't touch them.
-There are golden bits beneath the grossness! Be patient.
-Go for products that have definitely not been opened. Boxed eye-shadows, plastic-sealed lip stains and the like.
-Check expiration dates if possible -- makeup does expire!

It was fun, but I only go about once every 6 months I'd say.. just not someplace I need to visit regularly.

Thrifty find - "FYI"

Unopened box of cards from Thomaspaul: $1 at Goodwill on West 8th Street in Manhattan. Orange on the back!

Feeling organized and Buffalo Exchange

One of the best parts of Spring, in my opinion, is feeling a sense of renewal. The actual start of the new year doesn't do it for me acutally -- it is when the weather changes and I feel the sudden urge to clean and organize and start fresh that I really get going.

After cleaning my apartment last weekend and giving everything a good scrub, I am sooo unhappy to have to take my winter coat back out of my closet, put my winter boots back near the front door, and wear a wool scarf in the morning. Go away! But really, the nastiness that my shoes pick up from the NYC streets needs to go away.

That said, I still did "spring clean," and it still satisfied that feeling of starting over. Closet is organized, summer clothes, though still in their plastic bin, are waiting to be taken out. Also clearing out my wardrobe and making decisions like, "do I actually wear this? Have I ever worn this?" did me some good. I have a bag of things waiting to go to Buffalo Exchange so I can find some new pieces and get rid of the old. And on that note, some tips for Buffalo Exchange:

1. Don't go on the weekends if possible. The store is not only crazy, the line for selling is usually out the door. Just don't do it. In NYC they're open until 7 or 8 I think, or if you have a weekday off go then.
2. Bring your own bag -- Buffalo Exchange I think just recently stopped providing plastic bags for purchased items. You can buy one of their reusable bags, but why not bring your own?
3. Don't bring items that are visably worn. I once brought a pair of pants that I had honestly worn once and decided I didn't like. Almost brand new, the buyer noticed a spot of dirt on the bottom pant leg and wouldn't take them. I was bummed but understood why. Just make sure to clean items before bringing!
4. Don't bring items from stores like Forever21, Target, or H&M. Though I have actually seen items from these stores for sale at Buffalo Exchange, when I've tried to sell them they always always tell me that they don't like buying them. The reason is that since the retail price for these items is already pretty low, they can't sell for a great discount or else they wouldn't make much profit. Also, they aren't well made.
5. I know this sounds silly, but it is all about the presentation. Don't shove all your clothes in a trash bag and pull them out like your dirty laundry. It will make the buyer less interested in what you're pulling out of the bag. When it is your turn to go up to the counter, lay everything out nicely in piles or lay nice pieces out flat.
6. Something else you can do is actually call the store before you go and ask what they're looking for. That is helpful, but honestly you can just think about what season is coming up and what you see in stores at the time. Right now, for instance, they are not looking for winter coats or sweaters. So don't even try!
7. If you have something to say about an item (like: "It's brand new" or "This is vintage").. say it. I don't know whether or not it really helps but it just might swing the buyer.
8. Be friendly towards the buyer you get -- it sounds totally unfair but if they like you, they might be more into what items you show them. I've seen people come in and be rude and you know what happened? Instead of the buyer wanting to look at the clothing, she instead went through it as fast as she could to get the woman out of her face. Seriously.
9. Don't sell something if you aren't happy with the price they're paying! I once brought a pair of leather boots that I bought and ended up not liking at all.. I didn't return them when I bought them because they were final sale for $50 down from $200, and I ended up never wearing them. I brought them in to Buffalo Exchange and told the buyer I'd never worn them, and they wanted to give me $15. I said no thankyou, and then brought them to a different Buffalo Exchange location in the city where I got $30 for them. Since the buyers make up prices on the spot, you really can get a range of prices depending on who you speak to and where you go.
10. And lastly, just don't bring clothing items that are CLEARLY a million years old and completely out of style. You can try, but it 'aint gonna happen. I once saw a woman bring in two carts of children's clothing clearly from the 90s. In fact, I probably owned some of the same styles when I was 8. The buyer bought nothing. It was sad but she should have known that they weren't going to buy 5 pairs of different colored corduroy overalls. No.

So that's it! I love going, but you have to detach yourself from the things you are bringing. The buyer is not commenting on your personal style when her or she doesn't take something. They are thinking about what is right for the store.

Packing

Even though my trip to Paris is two weeks away, I've started mildly panicking about packing and weather and all that good stuff. I don't want to do anything stupid like take something with me on my carry-on bag that they make me throw out, or forget something essential and then have to buy it there. So many things to think about. But because I've decided to tackle this early, I thought I'd share at least a little bit of what the mess in my head looks like. Also, I should note, I'm totally making this as my actual packing list and will refer back to it when actually packing. Yes, I'm using my own blog.

For my carry-on bag:

Want to bring my new purse (found at Buffalo Exchange for $20, reduced from $40, reduced from $390 retail?!?!) which I think will hold most of what I need. It is the Cole Haan Denny bag in a stone color, and it not only is the perfect shoulder bag, it's pretty. :)

Inside the bag!
-Kindle - must remember to pack it full of manuscripts!!! and also charge!!
-Kindle charger -- do planes have chargers? God, I haven't been on one in AGES and can't remember. Maybe?
-Notepad - for the thoughts.
-Pen - for to write the thoughts.
-Lip balm - going to bring my trusy Blistex Moisture Melt balm that got me through this past winter.
-Hand lotion - if I still have any left in two weeks (OBSESSED), will bring my Caudalie "creme gourmande mains et ongles." It is a sample size from Birchbox so it should be perfect.
-iPhone - for music. Must add music I'm not sick of!!
-Headphones
-Makeup wipes - though I don't plan to wear makeup to the airport (does bad bad things to skin on planes I hear), I might want to refresh my face at some point. And on that note...
-I NEED to find a face lotion that works!!!! And then put it in my bag.
-Gum -- my ears pop and it hurts.
-Toothbrush and toothpaste - travel size.
-Sunglasses
-Some kind of tinted moisturizer to put on right before I get off the plane. So I don't look like hell.
-Eye mask? Do I need this? Might be nice for sleeping.

Is that it? Probably not, but I think it might be! I'm going to check my suitcase and the thought of packing that is a little too much for me right now, so I'm going to put it off. Because we're going in April I honestly do not know what the heck to bring clothing-wise. Coat? Tights? Scarf? Are these really necessary? Hard to know, so they're goin' in the bag!

Swap!

My best friend Lillian and I got together today and did a swap of sorts..clothing and makeup... we realized we hadn't done one since high school at which point we were both just wearing the same American Eagle clothing in different sizes and colors. So not much of a swap there but today was excellent. Lillian and I are very different in size but somehow managed to come away with a bunch of things that we both (I'll speak for her if she'll let me!.. no choice. I win!) really love. I came away with three dresses all perfect for spring, a bag, some really nice sweat pant things,  two tank tops, and a button-up army green shirt that I am in love with. When we were trying things on it was funny to watch how things fit sooo differently.. something that just never fit me right instantly fit her perfectly and vice versa. 

It was also so nice to see my beautiful goddaughter Laila and look through all her clothing for the upcoming year and get really excited about everything yet to come! Run-on sentence. But she is just so amazingly adorable.

And in other news, Lillian and I stopped at her local CVS and of course I find something I've been looking for for a while! And of course I couldn't' find it in any Manhattan drug store. The city that has everything doesn't actually. Okay so here it is..

Ever since the lovely Estee from Essiebutton introduced me to this Wet n Wild palette (738 Comfort Zone) on her YouTube channel I have needed it. Not only is it super inexpensive $5, it also has a lot of colors I think I'll wear. And Estee just hyped it up so much that for $5, I had to give it a try. But of course as soon as I set out to find it (I thought I could walk into any Duane Reade in NYC and there it would be), it was no where to be found. I feel like I see Wet n Wild all the time everywhere and never thought to look much at it and the moment I needed it, nothing. But thanks to that Tarrytown CVS, I have my palette. Along with another one that looked really nice and was only $2..(335 Silent Treatment).

Okay okay and I also splurged a little on a Bobbi Brown corrector. But for good reason. There aren't many things I'll spend full price for and a lot of money for, but this is one of them. Because it works so freakin well. I have the Bobbi Brown duo eye concealer in Sand and though I like it, I never use the powder included. I actually hate it. And I've actually run out of the concealer part so time for new. Luckily Grand Central Station has a Bobbi Brown store and as I was early to the train today, I took a walk down Lexington Passage and voila, purchase made (Light Beige). And by the way I love that particular Bobbi Brown store because it is usually dead and the people working there are very nice and helpful.

So way to go, me, making a weekend I dread (St. Patrick's Day) seem less horrific. I did have to punch some drunk wanna-be-leprechauns in the face on the way, though. Just kidding! :)

More Birchbox love

ANOTHER reason why I love Birchbox is the points business. I realllly love it. This is how it works:

Every month when I get my Birchbox I try all the products and then I go to Birchbox.com to rate them. Every product has a survey that takes literally 10 seconds to complete with pull-down menus and all. After I rate each product in my box for that month Birchbox gives me 10 points per product. When I have collected 100 points, Birchbox gives me $10 to spend in the Birchbox online store. SO COOL. I save up my points and then I get products that I love and need to own for free.

For example, I saved up 300 points (or $30) and decided to get..

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré (24-Hour Miracle Cream) - 30 ml -- I have a really mini sample I got in a birchbox at one point and I love it. I keep it in my makeup bag and apply it to my face right before I put on makeup. It hydrates and doesn't have a scent and is just a go-to product for sure. This baby was $16 but for me, free.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - 30 ml -- I have actually not tried this but I love these mists for your face. I always feel like the skin on my face is dry no matter what, and these kinds of products just instantly wake me up and make me feel hydrated. I've heard great reviews and well, I wanted it. $18, but for me.. well. . okay I spent $7 on the whole order. Yeah.

They haven't come in the mail yet but I can't wait!

Collection

We all have collections, and I realized mine for the first time today. Strange, but true. It didn't occur to me when I actually bought large expandable file folders (with dividers) to hold my various articles of paper that I have a collection, and that is paper goods. Anything, really, that is pretty or interesting or can be used to make handmade cards or gifts is keepable. Keepable, I say! And yes, I realized it today because I came across this card that I just love. It is also sparkly and handmade on handmade paper. Could I get more crafty? Maybe, if I had made it myself.

NYX Blush

Another product I'm loving right now is a blush by NYX in terra cotta. It isn't something I would normally pick up but when I was in Ricky's the other day I saw it and thought, I could do this. I also thought the name sounded familiar (and that would mean familiar in that I heard it on YouTube. ahem). So it's beautiful and I love it and NYX is so great for a couple things (lipgloss, for example) so I thought I'd try their blush and I'm happy. And also, they're super cheap. Think this was $5. Hooray.

Also it looks like a bronzer but it really is more peachy than bronze-y. Just so ya know.

A couple things

Firstly, I have to talk about the bar I went to last night. It was just so cool and I want everyone to go there so it never goes out of business ever. It is called KBG bar on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and it is just so great. The reason why I went there with my friend Alexandra is because an author I work with was doing a reading (at a bar? Really? Could that work? Yes. Though, I will say there were some awkward moments about it), and I ended up really loving the atmosphere. It is Russian-themed and kinda dingy, but in a old bookstore kind of way. You know? And the other thing.. it is on the second floor of the building so you have to walk up some stairs (thus deterring a lot of dumb drunk people from entering) so the atmosphere is just so my style. Not so crowded you can't move, and not so loud you can't talk. Okay so here we get to the reading part -- the night we were there was their monthly (?) reading series and it lasted about an hour. Yes, the bar gets quiet for that hour so you can listen to the words they are saying, but then everything goes back to normal after (and in between each speaker with a 5 minute break). I thought it was great. I really really did. Not just because my author was there but because it's just different -- a cool thing to do on a Thursday night at 7PM.

Okay, the awkward parts:
1. The hostess of this reading night was super weird which is fine, I'm okay with that. What was not okay with me was that she, througout the night, got up to the mic and pressured everyone in the bar to donate money to this thing that I didn't pay attention to after the first minute because it was a strange donation. At every table and at the bar and stuff were envelopes. You had to fill out a form inside and essentially volunteer to teach at a local school and then in addition you had to put money in there as a donation. So you couldn't just donate you also had to volunteer. Weird. And I wouldn't mind donating but I just didn't like the way they did it. So I didn't. So this hostess, who was a good hostess I think, got up to the mic many times throughout the evening and was like, "heyyyyy I haven't gotten all your envelopes yet....reallllly.... give me your envelopes...." and I just thought it was rude. You made your speech about what they were for and what you could win at the end of the night (from all the envelopes they were going to pick one randomly and that person would get all the books from the authors reading that evening.. signed..) but like, shut up. Don't make people feel uncomfortable. If I didn't like the atmosphere of the bar and if I didn't know that she wouldn't be there all the time, I would not go back.

2. The author I went to see gets up to the podium and starts to read. It's great. He's funny and I loved the book etc. etc. THEN! All of a sudden the door to the bar slams open and all of these drunk "young people" (my age, actually let's just say it.. hipsters) come flooding into the bar. They all had nametags on. I was so confused because I just did not know where they came from?! The roof? The outside? Was this some sort of party somehwere else in the building and they could only get alcohol here? Well, in any case, they proceeded to not realize what was going on (the reading) and just talk and shout and be obnoxious all over the place. And guess what, this bar is super small. My friend and I just happened to be at the back of the bar near the door and had to witness all these hooligans up close, and we missed about half of the reading. Because of course the author didn't stop reading. Of course he just assumed they'd realize. And at some point they kinda did but then more of them came stampeding in (from upstairs, I could hear more clearly at this pont). Just a mess. They got their alcohol (mostly twist-off wine which I thought was odd at this kind of bar) and went away.

So besides those two awkward parts it was a fun evening. I am especially excited to read this book by Aria Beth Sloss called Autobiography of Us which really made an impact on me.  Go check it out!

Second part to this rambling post is that I got a new Revlon lip butter (the one that I've been eyeing but couldnt tell if it would actually be as dark as it looks.. AND IT IS NOT!!) and I love it. I think i've applied it already 5x since I bought it 30 minutes ago just because I love it so much. I probably look like a clown with too much lip product on.

It is the shade Fig Jam and it is just sooo pretty.

Okay that is that! Thanks for reading.

Nothing to read, nothing to read.. just untrue.

Do you ever have the unbearable urge to read something specific, but not know what that specific thing is? Like the perfect book is out there for you and you want to read it so badly, but you certainly don't have it and well, you also can't get it at midnight.

This happened to me last night and I think I must have taken every book off my bookshelf only to read 1.5 pages and then throw it at the end of my bed with a really kind of pathetic disgust. Nothing  was what I wanted. I've been reading a psychological thriller recently that has honestly really freaked me out and though I loved it, I really needed something that I could trust. I know that sounds strange but to me opening up a book is putting all my trust into it, hoping it will in a sense take care of me and not only be worth my time, but won't suddenly scare me in a way I don't want it to, etc. Point is, that book didn't exist on my shelf last night, or at least I don't think it did.

I ended up picking up this little diddy and sticking with it until I fell asleep. It's a novel about birds, and honestly I can't remember anything beyond that. Sad, really. But true. I guess I didn't read very much...maybe it will be that book.

People I Love (Part I)

Part one goes to Lillian! She has been my best friend since high school, and we have been through quite a lot over the years -- has it been 10 already?! Lillian is not only a new mother (to the most beautiful baby girl in the whole world and also my goddaughter :) :)), she also has an amazing blog about being a new mom. It is called Labor, Delivery, and Beyond and it is just really wonderful. I am not a mother but I read every one of her posts not only because I love reading about what is going on with her and Laila (and I do love the pictures), I also feel like it will help me become a better mother for the future. Lillian is just so good at being a mom and reading her blog is like..getting a spoonful of advice that I can store in my brain for later. You know? I just have to give her blog a shout out because not only do I love it, I think other mothers or mothers-to-be will too.

Also, Lillian's tumblr is freakin hillarious. As is her twitter.

<3<3<3<3

Two Shopping Secrets

Two places I regularly visit online to shop because guess what, I don't really ever pay full price.

6pm.com -- Zappos' warehouse (where they send last season's trends to the price slasher. Also you have to keep checking because they will suddenly make a pair of shoes like $20 for a day, then back to "full" price the next).

Yoox.com -- Everything from Stella McCartney to brands you've never heard of from Paris. Again, don't shop the full price sections. Wait for the sale. Amazing sales. Fast shipping. What more could you ask for?

Love my Birchbox

Oh Birchbox, how I love you. Such a great company run by the nicest people. I watch all their YouTube videos like it is my job. And of course, the box. Mine came today! Will post contents shortly...

But point is, I love them.

They came!

Two days later and the wedges arrived and boyyyy am I happy. So so so chic and I already know these will be a staple shoe in my collection. They are by U.S. Polo Assn and I found them on Yoox.com.

They fit perfectly and well, I don't feel crazy tall in them. Success!!

Where I am headed tonight

TK!

I just realized what I've been doing. The whole "TK" thing. I guess I've been in publishing for long enough (2 years) to start using this in regular speech like some kind of crazy person. "TK" is used in publishing (or maybe just publicity) as a shortcut for "to come." So when I say "more TK"  I mean "more to come." I wish I knew why we use a "K" instead of a "C" -- really the only sense I can make of it is that a "C" is not as visually striking as a "K," and therefore in copyediting or schedules or whatever it is, a "TK" will be less likely to be passed over. Does that make sense? I don't care.

TK TK TK TK

Makeup Geek

Makeup Geek. Okay, this is a site I found --actually I don't know how. I think I was searching for a particular Mac blush on Google and I stumpled upon it. Not sure how much I'll really use the website actually. It just doesn't really seem like my kind of thing -- seems to be a website all about makeup, including tutorials, products to buy, and forums. I mean I do love my Youtube tutorials but I have to admit I'm kinda picky about who I watch religiously. That said, I may really get into this website. And this is why:

The forum, though it seems to be a scary wild jungle of posts, is actually a really great place to find blog sales. This is a new thing for me as I didn't know people did this until very recently, but it is AMAZING. Essentially people from around the world sell their stuff on their blogs. Who knew? I am really just interested in makeup (unused or swatched and I don't ever ever buy lip products. Just, no.) and maybe clothing and accessories (but honesly I haven't found blog sales for those yet!). The point here is really that I am super super excited because I placed my first order (through paypal) for the most AMAZING products that I usually could never afford. Never. I can't afford Mac. Let's be real.

For $40 I got (this includes shipping) 2 Mac blushes and 2 Estee Lauder eyeshadows. I've been on a real blush kick recently and I realized that I was only using one blush (granted, a nice one I got for Christmas -- Benefit Coralista is just.. beautiful) and that just 'aint right. So this little purchase I made felt warrented and just was very exciting. I know I will have these for a long long time because I tend to use up my cherished products until they die. And with the addition of these two blushes I will now have 3 (actually 4 -- my Nars blush (forget the name, I know, helpful) has hit pan and is about to go..) that I really love.

The woman I bought these from said she was shipping them out today so I'll post pictures when they arrive.

YAY

Oh and one other thing I should mention.. I realized this quickly. Make sure, if you decide to try purchasing something from a blog sale, that you read the comments on their post. Just be sure that there aren't any about being ripped off or dealing with the products not arriving etc. That's just not a good thing to get involved with. The woman I dealt with was so so nice (she even gave me a preview of the items she was planning to sell and hadn't yet posted so I got first pick!) and she had great comments.

Thinking about all this has made me want to organize some sort of swap. More TK there.

All you have to do is be nice, people, on the internet. It will bring you good things.

Tips and Tricks for navigating NYC

This is coming from someone who used to get hot flashes (not really, but you know what I mean) when navigating. So take it from me, these tools/tips will help YOU! Yes, YOU! I've compiled them with the help of friends but also by reverting to my instincts while in super panic mode.

1. If you're out and about make sure you have your hands free. I'm serious. You don't necessarily need to go for the "cross-body" bag that you see all the tourists wearing, but it makes life so so much easier if you aren't constantly thinking about holding your purse. The crook-of-the-arm purse is a no-go. I mean, I have some of them, but they are always annoying if I'm out and about. I am really a fan of the shoulder bag that also has easy access (for me, not to pick-pockets!!) to all my essentials.

2. This brings me to my next point: organize your purse! Essentials for walking around NYC for me consist of hand sanitizer, metro card, wallet. Literally those three things I might need at a moment's notice! So it is important to keep them handy but still concealed (well, at least the metro card and especially wallet). What I do is I keep my metro card and hand sanitizer in the same pocket (always) near the opening of the purse. That way I know where to look and retrieve quickly. I also make sure to keep my wallet in the center of the purse, always closed and at the ready.

3. Download the free app called NextStop. This is the most BRILLIANT invention for people who can't (or won't) understand the subways. And let me tell you, I've lived here for 2 years and I still use this quite a lot. I of course have my daily routine down, but if I need to go somehwere new I always consult. The reason why this app is amazing is becuase it has a bunch of easy-use views of the subway. Not only does it include a traditional subway map (which if you ask me, is confusing. So just don't use this) -- it also has these sections:

"Favorites" -- where you can keep your favorite subways. I don't have favorite subway lines, but okay.
"Nearby" -- this is very cool. If you don't know where the nearest subway is, this will tell you.
"Map" -- traditional subway map. Confusing and just not good for really understanding what the subway will do.
"Lines" -- MY FAV. Will explain below.
"Alerts" -- honestly never use this but I suppose it would be helpful. Usually you just have to listen to announcers either on the train or in the station. They will tell you if a line has trouble. And remember, if you find yourself in Brooklyn or Queens do not panic. You can get back. I promise.

Okay so the "Lines" feature:
Amazing. it essentially lists all the lines (1,2,3,7,4,5 etc etc) and you can click on each one (the one you want to know about). If you click on the "1," for example, it lists (in the order of how it stops) each stop the train will make. This gets rid of ANY confusion about whether or not a certain train will stop at a certain station. As you may know, subway lines can get confusing because some will stop at all stops on the line, and some won't, and it's just hard to remember OR figure out from the stupid traditional map. This feature never fails. You can count how many stops until you get off, you can help strangers if they are confused, you can know where the heck you are. Oh! And the best part? It acutally works in the subway -- no wireless needed.

4. For navigating the streets, pay attention to which way the traffic is moving. This is key. I don't care what google maps has come out with to tell you where you are and which direction you're facing. You need to understand in real life or you're going to be stuck to a machine that may fail you. You can still use Google maps (I do all the time) but just simply look (you may need to zoom in) at which way the traffic is going on the map. They have little arrows on the roads. Once you've figured that out, simply look around and detect which way the traffic is moving around you. Sync it up and you're golden. Yes, I realize you still are relying on the map a bit, but you won't be literally walking with the phone out in front of you looking like a fool.

5. Take deep breaths. It is going to be okay.

Lifesavers today -- Burt's Bees and new brush

Very very very snowy out today. And what happens when it snows? My skin freaks out (not the only thing that happens.. there are snowflakes and mittens and snowmen and hot chocolate and you know all that good stuff). But basically, in terms of my skin, with snow it becomes super dry. Why, you ask? Well, I don't know.

Luckily I came into work and remembered that I keep my trusty Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme at my desk. Love love love love. It really isn't for everyone but I love the smell and the payoff -- you only need a very small amount and it works wonders. I've had this particular tub for years and it just won't die.

My other friend today came in the form of my new (as of last night) brush. I've never owned a brush like this but, well, I'm a grownup now and we have to do these things.

I recently got my hair cut and now I have these angled bangs in the front that I've never really had. They looked so nice when the stylist blow dried them and I thought, 'how nice." Then I tried my usual - eff blow drying I don't have time for that -- and my hair flipped every which way it possibly could. So bad. SO BAD. I was twirling my hair like a madwoman trying to give them some uniformity. Fail.

So I reasoned that I should probably blow dry them with the same tool (cyllindrical brush) the stylist used and voila! This morning I woke up early, used this new brush (thank you Ricky's on Broadway in SoHo) and it was a  miracle.  A miracle in the form of a brush and hair dryer. A miracle that quickly went down the drain in the form of SNOW FALLING ON MY HEAD. Thanks, snow. Thanks.

Got into work, whipped out the new brush, fiddled around with it for a long long while and well, we're back to being able to be seen in public, my friends. Success.

Another time I'll disclose my secret (not so secret) hairdresser where I have gotten cuts I love for $20 (now $30.. ew). Still, an amazingly-cheap haircut for NYC. More TK!

This has gotten out of hand

I can't stop posting. Probably because I'm on some sort of high from starting this. Oh, the possibilities!

I leave you (really, myself, at this point) -- so I leave myself with these thoughts before I drift into sleep:

Tomorrow is a new day -- a day full of possibilities and grand central station. It is a day of travel and family and omg I get to blog which will be fun.

Okay I leave myself with those thoughts and...

a shout out to my best friend Lillian who helped me put links on this blog

and this picture of my empty cup of tea:

Pretty pretty shoes

Hi there. I think there will be a lot more posts about shoes to come because I have a problem. But the point is I BOUGHT THESE! They were so so cheap and so practical for me (I'm super tall and live in Manhattan. 'Aint no stilettos in my closet). So guess what? I bought them. No guilt. Also I will wear them traveling and that, my friends, is a reason to buy shoes. As my mom would say, practical.

They are made by U.S. Polo Assn. -- and no, they aren't by Polo brand or anything like that. In fact, I couldn't find any pictures of them online. Strange, but also mysteriously beautiful!!

So I bought them from Yoox.com which is one of my favorite websites because they literally have the best sales. I've bought a couple things that are really high quality and they just get down to like $20 and I can't say no. So check it out. Some weird stuff, but you can find real steals. Like these shoes. 

I just got an email saying they are on their way (YAY) and honest to god, I love getting mail of any kind. Wish I knew my mail man in fact. I'm that in love with mail.

And here they are!

I'm loving right now.. like at this very moment

Starting this new blog
Pixie Market (pixiemarket.com) -- I live around the corner from this store and oh man do I have a hard time with that
My new Zara coat I found this evening for $20. Yes, $20. (pictures to come)
Camomile tea with honey and a smidge of milk
Making lists upon lists for Paris trip. What will I wear? What will I bring? What will I purchase? Oh, the lists.

Okay but really

All the reasons for starting this blog..

-I enjoy reading blogs so much that the obvious next step would be...starting one myself!
-I'm really inspired by people who make a living from blogging and I just want to see what it is all about.
-Some things I have read have really helped me transition into "adult-ly" stuff (don't judge the made-up words. They will happen a lot!), so maybe this will help someone somewhere.
-I do a lot of stuff like go thrifting and exploring and I thought it would be cool to share. Hauls for sure. Gettin' a piece of that action! And perhaps tutorials on sewing and crafts. OH and definitely book reviews. I read a lot and just love sharing the goodness amongst the heaps of crap. :)
-I am seriously awkward and this is what we do.

I really don't know if I'll be able to keep this up, but I'd love to try. I hope anyone reading this finds something interesting. I love you all!

The first time!

Oh gosh this isn't going to be anything but awkward, so let's just end it, shall we? Onward!