Don't judge a book by its cover

People think they have New Yorkers all figured out - harried and rude, opinionated and rich. But people forget that the people of New York are just that, people - with emotions and hardships and real stories. A place where anything can happen and anything goes, New York is one of the greatest cities in the world for good reason.  You can find it here, do it here, and live it here.  

If you want to read the stories of the real New York check out the Humans of New York (HONY for short) website, Facebook page or pre-order Brandon Stanton's book that is coming out this fall.  

Stanton wanders the city streets capturing photographs of interesting NY folk asking them a question or two about themselves, the answer of which become the captions to the photos- they tell the story.  I began perusing the photos on a rainy day when I was bored.  Five pictures later, I was hooked.  Without realizing it, I was assuming certain things about these people of NY based on the pictures alone. (Like the man who appeared apathetic with all the tattoos) 

Photo courtesy of www.humansofnewyork.com
8 April 2013

Until I read the captions. Turns out his mom died when he was 18.  I was intrigued by the photos and became captivated by their stories. I didn't realize I was even making presumptions about the people in the photos until the captions told a different story.  

I was embarrassed.  I had always prided myself on accepting all kinds of people.  I've been friends with punk rockers, jocks and cheerleaders, people of different races, sizes, religions, sexual orientation - so I never expected to create snap judgments about the people in these photos. I guess we are all guilty of something similar at one point or another, but I think recognizing it is what's important.  Get out of your bubble once in a while, it's good for you.  And the world.  Luckily, my snap judgments were a reminder to myself to slow down and remember that everyone's got an inner story, despite what their outer image may project.  

The stories are often deep and profound despite the subject's  just having met Brandon Stanton.  

However, some are funny, and some, are just too stinking cute.  Like this one entitled, "Today in microfashion..."

Photo courtesy of www.humansofnewyork.com
Taken on 15 August 2013

How adorable is she?  My goodness!


Many of them are heartfelt.  Like this...

Photo courtesy of www.humansofnewyork.com
26 August 2013

"We met 55 years ago on a teen tour, and have been best friends ever since." “What’s her best quality?” “She’s loyal.” “What’s the toughest thing she’s ever helped you through?” “I don’t know if I should say this, but I’m going to. Fourteen years ago, I got lung cancer. Then seven or eight years ago, I got breast cancer. And now the lung cancer’s back. I must have set a record or something, because it was fourteen years ago, but now it’s back, and it’s metastasized, and the prognosis is not good.” “She’s doing good. The chemo is working.” “She’s right, I’m doing ok, and I’ll make it longer than expected, but the prognosis is not good. And I’m gonna cry now, but I've got to say— and I know it’s a cliche— but she’s been there every step of the way. Every appointment, every surgery, every time I've done chemo, she’s been there. And I couldn't have come this far without her.”

Or surprising...

Photo courtesy of www.humansofnewyork.com
27 June 2013

"Follow your heart." 

"And where has that taken you?" 

"Exotic climates." 

"Such as?"

"Well I leave in three days to return to Kabul, where I’m currently stationed. Before that, it was Iraq for three years. Then Burundi. Then South Africa, where I was Nelson Mandela’s legal advisor."

Humans of New York is a reminder, as cliche as it sounds, not to judge a book by its cover and to perhaps pay more attention to those around us.  Everyone has a unique story all their own and most people, even New Yorkers, are willing to share it.  We could learn a lot from one another, you know? And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!"

"If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it" - Ferris Bueller 

Round Trip for a Day

Today couldn't have started worse.  I was running super late and I had to catch a plane.  But that was late too.  I was only going to NY for the day but being a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) I am not used to being the one to leave my daughter.  She does everything with me - we go grocery shopping together, we go for runs together, we play together, she even follows me to the bathroom, so I guess we do that together too???  Anyhoo, I could've spent an extra few minutes with her before flying out if only I had know the plane was to be delayed.  But c'est la vie.

Once I was on my way I began to get excited.  Excited to be an adult, alone, peacefully reading Glamour.  And doing the crossword in the back of the airplane magazine.  Nerd alert.  

As we began our descent I couldn't wait to go see my friends for the day.  And L's bridal shower couldn't be a better reason to celebrate. Jen picked me up at the airport and we headed to Liz's cousin's house.  All I have to say about pulling up the house is WOA. 

Gorgeous house inside and out!  

Once inside we greeted Liz's mom and other family members as they anxiously prepped the food and awaited Liz's arrival.  

We grabbed a drink and headed outside to the pool to check out the decor and catch up.  It was the perfect country chic garden party.  White table and chairs sat around the yard topped with beautiful floral china.  Each table had china from a different member of Liz's family so it wasn't just beautiful, it was also very meaningful.  Mason jars filled with wildflowers adorned each table and scented handmade soap favors marked each place setting.

Her mom and aunt made all the food from scratch, and although I had to leave the shower early to head home for my husband's work event, I did get to sample some of it.  Homemade crab cakes, tortellini, salads, chicken cutlets, sangria - a whole gluten free menu just for us.  Again I forgot to take pics of the food.  My stomach takes over and my brain shuts down.  Sorry guys!  

Liz arrived promptly and everyone was so happy to see her.  No one is more deserving of a gorgeous bridal shower than she is.  Liz gives of herself to everyone else and truly goes out of her way for those she loves.  She works furiously in her career but seems to somehow always remember the little things that just make people's day.  Despite living in different states, she never fails to send me a birthday card (early I may add) with a birthday poem inside.  

J, L and I have been friends since high school
(J & L since elementary school, omg!)

I'm sure all that truly know Liz feel the same way, which is why the gift table was overflowing with stuff!

You can't even see the front of the table anymore!

I am so happy that Liz and I have remained friends since high school, but more importantly that she has found a wonderful man in Fab.  They are a model of what a kind, thoughtful, smart, loving relationship should be.   To Liz & Fab ladies and gents - And that my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!  (And it will be.  In November, when they tie the knot! xoxo)  

Folding like a Pro

Some people are just born to enjoy cleaning.  I am one of those people.  But my sister-in-law, she doesn't just enjoy it, cleaning sweeps her off her feet! 

I have never seen a more organized closet in all my life.  Mine is organized, but it gets super messy from time to time.  Hers is never messy.  Never.  Her closet looks like something straight out of a out of a catalog.  All. of. the.time.  I don't know how she does it, but I love it!  

Never one to be stingy, I am going to share the wealth with all of you.  So here it is, my first guest post (!) - K. is going to tell you how she folds her tee-shirts, because in my opinion, is the coolest part of her whole closet.  She stacks her perfectly folded tees the way J.Crew and other retail stores do - all the same size, facing the same way, employing the exact same folding technique on each one.  

If any of you get inspired to re-fold and re-organize your closets, do share, I wanna see!!  You can find me on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest (use the buttons at the top right of my page).  And don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any more fun stuff!

Take it away, K...

OCD

Some define OCD as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but I see it as Organized Captivating Debonair.  I’ve always been told I have OCD, especially when people enter my closet, but I don’t really see that as a bad thing.  Being organized is something that comes naturally to me, and makes my life just a little bit less chaotic.  Between class, studying, cooking, working out, and the occasional TV episode/season, there isn’t much time to be fiddling around trying to find something or tidy up.  If you’re organized from the get go, than it will just make life that much easier.

 

A great place to start is in your closet.  You can do this gradually over time as you wash and put away your clothes.  I’m currently going to veterinary school away from home.  Even down here in Grenada, I have my closet just as orderly as back home in Georgia.  Probably the first thing people say when they see my clothes are how neat my t-shirts look and how it looks like a department store display!  I haven’t let anybody in how effortless and easy it is to do until now.  So no more bunching your t-shirts in that bottom drawer, and follow these ridiculously easy steps.

Lay your t-shirt face down on your bed, or the top of your dryer, any flat surface will do. 

Fold one half in.  I like to go just a few inches away from where the collar starts (okay…yes that is my OCD talking). 

 Fold the other half of the shirt in the same fashion.

 Now fold your t-shirt in half, and you are done! 

There you have it!  The lost art of t-shirt folding in 3 easy steps!  I like to color coordinate them, but that is just a personal preference (okay, okay…it’s the OCD talking again).  Seriously though, this is something really easy to do as soon as your clothes come out of the dryer.  Fold them right away, and than you’ll always have neat t-shirts.  No more digging through that bottom drawer to find your favorite shirt!  

 Thanks for the tutorial, K!  

Somehow mine never turn out quite like that... Isn't that just insane how perfect they are?!  Blows me away every time.  Thanks to K. for sharing her secret with us and for inspiring us to re-fold our closets!  And that secret my friends, is worth a glass of champagne (even if it's not our closet!) 

Fall Fashion

As much as we'd all like to ignore it, fallisonitsway.  I didn't just say that.  'Don't jinx us' you're thinking.  Sorry kids, it is inevitable.  In an effort to grip on to the last days of summer August always finds me still shopping for summer fashion.  That boho dress I failed to buy in June screams from the racks saying 'I'm on sale, you really wanted me a month ago. If you don't buy me now I may be gone forever.'  

And then I cave.  

But this August I'm determined to be more practical in my purchases. I'm planning to buy only those things which can be used for fall and winter.

Think edgy rocker, with a little 80s thrown in.  
There are certain fall pieces I'm looking for....

{All things Leather}
Shorts, vests, jackets, even dresses will be all over.  Be sure to pair these with more feminine items so you don't look too harsh.  Unless of course you are trying to scare people away.  

White Leather Vest / Black Leather Leggings / Leather Peplum / Leather Scalloped Shorts

TOPS

L/S High Necked Crop Top / Cosmic Tank / Lace Tank (similar) / Baseball Tee / Leopard Peplum / Tiger Tank

{L/S High-Necked Crop Tops} Straight from Ty's closet in the movie Clueless, these are back.  Pair them with high-waisted midi skirts or shorts to keep it modern.  

{Animal and Galaxy/Cosmic Prints} Once reserved for hunters and the tacky alike, somehow these printed tops have made their way to the mainstream.  Be really careful to modernize your outfit (accessorize correctly and do your hair and make up) otherwise you will look like someone out of 'Awkward Family Photos.' 

{Lace}  It's still in and I LOVE it!  Enough said.

{Baseball Tees} I'm not talking the ones that actually support a team.  These are the ones from the 70s where the sleeves are a different color than the body. Greg Brady style, who woulda thought?  

{Dressy Sweatshirts}
Elbow patches, lace details, studs, jewels -I refer to them as dress sweatshirts.  And I couldn't be happier these are "in."  So easy to throw on with skinny or boyfriend jeans yet it still looks put together and chic.  Couldn't be easier.  Sign. Me. Up.

Lace Sweatshirt / Jeweled Neck Sweatshirt

Studded Sweatshirt

I already bought the J.Crew Jeweled Neck Sweatshirt above.

{Boots/Booties}
These have been in for a while, but suede fabric in dark colors such as gray, black, and brick red will be really popular.  Hang on to brown ones (which you probably already have from previous seasons, but if not, I've linked one below) because those are a great transition piece into fall.  

Express Booties

  

Red Suede Booties

{Metallic Flats} These uniform-like shoes got an update with some serious shine.  Similar to jazz shoes these look great paired with boyfriend jeans and a sweater or with a flowy hi-low skirt and tank.  

J.Crew Oxfords

{The Color of Red Wine}  This dark, rich red is a great transition from fall to winter.  I want some skinny trousers in this color. Paired with black or cream but you can be bolder and wear coordinating jewel tones.  I've seen a lot of 'waxed' finishes on pants lately, which gives the pants a slight sheen and waxiness.  Not as shiny as satin or sateen, it's a good way to add a subtle glow to your look.  Keep the rest simple and matte though.  You don't want to blind anyone.  

Cranberry Jeggings

{Attache Bags} Square and inspired by men's briefcases, these are all the rage this fall 

Blue Attache

Attache with touch of Leopard

Now you can fall into Fall Fashion with ease.  And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!

JT, Jay-Z and Me!

I've been waiting for this concert all summer and finally, finally(!) it's here.  JT and Jay-Z right in my backyard, ok, it was a stadium with thousands of other people but whatevs.  

I anxiously awaited my BFFL's arrival.  Despite the rain and her recovering from a bad cold, we were determined to have fun.  After a hectic summer of packing, unpacking, laundering, and packing again (on repeat), dancing and singing with my girl T to some sweet tunes is just what I needed. And maybe a few cocktails...or more than a few.

I settled on wearing a black satin dress, my Vince Camuto ankle cuff flats, and my Louis purse.  I even did my hair (I have become the queen of the bun as many a busy mom is).  

T and I headed off to Flemings for some pre-concert snacks and drinks.  We ordered the Stoli Bombshell Martini. A mix of muddled raspberries, vodka and lime juice it was a sweet way to begin our night. And at 99 calories you won't feel guilty eating (or drinking) more than your fair share.

Flemings has the greatest happy hour I know.  5 for $6 till 7pm, Flemings features five apps, five wines, and five cocktails all for $6 each!  We munched on complimentary handmade potato chips and sipped our on our martinis as we waited for our sweet chile calamari and burger (The Prime Burger). Ask for Mike the bartender, you won't regret it. Attentive but not over-bearing, friendly but not unprofessional he can whip up the perfect cocktail in seconds.  Even if you don't know what you want, he does. 

Our food came and we chowed down (which is why there's no food pics). But I can tell you it was delish. And so were the blueberry mojitos Mike made for us (Shockingly, sans lettuce - T I'm looking at you. I think the cocktails got to her brain,lol). 

I've frequented Flemings many times for birthday dinners and special occasions and it is equally as good as their happy hour.  The waiters are knowledgeable and friendly, the food delicious.  The manager always comes over to check on you and will take a picture of your whole party, stopping by later on to drop off the pic in a frame.  My favorite part is the box of handmade chocolate truffles, handwritten card, single standing candle and a $25 gift card you get for special occasions. If you go, try the petite filet (medium plus --> more than medium, less than medium well), baked potato and wedge salad with some Cava sparkling wine. Ok back to our girls night out.

Two martinis, two glasses of wine and one blueberry mojoto later we giggled our way out onto the street and over to the Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z concert.  

Uber let us down and said there were no cabs available so we popped on over to the Marriott, pretended we were staying there and had the doorman get us a cab.  We chatted up Mike our driver and talked excitedly about the concert. 

The concert was exploding with eager fans. And they were all on line for the ladies room. Having done our business we got ourselves a drink and headed to our seats.  

Which were amazing, check them out. Front and center and not too high or too low, just right.

As the night pressed in, the stage lit up.  JT and Jay-Z took the stage slowly, keeping the crowd tensely, breathlessly, madly and wildly awaiting their first song. ('Holy Grail' but shh, I didn't tell you that)

Sooo JT can legit sing.  Not that I ever doubted him but you never know with musicians these days  He sounds like he does on the radio which is so refreshing.  So many artists are auto tuned or 'helped' in some way, and it was a relief to know he is the real deal. Jay-Z can hold his own for sure.  But of course he can, he's a tough NY boy.  And they've got moves.  Is it hot in here??

Two very different genres and two very different groups of fans all came together to relish in music that moves you to your feet.  Bass pounding, bodies moving and hands in the air, I don't think there was a happier set of people in the city that night.  

We danced the night away, 'brushing our shoulders off' and 'taking sexy back.'  I'd tell you the set list but that takes all the fun out of it so you'll just have to go see them for yourself.  

And I almost cried during the Empire State of Mind because my heart will always belong to NY. (To think I almost missed it for the ladies room!)  

Ahhh!  Just wait until the encore. 

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G is all I can say.  Check out the tour dates here, buy yourself a ticket.  You won't regret it.

Sadly, it had to come to an end so we headed out to grab a cab but that was easier said then done. A mile or two later we found our cab and tried to take a final pic.  Too bad I struggled to operate my camera.  This is what we wound up with. 

This is embarrassing to admit but after my first unsuccessful attempt at a pic, I accidentally videoed us instead of taking a pic. I won't bore you with a vid because the whole video is this picture. We sat there, still as statues, smiling at the camera that never took a picture.  And that was a sign it was high time for bed. This is what we wound up with  

Don't we look like two girls who had a ton of fun?  I think so.  A night out talking, reminiscing, laughing, dancing (and planning the yoga studio we'll never open) was just what we needed.  T's the kind of friend who's always there when you need her (she drove 3 hours round trip to come see me  in the hospital for 30 mimutes when I had my daughter). And although we don't live near one another we pick up right where we left off. I see us being friends till we are old and gray.  We have more fun together than we probably should. We have many more memories to make.  Call your best girl and have some good old fashioned fun. And that my friends, is worth a glass of champagne.