Thursday, July 2, 2009

Sorry that I Have Been MIA

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Sorry that I have been gone for a while. I have just been bogged down with work, life, etc. This Girl From NYC is getting ready for a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! I plan on going to see Public Enemies, Picnic, perhaps head to Coney Island, finish reading Outlander, and find a dress to wear for my joint Birthday Tea Party that I’m having with my friend D. I want something with floral print, or just something girly. I bought a dress for a French Restaurant my friend U is taking me to on my actual Birthday, which falls on a Tuesday (Ick!). It was a cute, bargain find from TJ Maxx. I can’t find a picture of it online so I hope my description suffices. It’s an emerald green flowy dress that goes to the knees, and had green gems around the Boat Neck. It’s really cute!!!

Anyway, I hope you Ladies have a Great 4th of July. I know I will!!!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Book Review Time

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Something Blue-Emily Giffin

something blue

As I was walking down the book aisle at Target, I stumbled across some books by Emily Giffin. I was in a Wedding/ Chic Lit sort of Mood, and the book covers were pulling me in. I convinced myself not to buy them, and to just go to the Library. I don’t know how I convinced myself to go into a Library. If you know me in real life, then you have heard my stories from my NYPL days ,and probably are traumatized from ever taking out books. Perhaps one day I will tell you my tales of horror. Anyway, I put her books on my Hold List at the NYPL, and went to pick up Something Blue as soon as it came in.


I would love to tell you that I loved this book. From the synopsis I had read, it was about a girl whose fiancé cheated on her with her best friend. “Oh, wow” I had thought to myself, “I could totally relate as I had a boyfriend cheat on me with a best friend”. I thought it would be a nice story of her finding the man of her dreams. Boy, was I wrong. What I came to realize is that the main character, Darcy is a total self absorbed bitch, who basically was cheating on her fiancé with one of his groomsmen.


I don’t know about you, but when I go read a book I am looking for an escape from my normal life. I am not in the mood for dealing with a bitch. I come across enough of them on a day to day basis. I am curious as to how Emily Giffin thought that this was a character women could relate to. Are we all just bitches who have cheated on our men a number of times? Are we all people that are competing with our best friends to have and take away the things that they love? Do we all steal any guy they are interested in? I like to think that I am a good friend who would never do that.

At some point Giffin tried to make this book into a Devil’s Wear Prada, by throwing in big Fashion Labels. I didn’t really care to know what Darcy was wearing or buying. The more she threw on expensive clothes or blew thousands of dollars in a day to make herself feel better about her fiancé and her best friend being together, the more I abhorred her.


Darcy does encounter a form of redemption, as she finds her true love and starts to think about other people. This epiphany doesn’t really occur until towards the end, and by the time she realizes there is more to the world than herself I could care less. I would have loved to say that I am happy for her finding true love, etc. but she is such an awful girl that I just could never embrace her.


I’m wondering if anyone else has read this book. Do you feel the same? I just can’t believe this was on the NY Times Best Seller’s List. I just don’t get it.


Anyway, I need more books to read as I’ve gobbled down 9 books in the past 2 weeks. Does anyone have any recommendations? I need a Summer Reading List!


Wednesday, June 3, 2009

I'm not feeling this week

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I truly am not feeling this week. I feel rather uninspired. Le sigh

I am looking forward to my weekend trip to Philly to visit The Pied-À-Terre. I don't quite know what the exact plan is yet. I think we're going to the Liberty Bell and the Zoo. I know we're definitely having Philly Cheese Steaks. My Doodle a/k/a my Hubby is coming along to and is mostly concerned about what he will be eating. He is excited for my friend's curry. He keeps asking me about food.

I have a College reunion next week that I have been convinced to go to. I was promised free food and drinks. I'm kind of wary about it all. There are some faces I'd rather not see, but that's life. I'll just smile and ignore. I promise to try to have a good time.

In August, I'm heading out to L.A. to visit some in-laws and friends. I'm looking forward to walking through the Promenade, visiting my friends at the LGF Studio, talking about films, pitching crazy ideas, etc. I'm kind of looking forward to the in-laws. They are a very critical bunch, so I have to prepare for them to evaluate my life and actions, and then tell me what I'm doing wrong. At some point I'll tune them out, laugh, and/or talk back. This is the in-laws way with each other, so I guess I can't take much of an offense. Last time I had a big family discussion with this it started like this:

Grandma: J, I know you really miss your family in NYC. But I think you need to cut
the apron strings
J: The Apron strings?
G: Yes. You need to cut them and accept our family as your new family. C (my hubby's
mom) can be like a new mom to you. You can't be living in NYC forever. That's not a
place to raise a family.
J: Oh, Good God No! I have a mom thank. I don't need to replace my family. If anyone needs to cut the strings it's my hubby, because obviously his family is too clingy and
needy. And I think NYC is a fabulous place to grow up. I was born and raised there,
and I turned out fine.
G: *mumbles to herself*
J: Pardon?
G: Nothing. You're fine.

Good times. My hubby tried to say she didn't mean it badly, but whatever. I know she did.
They do this to their entire family though. Lots of criticism. Also, lots of them claiming to be the best family ever. Seriously, they aren't. Too many skeletons in their closets. I'll try to have fun though. I end up making lots of jokes so I don't end up screaming. Oh, how I wish they were normal people.

I just need the week to end. I'm ready to start my summer fun!!! I'm also ready for a bottle of wine :)

Friday, May 29, 2009

Thanks Friends!

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Thank goodness the week is over. This week has been hectic with the fiscal year ending. Why do people wait to the very last minute to get their work done?Ugh!

This has been a tough week. Between the close of the Fiscal year, fight with a friend, Mother-In-Law bugging the crap out of me, and lack of sleep, I barely was able to keep myself sane. Thanks to the friends who listened to me rant and rave, and who accept me for who I am. What would I do without them? This song goes out to all my homies :)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

I Need A Week

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I wish I could have had all week off. I feel like a truck ran over me not once, but maybe 2 or 3 times. This past Memorial Day Holiday I spent visiting family, hanging out with the hubby, shopping, etc.

We also went to the movies and saw Terminator: Salvation. I was so excited for this movie. Sadly, I was let down. It was OK. Too much action and not enough of a plot. I won't go into details, but what happened to telling a good story. It's a shame because it had some great actors ie: Christian Bale. This film was a waste of his talent. The 5th film is in development, and I'm hoping they focus more on story telling, and less on special effects and action. The first film is still my favorite in the series. It had both plot and action. It totally trumps Terminator 2 in my book.

And what is Memorial Day weekend without a little shopping. I got me some cute Steve Madden flats, in their Kobraa flats in Pewter at Filene's basement for $35. Thank you 20% off coupon.

kobraa pweter snake-steve madden

I'm surprised that they are comfy. Usually, Madden's cut me up. I'm wearing them today and loving it.

Now, what would make this day even nicer is going to a cafe, curling up in a chair with some coffee and a good book. That would be sweet!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

I'm Too Obsessed with TV

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Thank God, Friday is tomorrow. I have been ready for the week to end, and I am dieing to see Terminator Salvation. Memorial Day weekend kicks off my Summer Movies spree, since the TV season dies down in the summer.

With the networks deciding on what New Shows are coming and what Shows are being renewed, I'm wondering what's everyone's thoughts are on the new network lineups. I'm hearing Lost will be airing either Tuesdays at 10 or Wednesdays at 9PM. Please ABC keep it at at 9pm. The 10pm hour will kill me, because all I want to do is sleep at this point. I guess it doesn't matter where it goes, since it is the last season but I prefer 9pm. Thanks.

I'm also wondering what ABC is thinking by moving Ugly Betty to Fridays at 9pm. It's a death sentence. It's very hard for a show to retain an audience on Fridays. Ghost Whisperer is one of the few shows that has been able to keep a following. I'm not sure if the Ugly Betty demographic is going to be tuning in Fridays. I pray that they do. We shall see. I think Smallville is going to get buried alive with CW moving it to Fridays. Good Luck!

I got a little misty eyed yesterday when I learned that Privileged has gotten the ax by CW. I'm left with another cliffhanger ending. Why is it that many shows that I love, ie: Life On Mars, get the death sentence. It was such a cute show, and I love Joanna Garcia. Oh well :(

Out of all the new shows I have been hearing about, I am only excited about two: V ( ABC) and Vampire Diaries (CW). V is a remake of an alien miniseries from the 80's and stars Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet from Lost). I'm hearing its about Aliens who come to earth and say they are here to help the humans, but have ulterior motives for us. The Vampire Diaries seems very Twilightish, and I will tune in to watch it. I'm sure it will become a guilty pleasure of mine. It stars another Lostie, Ian Somerhalder (Boone). I am obviously too obsessed with Lost.


So, what are your thoughts about the new lineups?

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I <3 the Entertainment Biz!!! I <3 TV Sweeps Week!!!

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I love the fact that it's TV Sweeps week! That means it's time for new shows and seeing which old shows are coming back. I've been keeping up with the news through my friends who work out in the L.A. Entertainment Industry, through Watch With Kristin, and of course the Goddess herself, Nikki Finke! Coverage has been great. Of Course, Finke's got the scoop usually before anyone else does. Watch with Kristin is a little slow on the news. I even beat them to the punch a few times. Yet, they are a little pissed at me for one of the scoops I informed them all of on Tuesday. Someone's mad because I knew before they did. Oh, boo f***'in who!!!


This all stems from the show Medium. If all of you paid attention like I did Tuesday, NBC canceled "My Name is Earl" and "Medium" The Buzz is "My Name is Earl" may be picked up by Fox ( which the majority of people in the biz knew about) and that "Medium" at that point was a maybe for CBS. In case you didn't know "Medium" was a joint production between CBS and NBC. It still was doing well in the ratings for NBC. I found this out probably around the same time Finke did. Anyway, for some reason Watch With Kristin hadn't reported this. I thought I'd be nice and tell them this information, so I commented on their NBC post. Watch With Kristin did update their info; however; they made the time stamp on my comment look like it came after they posted this info. How classy of them.

As the day progressed, I learned from my source that CBS would definitely be taking Medium, and putting it on Fridays at 9pm, right after Ghost Whisperer. I notified the sad readers on Watch With Kristin that I had confirmation it was coming back. Nikki Finke had also reported the same. Watch with Kristin refuses to report on it that day. Instead I get a lovely message from E! as to where I'm getting my f***in' information from . I'm also accused of lieing etc. At this point, I'm wondering if Nikki Finke is getting the same sort of comments from people. My assumption is that one of the writers got a little jealous that someone was beating them to the news. Not my fault. My assumption is that if you're a reporter for the Entertainment biz, you're going to have the same sources I do. If you don't then it's a little sad and rather laughable. My only reply to E! is if you're unhappy with being the last one with the scoop, bring me in or some other person who is an insider.

Ah, I love the Entertainment Biz, even when people get bitchy. It's truly entertaining

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Catch Up With Moi!!!

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My apologies to the blog world for not contributing. Our servers at work crashed, and we're having to reconstruct information as some of the documents are now lost to us. Anyway, I had a pretty busy weekend. Got my hair cut on Saturday with my favorite hair stylist Daniel. He is the best!!! I told him I need something easy for the summer, since my curly hair does not fair well in the humid NYC summers. My hair likes to turn into a full on afro puff. It’s not cute. I want to be able to put it up in a pony tail or quickly be able to straighten it. So Danny boy cut my hair shorter, but added some sexiness to it. It looks fantastic! I’ve been going to this dude since last fall, and he is just amazing. I can’t say it enough. If you ever venture to the Loehmann's down on 14th street and you’re in need of a haircut, go into the Leonard Golino salon and ask for Daniel. Yes, it might cost you $99 for just a cut and style, but it’s worth it. He also is the best colorist there. I’ve seen his work on other ladies, and it looks like it’s their natural hair. You can’t even tell that it was just dyed. The $200-300 that you would spend on it would be worth it.

Anyway, enough of me plugging Daniel in here. I also went to my friend, M’s, bridal shower. She looked really beautiful, and I was happy to be there with everyone else to celebrate! The food was awesome, but it’s Greek so of course it was going to be good. I ate so much hummus, salad, eggplant, and lamb that I am still stuffed today. Besides the boy who ran over and shrieked in my ear, I had a great time. I met some nice ladies, ate yummy food, and watched my friend celebrate her day. Yay!

I do have to share a convo with all of you that I overheard at my table. I had to stifle my laughter at the entire thing. I took it first as a joke, but with no one else laughing I was led to believe that this was serious:

Girl 1: I can’t believe M is getting married.

Girl 2: I know!

Girl 1: I’m so happy for her. If I were planning a wedding, like today, like now I would get a purple wedding dress. Not just any kind of purple…Like a royal purple. A jewel toned purple. You know, the purple that’shiny.

Girl 2: Yeah.

Girl 1: And my grooms, and grooms men would all wear purple tuxes. But you know if the groom didn’t like that I’d listen to him, cuz you know you also got to listen for his input too.

Girl 2: True.

Girl 1: Yeah, if he didn’t want to wear that, they could wear white tuxes with purple ties.

Girl 2: That’d be hot!!

I can picture M cringing now at the thought of a Purely Purple affair. Wouldn’t men in Purple tuxes be awesome?Hahahaha. I don’t think they were joking either. There was no laughter, except me coughing and trying not to choke on my fried eggplant. The conversation went deeper into everyone else's “What If I Were Getting Married” Plans.

I suppose it could be worse. Nothing could be as horrifying as this Ghetto Fabulous Wedding:

http://en.wordpress.com/tag/ghetto-wedding/

Friday, May 15, 2009

We Should Be Friends

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Dear Longchamp Tote:

Why aren’t you and I friends? You are so awesome in chocolate brown. You make me believe that we’d have a friendship that would last a lifetime. I think you might make me look good if only you were a bit closer. Can I justify spending $125 on you? I think I can. Your durability and classic elegance is something that can’t be denied. I might have to tell my hubby that you need to be my friend by the time my Birthday comes in July. I think that’s fair. I really do. Hope to see you soon.

Much Love,

The Girl From NYC



long champ

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The TV Has Seduced Me

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So with May Flowers also comes May finales, which means this Girl from NYC's behind is planted firmly on the couch. Let me show you what's been catching my attention so much, I haven't had the energy to blog. I promise I won't spoil it for you:


Lost Season 5
Lost


Wow... I can't even start to give you a definitive answer as to where this is going. I have some thoughts, but who knows. Is it wrong for me to assume that all of this has some comparisons with the Bible. They have all of these wonderful tie ins that work great for my theory. My friends and I were trying to guess what's up for Season 6, but I know we probably only grasped a few ways that this could go. Don't worry, I won't share with you my thoughts unless you really want to know. I know some people still haven't seen the finale. If you haven't you really need to. You will laugh, cry, get royally pissed off, etc. It's great. My only gripe with it is that I'm worried that this has raised so many more questions, and that the writers not be able to address all of it in the next season. The sixth season will only run for 16-17 episodes. Is that really enough to answer what's important? We'll see in about 8 months. It's going to be eating at me.

Fringe
Fringe

The season finale was fantastic. It did a great job of answering some questions. Of course it raised some, but that's the point. The story does need to continue. I did have my doubts with this show. It kind of got slow in the middle, but I blame that on the writing. The last few episodes of the season have been exciting. I won't tell you the big shocker at the end, but what I saw at the end did give me a few goosebumps.

The Real Bitches...I mean Housewives of NYC

Real Housewives of NYC

These bitches are so catty but I love them. Tuesday and Thursday was the extra long reunion chocked full of clawing, bitching, crying, laughing, you name it. Season 1 was a snooze fest, but Season 2 was pure gold.

My favorites had to be Bethany and Jill. They were hilarious and very up front about what they thought. I like women who can tell it like it is, even if it hurts. You have to be able to be honest. I love their jokes too. Good times! Their fight in the season finale was very shocking to me. Jill needed to take a step back and realize this is what happens with sponsoring. They put their ads up. It wasn't something Bethany knew about, and she was able to understand why it was taken down. What she didn't like was the talking behind her back to Ramona, who definitely fueled the fire between those two. Ramona was one to talk though. She was putting her skin care products in the goodie bags. They all marketed their crap on the show whether it was skincare products, books, fabric etc. No reason to get hypocritical about it.

Now The Countess, I thought they were easier on her at the reunion. They did rightfully point out that she is full of herself. She is. She threw her title around ( which she married into) and acted holier than thou. Who gives a crap? Just because you married into it doesn't make you the Queen of Class. I feel bad for her that her husband said he wanted a divorce from her on email and leaked to the press that he was with an Ethiopian Princess, but I think she really does need to drop that Countess act. Hopefully, she takes a good look at how she came off this season.

I know you all want to know about Alex, but I find her rather dull. She doesn't really have a personality outside of her husband, Simon. They all are just one giant ball of boring, who think they are hip for owning a Brownstone in Brooklyn and wearing flamboyant pieces. I'm sure if they could afford a Brownstone in Manhattan that is where they would be before ever stepping foot in Brooklyn. Also their fashion sense is atrocious. Between the feed bag that Alex wore and the red leather pants, black leather jacket, and shiny shoes that Simon wore, I really don't know whose worse. I also get the impression that Simon is gay or bisexual. It's just a vibe that he gives off. Even my gay bff thinks the same.

Ramona, Ramona. You always stick your foot in your mouth. Yes, I get you want to have fun and help, but you really need to learn when to shut up. She always knows how to make jabs at people, ie: Bethany, "Jill only talks to you because she's not threatened by you" and causing fights between the ladies. Please, just control yourself.

And last but not least, Kelly. She is the most delusional bitch I have ever seen. She is very self centered, and truly believes that the world revolves around her. She asks Bethany to meet up with her at the bar after Bethanyhad taken a jab at her the day before. Kelly shows up late and basically tells Bethany "We're not friends. I'm up here and you're down here." She then walks away, waits for Bethany by the door to yell at her that she's crazy. Kelly ends up denying that this ever happened. Even at the reunion she tried to pretend it didn't happen. She also made some idiotic statements at the reunion:"The grass isn't always greener no matter how much fertilizer you have." What? Did you really go to Columbia University or Colombia, the country? She's ridiculous. She truly does live in her own world.

Supernatural
Supernatural

I love this show, and it's not just because it has two gorgeous guys. This season has been great. The brothers have been fighting demons for the past three seasons, so it was about time Heaven and the Angels stepped into the mix. Sam, the younger brother has been on a dark path, especially when Dean went to hell. He wants to protect his brother by taking charge, but had gone about it the wrong way by playing with the demons. Dean has become important to the angels in the battle between Heaven and Hell. There are 66 seals that have needed to be broken all season in order to free Lucifer. Were the boys able to keep the Devil at bay? I won't tell you what happened in the finale, but I am excited for next season. It is going to be so good. Thank goodness this show comes back in the fall.

I would love to discuss any thoughts or theories anyone has on these shows. I would have loved to go in depth about some of the shows, but I know it will be a good week before I can go blabbing my mouth. I don't want to be the one who kills it for people.





Monday, May 11, 2009

Oh My! Oh my!

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Monday's kinda hurt my soul, especially after such a short weekend. I'm currently at home trying to watch Delta of Venus, with my celebrity crush Costas Mandylor, but right now I'd much rather lay down and dream about Costas ;p

Costas

Do any of you ladies recognize him? He's Friar Fuck from the season 4 episode of Sex & The City. You know, the episode where Samantha sees the hot priest and spends the afternoon masturbating to thoughts of him. He also plays Detective Hoffman from the Saw movies. Yes, I admit to watching the series because a) I used to work for the studio that distributed these films and got to go to free screenings and b) I love horror films. Costas makes the Saw franchise much more bearable with those juicy lips, bedroom eyes and....and... acting ;p I'm sure you can basically deduce I'm just watching Delta of Venus for eye candy. I get to see his bod in this one hehehe.

My hubby is currently passed out on the couch after a long day of finals. I'm sure if he were awake right now there would be lots of eye rolling. Oh well, we put up with our celebrity crushes :)

Saturday, May 9, 2009

I'm in a Country Mood

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While most of my friends cringe at the words Country Music, I can admit that there's a little country in this city girl's heart. If I'm looking for good yearning song, great love song, or even something for fun, country music fulfills all of those requirements. This is just some of what I've been listening to on this rainy Saturday:

I love 90's country music. "I Can Still Feel You" still gets me teary!:



I think Trisha Yearwood's version of "How Do I Live" was better than Leanne Rhymes. You can feel the depths of emotion in her vocals, rather than Leanne, who sounded beautiful but not believable.



I do love me some Toby Keith. I think he is so incredibly hot ;p My hubby accepts him as one of my crushes:

toby keith




You just have to have Reba:



My mother-in-law danced with my husband to this song. The disclaimed before the song was that the hubby was 10 lbs ;p

Speaking of the husband, I think he looks like the bald version of Trace Adkins:

trace adkins

VS.

Photobucket The Husband



It won't let me embed this song, but "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" is fun and hilarious. You know you just wanna' swing along:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3dHxAYYXhc


Hope you're all enjoying this weekend !

Friday, May 8, 2009

It was an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow paisley bikini

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Paisley Bikini

Hooray, the sun came back today!!! I was not feeling the rain. And with the sun came the decision to buy myself a bikini. It was a hellish process but after going to Old Navy to try on swimsuits, I decided on my Yellow Paisley bikini.

I realize now why I let a few years pass before I get a swimsuit. I have body image issues, and if my body had a definitive shape I think I would feel better. My body is a square! I didn't get my mom's petite hour glass shape. I got a square. I'm a skinny square! " You wouldn't think it would be an issue but it limits my choices. I can't wear a once piece to cover myself because it makes me look very blah! I can't wear a tankini because it emphasizes the square that is I. I am stuck with a bikini, and showing more skin than I'd like too. I also had the "I feel fat" moment while staring at myself in the mirror. My dreams to wear an xs top and bottom were dashed by the blessing and the curse that is my Latina bust and booty. Thus I am stuck with a small for my booty and a medium for my boobs.

I was having a crisis in the changing room with the interchangeable "I feel bloated", "Yikes, this orange is making me look like a day-glo vampire," "Crap, why can't I fit my boobs into this top," and "Why can't my booty be a wee bit tinier?" Then I tried on my bikini and all those feelings went away. Relief from hell! Thank God!!! I didn't look fat. The color works with my skin tone. I felt great. Why did I have a crisis? Damn ,the skinny models and celebrities for making me doubt myself!!! I never want to go through this again. It's too emotionally draining. I'll see the swimsuit aisle again in 4-5 years.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

April Showers Bring More Showers?

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It's a rainy day in the city, and going to be just as rainy the rest of the week. This kind of weather just makes me want to curl up in bed all day. Too bad I couldn't hit the Snooze button this morning. However, my morning has been made brighter by this ray of sunshine that showed up in my inbox:


Delano Stevie

It's the Delano Stevie Purse from Kate Spade!!! This is having me dream of the sunny weather, beaches, and summer nights. A perfect reminder that the "Sun will Come out Tomorrow", or based on my weatherman's estimation in a few days.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

The Boogie Down Bronx

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This weekend has been pretty gray. It's been a great weekend for visiting family and writing that story I've been dieing to write. Yesterday, I ventured into The Bronx a/k/a the Boogie Down Bronx to see my parents. It was fun. Yet, every time I tell someone I hail from The Bronx, I see a look of terror cross their eyes. Even when I tell my own husband I'm going up there to see family, he becomes hesitant. They must have some vision of The Bronx as a ghetto fabulous vision where they are several shoot outs and someone gets stabbed or maimed every day. I assure you this is not the case. Yes, it's not Manhattan, but it's not as Dangerous as everyone makes it out to be. You have the same odds of getting attacked in the Bronx as you do in Manhattan. Growing up in The Boogie Down, I never felt fear at all walking down the street, and I've never been attacked, mugged etc. It's really not bad.

While the Bronx doesn't have the glamorous reputation as Manhattan, there are things to do. You can go shopping in Riverdale. There are some awesome gourmet stores up in Riverdale with the best hummus, cheeses, olives etc. There is also a Target, Marshall's, and a Loehmann's for you bargain hunters out there. The area of 161st is also undergoing some changes to tempt some people into moving. 161st is the home to Yankee Stadium for those who want to catch a Yankee's (Bronx Bomber's) game. Passing through there recently I saw a Home Depot, and a TJ Maxx which is currently being built along with the condos. It looks like the city wants to offer a nice, affordable option to those who want to live in this great city but can't afford Manhattan.

Yankee Stadium

The Boogie Down also has the Real Little Italy. Yes, I know you've been told that Little Italy is in Manhattan, but it's not the case anymore. Little Italy has been taken over by China town. If you want some real Italian food come up to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. They have wonderful bakeries like Egidio's if you're dieing for cannolis and even cannoli cake. Even their restaurants have excellent pizzas and pastas all at affordable prices. Also stop by the Arthur Avenue Retail Market where you can buy produce, wonderful cuts of meat, olives out of a barrel, homemade pastas, cheeses,and even spices. The market even has a place to sit down and get your grub on. So buy some ready made pizza, pastas, or even the sandwiches and dig in.

Arthur Ave Market

BX Zoo

If you're feeling in a tourist mood stop by the Bronx Zoo and/ or the Bronx Botanical Gardens, which are both directly across from each other. The zoo has many wonderful exhibits full of animals, such as Jungle World, Reptile House Mouse House, Congo Gorilla Forest, and a Butterfly Exhibit ( in the spring and summer). Some of the animals do notice you and try to interact with you. Last time I was there, I was approached by several peacocks that walk the grounds, had a lizard press his tummy against the glass for a rub, and even had an African Pheasant play with me. It's quite fun. For those of you looking for a bargain, Wednesdays are pay as you wish day.

BX Botanical Garden

If it's a beautiful sunny day, I suggest going to the Botanical Gardens. They have beautiful flowers, and even a waterfall. It's a breathtaking place, and on a nice day you can walk the trails looking at natural beauty, or just sit back and take it all in.

Bx Equestrian Center

For those of you who love horse back riding or who just want to give it a try, visit the Bronx Equestrian Center up by Pelham. They have lessons ranging from $40 for half hour lessons, $65 for one hour lessons, and a discount rate if you buy the lessons in a block of ten classes. For more details, check out http://www.bronxequestriancenter.com

See, there are things to do in the Bronx! Come visit the Boogie Down one of these weekends. We'd love to have you!!!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Spring is made for Shopping

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After living for two years in L.A., coming back to NYC for winter was rough. I was spoiled by the beautiful 40-70 degree winters, so that when the first snow came to NYC I was bawling like a baby. The snow and 20 degree weather is not fun, nor is shopping for winter clothes. It's just not as fun and vibrant as spring and summer shopping. When the first 60 degree day reared it's head, I knew it was time. Time to dust off the cards and explore the web and NYC stores. Of course, my search did not leave me empty handed. Check out what I snagged:


The Spring Reminder

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Nothing says Spring like Poppies. When I first saw this Coat in the Land's End Catalog it screamed ME!!! I had to have it. I get compliments on it every time I wear it, and have been told that it makes people happy for the brilliant reminder that is Spring! I also got Salsa Orange Wellies (Rain Boots) to go with it. It just pulls it all together, and makes you feel lovely even when

The Jeans For A Shorty With A Booty

Joe's Jeans Provocateur Petite Jeans

Recently, while perusing the racks of Filene's Basement on 17th St, I stumbled upon this heavenly creation: Joe's Jeans-Provocateur. The find made me squeal when I found it in a Petite 24, but what made me squeal even more was that it was $80 instead of $170, which was brought down even more with my 20% Filene's Coupon. Score! These jeans are fantastic. I've always had problems fitting jeans over my Puerto Rican booty, and have had them be too long. The fashion world forgets about the shorty with the booty. Joe didn't. Joe gave me a stretchy jean that hugs my thighs and booty, and embraces my tiny form. Bravo, Joe! Bravo!

J.CREW...My Lover I can Barely Afford To Keep

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J.CREW, I'm hopelessly in love with you. If only you were interested in the Shorties. Even though your petite section is minimal, I still happen to find pieces I love. Even though I have an Old Navy budget, I still manage to scrimp and save for the essentials I direly need from you, like this top.

When I first saw the Solid Silk Garland Cami in Breeze it was like love at first sight. I needed to have it, but that $88 was keeping me away. I questioned whether it was worth cheating on my budget for it. Then my lover tempted me with a sale email. It made me stare longingly at my dear; however, it was my friend M who pushed me to the dark side with the "Students get 15% off" line. I told her "But M I'm not a student" She then reminded me to the fact that my hubby was, and of course I had to jump at it. So I used my man's school email to get an additional $10 off, and it was bumped down to around $50. Another score for me! My baby is going to be worn with some Capri's, and I love the man even more for being a student. Yes!!!

Old Navy: The Friend Who Is Always There For Me

I have always loved Old Navy because a) I can afford it b) They really do have cute stuff. This past fall and spring, I feel that they have a better selection than Banana Republic and the Gap. BR and Gap are just too overpriced for the bland clothing that they have for the past few seasons. I've purchased a few things for this spring from Old Navy, but I'll list 3"


Bell Sleeve Jacket-Old Navy

I adore jackets. Hey, a girl needs between 2 to 3 jackets to accommodate her with the ups and downs of spring weather. We need long sleeve for when it's cold, and 3/4 quarter sleeved like the above for when it's only a tiny bit nippy. My Bell Swing Jacket keeps me warm enough so I'm not shaking from the little cold bites, and looks chic with that high neck collar. I've been getting compliments left and right for it, and people are shocked that it comes from Old Navy.


Old Navy Ruffled Cardigan

I'm the kind of girl whose always cold at work. These ruffled front 3/4 Cardigans are perfect for the chilly office environment. I got the above in white and black, but I think I might have to go back and get that sunny yellow for myself. I think the ruffle adds elegance and class over any blouse you throw it over. It's the perfect staple for the Spring and Summer months.

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Spring and Summer bring out the girly girl in me, and draws me to dresses. I found this Linen dress in Cosmopolitan Berry and knew it had to be added to my wardrobe. The ruffle collar at the neck drew me to this piece. It's so elegant and so versatile. I could wear it to work, a weekend day out, and even a night out at the bar with the ladies.

Make sure to check www.oldnavyweekly.com every Friday for special deals.


Twelve By Twelve Brings Out the Bold In A Girl

Twelve by Twelve Pleated Ruffle Dress

With my friend, M's Bridal Shower approaching, I needed to find a dress to celebrate this joyous occasion. I work right next to a Forever 21 and had been going there to try to find a dress that spoke to me. I had seen the Pleated Ruffle Dress from Twelve By Twelve the few times I had went in, but I wasn't sure if I could pull it off. I finally decided to give it a try, and was shocked that a) it fit since Forever 21 usually runs big in dress sizes b) that this bold design actually looked great on me. It was wild and different from anything in my wardrobe, and I thought why not. Now I just need some shoes and I'm set :)

Every Girl Needs A Little Romance


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Who says Ann Taylor is for Old Ladies? I beg to differ. Ladies of all ages can find wonderful, classic pieces to add to their wardrobe. Yesterday, I found this little number on Ann Taylor Loft. It's cute and romantic with it's ruffle top. You could dress it up to go out, or down when you're chilling with your ladies or man during the day. I love the possibilities and can't wait to have it in my possession. Also an incentive to buy from Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft this weekend is that they are having a Friends and Family event this weekend. Get 30% if you use the promotional code FRIENDS online, or use this coupon for in store http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/c/tag/hBJ9uL0BdYR8vB7lp6OBhwMxOV1/doc.html This offer expires May 03, 2009. Hope you get something lovely for yourself.

Hello, Lover!

Maxx Quilted Tote Honey

I love, love, love Purses. I get this obsession for them from my mother, who often buys 3 or 4 purses at a time, and maybe uses them only a few times. She justifies it by saying that she needs it. I also use the same excuse when it comes to my hubby. "I need it to look pretty, honey." My mother is also the person who send me the QVC link to this purse. Obviously, I was absolutely taken by this bag. The Honey color just screamed Spring time, and with my 2nd Wedding Anniversary approaching I strongly hinted at the hubby ( ie: I emailed a list with this as my #1 choice to him) that perhaps this would make a girl happy. I'm a lucky girl! He obliged me, and I have been using this as my Spring purse ever since. See, us girls can get what we want sometimes. ;p

I totally am excited to wear all these pieces. It's going to be a great Spring and Summer. What purchases have you made? Hope you all have fun shopping. Enjoy being a girl!!!



Welcome to the City! Welcome to Civilization!

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Welcome Dear Reader to the City! Welcome to Civilization!!! Here at Girl from NYC I want to share with you my love of the Big Apple, fashion, literature, food, and just the general love for life. Come in. Have a seat. Put your feet up. Maybe a latte? Enjoy! :)

Mi Amigas