Sugar Highs and Lows

"Hushed Existentialist"

This morning I woke up early, once again, with a smile on my face. I knew it was going to be 90 degrees outside and I was ready for it. Baby pink was my muse, as I really wanted to pair these supercute and reminiscent of my childhood ballet flats with my new brown linen gauchos. I guess I am going through a nostalgic phase for all things that remind me of my little self....

Baby Pink Super Long Tank from Old Navy: $1.99
White V-Neck Flutter Sleeved Top from Ann Taylor Loft: $14.99
Chocolate Brown Linen Gauchos from Ann Taylor Loft: $14.99
Pink Ballet Slippers by Fioni for Payless: $7.50
Same 2 Beadazzled Bracelets: $17
Same Pink Shell Earrings from The Corporate Raider: gift



"Eating through lunch" constitutes a chicken salad sub from the cafeteria next door, plus LOTS of great conversation and, of course, snacks:



My newest obsession is the cinnamon goldfish, but they only come in variety packs!! I would eat a whole lot more of these if they came in full size packages....

"Insatiable Corporate Raider"
OK today I have been in ALL DAY meetings – and I mean ALL DAY as in this is the first time I am on my computer for the day with the exception of the powerpoint presentation I had to give. You would think I would be all suited up today with clients in town but as I saw them last night for dinner and because they are rather cool I opted for “business casual.” Speaking of dinner….it was pretty amazing. We went to Uncle Jack's which while in the shady area west of Penn Station turned out to be quite lovely. It’s a bit on the noisy side as the front walls are open to the street and the dinner tables are right near the bar, but definitely delicious.
We started with a toast of yummy champagne then quickly moved to the appetizer which was a tables worth of Seafood. Shrimp cocktail, Lobster tails and claws, and a whole bed of pure lump crab meat. I LOVE SEAFOOD like this and have been CRAVING it. Nothing like cracking a shell to the wonderful splendor beneath! If only I had a lil thing of melted butter to dip into it woulda been off the chain truly.
Then for the entrée as there were 5 of us and this place is known for their Steak (specializing in Kobe Beef upwards of $100) one of us still opted to go for the Sea Bass which turned out to be delightful. The remaining 4 of us split a 48 oz. Porterhouse which was quite the treat. They pre-cut this and then can cook to your liking which surprised us since we were all sharing one piece of massive meat. The juices in the steak were mouth watering and the meat simply cooked to perfection. This was a LOT of meat even between 4 people so much so that we had 2 HUGE doggie bags to take home.
On the side (as it is a la carte) we had their signature cream of spinach, which for me was not the highlight of the evening (too cinnamony) as the garlic mashed potatoes stole the show, and the asparagus Parmigiano wasn’t bad either especially all paired with a fabulous Red Amarone wine. Now the dessert which came out decorated with some décor courtesy of my clients that specialize in such décor was also amazingly delicious. While we tasted all the desserts, Pecan Pie, Crème Brulee, Mud Pie, and the Cheesecake. The cheesecake was by far my favorite. The best cheesecake I’ve had in a LONG time, so light and fluffy. The pecan pie was a close second. All paired with a nice Mint Verbena tea in a satin satchel.
These clients are just adorable and the dinner just delicious so it made for a great evening especially with the pleasant weather last night.

Now onto the Business Casual – a topic I will discuss at length another time…for now here is what I am rocking:
Top: Black V Blousy BANANA REPUBLIC petite shirt = $21
Bottoms: Cream Tie belt gauchos from DEGREE = $15 sale from Loehman’s
Shoes: Black STERMAX open toe micro-suede and straw wedges = $25 on sale at this cute boutique shoe store in Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City

For lunch, outside of the ordering in from Cosi (their Signature Salad is my absolute favorite) since my clients specialize in sweetness I have gorged myself on cake, cake, cupcakes, oh and more cake. Now I feel sick…bleeech……

Temperatures Rising

"Insatiable Corporate Raider"
Since the temperature is rising and the UV index is so high that you can get burned in just 15min. I opted for a psuedo safari look - call this Concrete Jungle - notice my "Oh, what's that out there - keep the sun out my eyes" pose - unfortunately it came out looking like a Salute of sorts - ha!

Dress: Cream linen with braided rope belt and wooden beads from H&M = $25
Shoes: Choco Brown peep toe cut out GUESS pumps = $35
Bracelets: Close-up of the Green&Brown Beads my mommy got me on SUPER sale in NYC
Sunglasses: My cheapo psuedo Tortoise Shell $2 find from Chinatown
For the Hair I opted for the Braids to keep the neck cool - oh and on the nails is another $1.99 find at Rite Aid a shimmery pink with glitter on top - cause i am cheesy

For lunch I am all about the Water and the left-over 'Maria burrito' from last nights dinner at La Paloma pretty amazing Mexican food.

For dinner I have a client in town so this should be interesting. They always like to pick the restaurant since they come in from the Mid-West so its always an adventure. Tonight we are going to Uncle Jacks Steakhouse - I'll give you the lowdown tomorrow.

"Hushed Existentialist"

Today I woke up at 5am with a smile on my face, feeling so rested and refreshed and generally loving life. So naturally, I chose the color Pink to express myself through fashion:

Pink Shell Earrings: Gift from The Corporate Raider
Black V-Neck with Tie, Ann Taylor Loft: $14.99
Hot Pink Linen Flutter Skirt, Ann Taylor Loft: $14.99
Hot Pink Sparkly Flowered Flip Flops from Steinmart: $3.50 (another great end of season deal a couple of years ago)
Same Two Beadazzled Bracelets: $17 total



I felt really flirty and summery in this outfit, my first time wearing a skirt to work in probably 2 years....

It's too hot to cook. I made some hummus roll-ups for dinner:
Hummus, Chives, Tomato, Sweet Peppers



I had to eat them fast because I have yoga in a few minutes. Let's hope this doesn't adversely affect my downward facing dog pose....

Memories of Memorial Day Distant now at work?

"Hushed Existentialist"
Today I must have been channeling The Corporate Raider's thoughts because I broke out all the sumratimes' standards:

White Eyelet Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft, $14.99
Crisp Black Linen Gouchos: Ann Taylor Loft, $14.99
Suede Espadrilles: BP by Nordstrom, $29.99 (I got these 3 years ago when I was obsessed with espadrilles and no one was selling them, now they're everywhere and this is the first time I've ever worn them)
Swarovski Crystal Bracelet: got the ingredients at Beadazzled for $9 and made it myself
Jade-like Stone Bracelet: Beadazzled, $8
Capiz Shell Earrings (not visible): $7 (with necklace, not shown)

Toes: Ballet Pink w/Guest List Gold finish, both by Maybelline



Feeling like it's sumratimes, looking like it's sumratimes, generally happy with the world and with two fun things to consume:





(nifty gifties, eh?)


“Insatiable Corporate Raider” (NYC)
It is officially the Summer in NYC. The long Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, the sea of white that rushed into the city before the weekend has started to retreat to the large Navy ship docked on the west side, the opened toe shoes are out in full fashion and street fairs have begun. On the less glamorous side of the things, the smell of dog piss mixing with horse shit and garbage piled high on sidewalks, exacerbated by the temperature rising is always a dead ringer that the summer season has begun. While I mentioned white in reference to our nation’s finest seamen, and sea women - the rule of white until after Memorial Day no longer seems to hold true, wouldn’t you say? While researching this subject matter I came across this blog and I would have to say I disagree with their stance of strict enforcing on this rule. Perhaps NYC is the exception? White is a hot winter color here, and I would have to agree with this sites response to the question which basically is to use your best judgment - plus the history they give for the “rule” is quite interesting for you history buffs.

Anyways, I digress.
Unlike the many New Yorkers that escape the city this long weekend and opt for the Jersey shore or the Hamptons I stayed at home, and did...absolutely…nothing. It was fabulous. The amount of travel I do for work, it was refreshing to not have to pack or unpack, rush anywhere, and just simply sleep in. Friday night, after FINALLY doing my nails (I found a fabulous shiny red for $1.99 at Rite Aid) I made it out only to get food. El Jefe de Musical Money and I journeyed a long 20+ block walk down to a nicely regentrified part of 10th ave. in Chelsea where a number of trendy outdoor restaurants including the Empire Diner reside. We dined on Apple, Brie& Walnut Salad and a Lamb Burger. Now, we really wanted to enjoy the night outside so while this place has great outdoor seating, the food leaves something to be desired, although the onion rings were quite tasty. Perhaps we were just hungry and cranky but this place was no Nook (which I will get to later) although it tried. The Brie in the salad was in huge chunks and the Lamb was a bit dry. What really got us here was the fact that the drinks (1 Amstel Light & 1 Margarita) were outrageously priced at upwards of $14 for both of them! So, not the best place for drinks. I recommend this place if you have time to spare, want to sit outside, want to feel trendy, and simply people watch. It’s possibly a good place for breakfast (as the Belgian waffles someone was eating looked tasty) but I personally probably will not be going back.
Saturday night the two of us met up with Ms. Queens Inspecta Lady and an old friend from college that I haven’t seen in years. We met his fiancé and dined at the drink friendly Blockheads at Worldwide Plaza. Now this is a place for drinks (and maybe an OK tasting quesadilla). $3 for margaritas that leave you cool and can knock you on yo ass is a STEAL in Manhattan especially with the fabulous outdoor seating this place has and the unlimited chips and salsa. We stayed for hours.

For the margartia fest I went comfy with....
Dress: Hot Fuschia Deep V Knot Grecian style dress (Handmade by a local designer, I forgot the name)= $39 (orig. $59) from hot lil’ boutique store in Miami was a nice bday present from my Mom
Shoes: Gold & Cork semi-flats from DOLLHOUSE = $15 from that cheapo brand name shoe outlet Dallas in Cleveland (see i did my toes! and even my fingernails! so unheard of for me)
Sunglasses: Brown/Copper Aviators courtesy of El jefe = on sale at DAFFY’s for $15 (orig. $98)

On Ms. Queens Inspectah:
Top: White Deep V satiny ruffle buckle shirt with gold embellishments From HOTPOINT on Jamaica Ave. = $30
Bottoms: Dark Denim BUFFALO Jeans = onsale at Filene’s for $30 (orig. $150)
Shoes: Black Pumps from Filene’s = $25
Sunglasses: same as in my pic courtesy of El jefe
Earrings: Gold Drop Dangles on sale at JCPENNEY’s = $6
Necklace: From Ethiopia = Priceless
Seamen in the background? Perhaps also priceless?

Sunday we redeemed our tummies yet again by going to our faved spot The Nook. This is the best restaurant in Hells Kitchen and perhaps even NYC. I am a big fan. The food is simple, yet amazing and somehow always consistent. The staff is friendly as we know all of them and the music hot. This place is tiny so it’s a great place to chill bring a bottle of champagne (or wine as its BYOB) and play a game of Scrabble. Mushroom Cigars and the Egg Scrambles are what I would call their claim to fame!

After we walked about 3 mi around the city checking out the street fairs. I almost bought a nicely priced wallet at the one on 7th ave (pictured here) but they didn’t have the color I wanted! You also can’t beat the booths where all the accessories are $2 – they are fun and funky and serve the purpose of dressing up any summer outfit without spending loads of dough. I also want all new furniture but in a unique way so we headed down to the flea market on 39th street and while this one has the foot traffic its missing the “umpfh!” Not enough vendors with not enough nice stuff and the furniture guy who I like wasn’t there! They need to do something to this market – perhaps I should apply to be a vendor??

After a quick stop at the newly moved Gardening center in my hood to try and get my green thumb back, for the rest of the day I stayed home and organized. Similar to you my dear Hushed Existentialist, I too keep the labels of my clothes – I will grace you with a pic of that another time but I also collect matchboxes for every restaurant perhaps I will combine and post later. Here is a pic of my newly organized closet. I got the hangers at Ikea for cheap! I believe it was 8pk for $5 – not bad! These wooden hangers are great because they keep the shape of the clothes but aren’t as wide as traditional wooden hangers so they give you more room in confined spaces such as my NYC closet. I just need to get more as you can see I ran out. I also am a big fan of color coding types of clothes for quick locating.

As for the actual Memorial Day I opted for a rollerblading adventure, laundry and Thai food at Olieng – also DELICIOUS the papaya salad, Shrimp Massamun curry, and Mango with sticky rice hit the SPIZOT! Get that dessert while you can as mangoes only have one more month left in season!

Now that I am back at work...
Today I had to go a bit more corporate for an exec meeting.
Top: Josephine Chaus White textured Button down shirt = Courtesy of my Mom but I’m sure not more than $20
Dark Denim Blazer from H&M = $25
Bottoms: Navy Blue BANANA REPUBLIC PETITES (my new fave store) pencil skirt = $25 orig. $68
Shoes: Chocolate Brown ENZO ANGOLINI slingbacks from Macy’s = also courtesy of my Mom but these were on super sale around $20

Ok that was lengthy so I will stop. I will leave the discussion of Miss Universe to the Legal Eagle – but I must say I called it from the beginning, I knew Japan was gonna win – just thought it would be between her and Venezuela.

(P.S. - after re-reading this I realize that we may be borderline insane- ah well - par for the course)

Saturday Shopping

"Hushed Existentialist"

Let me preface this post by saying that I won't make a habit of posting on a weekend - you know, the whole "should be too busy to post b/c I'm out there in the world doing things" thing....

And what I am usually doing on the weekends is shopping. It's what I do. And I do it quite well, so I've been told. But don't get me wrong, shopping is not synonymous with spending. I do not go out and blow $400 every weekend just for the hell of it. No. I go and I check out what's going on, see what's happening in my favorite stores by way of styles and sales. Keep my eyes on the things that I like and I know will eventually go on sale.... and that's when I pounce.

That brings me to the purpose of this post. I thought it would be helpful to provide some background info for this blog and maybe even serve as a guide for anyone out there who is wondering how we get these insane deals on our clothing. I don't think I've ever paid full retail price for any of my clothes and I don't think you have to either.

The key piece of information is this: Everything. Goes. On. Sale. Eventually. EVERYTHING.

If you see something on a mannequin that you love, you don't have to buy it off of her like it's the last thing in the store. Come back to it, you'll see. By next Tuesday that same little number is going to be on the "Reduced" rack and you will be kicking yourself if you paid full price. Not to mention the weekly coupons (10-20% off weekly if you are on the mailing list or read the paper), the after season sales, the family discount (if you are chatty with the sales clerk this will work 65-70% of the time), and, little known fact, if you are shopping at a Macy's outside of your home state? You get an automatic "guest" discount just for stopping by the customer service desk and letting them know. For DC that's an extra 11% off when you shop out of state just for talking to a complete stranger for 5 seconds!! And I am the last person in the world who wants to talk to a complete stranger for 5 seconds and would do anything to avoid it!! But this is a freebie!! Whew. As you can see, these kinds of things are exciting to me.

Bargain shopping requires a lot of patience, a lot of energy, a lot of re-hydration and a positive attitude. You need to have a powerful imagination in order to make it work for you. When there's snow on the ground, imagine it's blazing hot outside and you want to try on bikinis. When it's unbearably hot, make believe it's cold outside and try on cashmere sweaters. Trust me. You will thank yourself later.

You need to keep tabs on what's going on in your favorite stores. When are their annual and semi-annual sales? When do they put out new merchandise? When do they offer coupons and other in store promotions? Keep your eyes on what you like and notice where it is in the "floor priority rotation scale" - which is a term I just made up for when an item that starts out in the display window is gradually moved toward the back of the store, until it eventually/inevitably winds up on the (you guessed it) Sale Rack. If you pay attention, you too can get things that you love for 95% off.

This is what I like to do in my free time. And if you're wondering how I remember how much I paid for each article of clothing I wear? It's not because I have an eidetic memory like that - I just have this thing about keeping the tags on new clothes until the last possible second before I wear them for the first time. Then I cut the tags off and stuff them all in this random box where I keep most of my favorite tags. Yes, my favorite tags. I have always had a thing for tags - mostly the pretty ones that were designed with me in mind, the ones with pretty ribbons and baubles and dangly things.... Here are some examples:


I am totally not trying to name-drop with these tags, I just genuinely admire them....

Sometimes I take them out and admire them.... Especially the ones that I got on ridiculous sale. For example, today's outfit? My Free People clamdiggers were originally $148 and I got them for $8. I was scrounging around Filene's Basement in like, November in anticipation of sumratimes - they were on the $19.99 rack, but they didn't have the sales sticker on them and there was a storewide 60% off all sales sticker items promotion going on at the time. It was 8:55 and the lady behind the register really just wanted to go home for the night so she keyed in the necessary codes and Poof! Eight. Effin. Dollars.

Get there.

Free People clamdiggers with cute embroidery and other details: $8
Cream boatwear-inspired ruffle-sleeve tank from Old Navy: $7.50
Silver flip flops by American Eagle for Payless - $3.50 (2 pairs for $7)
The Kenneth Cole sunglasses, I think I may have misquoted in the previous entry. I forgot that I used a 20% Macy's coupon on them and they were already marked down on a store-wide sale, so I forget how much they actually cost - originally they were like $100 and I'd say the most I paid for them was $40. (still, probably the most expensive accessory I own)

Don't I look positively ecstatic amongst all of my recent purchases????



Oops. I keep forgetting to bring my bag with me in the pics:

Mariposa tote from Target - $7



And for the record: I understand that this is all frivolous and probably indicates a deeply-rooted psychological issue. But come on, there are way worse things....

Effin Friday Finally!!!

"Hushed Existentialist" (MD)

Today is my day off and instead of staying in the entire day watching Netflix as I would have loved to do - I had to take this big exam that was four hours long :( The good news is, I got to roll out of bed and take the exam. The bad news is, it was blazing hot outside and after sitting in traffic for an hour I was not picture-friendly. Nevertheless:

Same Pants as yesterday: Army Green Khakis - Polo $17.99 (Macy's)
Mint Green Mossimo T from Target - $10
Jade-like stone bracelet from Beadazzled - $8
Green & Pink canvas belt from Gap - $2
Kenneth Cole Shades - $45 (probably my most expensive accessory purchase EVER, but so totally worth it)
Little Chinesse Slippers that remind me of my childhood - Priceless (actually $8 from Urban Outfitters - but seriously, I have been looking for these exact pair since I lost the originals when I was 4 years old.... They are not the velvet ones, they're canvas w/floral embroidery).


Oh yea, and that bruise is a remnant from my adventures with self-service shopping at Ikea.

After basically setting myself to toast in traffic on the way back from the exam today, I came straight home to pop open a tub of Edy's Nestle Crunch Dibs:


The recommended servings per container is 2.5, but I ate the whole damn thing. You do the math. Now I'm contemplating taking myself on an inaugural first date. With myself. Wish me luck!!!!

UPDATE:
I ended up taking myself out to see Waitress at the Avalon since I really wanted to see the movie and they were offering pie as a refreshment (because that tub of Dibs just wasn't enough - I had apple).



I clean up good:
Light Gray cotton dress: energie (they've re-vamped their label) got one in every color from Filene's Basement for $16.99 each
White sparkly flips: got these at Steinmart for $3.50, I kid you not. One of the best purchases ever (and if you're worried about white-soled open-toed shoes, taking a footbrush and scrubbing them with Tide w/Bleach works wonders)



I forgot to include my cute sporty little evening bag in the pic:

Puma evening clutch - $9.99 at Nordstrom Rack in LA



I wanted to keep it casual for a "first date", but still flirty and maybe even a little sexy? I don't know, with the bruise 'n all it's hard to take myself seriously.... but I did get the ego-boosting "honk!" and dangle out the window from a random truck driver when I was walking up the block, plus a mumble mumble whistle from the butcher when I stopped by the grocery store, so...... I'm pretty sure I'm locked in for a second date. Maybe dinner????

"Insatiable Corporate Raider" (NYC)
Today I am struggling – another day of hitting snooze repeatedly – carrying it.
This is mostly due to the fact that Media Masta Killah and I joined a friend from college at the Marquee to meet her new NFLing man and enjoy the night. Prior to this, however, I had a fabulous dinner in an open backyard of the restaurant Turkish Cuisine (9th btwn 44th/45th) with the “El Jefe de Musical Money.” The food here was AMAZING! We had Chicken&lamb Kebabs with Yogurt, pita, and rice + salad paired with a pair of their homemade Apple Ice Tea (absolutely REFRESHING!). The Spicy Hummus for the appetizer was truly a treat and if I may quote myself “something I will be craving on the regular.” The staff was super friendly and it seemed family owned - they loved that we loved the food and I love that. The backyard is in transition (so much more they could do with the space) but it felt like we were the only people there which was nice – quiet and still in the middle of Manhattan (especially in the midst of Fleet Week) with a fully grown tree hanging above is a rarity in this concrete jungle.

Anyways, on to the dessert - this was literally a whole NEW treat. We had these homemade chocolate and vanilla cotton candies with baklava – shown below. While the Baklava was again amazing, these cotton candies were an adventure in the mouth. They look like bizarre furballs or rolled up feathers (I know that doesn’t seem appetizing) but as you place them in your mouth they melt into a frenzy of WONDERMENT! Here is a pic with a close-up can you see what I'm talkin about.

Anywho, back to Marquee – while a nice layout (despite the fact that the tables make it hard to dance and maneuver) this often Page 6 referenced place is grossly overrated and pretentious. The DJ on the main floor left a lot to be desired with his cutting and pasting of songs with little to no flow or transition. Upstairs the DJ was mixing well and playing some hot tunes. The crowd there is the “I’m too cool for school” type which means you are like 16 with the latest threads on and stashing lots of cash getting wasted and waiting to be ‘spotted’ or you are in your mid-30’s and up with lots of cash wanting these young hot thangs. Either way, we were just not feeling it and didn't quite belong I suppose. It didn’t help that MMKillah nearly got into it a few times with the less than friendly staff and that I had to have it out with the security guard of the bathroom – I mean since WHEN is there security for a bathroom? And why does it need to be regulated velvet rope style!? It was unnecessary and a clear flaunting of unsubstantial penis power. However, being the girls that we are we had a good time.

Ok so that brings us to this morning – we were struggling because of course when we got home at 2:45am we had to stay up til 4am munching on late night food ol’ school style cracking jokes and wakin folks up. MMKillah wanted to get to work early but that clearly didn’t happen. Instead we slowly got dressed and hit up the corner bodega – the 5 Brothers Gourmet (47th/10th) – for an egg&cheese on wheat toast, a Smart water, and 2 Iced coffees – all for $6! Ya can’t beat that – I love that place AND they got cool folks running it.

It is BLAZIN outside today and while i really wanted to wear a skirt and some flips my toes leave a lot to be desired so i kept 'em covered. Here is what we pulled together today…

Top: Pink Kangaroo pocket Hooded T-shirt from PAPAYA - $7
White bra-top camisole underneath – this is old and has a hole in it so I don’t remember but its comfy and its all about comfy layers today
Bottoms: Light Green Cargo drawstrings from URBAN OUTFITTERS – on sale for $18
Shoes: Same as yesterday – rocking the gold KENNETH COLES - $9
Bag: Camo green from Target – bought this for the trip to Spain few years back – super comfy in this hotness and only around $8
Sunglasses are the usual $2 aviators from Chinatown to keep the sun out.
Of course I got the Gatorade in tow to keep hydrated.



"Media Masta Killah"(BK, NY)
Top: Brown VP Records limited t-shirt – FREE courtesy of me and likewise it was FREE for me
Bottoms: Frankie B Jeans - $180
Bag: Turquoise Boho from COMMANDER SALAMANDER - $50
Coat in hand: Cream BEBE trench - $160
Plastic bag – free (hehe)


That’s all for now…Have a great long weekend!!!

ThHersday

"Insatiable Corporate Raider" (NYC)
I didn’t hear my 3 cell phone alarms this morning and it wasn’t until my Winnie the Pooh alarm clock went off for the 3rd time that I was able to get up. So alas, I was late for work. You would think though that I would be rushing out the house since I was late but on the contrary I sat, watched some Today show segments, ate some breakfast, tried to take my Rollerblade brake off, packed it up since that was unsuccessful then got dressed. I opted for the Sporty spice look since I was over the wearing of the heels, regardless of the fact that I have meetings today. I’m too tired and unmotivated to look presentable. With that said, I am actually digging my outfit, even if i had to safety pin my pants up 'cause they are too long!

Top: Cream scoopneck PUMA hooded light sweater with cool tonal graphic on back = $29 from Loehmann’s
Bottoms: GAP chocolate brown cargo drawstring pants = $15
Shoes: Gold REACTION Kenneth Cole Velcro sneaker flats = $9 my mom got from DSW I believe
Bag: Rocking the handmade pink/gold starry throw bag that was a gift from a west coast friend
Sunglasses: $2 from Chinatown – I love my Chinatown glasses ahaha

For lunch today I was treated by my dear friend "Media Masta Killah" (hailing from Brooklyn).
She is donning...
Dress: Black and white pinstripe from Urban Outfitters = $60
Shoes: Black low pumps from ARTURO CHANG = $45
Jewelry: Black jumbo bead necklace from NYC street vendor $30

We ate at Q2 on 9th ave. in the 50's. They have a great $6.95 lunch special! I had the Shrimp Pad Thai paired with a Thai Ice tea and she the Chicken Massamam Curry with a glass of Riesling. For dessert we had Mango Sticky Rice that was presented so beautifully and tasted delicious!






"Hushed Existentialist" (MD)

Today is the final day of the week for me. Could have worn jeans, but decided I'd keep up with the office code of only wearing jeans on Fun Jeans Friday... I was still feeling happy and pink, so I went with it. I like to pair a girly color such as pink with a contrasting non-girly color such as brown, charcoal gray, or Army Green.

Light Pink V-neck - Gap $2.99
Army Green Khakis - Polo $17.99 (Macy's)
Gold Sparkly Flip Flops - $6.99 (Filene's Basement)



For lunch, it is like 83 degrees outside, so I wanted to enjoy that while studying for the big exam I'm taking tomorrow. I went to La Madeleine and had my favorite menu item there:

Le Pot Pie

I am also a big fan of their free Seven Grain bread and blueberry preserves and plenty of lemons for the ice water. Reading my flashcards and dining in the sun turned out to be a fun tim!

Hump Day

"Hushed Existentialist" (MD)

Today I was feeling happy and pink. But I had to go and balance it out with some gray, of course:

Pink Silk Wrap Top, Express = $10
Pink Tank, Express = $5
Charcoal Gray Pants, New York & Company = $12
Black Strappy Butterfly Slides, Liz Claiborne = $15 (I don't remember where I got these - probably Macy's on super-sale)
Charcoal Gray Cable-knit Cardigan = Handmade by my Mama, can't beat that price!



For a Hump Day treat, we butted "in" for lunch - choosing to brown bag it and sit at the picnic tables outside since it was SO NICE OUT.... My lunch was my old cafeteria standby - Chicken Salad Sub, Baked Lay's Original Chips and one of my favorite things of all time, Fancy Tea.

I am willing to pay upwards of $5 for a fancy tea. Here is today's choice, Fuze Healthy Infusion Tea in the Tropical Oolong variety:


"Insatiable Corporate Raider" (NYC)
These client dinners, while enjoyable (depending on the client) can get quite exhausting and over indulgent.
I have this problem that if I am in a nice restaurant and someone is picking up the bill I can not refrain from eating absolutely everything that is available to me!
So, at Buddha Bar last night, conveniently located in the non-heel friendly cobblestoned blocks of the Meatpacking district (good thing I brought my flipflops that were $2 from Conway to walk from the subway) is dark and moody and almost too trendy and themed. While the people there overall are trying a lil too hard, the waiters are nice and friendly which was refreshing, the DJ was spinning some cool Bhangra flavored tunes, and the food was luckily delicious.
I had a sampling of the following (i am not so ghetto as to whip my camera out at this fine dining establishment and take pics so descriptions will have to do):

* Started with a nice cocktail
– Buddha Lemonade (Svedka with Fresh crushed lemons with hints of guava, peach, apple) – quite refreshing

* Then after the Edamame we moved to sushi:
- Red Hot Crunchy Roll (Yellowtail, Served with Rice Crackers and Sudashi Sauce) – this was FABULOUS
- Crackling Shrimp Roll (Rice Cracker Crusted and Cummin Aioli Sauce) – Crackling indeed this may have been my favorite
- Maine Lobster Roll (Blanched Maine Lobster, Tobiko and Thai Chili Sauce) – not bad very flavorful wrapped in cucumber
- Buddha Bar Roll (Soft Shell Crab, Peeky Toe Crab & Sweet Tamari Sauce) – this one was a lil too salty for my taste as much as I love that sauce and soft shell crab

* And the main course:
- Lobster 3 ways (Grilled tail, Tempura Claw, on a bed of edamame risotto) – for not liking risotto this was DELICIOUS

* And for dessert:
- Warm Fudge Cake
- Buddha Bar cookies
- Coconut Blueberry Tart (this was AMAZING)
- Trio of ice creams

I must say I was definitely full when I finally made it home last night.
So today was a struggle to get up…here is what I threw together, and good thing I did instead of opting for the usual jeans as I was thrown into an impromptu presentation in front of my whole dept.

Here's the rundown - i look a mess in the pic and there is some wierd glare.
Top: Lace bra-top cami = $something cheap - I believe my mommy got
Lace Riboon Tie cover up from Target =$14
Bottoms: Brown twirly ribbon belted skirt by Liz Clairborne = FREE as it was a sample from a friend that worked there
Shoes: Brown leather peep toe pumps from GUESS = $35 on sale at Filene’s buy one get 2nd ½ off
Beaded Bracelets from my mommy

For lunch I was still craving the sushi from last night so I went with an eel/avocado roll and a seaweed salad from our company cafeteria that brings in a sushi chef on Wednesdays.

Now i'm really craving chocolate and ice cream as I just got out of the most frustrating meeting! ciao