Friday Funny 09.28

Things I Love.

I'm pretty sure I already have a entry with this name but too bad, so sad. Here are three things I love from today.

1. NYC institutions - Serendipity 3

2. Catching up with a good friend over dinner and dessert.

3. The library - yay for new music!

If I Were...

...nail polish, I'd be any of these colors! I love all the dark nail colors that are fall and winter appropriate. And so good bye hot and neon pinks! Good bye mint green. Good bye summer.

Inspiration: Essie's Sole Mate (on my toes no less!)

Other [nail polish] loves:

NARS Storm Bird

Essie Damsel in a Dress

Essie Wicked (my all time favorite)

Essie Power Clutch

Uninspired.

I'm starting to "miss" posting an entry. Honestly, I'm feeling un-inspired. So instead of forcing myself to do something out of obligation, I apologize now for the lack of entries to the blog this month. Hopefully, my Instagramming won't suffer either but I'm afraid it will. I'm just not feeling the creativity both outlets usually bring to me.

In any case, here are two pictures from the past weekend. Fall is upon us! Which means more fun family time, friend time, and slowly going into hibernation as it gets colder out ;)

Family fun in the park.

Gorgeous Sunday in the park in between brunch and dinner.

Friday Funny 09.21

Maybe this is just funny to me. Or me and sister, since we're odd and speak the same language. Either way, our text message are endless conversations of funny.

The Oddest Thing.

What's more odd? The big arch of autumn colored balloons that greet you at the entrance of ShopRite like you're walking into a Sweet 16? Or the girl (that would be me!) who stops dead center of the entrance to photograph said balloon arch? 

Black and Yellow, Black and Yellow...

Yup, still singing that song. And because it was gross out today, nothing really caught my eye to photograph. So I present you my outfit of the day.

I won't post OOTD often because I don't mean for this to be a fashion or a style blog, but shopping (and shopping for deals) are a favorite past-time of mine so these types of posts may show up a little more frequently than in the past.

Now let's get to the fun part...my whole outfit (minus shoes because I'm not wearing any above, haha) cost me $23 dollars!

 - Forever21 lace top: $22.80

 - The Limited skirt [similar here]: $1.00

 - Forever21 belt [from another dress]: 'free'

Oh, yes, you read that right. A skirt for a buck. I scored it at the Limited Sample Sale the other day. Last week everything was $5, but they had so much stock that they had another sale where if you checked out before noon, all items were a dollar. And as Honey Boo Boo would say, a dolla makes me holla!! (No, I have not seen the show but the phrase makes me laugh.)

If I Were...

....a color, I would be yellow. Or maybe two colors - black and yellow. Yes, I am a bumblebee. :)  This is the second time within a week I've sported this color combo. Perhaps I like the brightness.

Inspiration: My yellow Limited pencil skirt, I scored at the sample sale for a buck. (Yes, a dollar.)

Other [black & yellow] loves:

From Anthro (and I already own it.)

From Marni (pinned onto my Pinterest board).

Love the pop of color!

PS - Did anyone else have Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow" playing in their head while reading this? No? Only me? Oh well.

Silly Squirrel.

WARNING: If your name is Sister, do not read the following post. (I am trying to save you from screaming like a banshee.)

I don't mind squirrels. I don't think they're cute but I do find them rather funny and sometimes smart. Except for this afternoon. This particular squirrel was funny yet really stupid.

For about an hour off and on, I witnessed this poor and scared squirrel try to figure out how to get back to the tree or just get off the building. My empathy for said scared squirrel lasted 5 min. Then I just considered him dumb. Why couldn't he just use the thick wire to go back to the tree?! Why did he have to smack into my window constantly?! Dumb squirrel, there's a ledge. And another ledge after that. 

Yes dumb squirrel, I am photographing you as you slide down the wires fireman style. I took your picture after watching you frantically figure out how to get off my ledge. That is after you tried to scale my window. Dummy.

And just when I thought you finally figured it out, I heard yet another loud thump at my window. You came back and again tried to scale the window like you're Spiderman. Well, dumbass, you're a squirrel. I gave up watching you after this (and after I talked aloud for you to scoot away from my window like a Peeping Tom and stop being so clueless). Of course, minutes later I heard the loudest thump ever, saw you scramble much higher up my window than previous times and then suddenly fall backwards like you just got electrocuted. For your sake, I hope that shock threw you to the sidewalk where you could be free.

Thank you, dumb squirrel, for entertaining me this afternoon.

PSA: Register to Vote!!

Confession: I haven't been registered to vote in 4 years.
Some will say tsk tsk, but I only vote in the Presidential election. Well, not true. I also voted during mayoral elections for NYC but since I'm no longer a resident of the lovely state of New York and don't follow my local [JC] politics, last I pulled the lever was for the last Presidential election. I actually shouldn't have voted in NY, but since it was shortly after my move, I was still registered there and figured that was easier than trying to register in a new state. (That and I still wasn't convinced I would be a NJ resident for long.)

With the next major election in a few months, I finally decided to get moving and look into voting. Naturally, NY revoked my rights and when I checked the system, I clearly wasn't registered to vote in NJ either. Well, I have to swallow my pride and accept that I am a NJ resident. (Eek. Gross. I rather tell the world I am from Staten Island then New Jersey, but I digress.) And so, while sitting here perusing the internet and reading UsWeekly online, I came across GOTTAVOTE. (Funny, it automatically directed me to the NY page.) And  so I took that as a sign to stop procrastinating my 'research' and just register. And I have. So people, this is your public service announcement: REGISTER TO VOTE if you haven't already.

(Thank you UsWeekly for featuring fun facts for Mrs. Obama, or else it would have taken me another week or more to register.)

Friday Funny 09.14

Courtesy of Sister.

Picture Potpourri.

Jager loves NY. So do I.
Let me be clear, I love NY, not Jager.

Mani pic of the week - Essie's Trophy Wife.
(Though I would think 'trophy wife' would be some type of gold or bronze color.)

Summer fashion meets fall fashion.

A perfect way to end a not so fun day at work - with the funniest little man (and cutest family) I know.
(I have no clear pictures of you child!! You move too much.)

Mission Impossible.

Yesterday's mission: To find fantastic bargains. Specifically, to find fantastic bargains in size xs or s.

Location of hunt: Within the never-ending boxes located at The Limited Sample Sale.

Reason: Because everything was 5 bucks. AND because I am crazy.

I love a good hunt, especially when a bargain is involved. The Limited Sample Sale is not for the faint or weary. I have been twice before so I consider myself experienced. I knew this time to inspect clothing more carefully as the clothes really are samples - damages, tears, you name it. (Yet somehow, I still purchased a defected dress. But one of out 29 is not bad. And yes, I said 29.) I also knew I would likely spend a lot of time hunting, so I carried a small light purse (and packed a bigger bag in it so that I had something sturdy to haul my purchases back home) and dressed in a maxi dress so I could slip things over and under me. With yesterday's (and today's) sale being touted at their biggest one yet, this was a challenge I was willing to take on.

The scene about 2 hours after it opened (and roughly an hour after my arrival when I deemed I needed to re-assess the mission.)

Just a small pile of my purchases strewn on my bed.

Some of my favorite finds: a white tie-front blouse (I had been holding out on purchasing a cheap one at Forever 21 because I never really liked the cut on any), a fun polka dot t-shirt, a chunky knit sweater, and a loose purple tunic.

There are definitely more finds to me photographed (about 20 something more) but since most are wrinkly, they are not photo worthy at the moment. Mission impossible? I think not. More like mission accomplished.

________________________________________________________________________________

And just because I'm supposed to be posting daily photos, here is one from today that for some reason, I really like.

(Old empty store front in the process of demolition.)

A Day of Remembrance.

Eleven years ago, our world changed. I personally didn't know anyone who lost their life that day but, I, like other knew of people - my neighbors' nephew, a friend of a friend's girlfriend. And everyone has their story. My story, though different from everyone, is also the same. September 11, 2001 was a day that affected everyone.

Eleven years ago, almost out the door to start another year of college, I was stopped by the news on the television. Though not very far from the actual scene, I watched the news unfold before me. I watched one horrible scene after another. I watched my college turned into a triad center.  I watched to see if my friends and family were okay. I watched my whole future change.

And every year since then, I have commemorated in my own way - by watching the remembrance ceremony on tv. I watched and lived the moment from afar back then, and I will do so every year. Even when shortly after 9/11, I worked with the FDNY in the Special Events (as a result of the out-pour of gratitude they received), I watched the first ceremony in the press office of headquarters. Year after year, I watch a part of it at home and then stream the rest at work. Even if I'm not fully paying attention, it's on. It's my way of remembering.

I watched 11 years ago. I watched 5 years ago. I watched last year. But today, I only watched the first 30 minutes. This year is different.The media has said so. And perusing today's blogs, less than 50% mention today's significance. Is it because we've passed the 10 year mark? Maybe. Have we moved on? I don't think so. Are we moving through? Most likely. But just because I didn't do my normal routine, doesn't mean I have forgotten. In fact this year, I made it a point to walk down to the waterfront and reflect. Though I see the skyline almost every day and work in that same exact area where tragedy took place, today was different. I wanted to remember the past, but see the future.

(It was hard trying to take the picture at the same exact spot.)

Tribute in Lights.

If I Were...

...a seamstress (even a really really beginner one!), I would love to do these seemingly simple projects. With all the pretty fabrics out there, just think of the endless possibilities of skirts I would have! Inspirational tutorials as follows...

Maxi Skirt from Elle Apparel

Elastic Contrasting Band Skirt from make it and love it
(Sure the tutorial is for a little girl's skirt but I am loving the contrasting elastic bands!)

Super Simple Elastic Band Skirt from Shrimp Salad Circus

Insta-nothing.

All was quiet this weekend. No solid plans to do anything. No beach. No family party. No pre-planned company. Friday consisted of sleeping the second I got home. Saturday was the day when I neither heard nor saw any tornado-like weather (most likely because I was in a mall hunting for goods). And Sunday was the Lord's day in which I rested. (Ok, so I didn't go to church or anything. It's just a running joke that I wear my Sunday's 'finest' consisting of running shorts and ratty t-shirts of the like and never shower on the "Lord's Day", nor do I do anything productive.) So due to all this nothingness, I had no photos to Instagram. I was uninspired and I'm okay with it.

Today, on this perfectly clear autumn-like day, I photographed the stillness (minus the reflection of my dress) of the eve of 9/11.

Friday Funny 09.07

Again, courtesy of the lovely state of Colorado. I love that little sign on the bottom left corner.

Random Ranting.

1. I hate today.
2. I hated work today. No need to elaborate because I don't want to relive the stress.
3. I STILL hate PayPal and scammers. While stressing at work today, I, again, received an email from PayPal that I paid out more money to the same people. Are we kidding me?! Can you please fix this asap?! I transferred the last 2 bucks that were there to my bank account simply so that these assholes can't take more of my money. Joke's on me though. My eBay monthly fees are due and there's no moola from my hacked out to pay it. Oh well.
4. Mosquitoes suck. In the last few hours sitting on the sofa, I've counted four bites. Damn you! Where did you come from all of a sudden?
5. ABC, why the hell are you talking over the speakers at the DNC?! And cutting to commercial break as well? NBC would never do this. Except they're showing football right now, so I guess that's a bigger offense.
6. I HATE MY TV. Why on earth can't I get good reception on any channel without doing a crazy song and dance? When I'm not paying attention to what's on tv, the reception is totally fine. Of course the opposite happens when I want to watch something.

Random ranting over. Now random photo of the day - my dinner and lunch for the next 3 days. Ahh, the joys of single living ;)

The Return of Nosy McNosester

Inspired by the inspiration of today's "If I Were...", I have decided to indulge you Nosy McNosester's and photograph what's in my bag.

My purdy Rebecca Minkoff MAB.

The contents of my bag.

And now the lowdown...

1. Kate Spade Noel Planner - I much prefer writing things than using my iPhone or any other electronic device. But really this just holds my receipts and reminders of when my library items are due.
2. Gold Sequined Snap Pouch from aerie - As you see in the more detailed photo on the top right, it holds my bobby pins, some mini claw clips and an eyeglass cloth.
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock wallet
4. Gold Sequined Zipper Pouch from aerie - holds some 'essentials' such as a practically emptymini tube of l'occitane hand lotion, bandaids (for when my shoes rub my heels), advil, red lip liner and red lip gloss (which I barely even wear), tylenol, individual wet ones (especially useful after riding the subway too much), and a tube of Rosebud salve.
5. Ethnic Print Pouch from Target (love the pattern and bold colors!) - holds more random lip stuff I tend not to wear (are you seeing a trend?) and my Marc Jacobs heart mirror.
6. Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Key Pouch - holds all gift cards. You never know when I will pop by Old Navy. Or Marshalls. Or..
7. Work ID (on a Marc Jacobs keyholder)
8. L'occitane Lavender Hand Lotion
9. USB Stick - contains all my eBay pictures and files
10. Multicolor Muji Pen (I love it so much I have one that stays at work and this one that travels with  me everywhere) and purple pen (I just like to write in colors).

So what have we learned? That I don't actually wear make-up but like to carry it with me anyway? That I adore Marc Jacobs' turnlock items? That I'm super organized? Haha, don't let that last thing fool you. I just recently tried this many-pouches-in-bag thing and I will admit, it keeps the inside of my bag less cluttered, but I still tend to not find anything. Maybe because I'm just scatterbrained.

Anyway, hope you nosy people enjoyed this post. I'm off to google similar posts and be nosy myself.

PS - Not pictured in this bag are my keys (because they MUST be on the kitchen table once I get home or I will never find them) and my iPhone (because what else would I use to photograph the contents of my bag?).

If I Were...

...a color, today I would be cranberry.

Summer may not be officially over but it is after labor day which makes me start thinking more about fall fashion. I broke out my Rebecca Minkoff MAB in honor of the season that is upon us and I'm starting to crave more cranberry-like items.

Inspiration:

Other [cranberry] loves:

Essie's Carry On

Opaque tights!

Fun shiny pants.

Oooh, suede.

Morning Rant.

Dear PayPal [and internet scammers],

I hate you both. I just want to start this letter off with complete and utter honesty. Now that that's out of the way, let me rant.

Internet scammer, I HATE YOU. How dare you you make an unauthorized withdrawal from my account!! Who the @$&*( do you think you are?! Thank you for starting my morning and work week off in a bad mood.

And PayPal. Don't even get me started. Yes, I already filed a dispute against aforementioned transaction. But I don't have any faith in you. You see, over a year ago you withheld my funds for a long time and it wasn't even my fault! Again, someone had hacked into my account pretending to be me and took my money. Eventually you resolved in my favor, but still. Your "quick" turnaround of 10 business days was anything but quick and caused me much grief. And now, NOW, we encounter a similar issue. How come you don't hold funds for this scammer? Why is this transfer of funds already complete and not pending like it should be? ESPECIALLY since the account it's been paid to is non-verified. Hellllllllo, red flag PayPal!!! And now I have to wait at least 2 weeks for this to be resolved?! I googled (gotta love the power of the internet) this asshole scammer to see what it would bring up and low and behold, I came across this post. So see, I have no faith in you because you, PayPal, are flawed. You have terrible customer service in my opinion and just some bad business practices. I have been a loyal and faithful customer of you service for many years now (despite all the crap you pull), but I swear to god, if you rule in their favor as you did to the customer who ranted about you a year ago, I'm done with you. I will not accept this excuse:

Unfortunately, we were unable to resolve this claim in your favour because the item purchased was virtual or intangible. As a result, we have not taken any action against the seller at this time but we have noted your
dissatisfaction in the seller's record for future reference. 

The facts are there. Someone added a card to my account. They also added a new mailing address. The payment I supposedly made was to the credit card that was added to my account. I DID NOT AUTHORIZE THIS CHARGE AND THEREFORE WANT MY MONEY BACK.

Please prove me wrong, PayPal. Death to the scammer.

Sincerely,

Disgruntled Me

The Big Apple: #5

I love impromptu outings. Last night, I went to One if By Land, Two if By Sea for dinner (sorry no pictures!) and ended up crossing off #5 on my "New York Musts" list.

For quick reference, here's where I'm at:

1. Roosevelt Island
2. the Cloisters
3. the High Line
4. Top of the Rock
5. top of the Empire State Building
6. Jazz at the Lincoln Center
7. an opera at the Met
8. the Guggenheim Museum
9. Wicked
10. SummerStage at Central Park
11. mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral
12. St. John the Divine
13. Conservatory Garden at Central Park
14. Belvedere Castle
15. Brooklyn Botanical Garden
16. 5 boro bike tour
17. spectator at the NYC Marathon
18. BAM (aka Brooklyn Academy of Music)
19. ride the G train
20. Brooklyn Flea
21. visit the main NYPL on 42nd Street
22. ride any train from starting point to end point
23. Native American Museum
24. have a drink at the Waldorf Astoria
25. "visit" the Today show
26. see a taping of a NYC show
27. Riverside Park
28. ice skating at Bryant Park
29. Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island
30. sledding in Central Park
31. Prospect Park
32. dine at the River Cafe

How did I end up at the Empire State Building you ask? Well apparently the last ride up is at 1:15AM. Yes, AM. I find this piece of information so cool and since it was past 9 when I learned of this, I was all gung-ho at the suggestion of going. I mean it was late enough in the day and the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, so how bad could the wait be?! Well, it was still a wait of nearly 45 minutes but (a) to me that's really short considering I've always seen long lines outside of the place (b) it wasn't hot out so I didn't mind the wait. And  so I bring to you the wonder and amazement that is the view from the Empire State Building...

North.

South.

East.

West.

Going up to the 102nd floor is a waste, so don't bother. I didn't really experience a difference being further up from the observatory so that's a disappointment (and waste of money). But otherwise, the experience was pretty cool. I love seeing the City from high up in the sky. One more building to go!

PS - I realize I've crossed off #20 on the list and I could have sworn I already blogged about it, but I guess I will have to do so soon. I just hope I didn't delete all my pics off my phone about it.

PPS - Being that today is Labor Day, something tells me that I won't be achieving #10 before my 32nd birthday. Oops!