A Shoe Story

OK, so anyone who knows me knows that I generally prefer heels - nice, tall heels. High heels are a woman's best friend. First, they slim your figure and make your posture look better. Second, they add a few inches (a necessity, not a luxury, for short women like me who don't want to have to hem the 'petite' or 'short length' pants any further....). Third, they are beautiful. Anyone who knows me also knows that I have an averse reaction to flats: I trip all over the place in them, and after awhile, they hurt my foot arches and lower back.

So, imagine my dismay when I came to the conclusion that I need to find a sensible yet dressy shoe for when I'm doing an extensive amount of walking (i.e. a day when I leave at noon for a museum, and then out to dinner with friends, not getting back until after midnight) - and that finding such a shoe might, gulp, compromise on height. Off to DSW I went, with my mom in tow to make sure my eyes did not wander to the wall of amazing high-end pumps. Though I set out to find a nice 3-inch cork-based wedge with a closed-toe, my hopes came to a screetching halt when I realized that all their shoes were either 1) boots, 2) sandals, or 3) flats. After trying on lots of shoes, teary-eyed, and in a bit of denial over the whole low-heel thing, I finally found a wedge loafer with a 2-inch heel from Kenneth Cole Reaction. It will have to do for now. My hopes were further deflated by Zappos and many other a shoe website, who also failed to deliver my ideal shoe.... Maybe I need to start my own business....

Why We Embrace Change...

Today, as I perused the aisles of the supermarket, my eyes fell upon a special treat of yesteryear. Memories of sleepovers at Grandma's where we'd make treats and then dive under the covers on the pull-out couch to watch Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Which item made this time travel possible do you ask? Jiffy Pop. You remember it: that aluminum pan filled with popcorn that you shake over your oven burner and watch with eyes of wonder as the foil expands with delicious-smelling popcorn....

Hungry for a little nostalgia, I bought the pan, and made it tonight as part of my very own American Idol party for one. I followed the instructions exactly, and, to my horror, soon enough, my apartment began filling up with black smoke while the foil barely expanded! I shut off the stove and opened the foil top, where an awful chemical smell escaped, along with more billows of black smoke. Tucked inside was a combination of charred kernels and unpopped kernels. So much for my adventure. I've got the windows open, the fan on, the febreze air effects sprayed all about, and it still stinks in here. Here's what I say: There is a reason why microwave popcorn is so popular...! Trust the people!

A Trip Around the Ol' Proverbial Block....

Yesterday, greeted by the first warm breezes of the spring, I decided to visit my old neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. For those of you not familiar with the area, it's the two neighborhoods just south of Brooklyn Heights, a mile or so south of the Brooklyn Bridge, along the water (think Moonstruck). I only lived in this neighborhood for two years, but it conveyed a sense of home stronger than any other place I'd lived in (and I've moved A LOT since graduating High School!). It is truly a neighborhood: tree-lined streets, old brownstones, hidden parks, privately-owned restaurants and boutiques where the owners get to know you; you get the idea....

Here's what I did: First, I got my hair cut at Salon de Quartier for my seasonal appointment with Kathleen who always does a great job with my hair! I still go back there for 3 reasons: 1) they do a great job 2) it's an excuse to visit the old neighborhood, and 3) the French receptionist makes you feel like you're in Paris, serving you croissants and coffee while they address your tresses! Next, I had brunch at a favorite restaurant of mine called Alma. It serves up great Mexican food in a classy environment, but you really go for the view: there's rooftop dining that overlooks the Manhattan skyline. I was on a first date, and all I could say was, thank GOODNESS there was a view and good food there to help me survive... I also have to add that their dinners seem much better than their brunches. After bolting from the guy, I did what any practical girl would do after a disasterous date: I ran to a good bakery, and bought some carbs, guilt-free. My bakery of choice: Mazzola's. Mazzola's is an old neighborhood establishment with amazing specialty bread. I got a loaf of the cranberry walnut, and an olive loaf. You don't know the meaning of good Italian bread until you've checked out the bakeries in this area. To complete my tour, I stopped off and Smith and Vine, a great wine store known for their table of excellent $10 and under bottles. They actually moved down the street, which was a little bit of a surprise to me, but I'll deal... Lastly, I poked my head into Handmade, a great boutique, especially for gift-giving.

(Note: these are old pictures from last year! The snow is gone by now!)

American Idol (and a bit of a crush...)

Okay, I FINALLY did it; I finally gave in to all of the pressures of society - I went out and got myself hooked on American Idol. Quite frankly, I surprised I made it through five whole seasons without as much as an interest in the whole sensation. In my defense, the decision to 'go over to the other side' was a sacrafice on the part of my profession. You see, there's not a single upper-middle-class middle school girl (and few boys) who are not obsessed with the show. And being able to relate to my kids is of course paramount.....

SO, now here I am, not only addicted, but with the hugest crush I've had on anyone since a certain blond cutie in sixth grade.... My Idol's name is Brandon Rogers and he's from California. Oh, and conveniently (or maybe coincidentally), he's my age! He's got the best eyes I've ever seen - trust me, the photo does not do him justice! If he lived on my coast, I'd write him a note in pink ink with boxes to check off whether or not he likes me, and then I'd have one of my best friends deliver it to his best friend. Sigh.

A Sight for Sore Eyes

Okay, I'm just about getting to the point where I'm ready for the warm weather. Don't get me wrong, I love the change of seasons and I never understood how people live without it. However, I'm also not opposed to winter (and summer for that matter...) being a few weeks shorter to make spring and autumn a little longer! Anyways, in tribute to the warm weather, blue skies, and hopes of warm weather fun, here are some photos of the classic Coney Island that (believe it or not) I took in March of last year! The Paraschute Jump

The Waterfront at Sunset

The Famous Brooklyn Cyclone

Sabrett hotdog anyone? (WonderWheel in background)