It is ok to...

or...

1. Play dress up at home in front of your mirror before going to work.
2. Devour a made-for-teens book series.
3. Set your desktop background to black so that you can use it as a mirror.
4. Enjoy the company of that sassy 50-year-old Mom who sits next to you at work. She probably has great stories to share.
5. Admire Bethenny Frankel.
6. Press refresh (constantly) on your email waiting for an email from your cariño.
7. Tear up during movies that aren't meant to be tear jerkers. Say for example the Kings Speech ( I cried...was I supposed to?)
8. Laugh.
9. Take a bath in the morning before going to the office.
10. Spend more than the average woman on a pair of shoes, but not on your moisturizer (vaseline? anyone?).
11. Quote movies that show your age, like Karate Kid.
12. Correct your date's pronunciation.
13. Send secret admirer gifts.
14. Press refresh on a package tracker over and over again, hoping the status will change.
15. Be jealous of your friend's sexy job.
16. Feign modesty.
17. Feign vanity.
18. Say no to free stuff you don't need - hard one, I know.
19. Top chef style dine with friends: taste, taste, and pass your plate.
20. Cut the length off a gown or maxi that you've already worn plenty.
21. Love having your picture taken.
22. Say, "NO or SORRY."
23. Pretend you have plans and stay in.
24. Tell the truth about your age.
25. Blog shamelessly about your life.

35 Little Acts of Kindness for New Yorkers

As promised, here is a list of kind things that New Yorkers can do to make cohabitating on this little island easier:

1. SMILE, to all you nonnewyorkers this may seem like a joke, but it's not. We don't smile at each other, we growl.
2. Don't block the entrance as you wait for your table at brunch. It's cold outside!
3. Kindly tap a tourist on the shoulder and ask them to move out of the walkway.
4. Cancel your dinner reservation if you plan to no-show.
5. Say to the doorman "they are with us" and help out the two lonely divas shivering in their Jessica Simpson stilettos waiting to get in da latest club (club pump up the jam or something like that).
6. Don't put your 12 pound "purse" on the "free space" next to you at Mary's Fish Camp. That is impeding on someones space. No one cares if it is a $900 louis vuitton tote bag that you saved your babysitting money to buy. 
7. Give up your seat in the front at the AA meeting to the individual who has had a few too many old-fashions that morning. I don't care if Ethan Hawke is sitting right next you. Jimmy Old-Fashioned needs the seat more than you do.
8. Offer the size zero girl next to you at the Barney's warehouse sale the Stella McCartney blazer that just doesn't fit, then offer her a doughnut.
9. Don't stare when I fall up the stairs while wearing inappropriately high heels.
10. Stand outside of the City Clerk's office and offer free marital advice to anyone who wants it.
11. Offer the extra nickle, dime, or quarter to the shorthanded person in front of you at the coffee stand
12. Kindly tell the handsome men at Express Tailor Service that you understand Spanish and yes blanca would like to dance.
13. Buy a round of tickets at pay-what-you-wish day (sunday's between 11am-1pm) at The Frick Collection and give them out to the patrons behind you. Say to them, "Hey, this one is on me."
14. Place the half-off Louboutins back on the proper sale rack at bergdorfs. Don't make me hunt for my size in the all cork wedges.
15. Offer to share a cab with the tipsy girl who is giving a lap dance to the banker wanker at the bar in murray hill. When you get in the cab say to her "Do you like Phil Collins? I've been a big Genesis fan ever since the release of their 1980 album, duke."
16. Say to the individual behind you in line for a taxi at JFK airport, "Hey are you going downtown?"
17.  Tell me when everyone is staring at my heinie because my black undies are showing through my white dress, then give me a high-five.
18. Take an entire stack of the Metro or AM New York (free daily newspapers) and tell the chilly guy who passes them out, "Hey go get a coffee, I'll pass these out at the office."
19. Place a copy of the Metro or AM New York on the desk of every partner at the law firm where you work (See number 18 for more information). Don't forget to add a little post-it that says, "Thought you would enjoy today's article on the rat infestation in city schools best, Jane"
20. Encourage someone who seems despondent after paying a broker fee.
21. Buy a drink for one of the mustached bartenders at Employees only, then tell him that they psychic said it was his destiny to buy a $25 dollar muddled something and run out. Don't forget to scream "sucker!" as you run out.
22. Don't touch the 80% cashmere coat, hanging on the coat hooks at Rai Rai Ken, with your salty ramen paws.
23. Save a bottle of Trader Joe's Charles Shaw $1.99 wine for a college student.
24. Stop jumping rope in your apartment after midnight. Save the guy downstairs from the headache.
25. Offer directions to the tourist who looks lost. When they ask you where little owl restaurant is tell them 42nd and 8th and help them get a cab.
26. Buy your assistant, who is complaining of menopause hot flashes on the subway, a fan that she can carry in her pocket.
27. Use your inside voice outside when you are telling the story about Shari and Kari's escapades at the UES favorite, Dorrians.
28. Do not throw your household trash away in the public receptacle.
29. Walk by Magnolia's bakery shouting "Only 1500 calories each!" You likely saved someone from breaking their new year's resolution.
30. Stand outside of cowgirl in the village and offer childcare service in exchange for margaritas, then start a conga line of 9-year olds.
31. Knock on your neighbor's door, when they open the door say, " I was just checking that you are alive." Then walk away.
32. Encourage a busker.
33. Offer to screen all of your friend's match.com dates, suggest they meet you for dinner at Ninja.
34. Let your friend check-in first to foursquare when having brunch at Le Bibloquet.
35. Kiss a fireman (FDNY) on Halloween, this way you can tell your husband/boyfriend/lover that you thought it was him in costume.

(Photo by my husband of me enjoying a full-on couch nap, discovered on my iphone)

New Year's Resolutions for the relatively uncommitted

Here is a list of manageable resolutions for the otherwise uncommitted diva. These are easy and totally maintainable!

1. In 2011, I will limit dramatic crying in public.

2. In 2011, I will match my bra to my panties.

3. In 2011, I will wear panties to limit the general public's exposure to my bum.

4. In 2011, I will not overuse the term freedom when talking about polictics or any subject for that matter.

5. In 2011, I will remember the first and last name of all new sexual partners.

6. In 2011, I will not play Kelly Clarkson, Keisha, or Justin Bieber so loudly on my ipod that everyone in the elevator can hear. "Your love, your love, your love, is my drug!"

7. In 2011, I will never complain about calories on a dinner date or at a dinner party. No one wants to hear you count points during dinner. If you must, take it to the ladies room and jot it down in a small notebook.

8. In 2011, I will never start a sentence with "I read in US weekly that..." Nor will I refer to celebrities by their first names. "Did you see that Reese dumped her new boyfriend?" "Oh no! I loved them together!"

9. In 2011, I will properly use all idioms and cliches.

10. In 2011, I will limit my use of the most offensive phrase known to man "No offense, but..."

11. In 2011, I will think before I speak, buy, kiss, take off my pants, consume, or tattoo.

12. In 2011, I will wear banana republic wide-leg trouser pants that aren't too big (or too small). These are not meant to be replacement sweatpants ladies.

13. In 2011, I will not be jealous of the photo I saw on facebook of my boyfriend/husband/lover/doorman and some other woman. I also won't obsessively look at her facebook photo albums.

14. In 2011, I will not friend request my doorman on facebook.

15. In 2011, I will not dress like a slob because I was told it was casual.

16. In 2011, I will not fall asleep with food on my lap.

17. In 2011, I will not compliment a dining experience by saying that the portions were HUGE!

18. In 2011, I will not complain about the TSA going through my things.

19. In 2011, I will limit my alcohol intake to 1-bottle of wine per night.

20. In 2011, I will consume mother nature's original diet soda, water.

See! Very easy!

I didn't sign up for THIS.

And other things you might say to yourself during your twenties.

1. Who am I?
2. My bum looks great in these pants!
3. I don't know what I want, but I know it's not this.
4. I'll take IT!  (And other unapologetic exclamations whilst shopping)
5. What is my passion?
6. What do I want to be when I grow up? (I'll let you know when I figure it out.)
7. You want me to send a FAX ? But wait, I have a master's degree in English literature!
8. I wish I hadn't drank so much last night!
9. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. (It doesn't have to be!)
10. Mom will know what to do. 
11. Is this it? Am I doing enough with my life?
12. What is her deal! (And other comments on overly competitive Women.)
13. Where's my Vogue?  
14. Do I choose stability or excitement?
15. How do I decorate such a small space?
16. I'd love to see him again. I'd love to see HER again, she is so talented, smart, funny, and successful.
17. What do I want? How do I get what I want?
18. What is a 401k?
19. Who am I?
20. Should I marry him now? See here.
21. That was my promotion, why did he get it?
22. I'm exactly where I set off to be, so why don't I feel happy?
23. I love my roommate(s)/flatmate/boarder/hoarder.
24. Where have all the good cowboys gone?
25. I keep pursuing what I think I want for a profession, then change my mind and start over. Something has got to give! DID syndrome can happen to us all. And can be treated with the right support and proper planning.

25 things every woman should know

1. How to plan a trip and enjoy it -  alone.
2. That your dream job is...? You need to know! So that you can avoid the DID trenches.
3. Your exit line (i.e. last words) for every situation. Every woman needs a proper exit.
4. How to embrace your own vanities. Pride in your own abilities and achievements is nothing to hide.
5. That it's important to enjoy life and not worry about being perfect. Tick tick goes the clock.
6. That love like that of Vera and Vladimir Nabokov exists. She was his muse, editor, and devoted wife.
7. Whether or not you enjoy children.
8. What book you would hide and covet in a Fahrenheit 451 situation.
9. That life holds only one guarantee: NOW.
10. How to make one good cake.
11. How to age gracefully. And not to forget to thank your Mom for the good genes. Thanks Mom!
12. Your fashion muse. Mine is Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Althought I'm not sure that Carolyn would wear this. 
13. This line from Breakfast at Tiffany's: "You could always tell what kind of person a mans thinks you are by the earrings he gives you."
14. That you should not indulge in jealousy.
15. What colors most flatter your skin tone. If you are anything like my sister, you can wear many splendid colors.
16. How to balance a checkbook, contribute to a 401K, and save for a rainy day.
17. That your self worth is not based on who likes you. Rather, it's based on whether or not you like yourself.
18. How to connect with your inner self, while remembering which side is most flattering for photos.
19. How to drive a manual- transmission vehicle. Why? For that driving trip through the alps.Trust me, if your man is anything like my city bloke, he won't know how!
20. The name of at least one fallback author for uninspired bouts at the bookstore or international departures terminal. Try Milan Kundera or Haruki Murakami.
21. To please your lover.
22. What you would do with a jackpot. Everyone needs a contingency plan. I've already won the jackpot.
23. How to enjoy the opera.
24. About Yale University's open lecture series on youtube. There is an entire lot on modern-American Novels. Amazing! And perfect for a confused Diva like me - who often needs a daytime distraction.
25. How to say yes! Yes to life, love, and flattering pants.

So tell me - what is your exit line? Who is your fashion muse? Your

Ten ways to keep your bum nice and chubby this winter season

There is no denying that the cold-winter weather is upon us. There is a chance of flurries today in NYC!  Rather than suggest you get cozy with blankets and cashmere socks, I thought I would suggest ways to fatten up your bum for some extra warmth and cushioning. These are the very same tactics I use, so they are guaranteed!

1. Eat Nutella out of the jar at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At least two generous spoonfuls at a time. 

2. Consider cheese a major food group. I never leave the market without my weekly servings of gruyere, cheddar, and manchego - I need them.

3. Red, red, wine. A lovely glass of cabernet on a cool winter's evening will not only keep you warm, but it will prompt you to feel a bit hazy and lazy, so you won't move. Little movement equals some extra cushion.

4. Sit and K-I-S-S a lover, love interest, or old flame. I plan to spend extra time this winter snuggling up with my new hubby and K-I-S-S-I-N-G. Sure they say kissing burns calories, but sitting on your bum next to a fireplace does not!

5. Hot chocolate from the chocolate bar. Full of delicious calories and warm to boot. No need to run laps around the west village to get warmed up.

6. Après ski with a serious bang: mulled wine, biscuits, and aperitifs galore.

7. Take a trip to Iceland and spend time in the Geysir hot springs. Icelandic people are known for being extremely happy and content - oh and did I mention very attractive. How about some people watching after your hot springs trip?

8. Eat yummy ramen at places like ippudo or rai rai ken then schedule a nap for afterwards. These long luxurious pleasures take zero effort!

9. Invite your friends for a foreign film night and watch L'avventura. A friend so kindly told me that I remind him of the main character, Anna. Pair foreign film night with Italian cuisine and Italian wine.

10. Spend time enjoying the innocence of full days in pajamas and feel like a kid again. Cozy silk or cashmere pajamas will help ensure you feel luxurious and will skip movement all together. 

Love the present

How smart is banana republic's new ad campaign? The ad, that I first saw in vogue, said, "Love the Present" and has a woman dressed in après-ski clothes surrounded by snow and mountains. No gift box, no holiday decorations, and no cheesy smile. Perfection.

I love the double entendre here too. It's brilliant and a romantic's dream. BR is telling us to love today by being in the now, and to love the glorious BR merino wool sweater we receive as a Christmas gift (i.e. love your presents).

Of course, I find this entirely thought provoking, it got me thinking, what about "the present" do I love?

Sticking with the double entendre, here is a list of things I love about "the present":

1. The paper! I love receiving a beautifully wrapped gift. It makes the present experience that much more lovely. I especially love brown paper.

2. I love that the holidays are here so I get to see all the people I love.

3. I love surprises. Surprise gifts! Surprise visitors!

4.  I love that at present, this gorgeous man is painting a new piece to go in my apartment.

 Learn more about his work here and check out his blog.

Breakfast for dinner

Happy Monday everyone! How was your weekend? Mine was amazing, I participated in a discussion on world politics with my darling Anu's Father (He is visiting from India!), had brunch at Morandi with my Australian divas, watched The Girl Who Played with Fire (Swedish version), attended the RTR one year anniversary party, and had my new favorite meal, breakfast for dinner (B4D).

Cropped out of this picture is my darling husband, he prepared the luxurious meal of blueberry pancakes, bacon, and eggs. Served in an apron with mimosas and love.

B4D is certainly not a new concept. People have been consuming pancakes at dinner time for centuries. That said, I've just recently rediscovered the joys in B4D. It's satisfying, quick, and often the perfect mix of sweet and savory. Here is a list of yummy places to consume B4D in NYC.

1. Bubby's
Open 24 hours a day (except for Mondays) this Tribeca hotspot serves breakfast all day. Oh happy day!

2. Clinton Street Baking Co.
The everyday menu is served all day everyday, 7 days a week and features...breakfast! Try the brioche french toast with caramelized bananas, roasted pecans, and maple butter. It's yummy!

3. Pastis
Pastis is a french bistro and a meatpacking staple. Keith McNally and his crew were here well before the standard, the highline, or any other meatpacking jaunt spot. Omelette aux fines herbes and croque-monsieurs can be consumed with a glass of sancere for dinner!

How not to spend it

Every week, the Financial Times publishes a lifestyle magazine called How to Spend It that is delivered to my apartment on Saturdays. Hubby and I always joke, because of my love for shopping, that my How to Spend It has arrived. As if I wait with bated breath for its arrival. Or as if I need the editors at HTSI to help me spend! Ha!

I find the magazine pretentious, yet somewhat informative. Apart from being a collection of advertisements of luxury goods, it also includes articles on travel and the arts. Both things that I am passionate about.

Inspired by the how to spend it magazine, I've decided to dedicate this post on how not to spend it. So here it goes, my first list on cost cutting.

How NOT to Spend It - Part 1 - Wardrobe:

1. Go to the tailor. Before going shopping for a new wardrobe, scan your closet for items that could use some love, repair, or an overall change. Be daring with your tailoring, don't be afraid to shorten, lengthen, dye, chop, make into a skirt, make into two pieces, etc.  A good tailor can work magic on your wardrobe.

2. If the mood strikes you, spend it! Like food and books, I find that if I resist all together I will binge and overindulge.

3. Belt it. Tie it. Turn it inside out. Layer it. Try something new with what you already have. You'd be surprised by the options readily available to you. Take a look at this headband I wore in Guatemala - like it? It is actually a necklace! I attached a rubber band to the clasps - and voila - a new accessory.

4. Spare yourself the torture. Don't browse flash sales on websites like Gilt Groupe, HauteLook, and Rue La La. Browsing a flash sale is like visiting temptation island - you might go overboard.

5. Practice walletless shopping and leave your credit card at home! When I first moved to New York City not spending was easy because I didn't have any money. Was it torture? Yes! Did I dream of shopping sprees at Bergdorfs? Yes! But I didn't spend, which is what counts here.

6. Don't buy this full price, ever. Stinks, I know!  I love it too.

7. Remember that you don't need a six pairs of nude Louboutins. One pair will suffice.

8. Save for a big ticket item. Do you still want it? Was twelve months of skimping worth it for the new item? Perhaps your stashed cash is better spent on a trip to Paris?

9. Shop consignment and don't be afraid to negotitate.

10. Practice the two week rule. Step away from a purchase for two weeks. After two weeks are you still interested?

What will you do with the extra hour this weekend?

Every year on the first Sunday of November we adjust our clocks and "fall back" to Standard Time at 2 a.m. Oh happy day! An extra hour of freedom this weekend! I will spend my extra hour doing one of following:

1. Cuddling with my husband
2. Blogging
3. Watching Xtina run the NYC marathon
4. Drinking hot beverages and day dreaming
5. Having a long brain storming session with my darling Anu

Maybe I'll do each of these for 12 minutes so I won't have to choose. Let's face it, when you are a distressed diva every minute of the weekend counts!

Here are some fun ways to use your extra hour this weekend:

1. Have a jump roping contest (Fun and it burns calories)
2. Go to the MOMA and see this
3. Try to recall quotes from your favorite teenage drama (e.g. my so called life, 90210, etc.) with one of your besties and laugh hysterically
4. Join a national novel writing month forum and get started on that novel. You are only 4 days behind!

Guatemala bound!

If all goes well and the Nor'easter(!!) passes, I will be Guatemala bound tomorrow at 5:30 AM! I want to thank everyone for their support and for helping me plan my dream wedding. I can't believe it is almost here.

In no particular order, a big thank you to...

Eric, Erica, Mrs. P, Mom, Jake S., Kate K. Gladys Santizo, Olga Santizo, Kate at Pronovias, style me pretty, flight attendants on flight 611, pilot on flight 611, Pocahontas, Kate N., Beth C., Lizzie T.A., Christina C., Alex Z, Candice D., 100 layer cake

...wait a minute...

This isn't going to work. The list could go on and on like a bad Oscar acceptance speech.

Thank you everyone! You know who you are!

Ode to my sister

This is my favorite picture of me and my sister, Erica. Doesn't it look so cool and vintagesque? This post is dedicated to her, she is my best friend, confidant, and maid of honor. This is a photo of us at my Kindergarten graduation and a good depiction of how we spend our lives together, side by side.

Here is a list of reasons why I love and can't live without her:

1. She looks great in colors like this or this.

2. She loves lavender and lavender-scented items like the diva extrodinaire Jordan Reid.

3. She is a silent killer and can beat almost anyone at trivial pursuit.

4. She doesn't need these or these to be happy.

5. She knows all of my silly movie references from films like What About Bob, Karate Kid, Back to the Future, and Adventures in Babysitting.

6. She is totally modest.

7. She can find the humor in anything.

8. Her laugh is both confusing and contagious.

9. She is a true diva.

10. She is an amazing listener and a totally selfless person.