A (Wo) Man's Best Friend

Ever since my parents had to put our family dog down in September, I have felt a kind of void in my life. Secretly, I have been researching puppies online and trying desperately to find "the one." This morning, ok afternoon, when I woke up (it's exam week so gimme a break), I was catching up on the daily gossip news on my fave 5 sites when I almost spilled my coffee all over my Mac. This furry little ball with light brown, shaggy, hair and big brown eyes was staring back at me and lended to say "pick me, choose me, love me." (yah, i just threw a little Grey's Anatomy quote in there for extra dramatic effect because the thing was that cute). I should have known I would find him/her on one of my gossip sites, being held by one of my new favorite actresses.

They're called "tea-cup maltipoo's" and Blake Lively (Serena from Gossip Girl) was seen juggling one along with her blackberry and a Starbucks coffee strolling the streets of Manhattan.

However, my dream of having one may have to be put on hold because I am moving to a big city in the next 3 months, and it would not be fair to Dallas (yes, I already named her) to be inside a small apartment all day. And, what happens when my friends want to get drinks after work. "Sorry guys, I have to go let Dallas out," I'll have to say. She might cramp my style a little. It's ok, though, I am willing to wait because I want NY more.

I'm on my way....

I'm going to take some inspiration from Sugarland's "Baby Girl," as in the current moment it applies to me and just about every one of my friends, especially those not moving back home after graduation. My cousin, Rebecca, currently lives in NYC and sent me an article this afternoon from THE Sunday paper (The New York Times--the only paper that matters, she said) about finding your first apartment in the city. Although, it was great insight on what to expect when I am searching for where I will rest my head at night (which will probably be on in an air mattress in the living room/kitchen in China Town), I am now more overwhelmed than ever.

Yes, I knew I would probably have to have a roommate to even think about affording a $2,000/month apartment, but then I saw a picture of a "typical" apartment for this price in the village (where just about every recent grad wants to live) and was just a bit discouraged, ok VERY much discouraged! Oh, how I wish I could just skip all of this worrying stuff and find my Greek Shipping Heir already and live in a fabulous brownstone on the Upper West Side with 2.5 kids, a driving service and a live-in nanny, but lets not get too ahead of ourselves and be serious......all this stressful energy only makes you a better and stronger person and makes you want to live a successful and happy life that much more. Right? RIGHT! (At least, that's what I keep telling myself).

My goal is to send a letter like this to my parents someday:

"I know that I'm on my way,
When I can tell every time I play.
And I know it's worth all the dues I pay,
When I can write to you and say...

Dear Mom and Dad,
I'll send money. I'm so rich that It ain't funny.
Well it oughtta be more then enough to get you through.
Please don't worry cause I'm alright,
I'm stayin here at the Ritz tonight,
Whatta ya know we made our dreams come true!
And there are fancy cars and diamond rings,
But you know that they don't mean a thing,
Well they all add up to nothin compared to you,
Well, remember me in ribbons and curls...
I still love you more than anything in the world."

Love,
Your Baby Girl

(Sugarland)

Hugs not Drugs

I usually find the "Live Above the Influence" commercials extremely annoying, especially when there is an over-load of them interrupting my Sunday Lifetime movie. But then again, today is 4/20. Even though I am not a fan of the "gonja" or "reefer," I don't like the ad's because I don't think they are realistic. For instance, they always include an "oh sh**" phone-call to the best friend the morning after a huge "toke fest". In my 22 years, I have never known someone to want to make a sex tape or get naked and pose for pictures after smoking, which is portrayed as a "what could happen if you get too high" scenario. Doesn't being high make you lethargic and hungry? I think most sex tapes become a good idea after too much tequila (ahem Paris and K. Kardashian). I think if these ad agencies really want to prove a point, they need to work on targeting their market and making realistic commercials that teens could actually benefit from. Just some food for thought.

Stay Safe today and this is the only time I will say this (I promise):

Live Above the Influence. Live Above Weed.

Who knew painting my nails with white-out during class in middle school would lead to a MAYJAH fashion trend?!

Summer is right around the corner and you know what that means, girls.......time to stash away the deep purples, steel-greys, and royal blues and bring out the baby pinks, HOT pinks, fire-engine reds, and one of my new, personal faves: white nail polishes.

I never thought I would be a fan of white on my nails, but when applied correctly and with the perfect tan, it looks SO fetch!! Within my first week in NY this summer, thanks to all of my co-workers (ok, lowly interns) I quickly learned that pearl tones are a must to be considered a big city girl. I went to the nearest mani/pedi salon on my way home from work so I could feel like a hip, new yorker. Another reason NY is the place for me: you can get your nails AND toes done for only $20 almost anywhere!! Such a steal!

There are many "whites" to choose from, but I personally am a fan of the ones with a bit of a pink undertone and that look a little iridescent in the bottle. Essie's "Ballet Slippers" is a perfect, back from a vacay in Cabo, summer feel.
ADDITION: (Shelly, my wonderful mom also recommends "Tutti Frutti" by OPI)

My mom is a huge fan of OPI's "Cajun Shrimp." This shade is only for the brave as it is a tad more orange than red and is very vibrant. But, I'm all about taking risks (esp. when it comes to nail-polish) and for a fun weekend in Miami Beach, this is the perfect color.
CLARIFICATION (also according to Shelly): This color should only be worn on your toes

One of my all-time faves is OPI's "Italian Love Affair." Everytime I swipe it across my nails, I instantly feel like I'm sailing aboard a gorgeous cruise-liner on the Amalfi Coast (ok, yes I've never been to Italy but when I do for my honey-moon, you can bet I will be wearing it). It's the most perfect shade of baby pink in the entire world. I believe every girl should own a bottle, if not 10.

OPI's Spring 2008 line features a bunch of jewel-tone shades, but when I think of spring-time, no matter where I am, I always want something that will stand out. Monochromatic tones and pinks that aren't pink enough are just not my cup of tea. In the fall and winter, with every shade whether it be red, purple, or blue, I go as deep as I can go. And spring and summer, make me want to be as white, pink and red as possible. That's what I like about nail-polish....you can take huge risks and if you don't like it the next day, you can take it off and start over.

All this talk about nails, makes me really want to get mine done. I think today, I'll go with Essie's "strawberry sorbet," because it's the perfect medium between hot pink and red. Happy shade-hunting! :)

In Celebrity News......

According to monday's episode of The Hills, Speidi's on "relationship vacation." As my friend Lauren would say: "That's what she said...."

My fab friend Sean did see them together looking happy as ever at MTV studios on Monday, but who knows what today will bring in their sick, twisted relationship. Seriously, quit playing games with my heart speidiiiiiiiii. I just want to see you guys happy! Oh, who am I kidding.....BREAK UP already!!!

Ash Simpson's Eggo is Preggo, according to People. Just waiting on the official comment from Pete and Ash's reps even though they have denied, denied, denied. Wonder how preacher Papa Joe feels about a shot-gun wedding and if Jess is a little bitter....sibling rivalry?!

Amy Winehouse better say yes, yes, yes to rehab because her label record has issued an ultimatum that if she doesn't quit using drugs, she will not release another album.

Paris Hilton's parents want us to know that she has found TRUE love with Benji Madden and they have never seen her this happy. And, Benji doesn't drink or do drugs so he is a great inspiration for her. Um, am I stuck in a Pop Fiction episode?! Sorry, I just can't make myself believe this one.

My deepest prayers and sympathies go out to Cameron Diaz's father, Emilio, who died of pneumonia on Tuesday, Martha Stewart's Dog, Paw Paw (he was almost 13), and the 32 students and faculty we lost one year ago today during the VA Tech Massacre. R.I.P.

I love pink a little more than should be allowed (ok, a lot more) but even i know there is a time and a place for it

SPOILER ALERT: if you haven't seen the finale of The Real Housewives of New York City yet, you may not want to read on.

Oh. Em. Gee. Can we just talk about Ramona's glittery, spaghetti-strap, barbie pink number she had on at 21? And, was she seriously an hour and a half late because she hired a hair and makeup professional to come to her house to primp her for DINNER? I could understand if she was going to one of the shows for Fashion Week, or was invited to the Met's Costume Gala, but for a dinner? that kids were invited to? Then again, I have to remind myself that she is filming a reality show, and lord only knows the lengths I would go to to be camera-ready at all times.

Regardless, I can't watch Ramona for more than 5 minutes (ok, yes I sat through the hour-long finale but cringed everytime her scary, over-botexed face came on the screen). Seriously, what was the woman thinking?! It's sad, but I think her 12-year old daughter has more of a sense of fashion than she does. My favorite part was when Allie (Jill's daughter) asked Avery what she thought of her mom's outfit. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be seen with my mom dressed like that in public, unless she was filming for Legally Blonde III.

Back to the scene at 21, though. I have had the pleasure of eating there on a couple occasions, and let's just say if you want the best hamburger that you have ever tasted in your entire life, you absolutely MUST experience this succulent piece of meat. But, be willing to shell out $30. When I saw little Francois poking his plastic kangaroo figure into Jason's (Bethenny's boyfriend--who rushed to the restaurant from tucking his kids in) hamburger, I was mortified. Not even for the fact that $30 was going to waste and an entire meal, but the fact that Alex and Simon (the little brat's parents) said and did absolutely nothing! Excuse me, if that was me I would have been dragged outside faster than you can say, check please!

Wow, so I had a lot to get off my chest in this episode. Even after watching these ridiculous women, I still have dreams of being a NY housewife someday, but I want to break the stereotype. I will not be the 40+ year old woman in the sparkly ensemble embarassing my daughter. I will have manners and not show up late to dinner, and most importantly, I will hire great baby-sitters.

Blogging Virgin

Alright, so here it goes....my first post....ever.

We had a guest speaker the other day in my Advanced Magazine & Feature Writing class and he told us to go off and start our own blog. He told us it's a form of getting published, which as a journalism major makes you credible, so here I am. I need all the experience I can get, especially if I want to try and make it in New York City. I want to be the next PerezHilton because I feel like I already have his job. I sit on the computer like a fiend everyday going through my fave 5 gossip sites (perezhilton, popsugar, x17online, dlisted, & E!) to find out what exactly is going on in the world. Yes, clearly I need to read the paper more and visit CNN online but celebrity and fashion news is just way too important to me. At the current moment, just like Perez, I already have a source scoping out all the hot-spots for me and giving me all the juice. My fabulous friend Sean is in NY right now for interviews and has already had a night/day I would die for. But, that's how NY is....you never know what each day will bring, and most importantly, who you will see. So he calls me at 8 AM this morning chipper as hell (but I guess I would be too if I saw who he saw.....lucky biatch). Anyways, his voicemail is somewhere along these lines: "OMG Em!!! You will never guess who I ran into last night at the Waverly Inn......JLo, Marc, Fergie & Josh. We sat around drinking Lychee Martini's talking about the twins, Max and Emme and where/when Fergie's wedding will be." Ok, not really but he did see them and JLo did ask him if it was cold outside so there was some form of communication between celebrity and mortal. Getting off the phone with him made me realize how bad I want New York. Not going to lie, right now it seems a little bit untangible and somewhat of a distant land far, far away, but I refuse to get discourgaed. My goal is to be there by Fall 2008 and I intend to. Alright, I have to go finish my two articles, study for my test at 8 and get caught up on The Hills. Expect much ranting about Speidi, i'm sure, in my next post. Over and out.