I’ve eaten way to much pizza and had not much exercise since I’ve been in NY (not including jumping in and out of taxis, lugging around heavy boxes full of paper, walking around NY, and my daily fourth floor walk up) so I suggested to Hilarie that we try out a Zumba class at her gym. 

They gave me a little sales pitch, and then we stood outside the mirrored room until the previous class for over. Hilarie was pumped, I was getting more and more nervous. It also got more an more crowded the closer it got to 7PM. The space we were waiting in was so full of people you couldn’t move anywhere if you wanted, and you could feel the tension rising about whether we were all going to fit in there, and more importantly- to get the spot we wanted. (I’m a stand-in-the-back-so-I-can’t-see-myself-kind-of-girl).

I’m a terrible dancer… and was worried that the class was going to be too advanced, and everyone would already know the steps, and I’d be in the back fumbling and tripping over my shoes. Ok, well that all happened… But it was such a good class. Our male teacher Ronnie, was SO positive and happy the entire time. And not in an annoying Richard Simmons way (though I’m sure many people would beg to differ). He made sure to make eye contact with as many people as he could and point and say “Get it Gurlll!!” His smile was so infectious that I couldn’t help but to peel myself off the floor to do another dance. The room was so hot with all of our bootys shakin’, the mirror fogged up so much that if you were standing front row and wanted to see yourself you wouldn’t have been able to. So if not for the lovely Raldane, I would have been out of there. 

Also, doing the Charleston was a new fun twist to a Zumba class. 

I know these are dull pictures, but I forgot to bring my phone in until the last minute… 

XO ZZ

Peter and Hilaire tricked me into going to Brooklyn recently. They lured me with “a really good restaurant, we saw it on TV”.

I agreed, knowing that its a long train ride, but hopeful that we’d be sitting and relaxing on our journey there.

I was wrong. Peter had not written down the directions, and phones don’t work in the subway, so we spent a lot of time switching trains, waiting for Peter to run upstairs to use the phone. After lots of arguing about how to get there, Hilarie and I decide to stay on one train, even though we know it’s going to wind all around Manhattan before ending up in Brooklyn.   

An hour later, we’re crossing the water as the sun sets on Manhattan. 

Finally in the right borough, we have to take 2 more trains, walk a little on poorly lit streets, and out of nowhere, we see ‘Do or Dine’. It only took an hour an a half to get there- and the place is completely empty. I’m beginning to wonder if we have the wrong place…?

It’s small and dark, rap music is blasting and there’s a disco ball swirling above us- lots of Notorious BIG theming happening. The menu has things like: baby octopus over deviled eggs with a side of tiny pickle shoved up the stem of a mushroom, Foie Gras donuts, a Chicken and Woffles (with clove, blood orange, maple sauces), and martinis with chili peppers floating in it.  

I’m a very adventurous eater, but I was in over my head. Peter suggested the “a fish and some chips”. Why haven’t I learned by now?? 

This is what arrived. An entire snapper, deep fried, on a bed of yuzi-frites, covered in a heaping of pickled onions and something(?) with a mohawk of roe. It looked pretty discusting. Turns out it was DELICIOUS! (Fine, you were right Peter). The best piece of fish I have eaten in a while. Seriously. Whatever that pickled stuff was, it was amazing. I even put it on the perfectly crisp fries. 

In a fun twist, Peter had “checked us in” on Facebook, and his friend Olga from Antioch, lived only a few blocks away. She met us near the end of our meal, gave us a 10 minute overview of things we should know about NY, the best places to shop, eat and drink, and the best thing she gave us: a personal guide back to Manhattan. She was headed that way too, so we followed her like ducklings – and it was much quicker this time. Like, 45 minutes quicker.

All in all, an enlightening night. Definitely a place to take adventurous friends who visit, if we could only find our way back there. 

XO ZZ

Oh hey you guys, Hey!!!  I’m so happy you’re here. Hey!!! Look at you, you’re upside down! Let’s all scream together ok!! Hey!!!!! HEY HEY HEY!!  Ok now that that is over with I’m going to take a people nap. Be right back. 

I’m back!! Hey!!!!! Mom doesn’t have anything to say today and thought I should take over and tell you about my day. So first thing this morning I woke up super cheerful as usual. Then I played with moms face for an hour until the big machine fed me. I’m watching my figure so I only ate a few bites. My bestest friend Killer seems like she needs the food more since her belly is bigger and she enjoys it more. So I always save her a little of mine. I love her. 

Then while Mom got ready to leave I played with her some more. I jump in the closet, mess up her clothes, and she takes me out. I jump back in, she takes me out. I jump in, she takes me out. Yay!! It’s so much fun. Then I jumped in and mom closed the doors and left me in there for 28 hours. It was dark and I was a little scaredy Scout. Then I ate this green stuff mom gave me. Then I got that green stuff out of me. Then I played with my new cat friend Belle. She’s really nice too, but makes a weird loud noise. I love her though.

Killer here. Go f*&# yourself. I’m not talking to any of you. Who wants to read a cat blog anyway. That’s stupid. But if someone is reading this, help me please. I can’t stand that other cat. She’s always so happy. And that dog that thinks she’s a cat is even worse. Get me out of here. Or at least bring me some food that isn’t diet. 

Today was my first attempt at doing laundry. Last week I knew I wouldn’t have time, so I just had them do it. I dropped it off a few minutes before they closed and they had it ready for me by 7:30 am the next morning. If only they had delivered it… it would have been heaven. (yes, other places deliver, but this one is super close, and doesn’t). And the folding! I have never seen clothes folded so nicely and perfectly! No matter what article of clothing it was, everything was made into one size, beautifully flat, and sealed in plastic. All for a price of $19.50. 

(This is not an accurate representation of my wardrobe, just the folding technique)

I already spend enough on grocery delivery (more on that later), taxis, and take out- so I was determined to do the laundry myself, especially because it’s the same place they do it. It’s not like it’s some fancy machine where little elves live inside the washer massaging all the dirt out. But wouldn’t that be nice! 

 I arrive with my laundry, and honestly I didn’t even know how to open the door to the washer. I’ve been doing my own laundry since the dawn of time, but this was like nothing I had seen before. So I stood there looking at it for 5 minutes, and then I asked the lady next to me what to do. She was very nice and explained where to put the clothes in, where the detergent and bleach go in, and explained the buttons to me. Uh oh, I forgot detergent, luckily I could buy it there. I did all that… but now how do I make it start?? I had to ask for help again. Turns out once you put in the $2.50 it automatically starts itself. Whew glad thats over with. 

Another 2 minutes staring at the machine to see how long it takes. My laundry lady was still there to come to the rescue, 30 minutes for all loads. 

(The ominous washer machines) 

The dryer was a little more self explanatory. There are heat settings, and it says where to put .25. Wow, only .25 to dry my clothes? Thats a steal! Ok maybe not so self explanatory… it was actually .25 for each 8 minutes. 

It was an exhausting day. I didn’t shrink anything, and I’m safety home with all my clean clothes. The grand total was $13.50. I think I’ll just spend the $6.50 for them to do. The folding really was worth it. 

xo ZZ

I was excited for Sister Act. I think too excited. I was looking forward to a live version of the movie, featuring all the songs I love so much. 

But no, there was none of that. They didn’t even sing ‘I Will Follow Him’. It’s not Sister Act without that belting out at the end! I thought the entire show was a bit dull, the songs were nothing compared to the ones from Wicked or Book of Mormon. It also needed the sass and fierceness of Whoopi. They have made Deloris too sweet, and a little peppy. Though she was highly against living in the convent, she seemed to be perk up pretty quickly when she went to the choir- there was not really any resistance to her being there. But the audience who hadn’t seen the original movie, seemed to enjoy it more than me. It’s like reading a book before the movie- it can never live up. Ok, enough grumping… 

I did enjoy the costumes and sets. The floor was a built in lazy susan that they used in all sorts of creative ways, including running on, slowly changing scenes, and the passing of days. 

In a few seconds the entire stage would transform from a bag neighborhood into a gorgeous interior of the convent, complete with stained glass walls, multiple doors, and a balcony. All slowly in front of our eyes, piece by piece they would move across the stage until it all came together. 

The costumes! The nuns started out in plan boring habits, that as each song went on had more glitter and color than the one before. And not just any ole sequins- 7,000 Swarovski crystals were used. 

Since apparently I have made myself a theatre critic, I’ll give it:

Have a great weekend everyone, mine will include watching as many Oscar nominated movies as I can, and eating lots of popcorn. 

xo ZZ

Thanks to my new friend Talia, I spent today getting paid to work. Once again being surrounded by clothes.  

My 1 day gig was at Coterie, the tradeshow for clothing at the Javitz Center. The showroom I was working for had 8 other lines, and somehow I got placed with the designer that sells only fur coats. Real ones. Made of rabbits, foxs and even some raccoon trimming. 

It actually turned out to be really fun, helping the buyers choose which furs were right for their store. Which meant I had to try on whichever they pointed to. It was almost like being a model, striking a pose and turning to show all sides. 

Hopefully I can find a job where everyday is like this (less fur, more designer clothing). 

xo ZZ

Our Finnish family friend Elina is here visiting, and loves a good kitchen store. So we (Grandma, Elina and I)  headed downtown to go to Chelsea Market’s Bowery Kitchen Supply. Our walk down there was cold but sunny, and with a funny lady “walking” her dogs in a suitcase. 

What a strange lady to carry her two dogs in suitcases – with beautiful outfits on. Who is she? Why can’t they walk? I wanted to know their story! 

So I get closer to take a picture of this adorableness. 

And out pops a THIRD dog! It’s too much cute. I have to talk to her. 

So when we get to the end of the block, I stop to take pictures of her and pet the pups, and… 

She’s carrying a FOURTH dog! Turns out “they are just so white” and she doesn’t like to get them dirty. When they are at their country house, and it’s cleaner and there is sand, she lets them run around. She says they are so used to it they don’t even want out, and don’t mind being pulled around. I let them lick my face for about 5 minutes- they were clean after all. 

Into Chelsea Market we go. Obviously we can’t pass a crepe stand without getting one, so we stop for lunch.

Elina’s crepe with pear, gorgonzola, walnuts, honey, lettuce and balsamic vinegar. 

My apple, brie, lettuce, honey, and balsamic dressing crepe. Yummy.

Again, we can’t pass a gelato place without getting some- I think its a law or something. And they had my 2 favorites types of Sorbetto, grapefruit and passionfruit. The passionfruit was sooo delicious. 

Now that that’s out of the way, we can go to the kitchen store. I got a can opener, oven mitt, and pepper grinder that magnetizes to the fridge. More strolling around Chelsea market to the independent designers, book stores, and card shops. Side note- I got the second Hunger Games book, and I can’t wait to read it. Don’t tell me what happens. 

We leave Elina who goes off to a famous pilates class (?) and onto some more shopping. I found a suitable copy of the rug I was coveting at ABC home, which cost $998 for a 3 x 5. Thats some serious rug. But aren’t they beautiful. 

Here’s mine from Urban Outfitters. And half off too! Thanks Presidents Day, and Grandma! 

Pictures of the second half of the week.  Enjoy. 

(Rachel Zoe jewelry) 

(Reem Acra) 

(Rachel Zoe) 

(hair!) 

(Fotini) 

(Jen Kao)

(Ports 1961)

(Ports show at New York Public Library, Mr. Jay Manuel) 

(Backstage Calvin Klein) 

(Anna Wintour’s seating assignment and complimentary fragrance) 

(lookbook shoot for Jen Kao) 

(backstage somewhere?) 

(Rachel Zoe)

(Reem Acra) 

(Emma Stone, Calvin Klein)

(Jen Kao) 

(Rachel Zoe’s husband Rodger, baby Skylar and nanny.)

In case you haven’t heard, or haven’t seen all my Facebook post, or gotten a text of Rachel Zoe from me… I got an internship at Fashion Week working for a production company. We were head-quartered in the Calvin Klein building and I spent my first day at Bergdorfs buying Wolford tights for Rachel Zoe. Seriously. What could be better than that?? (Getting paid would have helped… but thats a different story) (Look I just linked to another page, I’m a serious blogger now!) 

I spent most of the week running back and forth between Manhattan Wardrobe Supply, Duane Reade, and Staples. I bought thongs, paper, dressing bags, shoes insoles, and lots and lots of gum. Then I went back and forth between the studios of Jen Kao, Rachel Zoe, Ports 1961, Yigal Azrouel to deliver stuff. Click any of those if you’re interested in their designs.

We did some presentations, where the models stand there for an hour or an hour and a half. (Don’t worry, they get water every 20 minutes or so from me.)

(Fotini) (photo from Alex Jolicoeur)

(photo from Alex Jolicoeur)

(Candela)

And we did some runway shows. The first one I got to see not backstage was Rachel Zoe, who I LOVE, and it was 3 row. There were only 2 rows, and I was standing behind them… but still 3rd row! It was at the Empire Hotel, in an intimate all white room. The entrance flooded with the smell of Diptyque Candles and lots of white flowers. Very RZ. 

(Rachel Zoe) (photo from Alex Jolicoeur)

(photo from Alex Jolicoeur)

My favorite part of the week was helping the collection coordinator for Yigal Azrouel. I made dressing cards, handed shoes when asked for, and wrapped up the clothing. Once they were all ready to go, I jumped in the back of a moving truck to escort them to the tents. So it especially wonderful watching the clothes go down the runway, when I knew I had a part in getting it there, if only minute. 

(Yigal adjusting the looks before the models stomp the runway)

(Models all lined up, almost ready to go) 

So that was the first half of the week… more tomorrow. 

xo ZZ

Upon arriving to New York, at 9PM, after a 15 our car trip, I walk the 4 flights up into my mystery apartment. And almost had a panic attack. It’s small. I guess Peter wash’ t under selling it. The bathroom is even smaller than small. It’s like a playhouse bathroom. 

Now that I’ve been in it for a few weeks and all my stuff if nicely put away it doesn’t feel as small. And one good thing is that it only takes me about 10 minutes to clean the entire place. Including vacuuming and swiffering. So thats a plus. 

Before pics..

The bedroom area-

Standing at the front door looking into the kitchen, dining area: 

Living room nook: 

We spent a few days shopping at Ikea, Home Depot, cleaning, organizing, had countless discussions on shelving (prices vs. wall strength) and putting together furniture. 

I am completely worthless when it comes to putting together Ikea furniture. I swear I look at every picture in the instructions and make sure it matches what I’m looking at, but still EVERYTHING I have ever made has one piece backwards. I have a bookcase with 1 unpainted piece of wood at the bottom and many nightstands and drawers that just don’t look right.

So I am sooo thankful that Mark, Peter and Steve were here to put everything together for me while I watched. They were gone for a few hours one day and I attempted my bed… and I had once again done it backwards and they had to take it all apart to fix it.

Update: I forgot to thank Steve for sticking a pen into several sockets to clean them out. You’re the best Steve! 

It’s very livable now. Thanks for all your help y’all! 

 Still looking for a rug and some other chotskies to make it even more mine. 

And this baby is on the way to my house, can’t wait to put him up!! Made from repurposed cement bags and vintage French book pages- papier mached. 

Oh and I have comments now! You have to click on the title of the post, and it will change pages and on the top left there is a place for comments. The “theme” I chose doesn’t allow for comments, so I had to manually insert the code in the HTML. Did I loose you? I don’t know how I accomplished it either…. 

But it’s there! So leave a comment y’all! 

xo ZZ