When you make plans to take a spin class with a friend, and she is stuck on the wait list.
That moment when your airbrush tan FINALLY cracks, and you have to stop everything you're doing to scrub the rest of it off. Hard.
All this rain NYC has been getting.
Waiting.
Crashing down from a sugar high.
The 3PM slump.
Living so far from Nana.
My incessant indecisiveness.
Sometimes you need to bitch it out. Back to being a Positive Polly tomorrow!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Mad for Mad Men
I have a confession to make.
No, it's not that I've been a lame, absent blogger... that's no secret!
I have to confess that I am obsessed with Mad Men.
I know, I know, talk about being late to the party! The show is currently in its sixth season and I only discovered it a few months ago, at my boyfriend B's urging. He fell in love with the show via Netflix and wanted to re-watch the series with me, thinking I'd enjoy it as much as he did.
And boy is he sorry he asked!
Because what B didn't know is that when I get into a show, I really get into it. I'm obsessed with knowing every detail. I ask tons of questions during each episode, many of which are pertinent, some perhaps less so. ("Why does Don like to sleep with the beatnik?" "Why won't Duck just go away?" "Do you think Joan is the true love of Roger's life?" "Don just gave his secretary a $100 bonus - was that a lot of money back then or a little?)
I squeal every time Sally walks into a room. I giggle whenever Burt Cooper says something. I lost it when Betty and Don told the kids that they were ending their marriage. (My sobs woke up B... "Honey what's wrong?!" Oh, nothing, just crying over a TV divorce... no cause for concern!)
I have to say that the show has opened my eyes in so many ways. I have always prided myself on being someone who sees things in gray, but these plot lines and characters have proven how black and white so many of my thoughts and ideas are. The utter complexity is sheer brilliance and as a writer I am constantly inspired.
I also love to tell B whom I would be friends with if I were a character in the show. (Joan - she's one of a kind!, Trudy Campbell - she's so classy, Dr. Miller - smart and sassy, Bethany - the girl Don took to Benihana, and OF COURSE Sally. Which I suppose means I'd have to hang out with Betty. Or at least Carla!)
I have to admit that I do this a lot. I let a hot show pass me by, ignoring the hype and perhaps examining it at a later date to see if I'm interested. I did the same thing with One Tree Hill... didn't start watching until the 5th or 6th season, and it ended up being one of my all-time favorite shows.
And I also have to admit that when Mad Men aired and it was all people would talk about, I thought the whole Christina Hendricks obsession was really odd. A) because I think it's sad when a gifted actress becomes a big deal for her curves rather than for her talent B) because I hate that we live in a world where it's a big deal for a 'curvy' woman to be center stage and C) because I have to admit, one look at her and I felt inadequate. She has this fabulous, feminine figure and I have the outline of a pre-pubescent boy. We're both women, but somehow because of her bombshell body and kitty cat charm, she seems like much more of one. But now that I've seen the show, I get it. She's incredible. I love her character. I bought this issue of Lucky only because she is on the cover! (I love the magazine, but I'm trying to cut back on shopping so I think a magazine about shopping is about the last thing I need right now.)
I'm halfway through season 4, so I look forward to a day soon when I'm caught up, can fix a couple of Old Fashioneds at 10PM on Sunday and join B to watch the show in real time!
(And yes, I really do want Joan and Roger to end up together. Also - is anyone else hoping that Roger's book "Sterling's Gold" comes to fruition and is a NYT Bestseller?!)
No, it's not that I've been a lame, absent blogger... that's no secret!
I have to confess that I am obsessed with Mad Men.
I know, I know, talk about being late to the party! The show is currently in its sixth season and I only discovered it a few months ago, at my boyfriend B's urging. He fell in love with the show via Netflix and wanted to re-watch the series with me, thinking I'd enjoy it as much as he did.
And boy is he sorry he asked!
Because what B didn't know is that when I get into a show, I really get into it. I'm obsessed with knowing every detail. I ask tons of questions during each episode, many of which are pertinent, some perhaps less so. ("Why does Don like to sleep with the beatnik?" "Why won't Duck just go away?" "Do you think Joan is the true love of Roger's life?" "Don just gave his secretary a $100 bonus - was that a lot of money back then or a little?)
I squeal every time Sally walks into a room. I giggle whenever Burt Cooper says something. I lost it when Betty and Don told the kids that they were ending their marriage. (My sobs woke up B... "Honey what's wrong?!" Oh, nothing, just crying over a TV divorce... no cause for concern!)
I have to say that the show has opened my eyes in so many ways. I have always prided myself on being someone who sees things in gray, but these plot lines and characters have proven how black and white so many of my thoughts and ideas are. The utter complexity is sheer brilliance and as a writer I am constantly inspired.
I also love to tell B whom I would be friends with if I were a character in the show. (Joan - she's one of a kind!, Trudy Campbell - she's so classy, Dr. Miller - smart and sassy, Bethany - the girl Don took to Benihana, and OF COURSE Sally. Which I suppose means I'd have to hang out with Betty. Or at least Carla!)
I have to admit that I do this a lot. I let a hot show pass me by, ignoring the hype and perhaps examining it at a later date to see if I'm interested. I did the same thing with One Tree Hill... didn't start watching until the 5th or 6th season, and it ended up being one of my all-time favorite shows.
And I also have to admit that when Mad Men aired and it was all people would talk about, I thought the whole Christina Hendricks obsession was really odd. A) because I think it's sad when a gifted actress becomes a big deal for her curves rather than for her talent B) because I hate that we live in a world where it's a big deal for a 'curvy' woman to be center stage and C) because I have to admit, one look at her and I felt inadequate. She has this fabulous, feminine figure and I have the outline of a pre-pubescent boy. We're both women, but somehow because of her bombshell body and kitty cat charm, she seems like much more of one. But now that I've seen the show, I get it. She's incredible. I love her character. I bought this issue of Lucky only because she is on the cover! (I love the magazine, but I'm trying to cut back on shopping so I think a magazine about shopping is about the last thing I need right now.)
I'm halfway through season 4, so I look forward to a day soon when I'm caught up, can fix a couple of Old Fashioneds at 10PM on Sunday and join B to watch the show in real time!
(And yes, I really do want Joan and Roger to end up together. Also - is anyone else hoping that Roger's book "Sterling's Gold" comes to fruition and is a NYT Bestseller?!)
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Recent beauty loves
Body Scrub ::: Toothbrush ::: Eyeliner ::: Lip Gloss ::: Moisturizer
The weather is finally warming up in NYC, and the slightly climbing temps have me thinking about my summer beauty routine. I've also been experimenting with a new way to style my hair, which deserves a post all on its own. For me, spring and summer are about sun kissed skin and a pink pout. This body scrub comes in my favorite scent of all time - I've been wearing it since high school! Ideal for buffing pre-airbrush tan. I've been so curious about this spray moisturizer and while I don't adore the shrieky sound the bottle makes while you're spraying it, I like how quick the application process is. Few things annoy me as much as rubbing in white body lotion. This pink gloss isn't too sticky and is the perfect compliment to bronzed cheeks. My gal pal at the Estee Lauder counter turned me onto this Blackened Sapphire eyeliner pencil and I love it rimmed right around my lash line. And of course, I'm a sucker for a fancy, pretty toothbrush!
What beauty products have you loved recently?
Monday, May 13, 2013
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Mother's Day Brunch, one week early
I grew up celebrating every little holiday. Valentines Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day have always been a big deal. We're game for any day surrounding love and fun. We even get little treats on Easter!
So when I realized I'd booked a weekend trip to Miami - sans family - on Mother's Day weekend, I couldn't believe my oversight. And then I realized that my planner doesn't have any holidays printed on its pages. Thanks a lot, Moleskine! I will most certainly not be consulting you for my next vacation.
I felt awful that my mom and I would be separated on her special day. My family always has brunch together on both Mother's and Father's Day, so I decided to host one a week early so that I wouldn't (completely) miss out.
This photo just pointed out a major miss - no printed menu! I need a miniature chalkboard to write out menus on. Darn.
Anyway, the menu...
Strawberry, cherry tomato, and goat cheese salad
Prosciutto, mushroom, and parmesan scramble
Ham and brie on pumpernickel
Smoked salmon and cream cheese on pumpernickel
Sliced cantaloupe
Chocolate ruggalach
Confession: I actually didn't decide on the menu until Saturday morning! I knew I wanted to incorporate eggs, smoked salmon, and ham (though not in the same dish). I knew I wanted a strawberry and goat cheese salad. And I knew I was going to bake those muffins. (They're amazing, by the way. I'm eating the last one for breakfast today.)
But I was worried about how it would all come together. I'm not a skilled hostess, to say the least. I'm new to this whole cooking and baking thing. And I always forget to offer people something to drink when they visit my home. I'm so awkward!
Every time I tried to sit down and solidify a menu, I would get really stressed, push it back, and turn my attention to something else. Which just made it feel even bigger and more stressful.
I work well under pressure, however. I woke up bright and early on Saturday morning and pulled it all out in the 11th hour and was putting the finishing touches on everything when my parents walked through the door. Everything turned out well and everyone enjoyed.
So now I can spend the weekend in Miami guilt-free! Well, not completely. I am a Jew, after all.
Happy Mother's Day, Mommy! I love you.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Celebrating today
I have a new fitness love. Her name is Olivia, and she is the Season 11 winner of The Biggest Loser!
Best of all, she's also a SoulCycle instructor!
She teaches a tough class, and I relish every minute of it. This past Saturday, we had just finished our arm series, put down our weights, and settled into a quick jog. She dimmed the lights and gave us a little inspirational spiel, as she often does.
Olivia talked about how she woke up the day before feeling completely overwhelmed and decided that instead of letting it get the best of her, she would instead celebrate exactly where she was in life that particular day.
I pedaled, closed my eyes, and thought about this.
I thought about how lucky I was to be in a spin class at a 2PM on a Saturday. How fortunate I felt that I didn't have any other responsibilities or obligations in that block of time - that I was free to spend the day as I wanted to and that I was able to be in that bike at that moment.
I thought about how I had just come from my apartment, where I had my mom, dad, and sister over for brunch that morning. I cooked and baked and hosted. My family raved. We had the best time just sitting and chatting and eating. I thought about how lucky I am to have them so close and to live in my beautiful home and how happy I am to combine the two.
I thought about my best friend, who just so happened to be on the bike next to me. I thought about how lucky I am to have had this amazing friendship for the past ten years of my life, and how fortunate we are to still be so close and to live a mere cab ride apart, when so many other college best friends lose touch or stop speaking or don't have the opportunity to see each other very often.
I thought about how when the ride ended and I got off the bike, I would go home and call my boyfriend to see what he was up to. How much I love and adore him, and how grateful I am for the ease and comfort of our relationship. I admittedly loved the sexiness and the unpredictability of being single, but being with him is truly unparalleled.
And then I thought about this reoccurring theme: lucky. Lucky, lucky, lucky.
In this day and age of wellness and enlightenment and green juice and spin class, I think we all tend to talk a big talk about living in the moment and being aware and conscious and grateful. And I really do try to. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I think back to that Kate Voegele song, "Baby, It's Only Life". It sounds so obvious to appreciate what you have and where you are. But sometimes I need the reminder to take a minute and thank my lucky stars for the people I hold in my arms, the bed under my body, and the bike under my butt. Because small annoyances aside, life is pretty amazing. And every time I truly stop and think about it, I realize it's only getting better.
Best of all, she's also a SoulCycle instructor!
She teaches a tough class, and I relish every minute of it. This past Saturday, we had just finished our arm series, put down our weights, and settled into a quick jog. She dimmed the lights and gave us a little inspirational spiel, as she often does.
Olivia talked about how she woke up the day before feeling completely overwhelmed and decided that instead of letting it get the best of her, she would instead celebrate exactly where she was in life that particular day.
I pedaled, closed my eyes, and thought about this.
I thought about how lucky I was to be in a spin class at a 2PM on a Saturday. How fortunate I felt that I didn't have any other responsibilities or obligations in that block of time - that I was free to spend the day as I wanted to and that I was able to be in that bike at that moment.
I thought about how I had just come from my apartment, where I had my mom, dad, and sister over for brunch that morning. I cooked and baked and hosted. My family raved. We had the best time just sitting and chatting and eating. I thought about how lucky I am to have them so close and to live in my beautiful home and how happy I am to combine the two.
I thought about my best friend, who just so happened to be on the bike next to me. I thought about how lucky I am to have had this amazing friendship for the past ten years of my life, and how fortunate we are to still be so close and to live a mere cab ride apart, when so many other college best friends lose touch or stop speaking or don't have the opportunity to see each other very often.
I thought about how when the ride ended and I got off the bike, I would go home and call my boyfriend to see what he was up to. How much I love and adore him, and how grateful I am for the ease and comfort of our relationship. I admittedly loved the sexiness and the unpredictability of being single, but being with him is truly unparalleled.
And then I thought about this reoccurring theme: lucky. Lucky, lucky, lucky.
In this day and age of wellness and enlightenment and green juice and spin class, I think we all tend to talk a big talk about living in the moment and being aware and conscious and grateful. And I really do try to. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I think back to that Kate Voegele song, "Baby, It's Only Life". It sounds so obvious to appreciate what you have and where you are. But sometimes I need the reminder to take a minute and thank my lucky stars for the people I hold in my arms, the bed under my body, and the bike under my butt. Because small annoyances aside, life is pretty amazing. And every time I truly stop and think about it, I realize it's only getting better.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Two years ago...
I had just gotten laid off from a job I absolutely loved due to budget cuts.
I was going through a bad breakup while watching many of my closest friends fall in love and get engaged.
I was living in an apartment I'd come to loathe.
I was very quietly planning my escape from New York City.
I was discovering what it was like to feel comfortable in my own skin for the first time in my life.
I didn't know what SoulCycle was.
I was immersing myself back in the dating world to distract from my recent heartbreak, and making the most of my free profile on JDate.
I went on two dates with two different guys in the span of four days, and realized midway through the second date that they were BROTHERS. Neither of which had any idea that they were courting the same girl. #teddiproblems
I was starting to realize that He, if in fact there was a He, was definitely someone I hadn't met yet. And that scared the crap out of me.
I decided to promise myself that no matter what, I would from then on out wake up every single morning with determination to conquer the day.
I learned how to redefine my comfort levels, that I actually have more fun when I'm a little less comfortable, and that stepping out of my comfort zone - no matter how small the steps - is truly what makes life worth living.
I was going through a bad breakup while watching many of my closest friends fall in love and get engaged.
I was living in an apartment I'd come to loathe.
I was very quietly planning my escape from New York City.
I was discovering what it was like to feel comfortable in my own skin for the first time in my life.
I didn't know what SoulCycle was.
I was immersing myself back in the dating world to distract from my recent heartbreak, and making the most of my free profile on JDate.
I went on two dates with two different guys in the span of four days, and realized midway through the second date that they were BROTHERS. Neither of which had any idea that they were courting the same girl. #teddiproblems
I was starting to realize that He, if in fact there was a He, was definitely someone I hadn't met yet. And that scared the crap out of me.
I decided to promise myself that no matter what, I would from then on out wake up every single morning with determination to conquer the day.
I learned how to redefine my comfort levels, that I actually have more fun when I'm a little less comfortable, and that stepping out of my comfort zone - no matter how small the steps - is truly what makes life worth living.
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