This year, I...

...traveled to both Phoenix, Arizona and Columbus, Ohio for my sorority. Both trips were life-changing.
...jumped for joy when my best friend made the move and joined me in the Big Apple.
...cried over something political for the very first time.
...spent a lot of time at home with family.
...re-connected with old friends and made lots of new ones.
...kissed a lot of frogs. And a couple of really cute boys.
...learned to love my body. It's not perfect, but it ain't half bad either.
...stopped settling. For anything.

...finally found the perfect way to describe myself in five words.
Jewish Girl in Wasp's Clothing.

In the words of Preppy Princess, "Happy Happy, Merry Merry and Joyful Joyful!"

I LOVE MY READERS!

Sealing the deal in the Sunshine State

This weekend, my mother, father, sister and I trekked to Florida. I say trekked because there was literally a blizzard. Honestly, I am still in shock that we made it there and back with little to no flight fright or travel trouble.


My cousin, Adam, tied the knot. I still can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting on his lap listening as he read Sesame Street books to me, and now he is a doctor and married. Time flies.


My little sis and I both wore black satin dresses from Lilly Pulitzer. My dress is from the holiday collection in 2006, and hers was somewhat of a limited edition from earlier this year. I think it was only sold in several stores. It's hard to tell from this photo, but it's the classic shift. There are bows above slits at the sides. I had to take multiple photos to capture the evening as it's unlikely the event will repeat itself. (Not a wedding, but my little sis in Lilly.)

The weekend was wonderful for many reasons other than escaping the snowstorm and basking in the glow of 80 degree weather. It was wonderful to be reunited with family that I get to see far less than I would like. I find that family weddings are eye-opening. Watching two people commit to one another really makes you re-evaluate your own life. At the family wedding prior to this one, I was attached. I watched the groom make a speech to the bride, professing his love for her and all of the sudden I thought to myself, What the hell am I doing? Last night, my cousin made a speech to his bride. He told the story of when they met, how he thought she was absolutely stunning and knew within an hour of conversing that she was the one. My smile widened. I can only hope that someday, someone thinks this way about me, says such things about me. I realized then that it is far better to be single, holding out for the right guy, than to be with someone and harboring the same thoughts I felt at that wedding several years ago.

My cousin Jill is getting married next year, and then guess whose next in line?


There I am with my cousin's puppy. A male who lets me hold him = easy to love.

I think that unmarried girls love weddings for the same reason that unmarried boys hate them: because they make you think about your own. Of course, I wondered about my own a bit. What will my dress look like? Who will be next to me, stepping on that glass?

Have I met him yet?

God help me if I have and God help me if I haven't!

Breakthrough.

I know I owe you all two gift guides (among other things, I'm sure) but today was honestly one of the best days I've had in a long, long time and I want to take a moment to capture it.

Last night I was dwelling on a personal essay that I'm working on. It's about my father and our relationship. You know, it hasn't been a great year for me, guy-wise. In fact, it's been one disappointment after the next. However, I got to thinking that maybe I should give the male species a break. I gave my heart to all the wrong people this year, but that's not THEIR fault. I shouldn't shut them out so. Admittedly, while my dad has set the bar almost unreachably high, I've come to realize over the years that even he's not perfect. (But good lord, he's close.)

My dad hosted a holiday party today for his team in NYC (he has a team in Long Island as well) and he invited me to come, and so we spent the day together. When I arrived at his office, we sat and talked for a good long while. He told me to to free my mind of all that had been cluttering it. I really didn't think I could, but somehow, I did. I let myself see it all in a new light. It made all the difference.

When I was working at a magazine earlier this year, my two bosses requested to meet my father. Because of his job, he's very well-connected in both the fashion and design industries. The four of us met for lunch, and afterward, my main boss said to me, "Your father is amazing. He's an incredible businessman." I was both surprised and stumped. I had never, ever thought of or considered my dad in this way. A businessman? I mean, the man is like Snoopy, he can do just about anything. But 'businessman' sounds so serious, so brooding. It took me some time to comprehend him in such a role. He's my dad, my best friend, and my hero, but to my prior knowledge, 'businessman' had never been part of the resume. I am eternally grateful to my boss for pointing that out to me. Today, as I watched him speak to his team, all I could think was that I hope these people know how lucky they are to be working for such a great guy. And not just because he is my dad, my best friend, and my hero... but because he is, in fact, a damn good businessman. And I never knew it until someone else told me so.

This is what life is about. Looking at things in a new light. It makes all the difference.

I could say that today was a great day because I went shopping, and received lots of presents, and got my hair done, and consumed countless cookies, and had Starbucks twice (can you tell? I'm a bit wired)... And all of these fun factors certainly contributed. But today was great because I let myself enjoy it. I know it sounds simple, but it meant a lot.

To do list:

Don't lose faith in the male species.
Live more days like this.

No good deed goes unpunished?

I know, I know. I say I'll be around more and then I'm MIA for three days. Good lord, I can't wait for this year to be over.

I ran to the APC (Automated Postal Center) earlier to mail a gift to Preppy in the City. I took my time taping up the box, gingerly placing the present inside, stamping my return address and pristinely printing hers. The line was several people long ('tis the season)...

The woman in front of me was fairly frazzled. She asked at least ten questions about the process and how to use the machine. I was more than happy to help; clearly I'm snail mail's biggest fan and have utilized this system more times than I can count. When the line had shortened some, she began checking her watch and clicking her heels. She was on her way to pick up her son from school and didn't want to be late. I let her go in front of me. She had another bystander assist her to expedite the enterprise, offered many thanks and scurried off. I bought my stamp and headed over to the mailbox.

It was jammed.

She jammed the mailbox.

So here I am, saddled with this large, oddly shaped box that I can hardly handle, thinking DAMN! I should have just gone first. The stamp is dated for today and if I can't get this out it's going to screw everything up.

Luckily, APCs are open until 9PM, so I can just drop this bad boy off on my way downtown.

And in case you're wondering, no, I don't actually believe that no good deed goes unpunished. In all seriousness, one of my greatest joys in life has always been and will always be doing kind things for others. I think I've seen Wicked two too many times.

Because even on my saddest, most somber days, I can never buy into that school of thought. I may not always be my overly-optimistic self, but I am endlessly hopeful in the marvel of mankind.

I probably should have gone first, though. Or, I could have remembered to bring the gift to brunch on Sunday. Whatever.

P.S. PITC, I sure hope it gets there in one piece. Open carefully.

'Tis the season...

Dearest darlingest readers, I owe you an update!

Here's what I've been up to the past week or so...


One of my favorite Lilly girls, ML, visited from Florida. We shared a delicious dinner at Patsy's and of course, took a prom photo on the grand Lilly staircase.


After my stint in Connecticut this week, I carved out some time for two girls I absolutely adore but don't get to see nearly enough. EG, JH and I caught up at Blue Ribbon Sushi.


AEG and I got all dolled up for the Junior League holiday party and sadly yet typically, this is the one and only photo we walked away with. I know what you're thinking and I agree. Tartan should never be that revealing. Yikes.


Our sorority holiday party was the next night... here I am with the always-lovely RKD.

This morning I had brunch with my beautiful Preppy in the City at Park Avenue Winter. The restaurant changes four times a year - once for each season - complete with fresh menus, decor, and phone number. I still have Park Avenue Spring and Park Avenue Autumn to cross off my list, but I sure wouldn't mind re-visiting Park Avenue Winter once more before Spring has sprung!

Life is calming down just a bit, so expect to hear from me more often. I'm still in utter disbelief that in two weeks from this coming Thursday the strangest year of my life will officially come to a close. And may I be the first to say THANK GOD.

Life imitating art imitating life

If Chad Michael Murray left Sophia Bush in the show AND in real life, what hope is there for the rest of us?

Carmen Sandiego = JGIWC

My dear readers... I'm sorry for the recent lack of posts - it's been a rough week!

If you emailed me and haven't heard back yet - please understand and expect a response soon. :)

FYI: Tucker Blair is having a 50% off sale. You know you want that crab headband!

Wishes for a wonderful weekend!

Jewelry Without Jewels GIVEAWAY!

Exciting news, dear readers!


Erica of Jewelry Without Jewels has offered to host a giveaway for JGIWC readers. She fashions pretty, preppy fabrics into beautiful necklaces.

To win one of her precious pieces, please email her or leave a comment on her site. If you'd like to leave a comment here, please do so before 11:59 PM on Thursday, December 11. I will email her all of the names I receive and she will draw a winner on Friday, December 12.

JGIWC... putting the Jew in Jewelry!

Please note the time at which this was posted...

I had dinner with some old friends in town from Florida yesterday evening. I would post the photo we took but you can practically see the red wine bleeding from my eyes. I got home, slept for about two hours, and have been wide awake since. I'm actually freelancing in Connecticut this week so my timing will be off anyway. But for someone who spends an obscene amount of time in bed (it's where I do my writing - a horrid habit that I'm trying to break) it is terribly ironic that I've become somewhat of an insomniac.

No better time than to share a few products that are getting me through the day and helping me to look somewhat fresh-faced.


Dianne Brill Ice Pack Anti-Fatigue Eye Stick. I adore her entire line; it is lingerie themed and very moisturizing. I picked this up in London. I honestly saw the green and was immediately drawn to this exact product. Meant to be. It's made with snake venom. Coincidentally, I feel as though I've been bitten by a snake shortly after applying this. But I need it. Desperately.


Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat. A touch of light to banish shadows and signs of fatigue. Did ever a better highlighter exist?

I have tried it all. Lavender, milk, warm baths, exercise. Tylenol PM is a double edged sword because it knocks me out too hard. The conundrum continues because I cannot have caffeine. No coffee or energy drinks for this gal. On the contrary, I have a surprising amount of energy for someone who sleeps as infrequently as I do. I've become accustomed to running on empty.

The night is here and the day is gone, and the world spins madly on.

Preppy Picks - The JGIWC Gift Guide Part II

I've perused countless gift guides this season, but this is by far the most clever thing I've seen yet.




I wish I could take credit for finding this but in actuality a Yalie pal of mine passed it along. Nice Jewish Guys dot net? How did I NOT know about this?! I'm seriously slacking.

Nevertheless, I'm inspired. Perhaps I'll make a trip to Kinkos to create my own MIM calendar. Necessary participants are Piven, Brody, and Braff... and maybe even a few Jews I know in real life.

London calling

In case you were wondering about my sporadic, unannounced hiatus...


Getaways are imperative to my lifestyle.


Little sis and I in the lobby of Millenium on Sloane Street.


Little sis and I by the Thames pier.


Little sis and I on the London Eye.

And of course, no trip to Europe is complete without a little Prada. Click on that handbag and scroll. The beautiful jeweled satin clutch, fourth from the left, now belongs to yours truly.

The truth comes out...

Someone recently asked me to explain why I write. The one question I have been avoiding since the moment I started writing.

I remember waking up early on weekend mornings in our house in Coral Gables - leaping out of bed to get paper and a pencil, only to crawl back under the covers. I scribbled about anything and everything - fiction stories about best friends and circuses and Jewish holidays. I doodled illustrations in the margins. I can't mark an exact moment - something inside of me told me to write, and so I did. It was the sole arena where I felt in control of any artistic ability I may or may not have had.

I always say that I hate drama but in actuality I am one of the most dramatic people I know. The difference is, I am only dramatic with myself. Everything in my life is about translation to paper. When I was a senior in high school, I visited my boyfriend at college. He was a freshman at Tulane and pledging AEPi. The day I arrived, he was in the midst of a pledge project and was not allowed to be dismissed until it was completed. He sent me out with his friends. There I was, barely 18, sitting at some bar by myself (his friends were there, but I FELT alone) in the middle of New Orleans, alternating between vodka and cigarettes. It was wonderfully dramatic. I don't even smoke! What a great story this will make, I thought. It just felt like the right thing to do - something a writer would do and then brag broodingly about years later. Case in point.

I decided to major in creative writing (it falls under the English bracket) in college because it felt like the right thing to do. On the first day of classes, I walked in and had a revelation. Oh my God, I thought. Writers are weirdos. We were quite the eccentric bunch. It was a gathering of people I did not understand and surely they did not understand me. On the first day of a poetry workshop, I was paired with a girl who couldn't have been any more different from me. She was from the backwoods of Florida and dressed in oversized shirts and combat boots. She was engaged yet the most unfeminine to-be-wed I'd ever encountered. We initially exchanged scowls but somehow, someway, grew to appreciate the oppositeness we saw in one another. I will never forget walking into class one day in a popped collar, big sunglasses and high ponytail. She smiled and exclaimed, "Oh, look at you! I love you. You're like a movie star." I was reminded that sometimes the best way to see yourself is through the most unlikely pair of eyes.

That's what writing is about, isn't it? A bunch of people who don't understand one another, grasping for someone who just might, through jumbles of words and phrases. I feel like I really do understand Vonnegut and Updike, but who knows? And if they met me today, I'm sure they wouldn't understand. But I sure hope that someday someone will.

Such are the struggles of being a writer. I am reminded daily that everything I've suffered lately - sickness, stress, losing weight, losing sleep - isn't really suffering. It comes with the territory. This is being a writer. Self inflicted drama and all.

Why do I write? Because it feels like the right thing to do. No more and no less.

It's many years later, and I still do much of my writing under the covers. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

I see the gray in a world of black and white.