Five things I loved about the weekend

1. Lunch with BEH at Fl!p, the new restaurant at Bloomingdales.
I like any place that lets me order off the kids' menu, but these sliders really were divine.

2. D Wade. Again.
Heat beat Milwaukee 102-85. We take on my second favorite team, the Mavs, tomorrow. Bring it on Spike!

3. A bouncer saying to me, "Please keep your purse with you at all times."
Yea. Because I'm really going to turn my Prada loose in this hole.

4. Playing the NBA Hoops Arcade Basketball in the NBA store against MM and WINNING!
Sorry, baby... have to brag!

5. The birthday gift I bought for my dad.

Sold out throughout NYC. Recession my patoo!

To the first man I ever loved

A few years ago, I was visiting my Nana in Florida. Whenever I'm at her house, we look at old photos and flip through my father's Bar Mitzvah album. We were talking about my dad and my grandmother said that they don't make men like that anymore. She said, "They threw away the mold after your daddy was born." I went into the other room and cried. And even as I'm writing this now, I'm tearing up. She was right. There is no one like my father, and I'm endlessly grateful that he is mine.

So to the guy who carried me on his shoulders when I was little, drove me to every play date and tennis lesson, sent me to occupational therapy because I had poor motor skills and flat feet, gave me his Cartier bracelet when I was 21 because I wanted his instead of my own, would go to the moon and back for me and HAS - many times...

Happy birthday Daddy. I love you more than words could ever express.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

“Growing up is never easy. You hold on to things that were. You wonder what's to come. But that night, I think we knew it was time to let go of what had been, and look ahead to what would be. Other days. New days. Days to come. The thing is, we didn't have to hate each other for getting older. We just had to forgive ourselves... for growing up.”

Thanks, Kev.

"I didn't know the Hamptons were so rugged - the terrain around Lilly Pulitzer..."

Did anyone else catch that on the Today show this morning? I was laughing so hard I nearly rolled out of bed.

Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh, The WRITE Stuff.

Since being elected as Province Director of Alumnae for my sorority, I have received a number of hand-written notes in the mail congratulating me on this accomplishment. If you've been around for awhile, you know that snail mail is high on my list of very favorite things. I have responded to all of these on my Sweet Owl notecards (courtesy of my good friend JDS).

Because I suspect that my ensuing position will involve lots of snail mail (I will be communicating with sisters all over the country - not to mention Canada and England!) I decided to stock up on some sorority stationery. I have a drawer full of correspondence cards and of course, some of these are sorority specific. I am quickly running out as I often write to sisters, so I was delighted to find these at the Boatman Geller tent sale!

(Mine are blank, of course.)
These were an absolute STEAL at $15 for a box of 50. I was so delighted to find these for such a great price. I love fancy stationery at a fair price and I can always count on BG to deliver. Because, hey, I like to keep it classy but I am a 24-year-old writer living in New York City. I just paid seven bucks for a box of cereal. I'm doing the best I can over here.

Five things I loved about the weekend

1. Shababa.

I went to the 92 Street Y with my baby cousin. We baked Challah and sang Shabbat songs. What a delightful time!

2. Brunching and shopping with CJM.
Inven.tory's new biggest fans. Jury is still out on The Smile.

3. The fact that no matter how much J. Crew disappoints us (broken website, crappy sale prices, the list never ends) we keep coming back for more.

4. Dwyane Wade.

I would like to say that my wearing red and the 305 necklace was what saved today's game (the Heat's first lead was minutes away from the end of the 4th quarter) but we all know that it was D Wade. The man is truly my hero. He's incredible. The way he plays is both magical and melodic. Watching him is mesmerizing.

5. Sister Sunday.

Scratch that

My adventure has been postponed. I'm off to the 92nd Street Y to celebrate Shabbat and bake challah with my baby cousin. Wishes for a wonderful weekend!

P.S. HOOK 'EM!

Message in a bottle

Dear readers,

I am embarking on a great adventure tomorrow morning. I will be traveling to the Sunshine and Golden states with a dear friend. I have yet to decide whether or not I will bring my Lappy 386 (bonus points if you know where that's from) with me. In the meantime I will try to learn how to blog from my BlackBerry.

Anchors aweigh,
TAG

Third free dinner in a row

I had a downtown dinner last night with two of my favorite gal pals. One of them brought me a gift and the waitress assumed that it was my birthday, which is how I wound up like this...



Too bad I said, "WHOSE BIRTHDAY IS IT?" as she placed the dessert in front of me which caused her to scamper away in embarrassment.

(The dinner wasn't "free" - I used my Open Table gift certificate. It only took 20 reservations and about a year and a half to earn those twenty dollars, but it was well worth it!)

Spotted: C & T at Park Avenue Winter

Only in New York.

Last night, you probably noticed a restaurant called Park Avenue Winter on Gossip Girl. This is one of my favorite places to dine in the city. It changes every season: the menu, the decor, the name (Park Avenue Spring starts March 31). Even the phone number changes.

Because of all of the great press the restaurant has been getting, they are having a special promotion. This week, they are serving free dinner and drinks to all patrons who come dressed as school girls. The always-in-the-know CJM got word of this and we made a reservation faster than you can say DOROTA.

I sidled into PAW last night in my Burberry kilt, plaid Mary Janes, and favorite Phillip Lim tie sweater and was met by a swarm of cameras and headbands. The turn out was insane. After finding CJM, LB and LT we were led to our table. The meal was incredible. Here's a photo of dessert.



And then they brought us the check...



Blurry photo. In case you can't see, the total comes to $0.00. Amazing.

All in all, an enchanting evening with lovely ladies, fantastic food and Gossip Girl. What more could you ask for?

5 things I loved about this weekend (and a random rant)

1. QT with Sunshine in the City and my sister!

2. Online scrabble.

3. The new earrings my mom got me.

4. Going to dinner with a bunch of girls last night and chatting with a stranger... who ended up paying for our $400+ tab.

5. MM (Mystery Man. You asked for details - here you go!) went to Vermont and brought me back maple syrup encased in a glass maple leaf. I'm syrup's biggest fan.


And one random rant...

I'm not sure where this is stemming from, but perhaps you'll feel the need to commiserate. Does anyone remember the days when Disney Channel was good? And I don't mean The Lizzie McGuire Show days good (though those days were better)... I mean Fast Forward days good. Bug Juice days good. I know it's not just me. What about Mickey? The mouse that this entire empire is built on? What about Pluto? Daisy Duck? (Loved her. She was Waspy.) I remember coming home from preschool and watching the lunch box special: Curious George (the REAL one, not this Jack Johnson crap), Spot the dog, and Mickey Mouse cartoons. As someone who lived in Central Florida for four long years, I feel I've earned the right to complain. Don't get me wrong, I was in the theatre bopping along to HSM3 just like every other sucker in America, but I can't help yearn for the days of The Torkelsons.

New kid on the block!

I really love the preppy blog community we've all got going. It has been such an absolute delight and honor to meet many of you in real life and to call you friends. I think the past few days have been a perfect example how powerful the bonds between women can be, especially when you add a bit of pink and green into the mix!

With that being said, we have a new member in our group! CJM is not only one of my dearest friends, she's also my confidante, health consultant, and sounding board! We are quite the match. I'm the crazy writer and she is always polished, prim and proper. CJM is, in so many ways, the Charlotte to my Carrie.



Please check out her blog, Murphy's New Law! I know you will all welcome her with open arms.

Lilly Pulitzer on Martha Stewart!

Today I had the esteemed honor of being in the audience at The Martha Stewart Show for a special Lilly Pulitzer episode. The show aired this morning. I sat in the front row and was at times a mere ten feet from Martha herself! It was a fantastic experience and by far one of my favorite Lilly days of all time.

Choosing what to wear was a most difficult decision as I own easily over 100 pieces of Lilly. I settled on my Rock-A-Hula dress, which is one of the oldest prints in my possession. It is very classic: pink and green, complete with Lilly's favorite animal: monkeys! I think it was the perfect pick.

Here are some photos from the show.


AEG and I waiting in line. Clearly we were two of the few New Yorkers in the audience - wore our Uggs there, changed into Jack Rogers once inside


Waiting to get our seat assignments with Landlocked Mermaid and Nautical by Nature!


Our version of the 'golden ticket'.


Martha's set.


There I am in the front row!


The lovely Martha Stewart.

It was wonderful to meet many bloggers whom I admire and very funny to have a number of people come up to me and ask, "Are you TAG?" What a treat!

Speaking of treats, we did receive fabulous gift bags with McKim sandals, sunglasses, a candle, and several other Lilly goodies.

The Way We Were

"Can it be that it was all so simple then?
Or has time rewritten every line?"

I was on the phone with my mom the other day, and she told me how glad she is that I have made so many good girlfriends, that I always make an effort to meet people, and that I never put all of my eggs in one basket, so to speak.

This weekend I was reminded of one of my very best (and first!) girlfriends: my godmother.

My godmother, whom I call Aunt Lynnie, has been best friends with my dad since they were in their Bar Mitzvah years. They grew up together in Miami, and when my dad met my mom, she and AL became BFF in a heartbeat. She snuck into the hospital room when I was born and was the first one besides my parents to hold me. We've had a special bond ever since.

AL lives in Miami and since I moved away almost 11 years ago, I haven't gotten to see her nearly as often as I would like. Well, she was in town this weekend and we've had the chance to spend a lot of time together the past few days. It was wonderful to reconnect and to reminisce about my childhood; when we lived in a beautiful white house in Coral Gables and she was over at our house almost every night, lounging on our coach and making us laugh.

I know I've said this a hundred times before, but I really did have the most amazing and privileged childhood. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would leave Miami. Sometimes now, I find myself gazing up at the New York skyline while I'm walking somewhere and still think to myself, "Am I really here?" Things were simpler then, and perhaps time has rewritten a few lines, but I wouldn't trade this in for anything.

My mom is right. I am blessed to have such a wonderful circle of friends. Life is really wonderful and I would like to send kisses and thanks to all of the girlfriends that have really been there for me lately - to cry with me when I'm down and to celebrate all of the great things that have been happening to me as of late. You know who you are - and I don't know what I would do without you.

I like you too!

I got this in the mail today from one of my very best friends. I read it cover to cover in the mail room upon opening and it put the biggest smile on my face.

I'm off to get the new People - Jason and Molly are on the cover.

Wishes for a wonderful weekend!

Do you miss the Preppy Picks yet?

Adopted a Soldier
Bachelor ruined my Monday
Chats and scans with CJM :)
Did anyone else notice the Golden Girls switch?
Economy sucks so this is the new Thursday alternative
Foursome Friday dinner!
Girls Next Door finale was terrible, but KDUB GOT HER OWN SHOW!
Hill Country with my honey
I'm SO happy that I amma.
Jubilant J is throwing a
Keg party!
Lexulous tournaments
MMM's signature brownies
New beginnings.
Owl cupcakes
PSL bound in less than three weeks!
Quiet day
Retrospective week
Secrets with ACP
THE HEAT IS ON!
Up yours, Shaq
Viva los Mavs!
Wii & Wine Wednesday!
Xcited for the weekend...
Yearning for warm weather
Z <-- wishing I had better Lexulous letters to go with this.

"From the outside looking in, you could never understand it. From the inside looking out, we could never explain it."

I went to a sorority dinner last night and the lovely Sunshine in the City made the above cupcakes for us, which tasted every bit as good as they looked. (The photo was taken with my BlackBerry, as I forgot to bring my camera. They are owls, which is one of our sorority symbols!)

I was recently elected to the Director of Alumnae for my sorority province. When I visited our headquarters last September, I knew I'd be back some day. Some day came sooner than I thought, as I will be traveling there this summer to train for my position.

I want to thank all of my sisters for the outpouring of support I have received since being elected. I feel lucky to have so many ladies in my life who are geuninely proud of me. I am excited and honored to hold this title, and to all of the girls in my province reading this, I promise that I will represent you to the utmost of standards.

REALLY JASON MESNICK?

AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!

Last night's Bachelor finale felt like the meanest trick anyone has ever played on me.

If you've been following my blog for awhile, you know that I loved Jason from DeAnna's season and was thrilled to learn that he was the next Bachelor. I've also pegged Melissa as my favorite since the very first episode. So to watch him propose, her scream out of delight, and all of them jump in the pool was very gratifying. Sure, it's just television, but I'm a hopeless romantic and I live for this stuff. I actually said, "I'm so happy" out loud as I watched the two of them declare their lifelong love to one another.

Five minutes later, my jaw literally hung open as Jason said that six weeks after the finale, the chemistry was gone, it wasn't working, and he was still in love with Molly. It was painful to watch. I hate you, Jason Mesnick. I hate you for doing this to such a wonderful girl. I even watched your interview on Jimmy Kimmel last night to confirm my feelings that you are one hell of an SOB and not the man I thought you were.

And I hate you too, ABC. Don't think I didn't notice the convenient product placement. It's awfully easy to step it up from Tacori to Neil Lane when you know you're getting the ring back, bastards.

My solution to all of this is that Jeremy Anderson from DeAnna's season and Melissa should get together. Bad things happen to good people and they both live in Dallas, so why not?

TAG TELLS ALL!

Sunshine in the City said: “When are we going to have our date?”
Soon! ☺ Tell me when is good for you.

BB said: “TAG, you need to dish about your job @ Lilly P :-). Give us the inside scoop, like when they put stuff on sale ( how does their sale/ markdown schedule work), will they EVER open up an outlet store, what Jubilee products are in the works, what are the best sellers, etc. Also, post more pictures ;-)”
Unfortunately, I don’t have most of these answers for you! I did event planning for the store in Winter Park and absolutely loved it. I’m in the Madison Avenue store about one day a month. The sale schedule is near impossible to predict because it’s usually decided within the prior twenty-four hours. I like to think of myself as an unofficial ambassador. I live the lifestyle (and blog about it!) but the big wigs don’t give a rat’s patoo about me. ☺ More pictures soon - promise.

BB also said: “Oh, I got another one: What were your favorite stores/ hangouts in Winter Park?”
Great question! Urban Flatts used to do free drinks for ladies on Thursdays, and that was always fun. I love Luma for a great dinner, Briarpatch for a lovely brunch and Brandywine’s for a good sandwich. Down East is the consummate Rollins shop and Thread has a sweet selection.

Landlocked Mermaid said: “TAG (same initials as me!!) tell us about your writing/the freelance you are doing, the jobs you are taking to pursue this dream. What mag did you used to work for? Why did you leave? I am ready to read your next book!! Xo”
Good question (and initials!). Right now, my writing is mostly limited to this blog. I have been at both Vogue and Metropolitan Home and both were very interesting learning experiences. My ultimate dream is to write a book and have it published, but I’m still trying to figure out if I’m a good enough writer to make this happen. I feel as though there is unlocked potential inside of me and I’m currently on the search for the key. Thank you for your continued support. ☺

AEG said:
1. Who put the bob in the bob she bob she bob?


Your Dad.
and as a follow-up question: Who put the ram in the ram a lam a ding dong?


You.
2. Who is one person you would never want to see on the streets of NYC?


Seat 39A from Delta Flight 624.
and as a follow-up who do you desire MOST to see on the streets of NYC? (It's me, I know) 

Woody Allen.

3. Can you think of a good trivia name?


Nope.
4. What was the name of the first aircraft manufactured by Ford?


The Tin Goose.
5. Word association: 

Tyler: Loser

NNNHHI: Laughter
MO: You 


6. How do you love me? Count the ways: 
1.______ 
2.______
3.______
Too many to count.

7. What is your favorite virtue?


Patience.
8. Would you rathter have three eyes or webbed feet?

Hidden eye on the back of my head.

9. Would you rather be trabbed in an elevator with wet dogs or three fat men with bad breath?

Puppies!

10. Who pooped?
Everyone.

The Preppy Princess said: “We couldn't possibly improve upon these, we just can't wait for the answers!”
Love ya, TP. ☺

Michael said: “What did AEG drink/smoke prior to writing her list?”
I don’t know!

Molly said: “Hmmm any celebrity encounters? Craziest thing you have ever done? What would your perfect day consist of?”
I saw Owen Wilson at Butter once; that was bizarre.
Can’t put it on the internet.
I don’t believe that perfect days can be created; I think they just happen. This past Saturday falls into my “perfect days” category. I woke up, put on my favorite Phillip Lim sweater and J. Crew hot pink coat and headed out. I had brunch with one of my favorite people at Icon. Afterward, I went shopping with my parents and they bought me new makeup and light bulbs. I took a great nap. I had dinner with one of my closest friends in a great neighborhood restaurant. The Heat beat the Knicks. I couldn’t ask for much more in a day.

Ms. Mindless said: "Since I have weddings on the brain, tell us about your dream wedding!"
I love this question – especially since one of my best friends is getting married this year and I’m about to start helping her plan her wedding! You all probably know some of the basics from my 100 Things, like I want to wear white satin ballet flats and walk down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major. Even though I’m nowhere near marriage, my mother has already designed my chuppah. I would also like a slideshow with cheesy music, a wedding cake made of cupcakes, and someone who is perfect for me at the other end of the aisle.

Meggers said: “Okay... 
-Where is your favorite travel destination and the best vacation you've ever been on?
-What are your "deal breakers" in a relationship?
-Would you rather: be stuck on an island with your worst enemy and have all the food you could possibly eat OR with your best friend and forced to listen to ChumbaWumba's Tubthumping all day and night (no endless supply of food)?
I’m lucky enough to say that my hometown of Miami is one of my favorite destinations. Growing up in Florida was amazing because I grew up taking beach trips to Boca (ugh), Palm Beach, Naples, Sarasota, and Sanibel. I don’t think I’ve had the best vacation in my life, but I have a feeling that my upcoming trip to Florida will rank right up there.
I can’t be with someone who isn’t Jewish and doesn’t adore my family.
That’s tough! I don’t mind ChumbaWumba but I’m quite the big eater.

Alison said: “Hi TAG,
I agree about the Lilly sale schedule. It seems like nothing is ever marked down more than 65% at the Madison Ave store. Is that true? Where do they send the stuff that doesn't sell?

Also, are you dating anyone? In a recent post, you made a comment that made me think there is a special guy in your life now. Please dish!

Finally, what are your favorite restaurants on the Upper East Side? I need some new suggestions other than Spigolo, Atlantic Grill, Uva, Haru, Rughetta, York Grill, Parlor, and Poke (we always seem to end up at those places)!
I think I answered most of your first question. We usually send things back to the warehouse where I believe they are kept for the warehouse sales.
To answer your second question, this JGIWC is officially off the market. ☺
Finally, my favorite UES restaurants are Amber, Bella Blu, Park Avenue (Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall), Pig Heaven, and Serafina. However, I do not live on the Upper East Side and don’t spend much time there.

VP said: “Tell us about your worst date ever.”
I don’t think I can, because I’m pretty sure the guy reads this and I don’t want to bruise any egos.

And finally, Landlocked Mermaid said: "who was this dinner with ?? Someone special? Give us more deets on the love life? you asked for juicy,, dish it up! xo"
Yes, someone very special. Much like Carrie did for Mr. Big, I must protect his identity, but I will say that I'm happy. He reads this and likes being the mystery man. More details in the future... promise.