Friday Five

Five things I learned about myself this week...

1. I like to be hugged tightly. It makes me feel loved and appreciated.

2. I am a bit too much like Steve Martin in Father of the Bride. I overreact. I need to think a little more and speak a little less.

3. I will always rather be blunt than fake. Always.

4. I CAN do anything if I set my mind to it. Believe it or not, I didn't actually believe this until now.

5. I am the most confident I've ever been and DAMN, it feels good.

Wishes for a wonderful weekend!

What's in JGIWC's handbag

I think it's time for another round of What's in JGIWC's Handbag!

Bag I'm wearing:

Mom's Prada.



What's in it:


Clockwise, from top left:

Gucci wallet. This was my college graduation gift to myself!

Kate Spade dust bag. I used this for my 'indoor shoes' yesterday. I wore my Hunters because it rained morning, noon & night.

Trish McEvoy makeup pouch. I haven't worn eye makeup in the past two days. Yikes. I put this in my bag with the intention of slapping some on at my internship. Didn't happen.

Two pony-o's and a hair clip. I have horrible hair anxiety. Can't go ANYWHERE without a pony-o. The clip is an added bonus!

Halls cough drops. I can't remember the last time I sucked on one of these. Think I must have carried these around for my sister when she was sick. Yea, sounds like something I would do.

Bath & Body Works Sea Island Cotton hand sanitizer. Hands down (pun intended), the best hanny sanny I've found!

Kiehls Lip Balm #1 in Vanilla. A classic!

iPod. No cover. I suck.

BlackBerry. Once again, no cover. I like my BB naked!

Lilly Pulitzer Time Flies agenda. I carry this with me every day and get a ton of use out of it.

Monogrammed cosmetic bag. A gift from my favorite mermaid! One of these days, I should do a "What's in JGIWC's Monogammed Cosmetic Bag" post!

Coach eyeglasses. FOUR EYES!



After I snapped this photo, I found the best thing of all. A fortune that says: "Good news of a long awaited event will arrive soon." Gosh, I hope so!

Take a look, it's in a book

I want to tell you about some great books I've read recently.



I happen to think Nicholas Sparks is a great storyteller. I found Dear John eye-opening. The movie was very different but I don't think I would have appreciated it half as much without having read the book first.




Honestly, the movie trailer is what prompted me to read The Last Song, and I don't even like Miley Cyrus. Now that I've read the book, I cry every time I see the trailer. I'm really looking forward to the movie.




A dear friend gave me LA Candy for my birthday. While I've always thought highly of Lauren Conrad (she is a class act and the best thing to ever come out of MTV, in my humble opinion) I originally had no intent of reading her book. Once I picked this up, I had trouble putting this down. It's fun and indulgent, and I already pre-purchased Sweet Little Lies on my Nook. I can't wait until March 2, when I'm able to download and read it!




Food Rules: An Eater's Manual is short and sweet (I read it in about an hour or so) but it will forever change the way you look at food. The book contains 64 rules - some obvious, some ah-ha! and some that'll definitely have you rethinking your grocery lists. Everyone should read this.



Next up on my list: Roses by Leila Meacham, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (embarrassing but true - I haven't read it yet) and Shoo Jimmy Choo: The Modern Girl's Guide to Spending Less and Saving More by Catey Hill.

You go on blind dates to meet guys; I go on blind dates to make friends.

When I was a kid, I was a total ham. In between courses at the now defunct Papagallo (any old school Miami people out there?) I would stand next to the piano player and belt out "Unforgettable". My grandparents would clap and encourage encores, and my parents would just shrug and laugh.

When I was a teenager, I was shy and standoffish. Others assumed the worst of me because I let them. I didn't like meeting new people and never felt like I could be myself.

Now that I've lived in New York for two and a half years, I am no longer the timid and meek girl I once was. I've never been as comfortable in my skin as I am now. I have become a people person. I love to network. I've really surprised myself in the best way possible.

Since moving to NYC, I've been on more blind dates than I care to mention. But here are two I DO want to mention, even though they aren't exactly "dates"...


Preppy in the City and I had been following and commenting on one another's blogs for some time when I suggested that we grab a drink sometime. I figured, why not? We already knew we had a ton in common. Much to my delight, she agreed. We met at PJ Clarke's for vodka sodas and the rest is history. She's my best BBM friend; we talk almost every day. If I sound off on JGIWC or tweet that I'm sad/stressed/what have you, she is ALWAYS the first one to ask if I'm okay or what she can do to help.

I learned how to use the "blur" feature just for you. I love ya Muffin!


Miss Mal and I have been Tweeting at one another for months. We decided to have a coffee date in Grand Central Station. She suggested that we meet under the big clock - that "it would be just like a movie" and I knew in that instant that I would adore her. I was right! We're so alike (both sorority and Junior League overachievers) and I had the best time with her.

The moral of the story is that if you're like me and generally poo-poo blind dates, don't rule out this method to meet friends! I haven't made a dime off JGIWC but the friendships I've gained are absolutely priceless.

Amalgamation of realizations and recommendations

You can't make people care.

Every day is a clean slate and a fresh start.

Entourage isn't as good without the bad words.

I'm most calm when my apartment is clean.

The moment you forget about someone, they come barreling back into your life.

Spending 5 extra minutes on makeup makes a huge difference. Same goes for hair.

Every girl in Manhattan should go see The Good Guy.

Every girl should check out Amy Nadine's beauty blog for tips and tricks.

Everyone should read Food Rules: An Eater's Manual.

Being a true friend means doing the best you can.

Going to H&M the day a new collection premiers really pays off.

A day without Starbucks should be few and far between.

The best things happen when you're least prepared.

I will have the last laugh.

I feel pretty when I'm happy.

Friday Five

Despite what I said two days ago, I'm taking a cue from my sister and telling you five things that I'd like to procure this Spring.




Honestly, anything from the Sonia Rykiel pour H&M collection. If you've been here since the beginning (so, 5 of you) you know that my parents dressed me in Rykiel as a child. I'm spending tomorrow in the suburbs, but my family is actually driving out to the city in the morning to pick me up and to hit H&M when it opens, as the collection premiers this weekend. Crazy? Yes. Typical? Yes. I can't wait to show you what I end up with.




It's tough to see the detail in this photo, but I've seen it in person so take my word: this Nanette Lepore Lover's Knot dress is breathtaking.




God, it pains me to admit this one. Do you know that I went to pay my J. Crew bill the other day and the balance was $0.00. WHAT?! That's NEVER happened before. If that doesn't exemplify the nose dive J. Crew has taken lately, I don't know what does. I must admit that I'm lusting after this Metallic Beacon Tobo. The unstructured leather mixed with perfectly placed studs was love at first sight for me.




Yum. Doesn't this so remind you of what Carrie wore in "An American Girl in Paris, Part Une"? This Kate Spade Rosette top is a bit pricy for me, but it may just be one of the investment pieces I choose for Spring.




Wood? Yes. Grommets? Yes. $16.50? YES PLEASE! I'm going to the Gap!



Wishes for a wonderful weekend, readers!

Life, Love, Lepore

Yesterday, I had the esteemed honor of taking part in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for the FIRST. TIME. EVER. I got to see the Nanette Lepore show and I even got to help backstage!

My BlackBerry remained in my hand for four hours straight (next time, I need to wear an outfit with pockets) and I managed to get some really great pictures.


I took this when I arrived. I was running in heels to be on time, but forced myself to stop, snap a photo, and take it all in.




A pile of passes. Mine is now hanging on my bulletin board!




The stunning designer. I've had the pleasure of meeting many of the people that work for the company (including Nanette herself) and each and every single one is exceedingly lovely and kind, which is unusual in this industry.




This is the room that I spent most of my time in. Seeing the backstage process and the sheer amount of people involved in executing the show was so eye-opening.




Abigail Breslin. I've adored her for years and it was so fun to see her in person. No words can explain how adorable and poised this starlet is. In this day and age, it is SO refreshing to see such a young girl in the limelight remain, well, young. She was fresh-faced and soft-spoken.




Nanette and Abigail. The designer called the actress her muse. That's quite the feat for a thirteen year old!




I snapped this in the calm before the storm. Best I can do, but I think it came out kind of cute.



As many of you probably know, this is the last time that Fashion Week is being held in the Bryant Park tents, and I'm so happy I made it just in time to take part in this epic event. (From now on, Fashion Week will be held in Lincoln Center.) I am so thrilled to have been a part of this and to have had Nanette Lepore as my first show ever. I couldn't have asked for anything better and it was a day and an experience I know I'll never forget.

Snow thanks!

Sigh. I miss strolling around the city like this.

But, I will be traveling to Florida twice next month, and honestly? This weather makes me unbelievably productive. It makes me prepare meals and clean and read and write and Wii Fit and do laundry and crawl into bed early. (Basically, the cold keeps me indoors.) I love getting things done and this new routine I've accidentally stumbled into.





I was truly spoiled this Valentines Day! My family gave me a Kate Spade multi pearls ring, Hunter wellies, a Barnes & Nobles gift card, and far too many treats. Luckily, none of these presents make me particularly pine for Spring. They are all things I can use now. Few things are sweeter than instant gratification.

Complaining about the cold I won't do, but scoffing at the snow, I will. I've never cared for it. Like I've said before, I grew up in eighty degree Decembers. Christmas ornaments adorned palm trees. No firs (or furs) in Florida.

Winter makes every day an adventure. Getting dressed in the morning is a challenge (albeit not always a fun one) and I love a challenge. Rain gives me an excuse to wear my new boots. Wind can provide an impromptu workout. But snow, I am snowver you. Snow thanks and snow long. You are good for plays-on-words and nothing else. Try again next year!

Ch-Ch-Changes

I was talking with an old friend the other day about changes, about how much we've all changed in the past few years. This really got me thinking. I have changed so much since I graduated almost three years ago. (And in my opinion, only for the better.)

I was very different in college. I was practically married. I was in a relationship that I believed with all my heart would last forever. I expected to be married at 23, just as my mother was. I had a small semblance of a social life. I was very involved in my sorority and loved my girlfriends, but didn't get to spend enough time with them and wasn't always there for them when I should have been. I was selfish. I was aloof. And I hate that so many people must remember me that way. But it's only fair, because I remember so many people as they were, not as they could be.

I make a conscious effort each and every single day to be as nice and as open-minded as I can possibly be. I haven't always. I'm more thoughtful. I ask myself how I can make someone else's day. I know I said last week that I hold grudges, but never before have I made the valiant attempt to let go, to forgive and forget, and to move on that I do now. I know that I can't alter the past, but I can make the best of the present.

I'm more aggressive than I've ever been. I say what I mean and I mean what I say. I tell people how I feel. I've learned that life is too short not to.

My desire to be a published author remains alive and true. I think back to my childhood days in Coral Gables, waking up and writing short stories under the sheets. I remind myself not to scowl when people say, "Don't feel badly. Not everyone knows what they want to do" because I haven't had my big break yet. But I DO know, I think. I've always known.

I wonder every day. When I'll get married. If I'll get married. If I've met him yet, or if he's somewhere out there, just as confused and hopeful as I am, wondering where his dream girl is.

I wear my heart on my sleeve. Always have, always will. Some things never change.

Photo(s) of the week - Happy Valentines Day!

My dear readers, I wish you all the chocolate, sugar, kisses, giggles, bows, cocktails, sparkles, and love in the world today! Thank you for sticking with me through thick and thin.

I spent the day with the three people I love most and it was just perfect.



HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Friday Five

I'm lucky to have a lot of beautiful things in my jewelry box. I owe much of this to family (my mom's side of the family used to be in the jewelry business, my dad used to be in watch business, my mother is a jewelry designer and I have an aunt that works for David Yurman). I'm VERY particular about jewelry. I like to pick unusual pieces that not many other people will have. (With exceptions, of course. I know my Cartier Love bracelet isn't terribly unique, but I'm still the only person I know who has the matching studs. They aren't very common. Can't even find a photo on the internet to show you.) However, lately I've been lusting after a lot of jewelry but my limited budget is keeping me from making purchases. So, I decided it would be fun to tell you which five pieces of jewelry I'm absolutely aching for right now.



I was THISCLOSE to purchasing this Emily & Ashley necklace, but I decided to buy Chanel ballet flats instead, which seemed like a more appropriate investment. (Mainly because my parents gave me this necklace for my birthday, and I felt silly buying another gold necklace so soon after getting one.) I've always been a fan of celestial jewelry and this is no exception.



I discovered this Herff Jones ring at my sorority seminar over the summer. I was all set to buy it but they only had one and it was a 7. I need a 6. I'm hoping I can buy it at our convention this summer!



Girl can dream, right? I found these Pippo Perez earrings at my favorite Dallas jeweler, Ylang 23. These diamond wings make a statement and I'm loving every word of it.



I also found this Ginette_NY monogram bracelet at Ylang 23. Much as I love the look of big chunky bracelets and bangles, I feel very uncomfortable in them and don't wear most of the ones I own. I love this delicate piece. A modern twist on a traditional style.



No list would be complete without Cartier. If you're new here, you should know that in my mind there is no brand of jewelry more classic, timeless, and elegant than Cartier. I like Tiffany but I'll take a red box over a blue box any day. This Cartier Love necklace has been on my wishlist for years. Lindsay Lohan popularized it a few years back, but I swear that's not why I want it. It matches my bracelet, earrings, and the ring I hope to own some day.


I want to know. If you could own ANY piece of jewelry right now, what would it be?

Wishes for a wonderful weekend!

"Borrowed" from VF

My favorite part of Vanity Fair is this little questionnaire. I thought I'd fill it out with my answers and share with all of you!

I N S P I R A T I O N S

FAVORITE DISCOVERY Blogging
NECESSARY EXTRAVAGANCE Airbrush tanning
FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD Miami, FL
FAVORITE CHARITY Reading is Fundamental
FAVORITE MOVIE Annie Hall
FAVORITE VINTAGE STORE I don't really shop at vintage stores - I'm just not cool enough. But, I do like Screaming Mimi's in Montauk.
STYLE ICONS My parents


C L O T H E S

JEANS Seven for all Mankind
UNDERWEAR Calvin Klein
SNEAKERS Nike (ONLY at the gym)
WATCH Cartier
T-SHIRT J. Crew
DAY DRESS Lilly Pulitzer in the Summer; sweater dresses (everything from Alice+Olivia to H&M) in the Winter
DAY BAG Louis Vuitton Speedy from the 70s
EVENING BAG Black satin and rhinestone Prada clutch
FAVORITE ACCESSORY Cartier Love bracelet


B E A U T Y P R O D U C T S

LIPSTICK Nars Belle du Jour and Laura Mercier Lip Balm (favorite lip product of all time)
MASCARA Whatever's in the last gift bag I received
SHAMPOO I have 4 different kinds in my shower and it never feels like enough.
MOISTURIZER Fresh Sugar Lemon
PERFUME Tocca Stella
SOAP Dove or Molton Brown. Depends on my budget at the given time.
NAIL POLISH Chanel Vamp
WHO CUTS YOUR HAIR Anyone at Bumble & bumble


H O M E

WHERE DO YOU LIVE New York, NY
CAR Don't have one.
FAVORITE ART Roy Lichtenstein
SHEETS Navy Nautica
STATIONERY Kate Spade, Vera Wang, and formal gift enclosures from Embossed Graphics
PETS None currently. A white dog named Snoopy in the near future.
COFFEE TABLE BOOKS "A Privileged Life: Celebrating Wasp Style" by Susannah Salk and "Peanuts Guide to Life" by Charles Schulz
FLOWERS Yellow roses
FAVORITE GADGET BlackBerry
FAVORITE COCKTAIL General: Ketel and soda with lemon; Specific: Strawberry Fields at Stanton Social
FAVORITE DESSERT Anything with both chocolate and fruit
FAVORITE SNACK My Mom's baked salami with chili and jam

I'll say goodbye to all my sorrow and by tomorrow I'll be on my way

When I first moved to New York, I did a lotta this...









...but, and call me crazy, the novelty of crazy Saturday nights and miserable Sunday mornings has worn off. Lately, I've been staying in to write and saying "no, thanks" more often than not to drinks out. It's not that I don't love a good cocktail or the magnificent mystery that a Saturday night in New York City holds, it's that I feel stymied. I'm twenty five, I want to be a published author, I want to accomplish great things, I want to NOT wake up and think, "UGH". (Well, maybe once in awhile.) I want to have fun but I want to be productive. I'm desperately searching for the happy medium. And part of me knows why I'm avoiding certain social situations. I am vehemently avoiding the male species and THEY. ARE. EVERYWHERE. I have a lot of single girlfriends and what do single girls want to do during a night out? I'll tell ya. They want to meet men. And I'm so beyond tired of being disappointed and hurt. This is undoubtedly childish of me. Everyone gets hurt and everyone, at some point, winds up disappointed. Oh, what I wouldn't do to meet a decent guy who didn't have intentions of screwing me over. (You know, besides the ONE I already know.) I have walls up and there's no telling when I'll regain the strength to knock them down. But that's besides the point.

I'm stuck. Does anyone else feel this way or I have I gone so far out on this limb that I'm all alone?

Ten confessions on Tuesday

1. I like to watch Mean Girls and pretend it's still 2004 and that Lindsay remains gorgeous, innocent, and sweet. Same with The Parent Trap and 1998.

2. Both the amount of food I eat and the amount I weigh are super embarrassing. I know this because on the rare occasion I do reveal my weight to someone, they always gasp and say something along the lines of, "No, that can't be right!" I can't help it. I have a huge appetite and never really feel satisfied. I'm chowing down on a whole wheat pita topped with Nutella and granola as we speak.

3. I finished all of my Valentines yesterday, but the truth is that I didn't send to all of my friends. And it's NOT because I don't love them, but for several other reasons. a) I'm trying to be more cash conscious and b) I tried to send only to the people who in return always make an effort to send mail to me, whether it be a holiday card or a thank you note. Right or wrong, in my mind, those will appreciate a Valentine the most and why send to someone who probably doesn't really care or mind either way?

4. It kind of irks me when people use Twitter solely as a platform to complain. Geez Louise, say something positive! You'll feel better.

5. At the all-girls Superbowl party I was at, we changed the channel to Animal Planet during the commercials. The screen read "Puppy Bowl VI" and I yelled out "PUPPY BOWL FOUR!!!". One of my closest girl friends was sitting next to me and she said, "Or, Puppy Bowl SIX". The room erupted in laughter. I'm bad at Roman Numerals!

6. I hold grudges. I wish I didn't but I have a hard time letting go.

7. I like being single. There, I said it. I love taking up the whole bed (gasp if you must, but I lived with a boyfriend once and know what it's like to share a bed with someone every single night WITHOUT being married) and doing things my way. BUT, I love being in love and miss it. And I hate dating. Yes, this has and will continue to pose a problem.

8. On the same note, I was having dinner with a dear friend last week and she casually mentioned that she sort of stumbled upon said ex-boyfriend's wedding website. We had a good laugh about it and I then shrugged and said, "What can I do? I wish them the best." WHOA, even I was surprised to hear those words come out of my mouth. But I meant it! I guess I don't always hold grudges. (EDIT: For the record, NO, I have not looked at the wedding website and I most certainly don't plan on it. Ignorance is bliss to me, my friends.)

9. I LIVE for Girls Night Out and have trouble being friends with girls who feel the opposite.

10. This one is sort of embarrassing. Several months ago, I stopped blow drying my hair. I shower at night, let it air dry, sleep on it, and Chi it in the morning. I know, how lazy can I get, right? But the thing is, I've been styling my hair since I was 14 (before then I made one of my parents blow dry it for me - confession ten point five!) and after ten years of endless hours every week acting as a slave to my tresses, I got tired. This way it's only exposed to half the heat damage, and I spend much less than half of the time on it. And hey, it still looks pretty decent, and most importantly, healthy!

What will you confess today?

Carrie on & menu Monday

Happy Monday! Mine's been marvelous, how about you?

This weekend, I saw Dear John. I am really glad I read the book first - it definitely helped me appreciate the movie more.

I'll level with you. When I first heard that there was going to be a Sex and the City 2, I rolled my eyes. I whined. I argued my point to anyone who'd listen. Too much of a good thing is never good! I've always resented Disney for capitalizing five times too many on a single project. The Little Mermaid NEVER should have been a television show. And as much as I LOVE watching Sophia Bush on One Tree Hill every week, that show should have ended last season, right after Nathan got into the NBA and Peyton had the freakin' baby and Brooke and Julian finally got it right. And if it goes on for another season... Oh, you'll be hearing from me. You're supposed to end on a high note. I mean, Sex and the City got that right with the show. And the movie. Oh, the movie. I sat in a theatre two Mays ago and laughed and cried and threw my hands up at the end. It was perfect! I couldn't have done it better myself.

So you can understand my immediate distaste when news broke of the sequel. Why fix what isn't broke? In my mind, there is no way they can top it, so why even try? When you watch the preview below, you'll see why I was absolutely beaming when this played before Dear John started. Oh, my God. I read an article with SJP and she said that this movie is much happier and more light-hearted than its predecessor. This film looks phenomenal and I have changed my mind. I stand corrected.





On another note, so many bloggers have been writing about menu planning, and in an effort to save money and lead a healthier lifestye, I've followed suit. Now, I don't cook. I am a huge fan of Amy's and Applegate Farms - both provide me with good, healthy, simple-to-make options. Tonight I'm having an AF chicken pot pie, tomorrow night I have a JL meeting so I'll have to grab something on the go, Wednesday I have a dinner date with a friend, and Thursday I'll do an Amy's meal or have some tomato soup & corn.



Here's the chalkboard in my kitchen. It changes quite often. I'm thinking about starting a weekly "What's on JGIWC's chalkboard?"

Photo(s) of the week - Mi cocina!

(It's not just one of my favorite restaurants in Dallas!) While you may have seen photos of my apartment, you've surely never seen my kitchen. That's because 99% of the time I close it off from the public because it's always just such a damn mess!

Well, today was my yearly apartment purge, and my kitchen looks PERFECT. It's a great size for a studio apartment, and I really do adore it. It's near impossible to get a 360º shot because of the small doorway, so you'll have to take my word that it's pretty adorable.

Friday Five

Five things I reeeeeally need to do this weekend...

1. Prepare to purge. My dad is coming over on Sunday and we're going to clean out my closets and, knowing my dad, fill lots of garbage bags with old crap that I tend to accumulate but have a hard time parting with.

2. Wii Fit Plus at least twice.

3. Have a good cry! I'm seeing Dear John. I finished the book a few weeks ago and am really looking forward to the movie.

4. Write, write, write.

5. Buy Valentines gifts! This single gal is spending the day with her family, which is fitting as there are no three people I love more. :)

Wishes for a wonderful, wonderful weekend my dear readers!

Sweets for my Sweet, Flowers for my Flower

With one of my favorite holidays right around the corner, I pulled together some of my personal picks for the day of love.



Nantucket Red belt from Vineyard Vines. If I had a boyfriend, he would definitely be receiving this for Valentines Day. Man oh man do I love a man in red.

Yayoi Forest heart necklace. I love jewelry that resembles nature, and more specifically, trees. I found this twiggy heart necklace at Ylang 23, my favorite Dallas jeweler.

J. Crew party bow. Want to give your best girlfriends a small token of love? The J. Crew party bow is sure to please and won't break the bank. I own one in silver.

Ban.do heart headband. This looks like something my sister would wear. If I had an extra $165 laying around, this bow headband would so be mine.

Nanette Lepore Glass Heart dress. If I had a Valentine this year, I'd definitely dream of wearing this dress on our date.

Burberry heart coin purse. I've yet to meet a girl who doesn't like Burberry. This is the perfect gift.

Lacoste polo in red. Do his and hers. I dare you.

Love toast stamp. This is SO something I would own. And use.

Godiva. Remember, a good boyfriend will give you chocolate, but a great boyfriend will give you Godiva.

How the JGIWC pinches pennies

I sure hope you don't think I paid retail for the lavish life I lead.

Far from it, friends. I love a bargain just as much as the next girl. I have lots of tips and tricks to living a luxurious lifestyle without paying the high price.

First of all, target your weakness and feed it, in moderation. My weakness is and has always been, as many of you have probably already guessed, designer dresses. I simply live for a fabulous frock. I open my closet and finger through every single item at least once a week so I know just what I have, as I shop often. This week, I took note of two brand new dresses- one Phillip Lim and one Tracy Reese. Both are brand new with tags and just waiting to be worn. (And both were on sale. Contrary to what seems to be popular belief, it is not often that I'm in a position to buy a designer item at full price.) No more dresses for this gal until I wear each at least once.

While we're on the subject of clothing, may I remind you to be a patient shopper. Let us remember that nearly EVERYTHING at J. Crew goes on sale soon after it's put out. Their turnover rate is high and you probably don't need that dress rightthissecond. Wait a week or so. Lord knows I'm an intense shopper - I can go for hours on end plowing through racks, digging through piles, and climbing through fixtures - and I realize that not everyone has this mentality. But I have found some of the best deals of my life this way. I'm talking a brand new, with tags Philosophy de Alberta Ferretti top that retailed for $330. I paid four dollars.

Make the most of every experience. Talk to the sales associates. Become their friends. This will only work to your advantage. One year when I lived in Central Florida, I was invited to a very exclusive event at Neiman Marcus with a full buffet and bar, all gratis. I guarantee you it had nothing to do with the amount of money I spent there.

Before you go out for drinks, freeze and ask yourself if it's worth it. Honestly, I've been doing this a lot lately and been coming up with the answer 'no'. When you're out sipping cocktails, you're not really paying for the alcohol; you're paying for the experience. Is it really worth it? I've been saving a lot of my money lately by laying low.

Join the Starbucks reward program. It's free now! I always hear people say that I could save over a thousand dollars a year if I cut out my daily Starbucks run. You know what? That is a thousand or so dollars that I'm more than happy to part with. That vanilla latte is a part of me, damnit, and right, wrong, or ridiculous, it makes me happy. At the end of the day, it's just money and you can't take it with you. BUT, if you're like me and simply can't stay away, you may as well belong to the club! I've already gotten a free beverage and a free oatmeal.

If you frequent dining establishments that offer something free for a certain amount of money spent or items bought, grab that punch card! I recently got a free brownie at the Treats Truck! I also have a free salad at Chop't and a free meal at Cosi lined up.

Three words. RESTAURANT DOT COM. I learned about this from one of my favorite bloggers and dear friends, Landlocked Mermaid. They sell discounted gift certificates for a number of restaurants. They often have sales and will alert you of them once you sign up. I recently bought $100 worth of certificates to some great bars and eateries here in NYC. My grand total? Eleven dollars.

PIGGY BANK IT!

Network, network, network. Talk to everyone. Make friends in every industry. Scratch someone else's back, and if they forget, ask them politely to scratch yours.

Sign up for Rue La La, Blackboard Eats, and Groupon. Also, do research. Have a few free minutes at work? Power surf the internet for steals and deals at your favorite places.

Now, clearly non of this is rocket science, and you've undoubtedly heard all these suggestions before. I just thought you might like to hear about how I pinch my pretty pennies. After all, one saved really IS one earned.

What's...?

on my Nook queue? Roses by Leila Meacham, Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi, The Help by Kathryn Stockett and Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

on my nightstand? BlackBerry, Advil PM, Fresh Sugar Lemon body lotion, and a flower cupcake that I got for my birthday a week ago. It's still alive and well!

on my coffee table? Red roses, duct tape, monogrammed coasters, five scented candles and one unscented candle.

on my DVR? The latest One Tree Hill.

on my dining table? A giant cup and saucer.

The Rise of the NJB

Have you too noticed the rise of the Nice Jewish Boy lately? Blame it on the Judd Apatow "Jew Crew", but NJBs have never been hotter. I believe it really all started in 2003, when The OC debuted and the Seth Cohen character exploded. All of the sudden, nerds were hot. Judaism and Christianity were easily interchangeable. Girls began to warm up to the idea of a good-looking, doting, geeky guy. I personally loved that idea all along.

And now, in no particular order, are my favorite NJBs.

The My first love NJB

You've probably already read about my love of The Wonder Years. And yes, I'm still a Winnie looking for my Kevin.



The Pioneer NJB

Loved him waaay before The OC. Loved him as Dave on Gilmore Girls and as Greg Brady in Growing Up Brady. I used to be so bitter that Rachel Bilson was dating him, but I recently found out that she too is a Member of the Tribe and now I'm kind of sad that they broke up. Oh, well. Your day will come, AB. Remember, you invented Christmukkah and gave dorky Yids a good name. Michael Cera SO owes you a thank you note.



The A-hole NJB

Is he really nice? Probably not, but I like to pretend. And that chest. Yum.



The Stop Dating Shiksas and Start Dating Me NJB

What a dreamboat! Mandy Moore is married, dude. Time to move on. To me. I know it's a little inappropriate for JGIWC, but I am always jealous of Rachel Bilson in that dorm scene of The Last Kiss. Always.



The I Shouldn't Be in Love With You But I SO Am NJB

I have a sick, sick crush on Larry David. Curb Your Enthusiasm has single handedly convinced me that I'm going to end up with someone like him. Cheryl Hines is one Lucky Duck.



The My Dad Wants Me to Marry Him NJB

My father advised me to go to the bar where the SNL cast hangs out and just strike up a convo with Seth. If it were easier done than said, I would have been out last night, chatting him up. He's a total catch. Have I mentioned that my parents really, really want me to settle down with someone already?



The I Would Marry You Tomorrow NJB

OMG, OMG, OMG. Ladies and gents, my newest crush. I fell in love with him in Prime, a little-known movie about a Jewish therapist (Meryl Streep) whose son (Bryan Greenberg) falls in love with one of her shiksa clients (Uma Thurman). Rent it. I loved him in One Tree Hill, Bride Wars (yes, he played Kate Hudson's hunky brother who ends up with Anne Hathaway) and I'm SURE to love him in both his new projects: How to Make it in America, a new HBO show; and The Good Guy, an indie film that comes out on February 19.



How good does this movie look? Scott Porter kind of looks like a guy I used to date/wants to make me vomit, but other than that, I can't wait!