"It's about damn time."

Six years and two days ago, I sat in my living room, tears in my eyes as the Miami Heat won the 2006 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. It was late and my puppy was still awake and watching the game with me. My boyfriend, whom I then lived with, was asleep in the bedroom. I ran in to wake him up. I nudged him, whispering, "We did it! The Heat won the championship!" I honestly think he could have cared less but I was just so excited. Champions at last!

I swore I wouldn't cry this time.

Last year, the day that the Heat lost the series to the Mavs was coincidentally (or not?) the worst day of 2011 for me. I said in my post that we would be champions again and I said aloud that we would get it next year. This year. And I was right.

I think any basketball fan will tell you that there is always a point in a game or a series when you just KNOW. When we won the game on Tuesday, I KNEW. In 2006 we won the championship in Dallas, but tonight we win at HOME. Six long years, and the victory is so sweet. The wait was worth it.

And how gratifying to see LeBron hug Durant and other Thunder players first and foremost. What a difference a year makes!

To all the haters... eh, never mind.

Like I said. I swore I wouldn't cry but I couldn't help it. I am an NBA girl and this is my game. These are my boys. My city, my team, my home, my heart. And WE DID IT!

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh Lord...

Speeds

Poor, poor Speedy. He is not doing so well. My mom gasped when she saw him last weekend... I think we may be at the point of no return. I'm talking holes. 

For those of you who haven't been around for long or don't know, Speedy is my mom's Louis Vuitton bag from the 1970s. She gave him to me in the early 2000s. And boy oh boy, between the two of us we have loved the hell out of that bag. So much so that she begged to buy me a new one for my 26th birthday (for fear that I would continue to carry the old one and really ruin it once and for all) but I absolutely refused. We compromised and she got me a Palermo instead. I wear Speedy a lot less but like to take him out for a spin every now and then. He probably belongs in a museum but hot damn, I just adore that bag so doggone much. I don't think he's fixable but I love having in my possession one of the first things my parents ever bought together.

I believe Jo from the Real Housewives of Orange County said it best. When boarding a hot air balloon ride, she asked if she could take her Speedy along. "It's like my pet," she explained. (Sidenote: all of my favorite housewives... her, Bethenny... are not in fact house WIVES. Andy Cohen: Call me!)

The Shoebox is too small for a puppy, but it's just right for a Speedy. My pet. I will continue to gently wear him for as long as humanly possible. 

 

As you can see, Speedy has accompanied me on so many trips and outings. Special moments and everyday life. He has been a loyal friend, a trusty keeper of my most important possessions. And now, in the midst of his demise, I feel like this:

I only count the happy hours

This year, my family is taking a week long vacation in the Hamptons. A whole week! We usually go for four or five days so this is a real treat.

Of course I've been busy as a bee getting ready for the trip. Making dinner reservations, buying SoulCycle Hamptons classes (can't use your NYC classes out east) and mentally packing.

My mom and I were talking about the trip the other day and she said, "What will we do out there for a whole week?"

So if you've met me or my family, you've likely deduced that we're not exactly a laid back bunch. Relaxing doesn't come naturally or easily. When I recently visited Nana, she described my dad as, "hyper, always running around, can't sit still. You're like that too. Thank God I'm not."

Alright, so we're a bit high strung. That's why this week-long escape is especially enticing. I need to disconnect and let go. I've just been thinking too much recently, and I'm ready for a break.

And so I have made two activities mandatory for our Hamptons vacation: walks on the beach in the morning and happy hour in the evening.

Obviously happy hour requires much more preparation, and I've been thinking about what to bring out. I still have a bunch of baby Patrons left over from #teddiseven, and a good bottle of Sauv Blanc goes without saying. A few years ago, one of my best friends introduced me to Target white sangria in a box and it is AMAZING - unfortunately it is not sold in the state of New York. If you live near a Target in another part of the country - do yourself a favor and pick up a box today. I wish I could.

Another libation I'd like to create or rather recreate is the Strawberry Fields cocktail from Stanton Social that Perri and I both love so much. I do worry slightly about muddling strawberries, but the rest of it - Grey Goose Citron, Riesling, fresh lemon - sounds easy enough. Definitely something to think about.

Any easy summer cocktails to suggest for me? 

Is it vacation time yet?

Weekend in photos

I'm still in a bit of a rut, but the weekend definitely helped. Through a few spin classes, lots of toasting with girlfriends and spending some much needed quality time with my family, I'm starting to feel like myself again. Best of all, my vacation out east is now less than a week away!

Met a girlfriend for afternoon tea... Banana bread with jam. Yum.

Met another girlfriend for happy hour on Friday!

SOUL-ebrating one of our favorite SoulCycler's engagement!

A night out on the town for one of my favorite sorority sister's birthday!

Being silly on a play shoe shine display.

Father's Day brunch with our hero.

Day brighteners

Keeping a mental checklist of what's made me smile the past few days. Whenever I'm having a tough week, small pleasures are at the forefront of my mind.

Things that put a little pep in my step...

Unbelievably delicious and inexpensive BYOB sushi dinner followed by 16 Handles with 2 of my favorite bloggers, Blair's Head Band and Sunkissed and Southern.

Finding $12 in the pocket of an old sweatshirt.

Unexpectedly seeing a pal in 6am spin class. I'd completely forgotten to ask her if she'd be there and I'm glad because it was such a nice surprise!

Filling up my social calendar for next week. Lots to look forward to.

Coincidentally getting a 20% off coupon code for bliss THE DAY OF an appointment! Made sweeter by the fact that I have a gift card, so the service literally cost me nothing! And noshing a bit while waiting for my appointment.

And last but certainly not least, the fact that it's almost Friday! I feel like I really need to lay low but instead my weekend is jam-packed and I am running running running. Oh well. I wouldn't be me if I weren't hopping around like the Energizer bunny.

Pouty vs. Productivity

Monday was a bad day. A really bad day. I hate going to bed on those kinds of nights because I have a hard time falling asleep and then I wish I could stay asleep until things got better. I always say that the bridge between hope and despair is a good nights sleep but the truth is that sometimes you know you're going to wake up that next morning and not feel a whole lot different. Or better.

So I thought, what can I do to make it better. What can I do to feel less lousy.

Not a whole lot, it turns out. But I do know that being productive at least makes me feel more worthy, which was sure to up the ante a bit.

So here's what Tuesday looked like:

Wake up.

Reset alarm.

Wake up again. Pout. Reset alarm again, but for 5:21 the following morning. Rooster Wednesday.

Remind myself of the pact I made with myself that I would get out of bed everyday ready to take on the world, no matter what it throws at me. Groan. Get out of bed.

Make and pack lunch.

Put together decently coordinated outfit. Decide not to take a photo because I don't feel like smiling and I hate faking it.

Purchase and eat moderately healthy breakfast.

Read newest issue of Real Simple and make lots of mental notes of things to do when I move into my new apartment (someday).

Book SoulCycle class for Saturday morning with a dear friend who will be turning the big 2-5 that day and wants to start off her birthday the right way.. With a ride.

Decide I need a few new hobbies. Jogging seems like a good one because it's free, therapeutic, and I can't run.

Browse "what's new" on Lululemon site and drool over new running tops and shorts. Successfully navigate away from the site without making any purchases.

Realize it wouldn't be that free of a hobby, but I'd still like to try it. All part of my "get bikini ready in the next 11 days"plan. #doomed

Email the nurse at Nana's Home to thank her for taking such good care of Nana and offer restaurant recommendations for her upcoming trip to New York.

Check lots of things off my to do list.

Email friends I haven't seen recently to see when I can see them.

Ask big sis for advice. Take it.

Have very insightful conversation with Blair's Head Band about why I have so much trouble being vulnerable.

Decide on gifts for several upcoming celebrations.

Listen to Call Me Maybe.

Order dinner.

Stop at the bank.

Make bed because I forgot to in the morning.

Indulge in dinner of Caesar salad and pasta. Please note this is not part of the "bikini body in 11 days" plan. Eat only half of the pasta so I can have other half for lunch today.

Catch up on the Bachelorette because I was out on Monday night. This chick is vulnerable.

Book next Bliss appointment.

Catch up on Reality Steve and laugh out loud. Hot damn that fool is funny!

Grocery shop.

Go to Baskin Robbins for a big ole cup of Rainbow Sherbet. It's unavailable?! Pout. Compromise and get kiddie cup of Mint Chocolate Chip.

Lay out clothes for Soul.

Go to bed grateful for small pleasures and hopeful for better days ahead.

A weekend with Nana

Who doesn't love a weekend with Nana! It was so good to see the sassy minx and I'm not gonna lie, I kinda wish I could go back. Like right now.

When Perri and I got off the plane and walked to the car rental desk, I realized I had no idea where Nana lived or how to get there. I have gotten so used to these trips, to getting in the same Hertz Nissan and driving to the same house, that I hadn't allowed myself stop to think that things have changed. I have been in denial since my last visit in January. Nana moved and now lives in an assisted living community. So of course I knew where she lived, but I didn't have an address or directions. The only bit of information I had was what she had given me on the phone last week: "You make a right, and then - I hate to say it - you'll see something that looks like a cemetery, and that's where I live."

Great.

Luckily her neighborhood looks NOTHING like a cemetery because I think I would have lost it right then and there. She immediately sensed my discomfort and kept saying things like, "It's not so scary, right?" and "See, I'm not so old." Oh God, I am starting to sob as I type this. Life is moving too fast. I just want to slow it down and sit with Nana for awhile.

I wish I didn't have to come back.

But I did, and for now all I have is photos, so I will share some with you.

Nana and I in her new home. Doesn't she look great?

Cousin love.

Delicious desserts by my very talented baker of an aunt!

World's cutest baby (other than Perri in her heyday, of course)

Sisters.

I hope and pray that I will have many, many more Nana tweets to share with you all in the years to come.

A whale in the Big Apple

Last night, I attended the opening of the vineyard vines pop-up shop in Rothman's in NYC. Up until now, I have made most of my purchases either online or in retail stores outside of Manhattan. Nice to know there is now a purveyor of the whale within walking distance of The Shoebox.

It was such a cute little soiree. Loved the attention to detail and delicious little bites and sips being served by cater waiters in printed ties!

Whale straws and a printed koozie adorned a VERY strong pink drink.

AEG was my date. My dress and blazer are from last summer. Holy power suit!

It was like a convention of cute preppy boys.

No bar is complete without a foam whale hat.

The women's selection unfortunately did not include the one item AEG and I were both after: the Nautical Shep Shirt! I am told by an insider that it's selling like hotcakes... Better get my hands on one soon!

There are so many items right now that I adore... I'm not even sure where to begin! Think I'll treat myself in a few weeks once on vacation... I'm still lusting after that cover up!

Thank you to the kind folks at vineyard vines for always thinking of me. So glad I was able to swing by. Cheers to the whale finally swimming over to the Big Apple!

4 pick-me-ups and 1 great pick-up line

A goal that I should have put on the list for June (and certainly will for July) is to better manage my stress levels. My anxiety has lowered considerably over the past few years but I still get overwhelmed too easily. It's been a nutty couple of weeks, and I always like to stop for a few minutes and think about the little things that have kept me smiling (and sane).

Finally finding butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Teddy Girl!

SoulCycle... as always.

My new Vickie's Secret jammies (I got blue)

Rainbow Sherbet... Though I know I'm wrong, I think I'll always pronounce this "sure-bert"

The definition of "Teddi" on Urban Dictionary... I like to think one of my exes wrote it. ;)

Just my wipe

Discovered two great secrets in the past week that I just have to share.

I went to the zoo over Memorial Day Weekend with my cousin/big sis Jamie and her kiddos. They were eating chocolate chip cookies and the girl (the other love of my life, remember?) decided to give me a hug and press her face against my thigh. Her chocolate chip cookied face against my brand new white linened short thigh. Eek! Jamie quickly handed me a baby wipe and told me to... well... wipe! Believe it or not... IT ALL CAME OUT! The baby wipe literally erased the chocolate stain before my very eyes. I was in awe (and relieved!) Jamie then told me that baby wipes are like magic, and I am seriously considering picking up a pack for myself. I cannot remember which brand she had on her, but I think any good one would do!

 

I am an admitted yuppie so I love Mustela. But for considerably less dough, I'm willing to be that the Johnson pack works just as well.

It's summer, so I've been trying to get my tan on once a week. Some of you old-timers might remember the spray tanning guide I posted a few years ago. This is a bit outdated... perhaps I'll write a new one. Anyway, my least favorite part of the whole process is exfoliating. Maybe it's just me, but I don't feel like it does very much once you're in between tans. A few weeks ago, my regular chickadee wasn't at the salon and someone else sprayed me. We all know I'm not the most modest, so I wasn't upset about disrobing in front of a new gal, but once we got going it didn't feel quite right. The solution wasn't as cold as usual (it should feel like teeny tiny pellets of ice are being thrown at you) and she was not using the same movements and technique that I've gotten so used to. Sure enough, the aftermath of the tan was questionable... white spots, the insides of my knees were pale, and the tan was fading quickly and strangely. A good scrub before my next stop in was eminent. Friday morning, I was in the shower scrubbing stubbornly and decided to get a little inventive. I grabbed my Burt's Bees facial cleansing towelettes and swiped them over my arms and legs. MAGIC! The wipes worked like a tan eraser and my skin became de-bronzed before my eyes.

Yuppie love! I hate wasting water so once I figured out that these were working, I finished up my shower, hopped out, and continued to use these. I have to say they worked better in-shower, but either way this is a great complement to exfoliating OR a way to fix mistakes if you are tanning at home. If you have a different brand, give that a shot... I'm definitely going to be picking up a few more packs of this ASAP!

I spilled my recently acquired tips and tricks... your turn!

Julie and the City

This past weekend, my cousin Julie came to visit all the way from Miami. Having visitors is always an adventure because A) sharing The Shoebox is just silly fun and B) getting to see New York through someone else's eyes is refreshing.

J and P at 5 Napkin Burger for dinner.

And me!

My favorite... Lobster roll sliders.

I told Jules we could do anything she wanted... and she wanted to go to the Empire State Building!

Believe it or not, I'd never been and I'm SO glad we went. The views were amazing, and we saw a couple get engaged! I couldn't help noticing how pretty the ring was and how cute the boy was... Naughty Teddi.

Dinner at Stanton Social! So so good.

Silly T.

Sipping cuties.

My favorite cocktail at SS... the Strawberry Fields.

Grey Goose Citron, muddled strawberries, lemon syrup, fresh lemon and a Riesling floater.

Will most definitely be recreating at home this summer.

We had brunch with Jamie and her kiddos at Alice's Tea Cup. Yum!

Except for a bit of rain on Sunday, the weather was absolutely gorgeous... clear, sunny and breezy. We had a great time exploring NYC by foot. Jules, you are the perfect houseguest. Come again soon!

May goal update and June goals

Rabbit rabbit!

May was a wonderful, but strange month. Though aren't they all? I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to. I worked out a lot less than I would have liked due to some back problems that are now being taken care of. I also failed the whole "don't buy clothes" BS and easily dropped a few hundred dollars at lululemon. You can't take it with you!

Moving onto June...

Haven't decided on a book yet - certainly a beachy read is in order for my WEEK-LONG VACATION at the end of the month (halle-frickin'-lujah). Hence rocking the bikini. Got a black string number that I'd really love to wear. Both the cabinet and the closet are hot messes and it would be nice to have peace of mind, especially with all the dreamin' of movin' I'm doing these days. The Frying Pan is an outdoor bar on the water. And I suppose it's no secret that I've been a slacker on the bridesmaid/Maid of Honor front, but that'll all change soon enough. June is gonna be my month!

Raising a frosty Patron on the rocks to you, my dear readers. Have a wonderful weekend!