Going off on a tangent

Being stuck inside for Hurricane Sandy has reminded me that winter is on it's way which has in turn convinced me that I need to own this J. Crew Bow coat. No ifs, ands or buts about it.

Hope everyone is safe, sound, dry and warm. 

I confess...

that I love grape-flavored candy.

that I discovered all of my favorite TV shows after they debuted. I didn't fall in love with The Wonder Years until long after it was on the air; I didn't start watching Entourage until season 2 or 3. The one exception would be The OC, which I decided to forego One Tree Hill for. Clearly that was a mistake, because I didn't watch it until after The OC ended. This took a lot of backpedaling on my part but luckily I was unemployed at the time so catching up on five seasons of OTH via SoapNet reruns was a breeze. I guess you can say it takes me awhile to commit.

that I don't know my ring size. I don't usually wear rings because I find them to be fussy... Probably because all of mine are too big and wiggling around on my finger. I have two rings to get sized - a diamond and white gold Art Deco ring from my grandmother and a yellow gold and garnet (my birthstone) from my parents. I rarely wear either because I'm so afraid of them falling off. I'm determined to get to the jeweler before the end of the year... They're too beautiful to be ill-fitting.

that I'm a little distraught about this whole Emily Maynard/Jef Holm thing. I hate that it didn't last but I also hate that I invested so much TV time in Bachelorette believing that Emily was a genuine gold hearted southern belle and now I'm just not sure. But I'm a romantic and I like to believe every season that they can make it work. No matter how many times I'm proven wrong, I'll just keep hoping. I can't help it.

that sometimes I have happy hour at home minus the wine. Cornichons, whole grain crackers, cheddar, and a tall glass of water. Yum.

that I want to tell you more, but this week has been killer and I'm wiped.

25 is Not the Loneliest Number WINS Divine Caroline essay contest!

I am so thrilled to say that my essay, 25 is Not the Loneliest Number, was the WINNER of the Divine Caroline Quarterlife Crisis Essay Contest! 

Thank you so much to everyone who "liked" my article and supported my efforts. This meant a lot to me. I can't say it enough.

celebrating JGIWC's 3rd birthday last year

If you're in your early twenties, I want to tell you something. If things are good, you're very fortunate. If things are not good, they're going to get better. I promise. 20-24ish were a big for mess for me. There were high highs and very low lows. My 25th birthday wasn't one for the books, but the year of 25 was invaluable. I learned so much about myself and about life. I took leaps of faith and got my heart broken.  I succeeded and I failed. Most importantly, I learned to live my life on a more even keel so that my lows wouldn't be quite as low anymore.

My 26th birthday was fabulous and my 27th was off-the-charts amazing. It's hard to imagine that 28 could surpass it, but I haven't a doubt that it will. The love I have in my life now is very different than a year ago or even six months ago. I'm the happiest I've ever been, and the attitude I've learned to adapt in my "late twenties" is a big part of that.

No matter your age - my article has a universal lesson. Try something new. Leave your comfort zone. Think outside the box. See the gray in a world of black and white. You're never too old or too young to change your life.

About to pop!

Sunday, I attended a baby shower for my friend Shari. She's having a baby boy and it was an absolutely darling party.

The theme was "about to pop". One of the party favors was popcorn soap!

One of my favorite things about this shower was that the activities were subdued yet still really fun. We got to decorate onesies for the newborn. I did an "F" for the baby's last name.

Shari loves Baked by Melissa just as much as I do!

There was a "pop" themed candy bar! Pop Rocks, Tootsie Pops, soda pop gummies, pacifier pops... The attention to detail was fab and I loved "making" my own little goody bag.

Each shower guest had to cut a ribbon to the length which she guessed was the belly circumference. Mine was too long. Shari is one fit mama!

Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. F and thank you so much for including me! I can't wait to meet the little guy.

What's responsible for my smiles this week

The most amazing dinner at Catch... Including the best lobster mac and cheese I have ever had. Oh my goodness!

Free travel-size deodorant at my yoga studio. The expensive Dove kind. I love free stuff.

My daily AM Sarabeth's French Vanilla coffee with French Vanilla flavored creamer in my pink Lilly travel mug.

The anticipation of my Soul classes this weekend. One is with my girl Charlee and one is Rihanna themed! I'm praying for a tap back/push up combo to "Talk That Talk"... My absolute FAVORITE. (For #teddieight too! Ahem.)

Chill Out yoga on Saturday.

My aunt is visiting from Florida this weekend!

Everyone who read and "liked" my piece in the Divine Caroline Quarterlife essay contest. Whether or not I win, I loved writing it and am honored to be a finalist. I simply cannot thank you enough for your support, now and always.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

TAG-ged

Ha! I love a punny blog post title!

Blair's Head Band tagged me in a recent questionnaire she posted. Being that 11 is my favorite number and BHB is one of my favorite gals, I simply couldn't pass up this one!

1. If you were forced to spend the rest of your life in a library, a museum, or a zoo, which would you choose and why? 

A library! I don't like the idea of being trapped in a place with large animals and truthfully, I'd rather read a book than look at art.

2. What is the best piece of advice you've received from a parent/your parents?

Quality over quantity.

3. If you could get a guest role on any TV show (NOT reality show), what would it be?

I'd go back a few years and let Ari Gold sexually harass me. And probably date E.

4. What are the three things you would grab from your home during an emergency (fire, tornado, other tragic event)?

My Louis Vuitton Speedy and my grandmother's Art Deco diamond ring. And my love bracelet is already on my arm, so that'd speed up the process a bit.

5. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Cinnamon.

6. Would you rather get a facial or a massage at a spa?

If you pay for one, I'll pay for the other.

7. What is the #1 item on your holiday wish list this year?

I told my parents that I don't want Hanukkah presents from them this year, but in case anyone else is reading...

Ippolita Clear Quartz Teardrop Pendant

(And the same things I asked for last year - gift cards to lululemon, SoulCycle, and Victoria's Secret.)

8. Imagine you have your own fashion line - which supermodel would you pick to represent your brand?

I'd rather have Perri do it. She ain't tall but she sure is cute!

9. If you could afford and purchase one famous piece of art, what would it be?

In make believe land? Without a question it would be Starry Night by van Gogh. But if we're being a little more realistic, I'm dying for Britto's FREEDOM giclee on canvas.

10. If you could choose any name for yourself other than yours, what would it be?

Something really waspy and southern, though some would argue that "teddi" could fit the bill in both of those categories. I do love that "eee" sound on the end, so I'd probably do something like Emery or Avery.

11. If you could be on the cover of any magazine, which publication would it be and why?

Cosmo, because I love their interviews and then I would officially be sexy.

True love in Magic City

Traveling to Miami is so emotional for me. Especially for a wedding. I was around so many people from my childhood this weekend, and I have to admit that it's a constant reminder that this world is no longer mine. It's really hard for me. Case in point:

This photo was taken from my hotel room window. That building dead center, with the red? That was my first home. Ever. Where baby Teddi lived. So literally, all weekend, my history was staring me in the face. I love that city. It is everything to me. But it's not my home anymore, and it hurts my heart. Yet I love being there and hope to get married there myself someday. Mix of emotions. Hot mess.

On our way to the rehearsal dinner. My dad made the most beautiful speech. He even made a tribute to C's grandparents in Spanish (even though they speak English). The unofficial language of Miami. I thought it was such a clever, special touch. He's the best.

One of my best gals happened to be in town from Chicago and we got to spend a little time together after the rehearsal dinner. It was such a treat to see you, MMM! 

I had to touch up my pedicure after my shoes were on, so here I am sealing the deal with a hairdryer. Naturally.

A good shot of my shoes (they were decently comfortable) and the back of my hair (I was iffy at first but ended up loving it).

My dress is Jenny Yoo and the sash was custom made in Israel. Beautiful - I could definitely wear again to a black tie event.

We didn't take many pictures, but here's a cute one of the four of us.

The room had a great setup - like a lounge. Lots of couches and pillows.

With my godmother. She is one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. And check out that sumo grip on my Patron.

It was a really fun night but these are literally the only photos I took. You may realize the absence of one very important person: the BRIDE! She was absolutely exquisite. Took my breath away. Totally regret not having my camera on hand more often, but I'll have to share some of the professional photos once I get my hands on them.

Congrats C+P! I was so honored to be a part of it and know you will have the most beautiful life together. All my love.

Caught up in the middle, I cry just a little

I listened to Flo Rida's "I Cry" no less than 20 times yesterday. Around the 15th loop, I actually started to pay attention to the lyrics and was surprised to realize that a silly hip hop song was actually very relevant to my life right now.

Tomorrow night, my best friend from childhood is getting married. I've known her since I was five. She was my first buddy in kindergarten. Our moms and dads met at Parents' Night and our families have been close ever since. And I know I've been talking about it for a year and a half, but for some reason it's only just now hitting me. I'm crying just a little.

I don't even know if she knows this, and I don't think I've ever admitted it here, but the night she got engaged was also the night of the worst break up of my life. She called me to tell me the good news as I was running out the door to head to my boyfriend's apartment. As soon as I got in the cab, I began to cry. It seemed like all of my friends were settling down with men who were making these great declarations of love, and I was with someone who didn't even know if he ever wanted to get married. Everything suddenly snapped into focus. I got to his apartment and told him that I loved him and that I deserved to be with someone who wanted to spend the rest of their life with me. He stared at me in disbelief. He had nothing to say in return. And so I very calmly said, "Okay," and began to gather all of my things and pack my bags. I kept a lot of stuff there so this was no easy feat. He kept telling me to stop, that he needed time to think, but I couldn't. I packed four big bags and let him hug me and kiss me as I stood in the doorway frozen. I have never been so numb in my life.

I headed to the street, the weight of the world and lots of clothing on my shoulders. I looked like a hobo in a Burberry coat. I got in a cab, emailed my dad to let him know that we'd broken up, and went home.

I didn't realize it until recently, but it affected me so much more profoundly than I was ever willing to admit. It made me terrified of commitment. I thought if he didn't want to spend the rest of his life with me, no one would. I literally began to believe that every man was out to get me, and several proved me right!

I've learned a lot since then. I've always known that I want to get married and have kids. When we broke up, I told him it was because I knew he would never marry me. That was true then and it's still true now, but in the bigger picture I was afraid he would never love me the way I wanted to be loved. Love and marriage are not always exclusive. I didn't know that back then, but I get it now.

This weekend, however, I get to celebrate both. And I couldn't be happier for my dear friend who is marrying the love of her life. Her fiancé has been in love with her since the sixth grade. They made a pact when they were younger that if they were both single at 25, they'd date, get engaged at 26, and get married at 27. It all happened. How about that.

As for my ex. He's still one of the best guys I've ever known and I still love him. I always will. I always did. He knows that.

I see the sun coming down; I know it's all better now...

Quarterlife Essay Contest

Last month, I wrote an article called 25 Is Not the Loneliest Number as part of the Quarterlife Crisis Party going on over at Divine Caroline. Yesterday, I found out I'm one of five finalists in the Quarterlife Essay Contest!

If you want to vote for me, all you have to do is to go to my essay and click "LIKE" on the top of the page. This is one of my favorite pieces that I've ever written. I'm so excited and honored to be a finalist and really hoping to win!

Thank you in advance for any support! I wouldn't be me without JGIWC and I'm so glad to be able to share this with all of you.

Confessions on a Wednesday

(This post inspired by one of my very best friends, Almost Fa(nony)mous!)

I'm seriously failing at watching Sophia Bush's new show, Partners. I really want to support her latest venture and I'm just dropping the ball here. I missed the first episode, DVR'd the second and missed the third. The funny thing is, I take it easy on Monday nights. I eat dinner at home and sometimes I go to yoga. I figured it'd be the perfect night for me to get into a new show. I feel like such a bad fan.

After family dinner on Sunday night, my dad handed me the Halloween candy bowl he has for trick or treaters. (We get a head start on holidays in my family.) I took four treats and left two in my purse as "emergency candy" for when my blood sugar is low. All four pieces of candy were consumed in less than 24 hours following.

I've been a complete slacker about going to the eye doctor and now I'm paying the price with a throbbing headache. I'm guessing I need a new prescription. Time to make an appointment!

I paid my J. Crew credit card off completely last week. The balance stayed at $0.00 for less than 48 hours.

I'm not going to SoulCycle this week. There just isn't time. It was really strange not to countdown the seconds until noon on Monday to book my bikes. Some weeks you just can't make it work. Lately I haven't been going nearly as much as I should and I can see and feel the difference in my body. I've been trying to save money, but I need to figure out a way to make it there at least twice a week, every week. It's worth every penny.

What will you confess today?

Falling and catching

Kenneth Cole had a seasonal slogan ten years ago that I still remember seeing in the store window at the mall. "Fall: it's catching".

Fall was comforting my first year here. I had only been in my apartment a few months and was seriously struggling in every aspect of my life. The cool weather was a welcome change. Fall has always symbolized new beginnings to me and despite having graduated and getting a job and moving to New York, I still felt as though I was searching for mine. I remember being snuggled up in my studio, a cinnamon scented candle burning on my coffee table and writing down, "it is a crime not to be sharing all of this with someone."

Fast forward five years. It's October in New York again. I'm enjoying my twice weekly pumpkin spice latte. I ordered a new Autumn Wreath Yankee Candle and got a new J. Crew cashmere cardigan. I'll be wearing it sooner than I thought - very cool temps predicted for this week! 

New beginnings are all around me. Some have already happened, some are on the brink, and some I am reaching for, arms outstretched, but confident they will catch up with me when the time is right. Everything is crisp. The air, the leaves, the apples and my attitude. I just know big things are about to happen.

I am reminded of that fall now - how alone and scared I felt. It seems so very long ago. Now, I'm looking to the future. As I type, a pumpkin cupcake scented candle given to me by a very special someone is burning on my coffee table. And snuggled up in my studio, I think about how happy I am to have so many amazing people all around me to celebrate the season with. Bring it on. What a difference five years makes.

Sneaking a bite from A Piece Of Toast

Sometimes while reading blogs, I'll come across a really great questionnaire and think to myself, "If I were important enough to be asked these questions, how would I answer?" You might remember the one I borrowed from Matchbook Magazine recently. Today's is taken from one of my favorite style sites, A Piece Of Toast.

.Describe your personal style in five words or less:  Jewish girl in Wasp’s clothing. Kidding! Classic, preppy and feminine.

.Who/What inspires your personal style, influencing what you're drawn to and what you end up wearing? Everything. Store windows, magazines, catalogs, blogs, strangers on the street. I draw inspiration from wherever I can.

.What is an item you cannot live without or what are some of your wardrobe essentials?  LV Speedy, Chanel 2.55, J. Crew Pixie pants, ballet flats, DVF wrap dresses, all of my lululemon. I would not be me without my Cartier Love bracelet.

.What is your most recent purchase?  My Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Tote in Fir Green.

.Where have you found some of your most treasured style items? My mother’s closet.

.What is your go-to jewelry routine?  Statement does not always mean big. Every single piece of jewelry I wear has significance. Most days I stick to one necklace and watch, but I try to mix it up by wearing big earrings at night or stacking on bangles.

.What are some of your make-up must haves?  Cle de Peau Beaute concealer, YSL liquid eyeliner, L’Oreal True Match Blush in Bare Honey, Shu Uemera eyelash curler.

.If you could meet any designer who would it be and why?  The thought in of itself is very intimidating! But probably Tory Burch.

.What's the best style advice you've ever given or received?  Be comfortable, but not too comfortable.

If you have a blog, you should do this one too! Or leave your answers in the comments - I'd love to read 'em.

October goals

I decided to make my goals a little bit different this month.

They're still achievable, they're still fun, and they're still necessary. But they're also much more abstract than they have been in the past in an effort to help keep my expectations realistic. 

What do you want to do in October?

Clean, green, and getting lean

Rabbit rabbit! Happy October!

How was everyone's weekend?

Mine was long and tiring but also too short and very productive.

I took my first Refine Method class - a circuit style technique called Metabolic Resistance Training - with AEG and Good Lord. I am still sore, but what an incredible workout!

I also saw The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I read the book five years ago and remember loving it but not much else. The film was a bit dark and hard to watch (for me) at times but also extremely well done and casted.

Cleaned my apartment. Sorted out my clothes and took a big bag to Beacon's Closet. Reorganized my jewelry and restyled my Ghost Chair. Check it out on my Instagram - I'm @jgiwc.

Last week I confessed my love for cabernet (the color - not the drink). My other favorite hue of the season is fir green. I picked up this OPI polish in Here Today... Aragon Tomorrow and the Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Tote. The polish color isn't exactly what I thought it'd be but I painted it on my nails right after I bought it and I really like the way it looks. I'm also loving these Joe Fresh colored jeans in the same shade. Very comfortable and flattering - and who could beat the price tag of $29?

Also ate a whole lot of really good fall comfort food. Tis the season! So I guess I'll be heading back to Refine pretty soon.

And you?