Hi, It's My Birthday

...and I'm going to have a lot of tater tots and laughs today.

via Matthew Porter Photography

Cecilia Prado

Tassels and sunny skies.  Come to mama.

P.S. Someone has a birthday tomorrow and that someone is me! Get excited.

The Barneys Stone

On Saturday, my roommate and I spent the day pampering ourselves with pretty manicures from here.  Just as it started to look like a relaxing afternoon, we popped over to my very first Barneys Warehouse Sale, and good thing I learned a thing or two beforehand.  In short, it got a little crazy.  Let me just tell you, you will never see large crowds of adult women act more primitive than at these hectic blowout sales (there might have been name calling and toe stepping).  Luckily, I made it out alive...and with two great clutch pieces for my wardrobe no less!

My goal was to find things that could work from season to season, especially temperature changes.  I think I did alright!  1) I pounced on this neo-basic blouse (mine is solid white) by Organic by John Patrick.  Perfect for trips to here and here no matter the time of year.  2) My pride and joy: this pair of loose, skinny Citizens of Humanity jeans for cool and casual days at the office with flats or flops.

I can't promise that it was my last trip...there is, afterall, 6 days left in NYC.  My only advice: go with a goal, leave your jacket at home, only walk out with flattering pieces.  Has anyone made the venture in NY or LA?  I'd love to hear what goodies you found.  Happy Monday!

Anth-ROPE-ologie

After the Jill Stuart show yesterday, I made a little stop into Anthropologie.  As always, I fell in love with everything I saw, but particularly was their selection of rope-inspired items.  A swirl of inspiration began going through my head--navel gear, western lassos, and even tightrope!  It's neutral, it adds texture...could I possibly start off spring any other way?

From top left:
curls and coils necklace, $42.00
dockline belt, $34.00
shown the ropes bracelet, $118.00
coiled rope knob, $10.00

photo via life archives

Gaga Dollars

These dollars by Craig Gleason are sheer genius, even though it's really spooky that you can't tell it's GW underneath the Gaga heads.

via Jailbreak

You Melt My Heart...With Cheese and Love

I love grilled cheeses almost as much as I love my valentine.  I couldn't believe that this card ACTUALLY exists!  Is anyone as excited as me?

La Familia Green Valentine, Bird, $6.75

I Can't Move My Arms!

As someone who grew up in the suburbs of New Jersey, I can appreciate a good snow storm.  Now that I've moved to the city, the excitement is still there, but there's something missing.  Oh, what's that you ask?  A snow day.  NYC schools have 'em, but grown ups?  Not so fast!  Yep, I'm bitter because I will be the girl walking down the streets bundled up like Randy.  For those who are still sleeping, I'm so jealous!  Everyone else, make REALLY big snow angels on the way to work.

P.S.

...my AirPort card is acting up which means no laptop internet access! To my dearest readers, hang in there with me. I'll be blogging via Blackberry in the meantime.

Please note:
1. Crossword puzzles. Bottom line, I need to get good at them. I've realized that they're so lonely, sitting empty in the back of my NYMags.
2. Snow. Pretty excited about the predicted 12" for NYC. Not so excited about not getting a snow day for it. Oh DCers, how are you holding up?
3. Big Love. Are you watching? Just started this season (with thorough wrap-up of seasons 1-3 from my roommate, of course)...I'm beyond hooked. Beyond.

Hopefully, I'll be up soon and back to normal looking Being Red posts. If there are any computer whizzes out there, email me.

Pauper To Princess

I found an article on WSJ about living in NYC with a salary less than $30K.  In a nutshell, Neil Templin's daughter Mariana did the following to survive for a year and end up with $5,000 in savings and $1,000 in her 401(k):

1. Chose the tiny bedroom in a Park Slope apartment for $750 a month
2. Joined a food co-op and always took home chicken bones from a night out with pals
3. Dumpster-dove for bread from a local market
4. Visited museums with "suggested" donations...for no donation
5. Smuggled bottles of wine into bars instead of buying drinks

That's all well and good, but as a 23-year old in Manhattan, I find some of those things are just unnecessary...and embarrassing.  I apologize, Neil.  I like where your daughter's head is at, but I think there are ways to spend less without sacrificing creature comforts or having to perfect the forward dive. Heck, there's even room to splurge if you do it right.

1. A place to call home: Finding a decent, cheap place to live is probably the biggest problem in the city, but I agree with the way Mariana handled it.  Splitting a place with lots of friends definitely brings down rent and utilities.  But, before you start your search, ask around!  Friends may know no-fee brokers or a deal on a great unlisted place...that's what you should aim for.

2. Food swing: Consider buying a CSA share for about $300.  For 22 weeks starting in June, you'd receive tons of different veggies per week.  Not only would you end up saving on produce, but you also force yourself to eat healthier.  To knock down the price even more, split a share with some friends.  The boxes are typically for a family of 4.

3. Workout plan: Nix the gym.  Join a running club if you need group motivation.  If not, find a cozy route and hit the pavement.  Cable subscribers?  One word: FitTV.

4. Deal maker: Don't change what you normally do, unless it's for the better.  There are plenty of ways to enjoy the things you love!  Just gotta wait for the right deal to come along... 2-for-1 off-Broadway tickets!  NYC Ballet for $20.  Spa Week in just a couple of months!

5. Caught up on the web: Sites like Groupon, Lifebooker, and Yelp sometimes have crazy deals for subscribers/members.  It doesn't hurt to do some research on the web before you conquer NYC.

Anyone else have some advice or tips for dumpster-divers? Let me hear 'em! Happy Hump Day. xo

photo via flickr

Totally Rad

Photography by Gregoire Alexandre

It's What's On The Inside That Counts

"Organic farming can often produce extremely delicious and nutritious vegetables that don't exactly look like supermodels." Geez, no kidding.  Dear HuffPo, thanks for making my week.

Feeling Blue

Gorgeous hues of blue are following me, mainly in the forms of magazine covers and fashion spreads.  The March 2010 issue of Elle Decor hits shelves on February 9, but can you contain yourself until then?  Stripes, gold, and a pinch of pink!  I can't wait.

via the NEO-traditionalist; interior design by Nate Berkus and Anne Coyle