Once There was a Girl on Rocky Top

I’m receiving a lot of excitement that I’ve finally posted new blogs following two months of inactivity—but, my sister is wondering why I didn’t blog about her recent wedding (hence the reason I haven’t had much time to blog). Normally, I don’t like to blog about places I travel simply because this blog is about living in the City. I also try to shy away from mentioning full names to respect people’s privacy, but since she asked for it…..

September 15^th one of the busiest years of my life ended (and that’s only coming from the perspective of a bridesmaid). My middle sister, Megan, got married in our hometown in North Carolina. During her 10-month engagement, we celebrated in true Southern fashion. From engagement parties to dress shopping to wedding showers to a cross-country bachelorette party, this past year has been an amazing one for my entire family.  

I began writing this post and found myself practically writing a novel. So much happened during the wedding weekend that I’ve decided instead to write my Top 10 highlights from the Skidmore/Simmons wedding weekend:

1)      Hair Salon: Getting ready at the hair salon with Megan and her bridesmaids was the perfect time for us. My sweet grandfather brought us applesauce donuts from Barber’s Orchard and mimosas, and we all spent hours laughing together while we got pampered.

2)      Drinking buckets of beer on the golf course: Following our trip to the hair salon, we spent more than an hour taking photos. We didn’t want to lose our buzz, so we ordered buckets of beer at the Club and continued the party on the green!

3)      The wedding photographer: Our old friend, Dani Rose, was the photographer for the weekend. For someone who’s so intimately a part of the wedding, it was important to our family for it to be someone we knew and felt comfortable around. Dani was such a blast…and she drinks on the job ;)

4)      Watching Sam do the worm: I began babysitting Sam when he was 3-years-old, and yet, he’s the same awesome kid just in a bigger body! He entertained the crowd at the reception busting out the worm on the dance floor. So funny!

5)      Avery walking down the aisle: My niece is exactly like her godmother (Me), and she has the sassiest personality of any little girl I know. In true sassy flowergirl fashion, she strutted up the aisle with her tongue hanging out, batting her eyes at everyone sitting down.

6)      Matt’s speech: My sister’s husband, Matt, finished off the rehearsal dinner speeches with a tribute to Orange Country. Touching on NC State’s embarrassing loss to University of Tennessee the previous week, Matt discussed how he listened to Rocky Top play over and over again. One line stuck out to him: “Once there was a girl on Rocky Top, half bear the other half cat. Wild as a mink, sweet as soda pop, I still dream about that.” He then explained how this line said it all—he does dream about that, and he was happy to say he found her and was going to marry her the next day.

7)      You got Iced: In the middle of the reception, two our friends—twins, nonetheless—got onstage to explain they had gifts for Megan and Matt that couldn’t wait to be opened. With the couple in the center of the dance floor and surrounded by guests, they opened the bags to find a Smirnoff Ice waiting in each bag. They got down on their knees and chugged those gifts (Matt had to help Megan)…as the young folks had to explain the joke to our elders.

8)      My dad’s speech: To kick off the reception, my dad welcomed the guests and touched on a few of his favorite stories. In particular, he noted that he was proud to say he not only had three daughters, but now also had two sons. Unfortunately, he turned the tender moment into a punch line by stating that I was the last to get married, and rumor had it that I was joining the convent.

9)      Gas station trip: The wedding party rode in a trolley to and from the wedding, and on our way to the reception, we decided we needed more beer. We made a quick pit stop at the gas station for Megan and Matt to run in and grab a case. It really turned out to be a picture perfect moment—bride and groom with a case of Bud!

10)  Rain storm: Following dinner at the reception, a huge rain storm came out of nowhere. Although the reception was outdoors, the event was protected by a massive tent. When the storm blew in, I was worried everyone was going to leave, but it had the opposite effect. Instead, everyone put on glow stick necklaces and danced for hours!

As much fun as I’ve had helping to prepare for this wedding, I’m now looking forward to a less exciting year moving forward.

If you’re interested in looking at all the wedding photos, you can click this link. 

Boring Island

I’ve often said that I live part of my life in costume. Some of my best memories are dressed in costume, and I find myself always making solid plans to attend any event that requires a little dress up. With that being said…Halloween (aside from St. Patrick’s Day) is my favorite holiday.

Every morning I wake up to dozens of daily deals. Anything from Groupon to Living Social to Bloomspot to Life booker to Google Deals—literally, I think I’m signed up to at least a dozen clothing deal sites in addition to these. A couple weeks ago an alert came through that immediately caught my eye: Coney Island Horror Nights. A trip to the home of the Coney Dog has been on my bucket list, so there was no way I was going to pass up this opportunity to not only go ride rides on the boardwalk, but go on a Halloween-themed night.

Following our weekly kickball game last Sunday, my friend, K, and I headed East on the D train and exited on the last stop at Coney Island. Of course I envisioned a Jersey Shore scene-- guidos, t-shirt shops, funnel cakes, hot dog stands and a working ferris wheel—and how disappointed was I to find an eerily quiet town where the two bars in the town close at 7:30. In fact, I was waiting for the mafia to pull up beside us on the sidewalk and kidnap us to never be seen again!

Despite our fears, we ventured into the theme park, where the only relation to a boardwalk was the location of its entrance. The park was isolated from the rest of the boardwalk, as well as a sister park with what appeared to host the only good rides. Nonetheless, we decided to make the most of our journey, so we hopped on the first ride we came to (called “The Tickler.” Yea—terrible name) and from there we rode nearly all of the 10 rides that were actually operating (the ferris wheel was not).

We also walked through two haunted mazes, which actually were pretty scary. We were grabbed by different masked characters and chased with chainsaws. For some reason, I constantly kept having scenes from Criminal Minds play in my mind, and I was sure if I was going to die early, this was going to be how—in a haunted maze with a masked killer, armed with electric tools.

After our fill of rides, I was looking forward to a Coney Dog and funnel cake, but they didn’t even have any stands that offered this! I was SO disappointed! While our evening adventure was fun, I would not recommend anyone spending the time or money to venture there. I think the glory days of the Island ended after its mention in “Five People you Meet in Heaven,” considering most people would rather end up in heaven then to have to endure the bore of the theme park.

In the interim, I’ll look forward to sharing a post following the upcoming Halloween parties I’m set to attend on Saturday. My costume is sewn and ready-to-wear. Stay tuned to see what it is!

Ballin' with Bill

Can you believe it has been months since my last post? I’ve recently been feeling like I’ve crossed over and actually become the jaded New Yorker I’ve tried so hard not to become. But last week knocked me back to reality with an event so exciting that it makes even the most obnoxious star-chasers jealous.

Toward the end of summer, I organized a kickball team with my City friends. Our team, Brews Your Daddy, plays through a non-profit organization called ZogSports. The company offers many sporting leagues in which you can create your own team, or act as an individual and join another team looking for team members. It had been such a blast for all of us…a good excuse to be outside playing an elementary school favorite AND an excuse to drink on a Sunday afternoon.

Last week our standard weekly game took an interesting turn when a Ghostbuster joined us. Yup, that’s right, folks—Bill Murray! The event happened so quickly it wasn’t until afterward that I actually learned how everything came about. Apparently, our referee met him on the tram on the way to the game. That particular Sunday we played on Roosevelt Island, which you can get to on a really cool tram that runs above the East River-- similar to a ski lift. Our referee invited Bill (yes, we’re on a first name basis now) to stop by our game to play, and what would you know, but he did!

He kicked the ball once for us, making it to first base. My teammate, M, then kicked the next ball, which was caught by the other team, and in turn, causing Bill to get tagged. As he was leaving, we decided it was probably in our best interest to get a team photo with him.

What a smart decision that turned out to be because in less than 24 hours, that picture went viral! You can see more about the story on Gawker, College Humor, Bro Bible, Huffington Post, Washington Post, Eonline, Entertainment Weekly, New York Magazine and my ultimate favorite…PerezFit!

Of course my teammates and I (whom the Gawker audience commented “look like hipsters who just left work”) took every opportunity to flaunt our 15 minutes of fame all over our social networks and attempt to invite other celebrities to join for the next game. Needless to say, Snooki did not show up at our last game as I hoped, but there’s always next season!

As a side note—I’m taking requests for public appearances and autographs, so just leave a comment on the post if you’re interested. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled because in 2013 yours truly will be appearing in a comedy documentary with my teammate, L, to talk about our time with Bill and, in his very own words, “…say a prayer, and drink to world peace.”

Happy Birthday 'Merica!

I'm a bit partial to boating and beaching on July 4th, so I vowed to make this year's birthday celebration a success. In my last post, I mentioned how the City comes out of hiding for day events, and this holiday was no exception (especially since it was a free vacation day in the middle of the week).

As you know, I live in a building with a spectacular view of the Hudson River from our rooftop terrace.  The NYC fireworks shows really take place around the Island's circumference, so no matter where you are, you can easily see a light show. This year, we invited a great group of our friends over to watch the fireworks.

Most of my friends tease me for the amount of dinner parties I like to throw (but never once have any of them who've attended complained). In good Southern fashion, this event was no different-- by gawd we were gonna have a dinner party too.

When we went up to the rooftop to stake out a spot (three hours in advance) all seating had already been taken. I refused to let this deter our celebration, so if there wasn't furniture for us to sit on, we were just going to move our own up. Literally: four chairs, coffee table bench (equals three seats) and our kitchen table. Quite frankly, once of the best decisions we've made in awhile.

We had a great time! The food was great: pigs in a blanket, caprese salad, potato salad, dips, flat bread pizzas and an American flag cake-- needless to say, all our neighbors' guests wish it were us that invited them to watch the fireworks.

The show did not disappoint. I always feel like a kid when I watch fireworks, and can't get the stupid grin off my face. I did notice, though, that dozens of boats staked out a spot on the Hudson River, right below the firework show. Hmmm, maybe I'll just step it up a notch next year and rent a boat?

To be continued....

I Wear my Rainbow Glasses

I recently attended my first parade in NYC—and what better parade to attend than the most colorful of all: 2012 Gay Pride Parade.

I cannot begin to tell you how much fun this event was, and much more moving than I had initially expected. Warm weather brings New Yorkers out of the wood works (concrete works?), but a parade brings them in swarms.

Case-in-point was the fact that it took my friends and I ten blocks to find a space in which we could actually see over the crowd. Specifically, I shamelessly broke the law and crawled up scaffolding in my mini dress just so that I could see everything happening.

Of course the overall parade is a sight to see. From the performers to the supporters, the entire event really represents how far the LGBT community has come over the decades. More importantly, it represents how far society, as a whole, has come.

I was amazed to see some of the various organizations that walked in the parade to support the gay community. The NYPD and FDNY joined in the festivities, synagogues and local businesses. Bystanders held signs that read in support of family and friends.

 

Best of all was the LGBT community. No one cared who or what you were, but the community just wanted to celebrate pride with everyone and have fun. I was doused in glitter from performers and danced on sidewalks with strangers.

If you’re ever in the City for the parade, it is a must-attend event. It restores the faith that sometimes the mass can come together in support of others, and learn to look beyond our differences, and simply have PRIDE in who we are.

MAYhem in the City

Summer must be here because the month of May has been nothing short of wild and crazy. For the past four weeks, I have hosted company (only to be followed by out-of-town trips during the next couple weekends). I'm happy to say that May has brought me the renewed friendship of an old acquaintance, confirmation of another's soon-to-be residency, a shared love for NYC by my family, and now, at least one visit by each of my girlfriends.

I'll start with my parents' arrival just a couple weeks ago-- their first time visiting me here, and my mom's first time in the City since childhood. Anxiety kicked in before they got here, because while I know they are happy for me (/happy I'm no longer on their dime), I was worried they'd be concerned after being thrown into the chaotic mix of the City.

Surprisingly, their visit confirmed none of my fears. In fact, I could almost see them purchasing a weekend home here! I'm fairly certain that we conquered basically every tourist attraction here. We started off the week with my parents' first experience riding in a car-- driven by me-- in NYC! My dad's exact words were, "Well, one thing that definitely hasn't changed are your driving skills" (I'm sure you KNOW he was talking about what an alert and amazing driver I am)! I then treated my parents to see Spiderman on Broadway (also doubling as my mom's Mother's Day gift). It was really a great show-- considering I'm not a Broadway fan-- and the theatrics were really what made it. I loved that the stage crew was able to create a set that was in line with the comic itself.












We spent one entire day in Central Park, riding bikes, "hiking" and picnicing. My parents say it was their favorite thing about the City, and as you know, I completely agree. That same night, we went to my favorite Indian restaurant in the Lower East Side. I don't know the name, but it's at the corner of 7th Street and 2nd Avenue. You can't miss it because it's the only restaurant on the block with horribly fashioned blinking lights encompassing the front window and inside ceiling. Besides the point-- go there because it's an awesome experience!













Another day we went to Chinatown to get a bag for my aunt. Now, I've had some scary experiences in that neighborhood, but nothing like what happened to us. After tracking down a "legit knockoff" seller on the street, we were led down back alleys and side streets to a hidden door (mind you the entire walk our guide is signaling various people on rooftops). Once we get to the door, we are signaled into a smaller room where the door is automatically locked behind us. Of course, my dad is in panic mode, wondering WTH we got him into, and my mom is on cloud nine that we hit the jackpot! After selecting our bags, we were (luckily) let out of the room...without being tortured, burned and slashed into a million pieces.

The rest of our trip was a bit less dangerous. We toured Little Italy, Wall Street, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, the High Line, ate on Stone Street and Shake Shack, as well as a lot of shopping. When my parents went back to the airport, the cab took them the Brooklyn Bridge way...so yeah, I'd say they hit every major hot spot.

Last weekend, three of my very best friends were here visiting (the second time for two of them and first for the other). Now, our trip was not PG-rated, so I'm going to keep this paragraph short and sweet. We treated the weekend in true holiday weekend fashion, and we'll just say the four days are memorable for not being able to remember. The highlight of the trip was definitely our Sunday booze brunch at Il Bastardo (ummm, hello, how could it not be amazing with that name)?! The spot is known for its 2:00 PM dance party-- yes, this is real life. We had brunch and $20 bottomless mimosas underneath strobe lights with a DJ in the background. I must say, our dance moves still translate in the daylight hours.

I loved this trip especially because my out-of-town friends got to meet all my girlfriends in the city...and what would you know, but everyone loved each other! I'm pretty sure I'm one of the luckiest people in regards that my undergrad, graduate and NYC friends all get along. Hot dog! It was really the perfect weekend, and I'm happy to say that at 25, we still have it in us. Until next time ladies-- gypsies and Ethiopian royalty ('nuff said).

While my month has been a first for many reasons, and jam-packed, I'm ecstatic it's now June. But in the words of Al Berstein, June may be just as filled with excellence.

"Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June."

Hello Brooklyn...How you doin'? Where ya goin'?

This past week I had the pleasure of spending an entire Saturday in Brooklyn mingling amongst the B&Ts.

Bonus points if you can figure out what that acronym stands for and if you can name the song where this blog post's title came from.

I don't normally venture across the bridges, as I've slowly become a Manhattan snob, but I promised a friend I'd finally come to her neighborhood...and I must admit that Brooklyn may be one of my favorite weekend adventure this summer. I've been hearing a lot of a great things about the Brooklyn Flea, so my travels this week were directed at finding out what it was all about.

Most of you know that I have an obsession with antiques. Furniture, jewelry, clothes, knick knacks...the older, the better because you know they each have a story that you'll never know, but will always wonder about. In addition to the antiques, there were tons of vintage clothes, handmade items (jewelry, t-shirts, soaps, foods). There's even a lot of local food vendors that serve lunch (like the Brooklyn Dog I ate on a potato bun with cooked onions), coffee and ice cream-- or coffee ice cream pops (which seemed to be a big hit).

The Brooklyn Flea operates in different neighborhoods across Brooklyn, and each has different vendors. I really loved the Flea, and could've spent hours there. It's a great way to see the products of local artists and to get a feel for the culture in that area (and yes, the saying that Brooklyn is 'hipster' is not a stereotype).

After we spent some time in the Flea, we took a stroll through Prospect Park (a.k.a. Brooklyn's Central Park). If you've been following my blog, then you know Central Park is my favorite place to go in the City. There's a strong possibility that Prospect Park may have trumped Central Park for me.

While Prospect Park doesn't have the awesome statues, lakes or movie set scenes that CP does, it has something better: unity. If you've been to CP, you know that all the grassy areas are separated from one another. You can literally walk through the park and discover 100 different grassy areas to hang out in. What's different about Prospect Park is that it's literally one giant field surrounded by trees. You can walk forever, but instead, you're looking at the same grassy area the whole time.

I love the fact that so many people can share the same space, but there were few enough people to where no one was on top of each other. Everyone still had their own space, but at they same time, everyone was still together. A very plausible oxymoron.

Overall, my trip to the home of Jay-Z (and not the 'real' home...that would be too scary) was like escaping to a land straight out of Dazed and Confused. If you ever have an extended stay in the City, I'd certainly recommend a day adventure to the BK. And if you're a local, send me your suggestions for other places I should go on my next adventure.

City of Grits

As usual, I am finding myself belated on keeping you updated...I'm sure you have all been holding your breath. Quite frankly, I've been finding myself at a crossroad recently, unsure if my move to the City was all that I hoped for.

Don't get me wrong-- as far as my career is concerned, I'm fulfilled, and every day I'm finding that I'm becoming more knowledgable and more creative. Personally, I'm finding myself struggling to find social bonds that I've so easily found in any former place that I've called home.


My Spring vacation came at no better a time...and more perfect-- I found my way back home. That would be the original city of grits, Charleston. For 10 days, I explored my roots with some of my very best friends, and how sweet it was.

I haven't been to Charleston since I left last June, and quite frankly, I was terrified to go back. I was scared to return to NYC and miss it even more. When I got in on Friday night, it almost felt like I was returning home from a long vacation. Everything looked and smelled the same.

My friends all came to greet me at the airport, and it was like nothing changed. We spent the next seven days soaking in as much sun as we could. We parked our beach chairs where I fell in love with the ocean for the first time. My heart still hurts thinking about the year of my life I spent living in a beach house on the water with four of my very best friends.

We dined at all my favorite spots (Mozzo, Taco Boy, Home Team, and most recently, Basil) and shopped at my favorite boutiques on King Street. I visited old colleagues and Graduate school professors, and was amazed by how little I appreciated working on a campus where offices can be found in post-Antebellum houses.

I spent the evenings with old friends, catching up on how life has changed over this past year, and one very special evening with my best friend, 3-year-old Felice and her family. Seeing how much her and her brother, Jax, have grown reminds me so much of all the milestones I'm missing with my own nieces and nephew. They are my "family" in Charleston, but we've remained close since I've moved, and she still remembers me (by first and last name).

Thursday we said goodbye to Charleston and made our way to Hilton Head Island for my first experience at the Heritage Golf Tournament. Golf is one of my favorite sports (to put on television while I'm napping), so you can imagine that I wasn't there to marvel at the "exciting" sport of hitting a golf ball and quietly applauding. Let's get real...it was time to party!

Heritage is interesting in that I'm quite certain no one goes there for the sport. With beer tents scattered between each of the 18 holes, and a slew of bars dotting the marina that the course sits beside, my experience at the tournament was rather blurry. We laughed for hours and teased the old men who thought they were studs chatting it up with 20-somethings (ladies, NEVER let your husbands go to Heritage without you)! In fact, we lost members on our boozing team every night, but we always found them the next day.

Needless to say, I'm just now (a week later) feeling like I'm starting to recover. I may be in my mid-20s, but I'm not cut out for this lifestyle of leisure anymore. I realized when I was home that I love everything about it, and I'm counting the years until I can once again call it home. But it's not Charleston, necessarily, that I really miss, but rather, it's what I had there. It's waking up in a creaking old house on stilts and knowing that my best friends would soon pile in my bed to recap the night. It's knowing that Saturday and Sunday we would cure our hangovers with BLT bagels at Mozzo. It's the fact that when I needed to be near family, it was one Felice-hug away. It's the smell of salt water when you step out the front door, and being able to describe to others that your front yard is the Atlantic Ocean.

My friends and I often say that we didn't realize just how good we had it. I thought I had a good sense, but I really didn't. I didn't realize that I was blessed to feel God's ray of light (meaning the sun) every single day, but that I got to experience that time with some of the most special people I've ever known.

Most of my memories in Charleston are across the country now...DC, Texas and New York. All of us together is what made Charleston special. While this post began on a sad note, the story is really that it ended on a good note. I realized that I am happy where I am in my life. I'm happy that I have had the courage to embark on a journey that forces me to evaluate what I truly want in life and who I truly want to be as a person. I can't find that in Charleston right now. I have to find it on my own.

I'll make it back one day, but not tomorrow. I'll make it back when I have the ability to make Charleston my home on my own.

And then I'll eat some grits.

City Essentials

When I lived in the South, the extent of what I needed was minimal: bathing suits, tanning oil, sunglasses and a beach chair. Moving to the City has been quite a different story, and over the past six months, I've learned that the necessities in life cannot be found in a beach store. If you or someone you know is moving to the City anytime soon, share this list with them:

City Essentials


1. Practical shoes, not sexy.  Okay, okay....you can have sexy shoes, but I assure you they are only worn on a night on the town (and if you're wearing them everyday, good luck with those bone spurs in a few years). While the City is enormous, it is hands down one of the most walkable cities I've ever visited-- and you will walk it. Always have a comfortable pair of shoes, and forget fashion, people appreciate sensibility. In addition to comfortable walking shoes, you must have a pair of rain/snow convertible boots. We all know that the City is dirty...do you really want to soak your shoes in filth? Ew.

2.  Grocery bag on wheels.  Yes, you will look like a dork, but I have never been so thankful for this. While many of us city-dwellers live only a handful of blocks from a grocery, it's easier to have a bag on wheels. You can buy more at once and transport it with less effort.

3.  iPod.  I've always been a radio kind of girl, and using an iPod was reserved for working out. Now, I have added my iPod to my list of things to have before I go anywhere. Let's get real. No one wants to listen to the sirens and car horns while they're taking a stroll through the park. Earbuds in, volume up, problem solved. If you're looking for a gift idea for someone who lives in the City...iTunes gift card. Enough said.

4.  Reading materials.  Ok, so while we know that the iPod is essential, so are reading materials. Without fail the 4, 5 and 6 trains will be delayed everyday on the way to work, and everyday on the way home from work. It's common knowledge that everyone on the subway looks down, looks at a wall or keeps their eyes closed. When I'm not feeling rude and staring at people, I read. Whatever your taste, newspaper, magazine or book....have it on you at all times! Others will appreciate the absence of wandering eyes.

5.  Smartphone.  If you don't have a smartphone already, check the year. It's the millenium, get with the program. A smartphone isn't necessary in the City because it's the normal thing to own, but because apps they offer make life a whole lot easier. For instance, the NY Giants Welcome Home Parade this week shut down the subway I needed to take to work. Because I had a smartphone, I was easily able to access HopStop to re-reoute my commute, making it to my 9:30AM conference call. Need to make last minute dinner reservations? No problem-- two clicks and it's done via OpenTable. It's been a long week-- what are the best happy hour specials nearby? Foursquare.  Whether you're lost, hungry or just need a drink, the smartphone doubles as a concierge.

6.  Seamless account.  My favorite thing about the City is easily the fact that everything is delivery. Literally. Everything. In the South, if you want delivery, you're calling in for pizza. In most cities, SeamlessWeb, a third-party company, allows you to order from almost any restaurant, they'll pick it up and deliver it to you. This has saved my life a number of Saturday mornings. Oh, and can't make it out of bed to get to the computer? No problem. Order from the app on your smartphone.

7.  Hand sanitizer.  Ok, I'll say it again. The City is dirty. More than 4.3 million people ride the NYC subway each day. Think about where those hands have been. Do you really want to hold onto the subway bars and then eat your bagel? I didn't think so.

8.  Parka.  As the weather got colder, coats became more atrocious. Anyone that knows me has always known I've been anti-parka, and seeing all the puff around me made me anxious. Several long-time residents told me I had to get a parka. I bit the bullet, and stuck to my belief that fashion doesn't matter when it comes to comfort, and thank heavens I did! While I feel like a furry whale each time I put it on, I don't feel the whip of the wind and it doubles as an incubator.

9.  Wind-resistant umbrella.  Rest assure that every time it rains, there will be someone selling umbrellas at the entrance of every subway stop. Do you really want to spend $15 on a crappy umbrella that's going to break the second the wind makes its way around the corner? Invest in a solid, wind-resistant umbrella. There's a reason Mary Poppins is one of the most successful Broadway shows in the City...she certainly didn't fly with an umbrella she bought on the street.

10.  Zipcar Membership.  I didn't realize how much I missed driving until I moved to the City. There's nothing quite as refreshing as knowing you can jump in a car and go. For those of you unfamiliar with the service, it's a short-term (one hour to all-day) car rental service. You pick up the car from a designated garage by scanning your Zipcar card and then returning it to the same garage when the time is up. This service is great when you're moving in and need to pick up large household goods in Brooklyn, or need to purchase shelving in New Jersey. It's especially perfect for the Newark flights. Scrap the $80 cab fair. Rent an $8 car for an hour and get home cheaply and quickly.

Surviving the City is the same as surviving in life: utilize the right tools you need to conquer. It's the simple things in life that mean the most, and I guarantee you will dominate NYC with these ten little things.

My Seven Years: NYE Edition

Here we are again in a new year, and a time when we typically reflect on our past year. This week I was granted the opportunity to reflect rather on the past seven years. These seven years (my college years) are easily the most special to me as far as my personal growth is concerned. When we go away to college, it's the first time in our life we are able to choose really what we want our life to be. We choose our friends because we aren't limited to the small pool of people from our hometowns, and we choose what path in life we wish to begin our journey.

For those of you who know me, you know that I've spent my entire life in the South. It's where my roots are, my best memories were made and my heart will always stay. But, as cliche as it may be, I've always believed things happen for a reason. We encounter people in our lives who shape us into who we will become and where we will go. This all came to light for me this week when my very best friends from undergraduate and graduate school stayed with me in the City for the New Year's Eve holiday.

My first weekend as an undergraduate I met E, and I instantly knew I wanted to be friends with her (mostly because I liked her outfit and wanted to borrow it). Over our four years in college, she became my closest confidant and side-kick. Together, we learned Manwich doesn't come with meat in the can, shared every Stern Sunday brunch, developed a taste for whiskey and no doubt were each other's dates to every date party. 

As we grew (slightly) in maturity, we met M and L-- and quite possibly the more wild pair of the bunch. One year younger than us, they still had the energy to get us up on Saturday morning to go the country club to eat on their parents' tab. My best memories involve ostrich-skin cowboy boots, hand towels and ravioli...maybe I'll explain those one day. Because of them, I will always have an appreciation for lip gloss and ballet flats, and especially a sense of spontaneity that they've never seemed to lose.

When I left the University of Tennessee I was certain I'd never find friends quite like the original beans. We were the ultimate team, and I'm confidant Cumberland Avenue was never the same after we left. But everything happens for a reason, and how wrong I initially was.

I met MA and MT my first week in Charleston. MT (which these are her initials, she's infamous for mass texts) at graduate orientation and MA at "the beach" (disclaimer: quotations note terms in a PG version) MT is the type of girl that's so nice when you meet her that you are positive it's fake. Two-and-a-half years later she's still as kind and golden-hearted as the first day I met her. Literally, I cried one time just because I made her cry (I still think God will make me wait longer at His gates because of that). I don't think I've ever had a friendship go from 0-60 quite like my friendship with MT.

MA on the other hand, I thought I wouldn't end up liking. We joke now that I used to think she was weird, when in fact, I'm certainly the weirdest of the two. She quickly became my roommate and we lived together during my two-year stint in Chucktown. Because of her, I have watched almost every movie to date, have never stopped looking for the throw pillows on the couch and have a serious addiction to raisinetts. Most importantly, I rank my wit at an all time high and ability to score a seat on a boat because of her.

Their visit was the first time that the past seven years of my life have been in one room. It was amazing to see the different personalities of everyone and to note how each of these personalities have shaped who I am. Although our conversations now center around careers, soon-to-be fiances and 401K plans, we can still laugh about what irresponsible lushes we used to be and the poor hearts we broke along the way

Over the past seven years, I went from being a small town girl with very small dreams to a small town girl with a wealth of truly special friends who have helped shape my big dreams. I'm very blessed to have had things turn out the way they did. I never planned to be here, and I never planned to stay friends with people I knew in my earlier days, but I am because they are me, and everything happens for a reason. While we all became friends at different points in our lives, when we were different people to an extent, we've stuck together because each of these moments were the highest points in my life. No matter if we are spread across five cities, we will always be friends, and they will always represent my journey to where I am today.

Cheers to you, DUFFs. LUB.

Christmas in the City

Everyone has told me that Christmas in the City is the best time of year. This month, I made it a point to experience as much of the holiday spirit as possible.

We kicked off the season in true festive fashion with a holiday tacky sweater party hosted at our apartment. Most everyone came dressed to impress, but I don't mind saying that I may have taken home the most creative prize. While the City offers a number of fabric stores, after searching high and low, I couldn't find any Christmas fabric. Instead, I purchased a plastic and velvet table cloth, complete with burgundy Santa Claus prints and made a tunic dress....best described by my fashion editor friend, "so holiday couture!"














This past Tuesday we did the most tourist thing possible: Radio City Christmas Spectacular! We luckily found discounted tickets, so a group of my closest City friends met for dinner and drinks prior to the show. Now, in its 49-year-stretch, this year the producers remade the show to include a 3D set incorporating a video game (hello millenium)! I wasn't crazy about the show and could've settled for just the Rockettes...they were amazing! I joked during the show that I should've never given up tap dancing, but unless I can grow another two inches to meet the 5'6"-5'10" height requirement, I don't think I'll ever make it to that stage.












Other than the Rockettes, the show included 14 scenes, such as Santa Flies to New York, The Nutcracker, The Parade of Wooden Soldiers and one of my favorites, The Living Nativity. This scene ended the show, and what a finale-- there were live camels, sheep and donkeys! Who knew Bethlehem was so urban?!












Post show we were able to stop by and see the Rockefellar tree. Thank goodness because a week earlier I battled the crowd with a friend to try and participate in the Lighting of the Tree Celebration, only to be practically stampeded by the thousands of onlookers and turned away before I could make it close enough to see the tree. Thanks for the early announcement of your performance at the event, Justin Bieber!

Additionally, I've strolled through a number of pop-up street markets, also known as holiday markets. They're located all over the City (Union Square, Bryant Park and Rockefellar Center), and they feature local vendors with Christmas trees and wreaths, home goods, gifts, jewelry and clothing. They're a great thing to check out after work or if you are going out for a coffee with a friend.

Overall, New York City did not fail me this holiday season. In most recent years I feel as though I've missed the season, lost in the chaos we sometimes call life, but this year, I remember the joy that Christmas brings. This truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

The "Civil"ized War

For those of you who aren't aware (and if you weren't, it means you haven't been following my blog), I moved, again, after three months in my studio apartment on the Upper East Side. I've been holding off on this post, as I was avoiding stepping on toes too soon...it's the holidays- I needed a returned security deposit!

You may be wondering why on earth I would be moving again, especially in the City, and it all boils down to customer service. As a PR professional, I can BS the best of anyone, but who I can't BS are those I work with and those I work for. Taking care of clients is (or should be, if it's not) any professional's top priority.

When I moved to New York, I could count on one hand the number of professionals I knew, therefore, I trusted. During my relocation, I experienced the harsh reality of being forced to trust people prior to knowing them. In the South, we have a little thing we call "southern hospitality." What this means is that strangers will bend over backwards to help you (and no, that's not just referencing the fact we'll stuff you full of fried chicken and biscuits). It's really a way of life- treat people well, and God will treat you well.

With this being said, I moved into an older brownstone, hoping the management would take care of me as much as I planned to care for my new home. Five days into my lease, I came home to find that all cooking gas had been turned off in my apartment. I was notified that a leak had been found in the piping in the street, and the gas would be reinstalled within one week. Ok, no worries (I thought), these things happen.

At the end of the week, I received another notification saying a new leak was found within the building, and the gas wouldn't be turned on until it was fixed. Over the next three weeks, I repeatedly called my management company to inquire the status. During one particular call, I explained to management that I had spent hundreds of dollars on eating out and expected restitution. It was received with a swift "It's not our fault. We aren't going to give you a rent cut. Get over it and stop calling" followed by a dial tone. Beep beep beep beep beep.

Well, I never! My appall at being spoken to with utter disrespect, lack of sympathy and no offer of apology turned from shock to anger to vengeance (yes, we Southern belles have a mean bone in us). I took to the phones, I took to the computer, and I took to my "attorney" (this was a 5-minute call through a reference, in which I was told I had the right to sue and to set up a $100 consultation...thanks for the advice)! I drafted a letter outlining the events that had occurred over the past month, and formally asked for a discount in the following month's rent. Management quickly responded that the leak was not their fault, and they would not give me a discount (little did they know I had already received a copy from the gas company confirming my management had not properly maintained their piping system- resulting in a leak).

I then drafted another letter, demanding a break of lease and a new contract confirming I would be reimbursed in full for my security deposit (assuring I wouldn't lose a dime to these jerks). My grounds were that the management breached the habitability clause in my lease, and an attorney advised me to stop paying rent for six months in order to be evicted, in which I would counter-sue. And of course I referenced the document I had, proving they had disclosed false information. Additionally I documented the conversations I had with management, classifying it as "harrassment."

With my confidence at an all-time high, I pressed 'send' and sent my prayers up to the Big Guy. Within 24-hours I received a break of lease contract, complete with each requirement I demanded (I also received my security deposit two weeks ago). Well, that sure was easy...but I was still angry, and I still wasn't satisfied. What about all my elderly neighbors they treated no better than the flying rats (pigeons). Hmmm....

Since moving from this apartment, I have helped draft two requests for neighbors, whom have each successfully broken his/her lease with full security return, obtained a verbal agreement from my brokerage company (the second largest in Manhattan) to blacklist this management company, and now....I will be sharing this post with thousands of social media contacts.

I've learned over the years to pick and choose my battles, and it looks like I picked the right one to fight, while simultaneously helping others. I now live two subway stops from my office (as opposed to the former eight), in a new, luxury building (complete with a doorman, gym, laundry and southern hospitality-like neighbors) with one of my best friends....oh- and I'm saving over $200 a month! Cha-ching!

So, here's the moral of the story: follow what you believe is right, and NEVER let anyone treat you like dirt, especially when they rely on your business. And if you do go into battle...go all the way. I did...all the way to a beautiful rooftop view of the Hudson River.

Women Building Better....Bars?

Just to continue the harassment from you belles and beaus on why I haven't posted pictures of the new apartment yet, I will make a new and unrelated post in light of Veteran's Day and the act of service.

In 2010 I joined the Junior League of Charleston. It was a leap of faith, knowing I was in my final and most important year of graduate school and was already leading an after school club for some of Charleston's most at-risk students. Raised in a family where volunteering and serving others were encouraged, I felt this was a venture I had to partake in, regardless of how busy or how little time I felt I had to spare. Looking back, I don't regret a day of it. I busted my rump fulfilling service hour obligations and was involved in some of the most rewarding charities I have experienced.

When I moved to the City in July 2011, continuing my membership in Junior League wasn't a question. I looked forward to playing a hand in service opportunities here and working alongside other women who value their commitments the same as I do. How mistaken I was, and how devastated I am.

I transfered to NYJL from Charleston, which meant that my dues transferred with me. I recently received an email saying that I had not paid my dues, and if I did not pay them, my name would be added to the "naughty list" and posted in the women's coatroom at Headquarters. I was surprised by this, and double-checked to make sure my payments in Charleston had transferred. They had, but unfortunately for me, the dues in Charleston are $160 annually and in the City are $480. Woah! $480?

Ok...."don't flip out!" I tell myself, just find out why the dues are astronomical. I called Accounting and implored the women to break it down for me. "Well, I know the dues are high, but unlike Charleston, we have a house on the Upper East Side to maintain. The dues go to the maintenance of the house, specifically the restaurant and bar. As you know, this is a treat for you all, and this is why your dues are high," says the woman on the other line. Hmmm....the tagline for the League is "Women building better communities." Since when did a restaurant or a bar benefit the underprivileged, the homeless, the hungry?

I spent a week pondering over this, sending emails to my friends in the League. What am I doing? Does this go against my morals? Is this how I can best serve my community? I began looking back through the weekly newsletters, wondering if I could justify being a part of an organization that does so much good across the country. What I realized is that, while I know the organization as a whole lives up to its word, I'm just not sure NY does what it says it will do.

Our newsletter typically contain 15 announcements, and roughly three to five are designated to community service projects. The rest are announcements informing you of bridge classes, etiquette classes or knitting classes (oh, and none are free). Hello, this is 2011, not the early 1900s! Is this really what you value? Teaching women how to be polite, while playing bridge? What a travesty to women everywhere to continue this outdated, hegemonic and gender-biased portrayal of the role of women in today's society.

Despite my disappointment, I opted to request a 2-year leave of absence, thinking that if I transferred to a different city, my experience in that Junior League chapter would be different (after all, Charleston was, and my sister who serves in Raleigh takes pride in her League and the work they do). I put in my request and chose to leave blank the portion asking why I was leaving the League- my thoughts in doing so were that maybe someone might call and I could talk this through with them. Instead, I received an automated message saying my request was approved, but I needed to pay my dues, never once asking if I was okay. The receiver of my request still doesn't know why I left, whether I was ill or some tragedy had occurred, and quite frankly, it doesn't seem like they care.

Maybe the concept of Junior League didn't resonate well in the Northeast, or maybe they really think The Help is an accurate portrayal of what the League is today. Regardless, here's my message to NYJL:

Don't hold your breath for that money. In the words of Abeline "I is kind. I is beautiful. I is important." And on that note, I'll take that $480 and will build a better community with it....on my own.

Well, Yeah I'm Gonna Do It

It has taken me a little longer to post than originally planned...as I've been packing my apartment in preparation to move tomorrow (which will be next week's post)! But, this past weekend was an awesome and special one for me, so there's no way I'm skipping the post!

Thursday my sister, a childhood friend and a new friend all came to visit me in the City (for this post I will refer to them as Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte...I'm Carrie, of course). While there was no Sex and the City, there was a whole lot of City and Grits!

We began the weekend off right with a viewing party for Samantha's debut on the Dr. Oz Show and a few glasses of wine we had delivered....now maybe SATC believes me when I say, "EVERYTHING is delivery in the City!" Samantha was amazing on Dr. Oz, but most importantly, she gave us the quote of the weekend: "Well, yeah I'm gonna do it!" That night we ate at Schiller's Liquor Bar...and I'll just say now that we didn't have one bad meal all weekend, so any of these suggestions are MUST EATS! Following dinner we went to Pravda, which is a martini bar in Soho. You can only find this bar by locating the miniature lit sign above a staircase, as the bar is underground and strongly resembles the catacombs Edgar Allan Poe once wrote about. Pravda was very chic, but if you want to keep it classy like the theme, don't order a dirty martini....no dirt + all liquor = no chic.

Friday we went to eat at Le Pain Quotidien for a late breakfast (trip one of two), a local chain restaurant, but so AMAZE! The venue alone is very French, complete with cutting board tables, arranged in a family-style setting. After our rendezvous with Paris, I went to work (as a writer, of course) and Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte hit up all that the City shops have to offer.

That evening we went to the 9/11 Memorial, luckily able to reserve tickets the previous week. The original reservation time was 6:00, but it took nearly 30 minutes to get through the lines and security. I'm not complaining though because A) you MUST go to the Memorial and B) you MUST go after dark. We all saw the video footage of the Memorial on the 10-year anniversary, but video (and the inserted pictures) simply do NOT do it justice. The words engraved on the outer portion of the pools had lights behind them, allowing visibility even at night. Even the first Freedom Tower, which I've seen 100 times now, lights up with red, white and blue lights, which I would've never known unless visiting at night. Take note of the picture on the right. Samantha says dots like this are said to represent spirits...what do you think?



After dinner we went to Adrienne's Pizza Bar, which I referenced in one of my first City and Grits posts. It was the first time SATC got to meet my new roommate, and what a good laugh we had! M is always center of attention, and his stories of private school, professional college-finders and police run-ins were just what we needed after a somber experience.

Saturday was the day where we did serious damage-- to our bank accounts and feet. We began the day with brunch at Pastis, a local hot spot where celebrity-spottings are common. We didn't run into a celeb there...but, wait for it! After brunch (which was very tasty, but slightly over-priced) we walked the High Line. Now, the HL is the best metaphor for rugged urbanity. Originally a train track, the HL weaves between buildings above ground for roughly one mile, and it is overgrown with weeds, bushes and random patches of grass. The HL is likely famous for its direct view of The Standard Hotel (and shameless visitors undressing in front of the windows), but is an experience that makes you feel like you are part of a forgotten world of the future.

Following our blast into 2030 we shopped all around the Tribeca (my soon-to-be neighborhood) and Soho areas. Since moving here, I'll admit it, I ALWAYS keep my eyes peeled for celebrities (sure, you can call me a star-chaser). Observation pays off because wouldn't you know...I spotted former Dawson's Creek heart throb and Joey stalker, James Van Der Beek! The good host I am, I took one for the team and approached him to ask for a photo with one of my childhood crushes. Miranda and Charlotte currently live in Wilmington, home of Dawson's Creek, and it made a nice topic of conversation...buying us a solid five minutes with JVDB. For my first celebrity encounter I was more than surprised....what a NICE guy!! Maybe fame doesn't freeze your heart afterall?

Saturday evening we attended a Broadway show called Fuerza Bruta. It wasn't your typical show...in other words, I imagine it's similar to what drug addicts experience daily. The audience stood for the 60-minute show, with most all of the act taking place above your head. The performance was complete with a light show, DJ who wore a George Washington wig and sprayed the crowd with a water hose, and best of all....a floating pool! Yes, this is real life. The pool was unreal! It literally appeared out of nowhere and lowered all the way to the audience so that we could lift our arm and touch it. Inside the pool were girls swimming and dancing and being blown from one side to the other from fans pointing into the water. Girls even came from the ceiling at one point, attached by harnesses, and ran in circles after one another on the four walls. I hope these pictures may give you some perspective of the show, and if not, know that the show was the most bizarre and most awesomely amazing experience of my life.

There's no way to come down from an experience like that than to end the night with some pastrami. SATC ventured to Katz's Deli, one of my favorite local spots. We had traditional pastrami sandwiches on rye bread with a side of pickles...as my Jewish friends say, "real Jew food." If you've never heard of Katz's, you've certainly seen it. Meg Ryan's famous scene from When Harry Met Sally was filmed here, and a sign above the table reads "Where Harry met Sally...hope you have what she had."

We didn't have what Sally had, but we did bring the grits to the City...and what a delicious weekend it was!