How to Get Your Credit Card Declined in NYC

Top Shop!! Omgosh!!

Ha!  You go shopping with the best of the best in Soho!  Seriously, they put a guard on my card because they thought it was stolen.  Not only was I in a different state, I was spending a pinch too much in a 2 hour time span.  A pinch I say.  Ha!  You can only imagine RMK’s text to me when I tell him to call the company to remove the guard.  Hey, I rarely pay retail, and I promise I don’t go around buying a $3000 Armani dress!

Oh the damage!!

BUT, NYC has amazing, AMAZING shopping. Omgosh, forget all the other cities of my lifetime.  Hands down, girls here are so fashionable yet comfortable…well most of them.  The newest lines show up here first, and there is so much competition.  We went to so many boutiques that I lost track of their names.  You need almost 3-4 days just to shop.  We only touched on Soho and a few stores in the financial district.  So in summary, these were my biggest suggestions.

Uniqlo: Awesome Store!

1. Uniqlo

WHERE HAS THIS BEEN ALL MY LIFE.  I spent a record 3 hours in this store and went through the line 3 times.  Omgosh.  It was crowded, pushing and shoving, the wait to try on is horrendous, but so, so worth it.  There is only one in the US: NYC baby.  It’s a Japanese brand that basically is a Gap-ish type store but SO much better.  You know how I am sunblock/UV crazy: their clothes for the most part is UV Cut.  They’re all graded SPF 25 or greater.  Their shirts run about 7-10 bucks but their quality is unbelievable.  Forget the Old Navy plain t-shirt.  Their shirts a sweat-proof, SPF graded, and seamless for the most part.  They put these high-quality seams, and their $25 collared shirts are wrinkle-resistant.  Premium cotton, wool, and linen.  BTW, their wool suits run about $75-$100 but get this: stain resistant and MACHINE WASHABLE.  They swear their shirts and sweaters don’t pill, don’t change shape, don’t lose their color of years of washing.  SOLD.  I bought at least 15lbs of clothes.  Yes, my arms were sore.  I love their fit, and I wish I had time to try on their jeans, but the line was horrendous.  The girls were raving about their pants.  LOVE.

Its several stories and several blocks. Ahhh!

2. Century 21

I thought I hit the jackpot at Phoenix, AZ Last Chance, but this is comparable though you are going to spend more money.  Their stuff is the high end stuff: YSL shoes and ties, Vera Wang flats, Oakleys and Rayban sunglasses, Tory Burch purses, etc.  All for about 1/8th of the price.  A YSL tie I bought Ramesh runs about $25, and the Raybans were $49.  If only I liked aviator glasses.  I bought this cute chain purse, and they have so much unique stuff.  All 7 For Mankind, Paige, Alice + Olivia, Armani, Gucci, Chanel, etc. etc.  Not that huge of a jean selection but tons of Juicy Couture outfits and I loved their Micheal Kors and Tory Burch flats. Oh and amazing bra/underwear/lingerie selection.  Calvin Klein underwear, which is my favorite for about $3 bucks a piece.  Word of the wise, it’s packed, it’s busy, there is pushing and shoving, and the wait is long.  But I thrive in this environment.

So cool! Top Shop Finally!

3. Top Shop

Okay, so this is the store that might kill your credit card.  With my current budget, I couldn’t get anything here.  BUT if you are one of those that buys a few special pieces a year and splurges on them but are still on a student budget…I highly recommend.  It’s relatively inexpensive for what you’re getting: designer-ware of silk, cashmere, hand beaded all at the edge of fashion.  Amazing pieces that can be classic or crazy.  The quality is impressive for the price of around $75 to $120 for a 100% silk, lined dress.  They push the limit on shoes and accessories, which is how it should be.  I was dying to buy this simple red silk dress, but it was $88 I didn’t have.  Still, I can see it in my head

4. Soho Boutiques

Literally, there are hundreds, all worth exploring.  I wish there was more time.  Ton’s of unique stuff, some expensive, some cheap.  I loved the street peddlers.  Really interesting, unique jewelry.  Great maternity clothing, though I am not pregnant.  But just looking at it made me swoon at the delicious fabrics and styles.

Happy Shopping Day!!

How the Asian’s Do NYC

How Many Asian Girls and Electronic Devices Does It Take to Figure Where We Are Going

The craziness started before we even landed in NYC.  Yvonnisms were on full force.

Thaoie: Does our bike tour have insurance?!! [Haha, we drive just like we ride]

Y:Guys, get ready!  I am getting turned on when we get to the airport.
Us: Silence*
Malinh: Haha.  When she sees the plane, she gets turned on.
Y: Yeah, turned on!  Wait…you KNOW what I mean!  Like turned off and then turned on.

This is how she is in the morning.

Malinh: Ladies!  We can cross the street now…the white people are going so it’s safe.

Me: How do you eat this? [trying to bite into the soup dumplings]
Chowchow: First you bite gently and then you suck.
Me: Hahaha, so now I know why it’s better than sex.

Chowchow: What the hell is “the cab” ?!!  [a lady with an accent showing us subway directions]
Anail: Ma’m, where is “the cab” on the map.  We don’t understand.  [We stand for 20 minutes looking at the map.  Then nice lady drags us into the subway and show us where to get off]
See the picture below for “the cab.”

"The Cab" is well...deKalb. Ha!

Chowchow: You ARE a cartoon.  Cartoon looking.

Me: Man, some cartoons are hot.  Like the guy in Mulan.
Chowchow: Dude, you want to see hot.  Let me show you these anime guys.

Lauvs:[Hitting the clubs and deciding who is going to take care of whom] Just telling you, I am 125 lbs before dead weight.
Me: Uhh, so you gain weight when you pass out?!

It's mine!

New York City: The Search for the Best Cupcake

Simply Cute

Okay, okay, so our search was only at 2 bakeries…but still, we did our research and these were touted as the BEST (or just maybe the most popular)!  I regretfully never tried the chocolate one at Magnolia’s.  A tall glass of milk was definitely in order!

Banana cupcakes...or at least what is left of it.

Billy’s Bakery in Tribeca

The line was not that long at 11pm at night, but it was definitely crowded.  The people behind the counter weren’t nice at ALL!  Especially the lady putting on the icing.  She was annoyed at my taking pictures of the cute cupcakes.  We were rushed, and for what: really dry cupcakes with sooo sweet icing that they hurt your teeth.  I will say that their layered chocolate cake and their cheesecake are some of the best I have ever had. Just avoid the cupcakes.  We bought 4 different flavors, and even the red velvet, which is quite hard to destroy, was not that good at all!  I say definitely a skipper.

Double-Layered Chocolate Cake from Billys...ChowChows order that literally almost broke the plate!

Magnolia’s Bakery

This is famous from Sex and the City, and we HAD to stop by.  Super packed, pushing and shoving for some cute little cupcakes.  They are all decorated to the tiniest detail, and after being toted across town, they were still delightfully soft and decadent.  I forgot to taste the red velvet one, but the vanilla was just plain good.  Totally worth it!

Magnolias Perfect Little Chocolate Cupcakes

Honorable Mention: Dean and Deluca in Soho

I always think of Felicity, the show, when I see Dean and Deluca because she worked there.  It’s a really cute store that has everything a chef could dream of.  During my shopping frenzy, my girls were taking care of me and bought these little cute macaroons.  Delectable, perfect crispy and soft, and just the perfect amount of sugar.  Amazing.

A bite of heaven!

Bachlorette Party in NYC = Dangerous

My closest girlfriends and I hit up the streets of NYC this last weekend, and let’s just say, most of what goes on in NYC stays in NYC!  But I CAN share all the food and shopping fun we had.  The danger started with food and spread to shopping and well then…into the night.

Just a little preview:

Only just the beginning of Day 1...

Nothing like a hilarious transvestite show to start the night!

El Cocotero...worth all the wait for delicious Venezuelan food.

Rooftop drinks...Mango something rather...

Yvonne in her $800 chair spinning in circles...

What?! Delicious fruity candy for all...

And the party begins...

Nothing like penis popsicles (which were delicious btw) to end a party!

Running of the Brides

That girl is totally only in bra and underwear! Who cares if you can save a few thousands.

Welcome to Filene’s Basement Bridal Event!  It’s where you save thousands of dollars on designer dresses, once a year in some of the major cities.  Starts in the early morning where tons of ladies camp out, and when the bell rings, you run and grab all the dresses in your size.  You start trading and fitting in your dress there in the aisle.  I have always wanted to do this, even if it’s for someone else.  I can totally bring out the flip-flips and elbows to get that dress.  Give me a goal, and the AZN will come out.  Especially in the name of fashion.  Too bad it’s not happening when us girls are hitting up NYC, and I already have a dress, but it sounds like fun and a good workout!

Yup, did I tell you?  Bachelorette party in NYC!!  Sex and the City 3 is coming your way  My girlfriends are the best thing a girl could ask for.  They were my lifeline on my downs and my laughter on my ups.  I can’t wait to visit NYC for the first time, we’re doing a NYC biking tour, hitting H&M and Century 21, and eating at the best of the best!

NYC! Here we come!!

Sometimes a Hug is Just What the Doctor Ordered

I am incredibly back-blogged (haha get it?) (don’t roll your eyes) so some of the posts are out of order, but this one needs to go first.  Sometimes, many times, I get wrapped up in my to-do lists from the wedding, to graduation, to moving and packing, to honeymoon planning, budgeting, learning to buy a home, to finding out what I’m going to do with this monstrosity of a loan, to chores–laundry, dishes, groceries, to working out to fit into my dress, to the MATCH which is in 2 days…someone said 4th year was chill but apparently, they haven’t met us.  Our plate is full, and when I sit down to breath, I find myself having to juggle 80 balls, and my mind goes rambling for the 15 minute break.  And then there is this break you wish you didn’t have, this crack that echoes ominously through the buzz of your day.

We have a wonderful, beautiful friend who is going through a horrible, almost unspeakable time with her family.  The passing of someone young, so bright, and even from a distant, you could tell this person was kind-hearted, a bearer of golden light.  An unnecessary, unfathomable end to someone who probably would have given his shirt off his back if you had asked.

I heard about it, and all I could do was look over to RMK and squeeze him so tight.  I read the news articles on-line, and tears would come for such sadness for a family and community.  I wake up every morning, in a rush, thinking about my day already.  Sometimes, we take for granted the presence of someone who we hold so dearly, and we expect to see everyday of our lives.  I cannot comprehend or fathom not having my best friend, my love, and half of my being on this journey.  That hug, the everyday intake of air that smells of him–it slows down time and reminds me what is important.  When it’s his time, then it’s his time but I would never want him to suffer.  Give it to me.  Give it all to me.  If we could, wouldn’t we take it for the ones we love?

And then, the tsunami.  Your heart breaks, for all those people who can’t find their children, their parents, their husbands and wives.  Those poor children found in the rummage.  The man who saw his wife float away.  The elderly couple stuck in a car for over 20 hours in freezing conditions.  I was thinking as we drove home this weekend, what if it happened right now?  Here?  Sometimes it feels so good to have all your family, safe, under one roof.  My sister was with us, but my parents.  I would turn the car around and find them, comb the ends of the Earth to know they’re safe.  The idea of no cell phone, no internet, no landlines or electricity, and broken roads so you couldn’t drive.  I get panicky and emotional just thinking about it.

I cannot say how blessed I am, we are, to be able to kiss our families goodnight, to know everyone is safe and sound.  That RMK is next to me is sleeping off Nyquil and snoring.  That laundry pile and all those wedding details…they sure become really small.

My 27th Birthday Gift: Nude Beach

Thanks ladies for a nice night out!

Omgosh!!  The best birthday ever!  Every year gets better and better.  Lovely happy hour with the girls the night before.  And when I think RMK cannot do any better, he surprises me. First, a 90 min massage in Cedar Park, and let me tell you, Ashley at Massage Heights was one of the best masseuses I have had in a long time.  The aloe oil was amazing.  Then RMK drove me to the Arboretum for a shopping excursion!  Beautiful new Nine West shoes (pics later), and then to Hippie Hollow…old naked men!  Who knew it was a nude beach?!  He wanted to take me to a beautiful swimming hole, and, surprisingly, everyone was pretty natural.  No comment on if we participated in the clothing optional, but let me tell you, gorgeous scenery, and I mean the water and the rocks.

A sign of what is to come!

Some more shopping at Anthropology, Ann Taylor, and a surprise 5-star Austin downtown hotel stay.  Gorgeous.  Wonderful dinner at Clay Pit.  Relaxing and just short of words, amazing.

Look at that water...I promise I only looked at the water!

My Bob Marley Earrings!!

Mango Lassi: Best Drink EVER!

Tuna and Capers: Zoe's Kitchen for Lunch. Yum.

Our lovely city view from our hotel.

Over the River and Into the Woods

We drove into the middle of nowhere Arkansas on the banks of the Buffalo River, and stayed with the bestest of friends in a cush cabin without cellphone reception, internet, and television for the most part.  Our daily visit was the Wal-mart some 40 minutes away where the population is all white, as in they stared at the largest group of Asians probably ever to enter their city.  One Amish girl pointed to me and told her mom, “Look, there’s an Asian girl.”  How cute.

Anyways, we fished, swam, boated, built ginormous fires, and listened to Yvonnism’s for the week.  The weather was perfect, the deer came out to play…a wonderful, peaceful break.  We ate large meals almost every few hours, and just spent most of our other time hunting for more food.  Yvonne made her now famous scallop potatoes, which now redefines chewiness.  Rick invented a new s’more with peanut butter cups.  And Taco begged for food, got more obese, and missed a horse and carriage by an inch of his life.

Mike's Adventurous Escapades

So awesome!

Absolutely Awesome View

Men Make Fire.

It's like carry a beer case.

:)

These Boots Were Made for Walking

I can do it! I can do it!

Our in-house cowboy here ordered boots to go pick up some chicks this weekend. They arrived in the mail, and just to give you some perspective, the first pair were too small for him. So Johnny Walker here decides to attempt to cram his feet in.  Now that they’re both ready to enter a saloon brawl, the girls will come swooning.

Do you like it? Do YOU like it? Does it make my butt look big?

They will flock to us in legions.

Taco Cabana Margaritas

Margaritaville

The study craze has ended at the household, with V2G and Chow Chow taking the Step 2 this week.  They made major plans to party it up after the test but ended up doing nothing.  Chow Chow and I went for some delicious Thai and I fell asleep by 9 because I am on rotation.

The next day, V2G, Chow Chow, and Calls-Everyone-a-Mexican  went to Taco Cabana for happy hour $1.50 margaritas.  First of all, I didn’t EVEN know the Cabana could even service alcohol, but apparently, they are some strong drinks.  Everyone came home drunk after 1-2 of them.

V2G: We are so drunk!
Calls-Everyone-a-Mexican: I have to call my husband.  I can’t drive home.
Chow Chow: I’m not drunk!
V2G: RMK!
Calls-Everyone-a-Mexican: That’s it, I’m calling my husband. [Well shall name him Not-a-Mexican]
V2G: RMK!
Chow Chow: HAHAHA.  Not-a-Mexican!!!  She wants to get laid!!
V2G: RMK!
Chow Chow: Let’s go for a walk.
V2G: Legion.  Come to me.
Calls-Everyone-a-Mexican: I need to lay down.
Chow Chow: Walk it off.  Walk it off.
V2G: My goal has been accomplished.
Chow Chow to V2G: Now you have to get her in bed!!

All of this was transmitted via screams at the same time.
End point:
Chow Chow:denies drunkedness while making sex references.
V2G: Calls everyone’s name a thousand times.
Everyone-Is-A-Mexican: Can’t walk straight
Chow Chow: Quit petting his penis! [Referring to our dog Flex or Tala]
Everyone-Is-A-Mexican: I am not petting anyone’s penis.
V2G: Except mine.