Makeup - Matrix Style

Perhaps posting small updates here and there about what I've been doing is a good way to start getting back into the (personal) blog thing...that is, besides Palooza reporting, of course.

In that vein, here's some snaps of makeup from this weekend. Shoot with super amazing fantastic photographer Kent Miller, and the gorgeous Abby Watson. The theme was Trinity, as in the Matrix Trinity...but of course we had to get a nice black dress beauty shot in there too. Enjoy.

Pizzapalooza 2010: The event of the century - this time...it's PIZZA

NEW YORK, New York (December 8, 2010) - The Palooza's LLC, are proud to announce the inaugural Pizzapalooza event, launched in part due to the overwhelming success of the company's first event, Wingapalooza.

The original Palooza team has reconvened for this sure-to-be groundbreaking event in which four contestants, that's right, FOUR (obviously superior to Wingapalooza's three) will compete against each other to eat an entire pizza quicker than their competitors.

Details of the event are as follows:

Pizzapalooza 2010
December 9, 6:00 p.m.
151 E 60th Street #1
b/w Lex & 3rd
New York, NY

Already, the response has been outstanding as eager attendees anxiously await the contest. Just a small sampling of public opinion can be seen here:

"I'm going to Mariella's on Wednesday night, because I literally can't wait for Pizzapalooza."
- LeighAnn Tobia

"Contrary to what you might have heard; I do care."
- Sarah Cascone

"I'm really looking forward to the competition; I've always wanted to be in a palooza."
- Joel Lestrad, official competitor

"I can eat a pizza in four minutes."
- Robert LaSalle, official competitor

"Pizzapalooza is a family friendly event."
- Ryan Fleischauser, official competitor

"Pizzapalooza has been created based on feedback from Wingapalooza attendees. It's the most requested and anticipated palooza yet."
- Seth Adler, official competitor

"Isn't it weird that my job requires that I talk a lot, yet part of my name is the word hush?"
- Kelly Hushin

"That's an oxymoron."
- Jonathan Massoud

"You're an oxymoron."
- Meghan Unger

As if the excitement weren't already overwhelming, VIP Celebrity Guest, Cheryl Fleischhauer (Ryan's Mom) & her entourage will be in attendance as well.

Competition submissions are now closed, but just because you can't compete doesn't mean you can't eat.

See you at the Palooza.

Follow the team @thepaloozas.

Pizzapalooza 2010 is sponsored by Horseshoe Brand hot sauce, which can be enjoyed on nearly any and all foods, pizza included.

The Official Wingapalooza Re-cap

In case you were saddened to miss the first annual Wingapalooza:2010, the producers of the event bring you this riveting video which truly captures the heat of the battle and the excitement of the moment.

The final results of the contest were:

Winner Seth “Catfish” 2.5 pounds of wings in 17 minutes

2. Ryan “Mako” 1.95 pounds of wings in 17 minutes

3. Sarah “Tango” DQ

And without further adieu, we bring you Wingapalooza:2010 - the movie.

Announcing the ONE, the ONLY - Wingapalooza:2010

NEW YORK, NY (August 27, 2010): The executive board of W.I.N.G. is proud to announce the most important competition of our decade...Wingapalooza:2010, to be held at none other than Manhattan's time-honored Heartland Brewery (full event details below).

This is the moment you've all been waiting for. You just didn't know you were.

What is Wingapalooza:2010? Besides the worst thing that could happen to your digestion, Wingapalooza:2010 is a once-in-a-lifetime, (while simultaneously annual...perhaps biannual) battle so grand it has oft been referred to in folklore as "World War Wing."

"Wingapalooza could be the greatest thing that happens to you in 2010," said Ryan Fleischhauer, Director of Communications, W.I.N.G. "Wingapalooza equals 2010."

Spectators of this fervent competition will have the privilege of watching an ungodly amount of chicken wings being consumed by a highly skilled threesome, each of whom were chosen based on no apparent qualifications other than their affection for Horseshoe brand, or shall we say "buffalo" style hot sauce (yet another anomaly inherent to the consumption of chicken wings since, of course, we are dealing with chicken - not horses or buffalos.) These proud three will compete against one another with one basic goal: to imbibe the most amount of chicken wings possible in 30 minutes. They will be judged based on two factors:

1. Number of wings eaten.
AND
2. The elusive MLOB factor, aka Meat Left on Bone.


(Pictured above would be in no way acceptable in this competition)

Who are the competitors? Hailing from all parts of the state of New York we have, in no particular order: (Please note, our competitors are also members of the W.I.N.G. executive board)

From Rhinebeck, NY: Ryan Fleischhauer, Director of Communications - aka Mako
From Brooklyn, NY: Sarah Cascone, Head Meeting Planner - aka Tango
And from Manhattan, NY (but originally FROM Long Island): Seth Adler, Director of Excitement - aka Catfish

The judges for this competition are:

Robert LaSalle - aka RoboCop
Tara Schmutzler - aka T-Rex
AND...a surprise judge who shall remain nameless.

Other key personnel for the event include:

Meghan Unger, Head Meeting Planner - aka Cash
Amanda Aslan, Marketing Manager - aka Red Hot
AND myself, Kelly Hushin, Director of Social Media - aka Speakeasy

PLEASE NOTE: Seating for Wingapalooza:2010 is limited. Right now, ONLY 23 seats remain. In order to reserve your coveted spot you MUST comment on the blog below with a reply of, "Yes, I will attend Wingapalooza:2010 because my very livelihood depends on my attendance!" or something equally enthusiastic...or perhaps not enthusiastic at all. In fact, an "I'll be there" would presumably suffice.

In making your decision, please do heed the words of Catfish (Seth Adler) who said, "While there will be a finite number of people attending Wingapalooza:2010, it will be in the hearts of millions."

And no better place for such an event than the Heartland Brewery.

Specific details follow:

Wingapalooza:2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Doors: 6:00 p.m.
Competition: 6:15 p.m.
Attire: business casual

Heartland Brewery
1285 6th Avenue at 51st Street
New York, NY

This event is not to be missed (despite the fact that yours truly will miss it, not to mention the fact that I do not even eat chicken - which only proves my dedication to the event's greatness...that I should take on such a crucial role in its making while not being able to enjoy the fruits of my labor.)

All media inquiries should be directed to Red Hot, while questions about the venue should be directed to Cash or Tango.

Again, place your comments below to reserve your spot, and get ready for a night to be remembered.

And I just keep tumbling...

Loving this space.


Very British. Are you surprised I love it?

Click here to see where it is...but I warn you, you will have to click again. And even then it's still somewhat mysterious, and only now about to open its doors...

A purple bed I like

Check out me tumblr

Shoes.

Is $279 too much for these?

Oh, wait, nevermind. Sold out.

Of course they are.

Thanks Gilt.

So hot though.

2010 will be the LAST year I don't own a smartphone

Mark my words. I will not go another year (after this one, seeing as I JUST got a new phone) without either a Blackberry or an iPhone. You're probably all thinking, "How could you not already HAVE one?!"

I know, people, I know.

It's just sad.

And as if I wasn't sad enough - I get the following message on my G-mail from none other than THE Paul Mass:

Paul: hey kelly...we launched MAC cosmetics mobile today...check out www.maccosmetics.com on your phone

To which I replied:

me: excuse me
is this spam??


and the conversation continued...

Paul: you use mac stuff, don't you?

me: haha yes - i am a MAC makeup artist
but this sounded like a spam message

Paul: no, its real

me: wow
that's great!
except i don't have a smart phone
:(
i have an old school, non-blackberry, non-iphone

Paul: still works
as long as you have web

me: ok
how do i get there
i mean i visit the MAC site like daily
but how do i get to whatever you created

Paul: get to the web on your phone
just go to maccosmetics.com

me: i can't go to the web on my phone!
that's my point

Paul: you should blog about it :) (which I'm obviously doing)
somewhere, buried in that old phone is the web somehwere

me: yes but i believe it charges me like a million dollars a second to transfer any kind of data -
and to be honest, i wouldn't even know how to get there

Paul: ok, just thought i'd mention it
you can also sort of see what it looks like on your comp
by going to http://m.maccosmetics.com and make the browser skinny

Well - let's just say that going to the website on my COMPUTER, and making the browser "skinny" is essentially the equivalent of going to Magnolia Bakery and getting a black coffee. If you're not gonna get the cupcake, why bother going? And if you don't have a smartphone, why bother with the super-cool app?

Siiigghhh.

Hence my needing a new phone.

Like, yesterday.

Giving tumblr a try

Not sure what I think yet about tumblr. I need more time to play with it. What are your thoughts?

Oh British design, Why are you so brilliant?

I'm kind of in love with the first shot on this blog. Perhaps it's because wall coverings are my number one design obsession. If I actually was able to put a nice one up on a wall some day, I think I'd have issues deciding on one pattern and one wall, because I want them all!
Even the baby room is cute. I mean, if baby rooms could look like THIS, then maybe one day I'd think about wanting one...maybe.

Sally Conran is the stylist/design mastermind behind these shots - though I must say I could care less about the food. I'm much more interested in the wall coverings. Ok, I know, enough already...

It tastes and smells like Spring!

After our outing to the Trump SoHo opening, the boyfriend and I decided to celebrate our two-year anniversary with a proper night out. We had gone to New Paltz over the weekend to celebrate, but wanted to give it its due attention with a dinner at a real restaurant – eggplant fries at P&G’s in New Paltz was fun, but we needed to treat ourselves just a bit more. So we turned to an old standby which never disappoints: Cowgirl.

If you haven’t been to this adorable Tex-Mex joint in the West Village, you must. It’s not new, and it’s not even that trendy anymore, but it’s good. REALLY good. Everything I’ve ever eaten there has been delicious, and the atmosphere is so warm and friendly. When springtime hits, the patio tables fill up fast, which has already begun to happen. We got lucky and arrived just as a check was handed to a two-top, and were able to snag it for our romantic eat-outing.

There is nothing like sitting outdoors at a restaurant in Manhattan with good food, good company and good weather. The first time of the season that you get to do it, you remember all over again why spring makes you happy and how the city can make you happy. I’ve decided to do it more this year because of that feeling – one that I don’t think will ever get old.

Trumping through SoHo...or wherever that new hotel really is

For months and months and months – many of them – people have been abuzz about Trump SoHo, a new condo-hotel tower set open in the trendiest of Manhattan’s villages. Just what the luxury market has been waiting for – a building full of hotel rooms you can buy…that don’t have kitchens but are called “condos”…that you can only stay in for a small percentage of the year even though you “own” them…that you can’t sleep in for more than 28 consecutive days at a time despite your “ownership”…and that cost you more than a house in the Hamptons. And that isn't really in the city's trendiest of villages...I don't know whether the location really is SoHo, actually.

As silly as the concept may seem, and as little as they’ll talk about whether it’s going to work, sure enough the hotel had its soft-opening celebration on Tuesday night and the grand opening is coming this Friday (sadly, I will miss it as I’m en route to Phoenix as I type.)

Dan and I checked it out and I wore a cute and springy getup that I thought would be appropriate for the Wednesday evening soiree. Little did I know that black was the required color, or so it seemed from a scan of the all-too serious crowd. Women were decked in sexy LBD’s and there were Dan and I with our springy browns, corals and yellows.

Perhaps Donald Trump Jr. and his entourage was, but I certainly was not concerned.

So what was it like? There are touches that really enhance such as leather-lined elevators and calf-skin furniture (that apparently isn’t real, so don’t get too worked up.)

David Rockwell and his team surely created a sexy-chic environment in the lobby and Anthony DiGuiseppe helped out with other public spaces like the spa, which is yet to open. The rooms? I am under-whelmed. While the views of the river and downtown are nothing short of spectacular, the “living” spaces, as they essentially are meant to be inhabited by the very rich, for very short spans of time, and then rented to other very rich, are bland. The beds look comfy and luxe, but that’s about all the room has got. There isn’t a distinct theme or statement to be made with the design.

But maybe that’s what Rockwell wanted…understated. If so, he’s done it well. I’d like to know the quality of the fittings specified. To me, they looked rather standard – nothing over the top. And if they are high-quality furnishings, he surely doesn’t call attention to them. Maybe this is exactly how he wants people to react. After all, the very, very rich may not always know all that much about design, but they will know if something is cheap. And it certainly gives off no such air.

As I ponder it back and forth in my head I realize, yes, I am under-whelmed by its design elements. But I’m starting to think that was intentional and I think I have to give it another look…

Teary-eyed at my desk

This is why my boyfriend is the best.

(It is our two-year anniversary today and this is the e-mail I just opened.)

Dear Kelly,
Happy 2 year anniversary my love
Two years ago I saw a girl at a party who I thought was really pretty
and who I instantly felt attracted to - who knew that 2 years later
she would be the love of my life and the person I grow more and more
close to and never want to be without.
I love you so much, you are the best thing in my life and I feel so
lucky to be with you baby - I can't wait to do so many things together
Love,
Dan

Yes, you are allowed to throw up in your mouth at the mushiness of this. But if you are in a relationship (a good one) you know you're smiling inside.

One day...

...I shall have thee!

Mr. Dries Van Noten - why must this shoe cost a month's rent?

I know, I have to get over it. Thus is the life of a designer shoe.

It's hard being a shoe. But really, can't we negotiate? I mean, your adorable Mediterranean-esque pattern with its silver embossing and neon green accented heel...it's all just too much to live without. I don't think I can last...

No?

$798 it is, eh?

Ok fine. I'll wait for Gilt Groupe.

A Fashionable 40 Under 40

Remember when we all used to watch Project Runway religiously? Ok, so maybe I'm the only one who doesn't anymore. I guess after Christian, I felt it just lost a little pizazz. Or maybe it was just that he was impossible for anyone to live up to. Kind of like the first season of Idol - how could anyone's pipes top Kelly Clarkson?

Well if you don't agree that Christian was simply the best, I might pose an argument by citing this year's Crain's 40 Under 40. He's one of 'em - and rightfully so.

That fashion-savvy little man (who is relatively nice in person - though when I met him, his boyfriend Brad was way more adorable and friendly) has proven himself like no other and never ceases to amaze me with his creative fashion powers. So Christian, here's to your accomplishments - Congrats!

Happy Hour

I'd been hearing all about this place in Time Out New York (since I randomly get a subscription to it without ever having asked to - not going to complain) called "Rye House." Apparently it's the new place to be. Since it's only four blocks down from the boyfriend's work, Wednesday after a long day of recruiting at the Purchase College Career Fair, I headed in, met him and we decided to check it out.

Our first indulgence was the Green Flash Double Stout, brewed in Cali with an 8.80% ABV. We split it because, well, I've become a light weight in my old age and can't handle too much brew though I do love it oh so much. This was a good one - VERY good. Sweet and smooth and creamy, just the way a stout should be. And extra full-bodied with a thick and milky head and chocolately goodness. Yummy.

The next treat was a Left Hand Milk Stout, a little less toxic at only 5.2% ABV, and since we split it, we effectively only had one beer each - totally manageable, and a cheap date to boot! This one is brewed in Colorado and was not nearly as impressive as the first, though not a bad pick. Had I to do it over, I would have switched the order, had the lighter one first. The Left Hand is a bit on the watery side for me - almost no head, but because it's light and mild, it's very easy to drink.

Next time, we're going to indulge in one of the specialty cocktails there - like the Appleseed Cobbler, with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Laird’s Bonded Applejack, cinnamon bark syrup and apples. Did someone say dessert?

Time for More 'V's' - a Vegas Digression

So as promised in my last post which was (I shudder in embarrassment) almost two weeks ago - there are more V's to discuss. But since some of them are old news, I think it's best not to get caught up in their despair. I'll briefly summarize:

Verizon is a massive black hole of a company whose only concern is to take your money - preferably in the most unjust manner possible. You can try to fight them, but you will not win. Trust me, if there's any girl with fight in her for such things, it's me. And I lost...terribly. I admit, I'm not 100 percent over it, but I am moving on...

Another V - Las Vegas - is also old news at this point - though I will chat about that for at least a few moments since it's a happy digression. For the first time, I traveled to Las Vegas and thoroughly enjoyed myself, despite being sick, not drinking, and not going to a single bar or club the entire time. Sure, in the past, my Vegas trips have been fun, but they've also been a whirlwind of trade shows, too many people and lots of drinking. Lots.

This time, I took the trip alone to attend the Las Vegas Market Center week and the first ever "InspireDesign" trade show which took place within it. The shows had some noteworthy points, like my on-air interview with Nancy O'Dell (which was completely unplanned and unexpected - I didn't even know who she was until I got there and her "people" told me...that's why you get for not having TV).


Or the Italian exhibitor space with lion-head chairs and some other pretty cool items. But it was the alone time, the time to walk around and really take in the city, that I appreciated most.

I stayed in the three hotels at CityCenter, the just completed, mega-development right off the Strip near Planet Hollywood and New York, New York.

It wasn't easy switching hotels every single night, but it allowed me to really experience the hospitality venues at CityCenter, and I'm glad I got a full-picture of them.

During my time in Vegas, I had the good fortune of making it OFF the Strip for the first time. I visited Todd-Avery Lenahan, of ABA Design Studio, in his offices near the "Red Rock" I've always heard about.

I didn't have too long to enjoy the view, but I at least got to see what it was all about and started to realize the appeal of living in and around Vegas. Before this trip, I never could comprehend why anyone in their right mind would willingly go to Sin City. And suddenly - driving down what seemed like a never-ending road leading straight into the rock - I realized that this place is breathtaking.



There's much more I could go on about from the trip, like my first time to a restaurant in Vegas I actually enjoyed, which - go figure - is not a hip, new, trendy spot, but an old standby; Mon Ami Gabi, inside Paris.

Or I could talk about the less than amazing dinner I had at - go figure - a few new and trendy restaurants in the city. I could even talk all about some more happy happenings, like the new friends I made from Hunter Douglas Hospitality. But I will leave you with this, and perhaps this is directed toward one or two people in particular, but it translates:

Las Vegas? I like it now.

A Series of V's: Part I - Volvo on a Mission...to End my Sanity

I am really bad at resolutions. I mean, really bad. Look at this – the third blog in 2010. I had promised I would write one a week. What’s with me? Ugh. Well – I suppose I should cut myself a SMALL break since life has been pretty stressful over in Sleepy Hollow/Ossining/NYC/Las Vegas/Cayman Islands and various other pit stops which I will try to tell you stories about in the coming weeks. I can pretty much boil the stress of the past few months down to a few things, and somehow they all begin with V – perhaps a vendetta? Too coincidental not to be, I think.

The first V would be for Volvo…and I will leave this entry solely for that. In the coming blogs you’ll get to hear my rants about my other V gripes – and of course I will intersperse that with some happy thoughts, so as not to spread my cynicism TOO far and wide. (This plan of course being dependent on whether or not I can actually stick to my blogging resolution.) Just to tease you, some of the V's involved include Verizon, Vegas and venom. But for now, back to the number one V – yes, my trusty 1996 Volvo has betrayed me folks…and we’re still in a fight – a big one. And just as a warning, if you have ZERO interest in cars or car stories - this is not for you.

It all began about a month and a half ago when in the parking lot of Stop & Shop my car decided it would not like to start. With much persuasion, and coaching from the one and only Uncle Walter (he is THE Volvo man for those of you who didn’t know – and pretty much the greatest uncle ever), it started, but immediately stalled once I thought it might be nice to drive it instead of sitting there with it running in park. Then came the towing – to the Getty down the street where for the next week a dialogue – mostly in sophisticated Spanglish – took place between myself and “George” which went something like this:

Me: Hola George. Como esta mi auto?
George: It’s no ready yet.
Me: Ok. When – ur – cuando…ready?
George: Maybe today, maybe tomorrow.

After a few days, the car was finally “ready” after the team of mecanicos had determined my timing belt had jumped, for no particular reason. When I went to retrieve it, alas, it would not start again.

Guess it’s not ready, huh Jorge? I mean George.

George: Well, I tol you you need a tune-up.
Me: You didn’t tell me that George.
George: Yes, Willy say you need tune-up, new spark plug, wires…
Me: Well George, "Willy" didn’t tell me I need tune-up for mi auto to start!

I gave them the clearance to do the spark plugs and some other minor fix ups…the rest would be left for someone I could trust and knows what they are doing; aka Uncle Walter.

A week or two later, after a trip home to CT and a thorough investigation from UW, the car was driving well, everything seemed grand. So, imagine my surprise when on a Friday night, as I'm preparing to make the 45 minute trip to Queens for the weekend (with plans to leave from Dan's house on Sunday for JFK to Las Vegas) I'm driving at a steady 40 miles an hour, and my car starts bucking, is nearly going to stall or do something equally terrifying, and the Check Engine light begins to incessantly blink. Obviously Jorge and Willy's spark plugs didn't do the trick, and somehow managed to fool UW with a job that had masked whatever was the real problem. I decided it was time for the big guns: the White Plains Volvo shop.

After their professional investigation, they conclude, "You need new spark plugs." Might I remind you, I just got some 'a those. Reeeaaaaallllly would prefer NOT to buy more. This week.

Sighhh.

A mandatory consultation with UW, who also consulted with the White Plains Volov man, left me with no choice but to listen to him and let them do the spark plugs. Again. All was well...for a while....

One week later, as I'm again driving 40 miles an hour down this same road (adjacent to the cemetery which perhaps is some eerie sign), the car starts misbehaving again.

I immediately have a breakdown. Not the car. Me. Crying, panicking, hysterics, you name it. I am DONE with this car. I call UW, cry, complain, whine, etc. He is helpless as he is in CT and I am in NY. Neither of us have an answer.

So back to the Volvo dealer she went. They kept her for three days. Drove 70 miles. Nothing happened. I was left with no choice but to take her back into my rightful arms, though at this point those arms weren't exactly open and welcoming.

I've since had it for about two weeks - and while it has acted up slightly, it doesn't seem to want to show me what's really wrong. I'm beginning to feel like a player in a troubled relationship where an underlying massive issue looms, but the person having it is too afraid to say it aloud for fear of that problem becoming real and thus needing a solution. Maybe my Volvo is ready to quit on me, but she can't muster up the courage to say so.

Is it because I never gave you a name? If you're listening, I haven't quit you yet! (Though I must say you sure are testing me.)

If anyone HAS gotten through all of this and has any suggestions or knowledge of cars - I'm all ears.

Dedicated to Mooka with Love

One of life's most heart-breaking ordeals comes with losing a beloved household pet. There is something about the affection a family has for its dog or its pet that is unlike the affection we have for any other living thing. Perhaps it's a dog's innocence, it's unyielding desire to make its owners happy and proud. Maybe it's because they're so darn cute and once we fall in love with them we can't help but yearn to cuddle them. The joy you can bring to a dog and the joy it brings to you is one of life's simple pleasures that is irreplaceable and invaluable. While all of us who have owned one know the day will come, it is never easy when it does. And though it may take time to get to a place of acceptance, once you do, the best gift you can give to yourself and to another dog is a life as good as that of your last's.


Here's to the happiness and joy that one Mooka the Magnificent, brought to the Iacobucci, Hushin and many other family's lives. Auntie Lori, Uncle Walter, Matthew and Andrew - Mooka loved you very much and she was one of the luckiest dogs I've ever known. Mooka, we all love you and will miss you Girlfriend.

Travel and Tenants

I can't believe how fast 2010 is already whizzing by. Before I know it I'm going to be in Vegas (the end of the month) checking out CityCenter and InspireDesign. I'm excited to see CityCenter as it seems like forever ago that I first heard of its development and now it's finally here. I'm not sure whether I'll be supremely impressed by it or totally disgusted, as I tend to be with most things Vegas. I'm hoping for a pleasant surprise.


If anyone has any insider tips about anything else (design-related) that I should be sure to see while I'm on the Strip, drop me a line because I'm trying to pack the sched. as tight as possible with cool stuff. I'm not sure why, but I have a strange inkling that this might be the first trip where I really enjoy Las Vegas. We'll see...

After Vegas I come back to NYC for about a month and then I'll be whisked away to the Cayman Islands on a sure-to-be fabulous trip being organized be the lovely KWE Group for their client, a new cottage-style beach hotel called The Cotton Tree. The woman who designed the property is a native islander and apparently a self-taught designer. After speaking with a few people lately about this whole "home-away-from-home" cottage-style of hotel design, I'm thinking it might be a trend. Perhaps people going away need to feel the comforts of home to reduce stress since we all know the past year has given us lots of that.

Speaking of stress...

I've been on the hunt for a new roommate since Shalon is moving out after her surprise XMas engagement. I am sure at this point - 95 Beekman Ave., Apt. 349W is a lucky marriage apartment. If you are looking to get hitched, move in! The record is 2-1, the one not engaged being me, the two being Samantha and now Shalon.

If you know of anyone looking for an apartment (or a marriage proposal) please pass along the word. It's a gloriously spacious and well-appointed place not far from all you need - and only a 35 min. train ride to Manhattan.

I have plenty more details for you.

And one more random question: Can anyone recommend an inexpensive vacuum cleaner? I'm thinking under $100 but sucks up long blonde hairs like nobody's business. I am welcoming suggestions, please.

That's about all I can muster to write at this point - too much happening in the brain to make sentences now.

NYE and blue aliens

As a New Year's Resolution, I have decided to blog again. I stopped for...oh I dunno...forever. When was my last post? Must have been at least four months ago. Well anyhow, looking ahead rather than behind - I resolved to post at least once a week - which shouldn't be too difficult. But I am already behind since I had resolved to start on Jan. 1st. Ah well. Here I am. That's what matters, right?

How was everyone's New Year's eve? What did you all do? I'm curious. Mine was pretty low key though completely satisfying. Dan and I went to the Chowder House bar inside the Empire Hotel - which is very adorable - definitely worth a visit. The cocktails are reasonably priced and the atmosphere is great - chic but un-pretentious. The Kelly Margarita (no bias or anything) is delish as is the one with Patron silver (the name escapes me, I guess not as memorable as the former.)

Then we walked up a few blocks past Lincoln Center to see Avatar in 3D IMAX which I must say was quite the experience. While I can't say too much for the movie's plot - it's as cliche and structured as Hollywood blockbusters come - it is absolutely the must stunning visual display you will ever see at a theater...an IMAX 3D theater that is. Granted, I've never been to a 3D movie before, and it was my first IMAX experience as well. But I think it's safe to say that I couldn't have chosen a better first time flick for an IMAX 3D explosive. It is complete sensory overload and of the best kind. I felt as though I was on the Na'vi planet with the big blue creatures and I didn't really want to leave.

If for no other reason than its sheer visual sensation, you must see this movie...in 3D IMAX. If you aren't blown away by its groundbreaking visual effects, then I don't know what could possibly impress you. It's that good.

Please see it and report back to me on what you think.

There has been so much else going on in life that I simply don't know where to begin other than to recount my recent Avatar experience. Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone, the annual BD photo shoot is over and here we are at 2010. So forgive me for being all over the place, but this blog is to merely collect my thoughts and give redirection to this blog which I've all but lost these past few months. I look forward to having a better presence on the blogosphere in 2010.

Happy New Year to all!